News from the Nest
August 25, 2026
SEE YOU SOON!
While there is still some precious summer for us to soak up, the first day of the school year is right under our noses. Enjoy the days ahead and make the most of the rest of your break before we ring in the 2026-2027 school year next week.
The LHS newsletter will be sent out every other Tuesday during the school year, except during closings or school breaks.
*ANNOUNCEMENTS*
FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
We're excited to welcome our incoming 9th-grade students to our annual "Freshman Agenda" orientation program on Tuesday, August 25. A completed registration form is required for participation. We look forward to meeting our newest Cardinals and getting to know you and your families over the next four years. Welcome, LHS class of 2030!
SENIOR PARKING MEETING
To accommodate schedules, we will be hosting two senior parking meetings. Seniors may choose to attend either Tuesday, August 25 at 3:00 p.m. OR Thursday, August 27 at 3:00 p.m. Parking decals will be distributed to eligible seniors by a lottery system.
"AWAY FOR THE DAY" POLICY
As you might be aware, New Jersey has enacted a statewide law requiring all K-12 public school districts to adopt "bell-to-bell" electronic device restrictions, taking full effect for the 2026–2027 school year. This mandate prohibits cell phones and internet-enabled devices during school hours, in order to reduce distractions and support mental health. We understand that cell phones and smart devices have become a part of students’ daily lives; however, we remain committed to keeping our collective focus on educating our students and helping them stay connected to learning.
SCHEDULES & BUS PASSES
Schedules and bus passes will be available for viewing in Genesis on Monday, August 24. Finalized schedules will be distributed on the first day of school, and minor adjustments may occur between now and then to ensure classes are balanced and student needs are met.
Schedules will not be changed so that students can be in classes or lunch periods with their friends. Scheduling guidelines are in place to ensure fairness and stability, and we appreciate your understanding and support as we work together to create the best possible learning environment for every student.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
- A sturdy and secure backpack
- Organizational tools that fit your personal preferences (folders, binders, dividers, etc.)
- Writing utensils (pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers)
- Post-it notes or index cards
DAYS 1 & 2 - MODIFIED BELL SCHEDULE
ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATIONS
Parents can save themselves a phone call and enter their child's attendance in Genesis directly through the Parent Portal. To access this feature, simply log in and follow the steps below:
1. Click on “Attendance” in the left-hand toolbar.
2. Select “Notify our Office.”
3. Specify the student's absence and choose a date range.
4. A space is provided for you to leave a brief explanation for the absence.
For a visual step-by-step guide, please click here.
NEW TO THE NEST
LHS is excited to welcome new faculty and staff to our classrooms and offices this fall. Our newest team members attended staff orientation this month, where they got to know the ins and outs of LHS. Welcome, everyone! We are so glad to have you!
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Whether your family is new to Lawrence Township Public Schools or you’ve been part of our community for years, Welcome to the Neighborhood is for you!
Join us for this family-friendly "district back-to-school" night type event on Tuesday, September 8, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at Lawrence High School. Connect with district staff, discover helpful resources, meet community partners, and learn more about all that LTPS and our community have to offer.
While adults connect and learn, kids can enjoy a FREE karate or art class!
Come meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and kick off the school year together.
Please register in advance here.
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES FAIR
LHS has over 40 different clubs and activities for our students. As the school year begins, keep your eyes and ears peeled for announcements about interest meetings. We'll also be hosting a clubs and activities fair during our fall picnic on September 18. In the meantime, you can check out a current list of organizations here. Feel free to email the advisor(s) listed if you have any questions.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
TECHNICAL SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
AM Technical School
- Students attending AM Technical School should report to door #27 by 7:25 a.m. for bus transportation to the Assunpink and Sypek campuses.
- Students will leave their technical school at 10:05 a.m. to return to LHS in time for Period 3.
PM Technical School
- Students attending PM Technical School should report to the bus drop-off area by 10:55 a.m. The bus drop-off is along the walkway that runs from LHS to LMS.
- The bus to both sites and Mercer County Community College will depart at 11:00 a.m.
HANDBOOK UPDATES
We would like to bring to your attention a few additional adjustments to current school policies as detailed in the school handbook. Follow the links below to familiarize yourself with the student handbook and specific updates to policies regarding use of rideshare services, e-bikes/e-scooters, and weapon detection screenings at school events. If you have any questions regarding these or other school policies, please contact an administrator.
DISTRICT & SCHOOL CALENDARS
Linked here is the full-year rotation calendar for LHS students (demonstrating the rotation of A/B days).
Please note that calendar details are subject to change throughout the year; any adjustments will be communicated to our families as soon as they occur.
DINING SERVICES
COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS
Check the chart below for counselor assignments for the 2026-20267 school year. If you have a question for your counselor, please email them or use the link to make an appointment.
SMARTPASS
Our school uses SmartPass, a digital hall pass system, to help keep students safe and accountable while maximizing learning time. Students can create a SmartPass on their Chromebooks whenever they need to leave the classroom for the restroom, nurse, counselor, office, or other destinations. Passes are usually limited to 5–6 minutes. While out on a SmartPass, students may not have their cell phones with them, ensuring their time is focused and purposeful. If passes are being misused or overused, the teacher will first address the concern before possible further restrictions or follow-up with administration and families.
Teachers monitor and approve passes from their devices and keep an eye on student usage to prevent lost learning time. By working together, we can ensure SmartPass supports a safe, focused, and responsible school environment for all students.
FALL SPORTS
While most of us are still in "summer mode," our fall sports teams have been in full swing preparing for the upcoming athletic season. Click here for a letter detailing how to access the new scheduler app, which will be your new source for team schedules, game locations, directions, scores, results, announcements, and schedule changes.
In addition, the Athletics Department has introduced online ticketing for the 2026-2027 school year. Click below for the link to purchase game tickets through GoFan.
FOLLOW US SOCIAL MEDIA
- Facebook: LHSCardinalsNJ
- Instagram: @cards_lhs
- Twitter: @cardinalslhs
*PARENT ORGANIZATIONS*
PTO UPDATES
We are looking forward to a new year working with staff, families, and students! Stay tuned for our brand new website coming soon. Please stop by and visit the PTO table at the September 8 Welcome to the Neighborhood event at LHS, as well as the LHS Back-to-School Night on September 24!
- We know how busy life can get throughout the year when you are getting emails about many different fundraising events from many different sources! Please consider a one time donation towards the LMS/LHS PTO and live guilt free for the rest of the year! Click here to donate.
- Our first Dine to Donate fundraiser will be at Jersey Mike's (Lawrence Shopping Center) on September 17. Be sure to mention the PTO and a portion of each order is donated to helping our schools! View the flyer here.
- We are also bringing back one of our most successful fundraisers from last year with our bulb sale through Give and Garden. Do your shopping now for a beautiful spring later. Click here to shop!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to lmslhspto@gmail.com.
*FUNDRAISERS*
FUN RUN
Registration is open for the 2nd annual LTEF Fun Run on Saturday, September 5 at Village Park. Kick off the new school year with a morning of fun, fitness, and LTPS spirit at this fantastic event for all ages and abilities!
Register here.
LAPS FOR A CAUSE
Save the date for Student Council's annual Laps for a Cause fundraiser on Saturday, October 24. The event will be held on the LHS track from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and all proceeds will help support breast cancer research. Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the event!
HALLOWEEN RUN, WALK, & FAMILY FUN
Lace up your sneakers (and your costume) for a great cause this fall. On Sunday, October 25, HomeFront is hosting its annual Halloween 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, and Preschooler Pumpkin Dash at 502 Carnegie Center in Princeton. Every step supports local kids impacted by poverty, housing instability, and homelessness. Registration is $40 for the 5K, $25 for the 1 mile walk, and $10 for the preschooler dash. Prices go up after October 17, so sign up early! Bring the whole family and help make a difference in our community. Register here.
Teachers, students, and staff can join or support our team here!
*BRAG BAG*
When our students head out in June to grab some well-deserved rest and summer fun, the wheels don't stop turning here at LHS. A hardworking handful of individuals spend these summer months making sure our school is ready to welcome students, staff, and faculty come September. A huge shout out to those who kept our building functioning smoothly all summer long and helped get things ready for a new school year. Whether you worked with students in our ESY program, assisted with getting our classrooms and hallways ready for learning, kept our offices running without a hitch, worked on scheduling or administrative duties, helped our fall athletes prepare for their upcoming seasons, made sure our building was safe and secure, or did whatever it took to prepare LHS for another exciting year, we thank you!
*DAILY BELL SCHEDULE*
*MONTHLY ROTATION CALENDAR*
*WORDS TO LIVE BY*
*JUST FOR FUN*
Word Power
monkey's wedding
South African (slang): a “sun-shower,” or a period of alternating or simultaneous sunshine and rain.
gurfa [goor-fah]
Arabic - the amount of water that can be scooped up in your hand
marmoris [mar-mor-iss]
Latin: the bright, shiningmarble-like surface of the ocean
murr-ma [mer-muh]
Wagiman/Australia - to feel around in water with your feet to find something
badkruka [bod-KROO-kuh]
Swedish - someone who takes a long time to get into the water because the temperature is too cold
*SAVE-THE-DATES*
September 22
- Senior Portraits - 2nd Session
September 29
- Underclassmen Picture Days (Grades 9, 10, 11)
October 2
- Homecoming Football Game
October 3
- Homecoming Dance
In Case You Missed It...
Past newsletters are always available on our high school website and Facebook page.
*IMPORTANT LINKS*
District News
Check out the latest edition (and others) of the LTPS Quick News for district announcements! Click HERE to see the archives or to sign up on the mailing list!
*QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER CAN BE DIRECTED TO KROCHE@LTPS.ORG*
Stay Connected
Email: kroche@ltps.org
Website: www.ltps.org/LHS
Location: 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648
Phone: 609-671-5510
Twitter: @cardinalslhs
Instagram: @cards_lhs
Facebook: LHSCardinalsNJ