9/11/26

Dear Lawrence Families,

Settling in 

Three weeks in, and we're settled into the rhythm of the school year. Lockers are no longer a worry, and knowing where to go when the bell rings has become automatic. As homework begins to increase, there may still be some worries or uncertainty but that is completely normal. Like everything else, we will address those concerns and be prepared to support our students.

Remind your kids, like all things in life, we are not good at something the first time we try it. We learn, we adjust, and we get better. This is a message I have been sharing with our students, and it connects to last week’s post about M0s—the message students receive when an assignment has not been completed.

At the beginning of the year, I talked about the balance between holding students to expectations and consequences while also providing the support they need to continue to learn and improve. We recognize that learning and growth take time. Our role is to help them navigate both.

Digital Media and Supporting Our Students

I also wanted to take a moment to share a valuable resource for families about digital media and supporting children as they navigate the digital world. I will be sending a letter to all families in the next week with additional information and thoughts on this topic.

As our students use digital platforms and group chats to stay connected outside of school, those interactions can sometimes impact our school environment as well. I will be asking for your support in reminding students the importance of being their best selves both in and out of school, including making good choices about what they say and share in group chats and on social media.

This resource from Common Sense Media is a helpful guide for families

Building Community

We celebrated our first Pep Rally this Friday, and the excitement was palpable! I’m looking forward to our first Middle School Rally and seeing each IE House work together, build community, and have some fun with the challenges ahead.

We are also looking forward to Middle School Grandparents’ Day this Thursday. Details were sent out through the US Loop, and mailers were delivered to all houses. We look forward to welcoming our grandparents and special guests!

Finally, I want to highlight our Lions ROAR tickets. Faculty and staff give these tickets to students when they see them demonstrating actions that go above and beyond. Each month, we hold a raffle with these tickets, giving students the opportunity to win small prizes.

We just celebrated our August winners, and I want to congratulate all of our students who were presented with a blue ROAR ticket. Your positive actions and choices are noticed and appreciated. Keep up the great work this September!

The Week Ahead:

• Monday 9/14 - Golf vs Lake Ridge

• Tuesday 9/15 - XC @Old Trail

• Thursday 9/17 - Grandparents Day 

• Friday 9/18 - Volleyball @Reimer Rd Baptist Church

With Lion Pride,

Douglas Emancipator

Director of Middle School

Lawrence Family Handbook

Click here for this week's updates from your Grade 7 and Grade 8 teachers.