Lawrence Together

📝 Producer's Notes

• Time-sensitive: Homecoming Football Game (Oct 2), Homecoming Dance and Community Day (Oct 3), and Custodian Appreciation Day (Oct 2) may have passed by publication. The thrift sale's Sept 26 date has already passed, so the script covers only Oct 10. The Young Rembrandts early-bird discount ended 10/1 and was omitted.
• Duplicate source: the PDF held two identical copies of the email.
• Missing details: the newsletter gives no time or location for the Homecoming Football Game or the Board of Education meeting.
• Discrepancy: the Volunteers Needed flyer says "Spring Arts Festival" on Oct 9th and 10th, while the body text says Fall Arts Festival with no dates. The script uses the flyer dates.
• Expanded acronyms: LTEF (Lawrence Township Education Foundation), PCDI (Princeton Child Development Institute), USATF-NJ (USA Track and Field New Jersey), LCSW dropped in favor of "licensed mental health professional." These expansions are not in the source, so please verify LTEF and PCDI.
• Flyer-sourced details: Community Day activities, Meadows Miler date and location, Young Rembrandts schedule, price, and location, and the Dolly Parton event time details come from the flyers.
• Omitted for family-friendliness: the beer garden listed on the Community Day flyer.
• Link-only items: Mercer County Cotillion ("See flyer for more information") is omitted from the script and listed below.
• Source typo fixed: "Our elementary students and celebrated" read as "elementary students celebrated."

📅 Key Dates

DateEventTime / LocationOct 2 | LHS Homecoming Football Game | Not listed
Oct 2 | LMS House Relays | 1:15–2:15 PM
Oct 3 | LHS Homecoming Dance | 7:00–10:00 PM
Oct 3 | Lawrence Township Community Day | Village Park, 1–5 PM
Oct 5–9 | LMS Week of Respect | All day
Oct 6 | LES Student Photos; LMS Homework Club begins | 9 AM–12 PM; 2:30–4 PM
Oct 8 | LMS Digital Safety Assembly; LIS Shines Day | 8–11 AM; 9 AM–3 PM (rain date Oct 9)
Oct 9 | LMS Be a Cardinal Day | All day
Oct 10 | LHS Cardinal Thrift Sale | LHS Cafeteria, 9 AM–3 PM
Oct 12 | Family Workshop: Reset | LHS Auditorium, 6–7:30 PM (doors 5:30)
Oct 13 | LMS Picture Retakes; BF Student Pictures | All day
Oct 14 | Early Dismissal (Staff PD); Board of Education Meeting | Dismissal 12:30–3:30 PM
Oct 24 | 10th Annual Meadows Miler | Rosedale Park, Pennington
Nov 7 | A Dolly Parton Candlelight Experience | Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Lawrenceville Rd; sittings 6–7 PM and 8–9 PM
Nov 13 | LTEF 15th Annual Handbag Bingo | West Trenton Ballroom
Nov 21 | Craft Fair (vendors wanted, $30) | LHS Cafeteria, 9 AM–4 PM

📖 Stories

Club Fair (Sept 18), Challenge Day, Dot Day, and the Custodian Appreciation feature are summarized in the script above, including the full custodial team.

🔗 Links and Contacts

• Family Workshop sign-up: https://forms.gle/DXZsUnBeeiWKpdKY9
• LTEF newsletter: https://www.ltefnj.org/newsletter
• Girls on the Run: girlsontherunnj.org
• Fall Arts Festival volunteers: https://tinyurl.com/2026FallArtsFest
• Young Rembrandts: www.youngrembrandts.com/centralwestjersey
• Meadows Miler: www.meadowsmiler.com
• Healthy Kids Running Series: healthykidsrunningseries.org
• Mercer County Cotillion (flyer only): cotillion.com
• Lawrence Township Public Schools: 2565 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, 609-671-5500

📝 Producer's Notes

• Omitted from audio (preserved here): The Club Hub section (Fellowship in Christ, Students Helping Honduras, STEM Society, Green Action Team, Theater Company, DECA, Debate Club, Tangents, Peer Buddies, Lawrencian, Math League, Driver's Education Club, Teen PEP, and Knitting and Crochet Club) consisted of flyer images with no descriptive body text, so it was left out of the narrated script per our link-only convention.
• Omitted from audio (preserved here): The Daily Bell Schedule and the October rotation calendar were image-based tables not suited to narration.
• Omitted from audio (preserved here): "In Case You Missed It" (newsletter archives), "District News" (LTPS Quick News), and the full "Stay Connected" contact block (address, phone, and social media handles) were boilerplate or link-only items.
• Summarized: LTC Steve Austin's Bronze Star Medal citation was condensed for the audio script due to its length and dense formal language. Full citation text is below.
• Acronym expansions: ELL → English Language Learner; LTC → Lieutenant Colonel; PE → Physical Education. PSAT was read as letters, as is standard for that test name.
• Flag for review: "42D Regional Support Group" was read as "Forty Second Regional Support Group." Please confirm this is the intended pronunciation.

🍂 News from the Nest — Lawrence High School

September 29, 2026

🎥 Back to School Night Video

A recording of last week's Back to School Night welcome video is available for families who missed it. Questions can go to your child's teachers via email.

🏈 Spirit Week & Homecoming

Homecoming Spirit Week runs September 28–October 2, with themed dress-up days. Friday's modified schedule makes room for the pep rally and homecoming court reveal. Homecoming royalty will be crowned at halftime of the football game vs. Kipp Cooper Norcross Academy. Spirit week photos: [email protected].

📸 Picture Days

Event Date
| Underclassmen (grades 9–11) picture days  | Tues., Sept. 29 & Wed., Sept. 30
| Picture retake day  | Tues., Oct. 27

💃 Homecoming Dance

Saturday, October 3, at the German-American Society. Ticket and school ID required; tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

🏫 Early Dismissal

Wednesday, October 14 — Professional Development Day for staff.

🏊 Lifeguards Needed

Red Cross Lifeguard-certified students interested in working home LHS swim meets this winter should stop by the athletic office.

📚 Cardinal Nest Tutoring

National Honor Society peer-to-peer tutoring begins Wednesday, September 30.

• Every Wednesday, Resource 1 & 2
• Library Conference Room
• Free tutoring in all major content areas
• Language support available for ELL (English Language Learner) students — contact Mrs. McSheene
• SmartPass required; check in with resource teacher first

🚌 Late Bus

Tuesdays and Thursdays, departs 4:00 p.m. Sign up in Room 319 by 12:45 p.m.

🧭 The Cardinal Connection

The guidance office's monthly publication is out with its first edition of the year.

👪 Parent Organizations

• PTO Meeting: Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m., LHS Library. Contact: [email protected]
• Craft Fair Vendors: LMS/LHS PTO is seeking vendors for its November craft fair. [Vendor flyer link — see original newsletter]

💰 Fundraisers

Fundraiser Date Details
| Bake Sale (Class of 2028)  | Fri., Oct. 2  | During homecoming football game; items $1–$5; contact [email protected]
| Fall Thrift Shop  | Sat., Oct. 10  | Items $1–$5; fill a bag for $10 from 2–3 p.m.
| Give and Garden Bulb Fundraiser (PTO)  | Ends Sat., Oct. 3  | Bulb sale supports the school
| Laps for a Cause (Student Council)  | Sat., Oct. 24, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.  | LHS track; proceeds support breast cancer research

🎃 Halloween Run, Walk & Family Fun (HomeFront)

Sunday, October 25, at 502 Carnegie Center, Princeton. Halloween 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, and Preschooler Pumpkin Dash. Registration: $40 (5K), $25 (1 mile walk), $10 (preschooler dash); prices increase after October 17. Teachers, students, and staff can join or support the LHS team.

🎖️ Brag Bag

Congratulations to LTC (Lieutenant Colonel) Steve Austin, School Resource Officer at Lawrence High School, awarded the Bronze Star Medal on September 12, 2026, at the 42D Regional Support Group's Welcome Home ceremony in Princeton, NJ.

Full citation: For exceptionally meritorious service during combat operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, from 11 August 2025 to 25 April 2026. LTC Steve Austin demonstrated steadfast leadership, tactical proficiency, and unwavering dedication across the Area of Operations. His direct efforts sustained base life support and operational readiness throughout sustained combat operations during Operation Epic Fury. By ensuring critical supplies and mission support were seamlessly executed under hostile conditions, his actions were vital to the overall success of the mission. His distinguished performance and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Integrator, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, and the United States Army.

Submit your own Brag Bag nominations to [email protected].

📅 Save the Dates

• PSAT Day: October 20 (modified schedule to be shared)
• Teacher Conference Scheduling: Portal opens October 26 (instructions to be shared)

😄 Just for Fun

Word Power: aki no koe (Japanese) — "Autumn's voice," the collective sounds of the season, like wind rustling dry leaves. Good Humor: Why should you always wear glasses in math class? Because they help with da-vision.

Stay Connected — Lawrence High School

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.ltps.org/LHS
• Location: 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
• Phone: 609-671-5510
• Twitter: @cardinalslhs
• Instagram: @cards_lhs
• Facebook: LHSCardinalsNJ

📋 Producer's Notes

• Source: Lawrence QuickNews (LTPS newsletter), dated September 17, 2026
• Acronyms expanded for audio clarity: LTPS = Lawrence Township Public Schools; LHS = Lawrence High School; LMS = Lawrence Middle School; LIS = Lawrence Intermediate School; LTEF = Lawrence Township Education Foundation; PCDI = Princeton Child Development Institute; USATF-NJ = USA Track and Field, New Jersey
• LES (District Calendar, "LES Back to School Night") is not defined in the source. Inferred as Lawrenceville Elementary School based on public LTPS school directory information — please confirm before publishing if precision matters.
• Mercer County Cotillion listing had no descriptive body text (only "See flyer for more information") and was omitted from the audio script per convention; preserved here for reference.
• District Calendar items already covered in the main story sections (Back to School Nights, Yom Kippur) are not repeated in the calendar recap to avoid redundancy.

🏫 LTPS News

• Convocation Day (Aug 26, 2026-27 school year): Staff PD keynote by LTPS teachers Sabrina Pacifico, Jeanette Capritti, and Jametta Clark; debut of new mascot Lovey Dovey the baby cardinal.
• Welcome to the Neighborhood Family Workshop: 150+ families connected with community organizations and resources.
• Governor Sherrill & Commissioner Laux Visit: State leaders visited Eldridge Park Elementary during the second week of school.
• Cardinal Kickoff (LHS Hope Squad & Peer Leaders): Inaugural team-building event for underclassmen.
• Back to School Nights: LMS and LIS held theirs already; all 4 elementary schools + Lawrence Day School tonight; LHS wraps up the season next week.
• 9/11 Remembrance: District-wide activities marking the 25th anniversary.

🎉 Events & Fundraisers

Event Date Time Location
| LHS Cardinal Thrift Sale  | Sept 26 & Oct 10  | 9 AM–2 PM / 9 AM–3 PM  | LHS Cafeteria
| Craft Fair (vendors wanted)  | Nov 21  | 9 AM–4 PM  | LHS Cafeteria
| LTEF Handbag Bingo (15th Annual)  | Nov 13, 2026  | TBD  | West Trenton Ballroom

🌟 Community Programs

Program Dates Details
| Healthy Kids Running Series  | Sundays 9/27–10/25  | Lawrence Middle School, 4 PM, register
| Girls on the Run  | Sept 24–Nov 16  | Mon/Thu 4:30–5:45 PM, girlsontherunnj.org
| Telugu Language Classes (ManaBadi)  | Sundays, Sept–May  | Greater Princeton area
| Drawing Classes for Kids (Young Rembrandts)  | Fridays 10/16–12/11  | 5–6 PM, The Community Well, Lawrenceville
| Meadows Miler (10th Annual)  | Oct 24  | Rosedale Park, Pennington — benefits PCDI
| 4-H CloverBud Club  | Ongoing  | Grades K–3
| Dolly Parton Candlelight Experience  | Nov 7  | Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2 sittings
| Mercer County Cotillion  | Oct 27–Feb 2  | Trinity Church Princeton — see flyer for details

📅 Additional District Calendar Dates

• Sept 18: LMS Mum Sale orders due; Fall Picnic & Club Fair (tentative)
• Sept 21: Yom Kippur, schools closed
• Sept 22: Senior portraits (appointment required)
• Sept 24: LMS Student Council Meeting; LMS Back to School Dance
• Sept 25: LMS Mums pick-up
• Sept 29: Picture Day (Grades 9–11)

🔗 Links

• Hispanic Heritage Month resources: link text only in source, no URL provided (see LTPS newsletter directly)
  LTEF newsletter signup: ltefnj.org/newsletter
  Craft fair vendor signup: link text only in source, no URL provided (see LTPS newsletter directly)
  Fall Arts Festival volunteers: tinyurl.com/2026FallArtsFest
  4-H CloverBud info: nj4h.rutgers.edu/cloverbud

📝 Show Notes
News from the Nest — Lawrence High School Newsletter, September 15, 2026
Producer's notes: See "Producer's Notes" section above for omissions and acronym expansions.
🎒 Announcements
Welcome back message; August newsletter still available with start-of-year info
School store reopens Wednesday, September 16, during both lunches (cash/check; new quarter-zip)
Fall Picnic: Friday, September 18, during lunch/resource period, stadium turf field
School closed Monday, September 21 (Yom Kippur)
Senior portraits: final day Tuesday, September 22, LHS auditorium
Back-to-School Night: Thursday, September 24, doors 6:30 p.m., program 7–9 p.m.
Late bus begins September 24 (Tue/Thu); sign up in Room 319 by 12:45 p.m.
Picture Days: grades 9–11 on September 29–30; retake day October 27
Attendance: ext. 5514 (609-671-5514) or Genesis Parent Portal
🎭 Homecoming — "Masquerade," Saturday, October 3, German-American Society
Ticket Sales
Date
Location
Seniors only
Sept 22
700 hall by the pool
All grades
Sept 23 & 25
300 hall outside Rm. 301
Court nominations open September 22 at 7:40 a.m.
🏫 Parent Organizations & Fundraisers
LMS/LHS PTO new website launched — [email protected]
Craft fair vendors wanted (November)
Class of 2027 thrift shop — clothing donations to school lobby
Jersey Mike's Dine to Donate, September 17, Lawrence Shopping Center
Give and Garden bulb fundraiser
Pink-Out shirts (order by Sept 26) for Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Pink-Out game vs. Steinert Oct 23
Football discount cards, $10, local businesses listed in script
Laps for a Cause: Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., LHS track
HomeFront Halloween 5K/1-mile/Pumpkin Dash: Sunday, October 25, 502 Carnegie Center, Princeton ($40/$25/$10, price increase after Oct 17)
🏆 Brag Bag
Nominate a student, teacher, or staff member: [email protected]
🌐 Also in this issue (link/image-only, not read aloud)
Club Hub: Fellowship in Christ, Theater Company, DECA, Debate Club, Peer Buddies, Lawrencian, Tangents, Teen PEP, Driver's Ed
Daily Bell Schedule and Rotation Calendar graphics
"Words to Live By" graphic
Word Power: la rentrée (French), psithurism (Greek), kouyou (Japanese)
📅 Save the Dates
Homecoming Spirit Week: Sept 23 – Oct 2
Early Dismissal (staff PD): Oct 14
PSAT Day: Oct 20
Teacher Conference Scheduling portal opens: Oct 26
🔗 Links
LHS Newsletter Archives (high school website/Facebook)
LTPS Quick News district newsletter archive/mailing list
📞 Contact
Newsletter questions: Kerry Roche, [email protected]
Website: www.ltps.org/LHS
Location: 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Phone: 609-671-5510
Facebook: LHSCardinalsNJ | Instagram: @cards_lhs | Twitter: @cardinalslhs

Producer's Notes

• Ramp closure and dog licensing items reference start dates (June) that predate this edition; included as published in the source newsletter.
• "FOP" expanded to "Fraternal Order of Police" — not spelled out in source.
• Source discrepancy: body text lists "2207 Lawrence Road," footer lists "2207 Lawrenceville Road." Script uses "2207 Lawrence Road."
• Omitted from audio (link-only, no descriptive detail): Mobile Food Pantry schedule, Operation Blue Angel registration, LTPD LinkedIn, NJ Disability Information Hub, Mercer County Cooling Centers, Mercer County Food Finder, individual volunteer opportunity links.

🚧 Township News

• Ramp Closure: I-295 southbound, Exit 69B to Rt 206 southbound, closed/detoured for noise barrier installation (Lawrence, Mercer County); right lane closure near Exit 69B also planned. Details
• Municipal Address Update: PO Box 6006 discontinued. Mail correspondence, including payments, to: Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Details

💰 Tax Collector

ItemDetail3rd Quarter 2026 Taxes | Bills mailed August 6th; due date extended
Last day to pay without penalty | Tuesday, September 8, close of business
Late payment interest | Accrues back to August 1st
Contact | 609-844-7041 · website

🏃 Recreation Department

• Fall & Winter programs open for registration — Learn more
• Hiring: full-time Recreation Leader — applications close 9/4 — Apply
• Adult Volleyball League: Tuesdays, 10/13–5/4, Lawrence Intermediate School Gym, 6:30–8:30 PM — Register
• Youth Basketball: multiple grade divisions, Saturdays beginning December 5; High School League begins December 12 — Register · Volunteer
• Senior Center: September Calendar · Senior Connect · call 609-844-7048 to register
• Material Donations Needed: fabric/sewing supplies for "Create to Donate" comfort pillow program, drop off at Senior Center, 30 E Darrah Lane, 609-844-7048
• Contact: 609-844-7067

🩺 Health Department

• Mobile Food Pantry — Schedule
• Nursing services (vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, community resource assistance): 609-844-7094
• Dog Licensing: 500+ delinquent owners contacted; summonses possible; $9 late fee; rabies vaccination valid through November 2026 — Application · Questions
• Free at-home COVID-19 test kits available while supplies last — Details
• Contact: 609-844-7089 · website

🚓 Police Department

• FOP Lodge 209 Golf Outing: October 21, Mercer Oaks West, West Windsor NJ, $180/golfer, registration deadline September 21, includes 18 holes/1PM shotgun start, meals, open bar, raffle — Register (email)
• Hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators (dispatchers) — Submit Resume
• Operation Blue Angel — Details & Registration
• LTPD LinkedIn

📅 Boards & Committees

MeetingDateTimeRecreation Advisory Committee | Thursday, Sept 3 | 6:30 PM
Health Advisory Board | Tuesday, Sept 8 | 5:15 PM
Public Safety Committee | Tuesday, Sept 8 | 6:30 PM
Business & Economic Growth Committee | Tuesday, Sept 8 | 7:00 PM
Senior Executive Committee | Wednesday, Sept 9 | 9:30 AM

Schedule subject to change for reorganization; check the township website for updates. Municipal Clerk: 609-844-7001.

🌳 Community Resources

• Environmental Education Foundation: Sept 6 Sound Bath for Relaxation, Sept 9 National Trail Mix Day, Sept 18 Sound Bath for Relaxation — Register
• Historical Society Canal House Challenge: Sunday, Sept 13, 10 AM–4 PM, multiple locations — Details
• MCLS Comic Book Workshop with Mike Dawson: Saturday, Sept 26, 10 AM–3 PM, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, ages 8+ — Register
• Lawrence Hopewell Trail Full Moon Ride & Walk: Saturday, Sept 26, check-in 7 PM, begins 7:30 PM, Rosedale Park — Register
• Electronics Recycling Drop Off: Wednesdays, 7:30–11:45 AM & 12:30–2:30 PM, Joseph H. Mayer Jr. Ecological Center, 3701 Princeton Pike (proof of residency required)
• Mortgage Assistance (ERMA): COVID-19 hardship relief for eligible homeowners — Details
• Mercer County Cooling Centers — Details
• Mercer County Food Finder — Find food
• NJ Disability Information Hub — Details
• Crisis Support: Call/text 988 for mental health/substance use crisis support — 988 Lifeline
• Volunteer Opportunities: Lawrence Historical Society · Meals on Wheels · Lawrence Township Community Foundation

📋 Producer's Notes

• Ramp closure (Interstate 295 / Route 206): Newsletter states this began June 4th and runs "through August." Given the episode covers content dated August 27th, this closure may end or already have ended by air time — verify current status before publishing if possible.
• MCLS native plant garden event (Saturday, August 29th): Very near-term; confirm this airs before the event date or adjust framing.
• Dog licensing enforcement: Newsletter notes summonses "may be issued" beginning in June — already in effect as of this newsletter's date, not a future date.
• Omitted, link-only items (no descriptive body text in source): "Schedule for Safety" (Health Dept. CVS vaccine scheduling), "LTPD LinkedIn" follow link, and "Operation Blue Angel" (Police Dept.) were excluded from the audio script per convention, since they contained no substantive text to read aloud. Links preserved below for reference.
• All content sourced exclusively from Latest in Lawrence, dated August 27th, 2026.

🏛️ Township Announcements

• Bulk Waste Collection — Friday, August 28th. Three items max, 50 lbs. each. Contact Public Works to schedule. Details
• Ramp Closure — I-295 southbound (Exit 69B to Rt. 206 southbound), closed/detoured June 4–August for noise barrier installation. Details
• Municipal Address Update — P.O. Box 6006 discontinued. New mailing address: Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Details

💰 Tax Collector

Item Detail
| Quarter  | 3rd Quarter 2026
| Bills mailed  | August 6, 2026
| Due date  | Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (close of business, no grace period)
| Late interest  | Backdated to August 1, 2026
| Contact  | (609) 844-7041

🎾 Recreation Department

• Fall & Winter programs open — Learn more
• Hiring: Full-time Recreation Leader — Apply
• Junior Wrestling — Mon/Tue/Thu, 6:00–8:00 PM, Lawrence Middle School, starts mid-November. Register
• Fall Tennis Lessons — Tuesdays, Sept 15–Oct 27, Lawrence Central Park. Register
• Senior Center — September Calendar | Senior Connect | (609) 844-7048
• Material Donations Needed — Create to Donate program, fabric/sewing supplies for comfort pillows. Drop off at 30 E. Darrah Lane. (609) 844-7048
• Contact: Recreation Dept. — (609) 844-7067

🏥 Health Department

• Dog Licensing — 500+ delinquent accounts contacted; summonses may issue. $9 late fee in effect; rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 2026. Application | Clerk's Office: (609) 844-7000
• Free COVID-19 Test Kits — Available while supplies last. Details
• Nursing Services — Vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, community resource assistance.
• Contact: Health Dept. — (609) 844-7089

👮 Police Department

• Full-Time School Resource Officers — Second full-time LTPD officer added to LMS/LHS campus, effective September 1st, tied to the $98M bond referendum.
• FOP Lodge 209 Golf Outing — October 21st, Mercer Oaks West, West Windsor, NJ. $180/golfer, registration deadline September 21st. Register
• Hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators (dispatchers). Submit Resume
• (Omitted — link only: LTPD LinkedIn, Operation Blue Angel)

🗓️ Boards & Committee Meetings

Committee Date Time
| Trails, Open Space & Stewardship Advisory Committee  | Wednesday, September 2  | 7:30 PM
| Recreation Advisory Committee  | Thursday, September 3  | 6:30 PM

Schedule subject to change for reorganization — check the township website for updates.

🌳 Community Events & Resources

• MCLS Native Plant Garden Anniversary — Saturday, August 29, 2:00–3:30 PM, Lawrence Headquarters Branch. Register
• Lawrence Township Environmental Education Foundation — Sound Bath for Relaxation (Sept 6 & 18), National Trail Mix Day (Sept 9). Register
• Canal House Challenge (Lawrence Historical Society) — Sunday, September 13, 10 AM–4 PM, multiple locations. Details
• Lawrence Hopewell Trail — Collecting used children's bikes for Spokes & Skills youth cycling program. Contact
• Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) — Details
• Mercer County Cooling Centers — Details
• Mercer County Food Finder — Find Food
• NJ Disability Information Hub — Details
• Crisis Support — Call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Details
• Volunteer Opportunities — Lawrence Historical Society | Meals on Wheels | Lawrence Township Community Foundation

📧 Newsletter contact: [email protected] 🌐 lawrencetwp.com

🎙️ Producer's Notes

• Freshman Orientation and one Senior Parking Meeting fall on August 25th, the same date as this newsletter; check current dates before relying on them.
• Several items below are link-only in the source newsletter (no body text to summarize): Student Handbook, Weapons Detection, E-Bikes/E-Scooters, Rideshare policy, district and rotation calendars, fall sports scheduler letter, GoFan ticketing, clubs list, and PTO donation/fundraiser links.
• "LTEF," "PTO," and "ESY" are not spelled out in the source newsletter; expansions were not assumed.
• Detailed tables (bell schedules, counselor chart, rotation calendar) are summarized rather than reproduced in full; see links for complete versions.

📌 Key Dates This Edition

DateEventMon, Aug 24 | Schedules & bus passes viewable in Genesis
Tue, Aug 25 | Freshman Orientation; Senior Parking Meeting (Option 1, 3:00 p.m.)
Thu, Aug 27 | Senior Parking Meeting (Option 2, 3:00 p.m.)
Tue, Sep 1 & Wed, Sep 2 | Modified schedule (full days)
Thu, Sep 3 | Regular daily schedule begins
Fri, Sep 5 | LTEF Fun Run, Village Park
Tue, Sep 8 | Welcome to the Neighborhood, 6:30–8:00 p.m., LHS
Wed, Sep 17 | Dine to Donate, Jersey Mike's (Lawrence Shopping Center)
Thu, Sep 18 | Clubs & Activities Fair (fall picnic)
Mon, Sep 22 | Senior Portraits, 2nd Session
Wed, Sep 24 | Back-to-School Night, 7:00 p.m.
Tue, Sep 29 | Underclassmen Picture Days (Grades 9–11)
Fri, Oct 2 | Homecoming Football Game
Sat, Oct 3 | Homecoming Dance
Sat, Oct 24 | Laps for a Cause, LHS track, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sun, Oct 25 | Halloween Run/Walk/Dash, Princeton (HomeFront)

📱 New This Year: "Away for the Day" Device Policy

New Jersey's statewide bell-to-bell device law takes full effect for 2026–2027. Personal devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds) must be off and out of sight from first bell to dismissal. Parents should contact the school office to reach a student during the day.

🚌 Schedules, Buses & Attendance

• Schedules/bus passes: viewable in Genesis starting August 24th
• Attendance can be reported directly in Genesis (Attendance → Notify our Office)
• Technical school transportation: AM session reports to Door 27 by 7:25 a.m.; PM session/Mercer County Community College bus departs 11:00 a.m.

🎒 School Supplies (suggested, not required)
Backpack, folders/binders/dividers, writing utensils, sticky notes or index cards.

👋 Community & Events

• Welcome to the Neighborhood: family event with free kids' karate/art class — [registration link]
• Clubs & Activities Fair: September 18th fall picnic
• Back-to-School Night: September 24th, 7:00 p.m.

🔗 Policy & Reference Links
[2026-2027 Student Handbook] · [Weapons Detection at School Events] · [E-Bikes/E-Scooters] · [Early Dismissal/Rideshare Services] · [District Calendar] · [LHS Rotation Calendar] · [Dining Services / Nutrislice] · [Counselor Appointments]

🏈 Athletics
New team scheduler app (letter linked) and online ticketing via GoFan for 2026–2027.

💛 Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
One-time donation option available; Dine to Donate at Jersey Mike's (Sept 17); bulb sale fundraiser via Give and Garden. Contact: [email protected].

🏃 Fundraisers

• LTEF Fun Run — Sept 5, Village Park
• Laps for a Cause — Oct 24, LHS track (breast cancer research)
• Halloween Run/Walk/Dash — Oct 25, Princeton, benefiting HomeFront ($40 5K / $25 1-mile / $10 preschooler dash; prices rise after Oct 17)

⭐ Brag Bag
Recognition for staff who kept the building running over the summer. Nominate someone great: [email protected]

📬 Stay Connected
Email: [email protected] | Website: www.ltps.org/LHS | Phone: 609-671-5510 | Facebook: LHSCardinalsNJ | Instagram: @cards_lhs | Twitter: @cardinalslhs

🎙️ Producer's Notes

• Two items had links but no descriptive body text in the source and were omitted from the audio script: "Schedule for Safety" (CVS scheduling link) and "Mobile Food Pantry." Same for "Operation Blue Angel" and the LTPD LinkedIn item under Police, which were link-only.
• Several items are dated "today," August 20th: the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting (canceled), the Election Board Worker Recruitment Day Celebration, and the Lawrence Historical Society walking tour. If this episode publishes after August 20th, these will be past events.
• The "Township Quick Links" resource list and general social media links were not read aloud but are included below for reference.
• Volunteer opportunity links (Lawrence Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Lawrence Township Community Foundation) had no descriptive text in the source beyond the organization names.

📋 Township Announcements

• Bulk Waste Collection — Friday, August 28th. Three items max, fifty pounds each. Contact Public Works for an appointment. Details
• Ramp Closure — I-295 southbound, Exit 69B to Route 206 southbound, closed through August for a noise barrier project. Details
• Municipal Address Update — PO Box 6006 discontinued. New mailing address: Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Details

💰 Tax Collector

ItemDetail3rd Quarter Bills | Mailed August 6th, extended due date
Deadline | Tuesday, September 8th, close of business, no grace period
Late Payment | Interest charged back to August 1st
Contact | 609-844-7041

🚒 Emergency Management

Lawrence Township Fire Department (Station 20) and West Windsor Fire Department held a joint training drill August 18th at Mercer County Lake, led by Deputy Fire Chief Ray Nagy. Contact: 609-844-7116.

🏃 Recreation Department

• Fall & Winter programs open for registration. Learn more
• Hiring: full-time Recreation Leader. Apply
• Junior Wrestling: Lawrence Middle School, Mon/Tue/Thu, 6:00–8:00 PM, begins mid-November. Register
• Adult Walking Program: Mondays 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 9:00–9:45 AM. Starts at Village Park (Yeger Pavilion). Register
• Senior Center: August Calendar | Senior Connect | 609-844-7048
• Contact: 609-844-7067

🏥 Health Department

• Nursing services (vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, resource assistance): 609-844-7094
• Dog Licensing: Animal Control contacting 500+ delinquent owners; summonses possible starting June; $9 late fee; rabies vaccination must be valid through November 2026. Application
• Free at-home COVID-19 test kits, while supplies last. Details
• Contact: 609-844-7089

👮 Police Department

• Thanks to Elwood Dasher (Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder Coordinator, Arrive Together Liaison) for supporting Operation Helping Hand and the Arrive Together program at TASK Trenton.
• Officer Na'Air Campbell partnered with Home Instead (Sabrina Schaller); earlier gave a fraud-awareness presentation to Home Instead clients.
• Hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators. Submit resume

🗓️ Boards & Committees

MeetingDateTimeDiversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (CANCELED) | Thursday, August 20 | 6:30 PM
Shade Tree Advisory Committee | Monday, August 24 | 7:00 PM
Lawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance | Tuesday, August 25 | 9:00 AM
Environmental Resources & Green Advisory Committee | Tuesday, August 25 | 7:00 PM

Schedule subject to change for reorganization. Municipal Clerk: 609-844-7001. Meeting info

🎉 Community Events

EventDate/TimeLocationElection Board Worker Recruitment Day | Thu, Aug 20, 5:00 PM | Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing
Lawrence Historical Society Village Walking Tour | Thu, Aug 20, 5:45–6:15 PM | Weeden Park
Sound Bath for Relaxation | Aug 21 | LTEEF
Yoga in Nature / Plant Swap | Aug 22 | LTEEF
Vigil of American Revolution Remembrance | Aug 26 | LTEEF
Sound Bath for Relaxation | Sep 6 | LTEEF
National Trail Mix Day | Sep 9 | LTEEF
Sound Bath for Relaxation | Sep 18 | LTEEF
MCLS Book Festival | Sat, Sep 26, 10 AM–3 PM | Lawrence Headquarters Branch
Full Moon Ride & Walk | Sat, Sep 26, 6:45 PM | Rosedale Park

LTEEF = Lawrence Township Environmental Education Foundation. LTEEF Events | Book Festival Calendar | Full Moon Registration

Lawrence Hopewell Trail is collecting used children's bikes for its Spokes & Skills program. Contact: [email protected]

🤝 Community Resources

• Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA): Details
• Mercer County Cooling Centers: Details
• Mercer County Food Finder: Find food
• NJ Disability Information Hub: Details
• Mental health/substance use crisis: Call or text 988. 988lifeline.org
• Volunteer: Lawrence Historical Society | Meals on Wheels | Lawrence Township Community Foundation

📞 Quick Contact Reference

DepartmentPhoneTax Collector | 609-844-7041
Emergency Management | 609-844-7116
Recreation Department | 609-844-7067
Senior Center | 609-844-7048
Health Department | 609-844-7089
Municipal Clerk | 609-844-7001

Source: Latest in Lawrence, August 20, 2026 | Township Website

Producer's Notes:

• Sourced directly from the newsletter link (no PDF needed) — this ActiveCampaign link fetched cleanly.
• Omitted from the script (link-only or header-only, no body text): "Schedule for Safety," "Mobile Food Pantry," LTPD LinkedIn, Operation Blue Angel, the general social media follow buttons, and the Township Quick Links list. All are preserved below for reference.
• The I-295 ramp closure item states it began "beginning June 4th," but appears in this August 13th newsletter with no updated end date — flagging this discrepancy in case it's stale content carried over from an earlier issue.
• Content includes a mental health crisis resource (988) sourced directly from the newsletter; kept as-is since it's a standard, family-friendly public service listing.

📢 Township Announcements

• $2 Million Grant for the Lawrence Neighborhood Center, secured by State Senator Shirley Turner, for repairs and code compliance.
• Ramp Closure: I-295 southbound, Exit 69B to Route 206 southbound, closed/detoured through August for a noise barrier project. (See date discrepancy note above.)
• New Mailing Address: PO Box 6006 discontinued. Mail correspondence and payments to Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648.

💰 Tax Collector

ItemDetailBills mailed | August 6, 2026
Payment deadline (no penalty) | Tuesday, September 8, close of business
Late interest applies from | August 1, 2026
Contact | 609-844-7041

🏃 Recreation Department

• Fall & Winter programs open for registration — check back weekly.
• Lawrence Lightning Swim Team registration open; new swimmer evaluations late September (TBD).
• Adult Walking Program: Mondays 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 9:00–9:45 AM, starting at Village Park (Yeger Pavilion).
• Senior Center: August calendar & Senior Connect available online. Call 609-844-7048 to register.
• General Recreation contact: 609-844-7067.

🏥 Health Department

• Nursing services (vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, community resource assistance): 609-844-7094.
• Dog Licensing: 500+ delinquent-license owners being contacted; summonses possible starting June; $9 late fee in effect; rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 2026. Contact Clerk's Office with questions.
• Free at-home COVID-19 test kits available while supplies last.
• General Health Dept. contact: 609-844-7089.

🚓 Police Department

EventDateTimeLocationBlood Drive (with American Red Cross) | Wed, August 19 | 2:00–9:00 PM | 2211 Lawrence Road

• Now hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators (dispatchers). Resumes: [email protected].

🗳️ Boards & Committees

DayMeetingTimeStatusMon, Aug 17 | Planning Board | 7:00 PM | Canceled
Tue, Aug 18 | Township Council | 6:00 PM | Meeting as scheduled
Wed, Aug 19 | Zoning Board | 7:00 PM | Canceled
Thu, Aug 20 | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee | 6:30 PM | Canceled

Schedule subject to change for reorganization — check the township website.

🌳 Community Resources & Events

EventDateTimeLocationBrearley House Tour (Lawrence Historical Society) | Sun, Aug 16 | 2:15 PM | 100 Meadow Road
Election Board Worker Recruitment Day | Thu, Aug 20 | 5:00 PM | Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing
Full Moon Ride & Walk | Sat, Sep 26 | 6:45 PM | Rosedale Park

• Bike donations needed for Spokes & Skills youth cycling program: [email protected]
• ERMA (Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance): help for eligible homeowners with COVID-related financial hardship.
• Mercer County Cooling Centers list (updated during heat waves).
• Mercer County Food Finder: 100+ food pantries, youth meals, grab-and-go options.
• Mercer County Library System events calendar (Lawrence Branch).
• NJ Disability Information Hub (new statewide resource site).
• Crisis support: Call or text 988 for mental health/substance use support.
• Volunteer opportunities: Lawrence Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Lawrence Township Community Foundation.

Show Notes (Transistor.fm)

📝 Producer's Notes

• Omitted from audio (header-only, no body text in source): "A Sight for Healthy Eyes," "Mobile Food Pantry," "Do You Need Assistance?" nursing box, "LTPD LinkedIn," "Operation Blue Angel."
• The I-295/Route 206 ramp closure began June 4th and is described as continuing "through August" — it may be nearing its end; worth double-checking current status before the next episode.
• Today's newsletter date (August 6th) coincides with one of the listed committee meetings (Recreation Advisory Committee), which is canceled.

💧 Township News

ItemDetailsBoil Water Advisory | Lifted. Flush taps 3–5 min, clean ice makers, drain water heaters below 113°F, regenerate softeners, drain tank water in tall buildings.
Ramp Closure | I-295 SB Exit 69B to Rt 206 SB closed/detoured, June 4–August, due to noise barrier project (Lawrence, Mercer County).
Mailing Address Update | PO Box 6006 discontinued. New address: Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648.

💰 Tax Collector
3rd quarter 2026 tax bills mailed August 6th; amounts available online. Pay by Tuesday, September 8th (close of business) to avoid penalty — no grace period. Late interest accrues back to August 1st.
📞 (609) 844-7041

🏀 Recreation Department

• Fall & Winter programs: registration info coming weekly.
• Youth Basketball: clinics/leagues for grades 1–8 (boys & girls) and high school. Begins Saturdays, December 5th (HS league December 12th).
• Hula Hoop Fitness: Session 2, Aug 18–Sept 29, Lawrence Veterans Park. Level 1: 5–6 PM; Level 2: 6:15–7:15 PM. New drop-in option available.
• Senior Center: August calendar & Senior Connect online. Register: (609) 844-7048.
   📞 (609) 844-7067

🏥 Health Department

• Dog Licensing: 500+ delinquent owners being contacted; summonses possible starting June. $9 late fee in effect. Rabies vaccination must be valid through November 2026.
• Free at-home COVID-19 test kits available (while supplies last), courtesy of Mercer County.
• Nursing services: vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, community resource assistance.
   📞 (609) 844-7089

🚓 Police Department

• Blood Drive with American Red Cross: Wednesday, August 19th, 2–9 PM, 2211 Lawrence Road. Sponsor code: LawrencevillePDCommunity.
• Hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators (dispatchers). Resumes: [email protected]

🗓️ Boards & Committees

MeetingDateTimeStatusRecreation Advisory Committee | Thu, Aug 6 | 6:30 PM | Canceled
Historic Preservation Committee | Mon, Aug 10 | 7:30 PM | Canceled
Business & Economic Growth Committee | Tue, Aug 11 | 7:00 PM | Meeting as scheduled
Senior Executive Committee | Wed, Aug 12 | 9:30 AM | Canceled

Schedule subject to change during reorganization — check the township website.
 📞 Municipal Clerk: (609) 844-7001

🌐 Community Resources

• Election Board Worker Recruitment Day Celebration — Mercer County Board of Elections. Thu, Aug 20, 5 PM, Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing.
• Full Moon Ride & Walk — Lawrence Hopewell Trail. Sat, Sept 26, 6:45 PM, Rosedale Park.
• Bike Donations Needed — for Spokes & Skills youth cycling program (w/ Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County). Contact: [email protected]
• Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) — for eligible homeowners with COVID-related hardship. Must own/occupy 1–4 unit primary residence, meet income limits, and have been current on mortgage/taxes as of Jan 2020.
• Mercer County Cooling Centers — updated during heat waves.
• Mercer County Food Finder — 100+ food pantries, youth meals, grab-n-go options.
• MCLS Community Events — check calendar for Lawrence Branch events.
• NJ Disability Information Hub (DIH) — resources for people with disabilities, families, and caregivers.
• Crisis Support — Call/text 988 for suicide prevention and mental health/substance use crisis support.
• Volunteer Opportunities — Lawrence Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Lawrence Township Community Foundation.