A Celebration of Excellence

Message from Dr. Smith
DECEMBER 12, 2014
A Celebration of Excellence
MSD
Lawrence Township
Lawrence Education and
Community Center
6501 Sunnyside Road
Indianapolis, IN 46236
317-423-8200
Visit us on the web at
www.ltschools.org
Dear Educators, Faculty Members and Families,
Schools cannot function without volunteers. Volunteers provide valuable services to our staff and students. Our school board members meet these crite- Follow Dr. Smith on Twitter
ria. One must understand the significant commitment of time and talent a school Board member spends serving a district. Exiting school board members, Mrs. Kathy Varie and Mr. Jeff McKean have
served our district well.
Click here to view a recent interview on Lawrence Live! with Dr. Smith.
Congratulations to Lawrence
Central senior, Darrin Kirkland,
Jr. Darrin was named to Army
All-American Football Team
and will play in the AllAmerican Bowl on January 3rd
in San Antonio, Texas.
Lawrence Live!
Dr. Smith has initiated
a new video series,
Lawrence Live!
Click here to watch the first
segment as he talks with
Kathy Varie, MSDLT Board
of Education President and
Jeff McKean, Board Vice
President .
Darrin is pictured with Mr.
Rocky Valadez, Lawrence Central High School Principal and
Dr. Smith.
United Way – Thank you to our Staff for committing $25,477.00 to United
Way of Central Indiana during our 2014 campaign.
(Message from Dr. Smith continued from previous page.)
A special thank you to our partner in education – Community Health Network.
Pictured left to right, at the November 17, 2014 Board of Education Recognition: Dr. Shawn Smith, Superintendent; Wendy Muston, Board Secretary; Jeff McKean, Board Vice-President; Carol Helmus, Board Member;
Bryan Mills, CEO Community Health Network; Matt Brown, Board Member; Michlelle Wayer, Director of
School Based partnerships, Community Health Network; Steve Zetzl, Vice President Integrated Primary Care,
Community Health Network; Lorrie Ramsey, Director of Nursing, Community Health Network; Kathy Varie,
Board President
(Message from Dr. Smith continued from previous page.)
Be Proud! We are an “A” District!
As 2014 comes to a close, we must celebrate a great year for the MSD of Lawrence Township. We cannot forget the people that make this school district
great. Please join with me in thanking the following; our maintenance, support
staff, bus drivers, technology, operations, security, teachers, counselors and administrators. The combined effort of the 2,200 adults is a key ingredient for great
schools. Beyond our excellent staff, I want to thank the entire community for
supporting our students. An example of Lawrence Excellence is our marching
band. Earlier this year, I witnessed a board room full of parents, students and faculty members wanting to
bring this community together through a combine marching band. When a group comes together for the
purpose of improvement – this is a powerful force. Thank you to the community for advancing our students
with this effort. They met the challenge and put Lawrence on the map for Performing Arts by finishing 6 th in
the State and 12th nationally in the Bands of America Grand National Championship. This is a tremendous
achievement for a group that has been together for under six months. We are thankful for the tremendous
talent, leadership and support that exist in our community.
Profiles of Excellence
A special thank you to our 4 High School Band Directors,
Randy Greenwell and Matthew James, Lawrence Central and
Glen Hauger and Thomas Wallis, Lawrence North. I witnessed firsthand their excellence at the State and National
competitions. The Band performed at a high level under the
leadership of these Directors. Thank you and Congratulations.
Watch a clip on YouTube.
Board of Education
Please join with me in thanking Mrs. Kathy Varie,
President and Mr. Jeff McKean, Vice President for
their service to the Board of Education. Their leadership has been significant to the success of the
community. Their service has resulted in the
following significant achievements for the District.
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District recognition as an “A” district by the
Indiana Department of Education
1:1 Technology roll out for all middle and high school students
Hiring of a new Superintendent
Combining marching bands to form the Marching Pride of Lawrence Township
Numerous facility upgrades
A superior budget resulting in no staff reductions
Increased student enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year
Recognition as a District of Distinction Recognition by a National School Administrative Group for the Elementary Magnet Schools
These are a few of the significant contributions for our board members. We are thankful for their service
and support of our district. Our democracy is dependant on citizens who are willing to work hard to make
our society better. Again, thank you Mrs. Varie and Mr. McKean.
(Message from Dr. Smith continued from previous page.)
January 1st, 2015, we welcome our new Board members - Mr. Richard Freije and Mr. Reginald McGregor. I
have no doubt they will serve us on a continued upward trajectory by serving as new Board members.
Celebration of Excellence Snapshot for December, 2014
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn A. Smith
Superintendent of Schools
November Board Recognitions
Lawrence North senior, Taylor Patten was recognized with the Superintendent’s Award for her ongoing commitment to the community and support of the Horizon House Homeless Shelter with the ninth annual blanket drive in collaboration with the Colt’s, Reggie Wayne on November 18 th. Participating schools include
Lawrence North, Fall Creek Valley, Sunnyside, and Winding Ridge.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Shawn Smith, Superintendent; Wendy Muston, Board Secretary; Taylor
Patten; Matt Brown, Board Member; Carol Helmus,
Board Member; Jeff McKean, Board Vice-President;
Kathy Varie, Board President
Laine Rumreich, a junior at Lawrence North High School, is currently ranked 1 st of our 553 eleventh grade students. She is a community-oriented young lady who has a passion for the environment. In spring of 2014, her
counselor told her about 10 Student Representative Positions on the Keep America Beautiful Board. Laine
took the initiative to complete the application process and interview with the group. She was chosen as one
of ten in the nation to serve as a representative on this board. She is an excellent ambassador for both Lawrence North High School and the MSD of Lawrence Township.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Shawn Smith, Superintendent; Wendy Muston, Board Secretary; Matt
Brown, Board Member; Carol Helmus, Board
Member; Laine Rumreich; Jeff McKean, Board
Vice-President; Kathy Varie, Board President
Biomedical Students Participate in International Brain Bee
On December 6, five McKenzie biomedical science students went to IUPUI to compete in the state round of
the 2014 International Brain Bee competition. Contestants in the spelling-bee style event answer questions
about the brain and nervous system until a single student remains, having answered all questions correctly.
All of our students performed well, with LC senior Josh Hoffer placing fourth.
The International Brain Bee aims to motivate high school students to learn about the brain and inspire the
pursuit of careers in neuroscience research. The IUPUI Department of Psychology sponsors the Brain Bee as
part of the School of Science’s commitment to advancing scientific minds, and fostering community interest
in the sciences.
Pictured, left to right: Nikhil Joshi (LC), Augusin Molini (LN), Mayesha Awal (LN), Josh Hoffer (LC), and Andrew
Krafinski (LC)
Two Middle School Students Honored by Lawrence Optimists
Eighth Graders Savannah Wood Karnes, Belzer Middle School, and Ben Potter, Fall Creek Valley Middle
School were honored by the Lawrence Optimists as their 2014 Youth Appreciation Award recipient.
Savannah exemplifies the district’s values, integrity, achievement, and service, through her diligence and her
active involvement in school activities.
Ben was selected for his daily perseverance on any size task and the huge impact he has on all those he encounters.
The mayor of Lawrence issued a proclamation in their honor.
Lawrence Central Honor Student Attends Medical Congress
Symone Dulaney, a senior at Lawrence Central High School was nominated to attend the Congress of Future
Medical Leaders in Washington, DC in November. The purpose of this event was to honor, inspire, motivate
and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists.
Click here to read more.
McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology Biotechnical Engineering Students Visit
Cardiology Unit
Students from McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology biotechnical engineering classes recently paid
a visit to the cardiology unit at Methodist Hospital. The experience wrapped up a two-part unit to better understand the design and function of technologies used for diagnosing and performing surgeries.
In late October, a number of IU Health professionals brought a mobile screening van and a variety of portable
devices to McKenzie.
In November, the students then toured the Methodist cardiology unit to see larger technologies in the imaging and surgical suites. IU Health vice president Mary Baker and her team provided an amazing opportunity
for students to witness first-hand the technologies studied in the classroom. Many thanks to IU Health for
working hard to help us prepare the next generation of medical professionals!
Not Your Parents’ Shop Class
Precision laser cutters, computer controlled milling machines, 3-dimensional printers and commercial design
software fill the classrooms at the McKenzie Center for
Innovation and Technology, preparing students for the
careers of the future.
Learn how we are among those leading the effort to prepare students for jobs.
Fall Creek Valley Middle School eighth grader, Erik Wilhelm auditioned and was selected to be in the 2015
Indiana Junior All State Band! He’s representing Fall Creek Valley as among the top 100 band students in
grades 7-9 from across the state. He’ll be performing with this band in January as a part of the Indiana Music
Educators Association Professional Development Conference.
Lawrence Central Wind Ensemble to Perform for Educators
The Lawrence Central High School Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the Indiana Music Educators
State Convention in Ft. Wayne on Friday and Saturday, January 16, 17, 2015. This marks the third time in our
history that we have been selected for this honor. The Wind Ensemble will do a feature concert on Friday,
January 23 at 4:30 pm, and will be involved in two teacher clinics, one put on by Mr. Greenwell, Mr. James,
and Professor Stanley DeRusha of Butler University regarding conducting, and another with Colonel, and Former Commander of the US Marine Band, Michael Colburn, currently Director of Bands at Butler University, on
the topic of ensemble rehearsal techniques.
Lawrence Central Jazz Ensemble Hosts Finalist
The Lawrence Central High School Jazz Ensemble recently hosted one of five American Pianist Association’s
Jazz Finalists. Emmet Cohen visited Lawrence Township, providing free clinics for students as part of his
week-long stay while he competes for a $100,000 recording contract with four other finalists. A culminating
part of Mr. Cohen’s visit was a jazz concert with the LC and Belzer Jazz Bands on the evening of
December 4th .
Brook Park Earns Touchdown School Award
Brook Park students participate in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, founded by the National Dairy Council and
the NFL, in collaboration with USDA. The program is focused on fighting childhood obesity by empowering
healthy eating and physical activity. Brook Park has completed the program’s Six Steps and has been awarded
the Touchdown School Award. The school is ranked 10th in the state of Indiana, and 588 in the country. Two
sixth grade students have earned 30,000 points earning them the title of Ambassador. Brook Park is very
proud of its students for their efforts.
Congratulations to Lawrence North High
School senior, Edric Zeng on his selection as
the recipient of the 2014 Richard G. Lugar
Distinguished Student Leadership Award.
The award is presented annually to an Indiana High School Senior by the Lugar Academy at the University of Indianapolis.
Holiday Hours
Lawrence Education and Community Center
The Lawrence Education and Community Center will be open to the public Monday and Tuesday, December
22 and 23 and December 29 and 30 from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
If you need to meet with someone at LECC over Winter Break you are advised to call ahead, as many people
will be taking vacation during this time.
Welcome Center
The district's Welcome Center will be open to enroll new students Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and
23 and December 29 and 30 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
We will resume regular hours on Monday, January 5, 2015.
Weather Related School Closing Guidelines and Procedures
The Superintendent and the Board of Education hope that school can be open every
day; however, to ensure student safety, schools may be closed some days during the
school year due to dangerous weather and road conditions.
The documents below outline MSDLT procedures for school closings in the event of dangerous weather and
road conditions:
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Inclement Weather Guidelines
Inclement Weather Parent Letter from Dr. Smith
Weather related school closing procedures
Weather related school closing procedures for all Early Learning Center and Before and After Care Programs
LT School Foundation
Honor an Educator
The Honor An Educator program
is a great way to thank the teachers, administrators, bus drivers
and staff members who encourage, influence, and inspire your
students. When you make a gift
to the Honor An Educator Fund,
we send the recipient a custom
designed card with your special
sentiment and notify his/her supervisor of the recognition. All
proceeds benefit Foundation programs in Lawrence Township
Schools that empower children to
tap into their unlimited potential.
MSDLT United Way Campaign
The MSD of Lawrence Township raised $25,477 in
the 2014 United Way Employee Campaign. This
was $8,000 over the goal of $17,000 and over
$20,000 what was raised last year!
Students at two LT Schools, Sunnyside School of
International Studies and Harrison Hill School of
Inquiry and the Performing Arts are currently benefiting from United Way Grants. Sunnyside received $393,100 and Harrison
Hill, $436,710.
Both were the largest amounts awarded at the time.
Check out our new blog for news from around the district!
ltschools.org/blog
Click here to say THANKS Today
and make a gift to the Honor An
Educator Campaign!
Visit the Foundation online.
Drop your recycling off at Brook Park or Oaklandon Schools of
Environmental Studies.
Map to Brook Park.
Map to Oaklandon.
Drop your old phone books off at Sunnyside School of International Studies.
Map to Sunnyside.
Board of Education News
Calendars
Go to BoardDocs to access board meeting agendas and minutes.
2014-2015 School Year
The next regular Board of Education meeting is the December 15, 2014 at 7:00
pm at the Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road.
Click here for a complete listing of Board of Education Meetings and Work Sessions.
2015-2016 School Year
Information from current and past School Board meetings can be found at our
MSDLT public BoardDocs site below.
Audio Recordings from regular Board of Education meetings are available in
BoardDocs, however, for easy access, they can also be found on their own
webpage. From the School Board section of the website, just click on the link
to Board Meeting Audio on the left side of the page.
Click here to access the Board Meeting Audio Recording webpage.
For more MSDLT News:
Be a Fan on Facebook,
Follow Dr. Smith on Twitter
Follow MSDLT on Twitter
Follow MSDLT Human Resources on Twitter
Stay in touch with LT School Foundation
MSDLT Social Media Directory
NEW—Check out our new Blog!
Check out the Community
Opportunities and Information page on our website
for a list of local cultural and
civic events, scouting opportunities, academic opportunities, youth sports teams and
camps, and music and performing arts classes. The
Lawrence Township Schools
post this information as a
community service. We do
not necessarily endorse any of
the programs, services, events
listed. Bookmark this site and
visit it often to get the latest
news! Visit our Community
Opportunities and Information webpage to learn
more.
This newsletter is a publication of the MSDLT Human Resources, Communication, and Technology Departments.
Before printing this newsletter, please think green and conserve paper.