A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Lawrence Faculty & Community Members,

The theme “Strong Schools, Strong Communities” best describes the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township. For decades, our schools have had a reputation of excellence: winning on every level, producing award winning students and faculty members. Our communities are filled with citizens who live in the northeastern section of Marion County and call Lawrence Township Schools their home. With over 100,000 plus citizens, as I travel the township, it is clear that our community values their local public schools. Active neighborhood associations and community groups have welcomed me into their meetings with a sense of pride in our children. Regardless of community resources, all believe in educating their children. The MSD of Lawrence Township is ready to meet the needs of our children with a strong kick-off to the 2019-2020 school.

As I personally kick-off thirty years of serving schools, this year is a special year for me. Lawrence has a very special vision of excellence. We are a “District of Destination.” We have a commitment to educating all stu-dents to the highest level and creating high school graduates who will be productive citizens. This year, the district will be committed to improving in five critical areas:

Student Achievement Commitment to hiring and retaining of world class educators Strong financial status Building excellence Safe and secure schools

Increasing Student Achievement is always our goal, but we are committed to improving future workers and graduates. Lawrence Township will lead! No matter your students background, our staff will challenge and support your child.

MSD of 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

The District of Destination

SEPTEMBER 2019

Follow Dr. Smith on Twitter

Recruitment and Retention of the best teachers in the state. Yes, we are home to the 2019 Indiana State Teacher of the Year. We must work to provide the top salaries and benefits to our staff. Today, recruitment of staff is challenging, but we must make this one of the most important goals for the future. Financial Stability will bring excellence to Lawrence. Student enrollment must be maintained, but we must be smart in our spending and resources. Planning is the key to financial stability. We have maintained a strong cash balance as a district to protect against outside issues of lost revenue from the State. Building Excellence will attract families to Lawrence schools. Many of our buildings face age as our Blue Rib-bon Plan has addressed improving both inside and outside our buildings, making them attractive and com-fortable for our faculty and families. In November of 2019, we will seek a school referendum to address our high schools, four elementary schools, and our early learning centers. This public referendum will address major needs. Lastly, in light of recent violence in our country, we must make our schools safer and more secure. New en-try ways, technology and added security has been increased over the last two years. We will continue to make this a priority every day. The safety of our children is paramount to the stability of Lawrence Township Schools. Lawrence truly has strong schools and a strong community – not just by our numbers but is proven over the years with the superior citizens that have been produced from our schools. Thank you for making Lawrence Township Schools a “District of Destination”.

Sincerely,

Shawn A. Smith, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Smith greeted Principal Baruti Kafele , a keynote

speaker at LT Rigor Week prior to the start of school.

Principal Kafele, a sought-after school leadership expert,

delivered an inspiring message of classroom excellence to

the teachers and school leaders in attendance.

Profiles of Excellence

Bruce Nelson Indian Creek Robotics & Design Teacher and MSDLT 2019 Teacher of the Year

Mr. Nelson spends many extra hours working on creating a multi level robotics program for all students. Students build these awesome contraptions and program them to do amazing things! He has high expectations, and pushes the kids to accomplish more than they believe they can. Children are always engaged and having fun in his class. He earns respect from the students because he shows them respect and is a wonderful role model for them.

Bruce is one of 90 Lego Master Educators in the United States and the only Lego Master Educator in Indiana. Bruce runs multiple robotics teams and is constantly evaluating his program and changing it up to keep the students interested. He is always seeking out new ways for students and staff alike to learn, understand, and get involved in robotics at Indian Creek!

The Teacher of the Year Celebration is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Falcon, owners of Champion Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.

Pictured at the Teacher of the Year Celebration in May: Reginald McGregor, President of the Board of

Education; Dr. Shawn Smith, Superintendent; Mr. Bruce Nelson; Mrs. Fernando Falcon; Mr. Fernando Falcon

District Servant Leaders

Office Of The Superintendent (317) 423-8357 Superintendent - Dr. Shawn Smith shawnsmith@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education - Dr. Steven Goeglein stevengoeglein@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8325 Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education - Dr. Kathleen Rieke kathleenrieke@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8325

Communications, Public Relations and Marketing Director of Communications Dr. Dana Altemeyer danaaltemeyer@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8375

Office of Curriculum, Instructional Programs, and Professional Development Chief Academic Officer Troy Knoderer troyknoderer@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8327

Director of Secondary Academics - Daniel Kuznik—danielkuznik@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8327 Director of Elementary Academics - Carla Johnson—carlajohnson@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8327 Assist. Director of Instructional Technology - Kris McAloon—krismcaloon@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8359 Assistant Director of Data Integrity - Pat Horan—patrickhoran@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8378 Title I Compliance - Jodi Peyton—jodipeyton@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8470 Coordinator of English as a New Language—Erica Tran—erikatran@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8380

Office of Early Childhood Education Programs

Director of Early Childhood Education Stephanie LaPlante stephanielaplante@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8363

Office of Exceptional Learners Director of Exceptional Learners - Karen Niemeier karenniemeier@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8430

Assistant Director of Exceptional Learners - Amanda Kolb—amandakolb@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8430 Assistant Director of Special Programs - Tasha Ridley—tasharidley@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8430

District Servant Leaders—Continued

Office of Business & Finance Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Michael Shreves michaelshreves@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8380

Office of Food Service Director of Food & Nutrition Services - Stephanie Tragesser— stephanietragesser@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8280

Assistant Director of Food Services - Brittany Jointer—brittanyjointer@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8284

Office Of Human Resources Chief Human Resources Officer - Dr. Tim Harshbarger— timharshbarger@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8394

Director of Human Resources - Dr. Emily Brown—emilybrown@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8393

Office of Operations Chief of Operations Rodger Smith rodgersmith@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-7572

Director of Operations - Dr. Grant Nesbit—grantnesbit@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-7575

Office of Student Services Director of Student Services Shawn Bush shawnbush@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8312

Coordinator of Health Services - Mandy Pardue—amandapardue@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8339

District Servant Leaders—Continued

Office of Technology Chief Technology Officer Michael Bottorff michaelbottorff@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8340

Transportation Division Director of Transportation Matt Miles mattmiles@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8400

Assistant Director of Transportation - Reginald White—reginaldwhite@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8400

School Servant Leaders

Early Learning Centers

ELC@Amy Beverland Principal (317) 423-8214 Erin Sughrue erinsughrue@msdlt.k12.in.us ELC@Brook Park Principal (317) 423-8215 Justin Linch justinlinch@msdlt.k12.in.us ELC@Mary Castle Principal (317) 423-8216 Candace Nortey candacenortey@msdlt.k12.in.us

*ELC@Mary Castle Interim Principal –Angela Crousore angelacrousore@msdlt.k12.in.us ELC@Winding Ridge Principal (317) 423-8217 Conni Davis connidavis@msdlt.k12.in.us

School Servant Leaders—Continued

Elementary Schools

Amy Beverland Elementary (317) 964-4000 Principal - Jered Pennington jeredpennington@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Kimberly Osborn kimberlyosborn@msdlt.k12.in.us

Brook Park Elementary (317) 964-4100 Principal - Alicia Gatewood aliciagatewood@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Mary Avance maryavance@msdlt.k12.in.us

Crestview Elementary (317) 964-4200 Principal - Natalie Schneider natalieschneider@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Adam Korengel adamkorengel@msdlt.k12.in.us

Forest Glen Elementary (317) 964-4900 Principal - Jerome Omar Lahlou jeromelahlou@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Jane Giles janegiles@msdlt.k12.in.us

Harrison Hill Elementary (317) 964-4300 Principal - Natalie Stewart nataliestewart @msdlt.k12.in.us

Interim Assistant to the Principal - Ti’Asha Logan-Oglesby tiashaloganoglesby@msdlt.k12.in.us

Indian Creek Elementary (317) 964-4400 Principal - Kevin Kemper kevinkemper@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant to the Principal - Valencia Williams valenciawilliams@msdlt.k12.in.us

School Servant Leaders—Continued

Elementary Schools

Mary Castle Elementary (317) 964-4600 Principal - Carl Blythe carlblythe@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Angela Crousore angelacrousore@msdlt.k12.in.us *Interim Assistant Principal—Amanda Krga amandakrga@msdlt.k12.in.us

Oaklandon Elementary (317) 964-4800 Principal - Jennifer Sheets jennifersheets@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Kathy Prince-Williams kathywilliams@msdlt.k12.in.us Skiles Test Elementary (317) 964-4700 Principal - Dr. Justin Hunter justinhunter@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Tammorra Golder tammorragolder@msdlt.k12.in.us Sunnyside Elementary (317) 964-4500 Principal - Tierney Anderson tierneyanderson@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Edyza Deynes edyzadeynes@msdlt.k12.in.us Winding Ridge Elementary (317) 964-6800 Principal - Alicia Harris aliciaharris@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Rose Graham rosegraham@msdlt.k12.in.us

School Servant Leaders—Continued

Middle Schools

Belzer Middle School (317) 964-6200 Principal - Andy Harsha andrewharsha@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal - Evan Bergman evanbergman@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal - Chauntee Smith chaunteesmith@msdlt.k12.in.us Athletic Director - Mike Connors michaelconnors@msdlt.k12.in.us

Fall Creek Valley Middle School (317) 964-6600 Principal - Ruben De Luna rubendeluna@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal - Bakari Posey bakariposey@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal - Retha Swain rethaswain@msdlt.k12.in.us Athletic Director - Brad Phelps bradleyphelps@msdlt.k12.in.us

High Schools

Lawrence Central High School (317) 964-7400 Principal - Franklyn Bush franklynbush@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Seniors (Class of 2020) - Dr. Brian Davis briandavis@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal -Juniors (Class of 2021) - Corey McGarrell coreymcgarrell@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal - Sophomores (Class of 2022) - Teresa James teresajames@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Freshman (Class of 2023) - Adrian Gatewood adriangatewood@msdlt.k12.in.us Athletic Director - Ryan Banas ryanbanas@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Athletic Director - John Rodenberg johnrodenberg@msdlt.k12.in.us

Lawrence North High School (317) 964-7700 Principal - Brett Crousore brettcrousore@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal - Seniors (Class of 2020) - Jason Floyd jasonfloyd@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal - Juniors (Class of 2021) - Victor Bush victorbush@msdlt.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal - Sophomores (Class of ‘22) - Ayanna Williams ayannawilliams@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Principal - Freshmen (Class of 2023) - Brian Atkinson brianatkinson@msdlt.k12.in.us Athletic Director - Mike Penrose michaelpenrose@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Athletic Director - James Zeller jameszeller@msdlt.k12.in.us

McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology (317) 964-8000 Director of Career Education - Mari Swayne mariatuswayne@msdlt.k12.in.us Assistant Director of Career Education - Jenn Sahagun Jenn@msdlt.k12.in.us Lawrence Advance Academy (317) 423-2700 Principal - Tracey Means traceymeans@msdlt.k12.in.us

#LTday1—Welcome to the First Day of the 2019-2020 School Year!

Blue Ribbon Facilities Plan

Work continues on our Blue Ribbon Facilities Plan! Renovations are underway at Amy Beverland and Sunnyside Elementaries. Other projects for 2019 include the Transportation Facility and Multi-Purpose Ath-letic/Physical Education/Performing Arts Track & Field Upgrades. 2020 Renovations will include:

Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools,

Brook Park, Forest Glen, Oaklandon, and Winding Ridge Elementaries

The four Early Learning Centers.

2021 Renovations:

6th Grade Academies

2023 Renovations:

Belzer and Fall Creek Valley Middle Schools

Upon conclusion of our Blue Ribbon Facilities Plan, every school in our district will be updated and renovated!

Rendering of Amy Beverland Entrance Rendering of Sunnyside Entrance

New turf at Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools will be ready to the first home game of the

2019 football season!

Parent-Teacher Conferences—September 23-26 Evenings

No School for Students—September 27

Fall Break—No School—October 21-25

New Faces Around the District

New year – new faces! Please welcome our new Administrators!

Justin Linch Principal, Early Learning Center at Brook Park

Tasha Ridley Assistant Director of Special Programs

Mary Avance Assistant Principal, Brook Park Elementary

Dr. Smith kicks off our first Lawrence Live of the 2019-2020 school year by introducing us to our two head

football coaches and key players from both the Bears and the Wildcats. Then meet Chief of Operations, Mr.

Rodger Smith, and get an update on our facilities plan.

Video Recording by Communication Studies Students at Crestview School of Communication. Editing by Mr. Randy Tomes,

Communication Studies Teacher, Crestview School of Communication.

Jenn Sahagun Assistant Director of Career Education, McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology

Profiles of Excellence

Stephanie Hughes, Early Learning Center at Amy Beverland

Stephanie has tirelessly dedicated 21 years to Lawrence Township as an Instructional Assistant, most of those years spent serving students in the Lifeskills program. Stephanie has been dedicated to ensuring our students are held to high standards while meeting their individual needs. She is a team player, always willing to support wherever she is needed so students and her colleagues can achieve success every day! She is beloved by our staff, students and families.

Alicia Stevens, Crestview Elementary

Alicia goes above and beyond to be the best teacher for her students. She is always looking for new ways to help her students understand what it is that she is teaching and to help them grow. Not only does she go above and beyond for her students, she also goes above and beyond for other teachers in the building. Anytime anyone goes to Alicia with questions about instruction, classroom management, or anything in general, Alicia is always willing to help. If she doesn't know the answer, she tries to find the answer. Not only is Alicia a team lead but she has also created and led the Wellness Committee, participated in the Teacher Leadership Academy, and helped with social committee activities.

Brian Maloney, Lawrence Central High School

Brian is our Gentle Giant that is a major force at LC! What makes him special is that he wears several different hats daily and never complains about helping others! Servant Leader is the best way to describe Brian and his daily approach to helping others. Brian is a coach, mentor, teacher, event planner, phycologist, therapist, academic advisor and…guidance counselor! We are beyond thankful to have Brian as a leader in our building!

Candace Nortey Named A 2019 Breakthrough Woman

Candace Nortey, principal at the Early Learning Center at Mary Castle, was

named a 2019 Breakthrough Woman by the Indianapolis Chapter of the

National Coalition of Black Women. The Coalition celebrates women who

have made an extraordinary accomplishment in their career field that far

transcends what one would ordinarily achieve.

LT Students Participate in Project SEED and STEM Program

This summer nine Lawrence Township students were selected to be research science interns in the Project SEED and STEM program. Students worked full-time for 8 weeks on their own projects mentored by investigators in research labs at Eli Lilly, Simon Cancer Center, and IUPUI. At the end of the summer they presented their work in a poster session at the IU School of Medicine. All are either current or graduated students of the McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology Biomed Program.

Not pictured, Jaela Melton, LC.

Chantal Murekio, LC Diavyon Eldridge, LC Ismail Siddeeq, LN Jose Moreno, LC

Roxanne Legge , LN Terrianna Lyles, LN Zaheen Rashed, LN Zarah Khan, LN

High School Fall Open House Dates

Every student in Lawrence Township High Schools has a place to belong

as well as the freedom to be unique. Who will you be?

Bring your family and come explore!

Lawrence Central, November 6, 6:00 pm—8:00 pm

7300 E. 56th Street

Lawrence North, November 7, 6:00 pm—8:00 pm

7802 Hague Road

McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology, November 14, 6:00 pm—7:30 pm

7250 E. 75th Street

LT Shadow Program

Eighth graders and potential transfer students are invited to spend a day in the life of a Lawrence Central or Lawrence North student and sixth graders are invited to spend a day at Belzer or Fall Creek Valley Middle Schools. Students are paired with a personal tour guide and experience our environment, tour our state of the art facility, meet students and teachers, enjoy a complimentary lunch, and experience high school life first hand. Students also have an opportunity to shadow at McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology. Click here to request your personal Shadow Day at Lawrence Central. Click here to request your personal Shadow Day at Lawrence North Click here to request your personal Shadow Day at Belzer Middle School. Click here to request your personal Shadow Day at Fall Creek Valley Middle School.

LT Schools Working to Make Early Connections to Jobs of the Future Through STEM Learning

It is never too early to get exposure to careers of the future. That means

challenging kids to find solutions to real-world problems but using hands-on

learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Lawrence

Township's STEM for All includes school-wide projects, and advanced level courses

in robotics, computer science, engineering and more.

RTV6 has launched an initiative, Hiring Hoosiers, that works to connect Hoosiers to

employment opportunities, career development resources, training programs and

educational paths. Click here to learn about how LT Schools are working to do just

that.

LT Partners With Purposity

The MSD of Lawrence Township is always looking to join forces with other partners and organizations who will help us make a bigger impact in the lives of those we serve. With this vision in mind, we are excited to introduce our newest partner, Purposity!

By simply downloading the app, users are sent a notification once a week with a specific physical need they can meet. With just a few clicks, the items are sent to us, and in the hands of students quickly. This gives us more time to focus on the long-term needs of those we serve.

Get one weekly notification, read the individual’s story and decide if you’ll help right from your phone. Pur-posity allows you to quickly and easily lend a hand to someone in need, locally. You’ll know exactly who you’re helping and why. It’s the simplest way to make an impact.

Additionally, this new tool also lets the community know about the powerful work we’re doing and tells the stories of the students we serve, while giving our supporters another opportunity to quickly get involved in supporting our mission.

To be a part of our Purposity movement, download the app in the App Store or Google Play, and follow the MSD of Lawrence Township.

Distinguished Alumni

Congratulations to the 2019 Distinguished Alumni. Click here to view bios of honorees in the March Alumni eNewsletter.

The MSD of Lawrence Township is accepting nominations for Distinguished Alumni from Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools. With this award, we recognize those outstanding alumni who have displayed ex-traordinary gifts of leadership, achieved recognition for their professional expertise, attained success in their field of endeavor, and provided service to their community and/or LT Schools.

Nominate An LT Grad Worthy of Recognition

If you know a Lawrence Central or Lawrence North graduate who is worthy of recognition for his/her

accomplishments in the workplace, in the community, or on the playing field, please let us know! Click here

to submit a nomination.

District seniors spend time with students at ELC Amy Beverland

Lawrence Township Schools Student Foundation members from Lawrence Central and Lawrence North

spend time with kindergarten students at ELC Amy Beverland. Future Bears and Wildcats!

LT School Foundation News

Bridge Fund Golf Outing

The annual Bridge Fund Golf Outing, in memory of Dr. McCune, will be held on September 20 at Pebble Brook Golf Course, 3110 Westfield Road, Noblesville.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Shotgun Start at 12:00 p.m.

Proceeds from this outing support Lawrence Township high school students, giving them the opportunity to participate in school events that they might not otherwise be able to afford, including: academics, athletics, extracurricular, projects and special events.

Click here to Register Online Click here to learn more about the Bridge Fund.

Indy Do Day

You or your business can be part of the September 26, 2019 community day of service at Lawrence

Township Schools. Contact Click to email Cori Korn, LTSF Executive Director, to see how your business can

become involved. Visit the Foundation website, msdltf.org beginning August 20th to sign up online.

Light Their Future Celebration is March 13, 2020

Lawrence Township School Foundation Staff Executive Director Cori Korn— corinnekorn@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8302

Executive Director of Operations Angie McIntyre—angelamcintyre@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8301

Program Coordinator Nancy Liss—nancyliss@msdlt.k12.in.us (317) 423-8300

Bus Drivers Needed Are you interested in a part-time opportunity that would give you holidays off,

paid training and variety to your day? The MSD of Lawrence Township is hiring

bus drivers! We offer fully paid training, a flexible schedule and competitive

pay. Contracted drivers earn over $100 per day! If you love children, enjoy a

flexible schedule & want to join a student-focused, safety-oriented team,

click here to apply today!

Board of Education News

Go to BoardDocs to access board meeting agendas and minutes. The Board of Education will meet on August 26 2018 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. 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 web-site, 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.

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.

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

Check out our Blog!

Follow us on Instagram!

Watch Lawrence Live! On YouTube!

LT Inside Out is our electronic newsletter designed to share information about our school district with parents, community members, and stakeholders.

Parents who have registered their email in Skyward will be included in our electronic mailing. We are working to build an email list of community members and friends of MSDLT. Interested parties can sign up by going to our homepage, https://www.LTschools.org. Click on List Serves on the right side of the screen and select LT Inside Out. Or click here to go directly to the listserve webpage.

Before printing this newsletter, please think green and conserve paper.

Visit the Ft. Ben Farmers Market every Thursday through September 26th

4:00 pm—7:30 pm at The Civic Plaza, 9230 Memorial Park Drive