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 [email protected] Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education - Dr. Steven Goeglein [email protected] (317) 423-8325 Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education - Dr. Kathleen Rieke [email protected] (317) 423-8325
Communications, Public Relations and Marketing Director of Communications Dr. Dana Altemeyer [email protected] (317) 423-8375
Office of Curriculum, Instructional Programs, and Professional Development Chief Academic Officer Troy Knoderer [email protected] (317) 423-8327
Director of Secondary Academics - Daniel Kuznik—[email protected] (317) 423-8327 Director of Elementary Academics - Carla Johnson—[email protected] (317) 423-8327 Assist. Director of Instructional Technology - Kris McAloon—[email protected] (317) 423-8359 Assistant Director of Data Integrity - Pat Horan—[email protected] (317) 423-8378 Title I Compliance - Jodi Peyton—[email protected] (317) 423-8470 Coordinator of English as a New Language—Erica Tran—[email protected] (317) 423-8380
Office of Early Childhood Education Programs
Director of Early Childhood Education Stephanie LaPlante [email protected] (317) 423-8363
Office of Exceptional Learners Director of Exceptional Learners - Karen Niemeier [email protected] (317) 423-8430
Assistant Director of Exceptional Learners - Amanda Kolb—[email protected] (317) 423-8430 Assistant Director of Special Programs - Tasha Ridley—[email protected] (317) 423-8430
District Servant Leaders—Continued
Office of Business & Finance Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Michael Shreves [email protected] (317) 423-8380
Office of Food Service Director of Food & Nutrition Services - Stephanie Tragesser— [email protected] (317) 423-8280
Assistant Director of Food Services - Brittany Jointer—[email protected] (317) 423-8284
Office Of Human Resources Chief Human Resources Officer - Dr. Tim Harshbarger— [email protected] (317) 423-8394
Director of Human Resources - Dr. Emily Brown—[email protected] (317) 423-8393
Office of Operations Chief of Operations Rodger Smith [email protected] (317) 423-7572
Director of Operations - Dr. Grant Nesbit—[email protected] (317) 423-7575
Office of Student Services Director of Student Services Shawn Bush [email protected] (317) 423-8312
Coordinator of Health Services - Mandy Pardue—[email protected] (317) 423-8339
District Servant Leaders—Continued
Office of Technology Chief Technology Officer Michael Bottorff [email protected] (317) 423-8340
Transportation Division Director of Transportation Matt Miles [email protected] (317) 423-8400
Assistant Director of Transportation - Reginald White—[email protected] (317) 423-8400
School Servant Leaders
Early Learning Centers
ELC@Amy Beverland Principal (317) 423-8214 Erin Sughrue [email protected] ELC@Brook Park Principal (317) 423-8215 Justin Linch [email protected] ELC@Mary Castle Principal (317) 423-8216 Candace Nortey [email protected]
*ELC@Mary Castle Interim Principal –Angela Crousore [email protected] ELC@Winding Ridge Principal (317) 423-8217 Conni Davis [email protected]
School Servant Leaders—Continued
Elementary Schools
Amy Beverland Elementary (317) 964-4000 Principal - Jered Pennington [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Kimberly Osborn [email protected]
Brook Park Elementary (317) 964-4100 Principal - Alicia Gatewood [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Mary Avance [email protected]
Crestview Elementary (317) 964-4200 Principal - Natalie Schneider [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Adam Korengel [email protected]
Forest Glen Elementary (317) 964-4900 Principal - Jerome Omar Lahlou [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Jane Giles [email protected]
Harrison Hill Elementary (317) 964-4300 Principal - Natalie Stewart nataliestewart @msdlt.k12.in.us
Interim Assistant to the Principal - Ti’Asha Logan-Oglesby [email protected]
Indian Creek Elementary (317) 964-4400 Principal - Kevin Kemper [email protected]
Assistant to the Principal - Valencia Williams [email protected]
School Servant Leaders—Continued
Elementary Schools
Mary Castle Elementary (317) 964-4600 Principal - Carl Blythe [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Angela Crousore [email protected] *Interim Assistant Principal—Amanda Krga [email protected]
Oaklandon Elementary (317) 964-4800 Principal - Jennifer Sheets [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Kathy Prince-Williams [email protected] Skiles Test Elementary (317) 964-4700 Principal - Dr. Justin Hunter [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Tammorra Golder [email protected] Sunnyside Elementary (317) 964-4500 Principal - Tierney Anderson [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Edyza Deynes [email protected] Winding Ridge Elementary (317) 964-6800 Principal - Alicia Harris [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Rose Graham [email protected]
School Servant Leaders—Continued
Middle Schools
Belzer Middle School (317) 964-6200 Principal - Andy Harsha [email protected] Assistant Principal - Evan Bergman [email protected] Assistant Principal - Chauntee Smith [email protected] Athletic Director - Mike Connors [email protected]
Fall Creek Valley Middle School (317) 964-6600 Principal - Ruben De Luna [email protected] Assistant Principal - Bakari Posey [email protected] Assistant Principal - Retha Swain [email protected] Athletic Director - Brad Phelps [email protected]
High Schools
Lawrence Central High School (317) 964-7400 Principal - Franklyn Bush [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Seniors (Class of 2020) - Dr. Brian Davis [email protected] Assistant Principal -Juniors (Class of 2021) - Corey McGarrell [email protected] Assistant Principal - Sophomores (Class of 2022) - Teresa James [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Freshman (Class of 2023) - Adrian Gatewood [email protected] Athletic Director - Ryan Banas [email protected] Assistant Athletic Director - John Rodenberg [email protected]
Lawrence North High School (317) 964-7700 Principal - Brett Crousore [email protected] Assistant Principal - Seniors (Class of 2020) - Jason Floyd [email protected] Assistant Principal - Juniors (Class of 2021) - Victor Bush [email protected]
Assistant Principal - Sophomores (Class of ‘22) - Ayanna Williams [email protected] Assistant Principal - Freshmen (Class of 2023) - Brian Atkinson [email protected] Athletic Director - Mike Penrose [email protected] Assistant Athletic Director - James Zeller [email protected]
McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology (317) 964-8000 Director of Career Education - Mari Swayne [email protected] Assistant Director of Career Education - Jenn Sahagun [email protected] Lawrence Advance Academy (317) 423-2700 Principal - Tracey Means [email protected]
#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— [email protected] (317) 423-8302
Executive Director of Operations Angie McIntyre—[email protected] (317) 423-8301
Program Coordinator Nancy Liss—[email protected] (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
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