Lawrence High School (LHS) has the honor of having nationally-known New Jersey realist painter Mel Leipzig in the house. Leipzig has had several sessions at the school beginning in 2014 and will continue coming over an extended period of time. In keeping with his philosophy of "Everything is Paintable," he is painting several pieces depicting life at Lawrence High School.

Leipzig coordinates his work at the school with LHS art teachers Sean Carney, Cheryl Eng, and Khalilah Sabree.

Leipzig's studies include periods at Pratt Institute, Yale University School of Art & Architecture, and The Cooper Union. His portraits are in the collections of the Whitney Museum, the White House, and many other museums.

View a slideshow of photos from LHS sessions here.

Lawrence Intermediate School (LIS) ushered in Veteran's Day 2014 on November 11 at the 4th grade Morning Meeting. Many Lawrence connections were made with veterans on that day. 

Mr. Albert T. Valentino, a veteran from the Vietnam War, was on hand to speak about his experience in the Armed Forces while serving. He spoke to the 4th grade audience about service to the nation, leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and loyalty.  Mr. Valentino comes from a long line of servicemen:  his father served in World War II and his grandfather in World War I.  After his presentation, Mr. Valentino led the class outdoors and raised the American flag.

Mr. Valentino has a special relationship to LIS. His wife, Leslie Valentino, was a staff member at LIS, his son used to play football and attended Hamilton schools with Mr. Adam (LIS principal) when they were kids, his daughter and son-in-law are both currently LIS teachers, and his grandson is Owen Boggs, a 4th grader in Mrs. Blank's class at LIS. 

Veteran's Day was a special event at LIS in which students learned about veterans and took a moment to appreciate them and their service to our nation.  Thanks for your service, Mr. Valentino!

View a slideshow of the Veterans Day observance here.

Lawrenceville Elementary

Students made 350 "thank you" cards and signed a large banner, thanking veterans for protecting our freedom.  The school partnered with the Lawrence Applebee's Restaurant for the occasion.  Applebee's displayed the banner signed by students and provided a free meal to each vet. Afterwards each veteran received a "thank you" note made by an LES student.

Eldridge Park Elementary

Lawrence Middle School

Observations included:

• a video on morning announcements about the history of Veterans Day;
• students in Cardinal Time bringing and organizing coupons for things such as canned items, dental products, deodorant, etc.  The "troopons" were sent to military bases so those in our armed forces can purchase these items at a discounted price.;
• classes wrote and illustrated thank you cards for local vets or for family members who served or currently are serving; and
• Ms. Rivera's and Ms. Sandler's Cardinal Time classes made thank you notes into which students taped hard candy.  Cards were shipped via Operation Goody Bag.

Students in the Lawrence High School (LHS) Arts & Humanities and Business & International Studies Career Academies met with Donna Carcaci Rhodes, director for the Trenton City Museum, on November 4. Ms. Rhodes holds degrees in both Art History and Business, which led to the joint effort by the two career academies to invite her to meet with students. Ms. Rhodes' discussion focused on college and career advice spanning from leadership styles and organizational efficiency to marketing techniques and art exhibits. The Trenton City Museum also provides internship opportunities for interested students.