Lawrence Intermediate school
Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey
Environmental Scan
Paula Houghton
Table of Contents
Methods of Assessment
About the Community
Additional Opportunities
Vision and Mission
Learning Environment
Current Status
Online Presence
Educational Program
Unique Features
Methods of Instruction
About the COmmunity
Lawrence Intermediate School Demographics
Lawrence Township is the space between Princeton and Trenton; many residents have Princeton or Trenton addresses. Lawrenceville is a census-designated place in the middle of the township, with its Main Street Historic District and the prestigious private boarding school the Lawrenceville School. The different neighborhoods in Lawrence are extremely distinct, socioeconomically and ethnically. There are four neighborbood elementary schools (PreK-3) in the Lawrence Township Public Schools, each serving very different communities. My field experience school, Lawrence Intermediate School, represents the first time all of the students are brought under a single roof, for grades 4-6. Lawrence Middle School (7-8) and Lawrence High School (9-12) are directly adjacent to each other, a few blocks away from the public library.
Lawrence Intermediate School Quick Facts
Lawrence Township Demographics
(“Lawrence Township," "Main Street Historic District," "School Performance Report," "Summary Report")
Vision and Mission
District Vision
District Motto
School Motto
School Mission
"to create a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering environment where every student feels they belong and matter."
At LIS we Let It Shine by leading the way, every day, and YOU Can Make A Difference!
Lead. Achieve. Succeed.
"to provide students with opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills to become responsible lifetime learners in a pluralistic society."
(Lawrence Township Public School Values, "Lawrence Township Public Schools Unveils New Unified Brand Identity," "Our School," "LIS Student & Parent Handbook")
Current Status
Among locals, the Lawrence Township Public Schools have a great reputation as an excellent place to send your kids. New Jersey Department of Education certified LTPS as a "High Performing" school district through NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC). However, in recent statewide assessments (NJSLA and DLM), only 45.7% of students reached profiency in ELA and 36.7% for math, which are below the state averages. The district's current stategic plan has three major goals:
- Wellness
- Student achievement
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion
More on the Strategic Plan Each of the three primary goals has two or three specific subgoals to help achieve the overall district goals. Their specific definition of the "Wellness" goal deserves additional attention:
- We know and understand our students as the unique individuals they are.
(“Lawrence Township Public Schools Unveils New Unified Brand Identity,” Lawrence Intermediate School, Lawrence Township Public Schools)
Educational Program
Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Methods of Instruction
All curricula have modifications for ELL, at-risk, gifted, and special education students. OWL Time is a daily scheduled period, which is designed for all students to be pulled into one-on-one or small group instruction for their particular needs (even if they are not in one of the above groups). All students also have "Enrichment" as a special. (Casieri, "Curriculum Guides")
Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Methods of Assessment
Overall, LIS is very big on project-based learning across disciplines. Strategic plan specifically aims to reduce achievement gaps; under Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (one of the three key goals):
- "The performance disparity between racial, ethnic and gender groups will be eradicated."
("Curriculum Guides," "Strategic Plan")
Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Additional Opportunities
Before/After School
OWL Time
Eagles: Extended day 3x/week for ELL students (primarily Spanish and Polish) Destinations: Extended day for eligible at-risk students YMCA: Before and after school childcare PTO Clubs (run by teachers):
- Before school: Soccer, art, basketball
- After school: outdoor trails, friendship bracelets, D&D, puzzles, Lego, kickball, fashion design, outdoor laser tag, Blooket Battles, chess, art, card games, sculpture, piffleball
(Casieri, LIS Shines, "Special Programs")
OWL Time is a designated daily period when students are pulled out for a variety of special group activities.
- Music instruction (individual lessons, band, orchestra, chorus, advanced ensembles)
- Gifted and Talented
- Academic Support Instruction
- ELL Instruction
(Casieri, LIS Music 2025-2026, "Special Programs")
Learning Environment
Principal Sharon Rello (second from left)
"Belonging" is key at LIS -- not just inclusion, but belonging. This is reflected in the mission, vision, and strategic plan, but it is also something that educators are very conscious about in their daily interactions with students. (In our grant LOI, we referenced how it would help ELL students feel that they belong.) Character education is also woven throughout the school; even the six houses are named for the various pillars (trustworthiness, respect, etc.). There is schoolwide focus on restorative practices, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. There is also a social justice curriculum integrated into instruction, with a new topic each month. OWL Time is another key part of the learning environment, allowing for all students to have differentiated learning. The principal and vice principals are active and visible around the school, interacting with students.
More on the School Houses Each grade is divided into two houses, with six houses total. The house leaders develop personal relationships with the students in their house; for example, one of the house leaders has a PS5 in his office for students to come hang out and play video games with him before school. House leaders are also assigned floating recess duty for their grade, so they can check in with and be available for kids during the unstructured time.
the annual LIS Pride Parade
(Casieri, "Curriculum Guides," Lawrence Township Public School Values, "Summary Report")
Online Presence
A district priority is having a unified brand identity across all seven schools. All school websites, as well as the district website, have the same layout; in fact, many of the pages on the individual school websites actually bring you back to the district website. I found it a bit annoying that it wasn't always clear when you were leaving the school-specific site, but it was easy to get back -- so it's a mild criticism. On all district website pages (but not the individual school pages), there is a sticky header with links to the districtwide social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, X (inactive), and YouTube.
(“Lawrence Township Public Schools Unveils New Unified Brand Identity,” Lawrence Intermediate School, Lawrence Township Public Schools)
10
Unique Features
Integrated Learning
Whole Child Learning
Across disciplines, project-based learning is at the center. Student inquiry, particularly in sixth grade, is allowed to guide learning. Subjects are not siloed; ELA education is woven in with science and social studies. The social justice curriculum is also integrated with social studies, while climate change education is integrated across the school and the building's physical space. ("Sustainability")
It is clear that LIS takes the district vision to heart in everything they do, from big picture planning to the actual day-to-day. For example, I've seen the health teacher implementing restorative justice practices in the moment during a playground dispute at recess. The house structure, with each house named for ideals like "fairness" also helps reinforce the character education every day.
Lawrence Intermediate school
Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey
The End
Click the logo to return to the table of contents.
Click here to view references.
90%
Language Arts
- Project-based learning presentations
- Technology-based assignments (e.g. writing blogs)
("Curriculum Guides")
Science
- Project-based learning
- Inquiry-driven research investigations
("Curriculum Guides")
Lawrence Township Demographics (as of 2020 census) 33,077 population 3,587 Hispanic or Latino (just over 10% of total) $119,698 median household income 61.7% employment 60.7% of adults have bachelor's or higher 4.9% lack healthcare coverage
Mathematics
- Math workshops
- Personalized learning
- Visual modeling
("Curriculum Guides")
Social Studies
- Project-based learning presentations
- Document-based questions
("Curriculum Guides")
90%
Science
4th & 5th
- Project-based learning presentations
- Science notebooks
- Mystery Science
6th
- Inquiry-based engineering design labs
- Science notebooks
- Presentations and peer critique
("Curriculum Guides")
Language Arts
- Reading and writing workshops
- Small group instruction
- Individual workshops
Language arts instruction is also integrated with social studies and science. (LTPS PreK-6 ELA Website, "Curriculum Guides")
Science
Project-based curriculum designed around experiments and investigation. 4th and 5th additionally utilize Lawrence Hall of Science, FOSS Delta Education Materials, and Mystery Science. 6th grade completes inquiry-based engineering labs. ("Curriculum Guides")
Social Studies
Each grade uses a different curriculum:
- 4th: Savvas My World Interactive
- 5th: Pearson My World
- 6th: TCI History Alive! The Ancient World
The district has also written its own social justice curriculum, which is integrated with social studies. ("Curriculum Guides")
Mathematics
- Tests and quizzes
- Number Corner
- Math journals
- iReady benchmark assessments
("Curriculum Guides")
Social Studies
- Project-based learning
- Collaborative learning
- Daily classroom discussions
("Curriculum Guides")
Language Arts
ELA program is rooted in the Science of Reading and is integrated with the science and social studies curricula. Writing is taught using the Hochman Method, with reading and writing workshops (LTPS PreK-6 ELA Website)
Mathematics
4th and 5th grade: Bridges in Mathematics 6th grade: Amplify Desmos Math Additional resources: iready, Aimsweb+, IXL ("Curriculum Guides")
Environmental Scan - Lawrence Intermediate School
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Transcript
Lawrence Intermediate school
Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey
Environmental Scan
Paula Houghton
Table of Contents
Methods of Assessment
About the Community
Additional Opportunities
Vision and Mission
Learning Environment
Current Status
Online Presence
Educational Program
Unique Features
Methods of Instruction
About the COmmunity
Lawrence Intermediate School Demographics
Lawrence Township is the space between Princeton and Trenton; many residents have Princeton or Trenton addresses. Lawrenceville is a census-designated place in the middle of the township, with its Main Street Historic District and the prestigious private boarding school the Lawrenceville School. The different neighborhoods in Lawrence are extremely distinct, socioeconomically and ethnically. There are four neighborbood elementary schools (PreK-3) in the Lawrence Township Public Schools, each serving very different communities. My field experience school, Lawrence Intermediate School, represents the first time all of the students are brought under a single roof, for grades 4-6. Lawrence Middle School (7-8) and Lawrence High School (9-12) are directly adjacent to each other, a few blocks away from the public library.
Lawrence Intermediate School Quick Facts
Lawrence Township Demographics
(“Lawrence Township," "Main Street Historic District," "School Performance Report," "Summary Report")
Vision and Mission
District Vision
District Motto
School Motto
School Mission
"to create a welcoming, inclusive, and empowering environment where every student feels they belong and matter."
At LIS we Let It Shine by leading the way, every day, and YOU Can Make A Difference!
Lead. Achieve. Succeed.
"to provide students with opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills to become responsible lifetime learners in a pluralistic society."
(Lawrence Township Public School Values, "Lawrence Township Public Schools Unveils New Unified Brand Identity," "Our School," "LIS Student & Parent Handbook")
Current Status
Among locals, the Lawrence Township Public Schools have a great reputation as an excellent place to send your kids. New Jersey Department of Education certified LTPS as a "High Performing" school district through NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC). However, in recent statewide assessments (NJSLA and DLM), only 45.7% of students reached profiency in ELA and 36.7% for math, which are below the state averages. The district's current stategic plan has three major goals:
More on the Strategic Plan Each of the three primary goals has two or three specific subgoals to help achieve the overall district goals. Their specific definition of the "Wellness" goal deserves additional attention:
(“Lawrence Township Public Schools Unveils New Unified Brand Identity,” Lawrence Intermediate School, Lawrence Township Public Schools)
Educational Program
Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Methods of Instruction
All curricula have modifications for ELL, at-risk, gifted, and special education students. OWL Time is a daily scheduled period, which is designed for all students to be pulled into one-on-one or small group instruction for their particular needs (even if they are not in one of the above groups). All students also have "Enrichment" as a special. (Casieri, "Curriculum Guides")
Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Methods of Assessment
Overall, LIS is very big on project-based learning across disciplines. Strategic plan specifically aims to reduce achievement gaps; under Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (one of the three key goals):
- "The performance disparity between racial, ethnic and gender groups will be eradicated."
("Curriculum Guides," "Strategic Plan")Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Additional Opportunities
Before/After School
OWL Time
Eagles: Extended day 3x/week for ELL students (primarily Spanish and Polish) Destinations: Extended day for eligible at-risk students YMCA: Before and after school childcare PTO Clubs (run by teachers):
- Before school: Soccer, art, basketball
- After school: outdoor trails, friendship bracelets, D&D, puzzles, Lego, kickball, fashion design, outdoor laser tag, Blooket Battles, chess, art, card games, sculpture, piffleball
(Casieri, LIS Shines, "Special Programs")OWL Time is a designated daily period when students are pulled out for a variety of special group activities.
- Music instruction (individual lessons, band, orchestra, chorus, advanced ensembles)
- Gifted and Talented
- Academic Support Instruction
- ELL Instruction
(Casieri, LIS Music 2025-2026, "Special Programs")Learning Environment
Principal Sharon Rello (second from left)
"Belonging" is key at LIS -- not just inclusion, but belonging. This is reflected in the mission, vision, and strategic plan, but it is also something that educators are very conscious about in their daily interactions with students. (In our grant LOI, we referenced how it would help ELL students feel that they belong.) Character education is also woven throughout the school; even the six houses are named for the various pillars (trustworthiness, respect, etc.). There is schoolwide focus on restorative practices, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. There is also a social justice curriculum integrated into instruction, with a new topic each month. OWL Time is another key part of the learning environment, allowing for all students to have differentiated learning. The principal and vice principals are active and visible around the school, interacting with students.
More on the School Houses Each grade is divided into two houses, with six houses total. The house leaders develop personal relationships with the students in their house; for example, one of the house leaders has a PS5 in his office for students to come hang out and play video games with him before school. House leaders are also assigned floating recess duty for their grade, so they can check in with and be available for kids during the unstructured time.
the annual LIS Pride Parade
(Casieri, "Curriculum Guides," Lawrence Township Public School Values, "Summary Report")
Online Presence
A district priority is having a unified brand identity across all seven schools. All school websites, as well as the district website, have the same layout; in fact, many of the pages on the individual school websites actually bring you back to the district website. I found it a bit annoying that it wasn't always clear when you were leaving the school-specific site, but it was easy to get back -- so it's a mild criticism. On all district website pages (but not the individual school pages), there is a sticky header with links to the districtwide social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, X (inactive), and YouTube.
(“Lawrence Township Public Schools Unveils New Unified Brand Identity,” Lawrence Intermediate School, Lawrence Township Public Schools)
10
Unique Features
Integrated Learning
Whole Child Learning
Across disciplines, project-based learning is at the center. Student inquiry, particularly in sixth grade, is allowed to guide learning. Subjects are not siloed; ELA education is woven in with science and social studies. The social justice curriculum is also integrated with social studies, while climate change education is integrated across the school and the building's physical space. ("Sustainability")
It is clear that LIS takes the district vision to heart in everything they do, from big picture planning to the actual day-to-day. For example, I've seen the health teacher implementing restorative justice practices in the moment during a playground dispute at recess. The house structure, with each house named for ideals like "fairness" also helps reinforce the character education every day.
Lawrence Intermediate school
Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey
The End
Click the logo to return to the table of contents.
Click here to view references.
90%
Language Arts
- Project-based learning presentations
- Technology-based assignments (e.g. writing blogs)
("Curriculum Guides")Science
- Project-based learning
- Inquiry-driven research investigations
("Curriculum Guides")Lawrence Township Demographics (as of 2020 census) 33,077 population 3,587 Hispanic or Latino (just over 10% of total) $119,698 median household income 61.7% employment 60.7% of adults have bachelor's or higher 4.9% lack healthcare coverage
Mathematics
- Math workshops
- Personalized learning
- Visual modeling
("Curriculum Guides")Social Studies
- Project-based learning presentations
- Document-based questions
("Curriculum Guides")90%
Science
4th & 5th
- Project-based learning presentations
- Science notebooks
- Mystery Science
6th- Inquiry-based engineering design labs
- Science notebooks
- Presentations and peer critique
("Curriculum Guides")Language Arts
- Reading and writing workshops
- Small group instruction
- Individual workshops
Language arts instruction is also integrated with social studies and science. (LTPS PreK-6 ELA Website, "Curriculum Guides")Science
Project-based curriculum designed around experiments and investigation. 4th and 5th additionally utilize Lawrence Hall of Science, FOSS Delta Education Materials, and Mystery Science. 6th grade completes inquiry-based engineering labs. ("Curriculum Guides")
Social Studies
Each grade uses a different curriculum:
- 4th: Savvas My World Interactive
- 5th: Pearson My World
- 6th: TCI History Alive! The Ancient World
The district has also written its own social justice curriculum, which is integrated with social studies. ("Curriculum Guides")Mathematics
- Tests and quizzes
- Number Corner
- Math journals
- iReady benchmark assessments
("Curriculum Guides")Social Studies
- Project-based learning
- Collaborative learning
- Daily classroom discussions
("Curriculum Guides")Language Arts
ELA program is rooted in the Science of Reading and is integrated with the science and social studies curricula. Writing is taught using the Hochman Method, with reading and writing workshops (LTPS PreK-6 ELA Website)
Mathematics
4th and 5th grade: Bridges in Mathematics 6th grade: Amplify Desmos Math Additional resources: iready, Aimsweb+, IXL ("Curriculum Guides")