November is National Family Engagement Month—a time to recognize and celebrate the crucial role families play in a child’s education and development. At Lawrence Township Public Schools, we know that learning is most meaningful when it happens in partnership—with students, families, staff, and the broader community all working together to support our children.
Family engagement takes many forms. It’s the parent who volunteers in a classroom, the family who reads together before bed, or the neighbor who comes out to cheer at a school performance. It’s the everyday conversations at the dinner table that connect what’s happening at school to the world beyond it.
These simple moments help children know that they are seen, valued, and supported by a community that believes in them.
We had the pleasure of seeing that sense of connection come to life in September at our Welcome to the Neighborhood event. Whether you were new to the district or simply wanted to become more involved, the evening was filled with information, communication, and a shared enthusiasm for our schools and the greater Lawrence community.
That same spirit continued in October, when we hosted our first Post-Referendum Community Conversation about the upcoming construction projects that voters approved last spring in a special election. The turnout and engagement were incredible. We loved hearing directly from guardians and residents—their questions, concerns, and, most importantly, their ideas and feedback. These conversations reaffirm why community dialogue is so valuable: when we listen to one another, we gain a richer understanding of what matters most and how to move forward together. More post-referendum information will be given at the December 10 Board of Education meeting, and the next Community Conversation will take place on February 18, at 6:30 PM.
At LTPS, we are committed to making sure every voice is heard. Whether through parent-teacher conferences, district events, or informal conversations, our goal is to build a culture of open communication and shared purpose.
Our district uses a two-way multilingual text messaging system that allows parents/guardians and teachers to communicate with each other in the guardian’s home language.
Strong family partnerships help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and they ensure that our district continues to grow in ways that reflect the needs and hopes of our community.
As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to thank our families and residents for the countless ways you support our students and staff. From volunteering and attending events to offering thoughtful input and encouragement, your involvement strengthens our schools every single day.
Together, we show what it means to be a community that listens, learns, and grows together. Together, we are Lawrence. #LTPSThisIsUs
Dr. Robyn Klim is the Superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
