Lawrence Brook Weekly Update

December 12, 2022

Dear Lawrence Brook Elementary School Families:

Last week, students and staff enjoyed the PTA sponsored assembly "Path to Rhythm." Students participated in this educational and interactive program as a grade level group, which added an extra fun community building aspect to the learning. Presenters Mr. Adam and Mr. Ya Ya taught students about African hand drums called Djembes, including how these drums were often used as a tool for communication and celebration. Then, half of the students learned to play a rhythm on a Djembe while the other half learned a short dance. After the dance was performed, the groups switched so that everyone had a turn both drumming and dancing. The gym was full of smiles and cheers as students worked together and tried their best. Thank you to the PTA for hosting this engaging assembly!

Thank you also to the volunteers who made our Picture Retake Day a success. We are so excited to have been able to take class photos this year as a part of our schedule.

The enthusiasm surrounding our World Cup Social Studies Unit continues to build. Our students have done a wonderful job learning about different countries and cultures, and they have had a lot of fun cheering on their teams. Below, I have included information about a special World Cup Viewing Party taking place this Sunday, December 18 at 10:00 AM at the Hammarskjold JMPAC. All are welcome to attend!

Looking ahead, we have just two weeks of school until Winter Recess. Our Winter Class Parties are scheduled for Friday, December 23. The PTA is coordinating volunteers for each class. Please reach out to your child's teacher or the Point Parent with any questions. Please note that December 23 is also an early dismissal day with school ending at 1:35 PM.

Have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Dunn

Principal

📅 Upcoming Events

12/14 - 12/16: PTA Holiday Shop
12/18: World Cup Viewing Party at the Hammarskjold JMPAC
12/23: Winter Class Parties. Single Session Day, dismissal at 1:35 PM. This is also a Student Council Spirit Day! Students are invited to wear PJs or their favorite seasonal sweater.
12/26 - 12/30: School Closed for Winter Recess
1/2/2023: Welcome back to school!

Lawrence Brook Elementary School Monthly Event Calendar

East Brunswick Public Schools One-Page Calendar

⚽ World Cup Viewing Party - Sun. 12/18

Dear Families,

As you may know, our teachers have been using the World Cup to help students explore the geography, history, and culture of other countries. This has been a terrific experience that has taught kids about the world and brought them together as they rooted for their teams.

To celebrate and conclude this series of lessons, there will be a viewing party for the final game of the World Cup at the Hammarskjold JMPAC on the morning of Sunday, December 18. This will be a great way to end the unit and celebrate all of the fun and learning that went on this past month. Everyone is encouraged to wear the colors of the team they are supporting.

All K-4 students, their families, teachers, and principals are invited to this free and fun event. The doors will open at 9:00 AM; the game begins exactly at 10:00 AM. This will be a great event that will bring the community together with–literally–over half of the people on earth.

Please complete this short google form by 3:00 PM Tuesday, December 13 if you are interested in attending. You may, of course, change your mind and come if you did not complete the form. We are simply trying to get an idea of how many people to expect.

https://forms.gle/tFRGC3JjXKGUuMXx6

The game will begin at 10:00, but I encourage you to arrive at about 9:30 for the pregame announcements and fun. This is not a drop-off event: family adults must accompany children for the entire event, which will end at approximately 12:30. No food or drink is allowed inside the JMPAC.

I hope to see you there for this exciting event!

Sincerely,

Daniel Moran
Supervisor of Social Studies
East Brunswick Public Schools
732.613.6766

📲 School Attendance Reminders

School Hours

As a reminder, school begins at 9:05 AM. Students may enter the building starting at 8:55 AM.

Notifying the Office of Absences and Changes in Dismissal

Please remember to notify the Main Office as soon as possible to report absences or changes in dismissal for your child.

In the Main Office, the wonderful Mrs. LaPenta keeps track of this important information. She can be reached at 732.613.6871 OR dana.lapenta@ebnet.org.

To leave a message on the Attendance Line, call 732.613.6870, Option 1.

Free Academic Support through the Public Library

Did you know the East Brunswick Public Library offers you a variety of academic support programs free with your library card? Visit https://ilove.ebpl.org/kids to access Lumos Learning (Math and English activities), Tutor.com (live tutoring support) and much more.

Cold Weather Reminder

Students benefit from spending time outdoors being active! As long as the conditions on the playground are safe and the wind-chill temperature is above freezing, we will have outdoor recess. Please send students to school with the appropriate outerwear so they can enjoy their time outside. Also, don't forget to label your child's belongings in case they are misplaced.

PTA Events, Committees, and Fundraisers

Holiday Shop - Dec. 14th to 16th!

Lawrence Brook’s Holiday Shop is back! During school hours, students will be able to shop for gifts for family, friends, teachers, and pets. Prices on items vary, with most items costing between $3-$8. Money envelopes were sent home with students so they can make their shopping lists and budget. See flyer. Volunteers are still needed to help shoppers. Please click here to volunteer. Please remember all volunteers need to be active PTA members.

International Night, Fri., Feb. 24th, 7pm - FORMS DUE BY December 15th:

This very popular event is coming back to LB in full force! Start asking your kids if they would like to participate in a short cultural piece/dance representing their heritage. The cumulative show will kick off the evening's festivities in the Cafetorium. From there, we will move to the gymnasium where families will showcase their countries and provide a tasting of favorite cultural dishes. Please see more details on the attached flyer and sign up HERE TO PARTICIPATE as an ambassador and/or performer by December 15th. Check our Facebook page for pictures from past years to get an idea of what it is all about!

Pups of War Fundraiser - Now through Dec. 30th! Each student received two cards to be used at Pups of War to track Lawrence Brook participation. When you arrive, purchase the amount of time you’d like to play, and give the card(s) to the cashier. Each card turned in generates $5 for the LBS PTA. If you need additional cards, they will be available in the LBS front office.

Yearbook Memories
The LBS Yearbook Committee is asking for your assistance in capturing our children’s memories for the 2022-23 school year. Photos can be submitted online or download the Entourage App and add photos directly from your phone! School Code: 60636. See Flyer.

4th Grade Families

Next 4th Grade Committee Meeting - Mon., Jan. 9th in-person in the Media Center. Details to follow.

Donate to the 4th Grade Moving Up Committee

Let’s make the last year at Lawrence Brook their best year yet! Double your donation by asking your company to match charitable donations. LBS PTA is a 501c3 organization (tax id: 22-3146372). Donations can be made through MemberHub. Any questions, contact Jennifer Megna or Brittany Barkow.