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Parent Newsletter- 5/12/2024
![Parent Newsletter- 5/12/2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/d218/18f3908bfadc7604524e33e3ca0748a3.jpg)
To read this newsletter in another language
Click "Translate" at the top of the page and select your preferred language.
Para traducir a otro idioma, haga clic en la parte superior de la pantalla habrá un cuadro desplegable de "traducir" donde puede elegir qué idioma y traducirlo (ver imagen).
# 1- School Updates
Dear Lawson family,
It is hard to believe that May is already here, and this month will fly by with many end-of-year activities. Please take a minute to review all our upcoming events. We look forward to celebrating the end of our first year as James Lawson High School!
What's Happening at Lawson
1. Seniors! Graduation Practice will be held Monday, May 20th (10-12pm). Please see Mrs. Shaver for details.
2. Students! Review library deadlines below. Return your books! 😀
3. Advanced Academics Award Night- Monday- Invitations only
4. Majorette tryouts coming up May 14-16 from 2:30-5:30 in the small gym.
5. YEARBOOKS ARE IN! ONLY Students who have pre-ordered may pick them up next week after school from 2pm-3pm in Coach Burton's room (205).
Schedule for the Week
Week 9 (AP testing in 275, 276, 277, and Library)
Monday, May 13th
Class Order: 1A-1B-2A-2B-5A-6A-6B
- AP Calculus Exam (AM)
- Advanced Academic Awards Night 5:30
- Armada Soccer event at Lawson (5:00-8:00)
Tuesday, May 14th
Class Order: 1A-1B-2A-2B-5A-6A-6B
- AP Lang Exam (AM)
- AP African American Studies Exam (PM) Rm. 277
- Majorette Tryouts (2:30-5:00) *Mckissack
- Armada Soccer event at Lawson (5:00-8:00)
Wednesday, May 15th
Class Order: 1B-2B-5B-6B
- Last B-day
- AP World History Exam (AM)
- AP Computer Science Exam (PM)
- AP Music Theory Exam (PM)
- FAFSA Deadline for TN Promise (studentaid.gov)
- Majorette Tryouts (2:30-5:00) *Mckissack
- Senior Sunset & Bonfire (7pm by Lawson Baseball/ Softball Fields)
Thursday, May 16th
Class Order: 1A-2A-5A-6A
- Last A-day
- AP Spanish Exam (AM)
- AP Bio Exam (PM)
- Solo/Ensemble (LPAC)
- Majorette Tryouts (2:30-5:00) *Mckissack
Friday, May 17th
Class Order: 1B (7:05-7:15), PLT Advisory (7:25-8:00), Rotations (8:00-2:00)
- Last full day of school- Following week will be exam week (1/2 days)
- Field Day
- Senior Picnic
# 2- Student News
Pics from Lawson's First International Day!
Thank you all for your wonderful participation and support during International Day!
Avanza English Club
Students learning English completed a 10-week course provided by TN State University this week. Congratulations for your dedication to learning a new language!
AP Testing- A Note from Dr. Holdren
AP Students, please make sure you have reviewed your AP exam schedules and are aware of the dates and times for each exam. Take note of the following details:
- Students that are tardy will not be allowed entry into the exam rooms.
- Due to the limited AP window this year, there will be no make-up exams offered.
- A reminder for all students with a 12:00 PM exam: you must arrange your own transportation home after the test concludes.
For any questions, please contact your AP instructor or see Dr. Holdren in the BHHS Academy office on the 3rd Floor.
We appreciate your commitment to punctuality and attendance during the exams.
Library updates!
RETURNING LAPTOPS
Please return your school issued laptop and charger to the library as you complete your exams. All computers still in student possession will be collected on the final day of school. If you have more than one computer in your possession (like a loaner), please return them all. If any student has a damaged or lost computer, they need to speak to library staff as soon as possible. Senior laptops should all have been returned!!! Please see Mrs. Fallon with any questions.
LIBRARY BOOKS
All library books need to be returned to the library by May 13 for 9-11th grade and May 10 for seniors! Please find your library books and return them! There are no fees for late returns, but any books that are not turned in at the end of the year will be marked lost and a fine will be added to the student account. Seniors will receive overdue notices on May 6 and need to come prepared to pay fines on May 10, cash only.
ACT Scores
SPRING ACT scores have been reviewed in ACT Prep classes. Please stop by the Senior Counseling center and speak to Ms. Swift, Senior Counselor and/or contact Dr. DeLoach @ ddeloach@mnps.org if you have any questions or would like emailed a copy of your score.
Summer Programs Enrollment Guides
Check out summer.mnps.org for summer offerings in MNPS including Promising Scholars, Credit Recovery, EL Summer Program, and First Time Credit opportunities!
Explore the following options for summer programs:
Promising Scholars: Ideal for rising K–8th graders or rising 9–12th graders not requiring credit recovery for graduation track.
Credit Recovery: Tailored for rising 9–12th graders needing to recover 0.5 or 1.0 credits for graduation, with opportunities for first-time credit advancement. In-person attendance only.
English Learner (EL) First Time Credit: Designed for high school students in the US for less than two years and still learning English.
For guidance on enrolling your student in these programs, refer to our parent guides: "SummerProgramsEnrollment_ParentOnePage" offers a concise overview, while "SummerProgramsEnrollment_Parent" provides detailed instructions with screenshots.
Please send any inquiries to: promisingscholars@mnps.org.
Student Opportunities!
TN Tech Summer Engineering Camp ($25) - This is a 3-day summer camp to learn about engineering, computing, and engineering technology through hands-on projects related to the top engineering and computing fields, taught by TN Tech faculty members. Learn more and register here! (flyer below).
Lipscomb Fashion Academy Camp ($250) – Over 4 days, participants will gain an understanding of the Styling, Design, and Merchandising sectors of the Fashion industry through lectures, workshops, and local fashion related field trips. Students will experience wardrobe styling, basic design skills, and visual merchandising and display conceptualization techniques. Learn more and apply here! (flyer below).
Engineering & Computer Summer Camp
MNPS Transition Fair hosted by the MNPS EE Dept.
2024 Summer Fashion Academy
Youth Design Team Internship
Accounting & Professional Services Internship
Summer Film Camp
Thunderettes Tryouts
Majorette Workshops & Tryouts! April 9th, 16th, & 23rd. 2:30- 4pm. Additionally, majorette tryouts will be May 14th- 16th 2:30-5pm. See Coach Mckissack for more details.
# 3- Senior Information
Senior Fees and Updates
SENIOR FEES
Must be paid prior to April 22 in order to participate in senior activities. Seniors wishing not to participate in activities must pay before May 10 in order to participate in graduation. Reminder you must be on track to participate in activities. If you are not sure, please see Ms. Shaver (Suite 100D) or Ms. Swift (Room 305).
Direct Link: https://mnps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/7780/386/False/True
Colleges have started to receive and process student FAFSA information. Financial aid packages can be expected in late April / early May. Please check your college’s financial aid website for more specific updates.
Deadlines:
- April 15th – Priority deadline for Tennessee students
- May 15th – Final deadline for TN Promise
Start or complete your FAFSA today at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
More Senior Information
Make sure you are checking the College and Career newsletter each week! Simply click on the blue button at the top of this newsletter or visit: Families - James Lawson High School (mnps.org)
Feel free to reach out to us if you encounter any questions or issues while viewing this slideshow. All seniors were invited to attend the senior meeting during PLT.
Save the Date! Graduation Ceremony
Tuesday 5/21/2024 at 6pm.
Municipal Auditorium
Each graduating student will receive 10 tickets at Senior check out on May 10.
Counseling Updates
Request Counseling
Students, do you need to see your school counselor? Please complete the QR code request form and counselors will schedule a time to meet. In emergency situations, please notify your teachers. Click here to access form or scan the QR code below.
# 4- Community Achieves
Lawson Resource Center Summer Updates
Families, we have diapers that need to find a home before the summer, so come by the Lawson Community Resource Center this week and pick up a pack! We're located by the North Lot. One packet per family please.
Last Day for Snacks - May 16
Students have been able to pick up snacks during the last class transition of the day thanks to a collaboration with other schools in our zone. Thursday 5/16 will be the last day we distribute snacks for the year.
Follow the Lawson Community on Instagram
Click the image or go to Instagram at @lawsoncommunity
Find more information on the website HERE.
Community Achieves Site Manager – Jeremy Quiñonez
Work cell: 615-541-9815
Email: jquinonez@mnps.org
PTSO (Parent-Teacher-Student Organization)
Follow Our Parent Group!
Facebook: James Lawson High PTSO
Instagram: @jameslawsonhighptso
If you want to be an involved parent at James Lawson High School please reach out to our PTSO via our social media accounts.
#5- Lawson Lightning Athletics
Click the image or go to Instagram and Facebook at @lawsonlightningathletics
Athletic Director – Coach Froeden
Email: pete.froedden@mnps.org
Sponsorships & Marketing Director - Clif Mitchell
Email: clifton.mitchell@mnps.org
To attend Lawson sporting events and performing arts activities click this image to purchase tickets online or scan it with your smartphone. Thank you for supporting our students.
School Information
Helpful Links and Info
- Need a locker--see the main office.
- Need a parking pass? --See Dr. Holdren (3rd floor admin office)
- Need to send an absentee note? Email Front Office staff (see below)
WeGo Public Transit route CLICK HERE
MNPS Attendance Expectations
Attendance Rewards!
Parents, attendance matters at Lawson! Each quarter we will reward students who miss less than 4 school days during that quarter.
See HERE for the most current attendance policies to make sure your student is ready to learn.
JLHS Absence Procedures
Please notify our Front Office Staff when your student is absent with a note including student full name, dates s/he was absent, the reason for absence, guardian's full name, and guardian contact information.
The excuse note can be emailed, faxed, or written to any of the following Front Office Staff:
- lorena.nadler@mnps.org (Spanish/English)
- tayler.strickland@mnps.org
Technology & Morning Arrival Updates
Please take a moment to review the updated policies for the 2nd Semester below. If you have any questions, reach out to your Academy Principal.
Carte A Padres de Familia con Actualizaciones de Politicas (Spanish)
2023-2024 James Lawson Academy Contacts
2023-2024 Academy Principals & Staff
Freshman Principal- Mrs. Shannon Fey shannon.fey@mnps.org
Freshman Dean- Dr. Darling Woodard darling.brown@mnps.org
Freshman Counselor- Ms. Wanda Howell wanda.howell@mnps.org
ADC Principal- Mrs. Dayna Sewell dayna.sewell@mnps.org
ADC Dean- Dr. Jill Green jill.green@mnps.org
ADC Counselor- Mr. Kevin Green kevin.green@mnps.org
Engineering/ VAPA Principal- Ms. Abbey McDowd abbey.mcdowd@mnps.org
Engineering/ VAPA Dean- Mr. Andrew Heil andrew.heil@mnps.org
Engineering/ VAPA Counselor-Mr. Kevin Green kevin.green@mnps.org
BHHS Principal- Dr. Danielle Holdren danielle.holdren@mnps.org
BHHS Dean- Dr. Avery Finch avery.finch@mnps.org
BHHS Dean- Mr. Brian Lilly brian.lilly@mnps.org
BHHS Counselor- Mrs. Sally Wilson sally.wilsonharmening@mnps.org
Executive School Principal - Dr. Stephen Sheaffer stephen.sheaffer@mnps.org
Global Dean- Mr. Terry Strickland terry.strickland@mnps.org
School Counselor- Mrs. Ashley Shaver ashley.shaver@mnps.org
Upcoming Events
College & Career Events
11th Grade College & Career Fair – Wednesday, April 17th from 8-10am @ Lawson Gym
Over 40 colleges and organizations are coming to James Lawson for our 1st Annual College & Career Fair! 11th grade students will have the chance to visit the fair and speak with admissions representatives and recruiters about opportunities for after high school!
Civic Design Center – Youth Internship ($12/hr) – open to current 9th & 10th graders
Application Link: https://youth.civicdesigncenter.org/high-school/how-to-apply
The Nashville Youth Design Team (NYDT) is a diverse group of paid high school interns who work year-round to make Nashville's neighborhoods better for youth by conducting community research, designing & installing solutions. Summer Intensive Dates – July 1-25th and monthly Saturday meetings throughout the school year.
College Prep 101: Navigating the Transition from High School to Higher Education (Webinar)
Every Monday at 7pm join EDMConsulting for a webinar to help prepare students and families for the transition to college. Gain valuable insights and practical guidance on a wide range of critical areas, including academic preparedness, time management, study skills, financial literacy, and navigating the college admissions process.
Sign up here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vceupqTwsHd0imyDn-cpBoiEvbWox1Z1Y#/registration
College Admissions Webinar: List Building Basics (Webinar)
Thursday, April 25th @ 6pm
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9Id6QCeFRwC3xcvahRE1mw#/registration
Join the Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling (SACAC) to gain important insights into building your college list, from your approach, questions to consider, and the current state of admissions to all the best tools, including some new, incredible apps!
Summer ACT Bootcamp at Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA)-- $250 with discount code GOBIGRED
This 3-day, 20-hour, ACT Bootcamp is being held at MBA this summer – May 31 – June 2. Student improve on average 3-7 points after participating.
Register here: https://tutorsacrossamerica.com/ACTcourse/
Scroll down to the “Montgomery Bell Academy” camp and use code GOBIGRED. If you would need financial assistance to participate – please reach out to Colin Dunnigan (colin.dunnigan@montgomerybell.edu).
Nashville, TN 37221
615-353-2025