Lawson R-XIV School District

January 3, 2023 Dear Cardinal Families, As we look ahead to the winter months, we want to share a few updates regarding Lawson R-XIV Schools’ inclement weather plans. Our goal, as always, is to ensure safety during inclement weather events. While we understand that snow days may be fun for kids, we also understand that canceling classes is often a burden for parents/guardians. As always, we will only cancel school when conditions dictate that it is necessary to keep students safe. How/When do we decide to close school? The decision to close school is based on several factors, including temperature and wind chill, snow and ice levels, road conditions, and how these conditions are forecast to develop over the day. We aim to send school closing notifications out before 9:30pm the evening before the school closure. However, this might not always be possible in such cases; the decision will be made between 5:30 and 6:00am on the day of the closure. How will I be notified of school closings? Cancelations will always be shared first by phone and SMS message. If your contact information has changed recently, please make sure that you have informed your school. Phone and text will always be our top priorities for sharing urgent updates. Other ways of tracking information from us about events like snow days include Facebook, Twitter, and email. What if inclement weather develops during the school day? We open with the intent of remaining open for the whole school day. Early dismissals are used only in extreme situations. In such cases, all afterschool activities will be canceled. When will school be made up? Our 2023-2024 academic student attendance calendar was designed so that weather-related cancellations will NOT require any added make-up days. Furthermore, the district will NOT use virtual learning, also known as the Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI), on a canceled school day. These decisions were made to avoid confusion about when school is in session and what is required of students and staff in the event of a weather-related cancelation. Please get in touch with your school if you have any questions. Sincerely, Dr. Michael Stephenson Superintendent

December BOE Spotlights During their recent board meeting, the Lawson BOE has the opportunity to celebrate and recognize outstanding Lawson community members Rich Busby and Jeff Andersen. Rich Busby was recently recognized at the state football championship games in Columbia, MO, by MSHSAA for 25 years of service as an official. Next, the Board recognized Jeff Andersen. The Missouri Football Coaches Association recently awarded Coach Andersen the “Doug Potts Award” lifetime achievement award for his 29 years of dedication to Lawson students as a teacher, football, and wrestling coach. Our December spotlights represent the Proud Traditions that make our school community great. #WeAreLawson

Holiday Message from Dr. Stephenson Dear Cardinal Family, As we approach the end of another incredible year, I wish each of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year on behalf of the Lawson School District and Board of Education. I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey we've shared as a community. The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration, and I am filled with immense pride and appreciation for the strength and resilience that define our school district. In addition, I want to thank you for supporting our students, teachers, and staff. Your commitment to us and each other is paramount to our continued success, and we appreciate our partnership with each of you as members of the Lawson School community. May the holiday season bring you moments of joy, reflection, and connection with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming students back to their classrooms on Thursday, January 4, 2024 Dr. Michael Stephenson Superintendent Lawson R-XIV School District

Winter Break has officially begun! Classes will resume for students on Thursday, January 4, 2024. We wish our Cardinal families a happy holiday season!

ATTENDANCE MATTERS Showing up and being present in the learning process is critical for academics and social interactions. As we approach the end of the 1st semester, we want to reiterate that our student's success is directly related to their presence in the learning process. Showing up matters, and together, we can finish Strong!"

This April, Lawson Cardinal Theatre invites you to experience the magical, wonderful, and scrumdiddlyumptious story of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory! See all your favorite moments and characters brought to life by our talented cast and crew! After finding a golden ticket, Charlie Bucket and his grandfather take a tour of the mysterious and wacky factory of Willy Wonka. Along the way, they, and a group of bratty children, navigate the perils and hijinks of the factory, all in the quest for a lifetime of chocolate! A wonderful adventure for the whole family and more! Auditions are open to 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Auditions will be on January 9th after school in the SPAC. Callbacks will be on January 11th after school in Mr. Sanchez’s room. (we will be done before the talent show rehearsal!) Crew forms will be due January 12th to Mr. Sanchez. Pick up forms and sign up outside Mr. Sanchez’s room. The show will be April 18th, 19th, & 20th. Based on the book by Roald Dahl. Dramatized by Richard R. George. Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois

Help us give a HUGE THANK YOU TO A SUPER CARDINAL - Gary Williams. Mr. Williams is a bus driver for the Lawson School District. Monday afternoon, on his regular bus route #10, he noticed a child stand up. She was red in the face and appeared scared. He asked if she was okay, but she wasn't able to speak. He soon recognized she was choking. Mr. Williams immediately stopped the bus and proceeded to administer the Heimlich. In doing so, he was able to free what was lodged in her throat. Gary's quick action avoided what could have been a series situation. We are thankful to have Gary on our team and to call him a Lawson Cardinal. #WeAreLawson

Reminder that Winter Break is upon us! Wishing our Cardinal families a happy holiday season!

Dear Lawson School Community, As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of our remarkable community. This season reminds us of the collective strength and spirit that defines us. To our students: Your enthusiasm for learning, creativity, and endless courage to try new things are the heartbeat of our school. Thank you for bringing your energy and curiosity to our classrooms every day. You inspire us all. To our dedicated teachers: Your passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our students do not go unnoticed. Your impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of those in your care. Thank you for your tireless efforts. To our supportive parents and guardians: Your partnership is invaluable. Your involvement, encouragement, and trust create a foundation for success. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. To our hardworking staff: From administrators to custodians, each of you plays a vital role in creating a positive and enriching environment. Your dedication ensures that our school runs smoothly and that our students thrive. Thank you for your often behind-the-scenes contributions. To the entire Lawson community: Together, we form a solid foundation of diverse talents, backgrounds, and dreams. Our devotion to making each other our best makes our school truly special. Thank you for being an integral part of the Proud Traditions and Endless Possibilities together we know as the Lawson R-XIV School District. On behalf of the Board of Education, I wish you all a warm and joyful Thanksgiving. Thank you for being the heart and soul of the Lawson School District, and while we celebrate with family and friends, let us carry the spirit of gratitude. With heartfelt thanks, Dr. Stephenson

What a wonderful turnout for our first Dinner Theater since 2019. It is nice to be back together as a school community. #WeAreLawson

November Board Spotlights: The Lawson Board of Education had the opportunity to celebrate three outstanding groups during this month's meeting. The first group to be celebrated was Southwest Elementary Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run serves students in grades 3-6. The program is in its ninth year here at Lawson. Mrs. Holly Spencer has been the coach/sponsor for all those years. With her group of girls and coaches, they follow a curriculum designed to teach students confidence, positivity, teamwork, and perseverance. This year's group just completed their Final 5K at Swope Park. Pictured: Coach Holly Spencer, Coach Christina Conrick, Lihlie McIntosh, Coach Elizabeth Kanniainen, Coach Stephanie Cotter, Coach Emily Caraway. Middle row, Sienna Blakely, Char Blakely, Colette Knutson, Ady Ramsey, Lakynn Staats. Front row: Lucy Hunter, Brooklyn Braune, Ellie Gable, Evelyn Ouderkirk, Bristol Bain, Aspen Sloop, Lyla Kanniainen, Emma Crawford. Not pictured: Halli Black, Gwen Hargrave, Nellie Trout Our second evening spotlight was on Lawson Central Office staff members Marti, Knecht, and Kayla Anderson. Marti was recently recognized at the Missouri Association of School Business Officials (MoASBO) Conference for completing her Certified School Business Specialist training. Kayla recently took over the School District Student Information System Coordinator (SIS) duties. As the coordinator, she has been responsible for many positive changes to make the district more technology-friendly for sharing and gathering student information with parents. Marti and Kayla are phenomenal assets to our school community, and we are happy to celebrate them. Our final evening spotlight was on our Lawson Community Foundation – Lawson Haunt volunteers. Over the past 10 years, the Lawson Haunt has provided sound, clean, scary entertainment to thousands of people near and far from Lawson through the Fall each year. Every dollar earned from their haunted house has been reinvested into our graduating seniors each year through scholarships. Over time, this group of community volunteers has been estimated to have donated nearly $100,000 from paid admission to the haunted house toward scholarships for graduating seniors attending technical schools, 2-year colleges, and four-year colleges and universities. Pictured: Roxanne Shook, Laura Montone, Chris Buchanan, and Tim Jeffrey. Not pictured: Rhonda Oulman, Jacque Taylor, Jason Montone, John DeFries, and Dale and Connie Stark

We would like to thank our senior citizens who were able to be in attendance today for our 32nd Annual Senior Citizens Luncheon. It's a Great Day to be a Cardinal. #WeAreLawson

Reminder that we will observe Thanksgiving Break next week with No School next Wednesday through Friday. We will see students back in class on Monday, November 27th. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving Cardinal families!

Today was a great day to be a Lawson Cardinal. Happy Veterans Day. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲💯💯💯

Our 32nd annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 12:30 pm in the Lawson High School Commons. Bus Schedule: Apartments at 400 N Clark… 11:45 am. Apartments at 115 S Pennsylvania… 11:55 am. Housing Authority Community Room at 517 N. Doniphan … noon. Senior Citizens Day Room at 201 W. 8th Terrace … 12:05 pm. (Note: Individual transportation can be arranged by calling 816-580-7277) The meal and entertainment to follow are provided at no charge to you. A community service project of the staff and students of Lawson R-XIV School District, Durham School Services, HyVee, and our Local VFW Post 6278

Thank you 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 #WeAreLawson

The Lawson Giving Tree - 2023 This holiday season, the Lawson School District and the Lawson Community Foundation have teamed up to support the Lawson Giving Tree’s efforts to provide Christmas to the children within our community. HOW CAN YOU HELP? Tags for items needed will be available at the Christmas in the Park event on December 2, 2023. Tags can also be found at Lawson Nutrition and Dollar General. WHERE CAN I DONATE? Gift donations can be dropped off at City Hall, Lawson Nutrition, and Evans Oil. Items do not need to be wrapped, but we ask that you include the tag you selected with the items purchased. Monetary donations can be made to The Lawson Community Foundation. NEED MORE INFORMATION? For additional information, including a link to the family application and details on how to qualify, check out The Lawson Giving Tree on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1679303402223466/ Direct questions can be answered by Hannah Akey at 210-753-1380 or Tisha Cash at 816-752-3881. Email inquiries can be sent to Lawsonmogivingtree@gmail.com.The Giving Tree - 2023

Join Us for Our Veterans Day Assembly! We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Lawson Middle School and High School Veterans Day Assembly, where we will honor and express our gratitude to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. This special event is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to show our support and appreciation for our veterans. Date: Friday, November 10th Time: Veterans Breakfast @ 8:30am / Schoolwide Assembly @ 9:30am Location: Lawson High School

2 Weeks from today: Join us as Lawson Theather Presents "The Witches." Performances are Nov. 17th, 18th, 19th We are excited to announce the return of the Dinner Theatre on November 17 @ 6pm. Tickets are $13 - student / $15 public / Preschool Free (Dinner Theater includes a ticket to the show.)

Join Us for Our Veterans Day Assembly! Dear Lawson Community, We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Lawson Middle School and High School Veterans Day Assembly, where we will honor and express our gratitude to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. This special event is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to show our support and appreciation for our veterans. Date: Friday, November 10th Time: Veterans Breakfast @ 8:30am / Schoolwide Assembly @ 9:30am Location: Lawson High School Our Veterans Day activities will feature: 1. Student Presentations: Our students will present their creative work, including essays, poems, artwork, and musical performances that reflect the importance of Veterans Day. 2. Recognition of Local Veterans: We will recognize and celebrate the veterans within our school community. 3. Patriotic Music: Our school band and choir will perform patriotic songs to pay tribute to our veterans. We encourage our students to invite our veterans to attend our Veterans Day celebration, as this event is not only about acknowledging the sacrifices of our veterans but also about fostering a sense of unity and gratitude. Feel free to invite your veterans, whether family, friends, or neighbors, to join us in this meaningful celebration. We look forward to seeing you at our Veterans Day Assembly as we come together to honor and remember our heroes. Let's make this a memorable and heartwarming event for our veterans and our entire community. We encourage our students to sign up their veterans in the Middle School or High School Offices so we can prepare adequately for a great celebration! Thank you for your support and participation in this important occasion. Sincerely, Dr. Michael Stephenson Superintendent of Schools Lawson R-XIV School District