Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we embark on a new
academic year, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all our students, both
returning and new, along with their families to Henry W. Lawton Elementary School. It is
with great anticipation and excitement that we begin this journey together, with a shared
commitment to educational excellence and personal growth.
As we move forward, I assure you that the well-being, safety, and educational progress of
our students remain our top priorities. We have implemented comprehensive measures
and protocols to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment. Our dedicated
team of educators and support staff has been working diligently to prepare for the
academic year, designing engaging and meaningful learning experiences that cater to the
diverse needs of our students.
This year, we will continue to foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and respect
within our school community. We believe in the power of teamwork and the significance
of a strong partnership between home and school. I encourage you to actively engage in
your child’s education, maintain open lines of communication, and participate in school
activities and events whenever possible. Together, we can provide the support and
guidance our students need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Arnetta Imes,
Principal
What You Need to Know Now!
School-wide Information:
School officially begins at 9:00 a.m. The gates will open at 9:00 a.m. to begin admission/supervision and students will have until 9:10 to get to their classroom. Your child will be marked late if they arrive after that time. Breakfast will be provided to all students as they enter and will be eaten in class.
Dismissal will begin at 3:20 p.m. for Kindergarten and Special Education programs. Grades 1 through 5 will be dismissed at 3:30 p.m. daily. Please note that Kindergarten will dismiss students at 12:30 the first five days of school; Monday, August 26, 2024 through Friday, August 30, 2024. On these days, Kindergarten students will dismiss through the “B” door on Lardner St.
All students will be dismissed from the doors that they enter from (see above). Please be sure that all pick up information is current by advising teachers and the Main Office of any changes.
Please ensure that all child care agencies are fully aware of dismissal times, procedures and expectations.
All students should be picked up promptly by 3:30 PM. We do not have staff/programs to supervise students who are picked up late. Students that have not been picked up on-time will be brought back into the building and must be picked up at the front door as the “C” door will be closing promptly. Any family that does not adhere to the pick up time will be required to meet with the principal to discuss further actions.
Academics:
The goal is to ensure that every child is challenged and experiences academic success. This cannot be done by the teacher alone; parents also play a significant role in reaching this goal. We are looking forward to working with you to prepare students to imagine and realize any future they desire. For additional information about curriculum and instruction, visit: Curriculum and Instruction | The School District of Philadel
Behavior:
All children are expected to act in a manner that will ensure safety and with consideration for the feelings of others. Students are expected to follow the School District of Philadelphia Code of Conduct (philasd.org) and the Lawton School Student handbook that includes our PBIS Norms and expectations. Please ensure that you speak with your child about appropriate school behaviors and expectations continuously so that they are prepared to begin school. Links to the behavior documents will be shared once they are distributed at the start of school.
Code of Conduct 2024-2025
Attendance:
Daily attendance directly impacts your child’s success. The District’s and Lawton’s goal is to strive for 95% for our average daily attendance. In alignment with the School District of Philadelphia Policy, all absence notes need to be submitted within 3 days of the student returning to school. Coming to school every day is extremely important for all students. As a reminder, students in Philadelphia are expected to be in school for a minimum of 95% of the time. That means that your child cannot miss more than 8 days of school per school year. Both excessive absences and latenesses can result in a truancy/DHS referral. Please ensure that your child is here every day at 9:00 AM.
https://www.philasd.org/studentrights/attendance-expectations/
The 2024-2025 UNIFORM Policy will function as follows:
No hoodies may be worn in the school building.
Uniforms:
Khaki uniform pants, skirts or jumpers and a navy blue or white collared uniform shirt. Navy blue or white sweaters can be worn over the uniform shirt during cold weather.
Red t-shirts and gray sweatpants are worn on days that your child has gym.
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You can access the district’s calendar HERE.
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· Please be advised that the playground/bench area is off limits until further notice.
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Title 1 Parent Information
The 2022-2023 Lawton School Plan is now available for public review. Please provide any feedback here.
If you need to contact your child’s teacher, please send them a message via Class DoJo, Google Classroom, email, or phone call.
Steppers for logging in can be found here and will be provided with chromebooks.
News from Ms. Bender, Lawton School Counselor
Ms Bender’s virtual office hours will be from Monday-Friday between 10 am to 1:00 pm.
She can be reached via email at nbender@philasd.org or by phone at 267-961-3250.
You can also use this form to send her a message.
As a reminder, the Philly HopeLine is available M-F from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. to provide counseling services for students, parents and guardians who may need additional support during these difficult times. Phone or text 1-833-PHL-HOPE (1-833-745-4673).
