News & Events
Important Things Taking Place this Month
February 2024
- Black History Month:
February is Black History Month! Black History Month was created in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Initially called Negro History Week, the celebration expanded to a full month in 1976, in order to focus even greater attention on the contributions of African Americans in the United States and throughout the diaspora. Today, Black History Month continues to amplify and deepen the exploration and elevation of African Americans and their contributions to society through film screenings, museum exhibits, and by encouraging the study of the accomplishments of African Americans year-round.
Black History Month: PBS LearningMedia Video
- Report Card Conferences:
Thursday, Feb. 1st
Friday, Feb. 2nd
Students in kindergarten will be dismissed at 12:20.
Students in grades 1st – 5th will be dismissed at 12:30.
In Person Report Card Conferences will begin at 1:30 and are by appointment only.
Please remember to come at your scheduled time.
Please direct any questions to your child’s classroom teacher.
- Parent Raffle:
Friday, February 2, 2024
Perfect Attendance for the month of January
- National Get Up Day:
Thursday, February 1, 2024
Get Ready, Get Up, Get Moving!
It’s about celebrating that Get Up spirit that applies to every aspect of life and inspiring others through stories, pictures, videos and social media.
- National Wear Red Day:
Friday, February 2, 2024
Students may wear a plain red shirt or gym shirt with school uniform pants/skirt. (This is not a dress down day.)
No Hoodies
- PBIS Champs Celebration:
Monday, February 5th, 2024
One student from each classroom who follows our school PBIS Norms (Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful) will be recognized during our monthly PBIS Champ Celebration.
- Report Card Raffle:
Monday, February 5, 2024
Each student whose parent(s) attend report card conferences will have their name entered to win a prize.
Report Card Conferences can be in-person, virtual, or phone.
- Perfect Attendance Celebration:
Wednesday, February 7th, 2024
Students who attended all 20 instructional days in the month of January will be recognized.
Two lucky students who earned perfect attendance for the month of January will have lunch with the Principal.
- National School Counseling Week:
February 5th – 9th
This week is National School Counseling Week – a time to celebrate and uplift our hard-working and extremely important school counselors who support the social and emotional well-being and academic success of Lawton students.
School counselors partner with you, or families, and provide critical resources to help students succeed in and beyond school; they collaborate with other Lawton staff to develop and improve educational systems that allow students to realize their potential; and they work directly with students to help them understand their strengths and talents, and set healthy and ambitious goals.
This week, the School District will be honoring counselors by sharing some of their stories on the main website and social media. Make sure to check out the District’s website and Facebook Page daily to meet different counselors every day. I also encourage you to say a specific THANK YOU to our school counselor, Ms. Bender, on Lawton social media using #SDPThankACounselor and #NSCW24.
- 3-hour early dismissal & Lunar New Year Activities:
Friday, Feb. 9th
Students in kindergarten will be dismissed at 12:20.
Students in grades 1st – 5th will be dismissed at 12:30.
Students will have an opportunity to learn about Lunar New Year and participate in activities.
- Lunar New Year:
Year of the Dragon
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Happy Lunar New Year! Best wishes and good fortune to all this #YearOfTheDragon
- 100th Day of School:
Monday, February 12th
- Valentine’s Day:
Tuesday, Feb. 14th.
Students may wear red or pink.
Clothing must be school appropriate
This is a free dress down/dress up day for students
No one knows for sure who St. Valentine was, but we still honor him with a holiday. Listen to one legend about who he was, and discover more about this celebration of love.
Valentine’s Day PBS LearningMedia Video
- President’s Day:
Monday, Feb. 19th
In observance of Presidents Day, all schools and offices will be closed. Enjoy the holiday!
Presidents Day is an opportunity for the country to acknowledge the leaders of its government. See how it evolved from a birthday party for George Washington to an observance for all of the Presidents.
Presidents Day- PBS LearningMedia Video
January 2024
- Monday, January 1, 2024
Happy New Year!
Schools will be closed
Wishing a very Happy New Year to our Lawton students. May the upcoming year be full of high energies and greater focus for you to study and make your dreams a reality. We’re excited to welcome our students and staff back for a successful 2024! Happy New Year!
3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! On January 1st around the world, people celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next. Some people make resolutions for the new year or attend parties to celebrate. How do other cultures celebrate the new year?
PBS MediaLearning: New Year’s Day Video
- Tuesday, January 2nd
Schools will be closed for students
- Wednesday, January 3rd
Students return to school
- Saturday, January 6th
Three Kings Day
At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas comes a day called the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This holiday is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw baby Jesus and brought him gifts. On this day in Spain, many children get their Christmas presents. In Puerto Rico, before children go to sleep on January 5, they leave a box with hay under their beds so the kings will leave good presents. In France, a delicious “kings’ cake” known as la galette des rois is baked. Bakers hide a coin, jewel, or little toy inside it.
- Monday, January 15th
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Schools will be closed
Lawton will be closed on Monday, January 15 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – a day to remember the example that Dr. King set for us. He was a man who was determined to change the world for the better through kindness, respect and service to others.
The third Monday in January is a national holiday observing the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Learn more about this leader of the civil rights movement and about how we honor him today.
PBS MediaLearning: Martin Luther King Jr. Video
- Tuesday, January 16th
Kindergarten Registration Opens
Registration for Kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year is now open. Don’t delay. Register today. If you have a child who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2023, you can register them to give them an opportunity to Thrive at Five.
Register: Online using this online registration portal
Kindergarten attendance sets children on a path to success in school and in life. During these early years, they learn to play well with others, make friends, build confidence and begin to learn to read and write – all very important skills that help kids thrive.
Important Reminder:
When picking up your child(ren) early from school, you MUST show your Photo ID.
This is to ensure that all students are safe.
December 2023
The School District would like everyone to focus on Establishing and Maintaining Relationships in the month of December.
Video: Building Healthy Relationships
- PBIS Champion Celebration
Friday, December 1, 2023
One student from each classroom was selected to be Lawton’s PBIS Champion for the month of November by demonstration our school wide norms: Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful
- School Pictures
School Pictures will be sent home:
Friday, December 1st and Monday, December 4th
Picture retakes/make-ups will be on Wednesday,
December 13th
- Perfect Attendance Celebration
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Students who attended school each day and on time (no more than 5 latenesses) for the month of November, will be celebrated.
Please remember school begins at 9:00 am everyday.
It is imperative that students attend school everyday, on time, and complete the entire school day.
- Hanukkah
Thursday, December 7th – Friday, December 15th 2023
Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration, but anyone can find meaning in the holiday. Check out the origins of the tradition, and how it is observed today.
PBS LearningMedia: Hanukkah Video
- Picture retakes/make-ups
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
For any student who was absent, new, or needs to retake their picture.
For retakes:
Please return your photo package with all photos
For students who were absent or who are new:
If you would like to purchase pictures you will need to send a photo package with money in with your child(ren).
All students will have their picture taken even if they are not purchasing a package.
- 3-hour Early Dismissal:
Friday, December 15, 2023
Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 12:20
Students in grades 1st – 5th will be dismissed at 12:30
- Pajama Day:
Friday, December 22, 2023
Please bring a $1 donation to donate to CHOP
- Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 24, 2023
- Christmas Day
Monday, December 25, 2023
Schools will be closed
Christmas Day isn’t just a holiday for Christians. Learn about the various traditions that people hold to celebrate it. Then have yourself a merry little Christmas!
PBS LearningMedia: Christmas Video
- Winter Recess:
Schools will be closed for winter recess from
Monday, December 26, 2023 through Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Students will return to school on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
- Kwanzaa
Tuesday, December 26th – Monday, January 1 2024
Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate African American heritage. Learn the ways people observe this festivity and trace back its roots to ancient African customs.
PBS LearningMedia: Kwanzaa Video
- New Year’s Eve
Sunday, December 31, 2023
3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! On January 1st around the world, people celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next. Some people make resolutions for the new year or attend parties to celebrate. How do other cultures celebrate the new year?
PBS LearningMedia: New Year’s Day Video
November 2023
Tuesday, November 1st:
1st Day of American Indian Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month honors the indigenous people living in the United States before the arrival of the Europeans. In November, the United States honors and celebrates the customs and legacy of Native Americans.
PBS LearningMedia: Native American Heritage Month:
PBS LearningMedia: Native American Heritage Month: Video Link
Wednesday, November 1st:
Fundraiser ends.
All orders are due.
No orders will be accepted after the 1st.
Sunday, November 5th:
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Daylight Savings Time: Video Link
Tuesday, November 7th:
Schools are closed for Election Day
The first Tuesday after November 1st is Election Day, allowing American citizens to elect their civic leaders. Americans over 18 years old can vote for their local, state, and national leaders.
PBS LearningMedia: Election Day: Video Link
Saturday, November 11th:
Veterans Day
Veterans Day allows Americans to honor military veterans across the country. Originally celebrated as “Armistice Day” to mark the end of battles during WWI, the celebration has now extended to honor the more than 23 million veterans in the United States.
PBS LearningMedia: Veterans Day: Video Link
Sunday, November 12th:
Diwali
Diwali, or Divali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
PBS: Diwali: Video Link
Wednesday, November 15th:
Health Insurance Educational Session
9:30 to 10:30
In-Person in the IMC
More information will be shared at a later date
Wednesday, November 22nd:
3-hour Early Dismissal
Thursday, November 23rd:
Thanksgiving Day
Schools Closed
PBS LearningMedia: Thanksgiving: Video Link
Friday, November 24th:
Native American Heritage Day
Schools Closed
Monday, November 27th:
No School for Students
Report Card Conferences
Teachers will send home information regarding conference times.
Fundraiser Items Pick Up:
Pick-up times will be provided closer to the date.
October 2023
Monday, October 2nd:
National Maintenance & Custodial Appreciation Day
National Maintenance & Custodian Appreciation Day! Today, we recognize and appreciate all the custodians and maintenance professionals who keep our schools running smoothly. If you know a custodial or maintenance worker, thank them today!
Wednesday, October 4th:
Miss Chocolate Candy Sale Fundraiser Begins- Please remember to be safe, only sell to friends and family, and never go alone.
Miss Chocolate Candy Sale Ends November 1st
No orders will be accepted after November 1st
Tuesday, October 4th:
School Selection Parent Meeting
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM via Google Meet
Google Meet joining info:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ddc-sixu-kkj
Or dial: (US) +1 530-421-8755 PIN: 218 446 936#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/ddc-sixu-kkj?pin=4692450182471
Thursday, October 5th:
World Teacher Day
All children continue to be inspired and guided throughout their lives by the endless efforts of teachers. Let’s celebrate World #TeachersDay by thanking them for all that they do–everyday!
Friday, October 6th:
Winner of the parent attendance raffle for the month of September will be announced. Students who have perfect (100%) attendance (attended school all 18 days in the month of September) , will earn prizes and their parents name will be placed in a raffle to win a gift card.
Moving forward, students will earn prizes for perfect attendance when they attend school each day and have no more than 5 latenesses.
Monday, October 9th:
Indigenous Peoples’ Day of Learning
School will be open
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate and recognize the strength of their histories, contributions to our communities, and the beauty of their cultures.
PBS Learning information about Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, October 10th:
World Mental Health Day
Today is World Mental Health Day. Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is essential. Your self-care is a necessity. Please, if you are struggling, reach out to your school for help. Check out the mental health resources that SDP offers our students here: https://bit.ly/3FZmPi0 #WorldMentalHealthDay
Wednesday, October 11th:
Bilingual Parent Meeting for School Selection
When: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Where: Lawton’s Library
Wednesday, October 18th:
Unity Day
Celebrate Kindness, Acceptance, and Inclusion
Wear an orange shirt or hair ties to show you care.
Students must wear their Khaki uniform pants, no jeans.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. At Lawton, we don’t stand by – we stand up, and stand strong together. Don’t stand by, stand up against bullying.
Be an Upstander- Prevent Bullying
Friday, October 20th:
Picture Day for students in grades K-5th
Students may dress up or down.
More information will be coming soon.
Saturday, October 21st:
Trunk, Read and Treat – Students come dressed in a costume of their favorite character from a book or a Halloween costume. They will receive treats and a book.
School parking lot from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Friday, October 27th:
No School for Students
School Selection Application Window Closes
Tuesday, October 31st:
Halloween
PBS LearningMedia video about Halloween
September 2023
Monday, September 4th
Labor Day
School will be closed
Tuesday, September 5th – Monday, September 11, 2023
Kindergarten Interviews (3-hour early Dismissal for kindergarten students only)
Monday, September 11th
Star Assessment will begin this week.
This important assessment will be given three times a year.
It will measure students’ progress in both reading and math.
Please encourage your children to try their best.
Thursday, September 14th
Back to School Night: Back to School Night Parent Letter 2023-2024
Back to school night will take place in person.
Saturday, September 16th – Sunday, September 17th
Rosh Hashanah
It’s the Jewish new year. The words, “Rosh Hashanah” actually translate to “Head of the Year” in Hebrew. A lot of the symbolism around the holiday involves sweet things. We eat apples and challah dipped in honey in the hopes of having a “sweet” new year, one that is filled with love, happiness, joy, and celebration.
PBS LearningMedia video about Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, September 20th
Gym Uniform and School Polo Shirt Orders and Money are due.
( Cash only- Exact amount- Change will not be able to be given)
It is not mandatory to order, but they are available if you would like. Please look on DoJo and our school website for pictures and prices. lawton.philasd.org
Monday, September 25th
Yom Kippur
Schools Closed
It is a day marked by prayer and fasting. Yom Kippur is observed on the 10th day of the Jewish calendar month Tishri. The holiday usually occurs in September or October. In English, Yom Kippur is known as the Day of Atonement.
PBS LearningMedia video about Yom Kippur
Friday, September 29th
3 hour early dismissal
Dismissal:
Kindergarten students will be dismissed from the gym door in the large yard. Please remember to bring a photo ID when picking up your child.
Grades 1 & 2 will be dismissed in the small yard.
Grades 3 & 4 will be dismissed in the large yard.
5th Grade will be dismissed on Lardner Street.
Lawton has been using the School District messaging system to send reminders and updates. If you have not received emails or phone calls from us, please make sure that we have the correct phone number(s) on file for you.
Please sign up to the Parent Portal if you did not do so already. This is the messaging system that sends both phone and email reminders/notifications.
Students are to wear the school uniform every day. School uniform is tan bottoms and navy blue or white polo shirt.
The gym uniform should be worn on gym days. It consists of gray sweatpants/shorts and a red T-shirt. Hoodies are not permitted at any time.
Early dismissals are for emergencies/urgent circumstances only. Students miss instructional time as teachers provide instruction until the end of the school day.
Everyone picking up a child from school must have a picture ID to show to staff before a child can be released. Parents/guardians must provide the names of those who are permitted to pick up their child on the forms provided. We cannot and will not release a child without written notification from a parent and photo ID of the person upon arrival in the main office. Please consult www.philasd.org for more information regarding Early Release and Special Release procedures.
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
Students can login to their SDP accounts to use iReady and Lexia while school is not in session.
Families can access online math, ELA, science, and social studies Learning Guides for grades K – 12 HERE.
Many Lawton teachers are posting resources to be used while school is out to Class Dojo or to Google Classroom. Please login to these to check for information from specific teachers.