The Lawrence Township (New Jersey) district has broken ground on a renovation and expansion of Lawrence Middle School.
CentralJersey.com reports that the plan calls for renovating the auditorium, along with cafeteria improvements and an expanded gym. A two-story classroom addition is also part of the project.
The first phase of the project is the renovation of the auditorium, marking its first major upgrade since 1952, said Lawrence Middle School Principal Mindy Milavsky. The school was built in 1950.
The middle school students will benefit from modern technology and enhanced acoustics, she said. An accessible ramp to the stage will ensure that every child can fully participate in performances.
Updated technical systems will enable students to gain hands-on experience in lighting, sound, stage management and production skills.
Work on the auditorium renovation will begin immediately, district officials said. Chain-link fences have been installed around the perimeter of the auditorium wing.
The district is expanding the middle school to create enough room for sixth graders to be relocated from the Lawrence Intermediate School. Moving the sixth graders will make room at elementary schools for pre-K classes for 3- and 4-year-old children.
The four elementary schools will be transformed into pre-K through second grade schools. Grades 3 to 5 will be housed at the intermediate school, and grades 6 to 8 will attend the expanded middle school. Students in grades 9 to 12 will continue to attend Lawrence High School.
The reconfigured grade distribution matches New Jersey Department of Education recommendations.
