"Leading the way in quality independent public education for another five years-LFDCS receives its 4th consecutive charter!"
"Leading the way in quality independent public education for another five years-LFDCS receives its 4th consecutive charter!"
Ralph Carrero, Director/Superintendent of Lawrence Family Development Charter School, said “The Commissioners decision to renew our charter without conditions demonstrates that we are in full compliance with SPED Regulations, Civil Rights guidelines and all Department of Elementary and Secondary Education program reviews”. He indicated “The charter school offers a strong academic program aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and its program is enhanced by academic and enrichment opportunities that take students beyond the confines of the classroom and the borders of their community”. Mr. Carrero points out that this can be seen through various school day, after-school, and summer program partnerships that exist and cited the following examples: students learn to play violin with staff and students at Phillips Andover Academy; learn leadership skills and build confidence through Merrimack College’s Service Learning Center; work in science labs with college professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC); and participate in the Brooks School Robotics Program.
Mr. Carrero is also proud of the opportunities offered to the school’s parents to participate in English as a Second Language, Citizenship for New Americans, and Computer Skills Training programs. Parents can also learn skills to help their children prepare for MCAS testing.
The renewal process began late last summer with the school’s submission of a renewal application to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which was then reviewed and accepted. The DESE then contracted with Class Measures of Woburn, MA to conduct an independent and detailed review of the school’s performance. A team of specialists was assigned and conducted a four day inspection site visit in October to analyze the school’s performance relative to its Accountability Plan and the DESE’s Common School Performance Criteria. The inspection was conducted following the DESE’s Massachusetts Charter School Renewal Inspection Protocol, collecting and examining evidence relating to three areas of inquiry: 1. The school’s faithfulness to the terms of its charter, 2. The success of the school’s academic program, and 3. The viability of the school as an organization. The review process culminated on December 1st when the Commissioner conducted a site visit to meet with administrators and teachers and to visit students in the classroom to observe lessons in progress.
The Principal of the charter school, Susan Burgett, was pleased to report that the Renewal Inspection Team found that LFDCS met all five measures of faithfulness to its charter in its School Accountability Plan and did well in the areas of academic program success and viability of the organization. She said, “I had the opportunity to join the LFDCS staff in 1998 during the very first charter. I have been part of the second and third charters and have watched the school grow and prosper. It is my privilege to lead such dedicated hard working administrators, teachers and support staff into a fourth charter”.
Please contact Ralph Carrero, Director/Superintendent, at 978-689-9863, extension 123, if you have any questions or would like additional information about Lawrence Family Development Charter School.