The Science and Math Department at LFDCS is excited to launch our Quarterly STEM Challenge. This is an opportunity for students in Lower and Upper Schools to bring real-world problem-solving home and collaborate with their families!

Quarter 2's Challenge: Predict the first day this school year that Lawrence will get more than 1 inch of snow!

Students will research weather data, make a claim, and present their findings creatively. Students can use data from trusted sources like:

• National Weather Service
• National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration
• National Centers for Environmental Information
• Weather Underground
• The Farmer's Almanac
  
  

Submission Details:

• Formats: Poster, Diorama/3D Model, or Video Presentation
• Online Submission Deadline: December 5
• Physical Submission Window: December 1–5 (drop off at the front desk)
• Judging Criteria: STEM process, use of evidence, and creativity... not just accuracy!
• Winners: One per grade level, announced at the Quarter 2 Awards Ceremony and will get a special prize.
• Celebration: All winners will be honored at the End-of-Year Family Engagement Awards 

Join us for an extra Jeans Day this Friday, 11/14 (11/13 for grades 7 & 8) for a great cause! 

Please bring in either a canned good or $2 to participate. Collection boxes will be at the front desk of every school. 

All proceeds will go to a local food bank to support families in our community.  

Thank you for your support! 

Our November LFDCS Monthly is here! Click below to read the latest school news, events, and highlights. LFDCS Monthly can be translated by selecting your preferred language from the menu at the top of the newsletter.

November Newsletter

Congratulations to our November Staff Members of the Month! With a mix of old and new faces, this month is proof that everyone can make a difference no matter their years of service. We are extra thankful for you here at LFDCS!

Dianeisi Capellan (K1 Paraprofessional): Ms. Capellan always takes the time to guide and support others, making the work environment positive and comfortable for everyone around her. She consistently shows dedication and reliability. Ms. Capellan often takes initiative to assist in daily routines and approaches each day with a positive attitude.

Liliana Dalmer (G2 Teacher): Ms. Dalmer is a first time teacher and she is doing a great job on tackling the curriculum and managing her classroom. Any student would be lucky to have Ms. Dalmer as their second grade teacher!

Tomas Matos (G3 Teacher): Mr. Matos is always looking for new and better ways to ensure his students are successful. He is a wonderful teacher who always goes above and beyond. Mr. Matos works so hard to look at student data in order to better inform our instruction. His classroom is a safe and comfortable place for learning and having fun! Every time I walk by his classroom the students are engaged and smiling. The students and staff are truly lucky to have a teacher like Mr. Matos on our team!

Juna Temali (Grade 8 ELA Teacher): Since joining the LFDCS community, Ms. Temali has made a remarkable impact. Her kind, calm, and professional demeanor consistently motivates and engages her students. Ms. Temali arrives early each day, thoughtfully preparing her lessons and incorporating personalized touches to ensure they are meaningful and effective. She brings a smile to everyone's faces and keep the environment uplifting and encouraging. Ms. Temali connects with students in a genuine way and works exceptionally well with her teammates. 

Join us for our 8th Annual Family Movie Night on Friday, November 7, from 4:30pm - 6:00pm in the Upper School Gymnasium. This year's student-selected animated movie is Hotel Transylvania. There will be popcorn!

Please note that due to limited space, this event is only for our 3rd and 4th grade students and one parent/guardian chaperone. Each student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian chaperone (age 18 or over). Chaperones are required to sign in at the front desk upon arrival and remain with their student for the entire duration of the movie. Movie Night will conclude at the end of the movie.

Students can bring their special pillow for this event. Parents, you are also asked to bring in your own cushion to sit on. Please do not bring chairs of any kind.

New this year, registration is required to attend this event. Please register by Wednesday, 11/5, at:
ezchildtrack.com/LFDCS/parent. 

The Parent Advisory Council of Lawrence Family Development Charter School is a state-mandated parent/school planning group to advise the school on matters related to English Language Learners and Special Education.

Every parent of English Learner and Special Education students at LFDCS is welcome and encouraged to participate in the meetings of the PAC. The PAC will participate in the planning of parent workshops and the evaluation of our Special Education and English Learner programs. Members act as advisors to school administrators and governing bodies.

Parent Advisory Council Elections

LFDCS Parent Advisory Council will hold its October meeting and elections of council members on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in the Foley Library and on Teams (virtual meeting). The Parent Advisory Council leadership is comprised of two co-chairs, a secretary, a membership chair, the Director of Special Education, and the English Language Learner Coordinator.

If you wish to serve on the Parent Advisory Council, please click the link here, or here for the Spanish version.

We will list all parent candidates and their goals on a "ballot." 

For more information on the ELPAC/SEPAC, please click here.

LFDCS invites you to our Parent Coffee on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

Foley Library, Quintana Center, 404 Haverhill St., Lawrence MA.

For more information, please contact Yesenia Suazo, Parent Liaison, (978) 216-0461 Ext. 116

For those attending virtually: Meeting Link / Meeting ID: 235 424 353 542 9 / Passcode: C36SS7CV

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LFDCS los invita a nuestro café para Padres viernes 24 de octubre de 2025 a las 8:30 a.m.

Biblioteca Foley, Centro Quintana,, 404 calle Haverhill, Lawrence MA

Para más información llame a Yesenia Suazo/Parent Liaison, (978) 216-0461 Ext. 116

Para los que asisten virtualmente: Enlace a la reunión / Meeting ID: 235 424 353 542 9 / Passcode: C36SS7CV 

Join us tonight, October 20, from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. to learn how you can help your child prepare for MCAS. We'll review expectations and strategies, talk about multiplication fluency, and show you a fun game to play at home for extra practice. Please check in at the Lower School front desk upon arrival.

We are excited to introduce a new fundraising event, Meadow Farms Fall Fundraising, where 50% of the total amount sold will go directly to the Student Scholarship Fund here at LFDCS. Start your holiday shopping early with candles, gift wrap, and more. 

Your assistance is needed to complete the forms with or for your child, please verify all checks, money orders, or cash match with each order and are secure in an envelope.

Please use the order form sent home with your child, or create an online Seller account at meadowfarms.com/register. Please use the Group ID 1211179.

Make checks payable to Lawrence Family Development Charter School. 

Please call Yesenia Suazo (Parent Liaison) at 978-698-9863 x 116 if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting our students!

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Recaudación de Fondos de Meadow Farms

Nos complace presentar un nuevo evento de recaudación de fondos, la Recaudación de Fondos de Otoño de Meadow Farms, donde el 50% del total vendido se destinará directamente a Becas Estudiantiles de LFDCS. Empiece sus compras navideñas con anticipación: velas, papel para envolver regalos y más.

Necesitamos su ayuda para completar los formularios con o para su hijo/a. Por favor, verifique que todos los cheques, giros postales o efectivo coincidan con cada pedido y estén guardados en un sobre seguro.

Utilice el formulario de pedido que se envió a casa con su hijo/a o cree una cuenta de vendedor en línea en meadowfarms.com/register. Utilice el ID de grupo 1211179.

Haga los cheques a nombre de Lawrence Family Development Charter School.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, llame a Yesenia Suazo (Enlace con Padres) al 978-698-9863 ext. 116. ¡Gracias por apoyar a nuestros estudiantes!

Unity Day: A Special Twist to This Friday's (10/17) Jeans Day!*

This Friday, we're adding a special twist to Jeans Day in recognition of National Bullying Awareness Month! We invite all students to join our LFDCS Unity Day by wearing jeans and an orange shirt to show their support for kindness, respect, and inclusion throughout our school community. If a student does not wear orange, they are expected to wear their LFDCS uniform shirt.

During October, students will also take part in classroom activities that promote these important values. Thank you for helping us make LFDCS a place where every student feels safe, valued, and supported.

*Jeans Day for 7th and 8th Graders will be held on Thursday, October 16. 

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Sanchez,

Celebrating National School Lunch Week: "Taste the World – Your School Lunch Passport" October 13 -17, 2025. Every meal is a passport to flavor!

Tuesday October 14:   Barbacoa Beef Tacos

• Where It Comes From: Barbacoa began long ago with the Taíno people, who cooked meat on wooden frames over fire. In Mexico, this tradition grew into cooking meat slowly in a warm pit with hot stones and agave leaves, making it tender and full of flavor.
  
  
• Why It's Special: Barbacoa is more than just food—it's a way for families and friends to come together to celebrate and share meals on weekends and holidays.
  
  
• A Taste of History: Every bite of barbacoa connects people to their roots, mixing old traditions from Indigenous and Spanish cultures into one delicious dish.
  

Wednesday, October 15: BBQ Grilled Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Sweet Corn

• Where It Comes From: Barbecue chicken began long ago with the Taíno people, who cooked meat slowly over a fire. Sweet potatoes have been grown for thousands of years in Central and South America. Over time, people from many cultures helped make these foods part of American cooking today.
  
  
• Why It's Special: Barbecue brings people together for fun and celebration, and sweet potatoes remind us of creativity and care in family meals and traditions.
  
  
• What It Teaches Us: This meal shows how food connects people and cultures, reminding us that delicious traditions can come from all around the world!
  
  

Thursday October 16: Macaroni & Cheese

• Where It Comes From: Macaroni and cheese began in Italy long ago, where people made pasta baked with cheese. It later became a favorite dish in America.
  
  
• Why It's Special: With its creamy, cheesy flavor, mac and cheese is known as a warm and comforting meal loved by families everywhere.
  
  
• Fun Fact: Whether baked in the oven or made on the stove, mac and cheese has been a classic favorite for generations!

Friday October 17; Pizza Day!

• Where It Comes From: Cheese pizza started in Naples, Italy, as a simple flatbread with tomatoes and cheese. It became famous when Queen Margherita loved a pizza made just for her, and Italian immigrants later brought it to America.
  
  
• Why It's Special: Pizza is loved around the world for its yummy, cheesy flavor. It's a favorite at family meals, parties, and school lunches, showing how food can bring people together.
  
  
• What It Teaches Us: From a small street food to a worldwide favorite, cheese pizza reminds us that simple foods can be creative, fun, and shared with everyone.
  
  
  
  

Enjoy these delicious destinations on your School Lunch Passport journey!

We're excited to recognize our October Staff Members of the Month! Each month, one staff member from each building is selected for exemplifying what it means to be a passionate, collaborative, and dedicated educator.

Jaithian Medina (K1 Paraprofessional): Mr. Medina is the backbone of our school! He is always so helpful, truly cares about kids, and is great at de-escalating students. The kids light up when they see him! Mr. Medina has gone out of his way trying his best to support with behaviors. He is always there to lend a helping hand. Mr. Medina always helps out, no matter what the situation, and always does it with a smile!

Jacob Vazquez (SPED Paraprofessional): Mr. J. has done an amazing job supporting students. He is always helping and being there for others. Mr. J. creates relationships with students and builds trust. He has consistently been a dedicated team member, working hard to ensure that everything that needs to be accomplished gets done. Students often ask for him because he makes them smile and is relatable to all students.

David Grandmaison (Grade 7 Science Teacher): Mr. Grandmaison is always supportive and dependable. Not only will he always be there for support but consistently reminds students of school expecations. He is always communicating constructively and is thinking of creative ways to do academically rigorous instruction. Being on Mr. Grandmaison's team means you will always have a person to go to and succeed with. 

Thank you to our incredible teammates!

High School Fair
October 7th, 2025
4 PM – 7 PM
Contact with further questions.

Please here for registration and payment form.

Questions? Please contact: Hali Castleman,

On Monday, September 29, our cafeteria will feature Pollo Guisado, a beloved chicken stew, to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. Our cafeteria proudly features meals inspired by Hispanic culture, highlighting flavors and dishes from across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Pollo Guisado: A Dish with History
Pollo guisado is more than a comforting meal—it reflects the blending of cultures and traditions that shaped the Caribbean and Latin America:

• Indigenous peoples contributed local ingredients and methods.
• Spanish colonizers introduced new foods and the braising technique ("guisar").
• Enslaved Africans enriched the dish with bold flavors and resilience.
  
  

Across the Caribbean

• In Puerto Rico, it's made with sofrito, sazón, and olives.
• In the Dominican Republic, it features a tangy, vegetable-rich sauce.
• Across the Caribbean, it's a symbol of family, comfort, and cultural pride.
  
  

Why It Matters
Serving pollo guisado—and regularly offering meals celebrating Hispanic heritage—is a way to honor culture, resilience, and the flavors that connect generations.

We look forward to sharing this celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month! 

The Upper School Picture Day is Monday, October 6, 2025.

The Academy (A & B) Picture Day is Thursday, October 9, 2025.

The Lower School Picture Day is Friday, October 10, 2025.

Please see image below for Picture Day ordering information for Upper School: 

Please see image below for Picture Day ordering information for the Academy (A & B): 

Please see image below for Picture Day ordering information for Lower School: 

We are committed to supporting the well-being of our students and believe supporting mental health is an important part of overall student health. This school year, we've partnered with Cartwheel to provide teletherapy, family check-ins and guidance, and psychiatric care—all with licensed clinicians and no waitlists.

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, having a hard time staying focused, or just needs someone to talk to, Cartwheel is here to help. Visit www.cartwheel.org/families to learn more.

🧠 A licensed therapist or psychiatrist with no waitlist, within a matter of days.

🖥️ Telehealth sessions from 8am to 8pm, whenever is most convenient.

🗣️ Care in several languages, including English, Spanish, and others.

✅ Completely free care for families who have Medicaid or are uninsured and considered an in-network provider for families with private insurance (standard co-payments and deductibles may apply).

🫶 Individual therapy sessions are available for students in grades 3+ and parent guidance sessions are available at all grade levels, providing families with the right level of support at the right time.

You can raise your hand for support today – we're here when you need us: www.cartwheel.org/families

🧠 Learn more about Cartwheel, common mental health signs to look for, and check out these helpful FAQs 

LFDCS invites you to our Parent Coffee on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

Foley Library, Quintana Center, 404 Haverhill St., Lawrence MA.

For more information, please contact Yesenia Suazo, Parent Liaison, (978) 216-0461 Ext. 116

For those attending virtually: Meeting Link / Meeting ID: 265 173 702 243 1 / Passcode: sN7UA6Ro

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LFDCS los invita a nuestro café para Padres viernes 19 de septiembre de 2025 a las 8:30 a.m.

Biblioteca Foley, Centro Quintana,, 404 calle Haverhill, Lawrence MA

Para más información llame a Yesenia Suazo/Parent Liaison, (978) 216-0461 Ext. 116

Para los que asisten virtualmente: Enlace a la reunión / Meeting ID: 265 173 702 243 1 / Passcode: sN7UA6Ro

LFDCS offers students exciting opportunities to explore their interests, learn new skills, interact with peers, and support academic growth through after-school clubs. These supervised after-school clubs are offered to students in Grades 1 - 8.

View the Fall 2025 Club Catalog:
CLUB INFORMATION AND OFFERINGS FALL 2025
INFORMACIÓN DEL CLUB Y OFRENDAS OTOÑO 2025

Session Dates: 
Fall Session: September 22, 2025 - December 19, 2025
Full Year: September 22, 2025 - June 5, 2025

Registration Details: 
Registration for both Fall 2025 and full year clubs opens at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 and closes at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Applications will no longer be accepted after September 14.

All applications for clubs are submitted online at LFDCS Club Registration. 

LFDCS invites you to our Parent Coffee on Monday August 25, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

Upper School Gym Building, 400 Haverhill St., Lawrence MA.

For more information, please contact Yesenia Suazo, Parent Liaison, (978) 216-0461 Ext. 116 

For those attending virtually: Meeting Link / Meeting ID: 249 571 029 087 7 / Passcode: tS3J6Ub3

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LFDCS los invita a nuestro café para Padres el lunes 25 de agosto del 2025 a las 8:30 a.m.

Gimnasio de la escuela intermedia, 400 calle Haverhill, Lawrence MA

Para más información llame a Yesenia Suazo/Parent Liaison, (978) 216-0461 Ext. 116

Para los que asisten virtualmente: Enlace a la reunión / Meeting ID: 249 571 029 087 7 / Passcode: tS3J6Ub3

 Please see the list of school supplies needed for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.  

As the sun sets on another fantastic season, we're thrilled to reflect on all the fun, learning, and memories made during this year's Summer Programs! Over the past four themed weeks, our students had the opportunity to explore new interests, build friendships, and stay active! 

Metro School Uniforms is excited to announce our Annual School Uniform Sale, designed to support our school community as families prepare for the upcoming academic year.

From June 15 to July 17, families will receive 15% off all uniform purchases, plus free shipping on orders over $120.

This will be our final sitewide sale before the start of the school year, so it's the perfect time for families to stock up and save.

To avoid delays and ensure students are ready for the first day, we encourage families to place their orders early.

Registration for the 2025-2026 Extended Day Program opens on July 1, 2025, and closes on August 15, 2025. To register, please visit the Extended Day Parent Portal. If you have any questions or would like more information on the program, please click here. 

 Metro School Uniforms is excited to announce our Annual School Uniform Sale, designed to support our school community as families prepare for the upcoming academic year.

From June 15 to July 17, families will receive 15% off all uniform purchases, plus free shipping on orders over $120.

This will be our final sitewide sale before the start of the school year, so it's the perfect time for families to stock up and save.
To avoid delays and ensure students are ready for the first day, we encourage families to place their orders early.

The eighth grade graduation took place on Monday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m. 

The graduation ceremony will also be streamed at the link below:

https://youtube.com/live/CrXjWwaqieg?feature=share

Click here for Registration and Payment Link

When is Christmas break??

View the the 24-25 school calendar here.

 Please see the list of supplies by grade. 

Updated on 6/12/2024

Lawrence Family Development Charter School Offers another Year of Meals at No Cost for Students

Lawrence Family Development Charter School will be participating in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. As part of this program, all LFDCS schools will offer healthy meals every school day. The Massachusetts legislature has provided funding to make meals available at no cost to all students during school year 2023-2024, regardless of household income. However, families should still complete a Meal Benefit Application as this provides data for key funding for academic resources and may also connect families to additional benefits. This data will also support the additional funds provided by the Commonwealth for this pilot. Household size and income criteria are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits if the household does not receive assistance or the children are not in the other categories mentioned above. Children can get free or reduced-price meals if the household's gross income falls at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart.

Community Eligibility Provision

Lawrence Family Development Charter School will be participating in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. As part of this program, LFDCS schools will offer healthy meals every school day at NO COST to the students due to the implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision for school year 2023-2024. Students will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a household application.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1.mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2.fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3.email:

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.