Welcome back to Lawrence Together, your quick audio guide to everything happening in our township. Today is Thursday, January 8, 2026, and we have a packed episode covering new leadership, school updates, and upcoming community events.

Let’s jump right in.

Township Governance & Police News

First off, we have some leadership changes to start the year. Christopher Bobbitt was officially sworn in as Mayor of Lawrence Township at the Reorganizational Council Meeting on January 1st.

Over at the Police Department, it’s been a busy week. The department just wrapped up its accreditation assessment with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. We also want to congratulate the newest officers—Denis Hickey, Jakob Magner, and Raul Perez—who will be heading to the Cape May County Police Academy later this month.

School District Updates

Turning to the schools, we have some somber news to share first. The Lawrence Township Public Schools community is mourning the loss of August Vogel, an 11th-grade student at Lawrence High School. The district has made counselors available for staff and students during this difficult time.

In administrative news, the Board of Education has reorganized. Michele Bowes has been elected Board President, with Pepper Evans serving as Vice President, and they’ve welcomed new board member Paul Caparotta.

Parents, take note of a major schedule change: The district released a new calendar for the 2026–2027 school year. Instead of a late August start, students will return on September 1st, with the school year concluding on June 17th.

On the construction front, renovations are moving quickly at the Lawrence Middle School auditorium. The asbestos abatement is finished, air safety tests are clear, and all the seating has been removed. If you want to know more about the construction or curriculum changes, there is a community information session coming up on Wednesday, February 18th.

Upcoming Events & Activities

Now, let’s look at your calendar, because there is a lot happening in town.

• This Saturday, January 10th: Step back in time for the 64th Annual Colonel Edward Hand March. It starts at 10:00 AM at the Municipal Building. This is a great way to kick off the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. Speaking of which, the County just launched "Mercer 250," a new website dedicated to our local Revolutionary War history.
• Wednesday, January 14th: Parents of middle and high schoolers should head to the LHS auditorium at 6:30 PM for an AI Parent Workshop. They’ll be discussing how artificial intelligence is being used in classrooms and how to prepare students for the future.
• Saturday, January 17th: Do you have a pet? The Health Department is hosting a Free Drive-Thru Rabies Clinic at the Municipal Building parking lot. You must pre-register online by January 12th.

For the younger crowd, Spring 2026 Little League registration is officially open until mid-February. And for families with really little ones, the lottery application for the Cardinal Kids preschool program opens on January 15th.

Health & Housekeeping

Before we go, just a few quick reminders:

• Monday, January 19th, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All municipal offices and schools will be closed.
• If you need them, free COVID-19 test kits are available for pickup at the Health Department.
• It is officially tax season—2025 property tax information is now available for your income tax filings.

And finally, on a lighter note, if you heard kids shouting "Six-Seven!" recently, don't worry. The schools recently celebrated the 67th day of school by leaning into a popular TikTok meme, turning math lessons and essays into a "Six-Seven" themed celebration. It’s good to see the teachers keeping things fun.

That’s all for this week's update. Stay warm, Lawrence!

The Lawrence Township weekly newsletter for January 1, 2026, serves as a comprehensive guide for residents regarding municipal updates and community events. It highlights essential government notices, such as the closure of offices for New Year’s Day and the availability of the new 2026 municipal calendars. The publication also features various recreational opportunities, including fitness classes at the Senior Center, youth sports registration, and the annual Colonel Edward Hand historical reenactment. Public health is prioritized through announcements for free rabies vaccinations and the distribution of COVID-19 test kits. Additionally, the newsletter provides valuable community resources, offering information on utility bill assistance, mental health support, and local volunteer opportunities.

As the Lawrence Township Public Schools community approaches winter break from December 24 through January 4, the district has announced key updates, including a revised 2026–2027 calendar that sets the school year to run from September 1 to June 17. Significant progress is being made on facility improvements with the recent groundbreaking of the Lawrence Middle School auditorium renovation, alongside student enrichment activities like the "First Oval Office Project" history field trip. Looking ahead to the new year, the district has scheduled a Senior Class Parent Information Night for January 5, a parent workshop on Artificial Intelligence for January 14, and the opening of preschool lottery applications on January 15. Additionally, the Mercer County Library System has adjusted its holiday hours, closing early on Christmas Eve and remaining closed on Christmas Day, while encouraging patrons to utilize digital services like Kanopy and New York Times All Access during the closure.