Celebrating the Class of 2026, Jamie Ding Comes Home & Summer Plans – June 4, 2026
Sources: Latest in Lawrence (June 4, 2026) | Lawrence Township Public Schools QuickNews (June 4, 2026)⚠️ Producer's Notes & DiscrepanciesAddress discrepancy: The Latest in Lawrence footer lists the Township address as "2207 Lawrence Road," while the newsletter body and the QuickNews footer both use "2207 Lawrenceville Road." The script used Lawrenceville Road, consistent with the municipal address update announcement in the same issue. Verify before publication.Summer EBT application deadline passed: The newsletter lists an application deadline of April 10, 2026. The program description was omitted from the script; contact info preserved below for producer reference. Jennifer Mahoney: jmahoney@ltps.org | (609) 671-5435.Omissions from Latest in Lawrence: The "10 Ways to Love Your Brain" Health Department infographic (visual-only); "Follow Us on Social Media" icons (visual/link-only); Township Quick Links navigation block (link-only); Operation Blue Angel (name and registration button only, no descriptive text); detailed ERMA eligibility bullet list (summarized); Mercer County Food Finder, NJ Disability Information Hub, Mercer County Library System events, Mercer County Community College fall registration, Mercer 250 website, and NJ is Here to Help 9-8-8 crisis line (county/state-level resources, no Lawrence-specific dates or details); Volunteer Opportunities listing (links-only). Boards and Committees meeting schedule condensed to resident-actionable items; full list: Recreation Advisory Committee June 4 at 6:30 PM; Public Safety Committee June 9 at 6:30 PM; Business and Economic Growth Committee June 9 at 7:00 PM; Senior Executive Committee June 10 at 9:30 AM; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (rescheduled from June 18) June 11 at 6:30 PM.Omissions from Lawrence Township Public Schools QuickNews: Summer EBT (deadline passed, omitted from script); LTPS-TV / LTPS Rewind boilerplate (standing item, no episode-specific content); Kids Art Camp K-6, 4-H Health Body Mind Club, TCNJ Young Writers Workshop, Animal Cartoon Drawing Course, Free Caregiver Workshop Series, and Camp Rider (community program listings, omitted for length; included in show notes below). District Calendar condensed; omitted calendar items: June 4 Lawrence Intermediate School Unity Day Rain Date, June 4 Lawrence Middle School Homework Club, June 5 Senior Cap and Gown Distribution, June 5 Lawrence Middle School 8th Grade Dance/Celebration, June 6 Culture Fest, June 8 Lawrence Elementary School Pre-K Ceremony, June 9 Lawrence Middle School Homework Club, June 10 Lawrence Middle School Ambassadors to Lawrence Intermediate School, June 10 Lawrence Middle School 101, June 11 Last Day of Late Bus, June 11 Senior Class Breakfast, June 11 Lawrence Elementary School Kindergarten Concert, June 11 Lawrence Middle School Homework Club, June 12 Lawrence Elementary School 3rd Grade Celebration. June Is Pride Month header graphic noted; no additional body text accompanied it.🏛️ Township NewsSpecial Meeting – Lawrence Neighborhood CenterThe Township is holding a special public meeting to discuss the future use of the Lawrence Neighborhood Center and final considerations for the Request for Proposals. No formal vote or official action will be taken. Residents are encouraged to attend and share input before the RFP is finalized and presented to Council at the regular June Council meeting.DetailInfoDate | Monday, June 8, 2026Time | 6:00 PMLocation | Main Meeting Room, Town HallLawrence Township Master Plan MeetingA public information and comment meeting on the status of the Township Master Plan. Residents may hear an update, ask questions of the panel, and share public comment. Sign in at the meeting to speak; speakers are called in sign-in order with 5 minutes each. Submit questions in advance by emailing Bgiglio@lawrencetwp.com by Monday, June 8 at 6:00 PM.DetailInfoDate | Thursday, June 11, 2026Time | 7:00 PMLocation | Lawrence Senior Center, 30 E. Darrah LaneMunicipal Address UpdateThe Township of Lawrence is discontinuing use of P.O. Box 6006. All correspondence, including payments, should now be sent to:Township of Lawrence | 2207 Lawrenceville Road | Lawrence Township, NJ 08648Scheduled payments should be updated to reflect this change.🎓 Schools NewsStrategic Planning Session #3 – Join Us June 8!The third and final community session shaping Lawrence Township Public Schools' five-year goals. Previous sessions brought together more than 160 community members. All are welcome.DetailInfoDate | Monday, June 8, 2026Time | 6:00–7:00 PMWho | All community members welcomeRegister on the LTPS website.Board of Education MeetingDateTimeTuesday, June 10, 2026 | Regular meeting🎵 A Night with Jamie DingLawrence Township resident and Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding comes to Lawrence High School for a keynote and Q&A. Ding finished 5th all-time for consecutive wins (31-game streak) and earned $885,605 in regular-season winnings. This is a new date — all attendees must re-register even if previously signed up.DetailInfoDate | Tuesday, June 16, 2026Time | 6:30 PM (doors open 6:15 PM)Location | Lawrence High School AuditoriumCost | FreeRegister on the LTPS website.🎉 Project Graduation – VIP Seat RaffleRaffle benefits Lawrence High School Project Graduation. Two winners each receive VIP seating for a family of 10 at graduation at the Cure Arena.ChancesCost1 chance | $203 chances | $507 chances | $100Donors of $120 or more this year are automatically entered. Drawing: June 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Tickets available on the LTPS website. Questions: Ltpsprojectgraduation@gmail.com🎉 Project Graduation 2026Free, seniors-only celebration on the evening of graduation.DetailInfoDate | Tuesday, June 23, 2026Time | 11:00 PM – 5:00 AMCost | Free for all Lawrence High School seniorsGuests | Lawrence High School seniors only — no guests permittedFeatures games, karaoke, prizes, raffles, food, and more. Seniors who attend do not need to come to school on June 24. Seniors (not parents) must complete the registration form on the LTPS website. Questions: Ltpsprojectgraduation@gmail.com📱 Away for the Day – Coming September 2026Starting in September 2026, all Lawrence Township Public Schools will require personal electronic devices — including cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, Meta glasses, and similar technology — to remain put away and unused from the first bell to the last bell of every school day.🏃 Recreation & ProgramsSafety TownNOW OPEN TO FIRST GRADE. An interactive safety education program for kindergarten and first-grade students featuring visits from police, fire, and EMT professionals. Topics include home safety, fire safety, playground safety, and how to call 9-1-1.DetailInfoDates | June 25 – July 3, 2026Time | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMGrades | Kindergarten & First GradeRegister through the Township Recreation Department.Senior Zumba ClassA 7-week Zumba series with instructor Sylvia at the Lawrence Senior Center, modified for residents 60 and older. No prior experience required. Must be a registered Lawrence resident.DetailInfoDates | June 17 – July 29, 2026Day/Time | Wednesdays, 2:00–3:00 PMLocation | Lawrence Senior Center, 30 E. Darrah LaneCost | $28 for the seriesRegister: visit the center or call (609) 844-7048.David Brearley Fun RunA scenic 5K run or walk celebrating the birth of American Founding Father and Constitution signer David Brearley. The out-and-back course starts at the historic Brearley House (built 1761) and follows the Delaware & Raritan Canal to the Port Mercer Canal House (built 1830s).DetailInfoDate | Saturday, June 6, 2026Time | 8:30 AMLocation | Brearley House, 100 Meadow Road🏥 Health & ServicesDog Licensing ReminderAnimal Control is contacting more than 500 dog owners with delinquent licenses. Beginning June 2026, summonses may be issued for unlicensed dogs. A $9 late fee is currently in effect. Rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 2026. Questions: contact the Township Clerk's Office.Free COVID-19 Test KitsAt-home COVID-19 test kits provided by Mercer County are available at the Lawrence Health Department while supplies last. Pick up at the Municipal Building North Entrance, 2207 Lawrenceville Road. Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM.Health Department: (609) 844-7089Mercer County Cooling CentersMercer County maintains an updated list of cooling centers countywide, available whenever excessive heat is in the forecast. Visit the Township or County website for details.Medi-Cool ProgramFree 5,000 BTU air conditioning units available for eligible Mercer County low-income seniors and adults with disabilities, funded by Mercer County Department of Human Services. Contact Rise, A Community Service Partnership, at (609) 443-4464 to schedule an eligibility screening.Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA)Financial assistance for eligible homeowners who experienced COVID-19-related income loss or expense increases and have been unable to remain current on mortgage payments. Eligibility requirements apply. Visit the Township website for details.👮 Police DepartmentSpecial Olympics Torch RunLawrence Township Police Department and F.O.P. Lodge #209 raised more than $1,000 for the 43rd Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics New Jersey. On June 5, officers ran a 4-mile leg concluding at The College of New Jersey, marking the start of the 2026 Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games.🏫 Schools – Celebrations & RecognitionLawrence High School Senior Awards CeremonyLawrence High School honored the Class of 2026 on May 28 for academic excellence, leadership, service, artistic talent, and athletic achievement. Students were recognized for their individual accomplishments and their positive impact on classmates, school, and community.Lawrence High School Sports Awards BanquetHeld June 1, 2026. Coaches recognized athletes for a year that included record-breaking performances, championship seasons, and Colonial Valley Conference Tournament titles. Keynote speaker: Brett Brackett, Lawrence High School Class of 2006. Awards included scholarships, leadership, sportsmanship, memorial, coaches', and athletic recognitions, as well as an Athletic Hall of Fame honor. Thanks to the Lawrence High School Athletic Booster Club and the Lawrence Township Public Schools Athletic Department.Spring Music ConcertsStudents across Lawrence Township Public Schools took the stage this spring for a season of chorus, band, and orchestra performances from elementary through high school. Upcoming concerts still ahead:EventDateTimeLawrence Middle School Spring Concert – Band & 8th Grade Chorus | June 10, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 PMLawrence Middle School Spring Concert – Orchestra & 7th Grade Chorus | June 11, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 PMStudent Ambassadors & Unity DayLawrence Intermediate School 4th grade Student Ambassadors visited elementary schools to meet with current 3rd graders and share advice about the transition to intermediate school. Unity Day brought third graders from all four elementary schools together at Lawrence Intermediate School for team games led by 5th grade Student Ambassadors, helping rising 4th graders build new friendships before the fall.Cardinal Kids Preschool Parent OrientationFamilies of incoming preschool students gathered for orientation, learning about curriculum, classroom routines, transportation, before and after care, and resources for the year ahead. Lawrence Township Public Schools welcomes its newest Cardinal Kids across six preschool sites this fall.Career Skills Development – Community Partners RecognizedThe Lawrence High School Career Skills Development Program visited community partner worksites to deliver certificates of appreciation and a symbolic gift of seeds. Partners recognized include: Brookwood Cafe, Lawrenceville Main Street, Final Boss Comics & Games, Burlington, Pennington Quality Market, Limitless Behavioral Services and Consulting LLC, Maschio's Food Services, Plato's Closet, Barnes & Noble, and HomeFront.🌈 Community EventsLawrence PRIDEfest & Pride Fun Run2nd Annual Lawrence PRIDEfest, organized by Lawrence Neighbors Together.DetailInfoDate | Sunday, June 14, 2026Time | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Fun Run/Walk: 9:00–10:00 AM)Location | Lawrence High SchoolCost | Free to attendLive music, vendors, food and drinks. Everyone welcome. More info: tinyurl.com/PRIDEfest26 | Fun Run registration: form.jotform.com/261097128648162Community Lunch – Youth Mental Health PanelA conversation about teen anxiety and the pressures facing today's youth, guided by mental health and advocacy professionals. Open to community leaders, parents, and neighbors.DetailInfoDate | Thursday, June 11, 2026Time | 12:00 PMLocation | The Community Well, co-located with the Presbyterian Church of LawrencevilleRegister through the link in the QuickNews newsletter.Summer Benefit Concert – Sam Lardner & BarcelonaAn evening of live music at the Community Well as part of a special benefit tour.DetailInfoDate | Wednesday, July 22, 2026Time | 7:00 PMLocation | The Community Well, 2688 Main St., Lawrenceville (co-located with the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville)🏕️ Summer Programs (Community)The following summer programs were listed in the Lawrence Township Public Schools QuickNews community section. Details and registration links are available in the district's Online Backpack.Camp Westrick (Music Summer Camp) – Week-long music camp for singers of all experience levels. Singing, games, arts & crafts, outdoor play, and a final performance. August 3–7, 2026. Open to current WMA singers and new families.Primetime Summer Basketball Camp – Partnership between Primetime Athletics and Lawrence Recreation. Open to students entering grades 3–9, all skill levels welcome. Held at Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike. Coed week: July 6–9; Boys week: July 13–16. 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.Kids Art Camp K-6 – Creative summer camp for students in grades 3–6. Painting, drawing, mixed media, and nature-inspired crafts with outdoor time. Extended day options available. Offered by Honey House Art Studio.S.E.A.L. Academy STEAM Summer Camp – Full-day program for grades 1–8 at the Princeton Jewish Center. Subjects include Chemistry, Engineering, Film Production, and Mini Med School. July 6–August 14, 2026.4-H Health, Body, Mind Club – Mercer County Rutgers 4-H program exploring physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Meetings held twice monthly in Ewing and the West Windsor area. Leadership opportunities available.TCNJ Young Writers Workshop – Free creative writing workshop for middle and high school students hosted by the TCNJ English Department. Saturday, June 6, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM. Free for the first 25 students to register per session. Registration: bit.ly/TCNJYoungWriters-HS2026Animal Cartoon Drawing Course – Youth drawing workshop at the Community Well, co-located with the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Main St., Lawrenceville. July 13–17, 9:30–11:30 AM. Ages 8–13, $45/week. See the QuickNews for enrollment details.Camp Rider (Capital Area YMCA) – Summer camp providing learning, recreation, mentorship, and community experiences. June 29–August 21, 2026, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM. Subsidy accepted. Visit capitalymca.org for details.Free Caregiver Workshop Series (NJ) – A free virtual workshop series for caregivers on supporting children's emotional well-being during the summer transition. Topics include healthy digital engagement, peer and family connection, and recognizing signs of distress. Session 1: Monday, June 15, 12:00–1:30 PM EST (Zoom). Session 2: Tuesday, June 16, 12:00–1:30 PM EST (Zoom). Open to all caregivers.Lawrence Together is a community podcast serving residents of Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.