Lawson School District Announces Approval of Contract with Excel Construction for New Administrative Office Suite and Main Entrance
Lawson School District is thrilled to officially announce the approval of an exciting construction project that will enhance functionality and security at Southwest Elementary School. Plans are underway to develop a state-of-the-art administrative office suite and a redesigned main school entrance.
This project, approved by the Lawson Board of Education, reflects a commitment to providing an improved experience for students, staff, and visitors. The new administrative suite will feature modernized workspaces for school personnel, an upgraded conference room, and enhanced technology to streamline operations. The redesigned main entrance will also prioritize accessibility and safety, ensuring a welcoming and secure environment.
Key Features of the Project Include:
*Expanded Administrative Offices: Designed with efficiency and collaboration in mind, the new office suite will provide ample space for staff and streamline administrative functions.
*Modernized Security Enhancements: The new entrance will include updated security measures, including controlled access points, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
*Improved Visitor Experience: A welcoming reception area and clear navigation will make the school more accessible for families and community members.
*Aesthetic and Functional Upgrades: The design will blend seamlessly with the existing architecture while incorporating contemporary elements.
“This project represents a significant step forward for Southwest Elementary and our community,” said Mrs. Cross, Principal of Southwest Elementary School. “The new administrative suite and main entrance will enhance our ability to support students’ educational journeys while ensuring their safety and comfort. We’re grateful for the support of our community for making this vision a reality.”
The Southwest project is one of several initiatives designated for completion as part of the No Tax Increase Bond passed by the Lawson community in April 2024. The construction is scheduled to begin in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by July 2025. The construction timeline will ensure no interruption of daily school operations during the build process.
Lawson School District is committed to informing the community as the project progresses. Regular updates, including timelines and milestones, will be shared via the school’s website and communication channels.
Check out the before and after of our Blazing Cardinals Band Trailer. It's great to know we will look as good as we sound when we hit the road. #WeAreLawson #BlazingCardinals
2025-2026 Employment Opportunities
It's always a great day to be a Cardinal...but it's better WHEN YOU're HERE!!!
Click to learn more:https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/employment-page
Due to extreme temperatures and concerns for student safety on buses, there will be no school tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Reminder that there will be no school on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Southwest is looking for new Nesters! Information about the 2025-26 preschool program at Southwest is below. Families that are residents of the Lawson School District and have a child(ren) who will be three before August 1, 2025 are eligible. Interested families should use the link or the QR code on the flyer to register for a screening.
https://bit.ly/3Zy0jG2?r=qr
(A limited number of spots are available - Screening does not guarantee acceptance - The District will use the student screening and other evaluation processes to determine acceptance.)
Please contact Southwest Elementary's office (816) 580-7272 if you have any questions.
Alternate Bus Routes will be in effect all week. Those impacted riders have been informed of alternative plans by their bus driver or the Durham-Lawson Transportation Director.
📢 Breaking News from Lawson School District: Day 4 of Snowy Shenanigans looks unavoidable! 🌨️ - No School Today, Friday (1-10-25)
Attention students, parents, and staff: Due to the continued efforts of Mother Nature to outdo herself, Lawson School District is calling its 4th consecutive snow day! At this point, we’re starting to wonder if the snow has hired its own personal bodyguard to keep us home.
🎿 Suggested Activities for Today:
Build an igloo and name it "Lawson Academy of Snow Studies."
Teach your pets to sled. Bonus points if they learn to mush.
Create a snowman that looks like your favorite teacher – but remember, flattery gets you extra credit!
Don’t forget to keep warm, stay safe, and maybe, just maybe, take a moment to think about that late homework you still haven't turned in for 1st semester. (It's good that your semester grades have not been finalized yet.)
Stay tuned for Monday's exciting update, which may or may not include us officially renaming January to "Snowvember."
See you… eventually!
-Lawson School District 🛷❄️
With continued safety concerns regarding our most rural bus routes, there will be NO SCHOOL on Thursday, 1-9-25.
Due to inclement weather, there is NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Wednesday (1-8-25).
Inclement Weather / School Cancelation - UPDATE 1-5-25
Dear Cardinals,
As anticipated, the winter storm has created significant challenges across our region. To ensure everyone’s safety and a smooth start to the second semester of the 2024–2025 school year, we have adjusted our schedule as follows:
Updated Schedule
• Monday, January 6, 2025: All campuses and facilities will remain closed.
• Tuesday, January 7, 2025: Staff in-service day (rescheduled from January 6).
• Wednesday, January 8, 2025: Students return to school (rescheduled from January 7).
These adjustments prioritize the well-being of our students and staff while allowing adequate time to prepare for a successful start to the semester.
We are optimistic that weather and road conditions will improve by midweek, but we will monitor the situation closely. Decisions regarding team practices on Monday and Tuesday will be made as more information becomes available.
Our goal is to ensure the safety of all students and staff while keeping families informed to help with planning. Please stay tuned to district communications for further updates.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this together.
Dr. Stephenson
Lawson School Campuses and Facilities will be closed to all access beginning at 5pm 1/4/25. They will remain closed until the winter storm has passed, and we can clear parking lots and sidewalks for safe passage. We will share additional information about our return to school once we have more information on road conditions.
It‘s always a great day to be a Cardinal...but it’s better WHEN YOU’re HERE!!!
https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/employment-page
Holiday Message from Dr. Stephenson
Dear Lawson Community,
As we close in on the final bell to ring for the dismissal of our Cardinals in 2024 and head off our separate ways for the holiday break, I want to express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributes to the success of our schools. To our parents, thank you for your continued support and partnership in your children's education. To our teachers and staff, your dedication to meeting the needs of students is deeply appreciated.
The holiday season is a special time to reflect on our community's strength, shared commitment, and accepted responsibility in nurturing and growing our students. May this break allow us to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones.
Thank you for all you do to make Lawson an exceptional place to learn and grow.
Dr. Stephenson
Superintendent
Lawson R-XIV School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2024
Lawson Board of Education Announces Lisa Glenn as New Activities Director
LAWSON, MO—The Lawson Board of Education proudly announces that Lisa Glenn will become the new Activities Director for the Lawson R-XIV School District in August 2025.
With over 25 years of dedicated service to the district as an educator, coach, and mentor, Glenn brings unparalleled experience and a passion for student development to this vital leadership role.
"Lisa Glenn "embodies the values of excellence, integrity, and commitment that define Lawson R-XIV," said Superintendent Stephenson. "Her decades of "service to our students, coaches, and community make her uniquely qualified to lead and enhance our athletics and activities programs."
Coach Glenn's tenure includes:
• Teaching: Over 20 years as a middle school computer teacher and three years as a high school business teacher.
• Coaching: 25 years as the Varsity Girls' Basketball Coach, including numerous conference and district championships, and three years coaching Varsity Volleyball.
• Leadership Roles: FBLA Adviser, Career Day Organizer, and Hoops for Hope charity event creator.
In addition to her extensive teaching and coaching background, Coach Glenn is a certified volleyball official who regularly officiates district and sectional competitions. She also serves in leadership roles with the Greater Kansas City Basketball Coaches Association and the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.
Coach Glenn is a lifelong Lawson Cardinal and alumna of Lawson High School. "I am deeply honored to be given the opportunity to serve as our district's Activities Director," said Glenn. As someone who "has called Lawson home my entire life, I am passionate about supporting our student-athletes, mentoring our coaches, and continuing the proud tradition of excellence in Lawson athletics and activities."
Coach Glenn's vision for the future of Lawson activities includes fostering a culture of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth for all students. Her collaborative leadership style will prioritize building strong relationships with staff, students, and families.
Please join us in welcoming her to this exciting new role. #WeAreLawson
Lawson Board of Education shines a December Spotlight on the Tremendous Work of Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Student Services Director
The Lawson Board of Education is proud to shine a "Board Spotlight" on the incredible dedication and tireless efforts of our special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and Student Services Director. These individuals play a vital role in shaping our students' educational journeys, ensuring that every learner is supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our December Spotlight included special education teachers who bring unmatched expertise, creativity, and compassion to their classrooms daily. Our paraprofessionals, for their invaluable partnership in the educational process, providing hands-on support, encouragement, and personalized attention, giving students the tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Board also recognized the leadership of our Student Services Director, Mr. Tyson Miller. Mr. Miller has helped our team excel in providing services for the diverse needs of our student population. In addition, the Board celebrated the recent 100% score received on our special education tiered monitoring review. This intense review process examines all aspects of our Special Education programs and services to ensure we, as a school system, provide the needed and required services to our student population.
"The work of our special education professionals cannot be overstated," said Lawson Superintendent Dr. Stephenon. "Their compassion and dedication are a testament to the power of education to transform lives. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our students and their families."
As we spotlight our fantastic team in the Lawson School District, we reaffirm our commitment to providing the resources, training, and support these professionals need to continue their impactful work. #WeAreLawson
Reminder that we will be observing winter break beginning Monday, December 23rd. Wishing our Cardinal families a happy holidays and wonderful new year!
