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.
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.

Winter Cheer Mini Clinic forms are coming home! Please see the details below. Forms and money are due by Friday, 1/31

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.

With continued safety concerns regarding our most rural bus routes, there will be NO SCHOOL on Thursday, 1-9-25.

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

The Importance of School Attendance Before Winter Break
Dear Cardinal Families,
As we approach the festive holiday season, we want to emphasize how vital it is for students to be present and engaged in the three weeks leading up to winter break. These weeks are filled with important learning activities, projects, and opportunities for your child to build their knowledge and skills.
Every school day counts. Regular attendance not only helps students stay on track academically but also ensures they don’t miss out on collaborative classroom experiences and social connections that contribute to their growth. Missing even a few days can make it harder for your child to keep up and fully participate in lessons designed to prepare them for the upcoming semester.
We understand that this time of year can be busy with family commitments and travel plans. If you anticipate any absences, please inform your child’s teacher or the school office as soon as possible so we can work with you to support your student’s learning.
Thank you for your partnership in making every day count for our students. Together, we can ensure they end the year strong and ready for what’s ahead.
Warm regards,
Dr. Stephenson

Reminder that school will be out of session next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to celebrate Thanksgiving. Wishing all our Cardinals a very Happy Thanksgiving!

REMINDER- REMINDER- REMINDER
Our 33rd Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner is being held today at 12:30 PM in the Lawson High School Commons.
Join us for a Thanksgiving meal, followed by a performance by our Southwest Singers.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Lawson R-XIV School District
33rd Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Lawson High School Commons
Join us for a complimentary Thanksgiving meal, followed by a short entertainment program, as part of a community service project hosted by the staff and students of the Lawson R-XIV School District.
Need Transportation?
Please RSVP by Friday, November 15, 2024, by calling the Lawson Central Office at 816-580-7277 to reserve your spot.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Lawson Cardinal Stadium Complex Closed - BEGINNING 10/22
Our athletic stadium complex, including the football field, track, and softball field, will be closed to all foot traffic beginning on the morning of Tuesday, October 22. This is due to the resealing and painting of the track and runways. The stadium will remain closed through the process, with an anticipated reopening date of November 12.
The project is being completed as part of the April 2024 Bond - Scope of Work.

Attendance Matters:
School attendance is crucial for several reasons, impacting a student’s academic success and social and emotional development. Here are three key reasons why it matters:
Academic Achievement - Learning Opportunities: Regular attendance ensures that students have consistent access to the curriculum and classroom instruction, essential for learning new concepts and skills.
Building Good Habits - Discipline and Responsibility: Regular attendance helps students develop positive habits like punctuality and responsibility, which are vital skills in school and future work environments.
Social and Emotional Development - Peer Relationships: Consistent attendance allows students to build and maintain peer relationships, which is vital for their social development.
Overall, school attendance is a strong predictor of student success and well-being. It influences academic progress and prepares students for future challenges in life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Stephenson
Superintendent of Schools

Reminder that tomorrow morning, Reed Photography will be at Southwest for School Picture Day! Be sure to wear your smiles!

Happy September Southwest families! Please check out our latest edition of The Southwest Flyer for all the important reminders and events coming up this month!
https://secure.smore.com/n/v7t3q

Girls on the Run is gearing up for the new school year! Third and Fourth grade girls at Southwest, please see Mrs. Spencer to sign up! #GirlsontheRunisSOMuchFun!

What a great first day! Thank you Southwest families for helping us get a great start to the school year! Reminder that tomorrow we will not be allowing parents into the building for arrival. Please follow the arrival/dismissal procedures below. As always, you may access our office as needed if you have things to take care of. Our secretaries are ready beginning at 7:30a.




