Welcome from the Principal
Welcome to Lawrence and the 2025–2026 school year! It is an honor and a privilege to serve this community as we guide our students in developing the respect, responsibility, and resilience they need to thrive. Over 25+ years as an educator and 20 years as a parent have reinforced my belief that passionate learning is built on a foundation of compassion. I care deeply about the physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of every student in our school. Working alongside our talented and dedicated staff, and connecting with students and families, has affirmed that Lawrence is a vibrant community of lifelong learners—students and adults alike.
One of the most important lessons I have learned as an educator is that we must lead with both strong minds and open hearts—while also listening and observing with care. With nearly 620 students, over 110 staff members, and more than 1,000 caregivers, Lawrence is a diverse and dynamic community. Balancing the needs of so many individuals is not always easy, but alongside my leadership partners, Dr. Dominique Ferdinand and Mrs. Laura Horst, I remain committed to listening, learning, and growing with you. Together, we will continue to foster a collaborative environment where school and home partner in the meaningful and rewarding work of supporting our children.
As part of this commitment, we are pleased to share the Lawrence School Family Handbook. This resource is designed to guide you through the school year and includes important information about daily routines, academic expectations, technology use, behavioral guidelines, and links to the Public Schools of Brookline Code of Conduct and key policies. We encourage all students, families, and staff to review the handbook and refer back to it throughout the year as a helpful reference.
A strong partnership between families and educators creates the foundation for student success. Our collaboration with the PTO plays a vital role in building community, supporting school initiatives, and enriching student experiences. We encourage you to visit the PTO website to learn more and find ways to get involved. We are grateful to our PTO leadership and appreciate your support in strengthening our school community.
Open communication and trust are essential to a successful school-family partnership. I encourage you to connect with your child’s teachers and engage with the Lawrence community. As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
I look forward to working with you and your child in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Bilello (she/her)
Principal, Lawrence School