LT. GOVERNOR BYSIEWICZ, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION COMMISSIONER RUSSELL-TUCKER JOIN THE LAWRENCE SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL BACCALAURETE WORLD SCHOOL DEDICATION CEREMONY

(MIDDLETOWN, CT) – Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner M. Russell-Tucker attended a ceremony at The Lawrence School in Middletown, CT celebrating authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.  

There are currently 22 IB World Schools in Connecticut; 11 of which, including The Lawrence School, offer the Primary Years Programme. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high-quality programs of international education that share a powerful vision. 

Middletown Public Schools is one of 36 Alliance Districts in the State of Connecticut. Over $ 200,000 of state pass-through Alliance District grant funding was used to assist Middletown Public Schools with the costs of establishing and certifying this International Baccalaureate program at The Lawrence School. 

“Connecticut is home to some of the best schools in the nation—today’s authorization of The Lawrence School as an International Baccalaureate World School is further proof of exemplary public education,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. When children learn in a compassionate and rigorous environment, we ensure a brighter future for our state, for our country, and for our world. Congratulations to all the teachers, administrators, students, and staff who worked so hard for this incredible dedication as an International Baccalaureate World School.” 

“I applaud the Middletown Public Schools and the Lawrence School Community for their recent authorization as an International Baccalaureate School - Primary Years Programme,” said Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. “As one of the State’s 36 Alliance Districts, Middletown Public Schools and the Connecticut State Department of Education work together to transform the educational experiences and outcomes of students within the school community. As an International Baccalaureate school, the Lawrence School is preparing its students to thrive in a diverse, global society.” 

“It was a special privilege to attend the dedication of The Lawrence School’s accreditation as an International Baccalaureate school. You could hear the pride in the voices of the students and educators,” said State Senator Matt Lesser. “Middletown is an exceptional community with people from around the world, and it is incredible that students at Lawrence will now be able to benefit from a global education. We've been lucky to work with the State Department of Education in recent years to provide Alliance District funding for Middletown and I will continue to look for ways to expand support for our students." 

“In the District of Middletown Public Schools, we have the enormous fortune of having outstanding educators, supportive families, and remarkable students whose unique and innate brilliance is encouraged,” said Middletown Superintendent Dr. Vázquez Matos. “While all of our District schools have something that makes them gems, today we celebrated what makes The Lawrence School shine -- its learning community's commitment to cultivating students who, as the International Baccalaureate states, develop a broad range of capacities that go far beyond academic success. We are enormously proud and excited for The Lawrence School and our District's future.”