A Matter of...
Principal
by Bernie Fratto
September 2003

When John Lawrence was named Principal of Novi High School in mid-June 2003, his response was simple… ”I was very honored.”. And as a Michigan native and 30-year veteran of Novi Schools, his appointment is timely.  “To be able to lead and support the efforts of Novi High School into the future, is a privilege.” 

And as you visit with John Lawrence, it’s clear his initiative, vision, and awareness of the challenges Novi High School faces in accommodating it’s rapid growth among other things, is acute. 

An Educator by trade, John graduated from Western Michigan University in 1974 with a B.S. in Education and accepted his first assignment at Novi Middle School that fall. He spent 23 solid years teaching Industrial Arts and Math, and during that time, he even managed to obtain his Masters Degree in Education at Wayne State University. 

In addition, he received an Administration Certificate in 1991 from Oakland University. This prestigious achievement is a requirement by the State of Michigan for those that hold Administrative positions. 

John Lawrence joined Novi HS as an Assistant Principal in 1997 and has seen the school grow substantially. “We now have 1,852 students, and we expect that number to grow as people move into the district after the start of the school year.” 

In defining the mission of a High School Principal, John’s perspective is insightful and well thought out. “The role truly varies from school to school.” There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s clear that he understands the nature of dovetailing a strategy to meet the most pressing and current needs of any given situation. It’s also clear John Lawrence has seen a lot in 30 years. 

“One of the challenges we face is maintaining our professional curriculum amidst the throes of on-going construction.” While the construction effort is a much-needed endeavor, he was emphatic to note the importance of continuing to foster a healthy and productive learning environment. “A sound learning environment in spite of the construction is of paramount importance.” 

“One thing that NHS prides itself on is the ability to establish and maintain a culture of community and parental involvement, and a small-school feel.” John noted.  “No student should ever slip through the cracks.” 

To that end John oversees Academic Seminars, and a key component includes freshman academic seminars that are designed to ease the transition into High School, and set a tone for success.

“This enables students to begin to feel connected, which is essential to student success, “ Lawrence pointed out. 

In addition, there are vehicles for intervention when students aren’t succeeding. Taking a proactive role can go a long way in keeping students on the right path. John Lawrence and his team have studied successful models of other institutions, included a 4,200 student school in Illinois, where size and growth have not impeded the goal of fostering personalized education. 

“I’m a facilitator,” John added. “I help carry out and redefine vision, from classroom to classroom.” “When it comes to learning and teaching, I’m always looking toward the end result.” In other words, what do students take away when they leave Novi High School? 

John is also quick to note the “takeaway” is one that involves multiple dimensions, including but not limited to, academically, co-curricular, and athletically. “Our goal is to provide the leadership and support, and an exemplary environment so as to keep Novi HS among the top in Michigan, and nationally.” 

John Lawrence is prepared to lead Novi High School into the future and beyond.  His 3 decades of service, experience, and mind share in the Novi area make him uniquely qualified to accept this challenge, and he intends to pursue it with passion and purpose. 

It’s simply a matter of dedication and execution of sound principles… The type of principles that John Lawrence believes in, the kind that resonate with everyone in the community. 

And as the Principal and leader of the Novi Wildcat Family, it’s also a matter of principle.