About Lawson
Lawson Mission Statement
The mission of Lawson Early Childhood School, a school serving the diverse needs of McKinney ISD’s youngest learners, is to develop the academic, social, and emotional foundations necessary to foster each child’s full potential as a life-long learner by partnering with families and the community to provide meaningful early learning experiences.
The Herman Lawson Early Childhood School opened in the fall of 2009 and is located near the intersection of Wolford Street and Dowell Street in west McKinney.
The school houses Early Head Start, Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Pre-Kindergarten, and Preschool Language programs in McKinney ISD. Club 360, McKinney ISD’s after-school care program, will not be located in the center.
Special features include a 90,000 square foot unique age-specific design, three outdoor playgrounds, a group activity area, a STEAM lab, a motor lab, and an outdoor classroom. Students also attend library lessons each week.
For the second time, Lawson has been recognized as a finalist in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Preschool division. Lawson’s school counselor, Jen Mitchell, has been awarded the Crest Award for outstanding guidance programs. Both our counselor and our school nurse Jean Begala have been recognized as MISD Counselor of the Year and MISD Nurse of the Year, respectively.
About Mr. Herman Lawson
Mr. Herman Lawson was born in McKinney, attended Altoga School grades 1-8, and attended Boyd High School grades 9-12, graduating from the “original” Boyd High School in McKinney. He received his Bachelor’s degree from East Texas State University and his Master’s degree from North Texas State University.
During his tenure in McKinney beginning in 1957, he taught Geometry, Trigonometry, Educational Analysis, and Driver’s Education at Boyd High School and McKinney High School. He served as a class sponsor for many classes, was Slide Ruler Sponsor, and took many students to UIL Math Competitions.
Mr. Lawson served as principal at Finch Elementary School for nine years, and finished his career as the MISD Director of Student Services. As Director of Student Services, he instituted the first computerized attendance program in McKinney ISD. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Lawson served the district as a bus driver, textbook custodian, visiting teacher, and was always willing to assist the district in any way he was needed. He was one of McKinney ISD’s true “go to guys.”
Former students have described him as one of the best math teachers the district has ever had, not only because of his skill in teaching mathematics, but because of his consistent and fair discipline in dealing with his students.
Herman Lawson was a member of many professional and local organizations, including the National Counsel of Teachers of Mathematics, Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, Texas State Teacher’s Association, and the McKinney-Collin County Retired Teacher’s Association.
Mr. Lawson retired from McKinney ISD in 1989 after 32 years of dedication to students.