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Lawrence school district administrators say cell phone ban in draft handbook was a mistake; board approves teacher raises
A districtwide cell phone ban was included in a draft of an updated student handbook, but Lawrence school district administrators said Monday it was a mistake, and high school students would still be permitted to use their phones outside of classes.
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Lawrence Public Schools • Haskell Indian Nations University • University of Kansas • Academic excellence
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Wondering how testing out of school quarantines works? The Eudora school district shares a look at the process
A COVID-19 testing program used since August in the Eudora school district aims to reduce quarantines. Students and staff exposed to a positive case can “test out” of quarantine as long as they don’t have symptoms and continue to test negative for the virus.
Lawrence playground invites children of all abilities to play, thanks to donation from late benefactor
School and business leaders are gearing up to celebrate an inclusive playground for youngsters on Lawrence’s southeast side.
KU researchers optimistic about bringing in-home COVID-19 test to market
Researchers at the University of Kansas are aiming to place on the commercial market in early 2022 an in-home, saliva-based testing unit for COVID-19.
Protests at KU continue with sit-in outside chancellor’s office
University of Kansas students, continuing calls for justice for a student who said she was drugged and sexually assaulted at a fraternity house last weekend, held a sit-in Friday afternoon at Strong Hall.
The big ask: Higher education seeks $161 million budget increase from lawmakers
The board responsible for oversight of the state’s public universities and colleges adopted a $161.6 million budget request to be submitted to Gov. Laura Kelly in advance of the 2022 legislative session.
Protests at University of Kansas show culture shift on campus sexual violence
For two nights this week, hundreds of outraged students showed up at a University of Kansas fraternity house, demanding answers. The scene, filled with palpable anger and frustration, demonstrated a shift in how students think about and respond to sexual violence that organizers say was a long time in the making.
2 Lawrence High School seniors earn special recognition from College Board
Two seniors from Lawrence High School have earned special recognition from The College Board for academic excellence, according to a news release from Lawrence Public Schools Thursday evening.
Kansas Board of Regents takes step toward evaluation of campus health clinics
The Kansas Board of Regents tentatively endorsed Thursday formation of a task force to independently examine options for limiting legal risks of operating campus student health centers and for increasing collection of payments from insurance companies for treatment services.
Lawrence garden projects help youth cultivate their futures, serve community
Amid the lush leaves and neatly arranged rows of plants and trees, the orchard and gardens at West Middle School grow a bounty of food. The smells of clematis and lavender float through the air, and wherever you turn, you’ll see colorful fresh fruit and vegetables. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll also find the project grows people.
Douglas County boasts 12 National Merit Semifinalists
A dozen students of Douglas County high schools have earned the prestigious title of National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, according to a news release from the organization.
Four Kansas school districts temporarily close as COVID-19 outbreaks hit 31 schools
Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson says at least 31 Kansas schools are reporting outbreaks of COVID-19, forcing more school districts to close temporarily.
KU students call for Phi Kappa Psi fraternity to be banned from campus in second night of protests
Easily several hundred protesters gathered again in front of Phi Kappa Psi at the University of Kansas Tuesday night in response to reports of a sexual assault.
FAQ: What to know about Douglas County’s updated isolation, quarantine procedures for schools
The Times has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help community members understand the guidelines for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine protocols.
Lawrence school board approves 2-year retention incentive pay plan for staff, a new budget and more
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved retention payments for staff, discussed budget priorities and quarantine measures, and more.
School safety panel aims to keep kids in school while reducing COVID-19 outbreaks
Gov. Laura Kelly is urging a new COVID-19 school safety workgroup to focus on policies that will not only keep Kansas children and staff healthy but in the classroom, after hundreds of infections were reported in school districts across the state.