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Lawrence parents weigh advantages, concerns of cell phone-free schools; school board to vote on policy
A new policy imposing a cell-phone free instructional day is on the table, and while some Lawrence parents believe it would better support teachers, others said they’re worried about the safety implications.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Hillcrest Elementary School, KU architecture students celebrate new shade structure at playground
Gray, rainy skies on Friday didn’t give a great preview of the capabilities of the new shade structure at Hillcrest Elementary School’s accessible playground, but its builders expect it to provide relief on hot, sunny days.
New shade structure for accessible playground soon to be completed; ribbon cutting set for Friday
A new shade structure to improve the Ryan Gray Playground for All Children in Lawrence is set to be finished this week, and a celebration is planned Friday.
Liberty Memorial Central Middle School will become a STEAM school next year
Liberty Memorial Central Middle School will become a STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math — school beginning next year, school board members decided Monday.
Lawrence school board says goodbye to two members as their terms end
The final Lawrence school board meeting of 2023 on Monday was also the final meeting for two board members, Erica Hill and Paula Vann.
Lawrence school board to vote on plan to make Liberty Memorial Central a STEAM school
The Lawrence school board on Monday will decide whether Liberty Memorial Central Middle School will become a STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math — school next year.
Students at 2 Lawrence schools are finalists in the Battle of the Brains
Groups of students at Hillcrest Elementary and at Free State High School each have a chance to see their vision for a new exhibit at Science City brought to life as finalists in the ”Battle of the Brains” contest.
Lawrence school district awarded grant for behavior support; private schools expected to partner with district
The Lawrence school district will aim to use a state grant of more than $530,000 to improve student outcomes, and the district anticipates that two local private schools will participate as community partners.
Lawrence educators join training on new ways to teach students reading
As part of a statewide program, many teachers in the Lawrence school district are choosing to take training on innovative ways to teach children how to read proficiently.
District names principals for Lawrence High School, Lawrence Virtual School
Quentin Rials and Zach Harwood are being promoted from interim principals to the permanent positions at Lawrence High School and Lawrence Virtual School, respectively.
Lawrence school board to hear report on curriculum, consider class additions
Lawrence school board members on Monday will hear a report on the district’s curriculum and structured literacy and consider adding some STEM courses.
Seven Lawrence intersections will no longer have crossing guards starting in December
City of Lawrence staff members have determined that seven intersections do not warrant permanent crossing guard positions for kids getting to school, and they will no longer have adult crossing guards starting Monday, Dec. 4.
Lawrence Schools Foundation seeks nominations for annual award for dedicated educators
The Lawrence Schools Foundation is looking for nominations for a big annual award given to teachers, staff members and paraeducators who go above and beyond.
Lawrence school board approves tax breaks for affordable housing project
The Lawrence school board on Monday voted 5-2 to approve the school district’s portion of tax breaks to help fund construction of a downtown affordable housing project for people ages 55 and up.
Hundreds of community members celebrate Liberty Memorial Central Middle School’s centennial
Generations of Lawrencians with connections to the school at 1400 Massachusetts St. — whether as Liberty Memorial High School, a junior high or a middle school — gathered Sunday to celebrate the school’s centennial.
Lawrence school board to consider tax breaks for affordable housing project
Lawrence school board members will meet Monday for a brief agenda that includes considering the district’s portion of tax breaks to help fund construction of a downtown affordable housing project for people ages 55 and up.