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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.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
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Sunflower first-graders design unique jewelry for auction to benefit injured, orphaned wildlife
First-graders in Jessica Brown’s class at Sunflower Elementary have named the muses that inspired the colorful jewelry they’ve crafted. Now it’s time for the public to place bids.
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Students cross finish line with confidence in Lawrence school district’s adaptive triathlon
The time he spent pounding the track’s pavement during the adaptive triathlon Wednesday at Lawrence High was the funnest part for Richard Outcalt. That, and the Southwest Middle School eighth-grader envisioning himself attending LHS in the fall.
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Learning coach to fill interim principal position at Broken Arrow Elementary
The Lawrence school district has announced that Amanda Green, a curriculum and instructional learning coach at Broken Arrow Elementary School, will fill the position of interim principal, effective July 1.
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Threat against Billy Mills Middle School under investigation, principal says
Law enforcement is investigating after Billy Mills Middle School received a report that a former student had made threatening comments about violence toward the school on social media, according to an email to school families.
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Fire destroys Little Free Library at Pinckney Elementary; school looks for help to replace it
Pinckney Elementary School has lost a piece of its community. A fire last week destroyed its Little Free Library, located outdoors at the school’s northeast entrance.
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Fifth grade teacher set to leave Lawrence schools bolstered Indigenous studies curriculum
A fifth-grade teacher at New York Elementary, who has left her mark helping students and even her colleagues better understand Indigenous history, is leaving Lawrence Public Schools following a difficult school year occupied by uncertainty.
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Free State High School students and lifelong theatre buddies nominated for Blue Star Awards
Two students at Free State High School have been nominated for prestigious Kansas City-area theatre awards.
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Justice Matters adds focus on elder care to its list of priorities during annual assembly
Douglas County suffers from an elder care crisis, according to members of the nonprofit organization Justice Matters. Senior care service providers can’t recruit and retain enough qualified staff to provide quality care to seniors in Douglas County who need it.
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Free State High School announces changes in administration
Free State High School will see three educators move into new positions starting in July, including one hire from outside the district.
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Lawrence High School’s Showtime returning to the stage
Lawrence High School choir members have been hard at work rehearsing for the first Showtime since the pandemic hit.
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‘Families need to know they’re not alone’: Upcoming fair offers resources, fun for Lawrence families
Lawrence families will have the opportunity to learn more about resources for children and families in the community at an upcoming Early Childhood Family Resource Fair.
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Lawrence school board approves Montessori program for New York Elementary
The Lawrence school board narrowly approved implementing a Montessori program at New York Elementary this fall to serve 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds and kindergarteners.
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Girls high school gymnastics program to continue in Lawrence school district next year
The FireLions gymnastics team will go on. After hearing the findings of a Title IX report, the Lawrence school board agreed Monday to look at ways the district could boost participation in its high school gymnastics program as well as other offerings for girls.
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Firebirds and Lions earn top awards, qualify for national competition during weekend speech and debate tournament
Twenty competitors from Free State and Lawrence high schools are heading to Kentucky in June for the National Speech and Debate Tournament.
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West Middle School principal to retire
After three decades of service to Lawrence Public Schools, Kathy Branson will retire at the end of June, the district announced Monday.