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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.
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
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Fairytale faves and zombies mix it up in West Middle School production
With two casts and two endings, there’s a lot to keep organized in West Middle School’s all-school play, “The Walking Dwarves.” There’s no sugar-coating the scene at Thursday morning’s preview show: It’s pure, loud chaos. It’s also a celebration.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hold special meeting Friday to consider meeting schedule change
Lawrence school board President Erica Hill has called a special meeting for 8:30 a.m. Friday to consider a change in the board’s meeting schedule.
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
Lawrence anti-mask protester arrested at vaccine clinic for children
Updated article: A man who has become well-known in Lawrence for his protests of mask mandates was arrested Saturday morning for allegedly threatening people with a sign post as they attempted to enter a vaccine clinic for kids.
Lawrence school board votes 5-2 to extend fall break
Acknowledging that the decision was difficult and no matter what they did, some community members would be upset, the Lawrence school board voted to give students, teachers and staff a full week off for fall break.
Contributed / USD 497
Lawrence school board honors Pinckney, Quail Run elementaries for gains in state assessments
After a one-year reprieve from state testing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lawrence school district celebrated the spring 2021 performance of two of its K-5 schools during Monday’s school board meeting.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hold special meeting Friday to weigh 9-day Thanksgiving break
Lawrence school board President Erica Hill has called a special meeting for 1 p.m. Friday to consider approving a calendar change that would extend fall break by two school days, giving teachers, staff and students a nine-day holiday.
Campbell Ragan/Contributed Photo
Pumpkin seeds, picture book make math engaging for students of homegrown Lawrence teacher
Second graders at Schwegler Elementary learned a fun fact during their recent math unit: A pumpkin’s size doesn’t determine the number of seeds inside the fall fruit.
Mac Moore / The Lawrence Times
Para openings, teacher resignations continue upward trend in Lawrence school district
District leaders continue to grapple with midyear teaching resignations and the challenges of filling positions, including 65 paraeducator and 17 teacher openings, in Lawrence Public Schools — and workers are pushing hard for change.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board hears concerns about safety, ‘staffing crisis’ from PAL-CWA union members, approves plan for COVID relief funds and more
The Lawrence school board on Monday heard concerns about safety, wages and a staffing crisis from members of PAL-CWA, approved a plan for COVID relief funding and more.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times file photo
Lawrence school board to weigh pandemic relief funds proposal, leasing rate for Kennedy Early Childhood Center
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider a proposal for use of COVID-19 relief funds, an agreement to lease space at Kennedy Early Childhood Center to community partners and more.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Newcomers Kay Emerson, Andrew Nussbaum and incumbent Kelly Jones win Lawrence school board seats
With her two sons in tow Tuesday night, Kay Emerson talked with fellow candidates and campaign workers at the Douglas County clerk’s office, discussing next steps. One thing’s for certain: She’ll wear white — a symbol of women’s suffrage — when she’s sworn in.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence middle school community voices concerns about safety, spate of resignations
A rough start to the year has left many in the Liberty Memorial Central Middle School community reeling and parents worrying. Three teachers resigned in October, and in early September, a staff member was knocked down and hit their head on the floor during a fight at the school.
Contributed
Lawrence High student’s photos capture moldy biscuits, pink chicken on cafeteria trays
Spoiling biscuits, expired milk, soggy sandwiches, food that looks uncooked inside. Since the school year started, junior Gabriella Wakole and her friends have complained about the quality of food and lack of meal choices in the Lawrence High School cafeteria.
Anti-masker’s obscenity-laced tirade at Capitol erased from Legislature’s video of hearing
The 28 seconds of profane commentary by Justin Spiehs during a special legislative committee hearing on COVID-19 government overreach was cut from the publicly available video of oral testimony on the Legislature’s website and posted to YouTube.
Contributed
Sunset Hill teacher draws inspiration from students in quest to complete New York City Marathon
Even though she’s never run a full marathon before, Sunset Hill Elementary PE teacher Stephanie Dickson has no doubt in her mind she’ll finish all 26.2 miles on Nov. 7 in New York City.
