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Free State High School troupe selected to perform at Wichita festival; local performance to send them off
Free State High School theatre students will take “The Addams Family: School Edition” on the road after being selected as one of five schools statewide to participate in the Kansas Thespian Festival.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Lawrence school board candidates share guiding values for pandemic safety decisions
The moderator of the Douglas County Democrats’ school board forum Wednesday asked the candidates to name the greatest successes and struggles in the district’s adaptations to the pandemic, and what values would guide their decision-making about safety policies.
Lawrence Schools Foundation / Contributed Photos
Lawrence Schools Foundation celebrates 4 high school seniors as champions of the arts
Four accomplished young artists — Free State High School seniors Matt Chappell and Devon Janus and Lawrence High School seniors Ashton Rapp and Rachel Schmaus — have been honored as the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s 2021 Student Champions.
Meet the Lawrence school board candidates
We gave Lawrence school board candidates a chance to update their answers to our earlier questionnaire as they proceed to the general election on Nov. 2.
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Lawrence school board candidates provide ideas for access to mental health services, internet
Candidates for Lawrence school board answered questions about how students can access opportunities equitably across the school district during a forum hosted by the Lawrence branch of the NAACP Thursday.
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Lawrence school board hears fresh ideas for boosting BIPOC staff recruitment, enrollment estimates and more
The Lawrence school board heard tonight about district staff’s efforts to recruit BIPOC staff, fill positions and more; plus updates on enrollment and a message about “devious licks” from the superintendent.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hear report on staff diversity and retention, consider graduation requirement change and more
The Lawrence school board on Monday will hear a report on recruitment and retention of BIPOC staff, consider reducing elective requirements for seniors this year and more.
USD 497 update to families
Lawrence Public Schools to begin COVID-19 testing to curb quarantines
Effective Monday, the Lawrence school district will follow new COVID-19 guidelines that will allow symptom-free students and staff to test out of quarantine.
Contributed
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.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
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.
Lawrence Arts Center
Several Lawrence City Commission, Lawrence school board forums coming up
As we near the general election on Nov. 2, several local groups are planning candidate forums to help Lawrence voters make up their minds.
Emma Fotovich / Contributed Photos
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.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
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.
Lawrence Public Schools / Contributed Photos
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.
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
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.
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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.





