Lawrence School Newsletter - April 2026 by Lawrence Journal-World

April 13, 2026

Lawrence Journal-World Advertising supplement sponsored by:

LAWRENCE BOARD OF EDUCATION

GR Gordon-Ross

President

Term: 2026-2027

785-330-1464

gr.gordon-ross@usd497.org

Bob Byers Vice President Term: 2026-2028 785-330-1401 bbyers@usd497.org

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Kelly Jones Past President Term: 2026-2029 785-330-1711 kelly.jones@usd497.org

Carole CadueBlackwood Term: 2024-2027 785-330-1712 ccaduebl@usd497.org

Yolanda Franklin Term: 2024-2027 785-330-2733 yolanda.franklin@usd497.org

Lawrence Public Schools is a district on the move! Each day in our classrooms and schools, I am inspired by the dedication of our students, teachers and support staff, families, and community. Public education is always evolving, and in Lawrence, we embrace that work with purpose and care. Through ongoing conversations with students, families, staff, and community members, we are shaping programs and opportunities that reflect the hopes and aspirations of our community.

I am excited about the amazing work underway across our district, and for future planning and partnership with our community. Thank you for your continued support of our schools. Together, we will keep moving forward.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift Superintendent of Schools Lawrence Public Schools

Shannon Kimball

Term: 2026-2029 785-330-1704 skimball@usd497.org

Matt Lancaster

Term: 2026-2029

785-330-4424 mlancaster@usd497.org

Lawrence Public Schools 110 McDonald Drive Lawrence, KS 660441063

785-832-5000 www.usd497.org

Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 Communications produce this newsletter in partnership with the Lawrence Journal-World.

Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in its employment practices and policies. Discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression is prohibited by Lawrence Board of Education policy. Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift Superintendent

BOARD MEETING CALENDAR

The Lawrence Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, unless otherwise announced, at 110 McDonald Drive.

Upcoming Meetings: April 13 & 27 • May 11 & 26 • June 8 & 22

Lawrence Public Schools Enhancements 2026-27

Family Engagement Welcome Center

In Fall 2026, Lawrence Public Schools will open a Family Engagement Welcome Center that will serve as the front door to the district, providing a warm, welcoming place for families to connect. The

Welcome Center will be located within existing space at the district’s Educational Support Center (110 McDonald Dr.), creating a centralized hub where families can easily access support, information, and resources. It will also bring together resources designed to strengthen connections between families, schools, and the broader Lawrence community.

Early Childhood Learning: Expanding Access & Building Strong Foundations

Lawrence Public Schools continues to expand access to high-quality early childhood education while strengthening the learning experiences offered to our youngest students. Across the district, work is underway to add preschool classrooms in neighborhood schools while enhancing the established, highquality programming used there. During

the initial early enrollment window, the district received 230 applications for 120 available preschool seats, highlighting the growing demand for early learning opportunities in our community.

Interest in preschool programming

remains strong. During the initial early enrollment window, the district received 230 applications for 120 available preschool seats, highlighting the growing demand for early learning opportunities in our community.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, additional preschool classrooms will open at Deerfield and Prairie Park Elementary Schools, expanding access for more families. Alongside this growth, the district remains focused on providing a developmentally rich curriculum that supports early literacy, language development, social-emotional learning, and exploration to give preschoolers the strong academic and social foundation they need as they begin their educational journey.

continued on page 5

KU Jayhawk Blueprint Expansion

Lawrence Public Schools KU Blueprint partnership with the University of Kansas through the Jayhawk Blueprint program continues to expand opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school. USD 497 remains the only school district offering college enrollment at KU directly to high school students, allowing learners to experience the rigor of university coursework and make meaningful progress toward a college degree before graduation.

Beginning in the spring semester of the 2026–27 school year, Jayhawk Blueprint will expand to Lawrence Virtual School

(LVS). The program will launch with one course offered virtually, with plans to continue growing virtual KU Blueprint programming over time to increase access for more students.

To ensure these opportunities remain accessible, the district will continue partnering with the Lawrence Schools Foundation to provide tuition support for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, helping remove financial barriers to college coursework.

Through this partnership, Lawrence Public Schools is expanding pathways for students to graduate college-ready and career-ready with valuable college experience already underway.

Justin Labart, DDS, MD

continued from page 5

Career & Technical Education: Aligning Pathways for Future Careers

Lawrence Public Schools is working to refine and align Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways of instruction across all schools, ensuring students have clear and connected pathways to college, industry credentials, and meaningful careers.

A key focus of this effort will be re-envisioning the Lawrence College & Career Center (LCCC), strengthening coordination of programming across secondary campuses and deepening partnerships with community organizations such as the technical training center Peaslee Tech.

Choice Campus at Centennial: Expanding Personalized Learning Options

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, Lawrence Public Schools will

This work reflects the district’s growing vision for post-secondary success, expanding opportunities for students to participate in rigorous, real-world learning experiences connected to high-demand careers. By aligning CTE programs and strengthening partnerships, Lawrence Public Schools is preparing students with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to thrive after graduation.

open the Choice Campus at Centennial, expanding opportunities for students seeking flexible and personalized high school learning options.

The Choice Campus at Centennial will serve students who benefit from nontraditional programming, offering flexible scheduling to include evenings and credit advancement and recovery opportunities. This model is designed to help students stay on track for graduation while providing learning environments that meet a variety of students’ needs and life circumstances.

The launch of the Choice Campus reflects the district’s commitment to meeting students where they are and ensuring every learner has access to a pathway toward success.

Are asthma or allergies holding you back from work, school, activities, or a good night’s sleep?

Schedule an appointment today.

Together with other 2026–27 enhancements, this work reflects a district on the move, shaping programs and opportunities in response to the voices of students, families, staff, and community members. Warren Frick, MD | Board Certified 1112 W. 6th St., Ste 216, Lawrence, KS (785) 841-1107 www.lawoto.com

YOUR EASIEST MOVE YET.

Home financing made simpler.

Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or moving into your next chapter, the process should feel clear, supportive, and manageable.

At Envista, our mortgage team takes time to understand what matters most to you. We walk you through your options, answer your questions, and guide you through every step — from pre-approval to closing.

Because when you have the right partner by your side, home financing becomes something it should always be your easiest move yet.

All Students, One Team

Prospective Educators Tour, Connect, & Interview with LPS Lawrence Public Schools recently hosted dozens of prospective teachers and principals for a day of touring, connecting, and interviewing with district leaders.

Guests began their day by catching the bus at the district’s Educational Support Center and taking a tour of a few famous LPS locations. After the tour, everyone returned to the ESC to eat some lunch with leaders from across Lawrence Public Schools. Principals from each elementary, mid-

dle, and high school, district administrators, and support staff sat down and connected with the visitors in the Boardroom. There, the audience also heard from a stacked cast of Lawrence leadership, including Director of Human Resources Megan Epperson, Assistant Superintendent Kristen Ryan, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Cole Amaya, Lawrence Board of Education President GR Gordon-Ross, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeanice K. Swift. Each speaker shared their gratitude to the attendees and offered their perspectives on what makes Lawrence such a special place to be.

Join Our Team

Together as one team, Lawrence Public Schools guides all students to achieve the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in college, careers, and life. Our more than 1,600 caring and dedicated educators, educational support staff, and school and district leaders work together to meet the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of each of our learners.

Make a difference in the lives of over 11,000 amazing students. Join our collaborative community of learners and work alongside the best team in education by going to our website: www.usd497.org/careers

Lawrence Arts Spotlight

18 LPS Student Artists Win 61 Scholastic Art Regional Awards

18 Lawrence Public Schools high school students earned a total of 61 awards in the 2026 Scholastic Art Midwest regional visual arts competition.

• Leila Albaugh, LHS - Honorable Mention (Portfolio, Art), 2 Silver Keys (Painting), and 2 Gold Keys (Painting).

• Mimi Bear Don’t Walk, LHSHonorable Mention, Silver Key, and Gold Key (Photography).

• Kaiea Blum, LHS - Honorable Mention (Painting).

• Lola Brown, LHS - 4 Honorable Mentions (1 Portfolio, Art; 3 Experimental Photography) and 2 Gold Keys (Experimental Photography).

• Fatima Elshekhi, LHS - Honorable Mention (Painting), Silver Key (Mixed Media), and Gold Key (Mixed Media).

• Becca Goulter, LHS - Gold Key (Experimental Photography).

• Laken Halverstadt, FSHS - Gold Key (Portfolio, Art).

• Lily Havener, LHS - 2 Honorable Mentions (Fashion), Silver Key (Jewelry), and 3 Gold Keys (1 Painting; 2 Jewelry).

• Wren Jay, LHS - Honorable Mention and Gold Key (Painting).

• Ari Kamat, LHS - 2 Honorable Mentions (1 Mixed Media; 1 Painting), 2 Silver Keys (1 Mixed Media; 1 Painting), and Gold Key (Sculpture).

• Willow Marable, LHS - 2 Honorable Mentions (1 Painting; 1 Portfolio, Art), Silver Key (Painting), and Gold Key (Mixed Media).

• Virgil Mock, LHS - Honorable Mention (Mixed Media).

• Kunmi Oluseye-Aare, LHS - 3 Honorable Mentions (Photography).

• Zoe Peterson, LHS - Silver Key and Gold Key (Photography).

• Lynorah Roberts, LHS - Honorable Mention (Painting), Silver Key (Mixed Media), and 3 Gold Keys (1 Illustration; 1 Mixed Media; 1 Painting).

• Simn Robinson, LHS - Honorable Mention (Experimental Photography), 2 Silver Keys (Photography), and 4 Gold Keys (1 Portfolio, Art; 3 Photography).

• Rilo Scholz, LHS - 2 Honorable Mentions (1 Drawing; 1 Painting) and 2 Gold Keys (1 Ceramics & Glass; 1 Jewelry).

• Addison Tomlinson, LHS - Honorable Mention (Mixed Media) and Gold Key (Digital Painting, Drawing & Collage).

Lawrence High School students Leila Albaugh, Mimi Bear Don’t Walk, Kaiea Blum, Lola Brown, Fatima Elshekhi, Becca Goulter, Lily Havener, Wren Jay, Ari Kamat, Willow Marable, Kunmi Oluseye-Aare, Virgil Mock, Zoe Peterson, Rilo Scholz, Lynorah Roberts, Simn Robinson, and Addison Tomlinson and Free State High School’s Laken Halverstadt each earned regionals recognition for their work. These student winners worked under the guidance of LHS teachers Todd Poteet, Emily Markoulatos, and Angelia Perkins and FSHS teacher Jacob Lewis.

Out of 61 regionals honors earned by Lawrence students, 25 were Gold Keys. These Gold Key regional winners will be moving on to represent their school and our entire Lawrence community at the National Finals in New York City. The results of the National Finals will be announced in late March.

LHS Student 1 of 3 in Kansas to Earn Harry Hart Memorial Senior Scholarship

Lawrence High School student artist, Ru Yother, is one of only three seniors in the state of Kansas to receive the 2026 Harry Hart Memorial Senior Scholarship. Awarded by the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA), the Harry Hart Memorial Senior Scholarship is given to three high

school senior artists nominated by their art teacher. Winners receive $500 to use at the higher learning institution of their choice. Ru Yother’s achievement marks the sixth time a Lawrence High School student has earned the scholarship since it was first awarded in 2011. Ru’s award winning ceramic sculptures “Cycle”, “Living Dreams”, and “Multi-Vocal Auspex” (pictured above) will be on display during KAEA’s Youth Art Month celebration on March 29 from 11:00 AM-2:30 PM at the Topeka Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave Topeka, KS 66604.

FSHS Addams Family

Performance at Topeka

Free State High School’s Theatre Troupe 5773 earned state-level recognition for their selection to perform The Addams Family School Edition at the 2026 Kansas Thespian Festival. Productions chosen for the festival are selected through a rigorous process, making this honor a testament to the talent and artistry of our students and staff. Free State Theatre took the stage in Wichita and performed in front of thousands of students from across the state, with incredible energy in the room and crowd reactions at times reaching a deafening roar. It was an unforgettable experience for the actors, pit musicians, and the dedicated stage crew who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend. The Free State Theatre program accomplished an amazing effort, in transporting the entire set over 150 miles in three U-Haul trucks and successfully recreating it inside the Century II Concert Hall.

Photo by Nathan Kramer, Free State High School Journalism

Points of Pride

Students, families, and friends gathered together at Lawrence High School to celebrate culture, heritage, and community during the LHS Intertribal Club Powwow. Throughout the evening, visitors enjoyed an opening gourd dance, a free community dinner, appearances from our very own Miss Indian Youth of Lawrence and Jr. Miss Indian Youth of Lawrence, and a special visit by KU student and 2025-26 Miss Indian World, Dania Wahwasuck. Following the Grand Entry procession lead by service members from Haskell University’s Color Guard, dancers participated in a variety of specials and categories, including the crowd-favorite potato dance, tiny tots dance, men’s traditional special, head lady special, all teen boys category, teen girls fancy special, and some special giveaways. Events like the Lawrence High School Intertribal Club Powwow provide meaningful opportunities for cultural learning and respect. They reflect Lawrence Public Schools’ commitment to honoring Indigenous voices and histories within schools.

West Middle School learners stepped into the larger shoes of adulthood during an eyeopening, interactive activity hosted by Reality U. Each student received a new identity complete with an occupation, annual income, marital status, credit score, outstanding loans, and the number of children in their household. Once they got into character, the middle schoolers rotated through a series of booths designed to replicate real-life financial responsibilities, each stationed by local “adulting” experts, including LPS educators and parents, who kindly volunteered to help the Warhawks fulfill their many grown-up duties. From there, students visited each table and paid utilities, budgeted for groceries and clothing, repaid their student loans, explored transportation and insurance options, invested for retirement, and discovered the joys of compounding interest. By the conclusion of the activity, the middle schoolers walked away with a deeper understanding of the difficult financial decisions and stressful responsibilities that real adults navigate everyday.

ON THE COVER: Students and staff at New York Elementary welcomed a special visit from the Lawrence Kansas Police Department and were wildly impressed by a furless, four-legged friend of unusual pedigree: a robot police dog. Detective Meghan Bardwell from LKPD, alongside Douglas County Youth Services Assistant Director Leigh Housman, visited the school to introduce learners to Chase, one of the department’s robotic police dogs. The 70-pound, remote-controlled quadruped robot, developed by Boston Dynamics, is used by the LKPD and other law enforcement agencies for dangerous inspections, reconnaissance, and negotiations. While not as fluffy or cuddly as a real dog, onlookers were still impressed seeing the robotic canine nailing classic dog tricks like sitting, shaking, and laying down. What really wowed the Knights were Chase’s many new tricks. The robot walked on its hind legs, did a hand stand, jumped, waved, danced, and even traced a heart with its “paws,” drawing excited cheers and plenty of “awws” from the crowd.

Lawrence Public Schools is proud to announce that 18 students from Free State High School, Lawrence High School, and the Lawrence College & Career Center Academy have successfully completed the coursework required for the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. The CDA credential is a nationally recognized certification that provides a strong foundation for careers in early childhood education, pediatric healthcare, and related fields. College & Career Center Academy Principal Mark Preut said, “This certification represents a significant commitment to professional excellence and the future of early childhood education in our community.” After completing the academic component, students are now applying their learning in the field at the Sunflower Shores Learning Lab, a play-based learning environment serving toddlers in our community.

Students from across Lawrence gathered at Community Connections at Pinckney for a hands-on career exploration experience designed to help them imagine their futures in the workplace and find the best fit for internships with local organizations. During the event, students met LMH and KU coordinators as they rotated through several interactive stations, each was designed to assess different workplace skills and introduce career possibilities. The event is part of the district’s long-standing partnership with Project SEARCH, a nationally recognized transition-to-work program that immerses students with disabilities, ages 18-21, as interns to build skills, confidence, and experience as they transition from school into adult life and competitive employment. Lawrence Public Schools first partnered with Project SEARCH in 2010, the partnership has since provided more than 140 students with job placement and work experience.

Visitors funneled into the cafeteria at Cordley Elementary School to listen and learn from fourth graders about the incredible lives and legacies of some of the world’s greatest change-makers. Students set up their display boards and presented to curious guests, caregivers, teachers, and fellow Cordley Hawks about their chosen changemaker — sharing their research, answering questions, and providing plenty of fun facts about their subject. Presenters covered a great variety of contemporary and historical figures from around the globe whose actions made significant, positive change in the world, including Amelia Earhart, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malala Yousafzai, Khanh Nguy Thi, Jonas Salk, Edwin Binney, Mae Jemison, Albert Einstein, Frieda Khalo, Bayard Rustin, Chappell Roan, and many others. Along with teaching the fourth graders how to provide supporting evidence and cite sources, these research projects also showed the future change-makers some great examples to learn from.

The hum of motors and laughter filled Leah Burzinski’s fourth grade classroom as visitors from Team STEAM Robotics let students take control of their mechanized creations. Team STEAM Robotics, an after-school program made up of 52 high school students from across Lawrence Public Schools, brings together young engineers who design, build, and compete with custom robots in competitions throughout Kansas. While they typically meet at the Lawrence College & Career Center, several team members made a special trip to Woodlawn Elementary School to inspire the next generation of innovators. The high school students shared how Team STEAM’s student-led departments collaborate to design, build, program, and promote their robots. Of course, the team showed off the progress they have made so far on their latest competition robot, which impressed the audience with its lightning-fast turning speed. After answering some questions from the crowd, the presenters unveiled two smaller robots and handed over the controls over to the Riverhawks.

Sunset Hill Elementary School is the first school in Kansas to earn the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation from the American School Counselor Association. This national recognition honors a schoolwide counseling program that is aligned with the ASCA National Model and focused on improving student outcomes. It reflects intentional leadership, strong systems, and a school culture where students are known, supported, and valued. Sunset Hill School Counselor Amanda Atkins said, “This recognition highlights what is possible when principals intentionally advocate for school counseling programs by ensuring counselors have the time, support, and role clarity needed to prioritize direct student services aligned with the ASCA National Model.”

Langston Hughes Elementary threw a school-wide party with the musical assistance of the Lawrence High School Band’s drumline to celebrate the birthday of famous Lawrencian, poet, playwright, and their school’s namesake, Langston Hughes. The Bobcats gathered in the gym as the high schoolers performed, with many future musicians tapping and drumming along to their catchy beat. Though, the crowd was especially wowed by one band member’s ability to play their instrument upside-down. Like every good birthday party, the celebration ended with dessert — as students grabbed a sugar cookie before they left for the day.

THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.

Our board-certified primary care doctors not only know their patients, they know the whole family. From babies to seniors and everyone in between. It’s what you can expect from your community healthcare system. Doctors who are here with you.

Shari Flakus’ AVID class at Billy Mills Middle School started off 2026 by turning back the clock to 2017 with a special guest speaker: BMMS and LHS alumna Trinity Shorter. A recent graduate from the prestigious Howard University, Shorter returned to her former middle school to share advice with current Cougars about AVID, high school, college, careers, and life as a young adult. Students each wrote down two questions they had for their visitor and took turns asking them aloud. Shorter shared her personal and professional experiences attending an HBCU, living independently in Washington D.C., finding a career path, taking college courses, and how the skills she acquired in AVID class helped her succeed beyond middle school. SCHEDULE YOUR SAME-DAY APPOINTMENT ONLINE

A roaring Lion crowd braved the cold air outside Lawrence High School to cheer on classmates and educators as they plunged into even colder water during the 2026 Polar Plunge. Organized with support from Susan Mička’s interpersonal skills (IPS) class at Lawrence High, this year’s Polar Plunge raised more than $17,000 in cold hard cash for Special Olympics Kansas and Unified Sports. Equally as cool were the 100 brave plungers who volunteered to leap into the tank and chill out in the splash zone in support of this amazing cause.

Business teacher Kimberly Hawks took 11 DECA students from Free State High School to the state career development conference in Manhattan in late February. Free State was represented by DECA team members Kian Colistra, Carter Dinges, Dale He, Savannah Lynch, Elijah Moneymaker, Grace Mosconi, Nathan Mueller, Neel Sabarwal, Lily Salmans, Allen Shao, and Ruth Yang. The team earned high marks at the statewide competition, with students Neel Sabarwal and Allen Shao achieving 1st place in the Personal Financial Literacy and Principles of Finance categories, respectively. Additionally, Ruth Yang finished in 2nd place for Principles of Business Management, Carter Dinges in 4th for Principles of Finance, Grace Mosconi in 5th for Principles of Entrepreneurship, and Dale He in 5th for Principles of Finance. Congratulations to Kimberly Hawks and the DECA team for taking care of business at state, and best of luck at nationals!

Kindergartners at Schwegler Elementary School were given a very topical lesson on weather by a meteorologist hailing from the National Weather Service. After a warm welcome, the seasoned pro introduced the Cubs to the whats, whys, and hows of weather and its many cool forms. Listeners were blown away by their visitor’s flurry of fun facts about precipitation, temperature, wind, and the tools that meteorologists use to measure and forecast the weather every day. Schwegler kindergarten teacher Lauren Mitchell said of the experience: “It was SNOW much fun!”

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

To help answer that classic question, students at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School consulted the workforce wisdom of experienced professionals and well-researched classmates during LMCMS Career Day. Middle schoolers at Central had the chance to hear from an esteemed lineup of local Lawrence professionals, including an archaeologist, nurse practitioner, chemist, criminal investigator from the Lawrence Police Department, photographer, USPS manager, social worker, biology professor, and creative designer, just to name a few. But the pros weren’t the only ones in the spotlight. LMCMS students also stepped up to the mic, sharing their own research presentations with fellow Mustangs which detailed careers they found particularly interesting. The presenting middle schoolers went in-depth on occupation options like pediatrician, band director, author, interior designer, psychologist, anthropologist, and aquaculturist.

NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP!

Lawrence Kia is now Cable Dahmer Kia of Lawrence! While our name has changed, our commitment to the Lawrence community has only grown stronger. We warmly welcome you to visit us, get to know our team, and experience what it means to be part of the Cable Dahmer family.