Lawrence School Newsletter - December 2025

LAWRENCE BOARD OF EDUCATION

GR Gordon-Ross President

Term: 2024-2027

785-330-1464 gr.gordon-ross@usd497.org

Bob Byers Vice President

Term: 2023-2025

785-330-1401 bbyers@usd497.org

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello Lawrence community,

Kelly Jones Past President Term: 2022-2025 785-330-1711 kelly.jones@usd497.org

Carole Cadue-Blackwood

Term: 2024-2027

785-330-1712 ccaduebl@usd497.org

Yolanda Franklin

Term: 2024-2027

785-330-2733 yolanda.franklin@usd497.org

I am inspired by the energy, growth, and commitment visible across Lawrence Public Schools and the greater community. During this first semester of the school year, our program enhancements announced last spring are becoming lived experiences for students, staff, and families.

This fall, elementary students began exploring science as a dedicated special rotation, expanding hands-on learning and giving teachers more time to plan. AVID continues to thrive at every grade level, helping students build organization, goal-setting, and college-readiness skills while celebrating their own progress. Our preschoolers are thriving in new playgrounds and learning spaces at Sunflower and Woodlawn, joining peers at Kennedy and New York in play and discovery. High school students started the year with new MacBook laptops. These technology upgrades are shaped by student voice and aligned with college expectations. And we’re proud to celebrate six USD 497 seniors named 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, representing the excellence and dedication of our remarkable students.

families and staff informed during those events continues as a critical priority of our safety and security procedures at school.

I appreciate our staff, students, and families for their patience as we have experienced these moments together, and taking the time to provide feedback as to how we can continuously improve this work.

Looking ahead, we’ll soon share dates for upcoming annual community engagement sessions—an annual opportunity to connect with students, staff, families, and community members both in person and online. These conversations will build on themes from last year, share updates in our community’s priority areas, and highlight a draft of our updated USD 497 Strategic Plan. Most importantly, they will give us the chance to listen and hear from you about what’s working well and where we can continue to grow.

Quality public schools are the heart of strong, caring communities, and your partnership makes that possible. Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools as we work together for an even brighter future for Lawrence Public Schools.

Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift Superintendent

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.

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:

Shannon Kimball

Term: 2024-2025 785-330-1704 skimball@usd497.org

We have also experienced a number of instances where we have needed to provide instant updates to our community during the course of a school day. Each of these very different situations have produced learning opportunities for all of us in working effectively when emergencies or unanticipated disruptions present themselves — and keeping our

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift Superintendent of Schools Lawrence Public Schools

December 8

January 12 & 26

February 9 & 23

March 9 & 23

April 13 & 27

May 11 & 26

June 8 & 22

Community Education Breakfast 2025

It was another unforgettable and inspiring morning at the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s 23rd Annual Community Education Breakfast.

Held at KU’s Burge Union, it brought together a sold-out crowd of hundreds celebrating the 40-year legacy of incredible support for Lawrence kids. Superintendent Dr. Jeanice K. Swift told the crowd “Robust, engaged communities are evidenced by strong, quality public schools, and looking around this morning, this event is proof positive that Lawrence is such a community.”

There were several highlights during the event, which raised more than $142,000 to support the Lawrence Public Schools, including honoring four outstanding seniors from the Class of 2026 as this year’s Lawrence Schools Foundation Student Champions:

Carlos Gomez Cordova, Lawrence High School – A dedicated student-athlete who competes in track and wrestling, Carlos balances sports, academics, and a demanding work schedule. He plans to pursue a health-related career, driven by his passion for helping others. Known for his bilingual skills, perseverance, and welcoming sense of humor, Carlos makes everyone feel welcome.

Joshua (Josh) Galbreath, Lawrence High School – An accomplished multi-sport athlete now focusing on football, Josh will graduate this December and begin playing for the University of Kansas this spring. Beyond athletics and academics, Josh is deeply family-oriented and committed to service. He actively participates in outreach programs helping to collect resources and meals for individuals and families in need during the holidays. His humble and positive outlook inspires all who know him.

Sara Kumar, Free State High School – A leader with wide-ranging involvement, Sara serves on Student Council’s Public Relations Board, participating in several leadership conferences and mentoring students with special needs. She’s active in numerous clubs from Yoga and Pickleball to Scrapbook (where she is president). Sara volunteers extensively at local nonprofits like the Farmers Market kids’ table, participates in Read Across America, and contributes to various supply drives. A competitive gymnast and tennis player, she is planning for college with an eye on law school.

Aiden Murray, Free State High School – Senior Class President, Hype Club President, and Student Council Executive Board member, Aiden is recognized for his leadership and spirit. He volunteers at youth football practices, greets elementary students on game days, and supports community service projects like Read Across America and the Optimist Club Christmas Tree Stand. A multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, bowling, and track, he also mentors students with special needs. Aiden plans to attend KU or Washburn after graduation.

Dr. Swift added that “In Foundation work, Dena Johnston uses the words: heart, hope, commitment; and community. These core values are in the

very DNA of our Lawrence community. They run through the work of The Foundation over these 40 years and describe not just what we do, but represent who we are in this Lawrence community.”

Guests were also inspired by featured speaker Jerod Nieder, Free State High School Class of 2001. Through his platform Positively Paralyzed, Jerod has become a powerful advocate and storyteller for accessibility and inclusion. In a surprise announcement, the Foundation introduced the Jerod Nieder Endowment Fund and Scholarship, launched with a $10,000 gift from his classmates, friends, and family to ensure his legacy of advocacy continues.

The celebration continued with a generous $35,000 donation from Truity Credit Union, a LEAP partner.

Thank you, Lawrence, for showing up, giving back, and believing in the future of every student.

Promises Made, Promises Kept

How Lawrence Public Schools Has Implemented Program Enhancements

Expanding Early Learning: New Preschool Opportunities Grow Across the District

Lawrence Public Schools expanded access to early childhood education, ensuring that more of our community’s youngest learners start school with a strong foundation.

This school year, the district added preschool classrooms at both Sunflower and Woodlawn Elementary Schools, giving families the opportunity to attend preschool right in their neighborhood schools. These new classrooms support the district’s longterm commitment to early learning, equity, and access. Pre-K enrollment has increased by nearly 20%

this school year.

“Research clearly shows that high-quality preschool experiences set children on a path for long-term success,” Superintendent Dr. Jeanice K. Swift said.

“By placing preschool in more of our neighborhood schools, we are giving families the access and support they need, close to home.”

The district also continues to support its innovative early childhood programs.

At New York Montessori, families have access to the first public Montessori Primary Program in Kansas, serving preschool through

third grade. The Kennedy Early Childhood Center also offers a wide range of services, including Pre-K Readiness, special education, infant toddler care, and the Parents as Teachers program.

Lawrence Public Schools high school students are playing a key role as well, earning certifications through early childhood career pathway courses while co-leading preschool classrooms at Kennedy. Their participation not only provides young learners with added support and mentorship, but also equips our high school stu-

dents with valuable, market-ready skills by the time they graduate.

These expansions and enhancements reflect Lawrence Public Schools’ vision of fostering student success from the very beginning. With programs ranging from neighborhood preschool classrooms to Montessori to high school pathway partnerships, the district is ensuring that children not only start school ready to learn, but thrive throughout their educational journey.

How Students Are Building Better Learning Skills Through AVID

Lawrence Public Schools is using AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) to ensure every student gains the skills, habits, and confidence to be future ready. At Sunflower Elementary, second-grade students proudly use AVID binders to organize their learning, building ownership and independence. Teachers weave AVID strategies such as WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading) into daily lessons, reinforcing literacy and critical thinking from an early age. This approach represents LPS’s vertically aligned system—where strategies introduced in

elementary school prepare students for middle and high school success.

What began as a high school program in 2012 now reaches every level of the district, including preschool, making USD 497 one of only three districts in the Kansas City region to fully implement AVID districtwide. The program’s goal is equity and access, equipping all students, not just a select few, with tools

that lead to college, career, and life readiness. From Kindergarteners learning organization through two-pocket folders to secondary students engaging in AVID electives and financial literacy nights, Lawrence Public Schools are expanding opportunity and removing barriers for every learner.

Professional development continues to drive AVID’s success. Educators receive

training and support to deepen their understanding of AVID’s strategies, ensuring consistency and excellence across all schools. As Sunflower Elementary teacher Cassandra Kandt recently shared, “AVID improves my students’ learning by building my own skillset.”

With all traditional schools now part of the AVID system in 2025–26, the district is investing in a cohesive, districtwide framework that nurtures student pride, agency, and achievement—skills that begin in the earliest grades and grow stronger through graduation.

Prairie Park Students Explore Animal Traits and Adapt to New Science Class

With the introduction of Science as a dedicated special rotation at our elementary buildings this school year, students across Lawrence Public Schools are already solving scientific mysteries and adapting to their new learning environments.

For example, learners at Prairie Park Elementary School visiting the class of science teacher Staci Ahlvers explored nature and animals through a variety of hands-on activities. First graders used their knowledge of animal traits to identify the adult versions of baby birds. After receiving an envelope containing a picture of an unknown baby bird, the students worked together to find and circle any identifiable traits, like their beaks, feet, and eyes, and match them to their bird’s adult counterpart. Once everyone was done triple-checking their guesses, each group excitedly shouted out their answers to their classmates.

Jayhawk Blueprint Students Get Special Look at Centuries-Old Maps and Archives

Students in Valerie Schrag’s History 128 Jayhawk Blueprint course at Lawrence High School got an up close look at centuries-old documents and maps from KU’s historical archives during a time-traveling field trip to the Kenneth Spencer Research Library.

One of the district’s several Jayhawk Blueprint courses, in which students can earn both high school and college credit, Schrag”s class was granted special, hands-on access to several original and replica documents from the University of Kansas archives, which they studied in an attempt to analyze and discuss the records like professional historians do. Guided by KU Libraries Head of Public Services Caitlin Klepper, the Lions were split into groups and asked to read through their given documents, identify their purpose and context, and share their findings with the class. Students were provided a host of different texts dating back to the 19th century, including passages from personal memoirs, reports from the 1850 Census, newspaper advertisements, estate

and financial records, handwritten letters, legal statutes, and an old illustrated map of Sibley, Missouri. After a careful scan of their documents, the groups shared and made connections between them—piecing together the story of a family of slaves from Jackson County, Missouri being separated and sold after the death of their owner in 1853.

Next, the Lawrence High School visitors were ushered into a room with historical maps and magnifying glasses of various sizes and shapes. The class got to work zooming in and pinpointing the details of each chart. The collection featured the Universalior Cogniti Orbis Tabula ex Recentibus Confecta Observationibus—a 1507 map of the world without the Americas, an illustration of the Louisiana Purchase, and an 18th-century depiction of the original Kansas Territory, just to name a few. Notable observations about the maps included their dates, languages, locations, names, scale, purpose, projection technique, orientation, accuracy, and the number of cool sea monsters drawn on them.

Lawrence High School

Students Use New Laptops to Bring Human Body Systems to Life

High school students were awarded new MacBooks this school year and are steadily utilizing them in their classwork, including those in Marci Leuschen’s Anatomy and Physiology class at Lawrence High School. With the support of their laptops and creativity, they brought the human body systems to life.

Student groups were assigned different body systems and tasked with drawing life-sized diagrams

to illustrate their forms and functions. Their diagrams featured anatomically accurate depictions of these organ systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, muscular, reproductive, and immune systems. Students shared their relief and excitement with being able to navigate the internet, read through documents, and display visuals much more efficiently with their new devices.

District & Schools Foundation Honors 2025 A.C.E. Award Winners

The A.C.E. (Award for Commitment & Excellence) recognizes classified (non-teaching) staff members whose exceptional work makes a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the entire USD 497 community. Each recipient receives a $500 award in appreciation of their outstanding contributions.

In October, we joined the Lawrence Schools Foundation in recognizing two outstanding Lawrence Public Schools team members as A.C.E. Award winners: Katie Logan and Lisa Jones.

Both Logan and Jones were surprised with the announcement by the Lawrence Schools Foundation staff and board members, their fam-

ily, friends, students, and colleagues during all-school assemblies.

Katie Logan, a custodian at Sunflower Elementary, was lauded by colleagues, with one sharing, “Beyond her exceptional skill set, it’s her willingness to go the extra mile that truly sets her apart. Whether it’s arriving early to prepare for a special event, staying late to ensure every task is completed to perfection, or assisting a student or staff member in need with kindness and patience—she exemplifies the very best qualities of dedication and service.”

A colleague of Lisa Jones, the administrative assistant at Prairie Park Elementary, said of Jones: “What sets her apart is her boundless ener-

gy and enthusiasm. She never rests in her commitment to making Prairie Park Elementary shine. Her fun, friendly personality lights up the school and her dedication to service

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ensures that every day runs smoothly.”

Congratulations, Katie Logan and Lisa Jones!

• Customer Service/ Accounts Receivable Coordinator

• Finance & Registration (Customer Service) Coordinator

Are you passionate about people and producing great work, then this is the job for you! Apply online at: https://www.gcsaa.org/who-we-are/ careers-at-GCSAA.

THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW. AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.

One medical home for those you love. Primary care is different here. Not only are our doctors board-certified, they also truly know you and your family. It’s how we make your medical care feel more like home – and what you can expect from your community healthcare system. Doctors right here with you.

Great Teachers on the Horizon

HONORING

HORIZON AWARD WINNERS

Kyra Jumper (Schwegler Elementary School, 1st grade teacher) and Brayden Yoder-Mulkey (Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, band teacher) received surprise classroom visits by the Superintendent of Schools, district representatives, and Truity Credit Union — who brought with them the news that both teachers had been chosen as this year’s Horizon Award winners.

The Kansas Horizon Award Program honors outstanding novice teachers that exemplify excellence in the classroom and leadership in their schools. Each Kansas district may nominate one elementary and/or one secondary (middle or High school level) teacher who has successfully completed their first year in a Kansas State Board of Education–accredited school, and are now entering their second year in the classroom. Nominees must be full-time classroom teachers distinguished by their performance, commitment, and positive impact on students.

The two finalists were both commended for their student-centered mindset, positive energy, and willingness to try new things to support students and maximize academic achievement. Each honoree had the opportunity to share their award with a classroom full of their enthusiastic and appreciative students and several colleagues from their school building, and both received a gift basket, as well as a $500 check presented by Audra Fussell from Truity.

Jumper and Yoder-Mulkey will represent Lawrence Public Schools as they advance onward for regional consideration and the possibility of being named as 1 of 32 finalists for statewide recognition.

2026 Legislative Priorities

The Lawrence Board of Education discussed and approved its 2026 legislative priorities in late October, which creates the basis for its advocacy efforts and informing legislative partners and elected officials of the district’s greatest needs. These agreed-upon priorities also provide guidance to staff, community members, and others of the board’s positions on key legislative issues at the state level.

● Fully fund special education as required by current state law. See K.S.A 72-3422. Special education funding must cover the actual cost of providing necessary services to each and every one of our students with an IEP. With a significant state budget surplus, the continued refusal by the Kansas Legislature to pay for the actual services students need to succeed is a moral, ethical, and policymaking failure by our current legislative leadership.

● Increase base state aid per pupil to a level that closes the 25% educator pay gap and allows districts to pay competitive wages to support staff. Again, school funding must be tied to the actual, inflation-adjusted costs needed to achieve state requirements for student achievement.

● Reject all proposals to spend public tax dollars on private education, whether through vouchers, ESAs, tuition tax credits, or other direct or indirect vehicles that redirect state general fund dollars to support private or parochial schools.

● Value the instructional expertise of educators and the governance expertise of district leaders by prioritizing and protecting local control. Reject calls to proscribe management and teaching practices and procedures in statute.

Flexibility at the district level to respond to local circumstances and implement best practices based on those circumstances is essential to achieving the outcomes our educational leaders expect, and our students and families deserve.

● Broadly embrace academic freedom and the teaching of critical thinking skills in public schools by rejecting calls to limit what teachers can teach, what materials they can use to teach, and the methods that professional educators can use to support students. This freedom is integral to supporting and maintaining the district’s strong relationships with parents as partners in their children’s education.

● Return local control to elected

boards of education and their voters to collect data to support the learning needs of students in our community.

● Repeal and reject discriminatory statutes that target and discriminate against students and staff and that compromise their safety, dignity, and individual integrity.

● Provide universal meals free to all students. Reducing administrative burdens like individual applications for free and reduced meals ensures students do not go hungry and are better prepared to learn.

View additional information about the list of 2026 Legislative Priorities and goals at www.usd497.org/ SchoolBoard.

Points of Pride: Staff and Student Success

We are only 65 years removed from the day six-year-old Ruby Bridges was escorted by four federal marshals as she walked into an allwhite school in Louisiana. Ruby’s journey was an essential step towards the long overdue desegregation of schools and upholding the right to education which belongs to every child. Schools across the country proudly celebrated this event and its foundational role in American education by sharing their gratitude for Ruby and her story. At Quail Run Elementary School, students learned about Ruby Bridges and the impact of her actions. Why was Ruby’s walk to school important? How did she show courage even when others were mean? What changes happened because she kept walking?

Students also decorated their own Ruby Bridges shoe to honor the steps her and so many others have taken to ensure school is a place for everyone. After listening to three of their classmates speak, the Quails walked around their school together, reading about Ruby’s life and happily waving their colorful shoes. Several students wrote messages on their shoes, sharing what Ruby’s story means to them and the steps they will now take thanks to her. “Kindness.” “Bravery.” “Hope.” “Because of Ruby’s footsteps, I will take a step toward courage.”

The aroma of fresh bread now fills the halls at Community Connections at Pinckney where Lawrence Public Schools’ new bakery is bringing scratch-made rolls and other baked goods to life each day.

Supported by a $100,000 Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant from the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the bakery is making a daily impact in schools across the district. Everything is baked from scratch on-site, giving the district greater control over both taste and nutritional value. The bakery’s goal is to become a community hub. It’s committed to sourcing at least 50% of its grain from local farmers, fostering local livelihoods. Locally sourcing grains and baking onsite also means that there are less preservatives needed in these baked goods and less time is spent transporting them, ensuring they are fresher and reducing environmental impacts.

In an effort to recruit supporters to their side for the 2025 Crosstown Showdown football game at Lawrence High School (LHS), each high school’s band, spirit squad, and football team traveled to each of the middle schools across Lawrence, welcoming their middle school peers as they arrived in the morning.

The students arriving at Southwest Middle School (SWMS) met both of the LHS and FSHS welcoming committees, who weathered the rain to cheer on the Bulldogs as they walked to class. Southwest staff members were not afraid to show their favoritism for their teams as they excitedly greeted their building’s former middle school students and dawned the colors of their alma mater. Meanwhile, other Lawrence High cheerleaders and football players also greeted the Cougars over at Billy Mills Middle School, where the famous Chesty Lion also made an appearance and met some fellow felines.

Lawrence Public Schools is proud to announce that the following six seniors have been named as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists for 2026: Eli Cokelet, James Gassmann, Nathaniel Kramer, Isaac Mosier, Emma Ryan, and Neel Sabarwal. In the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program, 16,000 semifinalists were publicly announced on September 10. Over 1.3 million juniors from around 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highestscoring entrants in each state. Congratulations and best wishes as these talented high school seniors now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.

Lawrence Free State High School (FSHS) has been selected as the winner of the Performing Arts School of Excellence Award from the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). This is the second time the school has earned this statewide distinction for its outstanding commitment to arts education, having also received the award in 2019. This year’s recognition marks a historic achievement for FSHS, making it the first school in Kansas to earn the award twice. Congratulations to all of the dedicated educators in the Performing Arts Program at Lawrence Free State High School.

In the spirit of the season, seventh graders in Charles Forsyth’s art classes at West Middle School brought their creations to life for their annual Mask Walk. Students in Forsyth’s classes explored the cultural and historical significance of masks, examining how humans have created and worn masks for thousands of years—across continents and civilizations—for rituals, performances, celebrations, and holidays. Inspired by these global traditions, each student was tasked with designing and crafting their own wearable mask that could successfully demonstrate a balance

between form and function.

A collection of creative characters and designs were conjured up by the seventh graders, ranging from cool, cute, and creepy. The colorful cranial costumes brought a lot of interested spectators, including the WMS yearbook team, who stopped by to document the event. However, these creations weren’t just tested on being fashionable. To prove their mask-making prowess, the Warhawks dawned their disguises and paraded down West’s main hallway with scary precision.

Lawrence Public Schools joined districts nationwide in celebrating AVID Day and the transformative power of education and opportunity. The day highlights Advancement Via Individual

Determination (AVID) and how the program empowers students from kindergarten through high school to build the skills, confidence, and community needed for success in college, careers, and life. From pancakes to planner checks, schools across the district found plenty of creative ways to celebrate AVID’s purpose and showcase its impact. SWMS students created a colorful mural of cars with the theme “Full Speed Ahead with AVID.” Each car featured a student reflection beginning with “Because of AVID…”, a collective celebration of determination and growth.

On their first day in USD 497, first graders at Deerfield Elementary School started the new school year learning some valuable lunchroom lessons. Deerfield Principal Summer Moeckel and Deerfield lunch staff spoke with students about the importance of lunch and the expectations during lunch time. “If your bellies are full, your brains work better,” said principal Moeckel. Students studied how to be good first grade role models for their Kindergarten peers, learning where to put their trays and how to properly throw away their trash. They even got a sneak peak at a few items on the menu for the day. Carrots, cucumbers, watermelon, and edamame—a new crowd favorite.

We are so grateful to the many individuals and organizations, including the Lawrence Schools Foundation partners from both within our schools and across the community who have responded during the November LIFT Lawrence campaign with food donations to support our students and families experiencing food insecurity. Your efforts have been inspiring, and your donations

have made a profound impact on students and their families across our community.

We all understand that quality public schools are the direct result of engaged, giving and generous individuals who come together in community; in Lawrence, gratitude and generosity in helping others is not just what you do, it’s who you are. Thank You.

This fall, Langston Hughes Elementary School traded lawnmowers for livestock, welcoming a herd of 34 goats from Cackling Owl Homestead to clear overgrown vegetation around the school grounds. The goats—owned by Jackie and Shawn Cheney and part of the Goats on the Go network—spent several weeks munching through brush, offering a sustainable, chemicalfree alternative to traditional groundskeeping.

Owner Jackie Cheney explained the educational and environmental benefits, “The goats clear vegetation without disturbing the soil microbiome. They eat about four pounds a day, roughly two thousand pounds total so far, and leave behind natural fertilizer.”

The result was a cleaner, safer play area, stronger connections between students and their environment, and an unforgettable hands-on lesson in sustainability. As one student summed it up best, “They’re adorable and awesome.”

Our youngest learners across Lawrence experienced many “firsts” at the start of the school year. At Kennedy Early Childhood Center and New York Montessori, students enjoyed their first breakfasts, teacher greetings, recesses, nap times, and many first friendships. At New York Montessori, the Children’s House team welcomed 3- and 4-year-olds to their new learning space, with experienced Kindergarten colleagues lending a hand as they explored their classrooms and got comfortable in their new routines. Meanwhile, Kennedy Early Childhood Center was buzzing with activity as students returned to classrooms and got right to work playing with their new teachers and classmates.

Superintendent Dr. Jeanice K. Swift also made a visit to Kennedy and greeted the new learners, who were thrilled to have another friend they could show their favorite toys to.

Visitors from New Zealand and Alaska met at Hillcrest Elementary School to teach the Hawks about their tribes’ native cultures through language, music, and dance. Tawhiri Littlejohn and his family made

the trip across the pond from New Zealand and gave Hillcrest a crash course on Māori customs. With help from his sons, Tawhiri and his family introduced themselves to everyone with the Māori greeting, “Kia ora,” and demonstrated how to do their traditional dance, the haka. After Littlejohn explained that the haka is a show of great respect in Māori culture, the Hawks promptly expressed their appreciation for this kind gesture by performing the haka in return. Alongside Littlejohn was Ocean Yates from Alaska, who performed the beautiful sound of his First Nations People.

Lawrence’s littlest learners wasted no time testing out the new preschool playgrounds which opened at Sunflower Elementary and Woodlawn Elementary back in September. Woodlawn students and staff formed a tunnel for their preschool peers to run through on their way to their new playground. The young students were ecstatic when they saw their finished playset and quickly rushed to get their first go down the slides. Reviews of the new facilities were overwhelmingly positive, with students lauding the robust climbing options, the short wait times on the slides, and the vibrant Riverhawk Red color scheme. “We got the whole playground for us!” said one excited Woodlawn student to their parents. The preschoolers then capped off the opening day festivities by sharing some delicious popsicles and apples with their friends and families.

Upcoming Capital Outlay Projects

Preliminary concepts for a potential capital project at the former Centennial School campus was presented to and approved by the board this past September. This project will include renovations to the interior and exterior of the Centennial building and be funded through the capital outlay fund approved within the 202526 district budget, and tentatively completed in advance of the 2026-27 school year. This would not result in any new tax impacts for the school community.

The Choice Campus at Centennial would provide students with equitable access to a flexible, non-traditional high school program, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in an environment that best meets their needs. With both day and evening options, the campus would expand student choice for students in grades 8 through 12, and create pathways for credit recovery or acceleration.

In addition, the board approved a proposal for expanding the campus at Langston Hughes Elementary School. To better serve an increase in the number of students attending Langston Hughes Elementary, and to ensure staff members have the space they need to provide

high-quality student support, the board was presented with the option of adding classrooms and common space to the building.

Support for the planning and development of

the Choice Campus at Centennial and additional classrooms at Langston Hughes Elementary will be followed-up with informational presentations, site-specific design options, and cost estimates for board review in the coming months.

As we look ahead to the coming months, Lawrence Public Schools is excited to continue our tradition of connecting with our community through a series of fall and winter engagement opportunities. Each year, these sessions serve as a vital space for students, staff, families, and community members to share their voices and help shape the future of our schools.

During these upcoming sessions, we will:

• Build on the themes and feedback shared during last year’s community conversations,

• Share updates on our progress in the priority areas identified by our community,

• Highlight a draft of the updated USD 497 Strategic Plan, and

• Invite reflection on our collective strengths, areas for growth, and how the school experience is going this year.

We believe that quality public schools thrive when supported by an engaged, caring community—one that values its children, their education, and our shared future. Your partnership continues to make that possible.

USD 497 TALENT SHOW

DO YOU HAVE TALENT?

10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW!

Lawrence Schools Foundation and Lied Center of Kansas are proud to announce the 10th annual district-wide talent show for middle and high school students.

SINGERS … DANCERS … COMEDIANS … BANDS … MUSICIANS … JUGGLERS … ACTORS … ACROBATS … LET’S SEE IT

Held on the main stage of the Lied Center with full production, Ovation! showcases the amazing talents of USD 497 students and benefits Lawrence Schools Foundation.

Lawrence Schools Foundation and Lied Center of Kansas are proud to announce the 10th annual district-wide talent show for middle and high school students. Held on the main stage of the Lied Center with full production, Ovation! showcases the amazing talents of USD 497 students and benefits Lawrence Schools Foundation.

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS

November 5, 2025 at 5pm

AUDITION DATES

Sunday, November 9, 2025 and Saturday, November 15, 2025 (1–5pm)

AUDITION DATES

Lawrence Schools Foundation and Lied Center of Kansas are proud to announce the 10th annual district-wide talent show for middle and high school students.

November 5, 2025 at 5pm

See lied.ku.edu/event/ovation-2026/ or scan code for info and to download an application form

See lied.ku.edu/event/ovation-2026/ or scan code for info and to download an application form

Held on the main stage of the Lied Center with full production, Ovation! showcases the amazing talents of USD 497 students and benefits Lawrence Schools Foundation.

Sunday, November 9, 2025 and Saturday, November 15, 2025 (1–5pm)

EVENT DATE

EVENT DATE

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS

November 5, 2025 at 5pm

See lied.ku.edu/event/ovation-2026/ or scan code for info and to download an application form

Sunday, February 1, 2026 (7pm)

AUDITION DATES

Sunday, February 1, 2026 (7pm)

Sunday, November 9, 2025 and Saturday, November 15, 2025 (1–5pm)

EVENT DATE

MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Sunday, February 1, 2026 (7pm)