Griffin's Nest
LVS Newsletter February 2-6, 2026
February Free Admission to KC Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
For more information visit the museum's Facebook page here.
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Resource Guide for Community Support
Valuable resources in Douglas, Johnson, Shawnee, Wyandotte, and McPherson counties and general resources in Kansas may be found by clicking the picuture above. More information for resources across the state may be found at 1800childrenks.org.
How to play Connections
Connections is a word game that challenges players to find themes between words. Players are given 16 words and must find groups of four items that share something in common. You do this four times, until all 16 words in the puzzle are grouped.
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
LVS High School Spring Conferences
Introduce a High School Girl to Engineering
Sponsored by the KC Society of Women Engineers
When: Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:30 am- 2 pm
Where: Bartle Hall, KC
Cost: $25, includes all activities and lunch
At this live face-to-face event, high school girls get a chance to learn more about science and engineering careers, including:
- Getting paired up with a woman in the engineering industry to be a mentor for the day
- An overall introduction to engineering
- A career fair with engineering companies and firms
- A college fair with local/regional colleges that have engineering, etech, and/or drafting programs
- An industry fair with more detailed look at specific types of engineering
- A design and build activity with your mentor
- Lunch and keynote speaker
- College panel of female students in various programs at different schools that were at the college fair
High school girls can learn more and register by clicking here.
High School Clubs
High School Field Trips
Order Student Transcripts through Parchment!
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS AVAILABLE
All currently enrolled LVS High School students can access their transcript through Parchment. When creating your account please use your personal email address; DO NOT use a school email address. You will have access to this account until July 31st after graduation or withdrawal from LVS. The LVS office will no longer be providing transcripts to current High School students, so please create your Parchment account today!
Suicide a "Silent Epidemic" Sweeping through our Nation
Suicide doesn't discriminate and is the leading cause of preventable death in the US.
Be ready if a family member or friend needs help by downloading the "Kansas a Friend AsKS" app. Visit http://www.ag.ks.gov/asKS for more information.
Suicide Prevention Hotline simply dial 988!
Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Grades 6-12
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Indoor Field Trip @ Lawrence Sports Pavilion
Event Information
For more information and to RSVP Click Here
Middle School Clubs
Effective Strategies for Schoolwork
The LVS Middle School team has put together a guide to help Learning Coaches keep your students on track. Click here to see these tips.
LVS Spelling Bee Winners
Congratulations to all 25 LVS students who participated in one of our two Spelling Bees for K-3rd graders and 4-8th graders. Everyone did a great job! Spelling in front of others can be a bit nerve-wracking.
Congratulations to our 4-8th grade champion, Kendall Clark. She will be representing LVS at the Douglas County Spelling Bee in February. Best of luck!
Congratulations to our runner-up, Ollie Denton.
In our K-3rd grade Spelling Bee, congratulations goes to the winner, Hazel Brown, and runner-up, Adam Cole.
LVS 4-8th Grade Competitors Plus Staff
Elementary School News
Elementary Clubs
Cooking Club
Friday, February 20 at 11:30 am
Join Mrs. Case and other LVS students to cook and enjoy a Blueberry Breakfast Quesadilla. It's great for breakfast, breakfast for lunch, or an anytime snack. Get the supply and ingredient list here.
We will meet on Friday, February 20th at 11:30 am in Mrs. Case's Zoom Room
K-5 Music Club (Mr. Karasek and Ms. Murphy)
Friday, February 27 at 12:30 pm
This club will meet about once per month at 12:30, dates to be determined each month.
Students will get a chance to share their own musical talents or just listen to others. Talents could include playing a song on an instrument or singing. We will also hope to learn about some famous musicians and various musical instruments.
There is no need to sign up in advance. Students should use this Zoom link if they choose to attend:
https://usd497-org.zoom.us/my/dkarasek
If needed, the Meeting ID is 520 576 4868
Elementary Field Trips
Parent/Guardian Information
ParentSquare Info
We’re making it easier to stay connected! Lawrence Public Schools are now using ParentSquare for most of our communication between school and home.
Families can receive updates, sign forms, schedule conferences, and more, on your phone, computer, or through the free app.
We’re looking forward to stronger connections and better communication across our school community.
Tips for using the App:
1. Download the app
2. Open the app
3. Enter parent email in the app (the same one you use to communicate with LVS)
4. Tap Next
5. ParentSquare send an email with a code to complete the process
Tech Help
Need IT Help?
Haveing technical issues with your school-issued device? Contact IT by sending a work order to: itworkorder@usd497.org
You may also call IT for support at 785-330-HELP (4357).
Zoom Download Instructions
Below are some more detailed Zoom instructions for students and learning coaches. If your teacher is using Zoom please be sure to download these for further reference.
PowerSchool Parent Access Information
All LVS Parents, for your student to be successful you need to create your PowerSchool Parent Account as soon as possible. The Enrollment department will be providing all new parents within the next couple of weeks with the information required to set up your parent account.
Please visit this page for more information.
School Fees
School Fees for 2025-2026 school year have been assessed by the District Finance Office. Fees are the same as last year ($100 Instructional Resources Fee and $15 Technology Fee). Payments can be made by check, credit/debit card, or by calling the office.
- By check made out to USD497 and mailed to LVS, 110 McDoald Dr., Lawrence, KS 66044
- Online with a credit/debit card by going to Pay Fees
- Credit/Debit card via phone by calling Cindy in our Business Office at 785-330-4375
Free/Reduced Fees Application
To qualifiy for Free/Reduced LVS school fees families need to complete the LPS Free/Reduced Lunch Application and a Consent for Disclosure Form annually. Both the application and Consent Form are now completed online by clicking the blue links.!
Please contact Cindy in our Business Office with any questions at 785-330-4375.
NEW ADDRESS, EMAIL OR PHONE NUMBER?
Don't forget to alert LVS
It is important that your LVS teachers and staff have current contact information. If you have a new email or phone number please contact our office (lvs@usd497.org or 785-832-5620).
All Home/Mailing Address Changes will be made by completing the Address Change form. Home address changes require Proof of Residence (parent driver's licence with new address, utility bill, lease agreement, or vehicle registration uploaded in the Address Change form).
Scholastic Book Clubs
Scholastic Reading Club is an opportunity for K-8 students to order books from Scholastic Book Clubs that are delivered directly to your home. When you use the LVS code to purchase books, we can offer free books to share with students.
Shop Online: http://scholastic.com/readingclub
One-Time Class Activation Code: LVYZB
Please associate your student with Marcia Riggis' “class” when prompted to connect your student to a class. Book orders are due on the 29th of each month.
Questions? Contact Marcia Riggins
Opportunities to Help Raise Funds for LVS
Dillons Community Rewards
You're only three easy steps away from earning rewards for LVS.
1. Create a digital account using your Dillon's Card. (must have a digital account to participate)
2. Go here to search for Lawrence Virtual School.
3. Select LVS and start shopping!
Every little bit helps.
For more information visit Dillons Community Rewards FAQs.
Box Tops for Education Earns $$$$ for LVS
Buy. Scan. Earn. (Yes, it's that easy!)
LVS earns cash when you purchase participating Box Top items and scan the receipt containing those items. Our goal is to earn $1,000 this year which we can use for student events.
Download the Box Tops App on your phone and start scanning those receipts.
Target is offering 40 Bonus Box Tops when you buy 4 select General Mills items. Click above for more information.
Meet Our Office Team
Zach Harwood: Principal
Sarah Mahoney: Dean of Student Engagement
Daiceonna Henderson: Enrollment
Cindy Hills: Business Office/Newsletter Editor