As we wrap up January this week, I continue to be encouraged by how our students, teachers and support staff, families and community are navigating this time of year with focus and the many ways we demonstrate care for one another across this community. During January, we have centered on perseverance, a trait defined by CharacterStrong as ‘pushing through challenges with purpose;’ this month has also featured intentional conversations around dignity and unity. All are values reflected in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As I have spent time in our schools and learning alongside educators during recent professional development sessions, I am encouraged by the clarity, energy, and shared commitment guiding our work.
Community Conversations That Count
Our work in the weeks ahead will be full and purposeful. We want to hear from you, and we are offering a variety of ways for students and staff, families and community members to share feedback as part of our Winter 2026 Community Conversations:
These engagement opportunities provide time for us to reflect on progress connected to staff and community informed district priorities, share from your direct experiences in our schools, and identify areas where we can continue to grow.
Alongside district leaders, I look forward to listening and learning as we deepen our understanding and build on the momentum of this important feedback process. Additional engagement opportunities will continue throughout the coming weeks, and I encourage everyone to participate in the way that works best for them.
Upcoming Early Enrollment for Preschool
It’s an exciting time as we open preschool enrollment for the 2026–27 school year. Quality early childhood learning remains a key enhancement in serving our youngest children and families in Lawrence, and we are proud to now offer preschool classrooms at six school locations across the district, reaching the halfway mark in bringing preschool into all elementary schools. This includes classrooms at Deerfield Elementary and Prairie Park Elementary that will debut next school year. The preschool early enrollment window runs from February 2 through March 22, and we encourage families with preschool-aged children to explore these options and plan ahead. More information is available at www.usd497.org/preschool.
Enrollment Now Open at our High Schools for KU Blueprint Program 2026-27
In Lawrence Public Schools, our students don’t just make college plans; they have the opportunity to make college progress. In partnership with the University of Kansas, we are fortunate, as the only district offering the distinguished KU Jayhawk Blueprint program, to feature college coursework for high school students at a dramatically reduced cost, saving both time and money for our students and families.
Enrollment for 2026-27 is now open; high school students and their parents may obtain information directly from their high school counselor. You may also explore more about this program by viewing a recent LPS Jayhawk Blueprint Annual Report.
Clarification: Immigrant and Refugee Students in Lawrence Public Schools
I also want to take a moment to provide reassurance and clarity for our community in a critical area of our work. Lawrence Public Schools remains deeply committed to supporting all students and families, regardless of national origin, religion, or immigration status.
We will continue to work every day to ensure that ALL children are welcomed, embraced, and valued as important members of our USD 497 learning community in each of our classrooms and schools; this fundamental core value and practice remains firm today.
Our team will continue to abide by all state and federal laws and board policies in ensuring student safety and protecting student information. Further, in keeping with the law, we will not share any student data without a warrant, subpoena, or other lawfully issued court order. Our team will continue to follow the law and abide by board-approved policies regarding investigations and/or arrests on school grounds.
In the Lawrence Public Schools, we view diversity as our strength, and we respect and value each of our students and their families. We are honored to live and work in a diverse, international school environment, and we value this as a gift that enriches and strengthens our community.
You may want to read further on recent topics from the week: the full statement on LPS processes for immigrant and refugee students, read/view the Jan 27 Superintendent Report to the Board, and review the superintendent statement about student-led protests.
Finally, I want to recognize and celebrate an impressive achievement within our district. Sunset Hill Elementary has become the first school in the state of Kansas to earn the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation, a national honor awarded by the American School Counselor Association. This recognition reflects the strength of a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program focused on student outcomes, as well as the dedication and leadership of school counselor Amanda Atkins and the supportive Sunset Hill community. This milestone elevates not only our district, but school counseling across Kansas, and serves as a powerful example of what is possible when best practices are implemented with intention and care.
Thank you for your continued partnership, your perseverance, and your beautiful support of the 10,000 amazing students we serve. I look forward to connecting with you at a Community Conversation, welcoming new families through preschool enrollment, or around Lawrence as we continue our important work together to strengthen community.
Sincerely,
Jeanice Kerr Swift
Superintendent of Schools
Lawrence Public Schools
