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Griffin's Nest

LVS Newsletter March 23-27, 2026

Griffin's NestLVS Newsletter March 23-27, 2026

Register for the State Assessment Testing Today!! Register for the State Assessment Testing Today!!

Please register by Friday, March 27 Please register by Friday, March 27

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Remote and In-Person Testing Times Available

Mr. Harwood sent out State Assessment Testing informaton in ParentSquare on Friday, February 20. Here are the highlights:


Who tests?

  • Grades 3, 4, 6, 7, 10 test in English Language Arts and Math
  • Grades 5 and 8 test in English Language Arts, Math, and Science
  • Grade 11 test in Science
  • Grades K, 1, 2, 9, and 12 do not test

Locations:

  1. Remote Testing
  2. Lawrence
  3. Overland Park
  4. Topeka
  5. Wichita
When:


  • Remote Test Dates: April 30, May 1, 4, & 5
  • In-Person Test Dates: April 2-3 and April 9-10 - specifics provided when registering

How to register: Visit our registration program here. If you have registered in the past use the Sign In link in the top right hand corner with the login and password you created. I


New to the program? Use the Sign Up link in the right hand corner and create a login and password. This program is not associated with your PowerShool account.


Important Remote Testing Information: To register for Remote Testing please download and complete the Parent-Guardian Agreement Form below. Once the form is returned to lvs@usd497.org we will provide you with the access code to register.


Questions? Email cindy.hills@usd497.org or call Cindy at 785-330-4375.

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LVS Theatre Club presents LVS Theatre Club presents

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Calling all Griffin Artists Calling all Griffin Artists

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Resource Guide for Community Support Resource Guide for Community Support

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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.

HIGH SCHOOL NEWS HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

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High School Field Trips High School Field Trips

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High School Clubs High School Clubs

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Middle and High School Coffee House Night Middle and High School Coffee House Night

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Order Student Transcripts through Parchment! Order Student Transcripts through Parchment!

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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 a "Silent Epidemic" Sweeping through our Nation

Click for more information
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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!

Ask a Friend - English & Spanish

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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Middle School Clubs Middle School Clubs

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Middle School Field Trips Middle School Field Trips

Underground Railroad Trek Underground Railroad Trek

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Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

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Effective Strategies for Schoolwork 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.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Reading Aloud with LVS Senior Lauren Glynn Reading Aloud with LVS Senior Lauren Glynn

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Lauren Glynn, an LVS senior, has created videos of herself reading both picture and chapter books for younger LVS students. To access these recordings, please use this link.

Elementary Field Trips Elementary Field Trips

LVS Elementary Academy Griffins BTS (Beyond the Screen) LVS Elementary Academy Griffins BTS (Beyond the Screen)

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Event Information
Celebrate Spring's Arrival

When?
Friday, Mar 27, 2026, 01:00 PM
Where?
2704 Louisiana Street, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Students will be dropped off at Broken Arrow Elementary and will spend the afternoon engaging in activities all related to Spring!! Hopefully the weather will be great and we can play soccer, basketball, jump-rope, hop scotch and more! If not, we have fun indooor activities as well.


Signup link below:


https://forms.gle/AmF2KCYHSffJzHm28

Elementary Clubs Elementary Clubs

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Cooking Club

Check back for the date and time of Mrs. Case's Cooking Club.


Mrs. Case's Zoom Room

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K-5 Music Club (Mr. Karasek and Ms. Murphy)

Check back for next club meeting date!

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

SUMMER 2026 OPPORTUNITIES! SUMMER 2026 OPPORTUNITIES!

It's not too early to be thinking about Summer Activities for yours students. The Nest will post opportunities as they become available. If you know of any in your area contact Cindy at cindy.hills@usd497.org.

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Parent/Guardian Information Parent/Guardian Information

Viewing Griffin's Nest Table of Contents Viewing Griffin's Nest Table of Contents

It has come to our attention that some readers are no longer seeing our newsletter's table of contents. This may be due to being zoomed all the way in on on the webpage. To zoom out follow these directions:


For Mac devices, hold the Command key and press the minus key to zoom out.

For Windows PC devices, you can zoom out by holding Ctrl while pressing the minus symbol.

The Table of Contents allows you to quickly access the topis without scrolling through the enrire newsletter. We hope this helps make the Griffin's Nest easier to access.

ParentSquare Info ParentSquare Info

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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.


Sign Up

Download the app

Intro to ParentSquare


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 Tech Help

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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.

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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.

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School Fees 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 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 link!


Below is a PDF copy of the Consent for Disclosure if you didn't complete one online when applying for Free/Reduced fees.


Please contact Cindy in our Business Office with any questions at 785-330-4375.

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NEW ADDRESS, EMAIL OR PHONE NUMBER? 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).

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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 Opportunities to Help Raise Funds for LVS

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Dillons Community Rewards

Community Rewards is an easy way to donate to LVS based on the shopping you do every day at Dillons. The program does not change your own Dillons points; it just gives LVS a bit of a boost.


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 $$$$ for LVS Box Tops for Education Earns $$$$ 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.

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Target is offering 40 Bonus Box Tops when you buy 4 select General Mills items. Click above for more information.

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Meet Our Office Team

Zach Harwood: Principal

Sarah Mahoney: Dean of Student Engagement

Daiceonna Henderson: Enrollment

Cindy Hills: Business Office/Newsletter Editor

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Contact Us!

Lawrence Virtual School

Website

lvs@usd497.org

(785) 832-5620

LVS Facebook
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Cindy Hills
Cindy is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
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