Griffin's Nest
LVS Newsletter May 18-22, 2026
May 21, 2026 Last Day of Classes
School's Out for the Summer!
LVS eSports Teams Win at State Tournament
LVS's Rocket League and Fornite eSports teams competed in the 2026 Kansas Scholastic eSports state tournament at KState May 1 and May 2. Only eight teams from each sport were invited to participate, a huge accomplishment for our students. Click the picture above to see pictures of the winners!
2026 Project Graduation
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
LVS Graduates Invited!
Visit Project Graduation Lawrence's Facebook page for more information. All attendees must have a picture ID and be LVS Students. If you need a picture ID email Miss Cindy (lvs@usd497.org) a headshot photo by May 19 at noon so she can provide you with an LVS ID Card. (Note: Miss Cindy will be out of the office from May 11-15).
LPS/LVS ANNUAL ENROLLMENT
Begins July 2026 for All Returning Students
Thank you to all our families that have asked about this year's Annual Enrollment which begins in July. The date was changed due to the State's requirement that LVS obtain new Proof of Residency annually that is dated after July 1.
RETURNING STUDENTS
If your student(s) are returning to LVS for the 2026-2027 school year look for information the week July 7 on completing the Annual Enrollment (please remember, Enrollment is not where you register for High School courses). LPS will send out information through Parent Square and LVS will send out information from PowerSchool.
TRANSFERING STUDENTS
If you are staying with Lawrence Public Schools and transfering back to your Brick & Mortar boundary school please use the link below. You will need to attach a new Proof of Residency.
Returning to LPS Boundary School
If you are leaving LVS/LPS please complete the link below. We will need to know where your student(s) plan to school for the 2026-2027 school year as we cannot officially withdraw them until they are activiely enrolled in another K-12 school.
Please pay LVS School Fees Now!
Attention LVS Families - A Message from Finance
If you have not paid your school fees you have until June 1. The District Finance office will send all unpaid accounts to collections in June. School fees may be paid online through EFunds, by calling Cindy in the Business Office, 785-393-0889, or via check made out to USD497 and mailed to 110 McDonald Dr., Lawrence, KS 66044.
If you qualified for Free/Reduced Fees but still have an outstanding balance please complete the Fee Waiver Form through ParentSquare at https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/53798929.
If you have any questions please email MyFees@usd497.org.
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.
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
High School Field Trips
Check back in the 2026-2027 school year upcoming trips!
High School Clubs
Check back, for clubs forming for the 2026-2027 school year
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!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Middle School Clubs
Check back, for clubs forming for the 2026-2027 school year
Middle School Field Trips
Check back in the 2026-2027 school year upcoming trips!
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
5th Grade Recognition
K-5 Celebration!
Elementary Field Trips
More trips will be scheduled for the 2026-2027 School year!
Elementary Clubs
Clubs return for the 2026-2027 School Year
SUMMER 2026 OPPORTUNITIES!
Free Online Accounting Course
The Herbel Family School of Accountancy at Kansas State University is offering an online accounting course for high school students starting in late August 2026.The course is tuition free, and there are other incentives offered through K-State for satisfactorily completing the course.
Click here for more information!
Below are some possible summer activities for students and families. Click the pictures for more information.
KANSAS CITY/OVERLAND PARK
LAWRENCE
TOPEKA
WICHITA
Parent/Guardian Information
Viewing Griffin's Nest Table of Contents
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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 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.
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