Lawrence Public Schools

Hello Lawrence Public Schools Community,

We have officially begun the summer season, and as we celebrate World Cup soccer and have welcomed the Algerian team to Lawrence during recent weeks, members of our Lawrence Public Schools team are laser focused on important work to prepare for the opening of the 2026-27 school year.

Recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of impressive new educators and team members, attending to physical property needs, ensuring programming is in place, and preparing beautiful classrooms—including brand new preschool classrooms at Deerfield, Kennedy Early Childhood Center, and Prairie Park—are exciting tasks at the top of our summer lists.

In case you missed it, during June we have shared a number of updates on district progress, including a report sharing the results of the Lawrence Public Schools: A Community Conversation 2026. The report details the perceptions of organizational effectiveness - as reflected by our closest partners: families, staff and students—across key areas, including academic program, welcome and belonging at school, safety and responsiveness.

We have also shared a 2025-26 End-of-School-Year Report to share progress in areas of continuous improvement across the organization during this school year.

In addition, for more updates, the most recent June 22 Superintendent Report—text, slides, and video—can be viewed here.

We asked. You responded. We heard. We are doing.

Coming in July and into the new school year, we will share more detailed information about our next steps in the district—what we are doing—based on feedback we have heard from you. We look forward to sharing an updated Lawrence Public Schools Strategic Plan 2030, informed by feedback from our community and featuring an updated vision of postsecondary success for every student.

Welcome Algerian National Team

You likely noticed our welcome banners atop the iconic yellow school bus out front greeting our Algerian guests in town. Lawrence has celebrated the Algerian National Team as they have made our community their home away from home during the FIFA World Cup. We have received a steady stream of enthusiastic visitors stopping and taking photos in front of the bus, an iconic school symbol.

We are proud that Lawrence Public Schools students, staff, and families have played a role in extending a warm welcome to our international guests.

July 8 - Annual Student Enrollment Opens

As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year, Annual Student Enrollment will open for all Lawrence Public Schools families on July 8.

Enrollment is required for all returning and new students and serves as the official back-to-school registration process. In the coming weeks, families will receive additional details, enrollment instructions, and important reminders directly through ParentSquare, email, social media, the district website, and other district communication channels.

We appreciate the partnership of our families and look forward to working together to ensure every student is ready for a successful start to the new school year. Please watch this Back-to-School 2026 page for continued updates and important back-to-school updates as they become available.

August 8 - Annual Kids Expo

The Lawrence Schools Foundation will host its 3rd Annual Kids Expo on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Schools Educational Support Center.

This free community event brings together local organizations, businesses, and service providers to support students and families as they prepare for the new school year. Attendees will have access to health screenings, educational resources, free shoes, haircuts, school supplies, food, entertainment, prize drawings, and other family-friendly activities.

Last year, more than 2,000 students and family members attended the event. With special appearances planned by KU Athletics and an expanded lineup of community partners, organizers anticipate this year's Kids Expo will be the largest yet.

We are grateful to the Lawrence Schools Foundation and the many community partners whose generosity helps ensure students and families begin the school year ready to learn and thrive.

In addition, watch for more information during July as we are excited to debut the new Lawrence Public Schools Family Engagement Center, opening also planned for August 8.

Successful communities are known by their engagement and collective effort to ensure quality public schools. Thank you for all you do to support our 10,000 Lawrence Public Schools students and the committed educators and staff who serve them.

Wishing you a safe and restful July,

Jeanice Kerr Swift

Superintendent of Schools

Lawrence Public Schools

Lawrence Public Schools Represents at 2026 Juneteenth Parade

Lawrence Public Schools proudly joined the entire Lawrence community in the Juneteenth parade this past weekend. Thank you to everyone who organized and celebrated with us!

READ FULL STORY >

LPS Volunteers Pack Thousands of Free Meals for Kids Through Rain & Shine

Through rain and shine, our amazing team of staff and community volunteers worked through the early morning to pack and deliver thousands of free meal kits to families and children in our community. Our district's Nutrition & Wellness and Facilities & Operations teams set up shop at the Douglas County Fairgrounds for this year's Weekly Summer Meal Kit Pickup.

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5th & 6th Graders Learn Instrument Fundamentals at 2026 Summer Novice Music Camp

Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have potentially been creating and playing musical instruments as far back as 60,000 years. In fact, evidence of instruments even predates the earliest known pair of pants!

But you already knew that if you were one of the musical maestros who attended our 2026 Summer Novice Music Camp.

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Chuck Law Named the 2nd-Ever Julie Boyle Heart & Spirit Award Recipient

The Lawrence Schools Foundation, district leaders, and special guests joined together on June 10, designated annually as "Julie Boyle Day," to honor another legendary Lawrencian and long-time educator, Chuck Law, as the second-ever recipient of the Julie Boyle Heart & Spirit Award.

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LHS, FSHS, & CCAP Students Kick It With KU Football

Students and staff from Lawrence High School, Lawrence Free State High School, and Community Connections at Pinckney recently spent a morning throwing, running, and kicking it with University of Kansas Football.

A huge thank you to the Jayhawks for opening their doors and sharing their time, cheers, and great sportsmanship with our stars. Rock Chalk!

READ FULL STORY >

Lawrence Public Schools

All Students. One Team.

Hello Lawrence Public Schools Community,

July 8 - Annual Student Enrollment Opens

Lawrence Public Schools Represents at 2026 Juneteenth Parade

LPS Volunteers Pack Thousands of Free Meals for Kids Through Rain & Shine

5th & 6th Graders Learn Instrument Fundamentals at 2026 Summer Novice Music Camp

Chuck Law Named the 2nd-Ever Julie Boyle Heart & Spirit Award Recipient

LHS, FSHS, & CCAP Students Kick It With KU Football

Look Out for Upcoming Events!

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Superintendent Message Superintendent Message

Hello Lawrence Public Schools Community,

July 8 - Annual Student Enrollment Opens

Lawrence Public Schools Represents at 2026 Juneteenth Parade

LPS Volunteers Pack Thousands of Free Meals for Kids Through Rain & Shine

5th & 6th Graders Learn Instrument Fundamentals at 2026 Summer Novice Music Camp

Chuck Law Named the 2nd-Ever Julie Boyle Heart & Spirit Award Recipient

LHS, FSHS, & CCAP Students Kick It With KU Football

Look Out for Upcoming Events!

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Superintendent Message