

Griffin's Nest
LVS Newsletter February 3-7, 2025
Please show your support this year for the All-City Choir! This event brings all of our middle and high school vocal performance groups together as a collaborative ensemble directed by a highly respected guest clinician. Students work with their respective outstanding directors throughout the month of January to present this memorable performance.
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 4
Lied Center of Kansas.
The University of Kansas School of Engineering’s Engineering EXPO is 12-3 p.m. Sunday, February 23! Held at KU’s engineering complex on the northwest corner of 15th and Naismith, this free event is open to the community and gives kids in grades K-8 a hands-on opportunity to explore the wonders of engineering! EXPO’s theme this year is Engineering Enchantment: Where Imagination Meets Innovation. There will be dozens of fantasy-themed engineering activities and demonstrations to explore. More information can be found on our website. If you plan to attend, please register here. This is not required but helps for planning purposes. Please reach out to the EXPO team at engrexpo@ku.edu if you have any questions. We would be delighted to have you join us!
~The EXPO Team, The University of Kansas | School of Engineering
Serenade Your "Sweetheart"
Serenade Your Sweetheart -- or your favorite person, kiddo, friend, gal pal, work bestie, spouse, fiancé, nemesis, etc. -- for Valentine's Day! The Lawrence High School Symphonic Orchestra wil students serenade your favorite people in person in Lawrence or with a video for those out of town on Valentine's Day! For more information or to order a Serenade fill out this Google form.
On February 14, the LHS Symphonic orchestra students will travel to various locations around Lawrence to Serenade your "Sweethearts" with the song of your choice from our selections, a personalized message and even a rose!
Songs to chose from: Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel, Hot to Go by Chappell Roan, Super Mario Bros Theme Song, How Far I'll Go from Moana, Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Harold Arlen, You've Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story by Randy Newman, Never Gonna Give you Up by Rick Astley, My Funny Valentine - Richard Rogers, and Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.
Your imagination (and Lawrence, KS city limits) are the only limits to sending a Serenade! The deadline to order is Wednesday, February 12. All proceeds from this fundraiser go towards the orchestra scholarship fund, which helps our students travel and gain broader musical opportunities during their high school orchestra careers. Thank you for supporting fine arts and our incredible LHS students!
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.
eCybermission Teams Need Your Help!
Lawrence Public Schools K-12 2024-2025 Handbook
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS AVAILABLE
All currently enrolled LVS High School students and their parent/guardian can now 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!
HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS
Science City Offers Free STEM Seminars
Science City at Union Station in Kansas City, MO offers free seminars hosted by STEM professionals from around the KC area geared toward 7-12 graders. Visit their web site Science City for more information.
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!
KC Invention Convention
Click Above
For more information on the Kansas City Invention Convention.
Youth Entrepreneurshiop Challenge
Douglas County partners with Network Kansas and The Chamber to offer an annual Your Entrepreneurship Challenge for all middle and high school students.
- Enter as individuals or teams
- Prepare a written business plan, executive summary, elevator speech, formal presentation, and trade show display
- Challenge is Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 Peaslee Tech in Lawrence
For more information and to sign up visit their website.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Middle School Clubs
Middle School Field Trips
Check back for information on upcoming Field Trips!
Elementary School News
Camp Chippewa K-5 Spring Break Opportunity
Camp Chippewa in Ottawa offers a spring break camp March 17-21 from 7:30 a.m.-5 :30 p.m. for students in grades K-5. Activities include archery, low ropes, crafts, field games, theme games, and animal experiences. Daily themes are sports, STEAM, Nature, Wild West, and Mystery. The cost is just $25.00!
Camp Chippewa
2577 Idaho Rd
Ottowa, KS
Go to campchippewa.org to learn more or call 785-242-6797.
Elementary Clubs
K-5 Music Club
When: First Friday of each month
Next meeting: Friday, February 7th
Time: 12:30 pm
Students have chance to share their own musical talents and listen to others. This could include playing a song on an instrument or singing. We will also learn about some famous musicians and various musical instruments. From time to time, we may have some guest performers!
There is no need to sign up in advance. Students should use this Webex link if they choose to attend.
Elementary Cooking Club
Join Mrs. Case on the first Friday each month for a chance to make a delicious item for lunch. Check back for next month's recipe.
When: Second Friday each month
Next Meeting: Friday, February 14th
Time: 11:30am - 12pm
Pet Club
Join Mrs. Mathews to get together and share about our favorite pets! You don't have to have a pet to join the club.
When: Third Friday of each month
Next Meetings Friday, February 21st
Time: 11:30 am - 12 pm
Elementary Field Trips
Check back for Elementary Field Trip opportunities.
Parent/Guardian Information
- 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
- Via phone by calling Cindy in our Business Office at 785-330-4375
Statements now emailed to main parent/guardian!
The District Finance office now emails Fee Statements to the main parent/guardian contact of students who still have outstanding accounts.
- The subject line of this email will be "Month" Fee Statement
- If will come from Lawrence Public Schools - USD #497
- The from email address may be Notification-Do_Not_Reply@target.brightarrow.com
- Please set your email settings so this does not go to your spam
- If you need to update your email address please send it to the LVS Business Office
- See fees due and Pay on-line here
This cost savings move will replace the paper statements mailed in the past. If you do no receive an email and have not paid your fees first check your Spam Folder. Please contact our Business Office at 785-330-4375 for more assistance. Paper statements will be mailed at the end of the school year to those with outstanding balances.
Apply NOW for Free/Reduced School Fees
At LVS Free/Reduced Lunch = Free/Reduced Fees
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LVS FAMILIES!
LVS families seeking assistance with paying fees need to complete the 2024-2025 Free and Reduced-Priced Meal Application. After completing the application please email cindy.hills@@usd497.org to receive a Consent for Disclosure form to complete the process.
A lot of qualifed families missed out on getting their fees waived last year because they did not provide the signed Consent for Disclosure Form so please do not forget this important step.
Need IT Help?
If you are still having 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).
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 provided you with the information required to set up your parent account. If you did not receive the information please contact lvs@usd497.org and they will provide you with the information needed.
Please visit this page for more information.
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 addresses changes require Proof of Residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or vehicle registration emailed to lvs@usd47.org).
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/Interim Registrar