

Griffin's Nest
LVS Newsletter March 10-14, 2025
Did you remember to set your clocks ahead one hour!
We changed to Daylight Savings last night, 3/9/25. Reset all your clocks ahead one hour, including your vehicle!
Spring Break is March 14 - 21, 2025
Lawrence Virtual School students will be out for Spring Break from March 14 - 21, 2025. Our offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, March 20-21, 2025. We will not publish a Griffin's Nest that week. Look for our next edition on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Enjoy your time away from school!
State Assessments Registration Now!
Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, & 11
Regisistration for the upcoming State Assessments is now open.
Locations and dates are listed below.
LVS uses Jumbula as our registration program for State Assessments. If you created an account in the past you will use that login (most likely your personal email) and password. New users will need to Create an Account as this program is not connected to PowerSchool. Register here!
Remote Testing Information
LVS will offer Remote testing from April 29 - May 9, 2025. To register you must read, sign and return the Parent/Guardian Remote Testing Agreement (download below). Please return the form to lvs@usd497.org. After we receive your Agreement a registration code will be provided for you to select your test times.
We must receive your Agreement by March 24th!
Roller Skate Field Trip Rescheduled
The LVS Roller Skate Field Trip has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 27th. Please click the picture above to register for the trip.
February's Honesty Challenge Results
The results are in from Miss Mickey's "Two Lies and A Truth" challenge. Click the picture above to see the winners and answers!
Please join KU for their next KU Public Astronomy Night Thursday, March 13, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in front of Slawson Hall at KU for some telescope observing of Venus, Saturn, Mars, Jupiter and the Moon! The will also have two planetarium shows inside Slawson, one at 7:30 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m. The shows will happen regardless of weather. All ages welcome!
Visit them online for more information about KU Astronomy Public Nights and the planetarium and other outreach hosted by the Physics and Astronomy Department.
Lawrence Public Schools K-12 2024-2025 Handbook
2025 Summer Camp Opportunities
Lawrence Kansas Summer Police Camps
Registration Now Open!
The Lawrence Kansas Police Department has opened registration for both of its summer camps! The Teen Police Academy is for ages 14-18 and Police Camp is for children 9-13. Click the links to learn more and contact LPDMedia@lkpd.org with any questions.
KU Summer Soccer Camps
Kansas University is excited to announce their upcoming Summer Kansas Soccer Youth Camp, offering young athletes the perfect opportunity to improve their skills, learn from Kansas Soccer student-athletes and coaches, and have fun on the field with the Kansas Jayhawks!
Whether your child is just starting or already has experience, their camps are designed for all skill levels. Kansas Soccer Youth Camp is a great way to develop individual soccer skills, make new friends, and connect with the Kansas Jayhawk spirit!
Camp Highlights:
- Dates: June 2-6, 2025 (Session 1) / July 21-25 (Session 2)
- Times: Full Day 9:00am-3:00pm (Camp ends at 12:00pm on Friday) / Half Day 9:00am-12:00pm
- Location: Rock Chalk Park Soccer Field in Lawrence, KS
- Age Groups: Girls and Boys ages 5-12
- Focus: Skill development, teamwork, fun games, and more
- Coaching: Led by Kansas Soccer student-athletes and coaches
Why Choose Kansas Soccer Youth Camp?
- High-quality instruction from student-athletes and coaches
- A fun and safe environment for all players
- Opportunities for kids to bond with teammates, build new friendships and create lasting memories
Registration Information:
- Cost: $300 per player per session for Full Day / $200 per player per session for Half Day
- Sibling Discount: Register with a sibling for a $20 discount!
- T-Shirt Included!
- To Register: https://www.coachliesoccercamps.com/content/youth-camps
Spaces are limited, so don't wait to sign your child up for a chance to train like a Jayhawk!
For any questions or more details, feel free to reach out to us at comptonb@ku.edu
LMH 2025 Leadership Academy Jun 2 - July 31, 2025
Lawrence Memorial Hospital is offering a hands-on experience for students at least 16 years old (must turn 16 by June 2nd) to learn about a variety of careers in the health care industry. Download their flyer below for more information.
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
HS Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences
High School Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Monday, March 10th and Tuesday, March, 11th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Click here to register with your student's CONTENT teachers.
We look foward to meeting with you soon!
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!
A mystery! High and Middle School students click picture above for more information.
2025 eCybermission Challenge Grades 6-9
The annual eCybermission for grades 6-9 begins April 1, 2025. Please click on the picture above to learn about the LVS winners of this challenge and how you can participate.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Download the PDF below for form information on Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences plus links to their Meeting Rooms.
Middle School Clubs
Help your Middle School Student Rock High School!
For more information and to register for the the "Building Skills for Success in High School, College, and Beyond" webinar click the ACT My Journey 2025 picture above.
Middle School Field Trips
Wichita Zoo Field Trip!
A field trip to the Wichita Zoo on Wednesday, April 23rd is open to all LVS Middle School students and their families. Please register for this wonderful opportunity to visit the zoo for just $6.50 per person (students and parent/guardians). Please sign up for this field trip here by Friday, April 11th and pay for your tickets by Friday, April 16th to attend.
Elementary School News
Celebrate Women's History Month
SAVE THE DATE!
Elementary Academy Griffins BTS (Beyond the Screen)
Celebrate Spring's Arrival!
K-5 students will enjoy an afternoon of engaging activities all related to Spring!
March 28th
1:00-2:30 pm
Broken Arrow Elementary (LVS Room, Playground)
2704 Louisiana St., Lawrence, KS
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
Pet Club
Pet Club will not meet on Friday, February 21st as Mrs. Mathews will be out-of-town. Good news, Mrs. Mathews has rescheduled Pet Club to the last Friday in February and March. The next meeting will be Friday, February 28th from 11:30 am - 12 pm
Next Meetings: Friday, February 28th and Friday, March 28th (last Fridays of each month)
Time: 11:30 am - 12 pm
K-5 Music Club
When: First Friday of each month
Next meeting: Friday, April 4 (no March meeting due to school schedule)
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
We will not meet in March due to parent/teacher conferences and spring break. We will be back in April!
Next Meeting: To be decided
Time: 11:30 am - 12:00 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).
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 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