First Bell: Recognizing volunteers; Science Fair; pre-bond input sessions

• The Lawrence school district will recognize recognize parents and community partners for their volunteer activities during a reception tonight at the district’s Educational Support and Distribution Center, 110 McDonald Drive.

The annual event is part of the district’s celebration of American Education Week, Nov. 11-17.

The ceremonies will be split into two events, the first from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; the second from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. An all-district reception will be held in between, from 5 to 5:30 p.m., featuring music by a Free State string ensemble, orchestra director Judy Erpelding conducting.

• Anyone interested in participating in the Lawrence school district’s Science and Engineering Fair can attend an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Educational Support and Distribution Center, 110 McDonald Drive.

Students in grades K-12 can enter science projects for judging or take part in the non-competitive Fair Expo.

The informational meeting will show examples of past projects and provide information about how projects are evaluated.

Students wanting to enter the event must register in advance. The Science and Engineering Fair will be held Feb. 8-9 at Southwest Middle School.

• There are three more opportunities to hear presentations and offer public input on the Lawrence school district’s plans for district-wide building renovations, technology upgrades and to expand opportunities for career and technical education in the district.

Two meetings will be held concurrently at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Langston Hughes Elementary, 1101 George Williams Way, and Schwegler Elementary, 2201 Ousdahl Road.

The final public input session will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive.

• Do you have news about local schools and events you’d like to share with the community? Call me at 832-7259, or email me at phancock@ljworld.com.