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Schools and education

Education a female-dominated profession, except at the top
April 21, 2013
The overwhelming majority of teachers in Kansas are women, especially in elementary school. But most top administrative positions still are held by men. By Peter Hancock
All-stars from 2003: Where are they 10 years later?
April 21, 2013
The 2003 Academic All-Stars have come a long way since being recognized by the Journal-World for their scholastic achievements as high school seniors. Some have traveled the world; others still are in Kansas. They became, among other professions, lawyers, doctors, financial advisers and musicians. A few are married with kids, while a handful still are finishing school. The Journal-World recently tracked them down to find out where their lives have taken them over the past decade, and what the 2003 versions of themselves would think of how they’ve turned out.
Proposed Kansas science standards criticized for lack of depth
April 16, 2013
One science education professor says the Next Generation Science standards focus too much on generalities at the expense of specific subject areas. But supporters say the new model prepares students to learn for themselves. By Peter Hancock
State board OK’s new social studies standards
April 16, 2013
The Kansas State Board of Education has approved new social studies standards that put more emphasis on diversity and how to apply knowledge and skills to real world situations. The new standards will go into effect in Kansas classrooms next year. By Peter Hancock
State education board set to vote on new history and government curriculum standards
April 15, 2013
The State Board of Education is set to vote on proposed new curriculum standards for history and government that put more emphasis on diversity and practical problem-solving skills. The board will also get a briefing on the Next Generation Science Standards that will come up for a vote later this year. By Peter Hancock
Parents face waiting lists for preschool space
April 13, 2013
The recently-passed $92.5 million bond issue will add some preschool classrooms in Lawrence, but many families will remain on waiting lists. Programs for low- and moderate-income families also face funding shortfalls. By Peter Hancock
Fearing resigns as Southwest Middle School assistant principal
April 12, 2013
Matt Fearing is resigning as assistant principal at Southwest Middle School. He joined the district in 1993 as a social studies teacher at West Middle School.
Hollywood TV writer to give keynote speech at 2013 Community Education Breakfast
April 11, 2013
Corinne Brinkerhoff, a 1998 graduate of Lawrence High School, will give the keynote address at the 2013 Community Education Breakfast in September. She is a successful television screenwriter who has worked on such shows as “Elementary,” “The Good Wife” and “Boston Legal.”
New science standards to come before State Board of Education
April 10, 2013
The final draft of the Next Generation Science Standards has been released and will be discussed at next week’s Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Some officials expect controversy over the standards’ emphasis on evolution and climate change. By Peter Hancock
Eudora High School announces honor rolls
April 10, 2013
These Eudora High School students have been named to honor rolls for the third quarter of the 2012-2013 school year.
Lawrence area chess champions in national competitions
April 10, 2013
Chess players from the Lawrence school district brought home trophies from the U.S. Chess Federation Super Nationals tournament in Nashville. Two other players who won state competitions will compete at national tournaments later this year. By Peter Hancock
Music video aims to psych students up for state assessments
April 9, 2013
Teachers at Southwest Middle School think they’ve found a fun and unique way to get students excited about this year’s mandatory reading and math tests, even though the tests mean more to the school than to the students. By Peter Hancock
Former LHS teacher named to hall of fame
April 9, 2013
Paul K. Stuewe, who taught social studies at Lawrence High School, is among 10 people inducted this week into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame. Former Senate President Steve Morris was also named as a “friend of education.” By Peter Hancock
School board OK’s $4.1 million in projects; reorganizes administration
April 8, 2013
The Lawrence school board voted to approve $4.1 million in projects that were not covered by the recently-passed bond issue. The administration office will also get a shake-up, with more staff moved into schools to prepare for technology overhaul. By Peter Hancock
Lawrence schools sending two students to congressional debate nationals
April 8, 2013
Grace Phillips of Free State High School and Lauren Pauls of Lawrence High School qualified to the National Forensics League national tournament in congressional debate. The national tournament is June 16-21 in Birmingham, Ala.
Lawrence school district moving forward on bond projects
April 7, 2013
The Lawrence school board will be asked Monday to approve a contract with a construction manager to supervise projects funded with the recently approved $92.5 million bond issue. Voters approved that bond issue in last week’s elections. By Peter Hancock
Teen, young adult actors sought for feature film and miniseries
April 7, 2013
LightLyre Films is looking for teens and young adults with acting experience to work on several projects the company will shoot this spring and summer in Lawrence. Auditions for actors will be Friday and Saturday.
Bill DeWitt, of Hays, named assistant principal and athletics director at Lawrence High
April 5, 2013
Bill DeWitt has been named assistant principal and athletics director at Lawrence High School, effective July 1. He is currently principal at Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays. By Peter Hancock
Lawrence students vie for nationals in congressional debate
April 5, 2013
Students from Lawrence and Free State high schools are competing this week in the National Forensics League district tournament for congressional debate. The winner will earn a trip to the national tournament this summer in Birmingham, Ala. By Peter Hancock
Contract negotiations to begin next week
April 4, 2013
Health insurance costs and teacher evaluations are among the issues being negotiated as the Lawrence school district begins the next round of contract negotiations with the local teachers union. But officials say any talk about pay raises will depend on what happens in the Kansas Legislature. By Peter Hancock
Sanburn, Morse and Adair win school board seats
April 2, 2013
Only about 800 votes separated the top and bottom candidates in the four-way race for three seats on the Lawrence school board. Incumbent Bob Byers was narrowly defeated for re-election. By Peter Hancock
School bond issue sails to passage
April 2, 2013
The Lawrence school district’s $92.5 million bond issue was approved Tuesday with 72 percent of the vote. The money will fund building improvements, technology and career-technical education. By Peter Hancock
Debater Lauren Pauls breaks LHS point record
April 1, 2013
Lawrence High School senior debater Lauren Pauls broke the school’s career point record in National Forensics League competition this weekend. With three weeks left in the regular season, she now has 1,982 NFL points. By Peter Hancock
Volunteers, donations sought for Project Graduation
April 1, 2013
The annual drug-free and alcohol-free graduation party is set for Wednesday, May 22, at Abe and Jake’s Landing.
Local governments seldom bid major roofing projects
March 30, 2013
Area school districts, cities and counties often use prenegotiated master contracts through a national cooperative for roofing projects and other major purchases. Officials say it saves time and expense—but some critics call it a form of bid-rigging. By Peter Hancock
School district’s mailing about bond issue raises eyebrows
March 29, 2013
The Lawrence school district spent more than $4,000 to produce and mail a flier about the proposed $92.5 million bond issue. District officials say it was just information, but some people say it crossed the line into political advocacy. By Peter Hancock
Voters to have their say on future of Lawrence schools
March 29, 2013
A proposed $92.5 million bond issue on Tuesday’s ballot will help determine the future direction of Lawrence public schools. Supporters say it will equip local schools for 21st century learning, while critics argue it may be too much, too fast. By Peter Hancock
Lawrence preschoolers witness Black Hawk helicopter landing
March 27, 2013
Students from Lawrence’s Kids First Preschool got the opportunity to watch a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter land Wednesday before touring the chopper and trying on military gear. Educational programs like it may soon be the victim of budget squabbles in Washington. By Giles Bruce
Public airs questions over $92.5 million school bond issue
March 26, 2013
Supporters and opponents of the Lawrence school district’s proposed $92.5 million bond issue answered from the public questions Tuesday during a town hall meeting sponsored by the Voter Education Coalition. Voters will decide on the bond issue on Tuesday, April 2. By Peter Hancock
School bond town hall meeting at 7 p.m. today
March 26, 2013
The town hall meeting to discuss the $92.5 million school bond election will start at 7 p.m. today in the Carnegie Building, 200 W. Ninth Street.