photo by: Shawn Valverde

Residents visit at the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s Kids Expo at 110 McDonald Drive on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

The first day of the 2025-2026 school year is less than two weeks away for students in the Lawrence district, and families may have some questions about dates, supplies and other things they need to do to prepare for school.

Students in kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade will start school one day earlier than everyone else, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to help them transition to their new schools, and the first day of school for all other students will be the next day, Wednesday, Aug. 13. The first day for early childhood programs at the New York Montessori program and at Kennedy Early Childhood Center will be the following week, Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Here’s some important things to know about the upcoming school year, like start and end times, meals, school supplies and other important dates.

Start times and dismissal times: These vary for each individual school. Lawrence schools dismiss earlier in the afternoon on Wednesdays than on other days of the week. More information about these times is available on the district’s website at usd497.org/about-us/hours.

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Meal prices: Some school breakfast and lunch prices have increased since last year. Here’s the breakdown. You can see the eligibility requirements and apply for free or reduced-price meals on the district’s website at usd497.org/parents-and-students/programs-and-services/food-service/free-or-reduced-price-meals.

• Full-price breakfast: $2.10 for elementary students, $2.30 for middle school students, $2.35 for high school students, $3.10 for adults.

• Full-price lunch: $3.10 for elementary students, $3.30 for middle school students, $3.35 for high school students, $5.10 for adults.

• Reduced-price breakfast: 30 cents for all grade levels.

• Reduced-price lunch: 40 cents for all grade levels.

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School supplies: The district provides a list of school supplies required for different grade levels at usd497.org/parents-and-students/resources/school-supply-list.

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Kids Expo: For help with school supplies or other back-to-school needs, the Lawrence Schools Foundation will be hosting the second annual Kids Expo at the school district offices, 110 McDonald Drive, on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event will distribute shoes, backpacks and other school supplies, which will be available until supplies run out. Free haircuts for kids will also be offered, but you have to make an appointment first; families can schedule it through their school.

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Back2School Drive: Throughout the past month, volunteers have been collecting school supplies for the Back2School Drive, which is a collaborative effort between Douglas County’s school districts and several local nonprofits to help ensure that teachers and students have the supplies they need. This month, volunteers are needed to help prepare the supplies for distribution to students. There will be a backpack-stuffing event at the Salvation Army location in Lawrence, 1202 E. 23rd St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 4 and 5. To sign up to volunteer, visit the United Way of Kaw Valley’s website, uwkawvalley.org/back2school. The United Way’s website says that families in need of supplies should contact their school to make sure they are on the list for the program.

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Other important dates for 2025-2026: Here’s a look ahead at important dates such as breaks and other days off.

• Fall break is Nov. 24-28; winter break is Dec. 22-Jan. 5; spring break is March 13 to March 20.

• No classes are scheduled on any of the following days: Sept. 1, Sept. 15, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Feb. 13 and April 17.

• Early childhood programs and middle schools will be closed on Oct. 16 for parent-teacher conferences. Early childhood programs will also be closed on Feb. 12 for conferences.

• The last day of school for all students except graduating high school seniors is May 21.

• High school seniors’ last day of school will be May 15, and graduation ceremonies are scheduled within the next week.