To avoid the last throes of August’s summer heat, classes in Lawrence School District 497 started later in August for the 1981-82 school year than in prior years. The School Board established that the school year couldn’t begin until the 27th of August.

The annual yearbook signing party kicked off the year’s activities on Monday, August 17 in the LHS cafeteria.

Most all of the LHS fall athletic teams began workouts and practices this week in August of 1981.

To commemorate the start of the season, 18 or so senior football team members had their heads shaved and buzz cut at Amyx Barber shop – for free.

In all, 65 varsity players and 58 sophomores reported to the first two-a-day football practice session, where 47 players bettered the established first-day qualifying time for completing the end-of-practice 880-yard run.

Leaders with the city continued to evaluate design options for retail expansion and development alternatives in downtown Lawrence.

“Endless Love” by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie topped the Billboard’s Singles hit chart, while “4” by Foreigner topped Billboard’s Albums chart.

Back In The Day
August 24 – 30, 1981