The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

News

When a student enters the school late, they must enter through the office and type in their student ID to receive a slip that indicates their time of entry.

NEWS: Teachers Enforce a New Tardy Policy

Claire Heinritz September 18, 2023

Rising absences and tardies in recent years has caused concern from administration and teachers. To try and reduce said absences a new tardy policy is being put in place. According to the tardy policy,...

Prior to the relocation of the Sacred Red Rock, or Inzhjewaxóbe, to Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park, James Pepper Henry, a vice chairman of the Kaw nation, speaks at Buford M. Watson Jr. Park. The Return of Inzhjewaxóbe was celebrated on Aug. 29 to honor the rock, which was brought there in 1929 from the junction of the Shunganunga Creek and Kansas River to become a monument to the citys early founders.

NEWS: The Sacred Red Rock: Return and Reconciliation

Simon Williams, Reporter September 18, 2023

For nearly a century, a large red boulder rested affixed to a stone base and adorned with a plaque commemorating the white settlers of Lawrence, Kansas. Approximately 94 years later, less than a block...

In AP European History, sophomore Olive Minor listens to a lecture. Although a structured college class, their teacher has given them a lot of independence in the class. “We can go at our own pace with the notes,” Minor said. “It’s a lot of self-monitoring which I enjoy.”

NEWS: Big Classrooms Mean Bigger Challenges

Phoebe Morris September 11, 2023

After the first few weeks back, staff is left to frantically figure out how to handle the increase in classroom sizes. The Board of Education’s budget cuts decreased teachers' positions, creating a domino...

Waiting patiently, Cafeteria worker Ikuko Fox watches hungry students grab their second chance breakfast. Ms. Fox works at the Second Chance Breakfast cart at the end of the 2nd floor hallway.

NEWS: District Introduces Second Chance Breakfast to High Schools

Jayne Landers, Managing Editor September 8, 2023

Starting in the fall of 2023, Lawrence high schools have begun offering second chance breakfast, an additional breakfast serving time for students. The district aims for students to perform better in academic...

Studying math, sophomore Willow Marable takes notes using her iPad and stylus. While Marable misses having a laptop, she still prefers taking notes online instead of on paper. “I would use my iPad to take notes, because it’s easier to organize and faster to edit than pen and paper, and it also has autocorrect,” Marable said.

NEWS: MacBooks Out, iPads In

Stella Mosier, News Copy Editor September 8, 2023

Starting off this school year has been majorly different for every high school student in the district. The transition between the iPads and MacBooks has shown major differences in technology, which has...

NEWS: The Willow Project: What is It, and What can We Do?

NEWS: The Willow Project: What is It, and What can We Do?

May 17, 2023

Throughout the month of March, students and teachers across the country scrolled through TikTok and Instagram, met with numerous posts addressing concerns about the Willow Project. The Willow Project...

After receiving advice from her students, orchestra director Judy Erpelding marks her music. Although the director normally makes the artistic decisions, Erpelding will often consult her students and hear their opinions on what sounds good and what they should try out. “[The students] are the heart of the program, not me,” Erpelding said. “I know they will carry that on and I will miss them. Making great music with them, being able to challenge them, taking their inspiration.”

NEWS: Judy Erpelding Announces Resignation

Lilly Wall May 11, 2023

After serving as the Director of Orchestras program for 11 years at the school, Judy Erpelding has announced her resignation, effective May 26.  With this position being her first teaching job, she...

NEWS BRIEF: Students Walk Out For Trans Rights

NEWS BRIEF: Students Walk Out For Trans Rights

Conrad Hill and Allison Mayhew March 28, 2023

Students walked out of schools throughout the district on Tuesday, March 28, to voice their opinions on the introduction of anti-trans bills in Kansas. “It is more than just a political issue,...

NEWS BRIEF: District Votes to Close Two Elementary Schools

NEWS BRIEF: District Votes to Close Two Elementary Schools

Natasha Torkzaban and Lilly Wall March 28, 2023

The USD 497 Board of Education voted to close Pinckney and Broken Arrow Elementary on Monday in an attempt to bridge the $9.6 million budget deficit.  Despite two public hearings at Broken Arrow...

 “I really love these burgers and dont understand why people are stealing them,” freshman Emily Ahern said. Ahern said she is confused as to why the Free State students are robbing burgers and what they are doing with them.

NEWS: The Great Burger Heist

Grey Heiman March 20, 2023

Over the course of the school year, the cafeteria has dealt with students smuggling burgers out of the cafeteria in their pockets.  It wasn’t till early October that cafeteria manager Tracy Pobjoy realized...

With the option of an open lunch many students choose to visit surrounding establishments. Neighboring businesses have expressed concerns about shoplifting, fighting, vandalism and drug use.

NEWS: Reports of Vandalism of Local Businesses

Tommy Taylor March 20, 2023

During every lunch period, a number of students leave the school and get lunch and return without issue. However, administration has reported that students have caused harm to surrounding businesses during...

Chief Operations Officer Larry Englebrick shares a presentation slide talking about the impact of school closures.

NEWS BRIEF: School Board Makes Decisions Regarding School Closures

Cici Hunter February 28, 2023

On Monday, Feb. 27, the USD 497 Board of Education hosted a board meeting to hear administration and community input, in addition to the Future Planning Committee’s final proposal.  “We have cut,...

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