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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

Student shares his experience and thoughts on Breast Cancer Awareness

Madi Engnehl-Thomas, Reporter • November 5, 2015

When senior Zak Reed drove across the Kansas River with his parents to see the bras across the bridge after moving here in 2009, he didn’t think much of it. Now, six years later, Reed believes the bras...

During a home game, Free State Soccer fans cheer on the team. Students would like the ability to go to away games in spirit busses, but it is often hard to organize.

Students weigh pros and cons of spirit busses

Elizabeth Patton, Social Media Editor • November 4, 2015

While two lightning delays and double overtime made for an exciting soccer city showdown, it presented challenges in managing a spirit bus restricted by district rules. The first spirit bus of the 2015-2016...

When her Rocky Mountain adventure went wrong, Everett and her son's girlfriend found themselves lost in the wilderness for two nights. Soon after, a helicopter came to their rescue, "It was something I'll not soon forget," Everett said.

Helicopter rescues librarian after two nights in Colorado mountains

Elizabeth Patton, Social Media Editor • October 25, 2015

Most trips to the bathroom don’t end with a rescue helicopter ride out of the Rocky Mountains. For librarian Chris Everett, however, that was the case. On her annual Rocky Mountain hiking trip with family...

During fourth hour, Williams explains a concept to Spanish 3 student, sophomore Kaya Shafter. Williams has created a new homework system for her classes, focusing on student activities rather than bookwork.

Spanish three classes take new approach on foreign language education

Reagan Sullivan, Reporter • October 24, 2015

Sophomore Jackson Mason goes home after a long day of school. He looks at his Spanish homework to see what activity he should do for this week. After deciding to listen to a Latin radio station on Pandora...

Students in Michael Williams' Drafting 2 and 3 classes designed this open-air shelter for the Prairie Restoration Project. Novice Woodworking classes will help build the shelter once the design is complete.

Drafting students design and build a shelter by Free State prairie

Sydney Gard, Co-editor in chief • October 23, 2015

Many high school drafting students would not expect to be able to design a structure for their peers. However, when sophomore Darik Dudley walked into his Drafting 2 class during the second week of school,...

Every year the school board sets goals for equity, excellence and engagement. This year these goals include a look at what the district can do to help LGBT+ students to feel comfortable in the school environment. For example, the option to use the bathroom for the gender a student identifies as.

USD 497 adds new equity goals

Madi Engnehl-Thomas, Reporter • October 22, 2015

When New York Elementary School third grade teacher John Bode was in high school, coming out as gay or lesbian was unheard of. Many of his high school friends didn’t come out until after graduation,...

Reading one of her favorite books, "The Right Side of History" by Adrian Brooks, P.E. teacher Hopkins sits next to just one of several racks that will soon be unpacked into the library.

P.E. teacher advocates for new LGBT+ library section

Sydney Gard, Co-editor in chief • October 21, 2015

When gym teacher Nancy Hopkins walks through her Cardio Center in the school, she feels a great sense of pride. After all, she came up with the idea for the center, contacted people from around the country...

Senior Hope O'Connor uses Blackboard while in AP Environmental Science. Websites like Blackboard are often used in blended learning classes.

Students and teachers share their thoughts on blended learning

Maame Britwum, Online Editor • October 14, 2015

As teenagers being raised and taught during the Information Age, it only makes sense for students to have technology in the classroom. That’s the direction many schools are starting to take, including...

A long with the recognition of winning the Horizon award, social studies teacher, Jordan Boyd, also received a $250 check.

Social Studies teacher Jordan Boyd wins the Horizon Award

Libby Stanford, Online Editor • October 7, 2015

Social studies teacher, Jordan Boyd, was shocked and a little frightened to see members of the administration coming into her room on September 22nd. Boyd was soon informed, however, that she was not in...

Kevin Marcus and Wil B of Black Violin pose with their instruments. The duo is coming to the Lied Center on October 1.

Black Violin pushes boundaries of classical music in upcoming Lawrence concert

Kaya Shafer, Copy Editor • September 25, 2015

On October 1, Black Violin will be coming to the Lied Center of Kansas for the second time. Putting a modern twist on classical music, Kevin Slyvester (Kev Marcus) and Wilner Baptiste (Wil B) took what...

Opening her classroom cabinet, French teacher Karen Gipson, checks her Kleenex supply. Gipson has never rewarded her students with extra credit for turning in tissues.

New school-wide policy prevents students from earning extra credit

Evan Frook, Reporter • September 21, 2015

Senior Brett Carey did a double-take when he read the extra credit policy in the student planner. Carey is a good student in multiple AP classes, and he gets A’s in them. That’s not to say he doesn’t...

Lawrence Mayor Jeremy Farmer resigns

Darby Gilliland, Reporter • September 8, 2015

On the 12th of August Lawrence Mayor Jeremy Farmer announced his resignation. This was two days after he stepped down as executive director of Just Food, a nonprofit food bank. Elizabeth Keever...

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