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

Students are faced with new policies and consequences related to being tardy or absent to class. These policies were put in place by the district in an attempt to reduce tardies and absences.

NEWS: Passing Period Rush

Evie Chancy October 26, 2023

With the administration's implementation of a new tardy plan, it's been necessary for students to adjust their habits in getting to school and from class-to-class.   The new tardy policy states that...

Waiting for a treat, school service dog Wayne smiles at the camera. During school, students such as freshman Rae Humphrey enjoy visiting Wayne to improve their mood. “[I like to come see Wayne] because when I’m having a bad day, he boosts my serotonin,” Humphrey said.

FEATURE: Wayne’s Impact: How Therapy Dogs Impact Classrooms

Maura Langland September 25, 2023

Students have a number of resources offered to them at school, and a new addition to these resources is the school's therapy dog, Wayne. He first came to the school two years ago, and has been helping...

One approach that Free State’s administration has taken to encourage better attendance among students is to turn it into a competition between the grade levels.

NEWS: School District Addresses Chronic Absenteeism

Lilly Wall, News Editor-in-Chief August 28, 2023

Tonight, the Lawrence school board will hear a report created to inform members on truancy and chronic absenteeism, along with potential solutions to these issues. According to the Unified Insights,...

Superintendent Lewis outlines continued education

Superintendent Lewis outlines continued education

Jack Bellemere, Reporter March 23, 2020

During an online meeting on Wednesday March 18, Free State journalism editors interviewed  USD 497 Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis about the district’s plans for the remainder of the school year. In...

Freshman Emma Joseph writes on a new desk. Teachers feel the transition in space has been positive but challenging. “The space was not designed to be a special education classroom.” SpEd teacher Marie Wheeler said. “We had to be super creative with where we were setting up work stations.”

SpEd classroom upgrade makes students more comfortable

Zanna Ingram, Reporter October 10, 2019

  One word can sum up the most notable aspect of the 2019-2020 school year: construction. With new chairs and tables in the cafeteria, a modern library with glass pods for individual studying and...

Recent Kansas legislative activity involves changes to education

Evan Frook and Sydney Gard March 16, 2016

In the face of the upcoming nationwide elections, legislation of all kinds is being passed, killed and proposed, much of which concerns education. “This year and last year the pace of proposals...

Five e-readers available for check out

Five e-readers available for check out

Maame Britwum, Reporter March 10, 2015

When sophomore William Lenz checked out a Kindle from the school library, he was able to use it with ease. “It’s really simple, really easy to use,” Lenz said. “It makes reading easier.” Lenz...

Pros, cons of waiting to start higher education

Maddie Birchfield, Reporter March 8, 2015

As my senior year comes to a close, the idea of leaving Lawrence to start out on my own becomes more and more daunting. A new experience at a new school in a new town all seems very…new. For some,...

When Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced his plan to cut the states education budget, criticisms arose from all across the country. The track record that they have had showed that the district weathered pretty good the last round of cuts. To have an education system wholesale turned upside down, I don’t think that would happen.” Principal Ed West said.

Governor Sam Brownback introduces plan to cut school funding

Kenneth Palmer, Copy Editor March 6, 2015

A MoveOn Petition to “Recall Sam Brownback” with upwards of 30,000 signatures from all over the country, a New York Times article questioning the state’s financial plan and plenty of other national...

Waiting for the game to begin, members of the varsity girls basketball team chat with one another. Coach Bryan Duncan believes the teams chemistry is driving them in the right direction. They just seem to find the right mix of having fun and really competing hard, and I think that leads to success, Duncan said.

Team chemistry drives girls basketball team’s success

Ryan Liston, Online Editor in Chief February 11, 2015

On the bus to an away game, members of the varsity girls basketball team listen to music and joke around with teammates of all grade levels, a scene which is a stark contrast to the attitude of last year’s...

Horizon Award Presented to Rachel Downs

catherine prestoy, reporter September 19, 2013

After school on Tuesday, Sept. 3, Free State staff members sat at tables in the library, puzzled as to why a brief, general email from principal Ed West requested their attendance. Until the meeting...

career technical education

career technical education

sarah lieberman, copy editor September 11, 2013

Life after high school is a daunting subject, but the Career Technical Education program is working to make transitions into the future much easier. CTE increases graduates’ career and post-secondary...

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