Free Press Online

FEATURE: Learning in the Screen Age

Lauren Jackson, Reporter • April 10, 2024

Ever since cell phones have been commonly owned, teachers have faced the challenge of cell phones being a distraction to students inside the classroom and out. Teacher opinions differ on the major effects...

FEATURE: Can We Comeback?

Nomso Enyinnaya, Reporter • November 30, 2023

Founded during the 2000s, the African/African-American diversity group known as ‘Can We Talk’ [CWT] started its way into becoming a stepping stone for cultural awareness within the school but as members...

INFOGRAPHIC: School Closure Proposals

Ella Marshall, Design Editor • February 3, 2022

On January 12, 2022 Executive Director of Communications, Julie Boyle sent out an email addressing possible ways the district can save money. There were four proposals suggesting schools to shutdown. Here...

Student activists take to social media

Zanna Ingram, Online Copy Editor • October 9, 2020

The gay and trans panic defense is used in courtrooms to defend those accused of violent crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community. Junior Hays Hummel wants to put an end to that practice. Hummel...

Lawrence schools to begin hybrid learning

Isis Norris, Print Editor in Chief • September 29, 2020

Lawrence Public Schools students will soon have the option to attend in-person classes through a hybrid learning model — returning to the classroom for the first time since March. After an intense...

School board discusses reopening precautions, met with protests

Isis Norris, Print Editor in Chief • July 14, 2020

On Monday night, the USD 497 School Board held a meeting to discuss how the district will adapt the 2020-21 school year to the current COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the newly-established Kansas for a...

Discussion of In-School Racism 2019

Sabrina Castle, Editor-in-Chief • October 30, 2019

Next meeting: November 7

Stair Perspectives: How has high school changed you?

Emily Zeller, Designer • October 15, 2019

School Redesign Part 3: Restorative practices predicted beneficial to students

Jack Bellemere, Reporter • May 17, 2019

When a student gets in trouble at Free State, teachers traditionally “write up” that student, and send them to the office where administrators will dole out their punishment. However, english teacher...

School Redesign Part 2: Teachers emphasize need for student feedback

Jack Bellemere, Reporter • May 17, 2019

“I don’t believe that teachers should have desks in their classroom,” said special education teacher Patrick Dipman. “I believe that what that creates is squatters rights.” Dipman is explaining...

School Redesign Part 1: Plan approved by staff, efforts begin

Jack Bellemere, Reporter • May 17, 2019

“We customize everything everything,” graphic design teacher Michelle Salmans said. “We customize our phones, our laptops [and] our clothing. Why can't we customize our education? Salmans is referring...

Teachers Sam Rabiola and Stuart Strecker bike to school

Daulton Meadows, Reporter • May 15, 2019

There are hundreds of ways to get to school, whether it’s driving, walking, or riding a bus. But there are two teachers who choose a different way. English teacher Sam Rabiola and spanish teacher Stuart...