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
During work time, English teacher Josie Clark helps junior Katie Campbell, her teacher aide.

NEWS: Clark Says Goodbye

Arianna Waller, Yearbook Mods Editor • May 2, 2025

With the end of the school year around the corner, English teacher Josie Clark is leaving the nest to make her move back to Missouri, ultimately concluding her final year at Free State, and her fifth year...

Standing with his Student of the Quarter certificate, junior Noah Place is honored.

FEATURE: Conquering The Quarter

Penny Coleman, Reporter • April 22, 2025

This quarter, numerous students have been nominated as Student of the Quarter. Students are chosen based on their behaviors in the classroom, how they represent their best selves through actively showing...

Holding a Centegix badge, journalism advisor Jared Shuff displays the new process.

NEWS: New Centegix System In Use

Elliot Skillman, News Copy Editor • April 18, 2025

USD 497 is currently implementing the Centegix CrisisAlert System. With the goal to increase safety measures, the district has agreed to a five-year agreement with an annual recurring fee of $49,200 to...

Digital Illustration by Lucas Smith

QUIZ: Which Free State Staff Member Are You?

Eula Heriford and Lucas Smith • February 5, 2025

Digging through materials, students organize donations for teachers for the teacher supply drive.

FEATURE: Honor Society Provides

Odelia Colvin, Reporter • February 4, 2025

With over 200 participants, the National Honor Society teacher supply drive gave school supplies to over 80 teachers. The drive occurred on Jan. 21, and was the first ever NHS school supply drive.  According...

Sitting in the commons, Mr. Lewis attends the award ceremony for Lucas Fearn.

FEATURE: The Student Who Saved Mr. Lewis’ Life

Logan Dinges, Reporter • January 13, 2025

It was the same as any other ordinary day as senior Lucas Fearn and ceramics teacher Mr. Lewis ate lunch together after school in the ceramics room. “On Wednesday of the second week of school...

Math teacher Lawrence Baker advocates for keeping students' phones put away through his numbered cell phone caddy. “I really think this helps some of the students that just reach for their phone out of habit. Asking the students to put their phones in the caddy still requires them to follow the rules and there will always be students who won’t do that, so this doesn’t help them and I end up still having to police those students. That’s why I want to see a total ban,” Baker said.

NEWS: Forbidden Phones

Lauren Jackson, Reporter • September 6, 2024

Lawrence Public Schools recently received petitions from Lawrence educators and parents regarding a revision of the student handbook and more specifically cell phone use in the classroom. The petitions...

Playing the violin, Ms. Herron, the new orchestra teacher, demonstrates to her class how to play a piece. “I was a little nervous going into [the first day], of course, but it was just so much fun and so welcoming from the students,” Herron said.

PROFILE: New Orchestra Teacher Takes the Stage

Morgan Sponholtz, Yearbook Managing Editor • September 6, 2024

After three teachers in three years, the Orchestra program looks toward the future with their newest teacher, Dawn Herron. This is Herron’s 17th year teaching and first time teaching in Kansas. Previously,...

Coach Schoettmer cheering on his team from the sidelines.

PROFILE: Shine on, Shotty

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor • June 3, 2024

With initial plans to be in Lawrence only for a short period of time, JV soccer coach, West Middle School basketball coach and occasional substitute teacher Daniel Schoettemer was prepared with escape...

Ms. McDonald retires after more than 20 years of teaching at Free State.

FEATURE: Decades of Dedication

Maura Langland, Reporter • May 14, 2024

As the year comes to an end, math teacher Annette McDonald is preparing to retire after more than 20 years of teaching and coaching at Free State. Since McDonald was young, she knew that she wanted to...

Substitute teachers adapt to distance learning

Substitute teachers adapt to distance learning

Jack Bellemere, Reporter • October 17, 2020

COVID-19 has brought with it a new approach to education, and every teacher and student has had to adapt. For substitute teachers working in several districts and lacking the personal connection to...

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...

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