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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

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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...

PHOTO GALLERY: Back To School Recap

PHOTO GALLERY: Back To School Recap

Mallory Thompson, News Photo Editor September 11, 2023

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...

After a block, senior Fiona VanDyke’s teammates cheer her on. VanDyke is a returning member to the Varsity Volleyball team this year.

SPORTS: Girls Volleyball Swings Back into Season

Nick Sprecker, Sports Editor September 7, 2023

A long awaited girls volleyball season has officially begun after the firebirds clashed with Topeka Seaman on Thursday, Aug. 31. Coming off a fourth consecutive substrate win, head coach Jayme Savage and...

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,...

Celebrating the 20th anniversary, Starbucks released their fall infamous pumpkin spice latte to rejoice in two decades of their fall menu. The new flavors dropped Aug 24. and many students were excited to get a taste of their favorite drinks once again. “I was very excited to try the pumpkin spice latte because I’ve never tried any of the fall flavors before,” senior Keat Hockenbury said.

REVIEW: Starbucks Fall Drinks Menu

Jayne Landers, Managing Editor August 28, 2023

Starbucks, the infamous coffee franchise, with over 16,000 locations in the United States alone, gains much attention each year with the release of their Fall drink collection.  Since the Pumpkin Spice...

Running the halls, the cross country team practices inside due to a rising heat wave. Having to practice inside isn’t new to the cross country team, according to coach Steve Heffernan. "We're used to having to make up some stuff to fill in gaps when the weather's just not accommodating,” Heffernan said.

SPORTS: Record Breaking Heat Disrupts Fall Sports

Nick Sprecker and Lilly Wall August 25, 2023

Lawrence, KS, one of many midwest cities currently trapped inside a heat zone, has broken its own heat index record twice in the span of a week with index temperatures reaching up to 135 F. Small, everyday...

Listening to his students, ceramics teacher Byran Lloyd helps them pick a color for their project. “Something that’s been very rewarding is hiring about students going into art education or knowing that students have a great sense of satisfaction from making with with clay,” Lloyd said.

FEATURE: Farewell Lloyd

Nick Sprecker May 24, 2023

In schools throughout the country, teachers hold a significant, sometimes lifelong impact on their students. Whether that impact is positive or negative, teachers can help mold a student's attitude, self-esteem...

Seniors Bradie Ward and Samantha Packard hold the 6A first place trophy with their teammates around them. As of this Saturday, both Packard and Ward are back-to-back state champions. Photo contributed by Free State Swim and Dive.

Girls Swim and Dive Wins Second Consecutive State Competition

Thomas Patton May 22, 2023

Girls swim and dive secured back-to-back state titles on Saturday, May 20. The team held first place from start to finish, winning by 132 points over the next closest team. The team never strayed away...

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...

Many brands put an eye-catching color or design onto their products, such as bags, to make people stop and look at the cheap things to buy. They make each product trendy so it can catch on to other people feeling influenced to buy from them.

EDITORIAL: Consumerism’s Contributions

Allison Mayhew, Editor-in-Chief May 17, 2023

Gallons of water, miles of transportation, hours of labor and a variety of materials exhausted to manufacture one simple product– just to repeat the process all over again, creating an endless loop....

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