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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

 Laughing, senior Elliot Storm plays the cello with the rest of the chamber orchestra at the fall concert. Photo Courtesy of Cooper Stone.

NEWS: Orchestra Sweeps Districts

Evie Chancy, Reporter November 28, 2023

After waking up early into the morning and loading themselves into for the long drive to Topeka Middle School, 23 Free State Orchestra student’s hard work was rewarded with a ticket into the district...

Reaching out, a student is shown purchasing a breakfast bar from second chance breakfast. The newly implemented second chance breakfast program was put on hold for Nov. 10 and Nov. 13 after a physical altercation erupted during second chance breakfast.

NEWS: Second Chance Breakfast Paused

Elliot Skillman, Reporter November 28, 2023

In the morning of Thursday, Nov. 9, tensions erupted during second chance breakfast leading to a fight breaking out between students. As a result, some staff had to intervene in order to keep the altercation...

The franchise, Dirty Dough, made its opening on Nov 17. Off of Bob Billings, the business sits next to Subway. They offer many different flavors of warm, gooey cookies.

REVIEW: The Scoop on Dirty Dough

Maria Mosconi, Reporter November 27, 2023

Dirty Dough, an innovative cookie store on Wakarusa and Bob Billings, had its grand opening on Nov. 17. Since starting in 2020 in a college dorm, the franchise has opened 21 stores since. The franchise...

Lifting a sheet, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School principal Jennifer Schmitt and superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis unveiled the plaque celebrating 100 years of the school. Both a commemoration of the day and the varying names of the school throughout the years can be found on the plaque.

NEWS: Central Centennial

Eli Roust, Photographer/Reporter November 16, 2023

Liberty Memorial Central Middle School [LMCMS] celebrated its 100th anniversary of the building on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. The building was originally a high school constructed as a WWI memorial, and...

Dancing across the stage, sophomore Joy Malin lifts a rose in the air.

NEWS: Bright Star the Fall Musical

Eli Roust, Photographer/Reporter November 10, 2023

After months of preparation and work, the theater department put on “Bright Star.” For director Bryce Jones, being able to get as many people involved was one of the number one goals. “The biggest...

Practicing in the orchestra room, sophomore Annah Steele runs through some scales. Steele plays the string bass for the Symphonic and Chamber orchestras. “I love the unity of [orchestra]. I love everyone working together to put together a single and unified result. Working together to make beautiful music is our common goal,” Steele said.

NEWS: Lawrence Youth Symphony Disappears

Nomso Enyinnaya November 9, 2023

The Lawrence Youth Symphony program has been in place since 1969; the program halted its activity this fall semester since they weren’t able to provide the necessary insurance the school district requires...

Taped on the window at a polling place in Rock Chalk Park, a sample ballot is displayed for people to preview before they place their votes in the booth.

NEWS: Local Elections Results

Evie Chancy and Maria Mosconi November 8, 2023

On Tuesday, elections took place for three positions on the City Commission and five on the School Board, with a 25% voter turnout rate according to the Lawrence Times.  Candidates Brad Finkeldei and...

NEWS: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

NEWS: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Maria Mosconi October 31, 2023

Symbolized by a purple ribbon, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month which brings attention to abusive relationships and victims. According to the Department of Justice Domestic violence is harmful...

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...

Daisy Lee Vintage, a clothing store, opened a new location in downtown Lawrence Sept 23. Owned by Caleb and Cortney Fangman, they strive for cute affordable clothes while battling against fast fashion. “It was cool to see the different styles that they have,” junior Elinor Russo said.

NEWS: Daisy Lee Vintage Welcomed to the Downtown Lawrence Vintage Scene

Simon Williams October 12, 2023

Since 2017, a local business endeavor which found its foothold in the Crossroads District of Kansas City has had its doors open to the public. This vintage storefront, Daisy Lee, recently opened its doors...

Trying to cheat, a student tries to access the AI program “ChatGPT” on their iPad. Cisco Umbrella removes students' abilities to access some websites such as Social Media platforms, Video games, AI programs and more.

NEWS: District Implements New AI Program to Monitor Students’ Technology

Maura Langland October 12, 2023

Within the next 40 to 60 days the AI program Gaggle will be used to monitor all district issued technology, the program will watch all technology that's loaned to students whether it’s iPads or computers....

Jane Goodall, the recently escaped snake rests in the hands of one of science teacher Julie Schwarting’s students. Goodall is a ball python that is 2 feet long.

NEWS: Missing Snake Found In Closet

Maria Mosconi and Arianna Waller October 5, 2023

After nearly a week of the Ball Python, Jane Goodall, getting out of her cage, it’s been confirmed that she was found hiding in a pet supply cabinet. Seeing her back safe in her cage and away from students...

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