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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

 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...

Teachers and District at Impasse

Teachers and District at Impasse

Sabrina Castle, Reporter September 18, 2018

On August 23, a mass email titled “From The Table” was sent to over 950 teachers in the Lawrence school district. The message contained a summary of what had been decided at the August 9 negotiations...

New bill passed prohibiting “harmful material” in schools

Juliana Hill, Reporter April 13, 2015

Wednesday, Feb. 25, a bill was passed with a 26-14 vote by the Kansas Senate aimed at prohibiting any school taught material that may be deemed harmful or inappropriate.The bill’s purpose is to limit...

Taking the place of Brad Simon after his passing in mid December, new science teacher Mattithyah Tillotson takes over the classes previously taught by Simon. Tillotson majored in chemistry, general physics, and secondary education with a chemistry concentration at K-State University. "I’ve been a teacher assistant for chemistry labs and recitations for three years, I think, so I’ve taught, like, hundreds of college students," Tillotson said.

Recent graduate fills open science position

Sydney Gard, Reporter February 10, 2015

When science teacher Brad Simon passed away on Dec. 13, students and teachers wanted time to mourn. Finals, however, were only a week away, and Simon had AP Physics 1 and Chemistry classes scheduled for...

Senior Farewell--Teacher edition

Senior Farewell–Teacher edition

gavin spence, Reporter April 14, 2014

One teacher in particular that stands out as one of my favorites is none other than Scott Smith. From the beginning of my Free State career I remember him helping lead the Link crew games, in which two...

Do Teachers use Technology?

Evan Frook, Reporter February 17, 2014

Later this semester, teachers will receive some type of mobile device, be it laptop, tablet, or otherwise. Given that some teachers still struggle with using their SMART Boards, there’s some concern...

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