Post on 04-Oct-2020
Dear Free State Parents,
Thank you to those of you able to attend our open house on Monday,
August 25. I enjoyed meeting many of you, and I hope each of you found your
time at Free State worthwhile.
Open house was a time designated for teachers to share classroom
expectations and avenues for one-way and two-way communication. More
importantly, open house was a chance for our teachers to put on display the
excitement they feel toward their students and their content. My experiences in
the classrooms I have visited have been positive, and I am optimistic that we will
have our best year ever.
A couple of notable challenges to make you aware of as we move for-
ward. First, our school district has selected a new website host provider.
Beginning in early October, each of our staff members will have the ability to
create a simple website using Schoolwires. Until then, many of our teachers
continue to use the wide variety of host providers currently in place. Teacher
website links can be found on the “Staff” tab on the schools homepage
(fshs.usd497.org). Email access to teachers and select staff can also be found at
this location. The “Department” tab on the school’s homepage will soon
disappear in order to simplify the communication process and prepare for our
new home using Schoolwires.
Second, if you haven’t already noticed, fewer parking spots and school
entrances are available due to multiple construction projects. This reality makes it
necessary for a slightly earlier departure from home or work when attending Free
State events. The main entry from the student parking lot will be closed at least
through spring break. Entry from that side of the building will be through the main
doors to the gymnasium. Furthermore, when approaching the student lot, it is
easy to notice that some of the parking spots have been fenced off for
construction vehicles and equipment. These spots are likely to remain off-limits
through the entire school year. Please plan ahead.
Finally, if you did miss open house, you also missed the opportunity to
witness several hundred students participate in our club fair. We have been trying
to find the right venue to showcase our clubs to our students, and it appears we
(Continued on page 2)
Lawr en ce Free S ta te H i g h S c h oo l
Inside this issue:
PSAT Signup 2
Thespians Present 3
Spring Break Trip 4
Daily Schedules 4
ACT / SAT 5
WRAP News 6
Photos / IDs 7
Volume , Issue AUGUST 2014
Parent Newsletter
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
have accomplished the search for the most effective
time and place. The energy, enthusiasm and
response to our club offerings were truly inspirational.
Each club student representative I visited with
expressed great success in communicating the club’s
purpose and signing up new members. I already look
forward to next year’s event. If your son or daughter
was unable to attend, it is never too late to sign up
and participate in a club. A complete,
ever-changing list of clubs can be found on our
school’s homepage under the “Activities” tab.
Sincerely,
Ed West Principal
Free State High School
(Continued from page 1)
PSAT SIGN-UP!
Sign-up for the October 18 PSAT
will begin
Monday, September 8
in the Student Services Office.
Cost is $18;
please make checks out to
Free State High School.
This is the pre-SAT test targeting juniors,
but sophomores may also take it.
Space is limited, so sign up promptly!
FSHS LIBRARY
The Free State Library is open
from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each
day. On Late Arrival Days,
the library opens at 7 a.m.
The library provides students
with research materials to
support their classwork which
includes databases that can
be accessed from both school and home. The library
also provides a wide range of fiction in a variety of
reading levels and interests.
Students may check out fiction and non-fiction books,
audio books, and magazines from the library.
The library does charge small fines for overdue
materials. Overdue notices are sent by email to
student and parent email addresses provided to the
school. All students have an Outlook email account
and overdue-fine notices are sent to those accounts.
If parents have any questions about the library, please
call or email Diane Toplikar, librarian.
JOIN KEY CLUB! Would you like to provide your child with more
volunteer experience and give them the ability to
develop stronger leadership skills?
Would you like them to have more scholarship
opportunities their senior year?
Please encourage them to join KEY CLUB!
KEY CLUB is an international organization that
focuses on volunteer work at the local level, and
fundraising for groups such as the March of Dimes
and UNIFCEF. KEY CLUB is one of the largest clubs at
Free State, where your child will have the chance
to meet and work with some of the most
benevolent and hard-working
students in the school.
Our first club meeting is in room 226,
Thursday, September 4th.
In case you were wondering
about our construction,
here is the plan for the first
phases of our addition.
The new office area outside
the north doors.
FREE STATE THESPIANS PRESENT
TEN MINUTE THEATRE
By David Raine
7:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 18, 19, 20
Black Box Theatre
Our improve troup, Mission Improvable will also be performing!
Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and can be purchased at the door.
WEDNESDAY SCHEDULES DURING
LATE ARRIVAL/ASSEMBLY SCHEDULES WEEK
THURSDAY—LATE ARRIVAL SCHEDULE
THURSDAY—ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE
PLC 8:00—9:00
2nd Period 9:05—10:30
4th Period 10:35—12:30
1st Lunch 10:35—11:05
2nd Lunch 11:15—11:45
3rd Lunch 12:00—12:30
6th Period 12:35—2:00
TEACHER PLAN 2:00—3:05
2nd Period 8:05—9:30
Assembly/Activity 9:35—10:30
1st Lunch 10:35—11:05
2nd Lunch 11:15—11:45
3rd Lunch 12:00—12:30
4th Period 10:35—12:30
6th Period 12:35—2:00
TEACHER PLAN 2:00—3:05
0 Period 7:00—8:00
1st Period 8:05—8:56
2nd Period 9:01—9:55
3rd Period 10:00—10:51
4th Period 10:56—11:47
1st Lunch 11:47—12:17
2nd Lunch 12:15—12:45
3rd Lunch 12:43—1:13
5th Period 11:52—1:13
6th Period 1:18—2:09
7th Period 2:14—3:05
DAILY SCHEDULE—MONDAY THRU FRIDAY
LATE ARRIVAL/ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE DATES
FOR 2014-2015
Late Arrival provides time for staff to address professional needs for
professional growth and to implement the school improvement
plan. This process encourages a culture of professional
dialogue and unified efforts to enhance teachers’ capacities to
improve student achievement.
The Assembly Schedule allows time for school assemblies and/or
activities into the school day.
LATE ARRIVAL DATES ASSEMBLY DATES
1st Sem. 2nd Sem. 1st Sem. 2nd Sem.
Sept. 4 Feb. 12 Aug. 28 Jan. 29
Sept. 26 Mar. 5 Sept. 11 Feb. 19
Oct. 16 Mar. 12 Oct. 2 Apr. 9
Oct. 23 Mar. 26 Oct. 30 Apr. 23
Nov. 13 Apr. 16 Apr. 30
Nov. 20 May 14
Dec. 11
0 Period 7:00—8:00
1st Period 8:05—9:30
3rd Period 9:35—11:00
5th Period 11:05—1:00
1st Lunch 11:05—11:35
2nd Lunch 11:45—12:15
3rd Lunch 12:30—1:00
7th Period 1:05—2:30
TEACHER PLAN 2:30—3:05
CHINA IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!
If you are curious about the
trip to CHINA,
that is planned for
Free State students during
Spring Break 2015,
then come by room 251
on Tuesday, September 9,
at 5:30 p.m.
for a BRIEF meeting with
answers to your questions, information about the trip
and how to sign up.
If you can’t make the meeting, then email
Kim Grinnell at kgrinnel@usd497.org for details.
ATTENDANCE OFFICE
330-2503
Donna Madl
CLIP & SAVE
FREE STATE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE
Switchboard/ Receptionist
Lynette Lottinville 832-6050
Administrative Assistant
Connie Kesinger 330-2414
Finance Office
Shelly Thornton 330-4641
Attendance
Donna Madl 330-2503
Athletics Secretary
Deb Carpenter 330-1746
Assistant Principals Secretary
Julie Goulding 330-2157
Student Services Secretary
Becky Browning 330-1690
Registrar
Teresa Arevalo 330-1445
School Nurse
Paula Hatcher 330-2234
Food Service
Pam Alt 330-1770
Lisa Baxter 330-1492
ACT Test Dates—2014-15
Date Registration Deadline
Sept. 13, 2014 Aug. 8, 2014
Oct. 25, 2014 Sept. 19, 2014
Dec. 13, 2014 Nov. 7, 2014
Feb. 7, 2015 Jan. 9, 2015
April 18, 2015 March 13, 2015
June 13, 2015 May 8, 2015
SAT Test Dates 2014-2015
Date Registration Deadline
Oct. 11, 2014 Sept. 12, 2014
Nov. 8, 2014 Oct. 9, 2014
Dec. 6, 2014 Nov. 6, 2014
Jan. 24, 2015 Dec. 29, 2014
March 14, 2015 Feb. 13, 2015
May 2, 2015 April 6, 2015
June 6, 2015 May 8, 2015
MARK YOUR CALENDARS—SEPTEMBER
1 NO SCHOOL—Labor Day
2 5 p.m.—NHS Induction Ceremony
15 NO SCHOOL—Professional Development
24 7—10 a.m.—Picture RETAKES
25 THURSDAY—Assembly Schedule
26 FRIDAY—LATE START
PLEASE NO DELIVERIES
Due to the size of our student population we are
unable to accept special occasion deliveries to
students, (i.e. birthdays, flowers, balloons,
or gifts of any kind)
We would appreciate your
understanding and cooperation.
Students are asked NOT to make phone calls
for food deliveries for lunch
(i.e. pizza, sandwiches, etc.).
Such deliveries WILL NOT be accepted.
NO SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 1
SEPTEMBER 15
All about WRAP (Working to Recognize Alternative Possibilities)
I hope everyone enjoyed their summer and is getting back into the routine of a new school year. I’m excited
to be starting my ninth year as a WRAP clinician at Free State High School. I’ve met several of the new fresh-
men and am in the process of reconnecting with returning students. Everyone appears on track to have a
great year.
Many of you are probably aware of the WRAP (Working to Recognize Alternative Possibilities) program but for
those who are not, please allow me to give you the official description: WRAP is a program designed to im-
prove child development and learning, increase connectivity to our community, and provide wellness and
mental health support in our public schools. What this means in my words: I work with your students, their
teachers and sometimes even parents, to attend to their emotional needs so that your student can then at-
tend to his or her academic needs! If you would like to know more about WRAP or are interested in having
your student visit with me, please contact me.
A few years ago I read an article entitled Understanding How Adolescents Think, (from www.edutopia.org/
inside-teenage-brain), I was reminded that “in order for learning and thinking to occur, (the brain) must fulfill
(these) two categories first: You’ve got to survive, and you’ve got to have your emotional needs met.” Par-
ents, the first category is primarily yours to provide (and if you need help, please let me know as there may be
resources available) and the second category (having your emotional needs met) is the responsibility of all of
us and the area in which I enjoy working the most.
I’m so excited for this year for many reasons and the main one is to get to know your student! Please feel free
to give me a call at 330-1759 if I may be of assistance.
It’s going to be a great year for the Free State Firebird family!
April M. Ramos, LSCSW
WRAP Clinician Free State High School
(desk) 785-330-1759
(cell) 785-423-4240
aramos@usd497.org
Post-Secondary Services for Students with Disabilities
College Night October 14, 2014
5:45 PM in the LFSHS Black Box Theater
Workshop: Information on Services for Students with Disabilities
at the Post-Secondary Level
5:45 PM in the LFSHS Black Box Theater
Attend a special informational session on accessing support services at the
post-secondary level for students with learning and other types of disabilities.
There will be a panel presentation by college service providers
who assist students with disabilities and college students using the services.
This workshop is sponsored by the Transition Council of Douglas and Jefferson Counties.
For more information contact: Lorna Larson at 785-832-6050 Ext. 2467or llarson@usd497.org.
L a w r e nc e F r e e
S t a t e H ig h S c h o o l
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of
Lawrence Free State
is to create a safe,
positive learning
environment so
students can
become life-long
learners and
productive citizens in
a global society.
VISION STATEMENT
Student Growth & Development
Students will be committed to high levels of academic achievement in order to develop skills
necessary to become independent, life-long learners.
Students will grow in their awareness and preparation for careers.
Students will participate in community service and increase their awareness of and participation in
the democratic process.
Students will give their best efforts to achieve high, yet attainable, goals and accept personal
responsibility for their actions.
Students will be involved in academic and co-curricular pursuits that will contribute to personal
growth and wellness.
Effort and achievement will be encouraged, recognized and celebrated.
Curriculum
Students will engage in comprehensive studies of college preparatory and vocational courses.
Through active, relevant instruction, teachers will challenge and hold students to attain high stand-
ards of achievement.
Students will attain mastery of essential knowledge and skills.
Staff will collaborate to develop integrated curriculum that raise expectations and hold students
accountable for achievement.
Learning Community
Staff will model life-long learning by participation in effective staff development aimed at
student and school improvement.
There will be open and ongoing communication among all members of the Free State community.
Free State staff and students will create and sustain effective partnerships with the Lawrence busi-
ness and civic community.
Parents will play an active role in the education of their children, monitor their children’s perfor-
mance, and understand the importance of their children’s attainment of proficiency on all stand-
ards.
Co– and Extra-Curricular Activities
Students will be involved in at least one co– or extra-curricular activity.
Staff members will be expected to moderate, coach, assist, or direct at least one co– or extra-
curricular activity.
Students parents, and staff will demonstrate school spirit by attendance of co– or extra-curricular
activities.
Climate and Culture
All members of the learning community will be responsible for promoting a positive atmosphere
through collaboration and communication.
Staff, students, and parents will celebrate student and staff achievements.
Staff and students will seek wellness physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
All members of the learning community will treat each other with mutual respect, consideration and
acceptance.
Principal: Ed West
4700 Overland Drive
Lawrence, KS 66049-4130
(785) 832-6050
Fax: (785) 832-6099
Mascot: Firebird
School colors:
Hunter Green & Silver
Students are assigned
to the following
Assistant Principals:
Keith Jones A—E
Steve Heffernan F—K
Mike Hill L—Q
Lisa Boyd R—Z
Students are assigned to
the following counselors:
Bryan Duncan A—E
Joel Frederick F—K
Tina Mitchell L—Q
Ken Hile R—Z