Free Press: Issue 1, Edition 21

The

Free Press Issue 1 • 24 August 2017 • Edition 21

1:1

1:1 program gives students laptops, wifi hotspots

Fall Sports Preview Photo by MACKENZIE BICKLING Page by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Questioning Courageous Conversations Is Blended Learning Working??

Issue 1 • 24 August 2017 • Edition

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Sports

l e a r n i g n

Fall Sports Preview..................11

Opinion Learning Blended.......................3 Questioning Conversations.....4-6

How-To FYI on 1:1.............................13

Style

Feature

#OutfitOfTheDay.............14-15

1:1 for Everyone......................8-10

NDED BLE

Student Life

Summer Highlights................16

Staff This Issue...

Photo Editor

Designers

Reporters

Photographers

Mackenzie Bickling............ Elise Gard.......................... Will Davis........................... Paige Kirkpatrick...............

Print Co-Editors in Chief Greta Hayden..................... Jax Egan............................. Rylee Roberts....................

Maya Hodison...................

Sports Editor Caitlin McAndrewChris Pendry....................... Nicola Santangelo..............

Juna Murao........................ Will Cook...........................

Beckman........

Design Editor

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Business Editor

Goldie Schmiedeler............ Carly Oliver........................

Copy Editor Erin Liston.........................

Pages by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

Learning Blended

Staff Editorial: Is Blended Learning Working? and have a teacher standing up and explaining.

For many of us, blended classes become hard to enjoy since it does not feel as though we are learning, rather, reading words off of a screen and trying to memorize. The main problem that resonates with us is that it feels like we have to teach ourselves. We feel alone.

Another big issue we face is technology malfunction since computers are heavily relied on. We have all been there. Computers are slow to start because of all the people trying to login at once. Sometimes documents don’t save or computers die in the middle of work.

Even though we as a staff can agree we aren’t the biggest For the 2017-2018 school year, every student fans of Blended Learning, we has a district issued laptop for use at school can acknowledge a few posiand at home. Last school year, there was a trial tives. run with select pilot classes. “Blended learning has allowed our teachers and students to use Blended Learning, nonetechnology in the classroom,” Jerri Kemble, Astheless, is an innovative idea sistant Superintendent of Leading, Learning & Technology, said. in today’s day and age, but as Photo by PAIGE KIRKPATRICK students who were born in this technological age enter school, goal. this new way of teaching will a student Blended Learning is mainly effectively change learning forlearns curriculum via digital students working through ever, and the students with it. media, with an element of activities and lessons online, We don’t think Blended student control. This control that we have is a blessing and which eliminates teacher-stu- Learning should be completely dent instruction. For many of eliminated, but if it is utilized, a curse. us, it’s hard to learn like that. it should be a balanced combiAs a staff, most of us can Though it may work for nation of in class, teacher-toagree that Blended Learning some students to learn indestudent interaction and online is not our preferred type of pendently, others need to phys- work. That way, all aspects of program. These classes are beneficial to certain students, ically grasp whatever it is they the experience each student are learning (i.e. textbooks, needs is included. but not a one size fits all. paper, handwritten notes, etc.)

Everyone learns differently, Blended learning, a concept that by definition emphasizes the word “blended”, should be just that. We begin to question whether it is effective for the majority or not.

Blended Learning is a formal education program which

whether it’s auditory, visually or hands-on and the overall goal of blended classrooms is to try and reach out to all of those different methods to help students reach their full potential. In many ways, though, it does not seem to achieve that

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Questioning

Conversations

New year brings new perspectives on direction of Courageous Conversations Story by ERIN LISTON

Formal Courageous Conversations were held school-wide four times last semester. The goal was to educate students about subjects not frequented in day-to-day conversations.

“Free State is a reflection of the community and if we wish to change, we must start with education and discussions around the issues that impact students and the community,” principal Myron Graber said.

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Pages by GRETA HAYDEN Photo Illustration by MACKENZIE BICKLING

These student discussions are seen by administration as necessary for students preparing to join a diverse society.

“Free State definitely needs Courageous Conversations,” senior Nicole Ahn said. “There are so many students who think racism doesn’t exist or that reverse racism is a thing. This is a sign of ignorance that needs to be fixed before students leave high school and start their own lives to affect the society with their

opinions.”

Courageous Conversations began because of race-related issues between students that started on social media and made its way to the school hallways and classrooms “We should have more Courageous Conversations, because as much as no one likes them, we still need to talk about racism at Free State,” junior Lia Ladner said. “It’s easy for someone like me (a white person) to make micro-aggressions without even knowing it, so when they showed the video, I went home and watched all of them. I feel like that’s the positive outcome that should occur.”

During the upcoming school year, students and staff will continue to have these conversations similar to last year’s.

“There are 12 sessions with three specifically designed to address the marginalized students or groups students. All sessions will be focused on creating a safe culture for all students,” Graber said.

Although they will be similar, there will also be a few changes in the conversations.

“We will make some adjustments to the schedule, topics and groupings,” Graber said, “[Changes that could help Courageous Conversations would be] smaller groups, more time, maybe a better understanding of the ‘why.’”

Some students wish the topics were more relevant and relatable.

“The topics in the conversations used to be extremely irrelevant and vague,” Ahn said. “It was not related to racism or homophobia at all, and it drove me up the wall that white people were still so uncomfortable to talk about it.”

Some minority students are frustrated with Courageous Conversations and the way they protect other students’ feelings above all.

“The entire point of the conversation was to let people know that WE [minorities] were uncomfortable ALL THE TIME, but the system was so protective of white people’s feelings during those 45 minutes instead of the actually oppressed [person’s feelings].”

Although the goal of these conversations is to better the school community, students see downsides.

“There is no way to completely eliminate oppression in it’s entirety, especially in a high school setting,” junior Jordan Hauber said. “While I applaud Free State for trying to create an environment where people can feel comfortable and safe, I feel as though it’s a bit of a dream, one that is not far-fetched, seeing as how many students have been so used to oppressing or even just being ignorant to the feelings of others.”

Other students are frustrated with

the format of the conversations.

“They [Courageous Conversations] are not being executed properly. A conversation is not something taught, it’s people talking back and forth in a neutral environment,” junior Ruth Gathunguri said.

Courageous Conversations were sometimes seen as a joke and weren’t taken seriously by everyone.

“A lot of the white students don’t realize students of color and other marginalized groups go through a heart breaking amount of oppression, inside and outside of campus,” Ahn said. “When the conversation isn’t done right, like the last few times, it just turns into a joke among ignorant students.”

Some students feel as though the conversations would be more helpful if they were completely student- controlled.

“We need a prompt and then the conversation has to be taken over by students,” Gathunguri said. “It will get uncomfortable but that’s the only way someone can realize what they

“I think Courageous Conversations can be very helpful if done right.

It’s totally necessary for all students to learn about racism from other perspectives.”

-senior Nicole Ahn

say and do is offensive. Respect on this level cannot be taught it has to be discussed.”

Graber feels it is important to have an open mind when discussing these topics.

“First listen to others, be open to other points of view, learn to become a caring and empathetic person,” Graber said. “We do not all have to agree, but we do need to understand the perspectives of other cultures so that we can function within a safe and caring community.”

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Look for the Free Press on these dates Issue Issue Issue Issue Issue Issue Issue

Plato’s Closet Lawrence is Moving 1116 W. 23rd Street (next to Dominos on W. 23rd)

1st 2nd 9th 30th

Purple Power Play in the Park - Marching Band K-State Football v. Central Arkansas - Band Director Day K-State Football v. Charlotte - K-State All Star Marching Band & Alumni Band Day K-State Football v. Baylor

October September

Purple Power in the Park - Marching Band StatesPlay Marching Festival 71 Central th K-State Football v. Central Arkansas - Band Director Day 2nd 11 Concert: Wind Ensemble - 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel th 9 Concert: K-State Football v. Charlotte - K-State All Star Marching & Alumni Band Day Chapel 12 Wind Symphony & Concert BandBand - 7:30pm - All Faiths 30th K-State Football v. TCU Baylor 14 st 21 K-State Football v. Oklahoma - Homecoming October 28thth K-State Football at Kansas 7 Central States Marching Festival 11th Concert: Wind Ensemble - 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel November 12thth Concert: Wind Symphony & Concert Band - 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel 11 th K-State Football v. West Virgina - Ft Riley Day & Trombone Day 14 K-State Football v. TCU 25thst K-State Football v. Iowa State 21 K-State Football v. Oklahoma - Homecoming 26thth Concert: Marching Band - 3:00pm - Ahearn Field House 28 K-State Football at Kansas st th

December November 1st-3rd Big IIX Championship Game - Dallas, TX th 11 6th 25th th 7 th 26 10th

K-State Football v. West Virgina Ft Riley Day & Trombone Concert: Wind Ensemble, Wind -Symphony, &Day Brass Ensemble 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel K-State Football v. Iowa State Concert: Wind Ensemble Concert Band - 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel Marching Band & - 3:00pm - Ahearn Field House Marching Band Banquet - 6:00pm - Alumni Center

December

1st-3rd Big IIX Championship Game - Dallas, TX 6th Concert: Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, & Brass Ensemble

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7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel

7th Concert: Wind Ensemble & Concert Band - 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel 10th Marching Band Banquet - 6:00pm - Alumni Center

Sep 21 Oct 19 Dec 14 Feb 8 Mar 15 Apr 26 May 17

2017-18

Grand Re-Opening is Thursday, 8/24

September

#2........... #3........... #4........... #5........... #6........... #7........... #8...........

January 19th - Concert Band Clinic XXV 21st McCain, All Faiths Chapel, West Stadium, Nichols, etc

February 22nd - Kansas Music

January 24th Educators Association

19th - Concert Band Clinic XXV th th th th

All FaithsBB: Chapel, West March Possible 4 ,5 , 7Stadium, , & 8 Nichols, etc 21st McCain,

6th Concert: Wind Ensemble & Wind Symphony

7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel February th

7 Concert: Concert Band & University Band - All Faiths Chapel 22nd - 7:30pm Kansas Music th 14 Ensemble Tour - Kennedy Center Performance 24thth- Wind Educators Association 18 “International Music Festival”

March Possible BB: 4 , 5 , 7 , & 8 6th Concert: Wind Ensemble & Wind Symphony April 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel th

th

th

th

247thth Concert: Wind Ensemble Concert Band Concert Band &&University 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel

25thth- Concert: Wind Ensemble, Wind Center Symphony, & Brass Ensemble 14 Wind Ensemble Tour - Kennedy Performance 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel 18th “International Music Festival” 26th Concert: University Band

April

7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel

24th Concert: Wind Ensemble & Concert Band 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel

**Date and times subject to change

25th Concert: Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, & Brass Ensemble 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel

26th Concert: University Band 7:30pm - All Faiths Chapel

**Date and times subject to change

K-State Bands 226 McCain Auditorium, Manhattan, KS 66502 | 785-532-3816 - ksu.edu/band

Dates To Remember Aug 24.... Jamboree Aug 26.... Firestarter Dance Aug 29.... Homecoming Nominations Sept 1.... Student Pictures Sept 4.... Labor Day No School Sept 24... Issue 2 Distribution

Student ID Photos Sept 1

School ID and yearbook photos are Sept 1. Rolland Studios will take all students’ ID photos during the school day in the auditorium. English classes will report to have their photos taken.

NOTE: If you do not have an English class, please contact Laurie Folsom (lfolsom@usd497.org) to arrange an alternate time on Sept 1.

For more information about ordering photos... https://www.smore.com/mdjeb

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1:1 for Everyone

Continued From Page 9

Former superintendent Kyle Hayden voiced his support for the program, known as Learning Forward, Future Ready, in a statement on their website.

“This is about preparing our students with 21st-century skills and strategies so they can compete globally,” said Hayden. “It’s about our schools being creative and resourceful and engaging students through meaningful and relevant learning.”

For many students and parents, a fear that comes with this 1:1 program is an overuse of these new laptops.

In taking this project on, the district has focused on integrating laptops in the classroom in a balanced way.

“An effective personalized learning environment combines the best of traditional instruction with online and digital media,” the Personalized Learning page of the USD 497 website read. “This environment is tailored for individual student strengths, needs, and interests, including student voice and choice in the path, pace, and place of learning.”

Personalized learning on these laptops restricts the students to do just that, as Securely is fully functional on all the laptops no matter where the student is.

Kajeets works the same way.

“Kajeets provide access to educational sites. There is a limited amount of data each day, so they are not best for streaming,” Campbell said. “They are also filtered. This eliminates access to social media.”

With safety increased and equity a goal, the distributing of laptops will, without a doubt, change learning for students and teachers alike.

When asked how the 1:1 initiative is a victory for the school, Campbell responded calling it a “victory for students.”

10* Page by GOLDIE SCHMIEDELER

On August 18, instructional resource technician Sophia Walker hands a freshman student his new laptop. Walker goes to schools with her team and helps check out and resolve problems with the laptops. “[The greatest benefit the laptops have is] they enable [students] to get classwork done easier,” Walker said.

Photo by MACKENZIE BICKLING

Fall

Sports Preview*

Tennis

Following a seventh place finish at the state championship last year, the team wasn’t satisfied, but decided to put in the extra work over the summer.

“Several of the girls have worked very hard all summer and I’m excited to see where that effort can take us,” senior team captain Ali Dodd said.

First meet: August 31 at the College Boulevard Activity Center

Soccer

Briefs by WILL COOK and JAX EGAN

Returning only three starters for the varsity squad, coach Kelly Barah and the team hope to advance to the state tournament.

“I hope the entire team can keep working as hard as we have been so as to shock so many doubters who do not give us a chance ...this year,” Barah said.

First game: at Lansing on September 8

Football

After suffering two hard losses in the state championship semi-final game two years in a row, the team seeks to make it into the state championship game.

“I plan to have everyone perfect our assignments and come out with a warrior mentality every Friday night...,” senior team captain Nathan Spain said.

First game: September 1 at Shawnee Mission West

Passing with his teammates during practice, senior Gage Foster prepares for the season. “I’m looking forward to having a chance at getting past the semi final game...,” Foster said.

Photo by Nicola Santangelo

Volleyball With new head coach Keely Hammontree, the team hopes to live up to expectations and return to the state tournament.

“We are looking forward to a great season with coach Hammontree,” junior Kansas commit Rachel Hickman said. “We lost eight seniors last year so working together will be the key to our success this year First meet: August 26 against Blue Valley West During the 2016 volleyball season, senior Cameryn Thomas passes the ball. Varsity has a new coach this year. “I love being able to do whatever I can and lay everything out on the floor for my team,” Thomas said. Photo by NICOLA SANTANGELO

Cross Country

Gymnastics

“A big hope I have for the year is to grow closer as a team,” senior team captain Leah Wethington said. Team captain Jared Hicks for the boys cross-country team expect to improve off of last season.

“As a team our goal, as always, is to make it to state and try to place better than the year before but to also compete and push each other to our limits,” Hicks said.

The cross-country team hopes to get off to a fast start this season on August 31st at Lone Elm Park.

First meet: August 31 at Loan Elm Park in Olathe

Expecting no seniors this season, the Gymnastics team still hopes to improve off of last season and grow closer as a team. “I want to see our scores improve from last year and get new and more difficult skills,” junior Kaliyah Townsend said.

First meet: September 16 at home

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Page by GRETA HAYDEN

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The F.Y.I on 1:1 MacBook Air

laptops were distributed on

August 18 DURING YOUR

English class

The Breakdown Students receive:

A district laptop and charger with 24/7 use Free technology help through the student help center before and after school

*as long as you can get through

and charge it!

(

(

The ability to download apps, programs, & internet access

TAKE YOUR MAC HOME!

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Where do you shop?

I like to shop at Urban Outfitters.

What inspires what you wear?

I get a lot of fashion inspiration from Instagram models.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as a mix of hipster and trendy.

How does your personality influence your style?

My personality influences my style because I often wear things that I find comfortable and easy to move around in.

What is your favorite clothing item?

My favorite clothing item is probably tank tops because they come in so many different styles and you can dress them differently based on what you pair them with.

freshman

What music do you listen to?

My music taste is all over the place. I like R&B, alternative, rap, and some pop.

How is fashion important to you?

Fashion is important to me because it is a great form of self expression.

What fashion trends do you hate?

A fashion trend I hate is anything low waisted.

What fashion trends do you love?

A few fashion trends I love are crop tops, mom jeans, and anything high-waisted.

What’s your dream job?

I’m not sure what my dream job is, but I can definitely imagine myself traveling around the world and helping people who are less fortunate than us, like refugees.

Peyton Bradley 14*

Where do you shop?

What is your favorite clothing I get most of my clothes item? from stores online or I My favorite item of clothing that wear hand me

I own is my flannel that I got from downs. my stepdad.

What inspires what you wear?

Things that I’m into such as music or my general mood.

How would you describe your style?

I’d describe it as some sort of grungy alternative style.

How does your personality influence your style?

I’m kind of intimidating at first and I think my outfit choices add to that.

What music do you listen to?

Indie alternative style stuff like The Front Bottoms, LANY, and Wet. How is fashion important to you?

It’s not really the most important to me, I just like to look decent.

What fashion trends do you hate?

Cold shoulder tops and unicorn everything What fashion trends do you love?

Mom jeans and Fishnets are pretty cool.

What’s your dream job?

I’d like to do something with art such as a storyboard artist or an animator.

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Costa Rica

Summer Highlights Lawrence Free Poetry in San Fransisco

Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain