Free Press

the

Free Press

Best of 2009 Page 4 - 5

edition 13 issue 7 February 10, 2010 - 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66049 - (785) 832-6050

Student Blogs About Fashion Page 8

Secret Life of the American Teacher Page 7

The Students' Bill of Rights

by Miranda Davis

Your music's up, you're just driving along and see the flashing lights in the rear-view mirror. You pull the car over, roll down the window and prepare for what's next. As a student, a minor and a driver what are your rights?

1. The Rights Everyone Has When Pulled Over When civil liberties are violated in a routine traffic stop it is usually an issue stemming from the Fourth and Fifth Amendments (the right against unreasonable search and seizure and the right against self-incrimination).

"For a police officer to be able to pull someone over they have to have probable cause, meaning they have to have proof that a crime was being, is being or is about to be committed," criminal defense attorney John Frydman said. "[The officer] has the right to ask for identification, proof of insurance and registration."

If a police officer pulls someone over they have the right to look in the car and remove anything that is in

"plain view," which, if criminal (such as a weapon, drug or alcohol substance) would give them the probable cause to arrest the person and the officer could search their car.

However, if a police officer just asks permission to search a car they have the right to respectfully decline.

Unlike what you see on television, if an officer has probable cause he can arrest someone without reading them their Miranda Rights. An officer only has to do that if they are going to question the suspect. Just remember, anyone pulled over doesn't have to admit to anything if they don't want to, or think it would be legally beneficial if they don't.

2. The Rights Students Have at School As most people know, every minor has to go to school. Every state has law that requires a student to go to school for a certain number of years. In Kansas a student must be 16 years of age to drop out.

Students have a right to refuse to say The Pledge of Allegiance, as long as they are not disruptive.

Students also have the freedom of speech on a school campus as long as it does not "materially or substantially" disrupt the school day.

Punishment and discipline in schools is necessary and does not require probable cause or

due process, just proof beyond a reasonable suspicion. One of the only things a school official has to do is tell a student what they did wrong and let them present their side of the story.

Another right students have at school is to call their parents if they have been accused of an illegal act at school and they ask to call their parents, an administrator has to let them.

It has been ruled that the Eighth Amendment (the right against cruel and unusual punishment) does not apply in schools, and that decision rests entirely on state and local laws. In the USD 497 district the Eighth Amendment applies, according to district policy.

Search and seizures are different in schools. Schools do not need to have a warrant or probable cause to search a backpack or a student, just proof beyond a reasonable suspicion.

Remember, lockers are not student property, they are the school's. A school can search any one's locker at anytime.

Message From the Editor Turn On,Tune In, Drop Out Jeff Carmody Editor-in-Chief

3. The Rights Minors Have at a Party A minor in the state of Kansas is someone who is under the age of 18 Until someone is 18 their parents are their guardians, and that minor is the guardian's legal responsibility.

If a minor is at a party and is arrested for any reason whatsoever, that minor has the right to remain silent, to not sign any statements, to have an attorney present during questioning, and to have parents or guardians present during questioning.

If a minor is at a party and the police come they don't have to say anything.

"If an officer asks where you have been or what you have been doing, you don't have to answer any questions," Frydman said.

Editorial

/

Staff

I would refuse to let them into my car without a search warrant.

It is property and they need a warrant.

Cris Hunt ESL Teacher

Lauren Fox Senior

I definitely would say "no," and then make up some excuse.

Lily Robinson Junior

Sean Cesare Sophomore

Birds Word: Would You Feel Comfortable Letting a Police Officer Search Your Car? I would be very uncomfortable with letting a cop search my car.

I feel that as an American citizen I have certain rights and privacy is one of those rights.

Free Press Staff

I was pulled over several times and I said they could do it, but it was very irritating. It might have been because I was driving an '82 Monte Carlo with tinted windows.

Bailey Schaumburg Managing Editor

Emily Johnson Copy Editor

Katherine Corliss

Jake Frydman

Kim Carter

Allison Harwood

Sydney Sims

Ryan Loecker Reporter

Emma Machell

Jessica Jacobs

Photographer

Photographer

Allison Morte

Photographer

Webmaster

Reporter

Designer

Amani Safadi Reporter

Reporter

Reporter

Miranda Davis Reporter

Alex Santos

Reporter

The Free Press is an open forum that accepts letters to the editor and guest writings. They must include the writer's name and telephone numbers.

Articles may be edited due to space limitations, libel or inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to Room 115, sent in care of Free Press to Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049 or submitted online at fsfreepressonline.com.The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the high school administration, nor that of the USD 497 Board of Education

Feb 10, 2010

News

Driving

Feb 10, 2010

by Allison Morte

Luckily for current students, most have managed to remain unaffected by the recent changes in drivers license requirements.

Those who were already "in the system," having received their learner's permit, farm permit, restricted license or drivers license by January 1 of this year, were grandfathered in by the old law and will experience no change.

This caused a surge of teenage applicants at the Department of Motor Vehicles as the holidays and new year drew closer. Many narrowly dodged the new legislation, getting their permits in the last few days of 2009.

Sophomore Devon Lohrenz applied for her learner's permit Dec. 31 to escape the looming new restrictions.

Delays

Recent changes to law affect student driving

KANSAS

DRIVER'S LICENSE LAWS YOU MUST...

•

be 14 for learner's permit; must be accompanied by 21-year-old at all times

•

be 15 to get restricted license

•

be 16 for "lesser restricted license;" must have driven 50 hours •

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sixteen, and you have more practice that way for when you're actually totally on your own," Vossoughi said.

Sophomores aren't the only ones subject to the new regulations. Junior Lucas Smith has lost his right to drive for several months.

"I have to now start over and go through the whole process again to get a license because I never got around to renewing it earlier," Smith said.

The new rules also ensure an extra year of hauling around younger siblings for many students. Sophomore Guin Toalson has not yet gotten her permit, and her older brother junior Colin Toalson drives her when her parents can't. But Guin Toalson isn't sorry the law changed and actually embraces the extra time to become more comfortable driving.

"I feel like it worked out well for me because I don’t like driving and they raised the age.

So it gives me more time to prepare myself The common knowledge is to "turn into a skid." But what exactly does that mean? If your back wheels slide right,

turn right; if they slide left, turn left.

not drive before 9 p.m. with only one underage passenger and not use a cell phone with a "lesser restricted license"

• have "lesser restricted license" for six months to receive unrestricted license at 16 and a half; otherwise you must have 50 hours and pass a written, driving and vision test at 17

Wear sunglasses! Good quality sunglasses help highlight changes in the terrain and road surface even in low visibility conditions.

4

3 Know a lot about the vehicle you're driving. Do you have standard breaks? If so, pump the brakes in a skid. If you have antilock, do not do this.

When stuck- don't spin your wheels! This only digs you in deeper. Try turning your wheels from side to side to push snow out of the way.

2

Tips

for D

MPH

rivin

1

g in

Snow

Feb 16, 2010

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JUICE FOR THE JOURNEY

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"The line [at the DMV] looped around five or six times, and at noon people were talking about how they had been waiting there since eight in the morning," Lohrenz said.

"Everybody was ticked that the law changed."

The opposition caused by the law's inconveniences is even stronger amongst the unlucky few who didn't manage to obtain permits. They have to wait an extra year to finally get their much-anticipated licenses and at sixteen can possess only a "lesser restricted license."

They will also be prohibited from all cell phone use while driving.

Sophomores Nadia Vossoughi and Jordan Jacobs have yet to apply for their permits, and both wish the law had not changed.

"I don't like [the change] one bit actually," Jacobs said.

Vossoughi agreed.

"I think you're responsible enough at

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YEAR IN REVIEW

Feb 10, 2010

BEST

Movies:

OF Is this

Zombieland

Zombieland flew under the radar in 2009, which is weird because this is the kind of movie high school students usually love. I mean it doesn’t focus on alcohol like the Hangover, which seems to be this year’s Superbad for high school students, but it is a comedy and it does focus on zombies! It’s gory, hilarious and even a touch heart-warming. This is my kind of movie. Maybe it doesn’t break new cinematic ground, but in 2009 I found it simply the most fun movie to watch and I think that counts for a lot. -Jake Frydman

Brothers While it is not an uplifting movie, Brothers is a movie that I feel deserves more attention. Toby McGuire does a great job playing an extremely tough role, and Jake Gyllenhaal is a great supporting actor. This movie was full of suspense and really put things in perspective for me. Besides the great acting by Toby McGuire, one of the reasons I enjoyed this movie is the fact that it is like nothing I have seen before.

While there are tons of movies about the war in the Middle East, this movie was angled in a completely different way. -Ryan Loecker

‘09

Watchmen There were plenty of movies I thought about reviewing but I chose Watchmen for two reasons: one, we are already writing about The Hangover and two, it really was an amazing, visually stunning movie. I admit I hadn’t read the graphic novel before seeing the movie but I was still blown away by the unusual alternate-history plot, strange characters (tall, blue, naked guy.....??) and the smart, funny bits of dialogue.

The movie gave a glimpse into this realistic world where super heroes existed, and were not the perfect powerful beings super heroes are usually considered to be.

Granted it was a really long movie but it was still a good one. But what am I saying?

You have probably already seen it. -Alex Santos

real life?

The Hangover

Video Games:

Resident Evil 5

I have been way more busy this year with school because of applying for college and stuff. This has caused me to drastically reduce the amount of time I have been able to devote to playing video games, which sucks. I have still played a ton of games, but I haven’t really played that much Xbox LIVE. So judging by just single player experience, my favorite game by far has been Resident Evil 5. I was a huge fan of Resident Evil 4, and 5 really just expanded on what made that game so great. Insanely awesome boss fights, a passable story, horrible dialogue only Capcom can deliver, more customizable upgradable weapons and Co-op. How can you not love that? - Jake Frydman

Student selected best movie of 2009.

Books:

I Drink Beer for a Reason David Cross is one of my favorite comedians and his book reads like his stand up. It is comprised of 30 or

so short stories (rants) about random topics.This format is awesome for school reading because normally I only have five or ten minutes at a time to read. However, I would warn that it is awkward to fail at muffling a laugh in a room where people are still working on a test.The book is extremely funny, but a lot of time horribly offensive comments are to blame for that. I would recommend this book to people who don’t take themselves too seriously and are not fans of Bill O’Reilly. - Jake Frydman

DJ Hero

The Girl Who Played With Fire

Beatles Rockband

Under the Dome

Even though I am a fan of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, I found DJ Hero to be a better fit. Playing this game made me feel like I was making each song my own rather than just playing someone else’s song on the guitar. My favorite thing about this game is the music. Songs I actually listen to are used rather than the classic rock you hear in Guitar Hero. Even though I was familiar with most of the music in this game, each song is mashed up with another creating something that hasn’t been heard before. - Ryan Loecker

The book follows two unusual and interesting characters -Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander- as they deal with corruption, abuse and sexual trafficking by members of Swedish society. Salander is a strange, misfit computer hacker that is accused of murder and Blomkvist is the investigative journalist who believes she is innocent.

Just like The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (the first book in the trilogy) the characters and the storyline capture and hold your attention to the very last word. - Alex Santos

Songs by the Beatles are already catchy and fun to sing along with but Beatles Rock Band makes it ten times more so.The graphics are really creative and cool and the music is, of course, awesome. Playing the guitar, drumming and singing Yellow Submarine, Paperback Writer or Get Back along with The Beatles is a unique experience (especially the first time you play). Even if you’re not a huge fan, you probably still know at least one Beatles song.

The Beatles Rock Band is worth it. - Alex Santos

I have loved every Stephen King book I have read, especially this one. I like King’s books because they can freak me out and make me think simultaneously.While it is not hard for a horror writer to scare me, King’s books are special because the more I think about what I read, the more frightened I become. King made this book very realistic by tying in problems we face with the environment which gave me even more to think about. If you’re looking for something that will do more than just creep you out, Under the Dome is what you’re looking for. - Ryan Loecker

Super Mario Brothers Wii

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Student selected best video game of 2009.

Student selected best book of 2009.

Music Albums:

Noah and the Whale- First Days of Spring

Viral Videos:

This is not the normal kind of music I listen to. I have trouble even describing the genre it would go into. However, this is an amazing album.The whole thing works as one coherent thought, and is best if listened to straight through.

Little melodies and lyrics are heard throughout the entire album along with repeated lyrics that tie everything together. My favorite songs are “Blue Skies,” “Our Window” and “Love of an Orchestra,” which is a really weird song that features a choir and reminds me of “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. -Jake Frydman

Invictus Soundtrack

Even if you didn’t like the movie you had to admit the soundtrack was amazing. I love movie soundtracks, and this music was inspiring and made you want to shout and sing along. I thought it was beautiful music that really inspired you to dance.This includes songs by Overtone and Kyle Eastwood, such as Hamba Nathi and Shosholoza.

- Alex Santos

Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion

While many great albums were released this year (the xx, Girls, jj, Real Estate),Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavillion gets my vote for best album of 2009. When I listen to music, I look for something different than anything I’ve heard before and this record is just that. Even for this band, Merriweather is a unique release. I had been a fan before this record came out and was surprised to see how different it was.Animal Collective is able to completely change their sound and still make one of the best indie albums of the year. - Ryan Loecker

Lady GaGa- The Fame

Christian Side Hug Rap

“I’m a rough rider, filled up with Christ’s love, gimme dat Christian side hug, dat Christian side hug,” are the actual lyrics, I swear to God.This group of Christians feel that front hugs are inappropriate because they give you “sexual urges.” I think that claim is ridiculous, but they are entitled to their opinions. So what is so wrong with them expressing those opinions through hip-hop? Absolutely nothing. I think it’s great that they are willing to make their own point look more ridiculous than I could ever hope to achieve through logic and reason.Also, Jesus Christ this video is funny! - Jake Frydman

Greatest Freak Out Ever 6

You have probably all seen “The Greatest Freak Out Ever” on YouTube, but have you seen “The Greatest Freak Out Ever: 6?” In this video the disturbed Stephan is at it again except this time his grandmother fights back. Bickering over the remote control the grandmother tells him to give her some respect. She then continues to pick up a paddle and attempts to beat him in punishment for....well, you saw the first video.The brave granny then curses the boy out for his continuing disrespect and shouting and says she is leaving.The best part is when Stephan says she can’t touch him and the old woman replies,“Watch me.” - Alex Santos

Greatest Freak Out Ever 2

Regardless of whether these videos are real or not, I find all the “greatest freak outs” other than the first hilarious. If he gets that worked up over someone “betraying” him in World of Warcraft, I can’t even imagine what he would do if something worse happened. - Ryan Loecker

I’m on a Boat

Student selected best viral video of 2009.

More online at (785) 832-6050 ext. 4932 freepress@usd497.org fsfreepressonline.com

YEAR IN REVIEW

PRESS PRES Sfsfreepressonline.com FREE

Student selected best album of 2009.

Feb 10, 2010

by Amani Safadi

Among college bound students the ACT and SAT are a source of great stress. Many students, like junior Liesel Reussner, are studying hard and paying a ton of money to pass one important test.

"I took a study preparation class in Kansas City one-on-one," Reussner said.

Just taking a preparation class, and buying all the books can cost over $500. What a lot of students don't know is that some colleges aren't even requiring an ACT score anymore.

According to About.com there are 815 colleges in the United States that do not look at test scores and many of them are highly selective and amongst the nation's best schools. Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville New York is an example.

The admissions officers feel the ACT is not an accurate representation of a student's intelligence and success, so in the process they focus on grades, extra curricular activities and writing samples.

"Yeah, I mean it's a standardized test, but I don't think [college admissions] should only be based on the ACT," junior Jessica Devlin said.

While some schools are trending toward not requiring ACTs the counselors recommend students should study hard and take their ACTs because most schools still require them.

"Yeah I guess some of the private schools are looking at other criteria, but just a few schools do that, not very many." Joel Fredericks said.

Student opinions differ on the subject: some think the ACT scores

best class you've taken at Free State?

Some Colleges Pass on Traditional Testing Options

should be eliminated, while others think it's an important test to see how far you've come as a high school student.

For students still interested in a school that requires the ACT, sophomore Nora Elbayoumy had some helpful tips.

"Definitely prepare beforehand, especially math, because a lot of math that's on there is basic Algebra that we haven't done in a while, so reviewing that is always good. Also don't stress yourself out right before the test, because you tend to run out of time."

To apply for college, the procedures are much simpler than they used to be. All one has to do is go on the internet, pick those schools they like the most, follow the school's process on how to fill out the applications and submit all the necessary documents that the school requires.

Having said that, once students get down to applying they will find that some of the requirements take some time to fill out.

[The application process] really sucks, which I was not expecting," senior Spencer Chestnut said. "It's really long, has a lot of essays and a lot of different kinds of applications for scholarships and such, so yeah it's no fun."

Chestnut also talked about the schools he applied for and how the application process varied. For example, for those top notch schools like Harvard and Yale one needs to fill out a lot of things and do a lot of different essays, but for KU all they really need is basic information.Always remember to work hard, and try not to get too stressed.

"They feel the ACT is not an accurate representation of a student's intelligence and success. . ."

". . .it gave me a chance to branch out and find a part of myself I never knew I had."

What's the

Alternative Applications

Service Learning "The best class I've taken at Free State is the Service Learning Class. I enjoyed that class a lot because it gave me a chance to branch out and find a part of myself I never knew I had. It was really amazing."

-Stephen Jordan

Humanities "Humanities was a great class. We learned a lot about several different time periods and cultures, and I like the teachers."

-Stephanie Crandon

AP Art "My favorite class that I've taken would probably have to be AP Art, which I'm in right now. I have a lot of assignments and it's a lot of work but I get to explore different methods of making art. I am able to see what works and what doesn't. It's exciting because I'm finally wrapping up my portfolio for college, and it's been interesting to see how it's changed over time."

-Taylor Mitchell

W.F.T.C.B "Writing for the College Bound. I learned the most in that class."

-Myette Simpson

Colleges with options other than ACT/SAT scores:  Arizona State University

 Indiana State University

 Northeastern State University

 Berkeley College

 Kansas State University

 Sarah Lawrence College

 Columbia College

 New York University

 Smith College

Nov 4, 2009

Feature

Feb 10, 2010

Feature

16 STU $

DEN TICKETST

Feb 10, 2010

IRA GLASS HOST OF THIS AMERICAN LIFE pm

SATURDAY, FEb. 20 - 7:30 nd tories a “Radio S rytelling ies": sto r o t S r rative Othe r of nar e w o p e and th llow

Q&A to fo

lied.ku.edu/students 785-864-2787

The Secret Life of the AmericanTeacher

by Katherine Corliss

Teachers often try to teach beyond their curriculum. Life lessons are offered and mostly ignored, but what teachers talk about between powerpoints often reflects their interests beyond the classroom.

“I try and share a little bit about my life so kids can feel comfortable in the classroom,” history teacher Phil Mitchell said.

For some, they occasionally share the fruits of their work outside the wall of Free State with their students.

“I love to cook,” social studies teacher Kim Grinnell said,“so every now and then I’ll bring in food I’ve cooked as a treat.”

According to Mitchell, teachers also take extra care to make themselves good role models for their students.

“I try to show them the benefits of hard work and long-term goals. High school students don’t always see that, so I like to talk

Quiz: Who belongs with each item?

2

3

a

b

c

photos by Jessica Jacobs

Kim Grinnell, meeting students outside of school is fun.

“If I know a student is working some place, I’ll make a point to go there when their working, so I can give them a tip or something.”

Teaching allows for different schedule than the rest of the working world. With summers off, teachers take the opportunity to further explore their interests.

“During the summers I’m a commissioner for a downtown kickball league,” Mitchell said.

“That takes up a lot of time then, but there’s stuff to do with that year round.”

Teacher groups also participate in schoolrelated social gathering for Free State educators. Currently teachers can to get to know each other better in The Order of the Phoenix book club, and a spinning class taught by Physical Education teacher Nancy Hopkins.

What You Didn’t Know About Kim Grinnell • Grew up in Alaska • Graduated from the same high school as former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin • Has helped gut a moose • Took riflery as a Phyiscal Eduaction credit in high school • Spends time working her rose, herb and vegetable gardens

Answers: 1b, 2c, 3a

1

about my life outside of school.”

For Grinnell the door swings both ways, her love of history is reflected in where she chooses to travel.

“I’m a history geek by nature so I pick historical places to go to then talk about them in my classes.”

Spending a limited amount of time in one room with a teacher, can cause the impression that teachers never leave the school.

“When I was little I thought teachers slept in their classrooms,” junior Emma Cormack admitted about her surprise that teachers had lives outside of school when she was younger.

“A lot of times when I see students outside of class, they seem surprised to find out that I would be doing something other than teaching,” history teacher Phil Mitchell said.

But according to social studies teacher

photo by Jessica Jacobs

Fashion

Feb 10, 2010

SUPER AWESOME FASHION BLOG "Fashion is a way that people express themselves through clothing," junior Christopher Muetz said.

Fashion is Muetz's passion. Ever since his youth he has loved shopping and made dressing well a priority.

"My style is very hipster," Muetz said. "They follow the trends the most."

Skinny jeans, pea coats, flannel shirts, and baggy hats all fall into the hipster category.

Muetz gets many of his ideas from various fashion websites such as www.lookbook.nu and numerous magazines.

"I began actively participating in the fashion world last summer where I began to make a portfolio to start modeling and a fashion blog that I update quite often," Muetz said.

The blog covers the trends and the history of fashion. He analyzes different styles and their pros and cons.With each post Muetz has models that represent the genre of style. He chooses the model's outfit, and does their hair and makeup.

Junior Kerian Thompson models for Muetz's blog.

w a Junior Creates Fashion Blog, Says a Somber Farewell to Denim Jackets

"I would read what he writes because he makes a lot of sense," Thompson said. if you want to try out something new there is a lot of good pictures up there and h really good ideas."

Muetz discusses fashions that will be popular in 2010 and fashions that should b behind in 2009.

"For this upcoming spring, different trends are denim jackets, dots, ruffles, ripped and patterned tights and Victorian heels," Muetz said. Muetz a with all the trends except for the denim jackets.

"Denim jackets are an abomination and should be left in the 90s on 90210," M said.

Muetz discusses more fashion ideas and opinions on his blog: http://www.thetokengayboy. wordpress.com.

Chris' Critiques

On his blog, Chris Muetz points to three major styles he sees in the last decade: hipster, preppy and Bohemian modern. Hipster contains things like skinny jeans, cardigans, v-necks and ironic t-shirts. Preppy is the more clean cut, conservative look produced by stores like American Eagle, while Bohemian modern is a "neo-hippie " style: loose dresses, headbands, tights. photos by Jessica Jacobs

GLORY DAYS PIZZA "If you are going to wear loose sleeves you need a tighter dress. " "I would have done sleeveless or a white t-shirt with tight fitting sleeves."

Free State $1 To Go Menu - Pepperoni Slice - Cheese Slice - Fountain Drink - Giant Cookie $8 Whole Pie - Call Ahead cheese or pepperoni

841-5252

6th and Wak - Behind Quick Shop

valid in February M-F 11-2 With Student ID

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"It's on its way to being hipster but kind of being preppy.

I like the color of the cardigan!"

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Write a Letter to the Editor

"I like the hoodie, I like the pattern and the colors and I think it goes good with his skin tone."

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"Those are really cute jeans. I don't like blue and black together unless there is gray mixed with it in the outfit.It has potential but it's not my favorite."

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