LHS Budget Issue 4

the budget

Balancing on a unicycle, sophomore Morgan Sisson demonstrates his unique talent. For more information, see Page 5.

Lawrence High School Est. 1897

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Students gain nursing certification Senate Bill 155 provides opportunities for high school students to earn CNA certification

By Brooke Braman When asked what “CNA” means, some students may respond with “curdled nectarine association” or “chronic neck arthritis.”

A special group of students, however, knows that “CNA” stands for “certified nursing assistant” because these individuals are working to earn their

CNA certifications this school year.

“A certified nursing assistant is a person who works under the direct supervision of a nurse or a licensed practical nurse,” said Jennifer Hare, the medical pathway teacher. “They just help out. They perform the tasks assigned to them by those nurses.”

CNAs, who annually earn about $26,000, are state-certified medical professionals who care

1901 Louisiana St., Lawrence, KS 66046

for patients under the direction of a registered nurse.

Though CNAs are not permitted to administer medication, they often carry out duties, like taking patient vital signs and assisting patients with daily hygiene routines. The U.S. Department of Labor cites certified nursing, as well as most healthcare careers, as a rapidly expanding field.

Helping a woman into her wheelchair, senior Lillie Huckaby works to earn her hours to receive CNA certification. Photo by Courtney Cooper The chance for Kansas high school students to earn CNA certification resulted from a recently passed piece of state legislation: Senate Bill 155.

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Vol. 124, Issue 4, NOV. 13, 2013

news

NOV.13,2013

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Budget Letter from the editors-in-chief

The Budget is published every three weeks and distributed free of charge to students and faculty at Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana, Lawrence, Kan. 66046-2999.

The Budget is produced by students in the Digital Journalism and Digital Design and Production courses with occasional contributions from 21st Century Journalism and guest columnists. The newspaper’s goals are to inform, entertain and present a forum of expression for students, faculty, administrators and community members.

The newspaper is financed through advertising and staff fundraising.

The editorial staff is solely responsible for the content of this newspaper, and views expressed in The Budget do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of Lawrence High School or USD 497.

Co-Editors-in-Chief Ashley Hocking and Kendra Schwartz lhsbudget.com Zach Spears (Online Editor) Staff Charles Backus Roscoe Bradt Brooke Braman Courtney Cooper Joaquin Dorado Michaela Durner Brandon Ellis Ryan Hutchins Zia Kelly Gage Nelson Vail Moshiri (Social Media Editor) Harley Phelps (Opinion Editor) Kendall Pritchard Alexis Riner Matt Roe Peter Romano (Copy Editor) Nia Rutledge Genevieve Voigt Advertising designer Nico Palacio Adviser Barbara Tholen Business manager Pat Treff

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Dear Readers, As a result of the many articles in this issue concerning the rivalry between Lawrence High and Free State, we decided to discuss some of the events that occurred in the past three weeks.

Prior to every football game, the sports announcer says, “Sportsmanship is forever.”

However, members of the student bodies from both schools failed to follow this advice at times.

Crude T-shirts, vandalism and Twitter fights reflected poorly upon individual students from each school.

Roughly 30 members from the senior class at Free State were banned from the football game on Nov. 1 because of $200 worth of damage to our school. These seniors covered the Chesty statue in tuna and a FSHS shirt.

They also spread toilet paper across the front of LHS. In retaliation, LHS seniors made signs for the game reading, “Where’s Your Seniors?” Additionally, they dressed a fake skeleton in a FSHS cheerleading uniform.

Many of the remaining members of FSHS’s student section were seen don-

ning shirts that read, “LHS Where All the Peasants Go.” As a result of these controversial shirts, many LHS students felt personally victimized by the implication that Lawrence High students are lesser. Free State’s comment on the socioeconomic status of Lawrence High students hit a large number of students on a personal level.

Although rivalries are a great way to raise school spirit and camaraderie, many students felt some took it too far.

A few FSHS parents were upset the LHS administrators “let their students vandalize” the FSHS football stadium.

In reality, LHS students simply followed the tradition of throwing newspaper shreds in the air at kickoff. Simultaneously, FSHS students jeopardized the health of students with

allergies by throwing baby powder.

Despite tensions between the rival schools, LHS students have shaken off the implications we are inferior.

We believe both schools crossed the line, especially on social media. Individuals stereotyped their rival school, and disregarded how their messages would affect their peers.

Student body, we urge you to be the bigger school and push all prejudice behind you. Staying true to your school doesn’t always mean bashing another.

Lions, let our motto regarding sportsmanship be put into practice.

Senior Karlie Rosenberger is familiar with these benefits. Having earned her CNA certification during the summer, she currently works at Brandon Woods as a practicing CNA. “I work at Brandon Woods about four days a week. Every shift is eight hours. It’s really tiring and not the most glamorous job, but I love the residents that I take care of. Most of them are very sweet and make me happy,” Rosenberger said. “It’s a stable and well paying job that I can maintain through college.”

Whatever the reasons for participating, students in the CNA class advise

Pushing a wheelchair, senior Lillie Huckaby gets hands-on experience for her CNA course at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Home on Sat. Nov. 2. Photo

Sincerely,

Kendra Schwartz and Ashley Hocking

CNA course: Students prepare for

their futures in the medical field Continued from Page 1 “Gov. Brownback was looking around the state and realized that there were a lot of high need jobs not being filled,” Hare said. “We have a huge aging population in Kansas and they all need care, specifically geriatric care.

Gov. Brownback signed into law Senate Bill 155 that says the state of Kansas will reimburse school districts with students who get their CNA certificates.”

For many students, though, this bill is not just a piece of legislation. It’s an opportunity. The bill allows high school students to take classes in and earn certification for a variety of technical careers.

During the summer when this law went into action, the school district developed new partnerships with area community colleges to provide CNA training at reduced tuition. High school students from both LHS and FSHS applied for training programs at the community colleges, then complete the college course.

Currently, the CNA class provided

by Neosho Community College meets off-campus on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Students also perform out-ofclass hours as a part of the work force.

At the end of the course, students are required to take an exit exam before certification is earned.

“Students have to go through a CNA program like they would at any community college,” Hare said. “They don’t get credit here or are evaluated here. It is a college course... Half of the program is classroom hours and half of the program is practical hours, helping out at Pioneer Ridge, for example. They learn the skills in the classroom then practice those skills in the field. After completing the program they have to take a certification exam.”

Because this CNA course is worth no credit and occurs during afterschool hours, some students may think participation in this program would be a burden. Students enrolled in the program, however, know it’s worth the extra work.

“It’s a huge commitment,” senior Amanda Montgomery said. “It’s Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-9. It’s a 90 hour course. We don’t have a lot of homework, but we take a lot of tests.”

Though classmate senior Lillie Huckaby agrees, she also added that earn her CNA certification will be worth it in the long run.

Preparation for college and future careers serves as the impetus for many students currently participating in the CNA program.

“I got involved because I want to become a pharmacist,” Huckaby said.

“Being a CNA is the first step in that direction.”

Hare also shared her observations that many students will use certified nursing as this “first step” in medical careers.

“There is a wide range of jobs in the healthcare profession,” Hare said. “They range from entry levels jobs to very advanced jobs. We have students who fit all skill sets. There might be some who just want to do nursing, so being a CNA is a good fit. There are many people who without a doubt will use CNA certification as a stepping stone for advanced degrees.”

Additionally, there are benefits to being a CNA beyond college and career preparation.

“There are many benefits to being a CNA in high school,” Hare said. “The job demand is very high. CNAs will be hired immediately and they’ll be making between $10-11 an hour.”

Page Design by Ashley Hocking

by Courtney Cooper

their peers to enroll.

“It’s a good way to branch out and see if you really are interested in nursing,” Huckaby said. “Learning about nursing in a book is totally different than really going out and working with patients and seeing how to deal with situations.”

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NOV. 13,2013

Program redefines core curriculums

New educational requirements for Common Core reshape English and math courses

By Zia Kelly This year, Kansas schools began the process of implementing new educational standards for math and reading: Common Core.

The Common Core standards have taken the place of the No Child Left Behind program, providing more specific content requirements for each grade level. The programs were created to unify the standards of educational institutions across the country.

Previously, NCLB only required that each state set its own standards and that all students were to test into 100 percent proficiency by 2014 school year.

Teacher and reading specialist Jeannie Merritt is involved in the shift to the new standards in the LHS English department.

“When you have a student that moves from state to state, they might be in one state and get some level of instruction, and then they move to another state and receive another level of instruction,” Merritt said. “The idea is that if you have an American high school diploma it will all mean the same thing.”

Common Core does not call for radical changes in content presentation or even the material presented, but sets more specific standards for content that needs to be taught and mastered at each grade level. Teachers will be able to use many of their pre-existing lessons, but may have to tailor them to new standards. “[We will be] requiring more writing and changing writing prompts around, so they are less thoughts and feeling oriented and more analytical and synthetic,” English teacher Courtney Mense said. “Really just changing the writing prompts and changing the types of questions being asked.”

For example, instead of asking students, “Do you think?

How do you feel?”, they might ask “What in the texts point to this conclusion?” or “How do you think this happened? Use evidence to support your point.”

Few drastic changes will need to be made in material presented, Mense and Merritt affirmed. Much of what is required is already being done by LHS teachers.

The reading criteria given by Common Core are largely concentrated on text complexity for the high school level, ensuring that content, ideas, structures and vocabulary challenge students.

Also stressed in this area is the mastering of argumentative writing with text-based evidence. Most students know this primarily as essay writing. While not the most popular assigned work, supported arguments are considered a building block of critical thinking, which Common Core is aimed at fostering.

Many could make the observation that both complex texts and evidence-based writing have been a part of English curriculums at LHS long before the introduction of new standards, further pointing to the conclusion that current lesson plans already satisfy many of the new demands.

“LHS teachers already teach to high standards. We have always had that drive. We want to make sure that [students] are ready to work, or to go to college and be successful there.

That is what Common Core pushes for,” Merrit said. “At LHS, we already have those standards in a lot of areas.”

One of the most argued issues about NCLB is the lack of critical thinking emphasis. Straightforward, learning for test thinking is what is commonly associated and criticized about the old program. Therefore, the new standards have to be largely based in grounds of deeper learning.

In the arena of mathematics, new demands are being presented to teachers, and the department has to work to meet requirements. Math department head Pamela Fanghor is working on guiding lesson plans to abide by Common Core ideals.

“It’s more about making connections, more so than teaching a unit and moving on,” Fanghor said. “Trying to make sure that kids can make connections more than just hitting the surface of instruction. Just trying to go more in-depth in projects.”

Time constraints will have to be taken into account, classes will go more in-depth in each lesson and be expected to connect the information back to prior knowledge.

Because this is the first year of implemented standards, student assessments will begin to look and function differently.

The previous Kansas State Assessments may still be used this year for most grade levels. Members of the junior class will debut the Common Core assessments this year.

The tests are conducted primarily to ensure students are being presented with the required material, as opposed to the NCLB goal, which simply required students to test to state-set requirements.

While the Lawrence school district and teachers have embraced Common Core, its federal-based nature has led to controversy among government officials across the country.

Since education is delegated as a state responsibility, some see the national effort as the federal government overstepping its authority and impeding on states’ rights.

Adoption of Common Core is voluntary on a state-by-state basis. Forty-five states have opted in favor of the program, including Kansas.

“I think it is going to be a good thing for Kansas and for our schools,” Mense said. “It’s much more rigorous, so students will be challenged more and getting more out of school while they are there.”

Which grade is assigned the most homework?

160 students were surveyed during their lunch period and asked about homework for two to six classes

Freshman Sophomores Seniors Juniors

30 - 60 minutes for two to six classes every day of the week 30 - 60 minutes for two to six classes every day of the week 60 - 120 minutes for two to six classes between two to four days of the week 60 to 120 minutes for two to six classes of the week, every day of the week

Graphic by Gage Nelson and Brandon Ellis

Page Design by Kendra Schwartz

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NOV. 13,2013

New advanced courses offered Lawrence High introduces new advanced classes to students’ choices of course load

By Roscoe Bradt This year, four new advanced classes have been added to the wide array of courses students have to pick from. Here’s a breakdown of the new courses.

Advanced Geometry Advanced Geometry was previously offered at some middle schools for ninthgraders, but now that freshmen have been moved to the 7 8 9 high school level, Advanced 4 5 6 Geometry has followed.

“It’s cool because we’re 1 3 2 ahead of everyone else, but (-) ON 0 at the same time we move so fast that some kids don’t know what’s going on,” freshman Tatyana Young said.

It is an accelerated version of the standard geometry class, offering preparation for Advanced Algebra 2 and those wanting a faster course in math.

AP Language and Comprehension In the AP Language and Comprehension class, students learn to read text analytically and write in an advanced way.

“I like it a lot,” junior Riley Shook said.

“It’s not like a bunch of worksheets. We just read a lot.”

The class challenges students and their reading skills just as it did before, but now the advanced option is available to juniors, who can take the AP exam to earn college credit.

Advanced Astronomy Advanced Astronomy is a rework of previous astronomy courses, offering a fast-paced curriculum that packs in more information than standard classes.

“It’s accelerated the first semester,” senior Rose Kennedy said. “It’s just like the introduction to astronomy honors class at KU.” The class challenges students to expand their astronomical knowledge, letting students explore and study galaxies nearly 7 billion light years away due to a generous grant.

Bellissima Bellissima is the newest addition the choir lineup. The choir is an advanced womens’ choir available to sophomore, junior and senior girls.

“It feels really exclusive because it’s so small,” sophomore Reagan Kanter said. “We get to do some really challenging music.”

Compared to the standard womens’ choir, Bellissima sings more complex songs on a rehearsal plan that is challenging and fast paced.

Graphics by Roscoe Bradt

Bond provides opportunities for career prep

USD 497 and Lawrence industries team up to provide career-based college classes

By Zia Kelly In addition to the career-based classes already offered at the high schools, USD 497 has proposed a large program to contribute to students’ post-high school education.

Last April, a $92.5 million school bond was passed by the Lawrence Board of Education and the Douglas County community. Of that, $5.7 million will go towards a Career Center.

USD 497 has connected with area community colleges and technical schools, such as Johnson County and Neosho County community colleges, to help equip and staff the courses, because they will be similar to the classes offered at the university level.

Students will have the opportunity to get professional-level training in a variety of technical and vocational programs. District director of Technological and Career education Patrick Kelly spelled out just a few of the programs offered.

“Health Science, Construction Technology, and Computer Networking and Hardware are programs we plan to include at the College and Career Center,” Kelly said. “High school students will have options for introductory and some technical coursework at their home high school (LHS or FSHS) for these programs.”

Juniors and seniors will have the chance to travel to the facility to take classes and become certified in different fields. The new building will provide students incentive to pursue more challenging classes. However, the same restrictions that currently regulate high school students would still apply.

“Students must be a junior or senior and if the course is provided by a community college or technical school they must have applied and been accepted to the community college or technical school,” Kelly said.

Although some LHS students already take advantage of the opportunity, taking college courses has great potential under current legislation. Senate Bill 155 is a 2012 law that allows students to take credit hours with community colleges and technical schools that will ap-

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ply to their future education and career training.

As well as area educational institutions, the new career center also plans on partnering with Lawrence industrial corporations to help supply classrooms and provide training. However, the Career Center will not only be used by LHS and Free State students, but will also have a concentration on adult education as well.

Greg Williams, president and CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, was enthusiastic about the merger with the school system.

“A lot of existing manufacturers in Lawrence, even those that do not exist yet, are going to require heavily industrial manufacturing oriented training programs to get employees hired or working in a current manufacturing setting today that needs to advance their skill set,” Williams said.

This merger of programs was suggested by the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council of Lawrence and Douglas County before the passing of the school bond in April. The idea picked up traction when the funding stream was established and had voter approval.

The district plans to build the center at 31st and Haskell at the current HiPer facility. It is 77,000 square feet. It was select for its increased space, but was also for its accessibility from K-10 for industry commuters, east Lawrence location for students that live in that area and its closeness with local manufacturing plants.

The career center is first and foremost being implemented for the benefit of high school students in Lawrence. Engineering and architecture teacher, Charlie Lauts, sees the opportunity for students that are interested in a field to continue their education.

“They will take all of the beginning and intermediate level classes here, and those that are truly interested in it as a career… can go out there, and learn higher skills in their interest,” Lauts said.

The plan is projected to go into effect by the fall of 2015, allowing current freshmen and sophomores to have the opportunity available to them their junior and senior years.

A student in the Blue Valley school district works in a career-based lab that USD 497 officials have visited while planning a new Lawrence facility. Photo by Courtney Cooper

Superintendent Rick Doll noted that 60 percent of the jobs the program will prepare kids for have yet to be created. A main objective of the career center will be to educate and empower students to go out and make a mark in the technological and industrial world.

“We are trying to prepare our kids for their future, not our past,” Doll said.

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t ne a onli t u so m ck u t.co Che dge u b s w.lh ww

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NOV. 13,2013

Students juggle Gala performances Musicians struggle to balance band, orchestra and choir concerts throughout the night of Nov. 5

By Courtney Cooper As the lights dimmed and students filled the stage, parents were eager to see what the music department had in store for the audience.

After months of hard work, the orchestras, choirs and band were ready for the Gala Concert fundraiser on Nov. 5.

Senior Emily Bell is a member of Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra.

“I think it’s a good way to get the freshman and younger kids excited about the music department,” senior Emily Bell said.

During the night, each of the music groups took the stage.

Many students, such as junior Heather Wisbey, felt the pressure to be in multiple performances. Not only were there two Gala performances during the night, but many students participated in multiple groups.

Senior Heather Wisbey is in the Symphonic Orchestra.

“This is my second year in two performances for the Gala, so I learned how to manage my time, so it’s not that bad,” Wisbey said.

The performing arts appealed to students in different ways. Some students were involved with playing instruments before they got to high school and signed up to be in the class.

“I really wanted to play an instrument and I knew I wanted to play a string instrument,” Wisbey said. “Viola sounded cool and different and no one plays it.”

Being a part of something big and working with peers can be a rewarding experience, said senior Andrea Summey, who was happy with the Gala performances.

“It was a lot better than last year,” Summey said.

“It was very fun to be able to be on stage with the other choral department members.”

Many of the musicians believed the exciting, upbeat tempo of a western piece played by the orchestra, “Bluegrass Country,” would be a hit with the audience.

“I think the audience will definitely like the

country western piece we are playing for orchestra because it’s fun,” Bell said.

There was something for each student to look forward to during the concert.

“For choir, I really like the ‘Tacala,’ ” Wisbey said. “I really like Eric Whitacre, and that’s one of his pieces. For orchestra, I really like Philip Bliss because

it is beautiful and dynamic.”

For many of the students in the music department, like senior choir member Conrad Nikitin, the Gala was seen as a time for the underclassmen to learn from the more experienced members.

“Gala is a growing experience where we can blend together with choirs from many different gen-

Directing the entire choir department as well as the Chamber Orchestra, choir director Dwayne Dunn conducts the first part of the Gala concert on Nov. 5. Photo by Ryan Hutchins erations that will continue the legacy of LHS choir,” Nikitin said.

Sophomore learns the art of unicycling After participating in talent show freshman year, student unicycler looks to perform on bigger stage

By Ryan Hutchins

Photo by Ryan Hutchins

For most people, common pastimes include spending time with friends or going to sporting events.

Sophomore Morgan Sisson opts to balance precariously on one wheel several feet off the ground.

“I mainly just picked up a unicycle because it was interesting and I wanted to challenge myself,” Sisson said.

Sisson first learned how to ride a unicycle when his brother, Alex, got one for Christmas when Sisson was 8 years old. That following summer, he was determined to learn the art of unicycling, even when his brother couldn’t, due to balance issues.

“I kind of sat on the unicycle and my brother would push me off, and then I would get back on,” Sisson said.

“I eventually learned how to ride. He never learned, got mad and just quit.”

When sophomore Erin Ventura first found out that Sisson unicycles, she was supportive and eager to try it out.

“The first time I saw him, I thought it was pretty cool,” Ventura said. “He actually let me try. That didn’t go too well.”

After seeing Sisson stick with unicycling for so long, sophomore Alexus Molina was inspired to do the same.

“He’s even teaching me to unicycle,” Molina said.

Page Design by Kendra Schwartz

The biggest reward that presents itself with unicycling is the ability to affect a group of people’s emotions with a single action, Sisson said.

“I think the best part of unicycling is just kind of like the awe that people get when you ride by,” Sisson said.

“You know, you ride by a school and children smile at you and wave and they’re like ‘Oh, you’re so cool.’ It just kind of makes you happy that one person can make a whole group of people happy.”

At last year’s FYI Talent Show, Sisson placed third overall with a unicycling routine. He also plans to be a part of this year’s talent show, although he does not plan on unicycling.

“I will be playing my trombone with the band, ‘Arrgh,’ ” Sisson said. “I might unicycle in it, but you’ll have to wait and see.”

Sisson plans to perform on a bigger stage in the future. Every year, the International Unicycling federation (IUF) sanctions the World Unicycling Championship (UNICON). Events include basketball, marathon, artistic and track races. The next championships will take place next summer in Montreal. Sisson hopes to become skilled enough to be able to compete in something similar to UNICON. “I feel like I’m not good enough to compete yet,” Sisson said. “I have plans to compete in the future.”

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sports

NOV. 13,2013

Rival high schools will no longer play in same district

New football district division line runs straight through city LHS 34 LHS 28 LHS 28 LHS 35 LHS 00 LHS 42 LHS 21 LHS 28 LHS 33 LHS 15 LHS 00

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It’s time for Final deadline is Dec. 6. Pick up an order form in Room 139 or download from www.lhsbudget.com/about/advertise.

And this year, ads are in COLOR!

FSHS 24 FSHS 31 FSHS 00 FSHS 16 FSHS 26 FSHS 06 FSHS 06 FSHS 28 FSHS 49 FSHS 27

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By Ashley Hocking

Lined up on the ball, football players on the LHS and FSHS teams get ready for a play on Nov. 1. FSHS won 28-10. Photo by

Lawrence High and Free State have played in the same football district for the AnnaKate Kleiböhmer past 17 consecutive years. That will not be the case next season.

Every year, the 32 Class 6A high schools The cross-town rivals will go head-to-head in the state of Kansas are rationed into two for the third game of the season next year. districts. As a result of two Class 5A schools The teams will only face each other in the moving up and one Class 6A school moving postseason if each earns a spot in the state down, the border shifted. championship.

“They draw a line east and west. The line “I don’t think it will be the same if it’s not goes right through Lawrence,” varsity football the last game,” McAlister said. “There will still coach Dirk Wedd said. “Free State is the farbe rivalry, but it won’t be the same.” thest school east in the west division. We’re Without a season-long build up of the farthest school west in the east division.” anticipation for the face-off, junior Stevin Beginning next season, the LHS football Hays fears the game won’t have the same team will play against Olathe intensity.

North, Olathe Northwest “Since it is for “I was kind of frustrated playoffs and Olathe East in district [now], I guess games, while Free State will because it’ll be my it won’t have as much battle Washburn Rural, senior year. I wanted to urgency next year,” Topeka and Manhattan.

Hays said. “But it’s end the regular season Free State varsity football still a huge game.” playing them.” coach, Bob Lisher, dislikes However, not —junior Zakary McAlister everyone on the the new district divide. “[We] have to play who football team shares the state tells us to play,” this apprehension. Some players do not Lisher said. “[I] would rather stay in the east, think the early city showdown will change but we have no control over that.” the atmosphere of the game.

The LHS football program, on the other “I think it will have just as much hype hand, is looking forward to expanding its as it always would,” junior Luke Zenger horizon eastward. said. “It’ll be just as big of a deal, but it “It’s kind of neat in that we open the seawon’t really be fighting over state playoff son with Blue Valley West, who we’ve never berth, which will make it a little less played before. So, that’ll be something to look competitive.” forward to,” Wedd said. “I’ve been doing this Overall, Wedd expects a strong season so long that you really can’t worry about it. in 2014. During this year’s season, he The state decides all that stuff.” added more underclassmen than usual The football team will not have the opin rotation under the Friday night lights. portunity to play Free State at the end of the A few years ago, underclassmen receiving season anymore. playing time would have been rare.

“I was kind of frustrated because it’ll be “We’re playing as many as nine sophomy senior year,” junior Zakary McAlister mores right now,” Wedd said. “They’re said. “I wanted to end the regular season taking their lumps this year, but I think playing them.” they will grow up and mature. We’ll have Graphics by Matt Roe

a great year next year.”

Page Design by Ashley Hocking

Sports

NOV. 13,2013

Seniors stake a claim in front row

Seniors carry on tradition of standing at the front of the student section

By Genevieve Voigt The stands aren’t packed, the cheers aren’t loud, and parents fill part of the student section. The stadium lacks the excitement it has known in the past, but there’s one place that is the same as always: the railing directly in front of the student section.

During football games, the enthusiastic seniors never falter as they clog the walkway and cheer right back at the cheerleaders.

It’s no coincidence that the coveted spot at the railing is always filled by seniors — and only seniors. Every year, the new graduating class claims its spot in front of the student section.

Of course, high school just wouldn’t be the same without the occasional rebel.

Some underclassman always puts his or her foot down onto the concrete of the senior section.

Not all underclassmen are immediately pushed out of the front. Seniors are sometimes ambivalent to the occasional junior or sophomore sitting with older friends.

Senior Tim Schraad recalls sitting with seniors as a younger student.

“I’ve had a lot of upperclassmen friends throughout the years, so I stood with them,” Schraad said. “If I was told that I needed to move, I would move. I mean I kind of understood that it was their spot.”

He is an avid supporter of the football

team and attended all but one game during the season, including away games.

As a senior, Schraad experiences no resistance when he wants to stand in the front of the student section. Other students recognize his right to a place on the first step, the walkway or even the front railing.

However, Schraad couldn’t always be found along the railing. While underclassmen might not be allowed up front, nobody prevents seniors from moving higher into the student section to encourage enthusiasm.

“I’ve gone to the back quite a bit just to help like vamp up the cheering, and I know other seniors have, too,” Schraad said.

Freshman Nico Carlson enjoys the football games and hasn’t ever been told to move. He sits with other freshmen and occasionally sophomores.

Carlson understands the separation of classes and doesn’t harbor any resentment.

“Some people are nice about it, and some people, they’re not like mean, they don’t yell...but they might just be like, ‘Hey, kid: Move,’” Carlson said.

He suggests that making the student section a row instead of one section could help eliminate drama. If there were more spots in the front, there would be fewer people defending their place.

For the most part, both upperclassmen and underclassmen are happy with the arrangement. Almost everyone agrees

Winter sports preview

By Charles Backus and Gage nelson Stand-out athletes from each winter sport were asked the following questions.

1. What are you looking forward to this season?

2. What have you/the team worked on most during the off season?

3. What will be the biggest obstacle for you/the team this season?

Bowling Senior Kierstan Warren 1. “Everybody improving from last season, especially since last season was such a great season for the team.”

2. “I have not personally been doing much bowling because I tore a ligament in my hand actually, but I’ve been trying to still bowl with it. As far as the team goes we have a summer bowling league where we cover all aspects of bowling.”

3. “Besides having an injury that could ruin my career, the biggest obstacle will probably just

that students just have to wait their turns.

Senior Emma Oury usually stays at the railing for the duration of the game and occasionally kicks out younger students.

She thinks that seniors in the front is

a tradition that shouldn’t be challenged.

“It’s always been a big part of the tradition here at LHS. As a senior, I think it’s important to maintain that,” Oury said. “It’s just really fun to go there with your friends and cheer.”

Wrestling Senior Alex Jones 1. “Hurting people. Causing people a lot of physical pain.”

2. “Moves and technique, mainly upper body stuff. A lot of chucks and throws.”

3. “Well, for me, it will probably be gaining a lot of upper body strength.

Most of my workouts are football workouts which concentrate on lower body stuff, so I need to work more on my upper body.”

A group of seniors cheers along the front railing of the student section, following tradition and supporting the varsity football team at Olathe South.

Photo by Elsa Regan

Swimming Senior Caleb Axlund 1. “Establishing a brotherhood and a strong bond with the underclassmen and getting the entire team to a good point to be successful.”

2. “The things we worked on in the offseason the most is getting into shape before the season so that when we started we weren’t trying to catch up to where we were when the last season ended.”

3. “This season we have a huge number of new people trying swimming and our goal is getting them to a point to where they can be successful.”

Womens Basketball

Mens Basketball

Senior Kionna Coleman 1. “Probably just getting back on the court. I haven’t played a game since summer, and I’m just excited to just play with my team again.”

2. “We’ve worked on putting up more shots, and agility shots. We’re not a super tall team so that’ll help.”

3. “Probably keeping our confidence up. Not very many people show up to our games, so we don’t have that cheering section.”

Junior Anthony Bonner 1. “Just the new team. We have a lot of new guys, so I am excited to see how we will do.”

2. “Our conditioning has gotten a lot harder, we are small so a lot of us have been working on our jump shots.”

3. “Probably rebounding, our tallest guy is Price, and he is 6’3” so that’ll probably be our biggest obstacle.”

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OPINION

Catcalling needs to come to an end

Sexual harassment among students is becoming increasingly detrimental to young women’s psyches

By Kansas Gibler On the way to seventh hour, a 14 year old freshman stops by her locker.

A junior, walking with his friends, sees her and notices how well her shorts fit.

“Daaaamn,” he says over her shoulder.

He continues on with his friends, giggling and feeling proud of how he degraded her.

She is left feeling violated.

A zero-tolerance approach needs to be taken to eliminate catcalling. It is sexual harassment and can hurt not only academic performance but social and emotional well-being.

By eliminating catcalling from students’ academic lives, they will regain the feeling of security in school hallways.

Currently, catcalling is passively accepted. It goes unnoticed and unaddressed by peers.

“I don’t see it in the hallways because I’m not looking for it. But, I’m sure that if I did, I would see it all of the time,” senior Phoebe Clark said. “It’s sexual objectification, and it’s casual.”

In a survey of 30 students,

Graphic by Alexis Riner

the majority claimed that they have catcalled. They see it daily and they know that it’s offensive. But still, motivation to stop catcalling is nonexistent.

Freshman Cyara Le has also taken notice of the harassment.

“I think I would be passive about it and just keep walking because there’s not much you can do about it in the moment,” Le said. “It’s just circumstantial.”

In a situation such as catcalling, the victim cannot prevent it. With the delivery of catcalling, offenders are often not available for confrontation as they continue walking.

“I wish there was a way, one definite way, to get people to realize that it’s not OK,” Clark said.

We must veer off of the selfdestructive path of catcalling we’re barreling down.

Posters could be hung in the few places they are permitted. An assembly should be arranged. Group discussions should be held. Catcalling should be addressed in the Health class curriculum.

However, not everyone pays attention in the hallways, especially to posters. Not ev-

eryone attends assemblies. Not everyone has a time or place for group discussions. Not everyone pays attention during Health class.

But, everyone is capable of self control and respecting their peers.

Intolerance of catcalling will end its existence on school campus. If our school is an environment where catcalling is socially unacceptable, it will not happen. Tell someone it’s not cool.

When people are socially shunned, they remember it and the offenders are more likely to avoid doing it again.

Additionally, catcallers could use different methods.

Instead of hollering at someone, approach them. A compliment is more personal than a catcall and it could actually flatter someone instead of violate them.

Exchanging catcalls for direct compliments, as well as being intolerant of hollering in school, would eliminate sexual harassment and allow students to regain security on campus.

Women also gain a chance to get the respect that they deserve.

More sleep would benefit students Government sends poor message

Later school start time would better overall health

Shutdown demonstrates signs of weakness

By Vanessa Hernandez

By Harley Phelps

“BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!” It’s 6 a.m. You’re still snoozing, but your alarm clock signals that it’s time for you to get ready for school. Forget breakfast. You’re too tired to be hungry. Forget studying. You can’t even think properly, so don’t even try. You hoist your backpack and head out the door, while your mind is still dazed in the fogginess of sleep mode.

Many students experience this sleep deprivation daily. Sophomore Ashton Cuttel understands the issue and agrees that it would be superb if we could get another hour before school.

“I think that more people would come to school and less people would skip,” Cuttel said.

By changing the school schedule, students would be able to rest more, obtain the benefits from sufficient sleep and improve academically.

There are negative effects of starting school early. A study created by Dr. Robert Vorona from the Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine showed that early start times affected student tardiness, mood and academic performance.

Dr. Barbara Phillips, from the College of Medicine at the University Of Kentucky, talks about teenagers’ biological clocks undergoing development. She says that it’s typically hard for them to fall asleep before 11 p.m.

Two Minneapolis school districts have changed

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their school starting times from 7:20 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. and have noticed positive reactions from the students, improved attendance and less reported cases of depression. Time change really changes students’ lives.

“I have to get up as early as 5:30 a.m. in the morning to catch the bus at seven,” junior Lauren Hugle said. “I can’t do it so easily if I can’t go to sleep early.”

As good as it would be for students to have more time to rest, it complicates things for everyone.

Changing time schedules could create conflict with students, as well as faculty.

Assistant Principal Mark Preut noted difficulties encountered with changing school times.

“The state has a number of hours that must be met everywhere in Kansas... time changes would have great impact on co-curricular activities,” Preut said.

Even with that in mind, freshman Tamara Soukhot said change is needed.

“I could really use the extra time,” Soukhot said.

“I would be able to concentrate better and not want to go to bed right after school.”

Sleep is not just a teenage want. It’s a necessity.

A later start time would give students more time to prepare themselves for the upcoming school day.

If we want to grow up to be successful people, we require quality rest time in order to be prepared for the future.

The U.S. government is open again, but the same dysfunction that led to its unnecessary closing is as bad as ever.

The real problem still remains: Our government leaders don’t believe compromise is important. In fact, not one member of the Kansas delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate voted to avoid the government shutdown. When it came to reopening the government, only two members of the delegation — Rep. Lynn Jenkins and Sen. Jerry Moran — voted to reopen the government.

The democratic form of government is the ground upon which our country was made. But, what happens when this ground quivers and the U.S. finds itself in gridlock? If compromise is not a priority in government, why should it be anywhere else?

If everyday Americans refused to come to compromise with one another, the atmosphere of the country would be entirely different. So, why is it OK for the country’s leaders to find compromise a low priority?

Imagine if Lawrence High’s student-led government was allowed to remain in gridlock. We would miss out on things like fundraisers, blood drives and dances. These events put on by Student Council are the backbone of what LHS is. These events are what everyone expects to see year after year and the

Page Design by Nia Rutledge

ground upon which LHS stands.

What if you were working on a group project where half the group wanted to try one approach and the rest wanted to do something else? If you followed the model set by Congress, half the group would stomp out the door. The project would never be completed.

In September and October, our government earned a failing grade.

Sure, Republicans claimed they were standing up against implementation of Obamacare — a law they have consistently fought. But, how do they know the public isn’t going to eventually like the law?

Congress members sent a message to the public that they are not concerned about the country’s best interests. They only care about themselves and they will fight until the end — long after the battle is lost.

In no way is a government shutdown beneficial to the citizens of the United States. In addition, to the 400,000 federal employees who were temporarily furloughed due to the shutdown, the nation as a whole was weakened and a sense of unity was destroyed.

The problem with the recent government shutdown is not merely that the government was shut down, but rather that it shows a weakening in the backbone of the United States. It sends a poor message to citizens and foreign countries. Compromise is a sign of strength — not one of weakness.

OPINION

NOV. 13,2013

Students challenge gender roles

Students enroll in classes dominated by opposite gender, defying social constructs and stereotypes

By Nia Rutledge Everyone knows that auto service, engineering and technology-based classes are for guys, and jewelry and human growth and development classes are for girls.

It isn’t bad for some women to prefer sewing over welding, or men to prefer cabinetry over jewelry.

However, I wonder why these classes are the ones that segregate men from women.

Every once in a while, a few brave souls are willing to challenge the social standards and enroll in courses in which their gender is the minority.

Recently, it seems more men are curious about the female body in the midst of pregnancy in human growth and development, like sophomore Anthony Harvey. Harvey is one of 11 men enrolled in human growth and development, compared to 74 women.

“I enrolled in human growth and development because I thought it would be cool to learn about how babies were born and how the human body develops,” Harvey said.

There has also been an increase of women with an interest in engineering, such as senior AnnaKate

Kleiböhmer.

“I want to study either architecture and engineering, preferably architectural engineering,” Kleiböhmer said.

Even though there are students who challenge the gender-oriented classes, the ratios of male-to-female students enrolled are still uneven. In jewelry and metal creation, there are only 20 men enrolled compared to 70 women.

The ratios make me question why these particular classes tend to be more appealing to one gender than another.

“I just don’t think guys. . . really feel comfortable talking about that subject or learning about it or seeing images and stuff,” junior Morgan Byrn said. “Girls have to go through it, so they are kind of interested in it.”

As a girl who finds technology interesting, I find it baffling that there are only seven women enrolled in game and software development to their 58 male counterparts.

Senior Mia Monteau is one of the few women enrolled in game development.

“I’ve always had an interest in video games ever since I was a child,” Monteau said. “I think it’s really fun. Mostly because of the small class size and how relaxed the atmosphere is.”

Senior and engineering student Caelan Golledge has noticed the stronger female presence in male-dominated courses, and he welcomes the change.

“People just assume that engineering has to be a male’s job,” he said. “But since we’re shifting more toward the liberal side of the spectrum, people are more accepting of women engineers.”

The gap between male to female ratios in human growth and development is the second largest at LHS. The ratio comes in second only to welding, in which there are no women enrolled at all. There is only one reason to explain the lack of men in femaledominated courses: fear.

“I would say that some people would look down upon it,” Byrn said. “But, I believe that it’s growing to be...more accepted.”

Weakness often is seen as a negative trait. Frequently, women are portrayed as weak characters, while men are often portrayed as strong characters.

So, if a man was to take a female-dominated class, he would be lessening his strength by wanting to relate to women in such a way. But if a woman were to take an engineering and or a technical class, it would be seen as a good thing.

“I don’t like how people assume engineering is a male’s job,” Golledge said. “I think it should be a unisex job. It’s the same thing with nurses. Everyone assumes it’s going to be a female, but why can’t a guy be a nurse?”

Often, you see engineering and technical programs wanting to attract more women. Although, rarely does a nursing programs or child-care professions reach out to men, which is discriminatory toward them.

As a society, we should try to fill these gender gaps in all professions and courses, not just the maledominated ones. Because, men can do just as well as women in female-dominated jobs.

“I think that people should do whatever they want to do and they shouldn’t even take into consideration if it’s female or male dominated,” Kleiböhmer said.

“Just whatever makes them happy. And I don’t think that it should even matter.”

Administrators say no to spirit, students say yes

Leading up to the city showdown, seniors take spirit week into their own hands their own hands

By Kendall Pritchard Spirit weeks in Lawrence are considered a vital component to our high school experience — especially when it’s leading up to game time against the self-proclaimed “royalty” at Free State.

But in the past few years, administrators have banned a school-sponsored spirit week leading up to the anticipated games.

“I think it gets the school excited in a positive way for the game against Free State — pumping people up, like the football players, because they see that the whole school is supporting them,” said Hailey Belcher, a three-year cheerleading veteran.

This year, senior class members took spirit week into their own hands.

Senior Marly Carmona did what every other teenager would do and took advantage of social media.

“There is a senior Twitter account, and someone tweeted what we wanted to do for the spirit week,” Carmona said. “So, we decided to share with everyone over Twitter to get favorites and retweets and spread the word.”

Along with Carmona, senior Tim Schraad stepped in to help.

“I feel like it shows initiative and leadership within the senior class to go ahead and take the weight of creating and spreading the ideas to create

unity over rivalry week,” Schraad said.

During the week, seniors spread the word of spirit week. Monday was pajama day.

Not only did students dress in their pajamas, they participated in Twin Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Formal Friday.

Formal Friday was in retaliation to trash talking from some students at Free State, who began to refer to their school as “royalty” and to LHS students as “peasants.” Who knew that living on a certain side of 15th Street determined your worth? I didn’t.

“I put my whole heart and soul into spirit week,” Schraad said. “It plays a such huge role. It gets everyone ready for the game and a sense of school unity.”

Page Design by Harley Phelps and Kendra Schwartz

Graphic by Alexis Riner

Many of these seniors wish administrators would understand there is no harm in a spirit week.

“I wish they would understand that spirit week is not meant to have a negative effect, and it’s supposed to get everyone excited for the last scheduled game and carry us to the playoffs,” Belcher said. “I wouldn’t think wearing pajamas to school would be negative, but I guess someone thought otherwise. It being my senior year, I want to go all out.”

It may not have been an officially sanctioned school spirit week, but it’s good to see the senior class step up and show how much its cares about not only the football players but the school as a whole.

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NOV. 13,2013

Photo Page

Music classes converge

Gala concert combines choirs, bands and orchestras departments Students of the every choir, band and orchestra united put on a joint production on Nov. 5 to raise money for the music departments’ annual expenses. The funds go toward the yearly music department’s trip, sheet music and instrument repairs.

Call ahead & we’ll have it ready!

1601 W. 23rd St. 842-1212

1601 W. 23rd St. (Top) Plucking strings, seniors Emily Wangler and Drake Truscello play their cellos with the Symphonic and Concert Orchestras. Photo by Gage Nelson

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(Top Right) Singing a Mozart piece, members of choirs come together to raise money for the music department.

Photo by Courtney Cooper

(Bottom Right) Blowing into a saxophone, senior Amanda Love practices before her performance at the Gala concert. Photo by Courtney Cooper the

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Walk in special!

One 10-inch, 1-topping pizza & 16-ounce drink Pick up only ■ COUPON REQUIRED ■ Not vaild Fri. & Sat. after 6 p.m. ■ Expires 11/30/2013 (tax included)

(Above) Playing viola, senior Nick Klozik performs at the Gala concert on Nov. 5. Photo by Courtney Cooper

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