Author Archives: pattersonpress405

Inside the girls soccer team

Posted on by Leave a comment

(Photo: Patterson Press)

By Kibra Brutus,

 

This year I’m playing soccer, and I think we are doing well this month. Last week we won a game with Dunbar. The score was 7- 0, and they were mad enough to fight, but our coach, Mr.Cox, took us to our locker room. It was funny because they all were really mad, but the game was just for fun. They didn’t have to get mad. Anyway, last Thursday we had a game with Digital, and we beat them by 4-2. The first time we played them it didn’t make sense because they scored 6 goals, but we only scored 4.

This Monday we had a game with Western, and we played really hard because most of them knew how to play. In the first 40 minutes we scored 3 goals, and we were really good. In the second 40 minutes we scored only one because the other team had gotten better. After we scored one, the other team got the ball, and my friend, Reema, was on defense she went straight to the ball. But the other girl was coming to get the ball to, they both crashed and Reema got hurt my friend, Renee helped carry her off the field.

Then when we finished the game my friend Reema, couldn’t stand up because her knee was hurting her. I think Coach Cox called 911 and they came to take her. I was really really sad because she had to go to the hospital by herself. They didn’t let anyone go with her, when she went there she stayed until 1:00 AM and they gave her crutches to walk with.

The thing that makes me really mad is she can’t play the last game with City, and were done after that. I don’t want to lose because I want to make Reema happy. I hope we’ll win and our next game is on Thursday, 16th 2014 i’ll do my best to make Reema happy with our best team.

Patterson defeats Lake Clifton, 55-46

Posted on by Leave a comment

(Photo: Regina Bell, Patterson Press)

Reprinted with permission from http://pattersonbasketball.com/

Patterson never trailed as it remained undefeated with a 55-46 win over Lake Clifton.

Behind strong efforts from its senior backcourt of Gary Blackston and Dereck Oliver, the Clippers (4-0) never let their lead go under four points after the first quarter.

Gary Blackston had Patterson’s first double-double this season with 22 points and 16 rebounds.

Blackston finished with game highs in points (22) and rebounds (16), notching the first double-double for Patterson this season. Oliver had 13 points and four assists, as he and Blackston made sure Patterson never seized control.

The Clippers led by as many as 15 points in the first half and went into the break up 32-19. Lake Clifton cut the lead to 42-38 in the fourth quarter, but Patterson went on a 6-0 run to seal the game.

Sophomore Christion Adams had a strong game, finishing with seven points and nine rebounds. Senior Demetrich Williams had six points, four rebounds and two blocks. Senior Tyquan Pointer had seven points.

Patterson also got solid efforts from sophomore Earl Ross (three rebounds, three blocks), sophomore Koran Moore and junior Richard Hibbert.

The Clippers out-rebounded Lake Clifton 41-26 and held it to 13 of 49 (26.5 percent) from the floor.

Patterson is back in action on Monday when it hosts Milford Mill. J.V. tips at 3:45 p.m. and varsity at 5:15 p.m.

Chess team returns for another year of fun and competition

Posted on by Leave a comment

Chess players ponder their next move (Photo: Joshua Carr, Patterson Press)

By Joshua Carr,

Patterson has a chess team. They meet on Thursdays after school at 3.35 in room 317 (Mr. Tola’s room). Students who do not know how to play chess will taught how to play. You do not need to have any experience to join the club.

Playing chess is fun for students and also helps them to concentrate better. The chess team will compete in two citywide tournaments: one in December and one in April. For more information, see Mr. Tola in room 317.

Mindful Moments program teaches students breathing techniques and more

Posted on by Leave a comment

Students and Mindful Moments staff members practice breathing exercises in a circle (Photo: Shane Braden, Patterson Press)

By Nasheira Johnson,

Patterson High School has partnered with a group called the Holistic Life Foundation also known as the Mindful Moments Program to help students learn about their inner selves through breathing exercises, yoga and plenty of other methods.

The Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in undeserved communities. In the 2013-2014 school year members from the group contacted Mr. Benton to see if he was interested in the program. He decided that this program would be a great opportunity for not only students but staff as well.

This program is a great asset to our school. Not only are the methods from this program used at school but outside of school. In fact Mr. Benton practices these procedures from this program with him and his son every morning. He believes that these methods help better himself. The staff of the Mindful Moments Program who work at Patterson High School are very helpful. They talk to students about their problems and also give them advice.

I spoke with a few of the staff members from the program and asked them their opinions about the program. Sideaque is one of the staff members here who works at Patterson High School associated with the mindful moments program. She used to work at John Hopkins hospital and felt that she was no longer interested in the job she was doing, She then started applying to many places. Her goal was to work with younger people. One day she received a text message and was given an opportunity to work with the program. Sidaque believes that this program benefits all students. “We want students to change the world by changing themselves”, she told the explained. She encourages all students to try this program because it will help them do better and concentrate more.

Larry and Oba are two other associated with the Mindful Moments program at Patterson High School. They enjoy practicing the exercises with students in the room and sharing ideas with them. They had been practicing yoga for about thirteen years and decided that helping students better themselves would make their lives easier. Students in this program believe it is very helpful to them. This program keeps them from doing wrongful actions and leads them to be positive.

Latoya Morris is a student here at Patterson High School who believes this program is helpful.She says she comes here to get everything off her chest. Her goal is to master yoga. Before this program many students used to fight but now because of this program they are more relaxed. She recommends that all students here at Patterson should at least try to participate in the program.

For more information about the Mindful Moments Program please visit the Mindful Moments room right across from the nurses office.

Community Partner Profile: Jonathan Bradley

Posted on by Leave a comment

Mr. Jonathan Bradley, founder of Cristata Cares (Photo: Jamal Artis, Patterson Press)

By Jamal Artis

Patterson High School partners with a lot of people in the community. One of the most important ones is Mr. Jonathan E. Bradley.

Mr. Bradley is a founding board member of  Cristata Cares, Inc. He began his work with Cristata Cares, due to the disparity of wealth, savings, and mentoring within our Baltimore community. Cristata Cares, Inc.’s mission is to work with students and community in mentoring financial literacy, lifeskills, career development, and self-improvement (grades and attendance).

Cristata Cares has worked with Patterson High School since 2012, Cristata Cares first endeavor was to sponsor a book for students interested in medicine or a health related career.  It was a book signing and speak featuring Dr. Alfredo Quinonnes MD, neurologist at JHU, he spoke and shared with students his life in his book “Becoming Dr. Q.”  Since the initial event PHS has become a key partner school for Cristata Cares.  Mr. Bradley is on campus at least one day per week, many times working with fellow board member Mr. Matthew Wyskiel.  Cristata Cares has sponsored or hosted guest speakers ranging from rappers to epidemiologists to entrepreneurs.   The purpose is to help students to dream or have a vision of a better tomorrow.

Cristata Cares has worked closely with Principal Vance Benton, Coach Kelley Bagdasarian, Coach Heggins, Ms. Shannelle  England, and Ms. Loretta Kavanaugh and administrators, faculty, or teachers in seeing where  Cristata Cares can serve or work with Patterson and its community in helping PHS to reach its long term goals of becoming a top tier school.  Some of their activities or developments is, giving students who perform gift cards as an incentive, a live shopping exercise that encourages students to stretch their dollar through use of coupons, investment savings incentives, and establishing a small endowment seed fund for promising PHS alumnus who are facing financial challenges in pursuing a college or technical degree, and coaching the golf team (which he was not able to do this year due to lack of transportation) but is planning a golf club for Spring 2015.

One key milestone that has been reached in working with Patterson High, is launching an investment club to encourage students to save, the investment club meets after school and is in its fourth semester, the club has averaged 15 students per semester.   The PHS investment club rewards students who perform well compared to their peers.  The students learn how investments perform in various market cycles, compounding of interest, and other investment considerations or decisions.  Cristata Cares is pleased to continue its work with Patterson realizing that much work needs to be done in assisting and mentoring students to help give them the best opportunity to live or achieve their dreams.

Mr. Bradley is very thankful to Patterson High and in having board members who work and believe in a bright future for kids who are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. The Patterson Press would  like to thank Mr.  Jonathan Bradley  for  taking time out of his schedule to talk to us.

With files from Jonathan Bradley.

Teacher Talk: December 2014

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Xavier Williams,

This month marks the last month of the year of 2014 and the beginning of the winter holiday season. This season features the beautiful and joyful holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, among others. These holidays are a time to celebrate with family and loved ones. So I decided to ask three teachers a question that connects with the holidays and it was, “Why is your family important to you?”.

 

Why is your family important to you?

My family is very important to me. My family is supportive. Although we do not see each other too often, I always spend Christmas with my family. For that reason, Christmas is a special holiday for me. With all of the craziness in the world and the stresses of daily life, I am very fortunate to have a family that supports me. Going to visit my family in Western Maryland is a time when I can slow down, relax and breathe again. My hope is that everyone, even if their family is not supportive, can find a place where they can breathe this holiday season.

-Vincent Tola (ESOL Teacher)
My family is very important to me because they provide support, understanding, and unconditional love to me. I grew up in Seattle, Washington; my parents and little brother still live there. The holidays are the only time throughout the year that I am able to return home to Seattle and be with them. My family acts as a “re-charge” for me; they help me to stay grounded in what is most important. I am so grateful for the time in December to spend real time with my family at home, 2,800 miles from my Baltimore home.

-Katie Casto (ESOL Teacher)
My family is important to me because they are the people who know me best. We have known each other all our lives. We support each other. If any of us has a problem we know we can call each other for help or just a listening ear. We are not all together very often because we live on opposite sides of the United States, but we call each other most weekends. When we do get together, it’s special and fun.

-Ms.Warzer (ESOL Teacher)

Next month’s Teacher Talk question will be: “What is your New Year’s resolution?”

 

Maasai Warriors Visit Patterson

Posted on by Leave a comment

Masai warriors perform a traditional dance in the media center (Photo: Laxmi Magar)

by Rama Goloco

There were Maasai warriors dancing at Patterson High School in the Media Center on November 12 . All of the dancers were men, but they looked like women because their traditional clothing resembled dresses. They came from a country in Africa called Kenya. The mountain district called Kirinyaga is where the Maasai live. They are a popular and traditional culture.

The dancers wore traditional red hunter’s clothing like great warriors. They carried shields, staffs and other items from their culture. They were singing, dancing and jumping.  When they jumped, they made a roaring sound with their voices. They really know how to jump all way up to the top!

Their visit was a precious thing because it helped the students in the US to know about different countries in Africa. That day a lot of the students enjoyed the performance. It was a fun day.

 

Why do some students walk the halls?

Posted on by Leave a comment

A student sits in a stairwell instead of going to class. (Photo: Jamal Artis, Patterson Press)

By Nashiera Johnson,

Every day, numerous students at Patterson High School are found roaming the halls as if they have nowhere to go. All students belong in classrooms during each period (except for lunch) but instead some decide to walk the halls. Many students believe that they do not feel welcome by either their teachers or peers but that is not an excuse; the conflict can always be resolved.

Most students would only attend a class they are interested in. If a student finds a class uninteresting, then most likely they would not go to it. All teachers agree that it is sad that students cut class and minimize their learning time. Ms. Edwards believes that the rules at Patterson High School should be stricter. She always asks students why they aren’t in class when she notices them in the hallway.

“I don’t understand why students walk the halls,” said Mr. Latanishen told the Patterson Press. “There is nothing to do out there, so it would be better for them to stay in class.”

Some students were willing to talk about the problem of walking the hallways. For instance, a student named Blake said, “I think it is good because it gives me time to think. If I am mad and I need to get away from everything I leave the classroom and go into the halls to take a walk.” Although there may be some truth to this statement, there are more productive way to deal with stress, such as asking for a pass to the Mindful Moment room or visiting a school counselor.

Too many students nowadays do not realize how important education is. They do not take it seriously. Education is free but not enough students take advantage of it. Hall-walkers are a symptom of this problem.

Teacher Talk: November 2014

Posted on by Leave a comment

By: Xavier Williams.

In this month of  November there is  a very special holiday with laughter, food, and family! That’s right, it’s Thanksgiving, a national day of celebration for families to come together. So I decided to ask some of the teachers at my school the question: “What are you thankful for and why?” Here are the responses I got.

What are you thankful for and why?

I am thankful for waking each day and being able to come to a  job i love. I am thankful for my family (people and animals), friends (who are like family) and people i meet who are friendly and kind. I am thankful for life, health, strength met needs and granted wishes.

-Ms.E.Edwards, English 4 teacher
I am thankful for all of my students who work to their fullest potential.

-Ms. Greco, English 2 teacher
I am thankful for Torres Supermarket LLC because they provide delicious sandwiches and chips to their community.

-Mr.Callahan, Science teacher

 Next month’s Teacher Talk question will be “Why is your family important to you?”

Lost (POEM)

Posted on by Leave a comment

by Shaniera  Scott

Lost in a pool of emptiness
I search but I can’t find
I cry but there are no tears.
Who is this girl looking back at me in the mirror
A product of mothering gone wrong or
A strong woman yet to come?
Lost in a pool of emptiness…
I see this girl everyday
I am this girl
But do I know this girl?
Lost in a pool of emptiness…
And damn it I can’t swim.
All that I’ve known or what I thought
I’ve known has vanished before my eyes
The prayers, the hopings, the unheard
Cries; ALL lost in a pool of emptiness
No longer familiar with how things used
To be but all the while trying to
Know that girl that they call ME, confused
And overwhelmed yet curious to know the cost.
I’m not hiding y’all I’m…

Lost

« Older Entries Recent Entries »