Category Archives: Academics

ESOL students share their reflections

Posted on by Leave a comment

Teacher’s note: The following stories represent but a fraction of the mesmeric kaleidoscope that make up the diverse population here at Patterson High School. Take a moment to read these very touching personal narratives from students in Ms. K.’s class.

 

A Bittersweet American Dream

by Jessica Yupa

When I came to this country, everything was different: the people, the clothes, the food, everything! After two weeks in the United States, I said to my family that I wanted to go back to my country.  I missed my grandmother, and wanted to be with her.

My father said I could not go back to my country. He said I had to stay. He said this is the country where I can do something with my life—something that would make my grandmother proud of me.

I guess he was right, but two months after I came to the United States, and I told my father I wanted to go back home, my grandmother passed away. That was the worst experience I’ve ever had. That was my first horrible experience in the United States.

I never should have left my grandmother.

 

 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

A Determined Immigrant

by Cindy Rivera

When I came to the United States, I was happy to see my mother after twelve years. But when I started school, I felt sad because I did not know anyone. Also, I did not know English.

I started to learn English, when I came to Patterson High School. It was hard, but the ESOL teachers are very good. I know English now, but I need to learn more.

Knowing English is very important, if I want to have a good future. I have many friends who were born in different countries; it is good to know about the lives of other immigrants. The people who come to this country are very strong. We have to be; otherwise, we cannot succeed.

 

 

Working Toward Realizing My Dream

by Karolain E. Rivera Paz

When I came to the United States, I had many problems. I spoke a different language. I didn’t understand English. When I started school, I put my effort to learning English and getting good grades.

My first year here was hard because of the different customs. Sometimes I found myself being discriminated against me just for being Latina and speaking Spanish.

Now, every day at school, I work really hard to get great grades and also to speak English. I want to be better each day and realize my dream of becoming doctor someday.

 

 

Getting Used This

by Duka Dhungana

When I came to the United States, I was so scared to talk to the American people. The people were new to me. I did not know anything about them. Even though we did not know one another, they were all nice to me. I did not have any bad experiences.

Things were different at school. The students were mean to me, because I could not speak English well. They used to bully me all the time. They used to treat me badly. Some were nice and some were rude. Now, I’m just used to it.

 

 

It’s All Good!

by Rixi Y. Fuentes Avila

I live with my family. I am lucky to have them. They are so nice to me. I am thankful for that. I have good things in my life here. Some things are not so good, but that is fine.

I like this country, because I can achieve my dreams here. I want to study so much. I want to go to the university. I can achieve so much here. That is good!

 

My Reflection

by Veronica Arana

I have never felt discriminated against by anyone here at Patterson High School. I always meet good people who try to help me. I am thankful to the students and the teachers, because they are all really awesome! The majority of teachers help me a lot. When I do not understand a word, they explain until I do. For me, Patterson High is a good school.

Also, I am happy to be here with my schoolmates. Sometimes when they don’t understand homework or class assignments, I help them. Helping people makes me happy. They try to learn something from. I learn from them. That is wonderful.

I did not speak English, when I came to the United States. Now, I can speak better than before. I learn more and more English, and I try my best. My goal is to graduate high school and become a Computer Technician. I want to make my parents proud of me.

Achieving Academic Success As a Student Athlete

Posted on by Leave a comment

By Aleem Prince,

As a student athlete, sports take up a lot of your time, so it can be almost impossible to make time to study. However, that should not be an excuse to do poorly academically. The life of a student athlete requires a great amount of dedication and determination, not only to succeed in sports but also academically. Practice is held every day and sometimes you are exhausted, but you have to create a balance between practice and class schedules. Therefore, it is imperative to learn proper time management.

Time management is key when you are a student athlete. When you can manage your time, it becomes easier to study, to practice and even to hang out with your friends every day. A great way to manage your time is to make to-do lists before going to bed at night. Write a list of all the activities you have to perform the next day. This helps you to plan and to always have a clear idea of all your obligations. When you complete an activity, cross it off the list. Then you enjoy the great sensation of completing tasks without stressing. By managing your time, you will not be frustrated, especially when you have a hectic schedule.

Many student athletes are ‘stars’ on the court, the field, or anywhere they play sports but when it comes it academics they struggle. As a student and an athlete, you should strive to succeed in both areas. In the future, if you become a professional athlete and you suffer an injury or choose to change career paths, you will have an education to fall back on. Hence, always try to achieve and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 so you can get into a good college.

Attend class, take good notes and listen to your teachers. Students who do not understand the value of education might try to discourage you but you have a choice to make: do you let that discouragement get to you or do you persevere?

To succeed will not be easy; there will be many obstacles to overcome including people telling you that you will never succeed. Indeed, it will be hard but you should always think about your goals, visualize the end product of those goals, then work relentlessly to achieve them.

5th Annual Patterson Community Fair Welcomes Students Back For Another Great Year

Posted on by Leave a comment
A student (right), Ms. K. O'Brien (formerly Flores), and Patterson Principal Vance Benton dance with a belly dancer (right) (Photo: Patterson Press)

A student (right), Ms. K. O’Brien (formerly Flores), and Patterson Principal Vance Benton dance with a belly dancer (right)
(Photo: Patterson Press)

By Valerie Flores

Patterson High hosted its 5th annual Community Fair on September 24, 2015, in the cafeteria to welcome new students and old students back for another great school year.

As always, there were so many people, from jobs like State Farm, to after-school programs that we have here at our school, like the J.R.O.T.C program. Several colleges came to visit our school, too. Towson University came to this great event to help students make it to college by providing information about their college, as did B.C.C.C.

Lauren Hepner from Art With a Heart said, “I never had this during my high school years. This is different and cool to bring people together, which is awesome for us because not many schools have any events like this.”

Ms. Mahoney, who has been a teacher for about 16 years, loves the event. She said it’s really nice to be part of the Patterson family because it creates events like these.

Ms. Dagostino also stated that the event is great because it gives her a chance to meet new members of the Patterson family.

Kendric Senior, a freshman this year, said he enjoyed the flamenco dancing (there has been a flamenco dancer at the event every year) and the group of students selling snow balls to support their club.

Michael Candelario, a junior, has been at Patterson since his freshman year. He said the school is diverse (Nepalis and other Asians, Hispanics, Whites, Blacks, Arabs, etc.) and he gets to see these people and meet new students at the event.

The Community Fair has become a cherished annual tradition at Patterson, drawing hundreds of students, parents and community members every year. It has even been copied by other schools in the city. If the success of this year’s fair is any indication, it is safe to assume that this remarkable event is not going away any time soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Annapolis Legislative Summit

Posted on by Leave a comment

On January 29th, three students from Patterson traveled to the Annapolis Legislative Summit, where they participated in a special session in which lobbyists, community leaders and media asked questions of the new Maryland governor, Lawrence Hogan, the attorney general, the Speaker of the House, and the President of the Senate.  The event was moderated by Marc Steiner, Baltimore radio host, and was aired on WEAA 88.9 fm.

Damion Gaither, Patterson junior and accomplished athlete, boldly asked the first question of the attorney general, on the topic of self defense. “After I sat down, I thought of so many other topics I wanted to ask about,” Damien said.  Still, representing the only young people in the room, the three Patterson students impressed the crowd.  Tyriek Knight, Patterson sophomore, asked Speaker of the House Mike Busch and President of the Senate Mike Miller about the governor’s proposed cuts to Baltimore City schools.  “How is it that he wants to cut Baltimore City and Prince George’s County, when what we need is more teachers and better schools?” Mr. Knight enquired.  The two both responded that they agreed that Baltimore needs and deserves more, that they will have hearings and that they will try to restore funds.  Justist Rice was the third member of the Patterson contingent to get a chance to ask a question.  “Inequality is growing in the US–especially in Maryland–and racial inequality is still a serious issue.  How do you plan to address this?” Rice asked Busch and Miller.  Miller responded that there need to be more job opportunities and that there need to be stronger schools, particularly in Baltimore City.

After the Legislative assembly, the Patterson contingent, led by US History teacher Mr. Baron, visited with delegates from Baltimore City.  The group joined community activist and founder of the group Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle Dayvon Love, who gave them a behind the scenes tour of legislative offices.  The Patterson group sat in on a hearing held by Baltimore City delegates in which the Baltimore City School Board discussed the cuts the governor has proposed to city schools.  The Patterson students then proceeded to the opening assembly of the Maryland House of Representatives, where Delegate Brooke Lierman, of the 46th District, called out each of the students by name and asked that the House recognize Patterson High School for coming to Annapolis to be a part of the political process.

“It was great to get a shout out on the floor, but we need to come back when the assembly is debating issues impacting Baltimore,” Mr. Baron noted. “Our young people in Baltimore have important contributions to make in speaking truth to power, and they have shown today that they have the courage and intellect to be future leaders.”  On the return trip, Tyriek looked out on the approaching Baltimore skyline and remarked, “Baltimore seems so small.” A little smaller, maybe, but with the help of three powerful voices from Patterson, an important place for powerful change.

Podcasts of the Legislative Summit can be heard here: http://www.steinershow.org/

¿Qué es el decreto migratorio? (SPANISH)

Posted on by Leave a comment

Note: This article was written in Spanish for the benefit of our Spanish-language readers.

De Jacqueline Morales

El programa DACA se refiere al decreto migratorio de la llegada de los jóvenes que llegaron desde pequeños y los que califican para poder ser parte del DACA podrían recibir un permiso de trabajo.

El programa DAPA se refiere a los padres que tienen hijos nacidos en los Estados Unidos o que sean Residentes que también podrían calificar para recibir el permiso de trabajo.

¿Los estudiantes de Patterson High School califican o no? Deben ver los requisitos para ver si califican.  Si es así hablen con sus padres para que puedan ir a procesar su solicitud o si sus padres califican díganles para que ellos también ir a procesar su aplicación en el mes de Mayo. Hagan ese cambio ya para que puedan tener más oportunidades en su vida y no vivir con temor al no encontrar un buen trabajo.

Los Requisitos

Para Estudiantes                                                                                   Para los Padres

DACA DAPA
Haber llegado a Estados Unidos antes de cumplir 16 años. Tener un hijo o hija nacido antes del 20 de Noviembre del 2014
Tener un GED , diploma de high school o estar actualmente en la escuela Haber llegado a Estados Unidos antes del 1 de enero del 2010
No tener delitos graves o tener orden de deportación No tener antecedentes penales peligrosos delitos graves o deportación
No haber salido del país y haber estado aquí antes de Enero 1 del 2010 No a ver tenido problemas con inmigración al cruzar la frontera

*Nota – después de haber sido escrito este artículo, un juez federal suspendió el decreto de Obama.  Ahora están discutiendo y veremos qué pasa.  ¡No pierden las esperanzas!  ¡Sí se puede!

Door-Decorating Contest Focuses on Colleges

Posted on by Leave a comment

A student shows off Ms. Rivera’s winning door (Photo: Jamal Artis, Patterson Press)

By Ramatoulaye  Goloco,

Patterson High School held its annual door decorating contest in November. The theme of this year’s contest was colleges and universities. Each homeroom chose a different college, wrote information about that college (GPA requirements, etc.), and posted some pictures about the college on the front of their door to show how precious those colleges are.

Some of  the teachers chose to feature the college that they attended. For example,Mr. Wagoner’s room put up pictures and information from Virginia University, because he graduated from there. “It’s great place”, Mr. Wagoner said. Mr. Scott’s choice was his undergraduate school, the University of Baltimore, while Mr. Gagne decided to use his son’s college to celebrate his recent graduation. “My son just graduated from Morgan State with a degree in civil engineering”, Mr. Gagne explained.

The goal of this contest was to encourage higher education, post-high school.”Statistics’ show that when students pursue higher education they make more money and have more career options available to them”, explained Ms. McIntosh, a guidance counselor for the school. “The College Door Decorating Contest’s purpose was to showcase colleges and universities across the United States and to educate students on the requirements needed to be accepted into college. Surprisingly, many of our students do not understand the requirements needed to be accepted to college and wait until it is too late to increase their GPA and study for standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT.”

The door decorating contest is just one of many activities the School Counseling Department sponsored during College and Career Readiness Month. The school hopes that these activities will help prepare Patterson students to pursue and achieve their dreams after high school.

FIRST PLACE WINNERS:

 Class of 2018: Ms. O’Brien

Class of 2017: Ms. Tuballa

Class of 2016: Mr. Baron

Class of 2015: Ms. Rivera

Life Skills: Ms. Clark

 

(Photos: Jamal Artis and Rama Goloco, Patterson Press)

Students create puzzle cubes

Posted on by Leave a comment

Students try to put together the puzzle cubes their classmates created (Photo: Ms. Varela)

By Leonard Fields,

Editor’s Note: Ms. Varela’s engineering class made puzzle cubes (three dimensional puzzles) for other students and staff members to solve. This is one student’s reflection on the project.

Unit 4 was mostly about a box that my classmates and I had to create. The hardest part about the box creation was the start. When I had to pick on piece and begin from there. My teacher was a big help for me, she helped me with my brainstorming and my creations of my box but she did not create the box for me. She made sure I knew what I was doing. My classmates where a big help, they helped me understand everything also, when I was confused and my teacher was already helping someone, someone that knew would explain it for me. I didn’t really realize how much my teacher helped me understand everything until we had visitors to come and test out our puzzle cubes, and everyone was struggling to put my puzzle together.

One thing that runs in my family is creativity. So when I had a chance to use my creativity I was determined to make it the best one in the class. My determination level rose when I realized how much fun this could be for me, and how much it could help me understand better.

The brainstorming was a good part for me, it took me a long time to brainstorm the rest of my cube. To tell the truth my time management was a little bit bad. If my time management was better I would have finished a lot earlier, when I was almost done I stayed after school to finish my work.

When I was presenting my puzzle and the work I completed on the computer I had to be professional I couldn’t be playing around because when I get older I’m going to have to be a professional and be mature. It’s not easy to talk professionally about something as complicated as this. I thought it was going to be easy but in all honesty it really wasn’t, I thought it was going be easy because I understood the work I just couldn’t explain it fully, but I did it eventually.

The thinking outside the box wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, like I said starting off my box was arguably the hardest part of my project. So when I had to think of a couple more pieces to create a 3×3 box wasn’t that hard. The easiest part of creating my pieces was the measuring and putting it all together for the final piece.

This project helped me understand the ipt files, the iam files, the idw files, and the ipn files. When we first started working with inventor pro 2015 it wasn’t easy for me. Now that I have experience doing all 4 of the files, is became easy.

When everyone was struggling to put my box together that was a sign of achievement for me. All my work payed off. My teacher, my classmates, myself I don’t just give the credit to myself I give it to everyone that helped me complete this.

Passionately Pink Day Attacks Breast Cancer

Posted on by Leave a comment

(Photo: Patterson Press)

By Joshua Carr,

Did you see Passionately Pink Day go by? That was the day students and staff wore pink to raise money and awareness to fight breast cancer on October 16. The day may have passed, but you can still give money.  See Ms. Edwards in room 230. It was a great success, and we are still fighting!

 

(Photos: Patterson Press)

« Older Entries Recent Entries »