Category Archives: Academics

Patterson Hosts Health Fair

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Students from Patterson’s Certified Nursing Assistant Career Pathway program give free blood pressure screenings to their fellow students (Photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

By Brennan Meeks

Patterson High School hosted a Health Fair in the Success Academy on Thursday, December 6th during homeroom period. Ms Diehl from the Health Corps, along with many students, teachers and staff members, organized this health fair for all the students and staff in this school. In keeping with Patterson’s Clipper ship mascot, the theme of this fair was “Sail into good health”. Ms. Diehl even dressed up like a pirate and told students how to find the “treasure of health”.

The Health Fair had a lot of stands and exhibits that related to health. Students got to sample a variety of healthy foods. Yoga classes were offered and Patterson’s Certified Nursing Assistant career pathway students offered free blood pressure screenings to their fellow students.

There were also visitors from other schools and organizations such as Great Kids Farm, a project that recruits Baltimore City Public Schools students to grow organic fruits and vegetables. “We grow berries and fruits and others things”, said Greg Strella, a representative from Great Kids Farm who was showing students how to grow a vegetable called sour sorrel.  Strella explained how the farm grows produce for Baltimore City Schools such as Carver, Edmondson, and Forest Park High Schools. “Students can grow the food, cook the food, and eat the food and they can go to our salad bar.” said Strella.

This Health Fair gave students an opportunity to learn about different ways to improve their health. It is another step on the road to making Patterson one of the healthiest school in the nation. Patterson hopes to have another health fair next school year.

(Photos: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

The Arts at Patterson

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A student plays the steel drums in Mr. Gagne’s Music Club. Other instruments used by the club include an electric guitar, two pianos and an electric keyboard. (Photo: Clinton Adams, Patterson Press)

By Clinton Adams

Two teachers, both involved in the Arts, recently spoke to the Patterson Press. Both of these teachers are advisors for clubs that students can participate in.

Ms.Bell, the teacher for Drama Club, said that the Drama Club will be performing 3 different shows this year: a Christmas show (scheduled for December 20th), a Black History variety show, and a Spring musical called “Once on this Island”.

Mr. Gagne, the teacher for the music club, says he would like to have his club perform this year and they will go to various locations to play music for people.

The Drama Club meets from 3:45-4:45 in Room 201 or the Auditorium, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Music  Club meets Tuesdays at 3:45 in Room 200. Any students interested in these clubs should attend a meeting or talk to the teachers in charge.

STEM competition returns for 5th year at Patterson

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Students arrange mirrors to reflect a laser as part of the STEM competition (photo: Patterson Press)

By Jevaughn Taylor

Patterson High School held its 5th annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition on November 15,2012. We first met in the auditorium for a orientation until we were called to go to our different sections. We started the STEM competition at approximately 10:30.

We played an interesting game with lots of challenges we were put to the test to build things and use the time we had wisely. For this activity we were split into different stations (A,B,C and D). In order for contestants to win the STEM competition, they had to compete in all areas and fulfill all requirements, In each station, students receive a score based on how well they did  in that area.

For example, in one competition, students were given five mirrors and they had to arrange them in a certain position so that a laser could go through the other side of the board.  When that happened, the laser light would reflect on a certain score to give you your grade in that area. Each person who participated in the STEM competition worked in teams of four.

In addition to Patterson students, we also hosted visiting students from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Poly). Our students also had a lot of fun alongside some of the judges. During the STEM competition, students were very competitive to see who was better and faster at making things.

Ms. Ball and Mr. Yates were two of the people who help to organize this event and make sure everything went according to plan. Ms. Ball was the one who prepared the lunches and made sure that all STEM participants were properly fed.  Students reported to lunch at approximately 12:30 to 1:00 PM. After lunch, Mr Benton (the principal of Patterson High School) announced the winners. Although the team from Poly won first place in the competition, we Patterson students tried our best and came in second and third in this competition.

Some students were frustrated that another school won the competition. When asked for comment about this,  Mr. Benton replied, “Students now feel what I feel when other schools come into my stadium and beat our basketball team and other teams that we have here at Patterson, but all we can say is we did our part and participated and we are all hoping for the best the next time we keep a next STEM competition here at Patterson.”

The STEM competition has been a fun and educational experience for all of the students who participated in it. The sixth annual STEM competition is scheduled to take place at the same time next year. It is our hope that we will do even better next time and win first place.

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

(photo: Patterson Press)

 

Homerooms Compete in Door Decorating Contest

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A student helps decorate Mr. Laqui’s classroom door. It would be chosen as one of this year’s three winners, along with Mr. Wagoner’s and Ms. Berdin’s rooms. (Photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

By Brennan Meeks

Patterson continued an annual tradition this year by hosting a door decorating competition to celebrate Homecoming week from Oct 22-26.

Students in each homeroom class worked together to create an original design promoting Patterson pride on their classroom doors, using whatever materials they could find. A team of judges announced a winner for each of the three floors in the building.

The homerooms that won the contest are Mr. Wagoner’s class (1st floor), Mr Laqui’s class (2nd floor), and Ms. Berdin’s class (3rd floor). Mr. Wagoner’s door was decorated with a clipper ship, paper footballs, and images of Patterson students.

Mr. Laqui’s door had a lot decorations, including footballs and a cemetery with gravestones and ghosts, representing Edmonson High School’s football team (who Patterson would face in the Homecoming game). The graveyard theme also connected with the fact that Halloween was coming up. Some of the footballs were pink, in honor of breast cancer awareness month. The background of this door is a football field with a lot of images of football players.

Ms. Berdin’s door featured a clipper ship, blue streamers and photos of Patterson football players’ heads with bodies drawn on with markers. Even Mr. Benton’s head was included as a football player!

We would like to congratulate these three homerooms, along with all the other classes who participated, for their hard work and creativity in making their doors look nice for Homecoming.

Mr. Wagoner’s room, 1st floor winner (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

Mr. Laqui’s room, winner for 2nd floor (Photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

Ms. Berdin’s room, 3rd floor winner (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

Ms. McDermott’s homeroom decorates their door. (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

A student works on Ms. Mahoney’s door (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

Ms. Varela’s door highlights the many different countries her students come from (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

students work on a poster that will go on their classroom door (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

Ms. Reyes’ and Ms. Hope’s classroom celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

A student puts some finishing touches on Mr. Tola’s door (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

Mr. Pesa’s homeroom decorates their door (photo: Brennan Meeks, Patterson Press)

Food Review: Salad Bar

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The new salad bar gives students more options and a chance to eat healthier (Photo: Clinton Adams, Patterson Press)

By Brennan Meeks

Recently, I tried out the new salad bar that is located in Patterson’s cafeteria. After standing in line for a long time, I realized that we need to do something to make sure that students get served more quickly. We have choices in the salad bar such as chicken and regular salad and also we have tuna sandwiches and fruit and vegetables.

I tried some lettuce with ranch dressing. The lettuce tasted fresh and the dressing was good. I was impressed with the quality of the food.

This is a good start, but I can think of a couple improvements that could make the salad bar even better. For one thing, hiring more servers and having two lines instead of one would help make sure that everyone has a chance to get a salad with plenty of time left to eat it. Also, it would be nice to add more choices of toppings for the salad like other vegetables, feta cheese, and more flavors of dressing.

So far, our salad bar is helping our school to become one of the healthiest schools in the nation. For everyone who gets free lunch, the salad bar is free for you too. People who pay for lunch have to pay to get salad but it is the same price as the regular lunch. I would like to thank Ms Diehl and the Health Corps for bringing us a healthier option for our school lunch.

(Photo: Clinton Adams, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Clinton Adams, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Clinton Adams, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Clinton Adams, Patterson Press)

Nail Tech Students Remember Teens Lost to Violence

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(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

The Professional Nail Technicians in the Cosmetic Services program hosted a “Quiet Memory Manicure” event on Thursday night, October 11, 2012 . This special occasion was created by Mrs. Bridgeforth, the instructor of the program, to give the youth of Patterson High School the opportunity to come into the salon and receive silent services. During this time guests were able to quietly remember their teenage friends and family members who lost their lives as a result of senseless violence.

The event was very successful. The Nail Technicians remained silent throughout the evening while parents and students were given basic manicures in the Patterson “Spa La La” Salon. Daughters quietly pampered their mothers and many Patterson students. Several guests commented that the services were very nice. The mothers shared with Ms. Bridgeforth that the event was very nice and they were thankful it was done. Candles were lit, refreshments were served and the atmosphere was very calm, comforting and relaxing.

The Professional Nail Technicians at Patterson High School perform a variety of community services throughout the year. They are looking forward to hosting this event again in the future. They are always happy to show their care and concern to their fellow students.

 

(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

New salad bar coming to Patterson

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By Brennan Meeks

Patterson is getting a new salad bar for our students, staff and teachers during the week of October 15th-19th . The salad bar will be located in the cafeteria and will be open during lunch period only. Some students think it is a good idea to put a salad bar in the school because it can really help the students stay focused and on task. The salad bar will provide students with a way to eat healthy, gain energy, and get educated. There will be different types of salads to choose from so everyone can enjoy something they like. The salad bar will help our school improve and become healthier.

This is the first year that Patterson has installed a salad bar in the school cafeteria. If you have any questions about the salad bar, please see Ms. Diehl in the Health Corps room (across from the gym) for more information.

Election 2012

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(Photo: CBSnews.com)

By Brennan Meeks

Election Day is on its way. If you are 18 or older, you can register to vote in the 2012 election. Election Day is on November 6,2012 for those who want to vote. In addition to choosing the next President, voters can also select their favorite candidates for state and local government and can vote on a number of ballot initiatives like approving new casinos and legalizing gay marriage in Maryland.

Recently, the candidates of the two major parties went head to head in a presidential debate. President Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate, wants to build schools in the nation to make sure students get their education. “Make young people and medicare stronger,” said Obama. The President wants to put a lot of money into schools and create new jobs.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is the Republican candidate. Romney says he doesn’t want to add more taxes. He wants the government to spend less money so that he can lower the taxes. Both candidates say they want to change the world and create jobs to help get people working. The next Presidential debate will be held on Tuesday, October 16th at 9:00 PM EST. You can watch the debate live on all of the major TV networks.

Principal Benton reveals his plans for the new year

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Principal Vance Benton

Mr. Vance Benton, Principal of Patterson High School (Photo: Brenden Williams, Patterson Press)

Interview by Jevaughn Taylor

The Patterson Press sat down with Principal Vance Benton to discuss some of the recent changes that have been made to the school and to keep up to date about more changes that are being planned for the 2012-2013 school year.

Patterson Press: What are your plans for the 2012-2013 school year?

Mr. Benton: To continue to improve student behavior and culture and implement meaningful change, especially to shape students’ lives and to strive  to be one of the top 5oo schools across the country.

Patterson Press: How do you feel about the changes you have made?

Mr Benton:  It feels good. I’m not satisfied with how things are right now but I am confident that we are moving in the right direction.

Patterson Press: How do you feel about feel about the students?

Mr Benton: Some students want this to be an ordinary school but i want it to be an extraordinary school for us. Fights are not acceptable in our school. We don’t let our circumstances shape us! We shape our circumstances.

Patterson Press: Can you share some of the future plans you have for the the school with us, if you don’t mind?

Mr Benton: Our day care should be up and running soon as well as our salad bar and QBA [in-school suspension].

Patterson Press: Some students think that with all the hall monitors, police officers, and resource officers in the school, they are being treated like criminals. What do you think about that?

Mr Benton: You’ve got some students who don’t come to school on time, either in class on time, don’t stay in class, and they steal and rob the other students,  teachers and other staff members who are trying to help them. We need more [officers] in the building, and I am sick and tired of seeing poor students that don’t have an education.

Patterson Press: Can you just give a small word of advice to the students?

Mr Benton: Students need to know how to decipher what’s good and what’s bad. If our students don’t start turning off that music and that television, they are going to self -destruct.

The Patterson Press would like to thank Mr. Benton for his time.

OPINION: School lunch needs serious improvement

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By Qu’Chae Madison

Everyone has different opinions when it comes to Patterson’s school lunch. Some like it, but many do not. I got the honest opinions of some Patterson students and recent graduates via Facebook. In response to my question, “Does anyone like Patterson’s school lunch?”, senior Allyce  Black said,”It’s dehydrated, and not flavorful. They put it in the microwave to make it bigger”. Former Patterson student Shannon K. declared,”I hated it,it tasted like cardboard”. Raymond Partee, another former Patterson student, stated, “I won’t lie–some of it was good, and some of it tasted like straight crap”.

It is clear to me that the quality of our school lunch is simply unacceptable and changes should be made as soon as possible. The new salad bar will be a step in the right direction, but there is much more that needs to be done. One  way I believe we can improve school lunch is to persuade the government to provide schools with better food that is made with higher quality ingredients. Our cafeteria workers can also make a difference by substituting healthier methods of cooking for the unhealthy methods that are currently used. For example, Patterson students are sometimes served fried chicken for lunch.Instead of fried chicken,the cafeteria could have served roasted chicken. I hope Patterson takes these suggestions seriously and makes an effort to improve our school lunches. Until then, my advice is to pack your own lunch. That way, you can control what is in it.

 

 

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