Category Archives: Community

“Out of the Darkness” walk raises awareness about suicide prevention

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Patterson student Andy Marquez and art teacher Ms. Marchewka at the “Out of the Darkness” suicide prevention walk at Patterson Park (Photo: Ms. Marchewka)

By Dabria Brown,

A student and a teacher from Patterson participated in a suicide prevention walk called Out of the Darkness on November 5th in and around Patterson Park. Between 500-600 people attended the walk, including Ms. Marchewka, the art teacher, and a student from Patterson.

The purpose of this walk was to raise awareness about suicide and how to help prevent it. According the The National Institute Of Mental Health, “In 2009, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24. In this age group, suicide accounted for 14.4 percent of all deaths in 2009″.

Andy Marquez, the student who participated in the walk, had personal reasons for getting involved. ” I had some suicidal experiences and I also had a friend that I lost from suicide”, Marquez explained.

People around the world deal with suicidal thoughts. Most people commit suicide or even have the thought of it because they are depressed. Last year a Patterson student committed suicide. If you see anybody that seems depressed or suicidal, try to talk to them or get them help from one of the counselors or social workers in Room 113.

Gardening Club promises benefits for school and community

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The Patterson Garden. (Photo: Mikal McCoy)

The Patterson Garden.
(Photo: Mikal McCoy)

By Mikal McCoy

Ms. Steigner and Ms. Scott are working together with students at Patterson High School to develop a ongoing gardening club. It is their hope that this gardening club will impact students’ lives in a variety of ways.

The Patterson High School garden was first created during the summer of 2011, around the time period when Mr. Benton became principal of Patterson High School. Using two grants, a hoop-house was added in 2013. In the past, students and teachers have worked on the garden. However, during the summer of 2016, little attention was paid toward the school garden. To get things back on track, students and teachers at Patterson High School are developing a gardening club.

Having a school gardening club is a goal Patterson’s Student Government Association (SGA), is pushing to reach. One of the problems we face today here at Patterson is that some students want to learn gardening while others do not.

In response to the question, “If there was a gardening club at Patterson, would you join?”, T. Moore, a student from Patterson, responded saying, “No, I don’t think I would be interested’.’ Although some students have no interest in joining a gardening club, others think it’s a great idea, ”If you grow food, you can save money and it looks good”, says M. Adams, an intern from Morgan State University.

Around the world, a large number of people believe eating healthy can improve our mental, physical and spiritual environment. Ms.Scott, an ESOL teacher at Patterson, believes students should eat healthy because eating healthy helps a person focus in class. “When you eat healthy foods, your brain responds to the ingredients like a car reacts to gas. If you put the right gas into the car it will perform to its highest potential”, explained Ms.Scott. In the past, Patterson’s garden has produced large quantities of quality vegetables such as strawberries and tomatoes, which students have eaten.

Patterson High School is a place where students and teachers can grow food and eat healthy. Patterson’s gardening club is dedicated to teaching, growing, and providing healthy foods for the surrounding community. Ausar Mesh, a teacher on healthy living, gave a few words to share: “Urban farming may not be the solution to all the problems in the inner cities across America; however it’s a prerequisite to the achievement of practical solution of the most faceted issues. Food sovereignty in urban neighborhoods and global climate change into connected sustainable organic urban farming is a low industry that is ambitions enough to tackle both issues on a micro and macro economic level”.

The gardening club will teach students useful skills and contribute to a healthier community. To get involved, see Ms. Steigner in Room 113.

Patterson continues tradition with 6th annual community fair

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A stand from the community Fair (Photo: Patterson Press)

A stand from the community Fair (Photo: Patterson Press)

By Mikal McCoy,

Patterson High School had its 6th annual Back to School Night and Community Fair on the evening of September 22, 2016. Students, teachers and family members met together in the cafeteria to share a night of fun.

During the fair, there were games, activities and food. “It was a lot of food, a lot of chicken, vegetables and drinks”, said Yero Goloco, a student who attended the fair. For entertainment, different activities were planned. Students who were asked agreed that the fair was entertaining. “There was a lady belly dancing, people played drums, and there was a dance battle”, said Amadou Bah, another student who attended the fair. These responses reveal that people enjoyed the food and activities, but the Community Fair served other purposes as well.

Many families attended the fair. Students from Patterson High School invited their parents, friends, and relatives. Around 500 people attended the event. Dozens of community organizations, businesses and universities participated in the fair, along with many school groups and programs such as Robotics, Gardening, Coding Club and more. Each club had a stand with representatives who spoke with students and family members about what they do.

One group that attended the Community Fair was Patterson’s AFJROTC program. Cadets who attended the event helped out with setting up and seating visitors. “I was standing outside, greeting people, giving them their tickets for their sheets”, explained Abdullah, one of the cadets. Teachers, students and family members came together to make the Community Fair a success.

This year marked the 6th consecutive year that there has been a community fair event at Patterson. Ms. O’Brien and Mr. Alukwu started the event in 2011. “It was an idea that Mr. Alukwu and I came up with the summer before Mr. Benton became the principal”, recalled Ms. O’Brien. It takes planning, organization, and thought to come up with an idea like a school community fair and make it work. This year’s event was no exception.

 

 

 

 

Patterson High School Feria Comunitaria y Regreso a la Escuela (SPANISH)

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(Photo: Patterson press)

(Photo: Patterson press)

Escrito por Angela Rivas,

Note: This article is written in Spanish for the benefit of our Spanish language readers.
La feria comunitaria es para informar a los padres sobre los servicios de la comunidad. Igualmente se celebra el regreso a la escuela para que los padres puedan venir a conocer a los maestros de sus hijos. Nuestra sexta feria fue un éxito. Muchos padres vinieron a disfrutar de todos los juegos, los refrescos y recibieron información de diferentes grupos que ayudan a nuestra comunidad hispana.

Había diferentes organizaciones por ejemplo la organización Centro Sol  que se enfoca en ayudar a familias latina “Porque tenemos un programa para jóvenes y queremos invitar a los jóvenes a participar, también tenemos programas para adultos. Encontramos recursos para mejorar la salud y la oportunidad para latinos. Amamos Patterson y las actividades de Pa Lante.”Dijo Monica G.V.  También estaba el periódico de Mundo Latino, ellos se enfocan en llevar las noticias a todas nuestras familias Latinas. “ Es un periódico con base en Baltimore que se dedica a difundir noticias de las comunidades Hispanas de Maryland, Virginia, y DC.. Pedro Palomino es el director del periódico y tuvo a 2 hijos estudiando aquí hace muchos años. Él también fue Presidente de un equipo de padres latinos en la escuela.” – Pedro A. Palomino  Otra organización que estuvo presente fue Casa De MD “Nuestra organización ayuda a la comunidad inmigrante. Tenemos un programa después de escuela “Mi espacio” que ayuda a los jóvenes de edad 14-21 años” – Monica Camacho. Estas son tres Organizaciones de muchas que estuvieron presentes en nuestra sexta Feria comunitaria/Regreso a la escuela.

Hubo juegos, presentaciones y sobre todo hubo mucha diversión. La música, los bailes formaron gran parte de la noche. Fue muy lindo ver como nuestros estudiantes, padres, maestros, se unieron para pasar una tarde muy feliz. Todos somos parte de una familia, la familia de Patterson High School, siempre luchando por el bienestar de nuestras familias y de nuestros estudiantes. Nuestra sexta Feria Comunitaria/Regreso a la  escuela fue un éxito. Esperamos el próximo año sea mejor y puedan venir más padres a disfrutar con nosotros.

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

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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

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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)

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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!

EMT students participate in fire department thrill show

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Patterson EMT students pose with Fire Chief Ford (left), Lt. Governor Anthony Brown (center) and EMT teacher Jason Casey (right) (Photo: Patterson High School Yearbook Committee)

By Dabreonna Waddell,

The Baltimore City Fire Department held its annual Fire Department Thrill Show at its training facility on Pulaski Highway on October 4th 2014. This thrill show has been an ongoing event put on by the department to gives the public a chance to see how and what the fire department really does.  The thrill show has been running for several years.

I along with several other Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students in the Patterson High School EMT program were invited and given the opportunity to participate in the thrill show. This was a very exciting experience and I had lots of fun. The opportunity gave me the chance to interact with children by doing arts and craft such as face painting, and demonstrating and modeling how firefighters suited up and wore fire turn out gear (fire equipment). We were able to interact with firefighters and fire apparatus.

While at the Fire thrill show, we also had the chance to meet and interact with new people, including the new fire chief Mr. Ford and also Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown who was running for Governor of Maryland at the time.

I believe going to this event has given me and the others a better opportunity at becoming an EMT because we met two these two important people now that they know our name and faces and see that we are very interested in this career and they may help us out in the long run with getting an EMT job.

This experience was very fun and interesting. It gave me a better understanding of how things are done and it also showed me what my EMT teacher, Mr. Casey, loves to do. I am very interested in coming back and helping out again.

 

Community Partner Profile: Jonathan Bradley

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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.

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