Category Archives: Education News

School fights continue to be a problem at Patterson

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by Ashley Sarmiento Rodriguez

Why do students fight in school? I’m a senior at Patterson High School and over the last few years I’ve seen many students get into fights around me. Some of my fellow students have even lost their lives because of school-related problems.

My 9th grade year was the first year Patterson’s new building was open. There were always many students having problems and they would constantly be fighting around the school with seemingly no consequences. I always wondered why the teachers and staff never called the parents of Patterson students who started fights and at least let parents know what the school where their children go to had going on, especially when there would be multiple very large fights going on school.

In December and January 2024, I posed that question to some of the school’s hall monitors and Climate staff. Ms. Enjoulek Jackson (AKA “New York”) said “We aren’t allowed to just call home and tell the students’ parents that there have been fights at school because they need permission from school boards to call parents and then if that was to happen it leads to parents being worried and rushing to come take their kids out of school over a situation that they will always have under control; Unless it involves a more serious situation–then they do call students’ homes.

I walked around the school interviewing Patterson staff/hall monitors and also our school police–Officer Torbit and Officer Jones–questions about these fights.

A few hall monitors such as Mr. Rivas told me students fight mostly over drama on social media and also problems which are easy to resolve but which some students don’t really like to resolve in easy ways. 

When asked how many fights the Patterson hall monitors had seen in the past month, most estimated the number at around 15-20 fights while others said about 3-5 fights. Some hall monitors like Mr. Walker haven’t seen many fights while others have seen fights break out more often in certain areas of the school.

Average number of fights per week witnessed by hall monitors in December 2024 (Source: Interviews with hall monitors)

Officer Jones said when someone gets into a fight at Patterson, she and or her partner would go to the location of the fight and stop it and figure out what happened and make sure everyone’s OK. Then the student is brought to the administrators and they figure out who was in the wrong and the guilty parties get suspended for 3-10 days depending on the way things escalated. 

Although school fights remain a serious problem at Patterson, a lot of progress has been made over the past few years. Three years ago, fights and problems at school were really bad and there was an uncountable amount of fights and dangerous activities going on, but by the time I entered 11th and 12th grade, the fights had most definitely calmed down and the school climate has continued to be calmer than it used to be. Yet even now, every other day there is a fight going on in school. 

What do school staff members do to prevent these fights and problems happening during school? According to Mr. Will, “After a fight we break it up, figure out what happened, then have a mediation group and make sure both parties resolve and agree to not fight again during school hours.”

At the end of the day I think Patterson High School is now changing for the better and there are far fewer fights than there used to be. The school is actually trying to prevent them and has put things in place to help achieve that goal. Patterson High School has long had a problem with fights that students keep causing. Although my research shows that it has gotten better over the years, it’s still an ongoing problem. I am hoping many students read this and realize that this is a problem in our school and maybe help stop or prevent a fight. At the end of the day, there are many other ways to resolve a problem or conflict.

How effective is Patterson’s uniform policy?

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by Snit Kahsay and Mirian Maurizaca

Are uniforms effective at Patterson High School? Many students do not appreciate having to wear uniforms every day but some feel differently about them. To what extent do school uniforms make an impact and is that impact more positive or negative?

According to Principal Myrick, uniforms prevent students from getting picked on for not being able to afford fancy clothing. “…Some students can’t afford fancy clothes, so wearing uniforms prevents them from getting teased because everyone is on the same level when they are in uniforms”, stated Ms. Myrick. Patterson High School provides free uniforms so students don’t have to pay for their uniforms. However, free uniforms are only given out at the start of the school year. 

Uniforms could also be a part of safety. It can help identify students out of the building and inside, “…Because we have so many students so it helps us identify who’s in this school,“ not only does it help identify students but it represents our school pride “…uniforms show school pride it shows that you’re proud to go to this school,” stated Ms. Myrick. Additionally, Ms. Myrick said  “ Yes, I think it has an impact on their safety because it’s easier to identify students that don’t belong in the school  especially when it’s in the school area where people that don’t belong in the school are around the school property.

The Patterson Press conducted a survey of almost 100 students in late December 2024 to see how they felt about school uniforms. The results show that Patterson High School students have different thoughts and perspectives about school uniforms. 57.5% of students who responded to the survey said that uniforms were not important, but a significant minority disagreed.

Students expressed mixed opinions when responding to open-ended questions in the survey. “[The uniforms] are okay but I wished we had more options,” said one student. Since outfits come from creativity and inspiration, a common complaint was that uniforms do not allow students to express their individual style. One survey respondent said, “They take creativity from what you want to wear…”. Another said, “It doesn’t allow me to really express myself in my outfits.”

At Patterson high school the uniform is a black, blue, grey, or white t-shirt with the school logo on it and black or khaki pants. Also, each class has different colors: green and gold for the Class of 2025, maroon and gold for the Class of 2026, green and white for the Class of 2027, and red and white for the Class of 2028. Official class color T-shirts can be used as part of the school uniform.

Students get stopped at the entrance if they’re not wearing their uniforms. They get five chances before they can get detention for being out of uniform and the consequences depend on how many times they were caught without a uniform.

In conclusion, students have different opinions about uniforms. Based on what we have found out, we believe that uniforms might be effective in some ways such as preventing students from getting bullied for the way they dress and more but we think that students should have more options. Currently students are limited to khaki and black bottoms; we think that more colors should be added. The positive impacts that uniforms can have need to be carefully balanced against the negative impacts they can have on student self-expression and individual freedom.

Poster explaining school uniform policy
Class color T-shirts are an alternative to the standard uniform colors. (Photo: Snit Kahsay)
There are variations of the school uniform for students in certain programs and clubs, like this “Mentor” hoodie. (Photo: Snit Kahsay)

New school building’s lack of space impacts learning conditions

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by Breon Thacker and Quaron Walker-Bey

Three years after the grand opening of the new Patterson High School building in 2021, students and teachers are struggling with a shortage of space, leading to a host of problems for the growing school population.

According to a 2015 report on the 21st Century Schools website, the old Patterson building took up 303,582 square feet. By contrast, the new building, which is shared with the Claremount School, was projected to be 267,771 feet total, including both schools. Teachers who remember the old building are glad to have the improvements in facilities and technology but are frustrated with the lack of space and the issues it creates.

“I like the new school building with the new technology, but at the old school building there was more room for students; teachers weren’t on top of each other”, reflects EMT instructor Mr. Casey. Mr. Casey thinks the 21st Century Building program could have planned the switch better. According to Mr. Casey, the building was originally designed for about 1,000 students and we are at or above about 1,300 now. The student population is overcrowded for the size of the building. Also, there is a bandwidth lag in the Wi-Fi system because so many students are on it at once. To compound the problem, there are not enough classrooms for the number of teachers in the building, forcing some teachers to share classrooms with other teachers whose curriculum or subjects are totally different from one another.

Some teachers have to move from classroom to classroom throughout the day, making it difficult to prepare for lessons. World History teacher Mr. O’Neal is one of these teachers. He says that some of the teachers here are very unsanitary, so he has to spend time cleaning up other after classes that aren’t his, and it can make it difficult to plan ahead of time for class. Mr. O’Neal has to switch classrooms every period that he teaches a class. Mr. O’Neal goes on to explain that he has 20-25 students per period and due to the small classroom sizes there is often not enough room for all his students to fit. Frequently kids may have to stand up for a whole class period.

Many staff members and and students share the opinion that the school should have been built larger, with more classrooms and offices and more space overall. Since the past can’t be changed, the question now is how to address this problem going forward. Should the school cap enrollment and try to lower the student population in future school years? Should school leaders seek funding for the building to be expanded? Should Claremount be relocated to a new site so that Patterson can utilize that section of the building? None of these potential solutions seem very viable in the present moment, but the problems caused by the lack of space at Patterson are becoming harder and harder to ignore. Something needs to be done about this issue or it will only get worse.

Breaking down school funding: Where does the money go?

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by Wilfredo Portillo

Funding public education is a crucial responsibility shared across state, federal and local governments. But how exactly is this money distributed, and where does it go? Here’s a closer look at the intricacies of school funding and how it impacts teachers, students and programs.

Public schools receive their funding from three primary sources: state funding, federal funding and local government contribution. Each source plays a vital role in ensuring schools have the resources they need to function effectively.
According to Patterson’s business manager, Mr. Cox, approximately 85% of school funding is allocated to paying the salaries of teachers and staff, along with health insurance and other related expenses. healthcare The remaining 15% is distributed across several categories. Some of it is spent on classroom materials and other necessities required to maintain daily operations, while the rest goes toward funding other priorities, including arts programs and extracurricular activities such as athletics, clubs, and field trips. These programs provide students with opportunities beyond academics, fostering personal growth and teamwork. The school district oversees the funding for school lunch programs, ensuring that students across different schools have access to meals.

Estimated Breakdown of 2024-2025 PHS School Budget (Source: Mr. Cox)


As schools prepare to receive additional funding later in the school year, there is a clear focus on addressing the pressing issues and improving student outcomes with key priorities being recruiting and retaining high quality diverse educators, supporting mental health initiatives for students, improving attendance rates, reducing dropouts, accelerating literacy and math achievements, and providing students with a well rounded education.

Based on the budget forum that was held in December 2024, there appear to be no major controversies surrounding the distribution of school funding. Most outside activities and extracurricular programs are funded equitably, with small percentages drawn from federal funding to support their cost. Additionally school districts and various agencies work collaboratively to manage and allocate these funds efficiently.

The distribution of school funding plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education and opportunities provided to students. While the majority of funds go towards staffing and essentials, efforts are being made to address evolving needs, such as mental health support and literacy improvement. With future priorities focused on equity, readiness and innovation, school funding remains a vital tool in preparing students for success.

Patterson holds language learning dinner

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by Mirian Maurizaca

A language learning dinner took place at Patterson High School on November 14, 2024. There were two sessions for this event–the first one was for staff members at Patterson and the second session was for community members. This event was an opportunity for students in the Interpreting program to show off their language skills. 

There were three languages to learn: Spanish, Arabic, and Tigrinya. Students taught participants basic phrases in their language. Everyone had a chance to learn each language and many were enjoying it. There was also food which for many was the most exciting part of the event. The food reflected the diverse cultures of Patterson students, including pupusas from El Salvador, jollof rice and chicken from Nigeria, and falafel wraps from Syria.

Throughout the event, teachers, community members, and students were having conversations and learning each other’s languages. Everyone left with a packet with basic phrases so that they can keep practicing. 

AI presents new opportunities and new dangers for schools

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by Wilfredo Portillo Quinones

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into education. The generative AI interactions that most students are most familiar with involve large language models like Chat GPT, which uses the internet to respond to questions users have and is capable of answering any sort of questions that would normally be asked on Google. A lot of tools have been implemented with AI in order to help students answer questions or understand classwork. It’s also used to help with teaching, which we see a lot now. AI is capable of teaching and helping students who struggle with regular learning. People have mixed feelings about this though. A lot of teachers are afraid of losing their jobs if AI gets too good and replaces them. There is also a concern that AI is negatively impacting learning because it can be used to cheat or take shortcuts instead of taking the time to develop academic skills. Is AI harming education or is it doing a good thing for us?

There are many platforms which are powered in part by AI, including Khan Academy and DreamBox, which adapt lessons to match individual students’ learning speeds and styles. For instance, a math app might adjust the difficulty of problems based on students’ past performances, ensuring they stay challenged but not overwhelmed. Hechingerreport.org states that, “Teachers save time by using AI tools that handle repetitive tasks like grading multiple choice questions, planning lessons, assessing students, grading homework, giving feedback and administrative paperwork.” However, they also say that it doesn’t mean AI is capable of replacing everything teachers do. AI could trim a lot of the work being done so teachers can focus more on helping students learn.

While AI has a lot to offer in this day and age, there are many concerns that we need to take into consideration. One major concern is that students might rely on AI tools or become very dependent on them for answers or learning. That might lead to students not being able to use cognitive skills, critical thinking skills or problem solving skills. If students use AI on homework or for test preparations they won’t be able to use these skills without AI. Another concern is how AI stores information and whether this information is secured, especially with information on many students. With the increase of AI tools people want to make sure their personal information is secure and not at risk of being breached by hackers who might take or use this information for harmful purposes. These concerns need to be taken seriously.

To avoid the misuse of AI or even cheating using AI, students need to be educated on responsible AI use and there should be restrictions on AI usage to safeguard students and to ensure academic honesty. Schools can’t avoid AI tools or AI in general, but responsibility should be taught while using AI.

The pros and cons of social media

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by Mirian Maurizaca

Photo: Shutterstock

Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on high school students. On the positive side, it can help them stay connected with friends, access information quickly, and even find supportive communities. On the negative side, it can lead to distractions, cyberbullying, and privacy issues. It really depends on how it’s used and the guidelines set by parents and schools.

One reason why high school students might be better off without social media is because of the distractions it can cause. Social media can be a major distraction from schoolwork and studying. It’s easy to spend hours scrolling through feeds instead of focusing on homework or studying for exams.

Unfortunately, social media can also be a platform for bullying. Cyberbullying can have serious emotional effects on students. Also, constant exposure to unrealistic images and lifestyles on social media can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. The pressure to get likes and followers can also contribute to the stress.

Another problem is sharing personal information on social media; it can lead to privacy concerns. Students might not fully understand the consequences of sharing too much information online. Social media can be addictive. Students might find it hard to disconnect, leading to too much use that can interfere with their daily lives and responsibilities. The use of social media, especially right before bed, can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to a lack of sleep which can affect your school life and overall health.

While there are risks, with proper guidance and responsible use, social media can offer benefits to high school students.

One reason why high school students might benefit from having social media is that social media allows students to stay in touch with friends and family, especially if they move or go to different schools. Interacting on social media can help students develop communication skills. They learn to express themselves, debate, and share ideas in a public setting. It can help maintain relationships and build new ones. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow students to express their creativity through photos, videos, and other content. This can be a great outlet for self-expression and even finding a career.

There are also educational resources on social media. Many educational pages and groups on social media platforms can provide valuable information, study tips, and resources. Students can join groups related to their interests or subjects they are studying. Social media can offer support groups for various issues, whether it’s school related stress, mental health, or personal interests. These networks can provide a community and support for those who need it.

Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness about important issues. Students can become more informed about events happening around us and it helps them make their voices heard on issues they care about. Social media can open doors to opportunities that students might otherwise miss out on. 

It’s important to consider these factors and weigh the pros and cons when deciding whether high school students should have access to social media.

New school year brings excitement and achievements

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The Patterson band gets ready to perform at Back to School Night (Photo: Jamira Ellison)

by Mirian Maurizaca

We’re back to school! August 26 was the first day for students at Patterson High School. There are many events being planned to make this school year fun and memorable. There have also been achievements made already. 

Our attendance has increased since last year. “I am proud of our attendance rate,” said Principal Myrick.

“Attendance rate went up to 82%. Last year we had a 69% rate of attendance. Also Patterson High School was in the top 10 of high schools for growth and achievements.” 

Principal Myrick wants to add on to Patterson’s achievements from last school year.

“This year really focuses on academic achievement,” stated Principal Myrick. 

There are also new programs at Patterson High School. There is a program for families that want to learn English or Spanish that will happen after school. For the first semester there is only one class but next semester there will be two classes. Additionally, Patterson High also has dance class and an NGLA program for students to become certified interpreters. 

Principal Myrick has many ideas for this school year.

“I’m excited for this school year,” explained Principal Myrick.

One event from last year that will be returning is 405 Day. It will be a community event to invite family and friends to. There are many other events being planned as well, from Spirit Week to cultural celebrations, concerts, plays, and much more.

This school year promises to be a memorable year for all students. This year will bring us new achievements, more goals, and fun activities.

Patterson holds Senior Farewell ceremony

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by Kylayah Davis

Patterson High School held its 2024 Senior Farewell ceremony on Thursday, May 5th. It was a night to remember, with speeches by administrators, cohort representatives, and underclassmen. Awards were presented for academic excellence, community service, and even surprise scholarships. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Valedictorian, Bianca Cruz and Salutatorian, Makayla Hill, as well as the entire graduating class! The commencement ceremony will take place at Coppin University on June 11th at 4:45 PM.

Homework doesn’t work (OPINION)

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by Wilfredo Portillo-Quinones

Being assigned homework after school for is often stressful for students. Being given work for HOME after coming back from school seems illogical. Spending seven hours a day studying and doing assignments is already a lot for most students.

Teachers seem to assign homework to students in order for them to learn more and understand topics they’re studying, but this seems lazy, if students are being taught this at school, why do they need to spend more time doing homework in order for them to learn or give teachers a better understanding of their skill level if they’re already giving that effort in school?

According to the Florida Department of Education, “Homework teaches students that they may have to do things—even if they don’t want to.” I think that is an example of misuse of time. If we genuinely want students to get into real world stuff, we should be doing it at school. There should be more said and done at school than at home. Putting a lot of stress on students will drain them mentally, driving them away from learning and education as a whole. It’s already enough for them to get up early and go to school and exhaust their brains. Giving them more work after school just seems exhausting and very unnecessary. Teachers should take time in class to see if their students are understanding lessons and not expect students to give them a review with homework.

To build character in students, teachers should be working hands on in order to understand them and see how they grasp most ideas. Some teachers should put more effort into understanding students individually, the same way they’d check our homework to see that improvement or understanding of where most students are at. A lot of teachers love to be hands-on with students in order to actually see where they are at in terms of learning and understanding the lessons they are currently learning and working on. If more teachers did this, it would help students feel better at school and feel more supported by their teachers, because a lot of the work students do nowadays is pretty much on computers and a lot of students aren’t really built for stuff like that. Most students would rather talk to another person or be taught with actual spoken words than with what a computer, textbook, or worksheet shows. This would improve education a lot more than homework and give more students helpful ideas and a better understanding of their current work.


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