Departments | | Page 18

Category Archives: Departments

Mindful Moment Interview and Update

Posted on January 22, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

Kirk Intlekofer is one of the Mindful Moment staff members at Patterson. (Photo: Patterson Press)

By Christian Pietrowski,

I interviewed four staff members that work for the Holistic Life Institute’s Mindful Moment program at Patterson High School and this is what they said.

Patterson Press: When did you start working for the Mindful Moment program?

Ross: I started 3 years ago.

Lloyd: This is actually my first year with the Holistic Life Foundation.

Diana: July of 2016.

Kirk: I started 5 years ago.

Patterson Press: Do you enjoy the program?

Ross: It doesn’t feel like a job and I love interacting with the kids.

Lloyd: I enjoy it and love keeping yoga alive.

Diana: I love it. It has a lot of cool and fun things that come with it.

Kirk: Yes, I love the program.

Patterson Press: What is your favorite thing about the program?

Ross: Getting to relax and also to be able to stay calm in stressful situations

Lloyd: Getting good feedback from students and getting good results

Diana: Interacting with individual students and connecting on a personal level with them

Kirk: The discussions with the kids

Patterson Press: What do you hope to change in teens and young adults?

Ross: I wish for teens to have an open mind and to foresee things.

Lloyd: Help lift inner-city people and to bring more of a positive vibe

Diana: That they incorporate these skills into their daily life

Kirk: for teens and young adults and even kids to develop a greater self awareness

Patterson Press: What would you suggest for someone stressing?

Lloyd: Take time out of your life to try the program and to try options and don’t go straight to violence.

Patterson Press: What do you wish to tell people about the program?

Diana: We open our doors to everybody, students and everyone in the Patterson community.

Kirk: Our doors are open to help anyone stressing out and that is in need.

The Patterson Press would like to thank the Mindful Moment staff for taking the time to talk to us.

An update from the Mindful Moment staff:

The Holistic Life Foundation’s Mindful Moment Room is located in classroom 103A. HLF is a Baltimore-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children, teens, and adults in underserved communities. Through a comprehensive approach we help develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care. HLF demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment and is also committed to developing high-quality, evidence based, curriculum that focuses on helping to improve the well-being of the community as a whole.

The Mindful Moment (MM) staff hosts daily classes in the MM room (103A). The staff will also visit classrooms to enhance the daily schedule with short sessions, usually involving breathing exercises, seated movement and mindful reflection. With practice, these exercises can help to improve focus and attention, which are both keys to success.

Students having problems, including emotional issues, should be referred to the MM Room by a member of the faculty. However each student must have a referral form, signed by a teacher and an administrator and these forms are located in the Main Office.

MM is looking for all students interested in joining the Mindful Moment Ambassadors program. These students should visit the MM Room during lunch hours, or free periods, for details. Ambassadors will be trained to teach techniques that are used every day, including yoga,mindful reflection and breathing exercises. We asked one of our ambassadors, Chris Bowman, “What is mindfulness to you?”. His response: “Mindfulness is my escape from the clutter of the busy world.”

We have additional roles for students as well. Anyone interested in earning community service hours by helping us with many activities should stop by and talk with a MM staff member about expectations and incentives.

Pa’Lante helps students prepare for college and more

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

By Natasha A. Moran,

Pa’Lante is a student organization that started in 2013. Pa’Lante is run by Ms. Kelly O’Brien and Mr. Licier, as well as Ms. Melissa from the University of Baltimore. They have formed this program in order to help students proceed in life and get to a point beyond relying on their parents. In this program, we visit colleges and universities like Towson University, the University of Baltimore, and Johns Hopkins University. They do this in order to help us prepare for our life after high school by making sure we get done now what we would most likely need in the future.

The leaders of the group don’t just like helping Hispanic and other minority students, but also love helping those in need and those who let themselves be helped. The program takes teenagers from grades 9-12 and helps them with any challenges they face, whether in or outside of school. Twelfth grader Alvaro Flores says, ” Pa’Lante is a very motivating and helpful organization; it has helped me prepare for college and motivated me more for it”. Jennifer Moran states “Pa’Lante has helped me to recognize that a degree makes a difference in your life, not just a high school degree but a college degree; it helps you find better opportunities in life as an adult”. Jennifer, who graduated from Patterson, is still a student in college and believes that the leaders of the program do an outstanding job.

One of the recent trips was to the University of Baltimore where the students attended a college fair. This helped us to prepare for college by being exposed to more colleges, especially the juniors and seniors. We attend this gathering every year. We always have more and different questions to ask and more colleges to see.

Pa’Lante also helps us with scholarships. For example, last year they had the Susana De Moya foundation come in and give us scholarships or gifts. The requirements for this scholarship were to be able to provide proof that you or your parents are from the Dominican Republic and to submit an essay about an impact on your life. The winners of this scholarship this year were Brandley De La Cuz and Alejandro Jimenez.

Clubs and Organizations

CNA students promote breast cancer awareness

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

CNA students sponsored a breast cancer awareness booth (Photo: Mikal McCoy, Patterson Press)

By Mikal McCoy,

Students from Patterson High School’s Certified Nursing Assistants CTE pathway promoted breast cancer awareness in October by holding a fundraiser and educating their fellow students.

Breast cancer is a nationwide problem. A large group of people, mostly women, some men, are affected by breast cancer. Every year over 200,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and people across the country, including here at Patterson, are raising awareness about breast cancer, an abnormal growth of cells in the breast area.

Students who are a part of the CNA pathway walked around the school selling items, near the cafeteria, such as hats, pencils, pens and bracelets, which cost five dollars. The proceeds of these sales went to fund breast cancer research. Students also educated the Patterson community about breast cancer awareness.

“I think everyone should take part in the awareness movement; it could prevent people from getting breast cancer”, said Marina Siebor, a student at Patterson. Students have been supporting the CNA students’ efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer by listening to them speak and purchasing and wearing items that represent breast cancer awareness.

Breast cancer is a serious issue that affects us all. Taking small steps can help prevent breast cancer. Developing and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent breast cancer and other harmful illnesses. Water, fruit, vegetables and other nutritious foods are all ingredients that support the body by building up its defense system. Another way to help prevent breast cancer is to get regular check-ups by a doctor who specializes in that particular area. “Early detection is the best prevention”, said Ms. Wongus, a teacher at Patterson.

Showing support, maintaining a healthy diet, and having regular check-ups are small steps to defeating breast cancer.

Patterson swimming team defeats NAF

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

By Sartre Ndebaneza and Christian Pietrowski,

Photo: Sartre Ndebaneza

Patterson swimming team made history by beating NAF (Nation Academy Foundation) with a score of 48 to 16 on January 10th.

It was a challenging meet for NAF’s swimmers, who had half the number of swimmers as Patterson. Patterson has a full team, well prepared to get victory. Coach Mahoney said, “The game was wonderful, [they] have been working hard to prepare for this game and I am very happy.” Patterson swimmers did a great job in each round of competition.

For the other side, things were tough. NAF coach Elaina Kriz stated, “The meet was good, but I have a small team.” NAF swimmer Steven Southerland added, “It was difficult but we had a small team.” Fatigue was the major reason NAF lost against Patterson. NAF was represented by three players.

Winning this match gave the Patterson swimming team the opportunity to participate in City Championships at Coppin State. This is a good time to show their talents, but it can be a stressful moment when competing against the best teams. This championship will require the Patterson team’s full attention and a lot energy to embrace challenges in the match to overcome them.

Coach Mahoney said, “I am going to work hard and make sure students are listening.” The Patterson swimming team coach has a lot of strategies to use during meets, but she believes that she also needs a keen communication with players.

Photo: Sartre Ndebaneza

Building over nature

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

By Marina Siebor,

For the longest time, we have been polluting the earth by making factories, littering and releasing toxic fumes into the air, which is harmful to humans and the earth.

Even when you think you’re doing the world some good by recycling, you still can’t escape the fact that your everyday uses are polluting the earth and nature around you. In the USA, littering is illegal. If a cop sees you in the act, you can receive a fine up to $500 and receive up to a year in jail.

All in all, we should stop littering because it’s bad for us and it’s bad for the earth.

Patterson recruits new wrestlers

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

Mikal McCoy wrestles his opponent to the ground (Photo: Alvaro Flores-Villegas, Patterson Press)

By Mikal McCoy,

Patterson’s wrestling team last school year (2015-2016) was successful. There were wrestlers who placed in Baltimore City Championship, including Amari Latimer, who was Maryland’s State champion in 2016. This school year, the team has had a more difficult start.

Wrestling is a winter sport; the season starts in the month of October. At Patterson High school, at the beginning of wrestling season, the team was having trouble with recruiting under the pressure of the wrestling program being shut down by Baltimore City officials.

Four wrestlers, including Ryan Carter, Kemar McBean, and Mikal McCoy, returned back to the team to continue their wrestling experience. The team needed a total of 12 players in order to be eligible to be a team in Baltimore City. “We didn’t have any wrestlers”, said Ryan Carter, captain of the wrestling team. Due to the lack of participation, the team was in danger of being shut down and not funded by Baltimore City. Fortunately, after the winter break, a total of 8 new members were recruited on the team.

After the close call of reviving Patterson’s wrestling team, practice began immediately, every day, Monday-Friday. “Going to practice has helped me become better because I have learned more defense and offence; I feel more prepared”, said wrestler Brandan Chamber. Coach Norman, who is the head coach of the team, creates workouts that are focused around cardio to improve wrestlers’ endurance.

On December 14, 2016, Patterson’s wrestling team had a home game against Fredrick Douglass High School. The match ended in a draw (30-30). During the match new wrestlers got the opportunity to practice their moves. On January 12, 2017, the wrestling team had another home game against Mervo High School. Since October, Patterson’s wrestling team hasn’t had many matches. “Incomplete matches don’t help us know where we are as wrestlers”, Ryan Carter explained.

Now that Patterson has a full team, the rest of the season should be much more successful.

Patterson High School wrestling team (Photo: Patterson Press)

Winter Concert showcases musical talent at Patterson

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

The band performed classic holiday songs at the Winter Concert. (Photo: Marina Siebor, Patterson Press)

by Marina Siebor,

A winter concert was held in the auditorium on Thursday, December 22nd, 2016 at 6 pm. Music teacher Ms.Williams directed the entire show and there were dozens of students preforming in front of parents, teachers and other students.

The winter concert was a success this year. There were snacks, music, and special performances from Patterson High School students. The drum line played a few songs followed by a solo dancer and a group of girls dancing to “All I Want for Christmas”. The audience really enjoyed the solo singer, Mason Nines, as he preformed a moving rendition of “Cadences”. Before the solo performance was done, everyone was clapping and yelling. There were estimated to be just a little over 90 people there at the show.

Keon Williamson, who played bass drum, expressed his opinions about the concert. “The show was a good show overall, even though we had some tech difficulties, but overall we got a lot done during the show. One thing we believe we should work on is outfits and making sure everyone looks good as well as sound good”, Williamson said.

Ms. Williams was satisfied overall with the concert, but there were some things that she thought could be improved. “There will be more great performances to come”, she promised.

EDITOR’S NOTE: CHECK BACK LATER FOR VIDEOS FROM THE CONCERT. THE FILES ARE TOO LARGE TO UPLOAD TO THIS WEBSITE.

Psychology with Mr. Baron

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

Photo: Physicsworld.com

By Jessica Branch,

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. A Psychology class is being taught here at Patterson High School by Mr. Baron in room 216. Throughout the course, students learn the basic fundamentals of Psychology while digging deeper into the brain.

One of the most popular projects Mr. Baron has done with the class is called the ESP Project. ESP stands for Extrasensory Perception. ESP or Esper, also called sixth sense, includes reception of information not gained through the recognized physical senses but sensed with the mind. The project was a test to show students that some people may have the talent to read other people’s minds and to tell them things about themselves that they couldn’t have possibly known. It was also a well-liked project in the class because it was out of the ordinary.

E.M.T. seniors visit Fire Academy

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

EMT students get hands-on experience (Photo: Patterson Press)

When they are not visiting the fire academy, EMT students practice their skills in the classroom (Photo: Patterson Press)

By Christian Pietrowski and Morgan Mccaffity,

Every Wednesday and Thursday, the seniors in the E.M.T. (Emergency Medical Technician) pathways at Patterson, Vivian Thomas, Douglass and Dunbar go to the Fire Academy on Pulaski Highway to learn E.M.T and fire training. This program prepares students for a career as an E.M.T. or firefighter after high school.

Baltimore City has been wanting to do this program for years but the funding just wasn’t there. This is the first year the City has done this. Once, when students went to the Academy, they did hands-on learning, which was learning how to do suctioning.

The day before winter break, the E.M.T. students worked with kids from Armistead Elementary School as well as another school to show the younger students what goes on. The event helped to build community-based relationships. Lionell Green, a student in the program, said, “It helps me prepare for when I graduate to become a EMT and helps me get a good paying job.”

The City hopes this program goes on for years to come.

Does Patterson have what it takes to become a “Top 500” school?

Posted on January 21, 2017 by pattersonpress405 Leave a comment

Will Patterson High School become one of the top 500 high schools in the U.S.? (Photo: Mikal McCoy, Patterson Press)

By Sartre Ndebaneza,

For more than 5 years, Patterson High School has had a goal of being ranked in the top 500 best high schools in the country, as rated by the magazine U.S. News and World Report.

Some seniors at Patterson don’t believe in this academic goal that Mr. Benton and the school staff have set. They refer to Patterson’s reputation and performance, and compare them to the schools that are on the list of Best High Schools in the country for 2016. According to these students, Patterson’s goals are unrealistic.

“We gonna die of old age before that happens,” one senior at Patterson said of the goal. Discipline problems, low attendance, and poor academic performance on state and national assessments are still issues at Patterson. Patterson High School was unranked in the 2016 national ratings.

Mr. Benton insists that Patterson has the potential to be one of the top 500 schools in the country. (Photo: Faran Nadeem, Patterson Press)

Mr. Benton insists that Patterson has the potential to be one of the top 500 high schools in the country. (Photo: Faran Nadeem, Patterson Press)

However, regardless of these challenges, Mr. Benton, principal at Patterson High, who has served the school for almost 6 years, believes that Patterson has improved already. He stated that “we are no longer identified as a turnaround school,” which is a big step for Patterson High School.

Mr. Benton is optimistic about the future of the school, but many students’ views are antithetical to the principal’s. Students see it as an impossible goal to achieve. The rank is based on student performance, but Patterson still needs to invest a lot of effort to improve school issues, including food fights in the cafeteria, security and student motivation. Students who attended Patterson for four years say hope for a better Patterson is an unbelievable thing.

“Things are getting worse every year. Students are misbehaving, racist, and don’t want to study,” Natasha Abrev Moran, a senior at Patterson High School, said.

In spite of the pessimism of many students, Mr. Benton is ready to challenge students and teachers in order to achieve Patterson’s goals. “We need teachers’ commitment and students collectively to improve academic success.” Mr. Benton said.

So what specifically does Patterson have to do to qualify as a “top 500” school? In order for any school to participate in the elimination process they must meet specific criteria established by U.S News and World report and North Carolina-based RTI International, a global nonprofit social science research firm. There is a four step process for determining which schools will be considered for the list:

The school must be performing better than statistically expected for students in that state.
The school’s disadvantaged students – black, Hispanic and low-income – must be outperforming disadvantaged students in the state.
The school must meet or surpass a basic benchmark for its graduation rate.
Schools that make it through the first three steps are judged on their college-readiness performance (based on Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test scores).

19 schools in Maryland made the top 500 list in 2016, although none of them were in Baltimore City.

As the saying goes, if your dream doesn’t scare you, know that it is not big enough. Patterson High School’s leaders have already crossed that limitation off their minds. They are determined to make Patterson a “Top 500” school, even if it may take many years to achieve. The journey is long to reach the goal, but Patterson is making changes for the better every day.

To read the 2016 “Best High Schools” report, visit http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools .

U.S. News and World Report ranks the top 500 schools in the United States each year. (Photo: US News and World Report)

« Older Entries Recent Entries »