Category Archives: Departments

The View from the Hall: An Interview with Hall Monitor Michael Key

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Michael Key, Patterson’s new hall monitor (Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

Interview by Jevaughn Taylor

This interview with Michael Key, a new hall monitor at Patterson High School this school year, occurred in September, 2012.

Patterson Press: Why did you come to Patterson High School? 

Michael Key: I came to Patterson to work with youths and keep them from making the same mistakes  I made in life.

Patterson Press: How long do you intend to work at Patterson?

Michael Key: I intend to work here  as long as Mr. Benton and the other members of  the staff allow me to.

Patterson Press: Do you think that you can change  all the wrongs that are going on in school? 

Michael Key: I don’t think I can do it by myself, but with the the help of staff and teachers, everything is possible.  I also have a strong commitment to students and teenagers.

Patterson Press: What do you think about this school so far?  

Michael Key: This is a very good school because it is very diverse and you get chances to meet people from different cultures. I also wish this school had more life skills classes to teach young boys to grow into men and young girls to grow into ladies to become more versatile in society.

Patterson Press: On a scale of one to ten how would you rate this school? 

Michael Key: I personally would rate this school by giving it a nine because it is a very good school.

Patterson Press: Why do you think resource officers are important to us?

Michael Key: Resource officers are here to make this a safer place for teachers and students, to make sure  no one tries to sneak in the building to hurt us, and everything we do is for the students and teachers benefit.

Patterson Press: What do you think about Mr. Benton? 

Michael Key: Well, he is a good  Principal  and the only thing we need around here is more hall sweeps.  We have a lot of hall walkers and they should be controlled.   Besides that, everything else is OK around here.

The Patterson Press would like to thank Mr. Key for his time and wish him luck in his new position.

OPINION: Bullying hurts

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By Qu’Chae Madison

Bullying is a growing  epidemic  in schools across the nation. Most of the time, bullying starts in school. Some students hide it from their parents because they are afraid. Like many students, I was bullied in elementary and middle school. It was very difficult for me because I didn’t have any friends in elementary school. I was made fun of and I would get depressed a lot. I even went to a counselor to talk about it. I was always sad and I always felt alone.

Bullying is something that can be stopped and it needs to stop now. When I posted,”What do you think about bullying?” on Facebook, I received this comment in response from senior Allyce Black: “Bullying is stupid and it needs to stop before someone kills themself. People need to realize that words hurt.”

In fact, several children and teens have already committed suicide because of bullying situations. One example is Joel Morales, a middle school student from East Harlem in New York City. Joel was very intelligent but was depressed over how other students treated him. One night this past May, Joel hung himself from a shower curtain rod in his home. His family said he had killed himself because he had been picked on repeatedly. He was 12 years old. (Source: New York Times – May 31, 2012)

Bullying is an important and personal subject to me because I’ve been through it and I know how it feels. Some ways you can help to stop bullying include telling a teacher or other adult about it, speaking up for the victim and even stepping in if possible. Help stop bullying now. It hurts!

 

 

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)

Patterson AFJROTC attends aviation expo

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Patterson JROTC students arrive at Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center (Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

By Jevaughn Taylor

Patterson students from Patterson’s Air Force JROTC program, along with students from Poly Technical High School, went on a field trip to Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center in Washington DC on October 4th. The purpose of this event was to understand the importance of aviation (flight) technologies and to explore careers that help us to become a better country. Our students were escorted by military personnel throughout this activity.

Some of the students had the opportunity to go to different types of businesses to learn more and see what careers they are interested in. Other students simply went to learn about military aviation.  Students also received free giveaways such as lights, candy and balls. Students also learned about smart ways the armed forces are working to protect the United States from terrorist attacks. A good example is how the military is building a prototype jet that can fly by itself. This way it will be safer for American citizens and soldiers, so they will not be in danger’s way when the clock ticks.

Towards the end of the day our students all marched in an orderly fashion  to have lunch, where they met former Patterson High School Principal Mrs. Laura D’Anna. She was happy to meet our students and she posed for a picture with them to remember them. Afterward, our students broke off and watched presentations by other schools, including marching, a silent rifle drill, and presentations on aviation.

This field trip was organized by the leaders of Patterson High School’s AFJROTC MD-932, including student officers Cadet Major Fernando Brown and Vice Corp Commander Cadet Katie Thomas as well as teacher officers Sergeant Smith and Colonel Nichols. With the help and inspiration of these two teachers, American students will know how to become successful people who accomplish something worthwhile in life.  This field trip has helped Patterson students to understand that when we are united together, we will be successful as a country.

 

Rifle demonstration (Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

Patterson JROTC student officers pose with former Patterson Principal Ms. Laura D’Anna (Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

(Photo: Jevaughn Taylor, Patterson Press)

(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.

 

 

Community Fair brings school and neighborhood together

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Participants join in a traditional Mexican dance

Participants join in a traditional Mexican dance (Photo: Patterson Press)

By Brennan Meeks

Patterson High School held a Back to School Night and Community Fair on September 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The event was held mainly in the cafeteria but spread out into hallways and classrooms because there were so many things to do and see. Many local organizations from the Bayview area came out to support our school and inform students and their families about the services they provide. Among the community partners present were Johns Hopkins University, the Building STEPs program, CASA de Maryland and the Refugee Youth Project. Johns Hopkins Medical Center even sent a giant truck that provided free HIV screening and other medical services. Patterson put its many different resources and programs on display, such as sports, career pathway programs, health programs and much more.

Patterson had many visitors from the community, such as a local McDonald’s, which came to support us by giving away free sandwiches.  There were exciting entertainment acts, including a belly dancer, a hip-hop group and a a group of traditional dancers from Mexico. At the fair, the school also provided meals for teachers, students, staff, and families that were involved in the fair. At the fair, there were prizes that you can win just by completing a task. Also on display were many Patterson clubs that students can join. The Patterson Press table even featured old issues of the school newspaper dating back to the World War 2 era. The school store was open for anyone who wanted to purchase Patterson logo-ed shirts, mugs, pens, binders and much more.

Many Patterson students volunteered to help set up and run the fair, earning community service hours in the process. All of our Patterson family participated in this special event, making this year’s community fair a huge success.  We hope to do it again next school year. We would like to see a lot of family, staff members and students come back next time. Our mission is to make our school one of the top 500 schools in the nation, and this year’s community fair showed that we are well on the way to achieving that goal.

Rayvis Mitchell contributed to this article.

Ms. Diehl from Patterson's Health Corps, demonstrates how to eat a healthy diet. (Photo: Patterson Press)

Ms. Diehl from Patterson’s Health Corps, demonstrates how to eat a healthy diet. (Photo: Patterson Press)

CASA de Maryland

Latino rights organization CASA de Maryland promotes the Maryland Dream Act, which would grant more rights to undocumented immigrants in Maryland.  (Photo: Patterson Press)

Female coaches

Patterson’s female coaches encourage students to get involved in athletics. (Photo: Patterson Press)

belly dancer

A belly dancer performs for the crowd (Photo: Patterson Press)

Nail tech

Ms. Bridgeforth’s nail tech students give hand treatments and manicures. (Photo: Patterson Press)

eating

Students, family members, staff and visitors enjoy a meal together. (Photo: Patterson Press)

Clipper Corner

The school store (now called the Clipper Corner) sells Patterson T-shirts and other gear to students and visitors. (Photo: Patterson Press)

Free medical screenings

Health professionals provide free medical screenings on their mobile trailer. (Photo: Patterson Press)

Special Print Edition of Patterson Press Now Available

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A special year-in-review newsprint edition of the Patterson Press has been published and is now available free of charge, thanks to the generosity of a number of people who are acknowledged in the print edition. The 12 page tabloid-sized paper features full color on the front back and center pages and includes a wide range of articles and photos from throughout the 2011-2012 school year. To obtain a copy, contact Mr. Pesa in Rm. 203 of Patterson High School or send a large self-addressed envelope with two stamps to: Patterson Press, c/o Patterson High School, 100 Kane Street, Baltimore, MD 21224. The Patterson Press would like to thank everyone who helped make this special edition possible!

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