Tag Archives: education

Mi primer año en Patterson High School (SPANISH)

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Click here to read this article in English.

por Julia Vargas Pina

(estudiante del curso de Español para hablantes de Herencia : cohorte 2028)

La experiencia de mi primer año en Patterson fue un poco estresante porque llegué un poco tarde;ya habían pasado los primeros días de clase. Sin embargo, todos fueron muy amables conmigo. Muchos maestros me trataron muy bien y me ayudaron a entender sus clases. El primer día estaba muy ansiosa y tenía miedo de ver quiénes serían mis nuevos maestros y compañeros,pero me sentí aliviada porque todos fueron muy buenos conmigo y me hicieron sentir cómoda.

La gran diversidad de alumnos que se pueden encontrar en Patterson al principio me atemorizaba, ya que esperaba que pudiéramos llevarnos bien unos con otros. Temía no caerles bien o que no me hablaran, así que me mantuve distante, evitando malas miradas o comentarios. Con el tiempo, me di cuenta de que estaba equivocada; todo eso solo estaba en mi mente. Mis compañeros de clase resultaron ser exactamente lo que necesitaba para sentir que sí encajaba aquí.

En Patterson he tomado la clase de arte porque me gusta dibujar y crear cosas. También formo parte del programa AJROTC porque, si no logro encontrar algo que realmente me guste en mi último año,me gustaría considerar la milicia como una opción para poder ayudar económicamente a mi mamá.

No voy a mentir,cuando llegué, sí tuve algunas dificultades para entender el trabajo. La transición de la escuela intermedia a la secundaria no fue fácil. Al principio me daba pena pedir ayuda, pero cuando lo hice, los maestros siempre estuvieron dispuestos a explicarme y a apoyarme. Ellos me recuerdan constantemente que no importa si uno no entiende algo de inmediato, lo importante es pedir ayuda sin miedo.

A los estudiantes que están empezando la secundaria, les diría que siempre estén preparados, que hagan sus trabajos a tiempo y que no los dejen para el último momento. Aunque dé miedo, pedir ayuda es clave para aprender y ganar confianza. Tampoco tengan miedo de hacer amigos. Sé que no es fácil, pero cuando lo logren, se darán cuenta de que es una de las mejores decisiones, porque los amigos son una parte muy importante de la vida.

Espero aprobar todas mis clases con buenas calificaciones y no perder ninguna por falta de responsabilidad. He vivido muchos momentos hermosos en la escuela,en mis clases, con mis amigos y durante los paseos escolares. A veces, esos pequeños momentos son los que más se recuerdan.

Lo que más disfruto son los paseos escolares. Son muy divertidos y,para poder participar, es importante ser responsable con las clases y cumplir con las expectativas de comportamiento tanto en los salones como en los pasillos. Creo que, para tener una experiencia positiva en Patterson, es fundamental mostrar esfuerzo e interés por aprender.

Nunca me ha interesado practicar deportes ni unirme a equipos deportivos,pero sé que en esta escuela los equipos son divertidos y positivos para los estudiantes que sí desean participar. Unirse a algún grupo les puede  enseñar cosas nuevas, como disciplina y responsabilidad,retan a los alumnos y les ayudan a sentirse parte de un equipo y a tener orgullo por la escuela que representan.

En ocasiones pueden parecer duros y estrictos, pero solo es para que seamos buenas personas y pongamos empeño tanto en el trabajo escolar como en los grupos/equipos a los que pertenecemos. 

Aún me faltan dos años para terminar la secundaria,pero el tiempo que he estado aquí me ha ido muy bien y espero graduarme de esta escuela, donde todos han sido tan buenos conmigo. Muchos dicen que Patterson es mala o fea,pero yo diría lo contrario porque, a pesar de algunas situaciones, la mayoría de las personas son respetuosas, educadas y hasta cuidan la escuela.

Para terminar, quiero dejar un consejo a quienes llegan este año. Todos merecen sentirse seguros en la escuela. Si en algún momento no es así, hay muchos profesores y adultos dispuestos a ayudar. No tengan miedo de intentar cosas nuevas. Ya sea un deporte, una actividad, una clase o simplemente pedir ayuda, todo suma a la experiencia. Patterson ofrece muchas oportunidades, y cuando uno se da la oportunidad de participar, es más fácil sentirse parte de la escuela y disfrutar el tiempo aquí.

My First Year at Patterson High School

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Haz clic aquí para leer este artículo en español.

by Julia Vargas Pina (Student of Spanish for Heritage Speakers class – Cohort 2028)

The experience of my first year at Patterson was a little stressful, because I arrived a bit late; the first days of school had already passed. However, everyone was very kind. Many teachers treated me well and helped me understand their classes. On the first day, I was very anxious and afraid to see who my new teachers and classmates would be, but I felt relieved because everyone was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable.

At first, the great diversity of students at Patterson intimidated me, and I hoped we would all get along with one another. I was afraid people wouldn’t like me or wouldn’t talk to me, so I kept my distance, trying to avoid negative looks or comments. Over time, I realized I was wrong; all of that was only in my mind. My classmates turned out to be exactly what I needed to feel that I truly belonged here.

At Patterson, I have taken an art class because I enjoy drawing and creating things. I am also part of the AFJROTC program because, if I don’t find something I truly enjoy by my senior year, I will consider the military as an option to help support my mom financially.

I won’t lie–when I first arrived, I had some difficulty understanding the schoolwork. The transition from middle school to high school was not easy. At first, I felt shy about asking for help, but when I did, the teachers were always willing to explain and support me. They constantly remind me that it doesn’t matter if you don’t understand something right away, what matters is asking for help without fear.

To students who are just starting high school, I would say to always be prepared, complete your work on time, and don’t leave everything for the last minute. Even if it feels scary, asking for help is key to learning and gaining confidence. Don’t be afraid to make friends, either. I know it’s not easy, but once you do, you’ll realize it’s one of the best decisions you can make, because friends are a very important part of life.

I hope to pass all my classes with good grades and not fail any due to a lack of responsibility. I’ve experienced many beautiful moments at school, in my classes, with my friends, and during school field trips. Sometimes, it’s those small moments that are remembered the most.

What I enjoy the most are school trips. They are very fun, and in order to participate, it’s important to be responsible in your classes and meet behavior expectations, both in classrooms and hallways. I believe that to have a positive experience at Patterson, it’s essential to show effort and interest in learning.

I’ve never been very interested in playing sports or joining athletic teams, but I know that at this school, teams are fun and positive for students who want to participate. Joining a group can teach students new things like discipline and responsibility, challenge them, and help them feel part of a team and proud of the school they represent.

At times, teachers and coaches may seem strict, but it’s only because they want us to be good people and to put effort into both our schoolwork and the groups or teams we belong to.

I still have two more years to finish high school, but the time I’ve spent here has been very positive, and I hope to graduate from this school, where so many people have been kind to me. Many people say negative things about Patterson, but I would say the opposite because, despite some challenges, most people are respectful, well-behaved, and even take care of the school.

To finish, I want to leave a piece of advice for those who are arriving this year. Everyone deserves to feel safe at school. If at any moment that isn’t the case, many teachers and adults are willing to help. Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s a sport, an activity, a class, or simply asking for help; everything adds to the experience. Patterson offers many opportunities, and when you give yourself the chance to participate, it becomes easier to feel like you belong and to enjoy your time here.

TAM program prepares students for teaching careers

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by Jose I. Serpas Montoya

At Patterson High School, there is a special program called the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM), designed for students who want to learn more about the teaching career and the education system. This program begins in 10th grade and continues through 12th grade, guiding students throughout their high school journey. Through classes, projects, and real experiences, TAM prepares young people not only to become future teaching assistants but also to be leaders capable of making a difference in other people’s lives.

The class is led by Ms. Sánchez, who has been in charge of the program for the past two years. Under her leadership, students gain important knowledge about the teacher’s role—from how to manage a classroom from start to finish, to how to support student learning and create engaging strategies that motivate everyone. Ms. Sánchez doesn’t just teach theory; she encourages students to put their learning into practice, giving them tools that prepare them for real-life situations.

Day by day, students learn how to organize a classroom, help other students, apply teaching strategies, and design activities that make learning fun and interesting. In addition, the program has created a strong sense of community among its members. “TAM isn’t just a class—it’s like a family. We always support each other and care about one another,” says Jihaad Everett, a TAM student.

As students move forward in the program, they reach 12th grade with a special opportunity: to work as teaching assistants in different types of classrooms. This hands-on experience allows them to apply everything they have learned—helping with classroom management, preparing lesson plans, assisting small groups, and using various strategies such as technology, games, and creative activities that make learning more dynamic and enjoyable.

The TAM program also encourages strong connections with teachers who act as mentors, guiding students and sharing their professional experience. Educators like Ms. Pérez, Mr. Pernia, Ms. Edward, Ms. Bell, Ms. Moschelle, Ms. Archie, Ms. Masati, and Dr. Tucker have opened their classrooms to us, allowing us to work alongside them, trusting us, and helping us grow as future educators. This opportunity to learn directly from teachers makes a huge difference and inspires us to continue our journey with passion for teaching.

For many of us, TAM has been more than just a class—it has been a space for both academic and personal growth. Students not only prepare for their future careers but also develop essential skills such as leadership, responsibility, commitment, and empathy. “This program taught me that teaching is not only about giving lessons; it’s also about inspiring, listening, and supporting others,” shares Nelson Fonseca.

TAM is a life-changing experience. It shapes us as students, as future professionals, and as human beings. At Patterson High School, this program has proven that education is not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about building relationships, inspiring others, and leaving a positive impact that lasts over time.

School district implements new cell phone policy

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by Genesis S. Machuca, Tiffany A. Martinez, & Jamaal McFadden

Baltimore City Public Schools will require students to keep their cell phones and other personal electronic devices powered off, put away, and secured throughout the school day beginning with the 2025–2026 school year. The policy applies to all students in the district and was approved by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners

Under the new rules, students may still bring phones to school, but they cannot use them from the time they arrive until dismissal unless permitted for specific educational or emergency reasons. City Schools officials say the policy is intended to reduce distractions, improve student focus, and support academic performance.

“This policy is designed to create a better learning environment by limiting disruptions and helping students stay engaged in class,” said a representative for Baltimore City Schools.

The policy not only covers cell phones but also tablets, smart watches, and wireless headphones. Devices must remain powered off and out of sight during instructional time, lunch, passing periods, and recess. Exceptions will be made for approved classroom activities, emergency communication, and circumstances approved by school administrators.

School district leaders encouraged families to prepare for the new rules and to communicate with their child’s school if necessary. While many parents and educators support the policy as a way to improve classroom engagement, some have raised questions about communication and access during non-instructional times.

The new policy reflects growing nationwide efforts by school systems to balance technology use with academic priorities.

Wellness Friday revitalizes students

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by Akira Sumpter 

The staff of Patterson High School planned a special Wellness Friday, October 3, where students and staff could play stress-relieving games. On this shortened school day. students had the chance to sit in quiet rooms, do arts and crafts, or enjoy the airy outdoors.

The majority of students were outside near our baseball field basking in the sun or playing kickball, enjoying the fresh air and freedom. This day was like a middle school recess, only in high school–a time where everyone could get out of stuffy classrooms, artificial lighting, and uncomfortable chairs.

During these few hours of fun, teachers volunteered to be referees and supervise all the physical activities like soccer, basketball, and kickball. The others watched and smiled as kids had fun, which is something they don’t see often in a school setting.

Students were free of worry, pressure and finally able to interact with our peers without an authority figure demanding us to be robotic. “I wish we could do something like this every month”, said student Saniya Courtney. 

Mental health is very important in order to function throughout life effectively, so taking needed breaks should always be a top priority. Knowing when you need a positive outlet to release negative emotions helps you grow as a person and it strengthens your cognitive skills.

Since this event allowed all students to participate in fulfilling activities, the student enjoyment rate was at its most high for an activity. The days following this event were some of the calmest for teachers in this building, with few if any problems from students.

In the near future, there will be more school-wide activities like this to increase literacy rates, attendance, grades, and other things that this world needs. With this and many other successful events this school year, it is clear that the Clipper ship is sailing into a positive future.

Chess club challenges students to develop their minds

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Photo: Mr. Tola

by Daniela Acosta

Patterson High School is home to a diverse group of students who engage in different extracurricular activities. Among the most intellectually stimulating and popular clubs at Patterson is the school’s Chess Club. The Chess Club is not just a place for students to challenge their chess skills but also an environment where critical thinking, problem solving, social interaction and personal growth are all made possible. The Patterson High School Chess Club ran by Mr. O’Neal, Mr. Baron, Mr. Tola and Ms. Smith provides students with the opportunity to compete in tournaments and practices. 

For some students, the Chess Club provides opportunities to gain recognition, both within the school and outside of school, maybe even by pros! Participating in chess tournaments and competitions allows students to showcase their skills and achievements. Performing well in these events can boost self-esteem and provide students with a sense of accomplishment. For those who are especially talented, the club offers a pathway to local and regional competitions, where they can represent Patterson High School and potentially earn scholarships or recognition in the broader chess community. On November 4, the Patterson chess team swept both divisions of a citywide chess tournament, winning two first place trophies.

The Chess Club at Patterson High School provides a valuable space for students to develop their minds and enjoy the timeless game of chess. Many students are drawn to the club because it allows them to challenge themselves and others. Students learn to have patience, planning, critical thinking and the ability to think multiple steps ahead. These qualities are not only valuable in chess but also in everyday life.

The Patterson Chess Club not only competes in regular tournaments with other schools but also within the school. Last year the students played against the teachers and the teachers won. A rematch took place on December 18, 2024, and this time the students pulled off a victory over the teachers!

Photo: Mr. Tola

Jonathan Ogden Club makes positive impact

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by Coach Kelley Bagdasarian

As we wrap up the first half of the school year, we look back at what the Jonathan Ogden Club has accomplished so far. This year has been filled with community service, striving for excellence in the classroom, preparing for our futures, and becoming a close-knit club. 

Here are some of the highlights from first semester:

The club partnered with Graceland Park once again and were able to accomplish (2) readings, (1) mentoring, and (1) craft day. They also bought, wrapped, and distributed 150 gifts and stuffed animals to their PreK and kindergarten students, with some help from Santa! 

In an effort to support those in need, we prepared and donated 75 turkey sandwiches and 100+ hygiene bags for the homeless. While this may seem like a small act, it made a big impact on both the community and our club members.

In preparation for our futures we participated in five college visits, a Ravens Stadium Career Tour, and a virtual NFL Hall of Fame Tour. We also welcomed our community partners–Cristata Wealth and The Jaime Gervasi Team–to teach us how to become financially fit. 

One of the most memorable events this year was our annual holiday celebration at Dave & Buster’s. We spent the day playing games with Jonathan Ogden and were given a gift and an award based on our GPAs. 

Through all our projects and activities, the JO Club has consistently demonstrated the power of teamwork and service. We we are excited to continue making an impact in the second half of the school year. 

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.

Why do students smoke in school?

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by Daniela Acosta and Rony Garcia

At Patterson High School, a concerning trend has developed for the past few years. Students arrive at school not just to attend classes, but to smoke or vape. Whether it’s e-cigarettes or marijuana, many students are using school grounds as a place to indulge in these unhealthy habits before the school day begins or during breaks. But what’s leading to this behavior and why do some students come to school and smoke? Understanding the reasons behind this pattern is necessary to addressing the issue and starting to create a healthier school environment. 

Mr. Rivas, a hall monitor at Patterson High School, says that smoking becomes addictive and that is why many students hide from their parents and do it at school. Sometimes this also extends to alcohol, as he once caught five students drinking in the bathroom. Mr. Simmons (AKA “Mr. Soul”), another hall monitor at Patterson, said students smoke in the bathroom because they are hiding from the teachers and the staff because they’re not allowed to smoke in school.

Ms. Howard said they smoke in the bathroom because they aren’t able to smoke in their house and they think they are able to smoke in school because school and home are two different things and that is why they are not respectful to their environment.

One of the most significant factors influencing why some Patterson students smoke is peer pressure. One student who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity said “I smoke whenever my friends invite me to but I don’t do it on a regular basis.” Adolescence is a time when many young people are highly influenced by their peers and social group. 

Source: Interviews with PHS Hall Monitors

In many cases, students feel compelled to smoke to fit in or to appear “cool.” Peer groups, especially those who already engage in smoking, can normalize this behavior and create an environment where students feel that smoking is an expected or even desirable activity. 

Another reason that students smoke is because of stress and escaping their problems. High school can be an extremely stressful time for students, balancing academics, responsibilities. 

One student claimed she smokes because she feels stressed due to academics, sports, family expectations, and other pressures.  “I have a lot of family issues and I deal with trying to get my grades up so all of those things on top of each other stress me out”, she explained. 

Another factor contributing to the prevalence of smoking at Patterson High school is the easy access to vapes and other smoking materials. The increasing availability of vaping products in stores and online markets and from friends and family means that many students have a ready supply that they can use before, during and after school hours. 

Vaping devices confiscated from students by school climate staff (Photo: Daniela Acosta)

In addition to causing health issues, teen smoking can also lead to serious consequences at home or even with the police. In the Baltimore City Public Schools Code of Conduct there are five different levels of interventions and disciplinary responses that can be applied when students violate the rules against using, possessing, or distributing tobacco products, drugs, or other controlled substances. Depending on the severity of the violation, these consequences can range from teacher interventions like contacting parents all the way up to extended suspension, expulsion and referral responses where students are removed from school and placed “in an alternative environment that provides additional structure to address the behavior.” In some cases, the police might even get involved, potentially leading to arrest and criminal charges.

As a school, we need to educate students more on the effects of smoking during school and the consequences that come with it, as well as the resources available to help students who may be struggling with addiction or other problems. Educating students on this issue could help prevent more problems in the future.

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)
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