Immigration enforcement has become a global issue that often violates the rights of immigrants, especially Hispanics. Many are forcibly taken and sent back to their home countries. This has led to protests, as immigrants feel their rights are being stripped away, resulting in violence.
A tragic incident occurred on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, when a 37-year-old woman named Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE enforcement officer. This incident quickly garnered widespread attention, revealing the harsh realities of immigration enforcement.
In my opinion, the enforcement actions by ICE are horrific. It’s distressing to witness Hispanic individuals live in fear as agents break down their doors, taking away their rights and essentially kidnapping them, which violates the 14th Amendment. The situation is even more alarming when ICE enforcers target schools, taking Hispanic children in the same way they do adults. The methods employed by these officers are truly frightening. They are typically armed and show no restraint in apprehending Hispanic individuals.
I believe that we need a different approach to immigration policy in this country, one that respects the human rights of immigrants and is guided by compassion and understanding, not fear and hate.
Have you ever seen someone walking around in a shirt that says SWB? If so, they are probably part of one of the Soccer Without Borders teams.
Patterson has more than 90 students playing on one of the three different SWB teams, including a girls team. Soccer Without Borders is an organization that supports newcomer refugee and immigrant youth in Baltimore and across the world — SWB operates in 122 different countries!
The organization uses soccer to help students find a community in a new country, get support with schoolwork, see new places through field trips and practice English.
The spring season will start soon. All teams practice two times each week and play games in different leagues on the weekend. If you are interested in joining one of the teams, or would like more information, please reach out to Ms. Moschelle in room 352.
(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.
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.
Next Generation Language Access (NGLA) is a training program for students at Patterson High School who want to become professional interpreters.
Since there are many people that have limited English proficiency in Baltimore, there is a shortage in access to interpretation services. Currently NGLA is partnering with 3 different high schools: Patterson High School, Benjamin Franklin High School, and Digital Harbor High School. The program started at Patterson in 2023. They did their pilot program last year and now there are five students who are certified to work as community interpreters.
NGLA’s mission is to train high school students to become professional interpreters to reduce language barriers in Baltimore City and also provide a career opportunity after graduation for first and second generation immigrant high school students.
“The reason we focus on high school students is…there is research showing that students that are first or second generation immigrants that are 18 and older are more likely to fall into poverty than students that are not first or second generation”, shared NGLA Founding Director Omari Jeremiah.
“We want to solve two problems by providing meaningful employment opportunities for high school graduates that are first or second generation immigrants in the United States.”
Aside from providing a career path for immigrant youths, Mr. Jeremiah’s other goal is “reducing language barriers so that everyone, regardless of their language that they speak, is able to receive the services they need to thrive in Baltimore City.”
Students join the program for a variety of reasons.
“I want to learn how to interpret”, said Jesler Caledron. “I’ve never liked any class like this class because I participate a lot.” Calderon hopes to find work as an interpreter after he earns his certification.
“I want to have better communication in Baltimore City”, explained Raymond Alabi. While he’s looking forward to earning his certificate and getting paid to interpret, he has also made some personal connections through the program. “I feel good to have new friends”, Alabi said.
Zeinab Al-Ali is hopeful that the program is going to help her when applying for college. She also believes that her interpreter training will help her family. “ I feel this class is going to help me in the future because I have to interpret for my parents so I can know what to say and how to do it.”
Although Next Generation Language Access is currently only operating in a few schools, the program has plans to expand.
“We are always growing and evolving. There is a huge need for interpreters throughout the country, not just Baltimore City”, said Mr. Jeremiah. “We are excited to see how things continue to evolve.”
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