Monthly Archives: March 2022

Short Story: “Creepy Birthday”

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by B. Soto-81, CCB Contributor

Tomorrow is my birthday and I’m excited although it’s taking a while. It’s nighttime and I’m supposed to be sleeping when nobody’s awake. I waited downstairs for an hour and nobody’s there. I gave up and I was so tired, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I went to my room and went to sleep. The next day passed but it didn’t feel right.

I woke up and I was happy it was my birthday, I woke up my parents in a hurry, I was too excited, something was weird it’s like my parents were hiding something, we all got ready and went downstairs. And I saw the presents. I opened all of them, but one gift was weird – it was a stuffed animal a cute bear.

All graphics in this story by R. Rowan-62, CCB Staff

 I didn’t ask for it, but I like it. I played with my gifts and placed the bear on the floor. I went to walk away to get something, but when I looked again, the bear was gone… I was just thinking it was my imagination. It was near the table  someone might have moved it there’s nothing to worry about. I walked away again and It was in a different place. This time I knew it wasn’t my imagination, I wasn’t crazy. I told my parents and it was almost like they were hiding a secret from me. 

I was freaked out by this bear and I had a bad feeling something was going to happen. Maybe the bear feels left out, maybe if I play with it it wouldn’t do anything. As soon as I was gonna play with it my mom told me we were going surfing .

When I arrived there I got ready and it was time. I surfed on the biggest  wave as I was surfing down the biggest wave. I felt like I was falling, I was falling when suddenly I went flying. It was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. I remembered I let go of the surfboard  and there was a something  on the wave. So that’s why I went flying. It was just bad luck.

I went back home and when I entered the house I knew something bad was gonna happen. The bear was out of sight. The bear appeared when I was looking at the window, and I was scared. When I called out for help, nobody would hear being in a snow biome, living in the only house there was. I spotted things out of order and I just fainted out of nowhere.

I woke up and I was in the snow biome. I called out for help and nobody heard me. Just as I thought, something bad did happen ….. my mom was looking for me but could not find me and I couldn’t find the bear either. I noticed that the bear appeared at a tree and it came alive. I was chased and I couldn’t find a way to go back home. It felt like I was never gonna come home again.

I saw something in the distance I ran towards it and it was my house. I was happy and I ran towards it and went in. My mom was so happy that she ran to hug me. The bear appeared again and I realized something. The bear only appears when I’m alone…

That’s scary. I had to get rid of it. I put it in the trashcan and there was no sight of the bear. I was happy, but then I heard a nose, I turned around and the bear had red eyes … I knew there was something suspicious about this bear. I looked up on my phone what the signs of red eyes from a bear means and I couldn’t believe it. It said that the bear is coming alive…

Evil Bear Symptoms:

  • Red eyes,
  • Appearing (when you’re alone),
  • Disappearing,
  • Following you and
  • Mischief.

Those are all the Symptoms I’ve been experiencing. It’s real, The bear came alive.

I ran for my life and Looked up what to do when a bear is alive. It said to make the bear happy and to do that you have to play with it. I played with it and was happy again. It turned back to a teddy bear.

This adventure was actually a good highlight of my day, I was actually just overreacting about this bear, it was actually fun. I had an idea who to take the bear, too, My Wicked Cousin Who’s a Bear collector.

She don’t know what’s coming. I put it on her doorstep and rang her doorbell.

I ran back to my house and looked out the window. She opened the door and talked to it and took care of it, it was almost like she’s the one who gave us the bear and was a plan all along. She made a big loud scream and dropped the bear on the ground nowhere to be seen. I was surprised to see that but she deserved it. I’m pretty sure the bear liked me better than her. But after all Karma came back to haunt her. 

The End

Edited by A. Diggs-Speach-62, CCB Staff

Celebrating Women’s History Month at Conwell

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by N. Champion-62, CCB Staff

Art by J. Cruz-62, CCB Staff

Ms. Green, principal of Conwell Middle Magnet School, at 8 a.m. on March 23, in a Zoom assembly meeting inspired the whole school with a Women’s History Presentation. Ms. Green had amazing words to say throughout the assembly. 

“Specifically for the month of March we highlight Women’s History Month,” said Ms. Green. 

Ms. Green presented Ms. Gartside and Ms. Leone’s Women’s History month google slide presentation. The slide show presented six women, each slide contained information about each woman in a video.

The phenomenal women were:

Mary J. Blige, a singer and songwriter, 

Lena Waithe, an writer and actor,

 Abby Wambach Team USA, soccer player, 

Serena Willaims, Championship Tennis Player, 

Sandra Cisneros Latiana, writer 

Fei – Fei Li a Chief Technologist at Google Cloud. 

Among the six phenomenal women was Serena Williams, who has inspired many women. 

“You have to improve yourself so that you can go out there and be the best you can be and not prove anything to anyone,” Williams said in the interview. 

In 73, student S. Ortiz and Ms. Kerwin, Conwell Middle Magnet School Art Teacher, said that the women’s History Month assembly was influential

“This was important to recognize such a diverse group of women. It was awesome to see athletes, writers, singers and tech pioneers,” Ms. Kerwin said. 

“I really enjoyed it and so did the students,” S. Ortiz added. 

“This was important to recognize such a diverse group of women.”

Ms. Kerwin – Conwell Art Teacher

Edited by O. Ojo-61, CCB Staff

 Coach Young has a Heart of Gold

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A blue ASAS Fitbit, donated by Coach Young. – Image by A. Vega, CCB Staff

by T. Williams-62, CCB Contributor

 The coach for ASAS basketball, Mr. Young, gave all the kids in ASAS (After School All Stars) Fitbit watches to keep track of your calories, footsteps, and general well-being at the beginning of March. 

“You can use the fit bit watches in everyday life and all the time if possible,” Coach Young said. 

You can get the fit bit watches anywhere like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon. The reason that Coach Young gave the kids in ASAS the Fitbit watches is because Coach Young has a heart of gold.

 “So kids know we care about your health,” Coach Young Said.

Coach Young gave all the kids Fitbit watches because ASAS has a partnership with Fitbit to help keep kids aware of their health.

C. Serrano-62, A student athlete in ASAS, gives his view about the Fitbit watches. 

“I like how you can see how many calories you burn, how many footsteps you take in a day and all the other special features it comes with. Also I like how there are different types of colors between blue, black, and pink,” said C. Serano-62, ASAS Student.

“I like how you can see how many calories you burn, how many footsteps you take in a day.”

C. Cerrano-62, ASAS Student Athlete

Edited by O. Ojo-61, CCB Staff

Walking Up (and Down) The Right Way at Conwell

Video

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by N. Champion-62 and J. Cruz-62, CCB Staff

This is a video created to show how to use the stairs the right way and also shows how our safety patrol helps students.

Ever notice those up and down arrows taped to the stairwell doors? If not Conwell’s Safety Patrol can help point you in the right direction!

Pathway to greatness

Image

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Medium; Acrylics on canvas

Art by N. lewis-72,

unique forest image from N Lewis-72 – image courtesy of N Lewis

N Lewis from class 72 has made a painting from an old picture. Her painting is a pretty pathway. I think as the KAC Editor that its very unipue and different from other paintings. Here’s what N Lewis has to say about her painting:

  • How did you come up with the painting:

I saw a old picture and wanted to draw it 

  • How long did it take you to paint the painting:

An hour long

  • How long have you been painting:

My whole life

  • How many paintings have you painted:

A lot

Edited by L Santos 

Continue reading →

Why we should not use profanity  

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By C.Rich-71, CCB Contributor

graphic by A.diggs.speach

Throwing out a bunch of swear words when you are angry or frustrated doesn’t let people know what is wrong. It only lets people know that you are upset. Because swearing does hinder communication, it is much better to avoid swear words and express what is really bothering you.

“What happens when you swear, cursing, cussing, profanity at school?”

Many teachers or staff members will give you a detention for yelling the “F” bomb in class. or like Ms. Green says “ Queen Bee Curse Words” It depends on the teacher or staff member (and who hears you). Some teachers hated it, others didn’t mind so much.  However, it’s rude and doesn’t show your true respect for others.

How we can stop saying/using profanity we can say more  appropriate words rather than they really offensive ones.

For example instead of saying  the F word we can say:

  • Flipping
  • Freaking
  • Fudge
  • Frickin. 

For example instead of saying the S word we can say: 

  • Sugar
  • Shoot
  • Shiz
  • Shingles

edited by A. Diggs-Speach-62, PAWS Print editor

Conwell Students Earn a AAA in Safety

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by R. Joshi-83, CCB Staff Writer

AAA School Safety Patrol members are school sponsored student volunteers from upper elementary grades, middle and junior high schools. Patrollers’ jobs are to protect students from hazards of crossing roads and highways on their way to and from school, teach fellow students about traffic safety, and keep them safe overall.

“You are all made of stardust and are stars for being in this program.” Conwell’s Principal Green said at the March 8, 2022 swearing in ceremony. “This is a task that requires a lot of leadership.”

The members stay overtime after school and provide services such as holding the doors, preventing fights, etc.

Images of the 3/8/22 AAA induction ceremony, where Conwell students were sworn in as a AAA Safety Patrol officer by Philadelphia Police Captain Rosario of the 24th Police District. – Photo Credit: K.Mitchell-83, CCB Contributor

“Patrollers affect the population positively,” says Mr. J. Washington, Conwell’s climate director, and AAA patrol school advisor said.

This shows how much dedication, effort, and sacrifice is required to be in the program.

“Not everyone can be in it, and it’s an honor and privilege. So, if you want to be in it, Step up your game”, says Mr. Washington.

Typically, teachers and principals appoint patrol members, who participate with parental approval. A teacher usually serves as the patrol advisor. Local law enforcement officers may also be involved with the patrol.

“What I think about the program is that every student in it is a Star,” Philadelphia Police Captain Rosario of the 24th Police District said. He officiated the event’s swearing in ceremony. “And, even though it is not meant for everyone. You can make it if you try.”

Edited by O. Ojo-61, ACWAO Editor

“Patrollers affect the population positively.”

J. Washington – Conwell Climate Manager

ASAS Cooking Up A Storm

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by D. Turner-72, CCB Contributor

Photo of delicious Pizza Tortilla – Photo Credit to L. Vaught-72 CCb Contributor

Cooking in ASAS comes with a lot of responsibilities but in a fun way.

A way to make sure everybody in cooking has fun and do their own little part. We get to try out new things and sometimes things we already tried that we haven’t been able to make.

In cooking we get to share our opinions with different foods and we get to learn new things about that particular food. In cooking, it has its serious moments but most of the time they turn into fun moments, such as when any of the students or adults are cooking, when the kids that aren’t helping get to talk and make new friends and sometimes give ideas to help with what we should cook next. 

The last thing we made was pizza tortillas. Before that it was a green smoothie that had bananas spinach blueberry and etc each meal gets better as we learn.

“I appreciate every one of you,” Ms. Maria, ASAS Coordinator and Cooking Club advisor, said.

“I appreciate every one of you”

-Ms. Maria, ASAS Coordinator

Edited by A. Rivers 61, ASAS Editor

Unveiling The Vejigante Mask!

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By G. Gomez-51, CCB Contributor

Image of j ramirez-51 Vejigante mask – Photo by L Santos-51, KAC Editor

G. Gomez of section 51, has made a mask for Ms. DeJesus’s class. And it was a lot of hard work, but she said she didn’t mind. Other students made this festive mask, and here is what G. Gomez has to say:

Because I think it would be fun. The mascara de Vejigante is a Puerto Rican tradition. To make these masks with the following materials:

1-same amount of water and glue.
2-a couple strips of news paper.
3-a balloon.
4- wait till dry.
5- decorate anyway you want.

The Vejigantes dance and then they come next to you and smack you with a colorful powder deflated Vejiga. When a Vejigante comes next to you and smack you with a Vejiga people feel special. To me it means to be proud of where you’re from to honor your country and your culture.

Edited by L. Santos-51, KAC Editor

Image of G Gomez-51 Vejigante mask – Photo by L Santos-51, KAC Editor

Image of Y. Hiraldo-51 Vejigante mask-Photo by L Santos-51, KAC Editor

An example of a Vejigante mask in Ms. DeJesus’s class – Photo by L Santos-51, KAC Editor
A cat Vejiante Mask in Ms. De Jesus’s class – Photo by L Santos-51, KAC Editor

Is Technology That Bad?

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Technology may be good for humans, but is it good for the planet? – Graphic by R. Rowan-62, CCB Graphic Artist

by B.Smith 73, CCB Contributor

The following essay was an argumentative writing assignment from Ms. Gartside’s class:

A lot of people do not know the harm that technology does to everyone. Many think, “There is nothing bad about technology” , and “What harm could technology do to us?”. The truth is, technology does a lot more harm than you’d initially think. This essay will explain why.

When someone says, “Technology is bad for you”, people tend to think they are saying this because they want you to get off or stop using technology. They also tend to think that when people say this, their reasoning will be something along the lines of, “It rots your brain” or “It hurts your eyes”. That may be their reasoning but technology isn’t just bad for you, it’s bad for everyone and everything on this planet. When I say technology harms everyone and everything on Earth, I mean the resources and where you get the resources are harmful. Though without the resources, there would be no technology!

“Although a lot of people use cars, they are extremely harmful to the environment.”

B. SMITH-73, CCB Contributor

An example of technology that is hurting everyone are cars. Although a lot of people use cars, they are extremely harmful to the environment. Cars are made of aluminum, steel, plastic, glass, etc. As you know from reading the previous paragraph, glass is made of  ash, sand, and limestone. Quarries are found in many places such as Egypt, Italy, Texas, Indiana, Georgia, etc. Once quarries have no more (in this case) limestone, they are usually abandoned. After a while of them being abandoned these empty quarries become landfills or become dangerous quarry lakes.  If it becomes the former then it will be very bad for the environment. If it becomes bad for the environment, it is damaging the Earth. If it is damaging the Earth, it is damaging our home, ourselves, and animals.

Another example of technology that is hurting everyone is computers. Computers are made of many things, one of these many things is glass. Glass is used in and/or for many things, including technology such as phones, tablets, and computers. Glass is made of natural materials such as soda ash, sand, and limestone. Limestone can be found in many places but the most common is a quarry. Quarries are found in many places such as Egypt, Italy, Texas, Indiana, Georgia, etc. Once quarries have no more (in this case) limestone, they are usually abandoned. After a while of them being abandoned these empty quarries become landfills or become dangerous quarry lakes.  If it becomes the former then it will be very bad for the environment. “The most pressing environmental concern regarding landfills is their release of methane gas. As the organic mass in landfills decomposes, methane gas is released. Methane is 84 times more effective at absorbing the sun’s heat than carbon dioxide, making it one of the most potent greenhouse gasses and a huge contributor to climate change.”

Technology isn’t all that bad though. Hospitals, governments, police, firemen/firewomen and so much more use technology and without it, many more lives would be lost on a daily basis. Technology is needed for modern day life. Without technology, how would people who live far away stay in contact? Many jobs would no longer exist. How would the people who have these jobs survive? Technology might do more good than bad.

“So what” you may ask, “why should we care what happens to anyone but us?”. You don’t have to care what happens to anyone else,but the earth is dying and if the Earth dies so do you.In conclusion, technology is both good for humans and bad for animals, Earth, the environment and people. There’s so much bad that technology does but there’s also a lot of good that it does. In my opinion though, technology does more bad than good. Thank you for reading.

Edited by A. Diggs-Speach-62, PAWS Print editor

Conwell PSA Series: Respect Your Teachers

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by L. Waites-71, CCB Contributor

You should respect your teachers because they want you to succeed. 

Our generation is their future. Teachers aren’t out to get us. They have a career that they do because they enjoy it and they want to help you. Respect your teachers because they are trying to help you and give you the tools you need to succeed in life. That aligns with our school’s mission. You might not realize it, but teachers are the key to getting an education.

“You Should respect your teachers, because they want you to succeed.”

L. Waites-71, CCB Contributor

They are preparing you for life. They spend hours preparing lesson plans so that you are able to succeed once you leave the school. They contribute greatly to your future and if you haven’t thought about that, maybe you should. It’s not easy teaching students, especially the ones who tend to act up in class. It’s tough trying to teach and then having to be interrupted every ten minutes because a student is clowning around or being disrespectful. 

Think about how the teacher feels. They go through a lot of stress, too, and it makes their job that much harder when a student doesn’t want to listen when the teacher is the one who is trying to help them.

Here are some ways to respect your teachers:

You can kindly greet the teacher. Also, pay attention by listening and following teachers’ instructions. Raise your hand to ask something instead of just shouting out. Have good manners and students show respect to their teachers.

Edited By: O. Ojo-61, ACWAO Editor

The first in the Conwell PSA student series is about respecting teachers. – Image by R. Rowan-62, CCB Staff Artist.

ASAS Basketball Program Keeping Us Young

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By A. Rivers-61, ASAS editor

Photo of current ASAS Basketball coach, Mr. Young. — Photo Credit to A.Rivers-61, ASAS editor

Previous ASAS basketball coach Mr.Chris passed the rock to Mr.Young on Feb. 16, 2022 in ASAS. We had a previous member from our summer fill in for Mr. Young. His name is Mr. Chris and he coached the basketball program in ASAS summer camp. He was really fun overall. We did several drills then we played a six on six game. Mr. Chris gave us a chance to reveal what we learned and what skills we had in a game which was very helpful. Overall he enhanced our basketball skills.

And while Mr. Chris was really fun, now that he is gone, the original basketball and fun coach Mr.Young is back, which is excellent.

“Hard work beats out talent when talent doesn’t work,” Coach Young said.

“Hard work beats out talent when talent doesn’t work”

-Coach Young