by A. Peralta-83 and A. Vega -81 CCB Staff Photos and Graphic arts by A. Vega- 81, A. Peralta-83, A-Peralta-62 and I. Speir-61 – CCB Staff. Contributed photos by Ms. Green and Ms. Maria. Click on the arrows or swipe … Continue reading →
All of the Conwell Middle Magnet School AAA Safety Patrol members, along with the School’s Climate Specialist Mr. Washington, Principal Green, and special guest Captain Rosario of the 24th Police District of Philadelphia attended a ceremony to welcome this year’s new Safety Patrol members, where they took the Pledge of Safety. The ceremony took place on Monday, Oct. 24 at 9 a.m. The ceremony was held at Conwell Middle Magnet School in room 202.
The AAA School Safety Patrol program has been around for 102 years. It was started in 1920 and in the beginning was a boys only program.
A lot has changed since then.
The Safety Patrol program is not at more than 35,000 schools, some even outside of the U.S. Many important people were in the Safety Patrol program as children, including current U.S. President Biden and our special guest for the ceremony Captain Rosario!
In fact, Captain Rosario of the 24th police district was a Captain and a Lieutenant in the Safety Patrol program when he was a child. Captain Rosario says he will be involved in the Safety Patrol program at Conwell Middle Magnet School as much as he possibly can along with Principal Green and the school’s Climate Specialist Mr. Washington.
“It is a pleasure to be here,” Captain Rosario, who himself was a former Safety Patrol captain and lieutenant, said. “I am very proud of the students at Conwell Middle Magnet School and will be involved in the program as much and as long as possible.”
The Safety Patrol program is important to the school because they help the teachers, the principal, the students and the staff when they need it and most likely make everyone feel a bit safer.
These students became a part of the Safety Patrol by following PAWS(Peacefulness, Accountability, Wholesomeness, and being Solutionary) among other good things.
Graphic Art and Photo by K. Velasquez
Here are a few quotes from some people in attendance that day.
Conwell Safety Patrol Sergeant S. Edmonds of section 81 said, “Safety Patrol is on a roll.”
Fellow Safety Patrol Sergeant A.Vega of 81 said,“ The Safety Patrol is a good program and has a nice environment, and I hope others feel safe.”
The Captain of the Conwell Safety Patrol, Jaryah Sampson of 83, along with the patrol’s lieutenant, J. Flores of 82, also shared their thoughts about the program.
“The Safety Patrol has a strong community, is full of nice people,” J. Sampson said, “and I hope it makes others feel safe.”
Conwell’s Climate Specialist Mr. Washington said, “This is the second year the Safety Patrol program has been at Conwell Middle Magnet School. Usually the Safety Patrol does internal and external duties but due to unfortunate circumstances they can not. I am proud of everyone in the Safety Patrol program and how they patrol, help teachers and staff, and help with drills. There are new people in the positions such as Captain, Lieutenant, and 2 sergeants.”
“I am very proud of the students that have stepped up to be leaders in the Conwell Safety Patrol program.” Principal Green, who was in attendance at the ceremony, said, “They are all different and as a result they bring their own unique personalities to their roles in the Safety Patrol program.”
The Fans and Team are Fired up. The Phillies beat the Padres in a game full of surprises as they make their way to the World Series, on Oct. 23. The fans are in celebration as not only did the Phillies sneak into the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. But they also made a improbable run by beating the padres in a 4-1 series and finally beating them in game 6 4-3. Bryce Harper proves himself to be an absolute legend as he hits a home run to make the score 4-3 in the 8th inning. The Fans were extremely ecstatic. Fans replicate their celebrations from both the 2008 series and also the lone 2018 Eagles super bowl. They climbed grease poles and paraded through the streets of Philly.
Here at Conwell before the game most people wore Red to celebrate the Phillies and cheer them on. They wore red shirts with their normal uniform pants.
The Phillies will go to Texas for game 1 of the World Series against the Houston Astros on Friday
By Y.Hiraldo /CCB Editor Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing series where CCB contributing editor Y. Hiraldo will be asking you questions about anything and everything … while being in the hall! Click on the image gallery arrows to check … Continue reading →
Editor’s Note: PAWS TIME is an ongoing series of Conwell students and alumni who want to pause for a moment and reflect on their time at Conwell Middle Magnet School
Hello all, My name is Antonio P. of the 8th grade and I am in section 83.
I will be retelling my experiences at Conwell Middle Magnet School to you, and the many questions, thoughts, and interests that I have had in the past 3 years.
Beginning from 5th grade I was inspired to go to Conwell Middle Magnet school because of its praise at my elementary school (Sheppard Elementary School). With work being done and assignments being turned in, I was eventually able to be accepted into the school alongside some of my good friends.
Beginning in the 5th grade, I met a lot of cool people ( I still talk to them to this day ). I initially struggled with some of the work, but with time I began to grasp the basics of studying and learning the material by teachers assigned to me.
The teachers helped me with the work and pointed me in the right direction. At some point in 5th grade, I managed to get full Straight A’s with the help of the teachers and with some of my friends. I earned an honors Conwell hoodie and proudly showed it off to my friends. Leaving 5th grade was kind of a toll on my brain because of the Corona outbreak. This event slowly introduced me to the concept of a virtual learner.
“ At Conwell middle magnet school, we can do virtually anything.” – Principal Green of Conwell middle magnet school.
During 6th grade, I was surprised at the thought of virtual learning because previously I learned by going to the school physically, I met more people in the virtual classroom. This was also a point where I struggled as I was not accustomed to this new way of learning, However I still continued to keep working as best as I could and eventually I grasped the concept of learning as well.
Some important things that happened in my 6th grade was the beginning of the Conwell Cougar Celebrity that was hosted by both Mr.Dungan and Mr.Posnan where we celebrated the nominee’s and applauded the winners. Something funny that happened was Mr.Posnan’s introduction to his soundboard. Originally used by my good friend for comedic purposes, Mr.Posnan questioned it and he began using it at the Conwell Cougar Celebrity meetings which gave the audience something to laugh with.
The beginning of 7th grade. A very important grade, it decides what high schools you are eligible for and the tasks you must complete are just as important. It was a year where we resumed back to “normal” learning and interaction. This time I was not greeting people from a screen but now I was able to see their faces. It was a bit awkward since we have never met each other in person before but we quickly adapted to it. During the school year I was able to get on a cool trip by visiting the Penn relays, where our school competed in (And got first place). Besides that I enjoyed my 7th grade despite the various challenges that I had.
Graphic art by K. Velasquez-83-CCB Contributor
Moving to my 8th grade year, the year I am currently in ( as of September 2022). Nothing much really changed compared to my 7th grade year. I still see the same people everyday with the exception of some people. I somehow got into Algebra class alongside some of my friends and some people I talk to. I can’t write much in this area as I am limited by the concept of time. However I would like to talk about the programs we have at Conwell Middle Magnet School.
I would like to start off with the program I am currently In, ASAS ( After school All Stars ). This program, as its name suggests, takes place after school which specifically starts at 2:30. It gives students a chance to learn new skills and practice in some sports. It also provides time for assistance for any homework that a student may need help with. Besides that the community is great as everyone is considerate of others and they respect each other.
More programs here at Conwell Middle Magnet School are NJHS (National Junior Honor Society ) and The Safety Patrol. NJHS primarily focuses on recruiting students with high grades and leadership skills as well as helping them further their skills as a person. The safety patrol focuses on voluntary students patrolling the school in shifts to make sure everyone is in a good condition and to prevent trouble from erupting. They also help students get to their designated classrooms and arrive on time.
There are still more programs to come but I may never see them. Besides that I greatly admire the people in these programs as they have shown confidence to even be in the programs and I also admire how they perform their duties well.
If you would like to know more about Conwell Middle Magnet School. Please feel free to visit www.conwell.philasd.org .
Posted by A. Vale-Velez-62- CCB editor and A. Peralta-83 -CCB Contributor
My daughter’s friend is dead upstairs it looks like she couldn’t breathe for a while,
Oh please stay calm and tell me your address,
Its 1293 Pig St,
okay we will be there in 10 minutes,
Okay
(Ten minutes go bythe body disappears and the police never came)
(Both Lilly’s and Katie’s mom came to Emily’s house)
(Both says)
Where’s my daughter?!
Who are you and who’s your daughters?
Katie and Lily,
Who are they?
Our kids,
We don’t know anyone named that,
Stop playing around they’re Emily’s friends,
I know all her friends and none of her friends are names Katie nor Lilly so can you politely leave my house and never come back or I will call the police,
Mom what’s going on?
(looks at the parentsand have a flashback of Lilly and Katie)
OMG I REMEMBER NOW,
Mom please listen you and I know these people,
What, what do you mean?
They may be out of my memory and disappeared, but they’re my best friends, mom, and you do know them just please trust me in this we’ve been brainwashed so have the other people,
It was a game I don’t know how it was possible but it is I who bought this game for fifty dollars and got three headsets please believe me I know it sounds stupid and not true but it is true.
I believe you,
So do I,
Same,
I haven’t finished round three yet but I don’t think I should I can probably erase our memories again I wonder how you two didn’t forget?,
Probably cause we’re their parents, and I didn’t remember her until I saw photos of us together and with you, too
Oh, anyways do you remember where you got the game from so we can speak to the owner?
Yes follow me (three minutes past)
We’re here, let’s enter,
Oh, hi are you the only worker here cause I only see you working here,
Yes I am,
Oh well, you don’t seem busy today but i have a question about the game you sold me,
uh.. What is it,
My two friends have died and I was wondering if you knew why?
What game is it called,
Die Gaming,
Oh that game was a good one but i never passed round two..,
So you know the game, why did it kill my friends do you know how it did?!
No, I don’t know,
I knew I shouldn’t have sold it to you but i needed fifty more dollars luckily that was the right amount you better finish round three or you’ll end up like me..
What do you mean..?
I never finished round three and I was forced to do something or I would die and I can’t say anything or you’ll die too,
Oh..
Go home and finish the game there’s only three rounds
(drives home, three minutes later…)
We’re home.
I better go finish the game now,
yes go stay safe please..
Ok mom just in case I die..
I love you so much and i love you too
*All cried*
(Puts on head set)
Mom.. Do you hear me?
Yes I do,
What about Kat’s and Lil’s mom,
Yes we can,
ok..
This game doesn’t look the same,
It looks broken and got creepier and dar-d-d…darker, your shadow.. It’s not you in your shadow..
What? Can you repeat that mom?
RUN IN THE GAME YOU MIGHT DIE!,
someone has been watching you guys..,
Is it just me or is Emily is f-f..fading away,
*Emily takes off headset*
y-y..your eyes are completely black,
Katie eyes was the s-sa-same
Lilly eyes were the same at home when i checked up on her at night after five minutes i heard something loud and ran upstairs she was dead and disappeared,
It was dark in the room i thought her eyes was closed but it wasn’t when i turned on the lights i seen it while she was fading away,
The cops were there so they came immediately and they remembered for a few hours and after that no one remember lilly and i thought they was playing around and the police thought i was crazy when i explained it
Editor’s Note: PAWS TIME is an ongoing series of Conwell students and alumni who want to pause for a moment and reflect on their time at Conwell Middle Magnet School
Graphic Art and Photo by. A. Vale-Valez-62 – CCB Photographer
One of the things I like about Conwell Middle Magnet School is the dedication that students have and how teachers keep pushing you until your limits.
The Second thing I like about Conwell is that After School All-Stars helps you with finding things that you actually like and love to do.
The Third thing I like about Conwell is how the teachers try so hard to make you do your greatest and do your best.
The fourth thing I like about Conwell is the teachers really don’t let you give up and they don’t want you to fail and keep pushing you until you start to get the work.
Editors Note: This is an on going fiction series about a hero in pain
The first password I tried didn’t work.
Neither did the second attempt.
I knew I was going to be locked out of the database soon, but if I didn’t crack the code the consequences would be dire. Time was running out. I began to hear footsteps and then I woke up. When I woke up my best friend/roommate was in my room.
¨What are you doing here??¨ I asked her.
¨Sorry i came in here because i heard you talking to yourself and when i came in you were floating off your bed.¨ I looked at her, not surprised this was the 3 time this week.
¨ Are you still seeing the future?¨ She looks at me worried.
“Yea but it’s fine I promise you I’m fine.¨
She looks at me like she knows I’m not telling her the whole truth.
I’m not telling her the whole truth. I’m actually not fine.
I’m scared because every time I sleep I see parts of the future. I got up and got ready for work and left the house without saying goodbye to my best friend. After work was done I went back home. When I went home and laid down on the sofa I went to sleep and this time my dream was showing me fighting as my hero self and the bad guy had my best friend and he killed her right in front of me.
I felt so much pain then me and the bad guy began to fight me. He hurt me badly but he got hurt pretty badly himself.
“You’ll never win!” I yelled to the villain but he just stared at me as this creepy smile grew on his face.
“I already did”, He said as he left.
“Yea but it’s fine I promise you I’m fine”
But little did I know I was in a coma and all the things that were happening had actually already happened and I’m stuck in my own head seeing my best friend die in front of me on repeat with no escape until I fully accept that she is gone forever.
Photos courtesy of Ms. Williams-NJHS Conwell Chapter Advisor, Conwell SBTL
National Junior Honors Society (NJHS) is an international student organization.
Eligible NJHS students had to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher to get the invite. Then they have to fill out a form of all the clubs, jobs, and leadership things they have done to get accepted.
Once you are accepted you can choose whether you want to be in the ceremony or not. This year nine students got into NJHS. But there are 14 students total in NJHS. Only one of the 14 students were absent from the ceremony that occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 10:15a.m. The NJHS ceremony took place in room 202.
Due to Covid, it was live on Zoom with the whole school watching. As well as parents who joined the Zoom.
The ceremony was about celebrating the students who got into one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a middle school student. The NJHS is not just about what grade you get, it is about leadership, service, character, citizenship, and so much more.
Here is a quote from the one and only Ms.Williams, Conwell’s School Based Teacher Leader, who spoke on her role in NJHS and what it means to Conwell!
“I am an NJHS Adviser for the Conwell Chapter,” Ms. Williams said. “At Conwell, NJHS is an opportunity to be a part of a nationally recognized organization that promotes and celebrates scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.”
NJHS is important to Conwell because it really shows that hard work pays off. It makes students feel like all the work done is appreciated.
All the students who are in NJHS worked super hard to get good grades. NJHS is not all about grades. You have to be a leader. You have to have good citizenship. Last but not least you have to be kind and care for others.
A. Irizarry of section 81 explained what it means for her to be in NJHS.
“I feel honored that they chose me and it brings up my courage about all the wonderful things i could do,” she said. “It motivates me to focus on school.”
“I feel honored that they chose me and it brings up my courage about all the wonderful things I could do. It motivates me to focus on school.”
-A. AMARILIZ – NJHS INDUCTEE OF SECTION 81
As Amariliz said, all students can tell that getting praise for the work you do will encourage you to not give up on yourself.
Editor’s Note – A. Schemes is one of the 14 NJHS inductees at the 2022 NJHS ceremony of Conwell.
This article is published by A. Peralta -CCB Editor
Editors Note: This is an on going fiction series about a game of death…
Composite images collage by A. Estevez,-62 J. Boggs-Mendeloski-61
Death Gaming-
Yeah..
(twenty minutes past)
Let’s play something else
Okay
*tries to get off but cant*
What the..
Why can’t we get off,
I’m not sure,
Did you receive that message…
Yes…
(Message- you’re now stuck in this game)
Wait.. i realized it said that people will forget about the person who loses it never said they’ll die..
That’s true….
Why did she die..
Why do we still remember her..
This is so weird we have to win this game,
maybe if we win we can leave the game!
Yeah, maybe
(Two players left *Katie&Emily*)
We’re the only players left..
This game is too hard..
I wonder how level three is gonna be,
Same..
Level one was so hard,
Maybe it is hard or too easy?
Maybe we’re gonna have to try to work together!
Yeah round one we didn’t help each other we’re best friends,
If it wasn’t for you we would have probably have Lilly here with us right now,
So you’re blaming it all on me now?!
This wasn’t even my fault it was all yours,
I wanted us to work together,
Then why didn’t you say nothing?!,
I don’t know probably cause both of y-yo..,
What?
Y-y-you..
What was we talking about why did i say you..?
I don’t know and we was talking about li-l-..,
can you repeat that,
Li..l…
I forgot what i was gonna say,
Thats strange
Yeah..
I’m pretty tired lets leave the game okay!
Good night, Let’s play tomorrow , okay! You should sleep-over, yeah i should
(Takes off head-set)
*calls mom and says im gonna sleep over ems house*
Okay dear stay safe, okay mom love you, love you too
She said I can sleep over! Great you can borrow my clothes for tonight! Okay
*the next day…*
(both wakes up to flashbacks about lilly and the game
After ten minutes)
Only three players left … Image created by A Estevez-Rivera-CCB Editor.
I had a terrible dream about this girl named Lilly, same..have to come home though, okay! Bye mom
Bye sweetie, lets play now okay!
(Puts on headset)
Woah, it changed again!
Yeah lets just play
*Thirty minutes later something scary pops upand both screams*
Hey you know the dream we had.. Yeah what about it, i don’t think it was a dream i think it was a message a flashBack from our memories.. I kinda think the same thing
(Game glitches)
Uhm thats weird- yeah…
(MESSAGE- watch out…)
Did you get it to.. Yeah.. this is a true horror game, yeah..
Lets continue playing, okay! *one hour later*
(Katie dies…)
Haha you died *flashBack of Lilly*
..katie, katie,kate?,kat you can stop playing around, oh right her mic stop working cause she not in the game,
(Round three…)
Ima play later *Takes off headset*
Katie? KATIE…
*Runs downstairs to tell mom she died*
MOM, yes and why do you look scared and why are you crying is everything okay?
Have you ever heard of a map of the world made out of an orange?
Maybe you haven’t, but Mr. Verdi’s seventh grade Social Studies class, in September, decided it would be a good idea to make it.
J. Gonzalez-72 said that he had to learn about map distortion before his class could make this wacky project. According to Gonzalez, Map Distortion is the action of being distorted/pulled.
He said that this project taught the class that the globe and distortion are different by showing that distortion is on a flat map and a round globe.
The creative person that came up with this idea is none other than Mr. Verdi himself, Gonzalez said.
If this class didn’t learn about distortion, they wouldn’t understand how to MAKE distortion on a map.
J. Gonzalez said, “This was one of the best projects I have done so far!”
Photo by J. Gonzales-72-CCB Contributor
This article was published by A. Estevez-Rivera-62-CCB Editor
Editors Note: This is an on going fiction series about a game of death…
Composite images collage by A. Estevez,-62 J. Boggs-Mendeloski-61
Death Gaming__
(One morning I bought an oculus game),it looks old?
It might be old but has a lot of cool games,
okay! I will take this one then how much?,
Fifty dollars, that’s a good deal?
Yes! Thanks sir.
Finally i’m home ima call my friends now
*ring ring*
hey can y’all come to my house,
yeah!,
(all comes to house)
emily?
Yes,
are you sure this is not old?
It is old but the guy who sold it to me said it has many cool games
And it’s cool how I got three for fifty,
three for fifty?!
Yeah,
wow that’s so cool lets all play!
(all says yeah!* All puts on oculus) *everyone*
woah this is so cool,
let’s play this game
(To enter the game with your friends you have to sign in * SIGN UP, SIGN IN*) * all signs up and designs character*
y’all look so pretty,
we know thanks
* Once you die in the game everyone will forget about you and you will be invisible to them*
heh.. The game might be joking, yeah..
(Round one…)
Is this a horror game,
no ,
are you sure,
well i’m not completely sure..
Oh okay this seems like a horror game,
yeah let’s continue playing,
(twenty minutes later….)
*creator- If you want to skip a level you have to kill your teammate well that’s the fast way to level up you can also kill 10 bots but it will be hard finding the bots cause you might mistake them with an actual person*
we all turned against each other cause we all wanted to win and they didn’t believe the creator was telling the truth and i didn’t believe it too, so as we were playing the game when we were against each other we didn’t know it would ruin our friendship… we continued playing for hours and was still on round one,
this is a hard game said emily,
ima go home,
so am i,
me too,
okay y’all let’s play at home call me once your home,
okay see you later
*twenty minutes latercalls the groupchat*
Hey girls,
all says hi,
let’s play,
okay!
Let’s hangup and use the mic,
okay!
*testing testing says emily*
hi did it work?,
yes,
okay!
Let’s play now,
okay,
*thirty minutes later*
noo i died said lilly,
i got a message in the side of my screen to say good-bye…
what does that mean,
i don’t know but now i got another message it says three hours left?,
that’s strange anyways ima go to sleep goodnight,
okay goodnight,
bye y’all,
i’m also gonna go to sleep bye,
okay bye goodnight,
(Next morning…)
good morning y’all.
Morning,
where’s lilly?
Not sure
*Spam call/text lilly*
uhm she is probably sleeping in or she’s busy,
yeah wanna play the game and try to go to round two ,
yeah! Come to my house,
okay!
*fifteen minutes past*
hey,
hi lets go to my room,
okay!
*puts on headset*
is it me or does the game look different?
It’s probably because we’re close to round two!
Yeah,
emily..
Yes…
did you also get the message,
yeah..
(message- lilly death was murder) *shows on game the news*
let’s get off and watch the news..
From the TV..
okay,
(TV- a girl named lilly was stabbed multiple times we couldn’t find the person who was responsible for this case we will be figuring out who was the person stay safe and never trust strangers!)
omg…
how could this happen,
the game…
It couldn’t be it’s probably just a coincidence..
Yeah we should play to take this off our minds for a while…
yeah lets play..
(Round two…)
We finally made it to round two but lilly’s gone..
Photos and collage CCB photographers . A . Vega-81 and A . Vale-Valez-62
Conwell students went on an all-day science zoo field trip for their school on Sept. 30, 2022.
S. Montanez – section 62 talked to these reporters, while at the zoo. She said she liked the snakes and the alligators and the gecko in the Reptile House.
“I liked the reptiles because their skin is scaly,” S. Montanez said.
The Reptile House had a door with leaves all around it. Then when you go inside the door, it was a place with a lot of reptiles.
There were many other animals to see and smell, as well.
“I think it’s interesting because the things I smelled were different,” L. Vaught-82, said. “My favorite animal was the animals that were in the water like the penguins and polar bears”
However, this trip was not just about seeing animals.
“It’s not just about the Zoo,” Principal Green said before the trip, “It’s about science and learning different species.”
Editor’s note: Be on the look out for our upcoming Zoo Trip Photo Gallery and Videos!
Thisarticle was posted by Y. Hiraldo-62-CCB Editor and V. Escorza-62-CCB Reporter.
At Conwell Middle Magnet School we have this after school program called After School All Stars or ASAS for short.
Photo by A Vega 81 of ASAS basketball students with Coach Mr. Drew.
In ASAS we have yoga, basketball, volleyball, journalism, and many more.
After school All Stars is hosted by Ms. Maria, Conwell’s School Secretary, and other teachers who host different activities.
For basketball, we have Mr. Andrew Young or Mr. Drew for short. In basketball we start off easy with simple dribbling moves and shooting drills. Sometimes kids in ASAS get to play against each other like races and shooting competitions.
Photo by A. Vega 81
It is also fun because sometimes kids get to play shooting games, for example, we play Knockout if they have a little bit of spare time.
Mr. Drew tries to make the best players out of everyone even if you just started playing basketball. Overall basketball is a fun program because the teacher tries to make you the best player in fun different ways.
By A Vega 81 of V. Escorza of section 62 (left) and T. Williams of section 71 (right)