Script Written by and Performed by J. Matute-’27 and J. White-Lopez-’27 Produced by J. Colon-Rodriguez
Editor’s Note: The J and J Podcast Episode 1: “Locker Madness” was debuted on the 11/17/23 At Conwell We Are On! morning show. The following script featured the new podcasters and interviewed by At Conwell We Are On! Anchors R. Rowan and A. Peralta, whose script was read during the show, which is edited here for CCB style:
R. Rowan- Thanks Alissa and Alexis! There are Exciting things that are going on at Conwell, including the debut (DAY-bew) of Conwell Cougars Blog’s newest Podcast. Please tell us more, Aida!
A. Peralta Of course Riley! Here with me today, we have Jade Matute and Julia White-Lopez of section 51, Who have their podcast on our lockers! Welcome, Jade and Julia.
J and J Hello A, Thanks for having us here on the Show!
A. Peralta J and J what Is your production about and why did you decide to make a report ?
J and J Our presentation is about 5th grade’s journey into opening lockers and we made this because we wanted to share how we felt about lockers.
A. Peralta Thank you J. and J., now onto your presentation!
Play video
A. Peralta Thank you J and J for your Pawsome Podcasts!
By Y. Cabera-Cruz-’26 and J. Santiago-’26/CCB Contributors
Editors’s Note: The following is the script presented at the Nov. 11, 2023 At Conwell We Are On! student morning show. The show featured a student report on the history of Veterans Day, a video report with Y. Cabera-Cruz-’26 and J. Santiago-’26/CCB Contributors who interviewed Conwell’s Climate Manager, Mr. Washington, about his service. The program also featured guest commentators Conwell Math Teacher Ms. Golub and Conwell Assistant Principal Ms. Sanford, who spoke on the importance of Veterans Day. The following is the script for the Mr. Washington Interview segment, as led by ACWAO co-host A. Peralta-’25, and edited for this post.
A. Peralta Up next, we have a video report made by section 61 CCB reporters J. Santiago and Y Cabera-Cruz.
J. Santiago and Y Cabera-Cruz Good morning Jaylizabeth and Yumalay , What is your video about ?
Thank you for having us! Our video is about Veterans day.
We liked putting together this video report of Mr. Washington talking about his time in the United States military.
A. Peralta And, we’re looking forward to watching your report!
Play Report
A. Peralta That was an awesome video report, Yumalay and Jaylizabeth! I didn’t know Mr. Washington served in the Army and Navy for 22 years!
J. Santiago and Y Cabera-Cruz It was a pleasure learning more about how to Thank a Veteran from Mr. Washington!
R. Rowan And speaking of the importance of thanking a veteran, we have now special guests, Conwell Middle Magnet School’s math teacher Ms. Golub and Conwell’s Assistant Principal Ms. Sanford.
Editor’s Note: This video was created and produced by J. Gonzalez-’24/CCB Contributor, and broadcast on the 11/3/23 At Conwell We Are On! morning show, interviewed by ACWAO! student lead anchor R. Rowan-’24. The following is the script read during the show:
R. Rowan – Next up, we have Jayden Gonzalez of section 83, who researched Native American tribes with his class. Welcome, Jayden.
J. Gonzalez – Thank you for having me here, Riley.
R. Rowan – Thanks for showing up! Why were you researching the Native American Tribes?
J. Gonzalez – We were researching Native American Tribes for Indigenous people day, and also because we were previously learning about some Native American tribes in Mr. Verdi Social Studies class. In my opinion it was very entertaining and informative. Hopefully we have something similar upcoming.
R. Rowan – What inspired you to present your classes Native American Projects?
J. Gonzalez – What Inspired me was the fact that I found it truly interesting and I decided to record it for the CCB Productions. I also wanted to provide recognition toward the Native American and Indigenous people so we can see how they lived and how advanced we are now as a community.
R. Rowan – Thanks for this information Jayden! Now, Let’s view the video.
Play view the video.
R. Rowan – Thank you Jayden! Wonderful editing and production.
By M. Hernandez-’25 and I. Speir-’25/CCB Reporters
Editor’s Note: Students wore Pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness in mid-October. The following is the script written and presented by R. Rowan-’24/At Conwell We Are On! Lead anchor. She interviewed the reporters for this story M. Hernandez ’25 and I. Speir-’25, live on the At Conwell We Are On! show on 10/13/23.:
R. Rowan – Yesterday was Breast Cancer Awareness, where everyone had worn Pink! With me, we have Mia Hernandez and Isabella Spier of Section 71
Hello! I understand that you two Interviewed and took Photos of the people who wore Pink yesterday! How many people would you say wore pink?
M. Hernandez and I. Speir About 30 people wore pink.
R. RowanThat’s a lot of people helping celebrate breast cancer awareness. Kudos to all the people who had worn pink!
I’ve heard you went around the school all day interviewing people. What are some of the responses you two received from different students for why they decided to wear pink?
M. Hernandez and I. Speir A. Rodriguez from 72 said that she wore pink because some of her family members had breast cancer and she wanted to stand out and support it
G. Gomez from 71 Said that she had worn pink for breast cancer awareness, and wanted to support it.
S. Montanez from 72, said that she wore pink for breast cancer awareness, and she wanted to wear it to support breast cancer awareness.
And lastly, A. Peralta wore pink to honor those who had or have breast cancer.
R. Rowan -That’s great to hear. Let’s move on to the video which is more of a slideshow, created by Jaymar Colon of section 51!
(Play video)
Amazing production. Do you two have any comments about Breast Cancer Awareness you’d like to share with everyone?
M. Hernandez and I. Speir The reason we wanted to wear pink is that we wanted to support and honor people who suffered from Breast Cancer.
R. Rowan – Very inspiring! Thank you for being on the show with us!
M. Hernandez and I. Speir Thank you for having us on!
Interview by J. Boggs-Mendeloski-’25/CCB Reporter Photo Gallery by M. Lanza-’25/CCB Contributor
Editor’s Note: Conwell students and staff donned the orange to stand strong for kindness and against bullying in mid-October. The recorded presentation by Principal Green was taken from the Oct. 10, 2023 At Conwell We Are On! live, student morning show.
By L. Chestnut – ’26 and O. Chavajay-Rojas/CCB Contributors Reflections by J. Spencer – ’26 and Y. Cruz-’27/CCBContributors
Photos courtesy of Principal Green, Ms. Branch, A. Peralta-’25 and A. Cruz-’27/CCB – Video Edit by O. Chavajay-Rojas-’26/CCB
Editor’s Note: The following script was read as part of the the 10/13/23 At Conwell We Are On! Live Zoom show, broadcast throughout the school. It has been edited for CCB format.
R. Rowan – On Wednesday, Eleven Navy Sailors came to our school to participate in Navy Week to celebrate the Navy’s Birthday. They had handed out Applications for a STEM program, which will be starting January.
R. Rowan – For more, Here is A. Peralta, Interviewing L. Chestnut and O. Chavajay-Rojas.
A. Peralta – Good morning Conwell I’m A.Peralta here with L.Chestnut asking a few questions about the Navy who joined us earlier this week
A. Peralta -L. how did you feel seeing the navy at our school ?
L. Chestnut – The reason I want to talk about Navy Week is because I wanna appreciate the navy for coming to our school
We learned lot of thing about the Navy like Mr Washington was in the Navy for a long time
Mr. Washington was nice enough to invite some of his Navy friends to talk about what they do in the Navy.
They told us they have 60 different types of jobs and they said there are different ranks, such as an admiral or full admiral, or four-star admiral. They have stripes on their arms, and according to our Navy visitors, each stripe is 4 years in service from the start of their career.
I bet you Mr Washington had a lot of stripes!
I really like the Navy because the sailors told me I can get a good scholarship and help earn a lot of money and you get to go to places you never went to.
Turn to Obed H.
A. Peralta – That was a amazing response thank you , Leroy
L. Chestnut – Yes, A. My producer, O.Chavajay-Rojas from Section 62, edited a photo gallery video, thanks to photos from Principal Green, Ms. Branch, and CCB photographers yourself and A. Cruz from section 51.
A. Peralta– Now let’s get into the video editing project that Obed from section 62 created .
Play video full screen
R. Rowan – Inspiring video and great production, Obed!
Editor’s Note – The following is a report submitted by J. Spencer-’26/CCB Contributor of her observations of the the Navy visit:
On Tuesday, Oct.10, 2023, the people that in the Navy came into Conwell and spoke with us.
They went to all the classes.
The 8th graders were reading a book on the navy. They were really nice and we asked them questions.
The questions were: “What is the highest rank level?”, “How much do you make?”, “How long have you been in the Navy?” and more.
They answered the questions.
Ms. [Principal] Green was recording us and the Navy people. We had a good time.
Poem by Y. Cruz-’27 in reflection of his experience with the U.S. Navy visit to Conwell
Editor’s Note: R. Rowan-’24 along with other members of the Conwell Cougars Blog were trained by the PSTV team. In the process, Rowan and other students were able to interview the PSTV team members as part of their practical training. The following is a portion of the script Rowan wrote to present her video report and interview fellow CCB member J. Haynes-‘25. that she presented live on Conwell’s At Conwell We Are On! morning student news show on Oct. 6.
ROWAN – Our Conwell community has grown the Journalism and Media Studies program for the past three years. Just earlier this week on Tuesday, October 2nd, 4 members of PSTV, had visited us! HAYNES – And, yes, you, me, and four other ConwellCougars.Blog student reporters were invited to attend this special media equipment training session in room 307 with the PSTV staff.
ROWAN – According to the PSTV website, the mission of PSTV is to provide youth equal access to media tools and digital and media training.
HAYNES- That’s right, they work through the School District of Philadelphia, and schools have to apply to receive industry-standards level equipment, as well as training.
ROWAN – Yes, and according Mr. Jim, the PSTV Media Technician Production Facilitator, there are about 40 schools currently in the program, and Conwell Middle Magnet School is now among them now! I had a lot of fun learning how to use the new microphones, recording equipment and even the tri-pods.
HAYNES – And I really liked how I got to learn more about those cameras. I’m really grateful about the PSTV helping me learn. I’m hoping to learn more about digital storytelling and putting together shows like this. And, I understand that you put together a report about our 90-minute training session with PSTV?
Yes, and I even got to use the new equipment. Let’s take a look. ? Click to transition to next slide and video will automatically play
HAYNES – That was a good time! I even saw Principal Green join us on a Zoom meeting! Our thanks again to Mr. Jim, Ms. Anyae, Mr. Dylan and Mr. Naiser and all the media wizards at PSTV for helping grow the CCB. The full report and photo gallery will be on ConwellCougars.Blog soon.Yes, I agree, I can’t wait to show off what the CCB is is capable of with all this new technology!
ROWAN – Speaking of future award-winners – let’s now turn back to Jayda and Alissa who will spin that PAWSome wheel!
Photo gallery of PSTV training session on 10/3/23. Photo credits: Ms. Green, Ms. Branch, Ms. Sanford, R. Rowan-’24/CCB
Editor’s Note: This video report was prepared by Z. Leach-Douglas-’26/CCB Reporter and presented on the 10/6/23 At Conwell We Are On! Morning Zoom student news show. The following script was read by ACWAO anchor A. Peralta-’25 with Z. Leach- Douglas-’27.
PERALTA- We’re all pretty hungry to show our Hispanic Heritage Month Projects! Speaking of what makes us hungry, [Z. Douglas-Leach] of Section 61 and CCB reporter is here with us to tell us more about the new lunch menu!
DOUGLAS-LEACH- Thanks [A. Peralta], yes, Conwell Middle Magnet School has brought back the in-school prepared hot lunches.
PERALTA – I understand that many of our students are liking the new lunch menu? DOUGLAS-LEACH – Some have, yes. I got a chance to talk with a few students, as well as Ms. Patti Boyer, the school’s cafeteria manager herself. Let’s take a listen.
Video report is played here
DOUGLAS-LEACH – As you can see, many of the students like the new Menu, and we have Ms. Patty to thank! The full video and L. Rodriguez’s lunchtime photo gallery will be posted on Conwell Cougars.Blog shortly, so be sure to visit!
PERALTA-Nice work, [Z. Douglas-Leach]! Thanks for being on with us!
Editor’s note: the Acre of Diamonds Series features unique stories or talents of the students, teachers, staff of Conwell Middle Magnet School community.
The Conwell Cougars Blog debut Acre of Diamond Series features T. Nugyen-’24, who demonstrates his piano skills in our school’s auditorium. According to Nugyen, he has only been playing for six months! For Nugyen’s full story, please play my video.
Editor’s Note: If you you’d like to nominate or feature someone at Conwell for the Acre of Diamonds Series, please reply below or send a message to gdungan@philasd.org.
Conwell Middle Magnet School rang in the new 2022-2023 academic year in the school yard, where families, faculty, staff and students heard Principal Green deliver an impactful message about the power of yet.
Photos by M. Lanza-62-CCB Contributor and courtesy of Ms. Branch, Conwell Middle Magnet School teacher.
On the evening of Tuesday, June 6, Conwell Middle Magnet School student leaders from Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority after school program met with the AKA Sorority leaders. The ceremony took place in Conwell’s newly refurbished auditorium. The sorority sisters were there to honor the Conwell Student leaders who joined the program since its start in the fall of this school year. The students were able to talk about their experience.
Two students were particularly recognized by the AKA sorority sisters present. R. Coaxam from section 72 was given a special award for being accountable. N. Fanfan from 83 was also given a special award for working hard no matter what happen or how bad the day was, as described by the AKA leaders. Also some of the student leaders got to give flowers to some of the sorority sisters.
J. Leach from 62, who was one of the AKA program student leaders, was one of the students selected to speak before those in attendance.
“My experience at the Alpha Kappa Alpha after school program was very fun and my favorite project from the A.K.A Institute is when we gave pajamas for the unfortunate people who can not afford it and it was fun it help others in need,” said J. Leach, during her speech. “I feel like when people had to move from their home and couldn’t grab all of their clothes, we all as a team decided to give clothes to others in need.
By B. Smith – 83 – CCB Reporter with contributions from A. Mejias-83 and E. Perez-83
It’s been such a great experience and a great year for everyone at Conwell Middle Magnet School. Every student here at Conwell has created great memories and has met great peers, as well. Unfortunately, the Eighth-Grade Class of 2023 has to say goodbye and start a new chapter of their lives.
Please check out the above video to hear what some students of the Class of 2023 want to share with you, along with advice they have for the younger and incoming students of Conwell.
We hope you find this advice to be valuable and take this advice seriously.
Conwell Cougars.Blog Photographer, A. Vega, has put together a photo gallery of the championship game of flag foot ball that took place on May 18 ,
Blue team the Cougar Selects triumphed over the Green team Hawks, 34 – 38
They played a true championship game, and while the Hawks fought and tried super hard, the Cougar Selects fought just a little stronger and only won by four points with just 10 seconds left in the game .
Editor’s Note: 6ABC reporter Matteo did a fantastic story that featured Mr. Washington and how his Police Athletic League experience helped pave the way for the Conwell Flag Football League.
The Conwell Middle Magnet School Flag Football games were an amazing experience to film. It’s because the students look like they are having a blast and the spectators were enjoying themselves. My video can be the second best way to watch the game. So come on down to watch our student athletes play on Thursdays. It’ll be happening after school and we look forward to it continuing year after year.
Editor’s note: reporting contributions by V. Escorza and E. Vega.
Photo Gallery of Shelice’s Angels Field Trip by A. Peralta-62 and R. Rowan -71 CCB Staff
Recently, a group of young women from Conwell Middle Magnet School got the privilege to go out of state to see the Meta Facebook Company in action.
On Friday, May 5, Zaire Franklin, one of the linebackers for the Indianapolis Colts, gave them the opportunity to meet with important workers at the colorful, technology full, Meta Facebook Company, through his nonprofit organization Shelice’s Angels.
According to the Shelice’s Angels website, the aim of the nonprofit is to educate young people about the greater world around them.
The girls on this trip got on a luxury bus and drove 2 hours to New York City. Franklin talked a little about how he named the trip.
“I named you all the ‘Shelice Angels’ because my mother’s name was Shelice, “ Mr. Franklin stated. “She was very dear to me because I grew up with her, and learned a lot.”
Franklin went to Conwell Middle Magnet School before becoming a professional football player. Since graduating Conwell, he has made several visits to our school for motivational talks. One of his recent visits to his alma mater even brough NFL Films.
“I learned to do more than my limits, “ Zaire explained of his time at Conwell. He added that his mother saw his potential in himself that helped lead to his successes.
In the beginning of the Meta Facebook field trip, the girls were allowed to do a Question and Answer to learn more about how the Meta Company operated.
“People make mistakes, believe me I did a lot,” Ms. Lauren, one of the Meta Facebook employees told the students during the Q and A part of the tour. “You can’t take those back, so don’t think about what you could have done, and start thinking about what you can do in the future to make it better.”
All the workers that were in this Q and A, had no idea that they would be working at the Meta company. They all had ideas in being an athlete, or a technologist. In fact, some said that they didn’t even know this company existed!
There were nearly 30 people that went on the Shelice’s Angels trip. There were 7 chaperones, including Principal Green and Ms. Branch. According to Ms. Green, Meta Facebook provided the other chaperones.
The chaperones split everyone into groups, and took them for ice cream and to see the breath-taking New York City skyline on the company’s roof.
“The view was beautiful! “ J. Rivera of section 62 stated. “I would definitely go there again!”
Everyone who participated got Indianapolis Colts hats, and Shelice’s Angels shirts.
By A. Peralta-83 – CCB Lead Reporter with contributions by CCB Staff
Image courtesy of Conwell MMS.
On Tuesday, May 9, from 5:30 through 8:30 PM, Conwell Middle Magnet School will be hosting Philadelphia City Council’s next Public Safety Committee Hearing. At the public event, Council member Curtis Jones Jr. (4th district), chairperson of the Public Safety Committee and Council member Quetzy Lozada (7th district), will be speaking about Kensington’s crises of Crime, Narcotics and overall harmful environment for students and civilians alike.
As explained in an article published in the Philadelphia City Council Weekly Report, the purpose of the hearing is for the public to weigh in on Councilmember Lozada’s proposed Marshall Plan for Kensington. The plan is described as a way for leaders from across the city to develop solutions in collaboration with community residents.
In her resolution, Council member Lozada stated that the plan was so named after, “The Marshall Plan, also known as the European Recovery Program, grew out of the horror and destruction caused by World War II.” Her plan connected the horrors of World II with the current Opioid and gun violence crisis in the neighborhood.
“They chose Conwell because it is in the heart of Kensington and the Opiod Crisis,” Principal. Green said.
“They chose Conwell because it is in the heart of Kensington and the Opioid Crisis,” Ms. Erica Green, principal of Conwell Middle Magnet school, said. “Voices of the parents, students and teachers should be heard because they are all stakeholders.”
Principal Green encourages the public, residents, and especially students and their families to attend the meeting to have their voices heard.
“Voices of the parents, students and teachers should be heard because they are all stakeholders,” Principal Green said, “and the only way we can make change is if we work together for our community.”
According to Principal Green, students are expected to speak and express their concerns, opinions and worries. Some students were also asked what they would say to the City Council members during the meeting.
“Our community needs more police officers around making addicts and the homeless get proper help,” said A. Irizarry-82, Conwell eigth-grade student and president of the school’s Student Council. She added, “and ensuring no more addicts are in our community.”
Many of Conwell’s students walk home, take public transit, and travel from outside the neighborhood, which makes this a major issue and hazard for the safety of the students.
“There should be police officers to at least get people off the street,” said E. Jasper-83, an eighth-grade student. “I once ran into someone high.¨
Video courtesy of Mr. Adams, Conwell Middle Magnet School Track Coach
Conwell Middle Magnet School student athletes triumphantly brought home the bronze cookies at the 2023 Penn Relays on April 27. According to Conwell Track Coach, Mr. Adams, this year marks the sixth time Conwell racers brought home medals and trophies from the 4×100 meter races, as well as the Shuttle Race. Mr. Adams noted in previous years, both the boys and girls relay and shuttle teams won first place, and the coveted gold medals.
This year, racers: L. Waites and D. Hargrove (team anchors), E. Jasper,C. Sudyam, and N. Lewis.brought home the third place medals from among nine other teams from across the School District of Philadelphia. The event was the 4×100 meter Small Girls Race. Watch the video to see the students run on to a winning position.
Flag Football Highlights Reel from the April 13 games. Footage by A. Vega-81 – CCB Videographer
The late afternoon of April 13 turned out to be beautiful weather for ConwellMiddle Magnet School’s second week of Flag Foot Ball games. Taking place out in the school yard, the student athletes, their family friends, as well as Conwell faculty and staff were out to cheer the matches between the green-flagged Hawks versus the blue flagged Selects and a second game between Unstoppable Force of the red flags and The Elites of the yellow.
Ultimately, the Unstoppable Force proved their namesake with a wide-margin win over the formerly undefeated Elites, and in a surprise upset in overtime both the Hawks and Selects left the flag football field at a tie.
Watch the highlight reel taken by A. Vega-82 – CCB Videographer, as well as check out the rest of the Conwell Flag Football League’s season matchups in the poster uploaded with this article. For more information about the league, contact league commissioner, Mr. Washington.
The McPherson Square Library – Photo Credit to Bryan Belknap
Conwell Middle Magnet students and their families are invited to attend the McPherson Library Job fair on April 13, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. The Job fair is a collaboration that includes 36 organizations and agencies offering jobs for the youth during the summer.
“Working at the library, I have seen teens struggle to get summer jobs,” said Bryan Belknap Belknap, Lead LEAP/Maker Mentor at McPherson Square Library, said in an email to the Conwell Cougars Blog. “So, we wanted an event that makes it easier for teens to get summer jobs.”
Belknap, who is organizing this event with the help from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Impact Services, and the Friends of McPherson group, said that this is the second year the library is hosting the job fair. According to Belknap, the minimum age requirement for youth to be eligible for a summer job is 12 years old. However, Belknap said that all ages and people are welcome to attend the Job fair.
Poster Provided By Bryan Belknap – Lead LEAP/Maker Mentor
“There is no requirement to attend the event. Everyone is welcomed,” Said Belknap. “We encourage all teens that are interested in summer jobs to attend and bring a friend.”
During the job fair, students will need to create resumes and applications in order to sign up for summer jobs. Adults at the job fair will help guide students during the process and help give students valuable information about signing up for a job.
“We want to reduce the barriers that keep teens from summer jobs,” Belknap said. “Creating a resume and filling out applications are important steps in getting a job.”
The McPherson Library encourages teenagers that are interested in a summer job to attend the Job fair with their peers and friends. McPherson library is also giving out $50 and $100 in debit gift cards for the 2 people who bring along the most friends and peers to attend the McPherson Job fair.
Poster Provided By Bryan Belknap – Lead LEAP/Maker Mentor
According to Belknap, The person in first place will receive the $100 debit gift card and 2nd place will receive $50 in debit gift cards. In order to qualify for the gift card prizes, students must tag each other and use a hashtag for the event. Students are encouraged to post a selfie in front of the Instagram wall that will be presented at the job fair. Teenagers can only tag 1 person, if they tag more than one person, then only the first tag will count. People without Instagram accounts are advised to find Mr. Belknap in order for him to count them.
The McPherson Library is located at 601 E Indiana Ave, Philadelphia, PA. According to Belknap, the Job fair will be held there due to the easy accessibility and location of the library, being in a central part of Kensington.
Below is a slideshow gallery list of the attending vendors at the April 13, 2023, McPherson Job Fair.
Conwell Cougars Blog 