Teen Authors is a place where young readers can bring out their talent of reading, and also have fun! Ms. Golub, Conwell 7th-grade Math teacher, was very keen on this idea, and Ms. Green didn’t even think twice about letting her host it.
“It all started when I accompanied a teacher to the main library in Spring Garden. Sadly, the teacher left, and she took her place as the new Teen Author’s teacher.” Ms. Golub stated. “They have been on trips everywhere. They met the author who made Wonder, White bird, and more!
The most recent one was when they met no other than Maria Hinojosa, the author of “Once I Was You.” The best part was, I also attended it!
And, what made it special was that she is a math teacher! “ I want my students to grow up and be open minded.” Golub said. “ I want them to grow up and be aware of what is going on, and I want them to love books as much as I do! The books we read mirror the children. There are a lot of similarities between the students and the characters in the books!”
On Thursday, Nov. 3, members of the Conwell National Juniors Honor Society(NJHS) gave a stunning virtual tour to the elementary school, Prince Hall Elementary. The NJHS members who participated were Conwell eighth-grade students Brianna B., Lia V., J’Ryah S., Nehemie F., Aiden R., Timothy W., Cocomi Z., and Katiana M.
Photo by N. Fanfan-83-CCB Contributor and graphic art By A. Peralta-62-CCB Editor
They showed the many wonders and opportunities our school has to offer. As they entered classrooms, students spoke about their personal experiences and opinions regarding Conwell.
“Conwell has a lot of creativity”, said one student. Some school activities mentioned included volleyball, basketball, and ASAS, and the school newspaper, the Conwell Cougars Blog.
CCB Staff Note :
According to Principal Green, Prince Hall was an abolitionist and leader in the free black community in Boston. He Founded Prince Hall Free Masonry and lobbied for education rights for African American children.He was also active in the back-to-Africa movement.
Ms. De Jesus, Conwell’s Spanish teacher, speaks to Prince Hall Students in a Conwell virtual tour, led by NJHS students. Photo by N. Fanfan-83-CCB Contributor
This post was published by A. Peralta-62-CCB Editor
Article By CCB Staffwith Reporting from A. Peralta-62-CCB Editor
Photos by A. Peralta-62-CCB Editor
This week, Conwell celebrated Dia de los Muertos on November 1st and 2nd, when all souls are believed to return to the world of the living.
“This is a time where families across Latin America remember their loved ones and honor them in a special way,” Ms. De Jesus, Conwell’s Spanish teacher, said of the Day of the Dead traditions. “Some use only candles, others honor them with prayers at church, and in Mexico with a Dia de los Muertos celebration.
According to, Ms. De Jesus, among other Dia de los Muertos-themed projects, the Students at Conwell used paint to create what are called “Cartrina Masks.”
Ms. De Jesus said these paper masks represent a wealthy woman that is used in Mexican folklore to commemorate Dia de los Muertos.
The students started this project on October 19th, and finished in time for the celebrations on November 2nd.
“I like to integrate aspects of hispanic culture because the students can learn to appreciate and understand other cultures,” said Ms. De Jesus.
Anyone interested in seeing these works of art up close, can do so by visiting the third floor, outside Ms. De Jesus’s classroom. Just remember to appreciate the masks from a distance!
Above photos by Y. Alverez-62-CCB Contributor and Mr. Dungan CCB-co advisor.
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.”
“The Safety Patrol has a strong community, is full of nice people,” J. Sampson-Captain of the Conwell Safety Patrol 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.”
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
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.
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
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
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.
Conwell Cougar Blog’s own N. Champion-62 and J. Cruz – 62 lent their research, animation and voice-over talents to help celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Month. The video here was first featured on Conwell’s weekly morning show At Conwell We Are On! on 5/27/22.
Conwell students earn first-place spots at the 2022 Penn Relays
by T. Williams-62, CCB Sports Reporter
Photos from the early spring practice of the Conwell Middle Magnet School’s Penn Relays team. Students practiced hard to earn first-place spots at the Penn Relays on April 24. In the images: Students can be seen practicing in the school parking lot. Coach Adams is featured in this gallery, as well.- Photos by A. Vega- 71, CCB Photographer
Conwell Middle Magnet school students in seventh and eighth grades had a chance to be in the Penn relays when the school’s Health and Physical Education teacher, coach Adams, had a tryout for the Penn Relays in March. By the time the Penn Relays happened, two of Conwell’s students ran to first place in the 100-meter relay competitions
One of the students who raced and won in the 100-meter relay at the Penn relays, named E. Mills of section 83, said this about the Penn Relays, “It felt really great to win and it showed me that hard work really pays off”.
The students that did well in the tryout got on the team and got to practice for the Penn Relays with Coach Adams, both inside and outside the school building.
“The eighth and seventh grade students practiced on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays,” Coach Adams said. “They practiced on the school stairs and the yard”.
“It felt really great to win, and it showed me that hard work really pays off.” – E. Mills – Section 83, who took first place at the 100-Meter Boys Dash at the 2022 Penn Relays.
The top seventh and eighth grade male participants for the Penn Relay tryouts were E. Mills, M. Levister II, N. Irizarry, A. Castillo-Ortiz, and N. Young-Bullock. The top 7th and 8th grade female participants were A. Capps, O. Liz Sanchez, D. Hargrove, N. Lewis, and S. Ortiz. Most students raced in the Large School Boys and Girls Middle Grades 4x100meter relay.
The Penn Relays is a track and field competition from 4th grade to college, according to Coach Adams. Also the Penn Relays is the oldest track and field competition in the United States starting on April 21,1895. The Penn relays always start on the last Friday of April.
Coach Adams said the Penn Relays are located at the Franklin Field Stadium on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
The people who got to go were the eighth, seventh and sixth grade runners. And a couple of excellent students who got nominated from Conwell. Everyone who got to go went to the Penn relays on April 24, on a Friday.
The football stadium had a bunch of people with the tracks on the outside of the football field .The event consisted of 8th and 7th graders doing the track race and 6th graders racing on a football field in the center of the track.
“It was scary and then it was fun,” N. Lewis of section 71, who won the girls 100 meter relay, said.
Mural across from Conwell in a parking lot – Photo byMr. Dungan CCB co-advisor
Editor’s Note: I think that this article is very remarkable, because it’s telling people how you shouldn’t mess with people’s hard word. The following was presented on a previous morning meeting.
Respecting public art is important because it takes a lot of time, skill and patience from the artist to create it. People use art as a way to express themselves. If you disrespect it by vandalizing it then you are not being kind to the person who created it. Also, other people won’t have the chance to enjoy the artwork. Public art adds great value to the culture and atmosphere of a community. There are many murals, statues and sculptures all around Philadelphia.
“I can conclude that respecting public art is important because artists take time to create meaningful work. We should appreciate their talent, time, and effort.“
From S. Ortiz
Public art creates community pride and a sense of belonging. It enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors. It’s important to many people for many reasons. From this I can conclude that respecting public art is important because artists take time to create meaningful work for their communities to enjoy. We should appreciate their talent, time, and effort.
Editor’s Note: The following report was originally scheduled to air live on the weekly At Conwell We Are On morning show on 4/29/22, and an abridged and edited version has been printed here.
Graphic to accompany R. Rowan’s ACWAO Reports! segment in recognition of Eid. Poster was originally displayed outside the Conwell Main Office during the month of Ramadan – Graphic by R. Rowan – section 62, CCB Staff
Hello Conwell!
This is R. Rowan of section 62 reporting for ACWAO. This Tuesday on May 3rd we had taken the day off, as it was in recognition of Eid al-Fitr.
Dr. Hite, School District of Philadelphia’s superintendent, said in a district-wide message that “this is religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.”
As further explained on History.com, the website says:
“Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. They are also supposed to avoid impure thoughts and bad behavior.”
According to History.com, the website says that “Muslims break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays.” This year, Ramadan began at sunset on Saturday, April 2, and ends on the evening of Monday, May 2. Thank you and this has been R. Rowan reporting for ACWAO.
Peter Stern, 81, a Holocaust survivor, gave the Conwell Middle Magnet School community a presentation on what happened durning the Holocaust. Throughout the assembly, which took place at 9 a.m. on April 6, 2022 on Zoom, Stern painted a very tragic picture of what he and his family went through.
‘’Why is it that people go through stuff I experienced?” Stern said.
According to Stern’s presentation and his online biography. Stern was born in Nuremberg, Germany in March 1936, he had a younger brother named Sam. His father’s name was Artur and he was a mechanic. In 1941 Stern and his family were deported to Germany to a camp in Latvia, which was surrounded by guards and traps.
“Because, we shouldn’t forget the past, knowing our past helps us know where we came from,” said Mr. Posnan.
Mr.Posan
Stern was only 6 years old, and he said he did not know what was going on. On the campsite, in the building, he said there were many Jewish people in one house. He said the Nazis tricked them into going into camps to kill off the Jewish people.The Nazis took away his rights and also his family rights. They did it because Jewish people were way different from them.
D. Llanos, in section 62, had some questions to ask Mr. Stern about the Holocaust, during the question and answer part of the Zoom presentation.
“Why did so many people go along with his plans?” said D. Llanos.
To answer that question Stern revealed a sad truth from his experience.
“The Nazis believed that the Germans were very easily tricked into agreeing with their plan,” Stern said.
Mr. Posan, a 6th grade math teacher at Conwell Middle Magnet School, who helped organize the presentation, said some encouraging words to Peter Stern.
“Because, we shouldn’t forget the past, knowing our past helps us know where we came from,” said Mr. Posnan.
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 amazingwords 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.”
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.”
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.
By A. Capps-82 and M. Crawford-82, CCB Contributors
Ms. Branch, eighth-grade Conwell math teacher, gave students the opportunity to research and present on historical figures of the Black and African American community who made an impact on math.
“The students created a project honoring the excellence of African and Black Americans and their contributions to mathematics throughout history,” Ms. Branch said.
Below is section 82 students A. Capps and M. Crawfords research on Dr. David Blackwell, which they presented live on the 2/18/22 ACWAO show.
Image credit: A. Capps and M. Crawford – Section 82Image credit: A. Capps and M. Crawford – Section 82Image credit: A. Capps and M. Crawford – Section 82
Conwell Cougars Blog 