L. Chestnut-’26/CCB Contributor
Editor’s Note: Student producers of the weekly Monday morning live Zoom Show, PAWS for the Cause, featured a segment that recognized World Kindness Day on Nov. 13. CCB contributor, L. Chestnut-’26, took a photo gallery of a Kindness-themed bulletin board that that was recently created by Conwell ELA teachers Ms. Leone and Ms. Levister.
by R. Cosme – ’26/CCB Contributor
Editor’s Note: R. Cosme – ’26/CCB Contributor, interviewed and produced a video report with Conwell Middle Magnet School Social Studies teacher, Mr. Verdi, about his perspective on the celebration of Italian Heritage Month, which takes place in October. The video report was featured on the PAWS for a Cause school morning show on Oct. 23, 2023.
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 C. Zhang-’26 and A. Schemes-’26/CCB Contributors
Editor’s Note – The Anaya’s Fan Club podcast is a student-created and produced podcast about all things C. Zhang and A. Schemes are a fan of. This first podcast talks about A.Schemes’s admiration for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Editor’s Note 2 – The following partial script is from the 10/16/23 P.A.W.S. for a Cause morning Zoom show. the Anaya’s Fan Club podcast was premiered on this show, and interviewed by the show’s lead anchor R. Rowan. The following script is their interview on the show. It has been edited for CCB format.
R. Rowan – The news featured on this final segment represents Conwell’s core values of PAWS, being Peaceful, Accountable , Wholesome and Solutionary.
Camera Pan to Riley and Anaya and Cocomi – Click to transition to final slide
R. Rowan This week’s PAWS for a Cause News of the Week features Conwell’s very first student PODCAST with Cocomi Zhang and Anaya Schemes of section 83 – Welcome!
C. Zhang and/or A. Schemes – Hi Riley, thanks for having us on the show!
Yes, we are happy to be here!
R. Rowan What did it take for you two to come up with your podcast?
C. Zhang and/or A. Schemes – We thought it would be fun! I also love the Phillies!
R. Rowan – That is FAN-tastic, Cocomi and Anaya! Let’s take a listen to your first episode.
Click on video make big screen
R. Rowan The podcast was amazing! Great production you two, thank you for being on the show.
C. Zhang and/or A. Schemes – Thanks for having us!
Posted by CCB Staff
By R. Rowan-’24/CCB Staff
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
Posted by CCB Staff
By R. Rowan-’24 – CCB Staff/Lead Anchor
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.
Posted by CCB Staff
Gallery by J. Hayes-’26 and J. Spencer – ’26 – CCB Contributors and CCB Staff
Conwell Middle Magnet School welcomed its school families, friends and alumni during its Back-To-School Night on Sept. 14. The evening featured family workshops, community partners and a chance for families and students to meet with their teachers.
Among the community partners present at the event:
–Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. (APM)
Philadelphia Police Department 24th District
Please view the photo gallery or video for more on the event.
Posted by CCB Staff
By M. Lanza – 62 – CCB Contributor
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.
Posted by CCB Staff
Related story: “STUDENT COLUMN: A 5th Grader’s Plea to STOP GUN VIOLENCE“
by M. Lanza – 62 – CCB Contributor
Images and media courtesy of Ms. Ms. Levister, Girls on the Run coach and Conwell Middle Magnet School teacher, as well as Ms. Turner, School Aid.
For the second time in my life I walked, ran, skipped and jogged a 5k at the Philadelphia Navy Yard!. We ran on Saturday, June 3.
For me, Girls on the Run was a fun experience and my running partner was great. She really helped and motivated me. It was great because Mrs. Levister, who is not only a great teacher at Conwell, but also a great coach for the school’s after school program called, Girls on the Run. Mrs. Levister was waiting and pushing me to run and not stop.
It felt good to get to the finish line!
I was mainly scared to start because I thought I was going to get trampled. I was really excited because I had a partner. Overall it was fun and we got new gray shirts and a ten year anniversary medal. I can’t wait to join again next year!
Editor’s Note: The Girls on the Run program is lead by Ms. Levister, and takes place throughout the year during After School All Stars. To join the program, please see Ms. Maria.
Posted by CCB Staff
by Y. Hiraldo – 61 – CCB Staff
Video production by Y. Hiraldo 61 – CCB Staff with video engineering contributions from J. Rivera – 62 – CCB Contributor.
Conwell Cougars Blog student Columnist Y. Hiraldo spoke with students and staff about how they enjoy the warmer months!
Editor’s note: If you are interested in creating a student column, email gdungan@philasd.org.
Posted by CCB Staff
by A. Peralta – 83 – CCB Lead Reporter
The PA Ballet program ran through September to May, ultimately ending with a final performance on May 5, 2023. Conwell Middle School students were taught three dances to practice, Jazz Dance, Bachata and The Finale Dance. The final dance, There were nine different other schools, all dressed in different colors while Conwell was dressed in green.
“Just the thought of them performing in front of lots of people, makes it all worth it,” Ms. Maria, Conwell School Secretary and After School All Stars coordinator for the school, said.
Ms. Maria has stated that the students learn discipline, cooperation and also learn how to be precise. One of the performers had also received a scholarship to a dance school, however they are going to receive this recognition later during the 8th grade award ceremony.
Ms. Maria also looks forward to more participation in the next school year and she encourages everyone to join, male and female, dancer or not, she still encourages everyone to join.
Check out the above video to see the 2022-2023 Conwell PA Ballet dancers in action, during their performance at the Cherry St. Pier on May 5.
Editor’s Note – Footage from the recital courtesy of Ms. Maria and Conwell Parent Ms. Palmer.
Posted by A. Peralta – CCB Staff
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.
According to Conwell’s principal, Ms. Erica Green, Conwell Middle School has support from the 24th Police District along with Town Watch, IDAAY, The City Of Philadelphia and School Police.
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.¨
Furthermore, the crime rate in Kensington makes this dangerous situation even worse.
“I don’t want to see needles on the ground,” A. Capetillo-61, a sixth grade student, said.
By CCB Staff
The late afternoon of April 13 turned out to be beautiful weather for Conwell Middle 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.
Posted by CCB Staff
By A. Peralta – 83 – CCB Lead Senior Reporter
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.
“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.
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.
Posted by A. Peralta – 83 – CCB Editorial Staff
By A. Snowden-62 – CCB Editorial Staff
Editor’s Note: This poem was written by A. Snowden in honor of Women’s History Month. The poem was read in its entirety on the live Friday, “At Conwell We Are On!” Zoom show on 3/31/23.
Better Late Than Never
We celebrate women today
Because back then, they weren’t celebrated in any way
They were treated unfairly, different from men
They did so much, but then …
They still were treated unequally, it wasn’t fair!
So, they marched and marched, as they dare
People saw the issue and sought help
They kept marching … and, welp …
The women were free to do whatever
But til this day, women are still under the weather
They are still paid little, more about
Someone has to do something, this isn’t allowed!
But as I always say, you’ll see one day
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Posted by CCB Staff
By E. Vega-82 – CCB Editorial Staff
Conwelll students during rehearsal with Drum Teacher Mr. Robinson. Footage by A. Vega-81.
Students at Conwell Middle Magnet School show off their great talent by playing the drums with drum teacher Mr. Robinson. Students played three different practice pieces in the above video, and one song called “Boom Cat Samba.”
Students play every Wednesday, throughout the day. If you wish to join drums, please contact Mr. Robinson or Ms. Maria at the main office.
Video Editing by K. Velasquez 83 and Video Footage by A. Vega 81
By M. Hernandez – 61 and Y. Alvarado – CCB Staff
Conwell introduced their first Conwell Speaker Series on Feb. 8. Every other Wednesday throughout the month, people are invited to a Zoom meeting with the students at Conwell.
What is the Conwell Speaker series?
The Conwell speaker series is when a professional comes in to speak to students and teach them about the things they do for their careers. The series is held in every teacher’s homeroom as a whole-school assembly.
The first speaker this year was Ellen Weber, whose job it is to help small businesses.
Weber was talking about how her business, Robin Hood Ventures has a special program called, Angels: Team, Market, & Product.
Weber said, “Most people look at the product, but really you need to look at the people.”
She said it takes 5-10 years for the entrepreneur to get their money back. She invested in: Brilliant Pad, Simply good, & charge it spot.
At the Zoom meeting, Weber was explaining how she helps small businesses get more popular.
Ms Katie – Nurse Practitioner for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia came to talk to Conwell on Feb. 27.
Ms. Katie went to college twice, and started an early educational job. She went to Korea and learned about her culture and language. She did four years of university and another 2 years to earn a Master’s Degree. In 2005 she got a job as a nurse extern. When she finished she started her job as a nurse. Since 2009, she’s been a Nurse Practitioner. She teaches all types her biggest difference was that Katie never wore a mask before the pandemic.
Ms Katie has taken care of kids with arduous injuries. |
“Don’t get frustrated when you’re doing classes, pay attention to your teachers because it will assist you,” said Ms Katie.
Robyn S was our latest special guest on zoom on March 15th.
She currently works at NBC UNIVERSAL as an associate with Data Strategy.
Robyn breaks down the data and value by common to least common and said that learning how to read data is important.
Robyn first wanted to be a doctor, but she was discouraged to go any further because of how bad she thought she was doing.
Robyn uses data with weather, basketball games and decision making.
They base most data when it depends on how many people are entertained by that specific subject compared by another subject.
She said that she came in to encourage the kids to follow their dreams.
“Not everything might fit you based on your skill set,” she said, explaining that you won’t know until you try.
Posted by V. Escorza – 62 – CCB Editorial staff.
By. Z Leach – 51 – CCB Contributor
——-
Editors’ Note:
This article is about the death of the author’s family member, which was reported on NBC 10 news on Jan. 27. These are the words of the deceased’s family member, a fifth grade student here at Conwell Middle Magnet School.
I was born in 2012. I grew up in a very bad neighborhood where there was a lot of gun violence and other violence that no one my age should know about.
At the beginning of this year, my older nephew passed away in a gun shooting. I found out by my mom calling me into her room. After hearing the horrible news, my brother and his girlfriend went to the hospital, and my nephew passed away.
Seeing him lying there deceased at the hospital really broke my heart and made my family devastated.
People think this world is a joke, but it’s not. It’s real to me, and people don’t understand what they’re doing to other people.
All I’m saying is stop.
There are several innocent people out here dying and getting hurt because people are making the wrong decisions. People really need to realize what they’re doing and how terrible they’re making this world.
I just want to live my life as a little kid and have peace. These days nobody can really have that because there are people out here making this world a bad place.
—–
Edited by E. Santiago – 61 – CCB Editorial Staff
This gallery contains 5 photos.
by E. Vega – 82 – CCB Social Media Editor Conwell Middle Magnet School Staff and students celebrated International Women’s Day on March 3 by wearing their proudest purple clothing. Check out the photo gallery here. Posted by Emani.V section … Continue reading
By R. Currid – 72 – CCB Reporter
Mr. Washington, Conwell Climate Manager, showcasing one of the footballs to be used in the upcoming Flag Football Program at Conwell. – Photo by A. Vega-82 – CCB Photographer
Mr. Washington, Conwell Middle Magnet School Climate Manager, is hosting a flag football team. Every morning, Groups of students from all grades, boys and girls come early to play.
Flag football starts this Spring from March 6 to the middle of May. According to Mr. Washington, the times for the games will be from 6.45 to 7.15 a.m., and will occur between 2 to 3 days a week, particularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some sources say, if the program goes well, it might extend to after-school hours.
Mr. Washington says that there will be forms to contact parents for their permission to participate in the program. According to Mr. Washington, parents are not allowed to be there for safety purposes.
Mr. Washington believes that there should be no contact in the flag football game, as is the reason for the flags in flag football. Mr. Washington hopes to make sure the team is well trained and ready for the future before they will play flag football.
“The purpose of the program is to make sure that the players are learning to play as a team,” Mr. Washington said.
According to Mr Washington, Principal Green said that there might be Jerseys for players who sign up. When the teams win, they will be awarded with a trophy.
Years back, Mr. Washington was in middle school and he played flag football. Mr Washington said he enjoyed the sport because of the team. He was encouraged by the team and had an idea that he would start his own flag football team for the students of Conwell Middle Magnet School.
editor’s note: to sign up for the the Conwell Flag Football Team, contact Mr. Washington at JWashington4@philasd.org
Edited by A. Peralta-83-CCB Staff – Posted by K. Velasquez-83 – CCB Staff.
Conwell Cougars Blog 