Impromptu Conwell Classroom Concert led by Ms. Manuela, Conwell Violin Teacher on Dec. 12.
Lead videography edit by K. Velasquez-82-CCB Staff with footage by Mr. Dungan-CCB co-advisor and CC Turco-62-CCB Contributor.
Conwell Middle Magnetschool has many musical instruments for its students, but today I will tell you about the violin and the many kinds of people that love instruments and today we will talk about one lovely person who teaches it.
“I think [the violin] helps the class get more active,” A. Snowden-62, a Conwell violin student said.
She was explaining that music is something that can get people to be more active, rather than sitting down on some sort of electronic device. Ms.Manuela, Conwell’s violin teacher, is one of the best violin teachers to learn from, A. Snowden said.
According to Ms. Manuela, when she was nine years old, she loved the idea of teaching. By the time she was the age of 17, Ms. Manuela loved seeing her students succeed in life and go on to inspire others to discover their own ability to play music.
“I have loved playing the violin since the age of nine and now I’m a violin teacher,” Ms. Manuela said. “I love to teach my students how to play and after all these years I still love what I do.”
Ms. Manuela said that when she first started teaching, she just thought it would be a cool experience. But, it’s different now.
“I now know this is what I was born to do,” she said. “And I love this with all the kind loving students I teach!”
Editor’s Note: S. Hogan is also a member of Ms. Manuella’s violin class. Ms. Manuella holds classes every Monday. To enroll in her class, please talk to your homeroom teacher or see Ms. Maria in the main office.
The Conwell Middle Magnet SchoolAfter School All Stars (ASAS) and PA Ballet students had an opportunity to spectate the Nutcracker Ballet that is being performed at the Kimmel Center. It was hosted on Dec. 20 through 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. According to ASAS coordinator and Conwell Middle School secretary Ms. Maria.
The Kimmel center is a large theater dedicated to spreading diversity between the audience through Performing Arts and Education, according to the Kimmel Center website. The Kimmel center is located at 300 S. Broad St. in Philadelphia, just six miles from Conwell.
Ms. Maria said that she enjoyed the performance, describing it as, “a story without words.” She also stated that she, “experienced the full show, and she loved the story, beauty, and atmosphere.”
Mr. Young, an ASAS assistant stated, “the play demonstrated the history of the Nutcracker greatly. It helps expose students to different types of media than what we have now.”
Students that participate in the Conwell Middle School PA Ballet program were able to receive a trip to the Kimmel Center using a bus as a means of transportation.
One of many students that attended the play, J. Gonzalez – section 72, has said that he liked his experience at the Kimmel Center.
“[It was] enjoyable due to their experience and mastery over their performance,” Gonzalez said.
He also stated that the performance simply made you want to watch the actors act in their respective roles.
If you like to attend the play for yourself, visit the Kimmel Center website. The performance is currently being held through Dec 9 – December 28.
For more information about PA Ballet or ASAS, please see Ms. Maria in the Main office.
by CCB Staff, led by Y. Hiraldo – 61 CCB Editor, A. Vega – 81 CCB Photographer
CCB Declares Hats and Headbands Contest Winner live on At Conwell We Are On!
Editor’s note: the following is the script written by A. Rowan, and presented live on the ACAWO Live Zoom show on 12/19/22. Script is edited for CCB publication style.
Script by R. Rowan – 72 – CCB Staff
2022 CCB Holiday Hat Winner! Photo by A. Vega 82 – CCB Photographer and Graphic Arts by Y. Hiraldo – 61 – CCB Editor
This is Riley Rowan, Student Producer here on Conwell We are On!
I am so happy to say, that we are back with the Christmas hat contest Winners! This whole contest is credited to Y. Hidalgo, among the other great CCB editors, who came up with this Idea! Now, let’s continue!
In total, there were only about 100 Students who voted! In third place, we have a tie.. E. Vega of 82 and L. Dudley of 62! Who BOTH had 14.6 Percent of the vote!
And in second place.. A. Vega of Section 81! Who had gotten 15.7 Percent of the vote
And lastly … Coming in 1st place, a whopping 20 percent of all the votes.. Can I get a drumroll please? … A. Irizarry of section 82!!!
Please see DJ Dungan for your special holiday prize on behalf of the CCB! Make sure to visit ConwellCougars(Dot)Blog, for more Student celebrations, school stories, and more!
Now, why don’t we get to the main event, and see who’s on the wheel?
Editor’s Note: Follow up Story published Dec. 9, 2022 featured below:
Check out the Holiday head wear from Conwell’s special TAG day on Dec. 5! There were many students who showed their winter/holiday spirits, but only 10 entered our contest. Browse through our photo gallery of the student contestants and then click on the link below to vote for your favorite holiday and winter hat and headband. The winning student will get a special Conwell Cougars Blog prize!
Please note that voting will end by 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 15 , and the winner will be revealed on the At Conwell We Are On Show on Dec. 16! The CCB thanks all contestants and wishes everyone a happy and warm Holiday Season!
Editor’s Note: Original Story published Dec. 1, 2022 featured below:
Conwell Cougars Blog presents a contest around the Dec. 5 Holiday Headbands and Hats Tag Day. Students who wear their hats or headbands will have their chance to be photographed during their lunch times.
To participate in the contest, simply find our CCB photographer (the students with the cameras!)
Once we have all your photos, our CCB editorial staff will select the best two from each grade and YOU will get to vote for the student who has the TOP holiday spirit in each grade!
Winning students will receive a special prize sponsored by the Conwell Cougars Blog.
So, don’t forget to return to this post by Dec. 12 to look for the voting form and pick the most festive or holiday spirit hat and headband at Conwell!
Mr. Stockdale and Mr. Verdi are offering free tutoring lessons in Math, Social Studies and Reading after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2:35-3:35 in Room 301.
“Tutoring helps the success of Conwell students,” Mr. Stockdale stated.
Mr. Stockdale has been teaching math ever since he came to Conwell Middle School in 2009. He’s been teaching for 13 years. He started teaching 27 years ago. Mr. Verdi has been teaching for 10 years. And been teaching here for 7 years.
Photo by A. Peralta-62-CCB Editor
“All students can benefit for a little extra help,” Mr.Verdi said enthusiastically.
“Students have powerful potential,” Principal Green said,adding that practice during tutoring will get them to their desires.
Mr. Washington, Climate Manager at Conwell also said tutoring is good, and quoted Malcom X, when he said, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to people who prepare for it today.”
If you are a Conwell student who would like to sign up for tutoring, Contact Mr. Stockdale in room 301 or Mr. Verdi in room 206.
Edited By Y.Hiraldo-61 CCB Editor If you have any Question you would like to ask send your ideas to go to google classroom use code :c7zfnas If you would like to Donate to the Childen hospital ,vist this link down … Continue reading →
Photo by A. Vega 8-1. Graphic Art by K. Velasquez 8-3
Dr. Watlington, along with the Chief of School Safety Kevin Bethel and the Chief of Schools Dr. Evelyn Nunez visited Conwell Middle Magnet School to get to know some students and some of the teachers and staff. Dr. Watlington says his reason for the visit is to see the environment and community within the school instead of just the outside.
“My priorities as superintendent are to try and help the schools of Philadelphia grow and thrive as much as I can,” said Dr. Watlington. When asked what this would mean for Conwell, Dr. Watlington replied, “This would mean more opportunities for growth physically and educationally. It would also mean a brighter future for teachers, students and staff alike.”
Principal Green showed Dr. Watlington, Chief. Bethel and Dr. Nunez around the entire school, she highlighted the new STEAM Lab and some renovations that have been done in the building.
Principal Green said, “We want our students to have innovative classrooms that tap into their abilities for what they need to succeed and thrive here at Conwell, high school, college and beyond.”
Photo by A. Vega 8-1. Graphic Art by K. Velasquez 8-3.
There weren’t any special ceremonies or presentations throughout the visit. The reason for this was most likely because Dr. Watlington said he wanted to see what a normal school day at Conwell looked like.
When going into each of the classes, Principal Green asked students to share what they were doing in class and even some of the new students what they liked about Conwell.
One student in a class we visited said, “I was nervous when I transferred but everyone has been so nice and made me feel welcomed.”
At the end of the visit, reporters Conwell Cougars Blog B. Smith and K. Velasquez asked Dr. Watlington what he thought of Conwell.
“I think Conwell has a very nice environment and strong community within the school,” Dr. Watlington said. “I also think Conwell has amazing students and teachers.”
“I think Conwell has a very nice environment and strong community within the school,”
Dr. Watlington, Philadelphia Public Schools Superintendent
Dr. Watlington was also asked what he thinks the importance of the United Fall Festival Torch run is to the School District. He replied, “ I think participating in the United Fall Festival torch run will encourage students to participate in activities and things like this more.” This was a very important event because this could mean a lot for our school in the future and for our school district.
By A. Peralta-83 and A. Vega-81 CCB Graphic Arts Team A photo gallery of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Watlington at Conwell Middle Magnet School in November 2022. Posted by A. Peralta-83 and A. Vega-81 CCB Staff
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.”
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
Graphic Artis image and photo by . V . Escorza , CCB Editor
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.
The teachers helped me with the work and pointed me in the right direction.
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
Conwell Cougars Blog 