by Y. Soleno-’26/CCB Contributor
Editor’s Note: This interview by Y. Soleno-’26 with Principal Green was broadcast on the PAWS for a Cause show in late October. The segment features the new Conwell Pet of the Week series.
If you are a member of the Conwell Middle Magnet School community, and would like to have your pet featured here and on the PAWS for the Cause Show, please email gdungan@philasd.org.
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!
Produced by Y. Hiraldo-’26/CCB
Editor’s Note: The following interviews were conducted by CCB students Y. Hiraldo-’26, J. Rivera-’26 and A. Dejesus-’26. The video was featured on the 11/20/23 episode of PAWS for the Cause show. Also on this show, Ms. Sanford introduced Conwell’s invitation to join World Affairs Council (Jr. U.N.).
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 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.
Click to Ms. Sanford and Ms. Golub slide.
Posted by CCB Stafff
by J. Gonzalez -’24/CCB Contributor
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.
J. Gonzalez –
Thank you, Riley.
Posted by CCB Staff
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.
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!
Posted by CCB Staff
by A. Schemes-’24/CCB Reporter
PB&J is a new youth program in Kensington. PB&J stands for Philly Bridge & Jawn. According to Bryan Belknap, the founder of PB&J, this is a continuation of his work as the former McPherson Youth Librarian of the Philadelphia Free Library.
“Bridges help connect people,” Belknap wrote in an email to the Conwell Cougars Blog. “That is what we want our program to do.”
The purpose of the program is to connect young people to each other and to a few youth organizations working in Kensington. It is also helping young people learn about opportunities in Kensington.
According to Mr. Belknap, the program is designed to help all teens from ages 12-19. The program introduces teens to people that Mr. Belknap thinks are positive influences. These organizations are run by those that Bryan Belknap respects and admires.
As Mr. Belknap said in his email, they are a good influence on him, therefore, Mr. Belknap thinks they would be a good influence on young people, as well.
According to the email Mr. Belknap sent, he states, “We want to connect young people to each other and to youth organizations working in Kensington.”
Some of the groups that PB&J are trying to connect to the teens are
PB&J is holding some pilot program events in the first days of November. Mr. Belknap would like to see 20 teens show up and meet the youth organizations. He said that PB&J is hoping that the young people like the program and will want to do more like it.
According to Mr. Belknap, their goal for 2024 is to help 150 teens. After that, they would like to help 250 teens each year.
As stated by Mr. Belknap in his email, “We would like to reach 150 teens in 2024, and 250 teens every year after. Because some of the teens will be the same from year to year, our 5-year goal is to reach 500 teens.”
Mr. Belknap originally worked in the McPherson Square Library. He worked there for eight years. Once the grant that paid his salary came to an end, he realized he wanted to continue working with young people.
“The grant that paid my salary came to an end,” Belknap wrote. “But, I wanted to keep working with young people in Kensington.”
That is when he decided to start the PB&J program. He knew he could not start a new project on his own, he would need some help. While working in the library, he partnered with Nourish a few times. So, he asked for their help with the program.
According to Mr. Belknap, “Starting a brand new project, I needed help. So, I asked Nourish for help with this program.“
Nourish is a nutrition and cooking program. This program is funded by Pennsylvania SNAP-Ed It educates people about healthy food, affordable recipes, healthy cooking techniques, nutrition information, and other health resources.
According to NKCDC.org, “the goal is to create good food habits with long-term health benefits.” Nourish has an eight week online cooking class for people in Kensington, Fairhill and Juniata. Nourish provides a weekly meal kit with ingredients that are used in the online classes.
For more information about PB&J and the upcoming program from Nov. 1 – 5, which will take place at 2001 E. Allegheny Ave., contact Mr. Belknap at 856-295-1713 or email him at phillybridgeandjawn@gmail.com.
Posted by CCB Staff
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 L. Chestnut – ’26 and O. Chavajay-Rojas/CCB Contributors
Reflections by J. Spencer – ’26 and Y. Cruz-’27/CCB Contributors
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
Published by CCB Staff
By Z. Leach-Douglas-’26/CCB Reporter
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!
Posted by CCB Staff
by T. Velez – ’26 /CCB Staff
Why I liked joining Safety Patrol at Conwell Middle Magnet School is because last year I was Inspired by the old safety patrol and I wanted to become one.
So, everyday I would ask Mr Washington, who is our school’s Climate manager. And, he would say, next year.
So, I waited and on the last day of school, last year, and I said next year may I be a part of Safety Patrol. I think that the students that are not following the rules will be the hardest to work with and the responsibilities because if someone is being rude it’s going to be hard not to be rude back, but, Mr.Washington is really inspiring expecting to make everyone work harder to be role models and demonstrate PAWS (Peaceful Accountable Wholesome Solutionary).
Mr Washington told us that we get to help other students all around the school, and if you like helping you should sign up, too. And others should join safety patrol because It makes you better as a person.
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
By CCB Staff
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.
Posted by CCB Staff
By V. Escorza – 62 – CCB Reporter with contributions by I. Spier – 61 and E. Santiago – 61.
All this year, Conwell Middle Magnet School students learned about the Six Pillars of Character Counts with Conwell’s Climate Manager, Mr. Washington:
Check out the video above to hear from how Conwell Students describe each pillar in action.
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 T. Velez – 51, with contributions from CCB Staff
Photo gallery by T. Velez-51 – CCB Contributor
Conwell Middle Magnet School celebrated another successful year of After School All Stars (ASAS) Ms. Maria, who leads the ASAS program, held the festive event on May 23, which took place in the school building and in the school yard.
The event was held to celebrate all the people who were associated with the After School All Stars Program that have been there since day one, and for those who didn’t hesitate to follow all the ASAS program rules.
During the event, people went outside and played games like football and dodgeball, while Mr. Washington, the school’s Climate Manager, grilled for those in attendance some good food like sandwiches, chips, burgers and hotdogs.
See above photo gallery for snapshots of the ASAS event.
Published by CCB Staff
Conwell Cougars Blog 