Wednesday, June 11, 2008
THE PORTFOLIO
FAVORITE ARTICLE
My most favorite piece of article for journalism class was writing Busted. The reason why was most likely because I can relate to most of the problems that my fellow teens are experiencing. In the beginning, it was no hardship to write because it was simple. Afterwards it became complicated because of all the changes. After the changes I started reading it in a different light and personally I think I did an admirable job. Choosing the topic came easily and with the help of a friend, the picture made up for the laugh to go along with it.
LEAST FAVORITE ARTICLE
My least favorite piece of article was writing The Cinderella Pact. The book was fun to read but writing the article proved to be a major dilemma. Every paragraph seemed to be a summary. I tried rewriting and on the second trial I finally succeeded. Overall I think I may challenge myself to write another book review or to make it more challenging a movie review, but I don't think it will be any time soon for the foreseeable future.
REFLECTION
My reflection on experience and of self as a journalist was wonderful. As an individual I'm a very private person and being a journalist allowed me to become open, especially conducting interviews. My experiences as a journalist helped me to cope with certain aspects of life. It allowed me to experience a somewhat minor detail to a real journalist, but I won't complain because I enjoyed everything relating to journalism and the class.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Blood Drive '08
Students on May 20th participated in the annual blood drive that has taken place for over eleven years. Located in the first floor gym, students were eager to partake in helping those in need. The generous donation was sent to various centers to help victims. Given the contributions made by both students and teachers, hopefully it will guarantee success for many victims of various crises.
The requirements to give blood were that one should weigh at least 110 pounds and have an iron level of 12.5 grams with the highest being at least 20 grams and clean arms-meaning no cuts or rashes . Upon arrival, donors were given tests that check for temperature and blood pressure. Students who have tattoos that are not at least a year old are recommended not to give blood. As a precaution, donors are told not to operate heavy machinery or do excessive exercises.
“Reasons for giving blood are to help leukemia patients, people with hemophilia, bleeding disorders and clotting of red blood cells,” said Lorraine, a donor specialist.
Out of the various reasons for donating blood many people agree this is one way of saving a life.
Even munificent teachers like Mr. Pallisco gave blood. “You may never know when someone’s going to need blood,” said Mr. Pallisco. “If something happens to me and I’m in need of blood, I’d be upset if they don’t have my type, hence the fact of giving blood.”
Blood that is donated are broken into three categories: plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. Plasma goes to burn victims, platelets go to chemo therapy patients and red blood cells go to anemic, organ and bone marrow transplant patients.
“I feel good donating because I could save the lives of at least three people,” stated Jane Belaustegui, one of the generous donors.
After giving blood, donors were given snacks and refreshments to replenish their energy.
Even though most students fear the prick of a needle, one little prick can help thousands in need of blood. Afterwards, students can feel great because they’ve contributed to victims and have done something productive for society.
The requirements to give blood were that one should weigh at least 110 pounds and have an iron level of 12.5 grams with the highest being at least 20 grams and clean arms-meaning no cuts or rashes . Upon arrival, donors were given tests that check for temperature and blood pressure. Students who have tattoos that are not at least a year old are recommended not to give blood. As a precaution, donors are told not to operate heavy machinery or do excessive exercises.
“Reasons for giving blood are to help leukemia patients, people with hemophilia, bleeding disorders and clotting of red blood cells,” said Lorraine, a donor specialist.
Out of the various reasons for donating blood many people agree this is one way of saving a life.
Even munificent teachers like Mr. Pallisco gave blood. “You may never know when someone’s going to need blood,” said Mr. Pallisco. “If something happens to me and I’m in need of blood, I’d be upset if they don’t have my type, hence the fact of giving blood.”
Blood that is donated are broken into three categories: plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. Plasma goes to burn victims, platelets go to chemo therapy patients and red blood cells go to anemic, organ and bone marrow transplant patients.
“I feel good donating because I could save the lives of at least three people,” stated Jane Belaustegui, one of the generous donors.
After giving blood, donors were given snacks and refreshments to replenish their energy.
Even though most students fear the prick of a needle, one little prick can help thousands in need of blood. Afterwards, students can feel great because they’ve contributed to victims and have done something productive for society.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Looking forward to vacation
Students define vacation as a time for rest and relaxation. Vacations are times to kick back, relax, and enjoy the pleasures of life. However, many get up-to-date on things they've been avoiding. Some get things accomplished that need attention and prepare for the coming school year.
This summer students are looking forward to gaining new experiences. Some are working summer jobs. These jobs are a way of earning money. They also help to take up time for those who have nothing planned and also a good way to meet new people. Most importantly, these summer jobs provide knowledge to what it feels like to be an independent person.
"I'm definitely looking forward towards the summer," said sophomore Dieidre Walkins. "Hopefully I'll get a summer job, if not an internship."
A few students are interested in doing internships throughout the summer. For some, it is to boost up their resume for college acceptance. While for others, it is to gain knowledge in a specific work field.
Taking classes of interest is one of the few things that students are considering. These classes of interest are a way of passing time. It gives experience to different subjects. Also, it can further enhance their knowledge while for some it is just a way of finding something suitable for themselves.
"I would like to take college classes over the summer to be prepared in college," said Ritika Parmar. "Also to gain experience in specific fields."
To be creative, some are taking up new hobbies. These hobbies are a way of taking up time, relieving stresses and pressures. Finding an interest is one of the bonuses along with creating and maintaining a new found passion.
Vacationing with families and friends is one of the major highlights of looking forward to the summer. For many students, it means having fun and socializing. The most enjoyable thing of it all is to be a free individual from the pressures of school.
The decision is up to the students. It's their choice to do whatever they choose to do. Productive or non-productive, it's summer and they all are choosing to have fun, create the best of it and enjoy themselves.
This summer students are looking forward to gaining new experiences. Some are working summer jobs. These jobs are a way of earning money. They also help to take up time for those who have nothing planned and also a good way to meet new people. Most importantly, these summer jobs provide knowledge to what it feels like to be an independent person.
"I'm definitely looking forward towards the summer," said sophomore Dieidre Walkins. "Hopefully I'll get a summer job, if not an internship."
A few students are interested in doing internships throughout the summer. For some, it is to boost up their resume for college acceptance. While for others, it is to gain knowledge in a specific work field.
Taking classes of interest is one of the few things that students are considering. These classes of interest are a way of passing time. It gives experience to different subjects. Also, it can further enhance their knowledge while for some it is just a way of finding something suitable for themselves.
"I would like to take college classes over the summer to be prepared in college," said Ritika Parmar. "Also to gain experience in specific fields."
To be creative, some are taking up new hobbies. These hobbies are a way of taking up time, relieving stresses and pressures. Finding an interest is one of the bonuses along with creating and maintaining a new found passion.
Vacationing with families and friends is one of the major highlights of looking forward to the summer. For many students, it means having fun and socializing. The most enjoyable thing of it all is to be a free individual from the pressures of school.
The decision is up to the students. It's their choice to do whatever they choose to do. Productive or non-productive, it's summer and they all are choosing to have fun, create the best of it and enjoy themselves.
Monday, April 28, 2008
The Cinderella Pact
It is a known fact that in certain professions, people are discriminated against based on their body weight. Whether it is too skinny, too fat, or not average, they are all categorized.
The Cinderella Pact is a fictional novel written by an Agatha award winning novelist, Sarah Strohmeyer. She is known for her Bubbles series and other novels such as The Secret Lives of Fortunate Wives.
The Cinderella Pact tells the story of three best friends who make a pact to transform themselves into thin, glamorous women. The struggle to lose weight continues while they battle new problems involving changes, relationships, trouble in the workplace and everything else in between that women face while they struggle to achieve something for themselves.
The book is set in the present time period and relates to similar everyday conflicts. The vivid pictures that the book portrays can relate to every female at least once in her life.
This book was interesting. It reinforces that people should accept themselves, even with their little faults and that not everything should change, whether the changes that they make may be good.
With all the new changes, new responsibilities but same old friendship, will the friends be able to have their Cinderella happy ending? Read and find out.
Monday, April 7, 2008
New Group ALERT!
A few new groups have been added to the other groups and clubs here at Jamaica. The Relationship Café, and now, The Girls Leadership Group. The Girls Leadership Group is here to teach and prepare young girls for the different aspects of life.
These groups are formed under an agency called In Partnership with Children, a community-based organization under Big Brothers and Sisters, whose original name was Open Heart, Open Mind.
This agency’s normal mode of operations was catering for elementary and middle school students and also for Alternative Learning Centers (ALC). While Jamaica is the first high school for which members of the agency are posted, Jamaica is not the only high school.
Why Jamaica? It’s because recently, as published in news articles, Jamaica High School was reported as persistently dangerous. Therefore the agency has been posted here at Jamaica since January to decrease the incidents.
“The Girls Leadership Group is all about teaching girls empowerment and leadership,” said Melissa Florival, one of the supervisors of the group. “It will be teaching girls to be themselves and how to act like a lady”.
The topics will include decision making regarding sexuality, being in abusive relationships and staying safe and HIV free.
“I would join the group,” said Deandra Myrick, a junior. “It would enhance our education and prepare us for the outside world”.
The meeting place for students interested in joining is room 210A, during fourth period on Wednesday, April 7th.
Laura Robinson, the second supervisor said, “It would be a good place to go and get things off their chest”.
Even though the sign-up deadline was on March 28, Ms. Florival and Ms. Robinson are still accepting more students. There is no limit to the number of students, so they are encouraged to go and be empowered.
These groups are formed under an agency called In Partnership with Children, a community-based organization under Big Brothers and Sisters, whose original name was Open Heart, Open Mind.
This agency’s normal mode of operations was catering for elementary and middle school students and also for Alternative Learning Centers (ALC). While Jamaica is the first high school for which members of the agency are posted, Jamaica is not the only high school.
Why Jamaica? It’s because recently, as published in news articles, Jamaica High School was reported as persistently dangerous. Therefore the agency has been posted here at Jamaica since January to decrease the incidents.
“The Girls Leadership Group is all about teaching girls empowerment and leadership,” said Melissa Florival, one of the supervisors of the group. “It will be teaching girls to be themselves and how to act like a lady”.
The topics will include decision making regarding sexuality, being in abusive relationships and staying safe and HIV free.
“I would join the group,” said Deandra Myrick, a junior. “It would enhance our education and prepare us for the outside world”.
The meeting place for students interested in joining is room 210A, during fourth period on Wednesday, April 7th.
Laura Robinson, the second supervisor said, “It would be a good place to go and get things off their chest”.
Even though the sign-up deadline was on March 28, Ms. Florival and Ms. Robinson are still accepting more students. There is no limit to the number of students, so they are encouraged to go and be empowered.
Monday, March 24, 2008
BUSTED
Many students have been caught doing other class assignments during their class time. Why do some students procrastinate? Is it as some students claim the pressure of last minute work? Is it the “adventurous” excuses that we make?
“I was so busy; I didn’t have time to do it”. “I didn’t know it was due today.” They sound familiar don’t they? That’s because we’ve all heard them and said them at least once in our school life and most of the time they are true.
Most of the time students may think they are not hurting anyone but themselves when they do homework or other things in other teachers’ classrooms. To burst student’s bubbles, we hurt the teachers instead.
Some teachers take it as disrespect to their purpose of teaching, while others can relate to students and think it’s fair to give students a chance to finish what they started at least 5-10 minutes before the end of class.
“I believe it is fair” said Jane B., a junior. “Since Jamaica doesn’t provide a study hall like other schools we should be given time to do some homework. Not everyone has time to do it at home.”
“I was so busy; I didn’t have time to do it”. “I didn’t know it was due today.” They sound familiar don’t they? That’s because we’ve all heard them and said them at least once in our school life and most of the time they are true.
Most of the time students may think they are not hurting anyone but themselves when they do homework or other things in other teachers’ classrooms. To burst student’s bubbles, we hurt the teachers instead.
Some teachers take it as disrespect to their purpose of teaching, while others can relate to students and think it’s fair to give students a chance to finish what they started at least 5-10 minutes before the end of class.
“I believe it is fair” said Jane B., a junior. “Since Jamaica doesn’t provide a study hall like other schools we should be given time to do some homework. Not everyone has time to do it at home.”
While Jamaica does provide a study hall, it is for teams after the season ends. However, the library is open after school but only once weekly on Tuesdays.
“In some cases, it would be acceptable to allow students to complete another assignment, however, in general, it is my opinion that students should try to complete their assignment before they come to school. But as a teacher we must understand that students have certain time constraints,” said Mr. Hertz, a math teacher. “Therefore we should allow students on special cases to complete other assignments.”
At least now students know one teacher who understands the little problems that they all face from time to time. Maybe the next time they get caught doing another teachers work, they can show a little respect. That teacher may cut them a little slack. Who knows, crazier things have happened.
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