University City High School Promise Academy Chorale Community Outreach!

23 December 2010 - J. Jordan

The UCHS Chorale presented two performances this week to receptive audiences in University City. On Tuesday December 21, the students visited the residents at the Penn Center for Care and Rehabilitation and sang a selection of Holiday favorites under the Direction of Mr. Jordan. This performance was particularly satisfying for our students since they brought happiness to many of the residents who are, sadly, away from their families for the holidays. This performance featured solos by senior Matthew Johnson and junior Charlene Gonzalez.

On Wednesday December 22, the UCHS Chorale performed in the lobby of the Pearlman Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The patients and staff truly appreciated the efforts of our students who, though few in numbers for this performance, were mighty in sound. The Chorale's performance was enhanced by the piano accompaniment of Mrs. Gough-Sweeney as well as solos by Charlene Gonzalez and senior Lavera Rios. The students are to be commended for their willingness to reach out to those less fortunate in our community and to those who are sick and alone during the holidays. Bravo Jaguars!

Holiday Traditions Around The World

23 December 2010 - J. Klue

UCHS international students gathered Wednesday Dec 22 to celebrate the holiday season. Students from eight different countries (Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guinea, Haiti, Mauritania, and Togo) enjoyed the opportunity to come together outside of class, meet new students, and learn about each other's unique holiday traditions.

Advice From Miss Natesha

Dear Miss Natesha,

I am a soon to be mother. I am eight months pregnant and honestly I’m a little nervous. Can you give me some info on how to take my labor?

Sincerely,
Nervous New Mom

Dear Miss Nervous Mom,
I think you should walk every day, eat healthy foods, and drink a lot of water. Also, pack a bag because you might “go” a little faster than you thought! Okay, now about the labor… Remember to take deep breaths. You might feel some sharp pains but keep your thoughts positive. Then soon after the sharp pains, you will have to push. When the baby arrives, you should hold and kiss him or her; this will make an important bond between you and your baby. Okay, now if you need help with the feeding, remember that the best way is to breast-feed your newborn. But if it is too hard for you then you can bottle-feed. They are getting the same nutrients but breast-feeding is just a little better. Also, you must remember to keep your baby up-to-date on all immunizations and doctor check-ups. If your baby gets sick late at night you should take him or her to the emergency room. Oh yeah, one last thing, make sure you change your babies diaper regularly or your baby will get a diaper rash!

Sincerely,

Miss Natesha (Oasis)

p.s. I believe all new moms should read this book!

(This is not a commercial endorsement for the book listed. All advice is student opinion and should not be interpreted medically professional. If you believe you are pregnant or may be, seek medical attention. Contact your parent, our School Nurse, the Elect Center,
or your Counselor Immediately.)

Constitution Center Trip

22 December 2010 - Ms. Christopher

Today several of Ms Christopher's art students and Mr Sheira's AP Govt students went and saw the exhibit Art of the American Soldier at the National Constitution Center. This cross curriculum trip allowed students to explore the history of our Nation and see never before exhibited art work commissioned by the United States Army and created by real soldiers. The paintings and drawings spanned from WWI to present day and capture the real soldier experience.

STUDENTS SPEAK OUT!!

I surveyed University City High School students and here are the results. The results are not what I expected. I thought Chris Brown would have received more votes than Rhianna, but the students have spoken!
(Click on Chart to Right For Results)

Stay tuned for my next survey. Until then, peace out and enjoy the holidays.

A. Brockington (Oasis Academy)

Tonight and Tomorrow:

Amazing celestial events are taking place! First, despite the cold you have felt, winter does not officially begin until 6:38pm tomorrow, Dec. 21^st, the winter solstice. Also, tonight, there will be a lunar eclipse. You’re going to have to set your alarm clocks for this one! The partial eclipse of the moon will begin at 1:30am and a total eclipse will begin around 2:40am. At this point, the moon will turn an amazing orange/red color (parents, do you know why this happens? Your students do!) Remember, it is perfectly safe to look directly at a lunar eclipse (you should never, however, look directly at a solar eclipse). If you do not wake up for this one, you’ll have to wait until Dec. 2011 to see the next one visible from the US. As a friend once told me, it's going to happen whether you see it or not. So, go to bed early, set your alarm, and enjoy! (Borrowed from Homework Blast Email, Montclair Middle School, A. Scribner)

Arabic Club Celebrates Egyptian Culture

17 December 2010 - Enrichment Report by M. Begum, F. Begum, and J. Ferdous

Imagine being surrounded by all of the colorful posters and graphics in our Arabic Club. Stop by room 127 during Social Enrichment time and you will see a classroom that not only looks really nice, but provides great insight to this culturally rich destination. You can immerse yourself in Arabic language and traditions from around the world. Ms. M. Begum said ":its looking really nice and is a great class. We do so many fun things!

Mr. Mousa, teaching about Cairo, the capital of Egypt, explains that it is the biggest city in the country. Cairo has 16 million people living in or around it. He also explains to us all about Cairo's culture, festivals, food, dress, and about how to Cairo people live each day. We learn that the religious breakdown is approximately 70% Muslim and 30% Christan. We also view vidoes showing how students speak and write in Arabic. We are able to watch an Arabic movie about how Egypt looks, how Egyptian people live, and how they celebrate their festivals and culture. There is a lot of diversity throughout the country.

Egypt is a most beautiful country that is known for many treasures. One of the most famous of which are the Great Pyramids at Giza (above). It is also one of the most advanced countries in that region of the world. It has a culture that spans centuries, and a wealth of knowlege we are "excited to learn about", said Ms. Ferdous.

Right Out Of GQ!

16DEC2010 - JT Staff Writer

There was a quiet sense of pride and an uplifting of spirits today on the faces of our students. They looked happier and walked a little taller as they donned their official Promise Academy dress jackets. The new blazers, purchased by the school, were issued today to as many students as possible. The blazers, embroidered with the emblem below, were ordered for every student and were also available for purchase by the staff.

"I feel more professional and important", was overheard by a student in class. Mr. Proctor and Mr. Lain were happy to stand for a picture in front of the Jaguar Way. According to Mr. Lain, the blazers complete a uniform that "make everyone feel like professionals."

Is Vick The Answer?

15 Dec 2010 - Editorial by L. Smith (Oasis)

When the Eagles played the first game of the 2010 season, people were saying that they were going to be bad because they gave Donovan McNabb away to the Washington Redskins. But when Michael Vick got on the field, the Eagles got a lot better in my opinion. Could this be the year we get our first modern Super Bowl ring? To get their rings, the Eagles will have to meet the New York Giants next week. I think they will beat them because Michael Vick is playing very well. If Vick keeps performing at this level, we should beat them 24-21. Do you think the Eagles can do it? Early in the season, nobody believed the Eagles had a chance, but right now we are 9-4, so it is looking good. Can we go all the way with Vick? I think we can, and if we do win the Super Bowl, the Eagles Organization better be ready to give Vick a lot of money and a long contract.