U-City Staff Member Spotlight: Mr. Nicastro, Dean of Students

12 September 2011by Jag Times Staff Writer

With the start of a new school year our students are finding some familiar faces in new jobs around the school.  Our new Dean of Students is
Mr. Gennaro Nicastro. 

Mr. Nicastro was the STEM Academy Leader last year, and has been one of our brightest math teachers for the last four years.  He has a Bachelors
Degree in Mathematics and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Cabrini College. Mr. Nicastro’s new position calls for him to “Manage Discipline and School Safety” here at U-City.  In his own words, “ I am here to help the students when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.I want students to know that if they feel they are at their breaking point, please come see me.  I want the chance to diffuse a situation before it explodes.  I am not out to get you, and I want to help any way I can.”

Mr. Nicastro will be working closely with Academy Leaders, School Police, Administrators, and the rest of the staff here to help make the school a safer place to learn and grow for all of us.  His office is in room 108 next to Sergeant Skipworth.

Next time you see him in the hall, say hello!!
Mr. Nicastro’s Favorite Quote: 
“Tomorrow is promised to no one, so make the most of what you can today!”

To Public League All-Stars Walking Our Halls!!

15April2011 by Rafeeq Bush (NGA)

     The University City Jaguar Men’s Basketball Team is celebrating the fact that we have two Public League All-Stars.  Martez Lyles and Rafeeq Bush both hit six three-point-shots during a single game.  Martez did it during a crucial playoff game against Engineering & Science.  Even though our team finished with a loss, he played his best game of the season. 

     Rafeeq’s scored six three-pointers during two games this season.  The first was during a holiday tournament against FLC.  The second game was his first game back from sitting out at the beginning of the season.  He had a lot of pressure on him to deliver, and he wanted to make sure the coach did not regret his decision to add him as a starter.  As members of the Public League All Star Team, they were both able to play in the All Star Game held at South Philly High School.  University City Promise Academy is very proud to have these two young men representing them, and know they will go on to do great things!! 
Congratulations!!

Jaguar Times Podcast

Everyone should check out our new podcast on the Student Portal:

http://ucpastudentportal.wikispaces.com

Our first host, P. Carter, from NGA did a fantastic job on our first show!!

Anyone with ideas or an interest in
producing content for upcoming shows should see Mr. Scribner right away!!

"BEHIND THE BUSINESS" Career Training

15 April 2011 by Evynn Pendergrass (NGA)

The School District of Philadelphia is partnering with the Urban League of Philadelphia in a project called
“Behind the Business.”  Our 9th-Grade students have been participating in this program during 10th period on Social Enrichment Days.

Over the next few weeks, our students will be introduced to careers and community professionals from the entertainment industry. During each session, teachers will encourage students to engage in activities that will support their deeper understanding of what knowledge and skills are need to succeed in the particular career field.  These activities have included research, art projects and discussions.  Modules included in the training focus on the History of Entertainment in Philadelphia, Careers in the Industry, Teamwork, Work Habits, and many other topics.  So far our students have met the HR Director for the Philadelphia Zoo, a long-time salesperson for ClearChannel Radio, a Community Engagement Manager and Government Advocate for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and many other interesting presenters.  Our students are being exposed to a wealth of knowledge about how many people work every day to create, edit, promote, and present the shows and other attractions in and around Philadelphia.  Many of our students enjoy hearing about opportunities and are interested in the “behind the scenes” careers that support the personalities we see on TV and hear on the Radio!

NGA Activity Day

Check out the Podcast story of the Ninth Grade Academy's Activity Day:

http://ucpastudentportal.wikispaces.com/

Enjoy!!

Jag Times Editor

STEP SHOW INFORMATION

21 March 2011 by Ms. Boyle & Ms. Hanley
The Jags Step Team is hosting the 1st Annual Spring High School Step Show Competition on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 3:00pm. The list of participating schools includes Boys Latin, Central, Fels, North-east, and University City.
We will start selling tickets next week for $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the door. If you have any questions regarding the show, please let us know.

U-City Outlasts Lamberton in Marathon Game

29 March 2011 by Jag Times Staff

In a game that never seemed to want to end, the Jaguars of University City baseball team outslugged Lamberton 18-14 on March 29 for their first league win. It was a total team effort, backed by 3 strong innings of shut-out relief pitching by Brandy Morel, who picked up his first win of the season.