Student Jesus Garcia

Students that achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher in their Third Quarter report cards. Their reward is a special lunch with the Principal.

Aurora Álvarez
Luz M. Rivera
Jesús García
Lisette Cruz
Rubén Mercado
Caprinda Grant
Tanairi Colón
Xiomara Grimaldo
Ángela Escobar
D’Angelo Luciano
Jocelyn Hernández
Lourdes Matute
Crystal Martínez
Lionel Booker
Grace Rivas
Rubén Cuadra
Mayra Pagán
Tania Castillo
Gabriel Valle
Janet Salgado
Anthony Soria
Alejandra Lugo
Sandra Salgado
Jolina Ramos
Natalie Oquendo
Onely Onofre
Tania Castillo
Joshua Lucena
Ashley Cartagena
Octavian Pagán
José Toledo

Photo: Steven Millard Science Class

By: Steven Millard

We have been working hard for the last two years to make high gains with our students on our rigorous tests that will ultimately indicate future success not only in our school, but also in their future education and life. It has not been easy and I’ve wondered sometimes if it is possible.

Today Ryan Lyerla and I gave the evolution exam to our students, composed of 20 New York Regents Exam evolution questions. These test questions are known for being very rigorous. Approximately 35 of our students not only passed the exam, but scored above an 80% on their first try, without notes, no funny business. I was a bit shocked myself and watched very careful for any cheating. I didn’t see any.

This stands as a real mile marker for us, and is the culmination of our recent positive school changes and continually implementing new strategies in the classroom. It proves that our students are “smart” and can attain high academic achievement.

As promised, those students who scored an 80% or above on the exam and have a passing grade attended a field trip to the Field Museum to see the evolution exhibit. We had to find transportation quickly, and when no bus companies were available, we turned to the Miguel A. Barretos Boys and Girls Club. They came through, providing two fifteen-passenger vans to take us and pick us up at the end of the day. Thanks to the leadership of Hector Perez at the Club, this trip was a success!

This is a proud time for the school and our classes. Please congratulate the students and encourage the ones who did not score above an 80% on the exam. This is a success we can all share in. Your support and love on the students are enabling them to do great things! The best part about this process was watching how shocked and excited they were when they realized they can be highly successful.

This is just the start. Lets continue this growth! Here are the students’ names:

Alex V, Shevelle W, Jessica R, Michelle P, Booboo N, Jose L, Michael A, Crystal M, Hector R, Kiole B, Tania C, Emmanuel H, Onely O, Lizzette O, Octavian P, Natalie O, Jesus Garcia, Reynado R, Ruben C, Destiny A, Lionel B, Amaris K, Grace R, Bianca J, Ashley S, Samuel C, Alecia H, Ashley C, Jose T, Sara W, Stephanie D, Lorena D, Vicky B, Lisabel R, Diamond D, Gabrella C, Gabriel V.

Students that received “Perfect Attendance” awards for the month of January.

Benito Diaz
Jasmin Rivera
Luz M. Rivera
Jonathan Rodriguez
Alberto Oceguera
Caprinda Grant
Lissette Cruz
Bianca Johnson
Alejandra Lugo
Ruben Mercado
Jorge Montañez
Christopher Williams
Aurora Alvarez
Jesus Garcia

Youth Hearing: Education, Jobs & Justice
By Edward Colón

On Tuesday, January 26th 2010, I was at a hearing for Summer Jobs Program. It seemed like a success, because everyone who spoke had good evidence and strong opinions on why we should continue to have these summer programs. I personally enjoyed being there because I was in one of the programs in the summer of ’09. I feel that if you want something you have to fight for it verbally. I tried my best and I’m glad I had the opportunity to represent the school, for me, my peers, and for all the youth fighting for this as well.

Colón is a sophomore at our school, and an upcoming student leader. He was one of 120 students that were employed in the summer of ’09, participating in a community-based business endeavor in or around Paseo Boricua. Mr. Colón also made the Principal’s list for his grade point average in the first quarter and hopes to move on from High School studying in the area of Forensic Science. Keep up the hard work Mr. Edward Colón!

Students that showed perfect attendance during the month of December. Congratulations !!!

Grace Rivas*

Jasmin Rivera*

Kelvin Aponte

Samuel Claudio

Jolissa Colon

Bryan Curtis

Robert Diaz

Nadine Olivo

Dalianis Reyes

Lexus Rodriguez

Alexandra Salgado

Ramon Sanchez

Esmeralda Vazquez

Emmanuel Holmes

Aurora Alvarez

Miguel Baez

Jorge Montañez

Christopher Williams

Thiara Wilson

*No absences or tardies.

Cold air blew through the Barreto’s Boys and Girls club gym as the Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Boys Basketball (PACHS) team got off to a slow start. As if the legs and arms were cold from the Chicago chill, the offense could not get going in the first quarter. The team’s opponent, Latino Youth, came into the gym with fire and intensity. They powered the middle by a gigantic center numbered 53, an energetic point guard numbered 4, and a slasher number 32. PACHS center, Kike had is hands full in the paint with their giant, and the PACHS zone was giving up early jump shots that allowed the Latino Youth team to gain a 10 point lead in the first half. PACHS point guard and community scholar, Benito played the entire game taking care of the ball not allowing any turn overs.

As the game continued at a frantic pace the PACHS team was wearing down the Latino Youth defense, and as PACHS guards were fouled they would go to the charity stripe (the free throw line) and shoot two. It is called the charity stripe because it is supposed to be an easy basket. However, PACHS could not make a free throw to save their lives! Missing almost ten free throws in the first half. It was almost as if the rim had a closed door, because the way that the ball hit the rim sounded like someone was knocking on the door.

In the second half… someone answered the door… it was Chris Williams. Making four free throws in a row due to Latino Youth’s excessive fouls and a foolish technical foul committed by their number 32, Chris brought PACHS back to striking distance. The giant then fouled out and the middle of the lane was suddenly empty. PACHS Forwards Emmanuel and Jesus got rebounds and that led to Latino Youth committing more fouls. Through Chris’ leadership, PACHS started making free throws. Latino Youth #32 hit a clutch three pointer to bring them within one point. PACHS wisely called a time out and decided not to push but to slow it down with one minute remaining. If Latino Youth fouled PACHS, they would be heading to the charity stripe AGAIN.

Benito controlled the ball well after the time out, but Latino Youth left the middle of the floor wide open. Jesus and Benito combined for a quick give and go pass, and Benito hit a mid-range jump shot to put PACHS up by three. In disgust, a Latino Youth player slammed the ball down getting a technical foul called. PACHS sent Chris Williams to the line again. He made the first one and finally missed a free throw. With 3 seconds remaining on the clock Latino Youth had time for one more shot. Wisely, the PACHS team did not foul the last shot to allow a four point play. In the end, PACHS escaped their first home game with a come from behind win 39-35. The completely filled bleachers were elated and embraced the team chanting “Albizu”! “Campos!” “Albizu”! “Campos!” “Albizu”! “Campos!”

–

With the help of our College Transition Specialist, D’Angelo Luciano will also be working on scholarship applications for when he graduates. With proof of being enrolled in college, YCCS has committed to provide $200 more toward D’Angelo’s education.

This year, twenty students are scheduled to take the same State tests that D’Angelo Luciano took. All of these students will be informed, and will have the same opportunity to receive rewards for their achievement. This year, the test will take place in April.

Congratulations to D’Angelo Luciano and his family, keep working hard!