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(10/22/14 10:39pm)
By Taylar Berry
Staff Writer
Leadership is a program at East English Village Preparatory Academy (EEVPA) that allow students from East English to tutor students at Clark Elementary/Middle School.
Three years ago Lear Corporation CEO Matthew Simoncini, an alums of Clark, wanted to do something to improve the test scores at Clark. Since EEVPA was the closest school it was picked to participate.
“This is the only program of its kind,” said business teacher Mark Gniewek. “It allows the student tutors to get certified by The National Tutoring Association while still in high school.”
There are currently 140 students in this program. Students chosen to be a part of the program must have excellent math scores, a 2.8 GPA, good behavior, good attendance, and must undergo an interview process. Students selected for this program are often considered the leaders of the school.
They tutor grades 4-8 grade in mathematics. This program has helped the students at Clark, as well as the students at EEVPA the intense training in math and writing has also improved the scores of the student tutors.
They are improving the training of the tutoring as well as looking at data to see where the kids are less then proficient. They are hoping this method will improve the students a lot.
“This year we are training the new people harder,” said student tutor Jada Matthews. “They will be more then prepared this year.”
This is the third year this program has been at EEVPA. There has been a lot of planning behind the scenes. Lear provides support through paying for educational programs for the students such as: Buzzmath, IXL and ALEKS.
However, this is the final year of the three-year agreement unless the students at Clark show improvement. The staff has faith that the program will continue and are working extra hard to see that it does.
(10/22/14 10:38pm)
By Diamond Bateman and Rayshawn Vaughn
Staff Writer
The Future Project offers support for student’s passions and interests. Students involved in Future Project at East English Village are members of the Dream Team.
“The Dream Team is a group of students that believe that they are powerful and can make dreams come true,” said Kayla Mason, coordinator of the Future Project.
The Dream Team consist of students from various grade levels that focus on improving the school and making their dreams a reality. This program is project based and offers support in creating the visions of individual students.
Members of the Dream Team make up EEVPA’s Student Leadership Team. During sessions, students develop ideas to improve the school’s culture and methods to improve teacher/student relations. Presently, a plan is underway to improve student/teacher dialogue and create positive respectful mutual relationships.
Senior Darnell Obamwonyi, a member of the Dream Team, said: “Students involved are exposed to new opportunities, which broaden our options and future. Students are also bridged together in a positive movement to bring change to our school.”
Obamwonyi plans to attend Michigan State University next fall and will major in architecture. Being a member of the Dream Team will ensure that he is prepared and transitions successfully.
The Future Project and the Dream Team are currently located in five DPS Schools, including EEVPA. This is the first year for the program. One of the goals is to encourage and provide support for students.
“We also want to encourage students to attend school more and believe their dreams can come true,” Mason said.
Through various activities, students will become independent thinkers and develop leadership skills. To become a member of the Dream Team, visit Mason in Room E119. She is available throughout the school day and Wednesday after school from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
(10/22/14 10:36pm)
By China Clark and Floyd Breham
Staff Writers
October is National Domestic Violence Prevention Month. Domestic violence effects everyone —young and old. It has no color and crosses into every socio-economic status. It’s a serious problem that can lead to death. Domestic violence isn’t just physically abuse, it’s also mental, emotional and verbal abuse.
Most recently, Ray Rice, a running back for the Baltimore Ravens, was charged with assault charges against his then fiancé and now wife, Janay. This situation was widespread and the video can be seen on any media outlet. The NFL indefinitely suspended Rice as a result of the incident. This suspension sends a strong message that domestic violence incidents will not be tolerated in the NFL.
Michele Follebout, EEVPA’s clinical therapist said some of the early signs of domestic violence are fear, controlling behavior, bad or unpredictable temper and jealousy. She said too often, people involved in abusive relationships don’t want to leave because of embarrassment, low self-esteem, love or infatuation or abandonment issues.
Domestic violence not only effects the two individuals involved, but also the people around that are exposed to it.
“Moreover due to the recent trend of reality television, social media and video games – Grand Theft Auto in particular, violence is the norm,” Follebout said.
If there are children involved, they are directly affected by it and will respond in various ways.
“Children may experience behavioral problems in school,” Follebout said “They may experience depression. They may be antisocial or hostile.”
Teens can experience domestic violence. Many teens are afraid to talk about their abuse because of the fear of being judged. They also don’t want the other person to get in trouble. They don’t want to tell their friend because they might judge them or tell someone. They might even tell the police.
“Don’t ignore the sign of domestic violence. Don’t be afraid to tell someone. No one deserves to be abuse. Get help, get out and take control of your life,” Follebout said.
(10/22/14 9:54pm)
By Jada Coleman and Fred Wright-Jones
Staff Writers
Detroit’s male inner-city youth has been drawn into the violence of the streets. With nothing or no one to turn to, the streets are the only option for these young men. Role models are at a minimum nowadays, but thanks to D.I.G.N.I.T.Y (Doing in God’s Name Incredible Things Yourself) our young men can be steered in the right direction.
Through mentorship, positive action, and leadership training, D.I.G.N.I.T.Y will empower EEVPA students. D.I.G.N.I.T.Y’S Co-founder, Ray Winans said “The goal of the D.I.G.N.I.T.Y program is to change lives, build responsible young men, minimize violence, build structure and create a positive environment.”
The youth today are considered the future. With D.I.G.N.I.T.Y lending a helping hand to the male youth at East English Village, these young men have the opportunity to create — and potentially even bring to life — solutions to the tremendous economic and social issues plaguing Detroit such as poverty, illiteracy and gang violence.
This program’s success can be given to the founder, EEVPA’s principal Patricia Murray and co-founder Winans. They mended the gap for these young men that were once separated by the streets of Detroit. With this program, the youth will have life skill learning tools that will expand their outlook on life, careers, education and their community as well as familiarizing them in areas of self-interest.
D.I.G.N.I.T.Y has improved lives.
“D.I.G.N.I.T.Y has changed my life by showing me how to switch gears by knowing when it’s time to play and time to be serious,” said D.I.G.N.I.T.Y program leader Michael Barnes said. “D.I.G.N.I.T.Y has also showed me a lot such as becoming a responsible man and owning up for my actions.”
The youth will have the skills to become mentors amongst their peers; having the ability to identify high-risk people, places and situations. There will be a reduction in gang activity and violence; an increase in proud, strong leaders. This will become an organization of positive young men and produce increased student achievement and attendance. With D.I.G.N.I.T.Y, our young men at East English are headed in the right direction.
(10/22/14 9:51pm)
Freshman Takiyah Iverson
By Raquel Granger
Staff Writer
Transitioning from middle school to high school is often a difficult task for many, but not for Takiyah Iverson, a freshman grader at East English Village.
“High school requires independence and organizational skills to be successful student,” Iverson said. “Students should also be focused in their classrooms during learning.”
Iverson’s favorite teacher is biology teacher Arshala Washington. Iverson enjoys Washington’s creativity and her ability to keep the student’s engaged. Washington’s class is rigorous and challenging, which is similar to a college sitting. Iverson is definitely up for the challenge and plans to excel as a student in Washington’s class.
Iverson is member of the school’s dance program. She’s been dancing since middle school, and dance runs in her family. Iverson is also a member of the praise dance team at her church. Iverson is flexible and proficient in her movements and is valuable addition to our dance team. Iverson would love to be a choreographer when she grows up.
Iverson said she feels that her studies at East English Village will prepare her for her next level learning upon graduation. Iverson would like to attend Howard University and major in dance.
(10/22/14 9:48pm)
By Kristian Craig
Staff Writer
This school year, Fredrick Douglass Academy is off the state of Michigan Priority School List.
“Douglass ranked in the bottom 5% of schools in the state of Michigan [last year],” said Christopher Bryant, Douglass curriculum specialist and school improvement chair.
Bryant said Douglass had been on the priority school list the last two years, but has been working to improve test scores.
When the school was put on the list they didn’t say “we put you on this list, so figure out what the problem is,” Bryant said.
Bryant said that Douglass was given help by Wayne RESA and the State of Michigan. They worked with the school to figure out what the major issues are and what they can do to address the issues so they can become strengths instead of concerns. Teachers were able to go to more workshops to help with the structure, the culture and the climate of the school.
“[Had we not been] on the priority school list, Douglass wouldn’t have been given any outside help,” Bryant said.
Douglass staff has adopted several programs in the past two years to improve learning, including Guided Reading, Professional Learning Committee and ACT Prep classes.
“Having the school year extended helped students improve on their grades and their test scores,” Bryant said.
“One thing that people realize is you can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again, expecting change. If you want change, you have to figure out what needs to be changed,” Bryant said.
(10/22/14 9:48pm)
By Nathan Lymon
Staff Writer
Cars roar by on Grand River Ave. near Frederick Douglass Academy. Shoulder pads pop and helmets crash on the football field. A coach yells at a player to “push, push, PUSH!”
But defensive end Juwan Mueller can’t hear it.
Mueller, a Douglass senior, is hearing impaired. He is the first hearing impaired student to play on any Douglass roster.
“It’s a bit challenging at times because of me being impaired but, I love the challenge,” said Mueller through an interpreter. “Sometimes the coach tells me that it’s a bit of a challenge for him.”
Mueller has a lot of support while playing football from the coaching staff and, mainly, his fellow players.
“We teach him techniques and give him a certain time limit to stop, or we’ll just go over and grab him,” said junior linebacker Kamar Graves. “It’s not frustrating because I know sign language as well.”
Mueller enjoys playing despite the challenge of learning a new sport and transcending the communication barrier.
“I am trying to learn as much as I can — everything they are teaching me,” said Mueller. “My team mates really motivate me and really are encouraging me to do better. I do a lot of taking turns with other people. I have to watch them then afterwards I get to practice myself.”
Mueller was unable to play earlier in the year until an interpreter could be arranged for him. Rick Aylesworth, who had worked with Mueller the previous school year, was glad to help. Aylesworth and fellow interpreter Michael Colton hope Mueller’s participation will diminish some concerns expressed about safety —for both Graves and other players. Some worry that an hearing impaired player will not stop play in time and hurt others, or not hear warnings.
“He looks at me when the play stops or focuses on,” said Aylesworth. “When he’s on the ground, he looks at me and gets up. I don’t feel worried when he plays.”
“I’m excited he gets the opportunity to play,” said Colton. “Juwan is showing that hearing impaired people can be equal to hearing people.”
“I like playing football. It helps with your mind and keeps me focus. I love the competition,” said Mueller. “I’ve never felt I wanted to give up. I always suck it up.”
(10/22/14 9:45pm)
By Bruce Johnson Jr.
Staff Writer
In the ever constant struggle to pay college fees, there is a reprieve amidst the storm. The Detroit College Promise (DCP) is an organization in Metro Detroit that gives a monetary value to students who intend to attend college and have spent their four years of high school in a Detroit Public School.
DCP is like other scholarships, but the money received will vary from $200 to $1,000, depending on funding of the program by donors.
DCP program has been in existence for six years. CEO Nat Pernick started it in 2008 and is the biggest donor.
Though the monetary awards from DCP don’t cover the cost of a full college education, DCP intern Cara Cole says donations have increased with awareness of the program.
“I can’t see when we will be able to pay for the full cost for tuition, but we will be able to assist students in paying for college fees,” said Cole.
Current DPS ninth graders are automatically enrolled in the program. All they have to do to receive the award is stay in DPS until they graduate. There is no GPA or ACT requirement in order to receive the money. Sophomores, juniors and seniors must have applied as freshmen. Students should see their counselor to determine your eligibility.
(10/22/14 8:58pm)
By Bruce Johnson Jr.
Staff Writer
“The purpose of the Cadet Challenge is to assess the physical fitness of the battalion as a whole,” said Sergeant First Class Terry Strauss, one of the two JROTC instructors of the Hurricane Battalion at Douglass.
On Sept. 25, Douglass had the first of two annual full battalion Cadet Challenges for the school year. The Challenge is a combination of five events that test the student’s physical ability throughout the year. The exercises are sit-ups, the V-sit reach, pull-ups, the shuttle run, and the one mile run.
“Those who put forth a good effort did well, but it is a participatory event, so who so ever does the event gets credit,” said Strauss.
As each student completes the events, the students get rewarded if they are commendable in the five events which satisfy the National Presidential Personal Fitness award. Those who earn a 50% or higher in proficiency in all the events earn the National Personal Fitness award, a red patch to go on their JROTC uniform. Those who score an 80% or higher in proficiency will receive a blue patch to go on their uniform and a red one as well.
“In my eight years here at Frederick Douglass Academy, Antoine Roberts is the only one in those years to receive the Presidential Personal Fitness award,” said Strauss.
Roberts, a junior, received the Presidential Personal fitness award.
“I knew from assessing Antoine from the last two years his scores have been getting batter and I knew eventually he would get the award,” said First Sergeant Laverne Rush.
The previous two years he only received the National Personal Fitness award, but now this year, he won the presidential award.
“It is a great accomplishment. I’m proud that someone received the award,” said Battalion Commander Evan Rodgers.
Everyone is looking forward to the second cadet challenge, where we hope that we have at least two more winners of the Presidential Award and many more National awards.
“The second Cadet Challenge will be much more successful and other cadets will look at the success of Antoine and will strive to meet his goal as well as their own goal,” said Rodgers.
“The Second Cadet challenge I envision us having 15 National and 2-3 Presidential awards,” said Rush.
(10/22/14 8:56pm)
By Kaleb A. Oates
Staff Writer
The Detroit Public School District has adopted a new breakfast procedure. In collaboration with the Office of Food Service and Nutrition, DPS has begun serving breakfast in classrooms during the first hour. This method will allow many more students to eat, considering some students are unable to arrive at 7:30 a.m. when breakfast was formerly served. School board officials also believe that this method will guarantee an increase in school attendance.
“It’ll allow more students to be fed breakfast,” Douglass principal Berry Greer said. “Instead of feeding 40%, we’d rather feed 100%.”
Despite the logic and rationale behind the new procedure, it has not found favor with all staff at Douglass. While a few educators thought it was a good idea, many disagreed.
Douglass science teacher Gigi Branham-Williams disagrees with the new approach. She explains that the school, specifically her classroom, already has a pre-existing pest problem. She says food and crumbs end up on the floor and desks, making a feast for pests.
“I’m already trying to taper the pest problem in my classroom, now breakfast!” said Branham-Williams.
Others feel that taking time out to serve and eat breakfast consumes precious instructional time. Some argue that dealing with student behavior, paperwork, and everyday administrative changes is a big enough burden, let alone balancing time to oversee the breakfast period.
“This will subtract from class time. Some students need a little extra help,” said Douglass resource teacher Amanda Morris. “How will this time be supplemented?”
On the other hand, some staff members have discovered the benefits of allowing students to eat breakfast in classroom. Douglass math teacher Ronald Collins originally did not agree with the program, but now feels it serves its purpose well.
“I was surprised with the amount of breakfast bags being served,” said Collins. “This method has also shown growth in student performance.”
He has discovered a great increase in the number of students who are able to eat breakfast now. Collins said he is glad to know that the food is going to satisfy a hungry, maybe even empty, stomach.
“My meals for the entire day are provided in school, breakfast and lunch,” said a Douglass sophomore, who asked not to be named. “Since they arranged breakfast in class, I’m able to eat breakfast, not just lunch.”
(10/22/14 8:54pm)
By Alayzjia Harris and Juanita Stewart
Staff Writers
(10/22/14 8:51pm)
By Jasmine Jones
Staff Writer
ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is an Islamic group of militants located in Iraq and the Mediterrean coast. They’ve been in existence for about 10 years. In the last few months, ISIS seized territory in both Iraq and Syria and declared an Islamic caliphate. They force others to convert to Islam, as reported by NBC News.
According to Human Rights Watch, “ISIS has targeted minority groups in the region such as Christian nuns, Turkmen, and Shabaks. If they refuse to convert to Islam, they will be executed by having their heads cut off."
“I feel that what ISIS is doing is wrong because they are forcing people to convert to Islam,” senior Muntha Mumin said. “But it’s against our religion [and] it’s forbidden to use violence to force someone to convert to Islam.”
“It is sad to see innocent lives being taken,” senior Jessica Hogan said. “Those people have no feelings towards anyone because all they want to do is spread their religion. But everybody does not want to follow that and I just think it's sad that their lives have to be taken over something like that."
According to CNN, President Barack Obama ordered targeted airstrikes on Iraq to begin in early August. It was due to after ISIS fighters began targeting ethnic Yazidis and launching attacks toward the Kurdish regional capital of Irbil.
In response to his actions, a masked ISIS figure speaks to Obama telling him, “Just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.”
The message was linked to the video of the execution of the American journalist Steven Sotloff. It was released on the Internet to warn others about the power of ISIS, as reported by CNN.
Already over 150 airstrikes have been released in three major locations. These include Mosul Dam, Irbil, and Sinjar. Some people are worried that ISIS will strike the U.S.
"I would hate for them to come and attack Detroit because I like it. I go to school here at D.I.A. and its near downtown Detroit so if something were to happen [downtown], it could affect the school and the students [here],” Alexandia Wyrick said.
(10/22/14 8:50pm)
By Pangley Yang and Munthaha Mumin
Staff Writers
From the publication of “Islam on Demand,” the word “Islam” means surrender or submission. The word “salaam” means peace; it is the root word of Islam. Islam is a universal religion. There are 1.6 million Muslims in this world and it is the fastest growing religion in the world.
In Islam there are five pillars that every Muslim must follow. They are: testimony prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and alms-giving. Wealthy Muslim’s must complete all pillars before they die. The poorer Muslims must complete the first three pillars. But, every Muslim should pray five times a day.
Islam is a peaceful religion. Terrorism, unjustified violence, killing of non-combatant civilians, and forced marriages are forbidden in Islam, says the Publication of Islam on Demand.
“Killing innocent people is most definitely forbidden in Islam,” said senior Anika Chowdhury.
Juan Cole is Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History at the University of Michigan writes in his online news article, Informed Comment that, in Islam, taking revenge is forbidden. In the Qur’an it says “it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and he who saves a life, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind.”
An article posted on “Empowering Youth for Peace in Iraq” says, there are “20,000 women and girls in Iraq that could face an increased risk of sexual violence promoted by ISIS.”
Junior Nikebia Brown-Joseph says, “Women already face enough discrimination and hardships across cultures, seeing and hearing what they have to go through compared to what women here at home have to go through, it is definitely more extreme. It makes me really upset and worried how women will continue to be perceived in cultures. It seems as if women are not valued. Young women my age should only have to worry about education, instead of sexual assault and violence against their lives.”
The Islamic religion is a peaceful religion, therefore ISIS cannot possibly be following the Muslim way of life.
(10/22/14 8:49pm)
By Dai’Schenal Cross-Gibson
Staff Writer
On Oct. 10, the boys of Frederick Douglass and the girls of Detroit International Academy’s held the schools’ annual homecoming dance. It took place at the Northwest Activity Center.
It was a night full of fun, food, lights, cameras and laughter. The night started with the signing of a homecoming banner and it ended in a variety of hustles.
Throughout the night we were rated for best dressed, the winner was sophomore Alexis Banks, and the crowning of homecoming queen, senior Breanna Norman.
Roses were given to DIA’s ladies that dressed to impress. Visitors from many different schools came out and celebrated the special event.
(10/22/14 8:47pm)
By Keyonna Wash
Staff Writer
On Oct. 1, the ladies of Detroit Internal Academy celebrated their annual Count Day. It was filled with a lot of fun for the students. Students received extra points to be used in various classes, just for coming to school on time.
During their seventh hour they participated in several raffles. The prizes included cash, a new full school uniform, gift cards and more.
Junior Dai’Schenal Cross-Gibson said: “I really had a good time. I love the prizes and the fun we have on Count Day.”
During the raffle some students describe it as war. It was intense during money time. Teachers and staff donate a lot of prizes every year. It is a generous donation to the students who get up and come to school. Students look forward to the next Count Day in February.
(10/22/14 8:47pm)
By Banen Alazawi and Nyla Shields
Staff Writers
Many people think bringing the three schools on the Cody campus together for an event would be a mistake, but that was the plan for the 2014 homecoming pep assembly.
The student councils of all three schools came together last month to plan for a combined pep assembly for homecoming week even though there have been fights between the schools in the past.
Cody DIT senior Dashayia Murphy said the last time the three schools got together in one room was the 2012 pep assembly where multiple fights broke out between the schools during the event.
“I remember seeing students being maced and other people having asthma attacks and passing out,” Murphy said.
The student councils decided it was important to find a way to get the schools together without the fighting so they planned carefully to prevent problems.
One feature of the plan was to not have students wear the uniforms that make it easy to tell the schools apart. The day of the pep rally students at all three schools were supposed to dress according to grade instead of wearing their school uniform colors. The freshman wore green and white; the sophomores, red and white; the juniors, blue and silver; and the seniors, purple and black.
Instead of sitting separated by schools, students would sit with others in the same grade from all three schools.
The day before the pep rally Cody APL backed out of the plan. Cody DIT college counselor and student council advisor Myles Morgan explained that Cody APL principal Johnathon Matthews expressed concerns about trading one kind of tension for another and took an approach that minimized unknowns and decreased as much risk as possible.
Cody MCH student council member Johnea Neely and MCH junior Daja Burch said they felt insulted about the chance that they wouldn’t be together as a whole school.
“We all sit together during games, so why can’t we sit together for an hour for a pep assembly?” Burch said.
In the end, Cody APL sat on one side of the gym and Cody MCH and Cody DIT dressed in their class colors and sat together by grade.
Cody DIT senior class ambassador Arnez Colvin was on the floor at the pep assembly to keep students in the stands on the DIT and MCH side. He was in favor of the plan, but he thought people might end up fighting.
“I really expected something to go down, but everybody ended up just having a good time,” Colvin said.
(10/22/14 8:45pm)
By Gregory Scott
Staff Writer
Junior DeVaughn Humphries thinks the automotive technology that will prevent accidents is pretty cool.
“They’re making cars that can talk to each other, read each other’s minds and get to know their surroundings so they don’t go ramming into each other,” Humphries said.
Carl Klimek, executive orchestrator of Square One Education Network, met Humphries at the Michigan International Speedway last May where schools were racing their innovative vehicle designs (IVDs). Because of Humphries’ interest in a career in automotive technology, Klimek asked him to be on a panel at the 2014 World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) held at Cobo Hall Sept. 7-11. He also invited Humphries and his Cody DIT STEaM classmates to attend two days of the conference.
Students were excited about attending the event. Promotion of the event on the ITS website said, “more than 10,000 of the world’s leading transportation policymakers, researchers, high-tech innovators, and business professionals from the United States, Europe and Asia will gather to share the latest intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications from around the globe.”
Cody DIT was one of only three high schools in the area asked to send a team to compete in an event called Speed Build on Sept. 8. Each team of six had three hours to convert a gas go-kart to an electric. They had to assemble the entire car including the electrical system, brakes, steering and safety before getting to travel one lap on a track.
When a larger Cody group went to the conference on Sept. 10 they got to experiment with magnetic levitation cars. Groups of two or three students were given kits full of parts and had to make the cars, get them to travel down a magnetic track, and get the fastest time.
The maglev cars were junior Tyler Zellous’s favorite part.
“I like messing around with wires and tearing things apart, trying to find ways to make things work without an instruction book,” Zellous said. “Just the difficulty of the project was fun for me.”
(10/22/14 8:43pm)
By De’Ante Clark and Tyler Zellous
Staff Writer
(10/22/14 8:39pm)
By Kiara Duncan and Amber Oliver
Staff Writers
(10/22/14 8:37pm)
By James Johnson and Jonice Sylvester
Staff Writers
