THE PAW PRINT Vol. 1 Issue 4
December 22, 2017 California Wildfires Still Burning
There has been 8,766 total Wildfires in California this year. The cost for repairing everything that got destroyed is projected to be $9.4 Billion. The total Injuries are 9 firefighters and 199 civilians. The total area affected by the fires is 1,254,367 acres .The fires are so massive that more than 8,400 firefighters work around the clock to save lives and try to contain the fire. The neighborhoods look terrible. Everyone just keep California in prayers and hope for the best! By: Taylor Dotson
The Wedding Cake Case
By Taylor Dotson On a summer day on July in 2012, a couple (David Mullins and Charlie Craig) wanted to purchase a cake for their Wedding Day at Masterpiece Cake shop in Lakewood, Colorado. They were turned away because they were gay and it was against the owner’s (Jack Phillips) belief. The couple was very upset and felt left out and not accepted. They decided to take the case to court. 5 years later on December 6, 2017 the case came back up and the couple took it to the Supreme Court. They still got married without the cake, they were married in front of the Supreme Court. If you want to know more information about the case you can ask me or look it up.
Snowball Dance 2017 The library was turned into a winter wonderland. Everyone enjoyed themselves and were still talking about it throughout the weekend. Everyone looked so cute in their outfits, dressed to impress. Everyone there seemed to enjoy the music they were “turnt all the way up “. Setting up for the dance was difficult but it was also fun. I want to give thanks to Mrs. Ferguson and Deasia Reed for making it a unforgettable night for the middle school. By: Emoni Taylor
World/Local News Donald Trump Moves the US Embassy to Jerusalem Donald Trump has decided to change the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to the Israeli capital Jerusalem on Wednesday December 6th 2017. Because of the conflicts of the Middle East, this has been a controversial move for the President. Many democrats oppose the plan because they feel it will hinder seven decades of foreign policy progress in the US. Trump signed a waiver officially saying that delaying the move is going to take about six months. This move also has been difficult for citizens of Jerusalem and elsewhere in Israel. Trump’s decision has been made and announced to the people of Israel, who didn’t take the news well with several people protesting and rioting over the decision. The United Nations drew up a plan in 1947 for Jerusalem to separate from the “International City.” During The Six Day War back in Israel in the east of Jerusalem. It marks Jerusalem Day in late May until early of June. President Trump feels that it is only right that the Capital of Israel be the home to the US Embassy, just as many other US embassies are. Only time will tell what will happen in Jerusalem and the Middle East. By Breanna Ewell
An Island in Crisis
Roughly three months after two devastating Hurricanes rocked the island of Puerto Rico, the people who reside there are still in critical recovery. Some still remain without steady power or clean drinking water. Many people who were able to leave the island before the storms hit came back to their homes in Puerto Rico to find that some were completely in pieces. Jennifer Santiago a resident of Puerto Rico says ¨We aren’t used to having water and electricity shortages.” Many people of Puerto Rico hopes that things could get back to the way they were so they can get on with their normal lives. Tourisms is slowly coming back to the island, which is helping uplift the economy Although some travel planners still caution having extended stays in Puerto Rico due to the risk of angry locals who may seek to scam or loot against for tourist. By: Marcia Hill
Allegheny County politicians form new PAC Pennsylvania has never had a female governor or U.S. Senator, despite being one of the original 13 colonies and having had ample time to elect one. Natalia Rudiak and three female colleagues, former city-council candidate Ashleigh Deemer; Wilkinsburg mayor-elect Marita Garrett; and Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner, have started a politicalaction committee to support progressive female candidates in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Women for the Future of Pittsburgh, whose abbreviation is “WTF Pittsburgh” was founded Nov. 8, a year to the day since Donald Trump was elected president. By: Emoni Taylor
Trump’s Big Win on Tax Reform
President Trump and the rest of the Republican Party earned what some say is a huge victory by being able to get their tax reform bill passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This tax reform marks the first time in over 30 years in which real reform will take place. Although this bill will pass into law once signed by President Trump, many Americans voted against it according to several different polls. CNN’s pool had American disapproval for the tax reform at 60%. The bill was also a partisan bill with not one Democrat voting to support it. Six Republicans also voted against the bill due to concerns of a property tax money limit of just ten thousand dollars. Many Republicans feel this new tax reform will help the middle class earn more money and pay less taxes. Many Democrats feel this tax plan is just another bailout for the wealthiest of Americans, helping the rich get richer. I’m sure the true outcome will be somewhere in between the two. Only time will tell. By: Marcia Hill
Sports and Clubs Steeler fan favorite severally injured
Steeler’s Linebacker Ryan Shazier was carted off the field early in the first quarter during a game versus the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4th, 2017. The all pro linebacker was having another pro bowl caliber year leading the Steelers in total tackles and sacks when he went for what appeared to be a routine tackle on a Bengals wide reciever. Shazier made the tackle and immediately reached for the lower part of his back. While on the ground you could see Shazier flexing his hands open and close as if he was trying to see if he had any feeling left in them. Shazier was down on the ground for a while with every precaution being taken before medical staff carted him off the field. Shazier was taken to a local Cincinnati hospital and remained there overnight. The following day once more stable and a better evaluation was completed on Shazier, doctors felt comfortable enough to have Shazier transported back to Pittsburgh where he was admitted to Presby hospital. "Ryan Shazier remains hospitalized at UPMC recovering from the spinal stabilization surgery performed last week," the UPMC said in a statement. "Mr. Shazier has started physical rehabilitation as part of his recovery process." Everyone is pulling for Ryan to make a speedy and full recovery in hopes that he’s able to once again continue to lead the Steeler’s dominate defense. By: M. Hall
Shootout win for the Penguins Kris Letang scored the deciding goal in the shootout, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Thursday night. Letang scored in the fourth round of the shootout, beating Sergei Bobrovsky to the glove side after a series of dekes. Evgeni Malkin also scored for Pittsburgh in the shootout. Cam Atkinson scored in the shootout for Columbus, but Matt Murray stopped Artemi Panarin, Jack Johnson and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Murray made 29 saves, while Bobrovsky stopped 39 shots. Bringing the Penguins record to 18-15
What’s the method to Lavar Ball’s Madness? Lavar Ball has once again made an unusual and questionable decision regarding his two sons LiAngelo, and LeMelo Ball. Lavar who earlier in the year withdrew LeMelo the youngest of his three sons from his Chino Hills High School in only his Junior year of school; has now withdrawn his second oldest LiAngelo from UCLA. LiAngelo was suspended indefinitely from the Bruins basketball team for his role in last month shoplifting incident in China. It has been Lavar’s plan all along to have all three of his sons play in the NBA. His oldest son Lonzo started the process being drafted number two overall in this past NBA draft by his hometown Los Angeles Lakers. However no scouts believe that LiAngelo has the talent to be an NBA player and LeMelo is still too young to evaluate. Perhaps this why Lavar is currently in contract negotiations with a low level Lithuanian professional team Prienu Vytautas. The deal is said to be for both LiAngelo and LeMelo to both be signed on one year deals. This move forfeits any option for either of the Balls to go back to college, waiving their amateur status immediately. So what does this all mean for the Ball family and their Big Baller Brand? Only time will tell, one thing is for sure Lavar seems to be the man with the million dollar plan.
Entertainment Top Music of the Week Number 1: Post Malone Featuring 21 Savage "Rock star" Post Malone got a lot of criticism for supposedly “disrespecting” the genre of hip hop. Post later said he meant no disrespect to hip-hop, which he loves...he just meant to say that when he needs to reflect on life. Number 2: Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug "Havana” Camila Cabello and Young Thug remain stuck in second place with “Havana.” However, it’s a different story on the Billboard Pop Songs chart, where it jumps to number one. Number 3: Lil Pump "Gucci Gang" Placed right in the middle of the countdown, as “Gucci Gang” jumps from 12th to third place. Last year, a leader in “Sound cloud Rap,” a genre which also includes Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty. Lil Pump’s self-titled debut mixtape hit third place on the U.S. pop album chart in October. Number 4: Imagine Dragons "Thunder" Imagine Dragons gains a slot in fourth place. The group may win their second Grammy for “Evolve” is currently nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album. Beyond that, the band’s music also appears in many advertisements. The song “Believer” alone currently has more than 32 placements, ranging from Nintendo and Microsoft to Jeep vehicles. Number 5: Cardi B. "Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)" The 2018 Grammy nominations came out on November 28, and Cardi competes in two categories. “Bodak Yellow” is nominated for both Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. The 60th annual Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on January 28. As the song of the summer, maybe even the year number five is an amazing place. This song as remained in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 since its release in June 2017. By: Jalen Achilles
DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater ideas
By: Maisha Jones Christmas Memes
Christmas Memes
Earl Dunbar
Earl Dunbar
School Spotlight Student Spotlight Senior Deasia Reed Q: How long have you been attending Urban Pathways? A: Since 6th grade Q: How do you feel about the overall school culture? A: It could be better Q: If you were principal and found yourself in charge, what would be the first thing you’d do? A: Give the students a voice Q: In your opinion what makes a good educator? A: Someone who connects with their students Q: In your opinion what makes a good student? A: Someone who is a leader Q: If you could change anything about the school, what would it be and why? A: I’d give the students a voice because we are not heard Q: If this school were a movie, what movie would we all be in? A: Skipped Q: If you had the power to hire anyone in the world to be your teacher who would you pick? A: Mr. D even though he’s already teaching here Q: What hidden/special talent do you have that not many people know about? A: Singing & Dancing Q: What are your future career goals and aspirations? A: Own my own dance school Q: What famous person/celebrity do people say you most look like? A: Zendaya, but I disagree Q: What is your favorite TV show/movie? A: TV show‐Friends, Movie‐Why did I get Married Too Q: what is your favorite food or place to eat? A: Chicken Alfredo, My mom’s kitchen Q: Where is the best place you’ve vacationed? A: New Jersey Q: Do you prefer Tupac or Biggie? A: Tupac Q: Do you prefer Lebron James or Michael Jordan? A: Jordan Q: Do you prefer McDonalds or Burger King? A: McDonalds Q: Would you rather be able to teleport anywhere or be able to read minds? A: Teleport Q: Would you rather be alone for the rest of your life or constantly be surrounded by annoying people? A: Be alone Q: Would you rather give up bathing for a month or give up social media for a year? A: Social Media Interview completed by Elizabeth Johnson & Emoni Taylor
Staff Spotlight Mr. Darnell Bonner This issues staff spotlight will be Mr. Darnell Bonner below is the Q&A transcript by Taneiya Young & Asia Hall Q: How long have you worked here? A: 3 years Q: How do you feel about the overall school culture? A: It’s improving, getting better Q: What are some things you would like to see change or improve here? A: Less Bullying, More school spirit Q: In your opinion what makes a good educator? A: Building relationships, someone who cares and listens Q: In your opinion what makes a good student? A: One who is focused, determined, and flexible Q: If you weren’t in education, what career would you have? A: Financing Q: What hidden/special talent do you have that not many people know about? A: Draw, raise money, sing Q: What famous person/celebrity do people say you most look like? A: P‐Diddy, Jay‐z, Safari Q: What is your favorite tv show/movie? A: Greenleaf Q: What is your favorite food or place to eat? A: Apple bees Q: Where is the best place you’ve vacationed? A: Miami Q: Do you prefer tea or coffee? A: Tea Q: Do you prefer Taylor Swift or Beyonce? A: Neither Q: Do you prefer Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt? A: Ice Cream Q: Would you rather be alone for the rest of your life or constantly be surrounded by annoying people? A: Annoying people
School Announcements School Happenings/Upcoming Events National Honor SocietySoccer ClubBlack Student UnionKey Club-Black History Quiz bowl coming up, Middle School snowball dance coming up High School Student CouncilChess ClubHigh School Book ClubPhotography ClubMiddle School Student Council-Will partner with Brightwood Career Institutes to create Christmas cards for troops overseas Drama Club-Will be putting on a Skit about making positive decision for the school ribbon cutting ceremony Fishing Club- Will resume in the spring time Interact Club- share-A-Sole campaign please donate old shoes to be given to kids in Nicaragua Cheerleading- Join us at all the high school basketball games Fitness ClubMiddle School Girls BBall- Games will continue in the upcoming weeks High School Girls BBall- Games will continue in the upcoming weeks Kickboxing- Will begin during the spring semesters GolfDance- Will be performing at LP meetings during the school ribbon cutting ceremony Drivers Ed
Students of the Month for November In recognition of Students of the Month for October please join me in congratulating the following students on meeting and exceeding all of their teachers and staff expectations becoming student of the month. We look forward to honor and recognize those students for the Month of November in our next issue. 12th grade- Antonio Green & D’Era Cabbagestalk 11th grade- Brittney McNeal 10th grade- Darnell Anderson 9th grade- Breann Palmer 8th grade- Ti'Raya Kitchen & Malique Lewis Brown 7th grade- Fatimah Bisiriyu & Kyere Milton 6th grade- Jayla Williams & Draeshaun Kenney
Leisure Section Jokes & Riddles What kind of bird can write? A pen-guin
Why did they let the turkey join the band? Because he had the drum sticks.
What do you get when if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree? A pineapple.
What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes
What did the big candle say to the little candles? I’m going out tonight
What do you call an old snowman? Water
What do elves learn in school? The Elf-abets
If athletes get athletes foot, what does astronauts get? Missile Toe
By: Kymir Edwards
Student & Staff Submissions A little poem from me to you
Dragon Ball Z by Hugh Walker
By Fatimah
December, December right after November The best time of the year The time for joy the time for family and especially holiday cheer Friends, family, pets and all gather for this reason So let’s deck the halls Tis’ the season
Thug equal love (Part 2) By: Ja’Myah Scott In a calming tone Selena said “Dae dae be careful if you ain’t home by the time your mom gets off I will get your sister from daycare okay.” “Thanks Selena oh and I got something to tell you when I get back… if I get back.” Dae dae said grinning so hard it almost made you want to smile back. Dae dae made his way to the 2008 Cadillac Escalade and hopped in the car. One of the Mexicans flashed a serious look at Selena like they have met before, then the car drove off and left Selena in silence. ” Dae dae my favorite African American brother how are you doing.”El Señor de la Droga Vice said “good till you kidnapped me in front of my girl.” Dae dae said. “Sorry my dear friend but we need to talk about business, I need you to do a … how should I say this? A job for me.” El Señor de la Droga Vice said sounding very negotiable. “What kind of job you want me to do?” Dae dae asked “A simple pickup and drop‐off job.” El Señor de la Droga Vice said. “How much for it.” Dae dae said “wow very determined.” El Señor de la Droga Vice said sarcastically. Dae dae knew it was wrong but he needed the money. Call him stupid, call him dumb but he didn’t see himself being selfish, he saw himself becoming a man. To Be Continued…...
Classifieds Jobs/Help Wanted Warehouse Worker‐Part Time at UPS Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Shift: Sunrise (4:00 AM ‐ 10:00 AM) Night (11:00 PM ‐ 4:00 AM) Grill Cook ‐ PPG Paints Arena ‐ Concessions at Aramark Pittsburgh, PA 15202 Warehouse Worker ‐ PNC Park ‐ Warehouse Admin. at Aramark Pittsburgh, PA 15202 Host/Hostess at McDonald's PITTSBURGH, PA Crew at McDonald's PITTSBURGH, PA Burger King Crew Member at HMS Host Verona, PA Team Member ‐ 24061‐Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh, PA) at Burger King Pittsburgh, PA Part Time Retail Sales Consultant at AT&T Pittsburgh, PA Retail Sales Specialist/ Product Demonstrator at Creative Channel Retail Monroeville, PA 15146 Sales Associate ‐ Furniture Sales Consultant at Bob's Discount Furniture Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Community Events/Programs Frozen Sing Along 10:30 AM | Friday Dec 22, 2017 Carnegie Science Center One Allegheny Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Ugly Sweater Party 5:00 PM | Friday Dec 22, 2017 Howl at the Moon 125 7th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 The Nutcracker 7:00 PM | Friday Dec 22, 2017 Benedum Center Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Cookie Decorating Party 2:30 PM | Saturday Dec 23, 2017 Carnegie Library (Downtown & Business branch) 612 Smithfield Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show 6:00 PM | Saturday Dec 23, 2017 Marriott Pittsburgh City Center 112 Washington Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Holiday Cards All day | Sunday Dec 24, 2017 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Western PA & WV Chapter Office 333 East Carson Street, Suite 441 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Smokestack Dada 11:00 AM | Friday Dec 29, 2017 Gallery on 43rd Street 187 43rd St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201 Saturday Silver Screen - Free Movie! 2:30 PM | Saturday Dec 30, 2017 Carnegie Library (Downtown & Business branch) 612 Smithfield Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Cupcake Day 5K, 10K, 13.1 - Will Run For Cupcakes! 7:00 AM | Sunday Dec 31, 2017 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Books in the ‘Burgh: East Liberty, Joseph Bathanti 7:00 PM | Wednesday Jan 3, 2018 Heinz History Center 1212 Smallman St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Acknowledgments Recognition to all reporters/staff/writers On behalf of the Newspaper team we would like to thank all those staff and students who worked on this issue of the Paw Print. We hope that you enjoyed this issue and look forward to adding to our already talented team of student writers to make our team much stronger. Keep on the lookout for our next issue coming soon!!!! Asia Hall
Kymir Edwards
Taneiya Young
Malique Lewis-Brown
Claelynn Mikell
Jade Pettus
Maisha Jones
Aliyat Bisiriyu
Mikayla Hall Niccole Bermudez Emoni Taylor
Ty’Raya Kitchen Miracle Brooks Marcia Hill
Jaquan Benton
Mr. Reevey
Ms. Ralston
Mr. Corbett
Lazeiah Johnson
Hugh Walker
Cherrell Cunningham
Ja’Myah Scott
Elizabeth Johnson Fatimah Bisiriyu Earl Dunbar Taylor Dotson Mr. Whaelen Breanna Ewell Jailen Achilles