THE PAW PRINT Vol. 1 Issue 8
April 27, 2018 Middle school Spelling bee competition
Sponsored by the Key club and the BSU, several of our middle school students will be taking part in a spelling bee contest on May 4th. These courageous, and intelligent students will showcase their skills and intellect at the CCAC Northside campus when they compete against other middle school students from local schools here in the city. Much like February’s Black History quiz bowl, when our high school students completely dominated the event, let’s try and bring home another first place finish to show everyone how smart and talented the students at UPCS 6-12 really are. If you happened to see any of the participants in this event be sure to give them your support and encouraging words to do well. From all of us here at the Paw Print we salute all those students who are participating and wish them all good luck.
Special Thank you to the KEYS Service Corps The UPCS Journal, Thanks KEYS Service Corps and all of its members for their support with creating the 2018 yearbook. On behalf of the entire UPCS family we humbly and graciously thank you for all that your organization has done for us. Panther Pride all the way!!!!
Pittsburgh’s 2018 March for dimes event Nearly 5,000 marchers took part Sunday morning in the March for Babies on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that on average in Pennsylvania, one in eleven babies is born prematurely. March chairman Tom McGough says the March of Dimes hopes to change that.” The March for Dimes spends millions of dollars a year supporting research and also supporting the families who experience premature birth,” McGough said. To learn more about March of Dimes or donate, visit marchforbabies.org.
World/Local News City of Pittsburgh removing one of its controversial pieces of art Crews removed the statue of Stephen Foster in Schenley Park. The statue which was built in 1900 and moved to Schenley Park in 1940, has been criticized as demeaning because it includes a slave sitting at his feet, plucking a banjo. The city’s Art Commission ruled in October that it was no longer appropriate for this publicly-owned statue to be on this public land and we’re going to have to find a new place for it, Critics say the statue is offensive, but others say it merely shows that Foster was inspired by black spirituals and other music. As for what will replace it, there are thoughts to erect a statue of an AfricanAmerican woman. Posters of potential replacements surrounded the Foster statue. They feature prominent African-American women who lived in Pittsburgh, like Madam C.J. Walker, one of the first black female millionaires, Gwendolyn Elliot, the city’s first African-American police commander and Dr. Jean Hamilton Walls, the first African-American woman to earn a bachelor’s degree and a PhD from Pitt.
Nationwide recall on Roman lettuce A teenager from Altoona is among at least a dozen people in Pennsylvania who have been sickened by an E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce. More than 60 people from 16 states have been infected. Among those states, Pennsylvania has seen the most confirmed cases. Due to privacy concerns, health officials have not released the locations of the cases. However, CBS News spoke with a teenager from Altoona who said she was sickened. Mia Zlupko said, at first, she thought it was just a stomach bug. She was hospitalized, but has since recovered from her illness. “It’s kind of hard to sit in a hospital and not know what’s wrong with you and you feel so drained and worn out,” Zlupko said. The exact source of the E. coli outbreak hasn’t been identified, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suspect it started in the area around Yuma, Arizona. That’s where 90 percent of the nation’s winter romaine lettuce is produced. E. coli is a bacteria that can cause severe illness, including bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a type of kidney failure. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and vomiting. If you have had any of these symptoms lately, you should consult with a medical professional. If you currently have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. You can also call the department at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
Bill Cosby’s retrial turns out a guilty verdict Bill Cosby has been convicted of all three counts of aggravated indecent assault for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in a Philadelphia suburb. Cosby's defense team argued that their interaction was consensual. He judge asked Cosby where his passport was surrendered when he initially posted bail and where he lives now. Cosby should not leave his Pennsylvania home. The judge ordered that arrangements be made for a GPS tracking device for Cosby. He faces up to 10 years in prison on each count Cosby will likely serve his prison terms concurrently. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled, and Cosby remains out on bail. Cosby's attorney, Tom Mesereau, said he plans an appeal the verdict.
Carnegie Mellon revokes Cosby's honorary degree after guilty verdict Carnegie Mellon University on Thursday revoked an honorary degree awarded to Bill Cosby, hours after the TV icon was found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman 14 years ago. “Carnegie Mellon University has long had a clear and unwavering commitment: The University will not tolerate sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking or sexual harassment. These acts are against the law and violate our core values,” the university posted on its website Thursday. “In order to fulfill that commitment and in light of Bill Cosby's criminal conviction for aggravated indecent assault, Carnegie Mellon University has decided to revoke an honorary degree it awarded to Mr. Cosby in 2007.” The University of Pittsburgh rescinded the 2002 degree it awarded to Cosby in November 2015, following accusations from dozens of women who said the comedian drugged and sexually assaulted them.
Sports and Clubs Penguins and Capitals Round 3 For the third consecutive season, the matchup is the same Pens vs Caps. Alex Ovechkin scored a pair of goals as the Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 6-3, on Monday night to close out a firstround series in six games and earn a second-round date with the Penguins. In each of the last two seasons — not to mention in the second round of the 2009 playoffs — the Capitals came into a playoff showdown with the Penguins with a better record in the regular season and a more complete team on paper, only to run into the same championship stumbling block time and time again. Last season, the Capitals rallied in Game 5 and game 6 only to fall victim to a Marc-Andre Fleury shutout in Game 7. The year before that, a Nick Bonino overtime goal in Game 6 was the dagger. How do you think this year’s playoff series will turn out? Is history set to repeat itself again with another Penguin victory, or are the Capitals finally due to slay the beast that is the Penguins?
Pirates struggling without key contributor Harrison Six weeks, that's how long the Pirates are expected to be without Josh Harrison, who suffered another broken hand, his second since September, when hit by a pitch April 15 in Miami. Since Harrison went down with that injury the Pirates have a record of 1-6. It's not just that the Pirates have been losing without Harrison, but it’s how they're losing. In six of the seven games, the lone exception being the 10-2 victory against the Colorado Rockies. The Pirates scored 2, 0, 0, 1, 2 and 2 runs while losing two to the Rockies and four to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates overall record of (12-10) have fallen 1 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central, and there's a good chance Harrison won't return until Memorial Day, which is about 30 games. After three games against the Detroit Tigers this week, the Pirates have six against Central rivals St. Louis and Milwaukee, sandwiched around four against the Washington Nationals. Manager Clint Hurdle has tried Adam Frazier and Sean Rodriguez in Harrison's leadoff spot, and the results haven't been good.
Pittsburgh native-Martial Arts Master creates new Karate style After 13 years of practicing,fourth-degree black belt (that’s a martial-arts master, for the uninitiated) John Morgart has even created his own karate style: Wei Son Do. Last month, he officially trademarked it. The meaning behind the Korean words that make up Wei Son Do reveal Morgart’s inspiration for creating the new martial-arts style. “Wei” means to guard, to defend and to protect; “son” means hand; and “do” means the way or the path of your life. So essentially Wei Son Do is about using your hands to protect yourself. “I wanted to create something that would be engineered for an actual fight, if you’re actually defending yourself,” Morgart says. “I wanted to build something geared toward helping people learn how to defend themselves in different situations. I wanted to create a martial-arts form that could help you outside of class. If you’re walking down the street and someone grabs you on your wrist, you can learn how to quickly get out of that move, defend yourself from your attacker and get away.”
Entertainment
New J. Cole album too lyrical for some critics J. Cole’s new album KOD was given a review score of 6.3 by the website Pitchfork. Pitchfork’s critics says, “With his fifth album, the North Carolina rapper aims for righteousness but often ends up sounding self-righteous instead.” So what didn’t this critic like about the consciousness’ lyrical rappers new project, he goes on to say “listening to a J. Cole album can feel like listening to a very intense young lawyer attempt to win a difficult case. Throughout his career, Cole’s raps have often been self-serious and polemical, with their success depending on the overall strength of his argumentation above all else”. I personally feel that this album is the breath of fresh air that was much needed in the hip-hop industry. With all the so called “mumble rap” that has been coming out lately to hear actual lyrics and not just beats and hooks, it’s a great thing for people who like hip hop as well as for other rappers, who hopefully can step their own game up for their next projects.
Top 10 earning movies from the month of April A Quiet Place $20,911,809 Rampage (2018) $20,094,294 I Feel Pretty $16,030,218 Super Troopers 2 $15,181,624 Truth or Dare $7,793,425 Ready Player One $7,418,738 Blockers $6,835,145 Black Panther $4,932,627 Traffik $3,941,338 Isle of Dogs $3,461,633
Actor Vern Troyer dies Vern Troyer, infamously known for his character Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movie franchise, has died at the age of 49 years old. Many people believe his death was a suicide since the beloved actor publically struggled with drugs and alcohol. Others feel that his issues had to do a lot with his struggles with dwarfism. Sadly, depression and suicide are too common in dwarfism communities. Among those who participated in academic research, more than a third reported experiencing mental health problems. Loneliness and isolation are not unusual. Over the years, several actors with dwarfism have killed themselves, including David Rappaport and Hervé Villechaize. RIP Vern
School Spotlight Student Spotlight Senior Shakur Rahamani Q: How long have you been attending Urban Pathways? A: four years Q: How do you feel about the overall school culture? A: It’s alright, improving Q: If you were principal and found yourself in charge, what would be the first thing you’d do? A: Continue to work on changing the school culture Q: In your opinion what makes a good educator? A: A person who cares for the students Q: In your opinion what makes a good student? A: Someone who pays attention and does the work Q: If you could change anything about the school, what would it be and why? A: I’d change the building so we can have more sports teams Q: If you had the power to hire anyone in the world to be your teacher who would you hire, and why? A: Barak Obama because he’s wise and knowledgeable Q: What are your future career goals and aspirations? A: Petroleum Engineer Q: What famous person/celebrity do people say you most look like? A: Wesley Johnson Q: What is your favorite TV show/movie? A: Star Wars Q: what is your favorite food or place to eat? A: Don’t have one Q: Where is the best place you’ve vacationed? A: Africa Q: Do you prefer Tupac or Biggie? A: Tupac Q: Do you prefer Lebron James or Michael Jordan? A: Michael Jordan Q: Do you prefer McDonalds or Burger King? A: Burger King Q: Would you rather be able to teleport anywhere or be able to read minds? A: Read minds 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 & Alaya Pitts
Staff Spotlight Ms. Beck This issue staff spotlight will be Mr. Rosswog below is the Q&A transcript by Asia Hall & Taneiya Young Q: How long have you worked here? A: 3 years Q: How do you feel about the overall school culture? A: Huge improvement this year with all the clubs and activities Q: What are some things you would like to see change or improve here? A: Student & staff interactions Q: In your opinion what makes a good educator? A: One who has good classroom management and can relay information in a way students can understand and learn from Q: In your opinion what makes a good student? A: One who respects staff and get their work done Q: If you weren’t in education, what career would you have? A: A flight attendant Q: What hidden/special talent do you have that not many people know about? A: Whistling Q: What famous person/celebrity do people say you most look like? A: Queen Latifah Q: What’s your favorite tv show or movie? A: TV show- The Office, Movie-Kiss the Girls Q: What’s your favorite food/place to eat? A: Food-French Fries, Place-The Potato Patch Q: Where’s the best place you’ve vacationed at? A: Jamaica Q: Do you prefer tea or coffee? A: Coffee all day Q: Do you prefer Taylor Swift or Beyonce? A: Beyonce, but next time include Rhianna Q: Do you prefer Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt? A: Ice Cream Q: Would you rather always be 10 minutes late or 20 minutes early? A: 10 minutes late Q: Would you rather live without the internet for one month or without AC/heating for one week? A: Internet
School Announcements School Happenings/Upcoming Events National Honor Society-no report Soccer Club-no report Black Student Union-Upcoming open enrollment for middle school & high school students, Middle school spelling bee on May 4th Key Club- no report High School Student Council-no report Chess Club-no report High School Book Club-no report Global Minds-Planning to build a community garden at the school Middle School Student Council-Debate contest is postponed until after PSSAs Drama Club-Looking for a new teacher/staff to lead club Fishing Club-Will resume in April when the weather improves Interact Club- Will be selling raffle tickets for baskets at all lunches. Will be working with Mrs. Ferguson on a cool event in May Cheerleading-No report Fitness Club-No report Middle School Girls BBall-No report High School Girls BBall-Season is over, players be sure to turn in your uniforms immediately, sports banquet TBD Kickboxing-Classes will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Golf-Sign ups at the end of April, any questions see Mr. Lockley Dance-No report Drivers Ed- Working with 9th grade students right now No Labels- Pride Day event coming soon See Mr. Joe or Ms. Beck for details Ameri Corp- Paving Pathways event on June 2nd see Ms. Keyana for details, Student vs. Staff 3 on 3 basketball tournament May 4th see Mr. Justin or Mr. Chuck for details, Graphic novels club starting up, if interested see Ms. Clairise
Students of the Month for March In recognition of Students of the Month for March 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 April in our next issue. 12th grade- Alexis Story and Zuriel Harris-Scott 11th grade- Sabrina Hemmings and Ramir Burks 10th grade- Sydney Brown and Justice Boyd 9th grade- none 8th grade- none 7th grade- none 6th grade- none
Leisure Section Comic Strips
Jokes & Riddles What's the difference between a hippo and a Zippo? One is really heavy, and the other is a little lighter.
If you ever get cold, stand in the corner of a room for a while. They're usually 90 degrees. What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down? It gets toad away.
What did the duck say when it bought lipstick? "Put it on my bill."
A horse walks into a bar... The bartender says, "Hey." The horse replies, "Sure."
What do you call two monkeys that share an Amazon account? Prime mates.
I'm good friends with 25 letters of the alphabet. I don't know Y
Student & Staff Submissions Goten Dragon Ball Z
Black Panther
By Hugh Walker
By James Johnson
Memes
By: Earl Dunbar
Classifieds Jobs/Help Wanted Service System Associates JOB FAIR March 14th & March 15th Hiring for Retail, Food Service and Catering at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium inside the Jambo Grill from 5pm -7 pm ENTER THROUGH GATE I Retail Positions - Open House Hiring Event - Pittsburgh, PA!! at Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Retail Sales Assistant at Jos A Bank Mount Lebanon, PA 15228 Retail Sales Representative Part Time at Advantage Solutions Pittsburgh, PA Customer Service Rep from Beacon Hill Staffing Group, LLC Pittsburgh, PA Store Team Member - #353 – Evenings Location: Sheetz Stores #00353 - 5410 CAMPBELLS RUN RD PITTSBURGH, PA Dishwasher at P.F. Chang's China Bistro Robinson Township, PA 15205 Team Member - Food Champion - 031614 - S Braddock Ave - Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh, PA) at Charter Foods, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA CSR - BFS Foods - 64-Monroeville Blvd.-Monroeville, PA (Monroeville, PA) at BFS Companies Monroeville, PA
Community Events/Programs Blessing of the Bikes 10:00 AM-Saturday Apr 28, 2018-Carnegie Presbyterian Church-219 Ewing Road Carnegie, PA 15106 Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC V. Atlanta United 2-7:00 PM-Saturday Apr 28, 2018-Highmark Stadium 510 W STATION SQUARE DRIVE PITTSBURGH, PA 15219 Jimmy Wopo 8:00 PM-Saturday Apr 28, 2018-Mr. Small's Theatre 400 Lincoln Ave-Millvale, PA 15209 Books in the ‘Burgh: Heart and Soul, Mary Ellen Butler-5:00 PM-Sunday Apr 29, 2018-Heinz History Center 1212 Smallman St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 The Rat Pack Together Again 7:30 PM -Friday May 4, 2018-The Palace Theatre Greensburg 21 West Otterman Street Greensburg, PA 15601 The Diary of Anne Frank 8:00 PM-Friday May 4, 2018-New Hazlett Theater 6 Allegheny Square East Pittsburgh, Pa 15212 Garden Bros Circus 1:30 PM-Saturday May 5, 2018-Petersen Events Center 3719 Terrace Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261 Cinco de Mayo 6:00 PM-Saturday May 5, 2018-Howl at the Moon-125 7th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Play by the Fire-6:00 PM-Saturday May 12, 2018-Pittsburgh Glass Center-5472 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 10th Annual Mars Band On The Run 5k/10k/Kids Fun Run-9:00 AM-Saturday May 19, 2018-Mars Area High School-520 Route 228 Mars, PA 16046 Lisa Lampanelli -7:30 PM Saturday Jun 2, 2018-The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman Greensburg, PA 15601
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 Jalen Achilles