Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Save our Schools
Dear who it may concern,
My name is Jose I am an 8th grader at Urban Promise Academy in Oakland California. I am writing this letter to tell you every schools, and universities in the stat of California are facing major budget cuts that are affecting teachers, and students. UPA is small school with only 22 teachers and about 15 to 20 staff members. We have many programs that students can attend. We have soccer, cheer leading, beats and rhymes, art, etc. Thanks to the budgets that are going on many of the programs, and some of the staff members will not be hear for the next year students.
Like many schools in California UPA needs government not to cut schools budget. Our schools don't have the money to send us to field trips,or afford new tables, materials or chairs. Most of the material we use during class come from the teacher money. Our text books are 5 to 4 years old. The books are written on them, they starting to come apart, and our school can't replace them. Our desk are beaten dirty, and and starting to crack. The school doesn't have the money to replace the materials The only new thing we had this year was the new chairs that were given to us. With the budget cuts our school will have any money to buy at least some new books. Some of the after school programs we had last year are no longer available to the students. Some of the remaining programs are cut on how many days er week. One program was four days week, now its only available one day a week. Every year our library hands out free books. We are given two books, but now we are only able to give us one book do to the fact the government is cut school budge. Since UPA is a small school we have a nice relation ship with our teacher and staff members. Thanks to the budget some of the staff members, and teachers will not be hear for the next year students.
My education is important to me because my life depends on me graduating and heading to college and getting my degree. You can survive in this world with a High school deplohma. How ever with a degree i have more option on which career I can have. How ever budget cuts are going to make it impossible to go to college. Its hard enough going and stay at college now we have to worry about affording it and having to get loans. I want to go to college I already have three college I am thinking about going to
Government should not have to cut school budget. The prisons and jails already get more money than the schools why doesn't the government tax the prisons. Our education should not be in the hands of rich business men. It should in the hands of the people. One of our human rights is having a good education not jus to rich children.
My name is Jose I am an 8th grader at Urban Promise Academy in Oakland California. I am writing this letter to tell you every schools, and universities in the stat of California are facing major budget cuts that are affecting teachers, and students. UPA is small school with only 22 teachers and about 15 to 20 staff members. We have many programs that students can attend. We have soccer, cheer leading, beats and rhymes, art, etc. Thanks to the budgets that are going on many of the programs, and some of the staff members will not be hear for the next year students.
Like many schools in California UPA needs government not to cut schools budget. Our schools don't have the money to send us to field trips,or afford new tables, materials or chairs. Most of the material we use during class come from the teacher money. Our text books are 5 to 4 years old. The books are written on them, they starting to come apart, and our school can't replace them. Our desk are beaten dirty, and and starting to crack. The school doesn't have the money to replace the materials The only new thing we had this year was the new chairs that were given to us. With the budget cuts our school will have any money to buy at least some new books. Some of the after school programs we had last year are no longer available to the students. Some of the remaining programs are cut on how many days er week. One program was four days week, now its only available one day a week. Every year our library hands out free books. We are given two books, but now we are only able to give us one book do to the fact the government is cut school budge. Since UPA is a small school we have a nice relation ship with our teacher and staff members. Thanks to the budget some of the staff members, and teachers will not be hear for the next year students.
My education is important to me because my life depends on me graduating and heading to college and getting my degree. You can survive in this world with a High school deplohma. How ever with a degree i have more option on which career I can have. How ever budget cuts are going to make it impossible to go to college. Its hard enough going and stay at college now we have to worry about affording it and having to get loans. I want to go to college I already have three college I am thinking about going to
Government should not have to cut school budget. The prisons and jails already get more money than the schools why doesn't the government tax the prisons. Our education should not be in the hands of rich business men. It should in the hands of the people. One of our human rights is having a good education not jus to rich children.
Monday, March 7, 2011
College For All reflection
On March 3,2011 my eight grade class went to southern California to visit three colleges. We visit UC Santa Babara, Cal Poly, and UC Santa Cruz. We began our trip to UC Santa Babara. We went on a five hour bus ride to Santa Cruz. We left a little late, but we were on our way to the university. The bus ride we long and tiring. With in the first 2 hours the bus was getting hot,and hotter. Most of us ate our lunch early and were geting hungry every minute that pass. We had to make three stops so student can use the bathroom. We arrived at UC Santa Babara the first thing I notice was a rows of bikes. Every one was surprise how many bikes there were. There were more bikes at UCSB than they were in a bike shop. The university had a little turf for the bikes to travel on. It was like a freeways for bikes. UC Santa Babara is a big university. Its about the size of a city. UCSB is so big buses are use on the campus for transportation. Our tour guides took us to a place called El Centra or Center. This area was created by Chicano student. They wanted an area where they can go to be with their group. Our tour guides took us to the beach but told us there were oil rings much farther. Some of the oil spilled on the ocean polluting the water. Since we arrived to the university late we were only able to see those to areas only. UC Santa Babara is a campus but I couldn't see myself in that college in the future.
The next day we went to Cal Poly. Cal Poly turn out to be an interesting college the minute I saw it. The college felt a little smaller than UC Santa Babara. Which was good for me since I don't like really big schools. Our tour guides told us the dorms at Cal Poly are really small. One dorm has enough room for three people. However your roommates would be students who have the same career as you do. Sports are a big part of Cal Poly. The university offers soccer, football, La Cross, women,and men tennis track, volleyball, rug beat, and my personal favorite hockey. One of Cal Poly's rivals is UC Santa Babara. We were all suprise to hear that since the prevesous day we went to UCSB. Cal Poly also has buses on campus for student transportation. Students use their student ID to ride the bus. One of Cal Poly's main subject is aglculter. Any thing related to farming is tough at Cal Poly. The university has an area where students can go to relax. I was surprise to see the area. It look like a place you would find at San Francisco. CAl Poly has a radio station and a medica center which of orse would come in handy. Cal Poly has a hispanic percentage of 11%. Most of the students are White since the area is mostly white. What I like about Cal Poly is only three rooms are use for a class of 200 hundred students. The rest of the classes are about 25 students. Which is about the same number of students are in at UPA. The gradutation rate is about 81% out of 91%. Cal Poly has really caught my attention. I am actually thinking of puting Cal Poly as one of my college choices.
The last university we visited was UC Santa Cruz. UCSC was alot different then the other two colleges we visit. Santa Cruz is spread out through thick forest. The dorms are at a far distance from each other, the libuary is far from the Cafeteria. IT took us a whiled to go around to see the campous. Our tour guide told us that there is a lot of discrimination between different race. Our tour guides told us they were showing the school to different color students. A white student threw cans at the students. Our tour guides have said there have been fights between different color students. Thats the negative lets focus on tohe positive.When the university was being built the workers did not wanted to cut down the redwood trees that grow around them. So what they did was built the buildings no bigger than the tree. It took me a whiled to see that. The dorms are made of the reedwood and our powered by solar panles. Every building in UCSC are powered by solar panles. The university also has composeting and recycling. So its is to say UCSC is a very green.There are 10 colleges at UCSC. Each Colleges has dorms the Size of apartment building for boys and girls. The campus is very big .UCSC is an amazing school, however thats not a college that I will attend in the future.
The next day we went to Cal Poly. Cal Poly turn out to be an interesting college the minute I saw it. The college felt a little smaller than UC Santa Babara. Which was good for me since I don't like really big schools. Our tour guides told us the dorms at Cal Poly are really small. One dorm has enough room for three people. However your roommates would be students who have the same career as you do. Sports are a big part of Cal Poly. The university offers soccer, football, La Cross, women,and men tennis track, volleyball, rug beat, and my personal favorite hockey. One of Cal Poly's rivals is UC Santa Babara. We were all suprise to hear that since the prevesous day we went to UCSB. Cal Poly also has buses on campus for student transportation. Students use their student ID to ride the bus. One of Cal Poly's main subject is aglculter. Any thing related to farming is tough at Cal Poly. The university has an area where students can go to relax. I was surprise to see the area. It look like a place you would find at San Francisco. CAl Poly has a radio station and a medica center which of orse would come in handy. Cal Poly has a hispanic percentage of 11%. Most of the students are White since the area is mostly white. What I like about Cal Poly is only three rooms are use for a class of 200 hundred students. The rest of the classes are about 25 students. Which is about the same number of students are in at UPA. The gradutation rate is about 81% out of 91%. Cal Poly has really caught my attention. I am actually thinking of puting Cal Poly as one of my college choices.
The last university we visited was UC Santa Cruz. UCSC was alot different then the other two colleges we visit. Santa Cruz is spread out through thick forest. The dorms are at a far distance from each other, the libuary is far from the Cafeteria. IT took us a whiled to go around to see the campous. Our tour guide told us that there is a lot of discrimination between different race. Our tour guides told us they were showing the school to different color students. A white student threw cans at the students. Our tour guides have said there have been fights between different color students. Thats the negative lets focus on tohe positive.When the university was being built the workers did not wanted to cut down the redwood trees that grow around them. So what they did was built the buildings no bigger than the tree. It took me a whiled to see that. The dorms are made of the reedwood and our powered by solar panles. Every building in UCSC are powered by solar panles. The university also has composeting and recycling. So its is to say UCSC is a very green.There are 10 colleges at UCSC. Each Colleges has dorms the Size of apartment building for boys and girls. The campus is very big .UCSC is an amazing school, however thats not a college that I will attend in the future.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Where I am From
I am from San Francisco, CA
Home to the NFL team the 49ers
i am from the land of the Mighty Aztec Jaguars
Warriors, and Defenders of Ancient Mexico
My ancestors remind me I am too, an Aztec
With their blood in side me,and their spirit in my heart
I am a family of five
Jose Garcia, Maria Hernandez, my sisters Brenda, and Alessandra Garcia, and me
Jose Garcia Jr
I am the oldest,
My job is to protect my sisters,
as well as my mother
To make sure they are safe.
I am from two different worlds
The real world where every is out of control and off balance
and the world in my mind where everything is under my control
Inside my mind I am safe and well protected
In my mind I control what happens,
In my mind I am free.
Home to the NFL team the 49ers
i am from the land of the Mighty Aztec Jaguars
Warriors, and Defenders of Ancient Mexico
My ancestors remind me I am too, an Aztec
With their blood in side me,and their spirit in my heart
I am a family of five
Jose Garcia, Maria Hernandez, my sisters Brenda, and Alessandra Garcia, and me
Jose Garcia Jr
I am the oldest,
My job is to protect my sisters,
as well as my mother
To make sure they are safe.
I am from two different worlds
The real world where every is out of control and off balance
and the world in my mind where everything is under my control
Inside my mind I am safe and well protected
In my mind I control what happens,
In my mind I am free.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
REflection on Expo
After the night of expo I felt amazed about being able to tell the parents, and community members about drugs and alcohol. I gave out facts about these products that some of the parenst may have or may have not heard. I explain to them what alcohol and drugs companies do to convince people to buy drugs and alcohol. I wanted the parents to understand my perspective on how drugs and alcohol. To get all this information, and evidence I had to find articles, go to the libuary, and go on the internant. I put in alot of work on this project, as while as my group mates. Each of us had to different rearsch to put our poster together. It was worth all of the hard work we did for expo. Our parents, teachers, and community were impress on how alcohol, and drugs affect oir lives too, and the ideas we had to help liberate ourselves from the oppression from drugs and alcohol forever.
Liberation
With out the liberation from drugs, and alcohol not only will the streets be unsafe ,but our homes too. Some of the reasons for domestic violence at home are do to drugs and alcohol. Every time a person uses drugs, and alcohol their attitudes changes and their ability to think straight. This would cause a person to unpredictable, and do something they’ll regret. Because of this families are torn apart, all because of the effects of drugs, and alcohol. Bars are always crowed during the night. Most of the customers are men who want a beer to settle their stress after a long day. It starts with one beer, then two, then three, then until they’re too drunk to drive. But since they’re drunk they can’t think start and make the right decision. So what do they do, they drive drunk. Chances are the person will get caught for drinking over the limit, or end up in a fatally car accident. People who use drugs usually buy drugs on the streets. Buying, and selling drugs is illegal any where in the U.S. If you get caught by law enforcement, your going to jail. Period. However some people take their chances and buy or sell drugs because of addiction. This is why we have to liberate ourselves from the damages alcohol and drugs have caused. If we don’t the causes drugs and alcohol are causing fight now will get bigger and bigger. More domestic violence at homes, more fatally car crashes, and more arrest do to buying and selling drugs. I don’t know about you but this is not the type of world I want to live in. I want to live in the world where drugs, and alcohol, never take over.
Action Plan
Our communities demand that our younger generation do not get expose to a world being slowly destroy, and controlled by drugs and alcohol. To do this individuals all ready using drugs, and alcohol must liberated themselves from the need to use it. Most of the individuals attend a rehab center to seek professional help about their addiction to drugs and alcohol. Rehab is a peaceful, quit environment where patients go to learn to live with out the dependence on drugs and alcohol. This is hard for patients because most depend on the drugs, and alcohol to relax them. This program challenges the users mind and bodies physical, and mentally. however many of the patients have the strength to put down the drugs and alcohol and change their lives. Another common program user go to is a circle.The purpose for the circle is so addicts can talk with other addicts and find the reason for their need of drugs and alcohol. If their were more programs like rehab in towns, or cities, then we could help thousands of people who have addictions with drugs and alcohol. The reason why some addicts refuse to seek help is because there is no programs like rehab where they can go to. By changing that more and more young people will not be expose to the causes and the effects of drugs and alcohol.
Oppression on Drugs and Alcohol
People responsible for the oppression of drugs, and alcohol are tobacco, and alcohol companies. These companies spread false facts about these products to convince people to buy alcohol and drugs. Some of these false facts are, “alcohol helps lower your chances of dieing”, or “ cigarettes help lower your stress”. I found these quotes in articles found on the Internet. These companies have the money to put what ever they wont to get you to buy alcohol, and drugs. Alcohol and big tobacco companies want one thing and one thing only. They want your money. These companies don’t care how alcohol and drugs affect your life and health. As long as they are selling, and making big stacks of money they continue doing what they are doing. And that spreading out lies. I recently saw a commerical about a woman who smoked since she was third teen. The woman said big tobacco companies have been feeding people lies about their products, They also convince children to smoke, saying it was good for them. These companies makes millions of dollars each year, with out a sign of guilt.
Jose Garcia
Ms. Nicole
February 2,2011
My Life In College
By the sound of my name you might assume I must be Latino. Well, guess what? You are correct. My whole entire world is all Latino. My community which is Fruitvale Ave. is mostly made up by Latinos. My whole family is from Mexico City, Mexico. My school is 86% Latino. Every thing I see reminds me about my heritage. My mom always watches Spanish soap operas. At my school since there is more Latinos the language that is mostly heard is Spanish. Here in Fruitvale there are a lot of clinics that here many Latinos go to. I am all ways remind about where I come from. Which is good, it makes it harder for me to lose my heritage. At my school we have big events on Cesar Chavez day, Dia De Los Mertos, and Cinco de Mayo. Some of these events are Mexican holidays. Dia De Los Mertos is celebrated in other Hispanic countries. My mom and dad are the only once from their families that came to the U.S from Mexico. All of my other of my relatives I have never meet in my life. During the summer my parents were able to connect me and my grandmother through web cam. I was able to see her for the very first time. I felt joyful, being able to see my grandma’ after 15 years living in America. On the day of my birth-day I found out that I had a cousin name Bryan. I was able to talk to him on the phone, but I never meet him face to face. I have been planning on going to Mexico to visit my family, but sadly that trip is a long way from now.
Urban Promise Academy is the best school to send your kid if you want him to do well in High school. One of the things I admire about UPA is the expectations the teachers have for students. The teachers believe you can go to college, and get a better life. If a teacher notices you are having trouble on something, they will take the time and help you on what ever you need. They will not let you fail any class, they will do what they can, and then let you do it on your own. The teachers help you developed study skills that will give you the best grades. For example, if you do not do a part of your homework you must serve an hour of detention. This is not to punish you. This is so you’ll wake up and realize if you don’t want detention, do your homework. The UPA teachers don’t see you as children, but as young adults with talent, passion, and knowledge. One of the UPA staff member is who take education seriously is the one and only MS Bayardo. Ms Bayardo is the co- founder of UPA. She wanted to create a school where students can be in a safe environment, way from gangs and violence, and focus on their education. If your those types of kids who like to mess around, or goof off, then trust me you don’t want to mess with Bayardo. Bayardo has the perfect solution to turn a immature child in to a mature young adult. Bayardo will make you come at 7 a.m. to do boot camp. Yeap, that right physical activities that will leave you begging for mercy the minute you start. Bayardo only does this because she cares about you, and because that the way she rolls. UPA is a small school, which is perfect because there’s not many students. This helps students, and teachers able to have a strong relationship. UPA is not a school, it’s a family.
One of the biggest issues we have here in Oakland is gangs. Three Latino gangs has brought fear to Oakland. Because of all the violence that has been happening Oakland has been given the nickname “baby Iraq”. Oakland was also named the fourth most dangerous cities in America. That is huge news. The Nortenos, Surenos, and Border Brothers are the three gangs that brought fear to Oakland. The Nortenos have the color red, Surenos have the color blue, and the Border Brothers have the color black. If you wear any of these colors you are in more likely to get shot. Other gangs might confuse you as another gang member. This happens a lot in Oakland. You hear more police sirens then you do the ice cream man. These gangs members don’ t care who you are. Whether you are male, female, old, young they don’ t care. If your wearing the wrong colors they will shoot you. Luckily UPA has a strict dress code. You can not wear anything black, red, blue, or any thing gang related. Our uniform is white shirt, black shoes, kaki pants, and black backpack. UPA also offers after school programs for any student who want to go. These programs are to help keep students of the streets.
When I think of college I think of homework, long classes, football, parties, drunk students, and the key to the real world. College to me is more than just a place of studying, but a place to grow. While we grow up we have to face the fact we can’t rely on mom, and dad forever. We have to grow up and learn how to take care of ourselves. That what college is for. Learn to be Independent, make my own decisions, and go through the final step of being an adult. At first it will be hard , because you rely on mom to cook dinner, and dad to give you money. It will get easier as we all experience what it takes to earn a living. Life’s a roller coaster, it has its ups and downs, but I can get through it, and so can you.Have I ever thought about going to college? Going to a big campus where it is very easy to get lost. Having to leave home, and provide for yourself without having to rely on mom and dad. Going to two- three hours of classes. Having to do hours worth of homework for four years. Well, actually I have. Hello, my name is Jose Garcia. I am an 8th grader who currently attend Urban Promise Academy, a small school in Oakland, CA.
Ms. Nicole
February 2,2011
My Life In College
By the sound of my name you might assume I must be Latino. Well, guess what? You are correct. My whole entire world is all Latino. My community which is Fruitvale Ave. is mostly made up by Latinos. My whole family is from Mexico City, Mexico. My school is 86% Latino. Every thing I see reminds me about my heritage. My mom always watches Spanish soap operas. At my school since there is more Latinos the language that is mostly heard is Spanish. Here in Fruitvale there are a lot of clinics that here many Latinos go to. I am all ways remind about where I come from. Which is good, it makes it harder for me to lose my heritage. At my school we have big events on Cesar Chavez day, Dia De Los Mertos, and Cinco de Mayo. Some of these events are Mexican holidays. Dia De Los Mertos is celebrated in other Hispanic countries. My mom and dad are the only once from their families that came to the U.S from Mexico. All of my other of my relatives I have never meet in my life. During the summer my parents were able to connect me and my grandmother through web cam. I was able to see her for the very first time. I felt joyful, being able to see my grandma’ after 15 years living in America. On the day of my birth-day I found out that I had a cousin name Bryan. I was able to talk to him on the phone, but I never meet him face to face. I have been planning on going to Mexico to visit my family, but sadly that trip is a long way from now.
Urban Promise Academy is the best school to send your kid if you want him to do well in High school. One of the things I admire about UPA is the expectations the teachers have for students. The teachers believe you can go to college, and get a better life. If a teacher notices you are having trouble on something, they will take the time and help you on what ever you need. They will not let you fail any class, they will do what they can, and then let you do it on your own. The teachers help you developed study skills that will give you the best grades. For example, if you do not do a part of your homework you must serve an hour of detention. This is not to punish you. This is so you’ll wake up and realize if you don’t want detention, do your homework. The UPA teachers don’t see you as children, but as young adults with talent, passion, and knowledge. One of the UPA staff member is who take education seriously is the one and only MS Bayardo. Ms Bayardo is the co- founder of UPA. She wanted to create a school where students can be in a safe environment, way from gangs and violence, and focus on their education. If your those types of kids who like to mess around, or goof off, then trust me you don’t want to mess with Bayardo. Bayardo has the perfect solution to turn a immature child in to a mature young adult. Bayardo will make you come at 7 a.m. to do boot camp. Yeap, that right physical activities that will leave you begging for mercy the minute you start. Bayardo only does this because she cares about you, and because that the way she rolls. UPA is a small school, which is perfect because there’s not many students. This helps students, and teachers able to have a strong relationship. UPA is not a school, it’s a family.
One of the biggest issues we have here in Oakland is gangs. Three Latino gangs has brought fear to Oakland. Because of all the violence that has been happening Oakland has been given the nickname “baby Iraq”. Oakland was also named the fourth most dangerous cities in America. That is huge news. The Nortenos, Surenos, and Border Brothers are the three gangs that brought fear to Oakland. The Nortenos have the color red, Surenos have the color blue, and the Border Brothers have the color black. If you wear any of these colors you are in more likely to get shot. Other gangs might confuse you as another gang member. This happens a lot in Oakland. You hear more police sirens then you do the ice cream man. These gangs members don’ t care who you are. Whether you are male, female, old, young they don’ t care. If your wearing the wrong colors they will shoot you. Luckily UPA has a strict dress code. You can not wear anything black, red, blue, or any thing gang related. Our uniform is white shirt, black shoes, kaki pants, and black backpack. UPA also offers after school programs for any student who want to go. These programs are to help keep students of the streets.
When I think of college I think of homework, long classes, football, parties, drunk students, and the key to the real world. College to me is more than just a place of studying, but a place to grow. While we grow up we have to face the fact we can’t rely on mom, and dad forever. We have to grow up and learn how to take care of ourselves. That what college is for. Learn to be Independent, make my own decisions, and go through the final step of being an adult. At first it will be hard , because you rely on mom to cook dinner, and dad to give you money. It will get easier as we all experience what it takes to earn a living. Life’s a roller coaster, it has its ups and downs, but I can get through it, and so can you.Have I ever thought about going to college? Going to a big campus where it is very easy to get lost. Having to leave home, and provide for yourself without having to rely on mom and dad. Going to two- three hours of classes. Having to do hours worth of homework for four years. Well, actually I have. Hello, my name is Jose Garcia. I am an 8th grader who currently attend Urban Promise Academy, a small school in Oakland, CA.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
What is Freedom?
What is Freedom to Me?
Freedom to me is the key for us being humans. Freedom is something that is not given to us or rewarded. Freedom is something that we are born with, that no one can take. Freedom is what makes us, who we are. We are free to express ourselves, make our own decisions, and choose our life style. With our freedom on our side we can not be own, have some make our own decisions, or change our way of life. No one has the right to control you. The only person who has the right to control you, is you. You are in charge of your freedom, no one else. This is what it means to have freedom, the ability to do what you want for yourself.
Freedom to me is the key for us being humans. Freedom is something that is not given to us or rewarded. Freedom is something that we are born with, that no one can take. Freedom is what makes us, who we are. We are free to express ourselves, make our own decisions, and choose our life style. With our freedom on our side we can not be own, have some make our own decisions, or change our way of life. No one has the right to control you. The only person who has the right to control you, is you. You are in charge of your freedom, no one else. This is what it means to have freedom, the ability to do what you want for yourself.
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