Weekly Review 12/15

This week was such a drag! I can't wait until this week is over, I want winter break to come already. I know winter break is going to come and go so quick. I'm really looking forward to Christmas break, December is one of my favorite months (after February) because I love getting ready for Christmas, and New Years, and getting to spend time with all the family. I still haven't went Christmas shopping, oops I guess I'll be going this weekend, last minute as always. Hopefully I don't get a lot of homework, I hate when teachers decide to give us a lot of work/projects like its called winter break for a reason. Anyways, hopefully this week goes by fast.

Weekly Review 12/8

This week was pretty good. Nothing much really happened; I would say the highlight of this week was Friday because of SLA. The whole week was spent preparing for the big show, whether it was practice (which we had every day) or decorating. This was my first year being in SLA and it was actually pretty fun, I hope to do it again next year, and my senior year. The bad thing is that I got a lot of homework and since I was so busy I have to do it all on Sunday, hopefully it doesn't take me that long so I won’t have to stay up too late.

Weekly Review 12/1

Honestly this week could’ve been better. The only good part was that it was a 5 day weekend and it was Thanksgiving. The best day was definitely Thanksgiving because I got to be with all my family, it was great to see all my cousins because they’re all in college now. After Thanksgiving it was the worst, so many unexpected things happened it was so bad. I know me and my sister don’t have the best relationship but it hurts to see her down and it was scary to see her break down crying for the first time. It was a HUGE life lesson for her, and a try not to make the same mistake lesson for me. Now I can’t wait for next week because we have the SLA show on December 6^th! :D

Weekly Review 11/24

This week was a total drag; I was just waiting for it to be over so that it could be Thanksgiving break already. Highlight of the week definitely on Saturday, I went to watch Catching Fire with my best friend and my cousin. It was AMAZING!! I am re-reading the books because I just loved it so much. It was nice to spend time with my best friend and my cousin because I hadn't seen her in a long time and she slept over my house and it was just like old times again. Those girls mean so much to me and I’m glad we got to be together. Now I can’t wait for Monday and Tuesday to be over for this 5 day weekend.

Weekly Review 11/17

I’m going to skip directly to the weekend by that I mean Friday; we only had 3 days of school anyways. The highlight of my week was definitely Friday because I got to spend the day with my boyfriend, we went out on our first official “date” it was a nice night, we walked all around downtown. It’s amazing how much happiness a person can bring you just by being around them. On Saturday I went out to dinner with my family, I saw my grandma after a few weeks which was nice. Sunday was ugly half the day because of the severe thunderstorms, and tornado warnings which I hate! I am so scared of thunderstorms but luckily it cleared up, that’s just proof of how crazy Chicago weather is. Not really looking forward to this weekend since it’ll be a full week after 2 short weeks.

Weekly Review 11/10

Not the greatest week, could've been better. The only good thing was this 4 day weekend, of course I just stayed home doing nothing but I’m glad I got to catch up on some sleep. Got to spend time with my family on Saturday, and today (Tuesday) I got to take care of my little brother because he was sick and didn't go to school. I’m actually pretty excited about report cards this quarter because it’s my first time getting A’s and B’s at Whitney, I’ve worked so hard and it feels good to know that the hard work has paid off. I hope it can continue to be this way for the rest of the school year.

Weekly Review 11/3

This week was pretty boring, nothing major to talk about. Halloween was pretty fun I went trick or treating with my best friend. I haven’t been trick or treating in 6 years, we went down to River Forest. Its official when I become a pediatrician I am going to live in River Forest, there is no words to describe how beautiful those houses are, literally fell in love with each one of them. This weekend I volunteered at the Hot Chocolate run, once again with my best friend and my other friends Vivian and Diana were there too, it was pretty fun. We cheered for the racers at the finish line, and it made us feel happy because we were there to cheer for them on their victory.

Weekly Review 10/27

This week was perfect! I’m so happy and I hope that it continues to be this way for a long time. I had fun this weekend too, I’m glad I didn’t have a lot of homework. I spent some time with my friends on Friday, and then I spent some one on one time with my best friend which was very much needed. On Saturday, I went to a quince with my parents I had fun, it was my first time going to a legit Mexican quince it was pretty fun but I didn’t dance as much since my dance partner was my dad. So yeah that was my week pretty much and now I can’t wait for Halloween and the three day weekend that follows.

Weekly Review 10/20

This week was the best week of my whole entire life! On Friday I got to meet my favorite artist in the whole entire world! I got to meet Prince Royce and that was the best day of my life, as well as the highlight of my week.  My best friend and I waited outside 7 hours in order to meet him; we got there around 1:30 and left at 8:30. He is honestly the most beautiful person I have ever seen, he is so perfect! He told me I have beautiful hair and I died inside because I couldn't believe he told me that. He hugged me twice and told me he loved me and I swear that was the best day of my life and I will never ever forget it!

Weekly Review 10/13

This week was perfect! Finally homecoming has passed, that was definitely the highlight of my week. I had fun, my parents finally met him. It didn't go as bad as I thought, it actually went pretty great. The night was perfect, I couldn't have asked for more. Now it’s back to school, after homecoming there’s nothing to look forward to until February. I’m glad this is a short weekend due to Columbus Day, that way the rest of the week goes by super-fast plus on Wednesday we come out early because of the PSAT. Oh I made Tiramisu today I’m so proud of myself. Hey Ulises! Since I know you’re more than likely going through my blog posts again.

Weekly Review 10/6

This week was great! Well, my weekend was. During the week I was really tired and I didn't really feel like myself so it wasn't really the best week. Then the weekend came and it made everything better. I’m so happy basketball season is starting! The pre-season started yesterday and the Bulls played against the Pacers where Derrick Rose finally came back! The Bulls won 82-76. Also, my favorite boxer Miguel Cotto fought yesterday night against Delvin Rodriguez; Cotto knocked him out in the 3^rd round! It was so great; the highlight of my week was definitely on Saturday. Last but not least, I made cookie brownies. I love baking, so any new recipes work for me, I love to try new things, especially when it comes to baking. I can’t wait for Homecoming this Saturday; I’ve been waiting so long.

Weekly Review 9/29

One more week until Spirit Week! I’m pretty excited Homecoming is almost here. This week was decent. I’m happy because practice for SLA has finally started and I’m really looking forward to our show on December 6^th. I’m nervous because this week, on Tuesday to be exact, my history teacher is making me speak in front of the whole class so that I can get over my stage fright. He wants me to create a toast about whatever I want, I've never in my life written a speech/toast so this is definitely going to be a disaster when the nerves start to kick in. Wish me luck!

Joseph McCarthy

Jessika Rojas

Honors English II

Joseph McCarthy

Joseph McCarthy was born on November 14^th, 1908 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was born into a Roman Catholic family, and was the middle child (5^th) of nine children. He dropped out of school at 14, he finished his studies in 1928, and  he attended Marquette University where he got his diploma in law. McCarthy was first a Democratic but soon he changed to the Republican Party, which in his time then became known as “McCarthyism”. After World War II he joined the Marines, shortly after he ran for Republican Senator in Wisconsin. In order to win the seat he began to damage his opponent’s reputations. His first term didn’t go that well so when re-elections came by him and Edmund Walsh who was an anti-communist decided that they would team up against the communists. He had enlisted 205 communists, they weren’t all communists some were alcoholics and others were involved in sexual behavior. McCarthy ended up winning, then accusing innocent citizens. In 1953, President Eisenhower decided that McCarthy needed to be stopped and his downfall began. The Army began to fire back, and they spread information about McCarthy which eventually caused everyone to realize he was the “bad guy” and he lost his seat as the chairmanship in the government (Senate).

McCarthy died in May of 1957 after being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to heavy drinking.

McCarthy died in May of 1957 after being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to heavy drinking.agnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to heavy drinking.

Weekly Review 9/22

This week was boring. Nothing exciting really happened; it was just another week at school. One thing I was looking forward to was turning pennies into gold and silver in Chemistry, but due to the fact that someone had an accident it had to be postponed until next week. On Friday was our music fest but I didn't go, which I’m glad I didn't because it seems like not many people went. I just can’t wait until homecoming; I've been looking forward to that since the beginning of the school year. Hopefully this week goes a little better, I’m looking forward to the new clubs I have joined, and I hope I like them.

Act 4: A Raisin in the Sun

                                                                                       8th

                               Act 4 Raisin in the Sun- Something to Die For

(The younger family exits their vehicle in front of their new house. Beneatha and Walter momentarily pause their arguing to join the others in staring at their home. Mama is the first one to break out of their transe.)

MAMA Come on now, honey. What’re ya waiting for? Get on in here.

TRAVIS Aw gaaaleee! Mama, ain’t this house somethin’?

(Ruth turns to Travis with a smile.)

RUTH It is, ain’t it? (Ruth gives Mama a look full of gratitude.) And it’s all ‘cause of Mama.

WALTER LEE I gotta say, this house sure is nice.

BENEATHA (Huffs impatiently)  Well? Who gonna open the door first?

TRAVIS Grandmama, could I please open the door?

MAMA Why of course, Travis. Here are the keys.

(Travis happily takes the keys from his grandmother and proceeds to unlock the door. The Younger family all stare into the doorway into the empty house. Plain, white walls and old wood floors greet them. Although the house wasn’t extravagant, each one of the Youngers found it special in it’s own way.)

  

(A week later, almost all of the family’s belongings had been organized and put away. Everyone had put off their job or school to make time to prepare their house. As of then, the neighborhood seemed very quiet.)

BENEATHA Mama, I think it’s finally time for us to meet some people.

WALTER LEE You’re crazy. Don’t you remember that the white folks here don’t like us?

RUTH There’s always a time for change, Walter.

WALTER LEE (Scoffs in a lighthearted way.) Whatever you say Ruth

RUTH Now Walter Lee, don’t you think we can get along for once?

MAMA That’s the spirit! Now Beneatha’s right. We gotta’ finally go out and talk to some folks.

TRAVIS Can I go back to school Mama?

RUTH I’m not sure about that yet. Maybe someday, baby.

(Travis nods and leaves the room to play in his new room. Beneatha leaves along with him. Mama, Ruth, and Walter Lee are left in the kitchen.)

MAMA I think I’m gonna introduce myself to the neighbors!

WALTER LEE Mama! Ain’t you afraid?

MAMA Of what, son? That they’ll kick me out of my own house? There ain’t nothing to be afraid of!

RUTH Just be careful Mama.

MAMA Of course I will honey.

WALTER LEE You’ve always been a warrior Mama. You always taught us to never be afraid, I just hope one day I’ll be as brave as you. I wish Pops was here to see you.

(Exits the scene)

(Mama goes out to the front porch, Ruth follows behind her)

MAMA This sure is a great place for me to start my garden. Oh, child! Yes it is.

RUTH (Smiles at Mama) Oh Lena, I know how much you dreamed of that ol’ garden and now you done got it.

MAMA Oh yes child. I thank the Lord for all he has done for us. I just hope one day the folks out here may accept us.

RUTH Well, we all got big dreams Lena. (Turns to enter the house)

(Mama stays out starting work on her garden as her next door neighbor steps out their house. Mama stands up, seeing her chance at making new friends.)

MAMA Why, hello! My name is Lena and my family here is new to this neighborhood.

(The neighbor looks surprised for a moment as she looks at Mama over the fence. Finally, a hesitant smile inches its way across her face.)

ANNE Hello, nice to meet you. My name’s Anne.

RUTH I’m Ruth. It’s nice to meet you too!

ANNE How long have you all lived here?

MAMA Oh, just about a week. We ain’t been here long.

(Anne nods her head in understanding. She stands to face Ruth and Mama.)

ANNE Well, it was lovely talking to you all. I hope we can see each other soon!

MAMA We’ll see you soon!

RUTH Goodbye!

(Anne leaves Mama and Ruth alone in the background. Mama turns to Ruth with a proud look on her face. Ruth shakes her head with a smile.)

MAMA I told you these folks were nice. There ain’t nothin’ to worry about here.

RUTH I guess you’re right, Mama.

(Ruth and Mama go back inside of their house.)

End scene.

(Two weeks later, the Younger family were seated at their dinner table when they hear a knock at the door.)

BENEATHA I’ll get it! (Beneatha rushes to open the door. The door swings open to reveal a smiling Anne holding a pot.)

BENEATHA Oh! You must be Anne! My mama talked all about you! Why don’t you come inside?

ANNE Thank you, dear. I just want to drop something off.

MAMA Anne! How nice to see you again! What is this? (She points to the tin Anne holds.)

ANNE It’s a pie! I baked it for your family. Think of it as a welcoming gift.

(Walter Lee enters to see Anne holding the pie. He is surprised for a moment but comes to his senses and thanks Anne.)

WALTER LEE Thank you, ma’am. That sure is an awfully nice thing to do.

ANNE My pleasure! Anything for a wonderful family like yours! I must be going now.

MAMA We’ll see you soon? You and your folks should come join us for dinner one day!

ANNE That sounds wonderful. I hope you like the pie! It’s to die for.

(The Youngers say their goodbyes and return back to the kitchen with the pie.)

TRAVIS Ooh, look at that pie! Mama, can I have a piece?

RUTH Of course, baby.

MAMA Here’s your piece! (Mama hands Travis a piece of pie. Next she cuts one for Walter Lee, then Beneatha, Ruth, and finally one for herself.)

BENEATHA Mmm, this pie really is good!

WALTER LEE: I do got to admit that this sure tastes good.

TRAVIS: Can I have another slice?

(Ruth gives Travis a look before putting another piece onto his plate. The family finishes their dessert and all go upstairs to go to bed. Mama stands in her bathroom, staring at her reflection in the dusty mirror. Her fingers graze across the red bumps that have sprouted across the skin on her face.)

MAMA These bumps weren’t here before… maybe I’m allergic to somethin’. I ain’t feelin’ so well.

(Mama tucks herself into her own bed and falls asleep almost instantly. Similarly, the rest of the Youngers weren’t feeling well either. Each one of them fell fast asleep in their beds.)

(Sometime in the middle of the night, each of the Youngers’ heart stopped, leaving their bodies to look as if it were still in a peaceful slumber. Poison had entered their blood stream, causing their bodies to shut down.)

(That pie really was to die for.)

Weekly Review 9/15

This week has been busier; there’s been more work to do, other than that it was a good week. The bad thing is they didn't change my Spanish class so it looks like I’ll be staying in Spanish I but that’s OK. I feel accomplished because my best friend had a great birthday and I did everything I could to make that possible and I’m glad I was able to do so. Also, the boxing match was yesterday (September 14^th) sadly, Canelo lost. I was pretty disappointed in this fight, I knew Mayweather was going to win but Canelo could have done better.  Oh well, it was still a good week and hopefully this week goes better.

Grammar Lesson: Verbs

Lesson: Verbs
Jessika Rojas


THE FACTS: A verb is a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, forming the main part of the sentence.

WHY IT'S CONFUSING: This is confusing because sometimes it’s mistaken whether to use a singular or plural verb and end up using the wrong one, which then messes up the whole sentence.

HOW TO REMEMBER: The best way to remember this rule is to know whether the subject is singular or plural and recognize whether the verb is a singular or plural verb. When a sentence has either or neither as a subject the verb is singular. After being able to subject verbs it will help with the placement of commas.

Determine whether the subject of the sentence is a singular verb or plural.
1. My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.
2. Neither Juan nor Carmen is available
3.Either of us is capable of doing the job.

Try these on your own, then ask the teacher or a friend to review:
1.A car and a bike are my means of transportation.
2. Neither she nor I am going to the festival.

3. There are four hurdles to jump

Finally, try these for homework.
1. The serving bowl or the plates go on that shelf.
2. Every one of the cakes is gone.
3. Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.

Citation:  http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp

Christopher Columbus Neighborhood Story

There was big, tall trees, one in front of almost every house. The houses almost all looked the same, there were two of each house built in the same design but were different colors. Towards the middle there was a big brown house. It was the most beautiful house in the neighborhood. There were houses that looked rather sad as if no one had cared for it, but others were decorated beautifully with their flower gardens. It was a very peaceful neighborhood; you heard the birds, crickets, airplanes passing by, and you heard the kids’ laughter from playing outside.

            It seems as though the neighborhoods changed quickly from one environment to another. As I walked down towards the park it seemed scary, the gang bangers were all together and graffiti was all over the garages. I could tell right away that some people had been killed there when I read the graffiti. Walking down the park some streets looked intimidating as if no one came outside. I also noticed that many of the streets started with the letter L: Latrobe, Laramie, Leamington, LeClaire, Lawler, Lavergne, etc. Towards the end of those streets it began to go on a curve which gave it a creepy vibe, whether it was dark or not you couldn't see anyone coming up.

            At the end of Grand and Leamington there was a corner store, where suspicious looking people lurked around. They were sort of loud and had big baggy clothes, and you could tell right away that was there every day hang out spot. Not all the people around there were scary though, the neighbors were very nice and friendly. As I was walking I turned to greet one of my neighbors I hadn't seen in a while.

            “Hello Sir, how are you today?” I asked.

            “I’m good, thanks for asking! Hey, aren't you Tony’s daughter?” He replied.

            “Yes I am,” I began to laugh, surprised that he had almost forgot.

            “I thought you looked familiar! Well you have a good day young lady,” He replied waving to me as he turned to enter his house.

That’s one of the things I liked about this neighborhood, that people always greeted each other.

            There’s also a middle school, which is the one I attended. The students there aren't the same as when I was there, they didn't seem as friendly as before. They always walk in big groups of boys and girls forming “cliques” and not one person can mess with them. If looks could kill then they would because those kids had some mean stares. On the streets by Northwest Middle School, they were scary; it’s intimidating especially at night, which is not the place to be. This neighborhood seems dangerous but as long as people are cautious and don’t look for trouble its OK it may not be the best but it’s definitely not the worst.

            Overall, it’s a pretty good neighborhood and to have lived here the past 13 years I have to say I’m proud of where I come from.