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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]CHANGED FOR GOOD…The students were asked to reflect on a relationship that has affected their life for the better MOHAMED…reminds us that the most important person who can change us for the better is ourself. No One’s Coming to Save Me I was six years old when my family left Mali. I didn’t understand why at first. I just remember the long flight, the boxes we couldn’t bring, and my mother whispering that America would give me a better life. But “better” didn’t come easy.We didn’t have much money.  My parents worked long hours, and I learned early how to make things last, one pair of shoes for everything, from school to the playground to Eid prayer. Kids at school noticed. They laughed at my accent, my clothes, and even my name. I’d smile like it didn’t bother me, but when I got home, I’d sit in silence, replaying every insult in my head. Middle school was the worst. Everyone wanted to fit in, and I stuck out. I didn’t talk much. I kept to myself. Sometimes I’d pretend to be sick just to avoid the noise, the jokes, the whispers. I didn’t know it then, but all that pain was teaching me how to stay calm in the middle of chaos. Back then, basketball was just something I watched on YouTube. I’d see players like Kevin Durant glide across the court, and I’d imagine what it felt like to move like that. But I never really played. I told myself I didn’t have the time, or the...

The school was filled with laughter and happiness as students, families and volunteers enjoyed a Family Fun Game Night at the school! A lot us us learned new games and people shared their favorites. There were so many games being played simultaneously from uno to jingo, chess to dominos and many more. of course there was some great food too. Special thanks to Lisa Knickmeyer who coordinated the event and to all who supplied food and drink and helped set up and clean up. A great time was had by all!...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] CHANGED FOR GOOD…The students were asked to reflect on a relationship that has affected their life for the better. RUTH…pens a tribute to her mother’s story of resilience and love. Change for Good         My mother, Carla Lizette Monge Rivas, was born May 20, 1975, in Suchitoto, El Salvador. She was actually born on May 18th, but the doctors had messed up her birth certificate. She’s the middle child of a 4-child household. Both my grandparents were always busy working hard for her and her siblings. So, from a very young age, she learned to be independent and take care of herself. When she was in the middle of college at age 25, she chose to leave school to come work here in the U.S. Like almost every, if not all, immigrants, my mom came here in search of a better life and a way to help my grandparents.          She would very soon meet my brother’s dad, get pregnant, and start her business. When Jonathan was only 27 days old, he was sent to El Salvador to my grandparents because my mom couldn’t take care of him due to her business and not being financially stable. She met my dad during that time, but they didn’t actually start dating until 3 years after meeting. She then got pregnant with Karla, and a year later, she got pregnant with me, her favorite child.         The thing about my mom is that she’s too kind. She goes out of her way...

CHANGED FOR GOOD…The students were asked to reflect on a relationship that has affected their life for the better. JORDAN…introduces us to someone outside her family, but deeply inside her heart. Change For Good The first person that comes to mind for this prompt is Ms. Wickless, also known as my TCS sponsor. I met her in my 8th grade year at Sisters Academy of Baltimore. There were three teachers in charge of the Graduate Support program. Ms. Fortson, Ms. Evans, and finally Ms. Wickless. My class had about 14 students and we were split into groups based on how much help we needed with picking a high school.  Ms. Fortson took students that needed the most help, which was half of the class. Ms. Evans took students that were somewhere in the middle. Ms. Wickless took students that didn’t need as much help as the other two groups. Surprisingly, I was in her group with two other students. We sat down in a quiet room and got to know each other better. It was a little awkward because this was the first time we’ve actually met this lady. The first impression I got from her is that she was very friendly and easy to talk to. That made it easy for me because I have trouble talking to people I don’t know. During the half an hour we spent together, I took notes. I didn’t just jot down a couple words, I actually wrote enough to fill up at least a full side of my notepad. I may not...

CHANGED FOR GOOD…The students were asked to reflect on a relationship that has affected their life for the better. MINGO…relates how a young man named Bird has changed her for good. Better Change for the Good There are a lot of people that I can write about; within friends, family, and teachers, there are more than a few people that have changed me for the better.  In my family, my dad, mom, and younger brother have had quite the impact on me. I will dedicate this section to my younger brother. As much as I want this to be a heartful piece I can’t guarantee it. My brother's name is Bird. That’s a story in itself. You might be asking me; why is your brother named Bird? Although he will never admit it, I’m pretty sure when I got my nickname ‘Mingo’ he looked up to me, and wanted a nickname as well. He was into birds at the time (we all were!), hence the name: Bird.  Bird and I differ more often than not. We don’t have a lot in common, but the things we do have in common are: reading, talking, watching movies/series (yep! That's about it). My brother was born in 2013 which means that he is Gen Alpha. The 67 jokes in my household stem mainly from him (and my dad surprisingly). So the question remains: How do you interact with a member of Gen Alpha? Sometimes, I will just be minding my business, doing my homework, cleaning my room and then I hear it. Bird...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] [embed]https://youtu.be/9hXvz-mCvBg[/embed] This weeks news is packed with stories including the main story on the rising threat of nuclear weapons. Stories around TCS include a review of Peculiar Patriot, an engaging and meaningful play produced at Baltimore Center Stage. After the students went to the play, Erin, Hope and Alexis from Center stage came in for a terrific Conversation. Long time friend of the school and journalist for the Baltimore Banner, Rona Kobel, also came in for a Conversation to talk about her career, journalism and separating fact from fiction in the news. Other news around the school include a Conversation with representatives from MICA about a possible artt program in the spring, a fascinating art seminar with recording artist and painter Damon Trueitt, a Spotlight on teacher Ed Meade and more. This week's TCS Student news was produced by Danny Buck and Rylee Breeden with production assistance from Mohamed Cisse.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

PLAYHOUSE 25…On their way to see a movie, the students hear a gunshot and see a figure running up the alley behind the theatre. They foolishly follow the action. RUTH…turns the tide on a gunman intent on robbing her of a paper clip, two rusty pennies and some gum. Playhouse 25 There I stood, standing face to gun. I was actually going to die. I was going to die as a broke and single college student. That was the worst of it all. I couldn’t see whose face was holding the gun until all the lights flashed on. It was actually a stranger. I thought this would be some dramatic reunion with someone who hated me, but no, it wasn’t. He had long grayish-white hair and a lot of wrinkles. Once I got a stench in my nose, I could assume he was homeless or was definitely going through something. Is this really how I will die? From a stinky person pointing a gun at me. “Give me your money,” he said. “No,” I responded. “I don’t think you heard me correctly. I said, Give me your money,” He repeats. And I repeat, “no.” “Do you not see me point a gun at you? Do you even want to live?” he asked.  Of course, I wanted to live, but I would rather get hurt than get robbed by a homeless man holding a gun. Just imagine how that would look in the news. Young Teenage Girl gets shot by a Homeless Man during a Robbery Gone Wrong. Absolutely not, but I still don’t want...

PLAYHOUSE 25…On their way to see a movie, the students hear a gunshot and see a figure running up the alley behind the theatre. They foolishly follow the action. MOHAMED…ducks into the rear door of the theatre and ends up being part of the show. Playhouse 25 Surprised by the sudden flash of light, George and I froze. We looked around and saw three cars to our left, right, and behind. The engines cut simultaneously. In the sudden, heavy silence, car doors opened, the small interior lights flickering. We were met with the gun that we so wanted to chase. Cornered in this situation, our only options were to find a way to escape or stay to find out our fate. What seemed to be two men and a woman, started approaching us. Looking around, I noticed a red painted stage door- the back exit of Playhouse 25. That was our chance but in fear George ran and left me alone. I could just stay there so I ran toward the stage door. Luckily it was unlocked so I went in. The door slammed shut, throwing me into near total darkness. The noises outside were suddenly muted, replaced by silence that seemed to soak up all sound. My breath came in split gasps as I leaned against the door, my body shaking with adrenaline. Slowly, as my eyes adjusted, a light from a distant exit sign gave me a slight outline of my surroundings. I was standing on a dusty, narrow floor. A short flight of stairs led down...

PLAYHOUSE 25…On their way to see a movie, the students hear a gunshot and see a figure running up the alley behind the theatre. They foolishly follow the action. MINGO…spins a tale of intrigue and danger, only to find herself on an episode of “What Would You Do?” Playhouse 25 The gunman stands 15 meters in front of the streetlight; his figure is outlined by the luminous glow.  My friend and I stare into the barrel of a gun. I am hesitant to take my eye off the killer, but I need to see my friend's face. Without turning my head, my right eye gazes at Rylee. I wonder what she is thinking right now. Heck I wonder what I’m thinking. Should we flee? Will he shoot? Do we stay and hope he leaves? A shadow casts over his face, the light that originates from the lamppost illuminates his body and reflects off his shirt. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a purer white than his shirt. As my eyes adjust to the situation, I am able to see the blood on his side. Not his blood, the pattern looks to be mist. That indicates that the shooter was in close range with the victim when he was struck. The victim's blood showered the gunman with very small droplets of red.  Rylee, just like me, is remaining calm. We have always been diffusers of conflict, undisturbed in the face of dispute. I think back to the times when we solved our friends' quarrels. And then I think of how...

[embed]https://youtu.be/HhXRH-xRugQ[/embed] The protests by Gen Z in Madagascar is the main story in this week's TCS Student News. Reporting on school activities includes the monthly Financial Literacy Seminar, a special visit by artist Rahne Alexander and a Spotlight on Young Playwrights seminar teaxher Susan Troupe This week's edition of TCS Student News was produced by Ruth Rivas and Tallulah Cord with production assistance by Hector Rivas....