After competition pep talk!​

​Gabby Nigro
Neighborhood: Northeast, Philly 
Favorite Spot: New Years Day Parade (mummers) 
I am a senior in high school, a cheerleader, and a future sailor in the United States Navy. 
I have been in Philly for 17 years.

My Love Note: 
Dear New Years Parade,

I love you! I enjoy walking down Broad street every year dressed up in a costume. I enjoy strutting and dancing down to entertain people from all over Philly. The 17 years that I have been in Philly I have not missed one parade. As a little kid my mom would bundle me up and take my sister and I to Broad and Washington to watch all the brigades and string bands. The best part of this day is going to party on 2nd street (two street). Whoever goes to the parade on Broad street, or whoever is in the parade has to experience two street at least once in their life. I was about 13 years old when my mom actually took my sister and I to 2nd street. It was the best experience. I remember dancing all night long with all the drunken mummers. Now I have a different experience because I am actually in the parade. I do not get to see all the mummers until later that night at the party on two street. Philly I love you for having the Mummers Parade every year. I am going to miss you dearly when i leave for the Navy. Thank you for all the memories that I have had from the parades my whole life. 


With complete love,
Gabby

Click HERE to view (:

​ In our project Nowhere to Hide was a website made by four other group members other then me. We all worked together to create a page to show to the DHS. I felt like with this project we had more freedom then what I thought we were going to have. Our main topic of the project was child abuse. The design of our project was set up with different sections of the websites. Our original plan was to break up each of the parts so each group member had a section to work on.

            In my own opinion I think our original plan did not work out the way that it should of. We completed the very first part saying what we were going to do, and each of us as an individual did that and helped each other out with the research. Then it actually came to the making of the project, our website and I feel as most of the work was pushed onto Toni, but she also made it that way. I only say this because I would ask her what she needed help with and she would never answer me. We would also be in class and each of the group members including me would get off topic and talk about something else. Then when it was time to work Toni would tell me to do something and I would.

            To me it seems like I did absolutely nothing for this project but, I helped. I gave ideas on ways to set up the website and what we could use or how we can sort out the information. I also helped advertise our website we can have people not only in the SLA community see what we have been working on. Also whenever a group member asked em for help I was there to help them. I was suppose to be helping Toni put together the project and video part of the project but she never gave me the chance to help. I feel as though ig I were told to help and was given what to do from my group members I would of felt like I contributed a little more then what I did.

            As a group I believe the project did come out successful though. Through the parts of us getting off topic, some members not doing their parts, or others just not working at all. I think we pulled through a good and clean campaign that is ready to be shown to the workers and representatives of the DHS of Philadelphia. 

At first our group was going to investigate the different stories of the holocaust and what exactly triggered it and who had known about the holocaust. Then we had all talked and out and agreed that the holocaust was too much of commercial topic, so we focused on genocide, which is less of a commercial topic. Choosing just one genocide was hard for us to do, so oat first we had did research on the different types of genocides that there were. At the end we had all agreed that it was best for us all to do different parts of different genocides and to put them all together in one informational project that would practically sum up everything that a genocide was about and the people who have already lived through one. 

To just simply Google genocide isn’t enough to understand everything that you need to know to illustrate and to do the perfect genocide project. We had to work really hard at exactly what we were looking for. We had looked for plenty of survivor stories to get head on to what exactly had happened and what it felt like. Also we had did little secondary research just to get the basics of everything that had happened and also everything that the media might have known about. Generally our research periods were very long and hard; also we took specific facts from each source that was used. Then after all of the research on the major things like background information and up close facts on what had happen in each genocide that was researched we had to research the little things such as pictures and videos. 

For our presentation category we wanted to go out and above. We chose to do a presentation board because visuals are everything. Also we had wanted it to look really ragged and old, as if it was something that we had literally taken from a history book. Going through the creation process was just as long as doing the research to start the project. First we had to get a board then make sure that we had decorated it according to occasion. We didn’t want our board to be really boring and something someone had seen before. Also we wanted our project to stick out like a sore thumb so we used our best of might to add things to it and to add little details to everything so everything looked tattered and like it belonged to someone who was in the genocide. 

Our project relates to the national history day theme of reaction, reform, and revolution because we show different sides of the genocide. Also we take different types of genocides and put them into one total and complete project, which brings them all together in the never again convention that is also in our project for revolution. All together our project shows that there is always a reaction to a situation that follows with an reform and usually a revolution. 

In this project it was me (Gabby) Nashraha and Steven

​


 Throughout my sophomore year in Mr. Block’s history and English class I have gone about understanding many different parts of his class. There were times that I would struggle in his class or be able to be on top of everything we were doing. Then there were the times I did not enjoy one thing we were doing. Now that the year is over I have developed more knowledge to get general understandings from both English and History.

From English class I learned that your opinion could help make a difference. I realized this from writing our op-ed in History class and writing thesis papers in English class also in History. Something said in my op-ed was, “Just remember who was the savior for you at one point!” In my op-ed I wrote about how the shootings and weapons that kill police officers are wrong.

            I took a lot from the year I also took more understanding from in English class with our poetry unit. We wrote about whatever we wanted, but we had a certain form of poem we had to write. I wrote a poem about my dad it said, "Ever since that day I wished you were the father I thought you would be." ­From writing this poem I learned that peoples expressions or words can really tell who they are.

Another understanding from this year was something I learned from the letter we had to write somebody in english class. In this project I wrote a letter to my best friend Patrick. He made me realize that words from others can make you think twice about life. He just was apart of a bad situation and his action reminded me of something we read during class. This letter made me really think and it actually made him realize his wrong.

            The last and final thing I took from this year was the ability to be able to write and express how I felt. This all came from the journals we wrote and creative pieces and descriptive pieces we worked on throughout the year. The understanding is that the expression of writings actually brings out the best in you. I took this understanding from a descriptive writing piece I wrote about several scenes put into one to create a story. "He popped the question,” will you marry me?" This was the night when my stepdad proposed to my mom, this part in time of my life brought out the best of me and by writing about it made it show whom I was and how I reacted to the fact of everything going on.

            Now that you have seen some of the work I have done throughout the year I hope you got an understanding of the things I did during the year. This year went by so fast and we did so many things in both English and History. From all the work I have done I got the biggest understanding of all. From the beginning of year to the end you receive more then you think you can handle, and you become a brand new person in the end of it all.

 

            

​Cruelty Towards Our Heroes

 

"Raise Officer Patrick McDonald, Badge #2831 as 39-Pat-8, please. Radio, 39-Pat-8… Radio, 39-Pat-8… Radio, 39-Pat-8. Radio 39-Eddie there is no response from 39-Pat-8. 39-Eddie, can I get a time check please? WPRW578, the time is 1:00 p.m. and the date is September 23,2008. 39-Eddie, from his Police family, our thanks for a job well done. Radio; take 39-Pat-8 off the board for the last time. Received, thank you. *EMERGENCY TONE* All cars standby unless you have an emergency. Attention all Police, all units be advised at 1:25 p.m. this date, the 22nd District has retired the call sign 39-P (Pat)-8 for the final time. That’s repeating, at 1:25 p.m. this date, the 22nd District has retired the call sign 39-P (Pat)-8 for the final time. WPRW578, the correct time is 1:39 p.m."

 

            What just ran through your head? I’m guessing a lot. When an officer is killed in their line of duty their call sign or car number is retired permanently. That’s what was going on above. Its a tribute because Sgt. Patrick McDonald was killed doing something he loved helping the ones who needed him the most.

 

            Sgt. McDonald was an Officer I knew. He lived in my neighborhood. Every time I would walk by him or see him up Liberty Bell Field he would hold a conversation with me. “Hello, How are you?” or even just a simple, “hello!” He was there for everyone family, friends, or even complete strangers. He died at age 25 being so young, but dying doing something he loved.

 

Not only has this officer or sergeant put his life on the line but many other have done so as well. The only thing is most people do not appreciate what one individual Police officer does for his or her district. The rates of an officer getting shot are rising about 0.02% a year. Yes that might not seem like a lot but its said that officers should always go in knowing you will or might have a gun pointed to you and shot.

 

            Police officers need the attitude of, “were going in alive, and coming out the same way!” The 249 Police officers and Sergeants that were killed in Philly all had that attitude, but lost their job because some loser decides to shoot them for doing their job.

There are a selective few of people in the city or state where a Police officer dies, which do not care. Those select few of people are the type of people who trash talk cops and call them all kind of names such as “pigs”.

 

            What bothers me the most is when I hear teenagers going f*** the Police. Funny thing is that if they were in trouble I’m pretty sure the Police are the first people they will call. The select few of people that do not care about Police are the ones who are cold hearted enough to write on YouTube.com their honest truth on how they don’t like cops. I was reading comments on a tribute to Sgt. McDonald, and read the comment “I smell bacon, I smell pork, and run lil piggy I got a fork!”

 

            The things said about our heroes are wrong. The shootings, killings, and injuries need to be cut. People need to stop aiming weapons at police when they are called on a job to help the city. Officers need to put their foot down and by standers need to grow up. When you see an officer just bow your head in respect and realize what they do for you and your peers. When you hear about a fallen hero appreciate it. Just remember who was the savior for you at one point!

 

 

    I never thought that this day would come, and I would never be this happy about it. The days would drag on and it just felt like forever to me. The days seemed longer after my husband brutally kicked my children and I out during a heavy snowstorm. I had to go out find a better paying job, a place to live, and a man who will actually be there for my children and me. My two children are always happy, but these past days I can sense the feeling that they were going through a hard time and struggling with it. That night we got kicked out I brought my kids to my mother's house and I went out shopping to get them clothes until their father would let us get our stuff.
    The next day I dropped the kids off to school, when they left they gave me a big warm hug and wet kisses that were with me threw the whole drug out day. Today was the day I went to go look for a job. It was difficult. I went from store to store filling out applications. My last application was put in at ShopRite.” Good morning all customers!” it was the morning of a beautiful day.  By the time I finished the last page of the application my hand felt like a thousand rocks fell on it and it had cramps running through it like a crab biting at my toes.
    I came home to my mom's house from filling out the applications and the girls were just getting home from school. I told them I went to fill out applications today and I should hear more on it tomorrow. The looks on their faces made me know they were happy. The only felling I had was would I ever find a man that will help me out with this hard time. He needs to understand I have 2 children in my life, who come first. The feelings just washed away and I got the girls ready for bed.
    The next morning was the same routine as usual. I dropped the kids off to school and I sat there smiling at their precious faces when they left. I went on with my day and checked my phone for responses to my job applications. I had a response it was from ShopRite they said I start tomorrow! This is great; tomorrow is going to be the best day. Knowing this great news I was about to burst with excitement like a balloon bursting that was filled with too much helium. It’s the day my children are going to have a big smile stretching across their face like a never-ending street.
    The girls were proud of me. Its Saturday so when I left for work the girls were still sleeping so I went up quietly snuck in to give them both kisses then I left for an easy flowing day, I hope! The day went on and it was great. After my shift was over I went shopping in the store to get my girls snacks and lunch for school. This was it the day I met the man I knew would understand what I was going through and would be there for my children and me. It was in isle 13 the frozen food isle where I seen him. He was packing out the frozen foods. He noticed me looking at him and we met eyes. We looked into each other’s eyes; it was love at first sight. Little glances went on between us. I introduced myself as Patty and told him I was a new worker. He introduced himself as Joe and he was the grocery manager and has been working here for 18 years. When the conversation was over we were both proud to say it was a date.
    The day of the date was a huge surprise the kind of surprise that takes the words right out of your mouth. It wasn't a date it was another chance to spill out the truth. So I told Joe about the time me and my 2 girls were going through and he dropped a big secret a secret that I never expected, but he didn't tell me until the date was over. We went to eat at a beautiful restraint and we ordered delicious expensive food, I enjoyed everything. It was time to go, but before I left Joe had to tell me something. I acknowledged him. He said, “I am dating this other girl named Mary, but I think I love you!” I left the restaurant speechless with nothing else to say.
    We went on other dates. The other dates led to me introducing him to my family and kids. My family loved him, but the girls were not quite certain if they were ready to have a new father figure. It was written all over their faces the day they met. The next date was when I met his family. I was scared I had that feeling in my stomach like I was about to go on my first upside down roller coaster. It all just happened in a flash I seemed to get a long with everyone. His family was so nice. That night I did not go home I stayed at his house for the night and went home in the morning to tell the girls all about his family and how nice they were.
    Months past and so did years and at a blink of an eye Joe was living with us. He bought us a house in the Northeast and we started to realize everything was going great. We got settled in around Christmas Eve and we had a great party, a big surprising and unforgettable party. “Everyone come upstairs!” Echoed down the stairs of my basement steps. I looked at Joe very confused,” what’s going on?” Joe blew off my question. He knelt to his knee very slowly sincerely looking into my eyes. His eyes were shining bright and sparkling like a fresh cleaned glass window. He popped the question,” will you marry me?" I was left speechless I could not get the words out, I stuttered over my words and sounding like a baby who just learned how to talk. I was astonished the people around me were surprised. I answered. "Yes!" I glanced over to the girls and they were standing there shocked. They both ran over to Joe and me and gave us a big hug. My youngest daughter spotted something, she asked, “Joe what are those boxes?” He looked over and responded by pulling out two smaller boxes. She walked over to go see that they were two gorgeous white gold rings shining up at her with every look. Joe said, "ones for you and the other is your sister’s."
    We began to plan the wedding, and before I knew it the day was here. This day was better then the day I had when I started my job at ShopRite. My fiancé was out of the house for the day and it was just the girls and I getting ready. My daughters and I were pampered to the fullest that day. We got our hair, our makeup, and our nails done. The day was going great we had lunch at my neighbor’s house cause she was the one who did our makeup for us. We did our talking we had our laughs; then the time came that split second my heart started to drop we had to get ready for the big day. When we were finished getting ready me and the girls looked in the mirror and was shocked at how pretty we all looked. I think I am ready I thought to myself. We went back to our house to get the bridesmaids and made our way to the hall.
We arrived to our separate rooms, waiting anxiously for our signal. Then the DJ came on the microphone and said, “Time for the welcoming ceremony!” so all the bridesmaids and groom men matched up with whom they had to walk in with. With the flower girl and ring barrier going first.” Introducing the maid of honor, Noelle Bond and the best man, John Hatch!” The music was blasting and I could only imagine the smiles going across the family and friends faces. My stomach was full of butterflies, it was almost my turn to see my husband to be and walk out. I heard the song dramatically change and my stomach received more butterflies, it was time. “Give it up for Mr. & Mrs. Patty and Joe Muth!” we came out arm and arm jumping up and down happy to be here at the moment.

"Hey guys this is Gabby!" She left me when her parents split. She used to live right next door to me. "Well, where do you live now?" It took all my might to actually live up to the fact that where I lived now I have to call home. "The Northeast, its nothing like home." "Like home?" "Yes like home. I lived on 10th and Maceen half my life that was my home, South Philly where I was born and wished I was still raised." Looking away and disgusted at the fact I had to say South Philly is not my home anymore took everything I had. "Enough guys!" My best friend seen that I was getting annoyed at the fact I had to say the northeast was my new home. "Lets just walk to Rita’s already."
It was different. Not just because it wasn’t home; the people, the language, the looks, and the neighborhoods. Nothing would ever be like home. When people asked I was never able to compare the Northeast to South Philly. When I did I just felt like I was wasting my time, because they are two different things.
I was only 10 when we moved. I had already adapted to South Philly, and I wished that it would stay that way. I had so many friends and family living right around me. Everyday I would have someone over and would not have to worry about him or her looking at me like I was different. Everyone one in South Philly was just like me. We wore similar clothes, talked the same, and knew all of our neighborhoods we’re all alike.
To tell you the truth if it was my decision I would not to move to the Northeast but I had to. Moving day came, I watched the movers move every piece of furniture in to the U-Haul truck. I felt like crying! We finished packing everything up. The movers got in the truck and we got in the car. We crossed US 95 and headed up towards the Northeast. The feelings going through me sucked.
I heard the younger girl whisper to her mom, "look mommy the new neighbors!" I just stared at her and smiled, but the thoughts were running through my head. My sister then tapped me on the shoulder, "maybe this wont be as bad as we thought." I just shook my head and acted like I acknowledged her. All I know is that this was going to take everything of me to get used to. The neighbors finally approached us, "welcome guys, I’m Joyce and this is my daughter Cary." Everyone acknowledged them except for me. Cary then asked me what my name was. "Gabby, pardon my rudeness." She accepted it and told me she understands. Honestly she didn't! Cary was only two years apart from me; we grew to understand each other well.
We arrived. The houses were different. The neighbor’s voices were very distinctive and different from the ones I would hear everyday. It’s not the same. The neighborhood is blank. Nothing really was going on like in South Philly you can walk and there would be kids everywhere. Up in the Northeast its nothing but adults. I thought how would I survive?
We settled in. I talked to the neighbors more and I met one more girl. Her name was Meghan. I think Cary and Meghan were the only girls that I fit in with. Every other person I met the first weekend I moved in was either not like me or I could not get along with. Basically everyone I met I would have to get to know. They were different the way they talked, dressed, and held up the neighborhood.
The weekend passed, it was our first trip to our school that morning. I still went to school in South Philly. My mom always said no matter how many schools there were up our way to choose from she was not pulling us out. As soon as I got to school Gi, my best friend came running up to me. "How’s the new house when can I come visit?" "Well its okay, I got a neighbor who is close to my age." The way I responded she knew, it was nothing like home. "I'm going to miss seeing you everyday, and playing barbies in your basement with you and Bianca!" "Please! Just stop!" She walked away from me as tears came to my eyes. I honestly never knew moving from a place I was so adapted to would be so hard. Gi then comes back to show me comfort,” I’m sorry, I really did not understand how hard this change is for you." "I just, don't fit in! Its different."
    This is the only memory I have of South Philly. I only got to see it when I went to school, or maybe just maybe sometime I would be lucky and get to stay at Gi’s house for the night. I guess I will still to this day never be able to compare the Northeast to South Philly, because they are total opposites in all ways. Not just different neighborhoods but the language, clothes, and the ways people act as well.  I guess I will never know how it is to grow up somewhere I used to once call home.

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WATCH ON DROPBOX !
Our video is about a boy named Steven. He is moving from Philadelphia to Spain because of his dad's new job. In this video you will learn how to conjugate verbs in the yo form. You will learn to conjugate each form in regular and irregular form. We hope you learn something from the video but also enjoy it!

The purpose of the project is to teach Steven spanish. After watching the video Steven should be able to conjugate verbs in the yo and tú form, and to tell us what he did over the summer. The way we arrived to the goals were using flashcards. This is important to us in the video because these are the cards that taught steven how to speak Spanish. Our final product when we look at it is very good. On the other hand if we were to be given the chance to do something over we would probably add onto our script and rerecord some of the clips. in our group we are proud that we have been cooperating very well and getting everything done on time. Questions we have for Steven are, Did our flashcards help you with learning the Spanish? Was writing your paragraph about Spanish easy or hard? and How do you like España so far?

LINKvvvvv

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11150531/Espa%C3%B1ol%20Benchmark%20-%20Medium.m4v