Finance Park Trip

JA Finance Park with Sojourner Truth MS, East Orange- Day 2

March 8th, 2012

A total of 14 volunteers participated in JA Finance Park working with 77 students.

From JA

A very special thanks you to the volunteers who spent the day coaching these young people in managing their budgets!  The testimony below speaks volumes....

Student Feedback – Students share their favorite thing about JA Finance Park and what they learned...

“Today I learned that creating a budget is a lot of work, but if you put forth the effort you can come out on top.” –Audray, 6th grade

“What I learned today is how to find the Net Monthly Income and how to stay in my budget. Thank you for teaching me.” –Anthony, 6th grade

“I learned that things are not easy being a parent.” –Elijah, 6th grade

“What I learned at JA Finance Park was that if you do a good job on your budget, you will live the best life you had.” –Jetro, 6th grade

“The importance of coming here is to learn how to balance your budget at an early age.” –Douglas, 6th grade

“What I liked about today was getting my debit card and using the computers. This made me a better person, because I know not to ask my mom for a lot because of these bills.” –Kiyammah, 6th grade

“Something I learned was that parenting is very hard, because when I was on the Clothing Sheet, everything was expensive for me.” –Darneill, 6th grade

“What I learned today is how to budget my bills when I get older. That is important because I am going to have to do this when I have my own family.” –Ameir, 6th grade

“[I learned] how my parents struggle paying bills and I’m lucky to have a home.” –Benero, 6th grade

“What I learned is how to pay my taxes and my expenses. I learned to use my money wisely.” –Tanuel, 6th grade

 To view photos from the event please click here

My Everyday Hero

My Everyday Hero

“My mother is my hero,” writes Farad Burnett, 12, “she pampers me when I’m sick, hungry, and everything else.  My mom supports me in everything I like to do.”  Burnett who placed first in the essay contest titled, “My Everyday Hero,” comments, “It felt great to win.  I took the time to write, read, and rewrite my essay.  My mom thought it was good.  She was proud of me.”

The contest sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs in conjunction with the East Orange School District required students to write a 500 word essay identifying a person in their personal life:   Mother, Father, Grandparent, Brother, Teacher, etc., who exemplifies the definition of a hero.   

Placing second, Winney Joseph, 12, adds, “It felt good and exciting to win.  I wanted to write an essay about my elementary school teacher and thank her for helping me.”  Joseph wrote, “Ms. Hayes believed in me as soon as I walked in her classroom.  She noticed my intelligence, as well as, my artistic talent and made me work my butt off.”

Third place winner Faizon Hunt, 12, states, “It felt great to win.  It felt like I really achieved something because I really like to write.  My mother thought it was really good because I showed her that I really love her.”  Hunt wrote, “My mom would teach me about God, praying, and also how to take responsibility for my own problems.”  He added, “My hero is my mother because she shows so much respect and love towards people.”

Commenting on the achievement of the students, Principal V. Stallings states, “We had some great essays.  Kids really reflected and gave some deep thought to what it means to be a hero.”

The winners received tickets to Seton Hall’s Pirates vs. NJIT basketball game and membership to EO Recreation NJ Nets Fun & Fitness Center.

Other school participants including Brandon Dykes, Tanuel Estime, Anthony James, Nasir Ballard, Zoran Peart, and Walter Outing received a certificate of achievement honoring their participation.

By: M. Tonuzi

Teacher Writer

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical competition

Recently, two young men represented Truth at the semi-finals for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical competition sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha Lambda Chapter).  The fraternity, which Dr. Martin Luther King was a member, develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for our communities.  Both students exalted the work of Dr. King and the legacy he left behind.

One of the participants, Kiyammah Taylor, 13, comments, “First it made me feel nervous to participate.  Then, I started feeling excited.  I worked hard.  I was studying the words so that I could remember them in my head.  It was my goal.” 

Getting inspiration from family members, Taylor adds further, “My mom encouraged me to do this.   My granddad helped too.  He told me all about Dr. King’s history.”

Commenting on student success, Principal V. Stallings states, “I’m glad our male students had an opportunity to carry on the tradition of participating in this event.  That’s a credit to the organization and speaks to the fine work our students have done in the past.”

On the heels of the event, both boys received notice that they would go on to represent Truth at the Finals in January.

 By: M. Tonuzi

Teacher Writer

Cycle 1 Honor Roll Ceremony

The Honor Roll and Achievement Ceremony

Reported by Kaylah C. and D’Maya R.

There were many things that happened at the Honor Roll and Achievement Ceremony that took place on December 14^th, 2011. The parents and guardians of the students and students that achieved High Honor Roll, Honor Roll, Achievement Roll, and Honorable Mention were invited to participate in a breakfast coordinated by Ms. Battle in the school’s cafeteria.

The cafeteria’s decoration was pretty, and the decoration included candy canes and red tablecloth.  The ceremony began with Mr. Stallings, principal of Sojourner Truth Middle School, welcoming parents, guardians, and students and commending students for their hard work. He also encouraged students to continue to do well so that he could see them during the second cycle’s Honor’s celebration.

Afterwards, Mr. Stallings and Mr. Santoro, assistant principal of Sojourner Truth Middle School, personally awarded students with High Honor Roll, Honor Roll, Achievement Roll, and Honorable Mention certificates accordingly.  The recipients received certificates that had their names written in big bolded letters. 

After every student received his or her award, administrators, the parents, the guardians, and the students continued the celebration with a delicious breakfast that included eggs, grits, bacon, bread, waffles, and grape and apple juice.  Everyone had a great time, including Samiyah from HB 686, who said, “It was amazing,” when asked what she thought of the ceremony.  She especially enjoyed it when the students were receiving their certificates.

Once the ceremony and breakfast were over, students brought their families to their classes and introduced them to their teachers and friends. 

The ceremony was fun. We were happy to be a part of the Honors Celebration and will work hard to make sure that we can be a part of the ceremony for Cycle II. 

About Us

Truth Times Team Members

Brittney G.

      I like to dance, sing, and write songs.  The songs I like to dance to: are hip-hop and gospel.  I like to play games that involve sports like tennis, football, and soccer.  My favorite food is curry, fried rice, fish, and chicken with hot sauce.  I like outdoor activities.  I like to do well in school.  My parents and I are really proud of myself for achieving honor roll for Cycle I.   I am a fan of Justin Beaver. 

 Chad J.

         I love karate, swords, the Japanese culture, rock and roll, vampires, and mythical creatures like Phoenix.  I’m dedicated to karate and have been training for six years.  I’m a blue belt, and won six tournaments.  My major in karate is weaponry, more specifically the bow staff and swords.  I rank 4 among my swords’ master’s students.  

Dwane J.

    I like a lot of anime action and fantasy, especially mystical fantasy.  I like to think of myself as a drawer that is filled with a wild imagination.  I’m a good dancer and singer.  I like Martial Arts.  I played football for the Vikings. My favorite foods are pasta and seafood.  My hobby is running and stunts. 

Freddy V. 

       I love football.  My favorite football team is New York Jets.  I play for the East Orange Rams.  My favorite subjects are math and literacy. 

Joshua J.

       My favorite food is Italian food like pizza and seafood like crabs and shrimp.  My favorite hobby is playing sports like football.  My favorite team is the New Orleans Saints.  My favorite seafood is crabs and shrimp. 

                                   

Skye

 My hobby is playing Legos, and also playing role-playing games.  My favorite food is spaghetti with tomato sauce with grilled chicken.  My favorite song is “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles.  My favorite color is blue.  My environmental club is named Global Scouts.  I achieved Honor Roll for Cycle I.  I am smart, kind, and generous. 

Shamar P.

I have loved football since I was 4 years old.  My favorite football team is the New England Patriots.  I also love basketball.  I love spending time with my mom and stepfather.  Christmas is my favorite holiday because I love getting presents and putting up Christmas decorations.

Iralmis G.

I like to play video games and eat junk food.  I like to watch TV, and my favorite show is Family Guy.  My hobbies are to play basketball and ride my bike.  I like sleeping and napping.  I don’t like to clean and going to boring places.  My favorite subject in school is writing and reading.  My favorite book is “Dork Diaries” and the events in that book resemble the life I live every day. 

Kaylah C.

       I like surrounding myself with people who trust me.  My favorite color is blue, and my favorite subject is math.  People think of me as a leader.  I am sweet, smart, and
loud.                                                                                                                                                                         

Esi M.

I enjoy outdoor activities like riding my bike in the cold weather.  I also like to play games and sports like football.  I also like hanging out with my family and friends.  My friends would say that I am fun, unique, and active. 

D’Maya R.

I like to travel and take pictures of everything I see.  I like to write stories about the places I visit like Jamaica and North Carolina. I also draw pictures of people, animals, and scenery. I like leading people, especially when it comes to serious matters. When I talk to people, I don’t like listening to music so I can get to know them better.