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Jerry Kountz

Jallon Croskey

Academic

Student Life

Student Support

Library

Sports

Dining

SEED Store

Shout Outs

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Table of Contents

Welcome back 7th and 8th graders and welcome 6th graders!

8th graders Precious Hickson and Latia Clarke mentoring 6th grader Jiyana Buie.

SABER SPEAKALWAYS FREE ISSUE 1 OCTOBER, 2010

THE VOICES OF SEED

FROM THE EDITORDear Reader,

Our first issue of Saber Speak features captivating pieces written by SEED students, including faculty profiles and other stories to keep you up-to-date and in-the-know. Each student’s effort and hard work really paid off in making this publication possible! If you’re not in this issue, not to worry, we’ll catch you next time! Enjoy reading about the ongoings of SEED and we will continue to do our best to keep you informed.

Sincerely,

Brittany JordanEDITOR-IN-CHIEFOn Behalf of the Newspaper Staff

TOP NOTCH by Brittany Jordan8th Grader

MR. JERRY

KOUNTZRole: Head of School

Hometown: Duquesne, Pennsylvania

College: Slippery Rock University

Degrees: Bachelors of Science, Masters in Education and Administration

Favorite Quote: “What do you do with what you know?’

Favorite Thing About SEED: The great students who come here who want to learn, grow and become a huge success in life.

Top 3 Things To See Happen at SEED:

1.     Every student achieving at the highest level and 0 students on the academic probation list.

2.     More interscholastic teams and club activities for all students.

3.     Completed new dorm, students moved out of the triples, and a finished new gym, kitchen and dining hall!

Where did it all begin? Jerry Kountz joined the SEED School of Maryland team in the middle of 2008, the year of the school’s inception. However, Mr. Kountz had worked for the SEED Foundation for quite some time so he wasn’t so new to SEED’s philosophy and mission.

How did he hear about SEED? About 4 years ago a buddy of his told him about the SEED School opening in Maryland and he jumped at the opportunity to get on board.

What made him apply for the job of head of school? He quotes, “I liked the challenge of starting a new school.” When he was offered the job he says, “I took it because I wanted to be more than a part of it. I wanted to help make a great school.”

He says about the first day of school, “I was very excited but very nervous and of course thrilled to begin.” Students at SEED were a little weary about having a school head who they were unfamiliar with start in the middle of the year but they quickly got to know him and welcomed him into the SEED family.

What’s next for SEED? He says, “Starting the new and 1st class of high school programs.” With the help of Mr. Kountz SEED is well on its way to achieving this goal. And how will the future of SEED look? He says enthusiastically, “We’ll look fantastic! More kids, more teachers, and more learning!”

Now here’s the catch. Does he think he changed SEED for the better? He says with a chuckle, “I hope so! The goal was for everyone to feel a part of a safe and learning community and if I say so my myself I think we’re already there.”

What’s next for Mr. Kountz? He says with a big smile, “I hope to be here to see the 1st graduating class of 2015 walk across the stage then just relax and retire in a peaceful house somewhere.”

Mr. Kountz helped lay the foundation for SEED and gave the students and faculty the building blocks to soar. Kountz has made great strides to create a fully functioning school. Wherever Mr. Kountz ends up in the distant future we know he won’t forget about us!

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The Head Of The Bodyby Elijah Johnson

8th Grader

MS. JALLON

CROSKEYRole: Director of Academics

Hometown: Chesapeake, VA (outside of Chicago, IL)

College: William & Mary

Degrees: Sociology & Education

Favorite Quote: "But now, says the Once-ler, Now that you´re here, the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear. UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." – From The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Favorite Thing About SEED: The potential of the students who are always focused on college and the commitment of the staff. (She couldn’t pick one).

“I like the idea of preparation for college. I really believe in SEED,” says the new SEED principal Jallon Croskey. She thinks SEED students are so responsible that she even asked jokingly if she could put an ad in our newspaper for a babysitter. Yes, Ms. Croskey has two kids Malachi, age 5, and Eli, age 4, but you would never know because she dedicates so much of her time to us.

She describes her work-life balance as tricky. Usually, she spends at least one evening a week at SEED getting work done that she is not able to do during the school day. She says, “My husband and children are very supportive and understand where I am and what I’m doing when I’m away from them.”

As a student of William & Mary College, Ms.Croskey studied sociology and education to obtain her bachelor’s degree and did not decide she wanted to be a school principal till the end of her freshman year. At about age 10, she wanted to be a veterinarian but after she realized that wasn’t her calling she thought she wanted to go into social work or be a lawyer. She went on to George Washington University for her master’s in administration with a clear path in mind: to be the leader of a school.

With the help of these degrees she became the Director of Operations and school support at 3 schools. As the founder and principal of a KIPP charter school in Maryland she mentored new teachers and taught elementary and middle school students.

She found out about SEED watching Oprah who was raving about a new charter school (SEED of course!). Then she started getting e-mails about our school and that’s when she started to look into it more closely. Ms. Croskey wanted to become the principal of SEED because she was confident that her past experiences would enable her to be successful at her job. She also has the ambition and the work ethic a 24-hour school like ours requires.

Two months into the school year, Ms. Croskey feels like SEED was a good choice because she enjoys working with the students here who are focused on college and making their dreams for the future become a reality. Ms. Croskey has her plate full at SEED but believe it or not she has a life outside of school.

“Free time? What is that?” she asks sarcastically. This past summer she read three of the “Twilight” books in about eight days and recently finished the fourth. She also enjoys watching movies and playing with her little boys.

What does she look forward to at SEED? “I look forward to witnessing the future success of our students and knowing that the work we are putting in has paid off!” she quotes.

At the end of the day, Ms. Croskey does admit students at SEED are a handful but I assured her that we are worth it and just trying to keep her on her toes! Wouldn’t you agree?

Poll Results

Who thinks Ms. Croskey has improved

SEED?

100% of Students Page 3

MR. TURNER INSIDE & OUT

by Jessica Smith & Sherice Black8th Graders

Mr. Turner without a doubt loves being here at SEED. This year he has been promoted to the Director of Program so he can be more involved with the kids. Last year he was the Boys Student Life Manager. Now he’s everywhere from lunch to dinner or when you leave to go back to the dorms.

Mr. Turner knew education was his ticket to working in schools. He attended many colleges but his top two were New York Institute of Technology and Seton College where he earned a degree in English, Communication Arts and Education. After college, he was Director of Student Life at Girard College, a private boarding school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. So you might be asking yourself how did Mr. Turner end up at SEED? Mr. Turner submitted his resume to Cheye Calvo at the SEED Foundation.

One of Mr. Turner’s fondest memories since he has been in the education field is twenty three years ago when he recommended his first student for boarding school. Despite the student’s struggles he was able to persevere. Many students here at SEED remind him of this student.

Mr. Turner’s face lit up as he said his inspiration came from the man known as Elwin Sykes. They worked together at their first boarding school, coached basketball and baseball together and Sykes then went on to become the head of school. “I thought to myself, I want to do that,” and Mr. Turner’s climbing the ladder to do just that.

Where does he see himself in 5 years after the class of 2015 leaves? “I’m hoping that I’m still here to see them even if I’m in a wheelchair and pulling an oxygen tank,” he said chuckling.

In the future, Mr. Turner would like to see more public boarding schools like SEED all over the country that underprivileged kids can take advantage of without having to pay for expensive boarding school enrollment.

He sees his job and new promotion a blessing because he can use all the skills he has learned along the way at SEED. “It’s like it was made for me,” he says of his job. There’s nothing Mr. Turner can’t do and he can be everything he wants to be.

8TH GRADERS TEACHING 6TH GRADERS THE ROPES

by Maia Fulton8th Grader

Everyone remembers their first year at SEED right? Being shy, getting homesick, and not knowing anyone? Well, I interviewed two new 6th graders from the Middleberry and UTEP houses to see how they’re adjusting to SEED.

I asked 11 year old Jazmin Long how she likes her first year at SEED. She responded, “The first year of SEED is wonderful! They teach us how to get ready for college. They give us harder stuff to do than we’re used to so we can learn more.” Jazmin really seems like she’s psyched for college!

The first year of SEED may be a little rocky for new kids and yes that includes how we got along with our counselors. For some it might have seemed like a nightmare! But for others, it was like your counselor was your new BFF! I asked Jazmin how she gets along with her counselors and she replied, “I do get along with my counselors because they’re like my friends.” Well it’s good to know that Jazmin is starting the year off just right with her new counselors! It seems like Jazmin is very excited to adjust to the new ways of SEED and getting to know new people!

I also interviewed Ninoshka “Nino” Martinez who is also 11 years old. I asked her how she liked SEED so far and she replied, ”Good….. besides all the problems.” Problems??? “What problems are you referring to?” I

asked her. “The students. They fight over tiny stuff and it gives me headaches.” Well, I can say that the 8th graders experienced exactly what Nino is talking about in 6th grade. But as we matured and got to know each other better, we learned to get along and solve the altercations we had. I asked Nino what she did to help resolve the problems her peers were having and she said, “ I talk to them in a calm voice and tell them to breathe deeply and count to ten.” She also said that she listens to music and writes in her journal which helps her out when she’s mad.

Even though its just the beginning of the school year, the new sixth graders have learned so much already! BUT, they still have soooo much to learn! The 8th graders that have been here for almost 3 years are still learning. I asked 8th grader Chantia James if she had any advice for the new sixth graders and she said, “Try to find a best friend that you can talk to about your problems.” My advice, is to worry about you and what you’re doing. BE YOU. Don’t follow after people you think are you’re friends because in the end, YOU are what’s most important and your success at SEED. So make the right decisions and this school year will rock!

THE GROWING TREEby Tierra Jones

8th Grader• •

Why are we made like this?

Can our lives be improved?

It takes time but we are getting there.

We’ve been maturing,

To discover what SEED makes us become.

A tree of children that are happy,

That are growing into educated young women

and young men.

Love is spread all throughout campus,

It’s like a scent blowing in the breeze,

To make a loving, hardworking person.

This is what SEED makes us….

This is the love of the growing tree.

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THE SECRET BEHIND THE ROSE

by Antonio Wright8th Grader

• • •

All the 8th graders know our teacher Ms. Rosewag, but do you know her outside of the Spanish room?

Ms. Rosewag’s hardest choice in life was choosing a college because it was a tough choice figuring out which one she could afford. Hopefully this will not be a process SEED students will have to go through on their own as there will soon be a college guidance office.

Ms. Rosewag finally chose McDaniel College and during her college years she majored in French and Spanish and minored in Drama and Theater and Sociology. She balanced running cross country and taking at least seven courses every semester and still managed to graduate early.

After she graduated, she traveled to ten different countries in six weeks with only a backpack of clothes and a train pass.

Before our caring teacher Ms. Rosewag came to SEED she worked at Carry County for six years and was honored to come teach the class of 2015 when she heard their was an opening for the Spanish position.

Ms. Rosewag really likes it here at SEED, but why? “I like the SEED philosophy of preparing students for college starting in 6th grade,” she says.

Before her teaching career began, Ms. Rosewag had three different jobs. She was a police dispatcher, worked at Old

Navy and had a job in Washington D.C. for a lawyer as a paralegal.

When Ms. Rosewag finds free time between her may jobs she enjoys working out, reading, cooking and watching football.

So in a nutshell, she’s trilingual, she’s traveled the world and explored many different careers and she has no problem teaching all the 8th grade girls Spanish all in one room during the same period.

GETTING SOCIAL WITH SOCIAL

STUDIES TEACHER MR. FINGADOby Marcus Ganey & Devin Tingle

8th Graders

We got social with 36-year-old social studies teacher Mr. Fingado as his advisees chowed down on his wife’s wonderfully delicious food. But most of the time, Mr. Fingado is all business in class. Academics come first but he believes there’s no reason why fun can’t be mixed with learning. He is currently teaching the Geography and Culture of the United States and one of the activities he recently enjoyed doing with his students was using football teams to help his boy classes learn the states.

Mr. Fingado gets creative with his lessons but he has dedicated his studies for many years to being an effective teacher. He received his undergraduate degree from State University of New York at Buffalo.  In addition, he received his Masters of Science Degree in Education from Dowling College. He studied History and Sociology at Buffalo and

Adolescent Education Social Studies 7-12 at Dowling.

Mr. Fingado’s favorite part of his job while it is important to teach his subject is the relationships he has built with the students at SEED. “I always look forward to Regine telling me about what a great week she is having. I look forward to Malik Cross giving me a bear hug. I look forward to Raquan coming to my class showing me all of his excellent work. I look forward to Ariel saying, “Hey Shorty.” I look forward to when Nijahre hands me a pic of Northbay and we share a laugh. I look forward to calling Wynwood “Driftwood” when he’s not on task. I look forward to all the hellos and what’s ups and fist pounds I get from the MS3 students. I look forward to the relationships I will build with the MS2 students, and how MS1 students still come and tell me how much they enjoyed my Foundation lessons.”

Mr. Fingado won’t admit that the class of 2015 is his favorite, although we personally think that’s the truth. He says, “2015 will always have a place in my heart.” And let’s not forget he says, “I look forward to working with the awesome SEED Staff.”

As if Mr. Fingado doesn’t spend enough time with students, he volunteered to run the SEED Store for 7th graders. “I look forward to Mondays working with Stephanie, Ryan and Jessica during SEED Store hours,” he says.

Guess what? He’s not only a social studies teacher, he’s a dad too! He says to be a good teacher and a father it’s all about having good time management.  He has two daughters. Daniella is 3 and Gabriella is 18 months. He says, “I also know that when I am here I am Mr. Fingado, but when I’m home I’m Daddy.  It takes a lot of work but I make sure to take care of all school related business when I am here at SEED so I can pay attention at home to my kids.  I make exceptions sometimes and bring work home but then it’s hard to concentrate and focus on it when your  girls are styling your hair or playing Wii.”

So next time you’re in MS2 stop in and get social with Social Studies teacher Mr. Fingado.

ACADEMICS

Ms. Rosewag taking a seat after a busy day of teaching Spanish classes and running the SEED store.

Nice hair Mr. Fingado....

Page 5

GOLDY LOCKS AT SEEDby Maria Kelly

8th Grader

Her curly golden locks can be seen from a distance. We all know her as Ms. Clute. She’s an ELA teacher who has worked here for two years. If you ask her what her favorite book is she’ll say, “It’s an impossible question to answer. I love all books especially the ones that include great characters and unusual ideas.”

It’s crazy how when I asked Ms. Clute what she wanted to be as a child she says an archaeologist. Ms. Clute says, “all through 6th grade I was obsessed with being an archaeologist.”

Most students would really like to know how the teachers feel about the gender specific classes so I asked Ms.Clute and she replied, “I think it’s wonderful! I have seen such a large step forward in all of my students, they have also become much more focused.”

I also asked Ms.Clute how she felt when she taught her first class at SEED. She was nervous but excited because she took a break from teaching a while back.

Ms.Clute is an awesome teacher and very inspirational, funny and kind. She calls me “the girl with bad Mondays.” At first Ms.Clute seemed very strict and serious but as you get to know her she becomes an awesome role model and is a teacher who I looked up to  a lot when I was in 7th grade and I still do.

Why teaching? Ms. Clute’s inspiration to teach came from a role model she had at University of Central Florida

named Mr. Linkins. She got a degree in literature in college and she wanted to share her love for reading with kids.

How did Ms. Clute end up at SEED? By a stroke of luck Ms. Clute found out about SEED from the Director of Human Resources in Howard County.

Ms. Clute likes that SEED students are taught at a high level and that each student has a different personality that is valued because everyone is different.

But that’s not all. When I asked Ms.Clute about what she likes to do outside of school she says, “I like to play tennis, hike, ride bikes, travel, and watch cheesy television shows like The Office.” So as you can see Ms. Clute has an unexpected twist of adventure in her and she also has a passion for teaching.

Pop into her classroom for a taste of good literature or to see her pictures from the cross country road trip she took over the summer!

MS. DROOOOOSSSSSNER

by Demetrius Thomas6th Grader

Ms. Drossner’s double trouble advisee Demetrius Thomas

My wonderful advisor is Ms. Drossner and she has been the best mentor that myself, Jiyanna, and Ayanna could ask for. She helps us with our day to day problems at SEED and our presentations of learning. She keeps nagging us about being on our best behavior and collecting evidence of our core values but we know she has

the best of intentions and we can be a handful or “a trip” as she says.

When she first asked us to have our teachers write about us when we show self-discipline or another core value, I asked, “How is that possible?!” She assured me that even if we have our bad days there are certainly days where teacher’s have something to compliment us on.

So enough about advisory let’s get the inside scoop on Ms.DROOOOSSSNER. She was born in Baltimore, MD. Sunday night dinners with her family are times she looks forward to spending with her siblings because she’s the oldest of four kids. In her free time she likes to run...A LOT and is training for the Baltimore half marathon October 16 and afterwards she plans to do more. Her dream is to one day finish an Ironman Triathlon. She thinks the Ravens are going to win the Superbowl but talk is cheap.

How did she become a teacher? She tutored in public high schools when she attended the University of Pennsylvania where she majored in English with a concentration in creative writing. She got her certification to teach through D.C. Teaching Fellows last year and she’s excited to be here at SEED and back in her hometown this year.

I’ve just been informed by my resources (8th graders) that Ms. D is a pretty tough MS3 ELA teacher just like her teammate Ms. Clute. Her students keep an interactive notebook and update their table of contents every day (she learned it from the expert Ms. Antinozzi!) and she doesn’t settle for kids who don’t try their best.

The reason why Ms. D wanted to become an English teacher because she loves to read and enjoys seeing kids writing. She also thinks teaching 8th graders is rewarding because it’s an important time in a teenager’s life where they are maturing and figuring out who they are.

Ms. D also started this newspaper with her TI group and runs the SEED store. Hopefully she’ll give me a discount on some stuff. She plans to stick around for a while to see her 6th grade advisees graduate because in her mind life’s a marathon, not a sprint.

This is your 6th grade reporter signing out...more to come soon!

-Demetrius Thomas

ELA TAG TEAM

Ms. Clute....The look....

Page 6

FROM OUR BEGINNING TO HER END

by Chantia James & Jessica Smith

8th GradersWhat is the first thing that pops into your head when you think of Ms. Lanier? Well, to us Ms. Lanier isencouraging, understanding, funny, and mature. Think we’re right? We asked Ms. Lanier and shedescribes herself as eclectic. For those sixth graders who might not know what eclectic means…she’s amix of things. “She’s a very diverse person,” says Ms. Evans. Ms. Lanier has had a significant impact onher kids since day one of SEED.

8th graders, do you remember the first time you entered the gate to SEED? What were you thinking? Imagine what Ms. Lanier was thinking when she found out thatshe would be living with ten students she had never met before? Now, two years later we know all about her.

What does Ms. Lanier do with her free time? “I love to travel, read, ballroom dance, and cook.” Herfavorite book is Trickster ‘s Choice by Tamora Pierce. It is about a girl who is a spy, and she helps toprotect two girls who are a part of a prophecy that one girl will become queen of their country. Shedescribes it as, “Awesome!”

Unfortunately, now we have to say goodbye. Why is she leaving? She is leaving for two reasons. First,she will be researching at the Kennedy Krieger institute in the Sturge-Weber Syndrome Center (a rare disease and they don’t know why it happens to kids). Second, she will be going back to school to get herPhD in nutrition. She is sad and doesn’t want to go. She is happy to move on but wishes she could still beat SEED. “I found out that I had received a research grant about three weeks ago.”

We asked her whatshe thinks people will say once she leaves. She said, “I have no idea. Hopefully good things.” Ms. Lanierwas right, only good things have been said. Ms. Lanier has promised to come back and visit us everyThursday for a special activity. We miss her already!

Now, when I look back on my experiences with Ms. Lanier, the first thing that pops into my head is her dedication to the students.See you this Thursday, Ms. Lanier!

A few students in Mr. Manley’s house.

MIXING IT UP WITH MR. MANLEY

by Faith Watkins & Stephanie Keyaka8th Graders

Ra’Mel Manley never planned on being a student life counselor. He wanted to be a teacher but after finding out about SEED from Mr. Overton and being offered the position he wasn’t about to turn it down.

Mr. Overton and Mr. Manley grew up in Washington D.C and attended Frederick Douglass High School together. While in high school he played football and was on the wrestling team and he went on to attend Bowie State University.

Now lets get to the juicy stuff you want to hear.... Yes, he did have his clubbing and “partying” days but as he matured he stopped and he now only attends concerts. He enjoys reading books and he is now reading “The Despiracy To Destroy All Black Boys” by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu. His favorite color is black because as he says, “it’s the essence from which all life comes.” He likes to travel, read, listen to music like LilWayne and WuTang, and play golf. He’s no Tiger Woods, more like “Tiger Hoods.”

Manley loves it here at SEED and he’s loyal to the kids. But SEED is not his only commitment. When Mr. Manley is not at SEED he returns to three

sons at home in Annapolis, MD. His best advice for SEED students is “Be true to yourself. My ancestors had a great saying and it goes like this: Man KNOW SELF.”

THIRD GENERATION NBA STAR: MR. CARTER

by Patries Nagbe & Precious Hickson8th Graders

You all know him to be Mr. Carter but you don’t know his life story and how he ended up at SEED. Mr. Carter Bay grew up watching his older brother play basketball and he quickly picked up the sport which showed him self-discipline.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he is the youngest of three children and he had a good childhood but life wasn’t easy with a single parent mom. He faced many obstacles to get him where he is now. His doctor told him he wouldn’t be able to play any sports because of his asthma but when he got to high school he had no problems with it. He was considered a smart jock in high school and he vividly remembers his prom date Brittany Crowder.

After high school, he attended Morgan State University and transferred to Lincoln  University where he played on the Men’s Basketball  team where he kept up a 3.0 GPA and majored in Health Science and Kinesiology Anatomy. He graduated with a bachelors degree in health science and it was difficult to find a job. He worked at a group home with young boys until he found out about SEED.

He loves to work with kids and he liked the SEED philosophy so he applied for a job. He got the position and ever since he fell in love with SEED. He like the kids and the other staff. His role model was his older brother his dream was to become an NBA all star player but instead he started to work with kids.

His message to kids is never give up on your dream. He’ll never lose sight of wanting to play in the NBA so you better watch out. Go ahead Mr. Carter and keep rocking Polo and those Jordan’s! We’re lucky to have you here!

Page 7

STUDENT LIFE!

MR. MCMANUS IS REALLY THE MAN

by Samuel Ayodele8th Grader

We all know about Mr. McManus. Well, not everyone, since he just started working here this year so let me give you a little background. He's a student life counselor and the coach of the soccer team which shows that he is hardworking because he is always pushing kids to be better. He likes to see good sportsmanship inside and outside of the classroom.

There are lots of things that you don’t know about Mr. McManus like the fact that his favorite food is sushi. Did you know he also likes Cobi Jones, a professional soccer player? But his role model is really his grandfather.

Mr.McManus attended Bridgewater College and majored in Business Administration. He wanted to become a professional golfer but he ended up at SEED because he wanted to help children learn and reach their full potential. He looks forward to watching the athletic program grow and seeing his students become more successful.

One more thing you guys should know about Mr.McManus is that he is actually 28 years old so he's young and we hope he'll be here for a while.  He says, “The best advice I can five is to learn something new everyday, and always keep your head up!”  

TO OVERCOMEby Sherice Black & Jessica Smith

8th GradersKevin Mays made it very clear that he is here for good. “I love my job,” he says. Being the boys’ counselor of Shepherd University, there were some struggles he had to overcome to get to where he stands now. He faced racism, people doubting him and telling him that he would never make it in life. Not just that but he was also put into a condition where he was told that he could never walk or grow

again. The only thing that he wants to live to see is his 4 year old son as a grown man with a wife and kids being all they can be. He lives to make his son proud and is also motivated by each breath his son takes each day. Now that’s the “World’s Greatest Dad.”

Mr. Mays overcame his struggles and is standing before us today. Even those who put him down made him stronger and his grandmother was especially influential. “She encouraged me to do well when others wouldn’t.” Even Mr. Mays received tremendous discipline when he caused interruptions. With his grandmother showing him the way to go, his son and his aunt are also a huge part of his life.

Looking back into his past, his highlights were winning class president, making the basketball team, receiving straight A’s his final quarter, and graduating in the top 5 of his class. Yes, he was the brightest.

Mr. Mays volunteering his time to substitute teach 8th graders.

In college he continued on a successful path as a student ambassador at Salisbury University. He also attended University of Maryland Eastern Shore and South Carolina State. He joined Phi Beta Sigma, fraternity and majored both history and psychology. History, because it was his thing “I Always Loved History” he said. He just wanted to learn more. He also

majored psychology, because help people and see into their minds.

Now he has his own clothing line (Syncere Designs), he likes to travel, meet new people both famous and ordinary, and he has a son.

Believe it or not though back in his day, Mr. Mays was quite the ladies’ man having the same appearance as The Dream and Ice Cube. He was also quite a popular student: “Yeah, I was a jock,” he stated. This man’s groupies gave him a lot of attention.

So why did Mr. Mays want to work here at SEED? Before accepting the position as a counselor at SEED, he was a History teacher, a P.E teacher and a basketball coach. He says he made the choice simply because he was tired of restraining students and wanted to be around an environment where children actually wanted to learn.

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” we asked. “Here watching the first class of 2015 graduate” he answered. Good Answer! Crystal Clear, Mr. Mays does see himself working at SEED for quite a while.

Do you know who Mr. May’s best friend is? Give you a hint: he works here at SEED. Well, if it wasn’t for his best friend telling him about SEED than Mr. Mays wouldn’t be here. So, “Thank You” to Mr. May’s best friend that made it possible for Mr. Mays to be here today.

Who would’ve thought that Mr. Mays had a soft side? To him, the saddest movie he ever saw was John Q, because he saw how the gentle man was a hardworking father with a sick son but still he dedicated his life to his son.

Mr. Mays last remarks are “I enjoy seeing and being around children on a daily basis who take their education seriously. I’ve reached my goal and I’m right where I want to be.”

STUDENT LIFE!

Page 8

THE MAN THAT BUILDS LEGOS AND BUILDS YOUR

CONFIDENCEby Lucas Gutierrez

8th Grader

Mr. McCarthy taking a break from the cafeteria to

embrace Lucas Gutierrez taking a deep breath.

Student support manager Mr. McCarthy has been there for all of us since we stepped onto the SEED campus in 6th grade.  He helps students who have suffered deaths in the family, homesickness, and mental problems like depression and anger management.  He helps us sort things out so that we can be better students in the classroom.  He understands that we are involved in lots of things because just like us he attended  public elementary, middle, and high school in Hampden, Maine where he played soccer, basketball, baseball, did ski team, and ran track.  He was also a member of the Mock Trial Team, National Honor Society, and Key Club.

He’s a great guidance counselor because his door is always open to students and he pretends to never have too much on his plate.   The man is very busy but he never pushes us away.  He deals with serious issues with a sense of humor.  One of things he does when I go to see him is that he imitates me when I’m mad.  He loves fruit. He usually has a tea in his hand. 

Now let’s take a trip down memory lane to figure out how McCarthy got to

SEED. McCarthy was born on September 3rd, 1980 in Detroit, Michigan.  His father is a lawyer, his mother is a special education teacher, and his younger sister is a kindergarten teacher.  His whole family lives in Maine with their yellow Labrador dog.  McCarthy left home to attend Middlebury College where he majored in English Literature and minored in Sociology.   He spent junior year abroad in Galway, Ireland studying Irish history and Irish Literature.   

His experience with kids and counseling started when he was a residential advisor at Middlebury College before beginning graduate school at the University of Maine.   He spent one semester at University of Maine before transferring to the University of Vermont.   He worked for a school with students who were in foster care while getting his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.   He worked in Vermont as a Mental Health Counselor with adolescents who had substance abuse problems before he moved to Washington D.C. and began working at The SEED School of Maryland.

 After school, Mr. McCarthy returns to his home in D.C. where his 7 year old rabbit named Deputy Nora Jr. lives.  She is a fat and a blonde lop-eared rabbit.   He enjoys cooking and playing wiffle ball. He also tries to do yoga class a couple times a week.  In the summer, he plays on a softball team.

Like many of us SEED students, we like to imagine a place where we can escape to and all of our problems will go away. He tells us about his favorite place in the world which is a small little bend in a river outside of Richmond, Vermont.  The river is shallow for a few miles before the bend, so the water warms in the summer.  At the bend, the river bottom drops about 10 feet. It is perfect for summer swimming.  He would go there with a book to read and swim every day after work or school.  Instead, he now commutes home to D.C. listening to Bob Marley which might hear on a Friday afternoon if you stop by his office.

THE WORLDS GREATESTby Ryan Wardlaw

8th Grader

A great mentor, a great physiologist, a great father and husband, and a man with a great state of mind. Mr. Brown is the guy who takes care of every kid on campus. He helps anyone with a problem or someone that needs someone to talk too. He allows kids to excel and work on things they’re good at like making jewelry or the song that he wrote with us.

He studies and practices stress therapy. That’s why everyone that has come in contact with this great person has become a better person themselves. His wonderful wife December helps with their business called Pangaea Wellness which has the motto: “The oneness of wellness.”

The best words to describe Mr. Brown are compassionate, balanced and self-determined. He often says, “Everything is connected to everything.” So here’s the path he took to get to SEED. Mr. Brown was inspired to be a physiologist by his father, mother and also his three best friends. He graduated from Bowie University in 1994 and received his specialist degree in 1997. He worked in Ohio in the public school system before he began his career in Baltimore, Maryland.

So if you need a pick me up write some poetry with Mr. Brown, listen to some Jay-Z or make some jewelry. We love you Mr. Brown!

STUDENT SUPPORT

!

Page 9

Library to the Rescue

by Latia Clarke8th Grader

• • •

SEED students are desperately in need of books and study space. Who will be there to help them with that? Well, Ms. Huff will be in charge of the library and manage study space. There will be several student helpers assist with library functions with a little help from the community.

The library will be used for pleasure reading, research ranging from both print and electronic resources and quiet study space. (Sounds like paradise!).

Students look forward to the library grand opening on October 21. Ms. Huff says, “We are hoping that the first week in November the staff and students will have library cards and will be able to access the collection online. We will also keep evening hours to better serve students and the library will have many online features,” says Ms. Huff. Also asking Ms. Huff of her own opinion why do you think a

library is important? She says, “having a library is important because a library is the heartbeat of any school environment. The library supports the curriculum and the instructional goals of the school and provides a safe haven for literacy exploration. (Wow that’s deep!).

Now there you have it folks the scoop on the library hero!

Some DEAR Favorites....

Mockingjay

Bluford Series

Cool Stuff 2.0

The Naked TruthDiary of A Wimpy Kid The Chronicles of Vladmir Tod The World Before This OneWuthering High

Ms. Huff working hard to get the library ready for the grand opening October 21

Ms. Vee browsing through the book

she just purchased at the school book

fair organized by Ms. Huff in September.

Page 10

Page 1

6th graders enjoying DEAR (Drop Everything And Read!)

Guess Who I’m Kickin It With?

by Brenda Mason8th Grader

• • •

A wise student life counselor once said, “To whom is given much is required.” I know you may be wondering who this is so I will give you a couple of hints. The person attended Lincoln University and she was a model student-athlete who balanced academics with playing basketball, cross country and field hockey. She was also part of Delta Sigma Theta, one of the biggest African American sororities.

Most can’t help but wonder how she balanced academics, athletics and her social life. She told me, “I used to put my grades before anything and that was most important to me.” This is a lesson we learn here at SEED to enable us to be successful in the future.

In case you still don’t know who this is she is an assistant for the

Columbia and Swarthmore college houses and she is the girls’ soccer coach. I think you can figure out who I’m talking about now…it’s Ms. Jefferson.

So next time you run into her stop to chat about her experience as a student athlete or maybe just

kick a soccer ball around with her.

STUDENT-ATHLETE

Mr. Kendall and Ms. Arrighini always encouraging the student athlete at SEED!

Come out and s u p p o r t t h e first SEED girls and boys soccer t e a m s t h i s season!

SPORTS

Brenda Mason and Ms. Jefferson after a pep talk

Page 11

Girls soccer team after their victory against Thomas Jefferson

DINING

by Jordan Hopson and Jourdynn Dickerson

8th Graders• • •

Hey SEED Students! We are investigating the food at SEED. We interviewed a few students to gather some evidence for our case for better culinary choices. We would like to share our first student interview with Ryan Wardlaw who provides some helpful feedback for our study.

Jourdynn & Jordan: Hello Ryan! Do you like the food here at SEED?

Ryan: It’s OK. I’ve had better.

Jourdynn & Jordan: What foods do you like here?

Ryan: The turkey sandwich, but I need two to fill me up.

Jourdynn & Jordan: Any suggestions you would like to give us for the cafeteria or the food?

Ryan: I would like seafood, bigger portions, and UTZ chips!

Jourdynn & Jordan: Well thank you for your time.

Ryan: You’re welcome!

We want to hear from you! Tell us:

1) What do you like?

2) What don’t you like?

3) What suggestions do you have for improving our dining hall?

More to come soon! Check back in with us next issue!

“I really appreciate your

services but I just wish in the

future we could have more

variety.”

— Madison Lee

Poll Results Our Favorite Foods#1 Burger

#2 Chicken Tenders #3 Hoagie Sandwich #4 Hot Dog

#5 Boneless Rib Sandwich #6 Wrap Sandwich

AROUND CAMPUS

Sixth graders bonding in the dining hall.

Jordan and Jourdynn interviewing students and faculty in the dining hall.

Page 12

by Devin Tingle8th Grader

• • •Out of 15 astounding applications 10 students were accepted to work at SEED’s first school store. The writers of those amazing 4-page applications were none other than Jessica Smith, Ryan Wardlaw, Wynwood Curry, Raquan Clark, Stephanie Keyaka, Regine Oliver, Jordan Hopson, Dionne Johnson, Brenda Mason, and myself.

The SEED Store is student-run but overseen by Ms. Drossner, Ms. Rosewag and Mr. Fingado. Students have the responsibility of pricing the items in the store, collecting SEED dollars from students, keeping a log of all purchases and managing the inventory.

We look forward to having many items in stock including college gear, clothing with the SEED logo, dorm accessories and décor and hygiene products.

The SEED Store had its grand opening Friday October 1st during recess for the 8th grade only. It’s open for 7th graders on Monday during recess and for 6th graders on Wednesday during recess.

In case you haven’t had a chance to stop by, the store is located in the MS3 building near the exit door to recess and donations are greatly appreciated.

Ms. Drossner says, “I think the SEED Store will be a great

opportunity for 8th graders to take on a leadership role.” We will have some great stuff in stock so earn SEED dollars fast by showing your core values!”

The SEED Store is stocked and ready for students to

cash in!

The new SEED Store! A place where students can spend their hard-earned cash!

Stephanie Keyaka checking up on the 6th graders to

make sure they are on the right track.

The SEED Store’s Coming To Town...We Don’t Have To Wait Till Christmas!

Our Core Values @ SEEDPerseverance Self-DeterminationResponsibility

Integrity

Compassion

Empathy

Self-Discipline

Respect

Page 13

To: Jourdynn From: Jourdynn

For getting the highest score on my Social Studies test.

To: Diana From: Bremia

Helping me on the math.

To: Bruce From: Kayla G.

For being a good student

To: soccer team From: Stephanie

For being good team players.

To: Briell, Diana, Jordan, Brianne, Latia, Jawon, Josue, Antonio

From: Jourdynn For being my best friends and nice people.

To: Class of 2015 From: Mr. Turner

For getting it in.

To: Mr. Brown From: Diana

Helping students with problems

To: SEED From: Deven H

Thanks for making me the person I am now.

To: Latia From: Tyree

For being a good friend.

To: Damion From: Damion

For being a good player at basketball.

To: Mr. Ervin From: Damion

For keeping kids in check.

To: Both Isaiah’s and Brandon From: Darron

For being good friends

To: Ryan, Raquan and Malik From: Brandon

Coming to soccer study hall.

To: Best friends From: Raquan

For being my best friends for two years.

To: Ariel From: Ariel

For being a smart person

To: Wynwood From: Isaiah Green

For helping me with my English homework.

To: Ariel From: Malik

For being a nice sister

To: Jeremiah From: Wynwood

For being a good son.

To: Debate team and Ms.Worth & Ms. Sullivan From: Madison

For starting a debate team and for buying 8th grade books.

To: Ryan From: Damion

For finding it in you to write one of the greatest raps when you were just expressing yourself.

To: Girls soccer team From: Stephanie

For being great and practicing hard every day. You guys rock and can’t wait to see us kick butt.

To: Ariel From: Stephanie

For being an awesome co-captain. I enjoy leading with you captain #2

To: 8th grade From: Ms.Worth

For maturing and focusing on your work.

To: Ariel and Diana From: Ms.Duggins

Making it to algebra 2 and staying focused

To: Ms. Drossner From: Ms. Rosewag

For putting the SEED store together.

To: Newspaper Staff From: Ms.Drossner

Working hard

To: SEED Family From: Mr. Overton

To: Ryan From: Diana

For being a good writer with rap and poetry.

To: Latia From: Tierra

For helping me catch up on my make up work

SHOUT OUTS By Latia Clarke and Diana Bobb

8th Graders

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFBrittany Jordan

COPYEDITORChantia James

REPORTERS & WRITERSAntonio Wright

Devin Tingle

Elijah Johnson

Diana Bobb

Tierra Jones

Precious Hickson

Sherice Black

Maria Kelly

Chantia James

Jessica Smith

Faith Watkins

Sherice Black

Samuel Ayodele

Marcus Ganey

Latia Clarke

Demetrius Thomas

LAYOUT

Tierra Jones

GRAPHICSMaria Kelly

GUEST WRITERSPatries Nagbe

Stephanie Keyaka

Maia Fulton

Brenda Mason

FROM THE STAFFWe want your

suggestions! If there’s anything

you would like us to write about in our next issue

please let us know!Page 14

SEED Newspaper Staff