End Of The Year Trip: Lake Compounce: So crack a bottle...

For our end of the year trip, I went to Lake Compounce. We left school at 8:50 and returned at 6:00. I had lots of fun

For our 7th grade end of the year trip, I went to Lake Compounce in Connecticut.
We left school at 8:50 a.m. We got to Lake Compounce at 11:00 a.m. The bus
ride was a 2 hour ride. On the bus, while we were waiting to go to our destination,
we were settling down. Some students were talking, others were eating, and others were even singing. As we took off, a movie was playing on the mini televisions in the coach bus. The bus driver put on Harry Potter. No one really watched it because we were really excited about the trip. Lake Compounce;it was a really cool, thrilling adventure. I had a blast.

Once we arrived at the theme park, every one picked groups. In my group, it was me, Steven, Ms.Bentley, Christian, Robert, Alhaji, Angel, and Isaias. All of the classes were together at the entrance getting their groups ready. Since my group was already picked out, we decided to go in and have our fun. When we all, entered, we all already new what rides we were getting on. The first ride we went on was a roller coaster ride. It was called the Wild Cat. It was painted all in white. My partner was Alhaji. That ride was really fun except for every turn we made, we would crash into each other. Next, we went on the Wipe Out. It spins you around in a circle and at the same time, it takes you up and spins you diagonal. After that, Alhaji and Steven went on the Down Time. That ride takes you up about 185 feet off the ground and drops you. It was a heart stopper. We had a bathroom break and drunk soda and water. Then we hopped on the Giant wheel. Its like a Ferris Wheel. But we wanted a more thrill and a twist-of-faith adventure so we went to the Zoomerang. It took us back, shot us forward with non stop twisting and then we started going backwards. We went to the Ghost Hunt. Inside, there were skeletons popping out of no where and I was the winner with a score of 1020. It was getting very hot. So we decided to go to the Saw Mill Plunge. That cooled us off. We ate lunch. I had a hot dog and some onion rings. I had diet Pepsi as a beverage. When my group finished their lunch, we got on the Pirate Ship. Our time was ending so we went to the Bumper Cars. We had a difficult time driving but we crashed into a lot of people.

Our last ride we got on was the Wipe Out again because that was the closest ride from where we was. The trip was soon over. Everyone already knew that the ride home would take for ever so most of us went to sleep. People that weren't sleeping were watching Batman Begins. But the ones that would never forget this day are Alhaji and Robert. They vomited the whole ride. Everyone had a memorial adventure. The day was over but this day will never be forgotten.

Aim:What did we learn from Career Day?

Desire Ramos Math Ms.Sa
Class 702 5/28/09

What is the name of your presenter?
Elina Brown

What career did you learn about?
I learned about being a producer.

What are two details about the career?
As a producer, you need to make sure that three things are important. They are: "Pre-production"..."In-production"..."Editing". Also, as a producer, you need about 4 back-up plans.

What is one or two details about your presenter that you liked?
I liked how Ms.Elina Brown used a video clip to show us what show she is producing. I also liked how she made us feel comfortable in the class and wasn't judging on the things we like and want to be.

Please add anything else positive about your presenter.
She is a great, pleasant person to meet. I wish we can meet again.

I-Movie

In my class, we are using I-Movie to help us make movies on our books that we are reading. The best part about creating movies with our groups is that we can do a lot. We can add images to our movie. Each group member has a role in the movie. If mistakes are made, we use them as bloopers. And it is really really fun.

The movie I made with my partner, Steve Gerson, was not complete. We need lots of work to be done. There still needs editing and images included. We needed help. So we still presented our movie yesterday, 5/11/09. We got helpful feedback that was taken in consideration. So far, the changes we need to make are: *more images
*relative music
*Questions


The other movies I saw, made by my fellow classmates, were pretty cool. There were funny ones, interesting ones, and ones that left the class in suspense. They were really creative and I was impressed.

I know my movie was not the best. It needs more touches. The movie I enjoyed the most was Alhaji's movie. Him and his group was known as "The Baconaters." Their movie was great but kept everyone in suspense.

If you are a person that has never used I-Movie, but is trying to make one, I really recommend that you use I-Movie. You can do so much. You can add special effects, sound, music, images, and more. It is the best computer application to use for movies.
If you have never read the book "Monster," my movie is not the one you would want to see. I recommend an other group like Mari Jo Alves group, or Carla Pimental's. Their movies were one of the best.

I still need to improve my movie. I hope, when it's finished, the movie will be amazing to all who see it.

Human Rights

"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

1. What article did you choose?
Article 1
2. What does this article say in your own words?
All people have equal rights, should be treated fairly with respect, and have their own freedom.
3. What rights are described in this article?
*Freedom

*Equal in dignity and rights

4. Why do you find this article important?

It lets everyone know what rights people have.

5. In what ways do you think this right could be broken?
When people don't treat others fairly. When people aren't treated equally. And when people don't have their rights.
6. Create a situation in which the right in this article is broken. How could someone not follow this right? What would happen to act against someone's human right? Describe how the people might feel.

GOOD: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

BROKEN: People have slaves. People are rejected due to gender likes/dislikes. Etc...

7. Do you think it is important to have documents that outline what human rights are? Why?

Yes because people around the world are still being treated unfairly. People are still slaves. And I wouldn't be surprised at the fact that it still continues. The world needs to see what human rights are.

Profile Reflection

The things I like to do are playing sports, writing, reading the newspaper, cleaning, and more. The career I would want is to be an National Football Player. My life goal is to go to Cardinal Hayes High-school. Then, I will strive to get a scholarship in sports, (football). I will graduate high-school and go to Harvard University. At Harvard, I will get an Associates Degree in football. If things go well and I do better than great, a national football team will buy me and I can fulfill my dreams. My three favorite topics I would pursuit as a career would be football, lawyer, and a teacher. I love football. I love to talk. And I want to follow my mother's foot steps as a teacher because she taught me a lot. I love being optimistic!

After reading my Renzulli profile, I was amazed. I wasn't amazed at the things I picked, but amazed at how fast I picked them. Soon, I will be in high-school, then college...I have to make a choice. One little thing messes up what I already had planned. Can I afford for that to happen, or is it worth losing?

All I know is for now, I have a life dream to pursuit, and I am confident in pursuing these dreams, weather I can become a football player; lawyer; or teacher...These are the things about me that I like, love, and want to do when I grow up. I optimistic and confident. Thats me!!

My Renzulli Profile

Desire is a seventh grade student who has special interests and abilities in school. He described his grades as above average in math, above average in science, average in reading, and above average in social studies. He seems to have several areas of interest. His primary interest appears to be in athletics. He seems to like physical activity and may be interested in learning about sports, nutrition, physical therapy, or sports medicine.

Desire's second area of interest appears to be in history & social studies. He seems to have an interest in studying the past to learn about famous historical figures and events, antiques, old photographs, and/or oral histories (talking to people about their past experiences).

Desire's third area of interest appears to be in writing. He seems to enjoy writing, and should have opportunities to develop skills in writing in a variety of genres such as fiction and non-fiction, poetry, and journalism.

Desire also has specific preferred instructional styles. Learning or instructional styles are the ways students like to learn and the strategies parents and teachers use to help them learn. Desire has very clearly defined learning preferences. His preferred instructional style is through technology that helps him to learn by using various interactive multi-media devices and Internet content. His second choice of learning style is peer tutoring that happens when a student or friend who knows a good deal about something helps or works with him to really understand the topic or material being studied in school. Desire also enjoys working in groups, as he enjoys working together with other students in or out of class.

Desire also has a preferred product style. That is, he has certain kinds of products that he likes to complete. His first product choice is technological, as he enjoys photography, using computer technology, and integrating media in a number of different and interesting ways. His second choice of product style is written, as he enjoys writing articles, stories, or other types of written products. Desire's third choice of product style is service, as he likes to provide assistance to individuals or groups in his community. Desire may also want to lead a group of students to do something that provides help to others in need.

How would you feel?

Yes, I feel that racism still exists in many ways. People still call each other "nigger"; "cracker"; "white trash"; and "spic." People can be serious or just joking, but it is still a racial comment. I have never experienced any racism, but I do hear it a lot in school and out on the streets. In the book, "Monster," Steve Harmon is experiencing racism.

I believe that there is racism in our country's court/system because the white people do much better than the minorities(Black, Hispanic, some Asian). If the court is fulled of white people and a black or Hispanic is on trial, do you think (s)he would get treated fairly? Can a minority get a fair trial? I think they wouldn't get treated fairly. On a daily basis, the average a minority would get is at least five months to a year. A white person would only get 3 months. That really isn't fair. Like in my book. I don't think Steve would get a fair trial. He's black and everyone in the court sees him as a guilty criminal. His attorney/lawyer doesn't want him to go to trial no more. She just wants him to do his time. She feels that he shouldn't take the heat. Every trial, Steve gets treated like a monster but no one knows if he's guilty or not. They see it as, He's black he's guilty. IN LIFE, THATS THE ISSUE PEOPLE GO THROUGH...IF YOUR NOT WHITE!

Moster

The Language we use is very powerful. The words we say can hurt people's feelings. The comments we make can offend one another. People take things to the heart. For example, on April 9, 2009...An eleven year old boy hung himself for being bullied, picked on, and name called. People call other people names to get them mad. Sometimes, people say stupid things to play around, but the one getting insulted doesn't know that. The only time I call people names is when I am making jokes with friends. And even though I know we are joking, I don't go over the limit. It really hurts people; the things we say.

In the book, "Monster," the prosecutor, (Petrocelli), called the defendant, (Steve), a monster. Steve got very angry. He wrote "monster" all over his book. He hates to be in the position he is in. I think he feels like a monster in his cell at the New York Correction Facility. He has no freedom and is very lonely. If I was in his shoes, I would feel like a monster in that small cell. I think he is innocent but can't control the fact that he's on trial.

I think Steve is not a monster. If I were the jury I still wouldn't see him as a monster. No one knows if he's innocent or guilty. The monsters I can say are monsters are the rapists, perverts, serial killers, kidnappers, and more...that are roaming around the streets. They walk like if what their doing is o.k. It makes me sick knowing that they can live with what they do without showing any remorse. Steve called this book monster because he cannot take the fact something bad really happened. He's young and doesn't need to be in this position. He's called a monster and in jail, thats the way he feels. This story is an interesting story titled, "Monster."

The game I enjoyed the most today was Basketball Poetry. In order to play the game I had to make as many shots as possible by getting correct answers to the questions. My Score was 9/10. I liked this game because My parter, Joshua, and I, had so much fun shooting. To play this game go to this link http://reviewgamezone.com/games/supershooter/index.php?1635&title=Personification

The game that I enjoyed secondly the most today was Baseball poetry. In order to play the game I had to hit home runs. My Score was 10/10. I liked this game because it was very fun. To play this game go to this link http://reviewgamezone.com/games/superhitter/index.php?1634&title=Figurative%20Language

Proportions

Cross multiplying is a great way to help solve a proportion. For example, 2/5 = x/35. First, you multiply the numerator 2 by the denominator 35. 2 times 35 is 70. Next, you multiply the denominator 5 by the numerator x which is 5x. The new problem is 5x=70. 70 ÷ 5 is 14. X=14. This problem is proportional. Some problems can be wrong. For example, 2/3 = x/12; 2x = 36; x = 18. First, you multiply 2 by 12 and get 24. 3x=24. 24÷3=8. X=8! Cross multiplying really does help you solve proportions.

Hyperboles

Hyperboles are basically exaggeration. Some hyperboles may sound or look like similes, but once you see or hear the exaggeration, its a hyperbole. Hyperboles are used everyday, mostly in jokes. For example, "Your house is so dirty, even the roaches moved out." Hyperboles and idioms are so far my favorite figurative language. They describe what you want to say in expressions and can be humorous.

Idioms

Idioms are expressions that have meaning apart of its individual words. For example, "Your brain is bigger than your head." This literally means that your brain is too big, but to us, it means, "You are really smart." Idioms are used for many things. Its used to give more meaning or description to what you want to say. It sometimes gives humor to what you are trying to say. Idioms make something less boring. And last but not least, idioms are used to express something in a different way. Idioms are very cool to use and learn about. What are some idioms you think about everyday?

The Literacy Games: Day 2

The game that I enjoyed the most was called Wizard poetry. In this game I studied the following skills of figurative language. In order to win this game I had to read riddles and figure out if it was alliteration, simile, metaphor, or just rhyme. The thing I enjoyed most about this game was I had to go from room to room, looking for creatures that have riddles. My partner was Mark Clark. He was the winner. To play this game go to this linkhttp://www.earobics.com/gamegoo/games/wiznpigs/wiznpigs.html

The game that I enjoyed the 2nd most was called Figurative Language Battleship. In this game I studied the following skills of, once again, figurative language. In order to win this game I had to find my opponents ships and answer questions based on similes, metaphors, and hyperboles. The thing I enjoyed most about this game was finding the opponents ships. My partner was Mark again but this time, I won. To play this game go to this linkhttp://www.quia.com/ba/55203.html

The game that I least enjoyed was called Alien Punctuation. In this game I studied the Rhyming Schemes. In order to win this game I had to Find the rhyming words and correct punctuation. The thing I least enjoyed about this game was that it was too easy. My partner was Mark and he beat me. To play this game go to this linkhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks1bitesize/literacy/rhyme/index.shtml

A Persuasive Essay

I believe that students should have physical education and health in class. Students need to run around and exercise. Students also need to learn about the body. Taking physical education is a great way to help you stay in shape. Taking health class lets you learn about the body and teaches students about whats good and whats not. This is why I believe students should have physical education and health.
Here, in C.I.S 339x, during physical education, what we know as gym, we exercise as our warm-up, then do physical fitness activities. We play fun activities like kickball, basketball, and more. Sometimes, we have a day for just fitness where we can do push-ups, sit-ups, weight lifting, and more. Physical education is an important way to stay in shape.
During health class, I am learning about food in the food pyramid on the website known as mypyramid.gov. There are six different groups:grains, fruit, vegetables, oils, meat and beans, and milk. We learn how to take control of our diet. That is very important to know. These are the reasons why I believe that students should have physical education and health in class.

The Literacy Games

The games were very fun and challenging. Mary Jo, my partner, was a good challenger. We were tied twice but I eventually won. This was very fun.

The figurative language game that I enjoyed the most was Create A Metaphor. I enjoyed it because it timed me. In order to win I had to make as many metaphors as I can under 1 minute. My score was 100%. I played against Mary Jo. In order to play this game you have to go to this link: http://www.kidsonthenet.org.uk/dragonsville/metaphor1.htm

Another figurative language game that I played was Sink Your Opponents Ships. I felt that this game was easy. In order to win I had to get a lot of questions right.
My Score was 100%. My partner's score was 100% in second place. In order to play this game you have to go to this link:
http://www.quia.com/ba/42131.html?AP_rand=934993279


The figurative language game that I liked the least was Simile Quiz. I felt that this game was a little boring.
In order to win this game I had to write down the descriptions and comparisions. My score was 100%. My partner's score was 100%. In order to win this game I had to get everything write first. If you would like to play this game go to: http://www.worsleyschool.net/socialarts/simile/page2.html

I played other games and had fun.

Journal Assignment Two-Step Equations

Name: Desire Ramos
T-mobile charges $34.99 a month for phone service. They also charge $0.48 per minute for long distance calls. If Joshua's bill was $64.75, how many minutes of long distance calls did she make?

Part A - Write an equation that can be used to solve the problem.

Equation: $64.75 = $34.99 + $0.48m

Part B - Solve your equation and answer the question in a complete

sentence.

($64.75 - $34.99) ÷ $0.48

($29.76) ÷ $0.48

62

I got my answer by first subtracting $34.99 from $64.75. My answer was $29.76. Next, I divided $0.48 into $29.76. The quotient was 62. My answer was 62 minutes or 1 hour and 2 minutes.

All About Me

Yes! I am Puerto Rican. I was born in Brooklyn. I have a big family, 6 sisters and 2 brothers. I love my culture and I love my race. I love me.

††PUERTO RICO††
††24/7††


§§§§$$I'M GETTING MONEY$$§§§§

My Social Studies Reflection

So far in social studies, I have learned many things. Write now I am learning about many things. I learned about the Boston Massacre, The Acts,(The Stamp Act and The Tea Act), and more. But all of these things led to the American Revolution. The Boston Massacre was many deaths. It was between the colonists and the British. This started from the acts. These acts were passed down by the British. The colonists had no say. This made the colonists angry. The colonists attacked British Soldiers. They threw rocks and sticks at them. The Soldiers panicked and started shooting. Six colonists were killed and three colonists were injured. The British and the Colonies went to war, known as the American Revolution.

A Laptop

My Haiku Poem: A Laptop
A laptop is glass
Its fragile and delicate
It brakes easily

The Clown

My Haiku Poem: The Clown
A clown is funny
Like Pablo Fransisco's Jokes
Laughs make my tears fall

An Orange

My Haiku Poem: An Orange
An orange is round
With hard and thick peels
Its a tasty fruit

Football

The Game
Football is rough

But It's kind of fun
People yelling OUCH

Though they have the strength to run

BOOM...The football is kicked up in the air
I'm on fire
When I play
And I better go higher

I'm the one
My name is Desire

Pancakes

Pancakes

Fizz,Fizz
Look at me
I'm making pancakes
All so buttery

Flip,Flop
I'm turning it around
After eating, gotta clean
With out making a sound

The Native American Museum

I learned that Native Americans aren't really Indians. They were being called Indians over and over again just because their language wasn't understandable to Christopher Columbus and his people. The dresses females wore was made by hand for themselves and their daughters. Different styles are used for anything they wear. Every mask and dress had its own story. I learned that Native Americans know exactly where they come from. My tour guide, William, is from a mountain. It was a really cool experience.

The Magnetic Poem

Hello
My name is Desire
And I'm so fly
I'm the best, I go higher, I'm on fire

I'm small and short
But Brolic and Big
I'm cute with a heart
I don't eat like a pig

A Young Lady Named Sue

You must be a young lady named Sue
Who could ride on the road with the flu
I don't know If I'll stay
You can come anyway
Then we'll eat two raccoons 'till I'm blue

The Senses

My Five Senses!
I feel the smooth softness
Of my baby brothers skin

I smell the smell
Of the roses my mom was given

I see the colorful blinking lights
Of sirens every night

I hear my sisters cry
Over the scary movies that give them fright

I taste the tasty treat
And sleep for the rest of the week

My Reflection 3/13/09

The math exam Book 1 was very easy to me. It was not at all difficult? The Book 1 was multiple choice. It was also easy because the math, to me, wasn't at all that hard. It was the easiest test of all. I know I did well on Book 1.

The math exam Book 2 was a little more complicated. To me, it was difficult. There was no multiple choice so I had to be careful with what I did and made sure it was absolutely 100% sure correct. The math exam Book 2 was more difficult than Part 1. I think I got a 4 on the math exam. I get 4's every year and this year was the easiest. I believe I finished with 20 minutes left on both exams. I checked my work over and over again making sure to get a 100% on both. I did excellent.

Yesterday's poetry quiz was easy. All we had to do was write. The answer were easy but I just had a lot to write. The poetry quiz today was even better because all I had to do was go back to the poem and find the answer. I think I passed the test. I was prepared for this test because I knew what to expect and I knew what to look for.

Aim: How do we evaluate algebraic expressions?

12x= 12*X...12 x X...X x 12...X*12

4/y= 4/y

3xy/2= (3x)y)/2...3yx/2

The difference between a variable and a constant is that a variable is a number replaced by a letter that can be varied or changed. A constant is a value that never changes.

HARD APPLES

Harsh hard, heavy apples
Eight apples that hurt a lot
Ached my tooth, made me cry
But really hi the spot

The dumby, dumb, dull dentist
Made me jump with all his tools
Then he said, "I'm pulling teeth"
He really pulled out two

MY FAMILY

My mom is a super hero
Strong like stone

My dad is my life
Like a never ending world

My big bro-lick brother yells
"FIRE" at target practice

My sisters are precious silver pearls
Shiny, Silver, Sweet

My baby bro is my secret star
"Goo goo ga ga" he cries

This is my family
This is my life

MY MOM AND I

Ramos
Thats my last name
I am short like a mouse
My mom is a super-hero
The END

An other Limmerick

THE SMILING CLOWN AT THE SEA
The Corney clown clowned
Googly goofed and drowned
He swam,he struggled, and cried
He thought he almost died
He survived but with a frown

My limerick: Football

The football was thrown
A 70 yard pass in the zone
"1st down," the ref. screamed
Sweating under the sun that beamed
We scored with the win, behind the cone!

"The Bronx Masquerade character that I relate to the most. Center1"

The book I am reading in class right now is called, "The Bronx Masquerade." This book is about many different students with different lives attending Bronx Masquerade. They have different tragedies, different believes, different race, and different religion. But they all do the same thing on Friday, "Open Mic Friday." On Fridays, there is a class that they go to and recite their poems. They speak about their life and what they do. This expresses the way they feel things, see things, do things, and more. But most importantly, they let others no more about themselves. It lets them get everything off their chest. Open Mic Friday is a day for them. There are many characters in this book. In this book, the characters I know so far are Tyrone, Raul, Diondra, Devon, Janelle, Mike, Judianne, and more. These characters each have different problems. They go through so much but most of them read and write their poems. What I like most about this book is "Open Mic." That gives everyone a chance to say what they got to say. But the character I can relate to the most is Sterling S. Huges!
I can relate to Sterling S. Huges for many things. Him and I are not rich. We both like walking away from problems some times. He and I want to stay off street and go to college. It just goes on and on. He believes in God. He knows his life is in Gods hands. He wants his prayers to be answered. He knows he has to do good in life. He is a really nice person and with most of the things he believes in and does...It just reminds me so much of me! This is why I can relate myself to Sterling S. Huges.
The character I can relate to the least is Devon. He likes to write poems like I do, but he hides it. He scared of what people might think of him. Not me! I don't do things to impress anyone. I do it for me or if I know it its the right thing to do. Devon is now not caring of what people think of him, but what he thinks of himself. He doesn't care if people hate poetry, he loves it and that's all that matters. This book is called, "Bronx Masquerade."

The Cinquain Poem: Favorite Hobby

Football
Football
Its a fun sport
like life with no ending
Its a long non-stop spinning world
TOUCH-DOWN!

The Cinquain Poem: Favorite Food

Eating Pizza
Yummy!
Pizza's the world
Pizza's sweet like honey
It is knowledge in your stomach
Yummy!

My Bull:

The Original Poem: With Similes
My bull is white like the silver fish in the river,

White like the shimmering crane bird on the riverbank,

White like fresh milk!

His roar is like thunder to the Turkish cannon on the steep shore.

My bull is dark like the rain cloud in a storm.

He is like summer and winter.

Half of him is dark like the storm cloud

Half of him is light like the sunshine.

His back shines like the morning star.

His brow is red like the back of a hornbill.

His forehead is like a flag, calling the people from a distance.

He resembles the rainbow.

I will water him at the river,

With my spear I shall drive my enemies.

Let them water their herds at the well;

The river belongs to me and my bull.

Drink, my bull, form the river; I am here to guard you with my spear.

Edited Poem: With Metaphors
My bull is the white silver fish in the river,

Is the White shimmering crane bird on the riverbank,

Is White fresh milk!

His roar is loud thunder to the Turkish cannon on the steep shore.

My bull is the dark rain cloud in a storm.

He is summer and winter.

Half of him is a dark storm cloud

Half of him is the light sunshine.

His back is the shining morning star.

His brow is the red back of a hornbill.

His forehead is a flag, calling the people from a distance.

He resembles the rainbow.

I will water him at the river,

With my spear I shall drive my enemies.

Let them water their herds at the well;

The river belongs to me and my bull.

Drink, my bull, form the river; I am here to guard you with my spear.

Homework 2/11/08

To me, poetry means a lot. Poetry is a way to express yourself or your feelings. It's also a away to say what happens in life. Some people write poetry freely. People can say what they want. I think poetry is used to write songs or raps. Poetry is used for many things. It's a creative, descriptive way to show something, say something, teach a lesson/theme, or is made for display. Poetry is fun and means a lot.

A Poem:Puerto Rico

I'm proud to be

A true Puerto Rican
It's like being
One in a million

In Puerto Rico all day
It's as hot as the the sun
In the streets, the beaches
I just run, run, run

At the beaches
The waves are
Huge water beds
Its cold as a snowball

I love my culture
I love my race
I have faith in my believes
Its not a disgrace

Today, we learned about simile, metaphor, and figurative language. Writing poems are fun and show a creative way to express how you feel or what you want to see. This was my poem about Puerto Rico, and being Puerto Rican!

Jim Crow:My Story

Desire Ramos Literacy Ms. Bentley
Class 702 2/10/09

The Jim Crow Laws

Stupid laws. Hi! I’m Jimmy Mason. Today is May 9th, 1953. I’m seventeen years old. Growing up as an African American is pretty hard. It’s hard going to school. It’s hard avoiding racial comments. My life is a living hell.
A few years back in 1943, my dad came home from work. Blood was pouring out of his mouth. His face was covered with lumps and scratches all over. At work, he got beat badly. Then he got fired! My mom’s cleaned him up. And just as we settled down, we heard a crack. Someone threw something through the window. It was a bag on fire. I instantly took it out. My dad was furious. He couldn’t take it. He was outraged. He ran out the house and attacked the man across the street. It was his ex-boss. But little did he know, there was more people there. They all jumped him. Three men picked him up. The entire group lynched him to a tree. Tears ran down my cheeks. There goes my dad. Mama took me to the escape route hidden in the basement. While we were running down the tunnel, our house was getting burned down. We smelled the smoke.
My mom and I moved to another side of Texas. We moved with Auntie Ellen. Life was good, for a while. In 1949, around midnight, people broke in. Mama was sleeping on the couch so Auntie and I both knew it was too late. We climbed out the window but watched just in case. I saw it all. They covered her mouth with a sock. They stripped her naked. They raped her. Then they beat her. She was lucky when they let her live, but they weren’t done yet. The cops came and took her away. Soon, word got around that they killed her and disposed her body in the lake.
Now, Auntie and I live in Alpaca, Texas. We are saving our money to move away. We don’t know where, but we are moving far, far away. I went from school to school. It was all segregated. Getting the education was like trying to survive 60,000 bullets. It was hard. We didn’t have textbooks. We didn’t have anything. The only thing every segregated school had was old, dirty, rusty, broken down, bathrooms. I’m scared to get a job. After seeing what can happen, I have no idea what they might do now. Running home from school was also rough. All you would hear is, “what are you doing hear n*****.” I just can’t wait until all of this is over. This is the life of an African American growing up through this segregation. It’s time for someone to take a stand.

Jim Crow

The Jim Crow Laws was used against black people for segregation. Back then, black people were miss treated. The Jim Crow Laws ended in 1965. This all ended due to the civil rights movement. Many people wanted equal rights. And many people were killed.
If you were black, some people wanted you to be lynched. They would hang you on trees. People would hang you and take it as a joke. If you do research, you can find images of people smiling while another person is being lynched.
During the Jim Crow Laws, people would attack and mistreat women. They would get attacked then arrested. You would be lucky if they let you live. They would use the "n" word, (n******), to put you through shame. Blacks where not treated like human beings. Life wasn't fair.
Soon, in the mid 1960's, it was all over. There was no more of this Jim Crow Laws. The Civil Rights movement took place. People like Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and many more, took a stand. There is no more segregation but it's something that no one would forget.

Merry-Go-Round (Colored Child at Carnival)

By: Langston Hughes

Where is the Jim Crow section

On this merry-go-round,
Mister, cuase I want to ride?
Down South where I come from
White and colored
Can't sit side by side.
Down South on the train
There's a Jim Crow car.
On the bus we're put in the back--
But there ain't no back
To a merry-go-round!
Where's the horse
For a kid that's black?

They Cage The Animals At Night #3

Dear Journal,
When I was sleeping at the zoo, I was nervous. I was scared at the fact I might get caught. That’s why I stood in the bushes. I read and played with my baseball cards over and over again. I read my comics about five times before reading it to Doggie. I was just waiting to find some food to eat. The morning came and a nice gentleman gave me food. Now I just can't wait until I see Sal.

Sincerely,
Jennings

They Cage The Animals At Night #2

Dear Journal,
I hate the Carpenters. But that’s all aside me. Yes, they abused me! Yes, they made me starve! But the past is the past. And I’m happy! The best part is that my mom came back. I wanted Mark, my best friend, to come with me, but he couldn’t. I can’t wait until I go home. I can see all of my brothers again. This is really interesting.

Sincerely,
Jennings

They Cage The Animals At Night #1

Dear Journal,
At first, I had no idea where mom was taking me. I was nervous when she left. I was scared. But when I met Sister Francis, I was frightened. I had no idea who she was or what she was going to do. I had no idea what she wanted from me. At this point, I really wanted mom back. After being smacked and bullied, I met Mark. He told me a lot. I almost cried when I found out that I was in an orphanage. A couple of days had gone by. We finally got stuffed animals. Mine was a dog. I named him Doggie. I could tell him anything I wanted to say. He was always there for me. I really don’t know what’s going to happen to me. I don’t know where’s mom. And I don’t know what’s going to happen after the orphanage. I just want to go home.

Sincerely,
Jennings

Sample Methods 2/04/09

The survey population is about who likes football in school.

*RANDOM SAMPLE: Randomly select the first 150 students from the student directory
*CONVENIENCE SAMPLE: Ask the first 50 students at the lunch table
*BIASED SAMPLE: Ask the students you playing football.