Skating is the best extreme sport. Skating is a fun and creative sport. I enjoy hanging out and skating with my friends. The feeling you get when you are skating is the best. There is no other sport like skating.

Skating is the most creative sport. There are over 500 tricks you can learn or create. There are over 1000 spots you can skate. You can be creative as possible and grind ledges, grind down rails, and skate on flat ground. You can even take your tricks off steps. Everyone who skates develops their own style of skating.

I enjoy skating with my friends. Friends motivate you to do better. When one friend learns a new trick they can teach you. Having friends with you is always fun. It is fun competing and playing skate to get better.

Skating is the best feeling in the world. Skating is relaxing and it relives stress. I feel happy and excited when I learn and land a new trick. When I am out skating I feel good about myself. I block out everything that is bothering me and put it aside and skate.

This is why skating is the best sport. It is fun and all about being creative. Having friends to motivate you is the best. The feeling you get when you’re skating is like no other. Skating is absolutely the best extreme sport.

It is very good to be on birth control because it helps you with your life. Also, it makes you responsible in a way that makes you be proud of yourself. An IUD, the pill, and the shot can prevent unplanned pregnancy; you control your body and life by using birth control.

You have to pick the right birth control for you. Like the IUD: it’s for 3 years so you don’t have to worry about having a pregnancy for three years. The pill is also good because you take it everyday and you refill it every month. The shot is another method. You go to the doctor’s every three months for the shot.

Birth control is a good option if you are not ready for a pregnancy, for example, if you are a teenager and you are sexually active and not ready for a child. Another example is if you are in school you don’t want to mess up your path through high school or college. You may also find it difficult to have a job and baby at the same time. So, any type of birth control is good to have.

Birth control is good to use if you’re not ready to have a baby, or you want to be in control of your body and life. You’re responsible for being on birth control and keeping up with it. It’s very good and safe to keep up with and make sure you choose the right birth control that’s right for you. Always remember that these types of birth control don’t protect you from STD or HIV, just pregnancy! So use a condom too, and be safe.

Today, SPIN students, staff and alum attended a rally outside NYC’s City Hall to show their support for funding for adult literacy programs such as ESOL and GED classes.

Mayor Bloomberg’s budget for 2012 proposes millions of dollars in cuts for GED and ESOL programs.

Thank you to the New York Coalition for Adult Literacy for sponsoring this rally!

SPIN alumni Bryon, Manny, John, and Jason and PRY GED student Steve at the rally

Rachel and Valerie show their support!

the crowd putside City Hall

Beata, Imee, and Sarah! Beata and Sarah are both SPIN alums and now are working hard at OBT.

Imee poses with SPIN alum and current Turning Point student, Pierre.

Rachel holds her sign up for Mayor Bloomberg to see!

Ken, Kadie, Ella, Imee, and Neal

SPIN alumni Derry and Manny with two of Derry's OBT classmates.

SPIN Supervisor Courtney and her fiance!

OBT students protest the budget cuts.

Kadie, Imee, and Neal!

SPIN alums Franchesca and Manny

Neal contemplates the dire implications of cuts to funding for adult literacy programs.

E easily distracted
D drug free
G generous
A ambitious
R real determined

R radiant
A amazing
H helpful
E energetic
L lovable

C creative
H honest
R respectful
I intelligent
S sweet
T treasure-able
Y youthful
L loyal
E entertaining

K kind to everyone
A awesome
D delightful
I inspiring
E energetic

K knowledgeable
E energetic
N nice

D dancing around my room
A admirable
I inspire trust in others
S spontaneous and adventurous
Y young at heart

E eccentric–in a good way
L love for humanity
L laughing at jokes
A always introspective

I intelligent person who wants to learn
M motivated to help always
E entertaining and different
E energetic and crazy

D do not enter
A always motivated
R really quiet
R run
Y youtube is crazy
L live life for the fun of it

Last Thursday, the current SPIN students were playing a warm-up game called the Tall Tower. It involves two groups competing on how fast they can beat each other at building a tower with just paper and no glue or tape.  Based on these pictures, you can tell they had a lot of fun. That’s what SPIN is all about

Every past SPIN cycle had an activity to combine their ideas and imagination into one big banner. In keeping with this tradition, the current cycle has brainstormed their wonderful ideas and are working on putting them together into one unique banner. Stay tuned to see what a great banner these creative students can make

The current SPIN Cycle brainstormed some ideas about why students stop going to school based on their own experiences, observations and knowledge.

STUDENT THAT STOPS GOING TO SCHOOL

1. STUBBORN
2. NOT MOTIVATED
3. HEALTH ISSUE
4. FEAR OF FAILING
5. YOUNG PARENT
6. DRUG DEALER
7. PEER PRESSURE
8. FAMILY PROBLEMS
9. MONEY PROBLEMS (METRO CARDS AND/OR AT HOME)
10. WEAK MINDED
11. NO SUPPORT
12. LEFT BACK
13. JAIL
14. BORED
15. DRUG PROBLEMS
16. HAVE TO WORK
17. SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
18. DISOBIDIENT
19. LOW SELF ESTEEM
20. BAD INFLUENCE
21. NO FAITH
22. ROANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
23. UNEDUCATED
24. KICKED OUT
25. TROUBLE WITH OTHER STUDENTS
26. NOT YOUR TIME

Franchesca & Lulu working at the SPIN office with Ella

Students That Stop Going To School
by  Samantha Hernandez

Students that stop going to school always have a second chance. Here at S.P.I.N we figure out what’s the problem and work our way up.

There are many reasons why we stop going to school. For example a student may not feel motivated. They may have a fear of failing their classes. Some students may have no support, drug problems, be bored or even the school environment may make the student feel uncomfortable.

One big reason why students go down the wrong path is peer pressure. Students are pressured to do almost anything. They’re pressured to do drugs, drop out of school to fight and they’re pressured to have sex.

S.P.I.N helps us in many ways. Students come with all types of problems whether it’s about school, home issues or relationship problems. S.P.I.N makes learning easy and fun. They teach you academic, life and job skills.

1. PARTICIPATE
2. MOTIVATED
3. OPEN MINDED
4. RESPECTFUL
5. ORGANIZED
6. PREPARED
7. CONSISTENT
8. FOCUSED
9. GOAL ORIENTED
10. LEARNS FROM HIS OR HER MISTAKES

Thank you to all the SPIN students for writing and to our SPIN alum SPINterns Franchesca Bare, Luvicia Torres, and Manny Gonzalez for typing!

Sun
by Ariela Herskovic

I would love to go to Florida to go to the water parks and go shopping. It gets really hot and humid. You get very sticky after you’re under the sun for a while.

Onion
by Ariela Herskovic

I hate onions because it smells and it makes me want to throw up. When I smell onion I have such a bad stomach pain. It’s just nasty.

Birthday Love
By Rachel Tucciarone

The warm sun on my face makes me think about different things. I remember on my birthday it was sunny and beautiful. We had an amazing chocolate cake. The minute I placed a piece on my lips and into my mouth it was so yummy. I was in love. I couldn’t hide my happiness. I had to smile. It was a mix of dark & white milk chocolate  with a hint of  pink icing.

Untitled
by Kalimat Coombs

I have never been so happy in my entire life, until I met a friend. This friend means the world to me. The thought of losing my friend brings tears to my eyes. If you know me, I am never known for crying. These past few months, we’ve had some problems which I am aware of. But, being that I have such a good friend we were able to work it out.

Untitled
by Tyesha Powe

I like when it’s hot outside because I can go to the park with my niece. I can go play ball and chill with my girls, have BBQ’s with my family, and go to Coney Island. I also go to the beach and pool to have fun. When it’s sunny I like to eat ice cream. I go away and get to know more of my family. Six flags is a great place to go with your loved ones.

Untitled
by Duquan Lewis

One night I had a dream about this girl named Candy, but there was nothing sweet about her. I guess she had to much of her name cause her teeth were rotten. When I met her she was always complaining about her teeth. I recommended a dentist for candy and I told her to lay off the sugar. Then I woke up and there was candy in my bed but not the girl candy: skittles, star-bursts, sweethearts. What does this mean???

Summer!
by Christyle Vadi

I love summer. It means vacations and summer air hitting your face as you relax and tan on the beach. The only thing I find bad about summer is that there is no point in having your hair done if it’s going to sweat out before you reach your destination. I can’t wait for this summer.  I’m supposed to go on a road trip with my friend to Alabama. We’re going to meet our other friend and I can’t wait.

I love summer because I can go to the park and have picnics with my family and friends. There are beautiful flowers and scents. I love the way flowers smell; it’s comforting and makes me feel at peace.

Summer with my friends and family is fun.  It’s nothing but BBQ’s, games and water fights which are the best. Ah summer, you got to love it

Untitled
by Valerie Kopytina

When it comes to the sun or summer, living in Coney Island has its advantages. Not only is the boardwalk right there but so is the beach. Spending the hot days laying in the sand or chilling in the water, spending the warm summer nights walking on the boardwalk or socializing in loud & fun Astroland park… The hot days also comes with trips to amusement parks such as Sixflags, Dorney park & more, and vacations in wonderful places like Miami, Orlando, Cancun, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The summer always brings parties, BBQs, picnics & pools. The appropriate attire would be something lite and colorful like shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and more. You can catch a tan or avoid sunburns by using sunscreen lotion.

Beautiful Sunny Day!
by Melissa Hernandez

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful sunny day. A girl named Madison, age 21, had just recently gotten married. The weather was so hot, she decided to relax on the computer in her beautiful home and search for vacation tickets to Europe. She has always wanted to go to amusement parks in other countries, etc. She loves the beach water, partying, and hanging with her friends. So, she decided to invite them. As soon as they arrived in Europe they felt peaceful and relaxed. The first place they went to was a swimming pool. Fresh water, beautiful views, different environment. That is what she called LIFE <3.

Untitled
by Edgar Perez

I love New York, but I hate the cold. In winter, I wish I was in Mexico where it never snows. Beaches, sports, and handball are the greatest in the world. I can’t help to stare at a pretty girl. I love the sun and I love the heat. Without these things my life could never be!!!

Untitled
by Ken Raghunandan

Summer is the best season of the year. The hot sun is always shinning, you can go out with your friends and family, go on vacations and spend time at the beach. Dress up and go to parties every week.

Untitled
by Daisy Lopez

During the summer my family and I often visit the pool. We spend half or the whole day, this really depends on how we feel after the first session. At the pool we dunk each other, race from one end to the other or sit and soak up the sun. Usually we end up loosing track of time and forget to eat lunch. After the pool we all go home to eat lunch. We usually eat something light and cold like tuna, egg salad or even a sandwich (Turkey, Cheese, Ham etc.) I much perfer tuna because it’s quick, easy and I like fish.

Untitled
by Shereef Moustafa

My favorite things to do are to play guitar, rap and sing lil Wayne, dance in clubs, and go to Egypt to see the pyramids. I also like to ride horses and camels, see Egyptian belly dancers, eat Egyptian food, smoke hookah, and pray to Allah.

Sun
by Kamesha Martin

I love summer.
More outdoor events,
Chilling outside,
Going to the beach,
Going on vacation,
Having fun at the park,
Eating ice cream,
Nice water,
Getting to wear slippers,
Exercising,
Less clothing,
In the summer time, my family and I go to the beach a lot.
We go to other countries and enjoy the weather.
Summer time is the best time of the year.

Interning for SPIN is Awesome

A plug for SPINternship
by Nicole Vazquez

Interning at SPIN is awesome and you should join in too. You might think “oh hey, that’s boring”. But you can have fun while interning! There’s tons of fun, exciting people here. Plus the jobs aren’t boring. They’re pretty fun to do, not to mention it gives you great experience. While I’ve been interning at SPIN, I’ve done lots of things like typing lesson plans and worksheets, writing or drawing entries for the blog, making copies for SPIN classes, working on slideshows and videos—pretty much anything. So don’t forget to sign up. Invite your SPIN alum friends to intern with you!

Contact Ella Brandon at ellabrandon.spa.spin@gmail.com or on Facebook: Ella Brandon SPIN-Program

JASON RAMOS

An acrostic poem
by Jason Ramos
Joker
Achieving
Supporting
Offering
Nocturnal

Resolving
Assembling
Motivator
Outgoing
Smart

Jason Celebrates his completion of SPIN at the April Transition Ceremony

Captions by Kimberly Fragosa and Franchesca Bare

Thank you to Jerardo Calixto of Turning Point for taking the vibrant photographs!

Ready to mingle during the first activity of the Mocktail--thank you for meeting with us, Margret Pemberton!

Hand shake and eye contact at the same time—good job Jason!

We were practicing for the start of our future.

Samantha and Kimberly talk about their experience during the interview. (Stay tuned for a video of their and other students' thoughts on the mock interviews.)

Students gave amazing speeches about topics such as the importance of honesty, personal history, why teenagers go down the wrong path, and thanking SPIN staff and classmates for a wonderful time together!

Watch the speeches here!

Congratulations to everyone for their great speeches!

SPIN students receive their certificates.

Kimberly promised to give back to SPIN when she makes it big! Thanks for coming adorable Samya!

SPIN class of March 2011, We did it!

Doctors’ vs. Actors’ Salaries

A persuasive essay
by Franchesca Bare

In our community actors get paid more than doctors. I think that doctors deserve higher salaries. I think so because doctors work harder in school. Actors are not as helpful as doctors. Also, they save lives.

I think doctors deserve higher salaries because they work harder in school. They have to take notes and pass tests. They also have to learn complicated procedures, and learn about our health and medication.
Another reason why I think they deserve higher salaries is because actors are not as helpful as them.

Doctors are very helpful to us because they help people get healthy and prevent diseases. They’re also helpful because they save lives.

Doctors are more valuable to the community than actors. Actors are just for your entertainment. Doctors care more about the community, and helping us. Being a doctor is something very real, serious and risky.

These are the reasons why I feel that actors are getting paid too much and doctors deserve higher salaries. Doctors work too hard to be getting paid as little as they do. We can live without television but we cannot live without the hospital.

by Leonor Perea
Project SAFE Project Facilitator

Project SAFE is pleased to announce the new teen clinic available to young people ages 13-20. The clinic offers confidential, non-judgmental services such as STI screening, HIV screening, Birth Control, PAP Smears, Contraceptives, Plan B, & Pregnancy Testing & Counseling. The SAFE teen clinic is every Thursday night from 3:30PM-7:30PM at the Park Slope Family Health Center located at 220 13th Street. For more information or to make an appointment please call (718) 965-0821.

For more information about Project SAFE, visit their website or Facebook page.

Last week, SPIN went on a tour of the clinic:

Teen Clinic Visit
by Jason Ramos

The Teen Clinic is a helpful program that teaches you about sexual health. It teaches you about pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other sexual infections. The tour that SPIN went on was good. The doctor told us not to worry about our parents knowing if we get tested or if they give us birth control—it’s all private. They told us they give out condoms and talked to us about how it’s bad to have unprotected sex. They have books about sexual reproduction and how pregnancy works and how kids develop.

SPIN Night at the Teen Clinic!

This Thursday, March 24^th 2011 is SPIN NIGHT at the teen clinic! As always, all teens are welcome at the clinic, but this Thursday will be a special night where SPIN students are especially encouraged to go.

To be seen by a doctor you can either use your existing health insurance, or bring in the following documents with you to the clinic:

• Proof of Address (any letter that has been mailed to their house with their name on it)
• Social Security Number (Card is preferred)
• Birth Certificate if possible

Email Ella for more information at ellabrandon.spa.spin@gmail.com

First, the group was split into small groups and asked to come up with a design for their cycle’s banner.

Next, the group combined the various designs into an inclusive class design.
The group got to work making their sketch a reality…

Thank you Samantha Hernandez, Tyrique Carrington, and Fatima Nimmons for all the wonderful photos!

Thanks Jason Ramos for filming this great video!

In-progress

Banner complete!

Click on the banner for a larger view of the finished product!

details:

Congratulations to SPIN class of Winter 2011 for creating a beautiful banner!

Last week in SPIN we discussed this common dilemma. For guys, you can’t go wrong with a tucked-in collared shirt and slacks. You can go above and beyond with a tie and jacket. For girls, you can wear a blouse or collared shirt paired with  slacks or a business skirt. A suit jacket or blazer takes your interview outfit a step further for girls as well.

We put together some examples of interview attire starring the SPIN students and staff!
Click on the images below to see the full-size image.

A persuasive essay
by Deiquan Roman

People have become obese and lazy because technology basically hands people what they want. Transportation is a technology that contributes to the obesity rate. Television also makes people lazy because you sit down in one spot for hours. Cell phones especially make life easier for everyone.

Transportation is a technology that contributes to the world’s obesity rate. For example, there is no exercise required to use cars. Trains are another source of transportation that doesn’t help to decrease the obesity rate because the train is doing all of the work. Planes are another transportation that makes life easier being that planes are so fast but costly.

Television makes people lazy. Television is bad because you sit in the same spot and do not move because shows and movies are long. People fall in to a trance and they continue to watch television which affects you in the long run. Also, live events are shown on television which gives people a reason not to go to the events in person.

Cell phones are another technology that makes life easier and simpler. One way they make life easier is because you can call someone instead of meeting up with them. Also people stopped using the postal system. Cell phones and house phones basically make the postal system useless. Texting also makes communication easier because all you have to do is press buttons.

Technology makes life both easier and simpler because it really requires little effort to use. Many technologies such as transportation, television, and phones, make everything easier. People should be less dependent on technology because it is both hurting them physically and mentally.

Honesty Is the Best Policy

An Opion Piece
by Jason Ramos

One day my mom asked me if I was going to school. I said, “yea”. Next thing I know, the school called to say I wasn’t in school. That’s when I realized that honesty is the best policy. Lies get you nowhere because when you tell someone one thing and they know it’s not true, you feel dumb. You could forget what you said and later say a totally different thing and it gets you more in trouble. And now you know you’re wrong, so it’s more troubling, and puts you in a worse position. So I kept on lying and lying and then I had to pay the consequence.

The truth is more valuable because people trust you more. When people trust you more it means they depend on your word. That’s a good feeling to have because it sets you free. I think the truth sets you free because when you lie you feel guilty. Guilt turns into judgment and that’s not good. Lies can get you in jail and there’s no freedom there.

If I hadn’t lied to my mom in the beginning, I would of felt more relieved.

Don’t ever lie–it’ll get you nowhere

Reasons Why Teens Go Down the Wrong Path

A persuasive essay
by Tyrique Carrington

There are many teenagers in the world. Some are exposed to a positive environment and some are exposed to a negative environment. Only a teenager could explain why teens go down the wrong path. Some major reasons are because of friends, family, and the environments that these teens live in. Being that I am a teenager I can explain these reasons why teens go down the wrong path.

The first reason why teens go down the wrong path is because of their friends. Your surroundings and the company you keep are important. Some teenagers are easily influenced, which isn’t a good thing—especially when it comes to drugs and gangs. For example, a teenager can easily influence another teenager to join a gang or to stop going to school. Relationships also play a big part in a teenager’s life. Teens can have either a positive partner, which is a good thing, or have a negative partner. Once you’re in a relationship, and sex is involved, a teenager might have a child of their own. It is hard to go to school while providing for a child.

The second reason why teens go down the wrong path is because of family. I say this because family plays another major part in a teenager’s life. Some parents are either a single parent, deceased, or incarcerated. Mothers and fathers are the first people a teenager will look up to. If someone’s mother or father is deceased or incarcerated that parent may be a teen’s only role model. Without a positive role model a teen might go down the wrong path.

The third reason why teens go down the wrong path is because of the environment that they live in. If a neighborhood doesn’t have anything to keep a teenager occupied, he or she is liable to cause trouble or to stay at home. Drugs and alcohol are also in most neighborhoods today which a teenager will most likely come across.

Friends, family, and environments teens live in are some reasons why teens go down the wrong path. If these issues don’t improve we will continue to have more teenagers go down the wrong path which will increase the death, incarceration and drop-out rates for teens. Ways these issues could be improved are by building more recreation centers, music and dance studios, gyms, pools, and movie theatres so that teenagers can occupy their time in a much more positive way.

Depending On Technology

A persuasive essay
by Samantha Hernandez

People have become overly dependent on technology. Most people depend on their cell phones, on computers for internet, and on transportation engines. Because of their dependence on technology, people do not get all the exercise that they need to be healthy in every way.

Most people have become dependent on their cell phones to memorize other peoples contact information. Depending on your cell phones is not good for your memory. If you depend on your cell phones you’re not exercising your brain enough.

A lot of people these days are dependent on computers for use of the internet. For example, if a student has a book report due, instead of reading the book they can go on the internet and find a brief explanation of the book. If you do not read books you’re not exercising your brain as much as you should be.

Almost everybody is dependent on transportation engines. People use trains, buses, cars, elevators and escalators to get to their destination. These people are not getting all the physical exercise that they need. It is okay to use transportation, but some people need to exercise. So it would not hurt to walk or take the steps sometimes.

This is why depending on technology is not healthy. It is okay to have a cell phone but you should remember some numbers in case of an emergency. It is also okay to use computers, but you should read some books. As for transportation engines, it is okay to take the train, bus, or to drive a car when your running late. It is good to take a nice walk to your destination. It will keep you in shape. So always remember it is better if you get all the exercise that you need for your brain and your body.

Why Cigarettes Should Be Illegal

A persuasive essay
by Sky Moulden

Cigarettes should be illegal because they cause health problems, cause discomfort to other people and waste money. 19% of Americans, almost 44 million people, use cigarettes daily.

Cigarettes cause health problems, including bad teeth, gum diseases and lung cancer, all of which impairs people’s ability to live life without complications. They cause weakness, chest pain and difficulty breathing, along with bad breath and stained teeth.

Cigarettes bother other people, including me. They pollute clean, breathable air, and cause discomfort to anyone nearby. Itchy eyes, burning throat and coughing also occur from secondhand smoke.

In today’s weak economy, people addicted to cigarettes spend precious money to feed their habit. One pack of cigarettes costs a minimum of $10. Smoking two packs a day adds up to $140 a week, $560 a month.

In conclusion, cigarettes cause health problems, discomfort to other people, and cost a lot of money. People realize the dangers of cigarettes and still choose to ignore those dangers. Therefore, cigarettes should be illegal.

*Click on the images below to see a larger view*

by: Samantha Hernandez, Luvicia Torres, and Danayah Caldwell

President Barack Obama

Professional
Understanding
Speaks clearly
Presentable

Oprah Winfrey

Understanding
Helpful
Giving
Professional

General Traits of a Good Public Speaker

• Respectful
• Professional
• Speaks clearly
• Understanding
• Helpful
• Not shy
• Sober
• Sense of humor

What do you think? Fill out the form below and we will post some of your responses!

Responses

Name: Ella
Who is YOUR Favorite Public Speaker?: Karen O from the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. She is a great performer–She sings passionately and acts like she really feels the emotion behind the lyrics.

Name: Paul Jennings
Who is YOUR Favorite Public Speaker?: Paul Jennings because he know how to talk to people… He has a gift for public speaking he just knows how to rock the stage.

Note: Confidence is a sure sign of a great public speaker!

Success is right now, being right here in the moment.
It’s a time  I will never forget and a time that’s inspiring.

I just want to be successful.
I wanna be successful in life.

Life is never easy but always adventurous.
Learn to ride the hard times and enjoy the good.

I wanna do something good in my life.
My life is amazing.

It’s amazing to succeed after years of hard work.
Hard work leads to success.

Success–your definition can be different than mine.

A Photo Essay
by David Theodore

On the last day of SPIN’s 6^th cycle, we held our very first Mocktail. The Mocktail was a simulated networking event, complete with finger food and staff playing the part of business owners and HR representatives. SPIN students had a chance to practice the art of mingling and to participate in mock group interviews.

Thanks to Chelo Keys Photography for the beautiful photos!
Thanks to all of the partner staff who participated!

Looks like everyone is hard at work and having a good time.

Beata looks very professional in this picture--all dressed up!

Looks like everyone is having fun: makes me wish I was back there.

Pierre and Destiny paying attention to Stacie during the mock interviews

During the Mocktail we learned the importance of paying attention and smiling during an interview.