Welcome to the 8th issue of the Red and Black. This is our first issue in 2006!  We have included some         articles that  we hope you will enjoy. Check out the      articles on smoking, New Year's Resolutions, gun        violence, and much more!
    Don't forget about our SOUND OFF section.  This is the section where you can read and respond to our        articles, express concerns, post thoughts, etc.  We love hearing from you.  Our e-mail address is:

Let's Move Toward A Better Future
by: Beth Rogala, Sports Editor and Photographer

          On January 6, 2006, a symposium was held here at Reading High during ninth period. 
           There were five out-of-school speakers, including our mayor, and three students to present their thoughts and comments about Reading being one of the most dangerous cities in the country.
           There are many different sides to this very opinionated      subject.  Some people think Reading is improving, and it shouldn't be put down so much. 
          Aignée Goldsby, junior, feels that we need to keep positive things coming to Reading in order to improve our city.  Others feel a little unsafe, but hope that things will change.
         Leon Churchill, the managing director of Reading, states, "We [the city of Reading] can't get to a better state until the crime rate gets better." 
         So what can the community do to get to this "better state"?
        Mayor Tom McMahon suggests keeping the neighborhood safe by looking out for one another, and by keeping the neighborhood clean.  He also suggests that teens volunteer in the community.
        Giovanni Velez, junior, suggests that people who experience crime punishment come to schools (under supervision, of course) and tell us why we should not grow up and commit crimes.
        There are many statistics that show that Reading is unsafe.  Now, the community needs to get involved to prove that Reading isn't a bad place to be. 
       Let's forget about the past and move on towards a better future.