Daisy Brook Elementary Daisy Brook Dispatch

Volume 1, Issue 2 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2007

Inside this issue: A Time to Reflect MEAP Testing Finished 2 Dear Daisy Brook Friends, projects Daisy Brook Fall Book Fair 2

Portable Computer Lab 2 As we start this busy holiday sea- • A school board and adminis- son I hope that we can take the trative staff who are in it “for Portable Computer Lab Con- 3 time to reflect on the many things kids” and not for the politics

Mrs. Heft’s Class 4 that we have to be thankful for. of education Halloween Party The list for each of us is different but I would like to take a minute As you continue to read through this Mrs. Hanna’s Class Trip 4 and list some of the positive influ- newsletter take note of the many Daisy Brook Marathon 5 ences that affect our educational opportunities that our students learning environment at Daisy have. It is not the same in all Daisy Brook Cross 6-9 Brook. districts. We are truly blessed. Country Run

Counselor’s Corner 9 • Supportive parent group that The Daisy Brook Staff and I wish

Before/After School 9 just completed a wonderful you the best of this holiday season. Traffic fund raiser for our students Sincerely, Indoor/Outdoor Recess 10 Guidelines • A great staff of teachers who are dedicated to the love of Weather Guidelines for 10 learning School Closing/Delays • A community that cares What’s Happening 11 about its kids and wants Nancy Sparks, Principal them to be successful Daisy Brook School Color Me 12 Pine Street Primary Center • Mrs. Hanna’s Class Time 13 Parents who are committed For Kids Articles to doing the best they can I Don't See You 14 for their kids

The Time of Christmas 15 • A beautiful building that is conducive to a good learning About the Authors 16 environment Halloween Stories 17-18 • Opportunities and commu- Christmas word search 19 nity resources that allow for creative funding of special The Back Page 20 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 2

MEAP Testing Finished The last MEAP test was finished on November 7. The 5 th grade students had to take the first part of the English Language Arts test. This is the part of the MEAP test that was compromised because the writing prompt was released to the media.

Everyone is relieved that the tests are over. Students and staff worked very hard to make the testing as successful as possible. Thank you to all parents who encouraged their children to be in attendance and to do well on the tests. We all enjoyed ice cream and some extra recess time at the end of a difficult couple of weeks. The ice cream was provided by the Parent Group.

MEAP test results will be delayed due to the extra testing session that had to be scheduled. We will let you know as soon as the results are available.

Daisy Brook Fall Book Fair By Mrs. Greiner

The Book Fair was a success. We will be able to add $1000 worth of books to the Daisy Brook Media Center. Thanks to all who attended and contributed to this result.

A special thank you goes out to Michelle Lensky, Sue & Scott Binkley, Jaye Russell, Traci Rosenberg, Lori Bowen (and husband), Rachel Sherman, Donna McDowell, Fran Lensky, and Tara Flaquel (along with her sister Christy) for volunteering of their time prior, during and after the Book Fair. We really appreciate your help!

Please consider helping in February, when we have our next Book Fair. Our volunteers are very important to us, as we could not do the Book Fair without you. Just supply us with a name and phone number and we will add you to the list. Thank you for this consideration!

New Portable Computer Lab Daisy Brook students and staff got an early Christmas present on November 12. We received a new portable wireless laptop computer lab. This $32,000.00 lab was funded through the grant given to Newaygo County schools by The Fremont Area Community Foundation. Each school district was given a certain amount of money to help develop technology initiatives in their own district. The decision on how the money was spent was made by a technology com- mittee who knew the needs of the district.

This portable wireless lab will allow up to 30 students to work independently on their own laptop computer. It can be used in many different ways and teachers are excited about using it their classrooms. We have had it less than 24 hours and it has already been in three classrooms!

Daisy Brook students and staff would like to say a special thank you to The Fremont Area Community Foundation for such a wonderful learning tool. Tools and experiences like these help prepare our students for the challenges of the Twenty-First Century. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 3

Computer Lab Continued….

The students at Daisy Brook Elementary are very excited about the new mobile computer lab that just arrived this week. The lab will provide opportunities for many students to improve their writing skills. They also are able to use the internet to find facts for reports, as well as go to websites that help them master their multiplication facts.

The mobile computer lab consists of a printer, 30 laptop computers, as well as headphones for each. The teachers are excited for the opportunity to challenge their students to improve his/her reading and writing skills. Many students will now have an opportunity to produce professional looking selections that they can proudly share with friends and family.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 4 Mrs. Heft’s Class Halloween Party By Jessica Springstead, Kailey McCloud, and Katie Parkhurst

Mrs. Heft’s room had a blast on October 31st! The Halloween Committee planned a rockin’ party. The students got to participate in four events: bobbing for apples, Pin-the-Stem-on-the-Pumpkin, Halloween Charades, and a Dance-Off. The favorite activity was bobbing for apples. The winner of the Guessing Jar (filled with candy corn) was Sydney Mangan. The winners of the costume contests were Nick- scariest costume, Neal- funniest costume, Mason- most unique costume, Katie P.- most beautiful costume, and Alisia- over-all best costume. There were a lot of really cool costumes, too. We had Ninja Warriors to 50’s poodle skirt girls. The students in Mrs. Heft’s class all had an awesome time!

Mrs. Hanna’s Class Trip

Mrs. Hanna’s class traveled to the Veteran’s Memorial on Tuesday, Nov. 13. They looked for names of family and friends who served our country in military service. Some students made pencil rubbings of names or of the symbols for the branches of our military.

Makayla Borgman, pictured here on the right, found Dennis Teerman’s name, her Grandpa. “He was in World War II in the Air Force. He worked in a big office and he sent money to Washington, D.C. and he kept track of sunken ships and airplanes,” Makayla said. Pictured with Makayla is Makenzie Nemcek.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 5 Daisy Brook Marathon By Mr. Lindsay

Congratulations, Daisy Brook Marathon Finishers! 15 students have completed their marathon—so far

In early September many Daisy Brook students began working toward the challenging goal of completing a marathon—a distance of 26.2 miles. Throughout the fall students have been re- minded to keep working. Some continued to work while others didn’t. Many students shared the experience and had fun by working with a friend during recess. 4th grade students Cassidy Shaw (Llewellyn) and Mitchell Hawkins (Matthews) were first to finish in early Oc- tober. Since then 13 others have finished. All finishers have been awarded their “Official Finisher” T-shirt in Physical Education class—to the cheers of recognition from their classmates. More finishers are expected before the comple- tion deadline of Thanksgiving break. There is still time to finish. Many parents have also participated in the Daisy Brook Marathon by moving, on foot, with their children in the evenings and on weekends. This is another way to earn tickets toward completion of your marathon. Many won- derful experiences unfold as parents participate in fitness and health enhancing exercise with their children. Good for them! Students who finished displayed what it takes to achieve a goal—steady and sustained effort with focus on the thought, “yes, I CAN!” They motivated themselves to have continued working after others have stopped. That’s determination! This experience will likely be applied to success in pursuing future challenges. Congratulations to all finishers and the parents who joined their children in anexperience that can shape their lives through developing commitment to and understanding of the benefits of regular physical activity. If you are more than half way done—don’t stop! Keep going. You can do it. Find a friend to work with or ask a parent to move with you.

You CAN do it, too. Here’s the list of finishers—so far.

Grade 4 Grade 5 Name Teacher Date Name Teacher Date

Cassidy Shaw Llew 10-09 Samuel Dueling Mac 10-15

Mitchell Hawkins Matt 10-10 Maria Galarza Hugh 10-16

Emily Perry Mac 10-24 Austin Nicholas DeKu 10-24

Morgan Griswold Huis 10-25 Nena Carr Mac 10-28

Cheyenne Brown Mac 10-26

Katie Parkhurst Heft 10-26

Jessica Springstead Heft 10-26

Brandyn Leneski Matt 10-26

Hailey Thompson Matt 11-02

Katrinann Bullis Matt 11-02

Dylan Leneski Huis 11-02 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 6

Daisy Brook Cross Country Run

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY RUN Friday, October 12

FITNESS AND PERSONAL CHALLENGE WERE ON DISPLAY AT DAISY BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The 11 th annual 2007 Daisy Brook Cross Country Run was held Friday, October 12 . The sun was shining with a chill of autumn in the air as 375 students walked, jogged, ran and raced the 1000 meter (1Km) course around school grounds. The run was intended as a positive experience for children to accept a physical challenge, display personal fitness and to show themselves and others what they CAN do. Participants were enthusiastically cheered by fellow students, teachers, parents and others. There were many closely contested races among those who chose to race to the finish line. This created tremendous excitement for both racers and spectators.

Strong, fast, and determined efforts displayed potential for Daisy Brook students to become future members of Fre- mont Middle School and High School cross country teams and to continue the rich tradition of excellence in distance running in our community. “This was an exciting event in which children took their body to a place they had never been before. There were many impressive performances in all four runs. The majority of 5 th graders improved their time recorded last year in 4 th grade”, said Physical Education teacher, Mr. Lindsay. “All finishers deserve recognition and congratulations for accepting the challenge”, he added.

5th Grade Girls Lexie Bradley confidently ran to the front and stayed there all the way to defend her claim to fastest girl cross country runner at Daisy Brook. The rest of the pack wasn’t far behind with Kira Raquet and Hannah Rodenberger coming 2 nd and 3 rd to lead others to the line.

1. Lexie Bradley, 4:15 11. Melanie Fields, 5:08 2. Kira Raquet, 4:32 12. Kenzie Russell, 5:08

3. Hannah Rodenberger, 4:34 13. Sydney Townsend, 5:15 4. Syrenna May, 4:40 14. Makayla Borgman, 5:16 5. Summer Pence, 4:41 15. Alexis VanSickle, 5:19 6. Jocelyn Kelly, 4:45 16. Haley Juengel, 5:22 7. Ashley Freudenstein, 4:59 17. Brittany Allan, 5:26 8. Daytona Pletcher, 5:00 18. Allison Kublin, 5:27 9. Brittany Shineldecker, 5:01 19. Courtney Dykman, 5:28 10. Aubrey Wright, 5:07 20. Morgan Blain, 5:32 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 7

Cross Country Continued... 5th Grade Boys Travis McCloud held on at the end of the race to repeat as top finisher and ran the fastest time of the day in an im- pressive sub-4:00 minute time. He was closely followed by a charging threesome of Brad Boersen, Alec Gunn and Dylan Collis.

1. Travis McCloud, 3:53 11. Cam Crosley, 4:14

2. Brad Boersen, 3:56 12. Gary Shotty, 4:18

3. Alec Gunn, 3: 57 13. Logan Lenecki, 4:24

4. Dylan Collis, 3:58 14. Jonathon Klukos,4:28

5. Seth Pell, 4:04 15. Colton Pletcher, 4:29

6. Danielle Pearce, 4:05 16. Johnathon Rozanski, 4:33

7. Mitchell Bumb, 4:05 17. Nick Hoad, 4:42

8. Ryan McDonald, 4:09 18. Brandon Alger, 4:46

9. Devin Hummel, 4:11 19. Jacob Yager, 4:47 10. Alvaro Venerge, 4:12 20. Nathan Perkins, 4:50

4th Grade Girls This was perhaps the most exciting race to watch as a large pack of determined runners challenged each other for position behind frontrunner Katie Parkhurst. Samara Kamphorst display great determination to capture 2 nd place. Georgie Blake proved her running ability to finish 3 rd . She was closely followed by a 7 more runners to finish under the 5 minutes to make this the fastest 4 th grade race in the history of the Cross Country Run. The fast start by Katie Parkhurst appeared to pull other runners along to establish the new record.

1. Katie Parkhurst, 4:04 11. Katrinann Bullis, 5:00 2. Samara Kamphorst, 4:24 12. Morgan Griswold, 5:01

3. Georgie Blake, 4:30 13.Celine Mangin, 5:03 4. Carley Rought, 4:34 14. Megan Lensky, 5:05 5. Makalah Mongar, 4:37 15. Lizzie Downs, 5:07 6. Kailey McCloud, 4:41 16. Cassidy Shaw, 5:09 7. Tatum Ward, 4:43 17. Ashlynn Converse, 5:10 8. Corrine Stevens, 4:48 18. Payton Braafhart, 5:11 9. Brooke Schooley, 4:51 19. Katelyn Fowler, 5:13 10. Alyssa Millis, 4:57 20. Hannah Taylor, 5:20 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 8 Cross Country Continued...

4th Grade Boys Nathan Hoffman displayed excellent pacing to stay ahead of other determined runners to earn first place honors. He was challenged all the way to the finish line by late charging Dominic Dow. Mark Seadorf finished third.

1. Nathan Hoffman, 4:00 11. Nathan Smith, 4:25

2. Dominic Dow, 4:01 12. Eric McDonald, 4:29

3. Mark Seadorf, 4:05 13. Nick Wismar, 4:31 4. Blake Westcomb, 4:15 14. Stephen Sargent, 4:33

5. Jacob Vandermere, 4:18 15. Corey Averson, 4:33

6. Logan Strong, 4:19 16. Seth Sherman, 4:36

7. Brandyn Leneski, 4:20 17. Josh Taylor, 4:41 8. Collin Howell, 4:21 18. Austin Smith, 4:45

9. Jaegar Beattie, 4:22 19. Deion Hanna, 4:57

10. Dylan Leneski, 4:25 20. Zachary Zimmerman, 4:57

Students learned that cross country is also a team sport. Scores were also calculated based on the finish position of each classroom teams top five finishers with low score winning. The top three teams for each race and members of top teams are listed. Complete individual and team results are posted in the Daisy Brook gymnasium.

5th Grade Girls

First Place Second Place Third Place Mr. Mull’s class Mrs. William’s class Ms. DeKuiper’s class 1 Lexie Bradley 1 1 Syrenna May 4 1 Somer Pence 5 2 Jocelyn Kelly 6 2 Brittany Shineldecker 9 2 Ashley Freudenstein 7 3 Aubrey Wright 10 3 Melanie Fields 11 3 Daytona Pletcher 13 4 Sydney Townsend 13 4 Kenzie Russell 12 4 Haley Juegel 16 5 Courtney Dykman 19 5 Alexis VanSickle 15 5 Brittany Allan 17 Total 49 Total 51 Total 53

5th Grade Boys

First Place Second Place Third Place Mrs. Williams class Mr. Mull’s class Mrs. Hanna’s class 1 Brad Boersen 2 1 Travis McCloud 1 1 Alvaro Veneva 10 2 Dylan Collis 4 2 Alec Gunn 3 2 Cam Crosley 11 3 Seth Pell 5 3 Mitchell Bumb 7 3 Nick Hoad 18 4 Devin Hummel 9 4 Johnathon Rozanski 16 4 Austin Nickolas 23 5 Nathan Perkins 21 5 Brandon Alger 19 5 Caleb Hansen 28 Total 41 Total 46 Total 90 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 9 Cross Country Continued... th 4 Grade Girls

First Place Second Place Third Place Mr. Huissen’s class Mr. McGrath’s class Ms. Matthews class 1 Georgie Blake 3 1 Samar Kamphortst 2 1 Corrine Stevens 8 2 Carley Rought 4 2 Brooke Schooley 9 2 Alyssa Millis 10 3 Tatum Ward 7 3 Megan Lensky 14 3 Katrinann Bollis 11 4 Morgan Griswold 12 4 Lissie Downs 15 4 Ashlynn Converse 17 5 Celine Mangin 13 5 Kara Kortge 23 5 Mackinzie Woodrum 29 Total 39 Total 63 Total 75

th 4 Grade Boys

First Place Second Place Third Place Mr. McGrath’s class Ms. Llewellyn’s class Mr. Matthews class 1 Nathan Hoffman 1 1 Mark Seadorf 3 1 Blake Westcomb 4 2 Dominic Dow 2 2 Logun Strang 6 2 Brandyn Leneski 7 3 Stephen Sargent 14 3 Eric McDonald 12 3 Seth Sherman 16 4 Corey Averson 15 4 Austin Smith 18 4 Mitchell Hawkins 25 5 Conner Cook 24 5 Donald Verkerke 32 5 Codi Perry 26 Total 56 Total 71 Total 78

Counselor’s Corner By Mr. Wojcicki Love and Logic parenting classes will be offered at Grant Primary Center on Tuesdays Nov. 20 & 27 and Dec. 4 & 11. Classes run from 6:00-9:00 and best of all it's free. Day care is provided free of charge as well. Call Deb at 834- 7382 ext. 104 to register.

Love and Logic parenting classes are also coming to Pathfinder in January. Pathfinder will be hosting them on Jan 7, 14, 21 & 28. Times are 6:00-9:00pm. Call Mr. Wojcicki at 924-7265 to sign up and free daycare will be available.

I'm still accepting sign ups for the Rollercoasters support group. This group helps children who have experienced a significant family change in coping with those changes. If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please call Mr. Wojcicki at 924-7224.

BEFORE SCHOOL / AFTER SCHOOL TRAFFIC Vehicle traffic both before school and after school continue to be very busy times. Our number one concern contin- ues to be the overall safety of children. That is why we appreciate your continued cooperation in following the established procedures for the safety of everyone. Our supervisors strive to move the vehicle traffic along as efficiently as possible. As we now enter the winter season and driving conditions often become more challenging, your on-going cooperation and patience will continue to be important.

A suggestion if you wish to avoid some of the congestion in the front of Daisy Brook is to drop-off or pick-up your child behind Daisy Brook on North Darling Avenue. There are some parents who already do this regularly. However, if this is something you wish to consider, please understand that playground supervision is provided before school and at dismissal time, but a supervisor is not positioned directly along or by North Darling Avenue at either the before or after school times. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 10

Indoor / Outdoor Recess Guidelines

Following is a review of some of Daisy Brook’s winter policies regarding recess times, as our Michigan winter approaches and temperatures get colder:

o If the temperature if 10° or higher (figuring in the wind chill), students will be outside for the entire recess time o If the temperature is between 0° and 9° (again figuring in the wind chill), students will: § Enter the building upon their arrival in the morning and assemble in the library, cafeteria, or other designated locations until the regularly scheduled morning entry bell rings § Go outside for the last 15 minutes of noon recess § Go outside for the entire afternoon recess time o If the temperature is 0° or below (again figuring in the wind chill), students will stay inside for the entire recess period

For information on Fremont Pubic School’s Weather Guidelines for School Closings/Delays , please refer to the section that follows.

Weather Guidelines for School Closings / Delays The decision to alter or cancel the normal school schedule is always a difficult decision to make. The Superintendent makes the final decision after consulting with the Director of Transportation. The most important and primary factor that is always considered is the safety of students and employees.

The following guidelines explain the steps taken in arriving at a decision:

o In questionable weather . . . The Director of Transportation travels the district’s more difficult roads beginning at 5:00 a.m. o In consultation with the Director of Transportation, the Superintendent reaches a decision by 6:00 a.m. to either hold school, schedule a delay, or close school, as buses begin leaving the bus garage by 6:30 a.m. o Following is the current list of television and radio stations that will announce the delay or closing of school if this is the decision reached:

TELEVISION RADIO

WZZM - Channel 13 WMUS 107 FM WSNX 104.5 FM WOOD - Channel 8 WOOD 105.7 FM WGRD 97.9 FM WWMT - Channel 3 WCSG 91.3 FM WFGR 98.7 FM WWTV - Channel 9/10 WLHT 95.7 FM WKLQ 94.5 FM WGVC - Channel 35 WBFX 101.3 FM WOOD 1300 AM WXMI - Channel 17 WODJ 107.3 FM WBBL 1340 AM WXSP TV WLAV 96.9 FM WJNZ 1680 AM WTRV 100.5 FM WNWZ 1410 AM WGVU 88.5 FM WKWM 1340 AM WVTI 96.1 FM WGVC 1480 AM WJQK 99.1 FM WTKG 1340 AM

Parents/Guardians may also call the district’s School Closing Hot-Line at 924-7317 for information on school delays or closings

Additionally:

o Once children are in school, Fremont Public Schools will rarely close school or dismiss early because many young chil- dren could be going home to an empty or locked house. o Fremont Public Schools will generally not delay or close school based on weather “predictions”.

PLEASE NOTE: If parents believe conditions are not safe for their children, they may keep them home or pick them up from school if conditions deteriorate while school is in session. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 11 WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DAISY BROOK:

WEEK OF 12/10-12/14: Wed., Dec. 12: 4 th Grade Christmas Program rehearsal 8:30-11:30 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 13: 4 th Grade Christmas Program for DB in the morning and for family and friends at 7:00 p.m. Fri., Dec. 14: Popcorn and Pickle Day

WEEK OF 12/17-12/21: Tues., Dec. 18: Birthday celebration for December birthdays Dec. 20 & 21: Christmas vacation

WEEK OF 12/24-12/28: Dec. 24-28: Christmas vacation

WEEK OF 12/31-1/4: Dec. 31-Jan. 1: Christmas vacation Jan. 2: School resumes—at last!!

WEEK OF 1/7-1/11: Fri., Jan. 11: Popcorn and Pickle Day

WEEK OF 1/14-1/18: Tues., Jan. 15: 5 th Grade Spelling Bee 1:15 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 17: 5 th Grade Choir Talent Show practice in the a.m.; Talent Show in the p.m. for DB; Talent Show for family and friends at 7:00 p.m. Fri., Jan. 18: end of second marking period and first semester ; half day; dismissal at 11:23 a.m. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 12 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 13

Should Kids Go to School 8 Hours a Day? Students in Mrs. Hanna’s class read an article in their Time for Kids magazines discussing schools in states like Mas- sachusetts and New Mexico, that are extending their school day. These are some of their responses to the question.

What Do You Think? By Allison Kublin I think that extending the school day is TFK More Time for School? a very good idea. One reason I think this is, if By the kids needed help from the teacher the Caleb Hansen teacher would have more time to help. I think an extended school day would Also the kids would have more time to have be bad because kids would be too tired. For different subjects, like Chinese and painting. example in the text a girl says that at the end Another reason I think this is, you would have of the day sometimes she is tired. I would be more time to spend with your friends at school. tired too if I had to start school at 7:00 and “Getting up an hour earlier wouldn’t be any leave at 3:55.From my life I’m already tired fun,” says Greg Kublin. “The positive thing enough when I get home, I mean I feel like rip- would be, more time for learning,” also says ping the door off. My last example is a quote Greg. I think that making the school day from my mom. Mom said, “It would be ridicu- longer is a great idea lous and too many hours of school. Kid’s bod- ies are not programmed to have that many hours of school. They wouldn’t get anything out What Do You Think?? of it because they would be too tired. Plus Time For Kids response writing. when would they get to play at home?” Those Written by Cam Crosley are some examples on why an extended Interview with Sam Crosley school day would be a bad idea. I do not think extending the school day is a good idea. Paying for extra teacher salary and extra electricity is not easy. How could one school come up with enough money?? At the More Time for School? end of the school day, I am always tired. My By: Kira Lynn sister is grumpy. I interviewed Sam Crosley and she said, “No, because kid’s brains need I disagree that extending school is a wise idea. Extending to rest. They would have a hard time focusing school is a bad idea because kids are already tired when and thinking if the school day was longer. And they get home, so if school days were longer than the kids there would not be enough time for home- would be exhausted. Also it cuts away time at home for kids work.” So take it from my 16 year old sister and their family, and family is just as important as school, that making the school day longer is a bad right? If you extended school longer than it would cost more idea. money for electricity, and for paying the teachers. New Mex- ico is paying $2.3 million dollars just to add one extra hour a day! Think if Daisy Brook had to pay that! I like regular More Time for School school days because when I finally get home I get to play By Jacob Grabill and it is important to get exercise. My sister says “I don’t think that school hours should be extended because kids I think it would be bad to have the school day could get too stressed out about all their school work. So be longer. The reason I think it should not be those are all reasons why people shouldn’t extend school longer is because the kids need to be regular days. kids not smarties all the time. My mom agreed. She said that it’s not enough time for sleep. It would be a lot of money for the staff to be there longer for free and they would not like it. Shorter school days are better for kids. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 14

I Don’t See You

I Don’t See You By Isaiah Sommer

The boy who wrote this story is really sad just like the brave boy in the story. The boy who wrote this story is hoping that others who read his story about the brave little boy will be helped if they have the same problem.

Once there was a little boy. The boy had an older brother and two little brothers. He had only gotten to see his mom one time and it was hard for that boy, and he was sad. At night he would think about his mom and wonder if she was okay or where she was. He would dream about his mom and then wake up in the middle of the night crying. Time passed and the boy turned 11 years old and he was still trying to get over her leaving. He had been trying to get over her leaving his whole life. He never got to see his brothers because the boy’s mom did not have enough money for all the boys. She only had enough money for his brothers, and so his mom gave him to his dad. He wondered if his brothers missed him because he grieved for them, and then he would cry. The boy would cry because he loved his brothers and he wanted to see them one day. He would wake up and start to think about his mom leaving him and he would shed a tear. One day the boy thought about how hard it is to let go of someone that is in your family that you really love. The boy wondered if his brothers still cared about him or loved him. The sad feelings of the boy made it hard for him to think about the family that he had lost. He came to realize that he had to let go of the sad thoughts of his family. But then he thought, “I don’t want to stop loving the people I care about.” The boy said to himself, “I’m never going to forget my family that I miss.” He cried for a long time, but then all of a sudden he thought of something and it was, “I don’t have to see my family be- cause they will always be in my heart forever.” The boy still loves his mom and brothers and he wants to see them. He knows he always have his family in his heart for- ever and that made him feel really in happy. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 15

The Time of Christmas The Time of Christmas By Timothy

Christmas is a time… you get to give gifts and get gifts from friends and family. I like Christmas because you get to play in the snow and open presents, not to mention getting into the Christmas stockings.

Christmas is a time… for friends and family to gather around the beautiful Christmas tree and sing songs and carols. Christmas is fun because you get to have a snowball fight and after you make snow angels you go have a nice cup of hot cocoa.

Christmas is a time… to celebrate the birth of Jesus and how God was willing to sacrifice his only son Jesus for all my sins. It is also about forgiving friends and family.

Christmas is a time… my favorite holiday comes and I am reminded that God was willing to sacrifice his only son for the world’s sins, which include yours and mine.

Christmas is a time… for honoring Jesus and God because they are the reason I am living today with this won- derful gift of God’s , called my savior. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 16

About the Previous Authors

(Both authors are from Mrs. Ross’ classroom) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isaiah S.S.S.

Isaiah is a 5 th grader in Mrs. Ross’ classroom. He enjoys writing. The story he most recently wrote was about a sad little boy with a big problem. Isaiah is hoping that others who read the story might be able to learn that staying sad and mad when something hard happens in your life isn’t the answer. He knows remembering the good times and keeping those happy memories in your heart are what make a person stay positive. Isaiah hopes to create a children’s book from the essay he wrote. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Timothy T.

Tim is a 5 th grader in Mrs. Ross’ classroom. He enjoys writing. The story he was working on most recently is a Christmas poem about the facts of Christmas and bible stories. He hopes that all readers of the poem are touched in their heart of all the sweet writing on the piece. He hopes to become a poet and copy this piece to give to friends and family for their hearts to be touched. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 17

Halloween Stories

Zombies By Austin Nicholas

I can barely see the zombies fol- lowing close behind me through the moist, foggy air but their low moaning can be heard from miles away. The stench of the rotting flesh almost made me faint. Uggh! I tripped over a gravestone and the taste of the dirt was not nearly as bad as the taste of defeat. Oh, but the pain in my leg where it hit the gravestone hurt horribly.

The Wind By Kira Lynn Raquet

It was Halloween night and there was a cold, strong wind. All the trees bowed their branches in its presence. The wind blew the leaves so hard it The Cemetary looked as if they were running from some un- By Keera Russell known creature. The wind howled like it was in

terrible pain. If you were lying in your bed on that The moon glistened with lightning as the night, you would have heard it rattling the window dark clouds approached the moon as if they were pains. The wind is very clever. It can sneak into gong to attack. Lightning struck the grave with a your coat even though it’s zipped up. When the BASH! Unfortunately, a deadly finger rose from wind blows, you get a cold, tingly feeling down the ground. your back and the hairs on the back of your neck I was running for my life! The leaves stand up. The wind blew the smell of leaves right cracked beneath my feet, the owls hooted as if up to me. I could smell the dirt and the mud from they were a warning sign. I could hear slow, the leaves so well it was as if someone was hold- feather-like feet pounding after me! ing one under my nose. The wind has a nice, airy This zombie was trying to eat m3! I taste. It is a little bit wet, fresh and cold. Every squirmed from the zombie’s grip. He held on breath is a mouthful even though it is just wind. tighter. He opened his mouth to eat my index fin- ger. His breath smelled like one million rotting corpses. I kicked him in his bony chest! I was free! Then a shadowish figure was ushering me to this hut. He made me drink a liquid that tasted like milk, orange and prune juice mixed together. I was knocked out for maybe half an hour. I could feel the zombie creature munching on my toes! I fled, filled with fear and pain. Even years later, I don’t have my 10 toes. I swear, every night I can hear that zombie breath panting in my room. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 18

Halloween Stories

Haunted House By Sarah TenBrink

I walked down the hall. You could almost see the glowing eyes in the pic- tures move. I took a step and the floor squeaked. Suddenly, there was a sweet smell – almost like candy. It was coming from the kitchen. I walked in and then I was cov- ered by sudden darkness. My heart nearly stopped! I paused for a moment. Then there was a horrible scream. It was so loud it sounded like it was from right behind me. I turned around slowly and . . . Haunted House By Celina Garcia

On Halloween, people say the house down the block is haunted. So Hailey went in there. When Hailey got in she heard footsteps echoing above her from the attic. The only thing that kept her going was the sweet smell of the sweet chocolate she could almost taste going in her mouth. As she climbed the stairs to the attic she could feel them shifting under her weight. She finally reached the top step. She grabbed the door knob and pulled it open. She walked in a few steps. All was black. Then the door slammed shut behind her. Her blood was as cold as ice. She felt a cold breeze and then a cold and stiff hand grabbed her mouth so she couldn’t scream.

Haunted House By Chris McPherson

On Halloween night, the wind was fierce. The trees were blowing faster and faster. As we entered the haunted house, the door slammed shut behind us. You could hear in the distance the chainsaw starting up. Vroom! Vroom! Then feet going Boom! Boom! on the floor. I could smell smoke and a big gate creaked open. As I stuck a Milky Way into my mouth it tasted milky and chocolaty. The chainsaw got closer and closer. Sweat was running down my face. Aaaaagh! VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 DAISY BROOK DISPATCH PAGE 19 DAISY BROOK ELEMENTARY

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