By Elizabeth, Grade 8

Photograph by Michael, Grade 7

Good Morning, George By Elizabeth, Grade 5

Good Morning, George Crying In the distance, I open the door. Smiling In the darkness, We stare At each other With giggles. Good morning, George.

*Try reading this poem line-by-line starting at the bottom. It is still beautiful! It is called a Palindrome Poem.

Granted by Morgan, Grade 8

The day, The hope, The tears,

Holding on strongly as we say goodbye forever. All we have now is the memory of her as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was compassionate, caring, and looked out for others.

We remember the good times Because that is all we have.

Now that she is gone, There is a hole that used to be filled with friendship.

Whooping Crane Photograph by Alex, Grade 8 Bahbi by Josh, Grade 8

You are The apple of my eye, The steady beat of my heart. The happiness in my soul, The air that I breathe, The goose bumps on my skin, The pavement with my shadow, The sparkle in my ring, The tears in my eyes. The birthmark on my hand, The blood flowing through my body, The brightness of my smile, The scream to my shout.

I love you, and I always will. I am glad you are here.

One, eleven, two-thousand and six, Lucky number nine was The night I held you in my arms. You were warm and shaking, Beautiful from out of the womb.

B lessed like no other. A mazingly talented at everything you do. H elpful all the time, a rich heart that you have. B rilliant to the extent where you can’t be beaten. I am glad to have a wonderful sister like you.

Drawing by Kyra, Grade 5 Pen A Poem By Jenna, Grade 8

It’s hard to understand. It’s hard to understand the reason why I am The way I am. It’s hard to understand the struggles I’ve been through. You couldn’t fathom what lies beneath My dark brown eyes. Until the pen is in my hand, I am unknown.

I am addicted. I am addicted to the overwhelming feeling; Feeling as if I could take on the world With that one pen.

I suppress my emotions way down inside me Until they run free through the pen held by my hand. It flows down my fingers, Into the pen, Onto the paper, Into my words. With my pen in my hand I am invincible.

Your Very First Day By Abbie, Grade 8

You look blankly all around; there’s no one here to greet. Walk forward, facing the ground, Your turn to be fresh meat.

The teacher asks for the homework. Was that essay due today? The bell rings, saving you in time. You almost leave, but someone yells, “Hey!”

You know you’ve seen her face before. Second grade maybe, you think. She hands you your book at the door, and she’s down the hall in a blink.

You run to catch up with her, and ask if you have ever met. Best friends in Kindergarten, you both concur, How could you ever forget?

You tell each other how you’ve been, sharing life stories without delay. It’s like Kindergarten all over again

Broken dreams by Anonymous

Shattered dreams line the sidewalk; The same dreams I've been dreaming for so long. I pray to God this ain't just another dead end road. I want so much for this work, For my voice to finally be heard. It is destiny for you to come along And hear my song.

What they say is true, The chances of making it are one in a million. But maybe I could be that one, The girl who changed the world Go for the Gold by Rebecca, Grade 6

One day in March 2009, I competed in an ice skating competition. It was a cold, sunny day. I was ten years old, and I was so excited for my very first solo routine in a competition. I had already been in three before, but I had only competed in the basics round. I was determined to now get a gold medal since I owned two bronze medals and one silver medal. I woke up at seven in the morning, and I was getting ready. When I got out of the shower, I blow-dried my hair until it was really poufy. I put on my sweats, and I picked out the two dresses I would wear for the show. For the basics, I picked out a black, velvet ice skating dress with partial see-through sleeves. I had worn that dress for my very first competition when I was seven or eight years old, and I still had it. It was one of my favorites. For my routine, I picked out a green, blue, and white dress. The top was a bluish- green velvet, and at the waist there were flowers. The bottom of the dress was lighter than the top, and it was poufy. One of my favorite parts of the competition was my mom helping me get ready. She put my hair up in a bun, and it was really tight and pulled back. She also put blush, lipstick, and mas- cara on me, and I loved it! Finally, my mom and I went in the car to get there early, and my dad and brothers would get there later. After driving for about twenty minutes, we arrived at The Sports Center of Con- necticut and parked the car. As I walked to The Rinks, which was the name of the place where I skated, I was jumping with excitement! I had a few butterflies in my stomach, but I was anxious! When I got inside, it was crowded; there were about five different ta- bles set out. One was for registration; they had to make sure your name was on the list so you were able to compete. The second table had little things like pencils, pins, gloves, and booklets. The rest of the table had ice skating dresses. There were three tables and four racks full of them. After looking around for a while, I went to the changing rooms to put on the dress. When I was done, I put on my skates and the blade covers. Afterwards, I walked around and talked to my friends, Tori, Delaney, and Maggie. We were all ready to get out there and try our best. I sat with my mom outside of the rink so we would not be frozen. I was patiently waiting for my grandma to come, and when I saw her, I ran up to her, and she gave me a big hug. I was so worked up that I could not sit still; I was running and jumping all over, and I wasn’t the only one! When a voice over the loudspeaker said, “Would all skaters and their families please come to the rink and take their seats?” we did just that. At the last minute, my father came in with my brothers and took their seats. I had some time to watch the younger kids in the basics portion because I was competing in the level seven groups. In the ice skating competition, you have to compete in the level below the one you are currently in. I was in level eight, but because of the rules, I had to compete in the level seven. I watched the younger children skate and then an announcement said, “Would all figure skaters competing in levels five to eight please report to the far side of the rink.” That was me! I walked down the bleachers and hurried over. They finally let the first group of the level five out. When they were finished, there was one more group that had to go before me. About ten minutes later when they were done, it was my turn. Well, my turn and the one other girl I was competing against, Brandi. Unfortunately, when I remembered to take off the plastic guards protect- ing the blades, she didn’t. She went on the ice and wiped out! She burst into tears. After two minutes, she came back, and we were finally able to begin. First, the judges told us to do a spiral up and down the rink. Next we were to do lunges, followed by Mohawks and step-jumps, spins, back crossovers, and waltz jumps. They were done with us, and we were brought off the ice. I went back to my seat. “Good job! You did so well! You were amazing!” my mom, dad, and grandmother said. After a few more groups competed, it was finally time for the med- als to be given out. I was still hoping for that gold medal. They let level one, than two, three, four, five and six out. We were all lined up in a long single file line. Then, the time came. My heart was pounding, and I could not help but smile; I became shaky. “In second place with the silver medal is Rebecca Ryan. In first is Brandi West with a gold medal!” Of course I was disappointed; I still think she got the gold medal because she fell. I have watched the tape over and over, and Brandi did not do better than me. I did not let it ruin me though. I was happy to have a silver medal, and there was still the solo part. There was a small break between the two activities. I spent the time talking to my grandma, playing a few games in the arcade, and I hung around with my friends again. This time I was the third skater in the competition, so I did not have a very long wait before it was my turn. The first skater finished, the next went, and then it was my turn! It came so fast and so soon, but I was ready! I got out onto the ice in my starting position, and my song started. I skated to the song “Fully Dressed” from the movie, Annie. I started with back crossovers into a waltz jump. I did two Mohawks and then a spiral along the ice. The spiral went into a lunge, and then a one-footed, three spin. To end the routine, I did a one- foot spin, and I held it for three rotations at least. I was done! It was over! I did it! I ended in a position and then the music stopped. People were cheering, and I curtsied and strode neatly off. When I went back to my seat, my mom and grandmother were crying. I thought it was so funny that they were crying just because I had just skated in my first solo performance, but I understood. My dad was videotaping the whole per- formance, so he told me he didn’t have time to cry! I watched my friends and a bunch of other people do their routines, and then the time came about an hour and a half later for the medals to be awarded. Again, I lined up on the ice, and this time I was competing against two other people; one of them was Brandi. “In third place we have Brianna.” Okay, here we go. Now I can either get another silver or I can be lucky and get the gold. My heart pounded, my eyes watered, and I was scared. “In first place with the gold medal is…” I closed my eyes. “Rebecca Ryan!” The crowd broke out in applause. I did it! I got the gold medal! It was a dream come true and the best feeling in the world. One of the best days I have ever had was the day I got the gold.

Follow your dreams and go for gold. Drawing by Gracie, Grade 6 The Petunia’s Request by Gemma, Grade 8

I might be small, and I might be pretty. This however, is no purpose to pluck me.

You can put me in vases, or put me in pots. No matter what, this is not what I want.

A petunia lives in one place, and in one place alone. This is the ground, the place I call home.

I have one more request, please do not be ashamed. You just misunderstood, so you can not be blamed.

Now little girl please let me be. Just remember to not pluck petunias like me.

Spring by Chris, Grade 8

Spring; It is the little brother to summer. Leaves grow, Grass turns green, Flowers start to bloom, Bugs start to flea, Animals start to wake, After a long hibernation. I wish Spring could last forever, But sometimes forever seems like never. Ready by Josh, Grade 8

The Beautiful Dogwood Trees are swaying in the rustling and bustling wind. The scent of the cool air is refreshing. Eyes are red, full of pain. It is time for sunshine and rain. Spring is bugs galore, and children run in the grass sharp to perfection. Clouds look like pillows floating in the blue sky. A variety of colors with flowers blooming and trees aligned are in a straight formation, almost like soldiers getting ready for war. Sitting down feeling the peaceful breeze hit my skin, I listen closely to hear the whis- per in the wind.

River by Anonymous, Grade 8

River, River Washing away all the pain of today, With no purpose, But with grace.

The world is big, and you are small. You sometimes appear insignificant, But that is not the case at all.

Your current is slow, but we are fast. You are a model to teach us how to act. If Only I Could by Abbie, Grade 8

If only I could hear the rush of the cool blue brook outside. Or hear nothing, the silent hush and search for the animals that hide.

If only I could touch the leaves of the pastel budding flowers. Or feel the soft gentle breeze between the cool spring showers.

If only I could see the emerald shades of the grasses, bushes, and trees. Back and forth would sway the grass’ blades, a green sea flowing below my knees.

It seems I’ll never embrace the scenery of nature’s yearly sensational mixture. How I wish beyond my doors, more greenery if only I could have more than a picture. Small, Simple Tree By Eliza, Grade 8

What simple joy A small tree can bring us. A simple life of a new plant; Buds are blooming everywhere on this tree. This small, simple tree brings Memories we will always hold; Memories that will live in our hearts forever. Her faint voice is heard all around the tree. The small buzzing of a bee that picks up her voice And many other memories.

Leaf by Leaf By Jennee, Grade 8

Leaf by leaf Falls off the tree, Slowly and gracefully falling. Green leaves with droplets of Water hit the ground, Leaf by leaf.

Leaf by Leaf Swaying in the tree As green as can be. Leaf by leaf Untitled by Tatum, Grade 8

I wake up to the sound of chirping, As my little messengers fly up to my window. I left the place of darkness, And now the flowers bloom as I walk by. They greet me in my secret hideaway; A place where gloom does not exist, A place where nature allures and charms all eyes. Tranquil winds blow within the tree’s tender branches. Daffodils are aligned. Nature has arrived.

Photograph by Michael, Grade 7

An Exciting Day by Lily, Grade 6

I have always wanted to live When we got to TD bank, where on a farm and have many rabbits. I we met Katherine and her mom, who we have dreamed about being a 4-H carpool with, they were waiting for us as member and entering animals or usual. We were always late because of crafts in fairs. When my dad was little, my brother, Paul. When we obtained our he was a member of the 4-H and bred seats in Katherine’s car, Katherine’s mom rabbits and chickens. I have been said, "Is today the day you are going to wanting a breed of rabbit called a Bro- get your bunny?” I nodded with excite- ken Orange Holland Lop Buck for ment and a smile on my face. three years. We went into school early for the One day, I woke up and saw my Pancake Breakfast. When we got to Un- dad in the kitchen. This was the day I quowa, Abby and Grace came over and would finally receive my rabbit. asked me if I wanted my hair sprayed white for my team. I said, “No thanks, “Good morning, Dad,” I said as Grace. First of all, I am getting my rabbit I was yawning. before I have the chance to shower and “Today’s the big day, Lily!” he secondly, I have blonde hair!” said to me. When the games for Field Day “Yep, I hardly slept last night.” started, all I could think about was my “Just remember not to wear bunny. I didn’t even know what to name your pajamas,” Dad said. him! I kept thinking about interesting I put on my white t-shirt and names like Jellybean, Caramel ( because my white pants, because it was Field the colors of the rabbit would be white Day at school, and I was on my way. and caramel), and MacGyver. I chose Since there was a Pancake Breakfast MacGyver because of the T.V. show at school, I did not eat my breakfast. I MacGyver and how smart the main char- ran out the door and jumped into my acter was. dad’s new car he bought two weeks When my dad came to pick Paul earlier. and me up, I made a beeline for the car. It seemed like forever for Paul to get his belongings together. I took a thirty- minute nap during the ride, and we finally got there.

I jumped out of the car and sprinted to the house where I would be picking up my rab- bit. We rang the door bell, and she came right out. We headed to the door, and my heart was pounding and racing. We went inside, and I saw the one: MacGyver, a Broken Orange Holland Lop Buck. As soon as we placed him in the pale, brown cage we bought at a Boy Scout tag sale, he produced urine to mark his territory. He felt as soft as a newborn baby’s skin. His ears pointed slightly back like The Lean- ing Tower of Pisa. His nose, perfectly colored, and his big brown eyes stared right at me, so cute and innocent. He laid down, and we went back home as I petted his belly softly. Both he and I enjoyed it. It felt like the world just began as a happier place. It was one of the best days of my life!

Unforgettable by Hannah Kehoe

I stand in front of the hospital “Dad, this party is really important!” I tried. bed crying, my green-hazel eyes wet “No, you’re staying right here. No more ar- with tears. My hair is draped across his guing.” Now he’s made me really angry. body, red as the flames that brought him “I HATE YOU!” I screamed at the top of my here. I just can’t believe what’s hap- lungs. My dad slammed the door, and I sat on pened! He can’t be... No; there must be my bed, punching my pillow and screaming. some mistake. Wait, I’m supposed to be telling you the entire story. Here, I’ll start On Monday, my dad had a meeting at at Saturday night. the Twin Towers. We lived pretty close to them, and I could see them towering above the “Dad! Why can’t I go?!” I scream. building our apartment was in. I didn’t talk to “Because you are grounded, my dad before he left, and he didn’t talk to me Maddie.” either. He left the house silently, not talking to “I’m still not clear as to WHY!” I anyone. Even though I’m still mad, I miss talk- retort. My dad sighs. ing to him. I had no idea that I might never talk to him again. “You don’t remember what hap- I was in math at GVM (Greenwich Vil- pened yesterday?” I haven’t forgotten. lage Middle School) when I heard it. Everyone How could I? I snuck out of the house to had gone crazy, looking out windows in horror, go to a movie with Ashley. Her parents screaming, and even running around in circles brought us, and they thought my parents for no reason. When I looked out the window, I allowed me to go. Like couldn’t see the Twin Towers. What I saw in its that would ever happen. place was a burning column of fire. They sent my mom and The fire was spreading, but it didn’t reach dad an e-mail saying they GVM. We got out of school early, and I had run would be glad to take me back home as quickly as possible. My mom again, which gave me away. didn’t greet me at the door. She was crying. I was weak smile. about to ask why when I realized what happened. Guilt flooded over me. My father was in the Twin After my dad was home a few days, I Towers. The last thing I had said to him was, I said, “I really don’t hate you. I wish I had never hate you. said that.” “It’s OK, Maddie,” he says quietly. Days passed and no signs came that my dad was dead or alive. My mom said to be patient Even though my dad is back, it will never and told me he was surely alive, but I could tell my be the same with him. Many people died in the mom was just trying to be positive. Neither of us building, including his boss and everyone that was knew where he was or if he was okay. I had to find there from the company he works for. Now, the out. I was going to go to Ground Zero and find him company is struggling with money and does not myself if I had to. have many workers, so they could not pay my dad The next day, I snuck out of the apartment or anyone still working there. He got a new job, to go to Ground Zero. It wasn’t too far, and it would but it’s in Connecticut. I suddenly feel a pang of take about ten minutes if I ran fast. I was planning sadness. Ashley lost her father in the crash (her to sneak in, but the place was crawling with police father turned out to be the man I thought was my and firemen. They wouldn’t let me get very close. dad), and she is going to lose her best friend now As soon as I was as close as they would let me too. I remind myself to make sure I stay in contact get , I sat down on the ground, watching firemen with her. At least there’s one good thing that will constantly bringing out people. None come from this move: I never have to see the of them were my dad. After fifteen place where my dad almost died ever again. minutes, my mom came. She real- ized I wasn’t in the apartment, but she wasn’t there to take me home. She had come to look for him too. After half an hour of firemen bringing out injured people, I was ready to give up. Right as we were leaving, I spot- ted the firemen carrying someone. I ran over to the person and gasped. There was a dead man burned badly from the fire on the stretcher. There was a small part of his shirt that wasn’t burned very badly somehow, and I could see it clearly. It was dark blue, just like the shirt my dad wore on September 11th.

That’s how I got here, in the hospital, with my now dead dad, crying against him. I wish I hadn’t been so mean the last time I saw him. “I don’t hate you,” I whisper into his ear. I hear the doctor saying something, and my mom gasps. I turn around, and my dad was being rolled in on a different bed, alive. Ferruginous Owl Photograph by Alex, Grade 8 “Dad? But, how...?” I stammer. I de- cide it didn’t really matter and run over to see him. My dad is back. “I’m sorry, Dad.” My dad gives me a Layout Editors

Abby, Grade 6 Eliza, Grade 8 Grace, Grade 6 Michael, Grade 7 Patrick, Grade 7 Rebecca, Grade 6

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Lily, Grade 6 Madi, Grade 5