Volume 3, Issue 1 October 2020

Jackson Junior High Vice Principal Misses the Hustle and

Bustle of School on Campus by Joaquin Porto

Mrs. Minton is the vice principal at 4. If you were stranded on an island and could Jackson Jr. High School. This is her only have three things with you, what would second year as vice principal at JJHS and they be and why? although it is not your average school year, she is setting goals and missing her I would have a good book, a radio, and an students. endless supply of coffee. 1. Did you grow up in Amador County, and if 5. Did you always want to be a Vice Principal, not, where did you grow up and what brought and if not, what did you want to be? Why? you here? When I was younger, I wanted to be a I did not grow up in Amador County. I grew up veterinarian. I always loved animals. and still live in El Dorado County. I came to 7. What do you like most about your job? Amador County because of its small town charm and familiar feel. It also feels a lot like The thing I like most about my job is helping home, since my husband has family in the and interacting with students. area. 8. What do you dislike most about your job? 2. What was your favorite school subject in Junior High School? Why? Currently, I dislike being stuck behind a computer rather than out in classrooms. 10. There is a saying about leaving things My favorite subject in school was and still is 9. What has been the hardest part of distance better than you found them; what do you plan History. I love the way we can see the real life to do to make JJHS better? stories of people who shaped our lives. learning for you? My goal for myself at Jackson Junior High, is to 3. What do you like to do in your free time? The hardest part of distance learning has been how empty the campus is. I'm used to students make it the most inviting place I can for Most of my free time is spent either in my and staff in and out of my office all day. Now, it students and staff. garden or camping. is very quiet.

Interviewing Mr. Sully by Riley Sitter

I interviewed Mr. Sully, a new teacher here at myself talking about history.” Jackson Junior High. He seems to be a really fun and interesting teacher. He teaches 7th and Q: Have you taught at other schools before? 8th grade History. Let’s hear what he has to A: “I did my student teaching at North High say... School in Riverside, California. I substitute Q: Where did you go to college, and what did taught in Riverside at all grade levels. I then you major in? moved here and substitute taught all grade levels in Calaveras County before coming to A: “I went to Riverside City College and then Jackson Junior High School.” transferred to California Baptist University. I have a Bachelor's degree in History and Q: What is your favorite thing to do? Master's degree in education.” A: “I really enjoy reading, drinking coffee, and Q: What are some interesting facts about binge watching a series, like The Great British yourself? Baking Show.” A: “I enjoy painting, traveling, writing, and Q: What was your favorite subject as a kid? reading books. I wrestled for four years in high A: “My favorite subject was always history, but school. I won awards in poetry and history at I really enjoyed listening to my teachers read to my university.” the class.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would Q: What is your favorite movie? you go? A: “My favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings A: “I would really like to go to London and trilogy.” Paris for history and art museums. I would also like to go to Ireland to see where my ancestors Q: What is your favorite song? were from.” A: “My favorite song is ‘Third of May’ by Fleet Foxes.” Q: Why did you become a history teacher? Given the chance, would Q: Lastly, what are some things you want your you pursue a different occupation? students to know? A: “I have always loved history. I A: “If you enjoy learning, nothing can stop enjoy meeting students and you.” sharing a common interest in history or finding ways of showing Well, there you have it folks. Hopefully, these that history can be enjoyable. If questions helped you to get to know Mr. Sully given a chance for a different better, and if you have him as a teacher, maybe occupation, I would not take it. I it will inspire you to ask some questions of your enjoy teaching and always find own!

Go Interactive! Scan for the App, then look The Monthly Jag for this symbol: is a publication of Jackson Junior High’s Journalism Class Editor-in-Chief: Riley Sitter Assistant Editors: Shaylise Carey and Elizabeth Coombs Teacher: Mrs. Dale Lisa Flint For information, please contact [email protected].

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Things to do being at Home by Cheyenne Mancebo

For the last like 5 months we Some more things to do are have all been in quarantine, and reading and writing. I don't know about you guys, but I have been really bored. Another thing you can do is make a fort in your living room However, over the last 5 months or outside. I have found some good things to do while being bored at home. Some other things you can do are go to national parks. So to start off, I really recommend going outside and My family and I are going to taking walks. Even just sitting Utah for a family vacation. We outside helps. Because when you are going to Arches National are outside, it really helps with Park. We are also going to Bryce stress, depression, and a lot Canyon and Canyonlands. I am more. so excited to go camping with my family. Also, getting good exercise is really good for your body. Going So just try to chill and relax try swimming is really good for you, not to be so stressed out. It does so you can go swimming and get not help. a great exercise.

All About a JJHS Student by Shaylise Carey

Me: “What’s your favorite subject?” Kero Kero Bunite.” Anonymous: “I’d say that my favorite subject is Me: “What’s your favorite color?” Living Healthy.” Anonymous: “Some of my favorite colors are a Me: “Do you like distance learning, why or why certain shade of pink and black.” not?” Me: “Why do you think I asked to interview Anonymous: “I prefer going to school physically you?” because it’s easier for me to focus and do work, I also want to see my friends.” Anonymous: “Maybe because you just wanted to interview me. I don’t know.” Me: “What’s your favorite song? Why do you listen to it?” Me: “What’s your favorite thing about yourself?” Anonymous: “I have too many favorite songs but I guess the ones I like the most are either Anonymous: “Maybe my style or music “ Weather” by The Neighborhood, taste.” “Michelle” by Sir Chloe, or “I’d Rather Sleep” by

How To Stay Safe by Riley Sitter and Christine Ou

Coronavirus is a virus that is extremely seconds. You can sing “Happy Birthday” while contagious, and many people of all ages have washing your hands because it is 20 seconds died due to it. Shortness of breath, fever or long. chills, sore throat, diarrhea, coughing, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, new Safety tip #3: Social distance. Social distancing confusion, bluish face or lips, and muscle or is also important. Staying distanced from other body aches are the symptoms for Covid. people can help contain the virus so you or someone else does not spread it elsewhere. It is Here are some safety tips that could help you recommended to at least stay 6 feet apart. and your family: Safety tip #4: Don’t Panic. It may seem Safety tip #1: Wear a mask. You’ve probably overwhelming, but panicking will only make heard this many times, but it's important to things worse. Instead, follow the safety tips we cover both your mouth and your nose while gave you, and stay safe. Not only will these around others. precautions help keep YOU safe, it will ensure the safety of others as well. Safety tip #2: Wash your hands. Washing your wash your hands with soap and water. It’s hands can help you get rid of germs. Always recommended to wash your hands for 20 We can get through this together!

Back To School editorial by Lainey Arevalo

This school year was cancelled and now we are cooking and doing what is called “virtual school.” more. Although we know it is for our safety and As you can health, we need regular school back. see, there are many Kids need to learn, I guarantee that some kids reasons to aren’t even doing the workout they are why we need supposed to. real school. Some kids probably aren’t even listening when I also think the teacher is talking. this is a School is a place to learn basic life skills, like to great time to socialize, to learn how to make friends, and - start making when we get older like freshmen and up - changes.

The New Back to School Adventures! editorial by Brooklyn Whalen

Today, I will be telling you about back to smooth way. school, and what we have to do to get through this! It's always great to have an open The beginning of this school year has been mind so we can unusual and challenging. adjust to these new changes as However, we have to embrace changes with a soon as possible. positive outlook and an open mind. Social distancing has become a new way of life. Social distancing is hopefully only Challenging is an understatement as we look to temporary, but it our teachers, students, and parents. is important to It is important to take this opportunity to get keep us all safe. creative, learn balance, and learn to connect In time I pray that we all return to a normal it right now. with family and friends in new ways. life. I would rather be in school with my friends, but Embracing the change in a positive manner Something I have done to keep my spirit up is for now we have to keep the faith and try our will help us adjust to the new school year in a staying very positive. I try to make the best of best.

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Dress Code: Interview with Mr. Gardner by Kaylie Cheng

1: Why can't we wear clothes that show in the work place. These our shoulders? descriptions are very general and our staff is here to support We believe that school is a professional students if they need help workplace, and we are here to help students understanding these understand that appropriate clothing is descriptions and how they important to a respectful and professional might apply to them. workplace. Research shows that people who Generally speaking we would professionally will act professionally and not want students wearing we expect all of our community members to clothes that promote violence dress and act this way. or abusive activity or clothes 2: I would also like to know how our with vulgar or inappropriate hairstyles or hair color interfere or language. If students and disrupts the educational environment? families need help with getting more school appropriate Hairstyles and student dress and excellent clothing, we absolutely are forms of identity and self expression and our here to help them. school in no way means to limit self expression for any student continuing to grow and develop 4: Also, what sun protective specific about not wearing anything with gang- while at Jackson Junior High School We will clothing should we wear, and please related things or that is vulgar, etc. honor all hairstyles and colors unless there is a explain the type of you would accept. Clothing should also be neat and clean to the significant disruption to the school process as a There is not campus rule against hats however result of it. best of other students' ability. Students should classroom rules are set by the teachers and may practice modesty in clothing choices as well. 3: Next, could you please explain what you require you to remove your while you are in mean by our clothes should fit neat and class. We appreciate the expression of hats. No tube tops, nothing that reveal breast or clean and what good taste and They must follow all other cleavage, buttocks, midriff, belly, lower back or decency means to you. requirements and any hat worn must not hide . the students face. We like to see our students' Just like what I referred to question #1, faces! Students must get approval to wear hoods. research shows that people who dress Students are not allowed to wear professionally and appropriately will act ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ unless it’s a Spirit day; this is also a district policy. professionally and appropriately at school and In conclusion, the school dress code is very

How Will Kids Like You Get Punished for Misbehaving? by Nicolas Kimball

Hey you troublesome kid, It can be different in every reason really loudly, or putting a really weird you aren't thinking about class. Maybe in one class, picture right next to the camera. doing something bad just you will have to write a 5 because you are safe at paragraph essay about why Ms. Makar says, “What I do first is just give a home, are you? and how you misbehaved, warning. Tell the student to stop, and that if but in others you will just they don't, then I would have to have them Know that discipline will get many, many warnings. leave the class. I would have them meet with still be looked at this year, me to make up the class at a later time. If the even though you aren't at Discipline that teachers student doesn't respond, I would send an email school. Punishments will send to Ms. Minton will be to the student and include the administration be the same as before, handled on a case-by-case into our communications.” This would probably maybe a little different. So basis with family, but only be what most teachers would do, so stay on you should act just as you really bad things that you do task. act in normal school will be told to Ms. Minton. Even though you might not know the Ms. Minton says that discipline will be looked If you are a troublesome kid, maybe you should punishments of misbehaving, you probably at differently this year, where the teachers will ask your teacher the punishments so you know don't want to be off task, so be a good student. choose what they will do if someone is what you're going to get after you do your Maybe you will get paid with a Jolly Rancher, misbehaving. “funny” distracting thing like farting for no who knows?

Jag on the Street: “Favorite series?” by Elizabeth Coombs

Layla Long (6th Grade): Jonah Duran (8th Grade): “My favorite Netflix series is “Miss Americana, the documentary about Greenhouse Academy. Why? I have Taylor Swift. I love it because it shows how no idea.” Taylor is so much more than what the media thought she was.” Savannah Smallfield (6th Grade): Mrs. Collier (8th Grade English): “I don't Netflix very often, but if I had to pick, it would have to be “I don’t really watch Netflix, but I just recently Fuller House. I enjoy that show got it so I could watch Twin Peaks. It’s one of because it's funny and it can be a my 3 shows and I remember watching it in little relatable at times.” high school.” “I'd say one of my favorite movies is Black Jack Parkey (7th Grade): Panther.” Mr. Sullivan (7th & 8th grader History): “All American because, uhh, it teaches good life Olivia Girton (8th Grade): “My favorite Netflix series is The Great British lessons” Baking Show.” “My favorite Netflix series is The Office because Edison Nhek (7th Grade): it’s really funny and I love the characters.”

Between Basketball & Football by Ian McElfish and Gavin Mynderup

From the latest update, junior league football is Riley Sanders, a 7th grader, scheduled to start in the winter. said, “I would rather play basketball, because I am better This will interfere with our school basketball at it.” season if the schools are open by then. Easton Carey, a 6th grader, If the school is cleared to open, athletes will said, “I would rather play have to choose between playing football and basketball because I am better basketball. at it.” We interviewed two students that play both Errol Garner, a 6th grader sports from each grade and asked them which said, “Football, because it has they would rather play and why. always been my favorite sport, Mitchell McMahan, an 8th grader said, and my family plays it.” “Football because I’ve really wanted to become Therefore, there is a ratio of 3 an NFL player, and I have more opportunities and 3, so it is split pretty to stand out in football.” evenly.

Marcus Scaife, an 8th grader said, “Football, Let's all hope that we can get because I am better at it.” back into sports and school Jacob Arevalo, a 7th grader said, “If I had a soon. choice I would rather play basketball because in football I have been confused and have lost good brain cells.”

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Covid In Our County by Hayley Barnhill

We've all heard by now about the worldwide pandemic of Covid-19 Even though we're supposed to be social (aka. Coronavirus). distancing, many stores have almost as many people as there would on Black Covid originated in China, but Friday. made its way around the world. Somehow it even made its way into In the beginning people experienced Amador County. Coronavirus is a many shortages in stores of items like highly contagious, flu-like virus toilet paper and flour. that affects your respiratory system. As of today, September 17 of 2020, Amador county has had 247 cases of Due to the fact that Covid is Covid. 225 have recovered. extremely contagious and can spread through close contact with people, our restaurants, gyms, and churches have been In order to do your part in slowing the spread government decided to close many businesses forced to close for months causing extreme please, make sure you wash your hands, and schools to slow the spread. financial hardship. Our state has even practice social distancing, and wear a face mandated that we wear face coverings, wash covering. Businesses such as bars, hair salons, our hands, and stay 6 feet away from others.

Halloween: Is it Happening? by Parker March

Many have been asking themselves, “Is couple of ways you can do that, Halloween canceled?” The answer is, no. Some too. Dr. Amyna Husain says, areas may say otherwise, such as Los Angeles, “Stay in your neighborhood.” but so far we have the green light. Staying closer to home can stop So, how can you celebrate safely? First, the spreading of Covid-19 from whether you're trick or treating or handing out neighborhood to neighborhood. candy, you have to wear a mask. Masks have He also says, “You should not become a part of our lives lately, so why not consume any candy that's wear them on Halloween? unwrapped.” Keeping to tightly wrapped candy can be safe, as There are more ways you can hand out candy, long as you sanitize the too. If you put together treat bags, you can wrappers beforehand. leave them on your porch as groups come by, or wear gloves and lots of hand sanitizer, and Hope this was helpful for hand it out yourself. celebrating your Halloween. What about trick or treating? Well, there are a Good luck and stay safe.

Thoughts on Distance Learning by Arianna Chadwick

Michael Nunes 7th grader- assignments easier to complete” Question 1: How do you feel overall about distance Maggie Johnston 8th learning? grader- Answer 1: “It has its ups and Question 1: How do you feel downs, but on the positive overall about distance side, school is a lot more learning? flexible. For example, I can work on my assignments Answer 1: “I like it because I when want, but there's less feel like it's the safest overall. social interaction.” But one downside is that I can't see any of my friends.” Question 2: How has distance learning affected you in a Question 2: How has distance good or bad way? learning affected you in a good or bad way? Answer 2: “Distance learning has affected my mental state. Answer 2: “There's more work The lack of social interaction has caused me to Answer 1: “I don't like it. I want school back.” to do because we can’t do our work during class be a little towards the gloomy side. In my and we have to figure out our own time to get Question 2: How has distance learning affected assignments done instead of being able to work opinion I feel that socializing is a main part of you in a good or bad way? mental health.” on it while in a classroom. Also our time on the Answer 2: “Distance learning has probably online classes is shorter so we have less time to Question 3: If you could choose between affected me in a bad way because I don't learn,” distance learning and going back to school, necessarily enjoy being at home.” which would you choose and why? Question 3: If you could choose between Question 3: If you could choose between distance learning and going back to school Answer 3: “I would prefer going back to school distance learning and going back to school, which would you choose and why? over distance learning for numerous reasons, which would you choose and why? one being that I would like to be able to sit in a Answer 3:”It kind of depends, because if COVID classroom and that sort of environment again.” Answer 3: “I would choose going back to school wasn't a thing then I would have wanted to be because I miss being around people. I also find at school, but since COVID is an issue, I think Anonymous 8th grade girl- it easier because we wouldn't have to worry that it's best we stay at home and do distance learning until it's safe.” Question 1: How do you feel overall about about the WIFI messing up, and it makes distance learning? giving answers more simple, and makes

My Life by Natalia Bish

Hello. My name is Natalia and I'm going to be stuff I can't remember. writing about what goes on in my life. She loved it.

This is what I did this weekend. On September After that, we went to 5th, it was my older sister's birthday, and we walk around and look at all went to San Francisco with me, my mom, the different shops, and my sisters, and her boyfriend and his little then we did karaoke on brother. the way home because we have a car Once we got there, we went to the beach and microphone and it's swam over the big waves, and then we explored hooked up to the a lot and had lots of fun, speaker, and that was a lot of fun. After the beach, we went to a restaurant, and we were outside, but it was such a pretty view. Then we went home. The house was After that, we gave my sister all of her gifts, decorated, and we gave my sister her last gift, and my sister and I made her a box of all blue and we made it homemade. It was an album And I forgot to say, when we were at the theme, because it's her favorite color. There made out of glass that we saw on TikTok and restaurant, we bought a cake and sang “Happy was all different types of stuff in there. made it. Birthday” to her. That was pretty much it.

My mom got her an iPhone charger and air It's hard to explain, but it was really cool, and Overall it was really fun, and I hope that my pods, and we got her a candle and a lot of other she loved it. sister enjoyed her birthday.

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Roblox Game Review game review by Sophia Reeser and Maria Neco

Roblox is a worldwide online entertaining and different types of kid friendly game. Roblox came out on September 1, 2006, creators. in San Mateo, California. The creator of Roblox is David Baszuki, and its co-creator is Erik To create the avatar of your dreams, Cassel. there is a thing called Robux. You can purchase Robux with real life money. Roblox age rating is for 10 and older players. You can buy it by clicking the Robux Roblox’s star rating for google play is 4.5 stars. icon. There are over 115 million active users on Roblox and still rising over the years. If you can't afford Robux, don't worry. You have everything you need. You In Roblox 3, the most played games are Adopt have hair, clothes, and some other Me, Bloxburg, and Royale High, but there are accessories, all for free. so many more different games out there varying in obbys (parkour), tycoons, role play With Roblox, you can bring out your games, adventure, and so much more. You can inner creativity with making games become anyone you want to be in Roblox. and clothing. You can express yourself within gaming. You can play with There are many people who make Roblox their friends and siblings. You can even make online People recommend Roblox, because it can help living. They make Youtube videos on different friends. You can play on so many different children with their creativity and help them Roblox games. Some of the most popular devices varying from Xbox, phones, PC, and a learn about the real world. creators are Flamingo, Leah Ashe, Denis Daily, lot more.

Fall Guys vs. Human Fall Flat game review by Lucas Ortega

Welcome to my video game review! Flat, Wipe Out, and battle royale type games. Fall Guys is very fun compared to This time I will be doing a special video Human Fall Flat because it's unique and game review on Human Fall Flat and Fall something a lot of people can get into. Guys. Human Fall Flat is on Xbox One, First things first, Human Fall Flat came Playstation 4, computers, and Nintendo out in 2016, while Fall Guys came out Switch, while Fall Guys is on Playstation 4 August 3rd, 2020. and computers which are very limited When it comes to the genre of these two compared to Human Fall Flat. games, Human Fall Flat is a puzzle game, Fall Guys is a very popular game while Fall Guys is a battle royale game. compared to Human Fall Flat. This is Both games are a little similar because of because a lot more youtubers are the grab feature. In Human Fall Flat, it is streaming or making a video on the game used to grab onto objects and let you drag than they’re on Human Fall Flat. objects, while its use in Fall Guys is to When it comes to the cost, Human Fall troll players and also grab onto edges. Flat is 15 dollars on computers compared However, they are very different when it to Fall Guys, which is 20 dollars on comes to the theme. computers. This makes Human Fall Flat 5 dollars cheaper. Human Fall Flat is a normal theme with music that would kind of fit life. It has regular looking even pink slime instead of something like Wipe If you're looking for a fun game, whether it's a objects, while Fall Guys has a cartoony style Out which has water that you can fall into. puzzle game or a battle royale type game, I theme with vibrant toy looking objects. There is suggest you try these games and decide for Fall Guys takes inspiration from Human Fall yourself which one you like better.

Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse movie review by Nacole Brown

Spider-man into the Spider-verse is a movie What I liked about this movie was the about a Brooklyn teen named Miles Morales storyline, because it was very entertaining and who “receives a crash course in web.” never got boring.

Miles Morales develops mysterious powers that What I didn't like about it was nothing, but it transform him into Spiderman. Then he meets may different for you. Peter Parker, and he realizes that there are many others who share his special high-flying I would definitely recommend this movie to a talents. Now Miles must use his powers to friend. It was really good, and I would totally battle a hulking madman. recommend this movie to anyone.

Amador County Fun, Quarantine Style by Raya Gallegos

On August 29th, a drive-in movie was The movie was rated PG-13. Said aired at the Amador County Fair Xanett, “It wasn’t too scary, but it also Grounds. wasn’t too cheesy.” With the movie theater being closed, Even though the movie only received 2 and little to do, Amador County Fair stars, people seemed to have a pretty Grounds have been hosting drive in good time. movies. Overall, this experience seemed to be a “The food was delicious,” said Xanett success, such a success, they aired a Gallegos, one of the customers that second movie! attended this movie. This time, a 1985 classic, The Goonies. “They served corndogs, hot dogs, cotton They are planning on hosting more candy, lemonade, soda, and ice cream.” movies. The movie was a horror film, called, All and all, this whole event went very Apparition. This movie is based on true smoothly, and was a success. events that happened at Preston Castle, where the movie was filmed.

Local Cuisine: Pine Grove Pizza restaurant review by John Bradley

Today we are trying a classic. Pizza! While at Pine Grove Pizza, I ordered a salad,. The croutons were the best part of the salad. Some believe pizza was invented in 1889 at a pizzeria named Antica Pizzeria Port'alba. Pine Grove pizza is my favorite place to eat pizza. Pizza is a dish that everyone can enjoy at a local pizzeria known as Pine Grove Pizza. 9/10 all the way. Hunter Lewis says that combination is his favorite kind of pizza.

Alyson Chubb says that barbecue chicken is her favorite kind of pizza. I ordered a pepperoni and olive pizza. The pizza was great, a very flavorful sauce, tons of toppings, and a crisp crust.

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Don’t Talk To Strangers story by Skyla Sullivan

Charlie Curtis, a 5’8” shaggy brown hair, light forest, Charlie ran to catch up with him. blue-eyed teen, was planning on meeting up with his friend Dally Grove, a 5’9” curly It felt like hours to Charlie as they took blonde hair, brown-eyed teen, in the nearby turns after turns. And they weren’t making woods. It was December 5th, 1967. They progress. were homeless, had a , jean pants, and a jean on. They were going to their “Man lets stop for the night. I’m tired.” bud’s house, Bennett Jones. The December Dally sighed, and leaned against a nearby wind was icy, and made the two boys shiver. tree.

“Man that forest ain’t gonna be any warmer, “I think you're right, man.” Charlie walked Charlie. And the fog is gonna be thick.” Dally over to the same tree, and sat down, shivered, and rubbed his arms. He and leaning his back against it. Charlie closed Charlie were both wearing pants, a T-shirt, his eyes. He was exhausted from walking, and a . his ankles hurt, and his eyelids were heavy. “Well stop blabberin’ and let's hurry to Bennetts.” The two continued walking until Charlie thought he heard a low growl. The they reached the entrance of the wood. thought of wolves immediately shot through his head. “Dal, c’mon, I hear Charlie stopped, and pulled out the directions wolves, man!” that Bennett wrote out for them. They ran for awhile, until they came It read: across an elderly man walking up the path. “Sir! Sir! There’s wolves up that way. “STAY ON THE PATH! Take 2 lefts, 3 We wouldn't go that way if we were you,” rights, stay forward, and follow Leif Charlie warned the old man, who was Street. Don’t talk to strangers.” awfully calm. -Bennett Jones. “He’s our best shot outta here.” Dally shoved “Do you know the way outta here?” Dally his thumbs in his pockets. Just then, the boys “Okay, the directions ain’t too tough to follow. asked, catching his breath. heard a gurgle behind them. Charlie wasn't Two lefts, three rights, go straight when we able to see what it was. He was thrown to the reach the crossroads, and follow Leaf street.” The man stayed silent for a moment, cleared ground, the wind knocked out of him. The Charlie told Dally, folding the paper and his throat, and said in a croaky voice, “Two last thing he heard was Dally yell and being sticking it back in his pockets. Then, Charlie rights, 2 lefts.” He almost slurred. He had a thumped down next to him as well, before he felt something scamper up his pant leg, and thick German accent. It was hard for the two blacked out. into his jacket. As he was yelling and flinging teens to understand what he said. They his jacket around, a small brown mouse fell looked at each other, and thanked the man, out of his pocket, and ran back into the and fast-walked down the trail. When the old To be continued... woods, the directions in his mouth. man was out of sight, Charlie thought about something Bennett wrote in his letter. (Don’t talk to strangers, and trust your gut “That rat took the note! Gosh!” Charlie kicked instincts.) the dirt. “Calm down man, and that’s a “Golly, I think we lost them. Are you sure we mouse, not a rat.” Dally walked into the should listen to that man?” Charlie asked.

The White Room and the Door story by Peyton Merrifield I wake up. It is quite easy to open the box. Inside the box is a key. I look again. Is there I can’t remember anything. anything to unlock? What is my name? I've never been here I decide to move the bed. Behind the before! headboard I see a small door. All of these questions pop into my head. I try the key on the door and it works. I start to hyperventilate wondering I start to wonder about what is behind what is happening to me. Where am I? the door. The walls are white the floors white the Of course there's no way to know be- ceiling is white. sides going through the door. But what I see behind the door is remarka- I look down, and I'm wearing white. ble! Why am I here in an empty white room It is a big green...! with a plain white bed? I look around the room to see if there was quite any way out of here. I see nothing.

I look under the bed. I see a gray metal To be continued… box.

By Emily Dayton

ACORN LABOUR AUTUMN Selfie by Jaelynn Pimental - Mrs. Flint’s Art Class FALL DAY SEPTEMBER SCHOOL