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This year’s issue of Images represents our best eff ort to show the work of our very own Chandler students. We had a blast reading all of the submissions, but it was hard to choose which ones to use because they were all written with heart. We congratulate you for your imagination and eff ort. We would like to give special thanks to the erudite Mrs. Dretzka, and the hard working Mr. Kondrath. We hope you all enjoy this year’s edition of Images.

Cailin BeadlesTyler FaulknerJustina LinDeidra LoganGabriel SalazarEmily StokerOlivia TavernerEmma Weithas

Alyssa EvansEric FungJasmine Johnson-BowlesZachary KaufmanKendall KhonsariKaley LiangLilianne Sarosi

Caroline WolfeDennis GroverHannah KaufmanKara KnaufRoland LamMacRae MartinezBruce McClurgMegan MittelbergChristopher SayasKyle Warner

Kayla CrichlowDerek IwataCindy KimIan RossMichael Weinstein

Chris Sayas8th grade

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Chandler

For me, Chandler is home. Chandler is where I grew up, where I made my first friends, and where I have spent most of my days. When I think of home, I think of family and a place that I know completely. At Chandler I have the entire community as my family, and after nine years I know the campus better than my own home. Chandler is a place where I have learned who I am, and that es-sence I will take me wherever I go. Through the high school process, I toured six different schools. In each of those schools, I found myself looking for familiar aspects of Chandler. When I saw the green on Poly’s campus, I was reminded of the Point. When I visited a Spanish class at Mayfield, I thought of my Spanish class with Mrs. Vasquez. When I saw students at these schools, I looked for my familiar classmates in them. As Malborough was talking about their art program, I thought about how much Alyssa would love it. As I was looking at Westridge’s the-ater, I knew that Cat would be thrilled to perform in it. Chandler is the home that showed me who I am. Teachers, like parents, have taught me subjects and morals that I will remember for life. Fellow classmates, like siblings, have exposed me to the world around us, taught me new things about myself, and have always been there for me. My comfort zone is Chandler. When I am about to try something new, I find myself thinking, “It’s ok. I did something just like this in lower school.” If I grew up in a different household or family, I would be a completely different person, and the same goes for Chandler. Chandler is the place where I had most of my firsts: my first friend, my first A, my first painting, and countless other experiences. If home is where the heart is, then my home is Chandler.

Anna Curtis8th Grade

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The Wind

The wind It blows through The forest Gently caressing The leaves slowly wavering Slithering slowly Through and through The windSlowly growing The smell of a recent rain. The fog Creeping like a spider Into the gaps of the trees and bushes The wind A hollowing voice at night Fear and tension The wind Travels the world From the Arc de Triumph Rushing through its enormous openingTo the harsh Desert landscape of The Sahara Desert The wind.

Nick Malone7th grade

Braxton WilliamsBraxton Williams77thth grade grade

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Hill Hall

When I hear the word Chandler, the fi rst thing that comes to my mind is Hill Hall. Every morning we go to Hill Hall for assembly. On Wednesday, sometimes speakers will come in during our special activity period in Hill Hall. Many plays are performed, as well, there. Hill Hall is used every day at Chandler. When kids arrive at school, it is routine for them to go into Hill Hall for morning assembly. During morning assembly, kids will watch Dr. Greenwood use his iPhone to remem-ber what he wanted to tell them. Then the teachers will make announcements. The teachers stand in a semi-circle going down the line to make their announcements. If one teacher does not have any news, he or she will say “nope” and look at the next teacher in line. The kids listening will know what to expect from each teacher. From Mrs. McLaughlin, “The list for past due books has reached ten pages, so come in and pay your fi nes.” Mrs. Leese will either tell students to come in and get their work, or tell kids to stay off the stairs in the mornings. Hill Hall is used so often that the Chandler Middle School students know what to expect. Wednesdays are many students’ favorite day. There are only two classes and a study hall. However, there is also a special activity period. Many times speakers will come into Hill Hall during this time and speak to the middle school students. In the past we have had Rick Riordan, author of The Lightning Thief, come and tell us his life story. We have had a chaplain for the Navy’s football team speak to us about his journey through one season. We have also had a nutritionist come and tell us many disgusting details about certain foods. Many plays are performed in Hill Hall as well. This is great for the audience because they sit so close that they feel they are part of the actual play itself. If you are part of the Chandler Middle School, chances are you will become very familiar with Hill Hall.

Kyle Warner8th Grade

Hidden Talents

The magician can amuse youWith his breath-taking tricks,He can vanish coins or make a tower of sticks.The second that you draw the drapes,You’ll see that his magic is under his cape.

Shaya Naimi3rd grade

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Quiet and Loud ThingsQuiet and Loud Things(Response to “Swift Things are Beautiful” by Elizabeth Coatsworth)(Response to “Swift Things are Beautiful” by Elizabeth Coatsworth)

Quiet things are beautiful and sweetQuiet things are beautiful and sweetTaking my breath away,Taking my breath away,The drop of the rain,The drop of the rain,Meadows and flowers,Meadows and flowers,Animals at peace.Animals at peace.Loud things are wondrous,Loud things are wondrous,The boom of thunder,The boom of thunder,A fast river flowing,A fast river flowing,The bears waking from slumber. The bears waking from slumber.

Emma WeithasEmma Weithas7thth grade grade

The Falling LeavesThe Falling Leaves

As I sleep and try to dreamAs I sleep and try to dreamI see a leaf fall from my treeI see a leaf fall from my treeLeaves falling from one direction to anotherLeaves falling from one direction to anotherI cannot sleepI cannot sleepIt’s a nightmareIt’s a nightmareThe night is growing weary The night is growing weary I am tiredI am tiredPeople are suffering and withering awayPeople are suffering and withering awayThe world is getting smaller…The world is getting smaller…

Jonathan KimJonathan Kim7thth grade grade

Mother Nature

The beautiful green forestsWith trees that reach to the skyChopped down for loggingThe sky polluted with clouds of exhaustSeas, filled with oil and trashAnimals farmed and huntedEven the moon , Mother Nature’s twin Is covered in trashIf this goes on , what will happen to us?What will happen to all the animals on earth?What will happen to our shield and protector?Mother Nature .

Austin Richards7th grade

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Kaley LiangKaley Liang77thth grade grade

Jordan JonesJordan Jones77thth grade grade

Jordan JonesJordan Jones77thth grade grade

Jordan JonesJordan Jones77thth grade grade

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AmericanAmericanWar had ended, the war was won.War had ended, the war was won.“Free at last!” we cried.“Free at last!” we cried.We were united, all as one,We were united, all as one,Though many soldiers bravely died --Though many soldiers bravely died --Given up their lives for allGiven up their lives for allIn arduous struggle for liberty.In arduous struggle for liberty.Now “American” we could truly be calledNow “American” we could truly be calledThough we were lost, like children at sea.Though we were lost, like children at sea.

In 1777, years beforeIn 1777, years beforeOur founding fathers did agreeOur founding fathers did agreeOn a flag to grace our newfound nameOn a flag to grace our newfound nameThe banner flew – for liberty!The banner flew – for liberty!

The new, American way of lifeThe new, American way of lifeThe freedom to be freeThe freedom to be freeThe chance to abandon pain and strifeThe chance to abandon pain and strifeAnd live a life in a new country.And live a life in a new country.

American – united by choiceAmerican – united by choiceAmerican – speaking with a single voiceAmerican – speaking with a single voiceAmerican – flying high and proudAmerican – flying high and proudAmerican – daring to think aloud.American – daring to think aloud.

And Uncle Sam did representAnd Uncle Sam did representThis country and its presidentThis country and its presidentWelcoming, with friendly smilesWelcoming, with friendly smilesThose who had traveled many milesThose who had traveled many milesTo clean their plate,To clean their plate,Heaped high by fate.Heaped high by fate.

Red, white, and blueRed, white, and blueForever trueForever trueA home, a chance, for all of usA home, a chance, for all of usA joyful shout resounded thus:A joyful shout resounded thus:America, America!America, America!

Matilda BerkeMatilda Berke5th grade5th grade

Elizabeth McCarthyElizabeth McCarthy44thth grade grade

Natalie VandergriffNatalie Vandergriff11stst grade grade

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Darkness arkness Comes omes

The universe is quiet.he universe is quiet.

As if to hibernates if to hibernate

Day has no dawnay has no dawn

Time likes to waitime likes to wait

Morning is darkorning is dark

Air is thick, foulir is thick, foul

Between seasons above is the moonetween seasons above is the moon

No lighto light

Year of Promiseear of Promise

I will dream will dream

Sarah arah Gilman ilman

8thth grade grade

Poem

Poems capture an idea or thought,Copy someone else’s you may not,There’s absolutely no right or wrong way,Just grab a few words and then start to play,Haiku, rhyming or anything else,Poems are special, don’t you agree?

Shaya Naimi3rd Grade

Kayla CrichlowKayla Crichlow77thth Grade Grade

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The RideThe Ride

I feel the wind f lowing through my hairI feel the wind f lowing through my hairLike a bird, I spread my wings and f ly.Like a bird, I spread my wings and f ly.When I ride my mind is freeWhen I ride my mind is freeLeaving my sadness behind, Leaving my sadness behind, Creating new adventures,Creating new adventures,Falling off, creating friends.Falling off, creating friends.I am hiding I am hiding In my own secret, special world.In my own secret, special world.Upon my bike.Upon my bike.

Emma WeithasEmma Weithas7thth Grade Grade

Matilda BerkeMatilda Berke55thth grade grade

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My Favorite Place in the World My Favorite Place in the World

Soaring lowSoaring lowNothing but green plain.Nothing but green plain.Suddenly, the plane lands Suddenly, the plane lands On the patches of green.On the patches of green.Waves of heatWaves of heatPounding on my skin.Pounding on my skin.My home is waiting.My home is waiting.And so are theAnd so are theChickens,Chickens,Cows,Cows,Pigs,Pigs,And most of all,And most of all,My grandparents.My grandparents.I run to hug themI run to hug themThe sweet smell of mango trees.The sweet smell of mango trees.The mist in the airThe mist in the airAll making it welcoming.All making it welcoming.I am finally here,I am finally here,The place I love most,The place I love most,El Salvador.El Salvador.

Marjorie HernandezMarjorie Hernandez7 7 thth Grade Grade

Bryce BurchBryce Burch44thth grade grade

IImagesmages

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Treasure BoxTreasure Box

The box that hides my treasuresThe box that hides my treasuresBuilt by my grandfather’s huge gnarled handsBuilt by my grandfather’s huge gnarled handsFitting the golden maple, dove tailed sides together Fitting the golden maple, dove tailed sides together His labor of love His labor of love Passed to mePassed to meTo hold the treasures of my youthTo hold the treasures of my youthTiger’s eye with a high polished shineTiger’s eye with a high polished shineA smooth stone like toffeeA smooth stone like toffeeAn obsidian arrowhead from the Sierra Nevadas An obsidian arrowhead from the Sierra Nevadas 100 dollars of funny money 100 dollars of funny money A shark tooth puka shell necklaceA shark tooth puka shell necklaceA crushed penny from Universal Studios,A crushed penny from Universal Studios,The box is filled with medieval handbooks and marblesThe box is filled with medieval handbooks and marblesAnd underneath is a secret compartmentAnd underneath is a secret compartmentWhere I hide my wallet and aviators Where I hide my wallet and aviators My grandfather lives on in my treasure box and me.My grandfather lives on in my treasure box and me.

Austin RichardsAustin Richards

7th gradeth grade

Ryan Pizante4th grade

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The VioletThe Violet

Petals so lush,Petals so lush,Beautiful compared to the nearby Beautiful compared to the nearby brush,brush,Filled with rich color, Filled with rich color, In comparison everything is In comparison everything is duller,duller,A delicate little flower,A delicate little flower,Which is of nature’s power,Which is of nature’s power,A piece of art, A piece of art, Where all eyes will dart,Where all eyes will dart,The violet is queen among others.The violet is queen among others.

Kami Durairaj Kami Durairaj 5thth grade grade

The Starry NightThe Starry NightWhen the sun has gone to bed,When the sun has gone to bed,And the moon takes the place of the yellow sleepyhead,And the moon takes the place of the yellow sleepyhead,The stars begin to crawl out, The stars begin to crawl out, And scatter all about. And scatter all about. What a sight! What a sight! The moon and stars all grow bright,The moon and stars all grow bright,Littering the sky with clumps of light,Littering the sky with clumps of light,

At an astonishing height, At an astonishing height, They glitter like gold, They glitter like gold, Against the black background, I am told, Against the black background, I am told, Starry night, a wonder in the sky. Starry night, a wonder in the sky.

Kami Durairaj Kami Durairaj 55thth grade grade

Lauren ChretienLauren Chretien11stst grade grade

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Thirteen FlavorsThirteen Flavors

I went to Thirteen Flavors,I went to Thirteen Flavors,With my mom and dad.With my mom and dad.I got all thirteen flavors, I got all thirteen flavors, And this is what they had.And this is what they had.

They had peanut butter, chocolate mousse,They had peanut butter, chocolate mousse,Pina colada and cotton candy,Pina colada and cotton candy,Lemon lime, maple syrup, Lemon lime, maple syrup, Coffee crunch and peach dandy.Coffee crunch and peach dandy.

There was pumpkin pie, cookies ‘n cream, There was pumpkin pie, cookies ‘n cream, And pistachio nut as well,And pistachio nut as well,Vanilla bean, strawberry cream, Vanilla bean, strawberry cream, And all of them to sell!And all of them to sell!

Caitlin WuCaitlin Wu2ndnd grade grade

Elizabeth RosenbergerElizabeth Rosenberger22ndnd grade grade

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A Maile Lei For Your HairA Maile Lei For Your Hair

“A maile lei for your hair” kicks off the old Hawaiian song that is so close to my heart. Until “A maile lei for your hair” kicks off the old Hawaiian song that is so close to my heart. Until Hannah Montana came around a few years ago, it was a rare occasion to hear the word Maile. When Hannah Montana came around a few years ago, it was a rare occasion to hear the word Maile. When I go to a restaurant or store and put my order in under the name Maile, little do the cashiers know I go to a restaurant or store and put my order in under the name Maile, little do the cashiers know it is not just a rip off of Miley Cyrus’ name. Although I was not named after anyone in particular, I it is not just a rip off of Miley Cyrus’ name. Although I was not named after anyone in particular, I am very proud of my exotic name and its background.am very proud of my exotic name and its background. The word itself is really only recognized in Hawaii, and not even everyone there still knows The word itself is really only recognized in Hawaii, and not even everyone there still knows its original spelling. A maile is a tropical vine that was used in Hawaiian mythology and folklore. It its original spelling. A maile is a tropical vine that was used in Hawaiian mythology and folklore. It was a vine that was worn only by the gods because it was considered divine and precious. Today, it was a vine that was worn only by the gods because it was considered divine and precious. Today, it is a very popular vine for leis that is woven with other tropical fl owers to make even more colorful is a very popular vine for leis that is woven with other tropical fl owers to make even more colorful and beautiful leis. My name is so special to me because my Dad wore a maile lei to my parents’ wed-and beautiful leis. My name is so special to me because my Dad wore a maile lei to my parents’ wed-ding.ding. I like my name because no one can spell or pronounce it correctly and, even though I have I like my name because no one can spell or pronounce it correctly and, even though I have to correct them, it reminds me that I have a unique name. I don’t have many nicknames because no to correct them, it reminds me that I have a unique name. I don’t have many nicknames because no one else is named Maile, but the nickname Smiley-Maile stuck because it is a rare occasion that I am one else is named Maile, but the nickname Smiley-Maile stuck because it is a rare occasion that I am not smiling, plus it rhymes. I love my name. It is pretty and one-of-a-kind, and there is even a song not smiling, plus it rhymes. I love my name. It is pretty and one-of-a-kind, and there is even a song about it!about it!

Maile MurphyMaile Murphy8thth Grade Grade

Audrey AkinsAudrey Akins22ndnd grade grade

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Sister

The fire of my lifeOur connection cannot be brokenDarkness turns golden with herBut sometimesShe is a lionI am the preyThe shield of sadnessI am equal but she is greaterMe born first but her with greater knowledgeMotherÊs favoriteRivalry burning through us

Freya Strasburg 7th grade

Courtney GangiCourtney Gangi11stst grade grade

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Lion

The king of its worldControlling the flow of natureProud in what it isAgile and the stamina of a tankClaims its prize with gloryUntil the fall of life of this great beastIts young son takes overThe new king of the jungle

Sam Hood7th grade

Kyle GangiKyle Gangi33rdrd grade grade

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Responsibility

“If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.”- Abigail Van Buren

To me responsibility means to teach yourself a lesson. You should take on multiple responsibilities like taking out the trash or doing your own laundry. You have responsibilities because you are teaching yourself to do things you’ll need when you are an adult. For example, taking care of a pet could be like taking care of a child. If you don’t have any responsibilities, it will be hard for you to do simple tasks when you’re an adult. One responsibility I have is to take care of my pet guinea pig. Getting a pet teaches me more responsibility. When I take care of my guinea pig I have a lot of things to do, like giving her food, bathing her, cleaning her cage, and making sure she gets exercise. Having a pet teaches me so much responsibility because I barely get any help or reminders. I relate to the quote when I take care of my guinea pig because it taught me responsibility. When you get a job when you’re an adult you will need responsibility to succeed in your job. With responsibility you take care of children or own your own house. If I want to be able to do these things, I will need more responsibility like doing the dishes or cleaning my room. This will make my future life as an adult a whole lot easier and better because I will have to do the dishes and clean the house, if I want to own a house. By always doing the work I have to do with my pet, it could be like taking care of a child. Taking responsibilities for my actions is an example of how I can take on more responsibilities.

Indu Pandey 4th Grade

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My Pets

My pets are cute and snuggly, too.They cuddle up with me in bed.Then I read my favorite stories, a few Like Sherry and Her Best friend.

My pets are cute and cuddly, too,But sometimes they do silly things.Like when my mom cooks tofuThey spill and make a mess.

My pets sleep under my bed, But sometimes they are very bad.They hide my toys and always shed, I find everything under my bed!

These are some other things my pets do:They hid food, toys, books, and shoes,Lot of other things, too.Pets can be cute, but naughty, too!

Caitlin Wu 2nd grade Amanda Tsai

5th grade

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ClawsI hear a growlrumblinggrowing from the forest floorit feels like a small earthquakeI see a fast movementclaws ripping through the airpiercing the deer that it has been stalkinggraceful thoughmaking me want to believe that it did not just to kill an innocent animalit seems me through the bushes as I graspit glares at me teeth clenchedI have an urge to run, but I don’tit knows that I mean no harm but it still doesn’t trust mewalking away I see its claws. . .stained with blood

DeeDee Logan7th grade

My Best Friend, the CoveMy Best Friend, the Cove

I have a secret place I have a secret place A place that A place that Belongs only to me. Belongs only to me. First, I run between First, I run between Two magical palm trees Two magical palm trees And a bunch of large weeds. And a bunch of large weeds. The palms are rough The palms are rough Like a lion’s tongue. Like a lion’s tongue. I close my eyes and believe. I close my eyes and believe. And when I open them And when I open them The weeds have gone The weeds have gone And the palms have disappeared And the palms have disappeared And my good old friend, And my good old friend, The cove The cove Is waiting for me.Is waiting for me.

I run to him, I can feel his rough layers I run to him, I can feel his rough layers He smells like saltwater He smells like saltwater For he is a home to seaweed.For he is a home to seaweed.

I hug him and say you are my true friend I hug him and say you are my true friend I tell him my secrets. I tell him my secrets. Then, he summons the sun Then, he summons the sun To obediently shine inside him To obediently shine inside him Making him glow Making him glow Like gold at the end of a rainbow. Like gold at the end of a rainbow. He invites me in He invites me in To see his treasure that feels like rust To see his treasure that feels like rust From pirate ships that sunk under the sea. From pirate ships that sunk under the sea. He gives me a crown made of pearls He gives me a crown made of pearls And I pretend to be queen of the seas And I pretend to be queen of the seas Protecting my treasure from pirates. Protecting my treasure from pirates. It is getting late It is getting late I tell him farewell I tell him farewell Taking with me, only memories Taking with me, only memories Of my beautiful land with my friend, Of my beautiful land with my friend, The Cove.The Cove.

Marjorie HernandezMarjorie Hernandez7thth grade grade

Ella DesHotelElla DesHotel22ndnd Grade Grade

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Kaley Liang7th grade

Jordan JonesJordan Jones77thth grade grade

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Letters About Literature

Your book, Touching Spirit Bear, inspired and helped me understand and cope with a signifi cant problem of my own. Even though I seem very happy and easy-going with my friends, I am not what I appear to be. Sometimes, I become very, very angry. This anger is so strong and so consuming that I cannot control it, and it scares me. I resemble my grandfather both emotionally and physically. Like me, he had very red hair. I asked him once if he used to get angry. He said, “What do you mean, used to?” Knowing that it is not just me does not really make me feel any better. The fi rst time I remember feeling enraged, I was seven years old. I do not recall exactly what happened, but I remember the intensity of the feeling and lashing out at the people around me. The thought of that experience and being unable to control myself and my situation still terrifi es me. I am now 13 years old and in the eighth grade. Recently, I exploded at my parents, stormed out of the room, and went to sleep. What usually happens is I get angry with my parents for stupid and crazy reasons like them just trying to encourage me. After that my mom or dad will walk away and leave me alone. I do not try to apologize or direct any form of kindness towards them until the next day. When I read Touching Spirit Bear, I felt a connection with Cole. His experience helped me understand that my problems are not as serious as his. I am not a bully, and I do not blame others for my choices. Nonetheless, I followed Cole’s journey with great interest. Cole’s experience with the Spirit Bear helped me realize that I can fi nd a way to stay calm and that lashing out is mean and contemptuous. Most importantly, I realized that I do not want to be like Cole. I do not want to be the kind of person who needs extreme measures like being sent away to Alaska and then mauled by a pure white bear to change. Your book made me contemplate myself and the people around me in a way that no other book has. I now stop and think about the way I treat my parents when I feel anger building and boiling inside of me. Before I read your book, I could not even talk about, much less write about, the angry feelings that possessed me. I would like you to know how much your book has helped me. It has motivated me to think carefully about the way I treat my family and the type of person that I am and that I want to be. I know my journey is only beginning, but you helped me to start it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Robert Jorgensen (8th grade)

Note: Robert was a top ten fi nalist in the California Letters About Literature contest.

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Apologizing and Forgiving

Only one wordThat’s all you needTo make your feelings heardTo take the lead

Though you may still be hurtingThough you may not believeThough you may not be certainJust try - to forgive

Throw your grievance awayBe ready to listenBe ready for another dayWhere the light of friendship glistens

Apologize - it’s not a sign of weaknessIt’s not embarrassing at allAll it shows is your forgivenessAnd keeps you standing tall

Though you fear you will not be believedThough you fear harsh words and angerLet your intentions be perceivedDon’t let a friend become a strangerThough you may not understand Though you may not really knowHear them out, and lend a helping hand To solve this problem, and for both of you to grow

Don’t fear to “give the battle”It’s delusionDon’t be afraid of “showing shame”It’s an illusionStop and think awhileDon’t be afraidTo smile

Only one wordThat’s all it takesTo bring our wordsTogether - to makeUs friends again

Sarah TheinSarah Thein11stst Grade Grade

Megan MoffatMegan Moffat22ndnd Grade Grade

Raisa, the Russian RoseRaisa, the Russian Rose

Jade Raisa Cohen. My name. I like my name because it is original and to the point. However, it is Jade Raisa Cohen. My name. I like my name because it is original and to the point. However, it is short and, therefore, I will never have a cute nickname. It took three whole months to find my name. My parents short and, therefore, I will never have a cute nickname. It took three whole months to find my name. My parents wanted a J name to honor my great-great grandmother Jenney. After shooting down my mother’s suggestion wanted a J name to honor my great-great grandmother Jenney. After shooting down my mother’s suggestion for three months straight, my dad decided to watch a popular movie back then, Farwell, my Concubine. After the for three months straight, my dad decided to watch a popular movie back then, Farwell, my Concubine. After the movie my dad saw the name Jade in the credits and suggested it to my mom. Obviously she agreed.movie my dad saw the name Jade in the credits and suggested it to my mom. Obviously she agreed. Raisa was easy to pick out for my parents. They wanted an R name to honor my great Aunt Rose. So, Raisa was easy to pick out for my parents. They wanted an R name to honor my great Aunt Rose. So, they picked Raisa, which means little rose in Russian. They hoped this name would make me compassionate and they picked Raisa, which means little rose in Russian. They hoped this name would make me compassionate and friendly, for my great aunt Rose was exactly that. She could not walk by a child or animal without saying “hi” friendly, for my great aunt Rose was exactly that. She could not walk by a child or animal without saying “hi” to it. And, she was there for anyone who needed her help.to it. And, she was there for anyone who needed her help. Finally my last name, Cohen, has an amazing background and legend tied to it. Cohen was assigned Finally my last name, Cohen, has an amazing background and legend tied to it. Cohen was assigned to my dad’s family when they came to the U.S. Before that, it was Covel. However, the name still carried the to my dad’s family when they came to the U.S. Before that, it was Covel. However, the name still carried the burden of Jewish religion, survival, and prosecution over the years. My ancestors survived the Holocaust and burden of Jewish religion, survival, and prosecution over the years. My ancestors survived the Holocaust and many other persecutions against the Jews throughout centuries. This last name shows my history and never many other persecutions against the Jews throughout centuries. This last name shows my history and never lets me forget it. I have grown into this last name. And that is why when I get married, I am not changing my lets me forget it. I have grown into this last name. And that is why when I get married, I am not changing my name. name.

Jade CohenJade Cohen8thth grade grade

The Little Leaf

Once upon a time, there was a little leaf. When he was just a baby, he was kicked out of his tree because he couldnÊt do much work. And two years later he came back. But he still couldnÊt do as much work as they did. So he left and one year later, in the spring, he came back. And he was the strongest there. You are probably wondering what he did between the times that he came back. He ate, drank, worked out and slept.

Megan Moffat2nd grade

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Lauren TapertLauren Tapert22ndnd Grade Grade

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My Angel of Light and Warmth

A streak of light Through my window I feel her warmth on my skinHer golden hair gleaming Her perfectly shining skin Glimmering brightly. She’s an angel No doubt about that, But sometimes She cries With shrieks of anger, And sometimes She is too happy And burns me. I will never reach her Nor be able to Touch her fiery skin But she is beautiful Her name is Sol.

Marjorie Hernandez7th Grade

Audrey AkinsAudrey Akins22ndnd grade grade

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If I Were Your Hero

If I were your heroIf I were your heroYou’d be dazzling in that hanging gownYou’d be dazzling in that hanging gownThat shimmered with the shades That shimmered with the shades Of the ocean’s horizonOf the ocean’s horizonAwaiting inside that distant window.Awaiting inside that distant window.Don’t wait longDon’t wait longI’ll run to youI’ll run to youEnchant you with heroics.Enchant you with heroics.Watching your face fi ll with happinessWatching your face fi ll with happinessIs enough for me.Is enough for me.I’d never leave your sideI’d never leave your sidePlease don’t wander. Please don’t wander. Those beautiful eyesThose beautiful eyesCan live forever by the sea. . .Can live forever by the sea. . .But what am I really to you?But what am I really to you?You’d see nothing but a humble, old poetYou’d see nothing but a humble, old poetWho found nothing in lifeWho found nothing in lifeBut his heavenly angelBut his heavenly angelWhom he can only dote uponWhom he can only dote uponTill his light is gone. Till his light is gone.

Justin BaeJustin Bae8thth grade grade

Zara CastilloZara Castillo33rdrd Grade Grade

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Braden Charles DeMattei

There are two reasons why I am named Brady: my dad’s friend, who is pretty cool, is named Brady; another reason is, of course, the accursed show the Brady Bunch. I have a seething hatred for this show, but I like it at the same time. My real name Braden was thought up after Brady. My parents wanted me to have a more formal sounding name just in case I wanted to use it for business. When I was younger, I did not like ‘Braden’ at all, so I would not use it often. But now that a lot of people at Chandler call me Braden, I have warmed up to the name a little and have considered using it next in high school. I have a plethora of nicknames. They are Braids, Brandon Demacci, Braden, Brayden and Ricky. The reason why I am called Brandon Demacci is because of a mess up at a swim meet when the announcer said, “Brandon Demacci.” It took me a while to figure out it was me. Michael Weinstein calls me Brayden because I told him I hate Braden spelled that way. So in return, I call him Mitch or Mitchy. Ricky is my character name for my web show so I like to be called that. Also, if you make my name backwards, it sounds like a Viking name: Ydarb. One name that I would like to be called is Shavo. Shavo is the bassist from System of a Down who inspired me to play the bass. If I could change my name, I would either go with Charles or Serj. Charles for two reasons: one is because many people in my family are named Charles; and two because it rolls off the tongue very pleasantly. I would choose Serj because it is the name of my favorite artist, who is Armenian like me! I do not know very much about my last name other than it is Italian, and it is one of the coolest sounding last names ever. I also know that it comes from Genoa, Italy, which is in northern Italy. Over all, my name is one of the coolest names ever.

Brady DeMattei8th grade

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Bob the Wombat

There once was a wombat named Bob that lived on his own in Australia. Every morning he dug a new hole. In the daytime he would eat or sleep, usually he just slept. He met many other animals in his life. For example, he met a red-footed tortoise at a rainforest, a hawk in the mountains, and a water buffalo on the grass. When he saw predators, he got frightened, so he hid in his hole in the ground. Bob would play with his friends all the time. He enjoyed his life a lot. Every night when he goes to bed, he eats food so he can fall asleep. Bob dreams about what he will do the next day.

Jinho Myung2nd grade

Elly HongElly Hong55thth grade grade

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My Name

My name, Arcadia, was chosen for various reasons. My parents love to travel, and when they went to Greece, they went to a place called Arcadia. Ironically, Arcadia means a calm foresty place. I am defi nitely not a calm, tranquil person. There are many people in books and places in real life named Arcadia. Believe me, if my parents had known that we were going to move to Southern California anywhere remotely near Arcadia, they would not have named me Arcadia. The books that my name comes from are One Hundred Years of Solitude, and The Foundation Series. My middle name comes from the orphanage. Everyone was given the same last name, Yu, because the mountain behind the orphanage is called Yu Mountain. My Chinese name also means something calm and peaceful. I guess I turned out very different than people expected. I really only have a couple of nicknames. The most common one, the one everyone uses, is Cady. I hate when people pronounce it wrong, Caddy. Do you not understand that one “d” makes the “a” solid? Gosh! Also, people always ask me if I was named after somebody in the movie Mean Girls. Laura calls me Cadence; who knows why, she just does. Lily calls my Caddy because she knows that I hate it, but I just call her Daffodil. The most common question that I hear is, “Were you born in Arcadia?” I always make the conversation awkward by saying, “No, I was born in China.” That sentence makes everyone feel weird. In some ways, I wish my name was not Arcadia because of all the questions, but then again, people would still ask me questions. Overall, I like my name; in a way, it makes me different because no one else has that name. I could not imagine being named anything else. I do not remember which one of my parents came up with the name, nor do I remember who named my dog. I prefer to be called Cady. When I’m called Arcadia it means someone is mad at me.

Cady Deck8th grade

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The Earth and Its Many Colors The Earth and Its Many Colors

Sky of blueSky of blueSea of greenSea of greenBut that’s not allBut that’s not allThat I have seen.That I have seen.

Mud is brownMud is brownClouds are whiteClouds are whiteThese are the things that I like.These are the things that I like.

People are different colorsPeople are different colorsSkin, hair, eyes,Skin, hair, eyes,But what really matters isBut what really matters isYou’re the same as I.You’re the same as I.

Elly YongElly Yong5thth grade grade

Taryn Kim2nd Grade

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Without

Without my knees I couldn’t walk ,Without my jaws I couldn’t talk .Without a brain nobody could think ,Without water wings five-year-olds would sink .Without things to do I would just sit and sighWithout TV? Oh my gosh! I would die!Without a beginning, a book can’t have an end ,Without confidence , you can’t make any friends.

Shayna Naimi3rd grade

Madeline PearceAmanda Schaller3rd grade

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AnimalsAnimals

A dogCould eat a frog.A chickenNeeds to thicken.A pig Can do the Irish jig.A monkeyCan be funky.A horse Can play on a golf course.A fi shCould clean dishes.A ladybugCould eat a pug.A lizardCan be a wizard.An oxCan buy a box.AnimalsEat Danimals.

Ian Freer3rd grade

Matteo Perona1st grade

Greta Coontz2nd grade

Greta Coontz2nd grade

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Kindergarten Giraffes

Once upon a time, there lived a giraffe named Fordie. Fordie had a little sister named Clara. Clara loved fl owers. Her room was covered in fl owers and she wore fl owers in her tail. She even owned books about fl owers. One day, Clara asked Fordie to wear fl owers to giraffe school. Fordie did it to make Clara happy. At school, Fordie’s friends, Alexander, Ivan, and William, saw Fordie. Everybody laughed except for Fordie.

“Flowers are girly!” Ivan said.

“Flowers are so pink!” William said.

“Flowers are ugly!” Alexander teased.

Fordie was sad. He cried and cried. His friends walked away, leaving Fordie alone wearing fl owers. When Fordie got home, he told his mom what happened. His mom said, “Don’t listen to what other people think of you. Just be yourself. I like you just the way you are.” Fordie stopped crying. He was happy again.

Shaya Naimi3rd grade

Madison Bradford3rd Grade

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Shaya NaimiShaya Naimi33rdrd grade grade

Riley FreyRiley Frey44thth grade grade

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Connor Douglas Pyle

My name is very special to me because it is unique but without being peculiar. I could not imagine myself being called anything else because it is part of who I am. My parents struggled to find a name that was right for me. My mother wanted Colin, and my father wanted Conrad. To this day I still do not know why my father liked “Conrad.” My mother came up with the name “Connor.” They both fell in love with the name and decided on it. My parents did not name me after anyone because they wanted me to be an independent individual. My mother wants me to make it a name that other parents would want to name their children. My dad came up with a number of nicknames for me, but since I was so young, I could not understand when he was talking to me, or someone else. He finally decided on “Conman,” because I started lying at a young age (this does not reflect on my behavior, but on my intelligence). When I was around four years old, I had just learned to write my name. I was putting it everywhere, including my mom’s car. I used my fingernail to scratch it in. When confronted by my parents, I blamed it on my friend from preschool. My middle name is Douglas, which was given to me after my uncle. My family says that I am exactly like him because I am almost always chipper and charming. My uncle passed away when he was fourteen. One day, he was doing pull-ups, and fell and hit the back of his head. He went to bed that night, and never woke up. This put the whole family into a wave of depression, and to this day, they still cry about it. Sometimes I wonder if I would have turned out the way I am if Doug was still alive. I would like to think that I would still be myself, but there is no way to know for sure. The last name “Pyle,” comes from the proud shores of Wales. My father’s side of the family is not very good at keeping records, since most of us have ADHD. I really do not know much about Wales, except that they have a very intriguing flag. There is one story that remains as the Pyle Legacy, and I hope to remember it so I can tell it to my children, and so they can tell it to theirs. In the mid 1700s, the Pyles were a very affluent family. We sailed from Wales to America on three diff erent ships. Two ships were to carry the people, and one had the treasure on it. Guess which one sank? Yes, the ship with all the money did sink, but I am thankful that it was not one of the other ones because I would have a 50% chance of not being here. To this day, there is a ship in the Gulf of Mexico that has all our treasures inside it. My father used to tell me that we were going to scuba dive there and find it. It was probably already found and sold on the black market. This is the entire story behind my name. I think it is very fascinating and I hope to keep the Pyle name alive, because my mother’s last name is not anymore. I will always keep my name close to me, and it will help shape my character as I mature, but I do not think I ever will become mature. The Pyles are a family of immaturity and fun. If you do not believe me, ask my father!

Connor Pyle8th grade

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Saga of the Wolf-kin

From the depths of the earth they came,From a world long plagued by ice and fire,With gleaming eyes and flowing mane,Their fangs were shining from their ire.They passed through thunder, stone, and flame,Leaping forward with purpose dire. Stark songs they sang, that had no nameBelow the sky of rolling fire.Thus in rage the Wolf-kin cameWith hard paws pounding the barren earth.And in their hearts there burned a flameHotter than sun, than fire in hearth.

Matilda Berke5th Grade

I Hate Being Told To Do So

I hate being told to do soI really, really doI usually get it from teachersThat’s what I hate, tooIt’s frustrating and frighteningTo do this every dayWhy does this always have to beThat utterly teacher’s wayI hate it! Hate it! Hate it!I hate it so, so muchWhat am I going to do about it?I don’t know. There’s not suchI guess I’d never make my dayMaybe it’s that utterly teacher’s wayI never even got it to the start of lowI really hate being told to do so

Max Rosenfeld3rd Grade

Pranav LawPranav Law44thth Grade Grade

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Responsibility

“When a man points a finger at someone, he must remember that four of his fingers

are pointing at himself” – Louis Nizer

Responsibility is important for everyone. If you do something wrong at one point, you have to confess to what you did. If you blame others, it will not help at all. If there is a problem going around, you can’t automatically blame someone that you think started the problem or did something that he or she shouldn’t have done. You have to have proof before you blame a person. You also have to check yourself to see if you are involved in a problem. Many people have everyday responsibilities. They come up often. Some everyday responsibili-ties are making your bed or taking out the trash. If someone assigns you something to do, you should do it. If you do, that will make you responsible. If someone has you do something, you have to follow instructions to make things right. Responsible people listen to instructions and follow them as well as they can. Being responsible is just as important as getting good grades. To be responsible you have to think before you speak. It’s my job to keep my room clean. I have to do that to be responsible. I think that having a pet might help people to be more responsible because you have to feed your pet and if it’s a dog, you have to take them for walks. With fish you have to clean their tank. If you are responsible, you will improve your reputation. Bad reputations are hard to change. You have to work hard and try your best to be responsible. Responsible people are proud and many other people are proud of them.

Lena Kadogawa4th Grade

Ella DesHotel2nd grade

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Holy Cat My name is Catalina Raquel Adragna. Catalina is Spanish and means holy or spiritual; Raquel is Spanish and means lamb. My mother made the decision for my fi rst name, after seeing Catalina on a street near Polytechnic School. Later, she found out that her great grandmother’s name was Catalina. This helped her fall in love with the name. My dad was supposed to pick my middle name, but he gave it to my step-grandma. My step-grandma, Trini, had always wanted a daughter but she had two sons instead. She named me Raquel, loving the name since the fi rst time she fi rst heard it. My name is a mixture of people’s love for me. My mother’s maiden name is Rodriguez, a name that had been on her side of the family for a very long time. My last name, however, is from my dad. Adragna is Italian because my dad was adopted into an Italian family, although his original last name is Caldwell, which is British. The background of my last name shows how culturally diverse I am. Rodriguez is Mexican, Adragna is Italian, and Caldwell is British. Even though I do not exactly have Italian blood, I still feel some pasta pride when I see my name. I have many nicknames. To list all of them would take awhile, so here are a few: Cat (my most common nickname), Cati or Catita (my family names), Catalina-lina, Cata, Kitty-Cat, Kitty-Cat Purr, Cat Meow, Suga Lips, Boo, Catalina Island, and Adragnanana. Most of my nicknames come from friends and some come from family or family friends. I love all my nicknames, and I have become used to telling people that my name is Cat instead of Catalina. When I am meeting someone for the fi rst time and I tell them my name is Catalina, people’s fi rst reactions are: Do you have a cat? Or, Have you been to Catalina Island? People always spell my name with a ‘K’ even though I tell them, “My name is Catalina like the animal, meow.” Even though people mix up my name often, I still love it. I really do like my name and if I had a daughter, I would either name her Catalina or Elizabeth. I would not change my name because it really does fi t my outgoing and quirky personality. Catalina is a strong and powerful name and I am a strong leader. I cannot imagine myself with another name, and I constantly thank my mother for this beautiful name. I am ethnically diverse and my full name shows different races that merge in me. Catalina Raquel Adragna (Rodriguez-Caldwell)

Catalina Adragna8th grade

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MotherMother

Warm thoughts

Smells like flowers

Works for happiness

Not about her but about us

Smart

Nothing but kindness radiating from her

Squeezing my heart with love

Hair brown encircled with gold

Flowing down her shoulders

Teaching me the most important lessons My mother.

Freya Strasburg7th grade

Eloise WhitfordEloise Whitford22ndnd Grade Grade

Michelle WongMichelle Wong11stst Grade Grade

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Poem 4Poem 4

BrainstormBrainstormTsunamiTsunamiSisterSisterCousinsCousinsTakes away the houseTakes away the houseEarth quakeEarth quakeMy sisterMy sisterThe earthquake rattles and shifts, The earthquake rattles and shifts, Hitting when you least expect it,Hitting when you least expect it,It steals all your belongings,It steals all your belongings,And tortures you with its constant noise,And tortures you with its constant noise,It claims your territory,It claims your territory,And yet it is still unsatisfied. And yet it is still unsatisfied. After the rumble is over.After the rumble is over.You hear a screeching sound,You hear a screeching sound,It seems that all the earthquake wants is your sympathy.It seems that all the earthquake wants is your sympathy.

Jasmine Johnson-Bowles Jasmine Johnson-Bowles 7thth grade grade

Mia Pippert Natalie Hewlett Mia Pippert Natalie Hewlett 1 1stst Grade Grade

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Two Is Always Better Than OneTwo Is Always Better Than One

Although my name is commonly mistaken for Sarah, or Mary-Jane, my Although my name is commonly mistaken for Sarah, or Mary-Jane, my name is, in fact, Sara Jane. I am usually referred to as the girl with two names, but name is, in fact, Sara Jane. I am usually referred to as the girl with two names, but this does not bother me. My name, Sara Jane, is special to me and I feel like I have this does not bother me. My name, Sara Jane, is special to me and I feel like I have a sense of the people from whom my name is derived. I have met countless other a sense of the people from whom my name is derived. I have met countless other Sarah’s, but never once another Sara Jane. I feel like my name adds something Sarah’s, but never once another Sara Jane. I feel like my name adds something more to me. I am one of the few girls in my grade that can say two first names more to me. I am one of the few girls in my grade that can say two first names when introducing myself. when introducing myself. I am named after two of my great-grandmothers. Sara, my dad’s I am named after two of my great-grandmothers. Sara, my dad’s grandmother, seemed to be a very special woman. My dad tells me how she grandmother, seemed to be a very special woman. My dad tells me how she loved to cook and have fun! I met her once, about a month before she passed loved to cook and have fun! I met her once, about a month before she passed away, and she told me that helping someone in need is the best medicine in life. I away, and she told me that helping someone in need is the best medicine in life. I replay this moment in my head quite often, and I have learned that she was right. replay this moment in my head quite often, and I have learned that she was right. The other half of my name, Jane, comes from my mother’s grandma. I never met The other half of my name, Jane, comes from my mother’s grandma. I never met her, but my mom tells me how much I remind her of her grandma. My mom said her, but my mom tells me how much I remind her of her grandma. My mom said that Jane indulged herself in fashion and that she followed through with all of that Jane indulged herself in fashion and that she followed through with all of her goals. My parents have always told me the stories of my great-grandmothers, her goals. My parents have always told me the stories of my great-grandmothers, but recently I found an old Genesis CD. I listened to the CD, only to find the name but recently I found an old Genesis CD. I listened to the CD, only to find the name Sara Jane being mentioned many times. Interested, I looked at the date of Sara Jane being mentioned many times. Interested, I looked at the date of production, 1995, almost a year before I was born. When I asked my dad, he said production, 1995, almost a year before I was born. When I asked my dad, he said it was only a “coincidence.” it was only a “coincidence.” Yes, my name is long, confusing, and I usually have to repeat it when I meet Yes, my name is long, confusing, and I usually have to repeat it when I meet people, but despite the troubles, I love my name. I know that when I am older people, but despite the troubles, I love my name. I know that when I am older and my parents are deceased, my name will be the greatest gift they have given and my parents are deceased, my name will be the greatest gift they have given me. The name, Sara Jane, is two words that make me unique. As long as my me. The name, Sara Jane, is two words that make me unique. As long as my name is Sara Jane, I will live as my great-grandmothers would have wanted me name is Sara Jane, I will live as my great-grandmothers would have wanted me to. And who knows, maybe I will live up to the Genesis song!to. And who knows, maybe I will live up to the Genesis song!

Sara Jane StephensSara Jane Stephens8thth grade grade

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A Lovely BathA Lovely Bath

A lovely bath on an exhausting dayA lovely bath on an exhausting day Always washes my stress away. Always washes my stress away.The temperature, so nice and steamy,The temperature, so nice and steamy,Always makes me feel so dreamy.Always makes me feel so dreamy.You soak in the water and start to relax, You soak in the water and start to relax, Tension flows away in your neck and back.Tension flows away in your neck and back.What a scenic view in your intelligent mind,What a scenic view in your intelligent mind,As you float peacefully you begin to unwind.As you float peacefully you begin to unwind.

The smell of lavender seeps into my skin,The smell of lavender seeps into my skin,The sound of bubbles makes a loud din.The sound of bubbles makes a loud din.I love to take bathes,I love to take bathes,How they help me plan my next day’s paths.How they help me plan my next day’s paths.At the end of my bath,At the end of my bath,I am fully relaxed.I am fully relaxed.But my, oh my just look at my skin,But my, oh my just look at my skin,It is as wrinkled as a raisin.It is as wrinkled as a raisin.

Uma DurairajUma Durairaj

3rdrd Grade Grade

Kate RosenbergerKate Rosenberger55thth Grade Grade

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The LeafThe Leaf

Twisting in the breeze, Twisting in the breeze, Floating down with ease, Floating down with ease, Rocking back and forth, Rocking back and forth, Heading south and north, Heading south and north, A canopy of luscious green,A canopy of luscious green,One leaf to be seen, One leaf to be seen, Whirling down,Whirling down,From a tree‛s leafy crown,From a tree‛s leafy crown,A piece of scenery,A piece of scenery,That used to be greenery,That used to be greenery,Hits the earth,Hits the earth,Nestled in the dirt,Nestled in the dirt,Crisp and green no longer,Crisp and green no longer,Brittle and no stronger,Brittle and no stronger,Joining a wilted sheaf,Joining a wilted sheaf,Flitting, falling leaf.Flitting, falling leaf.

Kami Durairaj Kami Durairaj 55thth grade grade

Braxton WilliamsBraxton Williams77thth grade grade

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The Pearl of the East (Hong Kong)The Pearl of the East (Hong Kong)

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastNew York in AsiaNew York in AsiaHustle and bustle all night longHustle and bustle all night longThis is Hong KongThis is Hong Kong

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastLeaving the airport Leaving the airport I see a sea of redI see a sea of redTaxis lined up to take us whereverTaxis lined up to take us whereverThis is Hong KongThis is Hong Kong

The Peal of the EastThe Peal of the EastWe arrive at our rentedWe arrive at our rentedApartment with home featuresApartment with home featuresAnd Air-conditioning in the humidAnd Air-conditioning in the humidHong KongHong Kong

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastTime for breakfastTime for breakfastWonton with noodles, rice porridge, and noodle pancakesWonton with noodles, rice porridge, and noodle pancakesScoff it down after starving on the planeScoff it down after starving on the planeThis is Hong KongThis is Hong Kong

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastA dim sum restaurant just around the blockA dim sum restaurant just around the blockShrimp dumplings, barbequed pork buns, tea, carts with food piled highShrimp dumplings, barbequed pork buns, tea, carts with food piled highChopsticks, no forks hereChopsticks, no forks hereThis is Hong KongThis is Hong Kong

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastWalk through the city streetsWalk through the city streetsArrive at the harbor and ride the Star Ferry to KowloonArrive at the harbor and ride the Star Ferry to KowloonPeople, cargo, bikes, and fish ride the ferry forPeople, cargo, bikes, and fish ride the ferry forThis is Hong KongThis is Hong Kong

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastApproach an outdoor marketplaceApproach an outdoor marketplacePeople pushing and shoving to get what they wantPeople pushing and shoving to get what they wantClothing, electronics, knick-knacksClothing, electronics, knick-knacksThis is Hong KongThis is Hong Kong

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastSkyscrapers and a sea of people in the citySkyscrapers and a sea of people in the cityPeople walking below to take the subway or up above to take the busPeople walking below to take the subway or up above to take the busWhere are they going? Who knows? Temptations abroadWhere are they going? Who knows? Temptations abroadThis is Hong KongThis is Hong Kong

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastDinner sounds goodDinner sounds goodChicken, pork, and duck with thousand-year eggsChicken, pork, and duck with thousand-year eggsIt’s a delicacy here becauseIt’s a delicacy here becauseThis is Hong KongThis is Hong Kong

The Pearl of the EastThe Pearl of the EastTime to hit the hay for todayTime to hit the hay for todayBlaring sirens through the night and pounding rain the size of golf ballsBlaring sirens through the night and pounding rain the size of golf ballsGuess we just have to stay up late inGuess we just have to stay up late inWonderful, Beautiful, Exciting Hong KongWonderful, Beautiful, Exciting Hong Kong

Eric FungEric Fung8thth Grade Grade

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The OceanThe Ocean

I walk upon the ocean sand,I walk upon the ocean sand,My heart doesn’t know where my feet might land.My heart doesn’t know where my feet might land.Waves are splashing on my toes,Waves are splashing on my toes,The smell of the ocean tickles my nose.The smell of the ocean tickles my nose.Clouds like marshmallows and whipped cream on pie,Clouds like marshmallows and whipped cream on pie,Sprinkled in the cotton candy pink sky.Sprinkled in the cotton candy pink sky.The sound of seagulls fill the air,The sound of seagulls fill the air,Wind is waltzing through my hair.Wind is waltzing through my hair.My soul feels free like the ocean’s waves,My soul feels free like the ocean’s waves,Soft brown sand fills my mind’s darkest caves.Soft brown sand fills my mind’s darkest caves.I love the ocean deep and blue,I love the ocean deep and blue,Strong and honest, Strong and honest, Powerful and true, and lovely too… Powerful and true, and lovely too…

Uma Durairaj Uma Durairaj 3rdrd grade grade

Emma StellwagenEmma Stellwagen55thth Grade Grade

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AvalonAvalon

Sitting on the benchSitting on the benchLooking for sea glass Looking for sea glass My cousins swim and play.My cousins swim and play.We splash in the ocean together.We splash in the ocean together.The sound of the ice cream bell ringingThe sound of the ice cream bell ringingWe grab our towels and moneyWe grab our towels and moneyAnd run to get our healing medicine from the heat.And run to get our healing medicine from the heat.Our hands sticky, our stomachs full,Our hands sticky, our stomachs full,Sun starts to set in our smiles.Sun starts to set in our smiles.Painting beauty upon the sky,Painting beauty upon the sky,The wind in my hair, the spray of water on my face,The wind in my hair, the spray of water on my face,And the smell of the ocean And the smell of the ocean Leave a memory in my heart.Leave a memory in my heart.

Emma WeithasEmma Weithas77thth grade grade

Kevin TysonKevin Tyson33rdrd grade grade

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the bear who liked pears

once there was a bear

he really liked pears and

ate them in his lair

but he lost some hair

but he still liked pears

leon kuo

1st grade

Kyle GangiKyle Gangi33rdrd grade grade

Lost Dinosaur!

Lost : Purple and Green Dinosaur by the Name of Barney! Barney is a dinosaur from our imagination and he escaped our imagination yesterday! He enjoys singing, learning, and reading with his friends, Baby Bop and BJ. Some of his favorite songs are “I Love You ,” “Baby Bop Hop,” and “What Should I Do?” Barney smiles even when he is sad . He is a great friend , and he can make anything happen . As Barney says so himself, “Sharing is caring.” So share your kindness and care for this lost dinosaur .

Shaya Naomi3rd grade

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Winter Wonderland

gracefully flowing down from the skynumbing my cheeks and lipsmaking soft mounds on the frosty groundinviting me to come and play.melting on my tongue soft as a cat’s furlike the best chocolate Gelato.those are the happiest moments.

Freya Strasburg7th grade

Kyle GangiKyle Gangi33rdrd grade grade

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My Backpack

My backpack stuffed with paper;My homework’s in it too.

And when I show the teachers,They always say, “Whoo hoo!”I have jelly-smeared pencils,

And a crayon here and there,And it has some yummy cookie crumbs,

Always everywhere.At this school, I make the rules.

And a this school we don’t have any stools.But Daddy says this school is imaginary. Boo-hoo!

Caitlin Fong and Shaya Naimi3rd grade

Wiggly Tooth

I had a tooth that hurt a lot,And then I found the perfect spot!

When it got very wiggly,I gave it to the tooth fairy.

The tooth fairy gave me two shiny dimes.I traded them for two pretty chimes.

I gave them to the tooth fairy,and she liked them so much, that she gave me a cookie-magic touch.

Catlin Fong and Shaya Naimi3rd grade

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ImagesImagesThe Amazing Dolphin; Part IIThe Amazing Dolphin; Part II

I am an amazing dolpin,Swimming the ocean so blue,O! But there’s a twist!This poem is poem number two!

Swimming and playing in the ocean,An iron best approaches and steals me away!O! How horrible it was,Having to perform the next day.

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!O! The Show’s about to start!O! I better get ready,I have the main part!

As I jumped out of the water,I glanced towards the crowd,These men are silly seals;Barking and clapping so loud.

These men are dunces! These men are fools!I do not grasp how these men came to be!Ina a justifable word,Thse men would peform for me!

Connor Greenwood7th grade

Hard LifeHard Life

They tell me what to do everydayThey say gather, I gatherThey say work, I workI am an ordinary slave, andThey are brutal and unpredictable masters.

They do not care if I liveOR if I dieMe like a sheepMy brother like an oxMy parents like horsesWorking and working until the job is done.

As I sit with my family by the fi reAs I pray to the LordI only wish for freedomAnd for my release to liberty.

Tyler Faulkner7th grade

My Brother

I know we little sisters always sayOur big brothers are the worstThey’re mean, bossy, sly, and are always so rudeThey never let us play with themThey never share their stuffThey are terrible and awfulI have always had enoughBut if you could look into our mindsTo hear what we are thinkingThat’s about the opposite of how we’re really feelingThey are sweet and funnyLoving in all waysHe is my bodyguardHe is funny and skilledHelpful and kindI feel so luckyTo know that he is mineI don’t know why it isThat we say those silly things But the truth clearly is He is wonderfulWith all the joy that he brings

Monica Maceo 7th grade

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StrawberriesStrawberries

A most delicate fruit, A most delicate fruit, You could call it juicy loot,You could call it juicy loot,Filled with juice to the brim,Filled with juice to the brim,Dark red and pink on the rimDark red and pink on the rimSweet, natural, and yummy,Sweet, natural, and yummy,What everyone wants in their tummy,What everyone wants in their tummy,A slight taste of sour and sweet,A slight taste of sour and sweet,Ripening in the summer’s heat,Ripening in the summer’s heat,Topped with a leafy hat, a layer of green,Topped with a leafy hat, a layer of green,Perfect even for a fi nicky queen,Perfect even for a fi nicky queen,A burst of fl avor,A burst of fl avor,A small snack you can savor,A small snack you can savor,They’re always strawberries. . .Yum!They’re always strawberries. . .Yum!

Kami DurairajKami Durairaj55thth grade grade

SummertimeSummertime

What do you do when you’re out of school?What do you do when you’re out of school?Do you. . .Do you. . .Jump in the pool, Jump in the pool, Or visit the beach,Or visit the beach,When your teachers have nothing to teach,When your teachers have nothing to teach,Would you. . .Would you. . .Play with your friends,Play with your friends,Like fun and summer never end,Like fun and summer never end,When your books are read,When your books are read,And your pencils are out of lead,And your pencils are out of lead,Will you. . .Will you. . .Ride every rollercoaster twice,Ride every rollercoaster twice,Or play a game of dice,Or play a game of dice,When its summertime you could. . .When its summertime you could. . .Take a rock climb.Take a rock climb.Visit the zoo,Visit the zoo,Play a few carnival games too,Play a few carnival games too,There are so many things to doThere are so many things to doWhen summer comes around!When summer comes around!

Kami DurairajKami Durairaj55thth grade grade

Kaley LiangKaley Liang7th Grade7th Grade

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The Rising Sun

If the sun didn’t rise there would be no warmth on the earth. Nothing would grow or live. Nothing could survive. We wouldn’t see if the sun didn’t rise. The world would be pitch black. The earth would be unfriendly if the sun didn’t rise. No one would be happy. Think of this as the people of the world. Some people take for granted on what should be cared for and sometimes even the people they love most. Be thankful, not careless.

Madeleine Pearce3rd grade

The Sun Has a Tail The Sun Has a Tail

The sun has a tail that reaches under the earth and tickles seeds.That’s what grandmother once told me. She says things grow in laughter.

Emanuel di Pasquale 1st grade

Emily SamEmily Sam11stst grade grade

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Olivia AcostaOlivia Acosta33rdrd grade grade

Veronica Backer-PeralVeronica Backer-Peral44thth grade grade

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ImagesImagesI Am. . .I Am. . .

I am strong.I am strong.The words of wisdom as they arrive to my earsThe words of wisdom as they arrive to my earsThe words that my heart knows to be trueThe words that my heart knows to be trueBut words I never wanted to hearBut words I never wanted to hearI like the written speeches by all world leadersI like the written speeches by all world leadersThe pwoer to shift people like boxes moved from place to placeThe pwoer to shift people like boxes moved from place to placeMoving from what is wrong to what is right,Moving from what is wrong to what is right,Standing as if they thought they were statues.Standing as if they thought they were statues.I am stong.I am stong.

I am confident.I am confident.I always thought that success was hear to reachI always thought that success was hear to reachUntil I realized that success is failure turned inside outUntil I realized that success is failure turned inside outYou may think it is far, but it is closer than you thinkYou may think it is far, but it is closer than you thinkConfident ideas can stop or they can continueConfident ideas can stop or they can continueI am confident.I am confident.

I am strong.I am strong.As our people before us learned success the hard way,As our people before us learned success the hard way,By working until they could work no moreBy working until they could work no moreWhipped as if they did something wrongWhipped as if they did something wrongThey continued in life as powerful and confident peopleThey continued in life as powerful and confident peopleBelieving they had made no success in their lifeBelieving they had made no success in their lifeBut their successfulness helps me grow.But their successfulness helps me grow.I am confident.I am confident.

I am woman.I am woman.

Tyler FaulknerTyler Faulkner7thth grade. grade.

JustinaJustina

My name is curious and clumsySmall and full of smiles.It is easily confused and confusingImmature and easily angered.It is a smile,A laugh,A slap in the face,A jammed fi ner,And someone falling out of a tree.

Justina Lin7th grade

Shaya NaimiShaya Naimi33rdrd Grade Grade

Elizabeth RosenbergerElizabeth Rosenberger22ndnd Grade Grade

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