Only a Koala Caretaker and His Magical Friends Can Prevent Forest Fires! by Second Graders in Mr. Wo

Written by Second Grade Students from

Wooden’s

Onlya Koala Caretaker and His Magical Friends Can Prevent Forest Fires! at University Prep Academy Mark Murray Campus in Detroit, MI An 826michigan Publication | <3 | 2023

Mr.

Class

nce upon time, there was a forest surrounded by an underground zoo in New York. It was super cold and smelled like smoke and everywhere you went, it sounded like someone was eating! This is because of Oreo “Lightning” Jackson, a 10-year old koala who was always munching on the leaves on the trees. He could also speak and read minds and was magically invincible to fire.

Aaden the Firefighter didn’t have to worry about taking care of Oreo, but Mr. Wooden, the Koala Caretaker, did once he found the secret passage to get there. Mr. Wooden always wore a hat that said “SWAG” because he was the coolest person in the forest. One day, he came across a fire and called for Aaden’s help. “Aaden, we need you!”

Aaden brought his fire truck and all his tools to take care of the fire. He asked Mr. Wooden and Oreo to help him to save the forest and all their friends . . .

O

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826 National was inspired to take a stand on issues of inclusion and diversity in light of the many events that spotlighted social and racial injustices throughout the country. We as educators, volunteers, and caring adults need to be aware of the wide range of issues our students face on a day-to-day basis. We need to support these young people as they navigate through and try to make sense of the world and their own identities.

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As an organization committed to encouraging youth in their creative expression, personal growth, and academic success, 826 National and its chapters recognize the importance of diversity at all levels and in all aspects of our work. In order to build and maintain the safe, supportive 826 environment in which great leaps in learning happen, we commit ourselves to inclusion: we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, marital status, English fluency, parental status, military service, or disability.

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