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Images This year’s issue of Images represents our best effort 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 effort. 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 Beadles Tyler Faulkner Justina Lin Deidra Logan Gabriel Salazar Emily Stoker Olivia Taverner Emma Weithas Alyssa Evans Eric Fung Jasmine Johnson-Bowles Zachary Kaufman Kendall Khonsari Kaley Liang Lilianne Sarosi
Caroline Wolfe Dennis Grover Hannah Kaufman Kara Knauf Roland Lam MacRae Martinez Bruce McClurg Megan Mittelberg Christopher Sayas Kyle Warner Kayla Crichlow Derek Iwata Cindy Kim Ian Ross Michael Weinstein
Chris Sayas 8th grade
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Images 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 essence 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 theater, 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 Curtis 8th Grade
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Braxton Williams 7th grade
The Wind The wind It blows through The forest Gently caressing The leaves slowly wavering Slithering slowly Through and through The wind Slowly 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 opening To the harsh Desert landscape of The Sahara Desert The wind.
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Nick Malone 7th grade
Images Hill Hall When I hear the word Chandler, the first 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 remember 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 fines.” 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 Warner 8th Grade
Hidden Talents The magician can amuse you With 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 Naimi 3rd grade 5
Images Quiet and Loud Things
(Response to “Swift Things are Beautiful” by Elizabeth Coatsworth)
Quiet things are beautiful and sweet Taking my breath away, The drop of the rain, Meadows and flowers, Animals at peace. Loud things are wondrous, The boom of thunder, A fast river flowing, The bears waking from slumber. Emma Weithas 7th grade
The Falling Leaves As I sleep and try to dream I see a leaf fall from my tree Leaves falling from one direction to another I cannot sleep It’s a nightmare The night is growing weary I am tired People are suffering and withering away The world is getting smaller… Jonathan Kim 7th grade
Mother Nature The beautiful green forests With trees that reach to the sky Chopped down for logging The sky polluted with clouds of exhaust Seas, filled with oil and trash Animals farmed and hunted Even the moon , Mother Nature’s twin Is covered in trash If 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 Richards 7th grade
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Jordan Jones 7th grade
Jordan Jones 7th grade
Jordan Jones 7th grade
Kaley Liang 7th grade
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American War had ended, the war was won. “Free at last!” we cried. We were united, all as one, Though many soldiers bravely died -Given up their lives for all In arduous struggle for liberty. Now “American” we could truly be called Though we were lost, like children at sea. In 1777, years before Our founding fathers did agree On a flag to grace our newfound name The banner flew – for liberty!
Elizabeth McCarthy 4th grade
The new, American way of life The freedom to be free The chance to abandon pain and strife And live a life in a new country. American – united by choice American – speaking with a single voice American – flying high and proud American – daring to think aloud. And Uncle Sam did represent This country and its president Welcoming, with friendly smiles Those who had traveled many miles To clean their plate, Heaped high by fate. Red, white, and blue Forever true A home, a chance, for all of us A joyful shout resounded thus: America, America! Matilda Berke 5th grade 8
Natalie Vandergriff 1st grade
Darkness Comes
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The universe is quiet. As if to hibernate
Day has no dawn Time likes to wait Morning is dark Air is thick, foul Between seasons above is the moon No light
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 Naimi 3rd Grade
Year of Promise I will dream Sarah Gilman 8th grade
Kayla Crichlow 7th Grade
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The Ride I feel the wind f lowing through my hair Like a bird, I spread my wings and f ly. When I ride my mind is free Leaving my sadness behind, Creating new adventures, Falling off, creating friends. I am hiding In my own secret, special world. Upon my bike. Emma Weithas 7th Grade
Matilda Berke 5th grade
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My Favorite Place in the World Soaring low Nothing but green plain. Suddenly, the plane lands On the patches of green. Waves of heat Pounding on my skin. My home is waiting. And so are the Chickens, Cows, Pigs, And most of all, My grandparents. I run to hug them The sweet smell of mango trees. The mist in the air All making it welcoming. I am finally here, The place I love most, El Salvador. Marjorie Hernandez 7 th Grade
Bryce Burch 4th grade
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Treasure Box The box that hides my treasures Built by my grandfather’s huge gnarled hands Fitting the golden maple, dove tailed sides together His labor of love Passed to me To hold the treasures of my youth Tiger’s eye with a high polished shine A smooth stone like toffee An obsidian arrowhead from the Sierra Nevadas 100 dollars of funny money A shark tooth puka shell necklace A crushed penny from Universal Studios, The box is filled with medieval handbooks and marbles And underneath is a secret compartment Where I hide my wallet and aviators My grandfather lives on in my treasure box and me. Austin Richards 7th grade
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Ryan Pizante 4th grade
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The Violet Petals so lush, Beautiful compared to the nearby brush, Filled with rich color, In comparison everything is duller, A delicate little flower, Which is of nature’s power, A piece of art, Where all eyes will dart, The violet is queen among others. Kami Durairaj 5th grade
Lauren Chretien 1st grade The Starry Night When the sun has gone to bed, And the moon takes the place of the yellow sleepyhead, The stars begin to crawl out, And scatter all about. What a sight! The moon and stars all grow bright, Littering the sky with clumps of light,
At an astonishing height, They glitter like gold, Against the black background, I am told, Starry night, a wonder in the sky. Kami Durairaj 5th grade
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Thirteen Flavors I went to Thirteen Flavors, With my mom and dad. I got all thirteen flavors, And this is what they had. They had peanut butter, chocolate mousse, Pina colada and cotton candy, Lemon lime, maple syrup, Coffee crunch and peach dandy. There was pumpkin pie, cookies ‘n cream, And pistachio nut as well, Vanilla bean, strawberry cream, And all of them to sell! Caitlin Wu 2nd grade
Elizabeth Rosenberger 2nd grade
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Images A 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 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 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. 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 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 flowers 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’ wedding. 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 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 about it! Maile Murphy 8th Grade
Audrey Akins 2nd grade
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Sister The fire of my life Our connection cannot be broken Darkness turns golden with her But sometimes She is a lion I am the prey The shield of sadness I am equal but she is greater Me born first but her with greater knowledge MotherĂŠs favorite Rivalry burning through us Freya Strasburg 7th grade
Courtney Gangi 1st grade
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Kyle Gangi 3rd grade
Lion The king of its world Controlling the flow of nature Proud in what it is Agile and the stamina of a tank Claims its prize with glory Until the fall of life of this great beast Its young son takes over The new king of the jungle Sam Hood 7th 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 tofu They 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
Claws
I hear a growl rumbling growing from the forest floor it feels like a small earthquake I see a fast movement claws ripping through the air piercing the deer that it has been stalking graceful though making me want to believe that it did not just to kill an innocent animal it seems me through the bushes as I grasp it glares at me teeth clenched I have an urge to run, but I don’t it knows that I mean no harm but it still doesn’t trust me walking away I see its claws. . . stained with blood DeeDee Logan 7th grade
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Images My Best Friend, the Cove I have a secret place A place that Belongs only to me. First, I run between Two magical palm trees And a bunch of large weeds. The palms are rough Like a lion’s tongue. I close my eyes and believe. And when I open them The weeds have gone And the palms have disappeared And my good old friend, The cove Is waiting for me. I run to him, I can feel his rough layers He smells like saltwater For he is a home to seaweed.
I hug him and say you are my true friend I tell him my secrets. Then, he summons the sun To obediently shine inside him Making him glow Like gold at the end of a rainbow. He invites me in To see his treasure that feels like rust From pirate ships that sunk under the sea. He gives me a crown made of pearls And I pretend to be queen of the seas Protecting my treasure from pirates. It is getting late I tell him farewell Taking with me, only memories Of my beautiful land with my friend, The Cove.
Marjorie Hernandez 7th grade
Ella DesHotel 2nd Grade
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Kaley Liang 7th grade
Jordan Jones 7th grade
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Images Letters About Literature Your book, Touching Spirit Bear, inspired and helped me understand and cope with a significant 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 first 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 terrifies 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 find 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 finalist in the California Letters About Literature contest.
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Apologizing and Forgiving Only one word That’s all you need To make your feelings heard To take the lead Though you may still be hurting Though you may not believe Though you may not be certain Just try - to forgive Throw your grievance away Be ready to listen Be ready for another day Where the light of friendship glistens Apologize - it’s not a sign of weakness It’s not embarrassing at all All it shows is your forgiveness And keeps you standing tall Though you fear you will not be believed Though you fear harsh words and anger Let your intentions be perceived Don’t let a friend become a stranger Though you may not understand Though you may not really know Hear 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 delusion Don’t be afraid of “showing shame” It’s an illusion Stop and think awhile Don’t be afraid To smile Only one word That’s all it takes To bring our words Together - to make Us friends again Megan Moffat 2nd Grade
Sarah Thein 1st Grade
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Raisa, the Russian Rose 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 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 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, 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” 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 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 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 name. Jade Cohen 8th 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 Moffat 2nd grade
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Lauren Tapert 2nd Grade
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Images My Angel of Light and Warmth A streak of light Through my window I feel her warmth on my skin Her 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 Hernandez 7th Grade
Audrey Akins 2nd grade
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If I Were Your Hero If I were your hero You’d be dazzling in that hanging gown That shimmered with the shades Of the ocean’s horizon Awaiting inside that distant window. Don’t wait long I’ll run to you Enchant you with heroics. Watching your face fill with happiness Is enough for me. I’d never leave your side Please don’t wander. Those beautiful eyes Can live forever by the sea. . . But what am I really to you? You’d see nothing but a humble, old poet Who found nothing in life But his heavenly angel Whom he can only dote upon Till his light is gone.
Zara Castillo 3rd Grade
Justin Bae 8th 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 DeMattei 8th grade
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Images 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 Myung 2nd grade
Elly Hong 5th 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 definitely 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 Deck 8th grade
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Images The Earth and Its Many Colors Sky of blue Sea of green But that’s not all That I have seen. Mud is brown Clouds are white These are the things that I like. People are different colors Skin, hair, eyes, But what really matters is You’re the same as I. Elly Yong 5th grade
Taryn Kim 2nd Grade
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Without
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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 sigh Without 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 Naimi 3rd grade
Madeline Pearce Amanda Schaller 3rd grade
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Animals A dog Could eat a frog. A chicken Needs to thicken. A pig Can do the Irish jig. A monkey Can be funky. A horse Can play on a golf course. A fish Could clean dishes. A ladybug Could eat a pug. A lizard Can be a wizard. An ox Can buy a box. Animals Eat Danimals.
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Matteo Perona 1st grade
Ian Freer 3rd grade
Greta Coontz 2nd grade
Greta Coontz 2nd 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 flowers. Her room was covered in flowers and she wore flowers in her tail. She even owned books about flowers. One day, Clara asked Fordie to wear flowers 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 flowers. 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 Naimi 3rd grade
Madison Bradford 3rd Grade
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Shaya Naimi 3rd grade
Riley Frey 4th grade
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Images 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 different 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 Pyle 8th grade
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Saga of the Wolf-kin
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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 name Below the sky of rolling fire. Thus in rage the Wolf-kin came With hard paws pounding the barren earth. And in their hearts there burned a flame Hotter than sun, than fire in hearth. Matilda Berke 5th Grade
I Hate Being Told To Do So
Pranav Law 4th Grade
I hate being told to do so I really, really do I usually get it from teachers That’s what I hate, too It’s frustrating and frightening To do this every day Why does this always have to be That utterly teacher’s way I hate it! Hate it! Hate it! I hate it so, so much What am I going to do about it? I don’t know. There’s not such I guess I’d never make my day Maybe it’s that utterly teacher’s way I never even got it to the start of low I really hate being told to do so Max Rosenfeld 3rd 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 responsibilities 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 Kadogawa 4th Grade
Ella DesHotel 2nd 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 first 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 first time she first 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 first time and I tell them my name is Catalina, people’s first 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 fit 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 Adragna 8th grade
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Images Mother 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 Strasburg 7th grade
Eloise Whitford 2nd Grade
Michelle Wong 1st Grade
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Poem 4
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Brainstorm Tsunami Sister Cousins Takes away the house Earth quake My sister The earthquake rattles and shifts, Hitting when you least expect it, It steals all your belongings, And tortures you with its constant noise, It claims your territory, And yet it is still unsatisfied. After the rumble is over. You hear a screeching sound, It seems that all the earthquake wants is your sympathy. Jasmine Johnson-Bowles 7th grade
Mia Pippert
Natalie Hewlett 1st Grade
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Two Is Always Better Than One 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 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 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 when introducing myself. 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 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 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 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 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 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 it was only a “coincidence.” 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 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 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! Sara Jane Stephens 8th grade
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A Lovely Bath A lovely bath on an exhausting day Always washes my stress away. The temperature, so nice and steamy, Always makes me feel so dreamy. You soak in the water and start to relax, Tension flows away in your neck and back. What a scenic view in your intelligent mind, As you float peacefully you begin to unwind.
The smell of lavender seeps into my skin, The sound of bubbles makes a loud din. I love to take bathes, How they help me plan my next day’s paths. At the end of my bath, I am fully relaxed. But my, oh my just look at my skin, It is as wrinkled as a raisin. Uma Durairaj 3rd Grade
Kate Rosenberger 5th Grade
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The Leaf
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Twisting in the breeze, Floating down with ease, Rocking back and forth, Heading south and north, A canopy of luscious green, One leaf to be seen, Whirling down, From a tree‛s leafy crown, A piece of scenery, That used to be greenery, Hits the earth, Nestled in the dirt, Crisp and green no longer, Brittle and no stronger, Joining a wilted sheaf, Flitting, falling leaf. Kami Durairaj 5th grade 44
Braxton Williams 7th grade
Images The Pearl of the East (Hong Kong) The Pearl of the East New York in Asia Hustle and bustle all night long This is Hong Kong The Pearl of the East Leaving the airport I see a sea of red Taxis lined up to take us wherever This is Hong Kong The Peal of the East We arrive at our rented Apartment with home features And Air-conditioning in the humid Hong Kong The Pearl of the East Time for breakfast Wonton with noodles, rice porridge, and noodle pancakes Scoff it down after starving on the plane This is Hong Kong The Pearl of the East A dim sum restaurant just around the block Shrimp dumplings, barbequed pork buns, tea, carts with food piled high Chopsticks, no forks here This is Hong Kong The Pearl of the East Walk through the city streets Arrive at the harbor and ride the Star Ferry to Kowloon People, cargo, bikes, and fish ride the ferry for This is Hong Kong The Pearl of the East Approach an outdoor marketplace People pushing and shoving to get what they want Clothing, electronics, knick-knacks This is Hong Kong The Pearl of the East Skyscrapers and a sea of people in the city People walking below to take the subway or up above to take the bus Where are they going? Who knows? Temptations abroad This is Hong Kong The Pearl of the East Dinner sounds good Chicken, pork, and duck with thousand-year eggs It’s a delicacy here because This is Hong Kong The Pearl of the East Time to hit the hay for today Blaring sirens through the night and pounding rain the size of golf balls Guess we just have to stay up late in Wonderful, Beautiful, Exciting Hong Kong Eric Fung 8th Grade
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The Ocean
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I walk upon the ocean sand, My heart doesn’t know where my feet might land. Waves are splashing on my toes, The smell of the ocean tickles my nose. Clouds like marshmallows and whipped cream on pie, Sprinkled in the cotton candy pink sky. The sound of seagulls fill the air, Wind is waltzing through my hair. My soul feels free like the ocean’s waves, Soft brown sand fills my mind’s darkest caves. I love the ocean deep and blue, Strong and honest, Powerful and true, and lovely too… Uma Durairaj 3rd grade
Emma Stellwagen 5th Grade
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Avalon Sitting on the bench Looking for sea glass My cousins swim and play. We splash in the ocean together. The sound of the ice cream bell ringing We grab our towels and money And run to get our healing medicine from the heat. Our hands sticky, our stomachs full, Sun starts to set in our smiles. Painting beauty upon the sky, The wind in my hair, the spray of water on my face, And the smell of the ocean Leave a memory in my heart. Emma Weithas 7th grade
Kevin Tyson 3rd grade
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Images 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 Gangi 3rd 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 Naomi 3rd grade 48
Images Winter Wonderland gracefully flowing down from the sky numbing my cheeks and lips making soft mounds on the frosty ground inviting me to come and play. melting on my tongue soft as a cat’s fur like the best chocolate Gelato. those are the happiest moments. Freya Strasburg 7th grade
Kyle Gangi 3rd grade
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Images 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 Naimi 3rd 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 Naimi 3rd grade 50
The Amazing Dolphin; Part II
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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 Greenwood 7th grade
Hard Life They tell me what to do everyday They say gather, I gather They say work, I work I am an ordinary slave, and They are brutal and unpredictable masters. They do not care if I live OR if I die Me like a sheep My brother like an ox My parents like horses Working and working until the job is done. As I sit with my family by the fire As I pray to the Lord I only wish for freedom And for my release to liberty. Tyler Faulkner 7th grade
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Images My Brother I know we little sisters always say Our big brothers are the worst They’re mean, bossy, sly, and are always so rude They never let us play with them They never share their stuff They are terrible and awful I have always had enough But if you could look into our minds To hear what we are thinking That’s about the opposite of how we’re really feeling They are sweet and funny Loving in all ways He is my bodyguard He is funny and skilled Helpful and kind I feel so lucky To know that he is mine 2 I don’t know why it is That we say those silly things But the truth clearly is He is wonderful With all the joy that he brings Monica Maceo 7th grade
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Images Strawberries A most delicate fruit, You could call it juicy loot, Filled with juice to the brim, Dark red and pink on the rim Sweet, natural, and yummy, What everyone wants in their tummy, A slight taste of sour and sweet, Ripening in the summer’s heat, Topped with a leafy hat, a layer of green, Perfect even for a finicky queen, A burst of flavor, A small snack you can savor, They’re always strawberries. . .Yum! Kami Durairaj 5th grade
Summertime What do you do when you’re out of school? Do you. . . Jump in the pool, Or visit the beach, When your teachers have nothing to teach, Would you. . . Play with your friends, Like fun and summer never end, When your books are read, And your pencils are out of lead, Will you. . . Ride every rollercoaster twice, Or play a game of dice, When its summertime you could. . . Take a rock climb. Visit the zoo, Play a few carnival games too, There are so many things to do When summer comes around! Kami Durairaj 5th grade 54
Kaley Liang 7th 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 Pearce 3rd grade
Emily Sam 1st grade
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 55
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Olivia Acosta 3rd grade
Veronica Backer-Peral 4th grade
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I Am. . .
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I am strong. The words of wisdom as they arrive to my ears The words that my heart knows to be true But words I never wanted to hear I like the written speeches by all world leaders The pwoer to shift people like boxes moved from place to place Moving from what is wrong to what is right, Standing as if they thought they were statues. I am stong. I am confident. I always thought that success was hear to reach Until I realized that success is failure turned inside out You may think it is far, but it is closer than you think Confident ideas can stop or they can continue I am confident. I am strong. As our people before us learned success the hard way, By working until they could work no more Whipped as if they did something wrong They continued in life as powerful and confident people Believing they had made no success in their life But their successfulness helps me grow. I am confident. I am woman. Tyler Faulkner 7th grade.
Justina My name is curious and clumsy Small and full of smiles. It is easily confused and confusing Immature and easily angered. It is a smile, A laugh, A slap in the face, A jammed finer, And someone falling out of a tree. Justina Lin 7th grade 57
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Shaya Naimi 3rd Grade
Elizabeth Rosenberger 2nd Grade
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