Spire Crier February 2017

The Spire Crier St .

T ho ma s

Epi sc op al

Pari sh

Sc h ool

Mrs. Issa loves the kids at St. Thomas

By Natasha Machado Mrs. Lillian Issa started at St. Thomas before the beginning of this school year. I wanted to know more about her so we arranged an interview.

Here’s how it went:

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Q. What is your favorite hobby?

A. My favorite hobby is all things creative.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Miami?

A. The weather, of course.

Q. What is your favorite restaurant?

A. I love sushi, so any place with sushi.

Q. What is your favorite thing about St. Thomas?

A. All the children.

Q. What do you miss about New York?

A. I miss my family and friends.

Q. What do you do after school?

A. I work and work.

Q. Do you miss the cold air and the snow?

A. No, I don’t miss the snow. It’s so cold there.

Q. Where would you go in the world if you could go anywhere?

A. I want to go to Africa.

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. I go swimming, bike riding and walking.

That’s it for now. Welcome to Miami and St. Thomas, Mrs. Issa!

Inside this issue:

“A BEARY” GOOD TIME: Mrs. Issa talks about her Pajama Night Party for the upcoming STEPS Auction at morning announcements.

Super Bowl LI made history with an overtime

By Javier Lopez Super Bowl 51 turned out to be an amazing game. The New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons played this year. It’s the first Super Bowl game ever that went into overtime. During halftime, Lady Gaga even made a very dramatic entrance through the roof of the Stadium.

Tom Brady, the quarterback for the New England Patriots is probably retiring this year. Brady got the MVP award for the Patriots’ incredible comeback. The final score was 34-28 with the Patriots at 34 and the Falcons at 28.

The comeback started right after halftime with the score at 28-3, Patriots down by 25. They scored a few field goals and touchdowns to make the game 28-28 which brought the game to sudden death (overtime).

Both teams played really well in the game, but at the end it was the New England Patriots that won Super Bowl 51.

February 2017

Student Poll

2

Student Notebook

3

Jokes and Riddles

4

Dear Diary

5

Cultural Corner

6

Let’s Get Cooking

7

Vert’s Adventures

8

Student Fiction

10

Special points of interest: 

The song “Hurricane” in the musical Hamilton is about how the young Hamilton came to be in America.



Fifth grade students take a poll on trip to Ellenton.



You can make a great little pizza on an English muffin.



Get creative in your writing with these prompts.



Vert and his pals have a playful Valentine’s Day.

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Student Poll: What’s your favorite candy?

By Laura Marmorek We did this poll because we found it interesting to find out what is everybody’s favorite candy.

The number stands for the number of people who voted for that candy. We interviewed 45 kids and teachers. Maybe we interviewed you!

Ice cream: 2, Smarties: 2, Chocolate: 5, Sour gummies: 7, Twix: 3, Starburst: 6, Kit Kat: 3, Hershey’s: 3, M&M’S: 5, Lollipops: 5, Skittles: 4 And the winner is…Sour gummies! We hope you got a lot of the candy you like for Valentine’s Day.

Amazon delivery set to take to the skies One Amazon blimp can hold 5,000 packages and a fleet of drone delivery devices.

By Javier Lopez It’s a bird, no, it’s a plane, no, its Superman! No, it’s actually an Amazon Blimp with drones carrying boxes that come right to my house!

This strong drone is actually carrying my new office chair that I ordered off the Internet.

Amazingly, Amazon IS making a blimp that can carry drones that will be hovering over cities in the future. The patent for this was granted in April 2016. In the UK, testing has already started.

I think it will take a long time for this to come out. It takes a while to program all the drones.

One blimp can hold 5,000 packages and a fleet of drones.

Amazon has a lot of good ideas—Echo Dot, Kindle, Etc.—but this might be one of the most innovative for the company.

The Mystery Teacher loves to go camping

By Sophie Lobo This teacher has two daughters and two dogs.

She is very creative and fun.

She loves her family a lot.

This teacher loves scarves.

She is blonde.

She loves going camping with family and friends.

Her room is next to the Spanish Room.

Who is the Mystery Teacher? The answer is on the back page!

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Student Notebook: Student Notebook:UM Learning campstoarecook fun

By Andres Azqueta I started cooking when I was about four years old when my mom taught me to make scrumptious cookies and delicious brownies. That’s really called “baking” but I continued to learn how to make food. When I was six, my dad taught me to make pork because in a few hours we were having a party so we were making roasted pig. It is part of our Spanish culture.

First, we injected marinade. In the marinade we had bitter oranges, garlic, and onions. Then, we put the pig on the BBQ and started cooking! I wanted to keep cooking so I researched recipes and combined them with other recipes to make them my own.

I need to thank my teacher, Miss Q, for teaching me about a great website with amazing recipes. It is called Smitten Kitchen!

I still cook to this very day and while cooking, I feel GREAT! Also, I learned that when I cook with my sister I ruin my shirt.

Our favorite “Hamilton” song reviews

By Olivia Pozo and Sara Vega There is a Broadway musical called “Hamilton” that was created by Lin Manuel Miranda. There are many amazing rap songs in “Hamilton,” but we are rating the top six songs. Here they are: “Schuyler Sisters” The Schuyler Sisters’ singing is inspiring for young women. Also, it explains how the Schuyler Sisters first get into Hamilton’s life.

“We Know” This is an amazing rap song. It is a letter to Sara, a woman in Hamilton’s life.

“Hurricane” This song is about Hamilton’s back-story. He was in a terrible hurricane that devastated the island of St. Croix in the Caribbean, but he didn’t die as many others did.

He came to America at 17 after the storm and went to school in New York. Because of the hurricane he went on to become one the Founding Fathers of the United States.

“Wait For It” “Wait For It” is about Aaron Burr’s backstory. It is a very exciting song and it also shows that he is very much like Hamilton.

“What’d I Miss?”

“What’d I Miss?” is about Thomas Jefferson coming home. The song is JAZZY! Also, Washington sent him a letter for being the Treasurer of State.

“You’ll Be Back” “You’ll Be Back” is about King George being mad at America and the colonies. This song will make you laugh out loud. Also, SPOILER ALERT, the song slows down at the end.

“I wanted to keep cooking so I researched recipes and combined them with other recipes to make them my own.”

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Valentine’s Day jokes and riddles to amuse you Valentine’s Day Jokes

By Javier Lopez and Andres Azqueta Here are a few jokes we thought were cool for Valentine’s Day. See what you think.

What did the painter say to her boyfriend? "I love you with all my art!"

Boy: Do you have a date for Valentine’s Day? Girl: Yes, February 14th.

What do single people call Valentine's Day? Happy Independence Day! What would you get if you crossed Odie the dog with the God of Love? A stupid cupid!

What do farmers give their wives on Valentine's Day? Hogs and kisses!

What did the elephant say to his girlfriend? "I love you a ton!"

Did you hear about the nearsighted porcupine? He fell in love with a pincushion!

We hope you like the jokes. These are from the website Jokes4Us if you want to look at more.

The fifth graders take an annual trip to Ellenton, Florida.

Here’s what some of them looked forward to.

Student Poll: What’s fun about Ellenton?

By Aleco Azqueta Each year the fifth grade class goes to Ellenton. We learn about team values and problem solving.

I decided to poll some people and these are their answers.

Mrs. Carmona, the fifth grade language arts teacher, told me that she was excited to go eat at Medieval Times because she has never been. This is where we go to have dinner and watch a show that is a journey back to the times of knights on horseback.

I also polled some of my friends. Joseph Crossin said that the bus ride should be the most exciting part, which surprised me.

David Steremberg and Andrew Bianchi told me that the most exciting part would be being with their friends and David also said that being without our parents would be different.

Daniela Carbajales-Vieta, secretary of the student council, said the Disney World visit would be fun too.

To wrap things up, I think the most exciting part of going on our Ellenton trip would NOT be the food, but we will see.

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Dear Diary: The mystery continues

By Olivia Pozo (This Dear Diary entry is a continuation of the writings of a girl with magical powers.)

Dear Diary, I just got a call from the MSH (Ministry of Super Heroes.) This is where all the super heroes get missions and save the day. I was asked if I could do a mission. It will be my first mission. And there will be Thunder Girl guiding me. She is my biggest hero.

If I do well, they will put me on more missions and I can be a real super hero. I can’t wait! And I get to skip school for a whole week. School has been going horribly. Jake and I haven’t been getting along.

A few days ago, he smashed a pie in my face! And it was not a good warm apple pie. It had bugs in it! And yesterday I almost turned invisible and he almost saw it. Good thing I changed back right in the nick of time. But he almost saw me.

Good thing MSH didn’t know that or else I would be in big trouble. They could even take away my powers. But I am so excited for my mission!

Mystery Room is yellow and has paper flags

By Jillian Daire Here is a Mystery Room for you to figure out. The answer is on the back page, but see if you can guess it.

The room is on the second floor of school. It is yellow and it has paper flags hanging down from the ceiling.

The room is across the area from where the little kids play. It is where certain people do a subject. The number of steps between the two rooms (the Mystery Room to the Journalism Room) is 120 – 130 steps. And there are 17 steps on the stairs going up to it.

What room is it? The answer is on the back page.

Pizza Time! This yummy recipe is easy to make

By Anna Sofia Lavernia and Sophie Lobo Here’s how you can make a simple pizza in just five steps.

The ingredients are pizza sauce, English muffins (about two or more, depending on how many people you are making these for), shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni (optional), and basil leaves (also optional). You can use more ingredients on your pizza if you like. Whatever your favorites are. Maybe you like mushrooms, green pepper, sausage, or ham and pineapple.

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and then get an English muffin sliced in half. Open the marinara sauce and spoon some of it on each side of the muffin.

Next, sprinkle the cheese on your pizza. Put on your toppings and break the basil on top.

Put your pizzas on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the pizza is browned on the edges.

Now, you have your pizza. Go and eat it!

The number of steps between this room and journalism class is about 120-130.

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Cultural Corner: Mrs. Plasencia loves to travel

She came here in 1961 at age seven. Mrs. Plasencia said she was scared and excited at the same time because she had to leave everything behind, even her parents!

By Anna Sofia Lavernia and Sophie Lobo Have you ever met Mrs. Plasencia? She is an amazing second grade teacher. Her full name is Cristina Plasencia. She is from Cuba and is an immigrant.

Mrs. Plasencia has two adult sons, David and Daniel, and one dog. Mrs. Plasencia`s birthday is August 17. Her favorite grade to teach is second grade. Her favorite food is rice and beans. Mrs. Plasencia is Catholic. Her hobbies are traveling to exotic places, reading, and learning history.

When Mrs. Plasencia was little she wanted to be a lawyer when she grew up. She became a teacher after she volunteered as a substitute and loved it. Mrs. Plasencia doesn't have a favorite book, but she likes books by Jane Austen. She can speak Spanish and English.

Mrs. Plasencia`s favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Her favorite subject is Social Studies. She has been teaching at our school for 17 years and said she has loved it all.

Do you know how Mrs. Plasencia came here as an immigrant? Do you really know the whole story? She came here in 1961 at age seven. Mrs. Plasencia said she was scared and excited at the same time because she had to leave everything behind, even her parents!

In Cuba, Mrs. Plasencia went to a private school and her house was a big size for Cuban houses. She said the beaches there were very pretty. When she moved to Miami in 1961, she stayed with a foster family.

A little bit after that she had to move to New Mexico to be with another family, which was her first time on an airplane. Five years after Mrs. Placencia came to the U.S. by herself her parents arrived in the U.S. and she moved back in with them.

Mrs. Plasencia said what she missed most about Cuba was her home and her parents. She also missed the beaches. Mrs. Plasencia loved to eat peaches when she got to Miami because she never ate them in Cuba. In America, she went to a public school, which is where she learned English.

Mrs. Plasencia learned English by connecting the words together to make sense. During lunch, Mrs. Plasencia said she would eat sandwiches because they were the easiest thing to make in the morning. Mrs. Plasencia met her husband in 1971 when she was 17.

Mrs. Plasencia loves to travel. She has traveled to New Mexico, New York, Georgia, Vermont, all over Florida, Washington D.C., Texas, Tennessee, all over the Caribbean, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Panama, California, all of the East coast of Canada, Boston, California, Turkey, Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Texas, and the Dominican Republic.

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Easy dessert recipes will get you baking

By Natasha Machado Cooking is a good way to relax and it’s fun when your food is delicious and everyone loves it. Here are a couple of easy recipes you can try out: Alfajores Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 3/4 cup vegetable shortening, chilled 1/4 cup dulce de leche Confectioners' sugar for sprinkling on top Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift flour and 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar together into a bowl. Rub the shortening into the flour until completely incorporated to form dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4inch thick, then cut out 1 to 1 1/2-inch circles with a small, round cookie cutter. Place the circles onto an ungreased baking sheet, and poke each twice with a fork.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Disks should be removed from the oven while still pale, they should not brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. To assemble the alfajores, spread one of the disks with a teaspoon of dulce de leche, then place a second disk on top, creating a sandwich. Repeat with remaining disks, then dust with confectioners' sugar.

Easy Chocolate Cake Ingredients: 2 cups white sugar 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup boiling water Frosting (optional) Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two nine inch round pans. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 2 minutes on medium speed of your mixer. Stir in the boiling water last. The batter will be thin. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cake tests done with a toothpick. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost, if you like.

(These recipes are from Allrecipes.com.)

To assemble the alfajores, spread one of the disks with a teaspoon of dulce de leche, then place a second disk on top, creating a sandwich.

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Vert’s Adventures: Valentine’s Day

By Helena Rodriguez I got a letter from my doggy friend, Bailey. Bailey was a Labrador and here is what he sent me. Something I can’t believe…

Dear Vert, I hope you’ve been enjoying your weekend off watching “football” and I have, too. But it’s time to stop because Valentine’s Day is coming up and so is a party. Come to the Off-Leash Dog Park on February 14th, 2017 at 4:00. Please take a special little someone with you. There will be lots of fun that night: a dog bar, a DJ, games, food, a pool, “football,” romantic movies, etc. Please be there as soon as possible. If you cannot take that special little someone with you, please be noted not to come.

Sincerely, Bailey I looked up from the paper, scared. I couldn’t let my old buddy down. What would I do? My heart was thumping. I guess I should ask the only girl I know, Oreo. Well, aside from my sisters. But in which way will I ask her? A note? Asking in real life?! Leaving a note saying: Meet me in front of your house. From: Anonymous? I don’t know! What will I do? Ummm…. My brain is blank, but there’s me saying in my head, “Do the note… With your name…” Should I listen to myself? I guess I should do that. I’ll start writing: Hi Oreo, How are you? I’m fine. Did you get the invitation from Bailey? You probably did. Will you go to the OffLeash Dog Park? If so… I was just wondering— “Come on Vert. Time for your walk,” Matthew, my human brother, said. After my walk, I quickly went to my doggy bed to continue my letter: I was just wondering if you would go to the Off-Leash Dog Park on Valentine’s Day. Will you? It’s fine if you won’t, or if you found someone else.

From, Vert I quickly and quietly ran over to Oreo’s house and dropped it off in the “mail” hole. The hole is where dogs get their mail. I ran back to my house and I saw my dog family there! Blet, the oldest, Sunny, the youngest, Snow, second to oldest, and me, second to youngest. “Hey, Buddy!” Blet barked. “Hi, Blet,” I said. I saw new dogs I haven’t seen before. I was happy they were here, but for what reason?

“Meet our good friends we trust and we met yesterday. The one next to me is Roxy. The one next to Snow is Shadow,” Blet said. Blet looked at me with wide eyes and whispered to me, “Sunny’s just too young.” Oh! The Off-Leash Park! They’re going there! I thought. That made MUCH more sense.

Two days passed and I was playing fetch. Before I went inside I saw something in my mail. I ran over there and I picked up the note. I ran inside the house and went to my doggy bed. I opened it and saw one word: Yes. I couldn’t believe it! I did it! Yes! I did a mini dance party. I then saw another dog pass by walking around the sidewalk. She always pooped on our lawn! I HATE her!

I woke up the next day to see a note in my mail. It was most likely Oreo. She probably had a question. Or something. I opened the door with my paw and went to see what it was. I read the letter and dropped it. It was from the dog I hate. How could she like me? I guess I should say no or….

I grabbed a paper, any paper, and wrote: Busy. There! That should solve it! I ran around the block dropped it off and ran back to my house. I couldn’t wait to see her reaction! I don’t even know what her name is. I was so happy I did that.

Soon the special day came. I put a bow tie on, ate breakfast, and combed my hair. I got everything ready.

Box of dog treats, Oreo’s favorite treats. I made sure my breath smelled good and I smelled fine. My teeth were glimmering and shiny. I smelled like flowers. I looked amazing. I now had to wait for two hours.

I better be there early. Thirty minutes had passed. So, why not? After all, it’s only 5:30 and probably a few (Continued on the next page.)

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(Continued from the previous page.) people are there so, why not? I grabbed the treats, went outside, walked two blocks to Bailey’s house, and saw four dogs were there. “Hey, Blet!” Blet and Roxy looked at me and said, “Hello!” Snow and Shadow were there, too I was looking for Oreo. She probably hadn’t gotten there yet. So, I sat on a cushion and talked with my brothers and sisters. I was looking around until I saw a dog with a brand new, red, shiny, collar. It was Oreo. I couldn’t even recognize her! She looked like a flower in dead bushes that shines so bright. Oreo came up to me and said, “Hello, Vert.” “Hi, Oreo!”

Oreo looked sad. I saw it in her eyes.

“Vert, I have something to tell you...” My stomach lurched. What would it be? “Vert. I really like you, but maybe we should just be very close friends. I hope you’re not mad,” Oreo said. I blinked a few times and said, “Of course, I’m not mad! We can be friends forever!”

I hugged Oreo and Blet saw me do it.

“Awesome, ‘lil bro,” Blet said. A few dogs awed. “Let’s go home; we need a break,” I said and we walked together in the dark. We were talking about everything. How life was and what we were doing until I reached Oreo’s house. “Good-bye,” I said. Oreo hugged me and whispered, “Goodnight, Vert. See you tomorrow. Dog park at noon?”

I didn’t hesitate to answer and whispered back, “You bet.”

Then, I waved goodbye and walked one block more. I went to my house and then to my bed. Then, I fell into a deep sleep until the first few rays of sun.

Writing prompts to get you started writing fiction and poetry

By Helena Rodriguez If you have nothing in mind for writing something, then do a writing prompt. A writing prompt is when you are given a few sentences about what to write.

Or it could be questions like: “You found a creature no one has found ever, what will you call it? Where did you find it? Why hasn’t anyone found it? What does it look like?”

You could use that writing prompt. It’s just using your imagination. If you can imagine it, then you can write it. Each time when The Spire Crier comes out, I will post new prompts.

Here is one: “The building tumbled and the ground cracked. I was looking around wildly when I started the end…(continue).” I’ll give you an example of the end of the world. Any genre is fine. It could even be a poem like this: The buildings Tumbled and The ground Cracked I Looked around Wildly when I Had started The end Now that you know what a writing prompt is, I have two words to say: GOOD LUCK!

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The Spire Crier

Student Fiction: “Figure Ate”

By Sindhu Talluri I was sipping a cup of coffee while considering what to do for New Year’s. I couldn’t believe that it was already 2112! What was it like back then, in 2017? I can’t believe that people rode around in cars instead of Super Safe Mini Flies Itself Jets (SSMFIJ)! Oh, I just realized that I’d forgotten to introduce myself.

I am Mark Thormson III, and I am the owner of Figure Ate. Figure Ate ensures that people all over the world have a home, are well fed, and also provides free education for poor orphans in underdeveloped nations.

Why do I do this and how can I afford to do this, you might be asking. I was not always Mark Thormson III. I was not always rich either.

I was born in a small desert town in Arizona. I never knew my birth parents because they left me in a small basket in a side alley. I was hungry and wailing loudly with a soiled diaper until I was discovered by the garbage man doing the Monday morning trash pickup.

He picked me up and quietly rocked me until I was calm and half asleep. Then he carried me to the Police Station.

I was in an orphanage until I was adopted by the Thormsons when I was three-and-a-half years old. I don’t remember anything of the early years, and many tell me that it is a good thing. I believe it.

I have had a marvelous life with my adopted family. They saved me and more importantly, they loved me. I think about my birth parents a lot though. I was never really angry at being left behind because I believe that they must have had a good reason. Maybe they were too poor or too overwhelmed with a newborn. I attempted to locate my birth parents many times without success.

I hope that they are well and I wonder if they still think of me.

Anyway, getting back to Figure Ate, you now know why I do what I do. How can I afford it? My father, Mark Thormson II, was very very wealthy and I tripled his wealth in our family business of making SSMFIJs. My father taught me that just making money is not enough. One has to use it to help others.

We use a third of our good fortune to fund Figure Ate and sometimes, I don’t think that’s even enough. But we do the best we can. Many of the employees at Figure Ate are young adults who received help or education because of Figure Ate in the past.

Around New Year’s, I always become pensive about my past, about who I really am, and about whether or not I am doing enough to help others because my “birthday” is December 31st. Or at least, that was the day that I was found by the dumpster and so, that became my birthday.

So that brings us back to my plans for New Year’s. Maybe I could send out free New Year’s treats to all the orphans at Figure Ate schools and go to bed early. Happy New Year to all.

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Student Fiction: “Dreams Do Come True”

By Helena Rodriguez May, the 10-year-old girl who lived down the street, woke up in her backyard. She felt the warm breath on her face and the cold air around her. “Hello,” said someone. May opened her eyes and saw her dog, Chip on top of her. She looked around to see who talked. Nobody was walking around. Her parents seemed to be asleep. “Come on follow me,” said that someone. “Was that you, Chip?” She felt her heart pumping up and down. “Yep!” It was all a dream! Was it?

No. It wasn’t. “Oh my gosh! I’m a dog whisperer! I am right? Someone pinch me,” May yelled. “Oh, come on. I’ll tell you the whole story on the way to the park. Let’s go then.”

As they opened the fence, May suddenly said, “Wait! I have to change out of my PJs.” She quickly and quietly went into her house and put on a few layers of clothing because of the December cold. May finally got out of the house and put a “thumbs up” sign to Chip. They walked slowly. May was looking around and saw no one. No cars. No planes.

No people. “Where is everyone?” May asked.

It was so empty that you could possibly even hear an echo from May talking. “That’s what I was about to tell you.” May felt the cold air blowing in her face. It was a very cold day and it had just started to snow a little. “Well, you see, you know how your dad is a scientist and made that potion to speak to animals? He tested it on you because he knew it would work. It did work. All the people in the neighborhood heard about this and thought your dad was a maniac,” Chip said, catching his breath. “Why don’t I remember it then? What did I do last night?”

The two of them stopped as they went into the empty, lonely park. May sat on a rock and Chip walked around.

May thought hard. She remembered something crazy. With lights. And candy. Lots and lots of candy. She also remembered falling on the floor and going to sleep. A party! A slumber party! Lots of people were there and they may still be there sleeping now! “A party,” May said. “It was a party. Not everyone is gone. A few people are still at my house! Just sleeping! You probably fell asleep because you stayed up too late!” May said. “Yeah, I guess,” Chip said. Then she remembered that tomorrow was her birthday! “Ok, come on, let’s go home. Maybe Mom and Dad are awake,” May said.

“Woof woof!!!!!!” May was surprised that Chip barked, after all she could still speak to animals. “Hahaha very funny, Chip,” May said. “Arf! Woof! GRRRR….” May was getting frustrated at this. “Ok, let’s go home, the potion probably wore off,” May said. When they finally got home, May took a bit more of the potion. Chip went to eat a few bites of his breakfast. May could speak to Chip again. But what she really wanted to know was if she could talk to other animals. A bunny hopped up to her when they were in the backyard. She started nibbling some of Chip’s dog food. The bunny ate about eight pieces of Chip’s food. “Hello there. What is your name?” May asked the bunny. The bunny looked up and said, “Why, my name is Brownie, nice to meet you, miss!” Brownie kept nibbling the dog food and finished the last piece of it. “No, please call me May. That’s my pet dog, Chip. He’s glad to meet you!”

Brownie was a brown bunny with white paws. She looked cute then her expression changed to a dark face.

“You…” “I will do it… I will,” said Chip. Chip would usually chase bunnies around, but Brownie was too fast and small for Chip to catch. May looked at both of them and said, “Oh, guys! Come on let’s have a snack!” In this case for May, it was lunch, but since animals don’t usually eat lunch the two animals had a treat. May had pasta, Brownie had two carrots, and Chip had a bone. Everyone was quiet for a while, until May broke the silence.

“Today is my play date with my friend Emma,” May said. Chip and Brownie were whispering to each other.

May thought they had become friends again. “Oh, my mother is probably looking for me. I’ll see you later May, Chip.

Thank you for giving me a snack!” Brownie said. “By the way, May, Happy Birthday!” “Thanks, Brownie! We’ll walk you home,” May said. “OK thank you,” Brownie said.

All of them got up and walked to Bush Avenue (for bunnies). As they reached Bunny Hole 677, they all said good-bye and that they would miss Brownie. Even Chip said he would miss her too. When Brownie left, it was just the two of them, May and Chip. They went to her house again. They thought for a while. “I remember!” Chip said. “Your dad didn’t put the potion on you, he put it on me! It was your birthday present!” Chip said. “Then why did the potion wear off at the park?” May was starting to get confused. “Because when I ate some of my breakfast which probably had some of the potion.” “Ooh…” May said less confused.

Knock! Knock! “I’ll get it,” May said. She opened the door and heard, “Happy Birthday, May!!!” “Emma! Aw, thanks! Look, Chip can talk human!” Emma gave May a board game, Spy Ally, for her birthday. “Hello, Emma,” Chip said. “WOW!!! SO COOL!!!” “Come on let’s play Spy Ally,” May said. “But how?” Emma asked. “I’ll explain it on the way to the park.” “Wait! I came here right away. Let me change out of my PJs,” Emma said before they left.

Finally, May’s dream had come true.

The Spire Crier

St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School 5692 North Kendall Drive Coral Gables, FL 33156 305-665-4851

W E’ RE ON THE WEB AT S TEPSMIA. ORG

The Spire Crier is published by fourth and fifth grade reporters in the Enrichment Journalism Class at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School.

Reporters: Aleco Azqueta, Andres Azqueta, Jillian Daire, Jillian Demos Brown, Skylar Ehrling, Anna Sofia Lavernia, Sophia Lobo, Javier Lopez, Natasha Machado, Laura Marmorek, Gabrielle Ortiz, Olivia Pozo, Helena Rodriguez, Sindhu Talluri, Sara Vega Journalism Advisor: Ms. Christina Mayo

Mystery Answers Teacher: Mrs. Crews Room: Mrs. Millan’s Room 105

Student Fiction: “A Man and his Goat”

By Sindhu Talluri Once upon a time, in a far away village, a poor Arabian trader rode his goat, Billy Bob Joe, into an Arabian town. He stopped by some trading booths and traded his goat’s milk and hot samosas with tamarind chutney with some people.

By lunchtime, he had only gained one pot, one pan, and five spoons and only had a few samosas, a smidgen of chutney, and a pint of milk left over.

The spoons were emblazoned with the Queendom’s crest. But, he didn’t notice because he was so famished and started eating the leftover tamarind chutney and samosas. Once his hunger had passed, he finally noticed the crest on a spoon’s handle. He thought that it looked familiar, but he dismissed the thought.

When it was night, he continued his journey across Asia. He didn’t stop until he got to the Queendom, which was around lunchtime the next day. He got off Billy Bob Joe and tied him to a nearby tree. He walked to the castle, admiring the jewel embedded paths while the smell of sweets coming from the booths around him made his mouth water and his stomach ache.

The smells were so tempting that he stopped to eat a cinnamon raisin bagel, which the owners of the booths claimed were a “Queendom Special.” Then he brought out a spoon to spread the heavy cream cheese, and realized that the crest on it was the Queendom’s crest.

After his hypoglycemia was resolved, he remembered that only specific people had the spoons because they were the Queen’s personal F.B.I. and if not, they would get jewels and riches.

-Meanwhile“No, no, NO!” yelled the trader who traded with the man and the goat.