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March 2015 Allegan County Edition

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Volume 1, Issue 3, March 2015

There Was An Owl There was an owl who lived in an oak.

The more he heard, the less he spoke; the less he spoke, the more he heardWe all should be like that wise old bird.

Mr. Owl

Late at night when you're in bed, Mr. Owl perks up his head.

He looks left and he looks right, In the dark all through the night.

Hear him hoot when you're in bed, When Mr. Owl perks up his head.

The Owl in the Tree I saw an owl.

He sat in a tree.

He opened one eye.

He winked at me.

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Dix Street Elementary

What Does a Song Look Like on Paper?

In a cross-curricular activity, art students created a picture of the song they studied in music. When you listen to a song with lyrics, it can be easy to paint a picture of what it might look like. But when it’s a 19th century classic piece, the music on paper can differ from artist to artist. Fifth grade students at Dix Street Elementary recently put their thoughts on paper in art class using a piece of music they studied in music class. The classic song was “Ma Vlast” from Moldau, 1874; the composer was Friedrich Smetana. Art teacher Sarah Parr first had them just draw some lines as they listened, “to get the feel of drawing to music,” she says. Then, she let the 10-minute piece play through a few times as the students set the scene. “I’m just drawing everything I hear,” says Sarah Brown, “Think of what you think you hear and

that’s what you draw. I’m seeing a castle and mermaids.” This is all new for these students, putting the two types of art together. Brown really likes drawing fantasy, “you can just imagine what you draw and it’s really beautiful when you get done.” Tricia Garton, the music teacher, did give them some background on the origin of the music that it was likely representing castle ruins, a wedding and mermaids around. But even with the background, the music didn’t convey that to some of the students, like Nick Cockerel, “I would think castle ruins would be louder,” he says of the contradiction in what he heard, “I’m hearing happy, soft, music.” Most students designed some sort of castle but used different colors and designs making each of them unique.

Fifth grade students create paintings based on what they hear in a selected 19th century composition.

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March 2015, Page 3

Grand Duchy of Luxembourg • Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world! It is a landlocked nation in Europe, and it borders France, Germany, and Belgium.

The total area is 2,586 square kilometers.

• The capital of Luxembourg is also called Luxembourg!

• The population is over 520,600 people.

• The currency of Luxembourg is the Euro. Luxembourg is part of the European Union. Other countries in the European Union are Germany, France, Italy, and many more.

• The government is a constitutional monarchy. Luxembourg is the only country in the world country to have a sovereign Grand Duchy.

• Luxembourg has an oceanic climate. There is lots of rain in the late summer.

• Public school in Luxembourg is taught in Luxembourgish first before the classes switch to German. In secondary school, French is used to deliver lessons. All students need to be proficient in the three languages in order to graduate. 99 percent of adults can read.

• There are many languages spoken in Luxembourg. Three languages are official there: Luxembourgish (which is commonly spoken), German, and French (used for business).

• Luxembourg gained it’s independence from the Netherlands in 1839.

• Luxembourg is known for their great economy! They have one of the best in Europe.

• The flag has three colors! Red on the top, white in the middle, and blue on the bottom.

• Unlike a lot of other countries, there isn’t just one national sport in Luxembourg. However, many citizens belong to a sports or fitness center!

• Food in Luxembourg has a lot in common with German and French foods. Due to Luxembourg’s location between the two countries, roots in both cultures can be found in Luxembourg’s traditions.

• Although there is no official religion, Roman Catholicism is the most commonly practiced religion.

• Major exports are machinery and equipment, steel products, chemicals, rubber products, and glass.

• Luxembourg has won the Eurovision Song Contest five times! This

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has only been surpassed by Ireland.

• There is only one university in Luxembourg. It is called the University of Luxembourg.

• Skype, the free Internet calls and instant messaging software, is headquartered in Luxembourg.

• Amazon, Rakuten, Paypal and Rovi Corporation all have their European headquarters in Luxembourg.

• June 23rd is celebrated as the National Day of Luxembourg and it is also the birthday of the Grand Duchess, Charlotte.

• Luxembourg’s countryside is dotted with castles and the ruins of castles. One of the oldest, Bock Casemates, was built in 963 by Count Siegfried.

• It is famous in Europe for its largest radio and television stations: Radio Luxembourg, the RTL Group of Luxembourg. It runs 34 television and 33 radio stations in 12 countries which comprises of M6 channel in France and Channel Five in the United Kingdom.

Houses and River Canals in Downtown Luxembourg

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March 2015, Page March 2015, Page 4

The Gorilla

There are two different gorilla species (each with two sub-species).

The Western Gorilla has the sub-species: Western Lowland Gorilla and Cross River Gorilla; while the Eastern Gorilla has the sub-species: Mountain Gorilla and Eastern Lowland Gorilla. The two species live in central Africa, separated by a vast swathe of rainforest.

Gorillas are considered the largest primate! The biggest species of gorilla can weigh up to 450 pounds for males and 300 pounds for females. They are about 5’5” when standing upright. Gorillas use all of their limbs while they walk, a technique called “knuckle-walking”.

Western subspecies look mostly grey, while the Eastern subspecies have a more black coat.

Gorillas are herbivores, which means they only eat plants! A majority of the gorilla’s day is spent eating bamboo, leafy plants and sometimes small insects. It isn’t uncommon for a male gorilla to eat up to 40 pounds of food! Gorillas also can make and use tools to help them retrieve food.

Mothers often only have one baby at a time, but some cases of twins have been documented. Mothers carry the baby gorilla against their chest for the first few months after they are born, and then carry their babies on their backs. Gorillas are known to be some of the most nurturing animals, and the babies typically are carried with the mother for 2.5 years.

Gorillas build nests in which to sleep, both on the ground and in trees, made of leaves and branches.

Gorillas face a lot of threats now. Only 700 mountain gorillas live in the wild today, and all gorilla populations are shrinking because of habitat loss and poaching caused by human populations. Climate change can also hurt mountain gorillas in their elevated habitat.

Did You Know?

• Gorillas have unique noseprints, much like human fingerprints, which can be used to identify individuals.

• Male gorillas are often called “silverbacks” because of their distinctive silver fur on their back.

• Gorillas are considered very intelligent! A study conducted by a zoo once taught a gorilla named Koko how to speak sign language! Another gorilla named Michael learned it as well.

• Scientists have shown that gorillas display individual personalities.

• Gorillas have been observed displaying emotions such as grief.

• A gorilla can live up to 50 years!

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Kids’ World News is designed to give exposure to all schools in Allegan County, recognition of students and staff members.

We welcome input from all our area schools.

We do however reserve the right to edit.

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Washington Street Elementary

It’s like MasterChef Junior except there are no tears, no yelling and no one

goes home. It’s a fun after-school program inspired by the show and a principal’s love for cooking. Every Tuesday after school, fourteen students in 3rd through 5th grades become junior chefs. “I like to cook at home and I wanted to learn some more about cooking,” says 4th grader Joey Truax. Washington Street Elementary Principal Heather Badders loves taking cooking classes herself, and she’s been thinking of doing something like this for a while. With the popularity of MasterChef Junior, she thought it would be a good time to bring some of those lessons to a kid level and kick off her first junior cooking class.

Creativity at Work

All elementary students have an hour of art a week, but that just isn’t enough for some creative little minds. That’s why there’s Art Club! Each Monday and Wednesday, a group of students at Washington Street Elementary go back into the art room to expand their skills, “I let them explore and have fun,” says art teacher Kristy Jorgensen. “We do projects they can’t get to in class; ones that are either too messy or need more time.” That’s what Aiden Campbell likes, doing different projects that aren’t done in class. “You get to do art with your friends, share ideas with each other and have fun with it.”

At the end of the 6-week afterschool class, they will hold a mini art show for the parents.

The WSE Camp Out was a great success with 52 campers staying with Mrs. Badders (Principal) overnight in our media center.

Each of the kids earned this by raising $100 or over for our annual fundraiser. The kids had a scavenger hunt in the dark with their flashlights, made snow sculptures, listened to story time, played games, made trail mix and much more.

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March 2015, Page 6

Roller Skating For Fun And Exercise

Roller skating is a fun exercise, a great form of recreation and a sport that the whole family can do together! It’s a workout that also helps you improve your balance skills and burns calories at the same time! It is beneficial to improving muscle strength.

Roller skates were invented in the 1760’s in London, England by a man named John Merlin. Monsieur Petitbled was the first to patent a roller skate in 1819 while in Paris, France. But James Plimpton invented a new type of roller skate. It was a four-wheeled skate (also called the quad skate) that was capable of turning. He founded the New York Roller Skating Association to promote the sport. The first public roller skating rink was opened in 1866.

To get started, you need the right equipment. You need roller skates or roller blades that fit you properly so you don’t get blisters. Also a proper fit can help you perform your best and avoid injury. Other equipment needed is a good helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist pads.

Skating is merely pushing yourself forward with wheels on your feet. As in all sports, practice is the most important part as well as learn• Custom Embroidery & Engraving • T-Shirts • Jackets • Trophies • Duffle Bags • Blankets • Great Lakes Apparel • Varsity Jackets & School Spirit Apparel

ing to fall correctly so you don’t get hurt. Many rollerskating rinks give lessons for new skaters or it you want to improve your skating skills. Once you learn the basics, you can try more advanced moves like skating backwards!

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March 2015, Page 7

You Don’t Have To Be An Athlete To Get Athlete’s Foot!

Athlete’s Foot is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus called Tinea Pedis. This fungus is a plant-like microorganism that is very small. You can’t even see it with your eyes and anyone can get it.

Your feet have a lot of old skin cells and this fungus eats it!

Athlete’s Foot got it’s name because athletes often get it. It grows in warm, damp surfaces like public showers, locker rooms and pools. Walking barefoot on these surfaces can cause your feet to pick up the fungus. But just walking on these surfaces is not enough to cause the infection. The fungus likes it wet! It is important to dry your feet properly after swimming, showering or bathing. Don’t wear tight shoes when your feet are sweaty and do not wear the same pair of shoes or socks day after day.

How do you know if you have it? You might have a rash that burns and itches. You may have bumps on your feet and they may be cracked, blistered or peeling most often between your toes.

The skin between your toes may look cheesy and have an unpleasant odor. On the soles of your feet there can be redness and scaling. It can even spread to your toenails!

A doctor that specializes in feet or skin such as a podiatrist or dermatologist can look at your feet and figure out if you have it.

The doctor may swab off a skin sample on your foot to test for the fungus or bacteria. It won’t hurt - you have lots of layers of skin on your feet.

For mild cases, treatment is simple. The doctor may have you apply a powder or cream that contains medicine that kills the fungus and your feet will

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be better in a few days. Sometimes it takes longer for it to go away.

Keep your feet dry and take your shoes off as much as you can because the fungus can’t grow in dry air. If it still doesn’t go away, the doctor may have to prescribe a stronger medicine. Something you swallow.

If you get Athlete’s Foot, don’t put off telling your parents and going to the doctor because untreated, it will keep spreading and become harder to get rid of.

Some ways to help prevent Athlete’s Foot: • Dry your feet thoroughly - especially between your toes.

• Avoid wearing synthetic shoes or shoes that are too tight that don’t let your feet “breathe.”

• Wear sandals or flip flops around pool areas, public showers and gyms to stay away from the fungus.

• Wear cotton socks or socks that soak up wetness.

• Change your socks each day.

• Ask your parents to purchase anti-fungal powder to put in your shoes.

• Spray your shoes with disinfectant and set them in the sun to dry to help kill the germs.

• Don’t share towels or shoes.

• Keep home bathroom surfaces clean - especially showers and tubs.

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North Ward Elementary Third grade students making Chinese lanterns: Kya Holdeman, Samantha Mills, Amara Peters.

Chinese Culture at North Ward Elementary (Allegan Public Schools)

Students at North Ward Elementary enjoyed a visit from four Chinese students currently attending Western Michigan University. The college students gave our students some insight into the traditions of New Year by writing greetings in Chinese, showing and making traditional decorations, and teaching them how to speak a few Chinese phrases. What a great way to start out the New Year!

Pine Trails Elementary

Pictured: Pine Trails Elementary students at the Allegan Aquatic Center

Swim Lessons for Pine Trails Elementary (Allegan Public Schools)

Third and fourth graders at all elementary buildings in Allegan have spent the last few weeks learning how to swim. Students travel to the Allegan Aquatic Center for daily swim lessons. The instructors teach various swim strokes along with pool safety and life saving lessons. Students are tested based on their ability and the instructors adjust to the students' needs. Some learn basic diving while others build their stamina and strength. The students love getting out of the cold and snow and enjoying the warm pool water.

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March 2015, Page 9

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March 2015, Page 10

Chester A. Arthur

21st President of the United States (1881-1885)

Chester Alan Arthur was the oldest son of an Irish born Baptist minister and schoolteacher. He was born October 5, 1829 in Fairfield, Vermont. He was named after the doctor who delivered him - Chester Abell. His middle name came from his paternal grandfather. In 1844, he was admitted to Union College at the age of 15 as a sophomore. After graduating from college at 18, he taught school, was admitted to the bar and practiced law in New York City.

He gained a reputation as a supporter of civil rights for blacks and in 1855, won a case guaranteeing the rights of blacks to ride streetcars in New York City. He successfully represented Lizzie Jennings who was forcibly removed from a streetcar because of her skin color. The day after a jury awarded Jennings $225 in damages (which was a lot of money then), the Third Avenue Railway Company had its streetcars desegregated.

In 1856, he formed his own law firm in the Wall Street district. He became an active member of the Republican Party. In 1859, he married Ellen Lewis Herndon, who belonged to a very prominent social group. They had three children. His first son died suddenly when he was only three. His wife died of pneumonia the year before he became president. Arthur honored her by having flowers placed in front of her portrait at the White House every single day.

In 1860, he campaigned for Abraham Lincoln for president and for Edwin Morgan as Governor of New York. When Morgan won, he was appointed Engineer in Chief of his military staff. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, he took over the duties of Quartermaster General in New York City. This involved supplying barracks, food, uniforms and equipment to troops who passed through the city. After, he became involved with U.S. Senator Roscoe Conkling and his political machine. In 1871, President Grant appointed him Collector of the Port of New York. In 1878, he was ousted from this job by President Hayes.

In 1880, he was unexpectedly nominated as Vice President and Garfield as President. The Republican Party was then in turmoil.

During this time, Arthur was firmly on the side of Conkling in his struggles against President Garfield. On July 2, 1881, President Starting from 1990 and moving into present day, there are very few choices of vehicles that meet our definition of “iconic.” In that 21 year span there were only five cars that we could find that, just by looking at them, immediately reminded us of their associated movie. We specify movies because starting in the 90’s Hollywood began removing iconic cars from TV shows. The past six years have been taken over by generic, black Chevy Suburbans driven by law enforcement as well as the environmentally friendly Toyota Prius.

ONLY 5 CARS STAND OUT TO US IN THE PAST 21 YEARS! • JURASSIC PARK – 1993 FORD EXPLORER XLT • WAYNE’S WORLD – 1976 AMC PACER • DUMB & DUMBER – 1984 CUSTOMIZED FORD ECONOLINE • THE DARK KNIGHT - 2005 CUSTOMIZED “LAMBORGHINI TANK” • LOST – 1968 VOLKSWAGEN T2A

Garfield was shot and died eleven weeks later.

Arthur took the oath of office on September 20th at this home in New York City. He never had a vice president during his term as President.

Many American’s regarded him as Conkling’s puppet, but he was to prove himself to not be a part of the “political machine.”

His inaugural address reassured the people. He was strong in support of civil service reform and signed the first civil service law called the Pendleton Act. This act set up the civil service commission to conduct examinations for potential government positions and protected employees against removal for political reasons.

He was called the Father of the American Navy. President Arthur took an interest in modernizing the expanding it. In 1882, Congress approved money for the nation’s first all steel vessels. This step made the United States a major force in naval power.

President Arthur suffered from an incurable kidney disease called “Bright’s” disease. He managed to keep it secret. He was hoping to be nominated for a second term but it didn’t happen. So, he returned to his law practice in New York City. He died in 1886.

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March 2015, Page 11 March 2015, Page

Dawson Elementary Dawson Elementary (Allegan Public Schools)

5th Grade Ski Trip

Students at all Allegan Elementary schools get the opportunity to learn to ski as part of their elementary physical education curriculum. Lessons are given in the morning, and by afternoon many students had advanced to the chairlift hills. Pictured are students from Dawson Elementary, skiing at Timber Ridge Ski Resort. Phys Ed teacher Mr. Dehn would like to thank the Dawson PTO for helping to fund this educational and fun experience for students.

Dawson 5th graders Caled Day, Joe Allen, and Elizabeth Powers hit the slopes. Reilly McEntyre gets ready on the tow rope!

St. Therese Elementary

Students at St. Therese Catholic School in Wayland have learned that giving can really be FUN!

At the end of January the St. Therese Parish Council hosted a Catholic Schools Week carnival for the children. Everyone enjoyed an exciting evening of games, facepainting, a bouncy slide and good food. Proceeds from the carnival totalled just over $300. Students donated this money to the Wayland area Christian Neighbors Food Pantry. Mr. Bill Howe accepted the check on behalf of the organization which was started in 1991 by Diane Smith and has continued to serve those in need of assistance for almost 25 years. As stated by St. Francis of Assisi- "For it is in giving that we receive."

L to R - Haley Graves, grade 5, Bill Howe from Christian Neighbors Food Pantry in Wayland, Robby Wierenga, grade 2

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The large heart poster in the background is covered with colorful handprints. Each year, new students' names are added to the white space on the heart. It is filling up nicely!

March 2015, Page 12