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February 2015 Allegan County Edition

For Kids To Enjoy!

Coloring Contest Entry Inside!

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Volume 1, Issue 3, February 2015

Thanks!

To All Of Our Sponsors Who Are Helping Us To Provide Great Information To Kids And Parents

Hi Kids!

What a wonderful month February is! February is full of The coloring contest rules are as follows: celebrations as well as the shortest month of the year!

E Here’s five reasons we celebrate! We celebrate Black February is full of celebrations as well History month where we remember and honor important Here’s reasons There will be a first place winner men, women and five historical eventswe thatcelebrate! changed ourWe nation and the world. Ground Hog Day was February 2nd. Thef 100th Day of School is celebrated in classrooms with fun The winner will activities The and 100th creativeDay projects for students to enjoy. of School is celebrated Valentine’s Day is the 14th. It’s the celebration of love,r where we show our affection for friends and family with A Kids’ World News certificate and tIt’s thecandy celebration of love, wherePresident’s we showDay ouris February cards, and classroom parties.

16th. Wow! That’s a lot of celebrations! We s would like to thank our wonderful sponsors who help us bring this paper to you each month and thank you for reading Wow! it! Have a happyaFebruary!

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February 2015, Page

Contest Rules:

Please join us by participating in the coloring contest! The coloring contest rules are as follows: Enter the contest by coloring the picture provided on the Coloring Corner page in this Kids’ World Newspaper. There will be a first place winner from each grade (in our county) - kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade. The winner will receive a Kids’ World News certificate and t-shirt! The entries must be received by no later than February 27, 2015 at your school office.

The winners will be announced in the April 2015 edition!

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February 2015, Page 2

Dix Street School Hour Of Code

Dix Street Elementary students take on the Hour of Code in December and learn what goes into the video games they like the play.

Playing games on the computer is something many kids like to do, but thanks to the Hour of Code, they are also interested in getting behind the scenes.

4th grade students at Dix Street Elementary were all introduced to the world of computer programming in December. Computer Science Education launched its 2nd annual week-long push to get students to experience an hour of code. The Hour of Code encouraged teachers to have their students log on and write code, the language that computers speak in order to do what you want them to do. There were various levels of computer programming students could try out, as simple as telling game characters what to do, to having students decide on the rules of games or as complicated as creating programs from scratch.

Elementary technology teacher Michael Miller focused his technology classes on the Hour of Code so every student got at least some

exposure to computer programming, “I feel that coding/programming is a highly sought after skill that we need to promote to students and parents.” He also encouraged teachers to check out the computer labs to fulfill the hour and many of them did.

Kindergarten through 2nd grade students played a game called The Foos; they had to figure out how many steps or jumps the character in the game needed to go to get a star or coin, or get away from barrels coming at them.

In the older grades, like the 4th graders in Mrs. Kloster-Larkey and Mr. Jewett’s class, students experimented with online video games where they could decide what happens. For example, if a ball drops on the ground, they could decide if you get a point or if they game is over.

Mr. Jewett’s class played a game called Flappy Bird, “They learned how to make the bird move and dodge the different obstacles throughout the game. They also had to come up with rules for what caused the bird to die or make the game over,” Mr. Jewett explained.

But the programming didn’t end there, “Students had to learn how to program the game with different codes so that someone else could play it.”

The rules of the game were up to them. Once it was decided, the kids could actually share the web address of what they created and others could play their game, “My students seemed to love it,” he says.

Overall, the week was a success with kids coming home to tell their parents about making video games. For more on the Hour of Code or to try out any of the games and tutorials that our students learned, you can do that any time at www.code.org.

Mr. Jewett's 4th graders create their own rules for a video game while working on their Hour of Code.

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February 2015, Page 3

Official Annual Coloring Contest Picture - See Rules On Page 2

Name __________________ School __________________ Grade __________________ T-Shirt Size __________________

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February 2015, Page 4 February 2015, Page

East Martin Christian Promoting strong bonds between students across the grade levels

Students at East Martin Christian participate in several special activity days throughout the year. We encourage our students to develop skills that lead to a well-rounded life both now and as they mature. Every December, our entire school goes roller-skating. Older students pair up with younger students to help them learn to roller-skate, and to promote strong bonds between students across the grade levels. By the time we head back to school, even our youngest students have learned the basics of skating, and the older students improve year by year.

In January, our fifth through eighth grade students spend a day downhill skiing.

Since some fifth grade students have never skied, P. E. teacher Chris Bierenga instructs students on the basics before they hit the slopes. By the end of P.E. ski day, every one is skiing successfully, and some snowboard as well. It is a day the older students look forward to every winter.

Come spring, our middle school students also have a track and field day with other schools. Students train for several weeks and have a chance to test their skills in a fun and competitive setting.

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At East Martin Christian School, we are blessed to help our students develop academically, socially, and spiritually, as well as provide many experiences that help them grow into adults who enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.

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February 2015, Page 5

Cookin’ Fun Valentine Crispy Treats 1/2 cup butter 10 cups Crispy Rice Cereal 9 cups Miniature Marshmallows 2 cups Candy Hearts (tiny red spice ones) Candy Hears (the ones with messages) 3/4 cups Miniature Chocolate Chips Red Food Coloring

Melt butter and marshmallows in a sauce pan over low heat and stir until smooth. In a large bowl, mix rice cereal, candy hearts (tiny red ones) and miniature chocolate chips together. To marshmallow mixture, blend in 2 drops of red food coloring. Add marshmallow mixture to cereal mixture and stir quickly to combine them. Spread out in a large buttered pan and smooth with buttered hands. While warm, press on the candy hearts with messages and space them about 2 inches apart. Refrigerate and cut into squares.

Heart Shaped Pizza

White Chocolate Chips Whole Pretzel Rods Red, white and/or pink sprinkles Wax paper

Spread out the pizza dough and cut into balls using a small bowl. Shape it by forming the top of the circle like the top of a heart. Make a point on the bottom half. Top with pizza sauce, cheese and toppings of your choice. Then bake until done using the standard pizza directions.

Valentine Pretzels

Prepared Pizza Dough Mozzarella Cheese, shredded Pizza Sauce Toppings of your choice

Rules For The Kitchen!

Melt chocolate in the microwave - be sure to stir it often until smooth. Dip 1/2 of the pretzel rod in the chocolate and place on the wax paper. After the chocolate has hardened, dip again and then roll the pretzel rod in the sprinkles.

Place it on a new sheet of wax paper to harden.

1. Always ask an adult if you can use the kitchen.

2. Have all the ingredients before you start.

3. Wash your hands before you touch food.

4. Wear an apron or towel to keep your clothes clean.

5. Always clean up when you are finished.

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February 2015, Page 7

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February 2015, Page 8

Exercise Does More Than You Think!

Kids exercise all the time without even thinking about it. Just being active, like when you run around outside or play dodge ball at school is a kind of exercise. What else counts as exercise?

Playing sports, dancing, doing push-ups and even reaching down to touch your toes. When you exercise, you’re helping build a strong body that will be able to move around and do all the stuff you need it to do.

Exercise Makes Your Heart Happy You may already know that your heart is a muscle. It works hard, pumping blood every day of your life. You can help this important muscle get stronger by doing aerobic exercise!

What is aerobic? Aerobic means “with air” so aerobic exercise is a kind of activity that requires oxygen. When you breathe, you take in oxygen and if you’re doing aerobic exercise, you may notice you’re breathing faster than normal. Aerobic activity can get your heart pumping, make you sweaty, and quicken your breathing.

When you give your heart this kind of workout on a regular basis, your heart will get even better at its job - delivering oxygen (in the form of oxygen-carrying blood cells) to all parts of your body.

Aerobic exercises include swimming, basketball, ice or roller hockey, jogging (or walking quickly), in-line skating, soccer, crosscountry skiing, biking or rowing. And don’t forget that skipping, jumping rope, and playing hopscotch are aerobic activities.

Exercise Strengthens Muscles Another kind of exercise can help make your muscles stronger.

Did you ever to a push-up or swing across the monkey bars at the playground? Those are exercises that can build strength. By using your muscles to do powerful things, you can make them stronger. Exercises and activities that build strong muscles are push-ups, pull-ups, running, in-line skating and bike riding.

Exercise Makes You Flexible Can you touch your toes easily without yelling ouch? Most kids are pretty flexible, which means that they can bend and stretch their bodies without too much trouble. This kind of exercise often

feels really good, like when you take a big stretch in the morning after waking up. Being flexible is having “full range or motion,” which means you can move your arms and legs freely without feeling tightness or pain. It’s easy to find things to do for good flexibility such as tumbling, gymnastics, yoga, dancing (especially ballet) and martial arts. Simple stretches such as touching your toes or side stretches are good too!

Exercise Keeps The Balance Food gives your body fuel in the form of calories, which are a kind of energy. Your body needs a certain amount of calories every day just to function, breathe, walk around and do all the basic stuff.

But if you’re active, your body needs an extra measure of calories or energy. If you’re not very active, your body won’t need as many calories. Whatever your calorie need is, if you eat enough to meet the need, your body weight will stay about the same. If you eat more calories than your body needs, it may be stored as excess fat.

Exercise Makes You Feel Good It feels good to have a strong, flexible body that can do all the activities you enjoy - like running, jumping and playing with your friends. But you may not know that exercise can actually put you in a better mood.

When you exercise, your brain releases a chemical called endorphins which may make you feel happier. It’s just another reason why exercise is cool!

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February 2015, Page 9

I Want To Be An Auto Technician!

Mechanics or Automotive Service Technicians fix cars or trucks that have broken down. Today, it is a high technology job as cars and trucks are run by electronic systems and computers.

Mechanics have to be able to figure out the source of the problem quickly and correctly. The modern vehicle’s computer will tell the mechanic how well the car is performing and then he or she must be able to work with this electronic equipment that will pinpoint the problems with the vehicle. Knowledge of how the parts of the car or truck work together is required. A mechanic also needs to be able to read and understand manuals on machinery that is computer based. Working with power tools and hand tools, some places of business require the service technician to work with their own tools.

Safety is an important part of the mechanic’s career. Lifting heavy parts and tools, minor cuts and bruises are common. Since most service shops are indoors, it is important they keep their area of the facility clean in order to prevent accidents.

Many service technicians have a check list that they follow for the company they work for. They check belts, hoses, plugs, brakes, fuel systems, etc. Some will only work on certain parts of a car or truck - like a brake specialist or air conditioning specialist.

Most auto mechanics work at least a 40 hour week and many service shops are open on the weekend or evenings. Since they work with customers, people skills are a requirement. A mechanic also needs to have good reading, math, and computer skills.

Formal training programs in the classroom and hands-on practice is needed to enter this field. This can be gotten from vocational schools or community colleges. The training can last six months to two years. When the training is completed and passed, the mechanic can get a certificate or with a two year college education, an associates degree. Plus to keep up with the new vehicle repair, additional training and schooling may be needed over the years.

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February 2015, Page 10

James Abram Garfield Our 20th President (1881)

On November 19, 1831, James Garfield was born in a log cabin in what is now Moreland Hills, Ohio. He was the last of the log cabin presidents. Fatherless at 17 months old, he was brought up by his mother Eliza Ballou, his sisters and his uncle. They had to work for everything starting at a young age. His education was local in Orange City Schools, then Eclectic Institute (later called Hiram College) and then transferring to Williams College in Massachusetts. He graduated in 1856 as an outstanding student.

On November 11, 1858, he married Lucretia Randolph. They had a large family of seven children.

He preached for a short time at Franklin Circle Christian Church.

Then taught at Eclectic Institute as an instructor in classical languages before he became the president of the institute from 1857 to 1860. Garfield studied law privately and was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1860.

He was elected as an Ohio State Senator in 1859. There, he worked at encouraging the Southern states back into the Union.

With the start of the Civil War, Garfield was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in the 42nd Regiment of Ohio volunteers. In 1862, he led a brigade at Middle Creek, Kentucky against the Confederate troops which was successful. The Confederates had 5,000 men and 12 cannons, Garfield had only 1,100 men. The battle was one of the most important minor battles of the war. At the age of 31, he beBirthplace of came a Brigadier President Garfield General.

In 1862, he was The American car: few things define an individual better than the car they drive and nothing better defines a movie or TV series than the car the lead character drives. For years people from all walks of life were known by their cars and that recognition spilled over into TV shows and movies in a big way.

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elected to the Congress. At the urging of Lincoln, he resigned from the military and took his post. Garfield repeatedly won re-election for 18 years and became the leading Republican in the House. He was elected as a United States Senator (while still in the House of Representatives) in 1880, but became president instead.

He was elected President by a margin of 10,000 popular votes.

He was the first member of the House of Representatives to be elected President. As President, he took a stand against political corruption. The growing strength of his administration and popularity continued to grow.

Garfield was shot in a Washington railroad station on July 2, 1881, twice. One bullet grazed his arm and the other entered his back and lodged itself somewhere in his body. He died September 19, 1881, living only a few months after being shot. Garfield became the second president to be assassinated - Abraham Lincoln being the first. He also served the second shortest term as President of the United States.

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February 2014, 2015, Page 11

Dawson Elementary

Music Appreciation The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra has a long history as a supporter of school music programs.

They recently collaborated with Allegan schools to provide a String Quartet to visit Dawson Elementary. Students were treated to a short concert and a lesson regarding stringed instruments. In the photo, students were asked to raise their hands as the music got louder. A big THANK YOU to the KSO for providing this opportunity.

Be NICE!

West Ward Elementary

It sounds like a simple premise….but it never hurts to be reminded! Students at West Ward Elementary are engaged in a positive behavior, anti-bullying initiative that focuses on school-wide change through simple daily actions.

NICE stands for: N – Notice I – Invite C – Challenge E – Empower The photo shows the kickoff assembly for the Be NICE campaign, which was funded in part by the West Ward PTO. Students are learning how to invite others to play, make someone laugh, give a compliment, and more!

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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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February 2015, Page 12

North Ward Elementary NORTH WARD ELEMENTARY (Allegan Public Schools)

Cooking For Kids – Students at all four Allegan elementary schools have been participating in a cooking and nutrition class, sponsored by Van Buren ISD through the “Cooking Matters” program. The three-week session is free for 3rd-5th graders and takes place after school in the middle school home-ec room. Students learn about food safety, basic cooking skills, nutritious food choices, budgeting, and new flavors!

Pine Trails Elementary

PINE TRAILS ELEMENTARY (Allegan Public Schools) SPELLING BEE – Eleven 5th grade students participated in a Spelling Bee at Pine Trails Elementary on January 8. The winner (pictured on right) was Alexis Neff from Mrs. Herlein’s class and the runner-up was Gabriel Harnel from Ms.Guy’s/Mr. Berlin’s class (pictured on left). Also pictured is 5th grade teacher Mrs. Herlein who organized the Spelling Bee. The two winners will go on to compete in the Regional Spelling Bee in Wayland on February 10. In the group photo, all 5th grade participants included: (front row) Charlie Wedge, Gabe Harlan, Kyan Grauman, Kylee Sayles, Jonathan Sebesta, Aedin Allen and (back row) Olivia Clearwater, Alexis Neff, Brooke Houser, Ethan Houser, and Dalton Neese.

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February 2015, Page 13

Republic Of El Salvador • El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. It is only about 8,100 square miles. It is the only Central American country that doesn’t have a coastline on the Caribbean Sea. El Salvador borders the Pacific Ocean on the south, and the countries of Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the north and east.

• The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador.

• The population is over 6 million people!

• The currency of El Salvador is the U.S. dollar. El Salvador has the third-largest economy in South America and has been the most industrialized country in the region.

• The government is a republic.

• El Salvador has a tropical climate, with a dry and a wet season.

Hurricanes can occur, but not very often. More common natural disasters in El Salvador are droughts and heavy rainfall.

• El Salvador is known for it’s volcanoes! The country suffers from frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

• The most commonly spoken and official language in El Salvador is Spanish.

• El Salvador gained independence from Spain in 1821 and again from the Central American Federation in 1939. September 15 is their national holiday.

• El Salvador is known for it’s beaches as well! Some of the beautiful beaches are home to international surfing competitions.

• The El Salvador flag has two colors and a crest in the middle.

The two colors are blue and white.

• The most popular sport in El Salvador is soccer.

• Many forests in El Salvador have been used for wood, planta-

tions, and homes. This means a lot of their wildlife is being threatened. High at the top of the Monte Cristo mountain, there is a cloud forest in a national preserve. The governments of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala are all working to protect this piece of nature.

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

• Major agricultural exports include coffee, sugar, corn, rice, shrimp, and beef.

• There is a lot of biodiversity in El Salvador! The ocelot is native to the country, as well as the torogoz, which is the national bird. Many organizations are working to protect the forests and wildlife.

• Their forests are growing! It is one of the only countries where reforestation is taking place.

An active volcano in Yzalco, El Salvador

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February 2015, Page 14

Michigan’s Offical Gem: The Chlorastrolite or Greenstone

Michigan has designated the Chlorastrolite or Isle Royale Greenstone as the official state gem by Michigan’s 76th Legislature (Act 56, PA 1972) in 1973. It was introduced by Representative Russell Hellman of Dollar Bay. It is a variety of the mineral pumpellyite. The chlorastrolite or greenstone is a bluish-green stone with a pattern of slender, star-like crystals which results in what is called a “turtle back” pattern.

The greenstone is found in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Isle Royale in Lake Superior. It is however, prohibited to search for these gemstones on Isle Royale.

They appear as dark green, small round or almond shaped nodules in the basaltic rock.

In some cases these nodules have weathered out of the volcanic rock and can be found along the shoreline. Unfortunately, only a small percentage

of the green nodules are actual greenstones, as most are chloride, prehnite or some other mix of minerals. And of course, of all the greenstones found, perhaps only a few out of every hundred are gem quality.

It is difficult to identify an unpolished pebble of chlorastrolite. Most gem quality greenstones are very small, and it is rare to find one that is larger than a half inch. The largest gem quality stone is in the Smithsonian and measures 1.5 by 3 inches.

Polished stones are used for stickpins, rings, earrings, cufflinks, pendants, and sometimes incorporated into inlays and mosaics.

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February 2015, Page 15

Valentine’s Day Trivia!

There are some legends when it comes to Valentine’s Day. We automatically have given cards, candy, gifts to our loved ones and just assume the holiday has always been. But every holiday begins somewhere and here are some of the legends.

It was named after St. Valentine. Just who is that mysterious patron saint? St. Valentine was a priest that served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men since they were the potential soldiers. The priest named Valentine, who realized the wrongness of this decree, went against Claudius II and married couples in secret. This was against the law. When his actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first “Valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl - who may have been the jailor’s daughter Color - who came and visited him. BeMe! fore his death, it is said that he wrote her a letter which he signed, “from your Valentine” and that expression is still used today.

Valentine’s Day cards did not become pop-

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ular until the 18th century in Western countries. Handmade cards were often the gifts, but confections like chocolate were given also.

The first person that mass produced paper valentine’s in America was Ester A. Howland in the late 19th century. Now over 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent every year.

Here’s Some Trivia!

In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favorite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, “You unlock my heart.”

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him!

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February 2015, 2015, Page Page 16 February