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May 2015 Barry County Edition
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Volume 2, Issue 5, May 2015
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Hi Kids!
It’s A Great Day At Kids’ World News! Hooray for May! Another school year is almost over and summer vacation begins! What do you have planned for this summer? At Kids’ World News, we like to set goals. Let’s talk about setting goals for a bit. What is a goal? A goal is something you want to accomplish. What about setting some goals for this summer? Here’s some ideas. Goals like learning to swim, learning to ride a two wheeled bike, reading one book every week, visiting the local library, planting a garden, getting some fresh air every day and reading Kids’ World News! Did you know that you can find us at your local library and the YMCA in July and August? We can also be found at our sponsors places of business. We hope you have a great May and enjoy the great outdoors this month. Remember to practice safety at all times and obey all the rules for outside fun. If you would like to be a business sponsor, please contact J-Ad Graphics – 269-945-9554, ext. 242
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The students at Lee Elementary enjoyed an assembly with the Alligator Sanctuary. It was sponsored by our PTO.
As part of our 2nd grade service day, State Troopers presented to our students a safety and honesty lesson.
Second graders at Lee Elementary participated in a service day in which they packed toiletry bags for those less fortunate, made dog toys for local humane society, and many other service oriented experiences.
Third graders at Lee Elementary took a field trip to Lansing to visit the capital.
The kindergarten students in Mrs. Young's class are sharing their writing and completing peer editing.
Ms. Whitney and Mrs. Brown's Young Five classes are learning the letter U. They enjoyed watching a special guest riding her unicycle!
Mrs. Lambitz's class took part in Chemical Bank's Teach Children to Save program. Through a story about Dollar the Squirrel, the class learned to "spend a little, save a lot"! The class also drew pictures of something that they would like to save for and wrote it down on a slip to put in their piggy banks to remind them of their goal. They also received a lesson in bank deposits and how interest works. The students really enjoyed participating in the program.
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Two very special guests came to McFall Elementary to present the students with our new "Buddy Bench" for the playground. Its main purpose is to end loneliness and foster friendship on the playground.
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Once again, thanks to the generosity of the Lakewood Education Foundation, Lakewood's 3rd graders were treated to a "live" performance of Benjamin Franklin! Dave Mitchell, performer with Mobile Ed Productions, brought Ben Franklin to life before the children’s eyes.There were squeals of laughter, delight and amazement as Ben demonstrated that static electricity contains electrical energy, dressed as Silence Dogood, the pen name he used to secretly write for his brother's newspaper, and played the glass bowl armonica. Ben's love of reading, science and community was shown throughout the performance. It was the perfect finale to the 3rd graders' study of Benjamin Franklin, a great American hero.
All students had several pieces of art in the show (preschool-5th grade); middle school and high school students also had some art displayed. The entire staff at Woodland worked together to set this up. A great crowd of parents, grandparents, community members and friends attended. The Arts are such a valuable part of a child's development!
Woodland students K-5 spent some time after school on Thursday, April 25, reading with friends. There were over 60 students that snuggled up with a blanket or beach towel, stuffed animal, and a good book!
Central 4th Graders from Marianne Seidl’s and Amy Oster’s classes performed the mock trial, Rumpelstiltskin vs. the Queen, at the courthouse in Hastings on April 24. Students celebrate Law Day and learn how our legal system allows all parties involved in a dispute to get their day in court! Fifth Grade Squid Dissection – led by Carrie Carl, Science teacher at Hastings Middle School.
Central’s Super B.O.B. contestants – 2nd place after an exciting tie-breaker against Northeastern. Hannah Vann, Masen Denton, and Justin Castelein smile for the camera at the conclusion of the competition.
Bayne Signeski
Kari Zombor
Adrianna Nelson, Peighton Reser, Lauren Lamphere
1st picture: This is a picture during the 6th grade Battle of the Books party. Mary Green is in the middle. She is a St. Rose graduate and was the Battle winner in her 6th, 7th, and 8th grade years at St. Rose and HMS. She is currently a sophomore at HHS and is Grace Green’s older sister. 6th graders pictured are: Isaac Oberlin, Valeria Arias, Nate Flikkema, Kae Brown, and Grace Green. 2nd picture (far right): Visiting priest Fr. Dominic receives a gift from the 6th grade class to take back to his school in India.
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Kindergarten through 2nd graders enjoyed the Mad Capp puppets that performed "Once Upon a Clock". Audience participation included Mrs. Shipley, kindergarten teacher at Delton Elementary.
Spotlight on Fourth Grade! Northeastern fourth graders had a great year. Here you see highlights of loads of learning fun. The big group of students touching hands is when Consumers Energy came and showed us how to make a circuit. There is also one of Joy and Emily making a circuit, you can see them light up the toy. We had a fantastic field trip to Art Prize. We used goggles to explore sunspots using iron filings and magnets. Fourth graders used cards and their math notebooks to study for a math tests. The students with string and big hooks are learning how to tie knots for our upcoming fishing trip. Rock -N-Run was a blast
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Cookin’ Fun Hot Cross Buns
Caramels
3/4 cup warm water 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon instant powdered milk 1/4 cup white sugar 3/8 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 egg white 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 3/4 cup dried currants 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 egg yolk 2 tablespoons water 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons milk
2 cups white sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup corn syrup 1 cup evaporated milk 1 pint heavy whipped cream 1 cup butter 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract Oil a 12x15 inch pan. In a medium-size sauce pan, combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, whipping cream, and butter. Monitor the heat of the mixture with a candy thermometer while stirring. When the thermometer reaches 250 degrees F remove the pan from the heat. Stir in vanilla. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and let the mixture cool completely. When cooled cut the caramel into small squares and wrap them in wax paper for storage.
Elephant’s Jug
Put warm water, butter, skim milk powder, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, egg, egg white, flour, and yeast in bread maker and start on dough program. When 5 minutes of kneading are left, add currants and cinnamon. Leave in machine till double. Punch down on floured surface, cover, and let rest 10 minutes. Shape into 12 balls and place in a greased 9 x 12 inch pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place till double, about 3540 minutes. Mix egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water. Brush on balls. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack. To make the crosses: mix together confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and milk. Brush an X on each cooled bun.
1 cup milk 1/4 cup peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) 1 ripe banana 2 teaspoons granulated sugar 4 ice cubes Combine all ingredients, except ice cubes, in blender and blend until smooth. Add ice and blend just until ice is crushed. Pour into 2 glasses and serve immediately.
Rules For The Kitchen! 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.
Cooking fun ingredients available at your local Family Fare store.
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Corn Is America’s #1 Field Crop! American Indians grew corn in many parts of North America long before the first arrival of European explorers and traders. It was called mahiz by the Native Americans. In fact, Columbus took corn back to Europe and introduced it to the rest of the world! Now corn is produced on every continent of the world except Antarctica. Native American Indians taught the colonists to grow many varieties of the corn including yellow, red, blue, pink and black kernels. As time when on, the settlers who came to America began to depend on corn as one of their most important crops. American farmers have always wanted to grow strong healthy corn plants that yield as much as possible. In the late 1800s, scientists worked on the development of hybrid corn. This research led to better varieties of corn and higher yields. The number of farmers that used hybrid corn continued to increase through out the years. After corn is planted and reaches maturity, the corn is harvested. Then it’s taken to a processing plant where it is soaked and ground, spun and separated into starch, protein, hulls, and gluten. These raw products are then sold to other industries that make everything from antibiotics to paint. There are now thousands of uses for corn. Every part of the kernel and even the water in which it is processed are used. Corn is good for feeding livestock like hogs and cattle. Corn is also a major part of many food items like cereal, peanut butter, snack foods and soft drinks. Fuel alcohol makes gasoline burn cleaner and reduces air pollution. Michigan is in the “Corn Belt.” So are the states of Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Missouri, Kansas and Kentucky. Did you know that an ear of corn averages 800 kernels in 16 rows?
SOUTHERN CORN CUSTARD 1 teaspoon of salt 1/8 teaspoon of pepper 1/2 teaspoon of sugar Cracker crumbs Butter 3 eggs 2 cups of whole kernel corn 2 tablespoons of butter, melted Beat the eggs well. Combine them with corn, butter and milk. Stir well. Add seasoning and sugar, pour into a buttered casserole and then sprinkle with cracker crumbs. Dot with butter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until custard is firm. This serves 6 people! CREAMY CORN BREAD 1 1/3 cup canned whole kernel corn 1 1/3 cup creamed corn 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup sour cream 2 eggs, beaten 1 (8 1/2 ounce) package corn muffin mix 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Stir corn and butter in 2 quart casserole dish. Fold in sour cream and eggs. Add corn muffin mix and blend well. Bake until center is just set, about 1 hour. Sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until cheese is melted.
Not all varieties of corn kernels pop. Popping corn is a certain type of corn that will pop when moisture turns the kernel inside out.
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Only about one percent of the corn grown in the U.S. is eaten as corn. The rest goes to animal feed and sweeteners.
May 2015, Page 8
During the month of March, Star Elementary School celebrated “March is Reading Month” with a space theme. The kids had different activities they could do each night, weekly reading minute contests, Dr. Duits came and shared her space experiences with NASA on PJ night, and it all ended with a Read-a-thon right before spring break. The kids did an awesome job and everyone had a great time the whole month of March.
One other event that happened at Star School during the month of March was the “Battle of the Books” contest. During the course of several months, 4th and 5th graders read many different selected chapter books. They read the books and write down questions. At the end of the competition, the teams of kids battle each other on their knowledge of the books. Star’s winners were the 4th grade team of Abby Gaskill, Julia Walker, and Sam Pattok. The 2nd place team was Makayla Parsons, Ruby Barber, and Ty Burfield.
Upper elementary teachers getting ready for their students to "Rock the test"...in preparation for the M-STEP! Lower elementary classes even got in on the support by making bulletin boards for the "upper classmen"! The theme is an old 1950s diner.
Mr. Hilley and Mrs. Kietzman decorating the hall over spring break so that the kids would be surprised when they came back...and what a surprise it was!
Even Mrs. Kidder, the Young 5 teacher, got in on the action and helped decorate the hall!
Guitar for "rockin’ the test" Bulletin board: students wrote comments of the ways they're going to "rock the test"
Rootbeer float
This is a jukebox for playing the records Bulletin boards from 2nd grades wishing the upper kids well on the test. They loved getting in on the action!
Barry County Christian School students are enjoying the beautiful spring weather. The entire elementary classes engaged in a monthly Mileage Club event. Teams had a goal of getting as many water balloons safely across the field in various creative ways. Students in Mrs. Potter’s class went on a “signs of spring” walk and saw, smelled, and felt spring all around us. In celebration of Earth Day, students cleaned up litter and discussed the most common materials in the trash that was found. Spring is finally here in Barry County!
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May 2015, Page 9
Fun With Fractions!
Draw A Line To Match Up The Fraction With The Example!
Color In The Fraction!
A Savings Account For Young People Benefits:
• Open an account for as little as .50 cents • Free Online Banking included • Unlimited deposits and withdrawals at any of our branches with a teller window just for you • Free Saturday Savers Club Bank • Free Saturday Savers Club Savings Book • Quarterly statements • Interest paid quarterly • FDIC Insured Open your account at any of our seven branches: • Bellevue – 111 East Capital Ave. • Hastings – 150 West Court St. • Nashville – 310 North Main St. • Marshall – 124 West Michigan Ave. • Caledonia – 9265 Cherry Valley S.E. • Middleville – 435 Arlington St. • Wayland – 156 W. Superior St.
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SOON! May 2015, Page 10
President’s Trivia Quiz! Can You Guess The Answer Using The Hints Provided?
1. He was know as the Father of His Country
2. He has a Portuguese Water dog named Bo
______________
______________
3. This President installed solar panels on the White House roof ______________
4. He was the first President to ever talk on the phone. ______________
5. He had 2 grizzly bears given to him by Lewis and Clark ______________
7. He is the only President to serve in both WWI and WWII ______________
8. Some people called him “Old Hickory” ______________
9. He was in the U.S. Navy during WWII ______________
10. He was the first President to visit all 50 states ______________
11. He had pet sheep that grazed on the White House lawn ______________
12. He was the largest President weighing in at 325 pounds! ______________
13. First President to be born outside the original 13 states ______________
14. He is the only President with 4 names! ______________
15. He was the 1st person to be both V.P. & President without being elected by the people ______________
16. He was known as “The Rough Rider” ______________
17. He was the first President to own a radio. ______________
18. He loved to play the sax! ______________
6. He is the only President to be elected to 2 nonconsecutive terms ______________
For answers go to www.kidsworldnews.net
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How Many Circles Are Here? Count only those that have the entire perimeter outline visible. For example 1, and not 2.
Answer: 12
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May 2015, Page 12
How Does A Seed Grow A Plant? A lot of people are starting a vegetable or flower garden this time of year. Have you ever wondered how a plant grows from a seed that’s been planted? Germination takes place when a seed opens up and begins to grow the roots and the stalk of the plant. When you purchase your seeds, they are dormant (sleeping) for a period of time and dry. When your seed is planted however, the process of germination begins. Germination only takes place if the conditions are favorable. Those conditions are water, oxygen and a suitable temperature. First, the seed gathers nutrients from the soil. Once the seeds soak in some water and it’s warm, they will begin to grow. Cotyledons, or seed leaves, store food for the plant inside the seed. When the water seeps through the seed’s shell into the embryo, the seed begins to swell. It often splits the seed coating and with the absorption of oxygen by the seed, energy is made for growth. As the seed starts to germinate, the first thing that comes out of it is the main root. The main root develops root hairs which absorb more water and attaches the embryo to the dirt. Then side roots and leaves appear. Next, the stem with leaves pushes out the top of the seed. When it reaches above the dirt surface and comes into the light, it develops chlorophyll and carries on photosynthesis until foliage leaves de-
velop. Photosynthesis means “putting together with light.” It is a process in which green plants use the energy from the sun to transform water, carbon dioxide and minerals into oxygen and sugar to help it grow.
Try This! You will need: Dried green bean seeds from the store Paper towels Water in a glass A large ziploc bag Soak 3 to 5 green bean seeds in water for 15 minutes. Wet two paper towels and place seeds between the two paper towels. Put the two layers of paper towel with the seeds into the plastic bag and seal it. Check the seeds everyday and keep the paper towels moist. After a few days, the bean seeds will break open and a long thin root will grow out of it. It is germinating. If you plant it in soil now, it will grow into a green bean plant. Other plants can grow from a leaf or a freshly broken branch. You just put the leaf stem or branch in water and it will grow roots.
TRIPP & TAGG ATTORNEYS AT LAW
LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Kohler® Generators Office: (269) 948-9244 Cell: (269) 838-0194 Fax: (269) 948-9244
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The Barry County Bar Association is very excited about the Kids World News publication. Our membership thought it would be fun to submit a short statement each month related to children and the law.
Did you know that although in Michigan and many other states the legal age to drive is 16, each state is allowed to have their own law. In New Jersey you cannot drive until you are 17 and in North and South Dakota you can drive when you are only 14.
May 2015, Page 13
Your Skin Plays An Important Role! What does your skin do that’s so important? Your skin has a protective function as it holds everything in, plus has other functions as well. Our skin prevents us from getting infections and it contains cells that produce hair, sweat, oils and other substances that are important for our health and appearance. Your skin makes up 12% of our body weight - so if you weigh 100 pounds, your skin weighs 12 pounds! If you weigh 50 pounds, your skin weighs 6 pounds. Skin is an organ - in fact it is the largest organ that makes up our body. It regenerates (or renews) itself all through our life. There are three layers that make up skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis. This layer varies in thickness. The soles of our feet or palms of our hands - areas that require more gripping power are the thickest. The thinnest layer is our eyelids as they need to be more flexible. In the middle of the epidermis is melanocytes. The melanocytes determine the color of your skin. If you have a lot of melanocytes, your skin is darker. The second layer of your skin is thicker than the epidermis. It is called the dermis. The dermis is made up of protein called collagen. It also contains nerve endings which help us feel things. When you touch something with your skin, the nerve endings send signals to your brain with information about what your skin has sensed. Like whether something is rough or soft or cold or hot. The dermis is where our sweat glands are - plus our hair follicles. Our hair follicles
are surrounded by a gland called sebaceous which makes our skin oily. In addition, the dermis has glands that give off the smell of our bodies. The third layer is called the hypodermis. It is underneath the dermis. This layer contains the fat that is deep inside our skin. Besides the fat keeping us warm, it works as a shock absorber when we bump into things or fall. Another one of its jobs is that it stores energy for our body when we don’t eat for a spell. If some area of your skin is not working properly, skin rashes or itching or a “crawling feeling” may happen. If that ever happens to you - tell a responsible adult about it. It is important to take care of your skin. As people age, skin changes. Collagen production is less, so people get wrinkles. They also can have drier skin. Older people can lose the layer of fat under the skin, making wrinkles worse and makes them feel colder. One of the things that your skin also does it this! Everyone has a unique fingerprint. Your skin forms in such a way that no two people’s fingerprints are alike! Try getting a washable ink pad and touching each of your fingertips on the ink, then pressing it on a piece of white paper gently. You will see your fingerprints are different that anyone elses!
Dr. St. Jacques is now taking new patients and accepting most insurances.
“Caring for the Community One Child at a Time” 300 Meadow Run Drive, Hastings, MI 49058 • 269-818-1020 www.southside4kids.com Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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May 2015, Page 14
The Planet
Venus Venus is the second planet from the sun and the closest planet to Earth. It is named after the Roman Goddess of love and beauty. In Greek, her name was Aphrodite. Its size makes it the sixth largest planet in the Solar System. It’s extremely hot and deadly atmosphere makes it nearly impossible for any human to explore it’s surface. Venus’ atmosphere is far thicker than that of Earth. It is only recently that scientists have been able to peek through its thick clouds and get a glimpse of the surface. The clouds surrounding Venus are comprised mostly of sulfuric acid. The diameter of Venus is about 7,520 miles. Venus is known as Earth’s twin sister because of its similar size. It is the brightest planet viewed from Earth. It takes 224 days for Venus to orbit around the sun. Venus also rotates from east to west. Instead of the Sun rising in the east and setting in the west, the Sun on Venus would appear to rise in the west and set in the east. The only other planet that does this is Uranus. Venus’ rotation is 243 Earth days and with an orbit of 224 days - it’s day is longer than its Maat Mons is more than 5 miles high! year!
Venus has no moons or rings! The two planets closest to the Sun have no rings or moons, which puts Venus in the company of only one other world: Mercury. Every other planet in the Solar System has one or the other, or in many cases both! The surface of Venus is very dry with flat plains, highland regions and depressions. The interior is composed of a central iron core and a molten rocky mantle, similar to the composition of the Earth. Its orbital speed is 78,292 miles per hour. Venus has many volcanoes. It also has a few mountainous areas along with extensive flat areas. There are craters. Venus has mountains that are higher than Earths. Maat Mons is more than five miles high!
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A Water World of Wonder Have you ever found yourself starring into an aquarium watching the fish swim and discovering coral, crabs and beautiful star fish? I love to look for the hidden treasures of tiny creatures as I take the time to really observe a world below the surface. The shapes and colors of nature’s marine life are incredible. As an artist, drawing aquatic life is fun because fish come in countless shapes and sizes. Some are round and others are long. Some fish swim along happily while others are swift hunters. Create your own fish by using your imagination. There is no wrong way to create your fish. Grab a pencil, markers or crayons and discover a world of wonder by using your imagination to create an underwater world. Have fun!
Create a Water World 1. Supplies: Paper. Pencil for drawing. Black fine point marker for outlining your drawing. Crayon, markers, colored pencils, or watercolors. 2. Warm up your drawing skills by practicing the three fish shown step by step. Practice creating other marine life such as an octopus, star fish, or clams. 3. Take a clean paper and begin your drawing using your pencil to add fish. You can add several long fish or round fish and even add a scary shark. For interest, draw in some sea grass, shells or even a crab running along a sandy ocean bottom. 4. When your pencil drawing is complete, use a black fine point marker to outline your drawing. 5. Color your fish brightly and use interesting patterns. Make sure to color your entire background with blue and create a sandy ocean floor.
Shark: Start with the eyes. Draw large ovals and color in the black iris leaving a bit of white for the reflectrion details. Continue with steps 2-10. Then last, draw in the big sharp teeth!
Long Fish: Start with the fin. Add details such as scales, other fins and bubbles!
Round Fish: Start with the eyes, then add your own details.
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May 2015, Page 16