Circle Gazette January 2010

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE JANUARY 2010

A Newspaper by Children

for Children

The 47th Annual Pompano Beach Boat Parade Issue 4

by Maria Schlecht, Age 8 Pompano Beach, FL Right now I am living in a hotel in Pompano Beach, and it just happens to be right next to the Intracoastal Waterway. On Sunday night, December 13, 2009 I saw the boat parade, and it was very cool.

It is likely the oldest holiday boat parade in the USA. It has been running for 47 years. In 2010, you may be part of it. NO FEE to put a boat in the show! The boats ran from Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach to Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach. Atlantic Blvd. was closed for the boat parade, so no one could go across the drawbridge!

Now let's get to the boats. My favorite boat was Noah's Ark. It had dancing animals on it, and Noah was at the front of the boat. Noah's Ark is a no-cage, non-kill animal shelter. It is a 501(c) non-profit organization. That means they don't have to pay federal income taxes. There are 26 types of 501(c) non-profits. The shelter only has cats, but will take in dogs if they can find foster homes for them. Their website is: www.noahsarksanctuaryinc.org, and their address is 2612 NE 5th Street, Pompano Beach, FL. There was also Two Men and a Truck, which is a moving and realty

CONTENT PAGE 1 The 47th Annual Pompano Beach Boat Parade

by Maria Schlecht PAGE 2 The Nutcracker Ballet by Maria & Natalie Schlecht My Trip to Puerto Rico by Sofia Serrano PAGE 3 Green Tip of The Month by Aaron Cross My Canoe Trip in the Everglades

by Brendan Mittleider The Tale of The Boy and The Dragon

by Amanda Davies COMIC STRIP by Glen Oglesby PAGE 4 New Year's Eve by Liora Elkoby Peanut and Coona by Sara and Aaron Cross Fishing is Fun by Andy Hernandez PAGE 5 Raccoons by Sara and Aaron Cross Heron on a Pine Tree by Daniela Gomez PAGE 6 Rachel Kartiganer. An Experienced Actress

by Daniela Gomez and Dylan Erdelyi Myths and Moons by Sara Cross PAGE 7 ART BOX Holiday Horses by Daniela Gomez PAGE 8 Freedom Train by Daniela Gomez Cedar's Art Gallery by Cedar Brandon Schultz A Walk in The Woods by The Nature Teacher KEEP AN EYE ON

company with a boat called Short Sail.

That wasn't our favorite boat. Next came one with palm trees, a flamingo in the back, dolphins in the front, and it was very loud. Then came a breast cancer boat. Karen Mitchell, the lady who sailed it, is a champion sailor, two-time cancer survivor, and partial quadriplegic! My little sister's favorite one was Mooncusser. It had soldiers on it and when the cannon exploded, they fell down and kicked their feet in the air! The Mooncusser is a fan favorite. Its sail was decorated like a Christmas tree. Then there came a boat that was huge and did not have many lights. I think it was a dinner cruise. The Coast Guard and its helicopter were in the parade, too.

Next there came a fishing boat that was pulling a marlin on a kayak. Yet, next was a boat with Santa on a kayak!

Yes, there was a boat with a Las Vegas theme, also. It had two dice on the top and, of course, Elvis Presley that was acted by a female. After that came a holiday-themed boat that had Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and a Happy New Year. Then next there came a peace boat with hippies dancing on it. Last of all came a boat called Crew Unlimited. It was long and pretty.

Now, of course, you have been wondering who won. Well a lot of boats won in different categories, but here are some: Noah's Ark won Most Unique over Thirty Feet, Mooncusser

Illustration by Maria Schlecht "My favorite boat was Noah's Ark. It had dancing animals on it, and Noah was at the front of the boat." won Boat Parade Chair Award, and Short Sail won Best First Timer under 30 feet.

It was a perfect seat because we were above all the people on the deck below. We had lemonade, hot dogs, and a lot of fun.

MILESTONES

by Pedro Gomez

During the times of the Roman Empire, the Romans used big sculpted stones to mark the distances on their roads. Road builders would place these stones in every mile, which was very helpful for travelers. I imagine Romans talking about how would they plan their times and trips using these stones as meeting points, or perhaps athletes using

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE Join our group of writers and artists! Contact us at info@enrichmentcircle.com or at 954- 918 2541. More information at www.enrichmentcircle.com.

I'm happy that I was able to see the parade. I watched it from the back of my dad's truck in the hotel parking lot.

them to mark their races, and so on.

The English word that describes these stones is, not surprisingly, the word Milestone. We also use the word milestone to point out dates or events of importance, like losing the first tooth, or learning to ride the bicycle or one of those new snaky skateboards.

of the year; it is also the first month of the decade, the second decade of the 21st century. It is a fun month to think about all the things that happened in our lives during the last decade (20002009). And it will probably be fun to think about all the things that will happen during this one that just starts; how old will we be in 2019, where will we travel, what This January 2010 is also an will we learn, what will change. important milestone in many That's something I like about ways. It is not only the first month Milestones, they make us think.

THE ENRICHMENT CIRCLE, INC. A Non-Profit Organization for the Advancement of Education ART, NATURE, MUSIC, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY, LANGUAGES, BOOK CLUBS & THE CIRCLE GAZETTE www.enrichmentcircle.com

THE NATURE TEACHER EVERY CHILD OUTSIDE (ECO) Offers programs that enable children and their families to explore, exercise, and play in natural settings for a deeper understanding of their local environment and to develop an appreciation for the world around them.

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

WHAT DID YOU DO OVER THE HOLIDAYS?

Page 2

by Natalie and Maria Schlecht, Ages 6 and 8

On December 18, 2009 we went to see The Nutcracker at the Miramar Cultural Center. We were very excited to see it. This is the first time we have seen it in Florida. It was presented by Ballet Etudes. The first time we saw it, it was presented by the Moscow Ballet, in Tennessee.

The story is about a girl named Clara who received a nutcracker that turned into a prince one Christmas Eve night. That night, she slept on the couch and was awakened by some mice that were going to lead toy soldiers (that belonged to her brother Fritz) into battle. Clara shrunk until she was the size of the soldiers. She ran to her Nutcracker's bed, but noticed it was taller than her. The nutcracker came in and helped. Then Clara threw her slipper at the mouse king just in time for the nutcracker to stab him.

After that the nutcracker changed into a young prince, took the crown off the mouse king's head, and put it on Clara's head. The prince said "Come, my land of sweets is nearby." This is the end of Scene One in the ballet. Our favorite part in this first scene was where the guests enter the parlor at the beginning of the ballet at the time of a big party at Clara's house on Christmas Eve night. The music in this part is very exciting, and everyone is walking into the house and talking with one another. The dancers show they are talking by their facial expressions.

At the beginning of Scene Two, Clara and the Prince were walking through the Fern Forest to the Land of Sweets. The snowflake dance is long and very beautiful. The snow queen and snowflakes dance a waltz. The piccolos and harps sound like fluttering,

graceful snowflakes falling.

Soon they came to the Land of Sweets, in Act Two. The river was made of chocolate and the trees looked like giant ice cream cones. At the door of the castle, they were greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The court of the Sugar Plum Fairy was so delighted to see the prince again. While Clara and the Prince were there, they saw Chocolate from Spain, Coffee from Arabia, Tea from China, and Trepak from Russia, and also Mother Ginger and the Tumblers. Chocolate from Spain is short, exciting, and fast. Coffee from Arabia is slower and in a lower key. It alternates between high and low notes, like coffee sloshing in a cup. Tea from China is a quick, high-pitched dance, and gets higher and faster as it goes along. The two main dancers had their arms out to their sides like holding a barbell, with each index finger pointing up, throughout the dance. At the end, they bow with their arms in the same position.

Trepak from Russia is a very fast paced dance. The man in the center of this dance leaped up and did the splits in the air with his arms straight out. The audience loved this part. Mother Ginger and the Tumblers is a very high-pitched dance, also, with low notes hopping along trying to catch up. After a very exciting night, Clara returns home on a sled and wakes up to a very jolly Christmas morning.

We like this ballet very much. Our favorite parts are tea from China, Trepak from Russia, and the Waltz of the Snowflakes.

The Nutcracker Ballet was written by Peter Tchaikovsky in 1891. He also wrote the Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty ballets. He did not think The Nutcracker was as good as the others, but it's very popular today. We are glad he wrote it and we think it's wonderful. We plan to keep up the tradition of seeing it every year.

"We like this ballet very much. Our favorite parts are tea from China, Trepak from Russia, and the Waltz of the Snowflakes..." "We plan to keep up the tradition of seeing it every year."

~ The Schlecht Sisters

TO THE RIGHT: What did you do over the Holidays? Handmade Christmas Ornaments by Natalie Schlecht, Age 6.

Illustration by Maria and Natalie Schlecht. Oil Pastels on Black Paper.

My Trip to Puerto Rico time, the hermit crabs were running away

by Sofia Serrano, Age 3 Hollywood, FL

(as told to Serena Serrano)

WHAT DID YOU DO OVER THE HOLIDAYS? I went to Puerto Rico to visit my Abuelo and my Titis for Christmas.

We flew on a plane and I took pictures of the clouds.

JANUARY 2010

from the waves that were so high and rushing over the rocks. We saved them from the boardwalk and threw them back on the beach because they were getting "smooshed".

I want to go back to Puerto Rico soon because I get to eat Illustration by Sofia. Color Pencils on Paper. "...the hermit crabs were running away gum on the plane from the waves" and because I want to go back to my favorite beach and swim.

In Puerto Rico, we went to the beach a lot and saw lots of hermit crabs. One

GREEN TIP OF THE MONTH JANUARY 2010

If this is your first time seeing this newspaper, welcome to Green Tip of the Month! I will publish some new ways to be green every month. See

by Aaron Cross, Age 12 the December issue Boca Raton, FL for the reasons to be green.

Happy New Year! It is January, and what better way to start the new year than being green? Here are some tips...

1. Donate your old books to the library or give them to a friend.

2. Look at your local library for books, videos, and audios before you go to the store to buy them. Reusing items through the library will reduce waste and garbage. Check out your local library's web site and see what resources it has to offer. Some have borrowable music and audio books online!

3. Download e-books to read instead of getting hard copies. According to Greg Kozak (a student at the University of Michigan), production of paper books emits four times as much greenhouse gas than to make portable e-book readers.

4. Share books, videos, and audios with your friends and family. You can also do it with computer games. Do not throw that stuff away, just trade it with others. Another idea is to start a book exchange club.

5. Share the pleasure of being green with others, too!

Start out the new year fresh with being green!

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

My Canoe Trip in the Everglades A Family South Florida Adventure

by Brendan Mittleider, Age 8 Miami, FL

Last weekend I went canoeing by the coast in the Everglades. We saw five wild American crocodiles. The crocodiles looked very poky.

One brought its head way out of the water and opened its mouth. It was really big!

We also saw a lot of birds. I saw one flamingo that was bright pink. I also saw lots of roseate spoonbills using their spoon-shaped bills to scoop up crabs and shrimp. We saw hundreds of pelicans in the trees, and some of them would fly really high and then suddenly dive for fish in the water. We also saw osprey diving for fish. Before we left the mangroves and entered the ocean, we saw a great blue heron standing on a stick by the water. When we came back, there was a little blue heron on the same stick.

At the end of the canoe trail, we came to a shallow area where we saw lots of upside down jellyfish, a sea slug, and one small horseshoe crab. There were also thousands of birds there.

Some of the birds were wood storks. They

"It was one of the best trips I've ever had"~ Brendan

were white with black tips on their wings and looked really cool as they glided through the air. Many of the birds were white ibises. Even though they were pretty far away from us, we could see huge flocks twisting and turning in the air. There was also a mud bar with lots of

by Amanda Davies, Age 9 Sunrise, FL

Once upon a time in a faraway land, there was a young boy who lived in a big castle. But the boy wasn't allowed to go and play with the other kids.

Far away from the castle was the cave of dragons. The two-headed master dragon came and told all the dragons to go to the castle. And then, one of the dragons said, "Wait, Sir. One of the dragons is missing."

The dragon that was missing was the red fire dragon. And he sang a song as he sat on top of the highest cloud: "How I wish I could just be like everybody else.

And fly across with them too.

And then I could be a star.

And then I could play with them too."

Then, the lost dragon said, "Huh?" because he heard a noise. So, he looked out of the cloud, and he saw a castle. And he saw something playing near the castle too. But, he couldn't quite tell what it was. So, he tried to look closer, and before he knew it, he fell out of the cloud.

While the boy was playing, the dragon fell near him. When they saw each other, they both started to scream. Then, the boy tried to go ring the alarm, but the dragon stopped him. And the dragon said, "It's OK. I won't hurt you." The boy asked the dragon "What are you doing here?" The dragon said, "There's no time to explain. We have to go!" And then the dragon said, "Come

Here is what you can do:

Start a recycling program at your school z Car pool z Use public transportation z Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence

Photo: Free source

birds like snowy egrets, great egrets, ibises, little blue herons, great blue herons, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills.

The Tale of the Boy and the Dragon

[ ThinkGreen[

z

Page 3

z

Change incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs z Use both sides of the paper z Plant a tree z Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

It was one of the best trips I've ever had.

on." And they both walked to the cave.

As soon as they got halfway there, they ran into the blue serpent. The serpent hissed, "How dare you trespass." The boy and the dragon both ran away and escaped the serpent. They finally reached the cave and saw the master dragon. The red fire dragon said, "Oh no, it's the boss; we're doomed." The master dragon said, "How dare you bring this human to our cave, red dragon."

And the boy said, "We're not doomed. I can fight him with my sling shot."

As soon as the dragon was about to shoot a mouthful of fire, the boy slung a big rock and the master dragon fell like a mighty Oak. After the master dragon fell, the boy and the red dragon had to escape. They traveled together until they got to the beach. Then, the red dragon said, "Good-bye" and flew off into the sunset.

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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE A Newspaper by Children for Children

NEW YEAR'S EVE JANUARY 2010

much fun. All the people are screaming. There is so much noise. Many people get engaged that night in the freezing I absolutely adore New Year's cold while waiting for the ball Eve. I get to stay up all night to fall. and watch the ball drop on TV.

dance to. We also get to watch o'clock in the morning. We the New Year start in other also went out in our back yard parts of the world. to dance and to see if the moon was really blue. New Year's I snuggle with my Mama and Eve is so much fun! we eat popcorn and other munchies while waiting.

After the ball drops there are When the ball dropped we I see the New York street and a lot of singers performing and yelled "Happy New Year!" and the ball dropping. It is so music shows to watch and we started dancing untill one

by Liora Elkoby, Age 8 Fort Lauderdale, FL

Peanut and Coona

by Sara and Aaron Cross Ages 9 and 12, Boca Raton, FL Once, there were two raccoons named Peanut and Coona, They were playing one night, beneath our moon, Luna, They went to bed, all smothered in smiles, But the very next day, they would travel for miles, They were hungry for breakfast, the very next day, And they were way to tired, to go out and play, So their mom left for food, she left with a hug, To find anything edible, even a bug, A few hours passed, she was nowhere in sight, For two baby raccoons, it was a very bad plight, So they left the den, in search of their mum, They called for her, she did not come, They followed her scent, to find where she'd gone, They traveled through the forest, across the lawn, They finally found her, in the middle of the road, When they saw she was dead, they were about to explode, Suddenly something, made a loud hum, There was nowhere to go, nowhere to run, Then it was dark, and then there was light, When they were still alive, they cried out in delight, Suddenly food, started raining from the sky, They started eating, it was salty and dry, Then their feet, weren't touching the ground, Something was holding them, they then found,

FISHING IS FUN

by Andy Hernandez, Age 10 Caracas, Venezuela

First, we woke up at 5:00 in the morning It was dark and cold.

So we went to the pier at Deerfield Beach Hurray! We got our first fish.

I tried again for luck.

Nothing bit the bait.

Getting accustomed to the weather

It was time for the sunrise!

So I got another fish!

"...pier at Deerfield Beach"

Soft Pastels on Paper by Andy Hernandez

Finally I caught eleven fish!

U have to try this exciting experience and you will Never regret it!

"... I got another fish!"

Soft Pastels on Paper by Andy Hernandez

Suddenly they started, floating through the air, They were put in a cage, they cried out in despair, A nipple was stuck, into each of their mouths, And they then found, that milk came out, This happened two, or three times a day, Every so often they were took out to play, A few months went by, they lived them with glee, Until one day they realized, they had to be free, Their cage was picked up, and carried to the forest, For times in a cage, this would be the last, Their cage was opened, they wandered out, What they did not know, was what this all was about, They were being released, back into the wild, But their understanding of life, was very mild, They soon learned to find food, run, and defend, They were very happy, The End.

"Fishing is Fun"

Photo by M. Hernandez

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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE A Newspaper by Children for Children

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by The Enrichment Circle Team www.enrichmentcircle.com

Budget cuts are at the turn of every corner nowadays.

School systems have had to cancel many extra-curricular programs in order to keep their basic operation running.

Journalism programs and school newspapers, among other enrichment clubs, are being cut out at an alarming rate.

The big digitalization of our lives is also contributing heavily to children's distancing from the written word.

The Circle Gazette is a publication by young children!

On the last 3 issues we have enjoyed the fabulous work of 37 children ages 3-13 from all over South Florida and beyond.

This paper is like a school newspaper just not for one school or homeschool community! It's a school paper to capture the interests and great work of young artists/writers from everywhere.

Join us and help us keep journalism and creative writing alive for children. We want to ensure the survival of this program and we are working to make it stable and sustainable over time.

Ways in which you can help: * DONATE NOW! (Use paypal for your convenience at www.enrichmentcircle.com or write to us) - Any amount helps!

JANUARY 2010

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For more information contact The Enrichment Circle, Inc. at info@enrichmentcircle.com or Call 954-9182541

by Daniela Gomez, Age 9 Margate, FL

by Sara and Aaron Cross Ages 9 and 12, Boca Raton, FL What has a black mask, a bushy, ringed tail, Brown fur, and makes a wail?

A little raccoon. As they shake their little heads, They are very cute when they‘re snuggled in their beds,

They are twenty to thirty inches long, Ten to thirty-five pounds, is about where they belong,

Raccoons sleep in the day, which means they are awake at night, they sometimes come out to play, but normally sleep when there's light,

Raccoons eat nuts, fruit, eggs, and fish, And when they eat these things, they get what they wish,

Their back feet flip, which makes it easy to climb, They have long nails, but I can't think of a rhyme,

Their scientific name is Procyon lotor, And they have so much energy, they act like a motor,

They live by streams and rivers, mostly in America, But they can also be found in southern Canada,

A raccoon's poop, is also called scat, And it's easy to train them to poo in a vat,

Raccoons like to swim, they do this naturally, And when they get out, the dry off easily,

Heron sits here every night Every night to rest from flight Roaming through the world during day On a pine tree she must stay "Never miss a night of sleep"

"Oh" the heron says with her wings in heap Now she circles round and round

"Pine tree is her home of rest"

The Pine Tree. Charcoal on paper by Daniela Gomez

A home to find, far from the ground Pine tree is her home of rest In the yard of human nest Now the Heron is all alone Every bird must travel home

Great Blue Heron. Charcoal on Paper by Daniela Gomez.

"..."Oh" the heron says with her wings in heap"

Tired from a day of work Right inside the home of theirs Ellie, Emma and Dani heard Every sound of the Heron Bird

Raccoons give live birth, which means they are mammals, They also have fur and tails, they are very special animals, Heron on a Pine Tree. Charcoal on paper by Daniela Gomez.

Raccoons have features that are very unique, And there is a likely chance you will sometime meet!

"Heron sits here every night"

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JANUARY 2010

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE A Newspaper by Children for Children

RACHEL KARTIGANER An Experienced Actress

by Daniela Gomez and Dylan Erdelyi, Ages 9 and 10

The Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre (FLCT) is an amazing organization located in The Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the oldest children's theatre in Florida.

It was founded by two mothers in a garage in 1952 and was incorporated in 1959. A staple in this organization is Rachel Kartiganer. She was just recently the Stage Manager of FLCT's "A Christmas Carol". In this production we worked alongside Rachel. Daniela was a Caroler and Dylan was Little Scrooge, and it was so enjoyable! We also worked together with her as cast. In FLCT's 2008 "Seussical" we were "Whos" and she was "Mayzie".

Rachel has been acting in plays and has joined crew for over three years now. She has an amazing voice and a knack for getting roles that suit her perfectly ("Stepsister" In 2007 Cinderella, "Queen of The Nymphs" in 2008 The Early Adventures of Santa Claus, "Ensemble and Bartender" in 2008 My Fair Lady and "Ensemble" in 2009 Les Miserables). She was born in New York and is 17 years old. Rachel lives in Plantation and goes to St. Thomas Aquinas. She noted that her experience with crew at FLCT has been "different and (that) everyone should try it!"

We asked Rachel: Do you enjoy being a Stage Manager? Her response was "Yes". She said she would love to do it again! The last question we asked her was what were her favorite shows, as a cast member and as crew? As an actress, she said that "Les Miserables" was

special to her. As a crew member she answered: "Definitely: A Christmas Carol".

To summarize this interview, Rachel Kartiganer is a wonderful actress, crew member and Stage Manager.

Photos by P. Gomez "Rachel has been acting in plays and has joined crew for over three years now.

She helps hold together the FLCT She has an amazing voice and a knack for getting roles that suit her perfectly..." community.

MYTHS AND MOONS

by Sara Itka Cross, Age 9 Boca Raton, FL

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGICAL LESSONS FOR CHILDREN Integrating engineering and technology concepts and skills with elementary science lessons

I love mythology, so I learned about the moons of Saturn, and how their names relate to Greek mythology. This is what I learned from my research.

This great program designed by The Museum of Science in Boston is now available in South Florida for children ages 7-12. Through 4-6 weeks units children increase their technological literacy!

THE MOONS OF SATURN Saturn has more moons than any other planet. In mythology, Saturn was the ruler of the Titans. *TITAN YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1655 The moon Titan has a very thick atmosphere. It is Saturn's largest moon. Titan is named after the children of Coeus (Uranus) and Gaea (Earth). *CLEMENE'S HUSBAND YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1671 Iapetus was the father of Prometheus, Epimethius, and Atlas. He was also the husband of Clemene and a Titan. Iapetus has a dark western hemisphere and a bright eastern hemisphere. *SISTER AND WIFE YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1672 Rhea was Saturn's wife and a Titaness.

Rhea is Saturn's second largest moon. *THE MOTHER OF TWO YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1684 Tethys was the wife of her brother Oceanus and the mother of Telesto and Dione. She was also one of the Titans. Tethys has a very large canyon near the equator called Ithaca Chasma. The island Ithaca was the home of the hero Odysseus. *A DEAD WARRIOR YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1789 Enceladus reflects almost 100 percent of light that hits it. He was a Titan who was killed in battle and buried under Mt. Etna, which is a volcano in Sicily.

Enceladus has ice geysers all over it! *THE FATHER OF DAYS YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1848 Hyperion was the father of Helios (who drove the sun chariot), Selene (who drove the moon chariot), and Eos (who opened the crimson doors of dawn).

He was also another Titan. Hyperion is a spongy looking moon, said to be the strangest looking moon ever discovered! *BROTHERS BOTH DISCOVERED IN 1980 Epimethius and Prometheus were Titan brothers of Atlas and sons of Iapetus and Clemene. They were the gods who made life. Scientists think that

Engineering is Elementary (EiE)

At the elementary school level, technological literacy is defined as acquiring essential understandings and skills that include:

Photo Source: Wikipedia Commons

Saturn has more moons than any other planet. In mythology, Saturn was the ruler of the Titans. they might be covered in ice. *THE BOX YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1980 Pandora was the first woman to be made. She was the wife of Epimethius. Pandora accidentally cursed mankind by opening a box containing all the bad stuff in life like hate, anger, and death.

Pandora is a shepherd moon, meaning she keeps all the particles in the F-ring in a smooth ring. *HOLDING UP THE SKY YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1980 Since Atlas was very big and strong, he was the titan who had to hold up the sky. If not for Atlas, the sky would fall down. Atlas is a shepherd moon, just like his sister-in-law Pandora, for the A-ring. *A BEAUTIFUL NYMPH YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1980 Calypso was the daughter of Atlas. She is mentioned in the Odyssey, a tale about a hero named

Odysseus. Calypso shares an orbit with Tethys, who has a very big crater named the Odysseus Basin. *SISTERS YEAR TELESTO WAS DISCOVERED=1980 YEAR DIONE WAS DISCOVERED=1984 Telesto and Dione were sisters, daughters of Oceanus and Tethys. Telesto, Just like Calypso, is in the same orbit as her mother Tethys, which makes her a Trojan moon. Dione has Trojans in her orbit too. *GOAT MAN YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1990 Pan was the guardian of the forest and shepherds.

He was also a goat man, or a satyr. Pan is the closest known moon to the surface of Saturn. *A SECOND WIFE YEAR OF DISCOVERY=1898 Phoebe was one of the Titans and another wife of Coeus. It takes Phoebe 18 months to orbit Saturn.

Knowledge (Know about): o What engineering and technology are and what engineers do o Various fields of engineering o Nearly everything in the human world has been touched by engineering o Engineering problems have multiple solutions o How society influences and is influenced by engineering o How technology affects the world (both positively and negatively) o Engineers are from all races, ethnicities, and genders Skills/Experience (Be able to do): o Apply the engineering design process o Apply science and math in engineering o Employ creativity and careful thinking to solve problems o Envision one's own abilities as an engineer o Troubleshoot and learn from failure o Understand the central role of materials and their properties in engineering solutions CURRENT CLASSES: *The Best of Bugs: Designing Hand Pollinators: Insects, Plants, & Agricultural Engineering for Elementary Students (JAN. 15 - FEB. 5) *Catching the Wind: Designing Windmills: Wind, Weather and Mechanical Engineering for Elementary Students (FEB. 12 - MAR. 5) *Marvelous Machines: Making Work Easier Simple Machines, Industrial Engineering for Elementary Students (MAR 12 - APR. 2) For more information and to REGISTER visit the Engineering is Elementary Section at www.enrichmentcircle.com or CALL 954-918 2541

HOLIDAY HORSES ART BOX THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

JANUARY 2010

by Daniela Gomez, Age 9 Margate, FL

The wind was blowing hard as Jeanette knew it was time to go home. She pulled her jacket closer to make her warm. "Jeanette, Come home!" Her oldest sister Ashley called into the cold winter evening. "Coming" Jeanette answered and broke into a fast run in a hurry to get back to the snug cozy house she had lived in nearly all her life.

Jeanette was a twelve year old girl that lived with her mama, daddy, older sisters: Megan (Meggie), Lucy, Kelly and the oldest of all, Ashley. Her younger brothers and sister were: Peter, Jack, Ethan and Katherine (Katie). Jeanette was coming home from her horse riding class. She loved horses and ponies so her mama had signed her up for a horse riding class every Tuesday. After two weeks of riding lessons Jeanette had made a friend and she had figured out that she liked the little group of kids that wished to learn how to ride and properly react to horses and ponies well on their backs. As the girl reached the medium sized house, she sighed staring at the Christmas decorations hanging outside the little home. It was almost Christmas break and she didn't want to stop going to her horse practice. Jeanette had no horse; she couldn't ride until classes started again in January. "My house may be small but my yard isn't and I have the determination and ability. But one thing is missing: the money".

These thoughts had lingered in her mind for a long time but on this Christmas Eve, all Jeanette wanted was a horse or the missing pieces she needed to be able to own and care for one. That is exactly what she had written the night before on her Christmas letter. She had made a small drawing of a horse, a book and herself smiling. As Jeanette went to bed she thought about what she has asked for. Would she get even the slightest bit of what she wished for? Or would she get something very different from these things? She asked herself these questions until she felt asleep.

"It is Christmas! It's Christmas!"-little three year old Katherine was shaking the yellow blanket on Jeanette's bed. "Katie! Merry Christmas"Jeanette exclaimed. As soon as she woke up, she

quickly got dressed and soon everyone was up and about running to the Christmas tree. In excitement Jeanette noticed a package that seemed to be moving and it was huge. She looked at the label and it read: "TO JEANETTE FROM SANTA AND MOM AND DAD." Her parents sat down on the couch and looked at her intently as if they knew what was inside the package.

Jeanette unwrapped the present slowly: "What is it?" she asked herself, wondering what could be in the mysterious package. When the box opened Jeanette and her siblings just stared at it transfixed, especially Jeanette because she didn't expect her family could afford what she had wished for. Finally Kelly said: "That's a horse! A filly!"

A month later, as Jeanette walked out of school she was thinking about her filly, HOLIDAY. Before she had her horse it had been easy to believe it wasn't hard to care for one but now that she had Holiday she knew she had been wrong. She had discovered how hard it was to actually do the things the filly needed, such as feeding it and cleaning it and waking up at six in the morning. She had to take the horse out and into the field, clean out the stall and then take a shower before walking to school. In the afternoon she had to ride the horse for at least an hour and feed it again. She had to constantly pull away from what she wanted to do to complete the chores, every day.

"I can do it. I just need a little help".

The next day she took Holiday to horse class.

At the end she told the teacher the story of how she felt with Holiday. The teacher, Ms. Anna said: "I can help you but that problem you must solve by yourself". Jeanette agreed that she had to find the commitment in her heart to be able to take care of Holiday.

By spring time, Jeanette was already riding Holiday. The horse, now almost a year old, was a spirited and athletic Arabian with long silky black mane and tail and chestnut body. Jeanette loved caring for Holiday and today she was very happy because Holiday's birthday would be a few days later. She was looking forward to giving Holiday the present she had gotten for her: a riding saddle.

Now Jeanette knew what it really felt like to have a horse. It was easy as long as she was prepared for all the work.

..."Before she had her horse it had been easy to believe it wasn't hard to care for one but now that she had Holiday she knew she had been wrong."

Page 7

Danny Hernandez, Age 10

COMIC: GONE FISHING Hand drawn with pencil on 90 lb. paper.

~D. Gomez

by Daniela Gomez, Age 9.

Butterfish. Color pencils and soft pastels on heavy paper.

by Elizabeth Abrams, Age 5

Hand-made Cards produced daily with love. Mixed media.

"It was easy as long as she was prepared for all the work."

Illustration by Daniela Gomez

by Emma Gomez, Age 6

The Root Children. Inspired by "The Story of The Root Children" by Sibylle Von Olfers. Color Pencils, Felt and Assorted Fabric.

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

Page 8

Freedom Train A Musical About Harriet Tubman

by Daniela Gomez, Age 9 Margate, FL

On January 6, 2010 my family and I went to see the play "Freedom Train" at The Coral Springs Center for The Arts.

This musical was about Harriet Tubman and how she helped change the lives of slaves by leading them through hiding places such as churches and friendly homes, to safety in the north.

Harriet was born in 1820 or 1821. She lived in a small hut on the back of a large Plantation. She was owned by Edward Brodas and she was against slavery. The play begins when Harriet, a woman in her nineties, walks on stage and starts telling us the story of her life from when she was just a young girl.

The play then moves on to Harriet's decision to escape to Pennsylvania and how she agrees with a "Quaker man" to let him help her find her destination. After this, there comes one of my favorite parts. Harriet's helper tells her where to go next and gives

her a disguise so she could travel a little more safely. I liked this part because the guard, who is trying to catch her, is tricked by the clever, now older, woman. Harriet knew almost all the Bible by heart though she could not, like many other slaves, read (in the early 1800's slave owners were not allowed to teach the slaves to read). Harriet looks away from the guard, even though he tries to see her face. She blocks him by holding a copy of the Bible whenever he looked her way, and quoted parts of the text to assure her pursuer that she couldn't be a runaway slave because she could read.

Another man, who was helping Harriet to escape, was with her and was surprised that she had "read" parts of book. She just said: "I know most of the Bible by heart and I pray I landed on the right page". The man looked at the book in her hand and then he flipped it over (she had it upside down). It was funny.

Rydakdon

A huge legendary Pokémon.

*Information: Said to have created the world. Extremely rare. Specific information (like habitat, food, and behavior) is not available due to its rarity. *Habitat: unknown. *Food: unknown. *Behavior: unknown. *Interesting fact: weighs more than 1000 lbs. In ancient times it made volcanoes erupt to cover part of the sea with land.

Shagle

Grieostor

The first evolution of Grieostor - the Ghost Pokémon.

KEEP AN EYE ON ...

Goosebumps "Deep Trouble" by R.L. Stine Photo Source: Wikipedia Commons

"Harriet was born in 1820 or 1821. She lived in a small hut on the back of a large Plantation."

Once she was free, there was a scene in which yet older, Harriet has a dream. In the dream the guard catches her and then people from her past begin to circle her and say things quietly but clearly. Harriet herself gets stuck in the words, so familiar to her.

Her brother repeats that he wants to be free.

Her mother is asking her questions such as: are you all right? The guard is looking around for her. A lot of things happen in the dream. Suddenly, every character except Harriet silently walks off the stage, leaving the scared woman alone and awake. This dream reminded her of helping others.

That's how she earned the nickname "Moses": By helping others. Harriet became a conductor of what was known as the Underground Railroad (different houses and places from the south to the north owned by people against slavery). Harriet

was determined to never lose a "passenger" and she never did. One time, a slave wanted so much to go back that this brave conductor pulled a gun out of her pocket and pointed it him. She made him go on.

At the end of the play, the ninety some year old Harriet Tubman walks on again, with the rest of the cast, and tells us how easy it is now to be equal and free; and that no one is more important than anyone else.

This play was presented by Theatreworks USA, a theater company founded in 1961. I loved their work and I recommend this play, which will be offered again next year.

If you like to know more about Harriet Tubman's story, check out: "A Picture of Book of Harriet Tubman" written by David A. Adler and illustrated by Samuel Byrd.

A Walk in The Woods CEDAR'S ART GALLERY

JANUARY 2010

R.L. Stine has sold more than 300 million copies of his Goosebumps stories! This books have been translated in more than 32 languages. Abby Slentz (Age 8) from Plano, TX recommends "Deep Trouble".

The Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre

by Christy Schultz The Nature Teacher

Now that it is January, the weather is cooler, cold in fact - with lows going into the 30's tonight. The record low for January 5th was in 1956 at 36 Fahrenheit. We are almost meeting our record. This weather is chilly, but it is inviting to the outdoor walker/hiker, like me. I took advantage the other day to take a drive with my son, Cedar and our friend, Delores - down to the southern portion of Everglades National Park to go on a long hike in the Pinewoods.

It was a beautiful day, we experienced peaceful hiking amongst the trees and clouds without the sounds of traffic in the background - instead we heard the wind soaring through the trees and the pinecones crunching beneath our feet. We smelt the freshness of the air and breathed

deeply - renewing our lungs for days to come. We enjoyed the pink and yellow colors of wildflowers, the deep, velvety reds of the berries, and the tasty sweetness of cocoa plums along the trail. Best of all, we enjoyed each other's company - talking and sharing - playing 20 questions as we walked, and just being quiet and observing the land around us.

I challenge you and encourage you this winter season to encounter nature uninterrupted!

*Big Fundraiser: Have fun at the FLCT Gala (Feb. 13, 2010) *Don't miss "42nd Street" (Feb. 26 to Mar. 6, 2010) *AUDITIONS FOR "Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, A Disney Princess Extravaganza" will be Tuesday and Wednesday February 2 and 3, 2010. www.flct.org

Engineering is Elementary (EiE)

So... Get Outside and Breath!

To know more about family outdoor adventures in South Florida visit my web page: www.thenatureteacher.com.

*Information: It is usually the cause of haunted houses and is quite fussy over people knocking on walls. *Habitat: Caves, abandoned houses, and dark forests. *Food: Unknown *Behavior: Is known to drag people through walls and happily scares children. Do not tap on its walls.

[Information is not necessary or appropriate for children under the age of 18].

Engineering and Technology Lessons for Children UPCOMING SESSIONS *Agricultural Engineering: Designing Hand Pollinators *Mechanical Engineering: Designing Windmills *Industrial Engineering: Marvelous Machines www.enrichmentcircle.com

WALDORF TOYS AND CRAFTS

Large and more powerful Ghost Pokémon *Information: same as Shagle *Habitat: same as Shagle *Food: same as Shagle *Behavior: same as Shagle

"... encounter nature uninterrupted!"

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Workshops for Children and Parents/Educators (Saturday Mornings) Waldorf dolls and crafts offer a refreshing opportunity to enjoy the simplicity and beauty of play. www.enrichmentcircle.com 954-918 2541