y! EW u dd he N t B e y g e S pa e 2 Stu d TBR
Kid s! Wa nt to be publishe d ? See page 5!
The Bunk Room Created By Kids
™ ISSUE #43 Vol 7, No. 5
22,000 New Shoes Donated Thanks to 16 year old Nicholas Lowinger
BRACES! On & Off
Do your students struggle with writing?
Take the sting out of writing lessons with our NEW companion to every issue. Grades 3-12
Click here to learn more!
High School Internships
Get amazing experience. Learn about publishing from the front row. Make those college applications dazzle. Location is no problem. (We work in cyberspace.) Click here to learn more.
The Bunk Room
™
TheBunkRoom.com
Maria Slaby
Founding Publisher Director of Editorial & Creative
I’m bubbling over with excitement! With each passing year, The Bunk Room both evolves as well as maintains a core of original favorites. This year is no different. As you can see from the
Publisher: Maria Slaby Editorial / Creative: Maria Slaby Editor in Chief: Benjamin Slaby Jr Content Editor: Annika Slaby
cover, we’ve changed our publishing schedule from bi-monthly to quarterly. This has allowed us to expand to offer curriculum products that will accompany each edition. Now, whether you’re a teacher or interested parent, you can have a resource that perfectly blends with all our content, inspring your student to not only write better, but think deeper. We’re thrilled to have Emily Thorpe, the 2013 Orange County Teacher of the Year finalist, on
Advertising: publisher@TheBunkRoom.com
board helping us develop this awesome companion to The Bunk Room. Go to page 9 to learn more! Also, make sure to go to TheBunkRoom.com to subscribe to our email updates to take advantage of our pre-launch specials! ~Other News: We’re hiring high school interns! Great opportunities no matter where you live! Go to TheBunkRoom.com/interns.
Bunk Roomie Writers (in this issue) Josephine Gazdecki 9, Eustis, FL Larissa Foxx 10, Mount Dora, FL Emma Gazdecki 14, Eustis, FL Annika Slaby 14, Mount Dora, FL Benjamin Slaby 17, Mount Dora, FL
The Bunk Room Foundation Needs You.
Please consider helping us continue our mission to inspire kids to love and embrace reading and writing. We are now designated as a 501 (C) (3) so your donations will be tax deductible! Yippy! To donate, mail checks to PO Box 782, Mt Dora, FL 32756 or paypal us at TBRkids@gmail.com.
Busy Fall. New Features! Founders.................................... The Slaby Family, Mount Dora, FL Margo, Erik, Benjamin & Annika Mark & Maria ..................................................
The Bunk Room is published by Dimples Media, Inc.
Says n . . . i Benjam by 17 in Sla , FL m a j Ben nt Dora f Mou r In Chie Edito
.................................................. All content submissions are assumed to be for publication and become property Dimples Media, Inc., PO Box 782, Mount Dora, FL, 32756 provider of The Bunk Room trademark and editorial content. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used without written permission from Dimples Media Inc. Contact publisher@thebunkroom.com for permission requests. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error comes to your attention, please accept our apologies and notify us immediately. The Bunk Room is limited in liability to a correction in a future issue. All opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers or advertisers. Dimples Media cannot be held responsible for the products, services or opinions herein.
4 | TheBunkRoom.com | Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue!
As you may know, I work on cars which has been keeping me very busy. I am still working on my ‘65 Mustang but I have also added a few more projects as well to sell to buy parts for the Mustang. You can read more about it on my blog at HabilisBoy.com Swim season is in full swing right now so my weeks are full of swim meets and practices. Doing my best to score really high at regionals this year. In this issue there is something a little special. We launched our first showing of TBR Live where we conducted
our first online group interview. We met Nicholas Lowinger, a teen who is doing his part to provide brand new shoes to homeless kids. I was unable to attend the interview, but I watched the recording and man, was it neat! So make sure you check out that article on page 10. We’ve also included the link to our YouTube channel where you can watch the whole interview. We also have a lot of other great articles. You can even get a look into my mouth in the article on braces on page 15. UGH! I’m glad my braces days are over! Enjoy and keep writing!
Take the sting out of writing!
om/study-buddy
TheBunkRoom.c
T
m o o R k n u he B
™
The Bunk Room is a magazine created by kids and read by all ages. Our goal is to inspire kids to love reading and writing. We have readers and contributors from all over the world. In addition to our online edition, our printed editions can be found throughout the United States. Print editions are provided without charge and can be picked up at participating local businesses and institutions. To locate your closest local provider, go to: thebunkroom.com/locations The Bunk Room is owned by Dimples Media, Inc. No part of this publication may be used without written permission from Dimples Media, Inc. Please email permission requests to: publisher@TheBunkRoom.com. Local editions of The Bunk Room are licensed by Dimples Media and are independently owned and operated. For information about being a local publisher of The Bunk Room, contact: Mark Slaby, Director of Licensing mark@TheBunkRoom.com
wHAt*s uP tHis issue? Editor’s Note: Ages indicated are the ages of the writers when their articles were submitted.
Features
22,000 Bran d New Shoes Donated
10 COVER FEATURE Nicholas Lowinger 16, thinks every homeless kid deserves a pair of brand new shoes and he’s doing something about it in a big way. By Julia Greidanus 10, Medford, OR.
page 10
14 Braces On & Off Orthodontist visists are a right of passage for many teens. Get a close up of the experience both coming and going!
16 Meet The Author
New York Times Bestselling Author Ridley Pearson holds the keys to the Magic Kingdom. By Emma Gazdecki 14, Eustis, FL
16 Do Gooding
page 14
She wanted to contribute to her community and become a leader, so Claire Epaillard 16, Mount Dora, FL did something about it.
Braces On & Off
Departments Building Minds & Bodies
7 What Do You Think?
18 Poem Poem
8 Future Life
20 Photo Contest
8 Opinion / A-Ha / Did You Know
21 In The Ring
9 Day-To-Day
!
rs e it r W d e t n a W ! g in WeÍre Grow
Over 10,000 Meals Provided This symbol on any ad in The Bunk Room indicates participation in our internationally recognized and awarded initiative to help end world hunger.
This whole magazine is written entirely by kids, so come on kids, now’s your time to shine. See your work published! Submission Guidelines All writing, artwork and photography should be original work of the contributor, and be considered wholesome and acceptable content for kids. Submissions accepted from kids aged 8 thru 18 or high school graduation, whichever comes later. For photographs, please include names of persons in the photos.
Submit Online Submit work at our Inbox at TheBunkRoom.com. For submission ideas, click on the Submit Articles. Parent’s or guardian’s electronic signature must accompany all submissions. All submissions are the property of Dimples Media, publishers of The Bunk Room. The Bunk Room reserves the right to edit & deny submissions. The Bunk Room content is published monthly by Dimples Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without permission from the publisher.
Stay up-to-date! Publishing Opportunities Writing Tips More! TheBunkRoom.com/enews
What Do ? k n i h T u o Y
Describe your most memorable birthday. What did you do? What did you get? How did you feel? I liked my sixth birthday the best because I got my ears pierced! Jillian 9, Mount Dora, FL I went on a Disney Cruise for my 7th birthday. I spent my birthday on Castaway Cay and got over 30 trading pins from a cast member named Sam. I felt very happy. Jojo 9, Eustis, FL My favorite birthday was my 3rd birthday. I was living in Ohio and a bunch of people came. I got a lot of toys but I had the most fun playing with my cousins and friends. Ella 5, Orange City, FL I remember my 6th birthday the most because my little sister had to have emergency surgery on that day. At first I was sad that it was on my birthday so we couldn't celebrate, but then it made my sister all better so I got the best present that day...my sister!
The birthday I will never forget is when I turned nine, and I took my friend Owen to stay with me at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress hotel. The pool had caves, waterfalls and a hot tub. We played volleyball on the beach and played games at an arcade in the pool’s cave. I got a Minecraft torch and a Razor 360 Flash Rider that sparks. But the best gift was that it was Owen's birthday too, and we shared an Angry Birds cake. I felt like Owen and I were Kings of the World! I enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
Go to a state park 40%
Go to a theme park 60%
Jacob 7, Orange City, FL
u Would yro... rathe To advertise go to TheBunkRoom.com /advertise | 7
Ashton 10, Eustis, FL My most memorable birthday is when I turned seven, and we had a party at Santa's Christmas Tree Forest. We rode horses, played in the hay, jumped on a giant trampoline, fed farm animals and went through a maze. I asked my friends not to bring presents for me, but get gifts for the dogs and cats at the animal shelter. That made me feel happy because I love animals and think every one of them should get to have a good life, just like me. Everly 8, Eustis, FL
Us Kids! Tell Think! What You
My most memorable birthday would be my 13th birthday. It was to me, a next step to maturity. I have more responsibilities now, which in return means more freedom. I might have a little pressure here and there, but in the end, it will always be the most memorable birthday. Jacob 13, Apopka, FL Most memorable... My first birthday party (at 1) has to be my most memorable because well after all these years I remember it! It was at Gilbert Park Mount Dora, Florida. Larissa 10, Mount Dora, FL My most memorable birthday was the year I turned 13. That year, my parents had decided to celebrate my siblings and my birthdays, through experiences. Instead of throwing huge parties, we had the chance to spend some one-on-one time with our parents. Each birthday experience was different for each sibling. Now my dad and I both love to watch football. Our favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys. One week before my birthday, my dad handed me several envelopes. In the first envelope, was two plane tickets to Dallas, Texas! . . . . To read the rest of this exciting birthday memory, GO TO: TheBunkRoom.com/survey Autumn 15, Orlando, FL My most memorable birthday was my 11th birthday. I was living in Italy and I went to a bowling alley for my party. All of my friends were there and it was just a great time of fellowship and laughter. Kalijah 12, Chula Vista, CA
Be an u Publish ed pcom ing e in ditio TheB n! unkR Go to oom . com/ to an s curr swer ou urvey ent s r urve y.
1
Future Life
Kids! Tell us what your life looks like in 10 - 20 years. Submit articles to our InBox at TheBunkRoom.com 200-300 words.
g, FL
eesbur a 10, L n o ll a Tessa M lementary E Astatula
In 20 years from now I hope to be married with a child. I would want to know French, English and Spanish fluently. I would want to have a large house and have a garden with many acres with horses and chickens. In my garden I would grow peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and green beans. On my acres would be many trees and a pond. The pond
100 Word Opinion
would have a rope swing to jump from. I would want my car to be a convertible Corvette. I would want to live in Kentucky or Tennessee. I would like to be an author when I grow up. In 10 years from now I would want to be in college in France studying. I would want to visit many places in France while I’m there. I would like to improve in
singing and playing the guitar. I would want to get married in my twenties. I would get married in a Catholic Church. I have big dreams for my future life. Some I may not accomplish, but if I do a few of them, I’ll be happy enough. I’ll be perfectly happy just being able to have a family. Life is a moment in history, make it great!
A-ha Moment
If you ever feel like
giving up, just remember
If I were the President of the
there’s a little girl
United States of America . . . . . . I would like to see some changes. The first thing I would do is say no guns allowed for anyone. Just look at the countries with no guns allowed and the low number of gun crimes every year. The second thing I would do is make sure everyone has a house. The third thing I would do is let people on highways go 82 miles per hour. This is a good speed, I think. Also, everyone should follow God and do unto others as you would have done unto you. This one is most important. I hope these changes are made in the future.
u o Y Did ow? Kn
watching you that wants to be just like you. By Eve rett M cMulle Mount n7 D Home ora, FL schoole d
KIDS: This is your space to give us your opinion on any world problem. Approx 100 words. Submit at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox.
by piled 14 Com a Slaby L k F i Ann t Dora, er Writ n u e i o m M o o d kR Bun schoole e m o H
8 | TheBunkRoom.com | Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue!
Don’t disappoint her ~ Author Unknown
By Annika Slaby 14 / Mount Dora, FL Bunk Roomie Writer / Homeschooled I like this quote because I experience it all the time. Being a dancer, you often have the feeling of giving up. Everybody has a bad day, but this quote reminds me that there’s always somebody that could be looking up to me. When I was little, I looked up to “the big girls” and yearned to be just like them. They never disappointed me.
KIDS: This is your space to share your favorite quote that made you say “A-ha!” Tell us what it means to you in about 50 words. Submit at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox.
Day-To-Day
Acting to Hide My Fears
Do your students struggle with writing?
By Kalijah Rahming 12 Chula Vista, CA Julian Charter School The crowd clapped politely as we took our places on the stage. We sat slowly in midnightblack chairs that had obviously not been made to be comfortable. As we waited for the roar to die down to a polite buzz, I thought about my lines. I was scared on the inside, but hoped that I looked cool and collected on the outside. My mind had gone as blank as a new chalkboard. “Calm down, it’ll be okay,” I told myself and pretty soon, my mind has restored itself back to the multi-functioning organism I knew it could be. My heart slows down to a natural beat as I begin the scene. Honestly, I didn’t even know I was talking; I couldn’t feel the words sprouting out of my mouth into the air like little winged butterflies. Brin spoke in a voice that wasn’t loud in sound, but in action. When she spoke, you listened. Not just because you were being polite, but because you cared about what she was saying. I started to pay attention so I could figure out when we would be done with this ordeal. My feet twitched and I started to swing them. Then I remembered. Don’t show any signs of weakness. What if a professional actor/actress is in the room and wants to hire you in a movie? But then they see your fear and take it back. What famous person would hire me? I countered, which is kind of foolish considering this whole conversation happened in my mind. I don’t know, but you’re good and the same thing happened to Justin Bieber. He’s a singer. I am an actress. You sing as well, and besides, he was just a kid on YouTube and then Usher found him and now he’s famous. Oh. Well…that’s a good point, I have to admit. I don’t like agreeing with you, I thought. Yes you do! Because that’s when you know that you’re right. After silently laughing at the cleverness of my own mind, I started to focus on the scene. Finally, we finished and the crowd clapped. Everybody had loved our five-minute skit. People congratulated me and Brin and shook our hands. My friends laughed and punched me in the arm, saying, “I knew you could do it.” Since I always accept praise, I smiled and nodded. I knew that since I believed, I conquered all of my obstacles. I came, I saw and I conquered. That’s all I will need to stay successful in this life.
What a regular day is like.
Kids!
Tell us about your day. About 250-300 words. Submit at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox.
It doesn’t have to be this painful. cing
Introdu
y d d u B y Stud
Take the sting out of writing lessons with our NEW companion to every issue of The Bunk Room. Your kids become better writers and have FUN in the proces. Imagine that! Relevant Writing. Grades 3-12. Go to TheBunkRoom.com/learn.
By Annika Slaby 14, Mount Dora, FL Bunk Roomie Writer
Valentine Dreamer
Blog excerpt... Nearly every hour of my day is accounted for but it’s even busier than usual as we prepare for both the Nutcracker for ballet and a Holiday Concert for orchestra. In between all this, I play my violin on the street corner to help me raise money for... Read more. . . Go to ValentineDreamer.com
By Benjamin Slaby 17, Mt Dora, FL /Bunk Roomie Writer
Blog Excerpt . . . Whenever I talk about my 1975 International Scout, the story starts with, "When I bought it the motor and transmission were on the OUTSIDE of the truck". Now you know what kind of project I have on my hands and all over our garage floor. . . . Read more. Go to HabilisBoy.com
Makin with Brand By Julia Greidanus 10, Medford, OR Lone Pine Elementary
It all started when Nicholas’ mother took him to a homeless shelter when he was only five years old. He saw kids that didn’t have any shoes, so he started donating his own shoes and clothing items. One day, he realized the need for new shoes was more important than new clothing.
R
MEET THE WRITE
iting an first stab at wr This is Julia’s k she did in th we d le an interview artic in our ed e participat a great job! Sh and eaas ol ich N t with TBR Live even article. e th red to write gerly voluntee terview to write an in To learn how /learn. om .c m oo kR article: TheBun
10 | TheBunkRoom.com | Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue!
ng a Difference New Shoes founder of the Gotta Have Sole
why he was only giving new shoes to
school is that I’ll be in all 50 states.”
the big difference, in my
Foundation, a charity that gives
homeless kids instead of used ones.
He plans to have his hands in the
opinion between used footwear
brand new shoes to homeless
“I decided shoes, because
“The main challenge that I have
program even when he is in college. He already started two new
and used clothing is that with
children. Since 2010, they have
had is having people understand the
clothing you can pop it in the
donated over 22,000 pairs of
need for new shoes and why home-
programs. The first is called Soleders,
washer and dryer and make
shoes to kids in over 35 states
less kids deserve to have new shoes,”
which gives gift cards to homeless
it almost brand new, but with
in the U.S.
Nicholas said.
veterans that can be used at shoe
footwear, once it’s worn in, it’s
One time, Nicholas received
Nicholas loves to personally deliver
stores. The second is called Serving
a large donation of used shoes
the shoes to shelters near his home-
Love, which gives new sports sneakers
pair of shoes,” said Nicholas
that he had to return to the
town of Cranston, RI. “What really
to needy kids that play tennis.
Lowinger, 16 year old CEO and
donor. The donor wondered
motivates me to do this is the impact
worn in. You can’t unwear a
that I have.” When Nicholas started his charity
The foundation changes lives. One time, there was a young brother and sister that had to take turns going to
he had a lot of help from his parents,
school because they only had one
community and volunteers. He got
pair of sneakers. Their mother had to
new shoes from his temple, shoe
spend her money on food and medi-
drives and schools. Today he gets
cine instead. The boy didn’t want to
donations from brands such as Puma,
go to school, because he got teased
Timberland, Reebok and StrideRite.
when he wore his sister’s pink sparkly
In addition, 6PM Outlet donates 100
shoes. So, when Nicholas came and
sneakers a month through Zappos.
gave them new shoes, the kids were
They donate brands like Adidas and
able to go to school together. He
Nike. StrideRite recently donated
helped the entire family and the kids
4,800 pairs of shoes. Nicholas stores
had better childhoods.
about 7,000 shoes in his garage and
Nicholas really makes a difference.
storage units and gives away between
He really knows that the work he
50-500 shoes per month.
does is worth it!
“My goal after I graduate high
Youtube.com/TBRkids
Learn more: GottaHaveSole.org.
Watch our whole interview with Nicholas here and learn how you can particpate in our next TBR Live event! It’s FUN!
here a wa in Submit your finished puzzle and @T wpond I w trees F ando a pond. lloThe see your name in our next edition! g,
ur , Leesb 0 1 a n allo Tessa M lementary aE Astatul
d r o w s s o Cr e g n le l a h C
toes and green beans. On my acres would be many
. m a r g a t Ins
Print out this page and take a picture of your completed
Cong 100 Word Opinion V puzzles and submit at
TheBunkRoom.com/games
Find the answers in the articles of
Issue If I were the President of the States of America . . . #43 .United . . I would like to see some changes.
u o f o r e n Win
7KH ÀUVW WKLQJ , ZRXOG GR LV VD\ QR JXQV DOORZHG IRU DQ\RQH -XVW ORRN DW WKH FRXQWULHV ZLWK QR JXQV DOORZHG DQG WKH ORZ QXPEHU RI JXQ FULPHV HYHU\ \HDU 7KH VHFRQG WKLQJ , ZRXOG GR LV PDNH VXUH HYHU\RQH KDV D KRXVH
ShouldeTackl s r e d a
R
7KH WKLUG WKLQJ , ZRXOG GR LV OHW SHRSOH RQ KLJKZD\V JR PLOHV SHU KRXU 7KLV LV D JRRG VSHHG , WKLQN
s s o Acr
By Eve ret Mount t McMullen 7 D Home ora, FL school ed
n should be ban YES: This brutalow sport D
! e t o V
$OVR HYHU\RQH VKRXOG IROORZ *RG DQG GR KIDS: This is your space to give us your opinion on XQWR RWKHUV DV \RX ZRXOG KDYH GRQH XQWR It’s a sport that has 1. Annika’s quoteany cheer on world problem. is important to her because sheApprox is a these \RX 7KLV RQH LV PRVW LPSRUWDQW , KRSH ____ who once looked to “the bigSubmit girls.� 100upwords. at become a passion up athletes? WKHVH FKDQJHV DUH PDGH LQ WKH IXWXUH 2. This shoe company donated 4,800 pairs of shoes to TheBunkRoom.com/inbox. 3. Benjamin wears this now that his braces are off.
r e u t f o A Y Did ow? n K Changing for many people
5. Ridley Pearson would have this job at Disney if was
1 y Da
3. Sibani really needs to clean this!
According to M
The country Kalijah was living in the year of her most all over the world. 4.memorable Edmunson of Tim birthday. Jefferson Awards Club. 6. Tessa future. y wants to have this job in theMagazine, 8. The name of our winning photographer in this isTackle football. in ou e7.dTheb sport1our l i 4 p Editor in Chief competes in. sue’s Photo Contest Com a Slaby L Kalijah, felt way at the beginning of her skit on 9. Coca Cola would be this color due if it wasn’tto colored. But recentAnnik 11. ern culture, we t ra F this riter t Do stage. 7. Number of students in the Mount Dora High School
10. Everett would outlaw these if he was President of
to om.com/ e
1
not an author.
Gotta Have Sole.
b
Faces
W n Mou 12.RoWilliam omiewould see this happen to tackle k injuries, itoled like tosports players o Bun football. h c es Hom
reports of head may become a thing of the want to be successful in life. the United States.
13. Akshaj recommends you stay away from this if you
12 | TheBunkRoom.com |
as hero the Western tradition
past. After being asked this is, in the earliest man Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue! question,| I Fall have the See page tion, 8 | TheBunkRoom.com - Wintercome 2014 | Betopublished! 5. a warrior.� Ther
Poem
lb n o Paul J m o o R k n u Bname in our next edition! test heyour Twould Viera Word Scramble like to improve in great! n H o C o t o r h e P v e Describe your most memorableo birthday. What #TBR Do C r F h do?e Whata did you get? How did you feel? d What ? did you e t i r n g! a c Hunt ou Think Be S YScavenger
ant to visit many places have a family. Life is a Submit your finished puzzle and see France while I’m there. moment in history, make it
s n o i t a l u t graA-hahMoment r o h t u A e T t e a e i M r o t Vic Print out this page and take a picture of your completed puzzles and submit at TheBunkRoom.com/games
I liked my sixth birthday the best because I got my ears pierced!
Mount FL Find these images in Issue Jillian #439,of TheDora, Bunk Room
I went on a Disney Cruise for my 7th birthday. I spent my birthday on Castaway Cay and got over 30 trading pins from a cast member named Sam. I felt very happy. Jojo 9, Eustis, FL
Unscramble each of the clue words. (Hint: Clue words are topics featured in this issue).
My most memorable birthday would be my 13th birthday. It was to me, a next step to maturity. I have more responsibilities now, which in return means more freedom. I might have a little pressure here and there, but in the end, it will always be the most memorable birthday.
Copy the letters in the numbered cells to the numbered blanks below to discover a hidden message Jacob 13, Apopka, FL from The Bunk Room. Most memorable... My first birthday party (at 1)
I’m scared I am not growing
I think I am growing up to b Or even want to grow up to If you ever feel like
My favorite birthday was my 3rd birthday. I was living in Ohio and a bunch of people came. I got a lot of toys but I had the most fun playing with my cousins and friends.
has to be my most memorable because well after all these years I BITDAHRY remember it! It was at Gilbert Park Mount Dora, Florida.
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
Larissa 10, Mount Dora, FL
Pearso6n Page? _______ I’m scared of feeling like I’m y _______ ePage? Ri1dlThere t Dora, FL Annika Slaby 14,sMount givingBy up, just remember e t n o C is no shortcut to good grades. 4Bunk Roomie Writer 1 0 2 Please others, t p e S / F]o Qgjc Lae]k :]klk]ddaf_ g l`]j] k Y dalld] _ajd u ur A Ella 5, Orange City, FL
I remember my 6th birthday the most because my little sister had to have emergency surgery on that day. At first I was sad that it was on my birthday so we couldn't celebrate, but then it made my sister all better so I got the best present that day...my sister!
By Akshaj 14 Mehta 9 My most memorable birthday was the year I Sacramento, CA turned 13. That year, my parents had decided to FUERUT Academy celebrate Star my siblings and my birthdays, through
13
experiences. Instead of throwing huge parties, ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ we had the chance to spend some one-on-one time with our parents. Each birthday experience 6 was different for each sibling. Now my dad and I both love to watch football. Our favorite team DIPTESREN Jacob 7, Orange City, FL is the Dallas Cowboys. One week before my There is a lot of pressure on kids advice that dad gave birthday,my my dad handed me several envelopes. ____ ____ ____me. ____ ____ ____ The birthday I will never forget is when I turned nine, In the first envelope, was two plane tickets to from India to high scores. said, “Put your strength and and get I took my friend Owen to stay with me at He the Dallas, Texas! . . . . To read the rest of this Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress hotel. The pool had exciting birthday memory, GO do TO: and This is making them choose mind into the work you caves, waterfalls and a hot tub. We played volleyball TheBunkRoom.com/survey SATGE a wrong path in life is at an arcadethat succeed.� Plus on the beach andwhich played games in the will help you Autumn 15, Orlando, FL pool’s cave. I got a Minecraft torch and a Razor 360 “Cheating.�Flash They think it is the I’d advise to pray God. That ____to ____ ____ ____ ____ Rider that sparks. But the best gift was that it was My most memorable birthday was my 11th and we shared Birds best way toOwen's get birthday high too, scores andan Angrymostly helps. We as friends / birthday. I was living in Italy and I went to 5 16 a cake. I felt like Owen and I were Kings of the World! I impress teachers and parents. classmates also help byfriends bowlingcan alley for my party. All of my enjoyed spending time with friends and family. there and it was just a great time of SOESH I want to Ashton tell all theFL kids that staying were quiet while taking our 10, Eustis, fellowship and laughter.
And not feeling like I’m livin Valentine Dreamer
Yml`gj g^ ,0 fgn]dk
____ ____ ____ 15
7
watching you that wants to
down Blog excerpt... Nearly every hour of here, I be just mylike dayyou. is accounted for but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even busier Page? _______ to was success tests. com____ ____ Kalijah 12, Chula Vista, CA ____ ____ ____ My most memorable birthday is when I turned seven, than usual we for both the and cheating isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Parents can as help by prepare underand we had aacceptable party at Santa's Christmas Tree Forest. 3 We rode horses, played the hay, on a giantone ingin out ofjumped the parks <gf l \akYhhgafl `]j Is it possible?under Can it be? I any Have condition. standing that it is ok to get bad trampoline, fed farm animals and went through a CEBSAR Nutcracker for ballet There are things the school/ and our children canand try a Holiday maze. I asked my friends not to bring presentsmarks for me, QLJKW DIWHU WKH Ă&#x20AC;UHZRUNV DQG WKHUH found someone who might love ~animal Author Unknown They but get gifts for the dogs and cats at the college staff can do to prevent again next time.____ should tell ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ shelter. That made me feel happy because I love Concert forthe orchestra. In between all this, I cheating. them to leaving practice and revise as animals and think every one of them should get to of us were 60 thousand Disney even more Walt By Annika Slaby 14than / Mount Dora, FL 9 have a good life, just like me. Before the kids take the test, my parents always say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Practice Everly 8, Eustis, FL park and none ofplay Bunk Roomie Writer / Homeschooled the characters my violin on the street corner to help EAHICTGN Disney himself? Pearson, theRidley teachers should check backmakes a man perfect.â&#x20AC;? My mom packs, lockers, desks and scan and dad always____ make me do my ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ were with us.â&#x20AC;? said Ridley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And my ____for... author of The uKingdom Keepers me raise money Read more. . . , OLNH WKLV TXRWH EHFDXVH , H[SHULHQFH LW DOO WKH WLPH %HLQJ D GDQFHU You Think! t a the kids for cheat sheets. I think math questions twice every time h o W y s d l 10 u o ids! Tell U writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imagination said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, K W a supervisors in each I get them wrong whether in my Series loves Disney much, he . fewsoextra \RX RIWHQ KDYH WKH IHHOLQJ RI JLYLQJ XS (YHU\ERG\ KDV D EDG GD\ EXW FARE rather..room would be Go a good optionPage?homework or on tests. Page? _______ _______ to TheBunkRoom.com . characters why are the staying is one of the very few people that ____ ____ ____ ____ too as they would have more I would like to conclude by Answe r right on our home page! WKLV TXRWH UHPLQGV PH WKDW WKHUH¡V DOZD\V VRPHERG\ WKDW FRXOG EH onparks! students. requesting all kids to put in their behind, and what are they do11 has full accesseyes to the Go to Putting security cameras in hard work and stay away from ORRNLQJ XS WR PH :KHQ , ZDV OLWWOH , ORRNHG XS WR ´WKH ELJ JLUOVÂľ DQG SMSEY 1 ing?â&#x20AC;? That became the Kingdom ToRidley advertise go tostarted TheBunkRoomLake.com | 7 writingwill when disguise behe of great help CHEATING. There is no shortcut ValentineDreamer.com Tackle beefed\HDUQHG WR EH MXVW OLNH WKHP 7KH\ QHYHU GLVDSSRLQWHG PH ____ ____football ____ ____ ____ too. There have been cases of to good grades. Keepers! was 10 years kids old. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iactually had learned throwing rocks at 12 Reference: KIDS: This is your space totype share favorite Keepers quote that visible security cameras. is a series how to touch and your Kingdom isofthe primary Newsela.com/articles/indiaTOHRGPOPHA
2
Go to a theme park 60%
By Emma Gazdecki 14, Eustis, FL Bunk Roomie Writer Homeschooledthere Page? _______ is no shortcut
Please myself.
7
le Football Be Bann s Go to a state park 40%
Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m scared of how much I ca Annika 14, Mount Dora, FL The possibility Jacob 18, of Mount failure Do Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m scared that Everything I know could just 3 8 Real as it is fake. NO: Everything has ris nned! This is not a past. This is not a future. made you say â&#x20AC;&#x153;A-ha!â&#x20AC;? Telltous what itbooks, means tothe you in about with seventh released had nothing type, This isofaserious right now. source Mark 50 words. Submit at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox. this year. The story line is about so I found that if I 9 Page? _______ head 4 Page? _______ Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m scared Ă&#x20AC;YH WHHQDJHUV ZKR GLVFRYHU ZKDW made up stories, it injuries right now. me goes on in the parks during the gave me a reason If high I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scared, for school ur westnight. to type.â&#x20AC;? He loved One of Ridleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other series is to tell stories. Beathletes. Numertreat I HIDDEN wouldMESSAGE: be scared. Peter and the Starcatchers. It is fore high school studies oes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In going to be a Broadway playous and he had written at Fear is thehave onlylinked thing thatwh h a movie (by the director of the least 50 stories, the n, a hero5 Page? _______ Page? _______ excessive 10 And feartrauma is the to only thing sti th Hunger Games). Ridley hopes that then in high brain to the development ris nifestaKingdom Keepers will turn out the school and colSo I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll scared, To advertise gostay to TheBunkRoom.com /advertise | 13 lege he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t write same way. issues such refore, Madison 16, Eustis, FL of health Larissa 10, as Mounttra D My role as a friend/peer would be to make them understand that cheating will not help and give some very important
Kids!
o Y Did
cheating ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Photo by: Renato Ganoza 2 8
LEAKTC FOALOTLB
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 1
Find an article on the web and tell us what you think about it, just Akshaj ____like ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ did here. Make sure to include the link 4 to the article that you used for reference. Submit at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox.
s of braces
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
____ ____ ____ _Z_ ____ ____ ____! 11
12
13
14
15
16
8
9
10
1 y a D
E R O F BE
1 y a D
r e t f A
The Changing
. . . Little rocks on my teeth By Emma Gazdecki 15 Mount Dora, FL Bunk Roomie / Homeschooled
I have known for a long
the braces, but later I found
with me. Here he told us
time that I was going to
out that he was putting the
how I needed to take care
need braces, and now I
brackets on my teeth.
of my braces and how to
finally got them! I went
After at least an hour of
to the orthodontist on a
lying in the chair he took
By Benjamin Slaby 16 Mount Dora, FL Bunk Roomie / Homeschooled
clean them. He also gave me an electric toothbrush
A Rite of Pa Monday and got braces that
the plastic thing out of my
and other materials to help
Wednesday. When I got to
mouth and told me to rinse
clean my teeth. He told me
the orthodontist, they sat
out my mouth with water.
that because I have an over-
me down in a chair.
My doctor said that I might
bite, I have to wait to get
feel like I have little rocks on
braces on my bottom teeth.
clay in my mouth to get a
my teeth. After I was done
My mom wanted to take
mold of my teeth. The clay
rinsing out my mouth I went
pictures of me with the plas-
tasted funny. After he was
back to the chair. Next step
tic thing in my mouth so the
done molding my teeth, he
was to put the wires in my
doctor had my mom play
put a plastic thing in my
brackets and put colored
orthodontist in the picture. I
mouth to open my mouth
rubber bands over the wires
canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what I look
wide so that he could put
to keep them from popping
like with straight teeth!
the brackets on my teeth.
out.
First the orthodontist put
At first I thought that he was just preparing my teeth for
The orthodontist then invited my mom into a room
14 | TheBunkRoom.com | Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue!
r
g Faces of braces It’s your lucky day! They’re coming off! My experience having braces....
going on I was doing the math
miss the trouble of brushing my
and boy was I freaking out on the
Well, to put it lightly, I was really
and thinking that this wouldn’t be
teeth. Now it is so easy to do!
inside! My teeth looked so differ-
happy when I got them off!
so bad.
For years I had been asking my parents to get me braces so
I never really had a problem with having my braces, except
I have a retainer now; for both
ent! Good but weird at the same
my top and bottom teeth. It’s a bit
time! I kept checking out my teeth
of an inconvenience but it is really
that day, reminding myself that I
assage for teens my teeth could look as nice as my
when getting them tightened. That
no big deal. Plus if you don’t wear
older sister’s and brother’s. Finally,
was a tad painful. But, once I got
it, your teeth move and you might
my parents decided it was time
over that, I kind of forgot I had
have to get braces all over again.
they then made a mold of my
for my braces which really meant
braces. Really, the biggest issue in
The best feeling was when I
teeth with this gooey stuff and
they were able to add monthly
my head was the timing. The 10 to
heard my orthodontist say, “It’s
made me sit there, teeth clenched
payments on my face for a year
12 months turned out to be about
your lucky day! They’re coming
for a minute or two. It actually felt
or two.
15 months. I know, it is not a big
off!”
kinda cool.
When the day came to get my
difference, but when you’re ready
The next step was removing the
was finally brace-free! After they took the braces off,
I am thankful for my straight
braces, I was excited. I was very
for something to be over and then
braces. It went a lot faster than I
teeth and nice smile. I don’t ever
nervous to get them on because,
you have to wait a little longer, it’s
thought it would. The technician
want to do it again, but it sure was
well, they do change the way you
rough. Imagine that on Christmas
simply took a pliers and popped
worth it. I even asked if I could
look.
Eve your parents say that we are
the brackets off. It sounds like
keep my braces and bring them
moving Christmas to March. Prob-
it would be painful, but it really
home (since we did pay for them!)
ably. Maybe.
wasn’t. Once those braces were
My orthodontist said that it would be possible for me to get them off in about 10 to 12 months. So as the braces were
Those little rubber bands sure were a pain also and I will not
off, I got to go into the bathroom and wash all the glue off my teeth,
To advertise To advertise go to TheBunkRoom.com go to TheBunkRoomLake.com /advertise | 15
r o h t u A e Meet Th Ridley Pearson
Do Good
ing
New York Times Bestselling author of 48 novels By Emma Gazdecki 14, Eustis, FL Bunk Roomie Writer Homeschooled Is it possible? Can it be? Have I found someone who might love Disney even more than Walt Disney himself? Ridley Pearson, author of The Kingdom Keepers Series loves Disney so much, he is one of the very few people that has full access to the parks! Ridley started writing when he was 10 years old. “I had learned how to touch type and had nothing to type, so I found that if I made up stories, it gave me a reason to type.” He loved to tell stories. Before high school he had written at least 50 stories, then in high school and college he didn’t write at all. “After college I tried to be a musician on the road,” he said. He was writing during the day while playing music at night. After doing that for 8½ years, six hours a day, seven days a week, he had his first book published. The Disney Company knew that Ridley wrote action/thrill for adults, so they invited him to Disney World as their guest. As an author he realized that each of the different rides told a story, and that excited him. After he had told Disney how excited he was, they asked him if he would write a children’s series for them. “I will need full access to the parks,” he responded. The company declined, saying that they just don’t give full access to anyone. A month later, Disney called him back and said, “Ok, you have full access.” “On the first trip that I came
down here, I was coming out of the parks one night after the fireworks and there were 60 thousand of us leaving the park and none of the characters were with us.” said Ridley. “And my writer’s imagination said, “Well, why are the characters staying behind, and what are they doing?” That became the Kingdom Keepers! Kingdom Keepers is a series of books, with the seventh released this year. The story line is about five teenagers who discover what goes on in the parks during the night. One of Ridley’s other series is Peter and the Starcatchers. It is going to be a Broadway play and a movie (by the director of the Hunger Games). Ridley hopes that Kingdom Keepers will turn out the same way. Ridley said, “If I was not an author, I would be a Disney Imagineer.” Ridley loves the Disney Cruise Lines and wishes he could live on one. When he is not working, Ridley is hanging out with his wife and two daughters, Paige (16) and Storie (14). Ridley’s advice to anyone who wants to be an author is, “Read, read, read. And also to take a piece of a day, a week, or the weekend, to just focus that time on writing. Don’t get distracted. Write a half an hour, or an hour, everyday.”
Kids!
Interview your favorite author! Learn how with our new course: The Interview Story: Getting, Doing and Writing. TheBunkRoom.com/learn
16 | TheBunkRoom.com | Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue!
By Claire Epaillard 16 Mount Dora, FL Mount Dora High School
Goal: To Become a Leader At the beginning of my
tiative, leadership, and
junior year I had one goal: to become more
passion. Over the past year
involved as a leader in my school and community. I decided that
this club has fulfilled its goals of volunteerism and leadership in the
joining a club within my school would be the best option for me to
community by organizing many fundraisers to help individuals and
accomplish my goal. After some thorough research I finally found
organizations such as “Team Jay,” supporting a young boy in
an organization that truly represented my values. The Jefferson
our community in his battle against cancer, the American Heart
Awards Foundation is a new club to my school
Association, the Russell Home, The Bunk Room
. . . anyone can make a difference with the right amount initiative, leadership, and passion. that has really started making its mark not only in my school but also in the community. The Jefferson Awards Foundation is the country’s longest
and much more. I feel so honored to be a part of this groundbreaking group of individuals teaming up to perform countless acts of community
standing organization dedicated to initiating and embracing public
service, leadership, and initiative. There is no limit for the Mount Dora
service. I feel so lucky to be a part of this group
High School Jefferson Awards club.
of almost 70 students gathering together to make a difference. Being not only a member, but also a committee head in this club has helped me to understand that anyone can make a difference with the right amount ini-
........... Update: Claire is now president of the organization and is excited for another successful year helping others through their local chapter.
Learn more at JeffersonAwards.org
Watch your child’s love of learning grow! Read Explore Absorb Learn Science Odyssey Complete science curriculum enjoyed by schools and homeschoolers nationwide.
“Try Before You Buy” Order today. “We are huge R.E.A.L Science (RSO) fans after having tried several science programs that were either too simple or too challenging to implement...I especially love it because it has been effortless to teach...” Angela, Homeschool Educator
Publishing from Mount Dora, FL
PandiaPress.com
Cheating
!
Poem Poem Be
I’m scared I am not growing up to be the person I think I am growing up to be, Or even want to grow up to be. I’m scared of feeling like I’m living solely to Please others, And not feeling like I’m living to Please myself. I’m scared of how much I care about The possibility of failure I’m scared that Everything I know could just as easily be Real as it is fake. This is not a past. This is not a future. This is a right now. I’m scared right now. If I wasn’t scared, I would be scared. Fear is the only thing that holds us back. And fear is the only thing that moves us forward. So I think I’ll stay scared, Forever.
By Akshaj Mehta 9 Sacramento, CA Star Academy
There is no shortcut to good grades. There is a lot of pressure on kids from India to get high scores. This is making them choose a wrong path in life which is “Cheating.” They think it is the best way to get high scores and impress teachers and parents. I want to tell all the kids that there is no shortcut to success and cheating isn’t acceptable under any condition. There are things the school/ college staff can do to prevent cheating. Before the kids take the test, the teachers should check backpacks, lockers, desks and scan the kids for cheat sheets. I think a few extra supervisors in each room would be a good option too as they would have more eyes on students. Putting security cameras in disguise will be of great help too. There have been cases of kids actually throwing rocks at visible security cameras. My role as a friend/peer would be to make them understand that cheating will not help and give some very important
Kids!
advice that my dad gave me. He said, “Put your strength and mind into the work you do and that will help you succeed.” Plus I’d advise to pray to God. That mostly helps. We as friends / classmates can also help by staying quiet while taking our tests. Parents can help by understanding that it is ok to get bad marks and our children can try again next time. They should tell them to practice and revise as my parents always say, “Practice makes a man perfect.” My mom and dad always make me do my math questions twice every time I get them wrong whether in my homework or on tests. I would like to conclude by requesting all kids to put in their hard work and stay away from CHEATING. There is no shortcut to good grades.
3 Ram 1 Sibani IA , ue n Dubuq hingto e Was Georg chool S Middle
18 | TheBunkRoom.com | Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue!
Mess
Poem Poe m
y Roo
m
Pillows and blankets scattered around. Clothes on the floor, piling up to a mound
Reference: Newsela.com/articles/indiacheating Photo by: Renato Ganoza
Find an article on the web and tell us what you think about it, just like Akshaj did here. Make sure to include the link to the article that you used for reference. Submit at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox.
ever
For d e r a c S
Indira Avend 16 ano Melb ou Paul J rne, FL Hage rt Viera High y Schoo l
A sea of papers and folders Chewed up string and pencil holders. Garbage from weeks ago scraps, glass, and an old sloppy joe. “later, later,” I think to myself Perhaps my room will clean itself.....
Kids!
Do you have poem buried deep inside? Now’s the time to let it out! Submit at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox.
Do your students struggle with writing? Now your students will embrace writing like never before. Relevant writing. Ready for publication. Grades 3-12
Click to learn more.
The Winner!
t s e t n o C o Phot
bmit s 8-18 su e g a S ID K e t photo! W your bes o h w nalists choose ďŹ ch a e atured in ill be will be fe w INNERS tured edition. W r readers and fea . y ou ons chosen b in future publicati d here an n
o unkRoom B e h T @ Contest Follow o t o h P R . #TB Instagram
s n o i t a l u Congrat ia Victor f our
Winner o
Go to TheBunkRoom.com/ vote
Readers Vote!
ontest
2014 C Aug/Sept
Victoria 16 Orlando, FL
Annika 14, Mount Dora, FL
Jacob 18, Mount Dora, FL
Julia 10, Medford, OR
Madison 16, Eustis, FL
Larissa 10, Mount Dora, FL
Michael 16, Grass Lake, MI
20 | TheBunkRoom.com | Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue!
High School Internships
Get amazing experience. Learn about publishing from the front row. Make those college applications dazzle. Location is no problem. (We work in cyberspace.) Click here to learn more.
Should Tackle Football Be Banned? YES: This brutal sport should be banned!
NO: Everything has risk!
It’s a sport that has become a passion
Tackle football
are able to better
is the primary
diagnose and treat them than before. We have realized that even if a person
cheer on these beefedup athletes?
all over the world.
Edmunson of Time
source of serious head injuries
Tackle football.
Magazine, in our west-
for high school
But due to recent
ern culture, we treat
athletes. Numer-
for many people
According to Mark
is conscious the
reports of head injuries, it may become a thing of the
sports players as heroes. “In the Western tradition, a hero
ous studies have linked
whole time, they could
excessive trauma to the
still be concussed and at
past. After being asked this
is, in the earliest manifesta-
brain to the development
risk for even more brain
question, I have come to the
tion, a warrior.” Therefore,
conclusion that yes, this bru-
players are warriors whom
of health issues such as second impact syndrome,
trauma if they are not allowed the proper recovery
tal sport should be banned
we worship, all because they
epilepsy or dementia.
time.
so colleges can have more
can handle a ball and run
There is a risk in let-
funding, no more gladiators
fast. Why don’t we worship
ting children play tackle
at the game rules and
idolized, and no more players traumatized for life. For all these reasons I urge you to share my opinion. Funding is an issue for all educational foundations, public schools and colleges alike. Would banning tackle football allow for more funding in these institutions? USA Today writer Cliff Peale says, “Nearly every university loses money on sports. . . they fill the gap by tapping students paying tuition and state taxpayers.” If tackle football was banned, these universities would have a lot more money that could go toward improved learning or to lower tuition for students. Both sound a lot better to me than a barbaric “tradition.” When we idolize these football players, we are idolizing gladiators. Not as gladiatorial as the Roman coliseum warriors, but gladiatorial nonetheless. These people that do nothing but increase their muscle size and mass daily so they can hit someone they don’t even know harder for the entertainment of millions, are warriors. Our society is supposed to promote nonviolence and peace; how can we do this when we
our troops the same way? Lastly, this sport has traumatized so many players and families for life. “The National Football League, which for years disputed evidence that its players had a high rate of severe brain damage, has stated in federal court documents that it expects nearly a third of retired players to develop long-term cognitive problems and that the conditions are likely to emerge at ‘notably younger ages’ than in the general population,” according to Ken Belson of NY Times. It is not acceptable to allow this barbaric, damaging sport to be played or aired on national television. In conclusion, I believe tackle football should be banned because of the funding it takes away from colleges, it worships a warrior like culture, and has ruined many lives and will continue to do so unless we take action.
football, especially since their brains have not fully developed. However this argument against tackle football seems to give the idea that concussions are exclusive to football. The risk exists in all sports. The number of head injuries sustained in soccer is second to that of tackle football and yet only in the rarest of circumstances, do players wear head protection. In addition, both boys and girls play the sport, unlike tackle football where girls are an extreme minority. Numerous studies have also shown that the girls sustain 40% more head injuries than the boys. Taking this into account, does this mean we should ban soccer too? What about basketball or lacrosse or cheerleading? All of those are sports that have high percentages of concussions. If we were to ban tackle football on the basis of severe head injuries, all sports should be banned as well; head injuries can happen anywhere. The game has changed. With a greater knowledge of head injuries, we
modify them where they may allow a higher risk for head injuries, as well as keep our game officials eagle-eyed when observing. It could be argued that the number of concussions went up over the years, but was it the number of concussions or the number of reports? For all we know, the number of concussions has stayed the same for decades and people just weren’t reporting them back in the past due to lack of knowledge or misinformation on head injuries. Everything has risk, from tackle football to driving, to cooking, to biking, but we work to minimize that risk. It does not mean it will never happen again; it means it does not need to get so widespread that it becomes commonplace in the field.
By William Thomason 16, Apopka, FL Apopka High School
In The Ring Where High School Debaters Do Their Thing
Kids!
DEBATORS: Send us your stuff! Face off on an issue. Two students send an article on opposing sides of an argument. 350-400 words. Submit at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox. Make sure to include your picture.
22 | TheBunkRoom.com | Issue #43 | Get The Bunk Room Study Buddy for this issue!
We must also look
Jacquelyn Fitzpatrick 17, Apopka, FL Apopka High School
Being published is just a click away. Submit your stuff at TheBunkRoom.com/inbox
Stay up-to-date! Publishing Opportunities Writing Tips More! TheBunkRoom.com/enews