What Makes a Good Friend?
“Friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there for you.” — Unknown
Good friends are Faithful
Good friends are Respectful
Good friends are Intuitive
Good friends are Eager
Good friends are Nice
Good friends are Devoted
Good friends will be cordial to you and lift your spirits when they are down and take them off the ground them. Good friends will stick to you like peanut butter and jelly.
Are you a good friend?
— Hannah Kim, 11, 6th grade
Storm
A loud booming crackle,soon followed by a flash of bright light. Rain chases thick drops to the damp dripping ground. The wind howls as I ask “will it ever stop?” I glance outside and dark grey clouds are swallowing the sky. Rain starts to slow, it’s ending.
— Elena Abril, 11, 6th grade
Darkness ...
Darkness is a thing that can bottle up emotions and cause one thing ... fear
Darkness can cure one thing, fear
Darkness is like a potion that wipes out your memories
Darkness is as fast as an energetic deer
Darkness waits for one thing to capture your feelings
But darkness is a bad thing that happens to you
Darkness can take over all your good in you
Darkness is a tiny thing that gets bigger and starts to brew
One thing that can defeat darkness is the good inside you
Good always defeats evil and the good inside of you can destroy darkness
You must embrace the feeling when you are good
If you defeat darkness, then it will be starkness
Darkness is bad but you can be the hero
Darkness is a unique thing that won’t come back any more times, zero
— Sachith Mankala, 11, 6th grade
Hot Chocolate
I adore hot chocolate! It is my favorite drink in the winter! It is so easy to make! I like the marshmallows in the hot chocolate. When I taste the marshmallows it is soft as a bundle of clouds. It tastes so good as the marshmallows dissolves into the hot chocolate making it sweeter. I take a sip and it feels like the scorching sun! I drink the hot chocolate when I come back from playing in the snow. Outside felt like a freezer. My whole family drinks the HOT chocolate so we can get some energy. Hot chocolate is my favorite drink!
— Ria Rampuria, 11, 6th grade
Christmas Morning
It is 9 a.m., my eyes open abruptly. The day is here! The day is here! It’s Christmas! I get out of my bed anxiously to wake up my family. I wake up my sisters by jumping on their beds. We then go on to wake up my parents. We all go rushing downstairs to the Christmas tree where all our presents are eagerly waiting to be opened. All of the gifts Santa brought for us looks incredibly AMAZING just by their gift wrappings! The gifts are screaming “Open me! Open me!” I was pleased by all the amazing gifts I got.
— Sia Rampuria, 11, 6th grade
When I went swimming ...
The water was screaming at me. My body was shaking. As soon as I touched the water I was frightened ! Kind of expected for a 6 year old. The Swimming teacher yanked my hand and I fell in. Clunk, Splash, Splash. After a little while I got used to the water but when we went a little deeper and did freestyle. When it was my turn my teeth were chattering. My mom told me I could do it, so I tried. As soon as I pushed off the ledge I started splashing like a hippo. When I stopped I found myself drowning. My heart was racing as fast as a race car until the teacher came to help me. After that I am always careful. That is a moment I will never forget !!!
— Saloni Bodas, 11, 6th grade
Marshalls Incident
Smack! “Ow! What’s your problem? Geez.” The angry-looking yet, furious man yelled. “Sorry” muttered my sister, Nadia. I stood there, laughing as hard as a hyena. Gradually, my laughter turns into giggles, until everything is quiet, but the screeching of the carts. So I decided to replay the event in my mind. It all started in Marshalls, when my mother was shopping for clothes. Nadia and I were extremely bored. “Hey Wacuka, can you do this?” Nadia smirked, trying to act cool. She hooked herself onto a racket, and kicked herself straight into a man passing by.
— Wacuka Ngata, 11, 6th grade
Nature
When I’m out in nature, I use my 5 senses to describe nature. I feel the sun’s warm, heat as if the sun is giving me a nice and cozy hug. And the rough, rumbly tree bark against my hand. I can taste the sweet honey like flowers melt inside my mouth and the rich earthy soil making my taste buds tickle. I see the red juicy berries bunched up into groups and the colorful leaves that is ringing in my head that autumn is here. I hope these things will never change as this world is changing every second.
— Hannah Kim, 11, 6th grade
Behind the Door
Behind the door, behind the door, what’s behind the door?
Will it just be tile floor? What’s behind the door?
The ice cream man? Some ladybugs? A closet full of magic rugs?
I have to know! I’ve got to learn! I guess
I’ll give that knob a turn … WOW! Look what’s behind the door!!!
— Elizabeth Bernat, 10, 5th grade
My Book
I read my book all through the day I read it through the night it’s thrilling and adventurous but can give you a fright! I tried my best to close it up and set in on the floor, but when the pages made a close I had to read some more. When finally I’d finished reading every line of text I closed my book and hopped right up in search to find the next.
— Elizabeth Bernat, 10, 5th grade
Kings Dominion
“Warning: This ride may roll backwards … Are you sure you want to do this?” I exclaimed!
“Yes!” Cried loudly my younger sister Eden.
We were buckled in our seats waiting for the operator to start the ride. Clickety- clack!
“Uh oh.” I said dreadfully. “This is it. What’s th-” whoosh!
“Ahhhhhhh!” Eden and I were shrieking. Boom! “What was that noise? Oww. Oh, it’s the fire.” Up we went rolling around and I felt sick. Finally, we went back into the volcano … chhhhhhh … shhhhhh …
“Yes, we did it!” Screamed Eden. “We did it.” I realized to myself.
— Daniel Enwiya, 11, 6th grade
Dreams
(A free verse poem)
I was walking along the ocean when I came upon a prodigious hot ball of gas. It was setting down over the ocean.
I was walking upon the amber tide over the rainbow of colors. The moon came up with a thousand mini suns in the sky. It was a place called tomorrow, because tomorrow’s going to bring in hope.
I continued walking along the shore, when I stepped on a rough, wooden, log. A crab succeeded in biting me, the waves were trying to capture me! But I never lost hope, for tomorrow’s going to bring in hope.
I was in light, bright, spaces, never alone in the dark. I always knew where to go, unlike my real life at all. Dreams take you to wondrous places ….
I was running across the thick, green, forest, bright with sunlight. The trees were talking to me, tripping me up to my path. They said lose hope but I never did, for tomorrow’s going to bring in hope.
My dream told me that this dream is turning to reality, so you better remember this dream, for it’s going to help in your life. Remember, tomorrow’s going to bring in hope!
— Parvi Chadha, 10, 6th grade
Be Thankful
If there was nothing to be thankful for, what would you look forward to? There are so many things to be thankful for in the world.
I’m thankful for friends who are like shooting stars whom I can always look up to, teachers who give me knowledge like the stretching branches of trees. I’m also thankful for families who are like a pack of wolves to me. Including, my one and only sister who is like my milk for my cookies.
Be thankful when you're laughing, for the happiness that you have. Be thankful when you wake up, for the new fresh day that you received.
But, just remember one thing ….
There is always something to be thankful for.
— Sarah Kang, 12, 6th grade
What I Want To Be When I Grow Up
When I grow up, I want to be a teacher for deaf children. Many things inspired me to make that decision, like books and articles. As soon as I had decided upon my future, I knew it would take loads hard work to make it real. For one thing, I had to learn sign language. I checked out a book the size of my pillow from my school’s library, and had set to work right away. I brought it everywhere. I even brought it to lunch, where I shared my knowledge of sign language with my friends. By the end of the first day, I had learned the alphabet. My sisters wanted to learn too, so I taught them. We sent hand messages to each other at the diner table, made sign language shadow puppets on the wall, and wrote secret letters to each other, replacing the ABC’s with hand signals. But soon, It was time to take the book back, however I intend on learning more sign language in my later schooling years.
— Katherine Bernat, 12, 6th grade
The Mannequin Challenge
Have you ever heard the song “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd? Well, this song is blowing up because of the Mannequin Challenge! Every time this song plays, people freeze, and act as if they’re a mannequin! This new trend is blowing up on all types of social media! Most of the time when someone is seen doing the Mannequin challenge, it is usually recorded. So, if you ever hear the song “Black Beatles”, freeze in action, and act like a mannequin!
— Lillie Ayoub, 11, 6th grade
Snow
As the snow falls down I see the elegant snowflakes,
it comes glistening down freezing the lakes.
I burst into joy as I see the white beauty,
It puts a smile on my face as I smell it truly.
The brightness, the freshness,
It’s all a treasure just so precious!
As I close my eyes,
I hear the snow twirl and glide.
As I sit down near the Christmas tree,
All I can think about is how, I will have a blast when I ski.
I look at the ornaments that are as shiny as gold,
Then I see the snowflakes, that make my tree look so bold!
Winter is here,
It’s full of holiday cheer!
The snow makes it an adventure.
trapping us inside, and keeping us together.
— Riya Shah, 11, 6th grade
Snowflakes
Snowflakes sparkle and glisten
Why at school I try to listen
Snowflakes fall like loops
When I fall it’s as loud as a chicken coop
Snowflakes in winter are a must
They are as crumbled as pie crust
Cuddle with something cozy yet soft
As I snuggle on my loft
Snowflakes silently fall
Piling up the snow very tall
Every snowflake is special like you and me
Just go outside and you will see
— Leila Lajdel
That Man
“Yay, we are going to the homeless shelter!” My sister said screaming into my ears.
Ugh, I don't wanna go. I shoved my headphones into my ear. When we arrive my sister goes bashing out the car, “Whoop, we’re here!”
I roll my eyes, gosh. For most of the day I stand outside giving out snacks and drinks to strangers. I really want to go back home and snuggle in bed. I was about to go for a break but this old man stops me in my tracks. “Uh, hello, how can I help you? Snacks are over in that area.” I said pointing to a table in the distance.
He laughed. “Why do you seem down? Turn that frown upside down.” he said smiling.
I was so surprised! He didn’t have any teeth! I chatted with this interesting man for awhile. He told me the world needs more positive people. I smiled and before I could’ve said thanks to him he left. How could a man like that be homeless? I wonder what happened to him. Till this day I love going to the homeless shelter but I’ve never seen that man since then. I always think of him.
— Kimanh Tran, 11, 6th grade
Just a Dream
You know when you have a dream and it’s so beautiful you don’t want to wake up? That’s what happened to me. Okay, so just imagine a beautiful periwinkle sky and a huge crystal blue pond with fish swishing. A crisp smell is in the air of sweet apples. There are outstanding purple swaying trees. Monarch butterflies flapping their wings and humming birds searching and searching sweet juicy nectar. Then after searching for hours they find a wonderland of violet and magenta colored orchids. After that there is a beautiful waterfall covered with dandelions. My dad woke me up. I still wonder what I didn’t see in my dream. I will try to dream of that beautiful meadow I was in again.
— Talia Neofotis, 6th grade
Friendship Bracelets
No matter what, true friends are always there. They’re the ones to pick you up when you’re feeling down, to be your rock when you feel that you’ll explode. They’re the ones to keep you together. Like the threads of a string. Without the threads, the string would unravel. There would be nothing. That’s why friends exist. The more friends you get, the better. The threads will make more strings which will make a stronger bond. A bracelet, if you will. A bangle of fun. A circle of trust. A friendship bracelet. And just like friends, if you take care of it, it will last for the longest eternity.
— Grace De La Cruz, 12, 6th grade
Where Am I?
I woke up in a patch of sharp, misty grass. I gazed up at the sky and it shone a blinding light. “Where am I?” I thought as I got up. My feet felt crisp grass poking between my toes. There was in front of me a field of exquisite blossom cherry trees, showering their petals onto my head. I started running, my feet brushing up against the soil. I giggled and threw the tiny petals into the air, falling back down. Then there was a humongous gust of wind. I could hear an alarming sound, as loud as a roaring bear. “BEEP! BEEP!” I woke into the real world and sighed. Only a dream.
— Eshal I. Khowaja, 11, 6th grade
Winter
Winter snowflakes dance in the cool breeze and twirl like ballerinas. When you step in the snow you can hear the snow crackle and smoosh between your feet. Friends laugh and jump into the soft layers of snow, and after a long day you can relax to a warm cup of hot chocolate while sitting next to the glowing fire. At big hills our sleds swoop and leap and twirl as friends and family giggle while others make snow angels. Friends and family gather around the Christmas tree opening presents and wishing everyone a merry Christmas. Till next time winter.
— Irene Orndorff, 11
Colors of the Rainbow
Red
Red is the color of a red delicious apple.
The shiny red surface glistens in the sunlight and lets out an illuminating glow.
Orange
Orange is the color of an August sunset.
The sun lets out a radiant orange flare that lights up the whole wide world.
Yellow
Yellow is the color of a buttercup flower that smells like a bottle of perfume.
Green
Green is the color of a meadow.
A meadow where whimsical creatures come and play and where you can sniff the flowers all day.
Blue
Blue is the color the splashing waves that tickle my toes as I read.
Indigo
Indigo is the color of a shiny smooth seashell that gleams and glows in the sunset.
— Katie Kim, 11, 6th grade
The Tortoise and the Hare
In the Tortoise and the Hare,
The Tortoise won.
The lazy hare,
Took a great long nap
But the tortoise still kept going
He never stopped,
And never gave up,
Until he crossed that finish line
But what if the hare never took that stubborn old nap?
The he would have won,
Fair and Square
There would be no moral of the story,
Instead, a happy ending
For those who have an evil heart
And wanted the cunning hare to win
But I guess the author
Wanted to teach a lesson,
To never give up,
Until the end.
— Elisa Ahn, 11, 6th grade
Color in life
Color, the vivacious elegance,
Shimmer, glitter a twinkling beam,
Saturated, it’s a delightful glow,
Rainbows are magnificent dashes,
Hue pops like soda,
It’s as bright as the sun and the stars combined,
Color is a charming grace it pleases everything from your clothes to nature!
Never fading it is like light,
Luminous it is so bright,
Dullness will never pass your eyes,
They’re no words to describe colors sight,
Color is the essential of life without it joy wouldn’t come easily.
— Melina Nejadian, 11, 6th grade