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www.studentsxpress.com Publisher Rachel Switall Magazine Group President Rachel Switall rachel@studentsxpress.com Editor Rachel Switall Art Director Rachel Switall Advertising Director Rachel Switall Director of Marketing Rachel Switall Printer Topweb, LLC 5450 N. Northwest Hwy. Chicago, IL 60630 773.975.0400
Dear Readers, hat I’m into now” is the topic of this issue. What I’m into now is the Awesome Foundation, an “ever-growing, worldwide network of people devoted to forwarding the interest of awesomeness in the universe.” I recently applied for and was awarded a grant through the Chicago Chapter of the Awesome Foundation. It’s really a great (ok, AWESOME) group of people who fund one project each month that will help make Chicago a more awesome place to live. My grant is going towards a project for the students at Wentworth Elementary in the West Englewood neighborhood. I’m excited to produce a positive piece with the students based on their hopes, dreams and goals for a happy, peaceful community and future. Which leads me to our next issue: “Where I’m Going.” Please see page 13 for the prompts for that issue. Also, on page 14 is a “call for help.” I’m looking for people to S help me sell ads for StudentsXpress to keep this publication going. When subm tudents— itting work, What a great way to earn a commission while working on a write neat please be s ly. Spell ure to worthy project at the same time...if I do say so myself. so I apolog check does not chec iz k names, e if I go t A an lso, if you’re y names w The back cover also has information about our next rong! turning in artwork, StudentsXpress SPEAKS night, to be held on March 19 at paper is th e best. And unlined white write your please Nettelhorst Elementary. Last year was a great experience for name on ev ery page s ubmitted. the students who read their submissions on stage, and it was Thank you! wonderful to put faces to the writing from the magazine. Everyone is welcome, and it would be great to see many schools represented this year.
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B Otavion
efore I was just a little baby who didn’t even know the things we do now and the things we did before existed. But now it’s different. I’m 12 years old and I’m in 6th grade. And what I’m into now is basketball. Well was into basketball, since last week was our last game. Two years ago, I didn’t want to play basketball because I was too small but people always told me that didn’t matter. I don’t know why, but it would always bother me what people thought about me—but not anymore. If I think I can play basketball I will, and if they don’t think I can play basketball, jokes on them because I don’t care what they think. Turns out basketball wasn’t so bad, and Coach actually told me I was good which made me feel good about myself. We won some games and some we didn’t, but what I learned was that not only the people who make the baskets help us win, it’s the whole team because we all help each other. It was all good until it ended although it wasn’t that long. I really had a good time, met some new people, and I really enjoyed playing basketball with my friends and new friends. This is one thing that I’m into now and I enjoy doing it. —Lizzet Z.
Camille H.
Have you seen the movie “Big Hero Six?” It is so good! It is about five people and a robot that become super heroes and save their town from a masked guy that took Hiro’s invention! “Big Hero Six” is my favorite movie. —Anna W. I’m into rap and alternative music. I love Kanye’s old songs and bands like Panic! At the Disco, My Chemical Romance and Green Day. Their songs have deep meaning and have a catchy tune. They help me calm down and some of their songs are chill and make me focused. —Natalia R.
Shawntise
Ryan Zion C.
Manuel
is TV. I like TV because I like to watch WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). My favorite wrestler on WWE is John Cena. John Cena is my favorite wrestler because I like his attitude when he wrestles. I also like TV because if I’m bored I can watch a TV show like Spongebob Squarepants, iCarly, or Sam and Cat. What I also like is playing the Xbox 360. I like playing the Xbox 360 because I can play Advanced Warfare or 2k15. I like playing Advanced Warfare because I can play online with one of my friends or I can play campaign or multiplayer. I like playing 2k15 because I can play online and play with my friends or I can make me a person and play games or play with my brothers. —Deon M.
Right now I’m really into my new Easy Bake Oven. It’s an oven that lets me bake cakes. It is important to me because I can make a variety of cupcakes, make cupcakes for friends, and I enjoy baking. —Shamya W.
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Right now I am reading “Little Women.” I absolutely love it. The characters are the March sisters. They remind me of people in my life and how they act. I think it’s really good writing. They describe the sisters vividly. —Charlotte B.
My favorite book series is probably the “Who Was” and “Who Is” and “Who Were” because they use sentences that make kids laugh. They make kids interested in people who they think are old and boring. I was not into biographies for a while until I read one of these last year and I started reading a lot of them and I fell in love with them. —Meghan H.
I love debate. It’s a hobby that lets me express myself and hang out with friends. I get to learn things like close reading and persuasive writing. It is a fun sport that you have to put a lot of time and effort into, but is all worth it. At debate tournaments I get to go to other schools and meet new people. I have made so many memories and friends through debate. It is something that I love and think others would like as well. —Bailey H. Spring 2015
studentXpress-Jan 2015.pdf
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Thousand waves karate
call today!
Ian A.
For about 6 years I have been swimming, and then when I was 9, I started to play water polo. Water polo is played in a 25/50 yard long pool. You can only hold the ball with one hand; you tread the whole time. You shoot like you would in soccer, but with your hand. The goals look like soccer goals also. There are six positions. I play left wing, which means I shoot from the left side. C
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My favorite song is “The Hanging Tree,”
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which was in the movie Mockingjay Part 1. I like this song because it has a really good beat and all the words in the song make me feel like I am in the woods and putting myself in the story the song is telling. I also like the song so much I took 2 days—day and night—non-stop to learn the song. Then I kept singing it over and over. I got it stuck in my mom’s and sister’s heads. —Cristina C. K
Breven P.
Maysa B.
because it brings me back to the days that I missed when I wasn’t born yet. Also, the video is sooooooo funny! Bruno Mars makes the song upbeat, but besides that, it is just like a 90s song that my mom listens to all the time!
Currently I’ve been reading and listening to music. When I listen to music it helps me take my mind off the bad things. It just pulls me into another world. Like my own little world in my head. Music brings the life in you; it makes you want to sing; it makes you want to dance. I feel that music brings out your inner soul. When you listen to music you feel something—especially when you can relate to it. You get this amazing feeling inside; you get butterflies in our stomach. It’s kinda like the same with books. Your imagination runs wild. At times you don’t even hear when someone calls you because you’re so into the book. That probably happened to you once in your life. Which is why music and books are amazing. —India L.
Spring 2015
Spring break day camp: 4/6-4/10 $355 includes uniform
T h o u s a n d Wa ve s
Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP 773.4 72. 7663 • w w w. t housa ndw a v e s. org
Right now I’m really into . The reason I’m into it is because it’s about teens who have super powers that save the world. They make me laugh when they get in trouble. In their last episode, they were captured by the Brain and needed help to escape, when their Little Buddies come to their rescue. I like Teen Titans Go because I used to watch it with my brother; watching it reminds me of him. Also it’s a 2-D show that is very cool. It makes the show more animated than the 3-D version. It also is more funny than the original version of the show. It makes me feel very funny when they prank each other. —Justin M.
I’m into a lot of things. One of the things I’m most into is sports. My favorite sport is basketball.
It’s one of the things I’m good at. Other than annoying my Mom, and I’m really good at annoying her. I like basketball because when I’m mad I can just think about basketball and I’m a little more calmer than I was before. Basketball has this special way of getting in your head and not coming out. Plus, it’s easy to learn how to play. It’s like eating candy. We all love it unless you are weird. We eat it like monsters and it’s super easy. That is what I’m into. What are you into? —Sophia K.
Kayla J.
Iviana G.
I am now really into school. Math is exactly it and I like adding and subtracting. I like it because I can learn more and help others who need help with math. That’s why I like math. —Jamyrah H. Do you know what I’m into now? I’m into DJs. DJs are people who make electronic music through computers. My top three DJs are Hardwell, Martin Garrix and Deadmau5. They have loads of equipment and most of them have to do with the audio. They have audio, lights, mix table, and display (the screen). I would love to become a DJ because I heard they get lots of money, and also I would love to go on tour with other DJs to music festivals all around the world. Some festivals I know of are the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Tomorrowland in Belgium, and the Amsterdam Music Festival. I always watch the Ultra Music Festival on YouTube all the time. So that’s what I’m into now. —Harry H. Right now I’m really enjoying taking ice skating lessons. I love gliding across the ice on my skates. It makes me feel free! I also love reading the Harry Potter book series. I’m on the 5th book which I got for Christmas. It’s mostly about Harry Potter going to a wizarding school. —Casey S.
Miracle P.
Teagan H.
Shaun S.
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My favorite movie is Twilight Saga “New Moon.” This movie is based off the book New Moon. I am an absolute Twihard, and I have read all the books and watched all the movies. I love New Moon due to the fact that it shows how much Edward really loves Bella to go through his own pain. Stephanie Meyer chose the title New Moon because new moon is the darkest time of day and when Edward left Bella it was the darkest time for her. —Jaira J.
I love sports and music, I see them everyday, Mondays and Fridays are when WWE comes to play, All the greatest wrestlers on one screen on TV, Would football be better They’re both the best to me Then here comes music, with a storming rage to gain, It constantly comes to say All about that bass These two things are the center of me, They make me proud to be. The fan that watches them on TV —Kierra A.
Milos
Right now I’m really into cheer. The thing I like the most about cheer is it’s competitive, challenging, exciting and fun. I cheer for Allstar Cheer in Chicago. I like it because we have pretty uniforms. I like to practice with my team also. I really like tumbling too. Exercise is also a positive aspect. —Janice Right now I’m really into the book “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. “Wonder” is about a boy named August. He has a facial deformity and has been home-schooled until he reaches 5th grade, where he has to learn to deal with other people’s words and actions about him. I like it because it’s funny and sad. —Britney S. Hi, I am Yaxy. I go to Hamilton in Chicago, IL. I enjoy sitting in my living room with my family talking. Being with my family is the main thing I do. I like cooking with my mom. I like cooking food that my mom cooked with her family. My mom always tells me stories about when she was a little kid, which I am really interested in. In Chicago we have different weather than other places. In the summer it gets really warm. In the winter time, it gets really cold and snowy. I like the snow. When it is winter I spend more time. We all get together and look at old pictures or videos. I love it here in Chicago, IL. —Yaxy
Honesty
Edgar G.
Hello, my name is Allyea. I’m 14 years old and I’m in 8th grade. The two things that I like about music are singing in the choir at church and listening to songs on radio stations of 107.5 WGCI and 102.7 V103 at iheart radio. My favorite artists are Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj, Sam Smith and Meghan Trainor. When I am singing in the choir I feel joyful, peaceful and magnificent. When I listen to my favorite song, I get the same feelings as when I am singing in the choir and I sing aloud. No matter how bad the day I have I know that singing and listening to music will make me feel better. —Allyea H.
Spring 2015
I love Chicago Bulls because they are good at basketball. The Bulls, they are a great team with Derrick Rose because he is great and makes good passes to their team and makes a lot of points. I like Michael Jordan because he was the best player when he used to play on his team. —Julian D.
Doing hair is fun to me because it helps me concentrate on something other than TV, outside and technology. And my grandma can braid very well. She pushes me very hard and tells me to keep on doing hair and I can become something when I’m older.
—Dakota M.
I like sewing because I like to design textiles and my mom and two of my aunties sewed when they were younger. Now, I am sewing buttons onto Hello Kitty pillowcases. Sooner or later I want to create my very own dress. —DeJanae T.
I am into poetry. My favorite poet is Shel Silve rstein. He is my favorite poet because I like his illustrations. I think he’s creative. I think he ’s funny. —Makayla
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Kierra W.
From Blue to Teal From Lilo and Stitch to Shameless From dolls to electronics From Styles to Gilinsky From Alternative to Pop From Air Heads to Cloud Nine This is what I’m into now. —AlenaMaya C-B
What I’m into now Shark Tank, a show of hope and dreams that come true Minecraft, a game of infinite possibilities and creativity Chipotle, a place of incredible food, with thousands of combinations for the perfect taste School, a place where learning happens, although not enjoyable for some And cats, lovable creatures that are ever so cute and kind But why? What makes these things stand out to me? Shark Tank is so interesting to me because of the way it makes so many people’s dreams come true and how it allows entrepreneurs to get the exposure they need. It also provides viewers with advice on how to start their own businesses. Minecraft is interesting to me because of the endless possibilities there are, and how it uses your imagination to its fullest. It is a video game that actually teaches you something, and allows you to do anything you want. This means you can build a castle or fight off monsters, whatever pleases you. Chipotle is something that I like now because it provides tons of taste combinations. It allows you to leave things out that you don’t like, and put things in that you do. It is like personally customized food. School is what I’m into mainly because I am required to go, but school is mostly fun. I like school because you do learn a lot of interesting things, and it allows you to socialize and make friends. Cats are amazing to me because of the way they act and how loyal they are. Cats are affectionate, cute, and loving towards almost anyone. What I’m into now. —Alex G.
My name is December and I was born in Chicago. I think that Chicago is an interesting place to live. We have everything in this city. I can ice skate and roller skate. We can look down on the city from the Deck at the Willis Tower or go underground and take a train ride across town. We have big parks and sandy beaches that I love to visit in the summer. Another great thing about Chicago is the food. We have the best pizza, Italian beefs, hotdogs and popcorn in the whole wide world. That cheese and caramel mix from Garrett’s popcorn just melts in your mouth and then you get to lick the cheese off your fingers! My grandmother hates to see me do that but I can’t help it. My favorite thing about Chicago is my family and my crazy friends. I don’t know what I would do without them. We have so much fun as a family. We play outside together, go out to eat and spend the night over at each other’s house. My friends and I jump rope together and stay on the phone talking all night. I wouldn’t trade my city for anything. —December L.
I am into cows. I love them because they are cute, totally smart, interesting, and awesome animals. I’ve liked them since first grade. Because of cows I never eat beef but I eat other meats. My Instagram has cow in it. My Vine has cow in it. My Snapchat has cow in it. I’m in love with cows. Spencer B. What I’m into now, you ask? Now, I am into drawing or sketching to express how I feel each and every day. It’s hard for me to express myself through words, but easier for me to use my art as a way to communicate. I enjoy drawing so much that I take an art class at Marwen Foundation, where I can express myself through art. I had an exhibition a few months ago on a comic I created of which I am pretty proud. When people think that my art is interesting, it makes me feel good inside. I l ike to make people laugh with my comics, but I also make some serious ones. My best friend and I sometimes make comics together. While he draws the comic out I sketch characters and help him come up with ideas. We have started to create these comics to try and build our High School portfolio. My comics help me express my thoughts and help me bond with friends. —Cristian C.
Aracely B.
Sara F.
Nakaiyah
The Dancer
. Music is what I’m really into now. Listening to music is really the only thing I really do. The one band I really like is Sleeping with Sirens. I find listening to music really relaxing. The lyrics in the music I listen to all relate to me. I find that music is the only thing I can actually listen to and not be judged for. Music is the only thing I love and be who I want to be. Music is actually my life. Me being me, getting lost in the lyrics. That’s what I’m really into now. —Kristin R.
My name is Myesha and dancing is my life. My family and I live in Chicago. I am the oldest of seven children: Willie, Kayonna, Chase, Semaj, Jakia, and Channing. I jump rope, play basketball, and at all times I’m a big sister—but what I love the most is dancing. I dance at church, at home, at school, outside and well, anywhere I possibly can. Dancing is my secret solution to most of the problems I have. When I’m upset it calms me, when I’m scared it relaxes me, when I’m bored it’s a great pick-me-up, and when I need to be by myself, I just close my eyes and disappear in dance. I know how to bop, do praise dance, hip-hop, and I tried to do ballet. My favorite type of dance is praise. I try my best not to miss a Sunday because I’m ready every week to “get my praise on.” I just know that dancing will always be a part of my life because I wake up with it in my heart every day. —Myesha F.
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Jacob Christopher
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Spring 2015
Akeelah S.
Chelsie M.
Decatur
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to play a guitar. I loved how it sounded, and I wanted to try it out myself. I got the chance, eventually. Now I practice nonstop. Playing a guitar is actually pretty easy once you get used to it. You memorize the chords and songs after a couple of days. I love playing guitar. Jocelyn C.
P.
I really like to build things. I build stuff with boxes that I get from home. My mom tries to throw the boxes out but I don’t let her. I build doll houses, doll shoes, doll and teddy bear beds and airplanes.
ua
Shakyla B.
Jos h
The greatest movie I have seen is “Frozen.” It was about two sisters, one is named Anna and the other sister’s name is Elsa. Elsa has magic powers to make it snow. Before Elsa could control her powers she froze her sister’s heart. The only way you can unfreeze her heart was by an act of true love. Anna showed true love by saving Elsa’s life.
Haylee B.
Okay, so first things first, I will confess that I am a total Star Wars nerd. I collect original movie posters and other Star Wars collectibles. Second, I am a rabid Blackhawks fan. I even got to kiss the Stanley Cup, and as a Christmas present a Patrick Kane signed championship puck! Third, I like sports (besides hockey). I am pretty good at archery and fencing but not bad at football, basketball, and baseball. I also like playing video games, and relaxing/chillaxing with my family in front of the fireplace. We got a new couch that has a set of buttons on the side that controls the angle you are sitting at and if the footrest is out or not, so I can relax better than ever. I also love downhill skiing (I just got back from a ski trip), and the hardest ski run I have done was when I was skiing in the Rocky Mountains last year. On top of that I also love fishing. The longest fish I caught was 3’. Gotta go now because I have a date with one of the things on my list: chillaxing. —Tristan T. I like music, that’s what I do now. I try to create my own music. My favorite artists are Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Iggy Azalea, Ariana Grande and Jessie J. I like music because you can express your feelings through a song you write. You can let all your emotions out through one song and it will change your perspective of something. There are all types of new music like hip-hop, jazz, gospel, R&B. My type of music is hip-hop. It’s like all the anger is going out of me when I dance. You can sing or dance and be yourself and make music and be you. That’s the life of music.
Natalie Z.
“A HIGH-TECH MAGIC EXTRAVANGANZA” -THE NEW YORK TIMES
Jada J.
Right now I like LaLaLoopsy Dolls. This doll is Mittens Fluff n’ Stuff. Her talent is that she does anything with snow! She likes to go outside and play in the snow with her sister and go sledding. Afterwards she enjoys hot cocoa by the fire. LaLaLoopsy Dolls are cool because they help kids follow their dreams and encourage them to follow their heart!
March 10 – 22 •
• 800.775.2000
Groups 10+ call 312.977.1710 • Tickets available at all Broadway In Chicago and Ticketmaster retail locations • www.TheIllusionistsLive.com
Spring 2015
One of my favorite hobbies is to draw. Drawing keeps you busy when there is nothing to do at home. Enid L. Drawing is also a great way to get a job as you get older; maybe a good job you can get is being an artist, or possibly an illustrator for a book. A cool fact is drawing is a relaxing exercise; you can sit down on a chair with a desk, and as you’re drawing, your brain and your hands are all working.
Elijah L.
Rida
Hunter S.
I am really into soccer, science and engineering. Because soccer is really good exercise and really good for your leg muscles. I like science because you get to do fun experiments and it’s good brain food. And finally engineering because you get to plan something then build it.
I like books, sports, and technology, I also like biology, I like to go to the park near my house, And I don’t want a mouse,
Christian
Leuanthony C.
Camari H.
8
My favorite sports are basketball and soccer, Even though I can’t fit the stuff in my locker, Going to the movies is fun, I also like to run. —Tess S.
The spotlight is where I need to stay Performing is my getaway When everyone’s eyes are on me It feels so right I feel so free is interesting. I share my thoughts and spread my words Trolls” because it ox “B is ok bo te My favori I feel so strong once I am heard d it is very sad too. cause it is funny an be lls Tro x Bo e lik o I als I’m at their level, no longer small those reasons. orite book for all of fav my is lls Tro x Bo is very fun to do My voice is balanced, it will not fall bowling because it My favorite sport is ing to do. Also Like a rope, it pulls me in yth an you don’t have en wh ily fam ur yo with When I perform, it’s from within win. —Marix S. because you could When I start I just can’t stop No longer stiff or like a prop I’m like a bird with soaring wings My voice like a song, I chirp and sing Performing gives me such strength, From drawing to painting, I don’t know how I’m learning new styles. But I do know, performing, the spotlight, Let’s try mosaics! and expressing my thoughts I’m arranging the tiles. s old! That’s what I’m into now. From photos to film, 8 year m a g! I —Lulu C. the world is in focus. inventin to in m I’ From charcoal to ink, DeAnthony G. there’s so much I notice. I moved to the city, and discovered graffiti. I happened upon pottery. Art has no policy. Glass-blowing in Venice, the options are endless. This is what I’m into now. Eleanor —Lucie F.
Spring 2015
Now I’m into music because I think in every song there’s a message. Like the Dlow Shuffle part 2 has a message. I think the message was to stop the killing and violence, and to make Chicago a better place. In the song he says “anti Chiraq” and puts up the peace sign. He also says stop the killing. Or like Heaven Don’t Shoot the message was almost the same as the Dlow Shuffle because in this song it says put the guns down. The kid who sings the song was saying how she can’t go outside to play because of people shooting. And she says “These people crazy now they killing babies now.” I think she’s trying to send out a message to tell people to put the guns down and stop shooting. I also like music because it’s something that makes me happy and a way to have fun. —Jamal A. What I’m into now is sports and school. Sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball and skating. At school I like to get good grades and be joyful, respectful, and weird. What I’m into now is puppies and helping. Puppies are cute, some small, and some furry. Helping my family and friends with things that they need. What I’m into now is YouTube and Prince Royce. YouTube where there are awesome videos and YouTubers such as the Shaytards. Prince Royce because I love his music, and some of his music is in Spanish or English. I love Prince. I am a Royce fan. That’s what I’m into now!!! —Darcie S. is something that I can do every day without having to buy jeans and shirts for different occasions, and not every graphic tee fits my personality. I want my shirt to have things about me, hobbies that I enjoy, and have my name on the tag. When I design, I don’t think about how people don’t like my patterns, rather I think about how teenage girls would wear this. —Mikyah R.
Larome M. This is a ninja. I am really into karate. I take lessons and have a white belt.
Sam
Jansen
I am into spending time with my mommy. We make taco pies. We play games together on my tablet. We have lots of fun. —Nayee
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Eddie Jaylin
Olivia B.
Isabella A.
Laila Jierich
Tenley
Ayden R.
Radsheen
Spring 2015
I am interested in Littlest Pet Shop, reading, making new friends, exploring and history. —Ximena
My name is Sebastian and I am really into football and the Seahawks team. I like to follow them on TV and root for them during games. My drawing is of one of the Seahawks linebackers, Kam Chancellor. —Sebastian C.
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I like the I like hip-hop because t that it bea way it sounds and the it sings e aus bec has. I like R&B love like lly rea I and about love eI aus bec songs. I like love songs y bod my t lef I get this feeling like the h wit ce pla ul into a peacef and me backgrounds of hearts gs. listening to love son —Jamaria
Makaylah
Right now I’m really into engineering. It’s about building and designing cars and trucks. I want to design flying cars. I think it’s cool because you don’t need a passport, and you won’t have to sit next to strangers, and you can bring whatever you want. The wings would be on the side of the car and the wheels will turn into rocket boosters when you press a button. —Diona G. I’m interested in hip hop dancing. Dance is something which you can express yourself and enjoy yourself at the same time while listening to music you love. It’s important to me because it’s a great workout. Also, it inspires me to be myself and don’t need to worry what other people think of me. It will also make you more confident when performing in front of an audience. It’s popular because every culture has their own way of dancing— ”Dancing is a way of talking without using words.” —Neaci A.
—Damarea Dear Geronimo Stilton, I am a huge fan of your books! My favorite book is “The Wild Wild West.” I have 22 of your books. I love it because it is so funny and because he is almost always scared. Another reason of mine is when you have to go on a bull. I can’t wait until a new book comes out. Miller A.
Ruby
My name is Daisy, and I’m into Taylor Swift because I like how she sings and her style. I like that if she is making a sad song she wears sad colors that express her mood. I like how she sings because she expresses her feelings with low notes or high notes. Taylor Swift inspires me not to be afraid to express my feelings. —Daisy C.
Right now I’m really into making stuff out of duck tape. I can make bows, pens and cheer bows. I like it because I can learn to make new things. My best one was a duck tape pen. Then I can help other people learn how to make it so they can help other people. I can express myself. And it can be colorful, and you can make whatever you want. I learned how to make it by researching info. by myself. —Sydney W.
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I love to play video games (probably a typical answer). Some of my favorite games include Spore, Clash of Clans and Minecraft. I also enjoy reading, making things out of boxes and drawing. (I also love giving highfives and fist bumps.) —Cole S.
Dear Reader, I’m into “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books because to me Greg is funny and serious and I like funny people like me and I’m serious too. Rowley is funny too and I like how he does a bubble and there’s words in there. I like reading those parts but most of all I like the book and that it has chapters. I like chapter books. Jessica F.
People like movies. Some are funny, educational, smart and animated. My favorite movie is Zapped. —Kaniya J. Ballet is my passion. I love the feeling of flying through the air and turning endlessly. Ballet helps me clear my mind and gives me the chance to go in a different direction for my future. Ballet has actually improved my scores in school and has allowed me to meet new people who share the same passion as me.
In Minecraft you ca n build your own stuff. Minecra ft is a game that you can play wi th friends. In Minecraft you can pick your avatar. You can level up your avatar. You have to buy it for $20. Everyone can play Minecra ft. It is very easy to learn. You ca n play it online. You will like it. It’s very fun. —Jalil G.
Darryon N.
Sam S.
I am really into playing vidoe games, especially when I play with my nephew. It challenges our ability to do things. It has wireless controllers so we can move around more. We love when we download music because we can listen to music and play the game at the same time. —Shakoora P. Right now I’m really into the movie “Big Hero 6.” This is an emotional movie because it teaches a great lesson. For example teamwork, love and how to use technology properly. Moreover, this movie is really important to me because it shows how to work together to accomplish a goal, even if it is difficult. This movie inspires me to always stick together and to love my family and friends. It also gives you a good imagination of what type of hero you would like to be someday. At last, this movie is pop culture because it catches people’s attention. Fact: According to Dish Nation, this movie beats The Lion King. —Frida I. I was in my mom’s car driving downtown. Traffic was bad and the ride was longer than normal. So I was bored. I pulled out my book called Ramona Quimby Age 8. I read because it entertains me. Sometimes I read fashion magazines because it helps me think of what to wear. I was going downtown to shop, which is why I was reading my fashion magazines. When I was done I went to the American Girl Doll Place to get her some pretty fashionable outfits. I really like downtown. —Tamia W. Ballet is a style of dance that combines classic and hip hop steps. I really like that it’s a way to express myself in many ways. And you should try it too. I appreciate that it is challenging, but sometimes you have to try harder to get better because whatever you set your mind to you can do it. —Adrianna E. When I have any free time at all (which is certainly not very often) I pick from a diverse assortment of activities to decide what I want to do. Unfortunately, when I am finished choosing what I would like to do, I do not have the delightful thing we call free time anymore. You see, the process is very long. The first thing that comes to mind is outside! The specifics of that vary depending on what season it is (if it is summer, baseball; if it is winter, snowball fight) and I have to go ask Mom. Normally in winter she says no and in summer maybe, but in Michigan in summer it is always the best. Now that we have thoroughly examined the decision making, let us take a look at the activity. Now we are up north in Southwest Michigan. Picture a gargantuan babypoop yellow house with a big, green, roomy front yard. I come out in shorts and a baseball cap carrying my baseball glove, ball and plastic bat (according to Mom, wooden bats are dangerous). Soon enough I realize I don’t need my mitt if I’m going to play ball by myself, so I drop it. I toss the ball into the air, close my eyes, swing the bat, and hear a huge crack. Great, I hit so hard I knocked my parents’ window screen in. I go inside and get out some crayons and paper. I do a couple self-portraits. I love drawing and it’s great and fun. Plus, you get to put them on the fridge. It’s not only self-portraits I like. I love drawing landscapes. Pretty soon I find myself tumbling down the porch steps with a soccer ball. I love soccer. I just kick the ball, go get it, kick it again, go get it again, etcetera etcetera. Soccer is great! I do it a lot, then go inside for a rest. I’ve covered all that I’m into today. My favorite activities are so fun! —Kate B. Spring 2015
Pablo Z.
Angel G. Mia
Harrison
I am enjoying eating chips at this moment. I like eating chips because they are very tasty. My favorite book is Judy Moody and The Not So Bummer Summer. I enjoy that book because it has a lot of figurative language. The greatest movie I saw was Madea Goes to Jail because Madea is very funny. The type of music I like is rap because most of rap music doesn’t have a lot of curse words in it. The hobby I have is biting my nails. The sport I like best is basketball. The classes I take are cooking and i-ready. Right now I’m into the i-ready Program. My favorite TV shows are Austin and Ally and House of Payne. —Camarianna C.
Jaymaris C. I love books that make me cry: How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found Uglies The Lightning Thief The Titan’s Curse —Briana Z. Right now I’m really into Instagram. Instagram is a social network that allows you to post pictures of appropriate things that you are able to explain where you are and why you posted it. Also you can like pictures and gain followers. You can also follow other users. I like this social network because you are allowed to express yourself. You can explain how you feel and you can tag people in a picture whether that person was in that picture or not. It’s a different way for people to communicate with friends and family, and you have opportunities to meet new people! —JaRiyah J. Marissa
I am into Let it Go singing because it is fun. And singing is good. I like Frozen so!! much!! I like Anna too! —Janya Shellion L.
Kyla C.
Ryan
My favorite hobby is to build scale models. Scale models are smaller models of vehicles, people, or any other objects. They require glue and a steady hand. I like to build them because they challenge your patience and your ability to think. You have to think about where this model is going to be, or how it is going to look. This is why I like to build scale models in my spare time.
Eric
Jermy
Jimmy B.
This has been my last scale model project. It is now 2015 and I have taken a liking to new stuff; here are some examples: I have taken a liking to dubstep, Doctor Who, video games, video game consoles, bow ties, ties, suits, glasses, suspenders, and more. I’m also getting into computer games. Someday I will become a game designer and sell my game to not just the state... but the world. —Ethan K.
Spring 2015
Legos are fun to play with. Everyone is excited about building with Legos! Legos are blocks that can be used to build anything. They come in different kits, colors, and sizes. Legos fans like to build stuff, combine to make other things, make their own designs and even have competitions, contests, races, etc. —Silverio C.
I love soccer because I got into soccer since I was little. My dad and my coach show me how to play and I got better at it. And something funny that happened in soccer was that when I started playing soccer my brother was the goalie and I was at his team and I scored a goal to his goalie. —Jessica V.
Right now I’m really into sports. I like tumbling and dancing. Tumbling is kind of like gymnastics but more basic. I like dancing because it takes me away from the world and it takes me away from my problems. My favorite type of dance is probably jazz because it’s challenging. Tumbling is also important to me because it reminds me of my family and my family is important to me. —Melanie S. Right now my favorite movie is TMNT. TMNT, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, is about four mutated turtle brothers. Their names are Leo, Donnie, Ralph and Mickey, after Italian Renaissance painters. I like it because no matter what happens they always stick together, fight together and ride together. —Marshaun
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Winston Niko P. Olivia P. Natalie Nico
Lauren
Rayqwaun My name is Lauren. What I am enjoying at the moment is fashion. My currently fave book is Pinkalicious. The latest and greatest movie I’ve seen is Frozen. The greatest music I’ve heard is Break Free. The hobby I love is designing. My favorite sport is gymnastics. I’m still into fashion. It is the one thing I will always LOVE!
Ruby
Kayla Tayshaun
Sebastian W.
Right now I’m really into hip hop dance. Hip hop dance is an African American culture dance. It is a fast moving type of dance that has a lot of moving around. I like it so much because anybody can do it at any age. You don’t have to practice—it comes naturally. But it is very unique to me because I can do it so well and I’m very good at it. —Tamiyah C.
Andrea K.
Daniel L.
James L.
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Right now I’m really into The Vamps. They are a boy band. There are four boys in the group. They are from Britain. Their music style is hip hop. The music speaks to me in a different way and it makes me want to dance. Not many people know about The Vamps because they are not from America. Whenever I hear their song Hurricane it takes me to a different place. No matter what’s going on it can put you in a good mood. —Ke’Avia J.
I like crocheting because it’s relaxing, it takes brain power, and it increases your creativity. It’s also very fun; with a lot of practice I believe I can make a blanket for my dog. —Kelli G.
Basketball is really fun The ball is shaped like half-a-bun When I shoot the ball I made a shot But it made the rim get flamin’ hot I shine super bright So I’m in my shoes real tight I shot a three The ball bounce into a tree We are about to win The hoop looks like a bin We won the game I became in the hall-of-fame —Savion M.
Right now I am into music. It is fun to listen to. Music improves concentration and focus and it makes people feel happy. I play the piano, which is a musical instrument. That is the instrument I am into now. The piano has eighty-eight keys and they represent the musical notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. When I play an instrument I don’t feel stressed anymore. Music is a very good and interesting thing. It even helps you learn math! Music is very soothing. That is why I am into music! —Maddie F.
Jahad M.
Nakavla W. Spring 2015
Anan B. Drago S. Chris G.
What I like is music because I can express myself in lots of ways. I like writing because there are lots of things you can write about. I like devices because you can travel with them. I like books because it keeps you busy. I like movies because they entertain me. To me what’s in is what you like, not what somebody else likes. —Mia G.
Emma V.
My name is Kayla S. I am 11 years old and I live in Chicago, Illinois. Hey, that’s one thing I’m into…. I love my city! There are so many things to do, like going to one of the great museums or playing on the beaches of Lake Michigan. I also love to travel. I have been to so many cool places. I have been to Costa Rica, Panama, Hawaii, and many of the 50 United States. I also love sports. My favorites are volleyball, basketball, soccer, snowboarding, and many water sports, like water skiing, tubing, knee boarding, surfing, and paddle boarding. I do all of those water sports, except surfing, in Michigan. We have a lake property in Michigan and it is my favorite place in the whole wide world! I love having friends and family come to our property because I love spending time with them. But most of all I love to have FUN!!! —Kayla S.
Books Some of my favorite are Divergent, The Hunger Games and more! The thing I love about books are they take you to different places. You can connect with the author by the pages of a book. Music Music helps me out when my day is cloudy. I love music when I relate to music. I feel good to know that I’m not the only one that’s going through the issue that I go through. This is what I consider popular. —Ladon H.
What I’m into now is the question I had to think about for a while when first asked. At first I thought Florida was pretty cool and I’m going there for spring break, or how I am into lots of cool TV shows. I then thought what I’m into now versus how I express myself. I thought to how I use art to express myself when I am bored or feel the need to use artwork to communicate something. I then realized art is more than just skill. I don’t even consider myself a very experienced (or even good) artist. I enjoy doing it because it gives me something to do and a way to occupy time. Art was a way for me to express what I was thinking and put my emotions on paper; it was also a way for me to express my imagination. I felt like even doing abstract pieces or just scribbling on paper can be a good way to release energy when you’re thinking about something stressful. What I’m into is picking up a piece of paper and saying to myself “I’m going to make something out of this.” I can really feel the excitement of finishing a drawing and thinking that maybe others won’t like it, but it means something to you. What I’m into is getting home with a backpack full of homework, tired and exhausted, and then out of nowhere leave with a drawing. Some blow off steam other ways.... Some are into video games, some are into reading to express themselves, but creating a piece of artwork that has meaning to me and I am proud enough of to share with other people—that is what I’m into now. —Brendan C.
When I think of pop culture I think of movies. A new movie that is now in theaters and very popular is the movie “Annie.” They just made an updated version of the original. It had a lot of the same songs and the story was basically the same. The biggest difference was that everything was more modern with things from pop culture, like twitter and cell phones. Also, instead of being orphans, Annie and the other girls were foster kids. The man that adopted Annie was a rich guy who owned a cell phone company and was running for mayor. The movie was great and I like what they changed. This movie is definitely a part of pop culture again. —Abby H.
Donovan W. This question’s not hard to answer Although it takes some thought It’s not like curing cancer Which thought it takes a lot I like swimming, hiking, and soccer Volleyball, sushi, and books I’m not a squawker, stalker, or talker Or into texting, comics, or looks If you asked me about new trends You’d get a shoulder shrug But if you asked about rock and gems You might get a giant bear hug With bad I try to be optimistic But sometimes that’s hard to do Some things will drive me ballistic Like hunting, war, and the cutting of bamboo There is one thing that really stands out It is my devotion to help wolves It’s a problem that I try to shout To give clarity to the opposed Now you have learned a lot So now it’s time to say ciao My ideas might have spread some thought But with perfect sense I can say that’s “What I’m Into Now” —Greta K. Spring 2015
Joshua
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? What are your hopes, dreams and goals? What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?
I’m enjoying reading at this moment. Everywhere I go, I like to bring a book with me. My favorite books right now are Bad Magic by Pseudonymous Bosch and The Wolf Princess by Catherine Constable. These books are full of imagination, so I can believe I’m there. I like Bad Magic and The Wolf Princess because they are full of magic that I like to believe I’m using it in everyday life. I’m half way obsessed with magic, so I like books with magic in them. Maybe I am fully obsessed with magic, since I’m always reading Harry Potter and watching Harry Potter movies. So ask my sister if I am. I’m also into violin playing. I’ve been playing for more than a year now. I love the violin! Its music is full of magic that I find in my favorite books. The latest thing I’ve done is watch a movie. I also enjoy watching movies. The latest movie I’ve seen is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The greatest movie I’ve seen is Maleficent. Both of those movies have the magic that I find in books. So, basically, everything I’m talking about ties to books. This is why I’m really into books. It’s also because of magic. Poof! I’m done. —Eleanor S.
What are your plans for your future? How will you get to where you want to be? Draw yourself in the future, doing what you want to be doing—living your dream. Please turn in your submissions to your teacher or rachel@studentsxpress.com by Friday, April 17, 2015
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Wishcraft Words
A K E Y G I S T S N R N V O I A P W R Y E T U R Z T O D G P F I E J E A B S T A F I G B E T T I R A W I U S A K A K I N
S G I H P A V B M R F L N I G
O N O M I O L E R O C G G L U
S P U P M Z S P A U F E R A R
U J O G N I D A E R A G N D T
I N V E N T I N G M S N M I G
R H V P T M U X F L H I U H M
O S C A R R T G E B I C S N Q
F A M I L Y Y G J E O N I C E
W N Z W S R C U H K O S O L L N M K N Z N W A D C J D T F E
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FASHION GAMES GLITTER INVENTING
JUMPROPE LEGOS MINECRAFT MOVIES
MUSIC PLAYING POETRY READING
SCHOOL SEWING SPORTS TRAINS
Explore your creative interests all Spring Break and Summer in camps and classes at The Wishcraft Workshop! Find lots of options for Grades K-8 (and babies, too) at www.wishcraftworkshop.com. Write down the letters that aren’t circled to uncover the secret message. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Thursday, March 19, 2015 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:45) at Nettelhorst Elementary Everyone 3252 N. Broadway is welcome!
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