INK spirations…
Where words paint pictures and colors tell stories!
The Literary Magazine of Merritt Memorial School Vol. 1 2025
Cover Art by Maya Gerstl
Our Writers
Leyah Berger Gr. 3
Maya Gerstl Gr. 4
Seung Min Lee Gr. 3
Zoe Burlison Gr. 3
Kalliopi Venios Gr. 3
Madelyn Scianna Gr. 3
Ala Mutlu Gr. 2
Jian Nam Gr. 2
Advisor: Mrs. Acosta Assistant/Editor: Maya Gerstl
Gia Han Gr. 2
Sarah Kim Gr. 2
Spring is a fun time. Children play in the warm sun. Gardens start to bloom!
- Maya Gerstl
Spring Haikus
Spring is very fun! I love when the chicks come out. They are all so cute.
- Sarah Kim
Spring’sfinallyhere. It'stimetocomeoutandplay. Itistimetocheer! - MadelynScianna IIloveredflowers. lovespringflowersthebest. Iloveallflowers! - LeyahBerger
I love spring so much. Birds are flying in the sky. Flowers are blooming!
- Zoe Burlison
I don't like the spring. There is no more snow around. I love the winter!
- Seung Min Lee
Ilovespringsomuch. Birdsaresingingsongsintrees. Iheartspringsomuch! - KalliVenios
Animals wake up. In spring I swim in the pool. In spring it’s so fun!
- Ala Mutlu
Therearechicks onland. Many pretty flowers bloom. Inthespring it’sfun! - GiaHan
Spring is very fun. I like to see butterflies. I also like bees.
- Jian Nam
The Two Friend’s Adventure
By Jian Nam
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Emma. One day, her best friend Jada asked, ”Do you want to go on a vacation by ourselves?” Emma agreed, ”Okay!” The two friends planned to go out at night and meet at Pink Street. Emma went home and said, “Oh! I forgot my bag! Can I go get it?” Her parents allowed her. Emma ran quickly to Pink Street. She saw Jada standing there. ”Where should we go?” Emma said. Jada answered, ”I was planning to go to an amusement park.” Emma said, ”I like it! But we don’t have any money.” ”I have it!” Jada exclaimed. ”I have100 dollars!” So they went back to their house to get the money and because it was too dark to go to the amusement park. The next day, they met again at Pink Street by fooling their parents. They rode the bus. They felt a little nervous but excited too. One hour later, they arrived. Emma asked, ”Do you want to get some balloons?”Jada said, ”Yes!” So Emma bought four balloons and gave two to Jada. Then, something magical happened! Jada and Emma started to float! Actually,the balloon seller was an evil wizard! The two friends panicked. They started floating up higher and higher. They didn’t know what to do. Just then, they saw an airplane! This was their only chance so they screamed and waved their arms. Fortunately, the plane noticed them! So the people in the plane let them in. Then, the friends told the people their mom’s phone number and the people called their moms. Their moms came and they learned to not creep out of their house ever again.
Spring Poem
BySarahKim
Polar Bar’s Problem
By Gia Han
One day, there was a baby polar bear walking on the ice. He was looking for some fish to eat. Suddenly, the ice broke! He started floating away from the land. The polar bear was crying. He was scared. He was hungry so he just ate fish that he got before. Then he was screaming AAAAAA! But nobody came. Every day he caught more fish and yelled for help but nothing. This went on day after day. It took a week for somebody to come! But that person got scared seeing the polar bear and left. It was night so the polar bear was trying to get some fish for dinner. Then the polar bear yelled again,” AAAAAA! But nothing. It took two more months!!! It was almost time for summer and now the polar bear grew up. He decided to find his way home, but he did not know how. He knew he had to get off this piece of ice and swim. He decided to learn how to swim by himself. He would swim a little and then come back to his ice boat. He was too scared to go far. But still the polar bear kept trying. One day, the polar bear saw something far away. It was a boat! He could be saved! But there was a problem. The boat was way too far! So the polar bear thought. Then he decided to SWIM! He jumped in the water, and he swam and swam. When he got to the boat, there were no people on the boat. It was night and birds were chirping. The tired polar bear fell asleep.The next day, the polar bear woke up and saw his parents! He jumped off the boat, and they lived happily ever after.
SongReview
By Leyah Berger
Title: I’m Just a Girl
Artist: No Doubt
Genre: Pop-Punk
Style: Fast beat with good guitar and drums and just Gwen Stefani singing
What is the Song About: The song is about why girls need rights.
My Review: I would rate this song 5 stars because I love the beat and the lyrics. I really like the way she sings. Her voice is different from many other singers and so unique. It is so interesting that she wrote the song herself. The song is very catchy and makes you want to dance and sing.
Why Others Should Listen to it: I think others would enjoy listening to this because I think it would give girls the power to have rights. This song was something my brother listened to in his car, and I got addicted to it. It is my favorite song so I want people to feel what I feel when I listen to it.
Stars:
Digital Art by Jian Nam
Ramen vs.Pasta
Ilikeramenbetterthanpasta.Itis myfavoritefood.Somepeoplelike pasta but they don’t know what they are missing. Ramen is so much better than pasta. Why? Here are some reasons. First, it is spicy:Ilovespicyfood.Pastaisnot spicy.Ilovefoodthatishot…really hot!Second,ramenismoretasty. Everyone likes tasty food. Some other tasty foods are Korean noodles, kimchi soup and BBQ potato chips. Pasta is not really tasty to me. But ramen is so so tasty. Last, ramen is easy to make. We can buy ramen at the store.Allyouneedtodoisaddhot water and mix. Done! Pasta so much harder to make. I love that anybody can make ramen. This is why ramen is better than pasta. I thinkIwilleatramentonight.
- SeungMinLee
Italian so no big surprise. I prefer pasta to ramen for a few reasons. First, it can be made in so many different ways. You can have pasta with tomato sauce, bolognese, pesto, or even butter and parmigiano cheese. There are so many types of pasta like spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, and stuffed pasta. Ramen is pretty much just the same…noodles with a broth. Another reasonIpreferpastaisthatitreallyisafull meal. Ramen to me is more of a snack. I wouldhavetoeatafewofthemtofeelfull.
My last reason is that pasta tastes so much better. Ramen is a bit too spicy for me. I don’treallylikespicyhotfoods.Pastaisnot spicy unless you want to add some heat. These are the reasons I like pasta better. I’m getting hungry just writing this! I think I will make some homemade pasta tonight! Wantsome?
- Mrs.Acosta
SUMmER
Summer is way better than winter. Just think! There is no school. I am so excited I could stay up late. There is so much stuff to do in the summer since it is nice out. The main reasons I like summer better is that I have my birthday, I go on vacation and winter is too cold.
I love that my birthday is in the summer. I can go in the pool on my birthday and can have a longer birthday party since there is no school.
Another reason is I go on vacation with my family in the summer. I can go away for a month and don’t miss anything at school. When I visit my grandmother in Turkey, I can go in her pool which is not open in the winter.
The last reason is that Winter is too cold! I have to wear so much clothes like hats, gloves, scarf, and a coat. In summer, you can stay out for a long time, but in winter you can catch a cold if you are out for too long.
This why summer is better than winter. I hope I changed your mind if you liked winter better.
– Ala Mutlu
VS.WINTER
Winter is so much better than the summer. I feel excited when I feel the cold air. Winter is here! It is the best because my birthday is in the winter, you can play in the snow, and the summer is just too hot. My favorite holidays, Christmas and Valentine’s Day are in the winter.
I love that my birthday is in the winter. It is fun that it can snow on my birthday. That makes me feel special. I even had a snow day once on my birthday. It was the best birthday ever!
Another reason I like winter is because you can play in the snow. Also you can make snow angels.I like to make a snowman because a snowman that I make is funny!And I like to make snow angels because I could lay down on the snow.
Last, I love that winter has my favorite holidays. Christmas is so magical because Santa comes and I love that the Elf comes to my house too. It is a fun holiday. I also love Valentine’s Day because it is right after my birthday. I get excited that I get so much chocolate!
These are the reasons why I like winter better. What do you think?
- Gia Han
Digital Art by Madelyn Scianna
The Special Movie Theater Guest
By Seung Min Lee
A long time ago in Korea, there was a very old movie theater that was in a shopping mall. It was early morning. In the movie theater, there was a custodian checking inside but he saw a very scary thing. He saw a tall, skinny black haired girl about 23 years old. She was standing in the front of the theater under the movie screen. She was facing the screen with her body but her head was turned around and looking at him. Her face had a scary smile. Her eyes were red with some black and they were bleeding. The custodian was so scared. But he said to himself, “No, there are no ghosts. I need some coffee.” He quickly checked the room and ran out of the theater and into the shopping mall. A few hours later, the movie started and many people were in the theater ready for the movie. But the custodian was a little worried about that girl. MaybeIshouldchecktheCCTV , he thought. MaybeIshouldseewhathappenedthismorningbeforeI openedthemovietheater.So he did. He was so surprised. On the CCTV he saw before the movie theater opened, it was dark and completely empty. He knew the theater was locked. It was not possible for anyone to get in. And there she was standing in the same spot where he saw her. So who was that girl then? Suddenly, the custodian felt so cold, He ran out of the theater and into the shopping mall. He decided to never go back to work there again. He called his boss and told him what he saw. His boss was quiet. Then he said, “Two years ago, a woman accidentally fell down the stairs of the movie theater and died there.”
Art by Kalli Venios
Coco and Mango’s Adventure
By Sarah Kim
There once were 2 hamsters in a pet shop. Their names were Coco and Mango. But one day, Coco and Mango decided to escape from the pet shop because they did not like being trapped in the old, small, smelly pet shop. So they started to pack their stuff. Coco and Mango packed their favorite food: chicken, crum cornflake, seeds, and canned food. They tried to take off the lid of the cage. They pulled. They pushed. They tugged from side to side. And finally they did it! But there was a problem. They did not know how to escape from the store. Then Coco had an idea. Coco said, “Let's go through the window!” One of the windows was open! So Coco and Mango went out carefully and quietly. It was very dark out, and they were scared. Still they went out. As they got out of the window, they heard something strange. Soon they found out that it was a dog barking. But as they got closer, they got even more scared. But they were friendly dogs. The dogs said, “Hi! Our names are Potateo and Mochi. We are twins.” Then they asked, “What are your names?” “Our names are Coco and Mango.” “We know where… oh no! It’s raining! Boom! Flash! Crash! “Oh no! Thunder!” they said all together. “We know where we can hide,” said Mochi. “We could go to our house,” said Potateo. “Let’s go!” They arrived at Potateo and Mochi’s house. The owner of Potateo and Mochi was sitting in the backyard waiting for them. The owner saw Potateo and Mochi and hugged them and then…She saw Coco and Mango. She thought they were cute so she let them live with her and her dogs. Coco and Mango loved the idea and lived happily ever after.
Becky’s Adventure
By
Jian Nam
Once upon a time, there was a hamster named Becky. One day, she wanted to go on a vacation. So she packed her stuff ready for her trip. She packed her mini umbrella, a waterproof mini paper boat, some of her favorite foods, and her favorite Hawaiian shirt. Then she went to Mr. Mousemouse`s house because he was the only hamster that could drive. Becky asked, “Mr. Mousemouse, can you drive me to the Hamham beach?” He said, “Of course!” He hopped in his mini car, and Becky climbed in. One hour later, they arrived. Becky got off and said, ”Thank you!” as she got her stuff. She then rode on her waterproof mini boat. It was night now and Becky fell asleep. When she woke up, she was on an island surrounded by hamsters. The hamsters spoke
the same language as her! One of the hamsters said,’Let's be friends! I will give you food and a place to sleep.” So Becky went to her new friend’s house. She said,”My name is Ruby and nice to meet you!” Then she gave Becky a coconut. Days passed. Becky was worried. She was having fun but she wanted to go home. She said,”I’m sorry, but can I go home?”And Ruby said, ”Of course!” So Becky said goodbye and rode off on her waterproof mini paper boat. Then, something magical happened! There was a blink of light. Suddenly, Becky teleported to her house! Becky realized that she was lying on her bed. It was a dream! She thought that she really wanted to have a vacation like that. Maybe one day!
THE END
6 Word Memoirs
My friend Kalli is super awesome!
- Zoe Burlison
IambestfriendswithGia!
AlaMutlu
Myfriendsarethebestever! - MayaGerstl
- Sarah Kim
I am best friends with Ala!!
- Gia Han I love to play with friends.
I got braces January third 2025.
- Kalli Venios
- JianNam
Koreawasveryveryextremelyfun!
Third grade is the best ever.
- Madelyn Scianna
I’msuperexcitedfor4thgrade . - LeyahBerger
I really like eating ramen noodles.
- Seung Min Lee
A Spring Poem
By Maya Gerstl
The grass is fresh and healthy
The weather is making people feel wealthy
The flowers are stretching way into the sky
People look up as robins fly by
The snow is melting slowly away
The breeze pushes flowers into a sway
The clouds are as fluffy as clouds can be
Children skip along to school very happily
The little chicks start chirping
The petals on flowers start bursting
The clothes in your closet are changing to shorts
The balls in your garage are coming out for sports
The soccer field starts to get more attention
The joyful “spring break” will be getting a mention
The windows will open - it’s getting real hot
Soup for the winter soup will not be in the pot
The grass is fresh and healthy
The weather is making people feel wealthy
The grass is stretching way into the sky
People look up as robins fly by.
Spectacular plants
Picnic time
Riding my bike
Ice cream time
New fresh plants
Gorgeous flowers
By Jian Nam
Favorite Ice Cream Flavorat MMS
By Zoe Burlison, Madelyn Scianna, and Kalli Venios
We love ice cream! It’s fun to have ice cream after lunch. We noticed that we were all having different kinds of ice cream. This made us wonder what ice cream flavor is the favorite of students at Merritt. So we decided to do a poll asking Grades 1-5 to find out! A total of 277 students participated in this event. Surprisingly, cookies and cream was the most popular with 96 students or 35% of all students. Next came vanilla with 58 students or 21%. The least popular ice cream flavors were mint chocolate chip with 16%, chocolate with 15% and finally strawberry with only 13%. This is not at all what we expected. We thought either cookies and cream or chocolate would win and thought mint chocolate chip would be second. We would like to thank everyone who participated in this poll. Does anyone have any other favorite flavors? We would love to know!
First Tea Party
By Sarah Kim
Getting a Desk
By Zoe Burlison
Have you ever thought of me having my own space, my own…desk? Well I have thought alot about it and I hope after you read my story you will too. I don't have my own space to work so a desk would be perfect! In my opinion I should get a desk in my room because I can do work on the desk, I will be responsible for the desk, and I need a desk so I have more space.
First of all I should get a desk because I can do work on my desk. An example of work is homework. I can do all my homework on my desk so Alexandra will not bother me because she is very noisy. Another possibility is doing projects and crafts on the desk. For example, I do all my projects and crafts on the kitchen table. So then you have to clean the table. So that means if I get a desk I can do all my projects and crafts on the desk it does not matter and you will not have to clean it up because it will be MY responsibility and my desk. Those are some things I can do on a desk.
Another reason I should get a desk is because I will be responsible for the desk. One way I will be responsible for the desk is by wiping the desk as clean as I can EVERY DAY! I will also organize the desk once a month and try as hard as I can to keep it neat. In fact I will try super hard to keep the desk as clean and organized as my closet. Those are some ways I can be responsible for the desk.
One last reason I should get a desk is because it will give me more space for my stuff. If I get a desk I will have more space to put my supplies. For example I have pens, pencils, markers, colored pencils, and crayons all over our house. That means if you get me a desk all my supplies will not be all over our house. In fact, I even have papers that are in piles, piles, and more piles! Another possibility is that I can even put toys on the desk because I just have toys all over my room and I need a better place to put them. As you can see, I should really get a desk.
In conclusion, I should get a desk in my room for many reasons. I should get a desk because it will give me more space to work and I will be responsible for the desk. Don’t you want me to be happy? Then please get me a desk and make my dream come true.
Emily’s Adventure
By Leyah Berger
THE END
The Girl With No Legs
By Seung Min Lee
Years ago in Korea, there was a teacher who worked late that night in her school. Nobody else was there. The teacher went to a classroom and saw a little girl sitting by herself at her table with her hands covering her face. The teacher asked her, “Why are you not going home?” The girl whispered, “I can’t go home because I DON’T HAVE ANY LEGS! PLEASE! GIVE ME YOUR LEGS!” Her whisper became a shout! Then the girl looked up at the teacher but her eyes were all white and scary. The teacher gasped. Suddenly, the girl jumped on the floor and was crawling quickly using only her hands. She did not have any legs! She came to the teacher. The teacher fainted and fell to the floor.
Later that night, a custodian came to work. He found the teacher on the floor. He helped her and she went to the hospital. The next morning, she went back to school to teach. She went back to that classroom and asked the classroom children if they knew that little girl. They said no. She then asked an older teacher who had worked in that school for a long time. He then told her the story.
Years ago, one little girl accidentally was hit by a car outside the school. She lost both her legs and died.
Art by Madelyn Scianna
Song Review
Review by Jian Nam
Title of Song: “Stay a Little Longer”
Artist: Ros’e
Genre: K-pop
Summary:
The song is about Ros’e calling her friend to stay a little longer in her house. I feel kind of sad and that is because Ros’e’s voice is so sincere..
My Review: I like this song because I like the melody and the words. I actually like every Ros’e song and I love her voice.
Stars:
Dog Days
By Leyah Berger
Once upon a time, a little girl named Izzy was playing outside. Then she saw something in a puddle of mud. So she walked over to it and picked it up. IT WAS A DOG! She walked back into her house covered in mud with the dog in her hand.
“OMG sweetie, why are you covered in mud, and what is in your hand that is so dirty?” said her mom.
“It’s our new pet doggy,” she replied.
“No! No! No! We cannot take care of this little guy, honey. I am so sorry. Can you please give it back to its owner?” her mom said.
“But Mama… he has no home. I found him in the street playing in the grass so I picked him up and came home.”
“WHAT? You went into the street and picked up a stray dog? It could have fleas!”
“Please Mama! I really want to have a pet dog. Pretty please? I promise to take care of him.”
“Fine, but first let's take him to a vet to check him out to make sure he can be a pet and make sure he does not have fleas. And then if I say that we can keep him, we can get a collar and a leash. Go get cleaned up first.”
“Oh, thank you Mama!” Izzy smiled happily. Her own dog!
Interview with Mrs. P. - Our Principal!
By Maya Gerstl
We all know how amazing our principal, Mrs. P. is. I sat down with her and asked her some questions about herself. Let’s see how she answered them as we get to know her better.
Do you have any kids?
- I have two boys.
Do you have a pet?
- Yes, two dogs. Shadow- Chocolate Lab, and RileySilver Lab
Do you have siblings?
- No Have you lived in another country?
- No
What is your favorite holiday?
- Thanksgiving
What is your favorite color?
- Blue. Any shade!
What is your favorite sport?
- Basketball
What is your favorite food?
- French fries
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
- Cookies and Cream
What is your favorite place you’ve been to?
- Aruba
What is your favorite movie?
- Wicked Where are you from?
- Italy and Germany
Did you like school as a child?
- Yes. I was a good student too!
How long have you been teaching?
- This is my 17th year.
My Roller Coaster Ride
By Zoe Burlison
ZOOM! went the roller coaster as I walked onto the boardwalk. My sister and I ran to the train ride. “I want the pink cart,” said my sister. “OK “ said my dad. A ter the train ride was done, my sister and I ran to the bi roller coaster as our parents ran a ter us. When our parents finally cau ht up with us, I whispered to my dad, “I’m a little scared o the roller coaster.” Meanwhile, my sister jumped up and down with joy. My mom was also not that sure i she wanted to o on the roller coaster. She finally decided she was just oin to watch us. Suddenly, I heard a weird noise.
UUUUGH! I thou ht to mysel . I knew what that noise meant…it meant that it was our turn to et on the roller coaster. It elt like my heart was beatin 45 miles per hour. I also elt like I had 30 butterflies in my stomach. At that same moment, I saw a irl rom the ride be ore us ettin off, and she looked upset. She went on the ride and that made me think I was oin to re ret oin on the ride. I slowly walked up the steps and sat in a cart with my dad. You won’t believe what happened next. My dad asked
me to o to another cart…by mysel ! WHY? I was the one that was scared! I screamed! Shouldn'tAlexandra sitbyhersel becausesheisnotscared?I thou ht. “FINE!” I shouted. I heard the en ine be innin to run as I sat down and si hed to mysel . CLICK! I heard as I clipped my seatbelt. The roller coaster started to move and WHOOSH the roller coaster went up to the top o the track! 3, 2, 1! “Aaahhh,” I screamed as the roller coaster went zoomin down the track. We went down the track, side to side ,and up and down. SWOOSH! SWISH! SWOOSH! Finally, we made it back to the startin point. “DONE! At last!” I said with excitement. I was about to et off when...what? It oes around another time! But or some reason I elt more com ortable. We went up, and I was calm. Suddenly, I heard a noise and then I realized that it was just my mom askin me i I was havin un. “Sort o ,” I yelled back to her. When that time around was done, I was actually happy I ot off and ran to hu my mom and said, “That's my avorite ride.” “Really?” said my mom. “I’m lad,” said my dad. And I was lad too!
My Deer Story
By Madelyn Scianna
One spring evening, a girl named Alexa was outside in her backyard playing. She was 4 years old. She was out there with her little sister but she had to go in because it was her nap time.Alexa was sad and had noone to play with. She was lonely. But then she heard grass moving and went over to see it.She couldn't find anything so she went back to playing.She was playing with bubbles and chalk. Suddenly she heard the noise again but she still couldn't find where the noise was coming from. Then Alexa heard it coming closer. She peeked at it quietly and slowly. It was a deer! At first she was scared, but she thought it looked cute. She wanted to touch it. But then her mom called her in for dinner. She didn't think the deer would be there when she would be finished. She gracefully ate dinner.
After dinner, Alexa went to her room to get her camera just in case to have it. She wanted to go outside hoping the deer would be there. She was scared the deer would be gone and wanted to get her mind off of it so she went in her playroom and played a game. Then she went to her living room and watched My Little Pony. It was her favorite. Her mind wandered as she remembered she had a birthday coming up soon. She wanted all My Pony things and Barbie. Alexa thought about how she loved dogs and had one named Fruity because her sister loved fruit so she decided
to name it that. Then she started thinking about how her sister who was two and the preschool she went to. She thought about her life when she was in pre school. Now she did big girl things like kickball, cheer and softball. Suddenly, Alexa remembered about the deer.
She walked outside slowly but in a flash she ran back inside and asked her family to not look outside and to not go outside or at least not look at her. She wanted to surprise them later. She then walked outside and peeked and guess what…it was there. She was full of joy. She slowly walked over to the deer. Alexa was super scared. She suddenly worried if it would have a disease.Maybe it’s sick? But she saw how calm it was and wasn't too worried any more. She carefully walked down the outside stairs. She started to tiptoe closer and felt shivers with both excitement and nervousness. She reached out her hand and gently pet it!! It didn't do anything! Alexa backed up and noticed that it didn't do anything.It just stood there. She quietly went back in to pee. She couldn't believe it. She was still a little scared and nervous. She then returned outside with her camera. She took a picture of it alone. So pretty! Alexa decided she wanted to take a picture of her with it. She knew it wouldn't happen. But she really wanted to but how? So? She carefully set up her camera on the stairs so it would get her and the deer from behind. She then ran to hug it. For her picture, she wrapped her arm around the deer.
She sat with it for a while happy to see that the deer stayed with her and did not run away. She learned a lesson that day. It was that if you are careful with something, it will be careful with you. The deer knew she would not hurt it. Her mom came out and said to come in soon and have dessert and then go to bed. That is when she saw Alexa with the deer. Alexa told her mom to get her dad and sister and come back and see this. They were full of joy! Finally it was time to go inside. She grabbed her red jello and fruit dessert as she watched Barbie with her sister. Alexa couldn't get her mind off it. Before going to bed, she looked out the window. The deer was still there. It looked at her and then slowly walked away. Alexa knew this was a day she would never ever forget.
THE END!
Poll: Favorite Colors
By Gia Han and Ala Mutlu
We know our favorite color. And it is not the same color! That got us thinking. Does everyone at Merritt like the same color? What is the favorite color of all MMS students and teachers? So we visited each classroom to ask. Out of 266 kids and teachers from Grades 1-5 asked, the favorite color was blue! This was the favorite for more than 36% of all students. And teachers The next favorite color was pink with 20%. Then the next favorite color was purple and red with 18% and 15%. Green was the least favorite color with only 9%. This means that only 20 kids and teachers liked green the best. We both agree and disagree with these results because Gia like blue the best Ala likes pink the best. What do you think of the results? Do you agree or disagree?
3D Art by Seung Min Lee
The Taping Game
By Ala Mutlu
I am Olivia. I am 9 years old. I am watching after my sister because my mom is in a work meeting. I love drawing and reading. I really love playing with my sister. Her name is Tiana. I was trying to find something new to play with her. Then I had an idea! I could tape her on the wall. “Would you like me to tape you on the wall? It will be so fun!” I asked Tiana. “Yessssssss!” said Tiana. I grabbed a roll of super sticky and strong tape and started taping her on the wall. One tape at a time, we were both giggling and having fun. When she stayed on the wall, I realized I needed to use the bathroom immediately. I put some gummies in her mouth so that she could have some sweets while I was away. Just then, my twin brother Jansen came home from his playdate next door. Then he saw my sister taped on the wall. “Oh no!” he shouted. “I will untape you!”
Tiana could not talk since her mouth was stuffed with gummies.
“I can’t hear you!” said Jansen. Then he started untaping Tiana. Crash! Tiana fell!
Just then, I zoomed out of the bathroom.
“WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA,” said Tiana.
“Oh no!” I said.
“Oh no!” said Jansen.
At that moment, my mom was done with her meeting and found us.
I said, “We can explain!” while Tiana was still screaming.
My mom said, “No time for explaining. It’s time to take her to the hospital.”
Then we went to the hospital, and the doctor put a cast on Tiana’s arm. When we got home, Tiana wanted to play the tape game again.
I said, “No way! I mean… no way that we do it on the wall. But let’s try the floor!”
Jansen said, “Can I play?”
I smiled and said, “Yes! And this time, you can even take off the tapes without her falling!”
The siblings giggled. They were very happy and hugged each other.
The End
Digital Art by Madelyn Scianna
The Squirrel Who Ruined the Wedding
by Seung Min Lee
One day there was a wedding for Jonny and Lia. They were so happy and so excited. They couldn’t wait! They planned their wedding outside. They had beautiful blue and white flowers everywhere. They had 58 white chairs ready for their friends and family. They had nice soft music playing. Everything looked beautiful. On a side table, they had the most amazing wedding cake. It had two layers with a tiny Jonny and Lia statue on top. It was covered with yummy white cream with blue chocolate flowers. It was almost too pretty to eat. Just when Jonny was about to put the wedding ring on Lia’s finger, everyone heard a funny sound. MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH! Jonny looked to the cake where the sound was coming from. There was a big brown squirrel eating their cake. His dirty claws were grabbing pieces of the creamy cake! Jonny shouted, “NOOOO!” Jonny quickly ran to the cake. He tried to grab the squirrel with both his arms. He got him but also accidentally knocked over the cake. The cake fell right on top of Jonny’s head with the little Jonny and Lia statue on top. Jonny tried to hold onto the squirrel but right then Jonny felt a kick. It was Lia! She was so angry that Jonny ruined their cake. “I don’t want to marry you anymore!” Lia screamed. Lia ran away crying. The squirrel ran away too with his white creamy claws and mouth. And Jonny was so angry too. From that day on, Jonny hated squirrels and never ate cake again.
Art by Gia Han
SONG REVIEW
By Madelyn Scianna
Song: Pink Pony Club
Artist: Chappell Roan
Genre: Pop
My Review: This song is about not growing up and still needing help. I really like this song. It is so catchy and so fun. I love it. I really love the words and what she is singing about. Her voice is amazing, and the rhythm of the song is great and makes you want to dance. I also really love that the song has the words pink and pony in it. It makes me happy.
Stars: 5/5
Getting to
For those of you who don’t know, Mrs. Bliss is a 5th grade teacher at Merritt. She was just named Teacher of the Year! Let’s get to know her a little better.
1.What is your favorite color? Blue
2.What's your favorite song? “Yeah” by Usher
3.What is your favorite movie? Rise of Red Descendants
4.What is your favorite book? Wonder by R.J. Palacio
5.What is your favorite type of music? House music
6.What is your favorite snack? Guac and chips
ByKalliVenios
7.If you were a millionaire what would you spend it on?
A beach house
8.Do you have any sisters or brothers? One sister and one brother
9.What was your favorite grade in school? First grade
10.How many kids do you have? Two girls
11.Where is your dream vacation? Maldives
12.Do you like Descendants? No, I LOVE Descendants!
Spring Break’s Too Short!
By Maya Gerstl
“Spring break is the reset button we all need.” I think that spring break should be longer. Some kids go on vacation for a while, but don’t want to miss school, people should have time to enjoy the nice weather before it gets too hot outside, and it gives people time to reset from the long winter.
One reason spring break should be longer is that some kids go on vacation for a while, but don’t want to miss school. They will have to make up for all the work that they missed. That may make them go to sleep later, and then they can be tired when they go to school. They might also be stressed out about all the work they will have to do, while they are on vacation, and that will prevent them from enjoying their vacation. What’s the point of going on vacation if you’re not going to enjoy it? Also, their friends might be worried about all their work too. That will keep them from doing good on their work at school. All of this won’t happen if spring break was longer.
Another reason spring break should be longer is that people should have time to enjoy the nice weather before it gets too hot. Most people don’t want to go outside a lot in the winter, and in the summer, you can’t stay out for too long because it is too hot. But in the spring, the temperature outside is just right. But when children go to school everyday, they don’t have enough time to play outside. You might think, “Well, they can play outside during spring break,” but spring
break is too short to play outside a lot, and go on vacation. Even if they want to go outside after school, they will probably have homework or things to do. Even if the kids have no homework, their older siblings probably will. It’s not as much fun playing outside by yourself!
One more reason that spring break should be longer is so that people have time to calm down and reset from the long winter. People have so many things to do at school and work, in the community, and at home, and they don’t have time to rest, or not as much as they would normally like. Then on top of that, they are in a freezing cold, miserable season; winter. Spring break is a time to rest. But how can you rest, when you are on an exciting vacation? That is another reason why we need a longer spring break; to rest and calm down from winter and welcome in the spring. Also, getting closer to the end of the school year, there is a lot more work, and it is more stressful. Spring break gives students time to calm down from school, and even catch up on school work if they really need to.
“Spring break is a time to dive into new experiences and come out refreshed and renewed.” Spring break should definitely be longer. Some kids go on vacation for a while, but don’t want to miss school, people should have time to enjoy the nice weather before it gets too hot outside, and it gives people time to reset from the long winter. All these reasons might seem like a lot, but I know you’ll agree with me; Spring break should be longer.
Book Review
by Madelyn Scianna
Title: Puppy Place: Bandit
Author: Ellen Miles
Plot: A dog named Bandit is found by two girls on vacation. They find out that the dog needs a heart operation. The girls run a dog business to raise money for his operation.
My Review: I like this book because in the beginning it is happy. Then it gets sad and then happy again. I like this story and also it is a good series of books because I like how Puppy Place has so many books and Bandit is mentioned in other Puppy Place books. I also like how one of the main characters Lizzie was with her best friend Maria away on vacation and found Bandit at a truck stop restaurant and she made her dad pick him up. The sad part is Bandit needed a heart operation and Maria's uncle, who was a truck driver, brought Bandit to Boston for the operation and back. While I read this, I was sort of nervous about what would happen to Bandit.
My Rating:
By Kalli Venios
The Craziest Go Cart in the World
By Seung Min Lee
Once there were two brothers. A big brother named Dean and a little brother named Chase. They were playing with their cousin, Eileen. It was Chase’s birthday, and Eileen and her family gave him a new go cart as a present. Chase was so happy. He yelled, “This is amazing. Can I try it?” “Of course,” said Eileen. So the three kids went outside to test it. Chase got in first. Eileen and Dean said they wanted a ride too. So Eileen climbed on the front of the go cart, and Dean said he would help push it. Their house was on the top of a medium sized mountain. They hoped they could go down the hill very fast. Chase and Eileen shouted for Dean to push them down the hill. So he did. He started pushing it as he ran and he went faster and faster. Suddenly, they were going down the hill. They were going so fast they just started flying in the air. Dean grabbed the back of the go cart tightly as his body and legs were flying. Eileen was screaming, “AHHHH!” Chase was having so much fun. Dean was a disaster. He thought he would die. They flew around the Earth and crashed into their house, destroying it. The good news was they were all ok and not hurt. The go cart too was not smashed. Chase looked up from the floor and said, “Can we do that again?”
Roses are red Violets are blue I love school And so should you.
School is so fun and when you get work done, you can hang out with your friends.
ByMadelynScianna
Ice Cream Prize
By Jian Nam
Oneday,Iwenttothemallwithmymomanddadandit tookalongtimetoarrive.Itwassoooooooooooooooo boringbecausemymomwasshoppingandIhateshopping. Somymompromisedtogetmeicecream.Abouttwo hourslater,shewasfinallydone.Whew!AllIcouldthinkof wasmyicecream. WewalkedtoVanLuenshopinthemall. Ilookedatallthechoices.Therewassomuchtochoose from.TheicecreamflavorI decidedtogetwasCookies& Cream.ThemanaskedifIwanted itinacuporacone.Ichoseacup. Hegavemetwobigscoopsofice cream.Ididnotwantanythinglike sprinklesontop.ThenIsatdown toeatmyicecream.Itwasso scrumptious!Itdidnottakeme longtofinishmycupoficecream. Itwastooyummytoeatslowly. Ithankedmymomanddadforthe icecreamandthenwewenthome.IlearnedthatifIam patient,Iwillgetaprize.Maybenexttimemymomhasto shop,Iwillgohappilywithher.
By Sarah Kim
Nightmare of Zombies
By Seung Min Lee
HersheyPark
ByMadelynScianna
Somewhere I love to go is Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. I'm even going there soon. It is an amusement park with a waterpark. It is near where Hershey chocolates are made. There are also a bunch of hotels closeby. There is one big one called Hershey Lodge.
Here's a fun fact about Hershey Park: it is even bigger than Disney World! Can you believe that? It is a very cool place to explore and learn. In the winter, they have real reindeer to see, and around Halloween time, at night they have people scaring
you and jumping out at you. It is so scary. I don't like things that scary but my sister Avery does. So does my dad. Hershey Park is so fun, and there are so many rides to choose to go . on. The biggest ride is called Candymonium. This ride only lasts about two minutes but you go on a track that has hills as high as 210 feet going 70 miles per hour. It is really scary.
My favorite is Trailblazer. It is so fun and not scary. It first brings you out of the building where you line up but the line is really long sometimes. Then it brings you up a huge hill and it turns to the side instead of a drop and then it goes up a tiny hill and brings you to the thing my family calls the toilet bowl. And then it’s over.
I can’t wait to visit Hershey Park again. I am so excited to go on these rides again and stay in a hotel. I am going to try new rides too. It’s going to be the best!
BOOK REVIEW
ByKalliVenios
Title: Time Jumpers: Stealing the Sword
Author: Wendy Mass
Summary: Two siblings, Chase and Ava, find a suitcase and go back in time. They chase a thief while messing in time with Merlin and a sword in their suitcase. Their job is to save the king. Will they do it?
My Review: I rated Time Jumpers Stealing The Sword 4 stars because I liked the ending but it was not the best book ever.
Ice Cream Debate
I think mint chocolate chip is the best ice cream flavor in the world. It is the best and much better than vanilla because the flavor mint is so refreshing. You can taste the mint and it cleans your mouth with a fresh minty taste. Another reason is because the chocolate chips inside add a sweet blast of flavor. Some bites have no chips and then all of a sudden, you get CRUNCH! A nice chunk of chips. Last, I think the flavor vanilla does not have much rich flavor but is just sweet. On the other hand,mint chocolate chip has a rich minty flavor in it. This is why mint chocolate chip ice cream is better than vanilla ice cream and the best flavor in the world.
- Jian Nam
I think vanilla is the best ice cream flavor in the world. It is so much better than mint chocolate chip. One reason is because vanilla is not minty and it’s just a plain taste but sweet. I also don’t like minty. Second, putting fruits, syrup, or any other toppings are yummy on vanilla flavored ice cream. I especially love sprinkles! That would taste weird on mint chocolate chip. Last, I like chocolate chips but not in my ice cream. It makes it too crunchy. Yuck! These are the reasons why I think vanilla ice cream is way better than mint chocolate chip. Do you agree with me?
- Sarah Kim
