Good News REview Spring 2023

Roberts Running Club Runs on, Strong

BY CATHERINE YU

Do you like to run? Or maybe you seek to become a stronger, more improved runner? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, then you should join the Roberts Elementary Running Club.

Coach Alexander, under Principal Rita Graves, who is currently the principal at Lamar High School, started the Roberts Running Club in 2014.

Running Club is still led by Coach Alexander, also known as Coach A, and available to all grade levels, genders, and ethnicities.

The students meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 6:45-7:15 a.m. by the soccer field. It might seem like a bit of an early start, but starting the day off running really wakes you up for the school day. The club costs a small fee of $25 for the shirt and running instruction, but if you cannot pay, there are scholarships.

When I asked Coach A who would enjoy Roberts Running Club, he said, “Running Club can be for anyone, especially students with a lot of energy.”

There is a large range of grade levels and experience at the Roberts Running Club, so you should not feel intimidated if you want to join.

During Running Club, we do several different running exercises. First, we do a warmup, a five-minute jog around the track. Secondly, we do a buildup, where we go faster each lap. To finish off, we sprint around the soccer field. I really like having a routine and knowing what to expect and do each time we meet.

Coach A said that his favorite part of the club is, “seeing the students learn to run smoothly and efficiently.”

I also asked some of the students about their favorite club moments. Brielle Simmons, a fourth-grade runner said she enjoyed, “meeting runners from the Rice University track and field team that had more experience and learning their perspective on running.”

Joshua Yu, a second grader in Running Club, said, “I like doing the buildups. Running Club also helps me improve my baseball.”

I love running, and if it were not for the RE running club, I do not think I could say that. When I first started, nine months ago, I could barely run once around the track without stopping to walk.

Now, I can run almost 10 times that long and think of running as a hobby rather than a school activity. Since I am graduating, I will miss the Roberts Running Club dearly next year. But I hope that future students will enjoy it just as much as I have.

HATS OFF TO OUR 5 TH GRADE RE VIEWERS

AVA SANCHEZ

CATHERINE AVENT, Founder

ISIS SIX, Founder

KELLEN KONRATH, Founder

CAROLINE IRWIN, Founder

DAVID DLUHY

JACK WELLNER, Founder

LEVI SEGAL, Founder

CATHERINE YU, Founder

HAROON PAREKH

JOURNEY STEPHENS, Founder

NORA ESSINGER, Founder

Inspired. Inquisitive. Reporting on our world from the Roberts Elementary view.

Reflect and Revise: The Year in REview

If you have known me for a while, you will have heard of my love for the synchronicity of choirs. I love choirs! I love how different voices, tones, and pitches can come together and amplify a song’s meaning. These voices agree to sing the same song at the same time. But through their own immutable contribution to the choir, something phenomenal happens. The songs that choirs sing sound stronger, more emotional, more memorable, and more meaningful.

Dr. Jane Piirto, professor and award-winning author, explains in her article “Synchronicity and Creativity,’ featured in the Encyclopedia of Creativity, that renowned psychologist Carl Jung first introduced the idea of synchronicity, “the occurrence of meaningful coincidences that seem to have no cause,” in the 1950s. Dr. Piirto paraphrases Carl Jung’s work saying, “The underlying idea is that there is unity in diversity.”

There is no wonder why I love synchronicity. This phenomenon is where difference is celebrated - each part of the whole in harmony. Ahh! That sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

My six-year journey as a Roberts parent and watching my daughters fall in love with this haven of bliss and education has been like my beloved choir effect. It is very hard to believe that six years zoomed by that fast. The lows and the highs make up this melodious story. My daughter, Journey Victoria, has exceeded any expectations my husband and I could have had for her. Each year was incredibly different, from Harvey to the yearslong pandemic, to being a big sister at school when my second daughter proudly became a Roberts Mustang! She adapted gracefully. I tearfully appreciate the difference of each day that cumulatively has led to this milestone - the completion of elementary school. It has truly reflected the Piirto definition of synchronicity - unity of diversity.

Along with my love for choirs, I admiringly watch (and secretly wish to be) a choir director.

Hence another reason why synchronicity resonates with me. I think it is the reason why I love the Good News REview newsroom - different voices, experiences, personalities, values, and opinions coming together during one hour after school and agreeing to write for one purpose - to entertain and educate our Roberts Elementary school community through journalism.

If you walk past the newsroom on any given Friday, you may see me living out my dream to be a choir director and hear the fourth and fifth-grade students, in harmony chanting, “Good. Better. Best. Never let it rest…Until your good is your better and your better is your best.”

I have the REview chant this popular adage in chorus each time we are in the newsroom because I want to amplify its meaning. I want the words of the chant to come alive for them. I want them to remember this refrain forever and hear it even when they’re not actively reminiscing about the fun times we have had in the newsroom.

I want them to remember that life requires us to reflect, and

5TH GRADE BEQUESTS

MS. JUCKER’S HOMEROOM

I bequeath all fun times to future 5th graders because we had so much fun in both classes. Alya Morsi

I bequeath the Hobbit. My favorite class novel to future 5th graders. Neha

revise because that is the evolution of life…of civilization. We get better when we can come together and reflect and revise.

I teach my student journalists that in order to revise, we must reflect on the six Cs of reflective writing - writing that is concise, coherent, compelling, clear, comprehensive, and compassionate. This reflection is called editing. Editing is, perhaps, the hardest part of being a writer. Seeing the gaps, the inconsistencies, acknowledging what we have written was dissonant or cacophonous is hard work - especially when we believe in our work so strongly. My English professor taught us, “Never marry the first draft.”

One of the Cs of reflective writing that helps the student edit which is a bit unconventional, but necessary in my professional experience, is compassion. We ask ourselves, “How will what I have written affect my readers?”. We must consider our writing’s impact.

So, I beamed with pride to hear my student, during office hours with me, review his editing process and share where he considered what he initially wrote and his decision to change it based on the sixth C - Compassion.

On February 3, I asked the Roberts Community to reflect and revise how we move forward in the story of Roberts Elementary School. I asked to revise our name while maintaining our identity. I thought that the association with a person who thought that some of our students were not human nor fit for American citizenship was dissonant with who we are as a community. I wanted our community to consider how our name impacts our students, parents, teachers, and community. I introduced this change in the hope of synchronicity - unity in the diverse Roberts voices.

To be frank, saying the process was grueling is an understatement, but any editing process is. It is hard to revise and evolve because while the meaning of what you have written remains the same, in most cases, it is difficult to say goodbye to pieces that are a part of your original story. In the end, however, a revised story, an evolved story, will demonstrate that you, the storyteller, believe in your story enough to spend time with it to enrich it so that it is compelling, so that it reaches a greater audience, so that it creates a greater impact, so that it will be easier for your audience to read, digest, and appreciate, and so that your story will communicate the exact message you want to convey…and more powerfully.

To my fifth graders, you always have a writing home with Good News REview. Remember that writing will take you wherever you wish. Reflect and revise. Reflect and revise. I hope you will never forget the dancing, the listening, the singing, the snacks, the guests, the writing, the six C’s, that you started something phenomenal. And One…Two…Review.

FRAN-VICTORIA STEPHENS EDITOR

Email us at schoolnewspaper@robertspto.org

I bequeath all the mustard in the lunchroom to the future 5th graders. Kellen K.

I bequeath the field trip to Houston Museum of Natural science to the future 5th graders. I bequeath all of my Blooket victories to my little brother. I bequeath all my Kahoot wins to Alilidutt. Alexander

I bequeath all of my Gaga ball wins to my friend Mat. Caden Cooper

I bequeath all my fun I had to the future 5th graders. I bequeath all my yearbooks to Gdildot. I bequeath the Roberrt’s library books I’ve read to Sarah. David

I bequeath my good hits in nukeball to Cole J. Andrew

I bequeath everything I have learned to the future 5th graders. I bequeath all my good memories to the future 5th graders. Savannah

I bequeath my pencil for a future 5th grader who needs it. I bequeath my terrible organization skills to my brother.(Someone had to have it!) I bequeath my violin to 4th graders, I need the next size anyway! I bequeath my backpack to anyone who needs it, because I have to have a clear one next year. I bequeath my newspaper journal to the current third graders, so they can join next year. I bequeath my moss to Mr. Walker, he will understand this one. I bequeath all copies of the Hobbit to Ms. Nelsonger so future kids in the library can read the best book ever. I bequeath all the fun recesses to the new Kindergarteners, so they can have an amazing start here at Roberts Elementary. Nora P. Essinger

I bequeath all my yummy cookie butter and jam sandwiches to Adele(and me) because we deserve better lunches. I bequeath all my reading years to sll kids and teachers that come to Roberts(including me) because we need to be able to read in the library again. I bequeath all my good class time to all the kids and teachers that come to Roberts(including me) because we need fun.

Eleanor Jensen/Ellie J

MR. WALKER’S HOMEROOM

We would like to, collectively, leave the following items and legacy to the future fifth graders of

Roberts:

Haroon: Tardy passes

Ameen: Sun Chips

Vivaan: Sanitizer

Elias: My learning

John: Peanut butter crackers

Andrew: Pencils

Henry: My brain

Atiksh: Sanitizer

Samuel: Crazy hair

Malcolm: Last remaining brain cells

Malaki: Fruit snacks

Journey: Shoes that my friends signed and the opportunity to be on-time to school to my sister

Caroline: My smarts

Ava: Love for Taylor Swift

Connor: My grades

Catherine: Exhibition project

Yuji: Messy locker

Elieen: Fortune teller in my locker

Ellen: Pink locker shelf

Chloe: Origami box in my locker

Stockton: Mad scientist mentality

Noor: My Creative Writing

Dax: Love of Tennis

Ananya: My sense of humor

Ray: My learning

Community Catherine Yu, Jiya Parekh, Thera Castellon Fernandez • Education Ailey Lumpkin, Kellen Konrath, Nora Essinger • Elementary Thoughts Catherine Yu, Ava Sanchez, Journey Stephens • Entertainment Annabel Thorvilson, Nile Pitkow • Book Reviews Journey Stephens, Naina Debuka • Food Journey Stephens, Isis Six • Health Anna Tsekos, Levi Segal • Lifestyle Nora Essinger, David Dluhy • REdiculously Funny Pages Jack Wellner • Science Jiya Parekh, Nile Pitkow, Anna Tsekos • Sports Javier Segura, Kellen Konrath • Travel Catherine Avent, Mrinalini Levin-Srinivasan • Technology Haroon Parekh, Makkiyah Khan • Weather Kyle Hu • Publisher Roberts Elementary School Houston, TX; schoolnewspaper@repto.org • Printer TriStar Web Graphics • Designer Katrina T Lallier/TK INK, Inc.

The 2023 Roberts Fun Run

The Fun and Fundraising

BY JIYA PAREKH

THE FUN

“Three, Two, One… Go!” We sped off and ran as an air of joy and excitement surrounded one of Roberts’s most important events, THE FUN RUN.

Weeks before the Fun Run, you can see the excitement increasing. Each class was determined to raise the most money after watching a video encouraging student participation. The whole school chit-chatted about nothing but Fun Run. No one could wait for the big event!

The PTO hosted Fun Run on April 12, 2023. There was a beautiful balloon archway to enter the track, and our PTO decorated the blacktop area with red and white balloons. There were two tracks for different grades to run on at the same time. Every class held a name or sign, such as Vuong’s Vortex or Ms. Goldsmith’s Golden Cookies. Along with the signs, there were objects such as crowns, headbands, and t-shirts that students wore to represent their class.

During the Fun Run, there was a sense of energy and activity. The music kept everyone motivated to run or walk and keep going. Occasionally, there were certain laps where you could skip, jump, or run with friends.

Many parents joined us to watch and motivate the kids to run with cheers and shouts

On the last few laps of the Fun Run, the teachers joined us holding the class signs. For the last few laps, we had a super speed run, a cooldown jog, and then finally, a walking lap to end Fun Run.

At the end of the event, students got to pick out snacks, juice, treats, and water from the snack table and go over to the shaded blacktop area to escape the heat.

After a refreshing break under the blacktop, everyone headed back to their classes talking energetically about Fun Run.

THE FUNDRAISING

Roberts’s students collect donations – flat amounts and dollars per lap. For example, if a mom donated $2 per lap, and the student completes 35 laps, your total donation would be $70. The funds we raised this year will repair our fallen-tree area where fifth graders assemble before school.

Fundraising is a competition among the classes, and whoever raises the most money gets a big prize, “Slime Ms. Epps.” Smaller class

prizes included a technology day and a pajama day. There were individual prizes, too, such as Pop-its, tie-dye shoelaces, or even a scooter dependent on how much money you raised.

I interviewed Ms. Marisa Botros to find out more about Fun Run fun and fundraising. She has been Fun Run Chair since 2017. In her time at Roberts, she was also PTO president, Culture of Giving Chair, Auction Chair, and more. She amazed me with her dedication and all the work she has done for Roberts all these years.

“The Fun Run has been going on since 2015, and each year has been more successful than the previous year,” said Ms. Botros. “This year our goal was $100,000, and we raised higher than that. Each year, I set a higher goal, and we raise more than our goal. This is impossible without the support from all of you,” Botros said. Wondering how we use these funds at RE? Each year the funds help us accomplish school goals. Botros confirmed that this year the fifth-grade deck would be “rebuilt and renewed. Yay!” with Fun Run funds. Any remaining funds would help with improvements all around the school.

During Fun Run each year, the students try to get donations from each of the 50 states in the United States. “We even completed the 50-state challenge this year, which has been completed only one other time: the first Fun Run, 2015. On top of that, our school received donations from 29 different countries, too,” Botros proudly reported.

With all that fundraising, only one class would have the opportunity to slime Ms. Epps – Ms. Luera’s third-grade class. They raised the highest amount, $13,000. Congratulations!

Fun Run is an important part of the fun and fundraising efforts at Roberts. And for the past six years, we could not have done it without Ms. Marisa Botros. And, with that type of commitment, I knew that she must be really passionate about Roberts and would miss being here. “I love Roberts. I love International Festival. I love our community, the smiling faces, laughing kids, the teachers, Ms. Epps, and I love and will miss everything about Roberts.” said Botros.

Thanks to Ms. Botros, and all the best to Ms. Jennifer Patrick, who is taking over Fun Run next year.

The Fun Run is true to its name: a fun and important fundraising event that benefits us and our very beloved IB school - Roberts Elementary!

The Return of the Book Buddies

BY THERA CASTELLON FERNANDEZ

Do you remember when you were little, and older kids would read to you? Well, one day I was in Ms. Goldsmith’s class. She announced that our class had book buddies, and our class was full of excitement. Unfortunately, we would not get a chance to meet our little buddies until six weeks. But it was worth it.

Finally, we met them in Mrs. Woods’s class. Most people like having book buddies. Book Buddies is a way for older kids to interact with younger kids and younger kids to interact with older kids.

Older kids think that little kids are adorable, and it is pleasant to know that little kids are improving their reading skills. Sadly, events cause it to be canceled here and there, and kids get

very disappointed.

The older buddies are equally upset as the younger book buddies when their reading time is disrupted. “I prefer doing book buddies than having recess,” said my friend, Anna Tsekos in Ms. Goldsmith’s class, fourth grade. (She is also in Good News REview. So, check out her article.)

Surprisingly, more people agree with her, but I mean it is recess we are talking about. Right?

In Houston Independent School District, there are 276 schools, and luckily Roberts Elementary is one of the schools that have Book Buddies.

Third through fifth graders, you might be wondering, “How can I be a good book buddy?”.

First, pick out a book that is a good fit for you and your book buddy. Set goals for you two to

accomplish. Do not read ahead. You do not want to confuse them or set a bad example. Finally, be patient. Your young buddy needs time to learn and have fun. If you are not having fun, you all will be bored!

The younger and older book buddies benefit from Book Buddies. The younger kids get the chance to hear someone who can read fluently to them, and that helps the younger kids. Older buddies can build confidence, and the important part is that most kids enjoy it.

The Book Buddies program is both fun and educational. I love my book buddy, and I know you love yours, too. We would not have had this opportunity if it were not for Ms. Epps and the teachers. So, when you see them, thank them for giving you the Book Buddies experience and opportunity. The book buddies have returned!

First Grade on the track. //GNR

Ms. Waterman’s Kindergarten class with First grade Buddies. //GNR

A TALK WITH MS. ZATZKIN

BY NORA ESSINGER

What was your favorite subject when you were in school? Math!

And now, as I always do in my articles, we have (summer themed) Popcorn questions!!!

What is your favorite summer activity? Going to the beach!

What is your favorite cool drink for the summer?

The Big 5th Grade Project

BY KELLEN KONRATH

On March 23, 2023, the fifth graders at Roberts Elementary School presented the biggest project they would ever complete as an International Baccalaureate (IB) elementary school student – our exhibition project. If you are wondering, “Why do the fifth-grade students complete and present an IB Exhibition project?”, you have the right guy. I will also share my Exhibition experience with you, too.

IB EXHIBITION:

IB Exhibition projects and presentations have been an annual event since 2005. “It got started with lots of teachers planning and guidance from the IB. It is part of the expectation as an IB school,” shared Christina Tran, Roberts Instructional Coordinator for both International Baccalaureate and Gifted and Talented programs.

As I mentioned, the IB Exhibition project is the most important project in your six-year edu-

cational career. Exhibition is very important to IB schools because it sums up all the learning during your time as a student at the IB school.

“As an IB school, Exhibition is a great way for our fifth graders to showcase what they learned and showcase what they are passionate about, and it is a great way to close out their PYP (Primary Years Program) journey in elementary school,” said Ms. Tran.

To prepare for Exhibition, students worked in pairs or groups of three or four to create a project on a problem in the world. And then, the students come up with a way to help people, organizations, or even help increase donations for organizations. The way they will help becomes the group’s action plan. On the night when every group presents, the parents come to school and watch the presentations.

MY EXHIBITION

On the night of Exhibition, March 23, 2023, I stood at the door nervously waiting for the parents to come into the classroom.

How Teachers Affect Their Students

A Special Feature for Teacher Appreciation Week

BY AILEY LUMPKIN

Teachers work hard. So, every year there is an entire week to celebrate them.

Six students have explained why their teachers are important. I talked to a few Roberts students about the effect their teachers have had on them. Read to find out more about how Roberts is continuing to inspire students every day!

JOIE SMITH

MS. WATERMAN, KINDERGARTEN

Why do you like your teacher?

Because we do math talks.

What was your favorite class activity? Math

How does your teacher inspire you?

Ms. Waterman gives flexibility in seating so that I can be inspired in different places.

LAURYN QUAN

MS. JOHNSON, FOURTH GRADE

Why do you like your teacher?

There are lots of activities in class. My teacher is really nice.

What was your favorite class activity?

Technology Day because I really got to socialize with my friends

How does your teacher inspire you?

She helps me with spelling and pronunciation

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Andrew Taaffe, Vihaan Shahji, and I connected the computer to the Clevertouch board. We were ready to share what we learned about baseball injuries and how to prevent them with our audiences. While we waited, we talked about what we thought our grade was going to be. We stopped talking when Ms. Zatzkin walked through the door. She told us that the parents were on their way.

As soon as the parents walked in, sweat started dripping down my neck. I was nervous. But after the first round of the presentation, my group and I calmed down a bit because it went smoothly. The second round of observers came, and it went even better than before because we knew what to expect.

After the third round, our Exhibition was over. I talked with my friends from different classes and asked them how theirs went and none of them said that theirs went badly.

Exhibition is a great learning experience. I am glad I had the chance to be a part of a great group, and I hope that you have just as great of an experience as me!

Ooo, I love an Arnold Palmer! It’s like half sweet tea and half lemonade and it’s so refreshing.

Beach or pool?

I’d say pool, because usually when I go to the beach I just walk around on the shore and sand.

Family vacation or sleepover with friends?

Family vacation!

What’s your favorite fruit to put in smoothies? Probably bananas!

Dangers of Technology with New Online STARR

A student’s thoughts about the online State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness

BY NORA ESSINGER

(WITH THE HELP OF ERICA ZATZKIN)

Technology may be the greatest thing to ever happen to us. But this year, I thought about how it could be dangerous to our future, as students.

The STAAR test is a test that Texas students, grades 3-8, take, and is an acronym for State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness. 2011 was the first year Texas students began to take the exam. STAAR replaced the TAKS, or

Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. In the beginning, districts administered a paper exam. Many districts in Texas, however, started taking the test online. But because Houston Independent School District was a bit late to the trend, we started this year. These are my thoughts about the change to an online STARR.

What is really bad about the online STAAR test? What might scare students, parents, and teachers?

Honestly, the unknown scares students, parents, and teachers. Everyone knows how to bubble in an answer document, but not everybody is familiar with the numerous new possible ways to answer a question, i.e., type your answer, choose the best answer from multiple choices, drag and drop your answer

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

My Group: Left; Andrew Taaffe, Middle: Vihhaan Shahji, Right; Kellen Konrath //GNR

William Rice Statue Begs to be Decentralized

An Unacknowledged History Finally Acknowledged

BY CATHERINE YU

Many Roberts students know about Rice University, the college, only a couple blocks from our beloved school community. But how many of you think about who the university was named after?

Rice University President David Lebron created the Taskforce on Slavery, Segregation, and Racial Injustice, in 2019 with 25 members he handpicked to consider the legacy of William Marsh Rice along with other issues that reflect a negative light on the school regarding racial justice issues.

Professor Fabiola López-Durán, Department of Art History, is one of the members of the Taskforce on Slavery, Segregation, and Racial Injustice who thought about who William Marsh Rice was.

William Marsh Rice was born in 1816 and died in 1900. He, similar to our school’s eponym, Oran Roberts, had a history intermingled with slavery and racial injustice. Many do not notice or acknowledge the fact that Rice ensla-

ved over ten slaves and served on a slave patrol (someone who policed escaped slaves) in Harris County.

At Rice University’s founding, the institution was intended to serve, “the white inhabitants of Houston, and the state of Texas,” according to an article by houstonpress.com, June 26, 2020.

So, after extensive research, Lopez-Duran and the Taskforce would like to take a step in the right direction by decentralizing the statue of William Marsh Rice located in the academic quad, a very centralized location.

“I would like to decentralize the William Marsh Rice statue because this statue became a very oppressive part for some members of our community, in particular, the African American community,” Lopez-Duran said when asked what she and the Taskforce would like to do with the statue. She sees no reason to keep something that is such an oppressive icon for so many.

“There are some members of the Rice community who are not happy about our decision,” Lopez-Duran shared. They think that is a political move, but for Lopez-Duran, and the rest of the taskforce, the desire to transform the university into a better, more inclusive institution is what

drives them.

The research the taskforce is continuing to share with the community makes it clear that their decision is rational rather than political. She would like to put the statue in a less central place. Her original idea was to place the statue in a private garden, which would be dedicated to Rice and his ashes. However, that was not a very popular idea.

Her second suggestion was to “contextualize the statue of William Marsh Rice with a more complete history in a little plaza by the Rice Welcome Center.” She hopes that the University will tell future Rice students about, “the part of his history that is not too beautiful.”

This topic might seem a little far off from our school’s community, but it is a little closer to home than you might think. Some of the students at Roberts might already know, but the person our school is named after was pro-slavery, like William Marsh Rice. If you think that the statue should be moved, what do you think about the name of our school?

In America, Education is a Privilege

BY AVA SANCHEZ

Have you ever wished you had something others had? There are many kids in the world that wish for the privilege to learn.

According to ourworldindata.org, 787 million children in the world do not have access to education. These numbers have grown drastically due to the pandemic.

A January 2020 article on news.yale.edu reported that nearly 75% of kids do not enjoy

school and wish they would not have to go, not knowing more than 780 million kids do not have the opportunity to learn.

Poverty-stricken students usually end up not going to school or having a bad education system. If a student’s household environment is not stable, then this instability could cause a distraction to their learning environment.

Our school and many others have access to things like computers, good teachers, and supplies. We do not realize how lucky we are to

have all these resources. Many privileged kids take things like a great education for granted.

We do not realize the great educational opportunities we have because we are part of the privileged who go to an awesome school.

Educational opportunity is something that I feel should not be taken so lightly. When my parents were growing up, they did not have as good of an education as other kids.

In America, I do not believe that the amount of money your parents have should determine your

educational opportunities. I believe how much dedication and smarts you put into your educational career should determine your success.

So, every time you go outside and play with Roberts Elementary School equipment or pick up a pencil here at Roberts, just remember how lucky we are to be here.

Thank you, Roberts teachers and staff, for all that you pour into this school. I hope I never take for granted the opportunities I was privileged to have here.

Welcome to Houston, Texas Education Agency

BY JOURNEY STEPHENS

There were seven in the room in a University of Houston-Downtown boardroom, not including the special guest. Each waited with pen and paper to voraciously write notes for the discussion they were anticipating.

Fran-Victoria Stephens, our very own Good News REview Editor-In-Chief, who is leads an education social enterprise, Story Square, invited these education professionals, who ranged from the Executive Director of Academic Affairs at Baylor College of Medicine – Dr. Patrick Jefferson – to the Executive Director of Latinos for Education – Dr. Armando Orduna.

When the special guest, TEA’s Deputy Commissioner, Steve Lecholop, walked in, they were more than ready to get some questions answered. I noticed these questions correlated with their personal values and the organizations they represent.

The seven asked question after question

after question about the ongoing “takeover” of Houston Independent School District (HISD) by Texas Education Agency.

The passionate professionals in the room each feared that HISD students’ education might be negatively affected by this transition.

The Texas Education Agency came to Houston because of HISD’s one school out of over a hundred schools, Wheatley High School, which has been underperforming for five straight years. The agency says they will appoint a new Board and a new superintendent - the people who lead our school district - and improve the horrific ratings of a lot of our schools in HISD.

I learned a lot from my time in the boardroom about the conversations I had heard about this “takeover.” I learned that the priorities for the new superintendent that TEA will be hiring are to simply provide campuses that have unacceptable ratings, or are very close to becoming underperforming, to provide them with all

the resources they need to succeed to be better, according to Lecholop.

But there was one participant during this morning visit from Deputy Commissioner Lecholop who made me really think about the TEA Takeover and the expectations of a complete turnaround just because the TEA has come to town.

Jefferson asked the Commissioner, “Will all the underperforming schools miraculously become better performing in the four years you suspect that the new Board of Managers will serve after decades of disparate education and opportunities? If so, The Board of Managers should start their own business, replicate the model all across the nation, and earn billions of dollars.”

Until Jefferson’s question and sarcastic suggestion, I never thought about whether or not the expectations that the TEA shared could really happen.

Lecholop insisted that no new funds will be a part of the transition. I guess I have a hard time understanding how the change that TEA expects

will happen if the only thing that changes is the leadership with fresh eyes.

I think the negative effect is this idea that we can just “start over with fresh eyes” as the Deputy Commissioner mentioned several times. We will be starting anew on or around June 1, however, Steve Lecholop says, “It’s not a takeover, it is not permanent. TEA is not going to be in control.”

Some are alarmed, some put lots of trust into TEA, and others just go with the flow to see what happens. As a student, I want whatever will be best for my fellow classmates and me.

In the six years I have been at Roberts, I have realized that not all schools are as great as Roberts. And our principal, teachers, parents, and community make it what it is!

Now it is your time to think: How can Roberts become a model for other schools? What is your take on TEA? Do you think that starting over will change things in our school district?

Rice statue.

//Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Scoop: TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT

BY ANNABEL THORVILSON

A tragedy to all the Swiftys in Houston, the Taylor Swift Concert is over. I interviewed some of our Roberts students that went to the concert. Say hello to Liliana Rascoe, Eha Singhal, and Reema Al-Shaibant.

How did you feel when the show started?

Liliana: I was excited.

Reema: I was nervous and excited.

Eha: I was really excited!

What was your favorite song she sang?

Liliana: My favorite was All too Well.

Eha: Enchanted for me.

Reema: Lavender Haze in my opinion.

What would you rate her performance out of ten?

Reema: Ten out of ten.

Liliana: Ten out of ten.

Eha: Nine point five… I’m just kidding ten out of ten.

Last but not least would you go again?

Eha: Obviously I would.

Liliana: YESSSSSSS of course!

Reema: Is that even a question?

Well, there you have it folks. For all those people who also went to the Taylor Swift concert and did not get interviewed, come find me and tell me about your experiences.

Five Fun Summer Break Activities

BY ANNABEL THORVILSON

The STAAR Tests are finally over, and the school year is winding down. You are probably starting to think about what you are going to do during summer. Well, here are some great ideas.

GALVESTON

On a hot summer day, there is nothing like relaxing on the beach or going for a walk on the Boardwalk at Pleasure Pier. You and your family could drive down to Galveston and play mini golf or go out to eat at a seafood restaurant. If none of those ideas are to your liking, you could check out the Aquarium or the Rainforest at Moody Gardens. For people with a sweet tooth, visit Kings Confectionery, where you can watch them make fresh ice cream and candy daily. If you come at the right time, you might even get to see a confectioner make taffy. One of my favo-

Reading Beyond the Limits

BY NILE PITKOW

Some think that the minute school ends for the year, picking up a book is like going to summer school. But summer is one of the best getaways for reading. Here are some recommended series to try.

The Land of Stories (6 books) by Chris Colfer – This series is very fun and exciting for 2nd-5th grade. Two kids interact with famous characters from fairytales and children’s fiction. It is funny, entertaining, and silly.

The Harry Potter books (7 books) by J.K. Rowling – This popular series is good for all elementary-school ages. The lonely boy wizard finds friends and adventures. Sometimes it is quite scary for younger readers, but it is extremely entertaining.

A Tale Dark and Grimm (3 books) by Jonathan Auxier – This trilogy is extremely gruesome and violent but not necessarily scary. It is recommended for 4th-5th grade readers. You will recognize some familiar fairy tales that the author tweaked.

A Series of Unfortunate Events (13 books) by Lemony Snicket – This series is also a very dark. The books are about the misfortunes of 3 orphans. The Baudelaire children are such interesting characters that you keep reading. Lemony Snicket is the narrator, and he has a lot of funny wordplay. Recommended for 3rd-5th grade readers.

WHAT IF THERE IS NO BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU? You can join your local library for free or try swapping titles with a friend to find something new for both of you. You can also browse the many free book boxes found in people’s front yards. You can even order books online, or read an e-book if you have the technology.

Summer reading is great with cold treats, too! To promote summer reading, the Refresqueria in Rice Village is offering $2 off your purchase if you give them a book summary this summer. See the Good News Review example if you love cold, fruity drinks at a discount in summer! Happy reading!

AT-HOME ACTIVITIES

One indoor activity to beat the heat is making slime. Here is a simple recipe.

rite restaurants is The Rainforest Café. It has great food and even its own rainforest-themed ride.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Another fun summer activity is going to a waterpark such as Big Rivers Waterpark in New Caney, TX. Big Rivers has a huge rainbow tube slide, a kid’s water slide area, a four-person tube slide, a lazy river, food trucks, obstacle courses, archery, ziplining, and a lake with a water-obstacle course on it. Do you like obstacle courses or flipping on a trampoline? Well, then you should visit Urban Air. They also have rock climbing, a racetrack, and ziplining. It is a wonderful place for birthday parties or for any other day.

THE MUSEUM DISTRICT

If you love animals like I do, then you should go to the Houston Zoo. I hear they just opened a

new exhibit called The Galapagos Island. While at Herman Park, you could ride the train around the park, tour the lake on a paddleboat, check out the rose garden, or catch a show like Maria’s Magical Music Adventure at Miller Theater on June 8, 2023, at 11 AM.

SPORTS DURING SUMMER

If you are an athlete and you do not want to stop playing sports during summer, then you could go bowling or surfing. If you enjoy horseback riding, Magic Moments Stable, which is near Interstate 10 West and the Beltway, is the closest stable to Roberts. Astros games are always fun! Grab a friend and play tennis, pickleball, or head to Roberts’s playground for some basketball. Okay, that is all for right now. I hope you have a nice summer, and I look forward to seeing you next school year.

SLIME

Step 1: Find a big mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add two parts white school glue.

Step 3: Add one part magic liquid activator. Step 4: Mix thoroughly with a spoon and then knead like when making bread. You can add sparkles or food coloring once mixed.

Step 5: Enjoy.

Also, you could try a new recipe, make arts and crafts, or find a comfy spot around the house to read.

Taylor Swift performed in Houston.

//GNR

Best Chapter Book REview Fifth Grade, Mr. Walker’s Class

BY JOURNEY STEPHENS

BOOK: The Laura Line by Crystal Allen

SUMMARY: Laura’s parents are going off to military training causing Laura to have to stay with her grandma farther out from where she lives.

Laura dreads going out to where her grandma lives because they don’t really have much in common and her grandma lives on her ancestors’ plantation, where they used to work. Her grandma says it has so much historical significance, but to Laura, it’s just a plantation where people got treated wrongly. People she is related to.

The main thing she despises about going to her grandma’s house is the slave shack on the property. It has many valuables from the family tree including a ledger from all the women named Laura in their family.

It just so happens that Laura’s grandmother is a good friend of Laura’s history teacher, and she wants the class to go visit the shack as a field trip. Laura is extremely embarrassed by the shack, and she already gets bullied a great deal on a regular basis.

The teacher gives Laura a chance to find her inner self and her true love for the slave shack by making her find one amazing thing about it. If she doesn’t find anything amazing about the shack, her class won’t go on the trip. She ends up finding that the first Laura in the Laura line was on the Amistad – a ship that carried 53 people from Sierre Leone in

RECOMMENDATION

Best Children’s Book REview

First Grade, Ms. Boston

BY NAINA DEBUKA

BOOK: That’s Not My Name by Anoosha Syed

1839. The 53 people fought the slave captors and ultimately won their freedom.

Laura saved four children from being captured and sold into slavery.

Laura, the main character, falls in love with the shack and all the history behind it. The vivid stories she reads connect her to the strong women in her ancestry.

She completely forgets that her best friend asked her to do an initiation to be in a popular girl group called the Pink Chips in the shack. During the initiation, they end up breaking a chair that belonged to her grandma since she was a

This book is absolutely amazing for older grade levels. I love the depth the author goes into about each character and their personal story. This book is culturally relevant and very important. I learned many lessons without getting bored. I most definitely recommend this book because this book is very entertaining and very real. I feel like I know the character and her life story. Many kids go through what Laura does in Laura Line. Her book has unusual twists that are not like other people’s lives, but readers can still easily relate to her struggle to know and appreciate who she is. I hope you find time this summer to read Laura Line and decide if you can relate to her, too!

little girl. Laura gets extremely mad and kicks them all out. Laura’s best friend comes back to apologize, and they make up! Her class ends up going on the field trip, and she presents the facts. She is proud of herself and her ancestry.

SUMMARY: The main person is Mirha. The story is about Mirha trying to teach her friends her name. It is also about Mirha thinking her name is easy and being happy about it. It was Mirha’s first day going to school. She was so excited. When Mirha arrived at school she stood in the whole class and said my name is Mirha! She thought her name was easy, but everyone said her name wrong. Only one person almost said it, but they took the I to a U. Also, her teachers said it wrong. They said, Mina. Mirha wanted to change her name to something easier. When she got home, she told Mamma her plan. Mamma didn’t look happy. Mirha’s mom told her what her name means. It means happiness. Mamma said when you were little, and I heard your laughter I knew it fits you. The next day, she kept her words. Hayden came up and said I’m sorry about yesterday. She knew what to say. Mirha told Hayden how to pronounce her name. Mirha made friends and they told how they got their names. Mirha loved how different they are. REVIEW: I liked the book because Mirha and my life are kind of the same — people call us different names. I also liked it because she was confident. The only part I do not like is that people are teasing Mirha at her first day of school. I learned from this book that people’s names are special.

The Ultimate Three: McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A

Which is the healthiest?

BY JOURNEY STEPHENS

There is one thing that these three restaurants all have in common: popularity. Yes, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Chick-Fil-A are the top three fast food franchises in the United States, according to Restaurant Business Magazine.

MCDONALD’S TAKES FIRST PLACE, THEN STARBUCKS, AND FINALLY CHICK-FIL-A.

These restaurants rank extremely high in how popular they are and the number of customers they get each year, but these rankings have nothing to do with how healthy the food is that each company serves.

Neither option is stellar when it comes to

healthy choices, but which one is best? The objective of this article is to broadly compare these two restaurants’ standard of health.

We cannot rank Starbucks because its primary selling product is drinks rather than food, which is what this article is about.

In other words, since we are comparing food, Starbucks will not correctly correspond with the test even though they sell a few food items.

MCDONALD’S VERSUS CHICK-FIL-A

McDonald’s has a bad reputation when it comes to health. Usually, if you ask someone if McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A is healthier they say Chick-fil-A, but that is not the case in all health categories.

The reason for this assumption leads us back to 2011, the start of the controversial pink-slime or pink-goop scandal.

McDonald’s was accused of using ammo-

nium hydroxide (pink slime) in their meat products causing buying resistance from some customers even after coming out saying they were not using it at all.

On the website feastgood.com, they compare the two restaurants by health category.

For the lowest amount of sodium, McDonald’s wins by just a few grams.

For the freshest produce and meat, Chick-Fil-A’s quality is ten times better. If you are vegan or vegetarian, McDonald’s might be the better option for you since the restaurant has more vegetarian and vegan meal varieties. The result of the healthiest restaurant when comparing McDonald’s and ChickFil-A can surprisingly go both ways.

Whatever food values you honor the most or health restrictions you must follow will help you decide what restaurant is preferable for the health of your body - and the preference of your taste buds. Which food chain do you think is healthiest?

A Sweet Slice of Parisian Favorite Foods

BY ISIS SIX

Ever wanted to go to Paris?

Well, what if I told you that you can go there…right here in Rice Village?

Well, not exactly, but you can enjoy a few of the foods, at least. But where you ask?

At Sweet Paris Creperie and Café! Sweet Paris is a great place to eat from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Try to come in the morning to taste their famous crepes.

I wanted to share the thoughts of someone our age – an elementary school student – who has eaten at Sweet Paris. So, I interviewed Levi Segal about what he loves about Sweet Paris.

“The people there are so nice. My personal favorite menu item to order is the lemon and sugar crepe,” said Levi. But he warns you not to get strawberries with it.

Not a crepe fan? That’s okay! Sweet Paris has many more options than just crepes. One, out of a large variety of breakfast options, is their yummy waffles.

If you like to eat on the hearty side, you can choose to order their amazing French breakfast, with three eggs, bacon strips, and brioche. What a meal! Oh, and do not forget their wide variety of drinks - hot coffee or a smoothie. You choose!

Fun Facts about Sweet Paris

Fun fact #1: This Sweet Paris in Rice Village was the first Sweet Paris! There are now 15 Sweet Paris restaurants all over the Houston-area and in Austin, San Antonio, Minneapolis, College Station, Miami, and Mexico. It’s 11 years old.

Fun fact #2: I spoke to Carlos, the manager of Sweet Paris, and he said his personal favorite menu item is the s’mores crepe and would recommend it to customers.

Fun fact #3: The highest price for one item is only $15.

Fun fact #4: Carlos said the fan-favorite menu item would be one of the sweet crepes.

And do not forget their over-the-top lunch options, you can ask about their seasonal soups and the amazing salads!

What are you going to order when you visit our very own slice of Paris in Rice Village – Sweet Paris?

Angelman Syndrome

Spotlight on Rare Disease

BY LEVI SEGAL

Can you imagine not being able to talk well? Or not being able to walk well? These are some symptoms of Angelman Syndrome.

Angelman Syndrome is a complicated genetic condition that affects the nervous system. Our body’s nervous system is our brain and spinal cord and controls our thoughts, behavior, actions, and ability to communicate. People are born with Angelman Syndrome, but their lifespan remains unaffected.

BEAT THE HEAT

BY ANNA TSEKOS

Summer is here, and this school’s kids have reasons to be excited. But we have to stay safe over the course of this fun break. Summer safety includes but is not limited to protecting your skin, eyes, teeth, and ears. It also includes staying hydrated.

SKIN

Putting on sunscreen can protect your skin from sunburn. Sunscreen is very important for preventing skin cancer. You also have to protect your skin from bug bites and stings. If you get one, do not scratch. It can lead to infection. Putting on insect repellent can prevent bites.

“Put on bug spray before going outside, wear close-toed shoes, and check the ground while walking,” Remy Bourgeois, a first grader, and her mother shared. Remy knows from experience. She lay in a fire ant pile during a hideand-seek game when she was a preschooler.

EYES

Wear sunglasses! No, I mean it. According to my.clevelandclinic.org, staring directly into the sun can increase the risk of photokeratitis, an eye disease. The same website shares that photokeratitis is a condition that occurs following unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation and causes blurry vision, pain, watery eyes, and light sensitivity. Also, if you realize that you are losing your vision, becoming near or farsighted, tell an adult as soon as possible.

TEETH

Like it or not, dental health is important unless you want to end up with green teeth. Brushing reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and more. Make sure you brush correctly. Ask your

Staying hydrated is very important.

dentist for tips. Do not forget to brush two times a day even if it is a break from school.

EARS

You might want to go to a big party or concert during the summer break. That is okay. But think about it. The loud noises can destroy delicate cells in your ears, causing hearing problems. Symptoms of hearing problems are ringing, whistling, clicking, or roaring in your ears. Wearing ear protection can save you from getting tinnitus, the result of such damage.

HYDRATION

//Adobe Stock

Water hydrates your body, bringing nutrients and minerals to your muscles. In high heat, you might find yourself craving water even more. Make sure to hydrate multiple times a day. Staying hydrated helps you stay active.

Of course, staying hydrated can become a little overwhelming. So, to avoid too many stops for water, stay out of the direct sun.

“Stay in the shade and stay hydrated as best you can. If there is no shade, then wear your shade - hats, sunglasses, lightweight long sleeves,” said a Roberts mom and personal trainer, Martha Gau.

Have fun this summer and stay safe!

People with Angelman Syndrome usually have speech impairments, ataxia, which is problems with balance and movement, or delayed development. National Organization of Rare Diseases reports that 1 in 12,000 to 20,000 people live with Angelman Syndrome.

My Aunt Bonnie talked to me about her daughter, who lived with Angelman Syndrome, being late with milestones and not talking, except for squeals and laughs. Angelman Syndrome also impacts the family members who help to care for their loved one with the syndrome.

A caretaker who helps someone with Angelman Syndrome should do things that make that person happy, like play with them or tell jokes, or just laugh even though, according to Psychology Today, “research papers commonly list a ‘happy demeanor’ as a core trait of the condition.

THE DISCOVERY AND RESEARCH OF ANGELMAN SYNDROME

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, in 1965, Harry Angelman discovered the Angelman Syndrome. When I interviewed Bonnie, she said that before the condition was called Angelman Syndrome, it was named Happy Puppet Syndrome.

“Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease,” the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says.

Our community neighbor, Texas Children’s Hospital, continues to conduct research on Angelman Syndrome.

If you want to help those who have a loved one with Angelman Syndrome, you can donate to charities that help, like The Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Also, if you meet someone with Angelman Syndrome, treat them exactly like a normal friend.

Summer safety tips from a Roberts Elementary safety patroller

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How Jazz Came to Roberts for Black History Month and All Year Round

The quite-belated Black history month article

BY NORA ESSINGER

This year Roberts Elementary had something new and exciting - RE’s first Black History Month celebration (at least in the six years I have been here), and hopefully, it will not be our last! Although only two classes per grade could see the celebration of Black History through music with Dinky Drums, all of you will get to re-live it today.

Sam Dinkins founded Dinky Drums. The quartet goes around to schools, like ours, to share their educational songs and music with students like us.

The Sam Dinkins, III Quartet makes up the Dinky Drums company. They are a combination of musicians who have worked together over the years developing educational music shows that are performed at schools, libraries, and community centers.

Sam Dinkins is a drummer and percussionist who has studied music his whole life. “My music education in percussion began with hand drumming to eventually learning how to play snare drum, drum-set, band percussion instruments, world percussion instruments, and the Drums of Africa,” said Dinkins.

Dinkins shared the rich history of his love and musical art expertise. “The drum, along with the human voice, is the oldest instrument on the planet.”

Although the drums might be Dinkins’s

favorite way to express himself, American Jazz inspired the Black History performance at Roberts Elementary School. “Jazz is America’s contribution to the world. Created in America and performed around the world, Jazz was created by Black American musicians and singers utili-

Women’s History Month

BY DAVID DLUHY

“My mother told me to be a lady, and to her, that meant be your own person”

-Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Although women have not always been treated fairly, women have played an important part in history.

Americans celebrate Women’s History Month during March. It highlights the role women have played in history. The first Women’s Day began March 1909. According to Women’s History Month museum, President Jimmy Carter recognized how critical women are to our nation, and signed a Presidential Proclamation in 1980 to honor women during a week. The first week was March 2-8.

Women have not always been treated as equals. For example, women did not have the right to vote until August 18, 1920. Susan B. Anthony thought that was not fair and made sure

women had the right to vote and the United States finally let women vote.

Women were not allowed to do a lot of things 100 years ago. For example, they could not own property if they were married, wear pants, or shop without a man. We have come a long way from the 19th century and thanks to recognizing the invaluable ways women contribute to our lives, like with Women’s History Month, life has become a lot more equal.

Today women are more empowered to achieve their personal and professional goals. My mom, Debra Kass Dluhy celebrates Women’s History Month every year by leading a Women’s Employee Resource Group (WERG) in a day of celebration. The celebrations include hearing from other women about how they have grown their careers, how they can empower others to achieve goals, and what boundaries still need to be broken.

Women’s History Month helps create gender equality and empowers future generations to achieve their dreams.

zing work songs, field hollers, hymns, ragtime, and anchored in the blues. We present the DDC Educational Performance show, ‘The History of Jazz,’ in the month of February as a tribute to the Black American men and women who gave America its greatest art form.”

Art is exactly what the classes that had the privilege to witness Dinkins’s show experienced. We clapped and swayed to the rhythmic beats. “History of Jazz is a music education show that allows the listener audience to brief chronological history lesson about jazz. We utilize history, art, culture, music (instrumental & vocal) along with narration to tell this story.”

What a unique way to celebrate Black History, while also being a part of the musical storytelling!

During the performance, Dinkins comes down from his set of drums and becomes a teacher. He modeled a specific rhythm that he wanted us students to follow – a different beat for each of the groups of classes in the café. The challenge to focus on your group’s assigned clapping combination was difficult, but it sounded great when we put it all together. Mr. Dinkins said he loves this part of the show, “One of the many fun things about this show is when the students use their hands percussively to improvise with (me) and the band.”

As a musician, I really appreciated the music history lesson as a way to also celebrate the contributions of African Americans.

Houston has great musical history, and many groundbreaking African American musicians were from here. Lightnin’ Hopkins was one of the fathers of country blues music, Arnett Cobb was a great influence on jazz music, and of course, who could forget our very own Beyonce, the Queen of dance music, who even the former superintendent has a crush on. (Don’t tell his wife though!) Mr. Dinkins continues this tradition in Houston, and we were lucky enough that he could come and share his gifts with us.

HEALTHY SUMMER TREAT: TROPICAL FRUIT SMOOTHIE

BY HAROON PAREKH

It is summertime, which means for us Houstonians, we have to do everything we can to keep cool in the unforgiving heat. So, in this summertime issue, I shared a Tropical Fruit Smoothie with all of my Roberts Elementary classmates. Enjoy it, mix it up this summer, and stay cool!

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup ice cubes

• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

• 1 cup frozen mango chunks

• 1 cup frozen strawberries

• ½ cup banana slices

• ½ cup plain yogurt

• ½ cup pineapple juice

• ½ cup orange juice

• ½ cup coconut milk

Blend all ingredients. Freeze for 2-3 hours. Share it with friends and family.

Dinky Drums performed at Roberts in February. //Instagram @dinkydrumco

Climate Change: Loss of Biodiversity

A Special Report on the Causes and Preventive Methods

BY JIYA PAREKH

Pollution and forest loss create only one monster: climate change. Climate change harms the Earth’s biodiversity. Climate change is every person on Earth’s responsibility. We must defeat it!

Biodiversity is how diverse an area is in nature. Bio means nature, and diversity or diverse means how many different types of living things or organisms are in an area.

Climate change is very harmful to the environment. The Earth is always getting warmer and colder. Many factors contribute to climate change (or Global Warming) and the result is that the Earth is warming too fast.

CARS

One of the biggest contributors to climate change is cars. Cars pollute the air with fossil fuels. Fossil fuels become dangerous and toxic gases during the process of driving. This process not only affects the health of living beings but also thins the Earth’s ozone layer. When the ozone thins, this event increases the strength of the sun’s rays that reach us and opens the way for harmful light such as ultraviolet light. Another effect of the thinning ozone of Earth’s atmosphere is severe weather affecting animal, plant, and insect life.

BOATS

Boats are polluters, too. They run on diesel fuel

A Conversation

BY NILE PITKOW

I had a talk with my dad about the brain. He is a neuroscientist, which means he thinks about thinking. I asked him a bunch of questions. I hope you enjoy and learn from our conversation.

Nile: What is your brain?

Xaq: Your brain is a blob of jelly in your skull that you think with. It’s made of lots of tiny parts called neurons, which are nerve cells. They’re shaped kind of like trees, and they touch each other, and each neuron sends electricity down its branches to turn on and off other neurons. That electricity is your thoughts.

N: What is your brain supposed to do?

X: Your brain turns your senses into actions! It turns what you see into what you do.

N: What would happen if you had brain surgery, but your brain fell out of your head?

X: How far did it fall out?

N: Your brain is on the floor, and your body is still on the table.

X: Your eyes are still in your head?

N: Yes

and pollute the water. Polluted water is bad for people and biodiversity. For example, if a river gets polluted, then its fish get poisoned because of the pollution. The animals or people eat that fish. Of course, the poisoned fish then poison the animal that eats the fish to survive.

PLASTIC

Another important issue is plastic trash that ends up in the ocean. Animals mistake plastic for food. They eat the plastic, get poisoned, ill, or even die from it.

In fact, the National Park Service, a government agency, reported that “Americans throw 500 million plastic straws each year into the ocean.” Scientists think that if this keeps on going, the ocean will have more plastic trash than living things, such as fish because eight tons of plastic get thrown into the ocean each year.

HUMANS

Humans contribute to climate change, too. When we feed wild animals, it causes them to lose fear of humans and venture into town and can destroy cities if too comfortable around humans. “Litter from food and drinks can increase the likelihood of animal encroachment and even attacks. Animals are in constant search of food, and when we litter our food waste, the animals become intrigued and venture further and further from their natural habitats,” warns Consolidated Resources Incorporated, a small Arizona recycling company.

MELTING

ICE CAPS

Because of global warming, the ice caps are melting. Melting ice caps is a huge problem

with my Dad, The

X: In that case, you would eventually die but you wouldn’t die right away. You’d probably be alive for a second.

N: Would it hurt?

X: You don’t have any pain sensors IN your brain, but you just disconnected all of your senses, so maybe your senses would go crazy and hurt a lot, and see flashes or maybe black. This never happened to me so I can’t tell you for sure. But people who lose an arm or leg sometimes feel pain as if it were in the missing part. They call that phantom limb pain.

N: What would happen if you only had half of a brain in your head?

X: Which half?

N: Any one.

X: If it’s the left half, I actually know someone who had that happen. This person had severe epilepsy, which means that their neurons would fire like crazy instead of in thoughtful patterns. Doctors couldn’t fix (the epilepsy) with medicine, so they removed half of their brain when they were a baby. And now they’re pretty normal. Their right side of their body is a little weak and a little clumsy, but they can still talk and think and love and laugh. The brain is really flexible. They call that

FOREST LOSS

because animals that live in the Arctic, such as polar bears, lose places to live and have no territory. The animals have no place to go or hunt. Animals may die when they lose their habitats.

Melting ice caps cause the sea levels to rise, too. The sea level affects islands, ecosystems, and forests near the coast and causes flooding. Rainfall patterns change. Places that have less precipitation, which is rain, may experience rainfall more often. Animals that are used to less rainfall may not be able to cope with the rain. Plants may die due to the sudden change in rainfall patterns. Adapting to rainfall patterns may even be hard for those animals that are used to sudden changes.

GREENHOUSES

Greenhouse gases also contribute to climate change. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the Earth similar to greenhouses trapping heat for plants, but these greenhouse gases are very dangerous to the Earth’s survival as they rapidly cause global warming.

Neuroscientist

(brain flexibility) “plasticity.”

N: Why is their right side weak, if they removed the left side of their brain?

X: It turns out that that your brain is connected to the opposite side of your body!

N: Can you take your brain out of your head and still see?

X: Yes, just don’t disconnect your eyes! There are nerves that go from your eyes to your brain, and as long as they’re still connected, your eyes can still send information to your brain. But I don’t recommend this.

N: Can you take your brain out, store it for a while, and put it back in?

X: Not yet. Maybe someday we’ll be able to do that, but there are a lot of wires to connect, and so far no one has been able to do that. There’s a doctor who wants to do a head transplant from a patient whose body doesn’t work anymore, onto a body whose head doesn’t work anymore, but that hasn’t happened yet. Maybe someday.

I want to thank my dad because the answers were very detailed, and those questions have been bugging me. The brain is what makes us very intelligent, and computers are getting intelligent, too.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO REDUCE CLIMATE CHANGE?

There are many ways to help our Earth and its biodiversity. Such as:

1. 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

2. Walk and bike to nearby places or use a carpool.

3. Compost

4. Plant trees

5. Live-in two or more-story houses to save space.

6. Use electricity and water wisely

7. Do not feed wild animals

8. Use less plastic

9. Use things that are biodegradable such as plant products: wood, paper, food material etc.

By taking these small steps, you can help ensure the safety of biodiversity and make a big difference for all future generations.

Sea Turtles: A Dark Furture

BY ANNA TSEKOS

This world is changing quickly. A lot of animals have died due to the effects of climate change and pollution. Could our beloved sea turtles be next?

Sea turtles are reptiles. There are seven different species. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), all of them are endangered. Both pollution and climate change threaten sea turtles in many different ways.

For example, the temperature of the sand around a sea turtle’s egg determines the gender. If the sand is warmer, the turtle will be female. If

There is a lot of forest loss in North America from 2000 to 2020. We have lost 8.6% of boreal forests, 5.6% of temperate, 1.3% of dry tropical, and 7.2% of humid tropical forests. (National Geographic Book: Apr 19, 2022, called The World’s Forests: Decades of Loss and Change.)

PELE: The Long Journey

BY JAVIER I. SEGURA

Many people know popular sports players like Lebron James or Houston’s own, Jose Altuve. But the world should know about the most famous soccer player, Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

Pele died at the end of last year, December 2022. He was 82 years old and lost a battle with cancer. But his legacy lives on - even here at Roberts Elementary.

Pele had a hard childhood. He was very poor. In fact, he could not even afford a real soccer ball. So, he made one out of clothes by tying

them together. He did not own shoes until he was seven years old.

Even though he started with little, Pele became the best player to have ever played the game. His father taught him how to play, but his mother was against it. His father was a professional soccer player until he injured his knee and had to give up his dream. Pele’s mother was worried that the same would happen to her son, and she wanted him to focus on school. But Pele’s talents were too hard to stop. At the age of 13, he started playing professionally.

He made his first World Cup appearance at the age of 17. In the 1958 Cup, Pele had to miss

the first two games because of a knee injury, but he recovered to score his first goal against Wales. He led the team to Brazil’s first-ever World Cup and became a huge national hero.

After a long career, he took his skills on the road and joined the New York Cosmos from 1975-1977. He was a part of the first professional soccer league in the United States and became the highest-paid player in the league. Pele’s move to the United States helped to spark the popularity of soccer in the United States. My grandfather remembers when Pele traveled to Houston to promote the Cosmos, who were playing against the Houston Hurricanes – our

professional soccer team at the time. My abuelo (grandfather) saw Pele at a local high school. As he remembers, “Pele was just a few feet away from me. I can’t believe I got a chance to see the best player of all time.”

So how does this relate to Roberts? Well, one of the main reasons that soccer is so popular in the United States is because of Pele’s profound influence. People wanted to play soccer just like him. Without Pele, soccer might not have grown in the U.S.A. Today, we see dozens of our friends playing soccer each day on the field during recess. When we play his beloved sport, let’s remember Pele for inspiring us with his gift.

The History of NCAA Men’s College Baseball

BY KELLEN KONRATH

CRACK! “Homerun!” the announcer, ESPN’s Mike Patrick, announced, “The Texas Longhorns have just won the Men’s College World Series!”. The crowd cheered wildly. The Texas team ran to the middle of the field and started jumping up and down with excitement. This was 2005. But you can witness this electrifying scene every College World Series in June – just a few weeks away.

If you were wondering how the very beginning of college baseball came to be, you are in the right place.

INVENTION OF BASEBALL

According to baseballhall.org, a website that chronicles baseball’s history, Alexander Joy Cartwright is the person that is most commonly credited for inventing baseball. He did it with his New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club. The club developed the first rules called the Knickerbocker Rules. The first game was played in 1846. The New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club lost to the New York Baseball Club. They played at Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE NAME Rounders was the first name of baseball. Then, it changed to Townball, then Base, and then finally, Baseball.

THE FIRST GAME FOR COLLEGE BASEBALL

The first college baseball game was played on July 1, 1859. The first game was played between Amherst College and Williams College. The final score was a whopping 73 to 32. Amherst College won that game by a mile. The scores were so high because there were different rules. These rules were called “The Massachusetts Rules.” Now, we play with “The Knickerbocker Rules,” also known as “New York Rules.”

THEN AND NOW

The Knickerbocker Rules are the same rules we use today. For example, the nine-men team rule is under the Knickerbocker Rules. Unlike the Knickerbocker Rules, the Massachusetts Rules had 13 men on a field at one time. Today, the teams have to get three outs to switch. In the beginning of college baseball, there was only one out before you had to switch. Today, there are nine innings. When base-

NCAA stands for National Collegiate Athletic Association.)

ball first started, there were 25 innings.

INTERVIEW WITH BILL KONRATH, A REAL LIVE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FAN

Kellen K.: Why do you like going to see the college that you attended play baseball or go into the College World Series?

Bill K.: I have been rooting for the Longhorns

//Adobe Stock

since 1988 and will continue to root for them for the rest of my life as they are my favorite college team. Getting to see them in Omaha at the College World Series was extra special since it was such a historic event. It is so difficult for a team to make it there.

Now, you know the History of NCAA Men’s College Baseball and more. Yay!

//Adobe Stock

BY CATHERINE AVENT

Has your family already booked activities for this summer? If not, I have the perfect destination for you. Have you ever been to Disneyland, or maybe Disney World? Chances are you have, or at least you have heard of them, but have you heard of Disneyland Paris?

Disneyland Paris is just like Disneyland California but in Paris. The park has rides, restaurants, fun houses, a castle, and more!

Speaking of rides, let us review some popular rides and activities.

STAR WARS HYPERSPACE MOUNTAIN

This crazy roller coaster is full of adventure. If you love adrenaline and lightning-fast roller coasters, this ride is sure to be first on your list of favorites. It has a 4.7-out-of-five-stars rating for good reason! When the roller coaster first starts to

TRAVEL

move, your heart races. The roller coaster enters a dark tunnel and begins to gain speed and altitude. Then, it suddenly stops, and Star Wars sound effects begin to play. Then the coaster shoots into a series of 44 mph twists, turns, and drops. It is actually the fastest ride in the whole park. 44 mph is approximately the speed of a cheetah’s prey, the gazelle. That is fast. If you want to ride this speed demon, make sure to get there first because it is really popular. Hyperspace Mountain is a dare devil’s dream.

INDIANA JONES TEMPLE OF PERIL

This ride is my personal favorite. Ever watched the Indiana Jones movies? These movies inspired this 4.5-out-of-five-star ride! This roller coaster is an outdoor thriller. It is complete with two regular drops, one sideways drop, a 360-degree loop, and more. The whole roller coaster is decorated to match the Indiana Jones movies. The

ride is decorated with ancient-style statues and a fake temple. It is also decorated with tropical plants. Even the roller coaster cars are designed to look like old mine carts. It is an adventure on the tracks. This coaster is the perfect ride for an adventurous person who loves a good thrill. Just be ready for the tight 360-degree loop. Ready to embark on your very own adventure?

PETER PAN’S FLIGHT

Ready to fly through the adventures of Peter Pan and Wendy Darling? This ride is more relaxed than the other rides. On this ride, you and your companions will ride in a pirate ship that flies through the attraction. You will start your journey in Wendy and her brothers’ nursery and travel all throughout Neverland. This ride is perfect for kids under nine but is still enjoyable for older children and adults. It has a 4.3-out-of-5-star rating and is always a fun classic.

Karneval: A German Tradition

BY MRINALINI

LEVIN-SRINIVASAN

In January 2023, I moved from Houston to Bonn, Germany, for my father’s work. Since then, I have been enjoying my time living in a new country. Among many interesting things in Bonn is the festival of Karneval. Karneval is a German holiday celebrated in February, especially in the region of North Rhine-Westphalia.

During Karneval season, there are lots of pa-

rades that go through different neighborhoods and streets throughout the city. Many people wear festive costumes and line up on the sides of the streets. People in elaborate costumes and on floats come by in a big parade.

Meanwhile, the people on the streets shout “Alaaf” (which means “Hurrah!”) and “Kamelle!” When you shout “Kamelle!”, it means you want the paraders, or the people in the parade, to throw candy to you. People from the parading

floats then rain candy down on you. You collect the candy in bags and take it home.

When I went to a Karneval parade in Bonn with my family, we also got soccer balls, cereal boxes, sponges, and tissues, in addition to more candy than I have ever seen.

I am returning to Houston and Roberts for fifth grade this August. I know that when I am celebrating Halloween in Houston this October, I will still be thinking about Karneval.

ALICE’S CURIOUS LABYRINTH

This maze is great for taking a break from the “scarier” rides to just relax while finding your way to the end of this Alice in Wonderland-themed labyrinth. Kids under eight will mostly enjoy this ride. It is highly recommended for families with younger kids.

DISNEYLAND PARIS DAILY PARADE

At the end of a long day at Disneyland Paris, make sure to see the daily parade. Watch as dancers and floats pass by as upbeat music plays. A trip to Disneyland Paris is not complete without watching the parade.

With their variety and excitement, it is no wonder Disney parks are so popular. So, if you happen to be visiting Paris this summer, make sure to schedule a day to visit Disneyland Paris during your trip. You will not be disappointed!

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland Paris

//Adobe Stock

Karneval goer. //Adobe Stock

Is AI Taking Over the World?

An Opinion Piece to accompany On the Shoulders of Transformative Technology

BY HAROON PAREKH

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made tremendous progress in recent years, and it continues to transform the world around us. Technology is currently so advanced that we can transfer money instantly anywhere in the world, search for practically anything on the Internet using search engines like Google, and ask Alexa anything and expect her to be accurate 91.4% of the time.

With further advancements, humans will be encouraged to “upgrade” by getting implants that allow us to do things like opening and closing doors with our minds and uploading our brains to the cloud. Humans might even evolve into some sort of cyborg (half human, half robot).

If not regulated and developed safely, howe-

Will AI Wipe Out Humanity?

ver, technology may become an existential threat to humanity.

Since Open AI’s ChatGPT was released in November 2022, people around the world have been eyeing AI with a mix of excitement and impending

doom. The fear of robots taking over human jobs has been a concern for years.

I think the impact of AI will be massive. I am optimistic that our institutions will adapt and that many of us will find artificial intelligence a help

rather than a problem.

For more information about AI from an expert in the AI industry, please see our new feature, The Wow!: On the Shoulders of Transformative Technology.

THE REAL UPDATE ON THE FAST-MOVING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INDUSTRY

A Good News REview Feature, “On the Shoulders of Transformative Technology”

BY HAROON PAREKH

The Good News REview, as the medium to memorialize the Roberts Elementary history, believes that technology is an integral piece of our Roberts history. Technology is transforming everything we know – whether we know it or not. And we would rather know it! So, in this inaugural feature, we will explore artificial intelligence.

I sat down with Dr. Xaq Pitkow, who did his Ph.D. in BioPhysics at Harvard University and is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Electrical and Computer Engineering Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Rice University. He is also the co-Director of the Center for Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence at Baylor College of Medicine.

Ok Xaq, can you tell me a little bit about your job?

My primary goal is to understand the principles of intelligence. In those principles, if they really are principles, they should apply whether it’s a natural intelligence like this one (that our brains produce) or an artificial intelligence like in a computer. So, I try to understand both of them and how they relate to each other.

What is it like to be a researcher of artificial intelligence (AI)?

It’s very exciting! It’s very hard. Most of what we try, like 95%, doesn’t work, so you have to love figuring out puzzles and the experience of trying to figure things out. If you enjoy that

(puzzles), like I do, then it is a good job. It’s also very exciting because so many things are happening in AI right now. Like you may have seen, all the new things that computers can do with all the new training, like making beautiful images, typing back to you, and answering good questions in a way that sounds like it can understand language. You see new things all the time right now and that’s very exciting.

What impact do you think AI will have on the world in the next five years?

That is a wonderful question. I think it’s going to change a lot, and it’s only limited by our creativity. I find it really hard to predict. I would not have thought that language models like chatGPT would be doing nearly as well as they are right now, but when you train enormous models with trillions of parameters, new things emerge that you didn’t think were possible. I think the old way of searching for information will go away. I think you will just talk to your computer and ask it questions. You’ll be able to hold up things to the computer and ask questions, like, “What’s this thing?” and “How do I put it together?” Then, the computer will be able to answer those questions. I think that’s very close. I have friends who are working on those kinds of things right now. I think you will see a lot of cool new applications in video, sound, music, art, ordering things, and in the way you interact with people. There are also some challenges that will be magnified, like misinformation.

What is misinformation?

Misinformation is when people send out bad (or false) information in order to change

people’s minds the way that they want. That becomes much easier when you have artificial intelligence. For example, you know you are not supposed to give your password to anybody, but someone really tries to trick you by saying it’s for your benefit, to fix some problem that you have, and to get you something that you want.

Now, all of a sudden, you have a computer program that sounds like a person. You can just send a lot of emails to a lot of people, and you are going to fool some of them into giving out their personal information like their passwords.

So, there’s going to be a lot of trouble for people using AI for bad purposes, and stealing is one. Another way that it’s really going to change things is some decision-making is going to be helped by computers. For example, to figure out what’s wrong with a patient, a doctor orders a scan and reads it because of his experience and training in reading tens of thousands of scans. AI can be trained on ten million scans so it has more ‘experience’ so doctors will use it as a tool. But AI can make mistakes, and when AI makes mistakes, how do we know if it’s real or fake? We will have to put humanity back into the decision-making.

My mom is a neurologist and sees stroke patients with disabilities every day. How do you think AI could benefit those patients? One way is if you can tell what they want to do like if they’re trying to move and they have trouble moving then you can help them do the movement either with a robot arm or something. Or maybe you can see what they’re trying to do on a computer and have the AI figure out what they intend to do. You can also

imagine trying to read their minds by scanning their brain if they’re severely impaired.

What do you think are the dangers of Artificial Intelligence?

It’s very powerful technology and just like any powerful technology, it can be used to help people or to hurt people. So, we have to make sure we are carefully in control of it especially because we don’t really understand what the AI is thinking. We build it so that it learns, but we don’t know what it has learned. We just see what it does.

Do you think AI will take over the world?

I think that it will be a long time before you can replace a human with artificial intelligence, and there are some things that you’ll always want people to do rather than robots or computers. Of course, it will take a while for AI to take over and completely replace society, and it is a raging debate right now among people that have different opinions about it. So, I don’t know but it’s certainly true that there is significant risk. We should all be very aware and careful about what we are doing.

What advice do you have for kids who want to be researchers in AI and Neuroengineers?

Stay curious. That is the most important thing. If you just like to figure things out, then you can follow your nose, and the world will tell you all kinds of magical things. If you want some more concrete skills, then learning to program is a great way of starting. Learn math because a lot of the tools that we use to train networks are based on math so that’s really important. Those two skill sets are going to be really useful.

That’s very helpful. Thank you.

Computer Chaos in the Future

BY MAKKIYAH S. KHAN

THUD! What was that bang? Wait, that bang was a computer! Sheesh, that was loud!

I wonder if, in 50 years, computers will become virtual or soundless. So, if anyone drops a computer, it will not break or make noise.

Computers dropping without a sound or anything bad happening to the computer could probably happen because of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Computers could become virtual, augmented, faster, and more effective. Read on to find out how.

COMPUTERS IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS

By 2033, computers will be lighter, thinner, and more powerful. Global data will be growing by one yottabyte every year. A yottabyte is a unit of information, which equals 1 septillion aka 1,000 ,000,000,000,000,000,000,000! That is a huge number, sheesh!

“The total general computing power will see a tenfold increase and reach 3.3 ZFLOPS, and

AI computing power will increase by a factor of 500, to more than 100 ZFLOPS!”, according to a story on the Huawei website dedicated to fascinating us with information about technology.

A ZFLOP is a measurement of computer processing power and refers to floating point operations per second.

COMPUTERS IN THE NEXT 50 YEARS

Moore’s Law is a law created by Gordon E. Moore, the co-founder of Intel, in 1965, which is still valid today. The Law predicts that the number of discrete elements on a square-inch silicon integrated circuit will double every two years. Discrete elements are any family of numerical methods for calculating or even counting the motion and effect of a big number of small particles.

While it is not exactly a direct relationship, you can interpret that to mean that computers will double in processing power every two years. That means in the years between 2023 and 2073, computer processing power will double 25 times! YIKES, that computer speed will be out of this world!

Computer processing power, aka CPU, is the ability of a computer to control data. A good processing power would be between 3.5 GHz to 4.2 GHz. Gigahertz is one billion hertz! That’s a crazy big number. Hertz are units of frequency that equal one cycle per second. Petahertz equals to one quadrillion hertz aka 1,000,000,000,000,000. If you aren’t shocked by that, I don’t know what will make you shocked.

If 6 GHz was the top speed in 2023, what will it be in 2073? Assuming engineers can find ways to keep up with Moore’s Law, and processor speed actually doubles every 24 months, by 2073, we would have a chip capable of running at 6,452,595 gigahertz, or nearly 5.5 petahertz.

It is hard to imagine what kind of applications we could direct such a machine to tackle. Complex computational problems, such as building virtual simulations of the human brain, may become a relatively simple task.

“Some futurists believe we may even create machines with intelligence far greater than what we have today,” Tauseef R. Khan, who is a ne-

twork engineer and believes having computers will be better than ever. That is bizarre!

COMPUTERS IN THE NEXT 100 YEARS

If we continue to follow Moore’s Law, by 2100 computers would process things at 1,125,899,906,842,624 times more powerful than the current models! That type of power is mind-blowing! “They would probably be more powerful than the human race has ever seen,” Tauseef R. Khan, who is a network engineer and dedicated dearly to his job and making computers become better.

In the final analysis, computers in the next ten years will be 3.3 ZFLOPS, computers in the next 50 years will reach to 6,452,595 GHz, and last but not least, computers in the next 100 years would probably process things 1,125,899,906,842,624 times faster and more powerful than the computers we use today.

If you follow Moore’s Law, how much faster and more powerful would computers be in a millennium aka 1,000 years?

What You Need to Know About Hurricanes WEATHER

BY KYLE HU

Wee-woo, wee-woo. A deafening alarm pierces the air. Have you ever wondered what this means? This alarm means that a hurricane is here. You should take action immediately.

WHAT IS A HURRICANE?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a government agency specializing in science, a hurricane is another name for a tropical cyclone, which forms over warm waters.

Hurricanes form when low-pressure air causes the hot and humid air from the ocean to rise up in a spiraling shape. As the air rises, it releases heat, therefore cooling down. As it cools, it turns into clouds and storms. The cycle repeats, making the spiral faster and creating what is called a hurricane.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories according to wind speed as we can see from the images below. Category 3 and above are known as major hurricanes, which can cause severe wind damage and significant loss of life.

According to the National Weather Service, Houston has a rich history of Hurricane hits, including 1900 Galveston hurricane, Tropical Storm Claudette (1979), Tropical Storm Allison (2001), Hurricane Ike (2008), Hurricane Harvey (2017), Tropical Storm Imelda (2019).

1. Check if your house is located in a risky area and the nearest public shield is around you.

2. Understand the forecast information and print out an evacuation route when you have to leave home in a hurricane.

3. Always have an emergency supply at home, such as food, water, medicine, phone chargers, and flashlights with extra batteries.

WHAT TO DO IN A HURRICANE?

When a hurricane happens, stay tuned by checking Twitter or the websites of your local National Weather Service office.

“People should leave town (evacuate) to get away if they are at risk of serious damage or injury. For example, if they live in a surge zone (where seawater surges inland), or live in a mobile home with high winds expected, they would need to leave,” says Dan Reilly, an expert in the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston forecast office who issues forecasts and warnings for the weather.

“It is important (that) every family understands their risk to the various hazards that come with hurricanes: high winds, flooding rains, storm surge flooding.”

So, as the hurricane season is approaching, act today, and begin preparing for the potential hurricanes in 2023.

PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season is from the start of June to the end of November. September is when most hurricanes form. It is important to prepare du-

ring hurricane season, which is right around the corner.

We thank Dan Reilly for being available for this interview. Mr. Reilly also provided us with an information guide for hurricanes at: www.weather.gov/hgx/HGX_Hurricane_Guide_2023.

There are five categories of hurricanes.

//Dan Reilly

REDICULOUSLY FUNNY

BY JACK WELLNER

STARR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

choice, among others.

Taking an exam online might make you prone to mistakes. All it takes is sliding your mouse a centimeter from where you meant, and you could be put in a lower academic class in middle school. And the state might not know where you really measure in a subject.

Let’s be honest. On paperwork, if you do not know the answer, you will stress over figuring it out. On online work, some students will not take it as seriously and just click a random answer. Online work sometimes seems less serious, or just seems like one of those “Test where you’re at” tests. The STAAR test results are given to the state, your parents, your teacher(s), the staff, and your teacher(s) next year. So, it is really serious!

Is that really so bad?

Let’s think about this. Third through eighth graders take the STAAR, and some who do not

TEACHERS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

MALAKI SIMS

MR. WALKER, FIFTH GRADE

Why do you like your teacher?

I like my teacher because he gives us a lot of chances when we do something wrong and because he teaches us in a fun way

SEA TURTLES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

it is colder, the outcome will be a baby boy. The rising air temperatures are heating up the sand, causing more girls to hatch and fewer boys. That means that the females will have a lower chance of finding males to mate with, which means that there will be fewer eggs and fewer turtles.

Pollution creates another threat to sea turtles. They, like many other sea creatures, often get stuck in giant trash islands and cannot get out. They can also mistake floating trash for food and choke on it.

According to WWF, beachfront and seawall construction causes uncontrolled coastal development and is destroying sea turtle nesting beaches. And since sea turtle mothers always return to the beach where they were born, they do not know where to lay or find their eggs.

Sea turtles can also be caught as bycatch. An example of bycatch is when a boat fishing for tuna accidentally catches a sea turtle that was in the way. People also fish for sea turtles for their meat, eggs, and shells.

Luckily, there are things that even kids can do to help the sea turtles.

If you are on a boat and see a turtle coming up to breathe, steer around it or ask an adult to do so.

Also, if you are at a beach and see a turtle nest, stay at least 50 yards away and get a grown-up. Make sure to report dead or injured turtles to a marine life professional.

Cleaning up plastic trash reduces the amount that lands in the ocean.

pass take it after eighth grade.

Now that it is online, there are different answer documents, a different format, and a lot less paper wasted on one question per page. There are not any differences with the questions, are there? The questions are the exact same, the procedures are mostly the same, and what is done with the test results remains the same. So, there is not a huge difference, is there?

To help understand the effect of HISD’s decision to finally move to online exams from an administrator’s point of view, I talked to Ms. Zatzkin, Instructional Coordinator for Curriculum and Assessment.

What are the cons of the test being online this year?

The internet could go out or have issues. But remember, it saves every 20 seconds so that isn’t too big of a deal!

What are the pros of the test being online? Most kids are very used to being online, so they enjoy it a lot more and it’s a lot more normal and easy for them.

What was your favorite class activity?

The amazing race, it’s basically where Mr. Walker locks some lockers and puts worksheets and clues in the lockers. The objective is to decode a clue, unlock the lockers and get the worksheets so you can solve the next clue.

How does your teacher inspire you? He inspires me to be a great student and person

What’s something you hope all students did and will continue to do on the STAAR test? Just try their best!

Was the online S.T.A.A.R. test any different to prepare for, was it any easier or harder? Not any easier or harder, just different. We used to make sure everyone got the right booklet, and now we make sure everything is assigned correctly, it’s just different!

How will it be done differently next year? The preparation will be a lot faster since we have had some practice.

Do you think the test being online will affect the results?

I don’t know. I’m curious to see! Students have had practice because a lot of tests have been online this year, but honestly, I’m curious to see. Okay, now we have my opinion and Ms. Zatzkin’s opinion, as an administrator. Thank you, Ms. Zatzkin! How do you think the S.T.A.A.R. test was or will be different now that it is online?

What was your favorite memory with your teacher?

My favorite memory was on a field trip to the science museum. It was fun because we got to look at all the pretty gemstones and crystals. At the time, we were learning about sandstone, sedimentary rocks, and the formation and use of fossil fuels. I think that was one of my teacher’s best topics to teach. I really made a connection with him because I love rocks and minerals.

You can also participate in a turtle rescue. Raise money for rescues and releases, both of which you can participate in or watch. In fact, Ms. Waterman, a kindergarten teacher at Roberts, has watched Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Release in Padre Island, Texas. “It was the coolest thing ever,” she said.

The experience also made her more environmentally conscious. “I’m more hypersensitive to all of my surroundings,” she said.

For more information, or a way to participate in rescues and releases, you can go to noaa. gov, nsp.gov, or seaturtleinc.org.

Hats off to the alwaysimpressive roberts