The Spire Crier St .
T ho ma s
Epi sc op al
Pari sh
Sc h ool
Merry Christmas all around the world By Malena Tewari Most people think that at Christmas, everybody hangs a stocking over the fireplace, gets a Christmas tree to decorate, and invites family over. Well, Christmas can be celebrated differently in other parts of the world for different reasons, and some places don’t even celebrate Christmas at all. Here is how Christmas is celebrated in a few places. In Russia and Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January instead of the 25th of December. The people there celebrate it on this day because the Orthodox Church uses the old “Julian” calendar for religious celebration days. The Russians say special prayers, and people fast, sometimes for 39 days until January 6th, which is Christmas Eve for them. When the first evening star appears in the sky, they do a twelve-course supper in honor of the twelve apostles. In Spain, Portugal, and Italy, a tradition that people do is they set up a model village of Bethlehem with model people as well. The figurines include Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. In the Czech Republic, single women do a really weird ritual on Christmas Eve day to find out if they will get married in the following year. They stand with their backs to the front door of their houses, and they throw one of their shoes over their shoulders. If the shoe lands with its heel towards the door, the woman will definitely stay single for another year. If the shoe points towards the door, she will move out of her parents’ house, and she should start making wedding preparations. For over 40 years, the town of Gavle in Sweden has made a giant goat made of straw each year. Every year, vandals do everything they can to burn down the goat before Christmas day. Since 1966, the goat has survived until Christmas day only 10 times. People disguise themselves as Santa Claus or elves to get past the guardians so they can set the straw on fire. In Slovakia at Christmas dinner, the head of the family takes a spoon of loksa, which is a traditional Slovak Christmas dish. Holding the spoon, the head of the family throws it at the ceiling. The more of the mixture that stays on the ceiling, the richer his crops will be next year.
Volume 28 Issue 2 D e c e mb e r 2 0 1 5
Inside this issue:
Tech News
2
Christmas Poll
2
Tiger Look Book
3
Student Fiction
4-5
Dear Diary
6-7
Christmas Riddles 6 Student Fiction
8
Special points of interest:
You can play games and learn to speak Klingon through special Google searches.
Cool Lokai bracelets can bring happiness to you and others around the world.
Dolphins are a lot smarter than we know.
Christmas riddles will make you and your family laugh.
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The Spire Crier
Tech News: Google’s Super-Secret Secrets By Matthew Rodriguez Did you know Google has some secrets? Like Atari Breakout and Google sphere! Here are the instructions to pull some secrets. They usually involve you searching up the name of the secret. Best to do this searching at home and not school! Atari Breakout—To get this secret you search up Atari Breakout and click on images and you get Atari Breakout! Google Klingon—Do you like “Star Trek”? Well, you should know how to speak Klingon, one of the languages spoken in “Star Trek”. Just search up Google Klingon and you get it! Google Space—Whoa, my Google is floating! There’s also no gravity! This is the work of Google Space. Just Google “Google Space” and your Google word will fly! Search up things and your Google will be flooded with items. Have fun!
Poll: What is your favorite Christmas song?
“Jingle Bells” got the most votes with 15 likes.
By Sofia Hegewisch Well, here is some Christmas spirit! This poll is for everyone’s favorite Christmas song. Here is the list: “Jingle Bell Rock” got 5 likes. “Jingle Bells” got 15 likes. “Feliz Navidad” got 2 likes. “Silent Night” got 1 like. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” got 4 likes. “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” got 4 likes. “Deck the Halls” got 2 likes. “O Christmas Tree” got 1 like. “Frosty the Snowman” got 3 likes. “Up on the House Top” got 1 like. “Please Come Home for Christmas” got 1 like. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” got 1 like. “Away in a Manger” got 1 like. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” got 3 likes. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” got 2 likes. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” got 1 like. “We Three Kings” got 1 like. “Here Comes Santa Claus” got 1 like. Thanks for all your votes and have a great holiday season!
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Tiger Look Book: Lokai bracelets of many colors By Melanie Pozo A very popular style this holiday season is the very famous Lokai bracelets. The Lokai bracelets have one white bead, one black bead, and 24 clear beads. The white bead holds water from Mt. Everest and the black bead holds mud from the Dead Sea. The bracelet includes something from the highest and the lowest points of the earth all in one bracelet. It reminds people who buy this bracelet to live a balanced life and to stay humble during the highest points and to stay hopeful during the lowest points of life. You can buy the Lokai bracelet in a variety of colors. You can buy them in Pink, Aqua, Camo, Red, and the original bracelet color. I personally think you can wear your Lokai bracelet anywhere except for very formal events. You can where the bracelet with any cozy bohemian look. It is a great idea to take it to a yoga class so you can really feel your inner peace. You can also stack them with other bracelets you have. Make sure when you buy the bracelet it is NOT a fake. You can tell if your Lokai is real by checking the logo on it to see if it is the one and only real Lokai bracelet. If the logo is different it is NOT the real Lokai. You can buy this bracelet by going on their official shop online called Mylokai.com or you can get them at Learning Express, a toy store for kids in Pinecrest or at Aleren a clothing shop near a theater called area stage. Try not to buy your bracelet on Amazon or eBay because you can accidentally get a fake bracelet. A thing I love about the Lokai Company is that it supports many charities. Here are some to name a few: World Wildlife Found, Kind Campaign, Pencils of Promise, Charity Water, and Music Beats Hearts. And those charities are only the few of the many charities Lokai represents. If you would like more information you can check out MyLokai.com or ask me (a.k.a Melanie) for questions. See you later, alligators! And look forward to the next Tiger Look Book!
Student quotes heard in journalism class In journalism class, students learn about writing and researching the news, communication of ideas, fiction writing, and interviewing for information and quotes. They also come up with some great quotes of their own. Here are some recent ones. “I would make a poster, but email works better.” –Sofia H “When the caterpillar thought that the world was going to end, it turned into a butterfly.” –Melanie “The world of writing is waiting for you.”—Matthew
The white bead holds water from Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth, and the black bead holds mud from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.
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The Spire Crier
Student Fiction: Anton’s Christmas
Anton was happy in his new home, but he missed his grandparents and his old house.
By Matthew Rodriguez Anton boarded the plane and he was nervous because this was his first time on a plane. His friends had left Russia before he had and, when they wrote, he heard stories about America and how there was plenty of food and jobs. Anton was sad that he was leaving Russia because he was leaving his grandparents behind. Anton’s parents had saved just enough money to fly to America and live in a small townhouse, which they were going to share with two other families. The plane took off and landed in Miami, Florida where all his friends had arrived before him. They all attended a school on a special scholarship and wore uniforms donated by the other students. When they reached the townhouse, Anton started to jump on the beds and pick out his room but then he realized that the other rooms were taken and he had to sleep with his parents. It was June when he arrived and he spent the summer playing outside with the other Russian children from his townhouse. When summer ended, Anton went to school where he saw all his friends and they were all in the same class! But then they started to make new friends and they left Anton all alone. Anton made some new friends and they would sit together at lunch. He was happy, but Anton still missed his grandparents and his toys from his old house. Christmas was not far off and Anton heard about a man named Santa Claus who brought presents to children. Santa Claus also had small helpers called elves. Anton had never heard of Santa Claus so he was excited about the idea that he was receiving presents for being good. Anton rushed home to tell his mother about this and they immediately made decorations from scraps. Since they didn’t have enough money for a big Christmas tree, they bought a small one that they could afford. They didn’t have a car so they took the tree home with them on the bus. Christmas break had started and Anton was given an advent calendar with chocolates in it, he ate one each day counting down to Christmas. Finally, it was Christmas day and Anton woke up at six o’ clock in the morning. He ran over to the living room to see many presents! His parents said “Merry Christmas Anton, Merry Christmas!” Anton had received everything he wrote on his Christmas list! He also noticed his grandma making breakfast in the kitchen and he ran over to hug her. She kissed him on the head; she smelled like home. Then he saw his grandfather walk in with his dog, Boris. Anton hugged Boris and his grandfather. Anton looked outside the window and the sun was shining, not a cloud in sight.
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Student Fiction: Christmas in England By James Furniss-Roe I look up and see the white snow drift gently down onto my nose. I sneeze, and look at the tiny crystal whirl away. Dancing crystals fall past me, and I cannot see in front of my face. Then I heard the bells. They were a wondrous sound, something gentle and soft, but still loud enough to hear over the flurry of snow. Then I saw the faint shapes of deer, in the sky, as well as a jolly laugh. Then, all of a sudden, a bell sounded, getting louder and louder…RIIIIIIING!!! I sit up in bed and silence my alarm. Sighing, I get out of bed. Christmas was coming up, and I couldn’t wait. All I could think about was Christmas. The house was decorated, the school was decorated, and the town’s Christmas tree was up. I was going to add my ornament ball after school. Year 4’s class was just as excited as I. I came down for breakfast. Daddy looked up from his newspaper. “Hello, Alec!” he said as I came down the stairs. I grinned. Daddy was going to be home for Christmas, as his work wasn’t taking him anywhere far. I was pleased when he had said he was going to be home for Christmas. Mom was in the kitchen, making pancakes. I walked up to her. “Mummy! Smells great!” She smiled as I watched the pancakes cook. After breakfast we drove to Pinewood School and I hopped out the car. “Bye, Mummy!” I said as I got out the car. Looking around, I saw my friends walking in. I went into school and we created paper chains, and hung them around the classroom. Then we had free time, and we ran around outside, playing tag. At arithmetic we did many Christmas-related problems, and in other subjects we did Christmas-related learning. Then we had to go. My friends waved as my car drove away. We decided to have Christmas supper! There was turkey and ham, with mashed potatoes and gravy. Delicious! A few days later school ended. Then, before I knew it, it was Christmas Eve! I lay in bed, waiting. Then, soon, I fell asleep. I dreamed of bells. Christmas bells ringing, and jolly laughs. I stood, looking at the snow drifting gently down my face. And then the snow got warmer and warmer… and it melted…. And I woke up. There was snow on my head! It melted, but I had seen it. I looked up. There was no hole on the ceiling, and the window was closed. So, I started to go downstairs, but suddenly there was a patter. It must be raining. But I looked in the peephole, and I saw little hooves. Then I knew: It was Santa. Smiling, I saw him, and he waved. Then, I went to bed. I fell asleep, excited. The next day, Christmas Day, I saw a little card for me in front of the door. I shivered and quickly got the letter and pulled it inside. It was from Santa, and the words said: HO HO HO! Merry Christmas! This was the best Christmas ever.
The house was decorated, the school was decorated, and the town’s Christmas tree was up.
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Dear Diary: My Puppy Suki By Sofia Hegewisch Dear Diary, I have always wanted a puppy and I love them so much. They are so cute and fluffy. Also, whenever you are sad, hurt or mad, they can sense that, and they will come to you. They will snuggle with you and make you feel so happy and comfortable. So, that is the reason I really want a puppy. Plus, they feel like a family member or a friend to you. Don’t worry, I’ll write soon! Dear Diary, Guess what?!?! I got a puppy!! Time has passed (about 3 years), but still, because when we got him he was 5 months old (human years). Here is his description: Type of puppy: Shiba Inu (Japanese Breed); Color: Peach, Red, Brown; Age: (dog years) 21, (human years) 3; Birthday: October 26; Has a fluffy coat; Looks like a fox; Curved tail; Long snout That’s about it. Bye, I’ll write soon!! Dear Diary, Time has passed and it’s almost Thanksgiving (9 days left). I’m so excited! Also, Christmas is almost here too! My family and I are going to give Suki a little Christmas toy so he can play with it.
Christmas riddles for your family and friends By Malena Tewari, Sofia Manguson, and Matthew Rodriguez Christmas is coming, and we think a little laughing should come too. We thought it would be nice if we could get into the holiday spirit with some holiday jokes, and riddles. Hope you enjoy sharing these with your friends and family. Have a happy CHRISTMAS! Q. What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree? A. A pineapple Q. How do you know when Santa’s in the room? A. You can see his presents (presence) Q. What is black and white and red all over? A. Santa covered in soot Q. What is a parent’s favorite Christmas carol? A. Silent Night Q. How do sheep say Merry Christmas in Mexico? A. Fleece Navidad! Q. Mom, can I have a dog for Christmas? A. No, you can have a turkey like everyone else! Q. What kind of bird can write? A. A pen-guin Q. Why are Christmas trees such bad knitters? A. They are always dropping their needles. Q. What did the Gingerbread Man put on his bead? A. A cookie sheet
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Dear Diary: Dolphin Camp was so much fun By Sofia Manguson Dear Diary, I really can't stop thinking about how great last summer was, and when I went to Dolphin Camp. I loved it, and I learned a lot of things about dolphins. Before I went to Dolphin Camp I had so many questions in my head about dolphins. When I got there I was taught a lot of things about dolphins, how much they weigh, their food, and other interesting facts about them. This camp taught me more things about dolphins, and it made me feel like a dolphin was a human. They are the second smartest animals in the world, and they feel your feelings with you. They are like a human friend, and are always ready to play. They cheer you up when you're sad, and make every day a happy one. I just love dolphins, and Dolphin Camp. I love the way that dolphins help you to express your feelings even in your hardest days. They help to support you in anything you do, and give you courage to believe in yourself. I feel like dolphins are not like any other animal, but as for camp it feels awesome to have the chance to pet the dolphins, and see them every day. We also went to the beach to swim in the ocean. There is a slide next to the ocean that my friends and I loved to use, and the ocean is blue and clear. We saw lots of animals and fish. It’s fun to swim around and chat with my friends on such a great summer day. When we get back we usually eat lunch, and go on the field and play capture the flag. I am usually on the yellow team, and we are a great team so we always win. My favorite days of camp were definitely Thursday and Friday because we interacted more with other kids and the dolphins. On Thursday we did something super fun! We got in groups and did a scavenger hunt, and we ran all around the dolphin pools and the museums that are there. We went around finding clues and shouting and going in tunnels, and it was so fun. On Friday we made toys for the dolphins out of floats and hoops. Then we put them in the pool and watched them swim into them and have so much fun. The favorite part of Friday and of the whole camp was getting to swim with the dolphins. I felt happy to be able to swim with my favorite animal: dolphins!
Dolphins are like a human friend. They are always ready to play!
The Spire Crier
St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School 5692 North Kendall Drive Coral Gables, FL 33156 305-665-4851
W E’ RE ON THE WEB AT S TEPSMIA. ORG
The Spire Crier is published by the fifth grade reporters in the Enrichment Journalism class at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School. Reporters: James Furniss-Roe, Sofia Hegewisch, Sofia Manguson, Melanie Pozo, Matthew Rodriguez, Malena Tewari, John Lucas Turner-Smith Journalism Advisor: Ms. Christina Mayo Class Aide: Allison “Miss Alli” Williams
Student Fiction: The Egg By Matthew Rodriguez and James Furniss-Roe The first thing he noticed was that today felt wonderful. James’s day always started the same on school days: he woke up, stayed in his comfortable bed until Liz came to wake him, and he went to have breakfast. That particular morning he hoped school would not be too long, as it always seemed to be, because it was Friday, and he was having a play date with Matthew on Saturday, and he felt happy because the week would end soon, after one more day…That was when Liz came in and announced, “James, time to get up!” and opened the blinds and curtains. James just moaned and turned over. She got him up and he went to have breakfast, then got dressed, then got his things ready then went to school. When he got there he put down his book (it was only one minute and 30 seconds to get to school) and got to his class. Matthew was there, and so were some other students like Kobe, who is great at soccer, and Broghan, who is great at soccer, too. “Good morning, James.” said Miss Q, their teacher. “Hello.” said James, who was tired after yesterday, where he had had a sleepover with Edward, one of his best friends. “Hi James!” “Matthew! How was your play date yesterday with Ricardo?” “Fine. We played Super Mario 3D World. It was fun.” “Good!” At this point it was flag, and chapel, which was long, and now there was a big surprise. After the class settled down, Miss Q said, “For morning work, get your hats and go down to the courtyard.” Matthew was surprised when she said this, and James was too, but they lined up and went down to the courtyard. Miss Q, amazingly, said, “You can have recess.” I really like Ms. Q, thought Matthew. He ran to find James, and they gathered around to play football. They played football and were tied, but then the football got stuck in a tree. Then there was a thud, and they ran over. The football had fallen out of the tree, but Matthew said, “James! Over there!” “What?” “Look!” Matthew rushed over and showed James. It was a green, oval-shaped object with red lines running down the side. “What’s that?” asked James. “I dunno.” “Wait… that reminds me of something..” “Me too…But what?” “Why don't you, at the end of school, take it home and have a look at it?” “OK.” They kept playing football. IT WAS STILL TIED. They both wondered and thought about it until school ended. When James got home, he did his homework, and soon after, he got a call from Matthew. “Hello? May I speak to James?” “Yes. JAMES!” James came rushing over to see why Mommy had called him. “It’s Matthew.” He went to his room and Matthew said, “James, I was reading Eragon and I think I know what it might be. A dragon egg. I know they don't ex….” “I always thought they did. And now we have proof.” “I know. Wait..” James heard Matthew say something, and someone saying something else. “My mom says I need to do my homework. See you on Saturday!” “Bye.”