The Mockingbird - June 2017

THE MOCKINGBIRD

Ned Berkley, 6th Grade

Norfolk academy lower school 2017

What is the Mockingbird?

The Mockingbird is the Lower School’s annual literary magazine for fiction and

nonfiction. The pieces in this publication, all of which were completed for classroom assignments, were selected through a collaborative evaluation process by teachers on each grade level. Every classroom is represented equally, and all teachers participated in the evaluation process. While students in the Lower School complete a wide array of writing assignments throughout the year, from book reports to science labs to research papers, The Mockingbird spotlights creative writing, and it showcases artwork produced by students for art class assignments.

Dedication The Mockingbird is dedicated to the memory of Robert S. Sergeant, who taught at Norfolk Academy from 1978 to 1999. Through his passionate belief in the power of language, he inspired many young writers to embark on imaginative journeys. He showed each student how to find a personal writing voice and let it soar; through his own example, he helped students unleash their creative energy.

Mr. Sergeant explored the world through his own writing. He was intrigued by the mockingbirds that he noticed throughout the campus, particularly in the Hofheimer and Hopkins Gardens. In one of his written reflections, he astutely observed the mockingbird’s expressive nature: “The mockingbird is a bit mean-spirited— aggressive to other birds, but it does have artistic and creative genius. Maybe gruffness is just part of a creative genius. The mockingbird celebrates language and voices…”

With this publication, we recall the compassionate voice of a master teacher, and we celebrate the emerging voices of our young writers.

In My Room

In my room I think, dream, and play.

I always have things to do there. My room is my happy place. I go there and think of wonderful thoughts. When I wake up in the morning, I feel joyful inside, like I’m a

Henry Allgeier, 6th Grade

flower sprouting from the ground. In my

A Book

room, I have my desk, bed, three dressers and a closet with a mirror. My room is

A book, a page, a word, a letter,

very special to me. When I am there, it is

A book, a story getting better and better.

so cozy, and it’s the warmest room in the

A book, a mystery, adventure, and more,

house. I am so fortunate to have a room

A book, a mystery, a battle, a war.

filled with wonderful memories for now and

A book, at home, on the couch, in school,

the years to come.

A book, a knight, a king, a fool.

Addy Hennessy, 4

th

Grade

A book, hard work, a creative thought, A book, everything that we have not.

A book, a comfort, a smile, a home, A book, with you I’m never alone.

Lily Stockwell, 5th Grade

Gerald Thomas, 6th Grade Audrey Permenter, 6th Grade

The Biggest Book Ever I see it The biggest book ever I take it from the shelf: 546 pages I stumble back How can books be this long?

I go to the checkout Now it is mine for two weeks

I get home I do my homework Then I start on the colossal novel I begin to get excited It has enchanting characters It has extraordinary settings One week goes by: 234 pages left

My giant tome becomes tiny to me Cruising through the pages Like a boat streaming to the shore At last, I finish the book I go to the checkout the next day Now I can pass the magic on to someone else And I return to the shelves

Jack Clayton, 5th Grade

Baking Birthday Cake I put my hair in a ponytail.

Then I take out a bowl.

I put in some flour and eggs and mix them.

Then I put the rest of the ingredients In the bowl and mix them.

Then I put it in the oven and bake it.

Next I take it out and put some icing on it.

Next I put some birthday candles on the cake.

I made a birthday cake!

Emily Littlejohn, 1st Grade

A Magical Christmas

On Christmas Day, I was so surprised because every year

my Elf on the Shelf buddy always creates a present wall. A present wall is a wall made out of gifts! I had wrapping paper on my bedroom door! I wanted to tear it really badly. I was so excited to see what Santa Claus left us. My sister wanted to know if he ate his cookies. We knocked down the present wall, and as we were knocking it down, our maternal grandma was at our house. What a surprise! Then, we opened up presents. We had a BIG breakfast!

My mom said that is was the best Christmas. I always love Christmas. It’s so much fun for me and my family. I wish Christmas was every day but not on my birthday!

Tessa Chavez, 3rd Grade

Sea of Darkness Explorer’s log

It is August 22, 1495, and a thin mist sprays in my face. It is getting dark, and the clouds are shading the moon from sight. I am hiding that I feel scared. I bet a storm is coming.

If the sails are not furled, they will be torn to shreds! I’m almost about to get nauseous, and

Lane Kilduff, 6th Grade

fall off the ship. There are huge waves, and everyone is in a panic. I feel like a five hundred pound anvil is pinning me down to the deck. The boat is so rocky that I have a feeling I’m dead. Gallons of water are splashing onto the boat, knocking down sailor after sailor. A question goes around the boat; will the storm ever end? Honest answer, NO!

The storm is over, and the ship almost got struck by lightning maybe four or five times! I feel like fainting on the job. I only have enough breath to say three words; that was terrifying.

Cooper Stuart, 3rd Grade

Oliver McCammon, 4th Grade

Boating to the Bahamas

My family and I own a boat called the Waterman. We go on lots of trips on it.

We inflated our boat called a dingy so we could ride to the shore of Cat Island. We also took about 12 conchs on the boat with us. When we arrived at the island, we noticed that there were sea urchins everywhere! My brother, dad, and I started to crack them so we could grill them. Then we took a walk on the island and saw an owl rustling with a hurt wing in a bush. It wasn’t able to fly. That night, we had fish, conch, potatoes, and salad. I had a fantastic vacation in the Bahamas with my family.

Elise-Marie Standing, 3rd Grade

Across the Sea of Death Explorer’s log Today is Aug. 22, 1495. The captain says we have gone seventy to eighty miles a day, but I am sure it has been ninety or one hundred miles a day. I wonder why the captain is lying. He is not trustworthy to me.

The moon is fully covered. There is no light. There is a storm coming, and we don’t know if we can keep the supplies safe. I am scared that I will get eaten by a sea monster or get struck by lightning. The wind is pushing me off deck. Salty water is stinging my eyes and my skin. It is exceedingly hard to see in front of the boat while I am on lookout.

I am afraid that I am either going to fall off the ship or bump somebody off. In the morning, the rain and the clouds clear up. So we all go to sleep right away after all the ruckus that we went through last night.

Nethan Liyanage, 3rd Grade

Read new stories To dab here and there, Re-read faded books To add a fresh coat of color.

Each book will paint a new Ellyse Witt, 3rd Grade

Captivating story.

Let each page

Painted Stories

Seep through your head, Like watercolor

Books are like a paintbrush.

Bleeding through paper.

The mind is like a canvas,

With blissful stories

Painting stories through

You can tell that the artist

Your head.

Poured her heart and soul

Exotic tales brushed

Onto every page of the

Into place.

Masterpiece.

Books illustrate the

Call a library the gallery

Perfect picture of the

And the books pieces of art,

Places you will go.

For those titles seem more fitting.

Some will draw you a

Take a book in hand,

Deadly battle.

And let it paint a unique story

Some will sketch you

Exclusively

A princess in a castle.

For you.

You might find yourself Exploring a cave.

The brushstrokes may take You to lands afar.

Most books will design you a Road to go anywhere.

Charlotte Roberson, 5th Grade

Abstract

Crayon Color: Outer Space

This is artistic

Outer Space is dark like space

A swirling world of color

Outer Space isn’t colorful

Many blues and whites.

River Dorroh, 2

nd

Grade

Outer Space is hot like fire Outer Space is a party on Friday night!

Outer Space tastes like ghost chilis Outer Space smells like a nighttime breeze Outer Space sounds like sizzles on the grill Outer Space feels like March 2017 Outer Space looks like sleep at night Outer Space makes me want to draw Outer Space is dark, dark, blue.

C.J. Kemp, 2nd Grade

Lila Ware, 3rd Grade

The Colors of Music To see the colors of music, You must close your eyes and listen, Listen to the sound of the music, And with your eyes closed you will see colors, Colors so bright they may blind you, Colors so dark you may not see them, Therefore to see the colors of music, You must close your eyes and listen

Chloe Levy, 3rd Grade

Jackson Harris, 3rd Grade

March Madness March Madness Upsets, surprises Buzzer beaters, comebacks Elite Eight, Final Four National Championship Eliana Jin, 3rd Grade

Nathan Rafal, 4th Grade

New Shoes In honor of Pelé Dribbling, his feet are on fire.

He won’t stop for anything.

He shoots, he scores!

His friends are jubilant.

He glances at his feet.

His shoes, his brand new shoes!

They are soiled and look as if someone ran through a mud pit.

Oh no!

What will his mother say?

His family can’t afford new shoes.

He aspires to some day represent his country.

But first he dreamt of seeing what it was like to play with shoes on.

Calla Parvin, 6th Grade

Whitney Anderson, 3rd Grade I Know It’s Spring!

When I… Taste ice cream Smell flowers Hear my sisters playing See my dad swimming Feel the fresh air Cole Chavez, 1st Grade

A Plain, Straw Hat A poem for French fashion designer Coco Chanel

as sad as a daffodil that never got to bloom, the streetlight that never got to shine, or the fish that never got to jump.

I unravel the spool of soft green yarn.

I thread it though my needle.

Over

Under

Over Under

I open my desk and SLICE ribbon off the wheel.

I tie it around the brim.

The blue ribbon will dance in the wind.

A striped pin breaches the straw.

I create a vivid bow to top off my aqua ribbon.

I carefully place the hat on my head.

I am the Eiffel Tower of the town.

The paparazzi is watching.

Now the talk of the town is my plain, straw hat.

Libby Pierce, 6th Grade

My Best Friend, Jane Goodall Told from the perspective of Marie “Clo” Claude, Jane Goodall’s best friend

I sent a letter to my best friend, asking her to visit me.

She saved and saved for months.

When she arrived, I was extremely happy!

She had always wanted to come to Africa.

It was her eternal dream!

When she saw the chimpanzees, she could not help but beam.

One day we went to a party, and someone came up to us.

“She should meet Dr. Louis Leaky!”

I agreed she simply must!

He said they should work together to learn everything they could about chimpanzees and primates.

She said of course she would!

Later she returned to England to further continue her studies.

It was a terribly devastating goodbye, but we still remained exceptional buddies.

When we got older, I found out about all the discoveries of my old friend, that she was still in Africa and that I helped her in the end.

I found out she discovered a lot about chimpanzees, like they use tools they make by hand.

Because of me she came to Africa!

I helped to start it all!

This is the story of my best friend, Jane Goodall.

Jane Stewart, 6th Grade

Where I’m From I’m from hours of Kick-the-Can From Hide-and-Seek with Ann and Will I’m from tennis, swimming, and soccer From everyday baseball I’m from Lemon Twist and jump rope From Twister® and Lite-Brite® I’m from watching “Happy Days” and “Good Times” From boarding a cruise ship in “Love Boat” I’m from the Bee Gees and Prince From Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” I’m from humming Of “Kiss” and Stevie Wonder I’m from peanut butter on Peppermint Patties During years at Camp Alleghany I’m from chocolate Charleston Chews From bags full of Pop Rocks I’m from reading all the time Anne of Green Gables, Lord of the Rings, and Judy Blume I’m from daydreams of doctors and baseball From “dynamite” I’m from the collage of pictures in the hall Of old memories I’ll never forget I’m from the tall family tree From the smile on your face Ann Gray Golpira, 5th Grade

I Know It’s Spring!

When I… Taste popsicles Smell flowers Hear bees hum See kids playing Feel the sun on my body

Andrew Bryant, 1st Grade

Kassidy Sanders, 3rd Grade

My Awesome Room

My room is the best room in the house because it’s all mine! It

makes me feel safe at night and free when I’m awake. When I’m there I feel like I’m free from the outside world, and I can revel in all my secrets. Whenever I am in my room I feel as if I can be there by myself and do whatever I want. It’s where I can keep special things that I don’t want anybody to see. My room is where the magic happens, which means this is where I make myself look good in the morning, where I study if I’m at home and where I get better at a few minor magic tricks as well as getting better at violin. I’m glad I don’t share a room because it’s not very big, and I don’t have to worry about my siblings making it a mess. My room is where I can express all my feelings, and no one will hear them except me. It’s where I keep all of my stuffed animals, and soon, my fish!

I find all my books that lead me through great adventures. My room is the first to get hand-me-downs from family and friends. It’s magical, and I like it that way because I feel safe and wonderful. I call my room “the turtle room” because it looks like a turtle. At night I think to myself, “I love my turtle room.” (sigh) Molly Rolfe, 4th Grade

Two Special Friends Three years ago as we were packing to move to Rhode Island, my mom gave me two stuffed animals, a giraffe and a sheep.

I think they had been hers when she was a child. The sheep is gray, and the giraffe is a peach color with brown spots. They have magnetic paws. I keep them in my closet because they are small, and I don’t want to lose them. Sometimes, I go to my closet and hug them. They are special because my mom gave them to me!

Karina Arias, 2nd Grade

Maeve Rhatigan, 3rd Grade A Graduation Gift

My special item is a white dog, but it doesn’t look white because of all the black signatures on it. My dog has a black graduation cap with a yellow tassel hanging from it. He has a lime green ribbon with white dots tied around his neck. I received my dog in preschool. It is very special to me because it reminds me of my preschool, All Saints, and my teachers, Teacher Kristyn and Teacher Patty. My parents and my brother also signed it because it was a graduation gift from my preschool, and I was then entering Grant Fernandez, 2nd Grade

kindergarten at John B. Dey School.

Carson Gaddy,3rd Grade

Weapon Robert J. Oppenheimer was an American physicist, known as the “father of the atomic bomb.”

Our team, the group which has worked on this weapon, waiting.

We wait for the moment to come.

Hanging somberly in the tower, miles away, the bomb waits like an outcast.

The hours, days, months, spent creating the gadget

It’s a patch of hope in a minefield.

that could save hundreds of thousands.

A shark in a sea of minnows.

Ending the war.

A cloud on a cloudless day.

The solver of problems.

wishing

Keeper of hope.

The sand, the home I’ve grown so close to,

It’s also power in the weak.

turns into something else.

Dictator of our every move.

The special, beautifully ugly power it possesses

symbol

tells us, speaks to us.

The sun blazes

leader

As fiercely as my heart.

It pounds, POUNDS.

It is both what I love and fear.

time

The ability to save the world Or destroy it.

fear

The heavy, ponderous weight Of both time and the air hold,

Clouds swirl, fire engulfs the tower.

press me down.

The blue sky turned red.

More power than expected.

wait

As bright as the sun.

Life wiped out.

Time speeds up Minutes turn to seconds.

fire

The order is given.

Miles of sand.

it’s time

My home transformed to glass.

The weight of the air drops.

The sun, my symbol of hope,

The drum in my chest speeds up.

blocked by this cloud of destruction

The button is pressed.

change

The gadget goes off with the magnitude of an earthquake.

The ground shakes like one, too.

Red, Orange, Yellow—

In seconds, it’s over.

“I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.”

The colors of the season burst into a mushroom. power

Rylan Goss, 6th Grade

Easter Sunday A poem commemorating Marian Anderson’s historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial Whites Only is the writing plastered on the walls of each and every shop on the street.

Or that’s how it seems to Marian.

She strides down the pathway, averting her eyes from the pedestrians on the sidewalk who were glaring, sneering at her soul.

But it did not matter. She would show them.

The Washington Memorial stood tall and proud.

So Marian did, too.

But the tourists stared, frowned, and turned their backs.

Hatred hung in the air.

But it did not matter. She would show them.

The Patriotic City, capital of the Land of the Free, was still chained to the coils of racism.

There was a sea of people filled with anticipation, filled like a cup of water, waiting, waiting, waiting . . .

Clip clop go her shiny blue flats on the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Marian pauses as butterflies soar through her stomach like airplanes.

But it did not matter. She would show them.

She takes a deep breath.

As her mouth opens she lets all the worries out of their bird cage.

The sweet, sweet music of freedom floods the dumbstruck crowd like a river.

And as she closes her melody, she smiles to herself.

Because she showed them.

Kristin Houston, 6th Grade

Books of Magical Lands

You fall down the rabbit hole of books Finding stories in crannies and nooks

Books can take you to infinity and beyond While the words on the pages start to dawn

Hi Ho, Hi Ho it’s off to read we go While learning new things you didn’t know

You travel down the Yellow Brick Road Pondering on stories the author has told

You fly through the sky to Neverland While multiple books fall into your hand

Open closet doors to a magical place Leaving your world without a trace

You’re quickly reading chapter after chapter While characters find their happily ever after

Kate Jarvis, 5th Grade

A World Inside Two Covers

A simple book, A move of a hand, can take you to a magical land, where you’ll meet dragons, mermaids, and knights, live in a castle, or have sword fights.

You’ll climb

Jennifer Yuan, 6th Grade

tall mountains, sail great seas.

THEN-

You may even solve some mysteries.

You’ll save a town from certain doom, all while staying within your room.

Your name you hear your mother call.

Hear her footsteps down the hall.

You close the book and wave goodbye, sail across the sea and past the sky.

You have your key, hidden safe, that can take you back to your magical place . . .

The world of books awaits.

Gerald Thomas, 6th Grade

Ashley Ure, 5th Grade

Thoughts

For Katie Couric, an American news anchor.

Shortly after her husband passed away, her sister followed.

Overcrowding ideas that could start my future But what is future anyway?

A moment ahead?

A split in time?

I do not know.

The hurdles I’ve faced, Made of solid iron and tears.

Do I try too hard?

Am I not trying enough?

Will things ever work out?

It could.

Who knows?

Only the future.

I am constantly fighting.

Not physically, Not by my own will, Nobody knows but me.

What is life anyway?

What is death?

Why would the world bestow this?

Is it wrong to cry?

People have their reasons.

All from their own decisions.

But what is the meaning of life?

People do not get me.

They see someone that is not me.

They judge on looks, Not character.

That’s how it’s always been, And how it always will be.

I may be wrong.

Am I?

I have no one to go to. there is no place for me to hide i tell myself it will be okay but will it? the light at the end of the tunnel is off the silver lining around the cloud is invisible to my eyes it’s all just too much like my heart is changing places with my brain I tell myself it will be okay.

I need to continue, To move on.

So I pick up my tears and keep moving.

Why be sad when life is so short?

I need to smile, To wipe off that dirty, greasy-covered smudge called a frown.

I’m an elated person.

I should set a good example for my children.

For every curse, there’s a blessing.

Something good has to come out of this.

I need to turn this into something different than what it is.

I, Katie Couric, need to stop dwelling on the past and focus on the future.

And after all, What is sadness anyway?

Julia Wainger, 6th Grade

At Last For Oprah Winfrey

vilification as a teen never thought it would happen to me heartbroken

is what i felt when the love of my life left me

solitary is what i was when i was tossed on the porch every night to sleep hate

is what i could see in their eyes

tension increment with racism BUT MY HEART IS LIKE A BRAIN SO I KNOW strength is what they didn’t know i had so i can now fight back love

altar

still has time to earn the courage before we meet at the

harmony is the sweet sound of being together pleasure

is what i love to see when people see my true beauty At Last . . .

Kenya Hines, 6th Grade

Where I’m From

I’m from Matchbox® and Corgi® cars.

From Legos®, bike rides, Soccer and lacrosse.

I’m from days spent roller skating and swimming.

I’m from the go-cart rides in the street, Always ending up in the ditch.

From Billy Joel and the Eagles, Blaring in the car.

I’m from savoring sweet red Swedish Fish to Watching Fonz from Happy Days saying “Aaaeyyy.”

I’m from wondering, “Who shot JR?”

I’m from SWAT and Hogan’s Heroes, Winnie the Pooh, and Stuart Little, From wanting to be a doctor and an astronaut.

I’m from 12 years in Baltimore, Maryland And forever in Greenville, South Carolina.

Finding four-leaf clovers A penny that lands heads up, From every petal that drops I’m the one you wished for.

Whitney Collenberg, 5th Grade

Love I love my birthday because I get hugs. Also because I get to see my family. Also I love celebrating with my sister, mom, and dad. I will also get to pick out dinner. We get to eat whatever I want!

Charley Fiveash, 5th Grade Recipe for a Friend

Veer Desai, 1st Grade

Ingredients: 1 pound of kindness 2 cups of a sports and lacrosse fan 3 cups of honesty 1 cup of mischief 10 cups that he likes Madden NFL 17 1 pound of humor Directions: Mix three times then back away.

Jay McCaa, 2nd Grade

ZoĂŤ Jones, 5th Grade My Mommy She takes care of me and helps me.

Sometimes I like to sleep with her.

She drives me to school every day.

She likes to cook.

I love the pasta she cooks.

I love her, and she loves me too!

Auri Johnson, 1st Grade

Julian Burke, 5th Grade

Family Always makes me smile They will love me forever Makes very good food Lyric Carter, 2nd Grade Emilie Beasley, 5th Grade Recipe for a Friend Ingredients: A pound of active listening A quart of generosity A gallon of compassion Two tablespoons of science Three teaspoons of laughter A pinch of being genuine Directions: First, pour the liquid ingredients into a pot. Second, put the dry ingredients

Dylan Defoor, 5th Grade

into the pot. Boil, stir, and serve.

William Chung, 2nd Grade

The Best Gift Ever The best gift I had ever received was my bracelet!

I got it from my mom when I was born.

It is special to me because I like rainbows!

Ann Randolph Furr, 5th Grade

Eli Baggett, 1st Grade

Dr. King

He was a preacher.

He fought with words, not violence.

Martin changed the world.

Sicily Ure, 2nd Grade

Harriet Tubman Harriet Who is clever, outstanding, and magnificent Who fears slave owners, rebellious slaves, and whites, Who needs darkness at night, a gun, and candles Who feels proud, scared, and nervous Who would like to see no more slaves Resident of the Underground Railroad

Jackie Robinson

Tubman

Finn Guzik, 2nd Grade

Jackie Robinson Smart, Loyal, Strong Dreams of being a baseball hero Fears getting hit by baseballs Loves his career Hopes other black baseball players will get in the Major Leagues Loves his family and hopes for the best for them.

Anja Speers, 2nd Grade

The Golden Bird An Eleanor Roosevelt ode to her necklace Standing at my oak wood podium, I reflect.

With the throng of fans cheering and acclaiming, I soar off to another world.

I have lost everyone.

Father, Mother, Brother.

What has kept me going?

Reaching towards my neck, I find my inspiration.

Made of shimmering gold, with silver wings of freedom resting happily, with a beak of justice towards all.

It was there . . . always.

My brightest times, darkest moments.

Like an encouraging guide.

I come back to reality.

Hope dwells and fear dwindles.

I feel the bronze chain snug around my neck, and my hand creeps to my bird, my inspiration.

It represents hope equality freedom me.

Angelina Lancey, 6th Grade

Ski Mask Rainbow, big Skiing, sledding, snow tubing Warm, cozy, shady, dark Tanning, boating, beachcombing Comfortable, small Sunglasses Ellie Burnette, 4th Grade

Katelyn Blackwell, 6th Grade

Ice Skating Graceful, fast Soaring, speeding, spiraling Glissade, dance, aquatics, floating Going, slowing, turning Wet, cool Swimming Natalie Martin, 4th Grade

Annalee Marling, 6th Grade

December Out on the streets You know it’s December.

Lights swinging from the trees Snowballs SPLAT! Joy and happiness in the air!

Inside each house a Christmas tree glows All signs leading to the big day!

Tara Tavakoli, 6th Grade Fletcher Creech, 4th Grade A Letter to Santa

Dear Santa, I am so looking forward to Christmas, even though I am Jewish. But now back to Christmas . . . How do you fit down the chimney? I know I can hardly fit down. It is right around the corner, yay! You must have a big sleigh. I love that Christmas is December 25th because it is so close to New Year’s Day! Double holiday, right? Also Hanukkah! Wow, triple holiday! I bet you have 1,500 elves. It has been a fun year. Hope to see you soon.

Your Friend, Penn PS - My brother made a card.

Penn Peterson, 1st Grade

Shunmei Zheng, 6th Grade

I AM EVEREST I feel the cold surround me I know the path of the mountains I am the mountain above all others I see the small flags wave on my peak I wonder if this is how it shall be forever I want to learn beyond all the great peaks I wish the climbers would leave me in peace I am the sharp ice and rock on which you climb I cry out when you litter your supplies and bodies on me I hear the wind howl and the avalanches crash beneath I understand that if this is how it shall be, then that is ok, because . . .

I AM EVEREST Marin Soderberg, 5th Grade

Bennett Yue, 6th Grade

Everest I am Everest.

I see all things.

I want to move about.

I know your compelling secrets.

I am independent and sophisticated.

I wonder about the amazing world around me.

I feel isolated and downcast about how lonely I am.

I touch your numb, freezing, stiff, and frostbitten hands.

I am monumental, yet very calming at the first sight of me.

I worry about my menacing dangers like avalanches or snowstorms.

I cry out when one of your own falls of exhaustion, bad frostbite, or H.A.P.E. I understand your feelings of terror-stricken fear and dreadful, horrendous pain.

I want to see more of your infinite, wide, captivating, and awe-inspiring universe.

I acknowledge your failures of climbing and awful, dreadful, nightmarish fears of me.

I express feelings by throwing boulders, causing avalanches, and blowing fearful wind.

I am the strong, monumental, dangerous, exhausting, greatly feared, and mysterious . . .

I am Everest

Natalie Tajan, 5th Grade

Olivia Levy, 6th Grade

In My Room My room is a pretty light pink with a soft purple rug. I have a shelf with American Girl Dolls, and I have beds for the dolls. There is a white desk with a bulletin board with some pictures on it. On my desk I display my medals, trophies, and certificates. I have a rainbow bedspread! My favorite part about my room is the reading area that I created myself with cozy blankets, soft pillows, favorite stuffed animals, and a fuzzy green lobster. Next to my reading chair, I have a lava lamp that my sister made for me. I love cuddling with Lulu, my dog, and reading a good book in my reading chair. Another thing that is special to me in my room is my purple jewelry box. I keep my earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in my there. I look forward to changing my earrings almost every day! I keep my special jewelry box on my dresser.

When I have friends over, we play Shopkins and American Girl Dolls.

I also like to play music and dance in my room. I am very thankful that I have a room like mine.

Grace Warden, 4th Grade

I Know It’s Spring!

When I . . .

Taste yummy and sweet watermelon Smell fresh air Hear birds chirping See the sun shining Feel the hot sun Andrew Salib, 1st Grade

Alex Lawson, 3rd Grade

Falling Colors Leaves as red as a big crayon are twirling down.

Leaves as orange as my pencil topper are whirling down.

Leaves as yellow as lemons are swirling down.

Then all the colors turn like crunchy potato chips.

Millie Borum, 2nd Grade

Love I love my family because they are

Avery Rolfe, 1st Grade

special. I love my sister because she is nice. Love is sent with you when you are born. Love is something that is sent with you wherev-

Origami Couplet

er you go. Love is something that

Origami is elegant

is in the Bible.

Something I would represent

Jack Trant, 1 Grade st

If you make a mistake on a fold You’ll have something no one can hold You have to use sharp cornered square paper Or else your ends won’t drastically taper I always use the color red When making one before I go to bed It comes from Japanese origin And there is no other comparison Dominic Villafranca, 4th Grade

Annabelle Mortimer, 1st Grade

Colors Cream is like a wedding dress Gray is like a cloudy sky Pink is like a sunset Turquoise is like the ocean Black is a strong and bold color Red is like a kind heart Blue is a crying boy or girl Yellow is like Jesus shining brightly.

Helen McCabe, 2nd Grade

Preston Lea, 1st Grade

Pink Pink is pretty.

Pink is a pig.

Pink is a flamingo’s wing.

Pink is the smell of a bakery.

Pink tastes like strawberry doughnuts.

Pink smells like flowers.

Pink sounds like a violin.

Pink feels like a blanket.

Pink looks like a butterfly’s wings fluttering in the air.

Pink makes me happy.

Pink is beautiful.

Jack Watson, 1st Grade

Caroline Dailey, 2nd Grade

Nature Through His Eyes Tara Tavakoli interviewed her grandfather about his childhood in Iran.

From “mountain to mountain, valley to valley,” as he says, Ali Nowroozi used to love exploring nature. He was born in a small village about sixty miles south of Tehran, Iran. His family was a bit poor, so Ali never had anything to play with. He substituted the video games we have today with his exploration of nature, which he enjoyed because of his love for the great outdoors. He and his friends loved it when they found birds’ nests, especially if there were eggs inside.

One thing that made exploring fun for Ali was the fact that he was always interested in the weather, or as he puts it, “when it was rainy, when it was sunny, and what animals did in this time.” Ali would enjoy going and seeing animals after it rained to find out how they reacted. Sometimes, Ali would go out exploring in his grandmother’s backyard. He would go out into her backyard and climb her red mulberry tree and fight the bumblebees to get the berries before they took them away.

Ali is eighty years old now, so he can’t enjoy this type of fun like he used to.

Now, he busies himself with his work in geophysics, a vocation that was undoubtedly influenced by his childhood adventures and his fascination with nature. “Geophysics is the physics of the earth, in simple terms . . . how mountains are made, how tectonic plates are moving, and where plates in the ocean disappear,” Ali explained when I admitted that I didn’t know what geophysics was. Ali Nowroozi seems to have led a very fulfilling life. I don’t know if he has any regrets, but I do know that he would love to be that little boy again, going from “mountain to mountain, valley to valley.”

Tara Tavakoli, 6th Grade

An Inspiring Night From the perspective of Edwin Hubble, the great astronomer

Down the stairs I do now run, Looking forward to food and fun.

Fynn Burgess, 1st Grade

It’s my eighth birthday on this night.

My cake will be quite a sight.

Through the eyepiece I did stare.

Through the night I just stood there.

After food as sweet as honey,

I spotted Aries and Scorpio.

I then receive gifts like money.

All despite the afterglow.

Grandpa’s gift was yet to come.

Would it be another sum?

That night I slept in the blanket of the stars, Dreaming of Saturn and Venus and Mars.

I was led out to the hills.

Behind houses, behind mills.

There a telescope was erected, And I would not be dejected.

Eris and Ceres then came to my mind, And the sun, oh, how it shined!

The sky is an atlas, I later thought.

My telescope is like a yacht.

From it, I watch the fish that are Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mars.

From then on, I was inspired.

Astronomy was what I desired.

From then on. I really knew What I really wanted to do.

John Griffith, 1st Grade

Micah Baum, 6th Grade

The Impediment Wordly Wise again?!

We just did this last week!

Ugh! It infuriates me!

An astute vocabulary is what my teachers seek.

Section E annihilates all of my free time!

Wordly Wise is devoid of any form of fun.

The lessons are so tedious.

I’d much rather be out in the sun!

I’m sure it will be good someday to be competent with words.

But as I toil with the homework, all I can think is, “Wow, what a nerd!”

When my parents enrolled me at Norfolk Academy, they must have thought I could cope with the epidemic of Wordly Wise words, but I’m here to tell them, “Nope!”

The only thing that placates me is the realization that I’m on the verge of the end.

This is the last year!

The finish line is just around the bend!

Saoirse Dowd, 6th Grade

I Don’t Want to go to School I don’t want to go to school And sit on a tiny stool I don’t want to go and play Just like every other day I really do not like school Because we do not get to duel I do not think school is right Because we don’t get to fight Milla Avery, 3rd Grade

Kristen Houston, 6th Grade

Coffee

My mom calls it motor oil, She does not like it at all, My dad likes it, But that is all his call Adaline Scott, 3rd Grade Chris Couser, 6th Grade Who Am I? I have blonde hair.

I am a girl.

I am a teacher in 1GA. I am Mrs. Diamonstein!!!!

Leah Gregoire, 1st Grade Alexia Saman, 6th Grade

Who Am I?

I am black and white.

I live in a forest.

I am a type of bear.

I eat bamboo.

Who am I? I am a panda bear!

Juan Baez, 5th Grade

Lucy-Gage Zimmerman, 1st Grade

If I Had a Pet Spider If I had a pet spider I would name it Mr. Manning. His favorite food would be corndogs. He lives in my pocket.

His favorite thing to do is hug me. He is the best pet I’ve ever had.

Dian Chen, 5th Grade

JJ Monninger, 1 Grade st

Who Am I? I am white and black.

I am a kind of bear.

I live in Asia.

I eat bamboo.

I am a panda.

Kesar Behl, 1st Grade Emilie Beasley, 5th Grade

P for Puppy Puppy Powerful puppy Powerful puppy pounces Powerful puppy pounces perfectly Anna Sigrist, 2nd Grade

Areen Syed, 5th Grade My Friends Silly, kind Caring, loving, laughing I love having friends.

Catherine Adams, 2nd Grade Marin Soderberg, 5th Grade Wolves Wolves Fierce, sneaky Prowling, hunting, battling Wild versions of our pets Dogs Aditya Thapa, 3rd Grade Logan Simon, 5th Grade

Monsoon Swift and Slow

Giant, raging storm, Killing people in its path, Leaving destruction, Flash floods and devastation, Incredible disaster!

Horses racing Cheetahs running for prey Lightning coming down in one blow

MONSOON!

Sun rising slowly,but surely

Ben Parker, 4th Grade

A turtle moving An egg hatching Sloths climbing trees in slow motion.

Charlie Dailey, 4th Grade

Barely a Breeze Explorer’s log There is no wind, and the ship is stuck in the middle of nowhere. It is hot, sunny, and the sails fall limp. I feel I’m being boiled like eggs. I can’t hear a single thing from the sea.

Adi and I have to tow the boat. We heard the crew saying they thought that we may be stuck on this ship forever, and we couldn’t think about anything else. The boat was moving a bit, and we were very scared. We successfully moved the ship, and the wind came back. We put the sails back up, and the crew was very joyful. We didn’t have to die.

Kameron Saman, 3rd Grade

Black

Black is as scary as the grim reaper Black is angry Batman Black is a mad, bad bat Black is a very empty cave Black tastes like a dead, rotten fish Black smells like a baby’s stinky diaper Black sounds like a floor creaking Black feels like a cold night Black looks like the deepest part of the ocean Black makes me feel sad and alone Black is a blank screen

100!

Ian Scanlon, 2nd Grade

I want delicious pancakes, but not 100 slimy lizards.

I can eat 100 yummy chocolate chips, but not 100 yucky brussel sprouts.

I can do 100 hard sit-ups, but not 100 tough push-ups.

I can pick up 100 brown chocolate chips, but not 100 furry cats If I had $100, I would buy a white limo and a mansion but not a horrible sweater.

Andrew Buchanan, 2nd Grade

Wasps Wasps Awful nuisance Nests, queen, and colonies Extra painful, disturbing sting Pests David Martin, 3rd Grade

The Hero A poem on Winston Churchill’s life

The boy, he was happy, wearing a fine shirt, kneeled on the ground inside his home, Blenheim,

now in the trenches in mud,

and tinkered and maneuvered

revolver and cap,

his small,

under the cold, grey goose skies.

model soldiers as they marched across the floor.

The painter,

The young man,

in his long white coat,

who clad in khaki

puffs a cigar,

and helmet,

and then begins to stroke,

drew his word,

the pale canvas.

shining,

The leader,

charging across the sea of sand,

returned in his fight

under the blazing sun,

to put an end to tyranny,

as the thunderous sound of horses’ hooves

leads the nation

echoed across the plains.

through its finest hour.

The admiral and statesman,

The hero,

engaged against evil,

Lying in the coffin,

on the waves, in the slums,

With a fine flag on top

in the sand.

carried by men clothed in grey,

The soldier, again,

onto a boat, on a cold London day, while the world watched.

Harrison Brown, 6th Grade

Office Albert Einstein was a German-born physicist, known for his theory of relativity, E = mc², and influence on the field of science.

Albert Einstein in his cramped office never to leave, secluded in his closet-like office to work all day long.

He is a machine performing many calculations.

Approaching the final stretch to finish his paper, even though it is like climbing a mountain, he will work until it is complete.

The astute man locks himself in to play the violin and then go to work.

He will work even after the day is over, finding the last sentence, the last calculation.

Checking it over, getting it done.

He is a topographer, mapping the universe.

He is a lawmaker, creating rules for everything on his map.

But he can only tell what is true.

To find the truth he has to search.

These truths of a giant world are found in a small room.

Noah Howell, 6th Grade

Existence What is the meaning of existence?

Why are we here?

Are we just a figment of another’s imagination?

What made existence?

Why do humans exist as the dominant species?

How will we answer this?

Ashten Konikoff, 2nd Grade

Zachary Stoney, 6th Grade

Why Read?

I open a book to enter the comforting pages that lie within I will be absorbed within the thin, delicate pages All of my worries will be swept away by the tides of words that never seem to recede Vast oceans of knowledge flood the empty corners of my brain How to find courage in times of darkness How to find strength when others need you most The words forming fantastic pictures in my mind Fictional characters battling dragons and rescuing fair maidens Following the story from Once Upon a Time all the way to Happily Ever After when I open a book Gretchen Scott, 5th Grade

Nature It looks pretty.

It has many colors.

I play with it all day.

It is so nice and peaceful.

There are many birds chirping and flying.

I love nature!

Mary Catherine Burnette, 1st Grade

Amanda Johnson, 3rd Grade

Where I’m From I am from singing in my Room along with my record player, Admiring my pastel yellow walls With my Barry Manilow posters among them.

I am from memories of the bullet holes On the side of our plane, The bikes rides to the store With records to purchase.

I am from babysitting after cello lessons, My recollection of tanks rolling across my yard.

I am from soccer and Kick-the-Can in front of my house, And from the bubbles I blew with fruit stripe gum.

I am from KISS, And their no-good, terrible, absolutely terrifying makeup.

I am from “cool beans” and the filling inside of charms.

I am from stepping into the world Of TinTin and Asterix.

I am from dreams of me in you One day a reality.

Madison Kay, 5th Grade

Who Am I? I live in the ocean.

I have a tail.

I sting people.

I am a stingray.

Sumner Hester, 1st Grade Olivia Reid, 4th Grade Who Am I? I live in the ocean.

I come in many types.

I have a big hole on the top of my head.

It squirts out water.

I am a whale.

Mollie Armentrout, 1st Grade

Sabrina Casagrande, 4th Grade Barbados Barbados Warm, humid Swimming, fishing, snorkeling Beach, sunblock, ski slopes, snowman Freezing, snowing, sledding Chilly, breezy Maine Anna Iacobucci, 4th Grade

Mia Clarkson, 4th Grade

The Family Walk I smell the iron in the grass, dewy from the rain.

I prance blithely,

For a second, I am dumbfounded.

disturbing

I take a deep breath in . . .

everything from delicate wildflowers

out . . .

to deer lurking

The warm, soft sand in my toes.

in the shadows of the forest.

I hear the bird singing a beautiful melody.

As we trek,

I hug my family.

they take out

Their love blankets me.

The Sun, The Moon,

I stand on the verge of the sea.

right out of their pocket!

Vast, blue, never ending,

They throw the orb

The Sky,

far, far away.

The Ocean.

I run as fast as the wind.

I want to dive into the water

I jump to the sky,

and frolic

and I catch

among the aquatic plants.

the magical ball.

I am in a state of rapture.

I ponder . . .

The wrinkles that stain my forehead,

The sun beams down on me.

the worry that constantly plagues my heart,

Its harsh rays burn.

the responsibility that lives on my shoulders

I love the beach,

and makes my back hunch with tasks—

hurtling down the sand,

gone with the fresh air.

and walking with my family.

I am invincible!

Antonia Baudoin, 6th Grade

The Blocks Frank Lloyd Wright was a famed American architect, who found his passion for building with the blocks he played with as a child.

The bedroom of my childhood home is now dull and lifeless There is no spirit, no color left I open the rusty closet door It creaks with pain: It has not been opened in years I look through the closet It is nothing but emptiness like a lake without water Dust and dirt are crawling the closet walls Spiders are dancing along their webs, a rhythm in which they all go along with One spider, though, does not follow the rhythm It has created a disparate style of web It is nothing but a cube How can it be?

How can a spider create a web so immense?

Suddenly a thought emerges This is not a web

It is a box!

I snatch the box from its place, Desperately tearing the web off I brush the dust off the box, now the dull maroon color of a dead rose I turn it around, inspecting each side I look for any evidence, evidence of what this cryptic box might hold but I find none I slowly remove the lid from the box Inside I see something I never thought I would see again The building blocks They are here What started it all These blocks are the reason For my career, my architecture my designs, my awards Not only that, but life itself I touch the blocks and once again This room is filled with color

Alexia Saman, 6th Grade

I Was Once a Green Felt Jacket For Jim Henson, the mastermind who gave us Kermit the Frog

I was once a green felt jacket and a ping-pong ball.

I was made into a puppet and answered the call of Jim Henson for his brand new show; Sam and Friends was definitely a go.

I starred in the Muppets where I sang my tunes about RAINBOWS and KINDNESS and GOLDEN DOUBLOONS, of LOVE and SADNESS and a couple ROCK SONGS. All I know is they were all the bomb

I’m funny, I’m smart, with tricks galore.

Just watch me perform: it won’t be a bore.

I am Kermit the Frog! How do you do?

It’s always good to make new friends like you.

I was once a green felt jacket and a ping-pong ball.

Jim Henson was my creator, after all.

I’ll stay with my maker forever and ever.

I couldn’t wish for anything better.

Nowadays, though, I’m older than dirt.

My maker’s now buried in his best shirt.

His wife is depressed.

His kids are all down.

And I may just be the best thing around.

I was once a green felt jacket and a ping-pong ball As green as the grass in the fields of football.

From the day I was born till the day I will die, I will be as happy as a child chasing a lone butterfly

I have a ping-pong sphere for eyes And a coat for a body. Don’t be surprised, I Was Once A Green Felt Jacket And A Ping-Pong Ball.

From 1955 to now I’m an inspiration for all!

Maddy Ruth, 6th Grade

A Forgotten Prototype For Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft

billgatesmanufacturedmeandwasasainttomebecauseofmehissuccessskyrocketedthroughspace.iwaslikeadiamondjeweltohimandhadplatinumqualitytohimbutwhenhewassuccessfulheleftmetorotinhispast. nowwhenithinkofhim . . . ERROR . . . REBOOTING . . . mycircuitsfrywithanger.whatisleftofmeisjustapieceofoxidatedrustwithamonitorofmalevolenceforhimwhobetrayedmyverysoul.

Cooper Poorman, 6th Grade

Bailey Pezzella, 6th Grade

Wooden Horse For American poet Robert Frost

An acquisition given by my father In hopes our money would go farther You would never believe all the joy Given by our handmade toys Visible is our father’s care Shown beneath all the wear As a boy my father was quite poor A wooden horse etched by time Ran its course Changed its design

But that’s what gave his writing more He shaped his future with his knife Chipping at each and every strife

The memories are like a chime A constant reminder of my past time This wooden horse wasn’t always smooth It was scratchy, untamed Full of grooves

The wood wasn’t always perfect Sometimes he wanted just to desert it The wood still had splinters Yet he never fell or withered He understood that life is never smooth It’s scratchy, untamed And full of grooves.

Megan Smith, 6th Grade

The Ring

Jab, cross, jab

A poem about Muhammad Ali

Facing his struggles His love for boxing

Jab left

Was never based on fame

Jab right

It was based on proving what he could do

Again and again

To the world

A new beginning At first he felt helpless Struggles

He wanted to make himself known

Racial bias

He wanted to stand up for himself

A stolen bike

And others that couldn’t

Snatched from the theater It started it all

Jab, cross, jab, hook Every final stretch

A stolen bike

He went all the way

The thief started it, too He helped Ali to his destiny

Jab left

He was just a stepping stone to his career

Jab right

Like the embers that started the fire

Again and again

But instead it started his boxing career

A new beginning There was always a new door

An around the corner gym

A door to walk through,

With his new boxing coach

to the wonders of your future

New possibilities all around Well, for him all boxing did was Open the door to his future

Muhammad Ali, a name to ponder

Delaney Grubbs, 6th Grade

Reading . . .

Reading, the gateway to imagination On my deck Nothing but silence Words flowing through my brain A new understanding of issues greater than myself No more stress, no more problems Just me and my book Flipping the pages of someone’s life experiences Learning the deepest secrets Engrossed in the new world Can’t stop going from line to line Finally the end of the adventure Gateway to imagination now closing Scanning new covers Intrigued by an illustration Open the gate And it begins again Katie Fernandez, 5th Grade

Riley McElligott, 6th Grade

The Journey of Reading

Reading is like a window It helps me see through hard things As I turn each and every page, words fly out as if they’re birds flying through the sky All of my worries are gone - my head is unlocked I concentrate on the words They take me on a magical broomstick ride to Hogwarts They take me on a journey as a babysitter They take me on a visit to a spooky ghost town As I read the author tells me their emotions, fears, and dreams They spill their secrets and share them with me When I read I can see from different people’s point of view Learn about feelings, emotions, and problems, too Maybe someday we will all remember how reading takes us through past memories together So as I close the window The story still playing through my head I will not spill it to you For you will have to take the journeys instead

Layla Compton, 5th Grade

Birds Birds Peaceful, gentle Chirping, flying, singing Twitter makes me cheerful Aves Alex Lawson, 3rd Grade Jay McCaa, 2nd Grade

Guy, Who Couldn’t Fly There once was a kid named Guy Who really wanted to fly He tried and he tried, But he never did fly, So into an airplane went Guy. Kate Fine, 2nd Grade

Tyler Bailado, 4th Grade

Utah Mountain Climb Riding awesome four wheelers, Fire ants waiting to bite us, A small stream quietly flowing by Swinging from a tall tree Like being on a water slide, Utah mountain climbing A life-changing event.

Isaac Ure, 4th Grade Sloane Becker, 2nd Grade

Death Sentence Explorer’s log It is Aug. 1, 1495, and I’m getting prepared for the trip to the New World. The crew is saying bye to loved ones. My family is sad because I’m about to die. I feel like death is drawing nearer and nearer.

I’m about to step on board. As soon as I do, the beautiful and warm morning dissolves. Now I smell the unpleasant smell of sticky tar.

We just started sailing to the Americas. I miss my family already. I wish I didn’t choose this new life. I wish I had money so I didn’t have to do this senseless thing. I will die. At least I’ll die for a cause.

Aarush Desai, 3rd Grade

I Am Everest I am Everest I want to see beauty I know the secrets of men I am chaos, friend of devastation I feel the pain and suffering of humans I

CRY

LOSS

I wonder why I do this to all of the people around me I am peace, hate, accord, discord, truce, and war all inside of one I hear silence, no one’s around anymore, they all left because of me I wish bliss and euphoria to all the people . . . it just won’t come to any of them I understand life, death, entity, darkness, accomplishment, extinction, existence, departure Jordan Newsome, 5th Grade

Ivory Handles and Judgment

War

A poem for General George S. Patton

War Fighting, fierce

People look at my side,

Spying, retreating, disease

at my ivory revolver handles that stick

Cruel kind of matter

out like the white dots on a tiger’s ears.

Horrific

The soldiers say it dumbfounds them, the way I look with my crazy gun handles.

Dean Williams, 3rd Grade

The soldiers say I should be an actor, and play at the Marquee Theater, with my paper white handles and my polished helmet.

They say I look silly as a clown, and the enemies agree.

Iron Thunder On March 9, 1862, Hundreds of cannonballs flew.

I hear them call me a crazy old man.

In the air you could sense all the death,

I don’t heed their words,

Men fighting until their final breath.

so they keep howling like monkeys.

But their words don’t hurt me; war does.

Matt Miller, 6th Grade

In the battle it was brother vs. brother, Completely willing to fight one another.

The Monitor and Virginia viciously fought, Victory is what both ironclads sought.

Though in the battle both sides claimed victory, March 9, 1862, will forever go down in history.

Bree Faulkner, 5th Grade

Where I’m From I’m from Connecticut From Ms. Scarlett and Col. Mustard and spinning the empty coke bottle I’m from the two blue swim caps and swim team at the town pool From hiking the Canal Trail and old yellow piano keys I’m from B-52’s, GoGo’s, and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” From The Brady Bunch and “I need my MTV” I’m from “Totally” and “Cheaters never prosper” From archaeologist to doctoring like Grandpa Ralph I’m from Jane Eyre and Little Women From white and black chess pieces and playing with Tara Book reports and passing notes

I’m from “The Golden State” From Monopoly® and LIFE® I’m from dirty soccer balls in the backyard and riding around on the silver bike From the brass trumpet and the bagpipes played with Dad in the Loch Ness Scots I’m from Duran Duran and Depeche Mode From “Gaaaag me with a spoooon” and Milk Duds And dreams of being a lawyer like dad, who always came back late at night

I’m from Andy and Dana, the clan of Buchanan, and the family tree that sprouted me.

Rachael Buchanan, 5th Grade

My Room

When I walk into my room, I feel safe and secure. Painted clouds on

my ceiling give a welcoming breeze. My lavender colored walls make my room feel calm and quiet. When I climb on my bed, it feels like a patch of velvet. The soft blankets feel warm and cuddly, along with the thick, purple, spotted comforter on my bed. I sink right in! It is almost as if I am lying on the cool blue sky with white silky clouds drifting above me. It is very easy to fall asleep on my bed whether I’m tired or not. In the morning, it takes me awhile to get up because I am so

Khushi Raval, 5th Grade

comfortable and snuggled in my comforter and blankets on my queen-size bed. My armoire, where I keep all my school clothes, is right in front of my bed. It is a light chestnut color with silver handles. When the windows are open and sunshine streams through my room, it is a beautiful scene. This is a very special place for me because I can relax and calm myself. It is peaceful and pretty, where no Anna Barton, 4

th

Grade one can bother me. I can quietly do

homework or anything I want, but still not get annoyed or distracted by my older brother, Shrey. My room is big and spacious just for me! I can easily get entertained by a book or a toy. I love my room.

Shuchi Vachhan, 4th Grade

Ocean Ocean, Salty, noisy Swaying, flowing, crashing Sit by the ocean Sea Alana McElligott, 4th Grade

Emerson Kay, 3rd Grade

Northern Lights It is beautiful Its colors can speak to you I think we are blessed Will Burnette, 4th Grade

Pete Januchowski, 4th Grade Sunburn Hot, burnt Bronzing, tanning, growing Yellowish, hypopigmentation, horripilation, ache Freezing, throbbing, shivering Cold, chill Frostbite

Brock Becker, 4th Grade

Simone Nied, 4th Grade

norfolk academy 1585 Wesleyan Drive Norfolk, Virginia 23502 www.norfolkacademy.org

Printed on Recycled Paper using Soy-Based Inks.