! E ME HOME K A T ! E E R F
Kid s! Wa nt to be publishe d ? See page 5!
The Bunk Room North Lake
™
Kids Build an Airplane in just one school year
Annika 11, splashes her heart out on her Staycation!
Aug / Sept 2014 Vol 7, Issue 4
Russian Ballet Partners with America
Lake County’s 1st Non-Traditional School. One Year Old - 10th Grade 25525 State Rd. 46, Sorrento, FL 32776
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Contestants ages 8-19 will walk the red carpet for a chance to win one of six cash prizes provided by our sponsor, Insight Financial Credit Union. e
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The Bunk Room
™
North Lake TheBunkRoomLake.com Publisher: Julie Gazdecki
Editorial / Creative: Maria Slaby Editor in Chief: Benjamin Slaby Jr Content Editor: Annika Slaby Advertising: Ads@TheBunkRoomLake.com 313-549-2128
Julie Gazdecki
Local Publisher North Lake
Just like when I was a kid, the summertime flies by, especially when we are keeping busy. Busy may even be an understatement. We hope everyone gets their last bit of fun in before it’s time to get back to the school books. I know that my girls are having fun at summer camps. They enjoy seeing old friends, but also making new ones. We want to hear all about your favorite summer memories. Did you visit somewhere new? Or do you have an annual trip you make? We enjoyed a little of both. The Bunk Roomies meetings will start back this month and we would love to see some new faces at our meetings.
There are some exciting new things happening this com-
ing year, so you will want to come see what it’s all about. You can sign up for our email updates on our website, or you can email me at publisher@thebunkroomlake.com
Distribution: The Gazdecki Family
Maria Slaby Bunk Roomies (in this issue) ...... Josephine Gazdecki 8, Eustis, FL Brian Thomopson 10, Mount Dora, FL Jackson Polk 10, Mount Dora, FL Javelyn Dempsey 11, Umatilla, FL Clayton Polk 12, Mount Dora, FL Annika Slaby 14, Mount Dora, FL Benjamin Slaby 16, Mount Dora, FL
Founders.................................... The Slaby Family, Mount Dora, FL Margo, Erik, Benjamin & Annika Mark & Maria .................................................. The Bunk Room: North Lake, is published by Julie Gazdecki, 313-549-2128 .................................................. All content submissions are assumed to be for publication and become property Dimples Media, Inc., PO Box 782, Mount Dora, FL, 32756 provider of The Bunk Room trademark and editorial content. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used without written permission from Dimples Media Inc. Contact publisher@thebunkroom.com for permission requests. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error comes to your attention, please accept our apologies and notify us immediately. The Bunk Room is limited in liability to a correction in a future issue. All opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers or advertisers. Dimples Media cannot be held responsible for the products, services or opinions herein.
Founding Publisher Director of Editorial & Creative
With the new school year upon us, we’re excited to be getting geared up for all the new adventures ahead! With each passing year here at The Bunk Room, we create more opportunities for kids to get involved with the publishing process, and this year is no exception. This school year, our first adventure will be our LIVE Online Group Interview. We’re so thrilled to be welcoming 10 year old Vivienne Harr, the inspiration behind Make-A-Stand, a worldwide effort with a mission to end childhood slavery. In just one year, she raised over $100,000 from her lemonade stand. Please join us at this exciting online event and hear Vivienne’s story. (See page 21.) This is a FREE event for all; kids and families! Hurry space is limited...register early. ~Other News: We’re also offering new internships for high school students! See page 19!
The Bunk Room Foundation Needs You.
Please consider helping us continue our mission to inspire kids to love and embrace reading and writing. We are now designated as a 501 (C) (3) so your donations will be tax deductibl! Yippy! To donate, mail checks to PO Box 782, Mt Dora, FL 32756 or paypal us at TBRkids@gmail.com.
4 | TheBunkRoom.com | Aug / Sept 2014 | Be published! See page 5.
Meet our new Editor in Chief
Says n . . . i m a j n e B 16 laby min S ra, FL a j n e B t Do Moun r In Chief o t i d E
My name is Benjamin Slaby. I am one of the creators of this magazine. My brother and I dreamed up this magazine one late night in our bunk beds when we were 10 and 12. I’m the more mechanical mind between the two of us so I was more interested in the typewriter than the writing itself. Since then, I’m proud to say I’ve written in every issue and learned to actually enjoy writing! My brother Erik has moved on to the great big world now, all graduated from high school and college so I’m happy
to be taking his place. Our older sister, Margo, was our first editor and now I finally get my chance. I am excited to be able to play a bigger role in this magazine. Now I’ll get to see the issue before it goes to press—a closely guarded process in our house! Mom is big on surprises! I look forward to reviewing and enjoying all of your articles. We’ve got some pretty great ones in this issue—from airplanes to ballerinas—and so much more. Enjoy and tell us what you think! Email me at: editor@thebunkroom.com
T
m o o R k n u he B
™
The Bunk Room is a magazine created by kids and read by all ages. Our goal is to inspire kids to love reading and writing. We have readers and contributors from all over the world. In addition to our online edition, our printed editions can be found throughout the United States. Print editions are provided without charge and can be picked up at participating local businesses and institutions. To locate your closest local provider, go to: thebunkroom.com/locations The Bunk Room is owned by Dimples Media, Inc. No part of this publication may be used without written permission from Dimples Media, Inc. Please email permission requests to: publisher@TheBunkRoom.com. Local editions of The Bunk Room are licensed by Dimples Media and are independently owned and operated. For information about being a local publisher of The Bunk Room, contact: Mark Slaby, Director of Licensing mark@TheBunkRoom.com
wHAt*s uP tHis issue? Editor’s Note: Ages indicated are the ages of the writers when their articles were submitted.
Kids Build an Airplane!
Features
8 First Flight
Not what he expected! By Alec Skapyak 13, Osprey, FL
10 COVER FEATURE Kids build an airplane! Learn how this group of 17 high school students put it all together and sent it flying!
0 1 e g a p
14 Russian Ballet in America The reknowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy comes to America every summer to bring their teachings to the world.
18 Group Interview! Join us for our first ever live group interview with Vivienne Harr, the 10 year old behind, Make A Stand, an international movement to end childhood slavery.
Departments 7 What Do You Think?
page 14
8 Did You Know? 9 Day-To-Day Building Minds & Bodies
16 Future Life / Book Review 18 The Bunk Roomies Notebook
Russian Ba llet A comes to A cademy merica
19 Featured Bloggers 20 Photo Contest
!
rs e it r W d e t n a W ! g in WeÍre Grow
Over 10,000 Meals Provided This symbol on any ad in The Bunk Room indicates participation in our internationally recognized and awarded initiative to help end world hunger.
This whole magazine is written entirely by kids, so come on kids, now’s your time to shine. See your work published! Submission Guidelines All writing, artwork and photography should be original work of the contributor, and be considered wholesome and acceptable content for kids. Submissions accepted from kids aged 8 thru 18 or high school graduation, whichever comes later. For photographs, please include names of persons in the photos.
to by , r pho Cove by 16 in Sla m a j n Be a, FL t Dor Moun
Submit Online Submit work at our Inbox at TheBunkRoom.com. For submission ideas, click on the Submit Articles. Parent’s or guardian’s electronic signature must accompany all submissions. All submissions are the property of Dimples Media, publishers of The Bunk Room. The Bunk Room reserves the right to edit & deny submissions. The Bunk Room content is published monthly by Dimples Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without permission from the publisher.
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What Do ? k n i h T u o Y
If you could change anything about school, what would it be? Why? Everything. School is not fun at all. Kenzie 14, Paisley, FL
I would change my school back to block scheduling so I could get eight classes in instead of only seven. Me 16, Mount Dora, FL
The Foods Haley 10, Leesburg, FL More Events Hannah 13 , Winter Park, FL I would abolish homework. School should be for school work. Home should be for choosing my own activities. (Such as sleeping, lol.) Ryder 17, Eustis, FL I would change the schedule so we didn't have different times to remember all the time. Noah 17, Eagle, ID I would like it if we had more of a variety of specials choices and more time to be there. Brian 10, Mount Dora, FL My school starts too early in the morning. Change it to 9:00. Julia 10, Medford, OR I wish there would be more specialized classes for what students are actually interested in.
If I could change one thing, I would change the fact that so many people get bullied to the point that they don't feel comfortable in their own skin. That's wrong. Racism and prejudice are wrong. If I could change one thing, that's what I would change. Kalijah 12, Chula Vista, CA What I would change about school is the uniforms. Kids don't want to be told what to wear for school. People want to be comfortable when they’re in school. Do you want the students to be happy while learning????? Sara 12, Dearborn Heights, MI If I could change anything about school I would change homework. Well not really change, more like take away homework. I want to take away homework because it just takes time out of your day/free time. If I have homework there is always something to do, but if I don't have homework then there is nothing to do. Alyssa 10, Montverde, FL
Lori 17, Orlando, FL I wouldn't change anything because I'm home schooled! Jillian 9, Mount Dora, FL I would have signs in halls and class rooms with the words Respect and Honesty. There is a lack of respect and honesty at all schools in the United States. Having signs posted would remind students how to act everyday.
Be underdressed 43%
Be overdressed 57%
u Would yro... rathe
Aflying 17, Oveido, FL
ink! at You Th h W s U ll Kids! Te Go to TheBunkRoom.com. Answer right on our home page!
To advertise go to TheBunkRoomLake.com | 17
Early Saturday morning my dad came into my room and woke me up.
Tracking For Safety
Usually, the weekend was a good time to sleep in a little and just wake up whenever I wanted to.
First Flight Not What I Expected By Alec Skapyak 13, Osprey, FL Laurel Nokomis Middle
However, this weekend I
first flight. His
I got
was going to the Venice,
name was Gary McBride
to fly for a little bit - it was
Florida airport to an avia-
and he once was a pilot
so much fun!
tion club called “Young
in the Navy who flew
Eagles.” It sounded cool,
anti-submarine aircraft.
back to the airport and it
but I wasn’t really sure if
First he took me to his
was time to land. It was
I wanted to go. Actually,
hangar and we did pre-
fun, and I wasn’t afraid
I really didn’t want to go
flight safety check on the
at all. When we touched
but I did anyhow. My dad
aircraft. He then pulled
down I also got to feel
mentioned going a few
out of the hangar and got
what it was like to steer
times before, but this time
on the radio and talked
the plane on the ground.
I decided I would try it out
to the tower to request
When I saw my dad
so my dad wouldn’t ask
permission to take off.
again, the instructor told
any more.
Once he had permission
him that I did a great job
from the tower we taxied
flying the plane and pre-
airport we met a man
down the runway and
sented me with a Young
named Dave Cook who is
got into line with other
Eagles certificate and
the Young Eagles Director,
aircraft. When it was our
flight log book. Mr. Cook
and he introduced me
turn to take-off we sped
also told me that I am
and my dad to a few oth-
down the runway. It was
welcome back next month
ers who were also pilots
an exhilarating feeling!
too. When we got back in
and flying enthusiasts.
Once we left the ground
the car to go home, I told
Next Mr. Cook introduced
he pulled the yoke back
my dad that I loved flying
me to the pilot who was
and we climbed up to
and I can’t wait to go
going to take me on my
about 6,000 feet. Then
back again next month!
When we got to the
8Fact
Did You Know?
8Fact
by 14, Mount Dora, FL Compiled by Annika Sla Homeschooled Bunk Roomie Writer /
8Fact
8Fact 8Fact
8 | TheBunkRoom.com | Aug / Sept 2014 | Be published! See page 5.
Finally, we made it
y a D o T y a D
Highlight of the day: Band
By Clayton Polk 12 Bunk Roomie Writer Mount Dora Middle On a usual weekday morning, I wake up to my Lego Star Wars Boba Fett alarm clock and then sleep in for another two and a half hours. See my lil’ bro Jackson--also a Bunk Roomie-sets the alarm for 5:30 which is silly since he has to get to school by 8:00 but he likes to have extra computer time. So anyway, I get up and get dressed, have breakfast, make my lunch and if I have time, I play on the computer. When I get to school I go straight to my first period Language Arts teacher Mrs.Vanzant, who’s really funny and nice. I then go to Civics with Mrs.Lowery who makes jokes and gets us into debates. I like her class. Afterward, I go to Math, which I don’t necessarily enjoy but it comes pretty easily. Then comes my second favorite class of the day: lunch, where I get to sit and eat with a variety of very cool friends and do a lot of my homework. That’s convenient because then I don’t have to do a lot of it when I get home. Now for my favorite class of the day: Band with Mr. Porter, who is a really great teacher. I play French Horn in Intermediate Band and Percussion in Beginning Band (6th Period). Fifth period is kind of a drag: Science. I like science but my teacher doesn’t make it very fun. After school I finish my homework and sometimes play Minecraft with my stepdad. My mom almost always makes awesome food for dinner. I go to bed around 8 or 9 pm and then repeat all of this the next morning.
What a regular day is like.
What’s Your
Day-To-Day?
Tell us about your day. Submit at TheBunkRoom.com and click on InBox. About 250-300 words.
All New e Gamm Roo Home of the
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New Laser Maze Challenge
For Session Times and Prices go to: SkateWorldLeesburg.com 24 Hour Info Line
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424 N. Palmetto St, Leesburg What can make two boys come home from school and then VOLUNTARILY work on a writing assignment? Only The Bunk Room! Jennifer Dempsey, Mount Dora, FL
Kids Build an Air
By Benjamin Slaby 16 Mount Dora, FL Bunk Roomie / Homeschooled
members. Circle Christian’s Eagle’s
here in Orlando so my kids could
Nest 6 (EN-6) is the sixth plane of
get involved.”
Many kids dream of flying a plane,
students.
but how many can actually say
its kind to be built by a group of The EN-6 project is run by Scott
Working alongside the hard working students, Malcomb
Construction was completed in just one school year. Most groups take up to two years to complete
and his crew were
they’ve built one? A big part of fly-
Malcomb, an instructor at the
able to transform
ing is the actual airplane; knowing
College of Technical Operations
11,000 parts into a
how to build one takes flying to
for JetBlue Airways with over 20
fully functioning RV12
a whole new level. A group of 17
years of experience in aircraft
airplane. Over 14,000
high school students in Orlando
maintenance. In addition to being
rivets were used in
got the chance of a lifetime in
a private pilot, he has the perfect
the process. Imagine
building a plane.
background to lead these young
the biggest erector set
people.
you could think of times
Circle Christian School offers
ted down final.
the Eagle’s Nest program, which
Other mentors and advisors in
is a nationally funded non-profit
the program include crew mem-
organization that strives to inspire
bers from Jet Blue, Delta and the
future aviators by giving them the
local EAA Chapter 74 (Experimen-
pletely involved with every
opportunity to build an aircraft.
tal Aircraft Association).
part of the airplane’s construction.
construction. In August 2013, the
The rough kit required a lot more
kit was delivered and the work be-
Through a partnership with Embry-
The first Eagle’s Nest build (EN1)
2,000 with rivets, wiring and an engine. Each student was com-
Riddle Aeronautical University,
took place in Indiana, where Scott
than just riveting pieces together.
gan. By March 2014, the airplane
students also earn dual-enrollment
participated. “I watched them build
Each piece of the plane had to
was fully built and Eagle’s Nest 6
credit and are able to get flight
the airplane and worked with my
be burnished then deburred,
was ready to take flight.
training in the aircraft they built,
brother and dad who were men-
re-drilled, then clecoed together
provided by local Certified Flight
tors in the program. I decided I
(clecos are temporary rivets), taken
lapse video was made, taking a
Instructor’s who are JetBlue crew
wanted to run a program like that
apart, deburred again, then rivet-
picture once every minute as they
10 | TheBunkRoom.com | Aug / Sept 2014 | Be published! See page 5.
Throughout the build, a time
rplane!
Lorianne Shultz 17, Orlando, FL Loved: The whole program was one of the best experiences of my life. I have learned a multitude of skills that I never even knew existed. I now look at planes in a totally different way. Besides the learning part, I gained sixteen best friends. My classmates and I all became one huge aviation family and got to know each other really well from all the time spent together. Mr. and Mrs. Malcomb were the most amazing teachers. They truly desired for us to learn and they were so patient with us. You could tell they not only cared for the plane, but they cared for us. Challenging: The most challenging for me was reading the build plans. They were not exactly your typical bedtime reading and they could be fairly complex at times, but it was worth it. Austin Spidell 17, Sanford, FL Loved: It was an incredible experience, I learned more than I ever thought I could learn, and it opened a career opportunity because now I have had unique training in a field that is both fun, and exciting. Challenging: It was challenging at times because, simply put, we built an actual flying airplane that will seat two people. With roughly 13,000 rivets and delicate sheet metal, it was difficult sometimes. Working so long and hard. Autumn Brown 15, Ocoee, FL Loved: I absolutely loved working as a team! To
worked (see link below). Construction began with the
like it took weeks.” Malcomb took the plane on its
tail and wing kits. From there
first flight in March. “I was confi-
they built the fuselage kit and the
dent,” said Malcomb. He was right
remaining kits. There were a total
to be confident as the first flight
of seven kits put together. Before
went without incident. The student’s
the Rotax engine was fired up for
work proved to be excellent and
the first time, each student took a
soon each student will fly in the
two-day Rotax course to learn all
plane.
about the engine. They learned all
Next up will be another Eagle’s
the basic things that you need to
Nest project for the next school
know before working on a Rotax,
year where a new group of students
or any engine for that matter. After
will do it all again.
they completed the course they proceeded to the first fire up. “There were a few minor carbu-
Links CircleChristianSchool.org Watch a timelapse of the build in 4 minutes! YouTube/TBRKids
retor adjustments that they had to
work side-by-side with 16 other students for the common goal of building a plane was the best feeling. By the end of the year, we all were one big family, laughing, learning and building together. Challenging: Wiring was definitely tricky. Some nights our team only got through one step of the build because a wire had to be rerouted. It was frustrating when we fell behind schedule, because everyone was depending on us to get everything routed and wired correctly. But seeing the plane finally fly and knowing that I was a part of making it possible totally makes up for it. Kaylee Goldbarth 16, Longwood, FL Loved: I Ioved how hands-on the program was, meeting new people who have the same interest as me, and building relationships with them. Challenging: Managing a busy schedule of 7 courses. Ezra Williams 18, Ocoee, FL
do before the plane was running correctly but after that was complet-
Loved: I loved the fellowship, problem solving,
ed, the plane was running well,”
education, opportunity and Mr. and Mrs. Mal-
Malcomb said.
comb’s leadership. It was truly an incredible year and I was so blessed to be a part! Challenging:
The hardest part of the build was actually the wiring. “The kids enjoyed doing the sheet metal because it’s simple and you can see progress quickly. The wiring seemed
Listen to the whole interview with Scott Malcomb here: TheBunkRoom.com/podcasats
It was a commitment coming out for several hours and days a week, but definitely worth it. Also, sticking with the work and focusing was a bit of a challenge. In the end, it was an incredible experience, though, and I’d do all of it over again.
ake South L ilable! Ava Territory More Than A Magazine Inspiring Kids to LOVE Reading & Writing
Publish Your Own Edition The Bunk Room By Kids For Kids
September October 2010 Volume 3 Issue 3
Go to T heBunk Room.c and clic om k on Be A Publis for more her informa tion.
The Bunk Room Created by Kids
™
The Bunk Room
Apopka –Wekiva
SAMPLE February 2011 Vol 4, Issue 1
Lake County
™ August 2011 Vol 4, Issue 2
By Kids Created By All! Read
aking! Movie M
nn
Sarah tells about her own
Rya
By Kids For Kids adventure!
s
tter
Wa
Jonathan 15, works behind the scenes of a big box office movie set.
September/October 2010 | TheBunkRoom.com | 1
“Brian loves going to The Bunk Room meetings and sharing his writing with others. Now, he looks for opportunities to write about.” Jennifer Thompson
Annika 11, splashes her heart out on her Staycation!
Issue In Thto isEagle Scout:
y Rise Journe For The The Vision Dog Blind Write! mies! Roo Kids Bunk The
Russian Ballet Training Summers in America By Annika Slaby 14 Mount Dora, FL Bunk Roomie / Homeschooled
years. Stemming from the centu-
Walking into the Westover School
Academy’s reputation as a leader
ries old Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia, its history runs deep. The
you feel a sense of importance—
in grooming young dancers to be
the long halls of history watch you
the best in their profession is world
as you walk by. The architecture
renowned.
is so precise you have to stop and stare—some areas are in need of
History and precision are at the
repair, but it has so much potential
core of the training that young
to be tweaked and made better.
dancers receive through this program. Every dancer gets better.
The program that is held there every summer is just like the building.
In 1997, this training was brought to the United States upon the formation of the Russian Amer-
The Bolshoi Ballet Academy
ican Foundation (RAF), bringing
Summer Intensive is a three to
two world super powers shoulder
six week program that has been
to shoulder in training not only
held at the Westover School for six
American children, but children
14 | TheBunkRoom.com | Aug / Sept 2014 | Be published! See page 5.
throughout the world. Rina Kirshner, Vice President of the RAF, co-founded the organization at the age of 27 along with her mother, Marina Kovalyov. Kirsher’s background in Inter-
Four yeas ago, the political environment was much different than it is now. President Obama and President Medvedev established the US–Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission as a way to improve the relationship between the gov-
national Relations and business,
ernments of Russia and the United
with a focus on Russia, and her
States.
mother’s experience as an entrepreneur, combined to create the perfect partnership. “Seeing the projects that we
“We were invited to be part of it, on the cultural side,” said Kirshner. The RAF works with lots of schools in Russia, Latin America, Europe
have created and the impact that
and from all over the globe,”
it has, shows me that individually
Kirshner said.
you can accomplish something and that is most important to me,” Kirshner said.
“We have had dancers that thought that all they have wanted to do in life is to become a dancer
Meghan Booth 14, Watertown CT Loved: I love meeting people from all over the world and taking
Challenging: Pushing through all the soreness and blisters you get on your feet. Also, not being able to see your parents for six weeks.
the opportunity to learn
Goals: I plan on becoming a professional
from some of the world’s
ballet dancer at American Ballet Theater or
greatesst teachers.
NY Ballet. In the future I also want to inspire
Challenging: The teachers expect a lot
children to become ballet dancers.
from us and push us to do our very best. It’s
Favorite: Meeting people that want to have
difficult but very rewarding.
the same profession as me, and also getting
Goals: My goal is to join a company and dance professionally some day. Favorite: I’ve been here for four years and
on my first roller coaster at a theme park with my friends. Camille Sears 14, Yardley PA
in that time I’ve had so many amazing expe-
Loved: The individual
riences that I could never pick a favorite!
instruction provided by the teachers. Also, everybody
Natalia San Antonio 14, Media PA
is super kind. And the
Loved: I love how teachers from the Bolshoi come to teach us and how we get to learn different teaching styles
and now some of them are exploring international business and international diplomacy, so we believe that we open up doors for young individuals.”
and techniques. Also, being in this beautiful setting with friends my age from all over the world who I met.
food! Challenging: In the repertoire classes, you have to learn a lot of choreography really fast. Goals: I would love to join the Paris Opera Ballet School. Favorite: All of my friends and I have really
Challenging: Challenges would be that
funny inside jokes, and I learned a lot about
The RAF travels to 15 cites in the US and Can-
they focus on basic technique. The variations
technique.
ada each year to hold auditions for young danc-
were not the hardest ones I knew, but I really
ers to enter the program. They hold programs
got the chance to focus on my technique
both in Connecticut at the Westover School and
within the dance.
in New York City. The summer program is for children from the ages 9 to18. Students represent more than 10 countries. The students in the Connecticut program are housed in the dorms at the Westover School for the duration of the summer intensive. There are also non-resident students that come to class during the day and their parents pick them up in the afternoon.
Goals: Ballet and dance will always be my future. I also act and sing, so I hope I could do all three at some point. I strive to improve my technique and have performance opportunities. Favorite: This is my fourth year at Bolshoi and I can’t even count the number of amazing memories. I am happy that I am part of the Ukrainian character dance because that
Gabrielle Frett 13, Cherry Hill NJ Loved: That I get a chance to work with teachers/choreographers from Russia and learning new styles of techniques. Challenging: It has been challenging to be away from home for six weeks but it will all be worth it to improve in something I love. Goals: A principal or soloist in a professional ballet company.
dance has always been my dream for two
Favorite: Being able to improve in partner-
also take Russian language, musical theater
years. Also, going to the Met and perform-
ing, and working on my technique.
and do arts and crafts. The six week program
ing, but most of all meeting teachers and
students also do pas de deux, where boys and
friends.
girls partner.
Meagan Gabrysch 13, San Antonio TX
The kids learn both ballet and character. They
All the dancers work very hard at the intensive
Loved: All of the hours
and strive to be the best they can be. Through
of doing ballet so my
this program, they are building character, culture
technique can get better,
and life long friendships.
and meeting new people
Links
that want to have the
RussianAmericanFoundation.org
same career as me.
Read how Bunk Roomie Writer Annika Slaby paid for her trip to Bolshoi. ValentineDreamer.com
To advertise go to TheBunkRoomLake.com | 15
Future Life
Kids! Tell us what your life looks like in 10 - 20 years. Submit articles to our InBox at TheBunkRoom.com 200-300 words.
ID Eagle, m 17, m l a o o H h h Sc Noah elly Hig K p o h Bis
It’s pretty safe to say that my future life will start like those of many high school seniors: with college. Not many can say their future life is going to take them to Alaska though. In a little over a year, my plan is to be in Fairbanks, Alaska at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to start my adult life and career. When you’re looking for the best school in the country to become a firefighter, UAF is it. Since I’m looking for a career to last a lifetime it’s important to start my future
w e i v e R k Boo , ID , Eagle mm 15 hool a H n r By Ka igh Sc Kelly H Bishop
life with good groundwork. Four years of tremendously cold temperatures later and I see a Homeland Security & Emergency Management bachelor’s degree in my future life. After that, who knows? Anyone who has had a job can agree that work doesn’t come too easily. In my future life I want to move to Minnesota to be closer to my extended family. Once I’m settled there, my future life is going to hold a lot of job applications as I
Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians Alcatraz Smedry has
a package with a note
been moving from one
from his dad and a bag
foster home to the next
full of sand. Alcatraz
story and often inter-
at a furious rate his
realizes the importance
rupts his narration just to
entire life. This is due to
of the sands when his
bother the reader.
his talent for breaking
grandfather shows up
things.
and finds out they’ve
ter how many times
been stolen by a librar-
he tries to convince
ian. This discovery leads
you that he’s a bad
to a full infiltration of the
person, you won’t
downtown library, the
believe him.
He can break anything: doorknobs, carpets, chickens, you name it. So it’s no surprise that on his 13th birthday, Alcatraz is on the verge of moving again. But then he receives
16 | TheBunkRoom.com | Aug / Sept 2014 | Be published! See page 5.
look for a fire department to work at. I’d like to work for the Minneapolis Fire Department (Minneapolis is the biggest city in the state) or over at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport Fire Department. Whichever fire department I end up working for, I know that my future life is going to hold a lot of long hours, training to improve my skills, lifesaving rescues and family time (including kids). And I can’t wait. My future life is going to be so worth it.
ever learned. Alcatraz narrates the
However, no mat-
center of operations for
Alcatraz vs. the Evil
the evil librarians. In the
Librarians is a ridiculous
adventures that ensue,
book, but it’s a good
Alcatraz learns informa-
kind of ridiculous.
tion that makes him question everything he’s
Montessori at Roseborough Est. 1983
education as a preparation for life
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We invite you to visit our Montessori campus to discover the benefits of the authentic Montessori method. Our goal is to provide each child with the opportunity to develop their full potential in a safe and stimulating environment emphasizing independence. Call to schedule a tour. We are now enrolling for the 2014/15 school year.
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Nature Walks Help Heal The Soul
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From Pods Full of Beans to Chocolate
By Javelyn Dempsey 11, Umatilla, FL Bunk Roomie Writer Round Lake Elementary
Cocoa beans, or cacao beans, come from a tree called the cacao tree. On this tree, many, many, MANY, flowers grow on the trunks and twigs of the tree. These flowers are pollinated by small, gnat-like insects called midges, and sometimes bats. After a couple of years, pods form. These pods, when ripe, are yellow-orange and when people cut into them, the inside is white, with about 50 seeds inside. Those seeds are cacao seeds. Expert workers pluck off the ripe pods and cut them open to scrape all the seeds out. After that they take the seeds and put them all into large tub-like containers to dry them out. This takes a couple of days. After they are done drying, workers put them into large bags and ship them to wherever they need to go. At a factory, workers remove the shells from the seeds and then roast the seeds. After they are roasted, workers put the seeds into a machine that puts so much pressure onto them that they turn into paste. The paste then goes into a different machine that pressurizes it even more so it is separated into cocoa butter and a compressed cylinder of cocoa powder. This powder can now be sold, or mixed back with the cocoa butter and a few other ingredients to make chocolate.
18 | TheBunkRoom.com | Aug / Sept 2014
By Jackson Polk 10, Mount Dora, FL Bunk Roomie Writer Round Lake Elementary I met Mr. Mike when my brother Nick died. My mom found a bereavement counselor for kids named Mr. Mike. When you lose someone that you love, he helps you get over it at his camp. After we attended his camp, he started leading nature walks for us. We went to a lot of different nature parks. We went to Pear Park in Leesburg, Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis, Tavares Nature Park, Palm Island Park in Mount Dora, Crooked River Preserve in Clermont, Venetian Gardens in Leesburg and Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont. One of my favorite
nature walks was at Tavares Nature Park. We saw a very rare Striped Mud Turtle next to the creek! It was cool and a really unique sight to see. I also liked the various trees and insects that we saw. Another fun walk was through Palm Island Park in Mount Dora. We saw a male and female Purple Gallinule in the water! Mr. Mike said that they were the first Purple Gallinules he’d seen in twenty years! I was hoping that we wouldn’t see too many spiders on our walks but we saw a few. Some parts of the parks were polluted with bottles, paper and other disgusting things. I wish people would either recycle their trash or throw it away. Mr. Mike told us that
when we’re in nature, we should “Take Only Pictures and Leave Only Footprints.” I think Mr. Mike thought it would be a good idea for us to go on nature walks because seeing all of the plants, animals and birds helped to take our minds off of stressful things. I felt relaxed when we were on our walks. I hope you go on a nature walk soon too.
Fun With Cousins in Michigan!
By Josephine Gaxdecki 8, Eustis, FL / Bunk Roomie Homeschooled
Family, happy, laughter describe my two best cousins that I love to hang out with, Lily and Ellie. I call them that because they are the girl cousins that I hang out with whenever I am up in Michigan. I love to have sleepovers with them. This summer I tried to sleep over one night without my sisters. It didn’t work out because I’m not used to being away from my sisters or my mom. I still had fun before my mom had to pick me up. We watched
e Bunk Join Th
“Quest for Zue” and played Monster High. After dinner we had little snacks. I had a s’more. A couple days later I tried again, but this time my mom was with me. Lily, Ellie and I played for hours. We watched 15 minutes of “Teen Beach Movie” and then it was time to go to bed. The next morning, my mom had to leave. I stayed with my cousins until we met my family back at Park Colony Pool Club. We picked up my other cousin, Robyn, from her store. She needed
! Roomies
to tell the people from the vet office that her store is going to donate food for those who are
building the new dog park. Later, we went to PCC to swim and play. That was the last time I will see them until I go back to Michigan. I was so happy about being in Michigan. I had a great time with my cousins. I can’t wait to go back!
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Valentine Dreamer By Annika Slaby 14, Mount Dora, FL Bunk Roomie Writer By Benjamin Slaby 16, Mt Dora, FL Bunk Roomie Writer Blog excerpt...This summer I attended the (Russian) Bolshoi Summer Blog Excerpt . . .Ballet People always ask me to help Intensive sixand weeks in Connecticut. Were them buyfor cars trucks because of my extensive my eyes everdoing opened! Read. .more. . .mom and I experience it myself. . So my decided that it would be a great ideas to make some videos about how toGo buytoa used car . . . Read more. TheBunkRoom.com Go to TheBunkRoom.com and click on Blogs. and click on Blogs.
By Benjamin Slaby 16, Mt Dora, FL Bunk Roomie Writer
Blog Excerpt . . . People always ask me to help them buy cars and trucks because of my extensive experience doing it myself. . . . So my mom and I decided that it would be a great ideas to make some videos about how to buy a used car . . . Read more. Go to TheBunkRoom.com and click on Blogs.
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bmit s 8-18 su KIDS age e t photo! W your bes o h nalists w h choose ďŹ eac atured in fe e b l il ill be w INNERS w and featured W . n io it ed ders y our rea ons. chosen b in future publicati here and on
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