Middle school is very chaotic, with all of the children going through puberty, and all of the “intense” relationships. Sometimes, nobody is really able to uncover the true chaos of middle school. The only people who truly understand it are the students, and sometimes the teachers, depending on if they pay attention to all the pandemonium of a middle school.
So, to uncover what happens behind the scenes, I am going to lead you through a day in middle school.
Middle
schoolers care about who likes who way too much.
The day begins with all of the students arriving. There are four
main types of students: the student who always arrives super early, the student who always arrives on time, the student who is always late, and the student who never consistently fits into one category.
The students who arrive on time and the students who don’t fit into one category are generally pretty normal. The people who are always early, however, are constantly bragging: “I got here sooooo much earlier than you!”
On the other hand, the students
see WESTMAN page 2
The growth of the Turquoise Sunbird
BY ARIANNA BALTRUSH Grade 6
Turquoise Sunbirds have unique variety in their species, from speckles to incredible tail fins. Their variety is amazing, but some things don’t change. One of these things is their tails, another is the chest: They always have pale chests.
BY ARIANNA BALTRUSH, Grade 6
Their nests look like normal hanging sunbird nests, only longer and thinner because Turquoise Sunbirds, and sunbirds in general, don’t have a lot of eggs, typically one to two.
The Turquoise Sunbird’s unique variety is one way the species stays alive. Their unique variety allows
BALTRUSH page 3
Masthead art
by Shannon Fahy
BY JEAN PAUL DAGESSE Grade 3
BY PORTER SMITH Grade 3 see
who are constantly late also have something to say on the matter: “Well, at least I didn’t have to wait in the hall for 30 minutes!” These arguments are very friendly, since nobody cares too much. Then, you have the first class.
In the first class, most people are still tired, since they basically just woke up. You might think this would get them in trouble from the teachers, but they are also tired, so they don’t really care. As the class progresses, people start getting
more and more energy. In the second class, either people are more tired after going through the first class, or the first class has woken them up. This leads to half the people being very tired, and half the people having way too much energy.
Finally, after these two classes, most people have reached a state of normal energy.
Between classes is also crazy. While people gather their things for the next class, for some reason, middle school students seem to think that this is the perfect time to socialize. As people are frantically
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trying to gather their things, other students come up to them, saying things like: “Did you hear that this person likes this person!?” or, “Who do you like!? Tell me! Tell me already!”
As you may have been able to tell from what I have just said, for some reason, middle schoolers care about who likes who way too much. On the occasion that two people both like each other, there are two things that could happen. Either they are both just super awkward when they’re together, or they think to themselves that they are in a relationship. Fun fact, only
10 percent of those relationships last until high school, and an even smaller 8 percent of that 10 percent last until marriage — meaning 0.8 percent of all middle school relationships last to marriage. (For anyone who doesn’t know, a synonym for “like” could be “crush” or “love.”)
Finally, I will talk about crazy middle school friendships. Friendships can get really fragile in middle school. Sometimes, if one friend does one thing to another friend, such as making a joke at their expense, or saying something rude, that friend can declare their
The world still spins
BY MARIAH COLE Grade 8
If I could go back to the first day of school as an 8th grader, I would tell myself a lot of things. But I would probably start out by saying to enjoy middle school as much as you can.
People always say you only live once. But you live everyday, you only die once. So you absolutely have to make the most of it.
The ONLY way I got through 7th and 8th grade was by being confident. You get rejected? The world is still spinning. You failed a test? The world is still spinning. You
embarrass yourself? The world is still spinning.
I personally think people need to realize that being yourself is okay. Noone can really like you if you’re acting like someone else.
I would tell myself that some people are mean. But as long as you’re happy, you won’t even realize the people judging around you. And if you do, the world will still be spinning.
I would tell myself that schoolwork is hard. But if you actually put in the effort and do the absolute best you can do, you’ll get through it because eventually people will realize the best is the best you can do.
I wish I told myself…
BY ARIANNA LEAVITT Grade 7
If I could tell myself something at the beginning of the year, I’d say that I shouldn’t spend so much time worrying about what other people think about me and everything I do. People should not care what other people think, like about how you look or your personality. You shouldn’t hide who you are just to fit in. It’s too normalized to talk about people in a negative way. People don’t have the authority to talk about other people negatively.
Another thing I wish I could tell myself at the beginning of
friendship a bust. This happens with everyone, and it is good to remember that, most of the time, there is just one reason. This reason is the worst part of middle school. Drumroll please……. PUBERTY!
Not only do middle schoolers start smelling absolutely terrible, develop acne and have their voices go way down, they also become very easily angered. This is the main cause for all middle school drama.
Now you know what happens in the chaos of a middle school. Thank you for reading!
Leave your worries behind
BY ANNA CLARO Grade 6
If I could go back to the beginning of the year and give myself advice, it would be that you don’t need to worry about anything. You were worried what 6th grade would be like, but don’t worry. You still have lots of friends, you still fit in and the school work is just fine. The beginning of the year is kind of terrifying but everything is going to be fine. Don’t worry. It’s a lot more fun when you’re not worrying and are having fun.
Life is like a …
BY ZACH LANGEVIN Grade 6
the year is that it’s ok to lose some friends. When I lost some of my friends, I thought it was the end of the world. But it really wasn’t. I ended up making stronger connections with other people, and I treasure those friendships better than I treasured my others.
The last thing I wish I told myself at the beginning of the year is that I should have focused on enjoying myself more. I was so focused on what people thought of me that I never got to really focus on having fun. I wish I did.
Next year I’ll try to think of these things and factor them into who I want to be.
Life is like many things … because every person has a different life experience.
For me, life is like the wind. It can be fast or slow, chilly or just cool, sometimes stressed, sometimes calm. But to figure out what life is like for you, you have to figure that out yourself.
How do you feel at this moment? Has your life so far been overall very overwhelming, or has it been joyful and peaceful? I do not know your answer, but I do hope that you know your own. We are all different from each other. We may all have different answers. Our answers may be similar in some ways, but this is your life, your journey and your experience.
Change on the horizon
BY IZZY LLARENA Grade 5
The biggest news at school this year: THE SCHOOL IS CHANGING!!!!
We are getting rid of teachers, changing house names and everything is going to be different.
There will be no more Sterling, even after 14 years of being a
house.
Why can’t everyone just stay in their houses and they just get rid of some teachers? I know it’s probably more difficult than that, but it just is hard after being promised that I would get to be in a house for two years, and out of nowhere they change it.
I have heard rumors so it may not be true, but they might be
Budget cuts, house changes
BY FIONA DUBACK Grade 7
The biggest news at the school this year is the house changes due to budget cuts.
Currently at Williston Central, we have three Grade 3-4 teams (Mosaic, Equinox and Kaleidoscope), two Grade 5-6 teams (Clover and Sterling), two Grade 7-8 teams (Summit and Harbor), and one Grade 5-8 team (Swift).
Next year, we will have three Grade 5-6 teams and three Grade 7-8 teams. I don’t know what the Grade 3-4 situation will be.
Right now, I am a seventh grader on Summit (the best house). I like the teachers and
Baltrush
continued from page 1
them to confuse predators when in large flocks, as well as being a slight help in mating, since the females like the colors, because the colors show diversity in genes as well as health.
Now let’s talk about their life cycle. In the first stage of life the
the overall vibe here. Two of the teachers from Summit are leaving next year, which is very bleak. Personally, I think it is already pretty congested in here, but with these cuts, it will be a whole lot worse, and with more kids per classroom, it is harder to get work done. Although, if there is one good thing about the change next year, it would be the house names. I kind of like some of the current names of the houses, but it will be nice to have some new ones.
Overall, I am pretty irate with the new change next year, so if you are an adult reading this, do the next generation of Vermonters a favor and pass the next school budget.
eggs are completely reliant on their parents to warm them. They are eggs for four weeks before hatching. The second life stage is the chick. The chick, like most birds, is born blind, but unlike most birds, they are born quiet and remain quiet until they are one month old.
At two months old, they are about old enough to fledge. At this stage they are practically adults.
changing world language to 7th grade.
Another thing that is changing is each year in Sterling, the 6th graders would go camping, and I was so excited. But since they are changing, I won’t be able to go on the field trip.
Even though all of these things are changing, I know everything is going to work out.
My magical adventures
BY MAX O’GRADY Grade 4
Kind and silly, I zoom through the day, With books, back scratches, and games full of play. Amazing with learning, I give it my all, Though writing is tricky, I still stand tall. Extra excited for rodeos and fish, Marine Biologist or farmer? My future, my wish! IPads and Zach’s Arcade bring joy to my eyes, And Frozen’s sweet songs make my spirits rise. Magic of Christmas is my favorite cheer, I shine in the library and love it each year. Using my talker, I share what I know, With tickles and books, my happiness shows! Super fun, super fun, and always so bright, I bring the world nothing but light!
BY MIRIAM TAYLOR, Grade 5
The way flowers make us feel
BY MCKENZIE BURNETT AND ABIGAIL CLOUATRE Grade 5
All the flowers are pretty, but our favorites are roses and tulips. They are nice to see because
Every other Saturday, 4 - 8pm Jun 7 – Sept 27, City Hall Park The sunset shindig of the season with music, vendors, art activities, small bites, and more
Sizing
they are pretty to look at. Setting the table with flowers makes the table pop out. Our favorites are pink roses and tulips. They smell delicious. They come in different colors and they are beautiful when they pop out of the ground — pop, pop, pop!
When you look at them, they brighten your day. They look like a sunset — amazing, happy sunsets on the beach. This is the way flowers make us feel.
First grade self-portrait gallery
Sophia Ferris
Macy Wilson
Rose MacKinnon
Kennedy Williams
Khalil Benomar
Beau Joyal
(Left to right)
Miss Rachel
By Mikey Wolf
Grade 2
Mr. Ryder
By Charlie Schmidt
Grade 2
Miss Heather
By Dax Bressackt
Grade 2
More sidewalks, please
BY WREN HAYES
Grade 4
What Williston residents need to know is that we need more sidewalks! Kids need safe transportation, and we need more exercise.
Sidewalks can help for a plethora of reasons. They could even help with other things, like friendship. Going for a run with your friend can help you a lot.
One reason Williston residents need more sidewalks is because it could be the only way kids can get home. For example, imagine a kid whose parents can’t pick them up, or he/she missed the bus. They could walk home. But Williston students don’t have enough sidewalks. We need more.
Another reason why we need more sidewalks is for getting exercise. For example, what if it’s a hot day, and we want to go on a run up our favorite road, but there are no sidewalks to run on. It could be risky. I think it’s important that everybody gets exercise when they need it. It is clear that our town needs more sidewalks. Just imagine a world where you could get anywhere just by waltzing on a sidewalk.
Take a risk, call the town manager and tell them we need more sidewalks!
Miss Jen G.
By Cristian Fox, Grade 2
Eight days a week
BY JAYDEN WELLS Grade 4
Just imagine if there was an eighth day in the week called octagon.
I wish there was a law that everyone gets another day on the weekend. If there was another day added onto the weekend, then everyone could get stuff done on the eighth day of the week.
For example, if someone needed to get their tax bills done, they can do that and not stress. Also, if people needed to return a library book that was overdue, they could go to the library on the eighth day, octagon.
Another reason why we should have another day of the week is because families can spend more time together and have fun! Also, if families are planning on going somewhere, they could go to places that are farther away.
Reframing “bad weather”
BY NOAH WESTMAN Grade 8
A lot of people here in Vermont seem to not like rain. Whenever it is raining, people will usually say “Oh no, the weather is bad today.”
This is a commonly shared idea in Vermont, that rain is bad and sunny weather is good. But if you go to other parts of the world, or even within this country, you will find that everyone has a very different opinion of the weather.
In deserts, rain is almost universally seen as very good, and everyone seems to be very happy whenever it rains. This would obviously be because it is very hard to get water in the desert, so rain is a crucial part of people’s
lives in deserts. Nobody ever gets upset about rain in a desert. In drier forests, rain is seen as great, because it keeps the under-
I would much rather go on a hike or walk in a light drizzle than on a hot, sunny day.
brush from smoldering and causing forest fires. Nobody is mad about seeing fire danger low.
Here in Vermont, there is no desert, and very low risk of forest fires, so we tend not to rely on rain as much. But that is no reason to loathe rain.
I always get excited when it rains, and never see rain as bad
weather at all. First of all, farms and gardens flourish in the rain. As Vermont has a lot of local farms, having rain is crucial for their success. If it does not rain much, we do not have as much of the delicious, locally grown food that makes Vermont so great.
But in addition to agriculture, I also like going outside in the rain, as opposed to the sun. While most people prefer sunshine, I much prefer when the rain clouds block the sunlight, and it is much cooler. As someone who doesn’t like being in the heat, I can say I would much rather go on a hike or walk in a light drizzle than on a hot, sunny day.
In conclusion, I believe that while not everyone likes going out in the rain, calling it “bad” weather is, in my opinion, a little too harsh.
Controversy in our country
BY GRACE DASILVA Grade 8
I believe no one is illegal on stolen land.
President Trump has wasted no time deporting people back to their home countries. For what though?
These people who people claim to be “aliens” are the people who work in dangerous jobs. These are the people who are blue collar workers and work the hardest with little pay.
They call these people “murderers” even though anyone in this country can commit murder, but we only care if the person committing the crime wasn’t born here.
My parents were not born in this country but we are all U.S citizens. Do I have to start worrying?
At CVU High School, two students got deported back to Honduras. For what? Does anybody not feel remorse for these families? People don’t even put themselves in these families’ shoes.
Maybe they come to America for a better life or better education for their kids, or maybe
it isn’t safe in their hometown. Can they not try and seek a better lifestyle for their family? It is honestly devastating.
How can we kick people out of our country. This country isn’t even ours. Native Americans discovered this land, and their
homes were here way before us. So how does that make sense? It doesn’t.
Mr.
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A plea for patience and love
BY OLIVER HIGA Grade 6
I think there should be a law that requires parents to take some sort of course before they’re able to have kids.
Lots of parents don’t treat kids properly, and abuse isn’t just hitting and neglect. Lots of times, kids will be brushed off or yelled at when they don’t know what’s wrong.
If your older child continues to hate you and you just can’t understand why, ask them. Sometimes immaturity comes into play, but lots of times kids have proper
reasons.
It’s proven that corporal punishment doesn’t help. Instead of the child learning why what they did was wrong, they learn to be afraid of what’s to come and afraid of their parents. The punishment should fit the crime. Taking away a device won’t stop kids from yelling. Think about why they yell, and fix the root instead of trying to force them to stop.
If you always take away your child’s phone for talking back, and they continue to talk back, maybe try something else?
Parenting is deeply complicated, and takes effort, money and
lots of love. You shouldn’t have kids if you’re not fully ready to take on this tiny human being who has thoughts and feelings and wants and needs.
They’re just trying to figure out how to act. Patience is required. You must try to understand what they are telling you with the limited tools they have.
I’m not trying to shame any parent, as having a kid is difficult and situations get difficult. Every child deserves a parent but not every parent deserves a child.
To all the loving parents who care about their child, you’re doing a great job.
Leave the dandelions be
BY SOPHIE LOISELLE Grade 3
Don’t spray dandelions with weed killer. Bumblebees and honeybees both pollinate them, and if you spray dandelions with weed killer, it can poison bumblebees and honeybees. In fact, bumblebees and honeybees are becoming endangered. If our two main pollinators go extinct, we won’t have our delicious fruits and veggies. If we have no fruits or veggies, we can become unhealthy and sick.
If you think they won’t pollinate dandelions, you’re wrong. In second grade, I did a report on them, and they WILL pollinate dandelions.
So please don’t spray dandelions with weed killer.
Jon
By Amelia Crosby, Grade 2
Our teachers
(Left to right)
Miss Chiria
By Gabriella Areson
Grade 2
Mrs. Boutin
By Miles Leggett
Grade 2
Mrs. Canfield
By Carson Wilson
Grade 2
So says the second grade
IF I HAD A SUPERPOWER IT WOULD BE …
• I would be able to turn into a ghost so then I could turn invisible and phase through walls. I would be able to turn it off too.
— Marley Scritchfield
• To solve world hunger.
• To shapeshift.
— Tennison McClellan
— Kevin Hickey
• Tu rning bullies into kind, nice people.
— Reagan Deutsch
• An i nvisible spray so I can hide.
— Ben Burkhard
• To communicate with animals.
— Quincy Brown
• To go back in time.
• Ru nning really fast.
• Invisibility.
• Shape shifting.
— Jaya Demers
— Teagan Glock
—Theo Alter Conway
— Charlie Schmidt
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GOOD FRIEND?
• I think to be a good friend means to be friendly, kind and have empathy. For example, checking in with them.
— Quincy Brown
• A good friend means standing up for
you and other people, being kind, safe and responsible and including everyone!
— Loa Sullivan
• A way to be a good friend is to cheer them up and be there for them. Help them when they need help.
— Arik Amin
• I th ink a good friend means making them comfortable and always having their back. When they ask you a question, be truthful and then they will like
you as a friend.
— Ella Rosenfeld
• I have a lot of friends and the only way to keep those friends is to be nice to them. Here are some things I use: Be kind, safe and silly. Don’t just play what you want to play, but listen to your friends. Those are some of the strategies that I use.
— Abigail Fetters see SECOND GRADE page 10
Kids can do big things
BY LANCE COONS
Grade 6
As I look around Williston, I sense some kind of prejudice toward kids, that they “can’t do big things.” And I say that’s false. Kids, I believe, can do big things, learn complicated systems, if they just have some motivation. Here’s my evidence.
Back when I was younger, my mom gave me a laptop. It did not work. I wanted it to work, and I fixed it. That was some kind of spark to me. I learned things about fixing laptops, desktops, surpassing my mother in some areas. Now I know just about anything you could ask: fan errors, BIOS/UEFI updates, dual-booting.
Then I started branching out,
learning programs, programming, interfaces, vintage computers. And that’s just my first example.
For my next example, I bring up something quite recent. I learned Valve’s mapping program known as Hammer. Sort of. But first, some background info. I play Portal 2 and made my own custom levels in the in-game Puzzlemaker. But the puzzlemaker isn’t very versatile. It only really allows for one thing per block of level. You can’t even recreate some of the game’s simpler levels.
But then I remembered I had the Portal 2 Authoring Tools on my computer. And it’s the way that the developers of Portal 2 made their levels, which were amazing! And I had absolutely
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no idea how to use it. So I clicked the Documentation button. And then I learned all of the simpler parts of Hammer.
And Hammer is way more versatile than Puzzlemaker. Things I could only dream of making in Puzzlemaker could be made easily in Hammer. I put my mind to it, and I went from needing a guide to adding a floor to understanding all I really needed to. (Except those lines of dots that connect things.)
And I’m still “just a kid.” I even know some circuit design. I wish that the adults of Williston wouldn’t just judge a book by its cover. Kids can do big things. And you should believe it, I say.
Second Grade
continued from page 9
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID IT HELP YOU?
• Treat people the way you want to be treated. If I’m kind to someone, they’ll be kind to me.
— Tennison McClellan
• Fa ke it till you make it. It helped me in sports
— Ollie Perkov
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT LIVING IN WILLISTON? WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE?
• My favorite thing about living in Williston is the animals. I love seeing the beavers in the pond, and the bears and bobcats in the woods.
— Kai Scott-Russ
• The best part of living in Williston is that a lot of people are very nice. We can make it a better place by not littering.
— Reagan Deutsch
I WISH THERE WAS A LAW THAT SAID…
• No k illing snow leopards.
—Amelia Crosby
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK AUTHOR, AND WHY?
• I li ke the book “Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks because I like surprises. I want everybody to read it.
— Nina Clavadetscher
• My favorite author is Ellen Miles because she makes cute
dog books.
— Owen Nguyen
• My favorite author is Mary Pope Osborne because she writes chapter books.
— Cameron Wisowaty
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AND WHY?
• I am most excited about my birthday because I am turning 8.
— Gabriella Areson
WHAT FAMOUS PERSON WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET AND WHY?
• I would like to meet Olivia Rodrigo because her music is really good.
— Miles Liggett
• I would like to meet Daniel Radcliff because he played Harry in “Harry Potter.”
— Carter Wilson
IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL YEAR?
• Don’t ever give up on work and focus on the teacher.
— Lola Bench
LIFE IS LIKE A …
• Rollercoaster.
• Job.
• Pickle.
— Miles Liggett
— Hazel Ellsworth
— Mercedes Haskins
Masie
BY JACOB HENRY Grade 4
I have a dog named Masie
She’s always a little crazy
But she’s ripping her toys apart
So my dad always has to put dog toys in a shopping cart
Some of the best eateries and restaurants in the area are advertising in the
If you would like to have your establishment included in this section please call Rick at 802-373-2136 or email rick@willistonobserver.com
BY CAERA CROSBY Grade 5
I wish adults knew how annoying it is when they bend down to your height. It makes us kids feel small.
I wish adults knew our age doesn’t equal our intelligence, how they explain everything to us even if we already know what it means.
I wish adults knew the language of kids, like when we mumble. Sometimes when we’re supposed to be quiet, they’re the only ones talking.
I wish adults knew how annoying it is when they bend down to your height. It makes us kids feel small.
I wish adults didn’t force feed us and make us go outside. We have our own schedule. We can do things on our own. I wish adults knew how hard it is to be a kid.
Who wakes up at 6 a.m.?
BY LILLIAN J. CORCORAN Grade 4
Just imagine if adults knew that we don’t like mornings! We don’t like the early hours, we don’t like waking up early, and we don’t want to go to class this early. No one should wake up at 6 a.m. How come we have to wake up that early to go to school for five days and only get two days off and holidays?
Kids don’t want to go to class that early and carry around a Chromebook, and also carry heavy books and backpacks. One early morning I had to wake up early to go to school and do math, and I was just grumpy!
In conclusion, early to school is just miserable. Just imagine how lovely my friends and I would be if we got to sleep two extra hours. School needs to start at 9 a.m. Then I could start the day with a smile and good focus.
Time For Planting
BY OLI AGOOS, Grade 9
BY JOHN VINCI Grade
BY ROGER L. CONANT Grade
BY MAE THOMAS, Grade 2
A look at Williston’s future, for better or worse
BY ANNIKA SCOTT Grade 8
The year is 2065. Williston, Vt., used to be a rural quiet town just east of Burlington.
It had a middle school, an elementary school, a cute village and was generally a quiet place to live. Some would say Williston is thriving now, however, others would disagree.
“I’m 87 years old, and I moved to Williston Vermont when I was 10. Everything I knew and loved has been taken. Self driving cars are the new normal, and the children are being taught by AI software from their own homes. Schools shut down, hundreds of people lost jobs, including my own daughter. She was a software engineer for a company based in Williston. Modern technology took her job and forced her and her family to leave Vermont 20 years ago. Due to the new state restrictions, I haven’t seen any of my family in years.
“There is more crime than ever. Thieves are ransacking abandoned stores and houses. Food prices have gone through the roof, local businesses are shutting down and everyone is vulnerable. I don’t care how much AI is helping our economy, it tore me and my family apart.” — Frank Jonathan (Williston homeowner).
Everything has changed, but not just for the bad.
“My name is Emile Smith and I recently moved here to Vermont looking for work. I have two children, one with urgent medical issues. The schools have shut down, so I get to spend more time with my kids and give them the help they need.
“The AI program teaches them what they need to learn, and I can teach them real life skills. We don’t often leave the house, but there are wonderful programs to connect with other people, and I work for a company that creates new AI technology. I get to work from home, and I make enough to support my family. Driverless cars take away most of the risks of my kids driving, and the world around us feels safe.” — Emile Smith (AI programmer and homeowner in Williston)
Change is scary, whether it’s for the better or for the worse. I wonder what Williston will be like in 40 years. Will there even be anyone left to write about it?
BY HUXTON JOYAL, Grade 4
BY GIA ABENETO, Grade 6
KINDERGARTENERS
Come waste your time with me
BY PARKER CARNEY Grade 8
This is my topic: seeing how long I can maintain your attention without actually saying anything of meaning. Sure it might be something to loathe, but it’s just an experiment.
So without further ado, let’s get into wasting your time with the first sponsor, pre-cracked eggs! We do the cracking so that you don’t have to.
Now finally, after all of that we can get into our second sponsor, the refrigerator door! When I successfully pull the handle, it opens.
I’m now all out of sponsors, so you want to hear something funny? You will never find anything actually worth your time in this writing. I will just keep sitting here typing pointless stuff and get away with it because I have already completed my work and will not be going back to editing it because I have no ideas and built this entire thing off of having nothing to say.
So no more stalling, time to give out a special thanks to pencil sharpeners! No reason, pencil sharpeners are just cool. Oh yeah, and time for a personal message to lamp posts, because they keep the streets alight even in the dark, unless they are broken.
Okay, now I’ll stop wasting time and get to the end of this. Before that however, I first need to tell you about oranges. They’re a sweet fruit that are used to produce a juice that I don’t like the taste of.
Here’s a random thought. You know how some people don’t like to eat the bruised parts of bananas? What if people were food, and bananas were people eating us, but didn’t like it if we had bruises? They would just pick up a person and be like:
“Awww, I can’t eat this one, it has a bruise,” one banana complains.
“Just cut it off,” another banana says.
“I can’t!” the first banana says.
“Why not?” asks the second banana.
“Because the essence is still there,” the banana explains.
I’ve held you up for quite a while now, so I’m going to end this here. Just you wait until next week though, and you will have to endure the same thing. And the next week. And the next week. And the next week. And the next week.
Like and subscribe for more. Also make sure to turn on that notification bell so that you get notified with every new upload. Okay bye! I’ll be back …
Who is ‘Damp?’
BY ASA WAKEHAM-SMITH AND BENNETT CIOFFI Grade 3
You may have heard of Champ the lake monster, but have you heard of Damp?
Damp is also a monster, a cousin of Champ. Damp is not very bright. He once tried to pet a rabid dog at Lake Iroquois. That didn’t play out well for Damp.
Every night Damp goes to bed with his best friend who is a turtle. The turtle’s name is Clover.
Damp is very different from his cousin Champ. Damp has spikes on his tail and back to catch prey. Other than that, Damp is pretty friendly. Damp also has big claws and wide eyes. He is always looking out for dinner.
BY ASA WAKEHAM-SMITH AND BENNETT CIOFFI , Grade 3
Life is like a…
BY JULIA DEMERS
Grade 5
Life is like a bowl of water and if it overflows, it all comes rushing out pouring down dripping and falling so don’t overflow it…
Life is like glass and if you drop it, it shatters breaking into a million pieces cracked and broken so don’t let it shatter…
Life is like the tide rushing in and out for ward and back farther and closer outgoing then shy So be you…
Life is like a train it comes and goes just like life so enjoy your time while it lasts and keep on dreaming…
Life is amazing and you are too
BY GWEN CAMPBELL, Grade 6
Stupid Ol’ Clip
BY COLLINS BARBOT
Grade 5
Stupid ol’ clip, weighing us down, We want to fly high, up off the ground!
Head to England, then Japan, We want to fly to every land!
But that stupid ol’ clip, tied to our strings
Prevents us from seeing miraculous things. That stupid ol’ clip is oh so bad ‘Cause it makes us balloons very sad
Doubt
BY LAUREN BATDORF
Grade 4
Everyone doubts themselves Instead of being proud of themselves. It’s never, “I did my best.” It’s always, “I could’ve done better.”
But you couldn’t have done better. You are too hard on yourself. You push yourself too hard. Don’t doubt yourself.
BY MILLIE BENAOMAR, Grade 7
Dear backyard…
BY ANNA CLARO Grade 6
Dear backyard, You have some of my best memories
Thank you for always giving me a place to play and race with my sister You also always let us play horses
Whether we were putting up jumps for ourselves or ripping out the grass you were always there
Thank you for always letting me and my friends have so much fun You always give me a place to go outside, listen to the birds and be relaxed
I am very excited for summer when I will sit in the grass with Simone and listen to music I can always rely on you to be there weather you are covered in snow or are a deep green
I love building forts in the winter tall and strong I love playing in the stream that cuts through you
The cold refreshing water in the summer always feels nice
The hours and hours I spent in the stream were always so pleasant and I always enjoyed them
You always let us have bonfires in the firepit and roast marshmallows You also always let us park snowmobiles, dirtbikes and four-wheelers on you and sometimes we tear you up
But you are still there
You are always there
Thank you for all of the wonderful hours I have spent with you
White skin brown hair
BY ELIZA JEAN HOWARD Grade 6
I am a girl with white skin and brown hair
I watch the flowers dance in a field at dawn
I wonder if Hades can give back my dad I hear how mean people can be, how fast a rumor can run
I see sadness in the walls, in the floor, in the ceiling
I see sadness on the faces of most people and in the heart, Everybody’s a little bit sad or worried, everyone gets mad I want to disappear and have all my problems melt like ice in the hot sun
I am a girl with white skin and brown hair
I pretend like I am ok, I pretend I am happy when I’m not I feel like I am never good enough, like I cannot do anything right I hug my favorite stuffy, a very big bear as if I am hugging my dad I worry that one day when I come home, my mom will be crying over my 14-year-old dog Emma I cry every night because of people at school and how mean they can be
I am a girl with white skin and brown hair
I understand that the world is harsh and you don’t always get your way, but when
I pray, I dream that everything will be okay I try to be optimistic I hope that life gets better
People tell me that things will get better I don’t know if it will
I am a girl with white skin and brown hair
What it means to be a good friend
BY LEVI KRAMER Grade 6
A good friend is someone who sticks around when things get bad. Who stays with you when bad times are going to be had. Who does stuff with you even when it sucks. Who walks with you while you’re trudging in the muck. Who hangs out with you when you’re feeling down. Who parties with you during the new years countdown. But good friends are hard to find. So when you find them, savor all of your time.
BY CLARA POPA, Grade 4
Golden eyes
BY JOSEPHINE MORSE Grade 5
Golden eyes spark ordinary? Who says that? lighting up the room delightful they are everyone has golden eyes
never doubt yourself everyone is unique and beautiful you just don’t know it everyone was born with golden eyes
Staring to space, making this a better place
BY ANNA BRADY Grade 5
Trees growing more plentiful, Trapping her in the cell of despair.
Her sore and aching feet blister. Her stomach, like thunder.
She would cry but she can’t waste her already little amount of water. Ripping her useless map for anger. Scared, Lost.
Trapped in her own mind. Her luck ran out a while ago, Waiting for it to return again. Waiting. Hoping. Wanting.
What does it matter now?
She doesn’t deserve hope It’s her fault she’s lost She ran
Ran from the toxic society
Ran from her so-called ‘friends’ Ran from her poor grandmother Now she couldn’t run.
Too sore to, Too tired to. Time running out Time?
What is time anymore? The sun sets and rises but how many times? I can’t remember. Lost.
Wave Your Flag!
People in the United States celebrate Flag Day on June 14. It was on that date in 1777 that the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as our country’s flag.
The Mini Page celebrates Flag Day with our state flags and the date each state joined the Union.
1. Delaware Dec. 7, 1787
4. Georgia Jan. 2, 1788
7. Maryland April 28, 1788
10. Virginia June 25, 1788
2. Pennsylvania Dec. 12, 1787
5. Connecticut Jan. 9, 1788
8. South Carolina May 23, 1788
11. New York July 26, 1788
3. New Jersey Dec. 18, 1787
6. Massachusetts Feb. 6, 1788
9. New Hampshire June 21, 1788
12. North Carolina Nov. 21, 1789
Try ’n’ Find
13. Rhode Island May 29, 1790
16. Tennessee June 1, 1796
19. Indiana Dec. 11, 1816
22. Alabama Dec. 14, 1819
25. Arkansas June 15, 1836
14. Vermont March 4, 1791
17. Ohio March 1, 1803
20. Mississippi Dec. 10, 1817
23. Maine March 15, 1820
26. Michigan Jan. 26, 1837
49. Alaska Jan. 3, 1959
50.
15. Kentucky June 1, 1792
18. Louisiana April 30, 1812
21. Illinois Dec. 3, 1818
24. Missouri Aug. 10, 1821
27. Florida March 3, 1845
28. Texas Dec. 29, 1845
31. California Sept. 9, 1850
Which flags are your favorites? If you’re going on a road trip this
Words that remind us of state flags are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Frank: What did one flag say to the other flag? Felicity: Nothing. It just waved!
Founded by Betty Debnam
Hawaii Aug. 21, 1959
Kansas Jan. 29, 1861
Nebraska March 1, 1867 40. South Dakota Nov. 2, 1889 43. Idaho July 3, 1890 46. Oklahoma Nov. 16, 1907
Iowa
28, 1846
Minnesota May 11, 1858
West Virginia June 20, 1863
Colorado Aug. 1, 1876
Montana Nov. 8, 1889
Wyoming July 10, 1890 47.
North Dakota
2, 1889
Washington Nov. 11, 1889
Utah
4, 1896
48. Arizona
Williston
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of state flags are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Mini Spy and her classmates admire the Alabama state flag. See if you can find the hidden pictures. Then color the picture.
Mini Jokes
Frank: What did one flag say to the other flag?
Felicity: Nothing. It just waved!
Eco Note
Once nearly extinct due to wetland loss, the great raft spider is making a major comeback across Europe. Thanks to a breeding and reintroduction program led by England’s Chester Zoo and supported by wetland restoration, more than 10,000 breeding females have been recorded in the U.K. The giant, semiaquatic spider plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Conservationists see this as a model for similar recovery efforts, with successes also seen in species like beavers and European bison.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for notices about Flag Day events in your area.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
BY KINDERGARTENERS
Everly Bonneau Genevieve Kaigle Kate Nesbit
Emmett Hutchins Kira Kapetanovic Weston Castle
BY ANNA CLAUSE, Grade 4
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1947, Secretary of State George Marshall proposed the Marshall Plan for economic aid to war-torn Europe.
• In 1968, U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was fatally shot by Sirhan Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.
• In 1981, the Centers for Disease Control reported the first recognized cases of what later became known as AIDS.
• In 20 04, former President Ronald Reagan died of pneumonia complicated by Alzheimer’s disease at age 93.
TODAY’S FACT:
• According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 7.2 million Americans ages 65 or older have Alzheimer’s disease in 2025.
YARD SALES
WILLISTON WOODS
COMMUNITY YARD SALES —
Friday & Saturday, June 6 and 7 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Enjoy a grilled hot dog lunch on Friday. Williston Woods Rd is off of North Williston Rd. in Williston.
YARD SALES
92 PADDOCK LANE, WILLISTON — Friday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Numerous household items, kids’ toys and clothes, trains, tools and much more.
2 Bedroom / 1 Bath Home on 0.20± Acres in Swanton, VT
CLASSIFIEDS
YARD SALES
OLD STAGE ESTATES
NEIGHBORHOOD —Southfield Drive/Paddock Lane, located off Old Stage Road, Williston (across from Windswept Farm) Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Items include kids/baby toys, kids clothes, books, garden items, furniture, exercise equipment,
artwork, kitchenware, and more.
REUNION
SOUTH BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1975 — 50th reunion, July 19, 2025, Burlington Country Club. Tickets $19.75. Available at https://sbhs-classof75-50threunion.
eventbrite.com. For more info contact David Peterson: skipjaz@aol.com
MUSICIANS
JAM SESSIONS WANTED — Looking for some fellow musicians to jam. Many genres of music from old-time, bluegrass, and country all the way up to folk, Americana, and classic-rock. I’d like to set up a weekly jam session or join an existing one. I’ve just moved here from Louisiana and I’m itching to play! Harvey.Broussard @gmail.com
OPEN HOUSE: Tuesday, June 10 from 11AM-1PM
LIVE FORECLOSURE AUCTION: Single-Level Home with Fenced Yard
Discover the comfort and convenience of single-level living, perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone seeking easy accessibility.
Step outside to a spacious, fenced backyard—ideal for children, pets, or simply enjoying the outdoors. A mature shade tree provides the perfect spot to relax with a good book or entertain guests. Located in a friendly neighborhood, this home is just a short stroll from the river, local bait shop, and some of the best fishing spots around!
has an opportunity for a Construction Inspector/Resident Engineer to join our team in Williston, VT.
Email: Advertising@THCAuction.com
To: Rick & Susan Cote Paper: Williston Observer Max Length 12.5
This position will be temporary full-time, which will end upon the completion of the construction project. The position is expected to last approximately six (6) months.
TODAY’S DATE: 5/30/2025
NAME OF FILE: 06052025_WO DATE(S) TO RUN: 6/05/2025
SIZE OF AD: 1/16 page (2” x 5”)
SIZE OF AD: 1/16 page (2” x 5”)
EMAILED TO: Rick@Willistonobserver.com
Publishes in Williston Observer
At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That’s why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.
SECTION: Auctions or Real Estate PO# 1667
LEGAL
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656
DP 24-12.1 Duane Merrill & Company and Brickliners Custom Masonry & Chimney Services c/o O’Leary-Burke Civil Associates requests discretionary permit review of a 9,900 SF building and associated 10-space parking lot on proposed lot #3 at 137 James Brown Dr. Continued from February 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, May 13, 2025.
EMAILED TO: Rick@Willistonobserver.com
Publishes in Williston Observer
For more information, please contact: Jenn Desautels, Branch Manager, at jenn.desautels@bowman.com or (802) 879-6331
SECTION: Auctions or Real Estate PO# Swanton
DP 24-05 Armand Fournier requests discretionary permit review of the proposed 4- lot subdivision of an existing 28± ac lot to create (1) 4.4± ac lot for the existing dwelling, (2) 1.1± ac lots for 2 proposed dwellings, and (1) 21± ac lot to be conserved as open space at 615 Butternut Rd in the Agricultural/Rural Zoning District (ARZD). Continued from May 13, 2025.
Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org
Speak Now
BY AVA BORCH Grade 4
You all have that loud and proud voice inside. You know it even though you don’t show it. Speak now.
Speak now, the world is waiting, and people are complaining. Speak now.
Your head is spinning, so keep on winning. Speak now.
Dig down deep inside like roots and put all your feelings together in groups. Speak now.
Your spine will probably shiver like a strong current river. Speak now.
You sink into your feelings, because we’re all human beings. Speak now.
The chance is hovering over your head, when you’re lying in your bed.
Speak now.
When you’re traveling in a book, that chance is taken by a crook. Speak now.
Let it out, Gotta shout. Speak Now.
Axolotl
BY GABE BOYD Grade 4
Axolotl with your name, How can you attract such fame? Spreading through
the nation wide, You only have a good side. What’s your secret? Your eyes? Your smile? Your cuteness takes me mile by mile.
BY NOAH WESTMAN, Grade 8
Friendship
BY THATCHER LAWRENCE Grade 7
Friendship comes in many ways, The very best way to spend your days.
The kindness they give when things get tough, The way they mentor you when you’ve had enough.
The way they’ve helped you through the years,
through all the blood, sweat and tears.
The way they give and the way they take, having a friend is no mistake.
The people you will never despise, some will always be cool in my eyes. The way the word friends is stronger than stone, telling you always that
you’re not alone.
A game is more exuberant when you have friends, never fun when the climax ends.
There’s always another day to laugh and play, and hope can find a way to stay.
Friends come in all colors, shapes and sizes, you should realize, friends are your best allies
