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#BirdvilleVoices
vol. 2, edition: 2 December 2017
Welcome to #BirdvilleVoices Digital Literary Magazine!
This digital literary magazine is a compilation of writings from the budding middle school authors around the district. Please enjoy their insights, humor, and writer's craft.
6th Grade
Watauga Middle: Kayleigh B.
The sound of cats shrieking, yowling, hissing, and spitting rang in Ravenpaw's ears. She jumped out of her nest and ran out of the apprentice den, staring in horror at the sight she saw. Cats with their fur smothered in mud leaped into the gorge where ThunderClan made their camp. Ravenpaw found herself frozen to the spot, her black fur fluffed up in alarm. Before she had any time to do anything, a cat about her size and age bowled her over; Ravenpaw let out a startled cry as her back hit the hard dirt. The cat was on her in a second, baring their teeth in a snarl while their dark amber eyes glinted with the need for bloodshed. As they raised a paw with sharp, deadly claws, Ravenpaw saw a flash of gray tabby fur come sprinting out from the apprentice den.
Ravenpaw closed her eyes tightly shut, waiting for the killing blow. However, instead of feeling the cat's claws rip her throat open, the weight lifted off of her, aided with the sound of furious hissing and yowling. She opened her eyes to see her brother, Streampaw, pin down the rival cat and bite into their neck fur. The cat hissed in anger and tried to twist their forebody around to claw Streampaw, but his grip was too strong. The cat went limp to show they surrendered. Streampaw let go and scratched the cat's side as it scrambled to its paws and ran out of the ThunderClan camp.
Ravenpaw ran to her brother's side, purring happily. "Thanks, Streampaw. They would've killed me if you hadn't came out in time!"
Streampaw flicked his tail. "We need to help with the battle. Come on! Let's show these rogue mouse-dung that ThunderClan is not to be messed with!"
As Streampaw hurled himself at another mud-covered rogue wrestling a ThunderClan warrior to the ground, Ravenpaw twitched an ear. 'Of course, he'd want to fight first, then get thanks later,' she thought with a quiet, happy purr. 'I'm lucky to have him as my brother.' As Streampaw battered the rogue's fur with his claws, breaking through the thick, drying mud to rip skin, Ravenpaw ran to help. Streampaw flicked his tail over her shoulder as she reared up on her hind-legs to shove the rogue to the ground. Together, they pinned the rogue and gave him wounds he wouldn't forget before letting him go, watching as he ran out of the camp. Without a word, the two siblings turned to look at each other before racing off to the nursery, protecting the queens and kits inside.
Once the battle was over and the rogues were all driven out, Streampaw and Ravenpaw sat together to groom each other's fur. They glanced up as the ThunderClan leader, Ivystar, jumped up on the Highrock.
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather here for a Clan meeting!"
As the cats gathered beneath the Highrock to listen to what their leader had to say, Ravenpaw noticed Ivystar glancing over at Ravenpaw and Streampaw. Her fur prickled as she came to realize what was happening.
"Two young, brave cats helped in this battle to drive the rogues out. They have done well, and it is time they earn their warrior names," Ivystar yowled. "Ravenpaw, Streampaw, step forward."
The two cats quickly padded to stand at the front of the Clan, looking up at their leader.
"Ravenpaw, Streampaw, you have fought well and have proved to be worthy of receiving your warrior names. From this day forward, Ravenpaw, you will be known as Ravenflight. StarClan honors your swiftness, bravery and compassion. Streampaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Streamfang. StarClan honors your courage, strength, and bravery."
Ravenflight looked at Streamfang, and he looked back at her. They didn't need to speak to know what they were both thinking: "It's finally happened. We're warriors now."
All of their Clanmates raised their heads and yowled to the stars.
"Ravenflight! Ravenflight! Ravenflight! Streamfang! Streamfang! Streamfang!"
Smithfield Middle: Hannah G.
“A Joyous Day”
With tears in my eyes, I’m so glad to see someone new. I love him so much! He’s the cutest baby on earth. I can’t wait to be his big sister.
Driving to the hospital having no clue like a fly in a fly trap. I walk in clueless into the waiting room. The nurse calls my Dad's and says “Bobby Green, Dr. Coby is ready for you.” That moment I knew I was here for an important reason. I walk in the hospital room with a tear going down my face like water going down the side of the window. After getting to hold Noah, I knew I was going to love my new brother forever.
A day later, I run hastily out of the car knowing I would get to hold Noah. I sit in the chair patiently, then I see my dad come out from his bedroom holding Noah. Dad puts Noah in my Mom’s hands. My dad walks over to me and positions my arm to hold Noah. In my head i was just thinking come one, I want to hold him, but I know I need to be patient. My mom walks over with Noah and kindly places him in my hands. My heart was melting like a popsicle on a hot summer day. I knew from that moment I knew i had to be responsible around Noah.
A few months later, I wake up with a lot of energy in me. I run hastily to put on my clothes and run down stairs. I can’t believe what I see. Was I seeing right? Noah was crawling! I was as excited as a wild bunny. I wonder how happy and excited he was, because I was about to jump off the walls. I love him so much and was excited to see him crawl; it was like a birthday present to me.
Noah and I have bonded a lot since he was born. I’m really happy to have a new baby brother, and glad to experience these moments with my baby brother Noah.
North Ridge Middle: Samay P.
Math Bee
Tick-Tock Tick-Tock. As I sat on my desk, the only thing that I could hear was a clock. With every tick I became more anxious, and with every tock my heart would skip a beat. It felt like time was slowing down just to laugh in face. My teacher was speaking but her voice drowned in my head as I heard a new sound. I thought it was in my mind, but it wasn't. It was a real noise that everyone could hear, even loud enough for me to get my thoughts straight. When the ringing stopped an announcement came that all Math Bee participants were to go to the cafeteria. After that, I only had one thing in my mind. It was time to get ready for the Math Bee.
As I was packing my school supplies, I noticed how my hands trembled with excitement and anxiousness. They were entirely soaked with sweat as if they were made out of water.
“This will be the first time I’ll ever be on stage, I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself.” I thought.
As I was walking down the hallway I had multiple negative thoughts swirling in my head. What if I passed out on stage,get so nervous to the point where I forget what the answer was, or I just stand on stage in shock while people laugh at me? I decided not to focus on the what ifs, and instead make myself more confident. When I entered the cafeteria I found that all of the tables were gone and only a few chairs in sight. I entered the stage and took a seat. More people started to flood the area as they came in. When every class got to the cafeteria, the people who were gonna take notes on our scores began to tell us the rules of the Math Bee. The Math Bee was starting.
After they finished explaining the rules we started a preliminary round, so everyone could get warmed up. The preliminary round was a breeze. All of the multiplication facts was as easy as eating a grain of rice. When my turn came I walked up to the microphone. Every eye was staring at as if it could see soul, which didn’t help my stage fright. I even heard a few third graders whispering my name since i used to tutor them. As rounds past I started to get more confident in my skills.
Only a few people were left, and in almost every round someone would get eliminated. We would be switching from multiplication to division like they were a football being passed from player to player. Eventually, only me, Aden, and two random girls were left. Classes left so that they can go to specials leaving only the parents. My confidence boost came soaring down onto the ground never to be seen again. All of the parents placed their seats right in front of us which made me panic. As my turn came, one of my fears came realized. I just stood in front of them when they asked me a question. I stuttered and stuttered until i could get my thoughts working. After what felt like an long awkward silence I finally answered. This one mistake costed me first place. This one mistake made me feel like throwing myself into a star so everything could just burn.
I don’t really know if this was a happy ending or a depressing one. That doesn’t matter to me. If there was a lesson I learned that day, it would be the fact that you shouldn’t be too scared or nervous. If you keep your head up high then you could do way more than looking down at yourself. This is my Math Bee experience.
North Oaks: Madisyn C.
Betrayal
The feeling that surprises you most
Betrayal
When you 2nd guess yourself
Betrayal
When you lose someone closest to you
Betrayal
When the fear starts to go to your head
Betrayal
When you think everything is a lie
Betrayal
When every good memory with that person turns to trash
Betrayal
When you start to lose faith
Betrayal
When your trust blows away
Betrayal
North Ridge Middle: Valeria Q.
HOW I GOT MY PERMANENT SCAR
I was three years old when I got a permanent scar.My mom, Dad, and myself were at my dad’s friend’s house.He had a old grumpy dog that didn’t like anybody!
When I say ANYBODY I mean ANYBODY he didn’t like other dogs, he didn’t like.
The neighbors,or his OWNER! Most of the time when we go there, my dad’s friend always puts the dog up, but this time the dog was sleeping in the living room. Let me just say if you touch him like in ANY way he would growl, bite, or tackle you. So obviously I was three and I didn’t know what a “dog could do” except cuddle or play with you, so I was really happy when I saw him, but sadly he was sleeping.
I had this toy I loved!It was a doll that had black hair, button eyes and nose, wore a cute purple dress that had daisies on it, and cute little sparkle shoes. When we got to the house I was so excited to see the dog I ran and threw my doll on the floor. When I found out the dog was sleeping I ran around the whole house trying to find my doll.This dog here is lazy. He sleeps very strange,he sleeps with his paws outward and his tail all over the walkway. My parents were outside talking and laughing with their friend.So when I was running I stepped on his tail and he jumped up and clawed my left cheek.I screamed so loud my parents and their friend ran in yelling my name.
“VALERIE WHERE ARE YOU!!”when they reached the living room there I was on the floor with the dog, crying and bloody.My dad ran to the kitchen and got a napkin, put some water on it so it can soak up the blood on my face.While all this commotion was happening my mom was telling it was okay and the friend was putting the dog in the shed saying”BAD BOY!”I was so scared i was thinking , am I going to die? Im I going to really be okay?Once my dad gave the napkin to my mom she dabbed it all over my cheek, I felt a little better but I still couldn’t the thought out of my head “Why did this dog hate me”To this day I hate dogs,not puppies,but dogs, mostly mean ones.Ones that would be chained up to their fence or to their doghouse and would bark at u when u walk by for no apparent reason.
The next day the scar was still on my face.My mom kept asking me the same question over and over again, “Do you need to go to the doctor?”Later that day I felt a little better,but when my mom looked at me she freaked out.She saw the permanent scar on my face, now the reason she got scared was because the scar was really deep into my skin, it was like a deep thin hole on my face.When I looked in the mirror I freaked out too.I actually started to cry(I was 3 don’t judge me).Later on my mom made me some of her really good soup, it had bits of chicken, Mexican rice, carrots, and broccoli. Once I ate it my mom got me a bag with ice in it and a napkin over it so it's not freezing on my face. Once I put it on my scar felt better than it did before.
The next day I guess my mom finally realized it was going to be on my face forever so she just gave me a bag with ice and a napkin again and let me do whatever really.So I mean everything was pretty crazy during all of that.
Well that's how I got my permanent scar.
Haltom Middle: Karen L.
My Best Friend
Cheerful
I am happy to be with my sister.
We play with each other until the day ends.
My sister and I are best friends.
Delighted
We help each other always,
On holidays and on Sundays.
The day goes by and we help
each other in many ways.
Joyful
We try new things together.
We take risks and never give up.
But we always keep our heads up.
Glad
I am happy to be with my sister.
We help each other and try new things together.
We are going to be best friends forever.
North Ridge Middle: Marissa C.
Finally
I slipped my pink snowflakes gloves on and picked up my knitted hat. As I stepped out, I took a deep breath in. I rubbed my runny red nose. It was snowing finally!
My dogs, Cinnamon, Brownie, sat on the living room carpet with me, while I stroked their smooth fur. Is there anything I could do I wondered just as my mom walked in. “Marissa it's a winter wonderland outside, go and play instead of being inside all the time” ,she said sternly. “ Snowing really”, I exclaimed with joy! In Texas, I thought to myself, we don't get much snow, so I will make the most of it. I rushed to get my still sleeping sisters up and out of their dreams and into the marshmallow white snow.
Once the news was spread around it was time to put on my many layers of clothing. This part took extra time considering I had to wear a sweater, coat, hat, gloves, and scarf according to my parents. “Done, finally done”, I said while I bounced up and down on the tip of my toes. Halfway down the dimly lit hallway, my father approached me, “help your little sister get dressed.”Panic struck me like lighting. Great, I thought it´s going to take me forever to find another pair of winter clothes. I zipped past my dad and grabbed whatever looked cozy and slipped it on my sister.” Time to go outside”, I shouted.
I grabbed my 2 dogs and headed for the fingerprint stained glass door. The snow looked like sugar spread across my yard. The wind whistled in my ear and the snow crunched beneath my feet. Snowflakes twirled around me as I leaped into the mountain of snow built up. My tongue immediately stuck out eager to catch a flake. While picking up a handful of powdery snow I shouted, “snowball fight”. My feet dragged along leaving my mark behind me. With a chunk of now slush in my hand, I hunted my next victim. After winning a couple more times, I headed inside for a cup of steamy hot cocoa to thaw my frozen fingers.
I always look back at this memory hoping it will snow again. Wishing to feel flurries around me again. Wanting to experience the joy of my frosted feet sinking into the snow. Even if it snowed again nothing could compare to this winter day.
Smithfield Middle: Collin M.
The Waterfall
“Come on Collin. Time to go.” Birds were singing in a way that combined with the waterfall’s calming tone, making it even more harmonious. I didn’t budge.
“We’re serious Collin, it’s getting late.” Suddenly I was snapped out of nature’s beautiful trance as I was dragged into the hot, uncomfortable vehicle that would take me home. How could a feeling of wonderful peacefulness transition to one of terrible longing so quickly?
We were driving back to our non-air-conditioned cabin after a complete 12-hour day of sightseeing. It was dead silent, for it was too tiring to even speak. Then, like a rollercoaster coming to a halt, the car stopped.
“Alright kids,” my dad mumbled, “last stop of the day.” Final stop? Why couldn’t we just go home? I tried to move. Unfortunately, my legs weren’t responding, like a broken car engine failing to start. At last, legs screaming, I slowly emerged from the car’s heat and into the cold breeze.
What happened next caught me by surprise. Instead of the droopy, wiped-out feeling from earlier, I was engulfed by the amazing sounds of nature. Standing there, my mood was completely changed to joyfulness when I heard the distant patter of a waterfall. As I came closer to the fence the gentle patter changed to an enormous sound, filling my ears with it’s music. Leaning over the fence, I closed my eyes and listened. I could hear the waterfall, but also the astonishing sounds of nature coming to life. The sun was shining on my curved back, and I was so comfortable - not too hot, not too cold. Now I understood why we had to make this stop. All my worries and wishes to go home were forgotten, and all I wanted to do was stay right there, right then and not move at all. Sadly the moment didn’t last forever, and I eventually had to go home.
Looking back, I never learned the name of that amazing waterfall. However, I do understand that in all the hustle and stress in life,God will give you a calm, peaceful moment like this one to show that he is in control.
North Ridge Middle: Caiden C.
Easter Party
“Woo Hoo!” my younger siblings yelled in my ear telling me the easter party was today. I sat up, smiling ear to ear, like a hyena that thought of a funny joke. I jumped over the railing of the top of my bunk bed and ran over to my closet to get dressed. I almost fell down the stairs while going down to help my family balance the cotton candy and snow cone machines on top of the box full of games and prizes in our trunk.
Everyone ran to the very back where they thought there was a lot of eggs, but they were wrong. I had scouted out a tree that I knew had a lot of eggs and ran to that one. Each kid was only allowed 25 eggs, because there was a lot of kids, but we easily reached our limit. In some of the eggs, my mom had hidden Bunny Dollars, which could be traded in for more candy. Ian had found six and I found zero. I took Ian over to my mom who was trading candy for the Bunny Dollars. Ian bought two Starburst, two Skittles and two little carrots filled with sugar dust. Ian, being the lovable little boy he is, gave me one of each, so I shared my candy with him. In the end we had a great time, and I learned that playing with friends is much more fun than playing by yourself.
North Richland Middle: Sarah M.
The day the rain came
The day was happy we were playing and everyone was filled with joy. That is when in the distance we saw the storm that was going to change our future. The winds started to pick up the trees bent with force and the dust pushed on the street my buddies came to warn me of the great force that toke their roof off the house that’s when my mom pushed everyone in the car and drove to Dallas we had no clue what was going to happen to our friend’s family and school. We returned on Thursday we saw the damage on our street and we were terrified to look at our own house but there was nothing wrong with the house the roof was still attached and everything was just how we left it we said “thank you God “.
North Ridge Middle: Sophie T.
Haiti’s Growing Culture
“We have to go in,” my mom urged as she nudged me toward the door. “Why?” I thought.
“Why is girl scouts important anyway?” My mom must’ve read my mind because she said,”Girl Scouts will teach you how to be an adult.” Stumbling into Mrs. Brenda’s house, I gasped when I saw everyone’s eyes gazed on me.
Fidgeting as I was sitting on the dense carpet of the cub leader’s house and twirling the grain of carpet gave me a rash on my finger. Squeezing my mom’s hand tight with my sweaty palm. When I was listening to Mrs. Brenda give the weekly assignment, I jumped. “Make a poster on a foreign culture and present it,” she instructed. I felt my stomach twist and turn like when you have a bad nightmare.
My 5-year old mind hiccuped just thinking about failure. “Mom,” I let out as a meek whisper. “Yes,” my mom said in her consistent pleasant voice. “I can’t present this project,” I wailed. As usual, thinking came with ease to her and nothing seemed to make her stumble. “Settle down. I’ll teach you some teach you some tricks after we go to Grandma’s house.” I worked hard glue-ing, scissor-ing, and writing. It was complete and larger than me! I read the title one more time in my head, proud of myself. “Haiti’s Growing Culture.” Still with the thought of crumbling up like a wad of paper when I get up in front of everyone to present. My mom drove me home and we stood in the living room practicing. Mom was a great audience. Every time I ended saying,”...and that’s Haiti’s Growing Culture.”, she would clap ‘till her hands were red. I knew the girls wouldn’t though.
As I walked up to Mrs.Brenda’s house, everything was blurred out except for the big,thick piece of wood with a tiny, gold handle on the right side. I knocked on the door timidly. I was surprised Mrs. Brenda herd the knuckle trembling knock. I walked in and sat down on that same dense carpet that seemed welcoming unlike the surroundings. “Who would like to present first?” said Mrs. Brenda. My mom told me if I was scared that I should go first. Get it over with and the farther away from the end, the less people will remember it. I tried to shout as I shot my hand up, but it only came out as a little shake of my vocal chords. “Me.” “Miss Sophie, you may present.” Mrs. Brenda said as she motioned for me to come up. I got off the welcoming carpet. I nearly tip-toed up there gazing back at my mom the whole time. The only sound I could hear was my ears ringing. “Haiti’s Growing Culture,” I mumbled. Even though I put all caps on the poster, when I said it, it sounded lowercase. After that my voice got more confident and I walked out proudly, gripping the gold handle firmly. I thanked my mom for her tips and we went home.
When I got a random address letter in the mail, I opened it out of curiosity. It was Mrs. Brenda telling me that I got my Scout’s Honor badge for presenting with confidence, speaking clearly, and putting forth my best effort to make the poster seem interesting and have correct grammar. “All that for something,” I thought as I felt a sigh of relief fill my lungs. I usually keep those in to stay humble, but I needed this one.
Richland Middle: Carrie M.
PUNS!
So, puns are a part of my personality. If I have an opportunity to make a pun, I will. I make so many puns, that my sister calls me the PUN-ISHER.
A pun is a play on words that sounds like a joke. Most of the time they are ironic. For example: my sister asked who she should be in the Little Mermaid, and I said, “you should be Sebastian, because you’re CRABBY.”
BA-DUM-TSH!
I just thought of another one: Why do witches wear name tags? So we can tell which witch is which!
There are three types of people, the ones who like puns, the ones who hate them, and the ones who get puns, but don’t laugh. I am obviously person one. Which type of person are you?
Watagua Middle: Lilliana L.
I feel this way
for the price I pay
the things he wants from to me
and what I want to be
I see the disappointment that he sees in me
I feel as if I'm a lump of nothing
He knows I can't do anything without hurting
I would like to be like any other dog.... normal
if I was normal it would make him happy
Now he stares at me as if he's happy
He says to me I'm warm and my fur is soft and
all my imperfections are forgotten
I feel happy because he's happy
There's nothing to be disappointed about
now we both realize that I am more that what I appear to be
Finally now I am not embarrassed
Smithfield Middle: Liv A.
Valiant Lights
There had never been a sunset more beautifully painted on a scene. All thoughts vanished from my mind as the sun gracefully dipped its surface into the lake. the moon`s new evening light shone into my soul as curious stars glanced quietly at us. But disturbing the silence came vibrant bursts of light exploding above our heads, spreading like wildfire. A dazzling array of fireworks stunned my senses as young and old alike looked to the sky for solace.
Our tires crunched and ground the road that wove endlessly through the forest. We were tossed about as the suspension strained against the uneven ground. Dust clouded the shiny surface of the car as it was kicked up by the motorized spinning of the wheels. We finally reached our destination: a small cabin with uneven cobblestones leading to the door. As I burst out of the car, I breathed in the fresh forest air and marveled at the height of the trees. It was beautiful.
After a healthy amount of hugs, we were shown to our rooms. As soon as we were settled in, Mom entered. She told us that we may not be able to see the fireworks through the dense forest. I was dismayed, but I knew that this trip was not about fireworks.
After dinner by the lake, we were given an offer to go for ice cream. We all obliged gratefully and headed out with vigor. The outing was a splendid conclusion to our day, and I had almost forgotten about the show when out came a neon display so vividly reflected in the lake it seemed another world lay under the surface. We were perfectly placed just so that we saw the whole show as it lit up the sky.
People say “just as soon as it appears, it’s gone,” but this experience dove so valiantly into my memory that it will live there forever.
North Ridge Middle: Ryan P.
Taking the Telescope Test
One summer morning, my mom seemed to appear out of the blue and shook me awake for no apparent reason. Then I sat up and remembered what today was: the day I would take the telescope test, the test that would challenge me to see if I was worthy of exceeding beyond the class and going up a level in math.
I went downstairs and did what I usually did each morning. However, the afternoon wasn’t like usual. After I ate a lunch of peanut butter and jelly, my mother drove me to a building known as Shannon Center as instructed by a sheet of paper that gave the address. When we first got there, my mother and I were misled by the global positioning system because it led us to a small, out of business building instead of the actual building right in front of us, which we found out in around 5 minutes or so. Relieved and also slightly embarrassed, we quickly went in.
Soon after we went in, we spotted a member of the faculty who asked about why we arrived here. My mother replied by saying that we came to let me take the telescope test. She listened and told us what we would be doing in the next one or two hours. My mother would wait in the waiting room until I finished while I would be answering 100 questions that were accordingly based on my academic level. Almost immediately afterwards she led me into a maze of corridors until we stopped at a room where I would be taking the test. I quickly scanned the test soon after I got it and discovered that they were truly meant to challenge me to see if i was good enough to go up a grade in math. During that uneasy moment, the grasp of victory seemed not far, but not near either.
After about an hour and a half, I finally completed the test. I felt fairly confident that I passed the test with at least the minimum score of 90, but i wasn’t sure. Later at my house, I waited for the results with relative patience (because they don’t give out results immediately). Eventually, my patience paid off and I found out that my score was a 92!
Now that I look back on this, I have no doubt that those 48 hours have put wings on my education and let me reach higher than ever.
7th GRADE
Watagua Middle: Jacob B
This is for those who have been hurt in some way.
For those that have not just lived this terrible thing we call life but have breathed it.
For those that want to change the world in some way but can't.
For those that wish life would just end and for those that love it just too much.
For those that never got a shot to make it on the team.
For those that have wished and hope their whole life knowing that it won't happen.
For those that want love knowing they won’t find it.
For those that are frowned upon knowing that they can't change.
For those knowing that they can't fill his or her parent's shoes.
For those that have been pressured to do the wrong thing.
For those that ate 3 days ago.
For those that got a 30 on a test.
For those that get hit by their parents when they get home.
For those that died of an overdose.
For those that think life is not worth living.
For those that are always in the wrong crowd.
For those that get judged for the way their skin on the outside is.
For those that are judged because they are not as thin as the others;
or those that are judged because they look a bit different.
For those affected by the harmful world.
For those that have been killed in this harmful world.
For those that wish they could be killed by this harmful world.
This is for you.
Hang in there.
Smithfield Middle: Grayson B
My Average Day
A Haiku Compilation
Waking up at 6,
Speeding through breakfast too,
Into the Car Now.
It’s drop-off time now,
I’ll hit some tennis balls,
Get back on the Bus.
I’m rushing through halls,
Trying to get to my classes,
Getting Grades in each.
Lunch comes around,
Delicious food I will eat,
Judged by it.
Then the day will end,
I will work on homework now,
And eat my supper.
Now I go to bed,
I say my prayers now,
But I feel very sad
I don’t sleep very well,
But in the very end I know,
It’s time to start over.
Richland Middle: Yasmin V.
Louisiana
Louisiana has many phenomenal customs and traditions, which Louisiana could never be the same without. One of the many popular ones is ,Mardi Gras. Folklife in Louisiana from www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/creole_art_varieties_mardi.html# explains, "Mardi Gras was certainly an established custom for many Louisianans. By the second half of the 19th century visitors in great numbers were being drawn to Louisiana for Mardi Gras festivities, and they have continued to come.” Mardi Gras is a celebration of festivities that has been around for many years, and continues to be very popular. Another popular tradition is this famous food called, gumbo. Folklife in Louisiana says, "Gumbo is an excellent example of cultural blending, or creolization. This dish so closely identified with South Louisiana, melds African, European, and Native American cultures." This quote from www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/CSE/creole_food_trad.html explains that gumbo is a dish that comes fromthe early days of history, and it is still a very popular food to this day. Last, but not least, is the traditional Louisiana music. Louisiana is known for its great music, but what type of music? Well, this quote from Folklife in Louisiana, www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/treas_trad_la_music.html explains this, "New Orleans' unique blend of cultures nurtured some of the most significant developments in the emergence of jazz, with fresh ideas still evolving today. Rhythm & Blues also made great strides in New Orleans, and likewise continues to evolve. In addition New Orleans is an important center for rap music and hip-hop music, which are ultra-modern styles with distinct folk roots." This shows that Louisiana is filled with jazz, blues, and lots of rhythm! The customs and traditions definitely makes Louisiana different from all the other states, but Louisiana’s fossil fuels are what makes today the way it is.
Louisiana uses fossil fuels like most states, and the information on the fossil fuels is really exciting to hear about! "The top producing states are Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Louisiana, which produce more than 50 percent of U.S. natural gas." Says Fossil Fuel Energy Study Guide from https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/HS_NatGas_Studyguide_draft2.pdf. This shows that Louisiana produces more than 50% of natural gas, and is one of the few states that does in the U.S. Where does all of the natural gas come from? U.S. Information Administry says, "Louisiana delivers the remaining one-fourth of its natural gas production to other states via a vast network of interstate pipelines. More than two-thirds of the natural gas entering Louisiana comes from Texas. Most of the rest comes onshore from the federal OCS in the Gulf of Mexico." In summary of what they believe is that Louisiana gets natural gas that has traveled there from Texas, information is from www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=LA. “Louisiana will see billions of dollars in increased disaster costs as early as 2030 resulting from the combined effects of global warming and natural processes.” States Mark Schleifstein from http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/05/national_climate_change_report.html. This shows that by 2023 the results of having so much natural gas it will cause disasters in which they will need to spend more money on. Louisiana may use a big percentage of fossil fuels, but the historical figures are what really started it all.
Louisiana wouldn’t be the way it is today if these people never did what they did. One of the many historical figures for Louisiana was known by, La Salle. According to Center Ville ES, “ La Salle named the entire Mississippi basin Louisiana, in honor of the King, and claimed it for France on April 9, 1682.” This quote is from http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/CentervilleES/mholland/Exploration/Robert%20La%20Salle.htm. This quote is explaining how La Salle actually established and claimed Louisiana in 1682, so without him there wouldn’t even be a Louisiana! Most people have heard of this name, and they are about to hear it again, the one, and only, Louis Armstrong! "Louis Armstrong was the most important creative force in the early development and perpetuation of America's music, Jazz. His influence, as an artist and cultural icon, is universal, unmatched, and very much alive today." Quote from Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, www.louisarmstrongfoundation.org/louis.php. This states the fact that Louis Armstrong was is a famous jazz musician, and still is to this day. He has also been a big influence as an artist and cultural icon. Another popular historical figure was, Sidney Bechet. The Sidney Bechet Society says, "...there is another jazz musician whose name deserves to be coupled with Armstrong as the greatest of the New Orleans Jazz players. His name is Sidney Bechet." From www.sidneybechet.org/about-sidney-bechet/, this information shows that Sidney Bechet was a really talented jazz musician, and I can infer that he shared his talent with all the world and influenced them as well. These amazing men influenced us all, started it all, and made Louisiana the way it is today!
From the customs and traditions, to the fossil fuels, and historical figures, they all act in a similar way, they make Louisiana the way it is today. Throughout the years it has changed in many ways, but it always manages to keep its ways. All of these things make up Louisiana, and it will always be this great!
North Oaks Middle: Jade H
Dogs
Have you ever thought about getting a dog, but couldn’t decide because of the requirements? Dogs come with a lot of responsibilities like attention. Dogs need attention to maintain a happy life and a great relationship with their owners.
To maintain a happy life for dogs, one must give them the proper attention. No dog could survive without attention. A lot of owners have neglected dogs in the past, and the dogs were not healthy. So, remember to play with them, pet them, bathe them, walk them, and give them the love they deserve.
Dog’s will grow a happy relationship with their owners when they make them feel good. They will realize that they love and care about them when they give the right amount of attention. Would people think someone cared about them if they never payed attention to them? Nobody wants to be ignored by someone they care about.
Seeing their dog happy will make the owner happy as well! Remember to pay good attention to them. Caring for a dog is similar caring for a child, feeding bathing, and playing are all parts of caring for dogs. The owner can’t care for their dog properly if they don’t give them the correct amount of attention. Remember, care for animals!
Haltom Middle: Kristlyn G
TRUST NOBODY
Corrupting minds
To make them mine
Melancholy lifeless eyes
Steady cries
The living die
But the dead will rise
Faces contorted with wry
Magic unbelievable
I’m just not too trustable
Your wits are unreliable
Those thoughts are impossible
Follow me somewhere
Unknown and implausible
Masked behind a cloak
Old as the oldest oak
Your life will soon go up in smoke
This is not a lie,unfaithful,joke
This is the truth
The truth I spoke
North Ridge Middle: Linnea G
A rule is a statement saying what you must or must not do. It’s alright to break the rules in certain circumstances or situations. For instance equal rights were big in the 1960’s because of racism, unfair laws, and black being treated unfairly from whites. One amazing example is Rosa Parks. She stood up for her own rights, by refusing to get up from the front of a bus where white people sit, rather than having to take a seat where black/African American residents, by law, are supposed to sit. Although she broke the rules, and went to jail for it, it was okay because it is her own beliefs in equalness, and rights/freedoms.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was another hero and fighter for the unfair laws put in place. Again and again Dr. Martin gave speeches, peacefully protesting against the treatment of blacks. The most famous speech was “I Have a Dream” in Washington to end racism. Sadly, he too was jailed for breaking the laws in this situation, and soon after Martin was assassinated. For these reasons, he was a true hero!
In conclusions these two fighters have changed the way we see blacks. These 2 people will go down in history, forever. When breaking the rules, always do it for the right reason.
Smithfield Middle: Justin L
I got a phone, I ended 6th grade.
I went to the beach, I started 7th grade.
I met new friends, and reunited with my old ones too.
I picked a bluebonnet, then ran.
I played in the rain, over the Texas sun.
I stayed inside and played in the pool.
I met a new place I wanted to call home.
Went to California Twice, never a bad sight.
But I always returned to what I know.
And now I continue to learn and grow.
Haltom Middle: Matthew S
Every time I see you I wanna smile
Every time I look into your eyes they make me wanna run
A thousand miles
Every time you look at me I freeze
Every time you walk by your hair looks like a morning breeze
Every time you smile your teeth shine so bright that they blind me
Every time you talk your beautiful voice leaves me speechless
Just like the way diamonds shine on Savannah beaches
Every time I see you I wanna smile
Every time I look into your eyes they make me wanna run
A thousand miles
Watagua Middle: Maggie R
The third eye sees the huddle of kids in the hall ways.
The third eye can see kids racing on the track.
The third can see that one kid struggling in his classes.
The third eye sees the one boy that tries to be funny to hide what is going on at home.
The third eye sees the new girl being cat called because she hit puberty faster than a few other.
The third eye sees the couples struggling to stay together.
The third can see then emo kid sitting alone in class because the others think they are a little weird.
The third eye sees the girl’s cuts and the pain that boils from the inside out mentally, physically, and emotionally.
The third sees the boy that has suicide thoughts because of his weight.
The third eye sees the girl crying because her boyfriend broke up with her for her best friend.
The third eye sees the kid ready with the pills and rope in case the pills don't work.
The third sees the kid selling drugs on the side of the street to support his family.
The third eye sees the frat party where girls are doing things they don't want to be doing.
The third eye sees the boy getting drunk and high to take away the pain for just a little while.
The third eye sees the little kids getting beaten by their drunken fathers.
The third eye also sees the future, even if it is not the prettiest sight to see.
The third eye sees the boy that gets drunk die in a car accident because he was drunk, he also caused the death to two other people.
The third eye sees the emo kid over dosing because of his weirdness.
The third eye sees the boy that sells drugs getting caught by the police because he was caught not just for selling drugs but selling drugs to minors.
But the third eye sees the good future for the same kids.
The third eye sees the girls at the frat parties talking about what happened there.
The third eye sees the boy that is overweight start eating better and exercising not just for people to stop bulling him but for him. For him to feel better about himself.
The third eye sees the kid that tries to be funny talking to a therapist about what is going on at home.
The third eye sees everything.
North Ridge Middle: Julia C
“Rules are made to be broken” is a common phrase most people know. There is truth to this phrase. Breaking rules can alter history. Some rules can and should be broken in they are unfair or unjust.
Women didn’t always have the right to vote, own property, or be paid a salary to work. Rules such as this are terrible and need to be broken. Worm, as well as other ethnic groups and races, deserve the same rights as everyone. Rules should respect the well-being of all, not matter what color their skin is, what they believe, or their gender.
Another time in history when rule-breaking was imperative what when every Jew in Germany was rounded up and taken to a concentration camp. About six million Jews died in this terrible occurrence. Sadly, not enough people had the courage to break the rules.
Breaking the rules can give people freedom. If rules are not justified, then hopefully people find the courage to break them. Rule-breaking can improve lives for the better.
Richland Middle: Mattea G.
Alabama
Though Alabama may not be the first state that comes to mind whenever you think of an interesting or popular state, it is fascinating! It has great qualities that make it special! It has a government that stays strong. It has historical figures that set the foundation of Alabama. Most importantly, Alabama always tries to come up with a solution whenever a problem comes their way, such as fossil fuels. Alabama is a unique state that is shaped by its overview, its historical figures, and its use of fossil fuels and alternate energy sources.
The Alabama state motto is “Audemus jura nostra defendere” meaning “We dare defend our rights”. The inspiration of the quote came from an eighteenth century author. This quote shows how Alabama as a state is very strong and powerful and that Alabama will stand for their opinions and decisions. The people that make all of Alabama’s decisions are very important to the U.S. government and our society. The current governor of Alabama is Kay Ivey, and she is a Republican. The senators of Alabama are also Republican and they are Luther Strange (2017-present) and Richard Shelby (1987-present). Though the government of Alabama impacts Alabama’s decisions, the historical figures of Alabama set the foundation of Alabama.
In the American Civil War, Alabama was part of the Confederacy. The Confederacy was defeated, which led to an agricultural depression for Alabama, but luckily the manufacturing industry led Alabama out of depression. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her actions affected the Civil Rights Movement but also affected Alabama’s impact on the Civil Rights Movement, which also led them out of depression. Another historical figure who had a huge impact on Alabama is Helen Keller. Though she was born in Alabama, she had an affect on millions of people throughout the world. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor’s degree. She wrote many speeches and essays, and even an autobiography. She also won many awards in her life, and people with disabilities and people in Alabama will forever look up to her. Historical figures have affected Alabama, but so has the use of fossil fuels in Alabama.
Fossil fuels have been a major issue in the U.S. for many years. They have also heavily affected Alabama. Energy consumption is very high in Alabama due to the high demand of Alabama’s industries. Energy production in Alabama is also increased, since at least 70% of energy produced in Alabama comes from fossil fuels. All of the energy use can also affect the environment. Since more than half of Alabama’s energy production comes from coal, there are effects in the air such as coal extraction, coal ash, and coal burning. Those effects can alter the landscape and leave metals and acids in the air, which is not good for Alabama’s environment. Luckily, Alabama also produces some renewable resources. Most of the alternate energy sources available in Alabama come from hydroelectricity, but they also come from biomass, solar, and wind. Though fossil fuels have a major effect on Alabama, the powerful state still tries to do what’s best for the environment and their society.
Alabama is an interesting state with a very supportive government that makes the best decisions for the state. Alabama has historical figures that are inspiring to not just the state of Alabama, but the whole U.S., and even the whole world. Most of all, Alabama has an inviting society that comes together whenever a problem occurs. Their use of energy sources, along with inspirational figures and a strong government is what makes this very unique state Alabama.