January 2022 Issue

4/10/2022 “National siblings day” couldn't be all that bad right? Considering that Darel and Jamie were siblings she was expecting maybe something nice from him. But no. He decided to just creepily watch every move of his sister from around a corner, and simply just told her he loved her every time she yelled at him for it. It was a long day.&nbsp; 5/4/2022 “Darel. Why!? Why are you doing all this!?” every day all this year it was something. And Jamie was done with it. It had to stop now! Jamie had her hands on her hips looking up angrily at her much taller older brother. Darel sighed, “I wasn't going to tell you but I can see that you're annoyed by all this…..” he looked away slightly. “You know that this is my last year at school….and I'll be leaving soon……” Jamie’s attention was grabbed at that statement, as annoying as he was she didn’t like the thought of Darel leaving. “I was just trying to make some memories with my sister before I moved out…..” he looked back at her and smiled. “Because I love my sister and want her to have good memories of when we lived together.” Jamie's hands dropped from her hips and her arms extended around Darel's torso, hugging him tightly. “I love you too. And I'm sorry I didn't understand. I’m not ready for you to move out yet……..” Darel returned her hug.

“Then let's make the most of the time that we have left!” he grinned. “Yeah ok, maybe I'll take part in your weird holidays,” she giggled. She suddenly had a straw shoved in her mouth and orange juice forced into her mouth. Ok. Maybe Darel can move out.&nbsp;

Lorem ipsum dolor consectetur adipiscing elit

Cover Art: Cereal Day! by Mady MacMillan, Grade 6

National Kissing Day Fanatic by Caroline Leavitt, Grade 6

Yawn’,&nbsp;What weird holiday is it today? Well it is July 6 so it is… NATIONAL KISSING DAY, OH NO! That weird kid in math class Jacob, he is going to try and kiss me. Well, I am guessing because on national red rose day he gave me not one but 7 red roses, and on smile power day the whole time he was smiling at me, and don’t even get me started on national hugging day. My best friend June had to pull him off of me. So I have a solution, I will fake being sick so mom does not make me go to school. But how will I make it work? First I have to make my head warm so when she checks my temperature it will say I have a fever. Then I will throw up, well not really throw up, I will put crackers in water and maybe some milk. I hope it will work. Creek the door opened and my mother walked in. “Clair, what are you doing still in bed? You have to get to school.”&nbsp; “Um well I do not feel good, maybe I should not go to school today.” I suggested. “Well that is a bummer because today is June's birthday. And you probably do not want to miss that.” Dang, I forgot that after school I was supposed to set up a surprise party for June at the park with my friend Natilie. And I can not do that if everyone thinks I am sick.&nbsp;

“So mom, all the sudden I stopped feeling sick so I can go to school.”&nbsp; “I knew you would come around Clair, now get dressed you're going to be late.” “RINGGGG” The bell just rang so now I have to go over the plans for the party with Natilie and next class I will tell June happy birthday. Oh no. The next class is math! I have it with the one nerd that is in love with me. Let's just hope he is not here today and get focused on party planning. &nbsp;“Hey Clair, are you ready to party plan? Oh and did you hear that today is national kissing day?” Natilie asked “Yes. I heard, but you know the one nerd in June and my math class his name is Jacob?” “Of course. Isn't he obsessed with you or something?” “Yes, and math is my next class. I hope that he is not here today.” “I really hate to break it to you but his locker is right next to mine and I saw him this morning. But let's forget about that and focus on the party for June.” So we got back to work, but math class was the main thing on my mind. “Clair, Clair, are you still listening to the plans Clair?” Natilie asked. “Yeah sorry, just still thinking about Jacob. I don’t like him very much, but I will focus now.”

Scotch Tape Day Is A Holiday??? by Benjamin Crosby, Grade 7

“Good morning! It’s 8:30 on this fine day, which also happens to be our day!” I announced brightly. Auggie (a forget-me-not), Basil, Earl (a pine), and Bamboo stirred softly.&nbsp; The others were not pleased with my announcement. “This day is the same as any day, Herman,” Earl pointed out. “We get to stare out the window. What will change even if it is our day?” “We will photosynthesize extra amounts of oxygen…?” I supplied helpfully. “Come on, guys. We’ve got to do something! Look, the tall person even marked the calendar.”&nbsp; Basil sighed. “It’s not that we don’t want to celebrate. We do. But there’s nothing to celebrate. We’re stuck in the same pots, soaking up the same sunlight, talking to the same plants, day after day after day!”&nbsp; “Basil, don’t say that! A plant in my condition needs this holiday. Sometimes it’s nice to be appreciated, even if you’re sick and might wither up and die soon,” Auggie pleaded.&nbsp; Basil turned another shade of green. “I didn’t mean it, Auggie.”&nbsp;

Bamboo turned to me. “Herman, if you didn’t notice, we’re plants. And you’re a cactus. How are you supposed to celebrate? We can’t exactly throw a party…”&nbsp; “Sure we can! The human will help us. They are the ones who marked the calendar! Maybe they’ll think of something.”&nbsp; Earl stared at the calendar. “How do you read these things anyways?”&nbsp; I sighed. “Look guys, I don’t know if we can celebrate like people or animals, or even bacteria. We’ll celebrate in a new way.” “How?” Auggie asked.&nbsp; The doorbell rang before I could answer.&nbsp; The human strolled over to the door, and opened it with happiness. “Oh, good. I’m glad you could all come!”&nbsp; Bamboo and I looked at each other. What was going on? Other humans filed through the door (seven in total), each with a pot in their hand. And in each pot, was a houseplant.&nbsp; “Why, I know how we’re going to celebrate,” my voice barely above a whisper. I felt a tingle go through my needles. “The humans are throwing us a party.”&nbsp;

“No, they wouldn’t…” Basil started, then looked up at the humans. Each set down a plant next to us. A lovely cacti was placed next to me.&nbsp; “Let the festivities begin!” one of the humans announced.&nbsp; “I’m Aven,” the cactus introduced herself. “Are you ready for a party?”&nbsp; “Absolutely!” I exclaimed. “Would you care to photosynthesize with me?” The new plants were extremely kind, and even admired my purple pot! By the end of the day, we were all exhausted, including the humans who had celebrated with us. The guest plants had to be escorted home, but Aven promised she would visit soon.&nbsp; “Happy National Houseplant Day!” the plants shouted.&nbsp; “Happy National Houseplant Day!” we replied.&nbsp; The door shut behind them as I started planning for next year.&nbsp;

WINNER: The Discussion of Holidays by Connor Quintana, Grade 7

National Croissant Day by Mady MacMillan, Grade 6

The delicious smell of tomato soup tugged me to the dinner table. As I sat down, my mom asked, “What did you do at school today?”&nbsp; Now that was a question to ponder. I said the first thing that came to my mind.&nbsp; “We talked about silly holidays”.&nbsp; “Those aren’t real!” My brother chimed in.&nbsp; “Now Ben,” my mom said calmly, “You don’t have to be rude.”&nbsp; “But it’s true.”&nbsp; “Well,” my dad said, “He is right”.&nbsp; “Hey!” I yelled to my dad. “I thought you were on my side”.&nbsp; “I’m on your side. It makes days much more interesting.” My mom added.&nbsp; “On the other hand,” my dad said, “Real holidays like Christmas and Halloween are passed through Congress”.&nbsp; “And they are stupid!!” My brother added. I slapped my forehead. My elbow hit the table. The hot tomato soup spilled all over my face.&nbsp; “Ow!” I yelled. I heard my brother snicker.&nbsp; “You brat!!’ I yelled as I ran after him.&nbsp; “ENOUGH!!” My mother yelled.&nbsp; “Change your clothes and let’s have a normal family dinner”.&nbsp; “OK.” My brother and I said in unison.&nbsp; As I walked away I yelled, “This is not over! Silly holidays are real and will always be real!”

Weird Holidays of the Year by Cameron Seep, Grade 8

There are many different holidays throughout the year Some are more well known while some aren’t celebrated here. Some holidays are fun and wacky So we can look through the months and find some holidays that may seem tacky. January is the month for hot teas Where you can cuddle up and appreciate houseplants like trees. February is known for creative romance Where you can eat pizza and use an umbrella if it's raining by the off-chance. March is the month to be mad for Plaid Where you can plant a flower and look through old stuff that you had. April is the month for international guitars Where you can eat jelly beans and ride a bike using your handlebars. May is the month known for bikes Where you don’t have to clean the dishes or wear socks if you don’t like. June is the month where you can eat some candy Where you can flip a coin and picnic on the beaches that are sandy.

July is the month for having some picnics Where you can have a free slurpee and do math 2.0 arithmetics. August is the month known for peaches Where you can wiggle your toes and be in the lighthouse near the beaches. September is the month for some mushroom Where you can eat a blueberry popsicle and be late to the storeroom. October is the month for pizza Where you can’t have a beard and you think about the future and about Meetcha. November is the month for model railroads Where you can go for a ride and say hello to a male toad. December is the month to play some bingo Where you can bake cookies and sing a song about a dingo. These were some fun holidays for every month of the year Now you can think about some holidays that you would like to hear. So the next time your in a car and see a deer You can think “Man! Deer should have a holiday of the year!”

Cover. ART WINNER: Cereal Day! Mady MacMillan, Grade 6 03. Talk Like a Pirate Day Aubrey Barnes, Grade 6 04-05. Hot Sauce Day Garrett Ellis, Grade 7 06. Be Late Day Garrett Ellis, Grade 7 07-09. Way of the Cacti Anica Lest, Grade 7 10. POEM WINNER: When Pigs Fly Gwen Dehne, Grade 7 11. Coming Out Day Claire Mannino, Grade 7 12-13. Scotch Tape Day is a Holiday??? Benjamin Crosby, Grade 7 14-15. COMIC WINNER: Caps Lock Day Garrett Ellis, Grade 7 16-17. Weird Holidays of the Year Cameron Seep, Grade 8 18. STORY WINNER: The Discussion of Holidays Connor Quintana, Grade 7 19. National Croissant Day Mady MacMillan, Grade 6 20-23. National Kissing Day Fanatic Caroline Leavitt, Grade 6 24-26. Revenge of the Socks Nick Oliva, Grade 7 27-31. 365 Days of Darel Alyssa Lanum, Grade 8

A thin catfish mustache was hanging from his upper lip. A rather unpleasant sight, even for a torn sock. “Are you the, uh, client?” I gave a little nod-shake in response. He understood and opened up the left wing of his coat. Inside, a variety of things lined the cheap cowhide material. The interior was so dingy, it was as if a rat had been dwelling for a decade in there.&nbsp;&nbsp; “What we got here, is some Class 4 revenge material. I got it all,” the dealer said. “Now… whatchu want?”

365 Days of Darel by Alyssa Lanum, Grade 8

1/3/2022 Jamie walks into her house after a long day at school, she sets her bag down and lets out a sigh. “I probably failed that math test…..” she thought internally though. After untying the laces of her tennis shoes and throwing them in the coat closet away from the teeth of her dog she began the journey to the household kitchen to get a snack. As she entered the kitchen she saw her brother. Who happened to be holding a fruit cake. “Darel……..what….?” Darel only stared back silently for a moment. “Fruitcake toss day……” he finally said, in a voice so quiet Jamie could barely hear. He slowly began raising the fruitcake up over his head. “Darel I swear………do not.” The fruit cake only rose higher though. “Darel,” the younger of the two warned. Darel gently put his arms down, Jamie sighed “thank you.” To which Darel only stared into her soul for a moment, causing dread to build up inside her.

Revenge of the Socks by Nick Oliva, Grade 7

On the floor I lay, feeling neglected and alone. The bronze light of a late December afternoon shone through the window, scattering the carpet with golden rods of sunshine. I had been left here again by my owner, curse his soul. Hanes, my brother, was perched on the bed leg beside me. Although we went way back, his main function in my life was as a therapist. “Why are you here today?” Hanes inquired. Although simple, he was insightful. “Well, you know the deal. I just feel alone, and I feel like it’s because of my… well you know,” I responded. Hanes immediately slipped down to the floor beside me, comforting me. “Oh don’t say that! I’m sure Nick doesn’t leave you because of your… well, you know.” “You can’t even say it!” I yelled. “I have a… a tear!!” I turned away, flipping myself over. There it was: a giant hole in the spot for the pinkie toe. Nick had accidentally torn it a couple of months ago, but ever since the incident, I hadn’t been worn. I’ve been… forgotten. Hanes could see the sadness in my eyes- or, whatever you call the top of a sock. Hanes inched closer nonetheless. “You really want results? Something different in your boring life?” Now, Hanes had my attention. “What do you mean?” “I’m talking about revenge… the real stuff,” Hanes scooped a nearby Sharpie up, and wrote down a number upon my fabric.

“Call this number. This guy, he’s the best in Colorado. He’ll hook you up.” Now I was just confused: “Revenge? Revenge for what?” “For your origins! Think about it! Nick wasn’t responsible for those rips, your downfall. It was the fabrics you were created with!” I nodded in understanding. “Think about it… where were you born?” “In a Siberian gulag,” I responded. Adrenaline began pumping through my… stitching, I guess? “And who made you?” “The Fruit of Loom corporation!” “Should you be neglected for their mistakes!?” Hanes questioned. “NO!” I screamed. Now I was angry, filled with rage. Hanes inched closer yet again and said three simple words that would change my life forever. “Call the number.” This was the beginning of a new chapter in my life! A couple of days had passed. After my conversation with Hanes, I had called the number. The man on the other line had told him to meet him in the alleyway behind O’Connor’s Bar &amp; Grill. Today was the appointment, and I was waiting for my dealer. Oh, here he was now! A rather large man in a long, black leather trench coat approached me. He had a giant mullet, and a huge cigar was dangling from in between his nasty, gray lips.

WINNER: When Pigs Fly by Gwen Dehne, Grade 7

Coming Out Day by Claire Mannino, Grade 7

Celebrating National Pig Flying Day, February 23 Dinosaurs roam the planet, An alien returns home, Bigfoot eats a pomegranate, An invisible cat finds a comb. A bull in a china shop,&nbsp; Goldilocks buys some wigs, An elephant learns to hop,&nbsp; Look at all these flying pigs. A gorilla uses Gorilla Glue, A bald guy gets his hair cut off, A camel learns to tie a shoe, A teapot suddenly starts to cough. There was a girl named Sally, And while she was dancing a jig, She and her friend Allie Watched all the flying pigs.

October 11th, I finally chose to stop hiding, To tell everyone, So I began writing,&nbsp; Telling everyone who I truly am, And so it was out,&nbsp; And without a doubt,&nbsp; I stand loud and proud, And what else is there to say, Other than “I am gay.”

The last words out of his chapped lips were “I’m not sorry….” as his hands rose up and the cake went down hard, breaking into pieces on the floor upon impact. He then ran, leaving Jamie just standing there.&nbsp; 1/10/2022 It was early morning, the sun was rising gently bringing a mixing of colors to the previously black sky. This was the normal time that Jamie got up to get ready for school. Was she happy about it? No. Did it need to be done? Yes. She slipped out of bed and walked to the dresser, throwing on her school uniform and running her fingers through her hair, debating whether it was worth it to run a brush through her tangled locks. She decided no and walked downstairs to shove something into her mouth and then go catch the bus. She rounded the corner into the kitchen. “Darel…….it is too early for this, what are you doing now?!” This had gone on every day since the first day of the new year, he would do something odd and destructive and claim that it was part of the holiday calendar. “I’m just appreciating the house plant.” He said simply, as if this was a known fact. “Alright. I’m off to school.” With a sigh she left him to his house plant appreciating. She chuckled a bit upon leaving the room. Though this whole thing Darel was doing still annoyed her, Jamie might be warming up to it.

3/28/2022 Ok, anything Jamie said before about enjoying whatever this was was now dead and buried. “Darel……..why is there a stick glued to everything in my room……?” “National something on a stick day. So why not everything!” “Darel. I have no words but if I did they would not be pleasant.” With that Jamie sat down and tried not to scream when she opened her desk to retrieve her weekend homework. Only to find many sticks.

Later in math class I saw June and Jacob. I went and hid behind my desk so the nerd could not see me. Luckily the passing periods are 7 minutes so I still had five minutes till class started. I saw June looking around the class room for me. I called her over so she could hide with me. “What are you doing behind your desk?” Asked June “Well I am sort of hiding from Jacob, it is national kissing day and well um you know where this is going.” I explained. “Do you mind just covering for me so he does not come near me.” “Sure.” June replied looking kind of sad “Thanks you're the best,” I said, thanking June. After math class was over it was like June didn't even want to look at me let alone talk to me. I do not know what I did. I mean I just asked her if she could keep Jacob away from me. Oh wait! I forgot to tell her happy birthday. I was so caught up about National kissing day I forgot that it was her birthday. I am a horrible friend. I need to go find her at lunch and apologize. Later at lunch. I walked up to June and I just tried to apologize and she did nothing but ignore me. I felt bad, her birthday was ruined because I was scared of a boy. Wait, I can apologize at her party, if she will listen. I will make her a special birthday card in art class. It is my last class so the card will not get ruined. After school I started setting up for the party 1 mile away from the school. I started to panic because I had left her present at home so I had to quickly call my mom to drop it off.

She did not answer at first but I called her again and it was all ok. When my mom dropped off my present for June, she was supposed to be here in two minutes. I waited and she was not on time. I wondered where she and Natilie were. Natilie told me she would text me when she was on her way but I have not gotten a text yet. So I decided to text her. Five minutes later Natilie texted back and said that she had just left June's house because she took a shower. That was not part of our plan, but we made it work. When she got to the park she was surprised and I apologized to her and gave her the card I made for her and the present that I got her. We had a nice time at her party. I will never let a boy get my mind off of my best friend ever again.

WINNER: Caps Lock Day by Garrett Ellis, Grade 7

Name

Safari may block some audio or video from playing automatically and ‘read to me’ will skip these. You can configure this in Safari’s preferences.