Shining+Stars+News+2

=S.O.S (Student On The Street) = == ==

 By: Michael, Jackson, Rohit, Ezana, Joshua, and Sanjay
==We went down to the Scholastic Book Fair and wanted to see what book(s) students were buying. There were chapter books for older readers all the way to picture books. A book for everyone seemed to be the theme. == ==As we wandered around the fair, we noticed one 4th Grader got a book titled __Tentacles__. This book is about the mysterious disappearance of story character's Marty and Grace’s parents. Marty and Grace go to live with their scientist uncle and accompany him on what soon becomes, an increasingly dangerous expedition to New Zealand to track a giant squid. == ==Continuing on our quest to cover the fair, our investigating eyes landed on two 4th graders buying the book, __The 100 Most Awesome Things In The World.__ After flipping through the book, we agree it was truly “awesome." I guess you may want to find this book if you want to know more. == == Moving on, we spotted a 3rd Grader purchasing the book, __Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.__ He liked it because it was 850 pages long! == ==This last book fair had tons of decorations: A “Read-A-Coaster”, A Ticket Center, and two “Funny Mirrors." The carnival theme definitely made you want to go inside. As far as these reporters see it, this book fair was a BIG success. ==

=== So, as we’ve all heard on March 11, 2011 a MASSIVE (8.9) earthquake hit Japan, just to be followed by a GIGANTIC tsunami. It was so big it moved the Island of Japan a total of 4 feet, and the axis of the Earth 4 inches. Major damage occurred, and tens of thousands were killed; and lots are still missing today. Here is some footage. ===

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=== See, it was bad, really bad, but Red Cross, UMCOR, (United Methodist Church on Relief), and other relief organizations are trying their best to get Japan back up and operational. So try to donate, even one dollar could save a family for a day! ===

What Happened to Haiti?!
By: Meghan and Aleksandra Do you wonder what happened to citizens of Haiti after that destructive 7.0 in magnitude earthquake?   We went online and found some interesting and yet sad information. The earthquake struck on January 12th Tuesday afternoon, 2010 and was followed by 12 aftershocks greater than the magnitude 5.0! It was the worst earthquake in 200 years. National landmarks, such as the presidential palace, collapsed or were damaged. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Photo of torn apart presidential palace

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">The USS Carl Vinson holds 19 rescue helicopters with wounded Haitians. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Below you will see a shelter package, costing £490 ($12.14), dropped by the American Air force.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: 18pt;">SHELTER


 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: 14pt;">1. Plastic container box 2. Collapsible water carrier 3. Ten-person dome tent 4. Multi-fuel stove 5. Ten sleeping bags/blankets 6. Tools for rebuilding 7. Cooking utensils ||  || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: 14pt;">8. Children's school supplies 9. Small tools and rope 10. Groundsheets 11. Waterproof ponchos 12. Collapsible water container 13. Water purification tablets 14. Two mosquito nets ||

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Do __YOU__ wonder what happened to Haiti? They still need our help.

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Everybody wants to know what’s going on in Libya. But, most people don’t know all the facts.The leader of Libya has been ruler since 1969. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> His name is Mummar el-Qaddafi. The Libyan people did not want Mummar el-Qaddafi in office anymore, because Mummar el-Qaddafi did not treat them very nice. So, they started to protest,and went against the government. Later the Libyan military was too strong for the people to go against, so they asked the U.S. for help. We mostly fired tomahawk cruise missiles. They were fired along the coast of Libya. Did the U.S.do the right thing, or should we have not used force? == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> That’s your own opinion. In our opinion the U.S. did the right thing. Just think about it. Would you like it if someone set of bombs in your country? Or would you think it’s for the best? ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> B y: Annika, Macy, Brandi, Jennifer, and Kayla
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Have you ever had a friend that has been out for a while? Or maybe people won’t let you join sporting events? Maybe these problems have something you can relate to. Read on. We encourage you to. ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Dear Worried Friend,
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> We’re sorry about your friend. Maybe we can help. Don’t let it make your day a bad day. In the morning, use a lavender body wash to wash away the worries. If that doesn’t work, try thinking of something happy. It will help take your mind off her. Lastly, try calling your friend's parents. Ask if she is okay and when she will be up and running. Hope to see your worries go away. ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Lonely Sport,
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">How about you give yourself a whack in the head for thinking nobody likes you. There has to be somebody who likes you! Your best, best, best friend, your parents, and of course your pet. If you don’t have a pet, definitely your stuffed animal can be there for you. If those kids are really your friends, they will let you play any day. Maybe start your own game and ask other boys or girls, if they want to play. ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Dear SSN,
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I’m a new kid at school. My “new friends” have already turned their back on me, as soon as I met them. They act all nice to other people but not me. Just because I am new, do I have to be treated differently? ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Have you ever tried to tell them face-to-face how you feel? If they ignore you, they are not true friends. You
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> might have to break with your first pair of new “friends,” sometimes this happens. You’ll get through it. Just walk away. Obviously, they are not true friends. Good luck at your new school! ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14pt;">Dear S.S.N.,
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14pt;">It started at recess. Some of my friends and I were playing a game and someone asked if they could join us; I was all over the idea “the more the merrier!” One of my friends, however, was completely against anyone joining. Everyone left me there because they knew that I don’t like fighting, but they left me alone there with no one to talk to. I don’t know what to do!! I feel abandoned. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14pt;"> It’s not your fault they left you there, and as a matter of fact this isn’t bullying at all! I would doubt they even meant to hurt you. I know this isn’t a fun situation to be in, so I will try to help you. I asked some other kids what they would do and most people just answered, “I would go to play with someone else,” and you can do that. Just make sure you don’t completely stop playing with the other people. Oh, and another thing, DON’T ASK AN ADULT WHAT TO DO!!! I know this for sure. Adults all give you the same answer, whether you have friendship problems or homework problems, school problems or even math problems. Adults will say “talk it out with the person causing the trouble.” In this case, there is no specific person. However, you should tell someone. Tell the kid who didn’t want to play with anyone else, that you think everyone who wants to can play should be able to. You should also never forget you are the one making the decisions and don’t become influenced by other people’s beliefs. I hope this helps. ==

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 190%;">__Stars Going Green__
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> ==

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 190%;">__Comuni"tree"__
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">From: http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/trees2.shtml ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Ding!!! Macy and I walked into Cups & Cones. We breathed in the smell of ice cream and coffee. “Hey, Mrs. Kristine!!” Macy exclaimed. “Hello, girls,” she giggled. “I suppose you have some questions for me.” I looked at her and smiled. “Correct!” She sat us down at a table and we began. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> First, she told us that sometimes it was hard being the owner of Cups & Cones. For instance, making decisions can be difficult. Like when she has to be stern to complaints of customers that don’t get their order in on time. She doesn’t like to be mean, but sometimes it has to be done. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Did you look at any other places for the store?” I asked. “Well,” Mrs. Kristine said deep in thought, “Our realtor showed us places all over Austin. I wanted a small place, but he kept coming back to this location. Finally, I said yes to the building. We live in Four Points, so it was close to home.” ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">We kept asking questions and she loaded us with information. Did you know that it took about 2 weeks to decide that they wanted to name it Cups & Cones? We thought that they made the right choice. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“I wonder,” Macy thought out loud “Why did you create Cups & Cones?” Thinking she was talking to me, I was confused. “What do you mean? I didn’t create Cups & Cones!” I exclaimed. “I meant Mrs. Kristine!” Laughed Macy. “Okay, why did we start Cups & Cones,” said Mrs. Kristine thoughtfully “It all started in Port Aransas. My husband and the kids couldn’t find an ice cream stand. Not anywhere. It was then and there that we thought up our shop.” What an amazing story!!! ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Thinking back to ice cream... Mrs. Kristine’s favorite ice cream is peppermint, and she can’t even count how many times someone has ordered it! ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The last question, but not least, was, how on Earth, is your ice cream sooo delicious? She told us that she only used Blue Bell. And it is an outstanding ice cream company. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 18pt;">By: Tate, Taylor, and Anna.
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Who is the lady who started at Texas Tech and who finished at Mac Murray University and got a dance scholarship at SMU? Who is the lady that received her first degree in psychology and second degree in teaching? She did it all. Her name is ... Mrs. Keith! The word spread that Mrs. Keith was great at theater. Mrs. Valenta got the word and started to contact her. She thought to choose her because she had been teaching theater for 20 years. One of Mrs. Keith’s favorite things is teamwork. After she got out of college she went to Human Resources and taught dance at TCU. She had also participated in musicals, professional dancing and Corpus Christi Ballet. She also preformed in a few nutcracker plays. She did different jobs in the nutcracker like the gumdrop fairy and the Chinese dancers. Mrs. Keith played as Sleeping Beauty and was Little Red Riding Hood, plus, she was the girl named Alice in 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. Mrs. Keith’s favorite hobbies are exercising, gardening, relaxing, and walking her dog, she also likes to watch the sunset. She really doesn’t have a favorite grade because every grade has its own special trait. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 18pt;">She believes God led her into starting theater. She also likes dance, too. Mrs. Keith has taught at 2 schools so far, White Stone Elementary and LWBE. And no one actually encouraged her to start theater. People actually discouraged her. That’s how she got to LWBE. ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 16pt; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;">By: Michael and Spencer
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 18pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Hey Spencer, what’s your favorite subject?” “I would have to say… Language Arts.” “What’s yours?” “I think I like math.” “How about we ask some 3rd Graders the same question.” == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 18pt;"> The 3rd Grade classes that we interviewed were Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Clark. Every single time we asked what their two favorite subjects which was usually “Math and Science.” But we had some Language Arts and Social Studies. But then again, Math and Science were the most popular. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 18pt;"> I can get that one of their favorite subjects were science but math I had no idea,” urged Spencer. I think that math is not fun because all you really do is paper after paper after paper. It’s so BORING!!! Science is a lot more fun because you can do experiments and use really COOL tools. My favorite to use is a triple beam balance. Anyway I guess Third graders like what the Third graders like and the Forth graders like what the Forth graders like. ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 10pt;">By Haley, Brandi and Macy
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tickets are not as big a part of his job as you might think. In Steiner Ranch, he only gives out a few dozen a year. The Constable prefers to give out verbal warnings and to educate people about what they did wrong. Speeding and texting are not that big of an issue this year because the word is out that the Constable is watching so people are more careful. However, a big issue is parents dropping their kids off in the middle of the street instead of parking in a spot. This is so dangerous for kids and cars! Plus, it snarls traffic. Another big problem in our area is passing a school bus when the red arm is out. The highest fine ($500) he has ever seen was given for this wrongdoing. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">No matter how polite and respectful Edwards might be, residents can sometimes get angry and rude when they are stopped. He says it’s all part of the job and he stays professional no matter what might be yelled at him. One of the funniest excuses a person ever had for speeding was that they had to go to the bathroom really bad! While the speeding was wrong he ended up letting that person go with a warning and a grin. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Constable Edwards didn’t always have this title. In fact, he was a social worker at the Child Protective Society (CPS) first. This organization helps to look after the well being of children. While he was working at CPS, Edwards got the chance to ride along with a policeman during one of his shifts. He had a marvelous time that night patrolling the city and answering interesting and thrilling calls. At that very moment, he was hooked and knew he just had to get a job as a law enforcer as fast as he could! == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Soon after he got his badge, Edwards worked part time as the backup officer at Canyon Ridge Middle School. This year, he officially became the head Constable at the middle school. In the past, he saw a lot more trouble at school than now. Today, the biggest problems are kids running in the halls and having minor scuffles (fights). == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">While Steiner Ranch is a safe place to live, Constable Edwards does warn of some danger. He thinks the north intersection at Quinlan and Country Trails is very dangerous because there is so much traffic coming from all directions and there are a lot of people walking and riding bikes. He believes that a traffic light really may be necessary someday even though some of the residents do not want it there. In the meantime, he would like to see the 20 mph sign placed further ahead of the stop sign than it is right now so people will start to slow down earlier. These actions could save live a life someday! ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">By: Tate, Taylor, Anna, and Melanie
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> “ Hey guys, what do you think about the new Randall’s that is being built at the entrance of Steiner?” All of us discussed and we did not like it at ALL!!!! But, we still wanted to know what a few teachers thought about it. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> First, we talked to the fourth grade teachers: Mrs.Reim, Mrs. Perez, and Mrs.Nauert. They didn’t really like the idea. They wanted to see the greenbelt rather than the Randall’s. They all think it will be convenient, but they still think that H-E-B is better. No offense to Randall’s. Honestly, H-E-B is cheaper, in our opinion. If there had to be a building there, they would want to have something more exciting and experimental. They think the Randall's there is a waste of space. Now onto 3rd grade, Mrs.Starkey said that she grew up in a very flat place and she moved here because she wanted to see the view of the hill country, NOT A RANDALL'S! == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Mrs. Bundy actually liked the idea of it being there. She thought it would be pleasing to look at. It will be helpful, a major store, and it is going to serve other people, too. The kindergarten teachers, Mrs.Ellis and Mrs.Hostick said it makes them sick to look at all the construction. As all the other teachers said the greenbelt is much prettier than a building. And the construction ruined the space. But again, all the teachers would rather have another building there instead, like a movie theater where families could spend quality time together. What do you think about the Randall’s going there?? ==

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 190%;">__Get Lost... in a Book!!!__
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> From: http://www.gifanimations.com/GA/animation/MenuSelection/1/6 ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">By Louis Sachar
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This is an easy on level fourth grade book. It has humor, friendship, and true effort. It keeps you interested through out the entire book! It takes you through the characters' feelings. The story involves people coming out of their shell and making true friends. The main character, Bradley Chalkers, has a motto, ‘Call my parents if you don’t believe me.’ And trust me it is repeated a lot. Bradley hates school. He has no effort and no gold stars by the printed name on the class chart. But will he change and have a shining star by his name at the end of the year? I like the book because of the characters personality and friendship, but it has a fantastic story line. For any one who likes a good book and can’t put one down... ==

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">__Double Identity__
==<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">Margret Peterson Haddix <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;"> ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Have you ever read __Double Identity__ by Margret Peterson Haddix? If you haven’t you should think about reading it. It is a thrilling novel about a girl named Bethany, approaching her 13th birthday. Her parents have been acting unusual lately; her dad hardly ever lets her out of his sight, and her mom is usually always crying. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Her parents drove her to a far away house where her aunt, who Bethany never even knew existed, lived. They dropped her off there and she is worried her mom and dad are trying to run away from trouble. Bethany has no idea what the trouble is... But believe me there is trouble. The only hint Bethany has received was when she overheard her father tell her aunt Myrilie, ”She doesn’t know anything about Elizabeth.” ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Later she went to the pool with her aunt and everyone reacted the same way… as if Bethany was a ghost.
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> We love this book because it is very interesting and spooky. It was a book we couldn’t stop reading, we were stuck to it like glue. We read page after page. We couldn’t bear to set it down for one second, not for anything at all. In this two hundred twenty-four page novel, Margret Peterson Haddix puts together, yet another awesome page turning novel you’ll never forget. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">In the book __Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone__ by J.K. Rowling, Harry must adjust to his life in Hogwarts, a school of witchcraft and wizardry. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> When Harry’s broom starts bucking during Quidditch (similar to soccer but played with broomsticks) they immediately suspect Snape, the potions teacher, in Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione go on a dangerous journey to save the wizarding world. ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> I loved this book because of its creativity and humor. J.K. Rowling did a great job writing this book.
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