Stallion Star Gazette
Fourth Edition June 2015
Memorial Day
by Larsen and Medha
Memorial Day is celebrated to honor all of the soldiers who fought in battles. It used to be just for the Civil War Soldiers, but today, we honor every soldier. Every year, Memorial Day is on the last Monday in May. Some fun things to do are: decorate soldiers’ gravestones, host a party, and light fireworks. Symbols of Memorial Day are the red, white, and blue, flowers on gravestones, and of course, veterans. Remember those who served, and happy Memorial Day, everyone!
Good Sports!
by Larsen, Naina, and Spencer
BASKETBALL
College Basketball-
Ohio State started its season with a good start, but was knocked out early in the madness.
Kentucky is pounding everyone they meet. Michigan State is making it big after they beat SDSU.
So far, Kentucky was my pick but Wisconsin took it all.
Pro Basketball-
The Clippers are latching on after beating the Bulls. The Thunder is doing pretty well with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.
LACROSSE
College Lacrosse-
Duke! Those Blue Devils are kicking up the dirt with Miles Jones, the outstanding
midfielder that practically shoots from a mile away. Denver is also doing some damage.
DANCE
Competition starts at age 7 and goes to age 18. There are different places you can get. You can rank from Top 8 up to the Top Dancer. The top dance team gets a trophy and a money award for their dance school.
The winners of the top dance gets to go to state finals, where dance groups compete for Best Dance in the State.Camp Write-a-Lot
by Naina
As you walk into the new fourth grade hall,you notice crazy, laminated, pictures for each class. Then you remember it is Camp Write-a-Lot week.This is a week that will change the way you think about writing.
Desks in your classroom will be moved around. A paper campfire with a mini light will be in the middle of the classroom. Many forest-themed objects will surround the room. You will never think about your class the same again.
The day will start with a math worksheet.We’re in writing camp and doing math. Math is that important.
Then you will be herded off into the halls while going to the cafeteria.This is the awesome pep rally.The classes will be lined up while singing Camp Write-a-Lot songs. People can go up on the stage and dance.The prompt of the day will also be read. This is the most fun you will ever have in the cafeteria.
Specials is what you will go to next.That is probably the only same thing in your day.
Back at class, your teacher will pass out a colored packet. This is a grammar packet that consists of several stories that need to be corrected.At the end of this packet will be a blank space to plan and write your draft. Believe me, you do not want any mistakes on this packet. The questions are worth a lot of points!
Soon you will get to the writing part.There is a repeat of the prompt,some space for your planning,and a place to write your draft. You will have to go through the whole process of planning,drafting,revising,editing,and your final draft.
Then you all meet and share your leads. You will get the AWESOME, AMAZING s’mores. They should be worshipped.
Sadly, the day is over, but this MADNESS lasts all week.YAY. :)
Advice Column
by the Know-It-Alls
When we read what problems you had, we decided to answer them in a way like this:
1 Homework Solutions
2 Friendship Solutions
3 Time Management Solutions
Homework:
If you get distracted easily, take a folder or 3 pieces of cardboard taped together and keep your eyes on the paper.
If you don’t have enough time, change your schedule or start and continue later.
If it confuses you or if it is too hard, ask someone who is most likely good at it for help.
Friendship:
If your friend is being bossy or mean, tell her/him how you feel.
If your friend has ignored you or hurt you or your feelings, tell an adult or seek advice from the counselor.
Time Management problems:
If you have extra homework and don’t have time to finish try to squeeze some time in. Setting aside time and planning ahead is another way to stay ahead of time.
Pool Safety
by Grace
Splash! Everyone enjoys going to the pool on a hot day. There are many ways to have fun and enjoy your time at the pool. But, for your safety, there are many rules you should follow.
Do not run! The floor may be very slippery.
Swim under your own ability! Don’t do tricks that you don’t know how to do or you may get hurt.
Always have adult supervision! An adult will watch over you.
Listen and follow all directions! You will be more safe that way.
Have fun! But always remember to be safe!
Rules are rules. Safety is safety. But always have fun!
Top Five Games Played by Sommer Students
by Larsen and Medha
#1:Minecraft
Explore an awesome pixelated world in different terrains and fight off monsters. You can't thrive and survive. Do this in survival mode. Build whatever you want with what’s in your inventory and fly in creative mode.The ultimate game for builders and creators
#2:Video Star
Ever dreamed of becoming a pop star? Get Video Star and you’re halfway there! Different styles of video,so yours is so… you!
#3:Crossy Road
It sure is obvious that these characters need help crossing the roads! Will you be the one to help them?
#4:Clash of Clans:Fight and unleash your trained troops on other players and goblins. Create clans and forge alliances with players.Fight other clans in epic clan wars.Lead your clan to victory.Do you have the power? CLASH ON EVERYONE!
#5:Subway Surfers
Your character needs to run the subway rails. Run from the guard/evil cop who tries to capture you.Collect coins and powerups to get away from the guards.This is a small hint: Have quick reflexes and the game will end faster. Be fast, furious, and ferocious.
Movie Reviews
by Larsen and Naina
(K-2)
Girls: Frozen
Let it gooooo… you will love the story taken place in Norway, girls. Anna must go on an icy adventure to stop Elsa’s powers from taking over Arendell.
Boys: Jumanji
Boys who like action and adventure will just love Jumanji. This mysterious game comes to life when a curious boy opens it.
(3-5)
Girls: Dolphin Tales
Winter the dolphin gets hurt. Will anyone save her in this life or death situation?
Boys: Star Wars
Luke Skywalker must save everyone from the evil Darth Vader.
Advanced:
The Maze Runner
Thomas wakes up in a maze with his memory wiped. He is not the only one; many other boys are there who have already gone through what he is. When things turn upside down,they are forced to go through the maze to survive--a maze that nobody has been able to figure out for 3 years.
Harry Potter
A boy who is being chased and hunted down by evil forces must learn to fight back… if he wants his life to be spared.
SO GET STARTED WITH SOME MOVIE WATCHING, STALLIONS!
Summer Activities
by Naranjana and Suchi
Pools are part of summer activities, in fact they are part of the most chosen type of summer entertainment. Summer activities include fun things such as playing sports like tennis, baseball, football, and basketball. What are things that you want to do for summer? Maybe try these:
1. Camping might be something you want to try. It could help you learn about the wilderness and you can have s'mores.
2. Maybe you would like to bowl. It helps with posture and arm strength.
3. Creating or participating in a scavenger hunt might be interesting. It will improve your ability at finding things.
4. Try making crafts. It helps you with more creativity and gets you better grades at school.
5. A lemonade stand--you can have fun and make a little money from your efforts.
Art Gallery
Fiction
Uninvited Guests, by Grace and Jocelyn
I slowly got out of bed and crept down the stairs. It was very dark and silent. I could only hear my own breathing. My heart was pounding. I was sure I had just seen the doorknob turn.
The moonlight from the window shone brightly. Nothing. As I turned to go back upstairs, I heard sudden pounding on the door. “Who’s there?” I asked, trembling. “Let me in…” a faint voice said. “I said, WHO’S THERE?” I asked again, this time, louder. “Don’t let them in! Quick! Run away……...” a voice said. The door was TALKING. Before I had a chance to reply,, the door became silent.
I froze. The doorknob was turning even farther. Suddenly, the door knob fell off of the door and onto the floor. I tried to keep quiet and tip-toed to my parents’ room. “They have to be there.” I thought. I opened the door and went inside.
The bed was DESERTED. The pillows were on the floor and the covers were sticking out of the bed. “Mom? Dad? This isn’t funny!” I shouted, panicking. No answer. I dashed out of the room and into the living room. After what I saw on the couch, I swiftly hid in a corner.
I had seen my parents, both dressed in black. I tried to hide from them, but no such luck. “Caroline, why are you still awake? Are you having trouble sleeping?” Mom said. “........” I stayed silent. “Oh, um, Daddy and I are playing a game. Yes, a game!” Mom said. Terrified, I ran away, back upstairs.
I closed and locked my bedroom door. I layed on my bed, silent. “What’s happening?” I asked myself. Suddenly, I fell asleep.
I heard pounding everywhere. “Let me in…” voices groaned everywhere. I was in a never- ending maze of doors!
“Huh? What’s happening?” The sun shone brightly on my face. It was morning! Everything had been a dream! I went downstairs and my parents were making breakfast. Everything was normal. I went to look at the front door. No pounding, moaning, or groaning. But I did realize a scar on the door that said, “I’ll be BACK.”
Comics by Medha
What are you doing this summer?
by Spencer and Mrs. Margocs
- Charan is going to India with his family.He is going because of a family tradition.He is very excited.
- Sloan is going to Mexico with her family, just for fun.She is also excited.
- Mrs. Coggin is going to a national conference in Kansas City, representing the Texas chapter of Cure SMA.
- Mrs. Margocs is going to be reading all of the new Bluebonnet Award nominee books.
Book Reviews
by Grace, Larsen, Medha and Naina
Books for 3rd through 5th graders
Odette’s Secrets by Maryann MacDonald
A Jewish girl named Odette is going through very harsh moments in her life. At the time she was living, a man named Hitler was in control. Her father gets taken away and she has to take many trips to escape. In her life, she learns about very important things: SECRETS. This book would be recommended to 3rd-5th grade students.
The Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage
Septimus Heap is the seventh son of the seventh son. He is the one who is destined to defeat the Necromancer DomDaniel. Living in a world full of Magyk anything can happen. This is an awesome fictional book that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last word.
Books for Kindergarten through 2nd graders
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Sophie gets scooped up one night by a giant who says he does not like to harm kids. Sophie and her new giant friend must stop the giants that really do want to harm kids. Will they do it? find out in The BFG.
Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park
The tale of a humorous 5 year old has been well loved through the years. Bad grammar, Meanie Jim, bestest friends Lucile and That Grace, and lots more. Junie B. has a successful year that does have a few obstacles, but she and room 9 end up happy.
Written by fourth graders of Sommer Elementary School, Round Rock ISD
Website: sommer.roundrockisd.org
Location: 16200 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin, TX, United States