Kids Times


Cuddles Then Archie

My friend came to an end.
I don’t know how or when.
My hamster was named Cuddles.
My tears formed a puddle.
Nothing could help me then.
If something could, I wouldn’t
know how or when
But then,
Archie came along.
I could laugh and sing a joyful song.
Close to nothing could take my happiness away now.
I still miss Cuddles with my heart and soul,
But I’ll have Archie ’til we both grow old.

Grace Crimi, Grade 6
Gillette Road Middle School

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Snowflake

A lonely crystal
Slowly making its way onto the earth
Layering the world with a blanket of white.
The ground is in hiding while the sprinkles
Of ice take over for the grass
Until the sun dominates the land of powdery diamonds.

Carly Jones, Grade 8
Tully Junior High School

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A Part in a Story

I listen well
To the sound of the drone
As my hope swells
And my heart moans

I’ve got a part
A leading role
In a written art
That’s very droll

The book is read
Within a group
Each person has said
The plot’s big scoop

As the story ends
I ask real slow
Can’t it be lengthened
For an hour or so

Grace Gates, Grade 8
Tully Junior High School

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Mothers

Mothers, they keep you fed and sweet
They keep you groomed and neat
They are the almighty source of inspiration
No matter what the occasion they are always there
For some liberation
Mothers always bring kids joy especially when they give
Them a shiny new toy
Their shoulder is always there to lean on just
As long as you bring them something to teethe on
Sometimes they become stressed
That is when you know to act the best
Mothers can be moody, for sure
But they are the ones you will always prefer.
...Mothers

Brian Esposito, Grade 8
Tully Junior High School

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Amber Eyes

My cat stalks up
From the shadows by the tree
Distracted by the
Honey bee.
I laugh as she dances,
In the noontime sun,
Her black coat shining
like ebony spun.

She spins like a gypsy dancer,
And in her amber eyes,
I see the laughter
And the fury
Of my black cat’s pride.

I also see the patience,
And the hidden will,
And the independence
Even mornings on a windowsill.
Nights huddled in the bed,
Chasing mice around the shed,
And of all the times she’s led,
The kittens through the flour mill.

And what makes a cat a cat?
I think I now can say.
Their pride, their will,
Their grinning sly,
Their clever sneaking way.

Maddie Perkins, Grade 8
Tully Junior High School

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Summer

The summer air
brushed her face
as she danced around
with elegant grace

The earth felt cool
and soft beneath her toes
while a beautiful butterfly
pranced on her nose

Her heart was so incredibly
light that day
as if the breeze
could simply take her away

Courtney DeOrdio, Grade 8
Tully Junior High School

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Grandfather

Every time I look into his eyes
I see a life of hard work and hardships
I see a man who has been sick more than I can count
I see a man who has survived it all
I see a man who against all odds,
still stands here today
I see a man, who gave it all for his family,
just so they could have a better life than he
But most importantly,
Every time I look into his eyes
I am filled with hope.

Tom Lamson, Grade 8
Tully Junior High School

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Swim Meet

In the morning it was my last event to get my gold time in the 50 free. When I stepped up to the blocks to get ready I was nervous. Then when I jumped off the blocks and went into the water I thought I was going to make it, but when I finished I found out that I missed it by one second. My dad came over and told me that I could swim it again because I made finals. That night at finals when I swam the 50 free I made it by two seconds.

Liam Henry, Grade 5
Morgan Road Elementary

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The Rise of Dawn

The sadness took over
Gloom filled the air
The beast has arrived
Attacking strong and powerful

We will gather our strength
The battle has begun
We must work together
Until we have won.

Through this journey finding
courage
With caring family and friends
We walk together
Supportive, strong and powerful

The rise of dawn, the first light of day
All becomes clear, it falls into place
A new beginning with hope, beauty and strength
The rise of dawn, the first light of day

Marissa Rodriguez, Grade 5
Morgan Road Elementary

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My Cats
Boris was my cat,
He was not fat.
He slept in my bed,
He walked on my head,
Then he was dead.

The vet brought out
A new pet.
It was a kitten,
With white mittens.
We brought him home,
My dog brought him a bone.
When the kitten came home he wasn’t poofy,
But he was goofy.

Kevin Hiemenz, Grade 5
Morgan Road Elementary

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A Day at the Zoo

One day my family and I went to the zoo and it was so hectic. There were kids screaming and yelling everywhere you went, and it was so hot—we picked the wrong day to go to the zoo. My favorite animal is every type of primate, so we went to go see them first. One pressed its nose up against the glass, and tried to kiss me but he couldn’t ’cause of the glass. I got two stuffed animals, a monkey and a penguin. I wish I got that tiger. The elephants had a show so we watched it. It was so fun.

Brooke Wilson, Grade 5
Morgan Road Elementary

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Lake Adventure

A few days ago I got to walk across a Finger Lake! It was a great experience. While my dad and I walked across the frozen lake, all you could hear was the crunching of snow. It was very peaceful and relaxing with no wind. I have a lot of memories from that walk.

Ryan Turner, Grade 5
Morgan Road Elementary

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Soccer

Moist green grass is all around them
Adrenaline is in the air
The ball moves from player to player
While the fans just sit and stare
The players pass the ball around unselfishly
Knowing that it is the TEAM that allows them to win
All of these players have become great friends
It’s just the game they are playing in
The lessons of soccer build character and strength
The skills they are learning will make them as sharp as a knife
Because it is doing their best that brings them the success
That will take them far in life

Aaron Johnson, Grade 5
Morgan Road Elementary

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Cookie Rescue

One day I was sick on a sunny day, and my sisters got to play outside. I had to stay home while they were laughing and chasing each other. My mom saw me gazing outside bored. She told me to wash my hands nice and clean to help bake cookies. So I washed my hands and got out the shortening, baking powder and measuring cups. We mixed up all the ingredients, rolled up the dough, and into the warm oven they went. We washed up everything, and then, the cookies were ready. The warm aroma rose into the air.

Laura Leung, Grade 5
Morgan Road Elementary

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Poetry Cure

When I’m feeling blue I usually like to write poetry. That way I can express my feelings. Writing is everything to me. When I write it’s like I’m in my own little world with no problems or worries. I first started writing at the age of 9. Ever since then it’s been my passion to write. I love it! My writing and poems are based on real stuff and what goes on in life. Whenever I’m feeling sad I take out my journal (that I always carry with me) and start writing poetry. It’s fun and I really enjoy it!

Arnela Bektic, Grade 7

H.W. Smith School

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Wrestling

When I’m sad the thing that makes me happy is watching wrestling. From 2002 to 2005 there was one wrestler who always made me happy. It didn’t matter what situation I was in, Eddie Guerrero made me happy. He was a wrestler who caught my eye because he always delivered 100 percent in the ring. It didn’t matter if he was bad or good he always would entertain me, but on Nov. 13, 2005, he passed away. Then there wasn’t any wrestler who could entertain me like Eddie Guerrero did. For me wrestling is not the same as it used to be, so God bless Eddie Guerrero, and I thank him for all the great moments.

Grigoriy Bagiryan, Grade 7
H.W. Smith School

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Happy in the Water

One day I was riding the sports bus to Nottingham. We stopped to pick up the kids at Levy. We were parked in the back of the school, by the football field. There was a bus in front of us. Our bus driver tried to go around the bus but we got stuck. Our bus was too close to the other bus. We were stuck blocking off the entire street. We were stuck for a long time. The fire department came and we had to squeeze between the two buses to get off our bus. We all had to fill out injury reports. Another bus came and took us to swim practice. When I got to practice I was mad about what happened earlier. I got in the pool and started to swim. Swimming made me so happy that I forgot about the bus accident. I was so happy to be in the water. Being in the water makes me happy because I feel like I can fly. Moving through the water feels so good. It’s like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. When I’m in the water there’s nothing I can’t do.

Bria Cherebin, Grade 7
H.W. Smith School


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Mariah, Marianah, Marsitah

I am the oldest girl out of four girls. When Mariah was born I was full of happiness and excitement but then we took her home and for two years it was nothing but nonstop loudness. I can remember myself waking up every night saying, “Mommy, the baby’s crying.” Then came another one. When Marianah was born I was happy but knew what was coming. Again every night me and Mariah would say, “Mommy, the baby’s crying.” Then Marsitah. I was very nervous but knew again we’d be saying, “Mommy, the baby’s crying.” The four of us do appreciate each other. Even though Marsitah is still a baby we’re always playing together. And now my mother says, “Martikah, Mariah and Marianah, the baby’s crying.”

Martikah Williams, Grade 7
H.W. Smith School

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The Shot

I was feeling down when SU played Georgetown,
My team was down by 2 and I had the flu,
There were 20 seconds left when Erica hit a shot,
It was floating in the air and the ball finally dropped,
I was so happy that I got all hot,
Thanks to No. 21 I witnessed a game-winning shot
I was only 11 when I left the Dome,
The final score was 68-67.

Shonnan Usman, Grade 7
H.W. Smith School

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In the Galaxy

Seven years from now
I will be playing
for LA Galaxy

I’m living in paradise
making money and
diamond ice

Living the dream
playing for
Los Angeles Galaxy

Azmir Husic, Grade 7
H.W. Smith School

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The 360

One time when I was snowboarding at a ski resort named Toggenburg I really wanted to do my first 360. So I got to Toggenburg and I had a breakfast sandwich. It was really yummy, it had egg, cheese and ham. The cheese was all melted onto the ham, yum. Sorry, now back to the subject. So I was going up the chair thinking about the jump and doing a 360. So I go into the terrain park. I go off the jump and … I did it, I did a 360!

Ben Greenfeld, Grade 7
H.W. Smith School


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Friends

Sometimes I do badly in a ski race,
I ski at a sad and slow pace,
But then I see my friends,
They take my sorrows and make amends,
They pull me up when I am down,
They help me get rid of my frown.

Adam Luban, Grade 7

H.W. Smith School


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A Day at a Swim Meet

I hear the waves in the water
I am getting ready for my race, hoping to swim fast
Two more heats until mine
I am nervous but I hope to win
I get up on the block still hoping to do well
I dive in
I hear my friends and my coach,
who hope for the best
One lap left, still hoping to win
I sprint up and pass everyone
I touch the wall and get my time
I won
My friends are all cheering
Yes, yes, yes!

Brianna Smith, Grade 6

Camillus Middle School

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In the Mountains

I feel joy when visiting the Adirondacks. Climbing the mountains is so much fun. I love to climb the rocks and over the logs. When I reach the top, I look out and see the blue lake and thousands of green trees. The top of my grandparents’ camp looks like a little speck. Our hike is followed with a boat ride and fishing. Going really fast is my favorite part, especially when it almost blows my hat off. Later, I go fishing. Once I got a huge, foot-long fish. Being in the Adirondacks is my definition of joy.

Sean Beney, Grade 6
Camillus Middle School

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Ink Worlds

Hidden well behind the page
A book’s words can set the stage.
Only the reader’s eye can see
What the magic world can be.
To end the world where fairies roam
Just close the book and you’ll be home.
If the magic worlds aren’t yours,
Try non-fiction books from stores.
When feeling down or blue,
Let a book be there for you.
You never know where words will lead
So grab a book and start to read!

Christina Lee, Grade 6
Camillus Middle School

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Ocean

In the beach bag go towels,
the umbrella,
I’m feeling excited,
The car ride takes forever,
And we’re there.
Racing my brother down in
the sand,
I can smell the ocean breeze,
The sand feels hot in my sandals.
The cool water is calming.
My family walks down the endless beach,
Sea lions playing, sea gulls flying,
The wind whipping my hair,
As I stop to pick up shells.
We turn to walk back,
The endless beach,
The sun has almost set, the sky is many colors,
We’re walking away, I don’t feel sad,
I know we’ll be back tomorrow.

Amanda Sullivan, Grade 6

Camillus Middle School

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Fast Times

Riding down a steep hill
not caring how fast
Air blasting through my helmet
I see the bottom of the street
I slam the brakes, just in time
and stop to a halting skid
I couldn’t believe what I heard
When I heard my tire go “POP!”
Now I realize I have to tow my bike away,
but believe me, I’ll be back on it some other day.

Nathan Discenza, Grade 6
Camillus Middle School

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The Sound

I put on my shoes and jersey for the game
I didn’t know the crowd would yell my name
I ran down the court. I couldn’t hear myself breathe
The seats were full, no one dared to leave
As I got the ball I did a head fake,
I looked at the hoop and it looked the size of a lake
As I shot the ball, I had one wish
That I would only hear the sound …
Swish.
I was scared, I closed my eyes
Then I heard a sound like a bunch of flies …
Swish.
I got my wish

Mike Geremia, Grade 6
Camillus Middle School

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Guitar Hero

I pick my guitar up out of my case
So fun to play no time to waste
Picking, strumming they’re all so much fun
I start playing and I’m off like a gun
I plug my guitar into my amp
Then I turn it on and I sound like a champ
It inspires me a lot and makes me happy
I hope I will become a rock star and not be a failure.

Nick Irving, Grade 6
Camillus Middle School


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On the Line

Creak, creak, creak
The gym floor creaks as I walk up to the line.
Thump, thump, thump
I dribble three times knowing the shot won’t count with four.
Bam!
The basketball hits the back of the rim and falls into the net
Phew!
That was close.
Swoosh! The next shot goes in.
I’m shivering!
But I’m not cold…
A cell phone rings, a baby cries, a timer dings, a shoe is tied.
Don’t get distracted, I want to win
My passion
My foul-shooting contest.

Delaney Nolan, Grade 6
Camillus Middle School

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A Fish Story

It was a bright day in Skaneateles and I was climbing out of our RV. I was heading down to the dock with my fishing pole. My cousin Max was already fishing and had already caught a fish. I was jealous, so I got right to work. There was a small crack in the wood, and if you were lucky you could get your worm to float into the crack. It was guaranteed you would catch a fish. After a few tries, I managed to get the worm in the crack. Soon I was pulling fish out of the water with my eyes closed. Together Max and I caught at least 20 fish. That was the best fishing trip I ever had. It is one day of my life I will never forget.

Simon Bruno, Grade 6

Manlius Pebble Hill School

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Adventures in Print

Reading and writing.
Two inspirational things in this world.

To read a story is to set out on an adventure,
Never knowing where you are going.
The thrill of the ride.
Never wanting it to end
Soon you are inspired to make your own story

Writing
To write is like drawing your own world.
You could take refuge in it, and be safe.
While your mind is drawn away writing a story,
Our world still revolves.

To read is to follow someone else’s adventure
And to write may lead to others exploring your world.
Which path would you follow?

Jacob Hamblin, Grade 6
Manlius Pebble Hill School

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The Beach

I woke up on a summer’s day
It was so hot that I could not play.

It was so scalding I could barely talk
I felt I could fry eggs on a sidewalk.

All this heat made my mother say,
“Let’s go to the beach! It’s a wonderful day.”

I got into the car, the heat made me choke,
And my brother thought he got heatstroke.

When we got there, we couldn’t get any hotter.
But then I saw the beautiful water,

And the gold sand filled with shells big and small;
The buff lifeguard, boy was he tall!

When I strolled into the big pool of blue
I felt much better, that’s what I knew.

I thought the ocean was my friend
And knew I would be back again.

Adhana Asfaw, Grade 6

Manlius Pebble Hill School

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Ballpark Day

The smell of the hot dogs,
The ice-cold lemonade
No better day than a ballpark day.

The crunch of the peanuts
The solid ball hitting the unstoppable
force of the bat.
The greenest grass
The brightest sun.

The ninth inning,
The game’s almost done.
Pack up your hats, gloves, bats and cleats.
The game is over,
The home team has won.

Up it rose,
But now down goes the sun.

Duncan Morrison, Grade 6
Manlius Pebble Hill School


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My Trampoline

In the summer
When my day is a bummer
I go on my trampoline.
Flying through the air with every jump
If I am to fall I hit the ground with a thump
But I get right back on and start jumping again
Hours and hours I’m jumping around
By the time I get off I have every emotion except for a frown
As I am going inside I turn around
To look at my trampoline just one more time
I’m willing to jump on it anytime.

Dan Byrnes, Grade 6
Manlius Pebble Hill School

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A Walk in the Woods

A pleasant stroll,
Alone with nature.
The only place I want to be
Is in this forest of serenity.

The trees tower above the ground,
Leaving shade and little sound.
Somewhere in the distance,
A bird calls for its mate.
Soon to find out,
About his fate.

The leaves crunch beneath my feet.
I’d rather walk on these
Than any old street.
The breeze leaves behind
The scent of Mother Nature.

A pleasant stroll,
Alone with nature,
Is where I want to be.

Leigh Preston, Grade 6
Manlius Pebble Hill School

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Score
I open my eyes to a field of green, glinting in the afternoon sun. Players scatter the field in confusion. I look left and right and cherish the posts, the net, the yellow lines. Everything seems perfect, exactly where it needs to be. Suddenly, I see the small white ball flying to me, like a dog to its owner. I look toward the goal and there’s a wide-open space as if it’s meant to be there for me. The ball is sent flying through the air and the goalie is dumbstruck. Where did it go? Ahhh, perfect.

Braedon Gait, Grade 6
Manlius Pebble Hill School

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The Game
I was not happy when I thought that there would be a delay,
But we went into double overtime that day.
And we won at the buzzer!
What more can I say,
About that wonderful, wonderful game.

Conor Gollegly, Grade 6
Bishop’s Academy at Most Holy Rosary


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Hope, Joy, Love and Peace
One star gives HOPE to the people who need it.
One bell gives JOY to the people who need it. One heart gives LOVE to the people who need it. One world gives PEACE to the people who need it. How many people in this world? How many people look up to these symbols, for hope, joy, love and peace? All of us, for we are the people of this earth.

Talon J., Grade 5
Tully Elementary School

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The List

My hands were clammy and I felt sweat trickling down my neck. The girls’ basketball team’s list was out. I knew I might have made it, but then I thought no way. I knew I should be hoping, but I was too nervous. I was thinking when I should peek, but I turned my back to the board. I couldn’t do it, I needed some inspiration. Then something caught my eye. My older brother was there, waiting for me. I got the courage to look, I turned around and. . . I MADE IT! We celebrated with some ice cream.

Jenna D., Grade 6

Tully Elementary School

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Splash!

I dive into the cool lake water, breaking the surface, creating ripples, as I glide into the world beneath. Colorful fish weave in and out of my legs, and green seaweed dances and sways beside me. Blazing red crayfish scurry from rock to rock closer to shore, and tiny snails climb up seaweed. Iridescent bubbles float up from crevices in between green, mossy rocks. As they float to the surface they catch the sun’s warm summer rays. As the blue water encircles me all of my troubles vanish. Snorkeling is my source of hope, inspiration and joy.

Sara Y., Grade 6

Tully Elementary School

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Hawaii
The joy of seeing shells on the beach, glittering like pink and white gems.

The joy of swimming with sleek, shining dolphins and having them pull you across the clear glossy pool.

The joy of climbing on charred lava rocks with my quick brother close behind.

The great joy of stumbling after flaming pink and red crabs.

The joy of being in Hawaii.

Alexis B., Grade 6

Tully Elementary School

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Growing Inspiration
In my lifetime, there have been many inspirations coming from many different places. Above all the rest, though, one source stands out—nature.

In nature, so many aspects are inspirational—especially trees. Trees just start as a tiny seed but can grow from generation to generation. The amazing part is, the older they get, the more beautiful they are. Sometimes on cool summer nights, I like to take a walk in the woods. While I breathe in the fresh air, I look at the beautiful swaying branches and feel warm joy bubbling up inside me.

Casey J., Grade 6

Tully Elementary School

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Joy
My source of joy is my family. Each member of my family is unique and different just like snowflakes. There are six people and a puppy in my family. They are my source of joy because they are always there for me. When I’m blue or injured they comfort me. When I’m ecstatic they laugh with me. When I’m trying something new they encourage me. My family loves to play games, watch movies, travel, cook, and do much more together. Even though we are all different in a way, when we come together we create something wonderful.

Zoe H., Grade 6
Tully Elementary School

The Joy of Friendship

If someone’s feeling sad
Or is sick with the blues
They cheer her up with smiles
And make her feel good

If one of us is in a contest
Or in a competition, like a sport
They cheer her on with clapping and yelling
Until they scream themselves hoarse

If she wins or loses, either way
They still congratulate them
While other people say, “Good job”
They say, “You were AMAZING”

Sure, sometimes we fight
Or have a disagreement
But I know we can count on us saying
“They are my best friends for they will never leave me.”

Helene A., Grade 6

Tully Elementary

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My Grandpa

I loved my grandpa
He always made me
Feel better
When I was frowning

He got sick one day
He slipped out of my hands
Into a coma
He never said a word
Or even smiled

Twenty-nine days went by
On day 30 he died
My heart shattered
And the world stopped

Without saying
Goodbye or the last
“I love you”
He was gone

But now
Every day he
Looks over me
He taught me
A lesson
Have joy in my heart
And
Have hope in my mind

Colleen W., Grade 6
Tully Elementary School

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My Soccer Team
It’s a wet and yucky Friday!
Time to go to my practice.
To have some fun with my energetic and cheerful buds.
The Beezers, my soccer team.
The Beezers always cheer for eachother.
The Beezers are funny.
They cheer me up when I am down.
The Beezers, my soccer team, are a joy to be around.

Amanda McGregor, Grade 5

Redeeming Mondays Home School Co-Op

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The Hamster
A hamster is a small but cool pet to have. After we left Old Country Buffet we got our dad to go to Petco. There we found Rocky. The first hamster we picked rejected us. The lady who worked there seemed scared of the brown hamster with dots on its back. Then came a hamster all tan with black eyes walking close to a tiny box. We decided to buy it. As we were driving home I was excited and nervous.

Alexander Heyward, Grade 6

Redeeming Mondays Home School Co-Op

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Happy Hannahs
On Feb. 2 two of my friends and I were supposed to watch the Hannah Montana concert. Unfortunately the projector was broken. Outraged, disappointed and upset we left the mall. We would have to wait another long week to see the concert. The days went by so slowly, I was sure time would stop. The week seemed dull. I was sure I would die of anxiety. But finally Saturday came. As we drove back to the mall a million thoughts raced through my head. Will it work? Fortunately the projector worked. And I enjoyed the concert very much.

Hannah Heyward, Grade 7
Redeeming Mondays Home School Co-Op

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Dolphins

The beautiful sun over the gleaming waves
Lays such a beauty that never delays
With its tail and its fins it leaps out
A dolphin is my dream without a doubt
As smooth as a stone and as shiny as the sun
These magnificent creatures will give you some fun
I wish to swim with them
Around the coral reef
To see what life is like under the sea
The sea is like a rainbow
With its colors so bright
The wonder of the sea is a beautiful sight,
But seeing a dolphin
Is like a magnificent flight
Just before night

Patty Capone, Grade 5
Huntington School

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My Best Friend

When I am feeling down
My best friend
Always turns it around
Although not a clown
She can certainly change a frown
Into fun.

Ryan Molthrop, Grade 6
Bishop’s Academy at Most Holy Rosary

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Summer Vacation

I’ve waited
I’ve watched the clock
TICK TOCK! TICK TOCK! TICK TOCK!
Summer is approaching
The bell is about to ring.
RIIIING!
School is over
Hello, fresh air!
I am free.

Brian Ritchie, Grade 6
Bishop’s Academy at Most Holy Rosary

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Swimming
I feel a shiver go up my spine as I dive into the water.
I lift my head to breathe.
My heart is racing.
I see someone ahead of me, which causes me to go faster.
I feel the water go through my hair.
I kick harder and pull ahead of the person,
I feel a thrill as I do a flip turn.

I have been working on it all summer.
I’m almost to the end when my goggles snap off and fall to the bottom of the pool.
I can go on without them.
I finally touch the wall.
The race is over.
I won.
The medal is mine.

Allee Eber, Grade 6
Bishop’s Academy at Most Holy Rosary

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Basketball
Like a smile that never fades, the crowd always puts me in a good mood.
But, when I begin to play, there is nothing in my head except basketball.
On the court I am playing tough defense.
And I am playing as hard as I can.
When I release the ball I can immediately tell–airball, short or swish.
Yet it doesn’t change my momentum
Because I love the game.

Kyle Chapman, Grade 6
Bishop’s Academy at Most Holy Rosary

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© Family Times: The Parenting Guide of Central New York