Have You Spent Time With Your Family Recently?

Have you spent time with your family recently? Well, I haven’t. I miss those days when all my family and good friends used to come to our house. We used to have a good time, especially when my Mom, my grandma, and my aunts made good food. I miss those good parties that we used to make on those beautiful Saturdays. That was so nice when all the family liked to watch soccer and all play with Legos and all kinds of stuff. We still watch soccer but everything is boring without our friends and family. I think I should have a party on Saturday.

By W. R., a middle school student

The Best Gift I Ever Received Was a Red Power Rangers Transformer Car

The best gift I ever received was a red Power Rangers Transformer car. My father gave it to me and that’s why it is so special. My father means a great deal to me and giving me that gift made me feel special inside. In addition, when I was a young kid, I wasn’t as fortunate as some people. My parents didn’t live in a big house. We lived in a duplex in the smallest towns in the state. Life was tough in my neighborhood. That car was the only thing that my Dad gave me when he passed away. Another reason I like the car is that it was the hottest thing on the street, and everyone wanted it. I felt so special when I was the center of attention. My player stats went through the roof. The ladies loved it.

By J.T., a high school student

As a Proud Mexican-American I Take to heart Hateful Comments About My Heritage

As a proud Mexican-American born in Matamorros, Mexico, I take to heart racist, fascist and hateful comments made about my heritage. Our struggle to rid the U.S. of racist remarks is a tough one but one that needs to be done. In recent years there has been an increase in the cultural abuse of a proud people. I find this immoral, degrading, and disgusting. Now it has been integrated into our society’s vocabulary: beaner, wetback, immigrant. But why does such racism exist? Why are we not allowed to demonstrate our pride?

Let’s start at the beginning. When Mexico was overrun by European immigrants and Spanish conquistadors, my people, the proud people of Mexico, were killed like meaningless insects. Years later the U.S. was established and the people who survived were put under the rule of the Spanish. We fought long and hard to gain our independence, and when we finally did, we were in control of our own lives. We made a deal with the U.S. government and sold our land in California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Presently Latino immigrants are coming into this country, a country of freedom and opportunity, to make something better for themselves. But when they come here, they are greeted with hostility. It is a fact that most states’ bills of rights were written in Spanish before being translated into English. Again, when coming here we are forgotten and considered a minority. In the coming years, though, Latinos will be the majority. We can stand and be proud only if we unite.

I look at situations here in the U.S. and I am angered and saddened. I see colleges having “South of the Border” themed parties or having people play the racist joke when no one is around. This brings tears to my eyes to see my people, my life, and my culture demeaned this way. Caesar Chavez united migrant workers in the U.S. Hidalgo Zapata, and Espinoza fought for our independence, and I would fear thinking about what they would say.

I have been approached by racism, and I guarantee that I will continue to be spitted on because of my ethnicity. I cannot imagine knowing why people are so racist towards us. We are a proud, struggling, and knowing people. I cannot see the racism ending soon unless we, the new generation, try to put an end to it now.

By C.C., a high school student

Imagine Seeing Your Father After Two and Half Years

Imagine seeing your father after two and a half years as he walks through the door surprisingly on Christmas Eve with presents in his hand and with a smile that makes you want to cry. Wouldn’t you consider that the best day of your life? I would because by far that has been. My dad left when I was three, and he came back when I was five. He came back on Christmas and he spent it with us and especially with me and gave me all his attention and from then, my father never left my side again.

This was the best day of my life, because when he walked through that door, smiling and laughing and waiting for me to hug him, I froze. I didn’t know what to do. I mean yes, he was my father but I didn’t know to be mad because he left me but then that would ruin the whole day. Before I had time to decide or think about it, I was already in his arms and crying and laughing and so glad to see him that I forgot all the bad things. There was so much joy in me I thought it would never go away.

Another reason why it was the best day of my life was because he brought presents, and my mother started talking to him again. I heard the conversation,and I didn’t understand why she wouldn’t take him back. But of course I was five, and I didn’t understand, but she took him back later on anyways. I was so happy when we all sat down on the table with him and ate and he was hugging me, telling me he loved me and I was his favorite child. Of course he had no other to pick from, I’m an only child!

Also things were the best day ever because we spent it together and with the family and laughing, and it all came at me so fast and I didn’t expect any of it. It made me so happy. And he got along with my family with my mom, and seeing them together, I thought they would never grow apart. My father had a smile that I thought was tattooed on his face, because every time I looked I saw it there, even when we all went to sleep.

So to sum it all up, this was the best day ever because my father came back with presents, got back with my mother, and he spent all so happily that it made me happy to see everyone else happy. As far as I know I think that tattoo was on my face too!

By I. S., a middle school student

The Best Day I Wver Had With My Family

The best day I ever had with my family is when we took them to my cousin's pool. Well now I'm going to tell you everything that happened. All my family members came from all over the world. We took all of them to the pool so they could go swimming at my cousin's house and have a great time at my cousin's house. When we went swimming at my cousins house,my uncle took out the grill and started cooking barbecue chickens and wings. We had put the radio out too, and everybody started dancing and having a great time.and my other family member started talking about what had happened in their past to the other ones, and everybody was having a great time, and that was the best day my family had ever had.

The end

By A. J. D., a middle school student

What Was Your Perfect Day With Your Family?

What was your perfect day with your family? Mine was Christmas 2 years ago! First we all woke up at 6:00 am. Then we cooked breakfast and ate. Also, my sister arrived unexpectedly. Last, we all opened present. That was the perfect day with my family!

First we all woke up at 6:00 am. When we woke up, we took pictures of the presents sitting under the tree. Then, we took pictures of each other, then all together. Last, we all went outside to watch the sun rise. It was the best morning ever!

After the sun rose, we cooked and ate breakfast. We started out cooking some bacon and eggs, but then my brother and I wanted some biscuits and gravy. So we cooked that, but then my dad wanted ham like he always wants. So we cooked bacon, eggs biscuits and gravy, ham and then pancakes, because my other brother just had to have them. The kitchen was a mess!

Then when we were done with breakfast, we opened presents. It was hard because all the presents took up all the space in the living room where we had the tree. Each of us got over $800.00 worth of stuff, and there were 5 of us. I got an ipod that got ran over by my brother's dirt bike. My brother got a PS2 along with a video game chair, and a lot of other $50.00 or less games, and toys. And my other brother got a dirt bike. Man, it was a good Christmas

After opening presents, fast, my sister Stephanie arrived without telling us she was coming… except my dad. Obviously they had made plains to surprise us on Christmas day by bringing gifts, her boy friend, and my niece Maddy. But we surprised them because they had no gifts, and my mom didn’t let them stay with us because then they would have had to sleep in the living room. Although they didn’t get presents, we took them out to dinner, and we spent over $100.00. I thought we were going to be broke after Christmas.

To wrap things up, the best time I ever had with my family was Christmas 2 years ago. We woke up at 6:00 am. Then we ate breakfast. After that, my sister came unexpectedly. Last, we opened presents. That was my best day with my family.

By A. M., a middle school student

Everyone Has Experienced Anger Before

Everyone has experienced anger before. Some have rather different ways to deal with anger. Some wreck stuff, cut themselves, beat their dog. I sometimes listen to the sickest music I know, that’s pretty sick ha-ha. There are also a lot nicer ways to deal with anger for instance hang out with your friends and bash mailboxes, just kidding, you can also try to make the best of it and control instead of lashing out at everyone and just talk to someone.

Know there are two types of people explosive and implosive people. Now explosive people let there anger out right away, girls like to scream, boys like to fight. I’m sure you can picture the explosive people are the people you see screaming at the casher for not taking his check implosive people is the casher who gets fed up with angry customers and remain quiet day after day and finally shoots everyone in the store.

I would say it would be better to be explosive than implosive because implosive people hold in so much anger that they can’t control themselves. Now either implosive or explosive you can still handle the situation better because there’s always another way without violence. For instance instead of fighting you can talk to someone. If you are implosive, I suggest no angry music, no cutting or angry videos, maybe even go to see a shrink or join anger management, ha-ha just kidding. Just talk to someone you trust to help you deal with your anger.


By D. P., a middle school student

There Are Many Ways to Deal With Anger

There are many ways to deal with anger. Some are good and some are bad, but we all sometimes try to do the right thing. My ways to deal with anger change at times because when you’re angry, you don’t care what’s going to happen. You just do what you do and forget everything. Unlike some other people who actually think about it first. I do many things, and the among the things I’ve noticed that I’ve done is that I sometimes let it all out, I scream, I tell someone most of the time, I fight, I get an attitude not only with my parents but with anyone who gets in my way, I hold it in and let it out later when it’s the right time, many times I just stay calm, and many times I also act cool and I try to pretend like nothing has happened. But many times I can’t control myself.

I think that when we are angry, we should stop and think about what the situation is and what to do to not make it bigger. Many times the situation becomes worse because we do not think before we act. When I let it all out, sometimes the person I’m fighting with gets insulted on something I say and the situation becomes worse. They start in my face and in my face and that is something I don’t like. But that’s some of the times when I try to keep my cool and not fight. I think that is a positive way to re-act.

Also another thing I do is that I tell someone, like my dad or my mom or my best friend and I just chill out for a while and then continue it the next day or just wait and see what happens. There were two times when I threw punches and it didn’t go so well after that. So I’ve learned to keep my cool for as long as possible.

Sometimes I also think about it, but then it grows, and I start to get more problems from that one little insult that someone said to me. And then I go off, and then they do the same thing I do and keep calm, and I get up in their face and space, and then I get annoying and more annoying screaming and spitting because I am so close to your space. And then you can’t hold it in any longer. You start throwing things, and then you get in trouble. But the best way to handle a problem is not only not starting one or just people reacting the same way and wanting to work the problem out. That is also, of course, a very positive way to handle a problem. But then again I don’t know if I do that many times when I have a problem.

In conclusion, among the things that I do when I get angry is may times hold it in, or many times I scream, sometimes I tell my mom my dad or my best friend, I get an attitude with people, I hold it in and let it out later when the time is appropriate, or the best way to handle a problem, just be cool about it and discuss it with the person later. But one thing I got to remember to do is think before I act.

By I. S., a middle school student

My Essay Is on What Was the Best Gift I Ever Received

My essay is on what was the best gift I ever received, who gave it to me, and why was it so special. Love is the best gift I ever got. I got it from family, a foster family, and my friends.

My family loves me. They show me love like everyday just by talking to me. My mom shows me love by calling me, and my brother. My dad shows me love by having to put up with me. My grandma shows me love just because she loves me, and she always wants me and my brother to visit. My brother loves me because without him having me and me having him, we would be bored just about all the time.

My foster family showed me love by taking me in in my time of need when I got kicked out of a boy’s home and no one else would take me. Plus they put me with them for two years, and I always misbehaved until I saw the love, and I started caring for them like they were my real family.

My friends show me love by just being there when I am in need. They help me out of the ditch and back on my feet. Plus it is like I always say, “Sometimes you need a little tug from your family or friends, and you’ll be back on your way.” I’ve always had friends especially this one boy from 4th grade my home boy D. We have had each others back even in the worst of times. Plus you have to have friends. If you don’t have friends, how will you feel somewhat loved?

I came to the conclusion that to be loved, you have to get loved. That is why love your family and friends and foster parents, if you need too. Plus without love, you’ll grow up alone and die alone. This is the reason I’m so happy all the time because I’m loved by family, friends, and foster parents.

By C. W., a high school student

My Family Events

One of my family events is Thanksgiving. We get together and talk and eat. We eat turkey, corn, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and collar greens. We try as much as possible to get the family together for all the family events and family reunions.

The second family event is Halloween. Halloween is the a family go out together. We dress up in costumes and get ready to have some fun. Some Halloweens I stay at home and give away candy. After a while I go out scaring people with my cousins and uncles.

The third family event is Christmas. That is the time when every body is happy. Most of the family is at the Christmas part all day. First we sing songs and take pictures. After that we open presents and get ready for the big dinner. We eat turkey, ham, collar greens, home made Mac and cheese, corn, mashed potatoes, and chicken.

The forth family event is our family reunion. Every body that could make it came. We had it in PORT HURON, MI on 14th and Beard. It takes up about seven or eight blocks. We have lots of activates and games and other stuff to do .

By D. M., a middle school student

A Sweet 16

Sweet 16 is like you can have all of the people and your mom and dad family and like you stand with some boy that you like, and you can have a girl stand in it to. It is like a big thing you can do. It is just like spending time with your mom’s side and your dad’s side of the family. You can hire people that you now so they can take care of the place. This is hard to describe it, but when you go to one, it is funny, and you would like to dance it is so much fun if you are in it. If you never been to a sweet 16, you will freak out at the people. You can have it in something big because you have to have a lot of people there and that is what you call a sweet 16 or a quinicenra. It is that same thing, but if you want, you can have it on the 15th or 16th birthday, what ever you want.

You can be on TV at your party if they like it, and you can have a limo and invite your friends and have a special driver. You can have your dad drive if you want. You can have cards to pass out to go to your quince or sweet 16.

By P.H., a middle school student

The Person Who Is a Hero to Me Is My Mom

The person who is a hero to me is my mom because I love her a lot. She is everything to me, my friend, my sister, and my aunt. There are three reasons why she is a hero: she takes care of me, she helps me a lot, and she lets me learn more than other parents do with their kids.

The first reason why my mom is a hero is because she takes care of me a lot. I have a roof over my head, and I get food every day. I love my mom because if it was not for her, I would be living in the street looking for money and everything. Some kids don't care about their mom, but I do a lot.

Second, she helps me a lot. If she never helped me out, I would be in jail right now. But my mom talks me into not getting into trouble. I wouldn't be here right now, I would be in jail, but my mom told me not to do what I was going to do, so I didn't, and I am happy I didn't.

Next she lets me learn in school. She helps me do my work that I bring home from school. My mom loves me so much she lets me go to school. I was going to drop out, but my mom told me you shouldn't drop out that it would mess you up really bad if you want to get your diploma or a good job. Because I want to be a nurse, I have to graduate from school to get that job.

Finally, my hero is my mom. I love her because she does a lot of stuff for me. She takes care of me, she helps me a lot, and she let me learn more than other parents do.

By T. C., a high school student

Have You Ever Transferred Schools?

Have you ever transferred schools? If you have, how did you feel? Did the school help out on your first week? Well, how would you do to help a new student?

First of all, once a new student got transferred to my school and didn’t know her way around. So I gave her a tour around the school. Also I told her the rules and expectations. Another thing I did was show her the cafeteria and told her what the usual food is in each line. I felt really good about helping a person in need.

Next, when I got done showing her the school, I showed her some of my friends. I showed her my friends because if she had a class with one of them then she knew somebody that she can ask for help. Another reason why is because she can have some friends of her own and doesn’t have to be alone and so she could be introduced to more people and more people and she can have more friends. Last, I would stay by her side so she doesn’t get lost, and also for her to feel more welcomed and relaxed. Another thing that I would do is keep her away of all of the people that would get her in trouble.

Last but not least, showing her the school, introducing her to good people, and telling her who is bad news is how I would help a new student.

By N. M., a middle school student

That Special Someone For me Would Be My Mother

Everyone has a special someone out there. It might be a family member, a friend, a lover, and even a stranger. Special may have a different meaning for everyone. It can be someone you might admire or even care for. That special someone for me would be my mother.

I would have to say that my mother is my special someone for many reasons. A couple of my reasons for which she is would be because she is very strong, caring, and did something with her life. My mother has passed through a lot over the years, but she remains strong. She tries to make me strong, too. Sometimes she will not be so strong, but she will still hardly show it. No matter what the situation she tries to remain strong. Sometimes she makes you think she is a Super Mom, a hero!

Secondly, my mother is very caring to everyone. My mother is a strong person but that does not stop her from being caring. If someone is ever in need, my mom would do anything to help them. She is just the type of person that if someone is sick, she will stay taking care of them. When it comes to her children, she goes to extremes. The thing about that is that she will care for you but still remain strong, meaning she will not spoil you to death.

Thirdly, my special someone did something with her life. My mother graduated high school, has worked since she was sixteen years old, got her diploma in both Cuba and the United States. She built a family, has her own business, and takes care of her parents. To some that might not seem a lot, but to me it is. Times have never been easy for anyone, not for you, me, or for her. I personally admire all her hard work. She has taught me that if I put my mind into it, I will accomplish it. You have to work for what you want because it will not just come to you. Sometimes she is hard on me, but I understand why she does it.

In a nut shell, I have picked my mother as my special someone for many reasons. Not only did my mother give me the beauty of my life but also because of who she is. My mother has taught me to be strong, caring, to make goals for myself, follow my goals, but most important, she taught me that the road will not be easy. For me the road will not be easy, but it is my decision to make it harder than what it has to be. The road and the world are full of challenges, rocks, and a lot of falls, but that will just make me a stronger person. That my mother has taught me and how I said before for this and many other reasons, she is my special someone.

By A. C., a high school student

If Global Warming Doesn't Stop

Every day plants, animals, and humans die because of “Global Warming.” If global warming doesn’t stop, than everyone and thing will be extinct from the face of the earth. I know I would like to live long, wouldn’t you?

First of all, how are we going to live if every day because of cars, factories, and etc. we breathe in pollution. Pollution damages our lungs and organ system. Without our lungs how can we breathe? So for you see why it is bad to breathe in pollution. You know without global warming, we wouldn’t have to worry about that. One thing they can do is use something else instead of gas in cars and factories because that is what causes pollution.

Next of all, animals and plants die. Animals die because of lack of food sometimes. Sea animals eat animals that eat animals that eat plants. Also humans eat animals. But with global warming plants die and that makes animals die. So that is another good reason to stop global warming.

By N. M., a middle school student

The World Would Be a Better Place

The world would be a better place if we ended all the wars and fights by signing a peace treaty that everyone in the world has to sign by law. Next, find cures and vaccinations for every illness known to humans and animals of every shape and size around the world. Then disintegrate all guns except pistols and pistol ammo and give one pistol and some bullets to all adults, not kids only for adults to protect their kids and family members and their own protection. Fourth give the poor $1,000,000 and a house to live in. Then get rid of all alcoholic beverages and all drugs. So as you can see that is what I think would make the world a better place.

By G. H., a middle school student

The World Would Be a Better Place If

The world would be a better place if I could change one thing. If I could change it, that one thing will be the violence. Violence has most things including drugs, gangs, and guns. If we didn’t have violence in this would, the world would almost be perfect.

First of all, the first reason I will change violence will be drugs. I will change this because kids of my age and higher do drugs. Drugs are bad for young kids and teens because doing drugs would shorten your life up and make you do stupid stuff. This stupid stuff includes killing people, have an accident, or house or car jacking. This first reason would change the world.

Second of all, the second reason I will change violence will be gangs. I will change this because kids, teen, and even adults of any age get into gangs. Being in a gang would cause you to die, go to jail, or get into big fights that include sticks, rocks, or guns. By getting into gangs you can get sent to the hospital by getting injured badly.

Last of all, the third reason I will change violence will be guns. I will change this because kids and teens take guns to school and end up getting into big trouble like shooting someone or kill someone. By getting into trouble you can get locked up, and by killing someone, you can get locked up for life or end up getting killed by the police.

Violence is important to watch out for in this world. Violence would include the gangs, drugs, and even guns. Never end up in gangs, carrying guns, or doing drugs. If you get caught by the cops, you will get locked up. Most of people won’t like that and so you wouldn’t too.

By J. S., a middle school student

How To Make the World a Better Place

The world be a better place for many reasons. For instance, we get rid of gangs, find homes for the homeless, find a cure for AIDS, and find a cure for cancer.

The reason why I think getting rid of gangs would help make the world a better place is because gangs make everything worse. They kill. They are murderers, and they are trouble makers. Gangs such as the Bloodz, Cripz, Fallen, Browns, 13’z, 7’s, LRZ, all should be gotten rid of.

Another way we could help make the world a better place is by finding a place for the homeless people. Poor people sleep on cold hard ground every day. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had beds to sleep on and hot meals to eat, instead of eating garbage? Poor people are dying every day.

My last reason would be finding a cure for all kinds of illnesses. It would make the world a whole lot better place if scientists were to make a cure for caner, AIDS, the common cold, the flu, and other sicknesses. Then that way not as many people would die every day, especially in Africa.

That is why I think the world would be a better place if we were to find a cure for sicknesses, get rid of gangs, and find a place for the homeless people.

By A. A., a middle school student

The People in My Heart

My grandma passed away last year. It was hard for me. She was my life. She took me places that I had never been. She is my world, and I miss her. She was a good lady. She had no problems. She was a good grandma to me, and she is in my heart forever.

And my dad, he does not live with me. He lives in Puerto Rica. I only see him in the summer. I did not see him in a long time. I wish he was living with me because he is my life. I would not know what I would do with out him. If he was living with me, my life would be easier. I now have problems in school. I love him.

And my brother is locked up. He is going to be there for a long time. I haven’t seen him in a long time, but he loves me, and I love him. I tell him if I have problems or something like that. I am the only child in the house. I miss him. He wish he was out. He regrets it. My sister does not live with me, so I am the only one.

And my sister, she is everything to me. She cares about me, and I care about her. She calls me every time I go to bed. She loves me, and I love her. I never got to see her in a long time. I look out for her, and she looks out for me. She is my only sister, and I love her, and she loves me.

By J. C. Q., a middle school student

My Heart Has Three Rooms

If my heart was like a house and had three rooms, I would have a room for people I truly care for and for things I care about. Keep reading to find out who and what is in my rooms.

First of all, the first room would go to my mom. The first room is also going to be the biggest room out of all of them. My mom has room number one because she is always there for me and supports me. My mom was there when I was sick, and when I am healthy. My mother is supporting to me because one time I had a basketball game during her work hour, but my mom cares so much that she asked to start late that night. That is how much she cares and supports me.

Next, the second room would go to my best friend Marie. It goes to her because she is a very trustworthy person. I told Marie so many things that her head is going to explode with secrets. Marie is also loyal. She is not like other people, when you say something like to meet her or there, or call you, when and she says ok, she will. Some people say yes, they will, but don’t show up or don’t call. That is why she is my best friend, and she has a room in my heart.

Finally, my last room in my heart would go to my love of basketball. My love for basket ball has a room in my heart because I have been playing basketball since I was small, and someday I am going to the WNBA.

By N. M., a middle school student

I Have Three Rooms in my Heart

The three rooms in my heart are for three very special people. I know that they will always be there for me. One of these people I never met, but that person still gets a room in my heart.

First, I have my mom who has taken care of me. My mom and I have been through a lot together like three husbands, tough times, financial troubles, etc. My mom is always there for me. If I could give her everything in the world, she would get it because she deserves it. My mom will always be special to me, and I will always love her. I cherish my mother and care about her too. I will always love her. She gets a room, no questions asked.

Secondly, I have my little brother, who is four years old. He is always fun to play with,; he cheers me up during hard times. I love him very much, and he loves me too. If I could, I would hang out with him more. I love him very much, and he deserves a place in my heart.

Finally, I have my biological father. I have seen him before, but I still love him. I am pretty sure he loves me to. My dad has never been there for me, but I am sure he would be there if he could. I don’t care about the bad things about him. I still want to know him. I love him, and he also gets a room in my heart.

These people are the ones who occupy all the rooms in my heart, and when they die, they will live on in my heart. I love these people very much. I cherish them very much.

By a middle school student

My Heart Has Three Special Rooms

My heart has a blueprint with many rooms in it. In my heart I have a lot of rooms, but three of them are special to me. My first room is my mom. My second room is my dad, and my third room is grandpa. These are three rooms, and everything in them is very special to me.

To start with, my first room is my mom and her memories with me. When I use to be smaller, she always use to take me everywhere and use to buy me everything I wanted. But now that I have grown, she thinks that I can take care of myself, and that I can make my own money to buy my own stuff. Even though she thinks that she is still caring for me, and she is buying less stuff not like she used to buy me.

Second of all, my second room is my dad and our memories. When my dad use to live with me and my mom, he use to love everyone in the family including my two brothers and sisters. When he use to live with us, he loved us all the same and use to care even more about us than how my mom did. Even though I am bigger, he use to buy me and my brothers and sisters everything we wanted. Now that he doesn’t live with us, we still love him, and we will always continue to love him.

Finally, the last and third special room is my grandpa and our memory of fishing. My grandpa is a very important person in our family. He is important because he helps take care of our whole family, but before this happened, he and I used to go fishing. We use to go fishing every week or two. When we use to fish, we fished in the nice warm mornings. Now he works everyday even in the weekends; he won’t stop working just to take care of his family. Even though he works, he tries to get days off of work just so he can go fishing with me. Now he goes fishing once in a while with me.

Now I have explained all three people I love. There three people are so special in my family.

By J. D. S., a middle school student

My Teachers Who Help Me

In my middle school I have a lot of teachers trying to help, but I don’t pay attention to what they try to help me with. But lately I have been paying attention.

My first example is Mr. W. He is my science teacher. He helps me by relating the science subject to his life. He has a good way. Students want to learn.

My second example is Mrs. J. She is my social studies teacher. She helps me by making me write more that the other students, so I can remember all the stuff I learned and for my handwriting.

My third example is my truant officer. He helps me by telling me over and over I can’t miss school.

My fourth example is Mr. K.and Mrs. G. They help me by giving me my conscience. The have not expelled me. I am very thankful and respectful.

In conclusion, all these teachers I picked are the ones that help me get by in school, and I am thankful for teachers today.

By D. M., a middle school student

What I Do Best at in School

In school I do my best when my teacher helps me because I feel like my teacher cares about me. My teacher’s name is Miss L. I also work best when I have a partner or a computer to type my answers. The classes I do my best are math, science, and reading. I do my best in those classes because they are what I am good at.

By G. H., a middle school student

What I Am Good at in School

What I am good at is math. Subtraction, and adding are my favorite things to do. Sometimes I like school. Sometimes my class cooks. We make pizza and we make spaghetti and meatballs. I like my class. Sometimes I do my best on my homework and sometimes I get a B+. I get very happy. My other favorite thing to do is drawing. I like making pictures of fashions. What I want to be when I grow up is to be a fashion designer. I like to do fashion.

By K. U., a middle school student

Being a Parent Is Hard

Being a parent is probably hard. I wouldn’t know because I am not one. Parents have to go through a lot of troubles for their kids. They have to wake up in the middle of the night to feed the babies. They have to give them money a lot, and the kids have to learn good discipline.

When parents have a baby, they have to go through great difficullities. It is hard to wake up at midnight or 1 am or 2 am and sometimes even 3 or 4 am to see what is wrong with the baby. The parents also have to know what to buy for the baby to keep it happy.

When your children get older, they will expect allowances. I don’t have to do any thing for my allowance. I get 60 dollars a week and money during the week when I ask for it. But if I have kids, that doesn’t mean they will get the same from me. I will give them 40 dollars a week for cleaning their rooms and only 10 extra dollars for doing the work.

Parents have to be able to discipline their child. I don’t get punished when I get in trouble. My aunt and uncle just tell me that I have to straighten up. It is pretty cool. But I will ground my kids for anything they do wrong.

That is about all I know about discipline, allowances, and stress. All in saying is that you should think twice before having children. Having children is not going to be an easy ride. They have lots of things to do for your children and they will cost a lot, but it is worth it.

By B. P., a middle school student

Being a Parent Is Hard

Being a parent is probably hard. I wouldn’t know because I am not one. Parents have to go through a lot of troubles for their kids. They have to wake up in the middle of the night to feed the babies. They have to give them money a lot, and the kids have to learn good discipline.

When parents have a baby, they have to go through great difficullities. It is hard to wake up at midnight or 1 am or 2 am and sometimes even 3 or 4 am to see what is wrong with the baby. The parents also have to know what to buy for the baby to keep it happy.

When your children get older, they will expect allowances. I don’t have to do any thing for my allowance. I get 60 dollars a week and money during the week when I ask for it. But if I have kids, that doesn’t mean they will get the same from me. I will give them 40 dollars a week for cleaning their rooms and only 10 extra dollars for doing the work.

Parents have to be able to discipline their child. I don’t get punished when I get in trouble. My aunt and uncle just tell me that I have to straighten up. It is pretty cool. But I will ground my kids for anything they do wrong.

That is about all I know about discipline, allowances, and stress. All in saying is that you should think twice before having children. Having children is not going to be an easy ride. They have lots of things to do for your children and they will cost a lot, but it is worth it.

By B. P., a middle school student

How to Be a Parent

It must be hard to be a parent. If you are a parent, what would you teach your kids? What would you say?

First, to start off with, I would teach my kids about school and tell them to get an education and how important it is, and how you can get any job you want with an education.

Secondly, I will teach him about drugs, how losers use drugs, how marijuana kills your brain cells, and it also kills you. I will make sure he understands the effects on your body.

Third, I will preach to him the word of god. He will believe in Jesus Christ, and that is it. He will be and learn how Christians are and get baptized.

Last, I will teach him how to get the girl he likes. I will demonstrate, and then let him try. I will tell him everything he should and shouldn’t do to a girl like not hit her. He will learn how to fight to protect his girl. No one will mess with him. Those are the four things I will teach my kid when he grows up.

By a middle school student

If I Were a Parent

If I were a parent, what I would do differently is I would spend more time with my kids, I would be more lenient, and I would be more understanding.

As I have said, one thing I would do is to spend more family time. This includes a few weeks of vacation and some fun time with my kids. That could be going to a game or just hanging around. A key part of a family is having fun and spending time together. I would increase the amount of both for my family.

The second thing I would do is to be more lenient. This means that I would not ground my kids for everything. It also means they could go outside and have more privileges more often.

The third part of this is I would be more understanding. I would talk to my kids and let them talk to me more. I wouldn't get mad at them, and I would give good advice.

In conclusion, these three things are the three things I would do if I was to increase things with my family.

By B. W., a middle school student

The Struggles Parents Face

It must be difficult to be a parent because I know how my mom struggles. I know how she struggles because of my behavior, my dad leaving to Mexico, and to feed her children. Some parents even face challenges, receive anything, and there children help their parents.

All parents face challenges. They face challenges because of marriage and their children. Some parents argue to each other which will cause divorce and their children getting in trouble at school or with gangs. Kids get in trouble at school because of grades, fighting, and for doing something stupid.

By J. S., a middle school student

Tips for Parents

Are you a parent? Well, if you are, I have some tips for you. To have a happy and successful student and child you have to take him to parks and send him to school. Parents receive good grades, respect, and honesty. The advice I give parents of middle school students are to sent them to school as much as possible.

Take your child to parks so he can be happy. Take him to school so he can learn and be successful, and so your child can be someone in his life. I hope you take my advice now read more.

Parents receive good grades, respect, and honesty.

By H. P., a middle school student

When I Have a Kid

Well, if I had a kid, I would treat him very well, and if he would cry or if he would want something, I would be right by his side. See if I was in middle school, it would not matter one bit at all.

When people have kids at an early age most of the time you would not know what to do. That is why when you are about 19, that is the age to have a kid. Because when you have a kid, you will have to have your own place for you and your baby to stay.

See, when I have a kid, I will be about 22 years old when I want to bring a girl or boy in to this world. So when I have a kid at 22, I will know what to do in life. So when the baby cries, I will know what to do. But when I have a kid, I will be smart, and I will give everything to my kid.

By K. M., a middle school student

Why It Is Hard to Be a Parent

Yes, it is difficult to be a parent no matter what anyone says. Kids get in trouble, they give advice, and they tell you things they have done. It is nice to have a child though.

The first reason I said it is difficult to be a parent is because your kids get in trouble. When your kids get in trouble, a dean or principal calls and tells parents what they did and what their punishment is. Then your mom will get stressed out because she heard you got in trouble and that is not good. Also she has to face the consequences along with you. She has to wake up earlier and help you and also drive you early to detention or assist (in school suspension).

The second reason I said it is hard to be a parent is because you have to deal with your kids giving you advice. When kids give you advise when you are doing something, it is very annoying. Also like when you are driving in a car and you say, " Oh no, I don't know where I am going," and the kids say look at the map and you don't have one, you get annoyed because they don't know what they are talking about.

The third reason I said it was difficult to be a parent is because after they do something bad, they confess to you. It bad when they confess to you because they do some pretty bad things that they could even get arrested for. So then you get stressed out and your day does not go very good.

These are the reasons why it is hard to be a parent. Kids get in trouble. They give you advice, and, last but not least, they tell you things that they have done in the past. This is my story.

By N. H., a middle school student

Advice to Parents

If I was a parent, I probably would never know exactly how to handle kids even if I had been a parent for a long time. Each and every kid is different in this small world of ours. Sometimes people just aren’t ready to have kids so the mother gets an abortion. In many parents they mostly can handle the fact that if the mother gets an abortion, but sometimes both the mother and the father will regret the fact for the rest of there life that they got rid of there child, and that’s why most people cant handle being a parent.

By D. B., a middle school student

Challenges I Have Faced

I have had some big challenges in my past. One of them was starting a sport. Starting basketball was hard because I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know how to play, and I wouldn’t make any shots.

First, basketball was hard for me because I didn’t know anyone and had no friends. It was hard having no one I knew on my basketball team.

Second, it was hard because I didn’t know how to play. Whenever you don’t know how to play, it is hard because you let your team down whenever the ball is stolen or the shot blocked. In addition, it is difficult because whenever I went up for a shot, I missed and shot an air ball. I used to always let my team down.

In conclusion, it was difficult my first time because I had no friends. I didn’t know how to play, and I always missed. The lesson I learned is to never give up.

By M. M., a middle school student

Challenges I Faced

Well, when I moved, I had to change my school, I had to change my football team, and I had to get all new friends. I did not want to move at all. But I had to so we went to New York.

When I went to New York, I did not know were anything was. The first day I went to school I wanted to play for the Hogs. At first I did not like the Hogs one bit at all. But two months later I was a linebacker. I loved it so much that my family wanted to stay in New York for three years. I started to get used to everything.

Now about school. When I went to school at Napa Middle School, I did not know anybody when I went there. I did not like that school at all. But then when I met this girl Kelly, I liked her very much, and she also liked me very much. She helped me meet many, many people. I like Napa Middle School very much now that I know many people. So now when you go somewhere new, talk to people and do things that you really wanted to do at your old or new school.

By K. M., a middle school student

Challenges I Face

I have gone through a lot of challenges so far in my life, and I know a couple people who did too. Here are some challenges I have faced. One of the challenges is that one camping trip turned into a survival weekend. Another challenge is whether I should drop out of school. My last challenge is if I should stay in school.

One time I went on a camping trip with my mom and neighbors. It all started by me telling my mom that she couldn’t catch her own food out here cause she doesn’t know how to rough it. Well, my mom just had to say that I couldn’t do it either. So we made a bet and started by fishing, I caught two fish. My mom was still trying to find some berries because she didn’t know how to fish. At the end she ended up cheating, and she just went to the store and bought some microwaveable pizzas.

Another challenge that I have gone through is me deciding if I want to drop out of school. I have already failed twice, and I am not going to be going on seventeen and still be in eighth grade. I tried to do better at one point but the teachers still found out ways to get me in trouble. It is like the teachers look for every single flaw so I can get in trouble.

My last challenge I had to face is if I should do better in school, even if the teachers are very annoying, mean and always messing with me. I actually used to to care about what I do or what grades I make in school, but now I don’t give a rats @$$ about what I do in school. I try to do better but the teachers tick me off on purpose so I can get in trouble and one of my gym teachers actually told me it himself once he made me mad.

I haven’t really made up my mind yet on what I am going to do when school is out, but I’m pretty sure that I’ll just drop out and get me house, car, and a job. My aunt and uncle will give me the money to get started with a house and car. If I’m lucky, I won’t have to work a day in my life because my aunt and uncle will probably just give me money when I want.

By B. P., a middle school student

A Reaction to Maya Angelou's "A Brave and Startling Truth"

Different people and different races should always get along. We should get along with every body. The blacks should get along with the whites. We all are the same. We are no different from each other. That is what Maya Angelou is trying to say in her poem, “A Brave and Startling Truth.”
What if different people with different race live in the same neighborhood? They should be able to get along because they live in the same neighborhood and because they get to see each other every day. If they don’t get along, they will probably fight and might go to jail.
It is not fair that Cubans and Puerto Ricans do not need a green card and Mexicans have to have a green card. Mexicans can’t get a good job sometimes, and Cubans and Puerto Ricans can get good jobs.
America should get along with other countries so we can stop going to war.
By D. J., a middle school student

How to Help a New Student in Your School

Helping new kids is tough, but I am going to start a helping committee. There are lots of ways to help. One way is show them around the school. Another way could be to ask them to be your friend. The last way is to have them meet your friends.

The first thing is to show them around. Maybe they would like to be in a club or in the band or in P. E. We have lots of clubs. We have art, football, basketball, and lots more. Or maybe they would like to play in the band (trumpet, drums, flute and more).

My next reason is they might need friends or something. So we could ask them to be a friend. It is always nice to have friends. We can ask them over to our house to play.
By N. E., a middle school student