WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XVI ISSUE VIII
MAY 2016
Monthly Mustang
Jenna Barghouti plays for Mrs. Perkins 1st grade class.
Clockwise starting top left: the author with Mrs.
Holland,Mrs. Wood, Mrs. McLamb anded Mrs. Saleem.
NATIONAL TEACHER’S WEEK
DO YOU WANT TO BE A MUSICIAN? BY SHARAN KAUR THIND
BY AMY HE AND SAMANTHA WEXLER
National Teacher’s Week is a week set aside to honor all the work our educators do for us. Eleanor Roosevelt was the one who decided to have a special week for teachers. She decided we will celebrate our teachers on the Cirst week of May. All of this happened in 1953. Why did Eleanor Roosevelt make a special week for our school staff? Many resources credit a Wisconsin teacher for writing an urging letter. Other references say an Arkansas teacher did all the work. There have been many important, interesting, and inCluential teachers to celebrate. Both Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller taught the blind. But did you know Sally Ride (astronaut), Laura Bush (First Lady), and Laura Ingalls Wilder (writer) were all educators, too? So were Clara Barton (World War I nurse), Abigail Fillmore (First Lady), and Neil Armstrong (astronaut)! I have had a lot of boosting teachers. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Saleem, made learning fun and connected me to learning. Mrs. Holland, as my Cirst grade teacher, showed me how much we use math. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Wood, held reading contests that took my love of books to another level. Mrs. McLamb, my current teacher, taught me that if you work hard, you’ll get to enjoy the beneCits. Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Widdowson, in the writing lab ancillary, takes my imagination and turns it into words on a page. Say a big thank you to your hard-­‐working teachers! Houston Independent School District
As part of the Music through the Decades progam, the 1st grade teachers invited Jenna Barghouti a violinist from the Houston Symphony visited all the 1st grade classes to talk about music and emotions. We wanted to Cind out more what it’s like to be a professional musician. Q. How did you get into this profession? A. I started playing violin when I was seven and played all the way through high school. I didn’t know I wanted to be a musician until I was 15. Q. Why is music important to you? A. I think it is important to me because it can make the world a better place. Q. How long have you played violin? A. I have played the violin for sixteen years. http://westues.org
Q. Who is your favorite composer and why? A. I would probably say Beethoven and that is because I love looking at his life and seeing the evolution of his music. Q. Why did you choose violin? A. I actually wanted to play piano but my @ingers were too little so my teacher wanted me to play violin. Q. When did you join the Houston Symphony? A. I joined the Houston Symphony in August of 2015. Q. Who is your hero? A. My hero is my father. Q. What is the most important thing you think young musicians should know? A. I think every musician should know that hard work is the answer to great accomplish-­‐
ments and great music. page 1
WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XVI ISSUE VIII
MAY 2016
AFTER THE CASTS COME OFF BY TRUMAN REID
Truman Reid, 5th grader at West University Elementary School, describes what it was like to break both arms at the same time and what he learned from his painful experience last year. I broke both arms at 6:30 p.m. one day in the Fall of 2014 after going over a bike ramp. I went to the doctor right after it happened and they sent us to Urgent Care, where they x-­‐rayed me and found three broken bones. Then, they sent me to the emergency room, where they gave me loopy medicine and placed two splints. I was home by 1:30 a.m. I didn't go to school for two days and spent most of the time watching movies and resting on the couch. During that time, I thought and learned about lots of things. I had random thoughts about Evel Knievel and Clying squirrels, but I also thought that other people had it worse then I did. You don't see many people with two broken arms, but my situation MEMORIAL DAY BY SARAH JANE WISE
MAY DAY BY KATE JEONG
May Day, celebrated on May 1st, is an ancient n o r t h e r n h e m i s p h e r e spring festival. It has its origins in the Roman goddess Flora, who was in c h a rg e o f s p r i n g a n d C l o w e r s . Yo u m a y b e confused because there are t w o M a y D a y s . I n communist countries like R u s s i a a n d C h i n a , International Workers' Day is also referred as May Day, but the other May Day is a celebration of spring. May Day became unpopular in t h e U. S . a f t e r Ru s s i a adopted May Day as their special day of celebration during the Cold War. One of the most famous traditions of May Day is M a y p o l e d a n c i n g . Children would braid r i b b o n s o n t h e maypole in a pattern created by the dancers' moves. People would a l s o c r o w n a M a y Queen. Girls would weave Cloral garlands, which were usually made of hawthorn and lily of the valley, the traditional Clowers. A n o t h e r i n te re s t i n g tradition was the May basket. It's a tradition lost over time. People would hang baskets Cilled with Clowers and candies on door knobs. They would then sneak off, trying not to get caught. Traditional food of the M a y D a y f e a s t w e r e Tippaleiuat , a Finnish f u n n e l c a k e , f r i e d doughnuts and Maiwein, German for May Wine. Houston Independent School District
was temporary while other people can't ever use their arms. I also learned that you should not think of ways for other people to do things for you, but to Cind ways to do things by yourself. You should have seen me trying to eat for the Cirst week. Imagine trying to eat a taco without moving your elbows or wrists! Six days later, my casts were put on. Luckily, mine were below the elbow. If you ever break an arm or two, you'll be very happy if your cast is below your elbow. It allows you to move more of your arm and you can eat, pick things up, and reach higher to get things off a shelf. When I broke both my arms, I learned about gratitude and resourcefulness. I learned how much everyone cares for me. My friends brought my bike and helmet back and my mom quickly took me to medical places. My family helped care for me and my friends at school helped me carry my schoolwork and write. Other friends and neighbors brought me cookies and balloons. I am very happy I was wearing a helmet, but I really wish I would have tucked and rolled. One last thing: try not to break both arms if you can. It hurts! Memorial Day is much m o r e t h a n b a c k y a r d barbecues, trips to the beach, or going to the movie theater. Many consider Memorial Day as a time to kick off the summer season. The true meaning of the holiday comes from the word “memorial” because it is a day for us to remember the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. The day began as a holiday called Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868. It was a time for the nation to decorate monuments and gravestones of the deceased military with Clowers and Clags, a tradition still practiced today. On May 11, 1950, Congress passed a resolution for a proclamation calling on Americans to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and to honor the people who died in wars. In 1971, President Nixon declared it to be a federal holiday. Each year on Memorial Day, the President or Vice President gives a speech and lays a wreath on soldiers’ graves at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Most towns have celebrations which often include parades. You can also participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on May 30th. http://westues.org
page 2
WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XVI ISSUE VIII MAY 2016
LOVE FOR OUR MOMS GET TO KNOW MRS. PFLUGFELDER!
BY HANIA KUSINSKI AND NEELA RAVI
BY VEEDA PATIL
Q: Which class was your favorite? A: My favorite class is 2009, because we got to perform in Ms. Stone’s talent show. Q: What’s your favorite time of year? A: My favorite time is the summer, because I’m relaxed. Q: What is your favorite color Q: When are you the saddest? and why? A: I’m saddest when my family is A: My favorite color is purple, sad. because it’s the color for TCU Q: What’s your favorite book? horned frogs. A: My favorite book is a Q: Who influenced you the most Bluebonnet Book, Always as a young girl? Abigail. A: My grandmother, influenced Q: Why do you want to work at me the most. I used to spend West U? weekends with her and we A: I want to work here, because would explore New York. the kids want to learn and I Q: When are you the happiest? love my team. A: I’m happiest when my family Q: What influenced you to be a is happy. teacher? Q: What are your hobbies? A: Having good and bad A: My hobbies are to knit, teachers influenced me. Also, crochet, and hang out with wanting to share the love of family and friends, and science with my students. reading. Mother’s Day is a great holiday to celebrate our moms all over the world. Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days in other countries but the meaning of it is the same. In the United States, Mother’s Day is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Moms are an important part of our lives. Here are what some West U student said about their moms. Let’s give a “wow” to our moms today! Iniya: “My mom is nice to me and is always there for me even when I am sick.” Carter: “She always drives around the city for fun things, she cleans the house for me ,and always tucks me in bed.” Advika: “My mother always has time for me and makes sure I am happy at all times.” Reena: “She’s really helpful and always is there for me.” Mary Sydnor: “My mom helps me with my homework and she’s really nice.” Sue Jin Lee: “What I like about my mom is that she always helps me all the time when I need her.” Chaahat: “My mom is never mad at me because she believes that I will always improve. She spends her time driving me around and never gets tired of me!” GET TO KNOW ANNABELLA WOODCOX
BY LILLY JONES
Q: How long have you been playing softball? A: Since kindergarten. Q: What position do you play? A: I play first base, pitcher and catcher. Q: What is your favorite position to play? A: Pitcher Q: How long have you been playing Kid Pitch? A: One year Q: What is your team’s name? A: The Gators Q: How many games have you won this season? A: We have won 5 games. Q: What’s your favorite cheer? A: “She Made it to the Base!” Q: What color is your uniform? A: Navy blue Q: Are any of your friends at West U Elementary on your team? A: Yes, Julia, Lindsey, Tessa and Josie are on my team. Q: On which team would you like to be next season? A: The Shock! Houston Independent School District
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TURNS 100
BY TAIT LOVE
Did you know that it is the National Park Service’s 100th birthday? The National Park Service is a federal agency that runs our national parks. The person who established the park service was President Woodrow Wilson, in 1916. Yellowstone was technically the first national park, but in 1872, when it was established, there was no National Park Service. Today there are more than 400 park units that the park service oversees. Here are some National park units in Texas: Fort Davis National Historic Site, Big Bend National Park, and Padre Island National Seashore. To celebrate their 100th anniversary, they are letting 4th graders to go in free to all of their units. They also have a special Junior Ranger program. The U.S Mint is issuing three different commemorative coins, and the U.S Postal Service is issuing 16 commemorative stamps. Can’t go to a national park? Check out “National Parks Adventure 3D” at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Happy Birthday to the National Park Service! http://westues.org
page 3
WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XVI ISSUE VIII
BENNER'S BLUEBONNET BOOK REVIEWS
Emily’s Blue Period by Cathleen Daly out of 5 stars. This is not your typical cheery picture book. It takes a look at a difficult topic: what happens when your life isn’t a “happily ever after.” This book doesn’t sugar-­‐coat things or pretend that you will always have good luck. Emily’s dad lost his job and her parents are divorced, so Emily is experiencing Pablo Picasso’s “blue period.” The book follows Emily as she only paints with the color blue and wonders if her life will ever straighten out. As the story unfolds, Emily realizes she can use art to express her feelings and it helps her start to come out of her blue period. I liked the book because it tells a story that we all can relate to. I only gave it four stars because I wish it told more about her life after she conquered her sadness HARRY
POTTER
RETURNS
BY MAISIE
HUTCHINSON
After what seems like forever to many Potterheads, J.K. Rowling (author) is writing an eighth book to join the Harry Potter series. This book is a script for a play based on an original story by J.K. Rowling. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016. It will be called The Cursed Child and will be about Harry Potter’s son, Albus Potter. The book comes out on July 31, Harry’s birthday. You can pre-­‐order the book at Barnes & Noble to be picked up when it comes out. To l e a r n m o r e g o t o w w w. p o t t e r m o r e . c o m /
cursed-­‐child Houston Independent School District
MAY 2016
BY WESTON BENNER
Rutherford B Who Was He? Poems about Our Presidents by Marilyn Singer and John H
e
n
d
r
i
x out of 5 stars. In only 56 pages, Marilyn Singer does a great job using rhyme and humor to make presidential history come alive. Everyone knows that George Washington was one of the best presidents, but this book also teaches you about lesser known presidents, like Millard Fillmore. Almost each president gets their own hilarious poem. There are different formats in each page but no matter what, each page is sure to bring you smiles and laughter. The only thing funnier than the poems and conversations between presidents are the illustrations. As you can see, this book is perfect for learning about the good, the bad, and the strange BEFORE I GO BY NATALIE HAMPTON
Dear 4th graders, In 5 weeks I will soon be an elementary school graduate. After surviving as a 5th grader, my new goal is to make the transition as easy as possible for you. All you need to know is four simple facts. 1. Be organized. Unfortunately, it took me two months to realize the importance of this. What I recommend doing is purchasing whatever binder or bag that suits you best. Every item needs a place so you never lose it. Trust me, it’s not fun to go to study hall because you lost your math homework. 2. Study. 5th grade is the first year where I truly had to study. I don’t mean to review every single fact hours every night. Pick a way that works for you. For instance, if you are memorizing all 50 state capitals then flashcards might be useful. The novel you just finished in reading; plan a day for a study group. No matter how smart you are, you need to study. 3. Be a 5th grader. All your bad 4th and 3rd grade habits need to disappear. http://westues.org
Your teachers will help you become a better student. The more effort you put in, the greater the results. You can no longer put in mini-­‐mum work and expect a 100. 4. Have fun. I know, normally school and fun aren’t used in the same sentence but now they are. In 5th grade, you don’t only grow mentally, you grow as a person. If you spend all your free time studying then this will be one of the worst years of your life. Find a hobby, whether it is sports or fine arts. Every human needs something to help them relax. Find that and you will be sure to make many memories next year. 5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with anything. Really, 5th grade isn’t much different from 4th! In fact, while I’ve had some issues, everything turned out just fine and I’m positive it will for you too! Good Luck, Natalie page 4
WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XVI ISSUE VIII
MAY 2016
SUMMER FUN BY JAINA JHUNJHUNWALA
Did you know summer vacation is just around the corner? Have you thought about how you are going to spend your free time? Many of you will go to camps, on vacation and to visit family. Have you thought about what you will do when you are at home and have free time to do whatever you want? I love summer because we don’t have to stick to a schedule every day. Some of my favorite things to do are all located right here in our neighborhood. I love going to Colonial pool and swimming, climbing the rock wall, going down the large slide and the lily pads. Another one of my favorite things is reading. We have a great neighborhood library on Auden Street. Other ideas include being creative with arts & crafts. You can find great ideas at the Michael’s craft store that is very close by! After all that hard work, you can treat yourself to an ice cream or an Icee! You can designate a day to be board game day and play all the board games you have at home with your family. Build Legos. Write a story or even have a lemonade stand and make some money to donate to West U Elementary or your favorite charity. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and protective gear like hats and sunglasses. Hope this gives you some great ideas and you have a fun-­‐filled summer! by Victoria Rowsey
NATIONAL STAR WARS DAY
BY MATTHEW JEONG
May the 4th be with you! Have you ever heard these words before? It is a common phrase for people to say on Star Wars Day, which is on May 4th. Star Wars is an epic movie written and directed by George Lucas, made in 1977. Almost 40 years later, it is still one of the most successful films of all time. On Friday May 4, a woman named Margaret Thatcher won an election and became Britain's first woman prime minister. Her political party congratulated her by saying "May the 4th be with you" and soon, the saying caught on. People celebrate Star Wars Day in many different ways. Friends invite each other to movie marathons, eat Star Wars food, and playing Star Wars games. "Badgering" another person has also gone popular these days. So, celebrate, have fun, and May the 4th be with you! VIDEO GAME CORNER: TWILIGHT PRINCESS HD
The shadows return to Hyrule when Twilight Princess is remade into a higher deCinition HD version of the original Wii game. Now on the Wii U, the King of Shadows has HD Cireballs, the Twilight looks better, and just everything looks much better. Oh, and just in case you’re wondering this game has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH VAMPIRES! Oh, and Theo Hunt, I’m sorry I didn’t review that zombie game. Maybe next time. Let me tell you a bit of background information you might need. Houston Independent School District
BY DAVIS BARNETT
Link is an ordinary goat herder from Ordon Village, but everything changes the day he must deliver a gift to the Hyrulean royal family, but the forces of darkness raid the village spring and capture all the children, and Link is left behind. He is transformed into a wolf and is imprisoned in the Castle Sewers. Midna, a twilight being, saves him and helps him escape. In hours, Link’s life is changed forever, and thus his legendary adventure begins. Basically, in this game, you ride around Hyrule saving parts of Hyrule from being doused in twilight for eternity. What I like about this game is that the story is well thought out, and has many layers to the storyline. The ability to change into a wolf is amazing, but what fuels this Cire is the fact that the graphics are downright outstanding. There is also another in-­‐game challenge called “The Cave of Shadows”. It is extremely hard to clear, and you must have the special Wolf Link Amiibo to access this battleground. I literally have nothing bad to say about it. That’s all the space I have, so see you around! http://www.westues.org
page 5
WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XVI ISSUE VIII
MAY 2016
Truman Reid
Tomorrow
Class, We are taking the
STAAR test.
died
What! I stu
llations!?!
the conste
Houston Independent School District
http://www.westues.org
page 6