herald standard student body

A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION SERVICE

Student BodyTUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

AWARD WINNINGAWARD WINNINGSTUDENT BODYSTUDENT BODY

Students were asked to write a letter convincing their friend why

their neighborhoodwould be perfect

for his or hernew home.

A Friend FromOUT OF TOWN Is Thinking

Of Moving To YOUR Neighborhood!

Dear Friend,

I heard you might move to my neighbor hood. If you move her e it would be great. I have some r easons why you should move to Per ryopolis. They ar e, there is a lot of r oom to play and ther e are a lot of kids in the ar ea. Best of all, the Per ryopolis parades! My first r eason is ther e is a lot of r oom to play and ride bikes. This is not one of those cities wher e you have to walk five blocks to get to a playgr ound. Also, if you like to ride bikes you ar e lucky. There is a ton of r oom to ride bikes. Ther e are friends too, to ride dir tbikes and quads. My second r eason is ther e are super fun kids to play with. Y our Mom won’t have to yell at you to go do something, you’ll alr eady be doing something. The people in my neighbor hood play a gr eat game of baseball. Look, now you have people to ride bikes with. Last but not least, the Perryopolis parades! The first is Pioneer Days. They have horse rides, reenactments, and food. The second is the Per ryopolis car nival. To star t there is a parade then a car nival with rides, games and food. It is a gr eat time. So, ar e you convinced yet? I am writing to convince you to move to my neighborhood. My r easons ar e, ther e is r oom to play, a lot of kids in the ar ea and the parades. I feel it is a gr eat neighbor hood to live in. So how about it?

Sincerely,Sydney

SYDNEYVARGA— Grade 5 —

Central Elementary School

HEIDISHEA

— Grade 5 —Central Elementary SchoolDear Isabella,

Grindstone is a place wher e people can be themselves. In Grindstone, everyone’s friends. I know you want to move to Grindstone. The patch has many places to hang out and play . All the people in Grindstone ar e friendly. The patch is also safe. Ther e will not be any br eak-ins or people r uining your stuf f. If ther e is a fir e at your home you will be safe because of our wonder ful firefighters. Ever y Halloween our fir e chief gives us batteries for our smoke detecters. He teaches us a lot of fir e safety r ules. Some things I like about Grindstone ar e, it has a basketball cour t where people hang out at and we have a baseball field right next to it. In Grindstone ther e is a big ash pile. When winter appr oaches we go to the ash pile because it is fun to sled ride. We also have family fun week. Family fun week is when people come fr om all over the patch and have fun. W e live by many places to like McDonalds, Foodland, Dair y Queen and Dollar General. When you come into Grindstone you will be tr eated right. If you ar e new, they will show you ar ound the patch. I moved to the patch and I wasn’t even shy . They wer e really nice to me and showed me ar ound the patch. If you move her e they will do the same. In Grindstone we all know each other . Nobody’s shy, believe me when I say that. Ever yone will hang out with you in the summer . You will get along with everybody because they ar e nice. I hope you move to Grindstone because you will have lots of friends and you will have fun.

Your Friend, Heidi Shea

Dear Friend,

I believe that my neighbor hood is the per fect place for you to live. This ar ea is really unique and has helped shape me to be who I am today . Ther e are many people living in this ar ea that can boost your mood and make you laugh without even tr ying. You’ll be nothing but pleased if you move her e. This neighborhood would be ver y beneficial to your character and I know you’ll love it, especially since I know you like places that ar e ver y unique. This ar ea is unique in many dif ferent ways. For instance, we rar ely get ear thquakes and tornados. If by chance ther e is one, they ar e usually nothing major . Another reason our ar ea is so special is because we ar e able to enjoy all of the seasons. W e can pick flowers in spring, go swimming in summer , watch the leaves tur n colors in autumn and go sled riding in winter . Other than it’s uniqueness, this neighbor hood has helped change me in many positive ways. Here are many ways my neighbor hood has changed me. I’ve found people who help me find the good in ever ything. I’m mor e outgoing than I used to be because I’m sur rounded by people I feel comfor table with. Ther efore, I don’t really wor ry about what others think of me and I can be the best person possible. In conclusion, moving to my unique neighbor hood would benefit you and could make you an even better person. Living her e would be just like living happily ever y after.

Sincerely,Mikaela Fitzpatrick

MIKAELA FITZPATRICK

— Grade 8 —Lafayette Middle School

Dear friend,

There are many r easons you should live in my neighbor hood. Ther e is gr een grass ever ywhere. My school is ver y nice. It has small classr ooms and lots of good books to r ead. We have a wonder ful cafeteria. The teachers ar e so nice. They don’t give you a lot of homework. Some of it is so simple. Some of it is so har d but it helps you lear n impor tant things and has lots of good information. In my neighbor hood ther e are no bullies. In my school it is fun because the teachers want mor e than a dull cupcake on your desk. They want ever ything to be better . My teacher is Mrs. Mor gan. She is the best teacher in the whole wide world. She has br own hair. She is a lot of fun. My neighborhood is so fun. Please consider moving to my ar ea in Franklin Township. I pr omise you will not be let down. Hope to see you soon.

Love, Your friend,Haylee Miller

HAYLEE MILLER

— Grade 3 —Franklin Elementary School

Dear Johnny,

Would you like to move to my neighbor hood? We could live by each other . We could play hopscotch on the sidewalk. W e could also play tic-tac-toe. W e could walk to CVS and buy squir t guns. W e would have fun with them. W e could go to my Grandma’s house and swim. I love my neighbor hood and you will too.

Love,Bella

BELLADOLFI— Grade 1 —

St. John the EvangelistRegional Catholic School

Dear Bella,

Will you move to my neighbor hood? We can play together . Ther e are a lot of trees by my house. W e could make a tr ee house. W e can go to the ice cream shop together . We will get milkshakes to drink. It will be chocolate. We can go to the Fir e Station #34 and see my dad and all of his friends. They will let us sit in the tr uck. We will even get to tur n on the sir en. We will stop at Pizza Hut on the way home to get pizza. When we get home we can play with my dog and my sister .

Love,John

JOHNDUKE

— Grade 1 —St. John the Evangelist

Regional Catholic School

Dear Katrina,

I can’t wait for you to move to my town. It is unique in many ways and I’m sure it will shape you as it has me. One unique attraction that has helped shape me and my life is our fair grounds and their 4-H gr oup. Our town is also very cour tious with our driving habits. It also has other activities and many historical sites ar ound us that I think you will enjoy .`The Fayette County Fair grounds is a ver y popular place. During the fair you can buy food and snacks. Y ou can also ride rides that ar e there. Ther e are also many activities you can enjoy . One activity that we str ongly stand for is our 4-H groups. If you joined 4-H, I’m sur e you would have a splendid time having fun while getting an education. By joining 4-H, you will be able to interact with all kinds of animals! Y ou can also take par t in making items and cooking food. I’m sur e you will have a gr eat time and lear n new infor mation just like I am! Wher e I live, we have ver y cour tious drivers. Wher e two lanes merge into one, we live in one of the only ar eas that the lanes alter nate, and take turns mer ging. By doing this, it has taught me manners. Uniontown is also right at the bottom of the mountains. The mountains af fect our weather and let us enjoy four ver y dif ferent seasons in a year . Also, located in our mountains is Ohiopyle and For t Necessity . Ohiopyle is a gr eat place to get physically active while enjoying yourself because they have activities fr om rafting to hiking. Ohiopyle has also been ar ound for many years! For t Necessity is wher e Geor ge Washington was the General during the Fr ench and Indian War. As you can see, my town has many unique activities that you will enjoy and lear n information. In 4-H you will make friends with a lot of kids our age, while lear ning much infor mation. Just fr om being a passenger in a car, I have lear ned politeness and patience because in other places, they don’t take tur ns when mer ging. Our historical aspect has much to of fer that will teach you a lot by being able to be hands on with activities. This is why you are making a gr eat choice by choosing to move to my town!

Your Friend,Julie Seliga

JULIESELIGA— Grade 8 —

Lafayette Middle School

Dear friend,

How are you, I’m doing good. I hear d that you ar e moving, I hope you come to my town Vanderebilt. It is a nice place to live. It is nice to live her e in Vanderbilt because it is r oomy and peaceful wher e I live. Almost my whole family lives her e. My cousins Alex and Shayler ar e kind of mean but they ar e mostly nice. It would be nice to have a friend live by to play with me. I go to Franklin Elementar y School. It is only two miles away fr om my house. It isn’t that bad. I have a small class , ther e are only 15 kids in my class, my classmates’ names ar e Chase, Josh, Michael, Paige, Gabby, T atianna, Haylee, Cynthia, Abby, Kaitlyn, Matthew , Jeb, Kaylie, Geanna, and me, and don’t for get my teachers Mrs. Mor gan and Mr. Lohr. They ar e nice!! If you would like to, you can ride a quad. Ther e is a clif f we can climb on during the summer and spring. And ther e is a patch of woods to play in. I hope you can move to my town!!

Your best friend,Leah

LEAHHOLLIS— Grade 3 —

Franklin Elementary School

Dear Friend,

I heard that you wer e thinking of moving to my ar ea. I put together some information about my community and hope you find it helpful.In my local ar ea there are several educational places like Fallingwater , For t Necessity Battlefield, and Laur el Caver ns. This year my four th grade class went to Fallingwater , it was one of my favorite places. Ther e’s also the largest state park in Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle State Park, wher e you can go hiking, biking, and rafting. My family enjoys going for bike rides and walks on the bike trail and we always stop and get ice cr eam after.`In the summer ther e is a baseball and football league, if you ar e interested in playing. Y ou can also fish in the rivers or cr eeks. My family and I like to plant a gar den in the summer too. In the winter I go hunting and skiing. I hunt deer, bear, squir rel, and ring necks and go skiing at Nemacolin. I also enjoy riding my four-wheeler all year long.If you move her e, I know you will enjoy living her e as much as I do. It r eally is a great place to gr ow up, with gr eat schools, neighbors and friends. I hope this letter has been helpful to you and your family . I’m looking for ward to hearing from you about your decision.

Your friend,Dawson

DAWSONPLUME— Grade 4 —

Wharton Elementary School

Dear Friend,

I hear that you ar e thinking of moving to my neighbor hood. All of the people are ver y nice her e. We have a lot of kids in our neighbor hood to play with. We always play hockey, four squar e, and kickball. W e also like to ride our bikes and scooters too. W e have so much fun. If you move her e my Mom could drive us to school. I hope to see you soon.

Your friend,Carson

CARSOND’AMICO

— Grade 3 —St. John the Evangelist


Dear friend,

I hear you ar e thinking of moving to my neighbor hood. I r eally hope you do. Why? Well I will tell you why . Ther e are so many gr eat things to do her e. For instance, you can go sled riding in the winter in a lot of cool places, you can go swimming at Ohiopyle State Park. Y ou can walk ar ound Ohiopyle and river raft. You can put coins on the rail r oad tracks and a train will flatten the coins. Ther e is a lot of wild life, like fish, crayfish, salamanders and fr ogs and toads. Also we have bear , deer and many mor e. You can also go camping in a lot of dif ferent areas. I live close to Laur el Caver ns where you can go on a tour in caves or walk on trails collecting fossils and lear n about wild life. It’s very pretty here in the fall when the leaves change and pr etty when it snows. So to close the end of my letter , these ar e the gr eat things about living in the mountains. I lear n about wildlife, tr ees, r ocks and the community helps in teaching that too. The mountains ar e a beautiful and adventur ous place to live. If you move her e I guarantee you will love it and lear nfrom it.

Sincerely,Chandler Hendrix

CHANDLERHENDRIX

— Grade 4 —Wharton Elementary School

Dear friend,

I heard you wer e looking to move, so let me tell you about my hometown, Brownsville. Br ownsville is a ver y rural area, so it is ver y wide open and friendly all ar ound. Ther e are many r estaurants in Br ownsville such as Fiddles and Pixels. Br ownsville is a low crime rate town, so it is a safe place to live. You can play basketball at the r ecreation center and football at the Redstone football field. Baseball is also a big par t of Br ownsville, you can play at several baseball fields such as the pony field in Hiller and also on W ater St. There is beautiful scener y around Brownsville’s back r oads consisting of farms and wooded ar eas. Ther e are also many nice places outside of Brownsville such as Mer rittstown and Grindstone. Grindstone of fers Rowes Run, which has a baseball field, basketball cour t and spor ts club.`As you can see, Br ownsville has many gr eat featur es and is a gr eat place to live, so maybe I will see you ar ound!

Sincerely,Jaryn

JARYNADDIS— Grade 8 —

Brownsville Area Middle School

Dear BOB,

I think you sould live in Br ownsville because it is almost crime fr ee, and everyone is nice to each other . Brownsville also has 27 chur ches so whatever your r eligion, we have a chur ch for you. W e live in a r ural area so there is a lot of open land. Ever y year on the Four th of July we have a big parade, and people in the parade thr ow candy. Fiddles is a wonder ful restaurant to eat at for br eakfast. Did you know T aylor Lautner shot the movie “Abduction” near Fiddles? So they pr obably ate ther e also. Nemacolin Castle is a r emarkable place to visit. They hold festive tours like the haunted ghost tours ar ound Halloween. Krause’s fur niture is one of the local stores in Br ownsville. W e are near Uniontown so we ar e close to W al-Mart and Target, plus other stor es that ar e in Uniontown. I’ll see you when you move in to your new house her e in Br ownsville!

Sincerely,Colton Dellar ose

COLTON DELLAROSE

— Grade 7 —Brownsville Area Middle School

Dear Friend,

I hear you ar e thinking of moving to my town and I think it’s a gr eat idea! The schools ar e great and you wouldn’t have to be alone because I’m her e. I know you and your family like to go out a lot and ther e are plenty of unique restaurants. Ther e is Pixels, 40 Route Diner and for cof fee lovers, ther e is even Mitchell’s Cafe. The neighbor hood is also ver y quiet so you could just hang out. Ther e is also a park so you can stay active and still have fun. Transpor tation is no pr oblem! We have buses for gr ownups and of course buses to get to school. I must tell you we have a war f because I know you love to swim! I hope we can become neighbors!

Your friend,DynastiP.S. I’m her e and I’m your friend!!!

DYNASTIWILLIS

Grade 5Brownsville Area Middle School

Would you like to move to Jef ferson Estates? Ther e are many attractive features that make our neighbor hood pleasant and welcoming. Many of our wonder ful details ar e things such as good people, wonder ful homes, and a great view of the wilder nesss. It is also a ver y delightful place for far ming. These things all make our neighbor hood great. This neighbor hood has ver y nice people living in it. They’r e ver y kind and always ther e when you need a hand. They also love to have a gr eat visit fr om fellow neighbors too. If you ever have a fundraiseer , they always love to help you out. If you ar e looking for good neighbors, this is wher e to find them. Jef ferson Estates also has very nice homes and ar eas to build. Ther e are great spots to build. These spots have gr eat landscape and wonder ful views. They ar e also gr eat places for bird watching. The neighbor hood is also well pr otected. Ther e are many trees and br ush covering the outside. It is a gr eat location. Jef ferson Estates is ver y nice for far ming as well. Ther e are many beautiful far ms toward the outskir ts. Many of these far ms produce a wonder ful amount of cattle. This helps to pr oduce food for many families in need. These far ms help contribute to help our community . All of these things ar e good and make our neighbor hood great. They also help to contribute to help people and their families. In the end, all of these things make this the best neighborhood ever. You should definitely move her e to Jef ferson Estates. You won’t r egret it!

JENSENKUBINA

— Grade 5 —Central Elementary School

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 | HERALDSTANDARD.COM

Great Bethel Preschool collects food

Pennsville Baptist awards students

Pennsville Baptist Church in Bullskin Township recently presented the Bronze Award to members of its W.I.R.E.D. Kids Club who completed activities that included a report on a Christian book, performing Christian services, memorizing Scripture, offering daily devotions and club attendance. Pictured are, from left, front row: Jessica Shaffer, Rachel Shaffer, Lydia Hawk, Adam Russell, Tagan Basinger, Zeke Richey, Gabriella Grabiak, Leo Pastrana, Alexandra Huffman, Ty Campbell, Gage Gales, and Noah Auman;middle row: Deanna John, Chasadi Hemmerle, Sarah Russell, Jett Nicolette, Seth Tuls, Taney Basinger, Tristan Hodge, Josiah John, Brayden Anderson, Gracie Smith, Kaleb Detwiler, Hanna Detwiler, Halle Detwiler, A.J. Wylie, Nolan Blaze, and Abigail Smith;and back row: Emily Smith, Seth Nicolette, Keaton Detwiler, Avonlea Ansell, Hannah Smith, Autumn Ansell, Andrew Welch, Danny Gaut, Braleigh Trout, Kayden Trout, Kyle Trout, Isaiah John, and Emma Hodge. In addition, 17 youths won prizes for perfect attendance from September to December, including Nolan Blaze, Ty Campbell, Rachel DiRoma, Lydia Hawk, Emma Hodge, Mira McCalmont, Jett Nicolette, Alexandra Pohodich, Zeke Richey, Jessica Shaffer, Rachel Shaffer, Abigail Smith, Emily Smith, Hannah Smith, Andrew Welch, AJ Wylie, and Gianna Zamperini. Autumn Ansell earned the Give-A-Hand Award for completing the most Christian service projects. The Rev. Dr. Terry V. Murray is senior pastor.

Conn-Area Catholic School students create own timelines

Great Bethel Baptist Church Preschool collected and sorted non-perishable food items during the month of November. The donations were given to the Salvation Army for the holiday season. They collected 124 items. Pictured, from left, are Tara Garletts, Rachel Reese, Kylar Tibbe, Connor Hebda, Neela Hill, Giavanna Johnson, Gabriel Joseph, Isaiah Robb and teacher Donna Welch. Rena Springer is the teacher’s aide.

in focus

The second-grader students of Conn-Area Catholic School in Connellsville made their own timelines. Pictured from left to right are Ethan Hileman, Jillian Balena, Sofia Terry, Ava Sherbinsky and Chad Jesko.

Eighth-grade students at Laurel Highlands Middle School took part in Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus’ “Physical Activity Students of the Month” program in November. The goal was to recognize and honor hard-working eighth-grade students with regards to physical activity and wellness. Six students, three boys and three girls, were chosen by their physical education teachers and wrote a 500-to-750-word essay titled “Why Physical Activity and Good Nutrition are Important in America Today.” Angie Shimansky and Jake Miller, Laurel Highlands Middle School physical education teachers, nominated the following students to participate: Allie Bobeck, Mia Fuller, Luke Gabriel, P.J. Savini, Haley Sutton and Jacob Swartz. Sutton and Swartz were the winners chosen by Penn State Fayette. The students received a certificate for their achievement and will be invited to the campus after the school year for a small awards ceremony. Students were Savini, Sutton, Bobeck, Fuller, Swartz and Gabriel.

LH Middle School awards students for essays

HERALDSTANDARD.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 page 3

By The AssociATed Press

Feb. 20: Actor Sidney Poitier is 86. Actress Marj Dusay (“Guiding Light”) is 77. Jazz and soul singer Nancy Wilson is 76. Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 72. Actress Sandy Duncan is 67. Guitarist J. Geils of The J. Geils Band is 67. Actress Brenda Blethyn is 67. Actor Peter Strauss is 66. Singer-bassist Walter Becker of Steely Dan is 63. Country singer Kathie Baillie of Baillie and the Boys is 62. Actor John Voldstad (“Newhart”) is 62. Actor An-thony Stewart Head (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) is 59. Actor James Wilby (“Gosford Park”) is 55. Bassist Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing) is 54. Actor Joel Hodgson (“Mystery

Science Theater 3000”) is 53. Singer Ian Brown of Stone Roses is 50. Actor French Stewart (“Third Rock From the Sun”) is 49. Model Cindy Crawford is 47. Actor Andrew Shue (“Melrose Place”) is 46. Actress Lili Taylor is 46. Singer Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys is 38. Actress Lauren Am-brose (“Six Feet Under”) is 35. Actor Jay Hernandez (“Crazy/Beautiful”) is 35. Guitarist Coy Bowles of Zac Brown Band is 34. Actress Majandra Delfino (“Roswell”) is 32. Singer Ri-hanna is 25.

Feb. 21: Record company executive David Geffen is 70. Actress Tyne Daly is 67. Actor Anthony Daniels (C3P0 in “Star Wars” films) is 67. Actor Alan Rickman is 67. Keyboardist

Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads is 64. Actor William Pe-tersen (“C.S.I.”) is 60. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 58. Singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is 55. Actor Jack Coleman is 55. Actor Christopher Atkins is 52. Singer Ranking Roger of General Public and of English Beat is 52. Actor William Baldwin is 50. Country singer Eric Heatherly is 43. Bassist Eric Wilson (Sublime) is 43. Bassist Tad Kinchla of Blues Traveler is 40. Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt is 34. Opera-pop singer Charlotte Church is 27. Actress Ashley Green is 26. Actress Ellen Page is 26. Actor Corbin Bleu (“High School Musical,” ‘’Jump In!”) is 24.

Feb. 22: Actor Paul Dooley is 85. Director Jonathan Demme

is 69. Actor John Ashton is 65. Actress Julie Walters (“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” ‘’Billy Elliot”) is 63. Ac-tress Ellen Greene (“Pushing Daisies”) is 62. Actor Kyle MacLachlan is 54. Comedian Rachel Dratch is 47. Actor Paul Lieberstein (“The Office”) is 46. Actress Jeri Ryan is 45. Actor Thomas Jane is 44. Ac-tress Lea Solanga is 42. Actor Jose Solano (“Baywatch”) is 42. Drummer Scott Phillips of Creed and of Alter Bridge is 40. Actress Drew Barrymore is 38. Singer James Blunt is 36. Singer Tom Higgenson of Plain White T’s is 34. Actor Zach Roerig (“The Vampire Diaries”) is 28. Actor Daniel E. Smith (“John Q.”) is 23.

Feb. 23: Actor-director Peter

Fonda is 73. Musician Johnny Winter is 69. Steel guitarist Rusty Young of Poco is 67. Actress Patricia Richardson (“Home Improvement”) is 62. Guitarist Brad Whitford of Aerosmith is 61. Singer Howard Jones is 58. Guitarist Michael Wilton of Queensryche is 51. Actress Kristin Davis is 48. Actor Marc Price (“Family Ties”) is 45. Actress Niecy Nash (“Reno 911!”) is 43. Bassist Jeff Beres of Sister Hazel is 42. Guitarist-keyboardist Lasse Johansson of The Cardigans is 40. Actress Kelly Macdonald (“Boardwalk Empire”) is 37. Actor Aziz Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”) is 30. Actress Emily Blunt is 30. Actress Dakota Fanning (“Charlotte’s Web,” ‘’I Am Sam”) is 19.

Celebrity birthdays

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 | HERALDSTANDARD.COM

© 2013 Universal Uclick

release dates: February 23-March 1 8-1 (13)

from The Mini Page © 2013 Universal Uclick

Please include all of the appropriate registered trademark symbols and copyright lines in any publication of The Mini Page®.

To order, send $15.99 ($19.99 Canada) plus $5 postage and handling for each copy. Make check or money order (U.S. funds only) payable to Universal Uclick. Send to The Mini Page Book of States, Universal Uclick, P.O. Box 6814, Leawood, KS 66206. Or call toll-free 800-591-2097 or go to www.smartwarehousing.com. Please send ______ copies of The Mini Page Book of States (Item #0-7407-8549-4) at $20.99 each, total cost. (Bulk discount information available upon request.)Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________

The Mini Page’s popular series of issues about each state is collected here in a 156-page softcover book. Conveniently spiral-bound for ease of use, this invaluable resource contains A-to-Z facts about each state, along with the District of Columbia. Illustrated with colorful photographs and art, and complete with updated information, The Mini Page Book of States will be a favorite in classrooms and homes for years to come.

The Mini Page®

Book of States

A Sign of Trouble

Giant Fish Disappearing Giant fish swim through the world’s rivers and lakes. But most of them are hidden and mysterious. Legends about creatures such as the Loch* Ness Monster could have sprung from sightings of giant fish. The Loch Ness Monster is a dinosaur-like, and probably imaginary, animal that many say they have spotted in a lake in Scotland.

Folks tell tales of Volkswagen-sized catfish at the bottom of dams in the Mississippi River. Some experts think mermaid sightings may have really been giant fish. To learn more about these gigantic creatures, The Mini Page talked with the curator of fishes at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, which recently opened an exhibit on “River Giants.” Shrinking giants

People have discovered huge fish weighing hundreds of pounds in rivers and lakes. Centuries ago, their ancestors were probably even bigger. Overfishing and habitat destruction may be preventing the fish from growing so large and may be killing whole species. Giant freshwater fish may be disappearing before we have had a chance to study them.

A sign of health Some freshwater fish weigh hundreds of pounds and can be at least 6 feet long. There are about 20 species of these giant fish left in the wild. In order for fish to grow this large, the rivers and lakes where they live must be healthy. It takes a lot of food to feed a fish that will grow to weigh hundreds of pounds. The fish also must have the time to grow so huge. If many fish manage to live long enough to reach that size, it is a sign that people are not overfishing the area. Unfortunately, giant fish are disappearing from our freshwater, or bodies of water other than the sea. This is a sign of more serious problems. Freshwater fish of all sizes are in trouble. More than one-fifth of all

known freshwater

fish have become

extinct or severelythreatened in recent

years. In North America, freshwater fish are becoming extinct at nearly 900 times the rate they did before the 1800s, according to fossil records.

phot

o co

urte

sy T

enne

ssee

Aqu

ariu

m

The blue catfish swims in Tennessee waters. It can weigh about 200 pounds now, but 100 years ago, it was probably much larger. Writer Mark Twain described an 800-pound catfish that many believe was a blue catfish.

*“Loch” (lok) means “lake.”

The 1,100-pound Chinese paddlefish may be the largest freshwater fish in the world, at 23 feet long. But scientists fear it is extinct. No one has seen one since 2003. Giant dams are separating populations, making it harder for them to breed.

photo courtesy Muséum d’histoire Naturelle

Words that remind us of giant fish are hidden in the block below. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally. See if you can find: ARAPAIMA, CATFISH, DAM, ENDANGERED, EXTINCT, FISH, FRESHWATER, GAR, GIANT, GILL, HABITAT, HUGE, LAKES, POLLUTION, POUNDS, RAY, RIVERS, SIGN, STURGEON, SWIM, WEIGH, WILD.

Giant Fish TRY ’NFIND

DO YOU HAVE A BIG-FISH

STORY?

F N O E G R U T S W G G G G R S I W T A T I B A H E A G I I L I S I Y A R S W I M I R L V A H G H L L S D N U O P G L E K D U N L D H S I F T A C H R E K A G N O I T U L L O P V S S V K M E D E R E G N A D N E T C N I T X E A M I A P A R A T N A I G R E T A W H S E R F


Basset Brown

The News

Hound’s

TM

Ready Resourcesfrom The Mini Page © 2013 Universal Uclick

The Mini Page provides ideas for websites, books or other resources that will help you learn more about this week’s topics.On the Web:• tnaqua.org/RiverGiants.aspx• megafishes.org• bit.ly/WWQsAU• on.natgeo.com/11TZRkaAt the library: • “DK Eyewitness Books: Fish” by Steve Parker


Protecting Our WaterHabitat health The existence of giant fish is a sign of how healthy their habitat is. When they vanish, it tells us that something is wrong in their habitat.There may be only one problem or a combination of troubles. People might be overfishing the area, wiping out smaller fish that are food for the giants. Pollution may be sickening or killing fish. People and businesses dump sewage and farm or factory pollutants in rivers. Dams might have slowed the flow of the rivers so much that there is not enough oxygen left in the rivers. Climate change may be affecting the makeup of rivers and lakes.

Changing our habits As the world’s population grows, there is more demand for fresh drinking water. The increased use has threatened fish living in the waters. By making good laws and stopping overfishing, we can protect our rivers and lakes and still make it possible for people to feed their families. Fish farms are one solution. In some areas, ecotourism is a growing industry. Sportspeople can fish and then release the fish back into the wild after they’ve caught them. Tourists pay local people to see the giant fish and their habitat.

Keeping water safe Everything we do in our own backyards affects the whole environment. All water from our cities and farms ends up back in the rivers and then in the oceans. Recycling, handling waste safely, keeping chemicals off our lawns and gardens, conserving water and protecting our resources are all things everyone can do to help. Remember that rivers and lakes are important not only to fish. We get our drinking water from the same water system. River and lake ecosystems support millions of people and animals around the world.

phot

o co

urte

sy T

enne

ssee

Aqu

ariu

m

Alligator gar have broad snouts that look like those of alligators. They live in waters in the southeast United States, but have been found as far north as Ohio. They can grow to 12 feet long, weighing more than 300 pounds.

The giant pangasius catfish can grow to more than 9 feet long. It lives in rivers in the rainforests of southeast Asia.


Ricky: Why did the hippo quit using soap when he took a bath?Rose: Because it left a ring around

the river!

Rita: What do turtles wear when they’re cold?Ray: People-necked sweaters!

TM

All the following jokes have something in common. Can you guess the common theme or category?

Randy: What is the best way to cook a crocodile?

Rudy: In a croc-pot!

Mini Spy . . .Mini Spy and her friends are visiting an aquarium and looking at a giant catfish. See if you can find: • exclamation mark• pencil • number 3 • book • key • kite• letter E • teapot • ruler • peanut• bandage • umbrella • needle • tooth• ladder • word MINI • heart • mushroom


TM

Rookie Cookie’s RecipeVegetable Cheese Frittata*

You’ll need:• 1 tablespoon olive oil• 2 cups chopped broccoli• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper• 8 eggsWhat to do:1. Heat olive oil and cook broccoli and green pepper for 4 to 5 minutes.2. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt.3. Coat a pie or quiche dish with cooking spray. Spread cooked

vegetables on bottom of dish.4. Cut cream cheese into 16 squares; place on top of vegetables.5. Pour egg mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until

done. Serves 6-8.*A frittata is an egg-based dish similar to a quiche or omelet.You will need an adult’s help with this recipe.


TM

• 2 tablespoons milk• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese


Meet Zeb Hogan Zeb Hogan hosts the National Geographic Wild TV series “Monster Fish.” He is the director of the Megafishes Project, which studies and tries to save the world’s giant fish. Zeb grew up in Arizona. When he was a kid, he went on camping trips with his family to desert canyons with creeks. This made him appreciate the importance of water. When he was in eighth grade, he got a summer volunteer job at an aquarium in Woods Hole, Mass. When he was in college, he spent two

summers studying fish on the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. When he studied fish in Thailand, he saw 10-foot-long Mekong catfish and was amazed at how huge freshwater fish could grow. He studied conservation biology in college. He is an assistant research professor at the University of Nevada-Reno. He enjoys hiking, camping, traveling and exploring.

phot

o co

urte

sy T

enne

ssee

Aqu

ariu

m


Meet Some Giant Fish

The Mini Page StaffBetty Debnam - Founding Editor and Editor at Large Lisa Tarry - Managing Editor Lucy Lien - Associate Editor Wendy Daley - Artist

Lake sturgeon The lake sturgeon is a dinosaur-like fish swimming in rivers and lakes in many parts of North America. A few years ago, it was almost extinct in parts of the country, such as Tennessee. But the Tennessee Aquarium and conservation groups fought to stop the extinction. They worked to increase river flow to what it had been before dams. This caused the oxygen levels to rise in the rivers. Fishers had been catching sturgeon and throwing them on riverbanks to die. Now overfishing has been stopped. Tennessee has put about 125,000 sturgeon back into the rivers. Conservationists plan to double that number. Experts praise the success in saving the sturgeon as an example of how we can turn things around and save other threatened fish.

Freshwater whipray Whiprays have eyes at the top of their heads so they can watch for threats as they hunt on the bottom of rivers and lakes. They often bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for their prey and hiding from their enemies, with only their eyes above the mud. They also have a great sense of smell that helps them hunt. Rays can sting, but they would rather swim away than attack. They attack only if they feel threatened.

The arapaima The arapaima has primitive lungs as well as gills. It has to surface about every 20 minutes to breathe oxygen from the air or it will drown. In dry seasons, the Amazon River is much shallower. Without lungs, the arapaima would not be able to get enough oxygen from the river. Its primitive lungs are so ancient that they are not found in any other modern fish.

phot

os c

ourt

esy

Tenn

esse

e A

quar

ium

Lake sturgeon can grow up to 8 feet long and can live for 150 years in the wild. They feed on fish at the bottom of rivers and lakes.

The Mini Page thanks Thom Demas, curator of fishes, Tennessee Aquarium, for help with this issue.

Next week, The Mini Page is about Newspaper in Education Week.

The arapaima can be 15 feet long and weigh several hundred pounds. It is a fierce hunter, sometimes even grabbing small primates, such as tamarins, from the shore and gulping them down. It also eats birds and fish. It swims in South American rivers.

Look through your newspaper for stories about rivers, lakes and fish.

The freshwater whipray can weigh more than half a ton and stretch to 12 feet long. The two species, in Asia and Australia, are related to stingrays living in the sea.

Wallago catfish The wallago catfish has rows and rows of sharp teeth. Some of its teeth

point backward so they can better trap their prey. The sharp teeth grab onto prey like a fishhook.The wallago swims

in Asian rivers and can be 8 feet long.


Supersport: Elizabeth WilliamsHeight: 6-3 Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va. The ball is on a perfect flight toward the rim. Suddenly, a big hand swats it off course. That’s what many shooters have happen when they face Duke University All-American Elizabeth Williams. The intimidating 6-3 sophomore is a shot-blocking artist who also leads the highly ranked Blue Devils women in scoring

(15.5 per game) and is second in rebounding (6.5). A former high school high jumper, Williams blocked 116 shots — including 12 in one game — on the way to winning National Freshman of the Year honors last season. She blocked 54 in the first 17 games this season. When not slapping opponents’ shots away, she makes her own shots, knocking in 55.7 percent from the field. Williams is a winner. She’s an honor student, played on three gold-medal U.S. national teams, and has helped Duke carve an impressive record so far this season.

TM


Student BodyTUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2012

AWARD WINNINGAWARD WINNINGSTUDENT BODYSTUDENT BODY

Mental Health Associationof Fayette County

The program I’m advocating for is the Mental Health

Association of Fayette County. This particular program stands out from the rest to me, they are low budget, friendly, often given up higher pay, and serve about 170 patients at a time. People that work in these types of fields love what they do, even if that means waking up in the middle of the night, working overtime, and showing kids the importance of their jobs at any time, which they were kind enough to do for us. The program also offers free storage to the patients if they’re in the hospital or can’t afford to hold it somewhere, which costs money for the program so they always need donations. The donation goes toward a great cause so why not give a little? The overall mission of this wonderful program is to make sure mental health patients are getting what they need and are qualified to get, which they will fight for andI agree with!

Students WereAsked To Select A

CharitableCharitableWhat is the

group’s mission?How do they help others?

Is this a worthwhile organization?

What can YOU do to help people in your community?

ORGANIZATION

JARYN ADDIS— Grade 8 —


Fayette Friends of AnimalsI believe that people should donate to the Fayette Friends of Animals shelter. This

organization helps rescue animals and gives them a home until that special person comes to adopt them. Fayette Friends is a No-Kill animal shelter. Since this is the case, it needs as much help as it can get. Fayette Friends has a wishlist of items it needs, many ways they receive funding, and ways people can help. On the wishlist are a few items someone can buy to donate to the shelter. On the Fayette Friends of Animals website, the staff has their wishlist posted. Some of the food items that they really need are Purina Dog Chow, Purina Puppy Chow, and Purina Cat Chow. A few of their needed items would be paw safe sidewalk salt, six to ten inch nylon sturdy leashes, no-tip metal bowls, and scoopable kitty litter. They also accept aluminum cans and printer ink cartridge donations. If a person donates a certain amount of money, he or she could be in the Gemstone Collar Club. Giving one hundred to five hundred dollars will get a person into the Emerald Club. Donating five hundred to one thousand dollars would put them into the Ruby Club. To get into the highest club, or the Diamond Club, a person would have to donate one thousand dollars or more. There are also many ways Fayette Friends receives funding. Fayette Friends has many events to help with its funding. At the events, people have to pay to participate. They have a various amount of fundraisers ranging from special events to Bow-Wow Bowling. They also have merchandise that they sell, such as T-shirts and sweatshirts. There are also many other ways people can help. Fayette Friends of Animals is always looking for new volunteers. To sign up, a person has to be at the age of sixteen or older. The shelter also accepts gift cards that a person is not going to use. The gift cards can range anywhere from Lowes to Walmart. Our school is participating in a campaign called Presents for Pets to help out this amazing shelter. To sum up, all people should help out Fayette Friends of Animals in everyway possible.

MIKAELA FITZPATRICK— Grade 8 —


Dolly PartonImagination Library

December is traditionally the month of giving. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library

mails a book every month to a child until his or her fifth birthday. It was developed in 1995. Dolly wanted every preschool child to have his or her own collection of books. The company is at work in 500 communities in 40 states. It is a unique opportunity to do something wonderful for preschoolers all across the United States. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is all about inspiration and imagination. Dolly developed the company for her native Sevier County, Tennessee. After much thought, Dolly decided to offer her company for replication in any community that would financially support it. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a donation company. The cost is $25 a child. Last year the three Lafayette reading teams donated $300 to the charity. The Uniontown Public Library sponsors the charity in our community. For more information go to www.uniontownlibrary.

TYLER HYATT— Grade 8 —


The Mental Health AssociationOf Fayette County

The Mental Health Association of Fayette County is very

charitable. The Association helps people mentally and/or physically challenged. It tries to help people in need, as much as possible. They service about 170 patients at a time. While people are in a hospital or homeless, this organization stores all of their belongings in a warehouse. They get three meals a day, unless it’s a special occasion. They try to take everyone out to a park, like Kennywood or a stadium like Heinz Field, for fun. If the kids or adults who are being serviced are given a $20 coat or something like that, they will never stop thanking them for it. Their mission is to make sure mental health patients are getting what they need and are qualified to get. They also don’t get paid much to do it. They do it because they love it. I think this association is very important and should stay there for a long time. Finally, ask yourself, “What can I doto help?”

ZACH WHITLOCK— Grade 7 —


East EndThe East End United Community Center is a non-profit organization from many kind & concerned citizens that

has programs for children from Kindergarten to twelfth grade. It’s a very safe & fun place for grieving children & their parents/guardians to come together & talk about their feelings & memories. Their Food & Nutrition Programs have nutritious & balanced dinners. They serve breakfast, lunch & dinner. The food is also prepared in accordance with the PA Department of Education Division of Food & Nutrition. Everyone will be healthy and on a balanced diet. Other than food, there are some fun activities. Students can make beautiful & colorful masks. On the outside it can have a non-emotional face, but inside the mask can be how the kids are feeling inside. In addition, they can make collages of what a passed love one liked or enjoyed. Plus, other super fun activities. This is a very good program to volunteer. Even for all ages, anyone can join. This program helps a lot of people. In addition, this program is very fun & worthwhile. Schools can raise money from the simplest ways. Loose change can easily be donated to “Change for Change.” Any amount of money will be accepted. People don’t really think that is a lot of money, but in the end it actually is. Lafayette Middle School donated last year to “Our Caring Corner” and will be doing this again this year. It was a big success for us. Please, join us in giving change for change.

DANIELLE KOTYUHA— Grade 8 —


Caring For AnimalsWe are in the traditional season of giving. I think donating to Fayette Friends of

Animals is a great idea. This organization takes care of animals who do not have homes. Their purpose is to help give animals a place to stay and food to eat. They help us by taking animals off the street and giving our loved ones homes. We help them by donating money and adopting animals. Fayette Friends of Animals is a worthy organization. Most importantly, they are a No Kill Shelter. Any animal that is taken in will not be harmed. They are also a non-profit organization. All the money the shelter receives is used to help the animals. When someone adopts an animal, it costs fifty dollars. This money is also used to shelter the animals. Donating to Fayette Friends of Animals changes the lives of pets in need. Currently, Lafayette Elementary and Middle School is helping donate to Fayette Friends of Animals by participating in Presents for Pets. Fayette Friends of Animals sends out a wish list of supplies they need. It ranges from general needs to medical supplies. Students are donating needed items on the wish list. My school is making a difference.

BRITTANY McFADDEN— Grade 8 —


December is traditionally the month of giving. East End United Community Center, Our Caring Corner helps grieving

kids in Fayette County. It’s worthwhile because we’re helping the community and the people in the community. Our Caring Corner receives funding by donations, fundraisers and contributors. We can help Mr. Wally and Our Caring Corner by donating or having fundraisers. Our Caring Corner is one of the several programs at East End United Community Center. Our Caring Corner is a program that helps grieving children and grieving parents talk about their problems. Our Caring Corner is a program where children relieve their stress. Mr. Wally’s program brings children and parents closer. Everyone should make a donation not to get back, donate to give and help the community. Lafayette Elementary and Middle School is raising money with “Change for Change” for grieving children. Why not help? If possible, make donations to East End United Community Center as soonas possible!

DA’SHAUN PRATT— Grade 8 —


Why We Should HelpThe Mental Health Association of Fayette County has many great programs for their clients.

One of them is the Helping Hands Program. With this program, if one of the clients needs to be in the hospital, The Mental Health Association of Fayette County will keep the person’s personal possessions in storage until they can return home. Every Christmas the association will bring treats to some of their clients. The association can serve from165-170 clients at one time. It doesn’t matter what age the clients are, they can help them. The Mental Health Asssociation of Fayette County doesn’t have very much money to spend, but they still find a way to make the clients happy. Even all of the money that they make with their fundraisers goes to the clients. One way I think we could all help is by donating money to support the association, clients, and workers. Another thing we could do is donate things like blankets, coats, gloves, or anything else that could support the clients.

TYLER MILNE— Grade 6 —


Worthwhile OrganizationThere are several organizations in Fayette County; however, the organization I feel is very

important is the Our Caring Corner Program located inside the East End United Community Center. Mr. Walter Wally is the Our Caring Corner Program Manager. Last year our school district was inspired to donate to the center through a “Change for Change” program. Every penny we collected helped support the Our Caring Corner Program. In fact, we are doing the “Change for Change” program this year as well. I believe the Our Caring Corner Program is very important to our society. During the Our Caring Corner Program, Mr. Walter Wally helps people of all ages through their grieving process. The Our Caring Corner Program helps turn the grief of losing a loved one into a celebration of the life the loved one lived. In the month of November, Mr. Wally came to my school to describe and represent the program. As Mr. Wally described and represented the program, I instantly knew it was a worthwhile program. Throughout the program, Mr. Wally and the people attending the program get involved in activities that help the people express how they feel. The Our Caring Corner Program is very confidential, which means if Mr. Wally saw someone outside the program he wouldn’t even approach them since the program is supposed to be private and safe. I truly believe the Our Caring Corner Program is a remarkable organization.

CHARLI SUBLETTGrade 8


A Charitable OrganizationThe charitable organization I chose to research is the Mental Health Association of

Fayette County. I chose this organization because they help mental health patients get the care they need. They serve anywhere from 165-170 patients. They have a tight budget, but the programs are great. Two guest speakers came out to talk to my class. They gave us loads of information, and the things they do are great, I can’t say enough. Their mission is to get their patients the care they need. I see no reason not to be an advocate. This is why I am one. I think I can free up some of my time to work with one of their patients. This is why I chose this association.

EVAN OLESKO— Grade 6 —


Fayette Friends Of AnimalsDecember is traditionally the month of giving. There is one charity that is worth donating

to. This charity is a no-kill shelter and rescue. The charity is called Fayette Friends of Animals. Fayette Friends of Animals receives funding by fundraisers, events, and clubs. The more money people donate, the higher club they go to. For example, if someone donates $100.00 they go to the Emerald Club. If someone donates $1,000, they go to the Diamond Club. If we go on their website, people can see the wish list. We could help by donating money and giving them supplies for the shelter. My favorite animal is a cat, and every day thousands of healthy, loving cats and dogs are put to death because there are not enough homes for them. Also, each year millions of stray animals suffer and die from starvation and freezing temperatures in our streets. Everyone can help by donating supplies or money. My school is raising money for the Fayette Friends of Animals. We are also asking people in our school to bring in supplies for them too. These animals need loving people to help them survive. Please donate now so we can make a difference.

KEANNA CARSON— Grade 8 —


WADEBEHANNA

Grade 4Bethlehem CenterElementary School


Student BodyAWARD WINNINGAWARD WINNINGSTUDENT BODYSTUDENT BODYTUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

Students were asked to make a listof things that might be unique to

Dracula’s home, then use thelist to craft an enticing real estate

review of the castle togenerate interest among

potential buyers.

DraculaDraculaand his family

have decided to move.THEY NEED TO SELL THEIR CASTLE!

DRACULA’S MYSTERY MANSIONDracula’s Mystery Mansion has been listed at a bone breaking price. It is a must see! There are spooky surprises in every room. The three rooms with the most frightening features are the howling bedrooms, the terrorizing theater, and the haunted outside grounds. First, come sleep in the master bedroom where there are cozy coffins to rest your soul. Down the dark hallways are the guest bedrooms where the howls of the night can put you to sleep. In the next creepy corridor are the kid’s rooms where they will surely enjoy bunking with the beast under the bed. If you’re scared of the dark don’t bother going into Dracula’s lair, where Dracula lies in the deepest darkness. Next, tour our terrorizing theater but beware it will leave you trembling for more. Come get comfy in our teeth chattering theater seats and hope nothing is lurking underneath. Caution, don’t leave the theater until you have watched the famous “Haunted House” as it plays on the big screen. Lastly, visit our outside grounds where the ghostly garden and the trembling tree house are a hair raising sight. In the ghostly garden, gargoyles and goblins roam the night. Next to the ghostly garden is the trembling tree house. It’s filled with thrills and chills for your little munchkins. Don’t miss our goose bumping open house. Be the first to see our howling bedrooms, trembling tree house, and haunted outside grounds. Dracula’s Mystery Mansion can be yours for only 48 scratching screaming souls. Tune into 99.4 on the radio to see who gets the mystery mansion, if you can find the channel. We’ll even give you a piece of gum, if you dare to come.

HOME FOR SALE Dracula’s Castle • 323 Vampire Rd.

Sitting alone at the top of 52 steps is a dark grey, three story castle. Dracula has owned and lived in this castle for 215 years. Although he doesn’t want to, he has come to the conclusion to sale the castle. After much thinking the castle has been listed for $4.3 billion. Dracula is feeling mixed emotions about selling the family castle. Dracula and his 26 brothers and sisters were born in the family hospital. The castle comes with a library, restaurant, and an Amusement park. You would think that the home would be any buyer’s dream, although there are no buyers yet Dracula is still hopeful that someone will love this home as much as he and his family didand always will.

My name is Dracula. I am trying to sell my house. It is very big and it has lots of things in it. It has lots of spooky pictures. Sometimes the eye balls on the pictures move. I think the pictures are watching me. There are lots of bats here too. We hear chains rattling in the attic. We think a ghost lives up there. We have seen the ghost and he is very friendly. Your kids will like to live here too. There are lots of toys in the house for you. I hope you buy my house.

DRACULA’S CASTLE IS FOR SALE!

It comes with a beautiful dungeon, filled with rats and shackles. In each room there is a nice coffin. The gargoyles are in high detail. The dungeon is very dark and dreary. There are names sketched in the walls. There is a skeleton hung on the wall by shackles. Rats are scattering everywhere. It is very cold in the dungeon. In the backyard there is a sasguatch, who wants to chase you. Don’t get too close or he will bite a limb off of you. There are alligators in the moat. You will have to make a leaping jump to get to the front door because there is no drawbridge. You will love this castle! It is $13,000 and no tax! Hope you will buy it.

DRACULA’S CASTLEThis timeless castle, situated on twenty wooded acres in the Blackheart Forest, is located at 666 Bloody Run Road. This beautiful castle features fifteen bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, a library, and servant quarters large enough for all of your minions. Other features include a personal cemetery and glorious full moon views from its lookout tower. A five acre lake with plenty of big game, such as, Piranha and Gar, are also on the property. You will love spending hours at this olympic sized indoor pool, so there is no chance of anyone getting sunburned. It’s great for hosting parties with all of your favorite monsters. Its blood red carpets will leave your guests thirsting for more. The outer brimstone walls are sure to impress all of your undead friends. It’s by far the best house on the market for any soul...if you dare!

A MANSION IN THE WOODS!!For Sale: 13th century stone castle, currently occupied by home owner. Own a piece of history in this one-of-a-kind, victorian period, mansion located in a secluded area of Transylvania on over 1000 acres. Updates needed such as plumbing, heating, electrical and light fixtures. This pleasure palace has all the comforts of a modern castle. Over 40,000 sq. ft. to spread your wings or howl at the moon. Nine bedrooms, large kitchen/banquet hall, master’s dungeon, which can easily be transformed into a great kids playroom. Includes: 14 fireplaces, stained glass and stone statues. Security system: Property is currently surrounded by a large moat and drawbridge. Alligators to stay with sale of residence. Motivated seller enjoys nightlife and larger populated areas. Feels this residence is too large and has become a “pain in the neck” to clean. Housekeeper/handyman (Igor) on grounds willing to stay on with new owners. Owner is asking $1,000,000 for this one-of-a-kind dream home but is willing to listen to offers. Tours are available but only after sunset. Don’t let this one slip away. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg. maybe just a pint of blood. Call today.

Hi! My name is Mikayla. I work for Transylvania Reality. I know of the most interesting piece of property that is currently on the market. However, it won’t be for long. It is the world’s most famous mansion and it could be yours. This mansion is a historical landmark. It has 93 windows, wide doors, and 30 bedrooms. Located in Transylvania, Dracula’s Castle is the perfect estate for you. The living room opens up to the great outdoors where your family can have cookouts. Just imagine all the exploring you could do up and down the many staircases. The dungeon will surely be a favorite with the whole family. This house will be the best house to hold a Halloween party, Christmas party or a concert. Call to schedule your grand tour today!!!

HAUNTED HOUSE FOR SALEDracula’s house is for sale for at price that will pop your eyes out!!! It has a wonderful sleeping coffin. Upstairs is a wonderful “boo” room. Downstairs a fun brain room comes in many colors. In the center is a nice spirit room. Out back a bat room. Includes nets. Call about it at724-000-0000.

This is a real estate listing for a single spooky family castle with strong, stone exterior, located on a 100 acre grave yard. The castle comes with random entertainment, such as, ghosts, three black cats, mummies and 18 phantoms. The castle has one big spooky living room, trap door, one kitchen with big, black, juicy spiders and webs. Bonus features are bats in the attic and trees. Also, fire shoots out at top of castle; doors open and close magically. With a built in basement that has a mad scientist. This is a must see castle.

CASTLE FOR SALEIt would be so amazing to live in Count

Dracula’s house. It’s your chance to buy it right now. Count Dracula and his family have decided to move. They need to sell their castle. The house has so many rooms for a splendid night’s sleep. In Count Dracula’s house, there are 15 bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, big dining room and a dungeon. Out of the 15 bedrooms, there are five master bedrooms and they have a bathroom in each one. The master bedrooms have king-size beds and the other bedrooms are twin beds. The living room is huge, and it has a beautiful chandelier in the middle. The kitchen is really lovely, but not as lovely as the dining room. The dining room has a really big table in it and it can seat 50 people, if you ever wanted to have a party. The house has a dungeon where Count Dracula and his family slept. Also, there are chill bats in the dungeon if you ever go down there. Next, there are secret passages throughout the house. Lastly, the house has a great view of the lake where you can go boating and swimming. You’re going to love buying this house.

AMADEUS MARINUCCI

Grade 7LaFayette School

JAZAYADOUGLAS

Grade 6Brownsville AreaMiddle School

DRACULA’S CASTLEDear Dracula Family,I found a perfect home for you. It has a big kitchen. The basement has three coffins - 1 pink coffin for your daughter. The windows are built in so the sunlight won’t come in. There are two bathrooms and four beds. The house is very old and scary so people won’t come in. Your house located in a cemetery.

GRANTHAYGrade 4

Wharton Elementary

DRACULA’S HOUSE IS FOR SALE!Dracula and his family are moving out of their mansion. It’s unique features include: a moat,5 master bedrooms, 4 stories, a wood burning fire place in every bedroom, 20 bedrooms with their own bathroom, 2.3 acre yard, one tower bedroom and a dragon dungeon. You can get it furnished or not for only - $20,000. Get It White It Lasts!

MIKAYLAGRAHAM

Grade 6A. J. McMullen School

There is a castle that is haunted. There are ghosts in the castle. There are walls that you can walk through. There are bats and mummies in the castle. It has a creepy back yard by THE house. There are monsters in it too. There are talking walls. There is also a skeleton chandelier in the house. There is a freaky cemetery. There are tombstones. There are 18 skeletons in the castle. There is a skeleton cannon. There are secret doors in the castle. There is poison juice and there is poison wine, too. There arespiders everywhere.

REGANCARLSON

Grade 3Waynesburg Central

Elementary

BLAKE DECARLO

Grade 5Central BASD

FOR SALE HISTORICAL ESTATEThis castle has 50 bedrooms with bath and its own personal coffin in each room. The master bedroom is 20 feet by 24 feet. There are four guest rooms. No kitchen, because the past residents did not eat. There is a blood bank in the basement. Those who do not like to wash windows do not worry because there are none to wash and there’s a huge living room. The listing price is $2,500. If interested in a private tour contact Gabrianna at Lynn real estate at724-000-0000.

GABRIANNALYNNGrade 5

Menallen Elementary

DERRICKHAMMITT

Grade 6California Intermediate

Would you like to move into a castle? The castle is black and gray. The owner that used to have it was a vampire. The kitchen is huge. It has hoagies, chips, sweets, fruits, and no veggies, whatsoever. Also the kitchen is red and bats fly around. The family room is black. The furniture is black too. The bathroom is all white. The bedrooms are made out of gold and black paint. The bedroom has a couch. There is a pet-room only for a pet spider. There are seven rooms, two are bedrooms. The back yard is huge. There is a black water fountain. You would live by a graveyard. It cost 6,000 dollars. The neighbors are ghosts, witches, monsters and vampires. Also you can have a pet bat and it would live in your room. You would have a fantastic castle.

GRACIEGUTHRIE

Grade 3Ben Franklin Elementary

NICKSIMPSON

Grade 7Laurel HighlandsMiddle School

Dracula and his family want to move and you should buy their house. If you like spooky then it should be yours! It has so many rooms you could invite the whole monster town. It has moving walls. It could be your best monster dream. Buy it as soon as you can. It’s yard is 10,000 feet. It’s the best home for Halloween in the world!

SYDNEYPOLKABLA

Grade 2St. John the

Evangelist RCS

FANGFANGMOVINGMOVINGCOMPANYCOMPANY

Coffin Room

DungeonItems

ELEAMCKINNEY

Grade 6Laurel HighlandsMiddle School

KIERSTEN MORGAN

Grade 1St. John the Evangelist


DEREKNASTASI

Grade 4Hatfield Elementary

MARY KATHLEENDERRING

Grade 3St. John the Evangelist


Dear Teacher, Date: 1/16/2013 Whether you live in a large city, a small town, or a rural country-side, your town or neighborhood is an important part of who you are. From county fairs to holiday parades, each community is unique in its own special way. In the February issue of Student Body, students are to imagine that one of their friends from out of town is thinking of moving. Have your students write a letter to this friend explaining that their own town or neighborhood is the perfect place to live. Students should include all of the wonderful aspects of their community such as the local events, the friendly atmosphere, the various public facilities, the unique restaurants, and anything else that makes their town or neighborhood the only one of its kind. Have your students use as much detail as possible to convince their friend that this town is the perfect place for a new home. But don’t stop there! We encourage you to expand our Student Body assignment into a classroom project. After students reflect on all of the wonderful aspects of their community, have the students create a scrap book consisting of their favorite neighborhood places. Have the students share these with the class to give their classmates insight of where they are from. Also, encourage your students to make a difference by writing letters to their local officials about what aspects of their community could be changed for the better, like adding a new stop light or making the Christmas festival 5 days instead of 4. This assignment will allow students to gain a greater appreciation for their own town as well as others, while believing they can make a difference in their own community. February Student Body Topic: A friend from out of town is thinking of moving to your neighborhood! Write a detailed letter convincing your friend of why your neighborhood would be perfect for his/her new home. Include in this letter everything that makes your neighborhood unique and how your community has helped shape you into the person you are today.

Deadlines are crucial! The Student Body essays are due in our office on Monday, February 4th, 2013

Please mail essays no later than Friday, February, 1st to allow for on-time delivery, or drop them off at our office. Our front counter is open until 5:00 p.m.

All entries should include the student’s name, grade, school and your name. If your student’s work is selected for publication, we will require a current photo of the child and a permission slip from the parent authorizing that the child’s name, grade, school and photo are allowed to be printed in the newspaper. We have prepared a general permission slip for your use. It can be copied and sent home with your students. If you are new to Student Body, each month during the school year, we assign an essay topic. You may use the topic as a classroom assignment or extra credit. We encourage you to add your own touch to it and expand the lesson as you would like. Once you’ve collected the essays, mail them to our office at Student Body, Herald-Standard, 8 East Church Street, Uniontown, PA 15401 by the deadline. We will review all submissions and select the best ones for publication on the monthly Student Body page that appears on the last Tuesday of each month. The Student Body essay contest is open to all classrooms. You are not required to be enrolled in NIE or the e-Edition to participate. If you have any questions, email us at [email protected] or call 724-436-7597 Herald-Standard NIE Committee Herald-Standard NIE Committee

Dear Teachers, The following permission form will be used to enter a student’s essay, picture and name in the Student Body section of the newspaper if their essay is chosen by the NIE Committee. Please have parents complete the following order form to enter their child’s essay in the Student Body Contest. Only the child’s name, grade and school will be in print. Please send these permission slips along with the student’s completed essay. Only one permission slip per student is necessary for the school year. Please feel free to make additional copies of the permission form to use for your class or contact the NIE department and we will send additional copies to you. ————————————————————————————————————————

Herald-Standard NIE Student Body

Permission Form Complete this form and return it to your child’s teacher.

Dear Parent/Guardian: Your child’s teacher is participating in the HeraldStandard.com’s Newspaper in Education Student Body writing contest for the 2012-2013 school year. With your permission, your child’s name, school photograph, grade and writing will be published in the HeraldStandard.com’s Student Body section of the newspaper, if selected for print by our judges. Please sign this form to give permission to publish your child’s name, grade and photo, along with his/her submitted writing entry for the 2012-2013 Student Body Contest. This document will serve as a release for the full school year, beginning September 1, 2012 and ending June 1, 2013. Please note: no personal information will be included. Only the student’s name, grade, school, writing and photo will be featured. _________________________________________________________ _______________________ Student’s Name (print) Grade _________________________________________________________ _______________________ School Teacher _________________________________________________________ _______________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date If you have any questions, please contact the HeraldStandard.com’s NIE department at 724.439.7544 or email at [email protected].

HeraldStandard.com NIE | 8 East Church Street | Uniontown, PA 15401

724.439.7544 | [email protected] | www.heraldstandard.com

CERTIFICATE of RECOGNITION THIS CERTIFIES THAT

Jensen Kubina WAS PUBLISHED IN THE HERALD-STANDARD’S

STUDENT BODY

THE SELECTED TOPIC “YOUR UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOOD”

WAS PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 2013

herald standard student body

Documents

grindstone ther e

ar e nice

ar e lucky

ar e new

r easons ar e

grindstone ar e friendly

fir e chief

cities wher e