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Star Wars (rated PG and PG-13): it’s the best movie series in the galaxy. The Star Wars story line is amazing. It is jam-packed with action and it has been one of my favorite movie series ever since Darth Vader said, “Luke . . . ”

One of my favorites out of the whole series is Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (rated PG). It has a lot of interesting characters since it is based a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. There are characters like Luke and Leia who are human, but there are characters like Chewbacca and the Ewoks who make the movie a lot more interesting than just humans fighting with lightsabers and blasters.

courtesy of LucasFilms

These characters have very interesting personalities and they can be very funny. Chewbacca is a Wookie, basically half human, half Bigfoot. I like to think of Ewoks as fluffy teddy bears that can be vicious if you try to take over their territory. It has a lot of action. From lightsaber fights to lightspeed X-Wing battles, Star Wars will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. If you haven’t seen the movie, I tell you, “This is the movie you are looking for.”

Another amazing thing about Star Wars is the music. John Williams wrote the best music ever for these movies. The music makes you feel like you are in an X-Wing or fighting off Stormtroopers.

I think that Star Wars is one of the best movie series ever created. I would recommend these movies to anyone. If you haven’t seen them, you definitely HAVE to see these movies.

Alex, Scholastic Kids Council

The Time Patrol (for ages 12 and up) by Poul Anderson. The Time Machine (for ages 12 and up) by H. G. Wells. One is a collection of stories. The other is a short novel. Both are science fiction about time travel, but that is just about the only thing these books have in common.

Both are extremely good reads, though neither is suitable for a very young audience. The Time Machine is dense and takes a while to build up to the action. The Time Patrol deals a lot with time travel-related paradoxes, which can get confusing, and has some violence and some adult language.

The Time Machine is about a man in the late nineteenth century who builds a time machine. He travels to the year Eight Hundred and Two Thousand Seven Hundred and One A.D. (802,701). The book tells the story of his adventures with the people there, who are a greatly evolved version of the human race.

The Time Patrol is about Manse Everard, a man from the mid-twentieth century, who is recruited into the Time Patrol, an organization created to prevent anyone from changing history. The book has tales of his different missions.

If I had to pick which one I liked better, I probably would go with The Time Patrol, but I don’t want to rank them. They’re too different to pick a favorite. Both have excitement, but The Time Patrol has more. It also exercised my logic skills with time travel confusion. The Time Machine is more philosophical.

The Time Patrol and The Time Machine have a bit more in common than I said at first–they are both definitely worth reading.

Julie, Scholastic Kids Council

There is a famous poem by Robert Frost called “The Road Not Taken.” Here is a quote:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,”

Many people interpret the poem to mean that if you see 2 paths, you should take the less common path because it might lead you to new adventures that you would not experience if you just follow the same road as everyone else. You know, be original and follow your own dreams, not someone else’s.

William has a different idea, though. He just wants to take the shortest road. Maybe there is some pizza waiting at the end of his road, or something.

What about you? What road will YOU take? Write your ending to this sentence :

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I . . . 

Leave your answers in the Comments!

Choose a faction that micromanages your life, or have your whole life planned ahead of you by some old people who spy on you. Which one would you choose? Have you heard of the books The Giver and Divergent (both for ages 12 and up)?  Most of you are going to have some of those lazy summer days when time feels so slow. I would totally recommend these books to anyone looking for great summer reads.

These are incredibly good books, full of plot twists and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish them. Both of them have been made into movies, but books are (almost) always better than the movies, so make sure you read the books first. Both of these books are first books of series, The Giver is followed by Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son, and Divergent is followed by Insurgent and Allegiant.

The setting in The Giver and in Divergent are dystopian societies where everything is bad or unpleasant and there is something huge about the characters’ lives and their societies that is being kept from them.

Jonas and Tris are the protagonists of The Giver and Divergent. A big day is upon Tris at the start of Divergent. She must take an aptitude test to see which faction she fits into. Then she must choose her faction. Jonas is turning 12, and must receive his future career chosen by the Council of Elders. When both Jonas and Tris find out their society’s secrets, their lives are changed forever and they both try to help fix the rest of their civilization.

Both Jonas and Tris stand out from the others in their societies. Tris is “divergent”, while Jonas doesn’t have the most normal job. Tris is born into the faction Abnegation, which is all about selflessness and caring about others before you think about yourself. Both societies are trying to implement selflessness, but go way too far. For example, if you are a member of Abnegation, you cannot look at yourself in the mirror. Jonas is given lots of power after receiving his job, while Tris finds herself in danger.

So, would you rather read Divergent, The Giver, or both? Leave your thoughts in the Comments!

Alex, Scholastic Kids Council

Basketball

Basketball has had a huge impact on my life since I was in kindergarten. My mother and father told me that, when I was little, I would ask to sleep with my basketball and that I went through a couple of months where I bounced my basketball everywhere I went!

I play for a summer team, a travel team, a school team, and an A.A.U. team. I love all four of them. When I am having a bad day, and I know I have basketball practice later, it makes my day so much better.

One reason why I love basketball so much is because the game never stops. The ball is always moving, and the game moves fast. I play point guard, which means I have to work on my ball handling skills a lot. I have lots of fun practicing, even when I am alone.

I love to watch basketball too. It is so entertaining to watch. My favorite team is the Golden State Warriors. I love to watch Stephen Curry play, and try to imitate his moves. So make sure that you try out basketball soon because I know you will have lots of fun.

Leah, Scholastic Kids Council

Start Your Own Coins for Cancer Campaign

Cancer is a pressing issue around the world right now, and we need to do something to stop it. All cancers are a problem, but there are some that are more lethal than others. Brain Cancer is one of these cancers that are very harmful and lethal. Researchers and scientists are doing everything they can to find a cure, but even with over 60 years of time, we haven’t made enough progress.

 A lot of people hear stories about young people being diagnosed with cancer, and they fight through it and survive, but that isn’t everyone. Most patients diagnosed with cancer end up succumbing to it. This is why we need to find a cure. Researchers and scientists can help exterminate this horrible disease by receiving increased funds that help them conduct more research, increase clinical trial studies, and upgrade their equipment to assist with developing a cure.

Citizens like you can help this cause by donating money to researchers, scientists, non-profit groups and proton therapy centers. You can also help by raising awareness about this disease around your community, and by supporting patients that have been diagnosed with this disease. I think that everyone needs to play a part in this fight against cancer. Even if it is something small, like having a bake sale where funds go to cancer research, everything counts.

Ask your parents and teachers to help you start your own campaign to help raise money and donate it to a research organization!

Alex, Scholastic Kids Council

Littering Is Awful!

One way you can stop littering is by not throwing garbage and recycling everywhere. Every time I go on the highway, I see items such as soda cans and wrappers on the ground. Why can’t people just use a bag? Get a recyclable bag, and keep it in your car. Then you can just put your garbage or recycling into the bag instead of onto a highway. Or better yet, why don’t you wait until you get to your destination to throw out or recycle things?

Another way you can prevent littering is by picking up after others. You can organize or join an expedition to pick up garbage from places where people have littered near you. All you need to organize an expedition is volunteers, bags, and gloves. Or, you can use trash grabbers, if you don’t want to use gloves.

There are simple things that you can do to help stop littering. Find the right one for you. Start a club at your school or join the Save the Planet Message Board to talk about ways you can help make the world a better place!

Kayla, Scholastic Kids Council

Summer Social Goals

Happy summer, everyone! As far as I am concerned, the best thing about summer is all the free, unlimited READING TIME! After a long school year of assignments and homework, it is finally time to read whatever you want for as long as you want, but sometimes summer can feel a bit . . . unsocial since you don’t see always your friends every day. How can you celebrate the joys of unlimited reading time and still be social? Join the Message Boards in June for your summer social goals!

Here are a few challenges to get you started meeting new online friends, chatting, and supporting your fellow readers! Choose one or choose them all and go get social!

• Reply to this Book Drabble post: Describe the book you are reading in 100 words or less.
• Reply to this Book Suggestions post.
• Reply to at least 5 posts on the Reading Buzz Board OR post a new message.
• Join the Hand and Hand Anti-Bullying Club and post your support for people who are being bullied.
• Reply to at least 5 posts on the STACK Back Board OR post a new message.
• Friend 5 people you met on the Message Boards and send each one a Shout-Out.
• Reply to this post and tell how you chose your user name.
• Reply to at least 5 posts on the Crafts & DIY Board OR post a new message.
• Reply to this Save the Planet post tell us your most precious endangered animal. 
• Join the Middle School Girls role play.
• Reply to at least 5 posts on the Harry Potter Boards OR post a new message. 

Tell us your June social goals in the Comments. Then sign in to the Message Boards and start being social!

Make Your Own Art Bot!

An art bot is a thing that uses a motor to in some way create art with drawing implements attached to it. There are many different possible designs. This is a guide to make the one I made, which does not require any expensive or hard-to-get materials. Make sure you read the entire procedure before attempting.

You will need:

• A large paper or plastic cup that you can cut
• At least three markers or colored pencils (markers work a lot better because colored pencils don’t have enough pressure to draw well and need to be sharpened)
• An electric toothbrush (you can get really cheap ones at the dollar store)
• If they’re not included in the toothbrush, batteries
• Paper
• Tape
• Scissors

Procedure:

1. Remove the motor from the toothbrush. I’m not sure what brand I used, but the motor came out easily. If there aren’t any, put in batteries.
2. Cut a hole in the bottom of the cup that the motor can fit halfway into. Turn it over so the hole is on top, and tape the motor in halfway so that the end with a button on it is sticking halfway out. If the button is in a different place, find a way to arrange it so it is reachable from outside.
3. Tape your pencils or markers around the outside of the cup, drawing ends down (away from the motor end). Make sure they are evenly spaced and the drawing ends are the same distance away from the rim of the cup.
4. Place the art bot on a piece of paper with the motor on top, and turn it on! If not every marker/pencil is drawing, adjust them so that they are all touching the paper.
5. If you used markers, make sure to cap them when you are done.

Julie, Scholastic Kids Council

Stephen Curry

Many people know Stephen Curry for his amazing shots, but if you really pay attention to him, he is also an amazing dribbler. I have always admired Stephen Curry, and I think he is one of the best basketball players to play in the NBA. He was the 1st round, 7th pick by the Golden State Warriors in 2009.

He is 6’3″ and 190 pounds, which is pretty small to be playing against some guys that can be up to seven feet tall and weigh close to 300 pounds. Even with his height disadvantage, Curry was still the NBA MVP last year, and his team also won the NBA championship. He has changed the way people think about the NBA because he is a normal-sized guy, but he can play with the best of them, including LeBron James. I’m sure he has inspired some athletes who are not necessarily big or tall to consider playing in the NBA.

Stephen Curry started playing basketball when he was a young boy. His brother, Seth, helped him practice a lot. I believe that Stephen Curry is a phenomenal basketball player, a great athlete, and a great influence for a lot of people. I may never be even close to as tall as he is, but Stephen Curry has influenced me to live my dream, to play basketball.

Leah, Scholastic Kids Council

Make a Mother’s Day Breakfast!

With Mother’s Day this weekend, have you thought about what you are going to do to show your mom how much you love and appreciate her? If you still haven’t got a clue, here’s an awesome plan that you, your siblings, and your dad can do for the ultimate Mother’s Day gift from the heart.

On the menu is a classic breakfast of toast, eggs, strawberries, and any other cereal or yogurt you know your mom loves. What makes this breakfast uber-adorable is the heart-shaped toast and strawberries. Here’s how to make them:

photo credit: jenifoto/iStockphoto

1. Heart-shaped toast with egg
Ok, so here’s where art class might come in handy. Grab a piece of toast and use a butter knife to cut out a big heart shape in the center. Have a grown-up help you turn the stove to medium high and add butter to a non-stick pan. Place the bread with the cut out heart on the pan and slowly crack an egg into the middle of the heart shape, making sure the egg whites fill out the area. Cook as desired, either on one side or flip to get both sides cooked.

photo credit: talitha_it/iStockphoto

2. Heart-shaped strawberries
Have you ever noticed that strawberries look like hearts? They could make the cutest fruit garnish to top off Mom’s favorite bowl of cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt. To do this, hold the strawberry so that the flatter and wider side faces you. Have a grown-up help you cut the leafy stem off in a v-shape. Then carefully slice the strawberry down the middle, in the opposite direction of the v-shape, so that the strawberry looks like a heart.

Make sure you do a few trial runs first to perfect your technique. Also, don’t forget to wake up a little early that day before Mom wakes up so you have time to prepare. She’ll love waking up to a big breakfast surprise made by YOU.

Let us know YOUR good ideas for Mother’s Day!

-Sandy

Earth Day Trivia and Activities

Earth Day is April 22. Here are some Earth Day trivia quizzes and activities you can do to celebrate our dear planet Earth, and help inspire your fellow humans to treat our planet with more loving care!

• Make a recycled egg-carton flower. Watch the how-to video.
• Make recycled bottle-cap stamps, and stamp an Earth tote bag. Watch the how-to video.
• Take the Climate Change Trivia Quiz and the Earth Day Trivia Quiz.
• Save your house from Energy Vampires.
• Make some green changes at your school.
• Write YOUR Earth Day tips for saving the environment.
• Send an Earth Day E-card.
• Reduce, Reuse & Recycle things you never even thought of!
• How green are you? Take the quiz to find out.
• Find out how celebrities like Ross Lynch and Olivia Holt celebrate Earth Day.
• Help save ocean animals like manatees and humpback whales.
• Join the Save the Planet Message Board.
• Recycle your old clothes.
• Take the No-Plastic Pledge.
• Tell us why you love planet Earth.
• Try some new things to stop global warming.
• Describe your vision for the Perfect Planet.

What will YOU do to help save the planet this Earth Day? Let us know in the Comments.

Voting for the Children’s & Teen Choice Book Awards is now open!

The Children’s Book Council and Every Child A Reader launched the Children’s & Teen Choice Book Awards program in 2008 to provide YOU a chance to voice your opinions about the books you love. It’s the only national book awards program where the winning titles are chosen by kids and teens!

Voting is open until April 25!

Fashion Trends for Your Personality

Whether you’re the captain of the cheerleading team or the next Picasso, we’ve got a fashion look that will work for you. Just pick one and own it!

Outgoing
Chances are you like to stand out. You don’t mind being the center of attention. The good news for you is bright colors are all the rage this year. A great look for you would be red pants (either flared or skinny-style) with a black and white polka dot shirt. This outfit will show off your confidence and spirit.

Shy
Okay, shy gal. Chances are you wouldn’t be caught dead in red pants! How about a nice pastel ensemble? Here’s an outfit suggestion for you: Try pairing a neutral pant like beige or peach with a white, long sleeve t-shirt. Finish the outfit off with a brown shoe and a gold purse. The gold purse will add some personality to your look but won’t make you stand out too much.

Sporty
You like to move around a lot so putting on anything too fancy would really cramp your style. You don’t want to look too girly, but you don’t want to look like a slob, either. Change up your look with a pair of neat black leggings and a sporty sweatshirt. Slip on a pair of comfy sneakers and you’re ready to go.

Artsy
You pride yourself on being unique, so why not put some of that creativity into your wardrobe? You’ll find great one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories at flea markets and second-hand shops. A vintage, red dress paired with a gold necklace from a past decade would really suit you. Then, when you’re tired of the necklace, you can incorporate it into one of your art pieces.

What’s your fashion style? Tell us in the Comments.

What Kids Need to Know About Money

Money. Moolah. Cash. Buckaroos. Whatever you call your loot, you’ve got to be smart with it. Here are some tips to help you hold on to your hard earned dollars.

Save! Save! Save!
Saving money might not be as fun as spending it, but “future you” will be really grateful. Ask your parents to help you find a good savings account program. Deposit a small amount every week, and before you know it, you’ll have a nice stash of cash in the bank.

Be Careful with the Card!
Sure, it’s easy to put purchases on a credit card right now, but remember that you still have to pay for those purchases! What you buy today could end up costing you way more if you can’t pay the full amount at the end of the month. Some credit cards have a high interest rate of 20% or more. That means, if you don’t pay the full amount every month, you might have to pay the credit card company $20 extra for every $100 you spend! EVERY MONTH!!

Count Your Cash!
Keep track of how much cash you need for everyday things. Keep only that amount in your wallet and keep the rest somewhere safe in your room or with your parents.This is helpful because it forces you not to overspend. If the money isn’t in your wallet, you can’t spend it.

Make A Deal!
Finally, don’t buy anything full-price that you can get on sale. Those sneakers you’ve been eyeing are bound to drop in price, so wait for a sale! They’ll still be cool 3 months from now and they’ll be much cheaper.

It’s okay spend a little here and there, but with some smart planning, you can save a bundle of cash for yourself!

Best Book Series

I don’t have just one book to recommend. I have several series for kids aged 8-12.

The first: the Young Wizards series by Diane Duane, beginning with So You Want to Be a Wizard (for ages 10 and up). This series is about Nita and Kit, two friends who found copies of a book entitled So You Want to Be a Wizard and were brought together. They must learn to use their wizardry while battling to postpone the universe’s death.

The second: the Unwanteds series (for ages 8 and up) by Lisa McMann. These books tell the story of the land of Quill, where creativity is a crime, and those caught committing it are sentenced to death. But the sentence isn’t exactly what is seems.

The third: the Michael Vey series (for ages 12 and up) by Richard Paul Evans. A prototype imaging machine malfunctioned, and of the 59 people born in that hospital during its test period, only 17 survived. These children acquired electrical powers. A madman makes it his goal to use them to take over the world, and gets all of them except Michael Vey.

The fourth: the Blackwell Pages series (for ages 8 and up) by K. L. Armstrong and M. A. Marr. This trilogy is about the descendants of the Norse gods and their battle to prevent the world from ending. It begins with Loki’s Wolves.

Julie, Scholastic Kids Council

Why Do Feet Stink?

There’s nothing worse than kicking off your shoes after a long day and grossing out your friends with a set of horrible smelling feet. It happens to everyone from time to time. First let’s find out WHY your feet smell. Then we’ll tell you what you can do about it.

The main cause of stinky feet is foot sweat. Although sweat is odorless, when the inside of your shoe becomes hot and moist, it creates the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that live on your feet (called Brevibacterium) to grow and multiply. This particular bacterium is the same kind that is found in extra-smelly cheeses like Limburger and Muenster.

Now that you know why your feet smell like stinky cheese, here are 3 things you can do about it.

• Hot, closed-toe shoes are like a bacteria sauna. Wearing comfortable, well-ventilated shoes will give your feet a chance to air out.
• Before you put your shoes on, always put on a pair of clean socks. If you like the no-sock look, try wearing ankle socks that aren’t visible above your shoe.
• For extra protection, sprinkle some baking soda or baby powder in your socks and shoes to help absorb the odor. 

With a little knowledge and prep work, you will never worry about taking your shoes off again. PS. Pass this article along to anyone you think could use a little help with his or her stinky feet.

“Tingling tip toes” Flickr photo by Alex Holzknecht

Five Ways for Girls to Add Style to Your Outfit

Want to spice up your wardrobe? Here are some very easy fashion tips to turn you into a standout style diva.

Let’s start with a basic blue jean and a white tee shirt. Then, pick one or two of these ideas to add to your outfit. Note: You probably shouldn’t add too many of them or you’ll end up looking like a music video from the 80s! Gasp!

Accessorize!
Turquoise and gold jewelry always looks great with a white tee shirt. Slip on a turquoise ring or some dangling earrings. Or, go for a long necklace with a large pendant.

Brighten up!
The easiest way to work bright colors into your ensemble is by stepping into a colored shoe.  Sandals or ballet flats in red, green, or blue will really kick your jeans up a notch.

Add layers!
A perfect way to add dimension to your outfit is to throw on another layer. For the spring and summer months, try a striped cardigan or a scarf. If it’s chilly out, throw on a fuzzy sweater over your tee.

Roll with it!
If you’re bored of your jeans, roll them up and pair them with a trendy sweatshirt and some cool sneakers – try finding sneakers with a cool pattern to add some flair.

Top it off!
Dress up your jeans and tee with a stylish hairdo. An unexpected place to find pretty hair clips is the grocery store. Put on a classic headband or be daring and try a headband/pony tail combination.

What’s your fashion style? How do you add style to YOUR outfits? Tell us your fashion tips in the Comments.

Epic Locker Decoration Ideas

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Have you ever heard stories where mythical creatures help the hero save the day? Well, the creatures at Fablehaven aren’t that nice. Fablehaven is a preserve for magical creatures, but dangerous creatures that are on the brink of extinction. The creatures usually stay in their territories, but on the equinox and solstice, the creatures run wild through Fablehaven. The caretakers, Stan Sorenson and his wife, Ruth, can usually defend themselves, but as Midsummer’s Eve nears (a.k.a. the summer solstice), Stan and Ruth’s grandchildren stay with them. Kendra and Seth have no clue when they arrive at their grandparents’ house that it is a magical preserve. Piece by piece, as Midsummer’s Eve draws near, Seth and Kendra learn more about Fablehaven and its secrets.

On Midsummer’s Eve, Kendra and Seth are instructed by Stan to go to bed immediately at sundown, and NEVER, under ANY circumstances, open the window. But of course, that rule gets broken. And bad things happen. Very bad things happen.

I think that Fablehaven is a really good book series and all of you should read it. It is a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you want to read the other four books in the series. Happy reading!

Alex, Scholastic Kids Council

DIY Room Décor Ideas

Check out these crafty ideas from HeartRed144!

1. Jewelry Holder: Take a picture frame without the glass part and spray paint or paint it any color you want. Then take some nails and hammer them onto the frame. Make sure you have an adult supervision if you need help. Hang up your jewelry hanger and hang your necklaces and bracelets on the nails.

2. Canvas: Take a plain canvas and different colored paint to your work station. Use some masking tape to spell out your name or any word. Take a Sharpie pen and outline the letters. Next, paint the canvas however you want. It’s OK if some paint gets on the masking tape. After the paint dries, remove the masking tape, and then paint or color in the letters. Hang it up and your room is colorful!!

3. Pencil/Utensil Holder: Take a tin can and peel off the label. Next, spray paint or paint it with any color you want. After the paint dries, take an index card and write a label like “Pencils or Pens” on the blank space of the card. Tape or glue the card to the can. Glue some cute decorations (ribbon, stickers, googly eyes, etc.) to the painted can and place it on your desk. Put your writing utensils inside the tin cans!! How lovely, right?

I really hope these DIYs are very helpful because I tried all of them and they are superbly GREAT!!! Remember to decorate them however you want because it will be your very own design! Please comment down below letting me know which onw of these DIYs are your fsvorite! I personally love them ALL because I love doing arts and carfts! They are very fun to make and super easy!

If you have any questions, let me know by replying to this topic idea! And join the Crafts & DIY Message Board for more craft ideas!

Friend me as well! I will be very happy if you do!!!!!!!! Bye, friends and people!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meet Ben, a 10-year-old magician from New Jersey. His card tricks will blow you away! I’m not kidding; you have to see this! I have seen him perform in person, and I can tell you, he is legit. Watch his card trick video.

Amazing, right? I have no idea how he does it, but if you are interested in card tricks, check out Klutz Card Trickery. Maybe you can learn Ben’s secrets!

There are lots more videos about Games and Magic on the STACKS! Go check them out!

Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Book Wars: Ever After High vs. Whatever After

I will be doing a comparison between the magical series of Ever After High and the mysterious series of Whatever After. Both series are amazing and involve fantasy, but they are different in many ways.

To start the war off, I will introduce to you the main characters of each book, Raven and Abby. In Ever After High, Raven is daughter of the evil queen from Snow White, and faces the challenge of whether to sign the Storybook of Legends which will seal her fate as the next evil ruler. In Whatever After, Abby is shut out at school most of the time which causes her to be very lonely. One night, she is intrigued by the basement, and she and her brother Jonah get sucked through a magic mirror that came with the house, and transported into the story of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Both characters are shut out at school and are involved in the tale Snow White.

Surprisingly, the two main characters have traits in common, such as a “don’t think, just do” kind of thing. Don’t get them mad because if you do, you had better watch out! They also both have great kindness in their hearts. Finally, Raven and Abby are “chosen” for something of great importance in the world.

What do you think? Similar or not at all? Are you a fan of EAH or WA? Put your opinion in the Comments below.

Rowan, Scholastic Kids Council

Meet the September STACKS Star!

Do you want to be the next STACKS Star? It’s pretty easy! All you have to do is answer a few fun questions (below) and I’ll pick one random person to be the AWESOME star of the month. After the selection, that person gets to be featured in the next STACKS Blast newsletter!

The September Star is BlueCat2757.

BlueCat2757 is a HUGE Harry Potter fan who loves to listen to classical, blues, jazz and country music. Some things she is proud to say she can do include: writing cursive, writing with both hands, standing on one foot for a really really long time, and naming all the state capitals. If you want to learn more about BlueCat2757, check out her awesome feature here in the Blast newsletter.

Since we are all in back-to-school mode, this month’s questions are going to be about . . . you guessed it! School!

1. What’s your favorite thing about school?
2. What’s your least favorite thing about school?
3. If you could have any kind of classroom pet, what would it be and why?
4. Which subject do you look forward to most in school?
5.What advice would you give to all back-to-schoolers?

To get you inspired, here are my answers:

1. My favorite thing about school is being able to see and hang out with my friends every day.
2. My least favorite thing about school is having to wake up so early.
3. If I could have a classroom pet, it would be a bunny rabbit. They’re easy to take care of, friendly, and most of all, they are super cute and cuddly!
4. I look forward to science the most because it explains why and how certain things happen in the world.
5. My advice for all back-to-schoolers is to be nice to everyone even if you don’t know them and you should smile every day

OK, squad! Tell me your answers and don’t forget to update your profile and avatar to make it look your best!

- Sandy, STACKS Staffer

Quick Tips for Back-to-School

AmusedBrain4 has some back-to-school tips for freshman on the Reading Buzz Board, but they can really help for any grade, so take a look and see what you think.

Ahhhh, so school is just around the corner. I thought I would give some quick tips for those who are starting their first year of high school . . .

1. Don’t sign up for more than 2 Honors classes your first year. You might regret taking too many.
2. It’s okay to make new friends.
3. Don’t stress yourself out over school work. I know it can get overwhelming but you don’t want to look back on your first year and remember hating it.
4. If you have been studying for hours IT’S OKAY TO TAKE A BREAK. Go out with some friends, and eat lots of ice cream. Ice cream makes everything better!
5. If you get a bad grade on something remember that someone else probably did worse.
6. Make sure you eat lunch! (Even if you only have 20 minutes, grab a yogurt or some fruit.)
7. Have at least one fun class like band or art or something you love.
8. After-school clubs are worth it. It can be scary joining stuff but trust me, you won’t regret it.
9. Try new things. Join the school play, or marching band, or something you’ve never thought of trying. Freshman year is a year for you to figure out what you want to do.
10. Lastly, don’t let one bad teacher ruin your year. It’s just one class, and it won’t ruin your grades.

Do you think these tips will help you this school year? Whatever grade you are starting this year, tell us your tips in the Comments! Happy new school year!

Sonja, STACKS Staffer