Project One
Color Theory
Students learn about the basics of color theory, however with a slight angle of geometry. Students create parabolas and see first hand how color mixes to create new colors. The slideshow below shows their hard work.
A Perspective on Bullying
Introducing Motesum Mansur - Guest Artist
He gave freely of his powerful art work and of himself in encouraging students to think about the effects of bullying.
He gave freely of his powerful art work and of himself in encouraging students to think about the effects of bullying.
Collaborating with guest artist and Evanstonian, Motesum Mansur, we worked to create a dialogue about bullying. Students had lessons on perspective before Mr. Mansur's visit, however were also encouraged to consider past experiences with bullying, either as a victim, witness, or bully, (this was based upon past advisory curriculum that I developed from the previous year http://mrsninabenson2014-15.weebly.com/sixth-grade-advisory.html). Upon Mr. Mansur's arrival, he encouraged students to explore the various materials and create a composition that showed their feelings about bullying from the perspective of how it felt and/or the affects. Below is a sampling of the works of art along with video taped question and answer sessions and quotes from the students about the visit.
What students said after Mr. Mansur's visit:
Jackson: "AWESOME"!
Chole: "I got to express my feelings about bullying in different ways"
Sally: "Fun"
Jojo: "Cool... It opened my eyes to different types of art".
Prosper: "Mr. Mansur seemed really deep and smart.... He was a nice guy".
Peter: "Super Creative"
Anonymous: "Spectacular"
Bella: "He provided a new perspective for life"
Ian: "Awesome"
T.J.: "He showed me an interesting style of tracing a head"
Oliver: "I had lots of fun"
And more,... However, we all want to say...
Thank you Mr. Mansur for your artwork, a wonderful experience and thought provoking discussion... You have indeed left us all with something to consider.
Jackson: "AWESOME"!
Chole: "I got to express my feelings about bullying in different ways"
Sally: "Fun"
Jojo: "Cool... It opened my eyes to different types of art".
Prosper: "Mr. Mansur seemed really deep and smart.... He was a nice guy".
Peter: "Super Creative"
Anonymous: "Spectacular"
Bella: "He provided a new perspective for life"
Ian: "Awesome"
T.J.: "He showed me an interesting style of tracing a head"
Oliver: "I had lots of fun"
And more,... However, we all want to say...
Thank you Mr. Mansur for your artwork, a wonderful experience and thought provoking discussion... You have indeed left us all with something to consider.
PROJECT TWO
Perspective
Students put into good practice the skills acquired in the presentation about perspective and developing compositions about the theme on bullying. Great work!!!
Below are some a small sampling of stories that offer further explanation for the compositions
Celister W.
The Sacred Place
In this drawing is a kid named Trevon “Tre” Suarez. He had great grades but was a really shy kid. He had one brother and two sisters. Unfortunately, he had no friends and even worse, he was a bully. But Tre had a place no one knew about; he had a sacred place in his heart. He had a room with everything he had ever wanted. This place had got him through some tough times. He learned to share his sacred place. When his bully was sad Tre was nice enough to share his place with the bully inside him. It worked, given time the bully and Tre become friends.
Then Tre uses this knowledge to help other friends in need.
During his 7th and 8th grade year he gained more popularity and still helped kids in need.
Then in high school he met lots of new friends.
By his senior year he had gotten a job offering as a social worker.
Thirteen years later he had gotten a job as a social worker that paid a lot of money.
Then one day he met a kid just that reminded of someone.
But who?
He thought about the siblings.
He thought about the shyness.
He thought about the grades.
He thought about the bully.
Then he thought about what cured him, he asked to draw his sacred place and as Tre suspected it looked just like his when he was his age.
The Sacred Place
In this drawing is a kid named Trevon “Tre” Suarez. He had great grades but was a really shy kid. He had one brother and two sisters. Unfortunately, he had no friends and even worse, he was a bully. But Tre had a place no one knew about; he had a sacred place in his heart. He had a room with everything he had ever wanted. This place had got him through some tough times. He learned to share his sacred place. When his bully was sad Tre was nice enough to share his place with the bully inside him. It worked, given time the bully and Tre become friends.
Then Tre uses this knowledge to help other friends in need.
During his 7th and 8th grade year he gained more popularity and still helped kids in need.
Then in high school he met lots of new friends.
By his senior year he had gotten a job offering as a social worker.
Thirteen years later he had gotten a job as a social worker that paid a lot of money.
Then one day he met a kid just that reminded of someone.
But who?
He thought about the siblings.
He thought about the shyness.
He thought about the grades.
He thought about the bully.
Then he thought about what cured him, he asked to draw his sacred place and as Tre suspected it looked just like his when he was his age.
Connor B
The Sad Bully
Jimmy had just took the lunch money of a kid and was walking home. His journey was a long one to home. He passed by all the houses that the kids at school lived in. As he walked down the sidewalk he noticed a light in the window to his right. He looked into the window. He saw two kids from his class sitting at a table. He had just kicked one of them in the shin earlier that day. The other kid was holding out a cupcake with a candle. It was his birthday. At school he refused to give him a cupcake because he had been really mean to him in the past. Jimmy started to have a realization, he realized he extremely wanted a friendship like that. He thought to himself that the only way he was going to have a friendship like or even a friend in general, he would have to never bully again. A lump started to form in his throat. He wanted friends so badly, he would turn his life around. He felt so badly that he went back to school the next day and gave back everything he ever stole from the people at the school. He gave back clothes and he gave back all the money he stole. He went up to all the people he ever was mean to or bullied and said sorry with his whole heart. It took a few months but the kids at school gradually accepted him into the groups of friends. At school one day this new kid came and he was bullying his friend. Jimmy walked up and said, “STOP.” He went up to the guy pushing the kid and pushed him to the side. Jimmy walked up to him a raised his fist. He was about to throw the punch when he realized that this was the very thing he set out to stop. He slowly pulled his fist back and said to the bully, “GO AWAY.” This lesson helped him through his life and he lived very happily. From that moment on he was the most kind gentle person to ever walk the Earth.
The Sad Bully
Jimmy had just took the lunch money of a kid and was walking home. His journey was a long one to home. He passed by all the houses that the kids at school lived in. As he walked down the sidewalk he noticed a light in the window to his right. He looked into the window. He saw two kids from his class sitting at a table. He had just kicked one of them in the shin earlier that day. The other kid was holding out a cupcake with a candle. It was his birthday. At school he refused to give him a cupcake because he had been really mean to him in the past. Jimmy started to have a realization, he realized he extremely wanted a friendship like that. He thought to himself that the only way he was going to have a friendship like or even a friend in general, he would have to never bully again. A lump started to form in his throat. He wanted friends so badly, he would turn his life around. He felt so badly that he went back to school the next day and gave back everything he ever stole from the people at the school. He gave back clothes and he gave back all the money he stole. He went up to all the people he ever was mean to or bullied and said sorry with his whole heart. It took a few months but the kids at school gradually accepted him into the groups of friends. At school one day this new kid came and he was bullying his friend. Jimmy walked up and said, “STOP.” He went up to the guy pushing the kid and pushed him to the side. Jimmy walked up to him a raised his fist. He was about to throw the punch when he realized that this was the very thing he set out to stop. He slowly pulled his fist back and said to the bully, “GO AWAY.” This lesson helped him through his life and he lived very happily. From that moment on he was the most kind gentle person to ever walk the Earth.
Christian S.
Quiet so quiet
nothing is heard but the sound of your beating heart
you wonder
if anybody is there
you look into the darkness with an very alert stare
erie soo erie
goosebumps grow down your neck
you look around
and see an empty room without a speck
silence a sound that is ready to bloom
you climb up many stairs in the search of light
but all you find is darkness
up every flight
you keep climbing and climbing
no matter the pain
until you found light
you made it through your journey
the darkness is slain
Quiet so quiet
nothing is heard but the sound of your beating heart
you wonder
if anybody is there
you look into the darkness with an very alert stare
erie soo erie
goosebumps grow down your neck
you look around
and see an empty room without a speck
silence a sound that is ready to bloom
you climb up many stairs in the search of light
but all you find is darkness
up every flight
you keep climbing and climbing
no matter the pain
until you found light
you made it through your journey
the darkness is slain
Eva M.G
A New Beginning
Looking up from my stare-down with the white and plain tiles, I try to find the black-rimmed clock that always sits above the door that leads to the metallic cafeteria. Once again, I'm reminded of how nice it would be to have a phone, even though I know that will never happen. 8:24, reads the clock. Perfect, just enough time to stop at the bathroom. I round the corner that's to the left of the doors and am not surprised when the whispers start. Wow, school hasn't even started yet I'm the talk of the school… And not in a good way.
‘I bet you she didn't even have anyone to be with during break.´
´Wow, she must have eaten the whole dinner to look like that.´
´Aw man, I was hoping she wouldn’t come back...¨
Trying my best to ignore the terrible noises coming out of my classmates mouths, I make my way to the women's room, immediately being hit with the agonizing smells of unnameable substances coming from inside the second I open the door.
I cautiously make my way to the first stall, looking out for oncoming bulliers. No matter where I go, they always seem to find me. Once I see that the coast is clear, I open the stall door and let myself in before locking the latch. I sit down on the seat and exactly at that second, I hear a small creack, signifying the opening wooden door. Let’s just hope that it’s one of the few who just ignore me.
Once I’m done doing my business, I pick up my bag that I had hung up on the small hook that always stays on the door and open the plastic wall, a not-so-surprisingly unknown person meeting me.
I guess that the person who entered wasn’t one of the few.
Standing in front of me was a light brown haired girl a little taller than me, some skinny jeans and a white sleeveless shirt surrounding her body paired with some gray converse. I swear, people who I don’t even know bully me, all because I can’t afford the latest phone, or any phone in general.
With a smirk adorning her tan skin, the girl takes a step forward and let’s vicious sounds come out of her mouth.
“Amber? Wow, I have to admit, I’m pretty surprised that you even showed up. I mean, with the whole school despising you, it must have taken all of the small-amount of gut that you have.” This horrid creature takes another step towards me, causing me to take a step back, pushing me back into the stall.
“To be honest, I’m not sure why you still want to be on this earth. I mean, nobody else wants you here. There really isn’t a reason for you to still live so… My question is, why haven’t you tried to leave? It would do us all a huge favor.”
Wow, asking me to kill myself? That’s deep, I don’t think I’ve heard that one before. To hurt myself or to run away, sure, but she just went really far. As far as to what my own thoughts have been.
She is right, nobody wants me on this earth. With my mom always gone of in parties and clubs and my dad wiped away from this earth, there is no reason for me be here. And now that I know that other people agree with me, why not? I bet you no one would notice my absence.
Wow, it’s funny how someone who’s name I don’t even know can help me make such a huge decision.
“Aw, will you look at that, the little baby is crying. If you want, I can go get your friends to comfort you. Wait, that wouldn’t work…” Her tone holds a hint of hate yet a little of amusement. It really is sad that humanity has come to this, torturing the only ones who think like us, each other.
The unknown girl is about to speak again when the door opens from behind her and a short brunette enters the door, an annoyed yet determined expression on her face.
“Lilly, I heard that Lacey twisted her ankle while trying to do a back-flip, why don’t you go check on her?” While her tone holds a sweet and innocent touch, her eyes are the complete opposite. Sadness and a hint of fear lace them, but the main emotion I notice is the determination in them.
Lilly immediately runs out the door with a worried expression on her face, leaving me alone with the beautiful stranger. Taking a better look at her, I see that she wears some dark skinny jeans and a purple shirt, perfectly fitting her curves.
“Hi, I’m Jade and I heard crying and Lilly’s annoying high-pitched voice so, I wanted to help.” Her voice has so much confidence in it, more than I could ever muster.
“Um, I’m Amber, thanks for that but, um… I need to get to class.” I’ve never been good with people and being social, which is one of the reasons on why I’m bullied so much.
I’m about to bolt to the door when a hand slightly taps my shoulder, stopping my footing.
“Wait! I was kind of wondering if you would like to hang out with me after school?”
----------5 HOURS LATER----------
“Wait, what?! So let me get this straight, you jumped out of your 30 foot house at 2 am just so that you could put a dead fish in your ex-boyfriend's car?” I sputter with more laughter in my voice than I have ever had. When Jade asked me to hang out with hr after school, I was about to say no when she cut me off with a whole speech on the fact that she isn’t going to bully me, she just wants to be my friends. So reluctantly, I agreed. In the small time span, all of my shyness has somehow gone away.
And that’s how I ended up here, at a small coffee house in the middle of town with jade spitting out story after story of ridiculous things she has done or encountered in her life. And let me tell you, there are a lot.
“Yup, and I never even got caught. He and his best friend had been having a prank war so he just blames him. I swear, the look on his face the next day of school was priceless. He loved his car so much, he almost punched the poor guy.”
This may sound extremely weird to say at this moment but, I feel like this is the start of a new friendship.
A New Beginning
Looking up from my stare-down with the white and plain tiles, I try to find the black-rimmed clock that always sits above the door that leads to the metallic cafeteria. Once again, I'm reminded of how nice it would be to have a phone, even though I know that will never happen. 8:24, reads the clock. Perfect, just enough time to stop at the bathroom. I round the corner that's to the left of the doors and am not surprised when the whispers start. Wow, school hasn't even started yet I'm the talk of the school… And not in a good way.
‘I bet you she didn't even have anyone to be with during break.´
´Wow, she must have eaten the whole dinner to look like that.´
´Aw man, I was hoping she wouldn’t come back...¨
Trying my best to ignore the terrible noises coming out of my classmates mouths, I make my way to the women's room, immediately being hit with the agonizing smells of unnameable substances coming from inside the second I open the door.
I cautiously make my way to the first stall, looking out for oncoming bulliers. No matter where I go, they always seem to find me. Once I see that the coast is clear, I open the stall door and let myself in before locking the latch. I sit down on the seat and exactly at that second, I hear a small creack, signifying the opening wooden door. Let’s just hope that it’s one of the few who just ignore me.
Once I’m done doing my business, I pick up my bag that I had hung up on the small hook that always stays on the door and open the plastic wall, a not-so-surprisingly unknown person meeting me.
I guess that the person who entered wasn’t one of the few.
Standing in front of me was a light brown haired girl a little taller than me, some skinny jeans and a white sleeveless shirt surrounding her body paired with some gray converse. I swear, people who I don’t even know bully me, all because I can’t afford the latest phone, or any phone in general.
With a smirk adorning her tan skin, the girl takes a step forward and let’s vicious sounds come out of her mouth.
“Amber? Wow, I have to admit, I’m pretty surprised that you even showed up. I mean, with the whole school despising you, it must have taken all of the small-amount of gut that you have.” This horrid creature takes another step towards me, causing me to take a step back, pushing me back into the stall.
“To be honest, I’m not sure why you still want to be on this earth. I mean, nobody else wants you here. There really isn’t a reason for you to still live so… My question is, why haven’t you tried to leave? It would do us all a huge favor.”
Wow, asking me to kill myself? That’s deep, I don’t think I’ve heard that one before. To hurt myself or to run away, sure, but she just went really far. As far as to what my own thoughts have been.
She is right, nobody wants me on this earth. With my mom always gone of in parties and clubs and my dad wiped away from this earth, there is no reason for me be here. And now that I know that other people agree with me, why not? I bet you no one would notice my absence.
Wow, it’s funny how someone who’s name I don’t even know can help me make such a huge decision.
“Aw, will you look at that, the little baby is crying. If you want, I can go get your friends to comfort you. Wait, that wouldn’t work…” Her tone holds a hint of hate yet a little of amusement. It really is sad that humanity has come to this, torturing the only ones who think like us, each other.
The unknown girl is about to speak again when the door opens from behind her and a short brunette enters the door, an annoyed yet determined expression on her face.
“Lilly, I heard that Lacey twisted her ankle while trying to do a back-flip, why don’t you go check on her?” While her tone holds a sweet and innocent touch, her eyes are the complete opposite. Sadness and a hint of fear lace them, but the main emotion I notice is the determination in them.
Lilly immediately runs out the door with a worried expression on her face, leaving me alone with the beautiful stranger. Taking a better look at her, I see that she wears some dark skinny jeans and a purple shirt, perfectly fitting her curves.
“Hi, I’m Jade and I heard crying and Lilly’s annoying high-pitched voice so, I wanted to help.” Her voice has so much confidence in it, more than I could ever muster.
“Um, I’m Amber, thanks for that but, um… I need to get to class.” I’ve never been good with people and being social, which is one of the reasons on why I’m bullied so much.
I’m about to bolt to the door when a hand slightly taps my shoulder, stopping my footing.
“Wait! I was kind of wondering if you would like to hang out with me after school?”
----------5 HOURS LATER----------
“Wait, what?! So let me get this straight, you jumped out of your 30 foot house at 2 am just so that you could put a dead fish in your ex-boyfriend's car?” I sputter with more laughter in my voice than I have ever had. When Jade asked me to hang out with hr after school, I was about to say no when she cut me off with a whole speech on the fact that she isn’t going to bully me, she just wants to be my friends. So reluctantly, I agreed. In the small time span, all of my shyness has somehow gone away.
And that’s how I ended up here, at a small coffee house in the middle of town with jade spitting out story after story of ridiculous things she has done or encountered in her life. And let me tell you, there are a lot.
“Yup, and I never even got caught. He and his best friend had been having a prank war so he just blames him. I swear, the look on his face the next day of school was priceless. He loved his car so much, he almost punched the poor guy.”
This may sound extremely weird to say at this moment but, I feel like this is the start of a new friendship.
Isabelle M.
The Little Boy
She stared at the room.
The room belonged to her little boy
He was only five and had friendship problems
Girls,bullies,new friends all filled his head
Making him feel dull and dead
All it took was just two words
YOU SUCK!
And his head started to swirl
With thoughts of things that can break a man’s spirit
But I was there and stood at his side gave him kind words
He regained his pride,his confidence
and
he made new friends that were like silver and gold
a voice inside him emerged when ever he saw someone else
being put down to a low place on Earth .
He was the little boy that understood.
The Little Boy
She stared at the room.
The room belonged to her little boy
He was only five and had friendship problems
Girls,bullies,new friends all filled his head
Making him feel dull and dead
All it took was just two words
YOU SUCK!
And his head started to swirl
With thoughts of things that can break a man’s spirit
But I was there and stood at his side gave him kind words
He regained his pride,his confidence
and
he made new friends that were like silver and gold
a voice inside him emerged when ever he saw someone else
being put down to a low place on Earth .
He was the little boy that understood.
Katie
Perspective on Bullying:
Dear Diary,
How can I forgot 5th grade… I can’t let me say I try to forget it but I can’t and now as a reminder I type these memories. I started off just starting 5th grade, how exciting just one year till Middle School! I was in a great class with a wonderful teacher that everyone wanted. Mr. Crafter was the only male teacher at Coldenham and the funniest. The first day is hard to remember I just remember looking around the classroom and spotting the new kid, Cassandra Pierce who was chosen as my study partner. I thought out of the other students I get stuck with the new girl! She was nice though she became one of my friends and to her, her first in the school. I remember the biggest thing that year, Silly Bandz. Everyone had at least 50 but I had 550! It was amazing how it caught on I traded with my two friends at recess always they were, Kylie Murphy, Shauna Morse, and Barbara Mates. That year was good till January, which isn’t much of a year at all well but a few months. It started directly after Winter Break… As we all played on the jungle gym I was approached by my friends, I thought oh good we can play tag, Barbara said first something like, and “Why do you talk weird?” My reply was “I don’t! Do i…? Her friend Jane tagged in and said,
“Why are you so skinny?” I felt trapped…. I said a weak reply of “I'm not.” Then Jen Denver tagged into it then as well “Why are you so ugly.” Almost in tears I just walk up the jungle gym ladder up to the slide. I’m caught they meet me at the other end of slide and Barbara says, “Pencil Stick” I knew what she meant from the recent conversation. She was calling me skinny in a rude way. I just walked away and stupidly said “No I ain’t!” Why oh why did I say ain’t? This made them all laugh harder. This is where the bullying begins. The following months were bad… My mother told
Mr. Crafter about the bullying and he was mad, at the students who bullied me. He spoke them in a clever way saying they don’t have to apologize but he recommends they do. Through their own guilt Jen, Jane, and Barbara came to me at recess while I played basketball they all said sorry. Jen with head down hopefully in shame and Barbara head high with respect and Jane who simply shuffled her shoes. I said “Thank You” They went their way and I my own. Jen and I were not friends again. Jane left to transfer schools in March and Barbara and I became best friends and we talked about the day she bullied me a lot and I have healed from it partly. All was good until June, you must think oh school ends in June, good! Well the 5th grade went on a 3 day, 2 night trip to Greenkill. I shared a room with some boys and my bunk mate Stanley Waite below me. We gossiped that night talking about girls and inappropriate things i never knew but learned that night. The hike on the second day was the worst. While on the hike a boy in my grade I didn’t even know the name came up to me and pushed me aside and said with a huge smile “Don’t Fall!” I was on a thin ledge when he pushed me I nearly fell to my death if there wasn’t a small tree I grabbed hold of. Later that day he threw my Kodak camera into a puddle. He then poured water in my bunk bed and took my clothing while I was in shower, forcing me to walk in the hall in a towel. He then proceeded to call me names such as, the rude inappropriate one P****. Then later he called me d***** bag and a skinny B****. I couldn’t wait for this trip to be over. It was soon enough but when my mom was picking me up he tripped me and I fell down he laughed at me. I just cried to my mother how much I hated the trip. School ended then and I graduated from Elementary. I was so upset knowing that now Middle School would without a doubt be worse. In late July my parents confronted me and told me I had a choice they could send me to private school or I go to public school. No hesitation I said Private School. I applied to St. Joseph’s and Oldfield Ferenbaugh School both in New York. I went to Oldfield Ferenbaugh. I returned in November of 2011 to visit Berea but after that no. I'm glad I chose Oldfield Ferenbaugh. Barbara and I talked all through out 6th grade but it ended in the Summer of 2011, she just didn’t answer that day or the next. No one answer a few did answer they told me off with hurtful words and curses. The last one I texted was Ally Gomez whom I had known since Kindergarten, one day she told me that she didn’t want to be my friend and to delete her number. I asked why. No reply. That was the end of my Coldenham friends. I made my new better friends at Oldfield Ferenbaugh.
Dear Diary,
I started 6th grade that year yes with some bullying but that was put a stop too quickly. A teacher named Ms.Turner was a bully. I have a learning disorder called NLD so I learn different than others. She didn’t want to change a bit. It was a small class of hardly 10 and she cannot help 1? The headmistress did not like Ms. Turner’s behavior and gave her notice she was fired and must leave when the school year was out. I never saw Ms. Turner again and I hope never to.
Dear Diary,
This year 7th grade was perfect I had friends and wonderful teachers who helped and supported me and I was so happy. I start 8th grade in September I am confident I will be more independent and use my voice to speak up.
Perspective on Bullying:
Dear Diary,
How can I forgot 5th grade… I can’t let me say I try to forget it but I can’t and now as a reminder I type these memories. I started off just starting 5th grade, how exciting just one year till Middle School! I was in a great class with a wonderful teacher that everyone wanted. Mr. Crafter was the only male teacher at Coldenham and the funniest. The first day is hard to remember I just remember looking around the classroom and spotting the new kid, Cassandra Pierce who was chosen as my study partner. I thought out of the other students I get stuck with the new girl! She was nice though she became one of my friends and to her, her first in the school. I remember the biggest thing that year, Silly Bandz. Everyone had at least 50 but I had 550! It was amazing how it caught on I traded with my two friends at recess always they were, Kylie Murphy, Shauna Morse, and Barbara Mates. That year was good till January, which isn’t much of a year at all well but a few months. It started directly after Winter Break… As we all played on the jungle gym I was approached by my friends, I thought oh good we can play tag, Barbara said first something like, and “Why do you talk weird?” My reply was “I don’t! Do i…? Her friend Jane tagged in and said,
“Why are you so skinny?” I felt trapped…. I said a weak reply of “I'm not.” Then Jen Denver tagged into it then as well “Why are you so ugly.” Almost in tears I just walk up the jungle gym ladder up to the slide. I’m caught they meet me at the other end of slide and Barbara says, “Pencil Stick” I knew what she meant from the recent conversation. She was calling me skinny in a rude way. I just walked away and stupidly said “No I ain’t!” Why oh why did I say ain’t? This made them all laugh harder. This is where the bullying begins. The following months were bad… My mother told
Mr. Crafter about the bullying and he was mad, at the students who bullied me. He spoke them in a clever way saying they don’t have to apologize but he recommends they do. Through their own guilt Jen, Jane, and Barbara came to me at recess while I played basketball they all said sorry. Jen with head down hopefully in shame and Barbara head high with respect and Jane who simply shuffled her shoes. I said “Thank You” They went their way and I my own. Jen and I were not friends again. Jane left to transfer schools in March and Barbara and I became best friends and we talked about the day she bullied me a lot and I have healed from it partly. All was good until June, you must think oh school ends in June, good! Well the 5th grade went on a 3 day, 2 night trip to Greenkill. I shared a room with some boys and my bunk mate Stanley Waite below me. We gossiped that night talking about girls and inappropriate things i never knew but learned that night. The hike on the second day was the worst. While on the hike a boy in my grade I didn’t even know the name came up to me and pushed me aside and said with a huge smile “Don’t Fall!” I was on a thin ledge when he pushed me I nearly fell to my death if there wasn’t a small tree I grabbed hold of. Later that day he threw my Kodak camera into a puddle. He then poured water in my bunk bed and took my clothing while I was in shower, forcing me to walk in the hall in a towel. He then proceeded to call me names such as, the rude inappropriate one P****. Then later he called me d***** bag and a skinny B****. I couldn’t wait for this trip to be over. It was soon enough but when my mom was picking me up he tripped me and I fell down he laughed at me. I just cried to my mother how much I hated the trip. School ended then and I graduated from Elementary. I was so upset knowing that now Middle School would without a doubt be worse. In late July my parents confronted me and told me I had a choice they could send me to private school or I go to public school. No hesitation I said Private School. I applied to St. Joseph’s and Oldfield Ferenbaugh School both in New York. I went to Oldfield Ferenbaugh. I returned in November of 2011 to visit Berea but after that no. I'm glad I chose Oldfield Ferenbaugh. Barbara and I talked all through out 6th grade but it ended in the Summer of 2011, she just didn’t answer that day or the next. No one answer a few did answer they told me off with hurtful words and curses. The last one I texted was Ally Gomez whom I had known since Kindergarten, one day she told me that she didn’t want to be my friend and to delete her number. I asked why. No reply. That was the end of my Coldenham friends. I made my new better friends at Oldfield Ferenbaugh.
Dear Diary,
I started 6th grade that year yes with some bullying but that was put a stop too quickly. A teacher named Ms.Turner was a bully. I have a learning disorder called NLD so I learn different than others. She didn’t want to change a bit. It was a small class of hardly 10 and she cannot help 1? The headmistress did not like Ms. Turner’s behavior and gave her notice she was fired and must leave when the school year was out. I never saw Ms. Turner again and I hope never to.
Dear Diary,
This year 7th grade was perfect I had friends and wonderful teachers who helped and supported me and I was so happy. I start 8th grade in September I am confident I will be more independent and use my voice to speak up.
Libby K.
Tokyo High
INTRODUCTION
Asuka Akane was just getting used to her new home. She had not made any friends yet. Tomorrow was her first day at Tokyo High School. Asuka had a small group back home in Yokohama. As Asuka went to her room to write in her beloved diary, her mother called her and said, “Asuka dear, come for dinner!” “Coming Mom!”, Asuka shouted back.
CHAPTER 1- SCHOOL
I wonder how my day will be, after all it is going to be my first day at Tokyo High. Hi I am Asuka Akane! I just turned 14 and I will be a freshman at Tokyo High. Sadly, I had to leave in the middle of my freshman year at Yokohama Academy. So, I will be finishing it at Tokyo High! I had a group of friends back at Yokohama, but I had to leave them when I moved. Luckily, I hope to make new friends at Tokyo High. I seriously doubt I will. As for me, I have a hard time making new friends. Especially since I am a little different. I love to read Manga, and watch anime. Most people I knew didn’t like that. I probably should not jump to conclusions though. People might be….different than others back home? In that case, I will find out tomorrow.
NEXT DAY, AT SCHOOL
Hmmm, new school new friends. Seems kinda normal….I guess. Ok Asuka, get it together, this is the big day. Just walk in find your locker, and get your schedule. This seems alright. I don’t see anybody that could become an enemy of mine. Oh no! Populars’ alert! I repeat, Popular kids 3:00! Calm yourself Asuka, just turn around and walk away. “Oh, hey! New girl! Come here and join us!” Darn it. I’ve been spotted. I turn around slowly, and plaster a big smile across my face. “Oh, hi,” I cautiously say. “What is your name, new girl?”, says a girl with long ginger hair, and big blue eyes. I hesitate, then say “Um….my name is Asuka Akane.” The girl replies, “Cool, nice to meet you. Wanna sit with us at lunch?” I give some thoughts about that. “Sure, that would be nice,” I respond. “Oh! By the way my name is Aya,” the girl tells me. I walk away and look around for the office.
LATER THAT DAY, AT SCHOOL
I have my locker number, and my schedule. My locker number is 131. My schedule is:
1st Period: Miss. Akira R. 103
2nd Period: Mr. Daisuke R. 108
3rd Period: Mrs. Ayame R. 110
4th Period: Ms. Aimi R. 106
5th Period: Lunch R. Cafeteria
6th Period: Mr. Hachiro R. 114
Ok Now let’s get to class! I had a little trouble finding the room, but I managed. I walk into class, and take a seat in the front of the room. Once everyone is in class, and the second bell rings, Miss. Akira begins to instruct us. “Hello everyone! Today we have a new student, so I would like everyone to be kind to her,” explains Miss. Akira. Suddenly, I feel something hit the back of my head. I turn back and there is a boy smirking at me. I shoot him a firm glare, and turn back around. I then hear some girls giggling. I look back to see what all the giggling was about, and then I catch glance of something in my long pink hair. There is a piece of gum stuck in my hair! I go up Miss. Akira, and ask her to go to the bathroom. I run out of class, to my locker, and to the bathroom. I had to get my purple bag from my locker. Luckily, I always keep a pair of sewing scissors in my front pocket, for emergencies. I look in the girl’s bathroom mirror and see how big the wad of gum is. I carefully cut out the piece of gum, and throw it in the trash can. I cannot believe that someone would do this to me!
END OF THE DAY, WALKING HOME
It is raining, and I have had a terrible day. First the gum in my hair, next spitballs, then getting in trouble for passing notes (I swear I didn’t do it!), spilling my lunch tray, and finally my makeup bag getting stolen. Great. The only class that did not end up terrible is 4th period. Other than that, my day really was a total disaster. I finally decide I can’t handle it anymore. I burst out in tears and run to the only peaceful place, the bridge. When I get there, I feel a wave of fear, sadness, despair, and anger wash over me. I won’t stop sobbing. After a few minutes of crying, I feel a rush of calmness wrap me in a blanket. I cannot grow soft. I must stand for myself. I slowly rise and stare into the sunset. “Tomorrow will be different, special.” I think to myself.
CHAPTER 2 - NEW GIRL AND A BULLY
The next day I wake up and followed my daily school routine. The only different thing I do today is keep my pajamas on until after I finish breakfast. I slowly walk to my room and open my closet doors. Since we moved, and I had to leave my other friends behind, my mom bought a big house to make us more comfortable. I look through my huge closet to find a perfect outfit for the day. I finally finish my look with a red beret. I walk down the stairs to pack up my school supplies. The walk to school is only 10 minutes from my house so, I stop by the store to buy a churro. Wow, the churros at this place! They taste so good. Fresh baked with cinnamon sugar and soft dough. Yum! Oops….I accidentally walk into someone. I curse but, then look up and see a boy with strawberry blond hair and bright blue eyes. I stammer and manage to choke out, “I, I'm so sorry! I really didn’t mean to bump into you. You don’t have to apologize either. It is my fault.”
Tokyo High
INTRODUCTION
Asuka Akane was just getting used to her new home. She had not made any friends yet. Tomorrow was her first day at Tokyo High School. Asuka had a small group back home in Yokohama. As Asuka went to her room to write in her beloved diary, her mother called her and said, “Asuka dear, come for dinner!” “Coming Mom!”, Asuka shouted back.
CHAPTER 1- SCHOOL
I wonder how my day will be, after all it is going to be my first day at Tokyo High. Hi I am Asuka Akane! I just turned 14 and I will be a freshman at Tokyo High. Sadly, I had to leave in the middle of my freshman year at Yokohama Academy. So, I will be finishing it at Tokyo High! I had a group of friends back at Yokohama, but I had to leave them when I moved. Luckily, I hope to make new friends at Tokyo High. I seriously doubt I will. As for me, I have a hard time making new friends. Especially since I am a little different. I love to read Manga, and watch anime. Most people I knew didn’t like that. I probably should not jump to conclusions though. People might be….different than others back home? In that case, I will find out tomorrow.
NEXT DAY, AT SCHOOL
Hmmm, new school new friends. Seems kinda normal….I guess. Ok Asuka, get it together, this is the big day. Just walk in find your locker, and get your schedule. This seems alright. I don’t see anybody that could become an enemy of mine. Oh no! Populars’ alert! I repeat, Popular kids 3:00! Calm yourself Asuka, just turn around and walk away. “Oh, hey! New girl! Come here and join us!” Darn it. I’ve been spotted. I turn around slowly, and plaster a big smile across my face. “Oh, hi,” I cautiously say. “What is your name, new girl?”, says a girl with long ginger hair, and big blue eyes. I hesitate, then say “Um….my name is Asuka Akane.” The girl replies, “Cool, nice to meet you. Wanna sit with us at lunch?” I give some thoughts about that. “Sure, that would be nice,” I respond. “Oh! By the way my name is Aya,” the girl tells me. I walk away and look around for the office.
LATER THAT DAY, AT SCHOOL
I have my locker number, and my schedule. My locker number is 131. My schedule is:
1st Period: Miss. Akira R. 103
2nd Period: Mr. Daisuke R. 108
3rd Period: Mrs. Ayame R. 110
4th Period: Ms. Aimi R. 106
5th Period: Lunch R. Cafeteria
6th Period: Mr. Hachiro R. 114
Ok Now let’s get to class! I had a little trouble finding the room, but I managed. I walk into class, and take a seat in the front of the room. Once everyone is in class, and the second bell rings, Miss. Akira begins to instruct us. “Hello everyone! Today we have a new student, so I would like everyone to be kind to her,” explains Miss. Akira. Suddenly, I feel something hit the back of my head. I turn back and there is a boy smirking at me. I shoot him a firm glare, and turn back around. I then hear some girls giggling. I look back to see what all the giggling was about, and then I catch glance of something in my long pink hair. There is a piece of gum stuck in my hair! I go up Miss. Akira, and ask her to go to the bathroom. I run out of class, to my locker, and to the bathroom. I had to get my purple bag from my locker. Luckily, I always keep a pair of sewing scissors in my front pocket, for emergencies. I look in the girl’s bathroom mirror and see how big the wad of gum is. I carefully cut out the piece of gum, and throw it in the trash can. I cannot believe that someone would do this to me!
END OF THE DAY, WALKING HOME
It is raining, and I have had a terrible day. First the gum in my hair, next spitballs, then getting in trouble for passing notes (I swear I didn’t do it!), spilling my lunch tray, and finally my makeup bag getting stolen. Great. The only class that did not end up terrible is 4th period. Other than that, my day really was a total disaster. I finally decide I can’t handle it anymore. I burst out in tears and run to the only peaceful place, the bridge. When I get there, I feel a wave of fear, sadness, despair, and anger wash over me. I won’t stop sobbing. After a few minutes of crying, I feel a rush of calmness wrap me in a blanket. I cannot grow soft. I must stand for myself. I slowly rise and stare into the sunset. “Tomorrow will be different, special.” I think to myself.
CHAPTER 2 - NEW GIRL AND A BULLY
The next day I wake up and followed my daily school routine. The only different thing I do today is keep my pajamas on until after I finish breakfast. I slowly walk to my room and open my closet doors. Since we moved, and I had to leave my other friends behind, my mom bought a big house to make us more comfortable. I look through my huge closet to find a perfect outfit for the day. I finally finish my look with a red beret. I walk down the stairs to pack up my school supplies. The walk to school is only 10 minutes from my house so, I stop by the store to buy a churro. Wow, the churros at this place! They taste so good. Fresh baked with cinnamon sugar and soft dough. Yum! Oops….I accidentally walk into someone. I curse but, then look up and see a boy with strawberry blond hair and bright blue eyes. I stammer and manage to choke out, “I, I'm so sorry! I really didn’t mean to bump into you. You don’t have to apologize either. It is my fault.”
Oliver P
Mark was called names and beaten to a pulp by a pair of half-back ape kids. His friend Josh saw it all behind a bush. Josh is actually much tougher than those bullies, but he is very shy. He then decides he will stand up to the bullies. So he goes up to the bullies who now become afraid of his immense self. He gives them a stern talking to and they promise not to annoy Mark anymore. But now rumors have spread, and now Josh is presumed as a bully. Josh, can’t stand being described as a bully, because every time he goes down the hall, kids run away from him, kids who otherwise would love to see him.
Josh now can’t go into the school without some crazy, wild story being told. For example: some kid saw him getting water and some kid thought that he was drinking the blood of Mike Millins, the biggest nerd in school. Now Mike is also terrified of Josh. the only person in school who knows that Josh is not a bully is Mark, who is too afraid to say anything. After about three months or so of this, Josh has had enough of this, he devises a plan with Mark at his ( Mark’s house, people are walking around Josh’s block trying to find out where he lives.) Mark and Josh hatch a plan in which Josh writes a letter explaining everything that was misunderstood. So by the next morning, Josh and Mark sneak into school an hour before the bell. But as they place the letter and are leaving, the bully who beat up Mark in the first place. The bully sees Josh and Mark, and starts a rumor that Mark and Josh were vandalizing the school. So by the time the bell starts to ring, People think Josh and Mark are Juvenile delinquents but when everyone sees the letter, all of the anger and mixed feelings and the rumors stop. The letter reads this:
I am not a bully, I only was trying to protect my best friend Mark. I do not wish to harm anyone ever. I only want to not be thought of as a bully, but as a kind person.
Mark was called names and beaten to a pulp by a pair of half-back ape kids. His friend Josh saw it all behind a bush. Josh is actually much tougher than those bullies, but he is very shy. He then decides he will stand up to the bullies. So he goes up to the bullies who now become afraid of his immense self. He gives them a stern talking to and they promise not to annoy Mark anymore. But now rumors have spread, and now Josh is presumed as a bully. Josh, can’t stand being described as a bully, because every time he goes down the hall, kids run away from him, kids who otherwise would love to see him.
Josh now can’t go into the school without some crazy, wild story being told. For example: some kid saw him getting water and some kid thought that he was drinking the blood of Mike Millins, the biggest nerd in school. Now Mike is also terrified of Josh. the only person in school who knows that Josh is not a bully is Mark, who is too afraid to say anything. After about three months or so of this, Josh has had enough of this, he devises a plan with Mark at his ( Mark’s house, people are walking around Josh’s block trying to find out where he lives.) Mark and Josh hatch a plan in which Josh writes a letter explaining everything that was misunderstood. So by the next morning, Josh and Mark sneak into school an hour before the bell. But as they place the letter and are leaving, the bully who beat up Mark in the first place. The bully sees Josh and Mark, and starts a rumor that Mark and Josh were vandalizing the school. So by the time the bell starts to ring, People think Josh and Mark are Juvenile delinquents but when everyone sees the letter, all of the anger and mixed feelings and the rumors stop. The letter reads this:
I am not a bully, I only was trying to protect my best friend Mark. I do not wish to harm anyone ever. I only want to not be thought of as a bully, but as a kind person.
Project Three
Collaboration with Dilation and Ratios
After learning about perspective and bullying students were challenged to put their skills to the test with a collaboration project. They learned new terms in art, but old terms from math, like dilation, ratio, and about Durer's Device, (geometry - STEAM! at work). The students were amazed as they saw their section become part of a larger composition. The oo's and ah's were priceless. The students saw how their participation/collaboration made a difference.