Grade 1
A Very, Very Busy Squirrel – E. P.
The Parrot Who Couldn’t Fly – M. O.
The Busy Butterfly – B. D.
The Scared Cheetah – C. J.
The Snail’s New Shell – A. K.
The Very Sleepy Cat – S.C.
The Very Shy Dog – S. C.
The Very Busy Squirrel and the Color Changing Chameleon –M. Z.
The Very Hungry Wolf – H. C.
The Very Busy Squirrel – A. K.
The Very Hungry Rabbit – D. R.
Lightning and Thunder – C. J.
Hailstorms – J. H.
Snowstorms – R. H.
Hurricanes – M. N.
Tornados – C. K. C.
Grade 2
How the Turtle Got His Shell – W. O.
How the Cheetahs Got Their Black Spots – A. C.
How the Kangaroo Got Its Pouch – O. J.
How the Eagle Got His Excellent Eyesight – D. J.
How the Turtle Got Its Shell – B. C.
How Skunk Got Its Smell – E. S.
How the Mountain Got Its Snow – S. D.
How the Tiger Got His Stripes – A. Y.
For Sale – E. C., A. L., E. S., E. B., J. H., K. C., K. M., K. H., M. K., M. R., M. M. , N. W., and V. C.
Grade 3
Color Our World – K. A., J. B., C. C., C. C., N. C., E. L., M. L., A. M., E. O., B. S., and A. Y.
He Who Hesitates – B. S.
Advice to Incoming Third Graders – K. A., J. B., C. C., E. L., M. L., and E. O.
Haiku Poetry – M. K., A. L.
Haiku Poetry – C. S., E. S.
Grade 4
How the Dog Got Its Bark – A. L.
How the Raccoon Got His Mask – J. F.
How the Springer Spaniel Got a Stumpy Tall – S. K.
How the Penquin Got Its Suit – A. A.
Passing by South – M. T.
Walking by South on a Snowy Evening – M. L.
Stopping by South on a Winter Morning – K. K.
Walking by South on a Winter Morning – J. F.
Passing by South – A. F.
Walking by South on a Winter Afternoon – E. H.
Friends in the Woods – J. H.
What Makes a Good Neighbor – E. H.
Qualities of a Good Neighbor – J. T.
Winter Thoughts – E. G., R. J., L. S., and A. Z.
Pizza – R. W.
The Pasture – R. J.
Riddles – R. J., M. T., John D., A. Z., and K. W.
Stories
Andrew and the Bully – J. C., J. D., E. S., M. V., and K. W.
The Raccoon and the Coyote – J. D.
Frindle Gets a Cut – E. G., R. J., A. H., L. S., and A. Z.
Grade 5
I Hear Andover Singing – E. C., A. T., T. S., K. P., S. G., E. W., G. P., and H. H.
Snow – S. L.
My Very Bad Day – R. K.
Sonnet – C. L.
Cinquain Poems – T. S., B. S., A. T., E. W., D. C., E. C, A. H., S. L., and K. P.
List Poetry
Infinite Things – S. S.
Nighttime – S. S.
Things You Wouldn’t Want to Lose – M. F.
Interpretation of the Quotation – A. H.
A VERY, VERY BUSY SQUIRREL
by
E.P. - Grade 1
Once there was a squirrel. Her name was Acorn. One day she heard her friend beaver saying winter was coming. So Acorn started to collect nuts and acorns.
When she was collecting acorns and nuts, a horse came by and said, “Want to run around?”
“No thank you. I’m too busy,” said Acorn.
Next a frog came by and said,”Ribbit, ribbit, want to go for a swim?”
“No thank you. I’m too busy,” said Acorn.
Next a dog came by and said, “Arf, want to dig?”
“No thank you. I’m too busy,” said Acorn.
Then a cat came by and said, “Meow, meow, want to chase a mouse?”
“No thank you. I’m too busy,” said Acorn.
Next a rabbit came by and said, “Want to eat clover?”
“No thank you. I’m too busy,” said Acorn.
Then an elephant came by and said, “Do you want to eat?”
“No thank you. I’m too busy,” said Acorn.
Next a mouse came by and said, “Squeak, squeak, want to play tag?”
“No thank you. I’m too busy,” said Acorn.
Then a butterfly came by and said, “Want to play?”
“No thank you. I’m too busy,” said Acorn.
Then it started to snow. Winter had come. Acorn climbed in her tree where all the acorns were stored, and fell asleep.
THE PARROT WHO COULDN’T FLY
by
M. O.
Grade 1
There was a parrot who couldn’t fly. He saw a cardinal that was flying high. The parrot said, “Can you teach me how to fly?” The cardinal flew away.
The parrot saw a crow eating trash. The parrot said, “Can you teach me how to fly?” The crow ignored him.
Next the parrot saw a bluebird, she was singing on a fence. The parrot said, “Can you teach me how to fly?” The bluebird just kept on singing.
The parrot saw another parrot. She was doing nothing! The boy parrot said, “Can you teach me how to fly?”
The other parrot said, “Sure!” She did teach the other parrot how to fly! The parrots became fast friends and together they flew and had fun!
THE BUSY BUTTERFLY
by
B. D. - Grade 1
There was a butterfly whose name was Bob. He was a busy butterfly. One day Bob decided to go out to a fair. He met a bee named Happy Bee. The bee wanted the butterfly to play in the air with him. The busy butterfly was so happy playing with his new friend.
Next he landed on a flower to take a rest. He met a spider. His name was Spinning Spider. He showed the busy butterfly how to spin a web.
Then he met a worm. His name was Slowbro the Worm.
He said,”Do you want to slither with me?” They slithered until 8:00. The busy butterfly was so tired that he fell asleep at midnight.
The busy butterfly learned a lot from the bee, the spider, and the worm by going to the fair today.
THE SCARED CHEETAH
by
C. J. - Grade 1
There is a scared cheetah who lives in Andover. He’s afraid of his shadow and he doesn’t know who to ask to help him.
One day he was scared and he tried to run away from it. Once he ran so fast, but it would not go away. That’s how he got to run so fast.
One day he was not that scared because it was cloudy. Still he doesn’t know who to ask for help. The next day he thought about it. He was thinking about his friend Bobby. He is not afraid of his shadow. The scared cheetah went to Bobby’s house. Bobby had a video of shadows that helped him. Now the cheetah isn’t scared anymore.
THE SNAIL’S NEW SHELL
by
A. K. - Grade 1
Once there was a snail whose name was Rose. One day her shell turned small so she went to the birds.
She asked the bird, “Can you help me find a new shell?”
The bird said, “Why not try this egg shell? It looks good on us.”
“So how does it look on me?” said Rose.
“It looks good, but it looks better on us,” answered the bird.
So Rose went to the squirrels.
She asked the squirrel, “Can you help me find a new shell?”
The squirrel said, “Why not try this nut shell? It looks good on us.”
“So how does it look on me?” Rose asked.
“It looks good, but it looks better on us,” he said.
Rose went home. There in front of her door laid a caterpillar.
“Oh, Rose, I have been waiting for you. I heard that you have been searching for a new shell. Well, I have just the thing. Come over,” said the caterpillar. So the caterpillar licked Rose’s shell. When the caterpillar had finished licking, Rose looked at her new shell.
“Thank you!” she said to the caterpillar, “It looks great on me!”
THE VERY SLEEPY CAT
by
S. C. - Grade 1
One Monday morning Bunny came to Sleepy Cat’s house. He asked Sleepy Cat if he wanted to play.
“No,” said Sleepy Cat. “I’m too tired. Come back on Tuesday.” So Bunny came back the next day. He knocked on Sleepy Cat’s door.
“Sleepy Cat, Sleepy Cat,” he called. “It’s Tuesday and time to play.”
“No,” said Sleepy Cat. “I’m too tired. Come back on Wednesday.” So Bunny came back the next day. He knocked on Sleepy Cat’s door.
“Sleepy Cat, Sleepy Cat,” he called. “It’s Wednesday and time to play.”
“No,” said Sleepy Cat. “I’m too tired. Come back on Thursday.” So bunny came back the next day. He knocked on Sleepy Cat’s door.
“Sleepy Cat, Sleepy Cat,” he called. “It’s Thursday and time to play.”
“No,” said Sleepy Cat. “I’m too tired. Come back on Friday.” So Bunny came back the next day. He knocked on Sleepy Cat’s door.
“Sleepy Cat, Sleepy Cat,” he called. “It’s Friday and time to play.”
“No,” said Sleepy Cat. “I’m too tired. Come back on Saturday.” So Bunny came back the next day. He knocked on Sleepy Cat’s door.
“Sleepy Cat, Sleepy Cat,” he called. “It’s Saturday and time to play.”
“No,” said Sleepy Cat. “I’m too tired. Come back on Sunday.” So Bunny came back the next day. He knocked on Sleepy Cat’s door and to his surprise Sleepy Cat was already up and awake!
“Ready to play?” he asked.
“I am, I am,” said Bunny. So they both went out to play.
THE VERY SHY DOG
by
S. C. - Grade 1
One day a bunny came to play with the shy dog. First she asked him, “Will you come out and play?”
“No,” the dog said. So the bunny hid behind the dog’s house.
Then a duck came over. He asked, “Will you come out and play?”
The dog said, “No.” So the duck hid behind the dog’s house also.
Then a lamb came along and asked, “Will you come out and play?”
Again the dog said, “No.”
Then the lamb asked, “Are you shy?”
“Yes,” the dog said.
“I’ll introduce you to the other animals,” the lamb said.
“Ok,” the dog said. After that the dog had fun with all his new friends.
THE VERY BUSY SQUIRREL AND THE COLOR CHANGING CHAMELEON
by
M. Z. - Grade 1
A squirrel was very busy picking nuts and putting them into his burrow. Then the squirrel saw something move on the tree which changed different colors whenever it walked. Next, something walked onto a leaf and it turned green. The squirrel, while munching on a nut that he gathered, wondered what that thing was. The squirrel watched as the thing moved slowly. It kept moving on the tree, but then it stopped and slowly walked off the tree. The squirrel tried to get a closer look and finally the squirrel saw what it was. It was a chameleon. It changed different colors wherever it moved. A lot of people know that.
The squirrel said, “Hi, chameleon.”
The chameleon said, “Hi, squirrel.”
The squirrel answered, “It’s cool that you can change into different colors whenever you walk.”
“I know,” said the chameleon. “Let’s be friends.”
“Ok,” said the squirrel.
The chameleon and the squirrel played all day long. They had a lot of fun together. The chameleon helped the squirrel finish gathering the nuts. They became good friends.
THE VERY HUNGRY WOLF
by
H. C. - Grade 1
Once upon a time there was a baby wolf. The wolf was hungry. The wolf found eight monsters, but the monsters were too big.
So the wolf found an insect, but the insect was too small.
So the wolf found a cat, but the cat was too fast.
So the wolf found a lion, but the lion was too strong.
So the wolf found a chicken and the chicken was just right. The wolf ate the chicken and he was very satisfied.
THE VERY BUSY SQUIRREL
by
A. K. - Grade 1
Once there was a squirrel named Cube. Cube was looking for food to save for the winter.
A lion came along. “I am going to eat you!” he roared.
“No, please don’t eat me!” he said.
“Ok,” said the lion and he wandered off. Cube kept looking for food.
So along came a bird who said, “I will feed you to my babies!”
“No, please don’t eat me!” said the squirrel.
“Oh, all right,” said the bird. Then he flew away. Cube kept looking for food.
Then along came a wolf. “I will eat you,” he said.
“Oh, please don’t eat me,” said Cube.
“Oh, all right,” said the wolf. Cube kept looking for food.
The next day was the first day of winter and Cube was all ready for it. He was very happy and the other animals never came back for a very long time.
THE VERY HUNGRY RABBIT
by
D. R. - Grade 1
One morning a little rabbit named Bouncey was very, very hungry. So he bit through one large-sized carrot that he found in a garden on the ground. Then he realized he was lost. But he didn’t care. He just ate ten more large carrots. Then it was nighttime and he could not find his way home. A spider came down on a string.
The rabbit asked, “Can you help me find my way home?”
“Ok,” said the spider.
So he led him back home. The rabbit was very happy.
LIGHTNING AND THUNDER
by
C. J. - Grade 1
100 lightning bolts strike at a time. Electrons go down so fast it makes a trail that lights up if you see the lightning. That is the trail of electrons. If you are far away you see the bolt first and then you hear the thunder. If you are close you hear the sound and you see the lightning at the same time. Sometimes in a storm clouds lose electrons. That’s how lighting forms. When lightning strikes it often hits telephone poles and that can cause a FIRE! Some lightning can go diagonal and some can go exactly the same.
Thunder is the sound of lightning. At Mohonk when I saw lightning for the first time, the sky was purple. The thunder was very loud and the clouds were black. I was very far away. Lightning storms are very dangerous.
HAILSTORMS
by
J. H. - Grade 1
Sometimes hail falls in thunderstorms. Raindrops fall through cold air. They turn into ice. The wind may toss the hail up and down in the cold. The hail may get bigger. Hail sometimes is shaped like an egg. Hail can fall in the summer.
I was in a hailstorm. The hailstorm was loud. My ears hurt. I got to touch one because there was one in front of my house. It was cold and wet. I watched from inside my house. The hailstorm took about three or four more hours. It was very interesting even when it happened.
SNOWSTORMS
by
R. H. - Grade 1
Snow falls in white chips called snowflakes. When the air gets cold enough in winter, water from clouds falls as snow. Most snow crystals have six sides. Snow often melts as it passes through warmer air. Snow crystals form when water freezes into ice. The shape of snowflakes depend on the air. A snowflake is 1/8 inches in size. It could easily contain 1000 billion water molecules. Some days are cold enough for water to freeze. Enough water vapor in the air freezes before it can form drops of water.
I have never been in a blizzard, but I have been in a snowstorm. I like to lick the snowflakes. I have snowball fights, I make snow angels, and I do other fun things. I like snowstorms!
HURRICANES
by
M. N. - Grade 1
Hurricanes are big storms. They form over ocean water. The raindrops are big. Hurricanes are the biggest of all the storms. It’s winds can blow up to 50 miles an hour or more. It can fill all the houses with water and mud. It can blow water across an island. The winds in hurricanes can blow tree limbs and objects around.
I do not want to be in a hurricane. I would be scared if I were in a hurricane.
TORNADOS
by
C. K. C. - Grade 1
A tornado is shaped like a funnel. The winds in a tornado are very strong. They are very dangerous. They can suck things up from the ground. Tornados are very strong storms. But they do not last long. Their winds can rip up houses and buildings.
Violent tornados are the least common type of tornados. Only about 1 in 50 tornados in the United States is classified as violent. On September 4th, 1981 a tornado hit a baby in a carriage. It was asleep and went 50 feet into the air. When it landed, the baby was still sleeping!
I have never been in a tornado and if I did, I would not like it.
Do you remember The Wizard of Oz? In it, a tremendous tornado carries Dorothy up into the air, going quickly to the land of Oz. Dorothy lives in the United States of America in a place called Tornado Alley.
Tornados are very dangerous storms.
HOW THE TURTLE GOT HIS SHELL
by
W. O. - Grade 2
Once upon a time in the beginning of the world, where there was nothing but a big desert, there lived four happy animals - a turtle, a rabbit, an eagle, and a roadrunner. All the animals were nice and friendly except for one - Turtle! He was mean and cruel and always bragging about his speed. All the animals always complained to The Great Quillis that Turtle was always bragging about his speed. Whenever they tried to race Turtle, they always lost and Turtle would be a poor winner. Turtle was never nice to anybody.
Whenever someone tried to ask him something, Turtle always said, “Go away, you punk!” Since The Great Quillis got notified about turtle so often, he decided to teach Turtle a lesson.
One day, on a bright sunny morning, The Great Quillis paid Turtle a visit.
He said to Turtle, “If you are going to be mean to these poor creatures, then I have no choice. I have to give you this shell.”
So the Great Quillis said the magic words, “Abracadabra, give this cruel turtle a very fine shell.” Poof! Like magic, a shell appeared on Turtle’s back.
The Great Quillis said, “My job is finished, I must leave.”
Right before The Great Quillis left, Turtle cried out, “Wait, wait, don’t leave. How do I run from predators with this thing on my back?”
The Great Quillis said, “You don’t need to run from predators because you’ll always be home.”
Turtle said, “What do you mean?”
The Great Quillis said, “If you want to hide from predators, you can just go into your shell.”
So now the turtle can live a happy life and also be nice and he doesn’t often brag about his speed anymore. He learned never to brag about something and hurt other creatures’ feelings.
HOW THE CHEETAHS GOT THEIR BLACK SPOTS
by
A. C. - Grade 2
Once upon a time, all the cheetahs were covered with orange fur. Each night, the cheetahs would hunt for food and water. The earth was getting very dry. The nights were very hot. The chief cheetah would assign some cheetah to go get food for all of them.
The chief cheetah told the other cheetahs that they would have to leave their territory and travel beyond the forbidden mountain. The following day, all the cheetahs left their homes. They traveled many days until they reached the top of the mountain. At the top of the mountain, the cheetahs met a monkey who tried to warn them to turn back. The chief cheetah did not listen to the monkey and told the cheetahs to follow him down the other side of the forbidden mountain.
They finally reached their destination during the night. They found a sleeping gorilla who was the guard and they sneaked by quietly to get a drink of water from the magical pool of water. They tried to drink as much magical water as they could. They went to sleep because they were so tired from their long trip. The chief cheetah did not tell the cheetahs that there was a punishment for drinking the magical water.
The next day was a beautiful sunny day. The cheetahs woke up early. Then they found that they were covered with black spots and that was their punishment.
That is the reason why all cheetahs have black spots today.
HOW THE KANGAROO GOT ITS POUCH
by
O. J. - Grade 2
At the beginning of the world, way down in Australia, Mama Kangaroo was sitting on a rock near the stream feeding Baby Kangaroo. She was just sitting there minding her own business, when a pack of dingoes attacked. They chased Mother Kangaroo a long way but Mother Kangaroo got too fast for them and they gave up. While Mother Kangaroo was catching her breath, she noticed that she had dropped Baby Kangaroo along the way. Eventually she found him sitting alone crying. She lifted him up and carried him home. When it was night, another dingo pack attacked. This time, Mother Kangaroo got hurt. She hopped as fast as she could. She hid somewhere and the dingoes could not find her. The dingoes eventually gave up looking and left.
In the morning, when Mother Kangaroo thought it was safe, she came out of hiding. She went to the stream to wash her wounds and feed Baby Kangaroo. Then she went out and fixed the den. But something was not right. She had forgotten Baby Kangaroo at the stream! She went back to the stream. She saw Baby Kangaroo sitting down crying. She picked him up and carried him home.
That night , Mother Kangaroo thought that maybe she should see Papa God for a solution to her problem . In the morning, Mother Kangaroo left an echidna in charge of Baby Kangaroo. Mother Kangaroo climbed the highest trees and up into the clouds to get to where Papa God lived. She told Papa God about the dingoes and about how she had lost Baby Kangaroo.
“Yes, it is a problem,”said Papa God.
“But how can we solve it?” said Mother Kangaroo.
“I will think of a solution,” said Papa God. “Now go home and feed your baby.”
So while Mother Kangaroo was feeding Baby Kangaroo by the stream, Papa God floated up and used his magic to make a pouch for Mother Kangaroo.
So that is why from now on female kangaroos carry their babies in pouches and why Mother Kangaroo never lost Baby Kangaroo again.
HOW THE EAGLE GOT HIS EXCELLENT EYESIGHT
by
D. J. - Grade 2
When the world was new, eagles didn’t have very good sight. One day, an Eagle was out hunting and he couldn’t see any animals. So he went to see his friend Squirrel. He looked and looked but he couldn’t find Squirrel. (He didn’t have good eyesight). So Eagle landed and tried to find Squirrel on foot.
Eagle finally spotted Squirrel in a tree eating a walnut. Eagle asked Squirrel if there was anything he could eat. Squirrel suggested acorns. Eagle looked for acorns but he couldn’t find any. So Eagle went to find his friend Fish. He looked and looked but he couldn’t find Fish. So Eagle landed and tried to find Fish on foot.
He finally found Fish swimming in the creek. Eagle asked Fish if there was anything he could eat. Fish was a little surprised because he didn’t know that Eagle had trouble seeing. So Fish suggested he eat seaweed. Eagle tried to find seaweed, but he couldn’t. So he went to find his friend Skunk.
It did not take Eagle long to find Skunk because all he had to do was smell Skunk. Eagle found Skunk. Skunk suggested grubs, but Eagle couldn’t see any grubs. So he went to see Hawk. As Eagle was looking for Hawk, he just happened to fly by. Hawk suggested worms and slugs. First Eagle looked for worms but he didn’t know where to look because eagles usually don’t eat worms. Next he tried slugs, but he couldn’t find any because they were too small.
So Eagle finally went to the Great Spirit and told him about not being able to see. Well, the Great Spirit gave Eagle excellent sight and from that day on, eagles have never needed to ask friends to help find food.
HOW THE TURTLE GOT ITS SHELL
by
B. C. - Grade 2
In a place called Giant Land, there lived turtles and giants. One of the giant’s favorite foods was salad. The giants ate it every Monday. One Monday, the turtles were playing tag in the lettuce field. The giants came to pick their lettuce for the salad. The giants didn’t see the turtles and they were scooped up with a big spoon. The salad (including the turtles) was mixed with honey. The turtles stuck to the lettuce and honey.
Then one of the giants saw the turtles and he told the other giants. The giants threw the turtles out of the house. The lettuce and honey still stuck to the turtle’s soft back. The sun was shining on the honey. Then the honey hardened so the lettuce got stuck on their backs. That is how the turtles got its hard shell, and to this day turtles still have hard shells.
HOW SKUNK GOT ITS SMELL
by
E. S. - Grade 2
Once upon a time, a skunk lived in some hills. He ate smelly grass and smelly leaves. One day he went for a walk into the forest. He saw a tiger with his stripes.
“He could blend in easily,” he said. Then he saw a bird with her wings.
“She can fly high and see things,” said the skunk. He passed a giraffe with his long neck.
“He can see things from far away,” he said. Skunk wondered what gift he had? Then skunk heard a noise. Something was chasing him. Then it stopped. Skunk saw a sign. It said - Mother Spirit Coming on Wednesday.
“She can answer questions,” said skunk. “I will ask her what gift I have.”
On Wednesday, skunk went to Mother Spirit. When he was going there he met a great horned owl. Skunk didn’t like him at all. Great horned owl was about to fight when skunk took out his breakfast. Great horned owl smelled the stinky leaves and flew away! Skunk continued on his journey. After skunk had crossed hills, rivers, lakes, and valleys, he finally came to Mother Spirit. He had to wait more than an hour to ask her one question, but he waited and waited and it rained, but he waited. Skunk was the last one in line. Finally it was his turn.
“What gift do I have to protect myself?” he asked.
Mother Spirit said, “I have watched you and I have an idea.” Skunk went home happy.
The next day skunk went for a walk. He carried a mirror. He saw owl and some friends too. This time, when each animal tried to get him from the back, he sprayed them with a stinky spray. Skunk went home happy. Mother Spirit had said she’d made skunk too fast. Now skunk never has a problem about his stinky smell and is as happy, joyful, and grateful as can be about his stinky smell.
HOW THE TIGER GOT HIS STRIPES
by
A. Y. - Grade 2
Once upon a time when the world was new, there lived a tiger with no stripes in the middle of a dark jungle. Each day the tiger went hunting, but he could not get any food, for he had no stripes to help him blend in. So the tiger grew hungrier than he had ever been. One day he saw a small rodent walking by the cave he lived in. The tiger pounced on the rodent and when he was about to eat the rodent, the rodent asked if he had ever eaten a zebra.
The tiger said,”No, although it sounds good to eat.” The tiger asked where he could find a zebra.
The rodent answered, “Not far, only two days from here.” So the tiger packed up and went there.
After two days the tiger came to a herd of zebras. The tiger immediately went in search for the biggest zebra. As soon as he found it, he swallowed it up. In the process, he did not notice an extra pair of black stripes on the zebra. When the tiger was home, the zebra started jumping in the tiger’s stomach. That made the tiger very sick. The tiger asked for the zebra to stop jumping. Later on in the day, the zebra said that if he stopped jumping, would the tiger bring him home?
The tiger said, “Yes.”
When the tiger brought the zebra home, he opened his large mouth. The zebra came out of the tiger’s mouth. He took the extra pair of stripes and kicked them at the tiger.
When he was done, there was a straight line of black stripes on the tiger. That’s how the tiger got his stripes.
HOW THE MOUNTAIN GOT ITS SNOW
by
S. D. - Grade 2
Millions of years ago there was a mountain. It was just a baby and people stepped all over it. People planted plants and people built cottages all over it. So one day, he thought really hard about what he should do and he decided to shout at whomever touched him. He did that, but after about a month, people started to report this behavior to the great spirit. The great spirit made him stop it and it was a good thing too because he was about to lose his voice. He couldn’t think of another idea so he started crying. Since he was crying with the upper part of his body and it’s usually cold at the top of a mountain, his tears froze and turned into ice at the top and snow at the bottom.
And that’s the story of how the mountain got its snow.
FRIEND FOR SALE
by E. C. - Grade 2
One friend for sale!
She’s nice.
She’s pretty,
And she’s cool.
She even has a pool!
She’s only a dollar,
Maybe two.
Just why won’t you buy my
Older friend for sale?
BROTHER FOR SALE
by A. L. - Grade 2
One brother for sale!
One brother for sale!
A punching and kicking
Brother for sale!
Please somebody, take him away!
Please oh please,
He’s only a nickel or a penny.
Please take him away!
One punching and kicking
brother for sale!
FOR SALE!
by E. S. - Grade 2
One elephant for sale!
One elephant for sale!
He comes with a trunk, and big ears,
He sometimes has tears.
Some say you’ll find a way,
Day after day,
To feed him peanuts.
He’s very cheap,
To keep.
One elephant for sale!
BROTHER FOR SALE
by E. B. - Grade 2
A brother for sale!
A brother for sale!
An icky and picky
Brother for sale!
He is very smart,
He’d like a Sweet Tart.
He’s at a low price.
He doesn’t like ice.
Whoever wants my brother,
Will have to pick another.
ONE TWIN SISTER FOR SALE
by J. H. - Grade 2
One twin sister for sale!
She’s not like any other.
She’s kind and sweet.
She’s really neat!
So come and get her now.
She’s yours for $2,568 dollars.
I don’t hear any hollers!
Come and get her before the line starts.
Your purchase includes a free cart.
So come on down.
Who’ll start the buying?
Hey wait!
If she’s so nice,
I better think twice!
One twin sister not for sale!
FOR SALE
by K. C. - Grade 2
I have a little brother.
Worse than any other.
Wouldn’t you like to buy him?
You’ll find that he’ll bug you.
I’m sure he’ll never hug you.
He makes a mess in all the rooms.
You’ll have to have a couple of brooms.
When he comes in the house,
We’re all on alert
FOR SALE
by K. M. - Grade 2
One brother for sale!
One brother for sale!
He swims like a whale.
He is six years old.
He is for one piece of gold.
He is quick as can be.
He can climb up any maple tree.
He rides his bike very fast.
In a race, he will never be last.
So quickly, quickly buy him
Before I count to two.
Or I will not sell him to you.
SISTER FOR SALE
by K. H. - Grade 2
Sister for sale!
Sister for Sale!
I have one terrific
Sister for sale!
She’s sweet and smart.
She’s generous and kind.
She plays what you want.
She’s the best sister you’ll ever find.
Hey, I changed my mind.
My sister is not for sale!
FOR SALE
by M. K. - Grade 2
For sale!
One big sister for sale!
I really mean it.
She’s unique!
She’s smart and unusual too.
Come buy her.
She’s just a few dimes.
She’s only for sale a few times.
Come buy her! Come buy her!
There’s one big sister,
For sale.
A SISTER FOR SALE
by M. R. - Grade 2
A sister for sale!
If you don’t buy her,
She goes to jail.
So come buy this
Sister for sale!
If you don’t buy her,
You go to jail.
BROTHER FOR SALE
by M. M. - Grade 2
One brother for sale!
One brother for sale!
One mean and bossy
Little brother for sale!
Who is a girl who wants a brother?
Come and get him.
Oh, do you want a brother?
FOR SALE
by N. W. - Grade 2
A brother for sale!
A brother for sale!
Take him for a dollar or less.
He’s such a pain.
He made a mess.
Just come and take him away.
Hey! Why are you walking away?
FOR SALE
by V. C. - Grade 2
Nobody’s going to want someone else’s mother.
But surely someone is going to need a brother.
I bet you’re going to like him, more than gold.
But I don’t like him, he’s a seven year old.
I just can’t bear him,
Stop the cars, stop the mail.
Who wants a little
Brother for sale!
COLOR OUR WORLD
by
K. A., J. B., C. C., C. C., N. C., E. L., M. L., A. M., E. O., B. S., and A. Y. - Grade 3
BLACK is
broken, dark, deep, empty, fast, loud, painless, sneaky
BLUE is
cool, crisp, low, lonely, sad, shadowy
BROWN is
bronze, comfortable, earthy, galloping, running, wide
GOLD is
alive, crowd, flickering, hardworking, shiny, tasty
GRAY is
big, bad, bubbly, gloomy, sleepy, smoky, soft, velvety
GREEN is
cool, fuzzy, itchy, long, minty, salty, sour, sweet, tall
ORANGE is
bittersweet, fiery, happy, sparkling, warm, wild
PINK is
cooked, frail, gauzy, lovely, little, new, plush, whispery
RED is
angry, brave, blazing, giant, loud, loving
WHITE is
bright, blinding, feathery, frosty, hot, lacy, light, milky
YELLOW is
creamy, fun, ripe, tickly, yummy, yoke
HE WHO HESITATES
by
B. S. - Grade 3
There once was a boy who learned how to hesitate from his father. His father was a magistrate who always hesitated to give speeding tickets. He wasn’t very conscientious. He also wasn’t very alert when outlaws were robbing banks. His son started to get the suspicion that he never did his job.
One day, the son noticed his father was rooted to the spot, and wondered if he had glue on the bottoms of his shoes. The son was starting to get very indignant because his father never did his job. The son suspected a robber hypnotized his father and put glue on his shoes so he couldn’t get away.
ADVICE TO INCOMING 3RD GRADERS
(Using New Vocabulary)
by
K. A., J. B., C. C., E. L., M. L., and E. O. - Grade 3
1. Don’t hesitate when taking a test.
2. You should be conscientious when doing book reports.
3. You should always be alert in class and not “tune out.”
4. Don’t give anyone a suspicion that you’re cheating on a spelling test (you shouldn’t cheat anyway!)
5. Sometimes you’ll be rooted to the spot, like when you’re taking the MCAS.
6. If your class is reading a story, don’t feel indignant if you don’t get a turn.
7. Don’t suspect the answer is 887 when it’s really 2,000.
8. In gym, you may have to dodge obstacles when vaulting.
9. In math, you might have to reduce your answer because you carried too much.
10. History feels like it takes a century to learn.
11. Third grade is sometimes even better than living in a royal court!
HAIKU POETRY
Gliding in the sky
Like big dolphins in the sea
Birds are now in flight.
M.K. – Grade 3
Beautiful flowers
Blue, pink, yellow, and purple
Plants grow in the sun.
Sun is very bright
Making blue and pink plants grow
The plants are pretty.
Flowers in the spring
Daffodils and butterflies
Glowing and growing.
Everyone loves spring
They like to play in the sun
Skipping and jumping.
A. L. – Grade 3
A tree of beauty
Cherry blossoms here and there
For spring has arrived.
C. S. – Grade 3
Soaring through the sky
Flapping wings both big and long
Birds make quiet chirps.
In a quiet pool
The sun shines in with a glow
Water hits the side.
Cherry blossoms spread
Some pink, some white, and little
Making a nice scent.
E. S. – Grade 3
HOW THE DOG GOT IT’S BARK
by A. L. - Grade 4
On a fine sunny morning, a gregarious dog was walking along a path, searching for some food.
“BOO!” the dog shouted.
The squirrel looked at him and said, “Ya’ know, that dull Ôboo’ you’re trying to scare people with is gonna get you nowhere! Ya Ôotta just go to King Bear, he’ll know how to make you fierce!” dog said with pleasure. Then he rode off to tell King Bear.
At the castle, dog said to King Bear, “Oh, great ruler of thy kingdom, do you know anywhere I can learn to be fierce?”
The King replied in his deepest, most loyal voice, “Noble peasant, on the other side of the forest is a magician. He knows how to help all.”
“Thank you, sir,” dog said, and then he started his journey into the forest.
Soon, dog became hungry and tired. He started to lie under a hot pepper tree when he heard a voice.
“Would you care for a pepper?” the voice asked. Dog ignored it.
“Would you care for a pepper?” the voice asked once again. Dog sat up and found he was looking into the eyes of a tree.
“Yes please,” dog answered the tree. He had never tried a pepper before. The pepper dog ate had magical side effects. First dog became smaller and stood on all four of his paws. Then, all his ebullient clothing disappeared! Finally, dog’s deep voice turned into a bunch of growls and barks. Dog was fierce and not at all happy!
Now, whenever you see a dog, think about the story of dog and his bark.
HOW THE RACCOON GOT HIS MASK
by J. F. - Grade 4
One night, Raccoon started making plans to rob Miss Hippo’s famous jewelry shop. He started by thinking about what he should wear.
He said, “I’m only gray. I should have some black so I’ll be camouflaged.” So he decided to paint a black mask over his eyes. He decided that on his legs he should wear black pants, on his arms he would wear a black shirt, and on his tail he would paint black stripes. Now he needed a plan to rob the jewelry shop.
He said, “My cool raccoon friends will distract the gigantic, fat hippo at 9:00 pm, while I secretly sneak past that bulging creature, loot all of her famous jewels, and put them into my big sack.” He wanted to rob Miss Hippo’s shop in the next few days.
Three days later, Raccoon and his cool raccoon friends went over to Miss Hippo’s jewelry shop. When the five cool raccoons went into the shop, they tied up Miss Hippo and threw her down the cellar stairs. (I bet you could hear Miss Hippo’s screams for about a mile). The minute they shut the door to the cellar, they rushed to help Raccoon loot the store. Raccoon and his cool raccoon friends rushed out the jewelry shop door. Then Raccoon bumped into the head of the police. Ten other policemen arrested the rest of the raccoon gang.
The punishment for all of them was to go to jail, and also to wear a black mask over their eyes for the rest of their lives.
That’s how raccoons got their masks.
HOW THE SPRINGER SPANIEL GOT A STUMPY TAIL
by
S. K. - Grade 4
One morning, George Spaniel was walking through the forest to catch a duck for his lovely family to eat that day. He sprung and bounced through the forest until he found a wide open field where the wild ducks grazed. Little did he know, the ducks’ favorite grass was attached to his long, beautiful, furry tail! He edged up toward the pond so he could get a good angle to attack.
He tip-toed steadily and then, “WOOF, WOOF!”
“Quack, quack!” A great commotion filled the air until one brave duck called Marvin started to nibble on the end of George’s tail. Before George knew what was happening, a whole flock of ducks were eating his tail like it was some sort of a buffet.
George was confused at first, and then a bit annoyed. Why are all these ducks eating my beautiful tail? was the question that continually flashed through George’s mind. He then suddenly whimpered, then thrashed the ducks away. When they cleared out, he found that where his beautiful tail had once been, there was now only an ugly old stump!
When he got home, all the dogs were stunned!
“On the way home,” he told them, “I found some uses for this ugly little stump.”
“What?” barked a dog from among the crowd.
“Yes, please tell us!” whined another.
“One is when I am leaping about in the woods. Grass, leaves, and other such garbage doesn’t stick to my tail!”
“OOOO!” the crowd shouted.
“And,” he began again, “when I am bouncing in the woods, my tail doesn’t get caught in the trees!”
“AAAAAAH!” cheered the crowd. “HOW DO YOU GET IT?” the eager crowd yelled.
Then George told the story, and from then on, everyone was getting short tails!
And that is how the Springer Spaniel got a stumpy tail!
HOW THE PENQUIN GOT IT’S SUIT
by
A. A. - Grade 4
One day Lenny the penguin was in his igloo. He was getting dressed to go out and catch fish for his lunch. He was going through his closet and he realized he had a different outfit for everything. He had a wet suit for diving for fish, a pair of shorts and a T-shirt for watching TV, a sweater with a matching little knitted hat for playing golf, and even a pair of glasses and an “I love to read” T-shirt for reading. Yes, he had every outfit you could imagine. Lenny thought he was missing an outfit, but he couldn’t put his flipper on it. After he found his wet suit, he went outside to catch his lunch. He met with his friends at the Catch-a-Fish-for-Free Ocean (their motto is “As long as we don’t have to work, you don’t have to pay. If you ask for any help, it costs you 5 fish eggs plus tax.”) Lenny and his friends Lilly, Lila and Leo dove into the ocean. After they were all done eating, they all went back to Lenny’s house for seaweed cakes and fish skin tea. Before they went inside, Lenny got his mail. He only had one letter. It was from his rich friend Penelope Pickson. She was getting married to Jason Slippman. Lilly, Lila and Leo were invited too. Lily was going to go with Lenny and Lila was going to go with Leo. Both the girls were so excited they started talking about what they were going to wear. They called the bride-to-be just to say congratulations. Penelope said that every penguin everywhere was invited. After their talk was done, Lilly asked Lenny what he was going to wear. Lenny started to think. Then he said, “I guess I could wear my knitted sweater and hat.”
“You can’t wear that old thing, that’s just for golf,” said Lilly, as she started to make more tea for all of them. “No, really, what are you going to wear, Lenny?”
“If I can’t wear my hat and vest, I could wear my suit,” suggested Lenny.
“Now that’s more like it,” Lilly said.
“What are you going to wear, Leo?” asked Lila.
“I’m going to wear my suit too. What are you two going to wear?”
Lila looked at Lilly and then she said, “Well, we thought that we should wear something fancy, but not too fancy, so we got these dresses.” They pulled out two black and white dresses.
“We’ll see you later,” said Leo and Lenny at the same time. Leo and Lenny needed to get new suits because their old ones were so dirty. They went to all different places looking for suits, but no store had them. Finally they came to a man on the street who only sold tuxedos (normally you wouldn’t buy from a person on the street, but they were desperate.)
“Do you want to buy the tuxedos?” asked Leo.
“Of course I do,” said Lenny, so they each bought one. When they
went to the wedding, all the ladies had the same black and white dresses and all the men were wearing tuxes. After the wedding, everyone went to the reception. There was a big pool in the middle of everything. Lenny, Lilly, Leo and Lila were eating mini sandwiches near the pool. They were talking about their new clothes. Leo said that he was the one who said they should buy the tuxes, but Lenny argued and said it was his idea. They got into a big fight and Leo pushed Lenny into the pool. Then Lenny pulled Leo in. After a few minutes, everyone was in the pool.
When everyone got out of the pool, all the tuxedos and dresses had shrunk. No one could get anything off, so they wore them everywhere they went. On the bright side, all the penguins liked not having to change their clothes! That is how the penguin got its suit!
SIGHTS
AND SOUNDS OF POETRY (back to top)
PASSING BY SOUTH
by
M. T. - Grade 4
Whose school this is I’m proud to say,
It’s mine - I come here every day.
Classroom, music, gym, health and art,
Teachers encourage and show the way.
Friends are always there to give you a good start,
The facilities sparkle without a mark.
Castle Mania always provides a smile,
As you’re making good memories all the while.
The school is extraordinary without a doubt,
But I have promises to keep,
And poems to write before I sleep,
And poems to write before I sleep.
WALKING BY SOUTH ON A SNOWY EVENING
by
M. L. - Grade 4
Whose school this is I think I know.
Her house is far away though;
She will not see me stopping here
to watch the school getting ready to close.
My little dog must think it queer
To stop without a fire hydrant near.
Between the school and frozen playground,
The gloomiest day of the year.
He gives his head a little shake,
As if to ask - is there some mistake?
The only other sound I hear
is the gentle wind sweeping trees with snowflakes.
The school is quiet, not a peep.
But I have a promise I must keep,
With hours to go before I sleep,
With hours to go before I sleep.
STOPPING BY SOUTH ON A WINTER MORNING
by
K. K. - Grade 4
Sugar crystals sit on the trees,
Icicles hang down like keys.
Fields are covered with blankets of snow,
It all stays put and doesn’t blow.
The flag just sits on the pole,
As what runs by, but a little mole.
In the distance a coyote howls,
I do not hear any bears growl.
Snow like whipped cream,
Makes it all look like a dream.
Sugar crystals on the playground,
Make me want to run around.
I look up and see dotted clouds in the sky,
One looks like a piece of pie.
It is a crispy day,
Yes, I do say.
The door to the school will not unlock,
So I guess I can go for a longer walk.
WALKING BY SOUTH ON A WINTER MORNING
by J. F. - Grade 4
Fluffy, white snow flakes drifting in the air,
I look at them without a care.
A bird is singing its beautiful song,
As I glance behind me I see footprints where I’ve gone.
I see sugary plum trees,
And a squirrel bending on his knees.
Stalactite icicles hanging from trees,
Nothing is moving, not even a breeze.
I spy a snowman standing with pride,
I imagine he is strolling by my side.
The icy playground looks like a winter wonderland,
I touch it with my very warm hand.
Winter is my favorite time of the year,
Because it’s cold, crisp and clear.
PASSING BY SOUTH
by A. F. - Grade 4
I see a cupcake bush - with icing on top.
A piece of snow from the roof goes kerplop.
Snow melts off the roof in a little trickle,
And freezes on the edge in a big icicle.
The cold is crispy.
The snow is wispy.
My long shadow, I see
is as tall as a standing tree.
WALKING BY SOUTH ON A WINTER AFTERNOON
by E. H. - Grade 4
The Earth is a big, round cake
That will never crumble or break.
In the center of the Earth is a chocolate ball,
And if you measured it, it would be really tall.
Around the center there’s vanilla cake,
Which you don’t even have to bake!
The outer layer on which we live,
This is where nature was most creative.
FRIENDS IN THE WOODS
by J. H. - Grade 4
I’m going out into the quiet woods
Where everything is peaceful.
I’m hoping to hear the chirping birds.
I’m longing to hear their wonderful words!
I shan’t be gone long - you come too!
I’m going out to see the frogs hop and
Play with their young.
I’m going to see the squirrels frolick as
They have fun.
And now I see two rabbits racing and
The first one won.
I shan’t be gone long - you come too!
WHAT MAKES A GOOD NEIGHBOR
by
E. H. - Grade 4
A good neighbor is always sharing,
And always caring.
A good neighbor is also polite,
And smart enough to know not to fight.
And would be keen,
About being mean.
It is great to have a good neighbor near,
But sometimes we don’t, which is sad to hear.
For I wish we all had good neighbors!
QUALITIES OF A GOOD NEIGHBOR
by
J. T. - Grade 4
Do you know what a good neighbor is?
To me, a good neighbor is
Someone who talks to you,
And is nice through and through.
If your neighbor is open- minded
You should feel free to talk about anything.
This will give you peace of mind.
A neighbor is good to share feelings with, and won’t insult your problems.
If one day you call for an egg,
You don’t have to beg,
However, you talk longer just to have a conversation
And you listen to your neighbor in admiration.
Like yours, his grass is neat
It feels good under your feet.
You don’t have to put up a fence
If you have a good neighbor.
WINTER THOUGHTS
In the winter I’ll be in the center
Of the kitchen waiting for the blender
To make a pina colada smoothie
To drink arm in arm with my friend Ruthie.
This white-yellow drink reminds me of snow.
We’re in snowless Hawaii with Don Ho.
(See below for your choice of 2 different endings to this poem)!
By E. G., R. J., L. S., and A. Z. - Grade 4
Don Ho is a favorite Hawaiian star,
He probably does ride in a good car.
He has nothing to do with snow, I know
The percentage of getting snow is low
Another state would be the best for me,
I wish I could get there with a state key.
Over in Utah State it is no-go.
They’re capped in inches of beautiful snow.
Whoa, that seems different - amazing to us,
When here, it’s always 80 degrees plus!
by R. J. - Grade 4
Don Ho the Hawaiian singer we know
Don sings high, Don sings low, sing me re do
Don Ho does not get snow we really know
Don is sad without his very precious snow
That is why Don moved to sunny L.A.
Now he can make soft white smoothies all day.
Don Ho wants to move but also to stay
He’ll visit white, snowy Vermont in May.
by L. S. - Grade 4
In the wintertime, snow covers the ground.
Kids build their snowmen, nice and fat and round.
Inside the houses there’s no need for hats.
On top of the grates are fluffy warm cats.
Outside the window, the icicles drip.
Inside the house our hot cocoa we sip.
by E. G. - Grade 4
PIZZA
by
R. W. - Grade 4
Pizza, pizza is very nice
Why don’t you come and have a slice?
There’s lots of flavors like pepperoni,
And they’re always served from guys named Tony.
I like the red sauce and yummy cheese,
But always make sure that you say please!
THE PASTURE
by
R. J. - Grade 4
I’m going out to the horse farm;
I will be riding a long time,
While I ride I sing a lovely rhyme.
I shan’t be gone long - you come too.
I am going out to a picnic,
I’ll eat a lot of yummy food,
My mom will tell me not to be rude,
I shan’t be gone long - you come too
.
RIDDLES AND
POEMS (back
to top)
I play and roll around.
When I jump, I don’t make a sound.
I am orange and black,
I am mostly fat.
People like me.
I torture my adversary Odie.
Who am I?
(Answer:
by R. J. – Grade 4
I have bunks but they are not for sleep,
My sand and trees make some weep.
I have plenty of greens but not to eat,
I have a Tiger you would love to meet.
I have more holes than a dozen glasses.
To some my water is more a pain than molasses,
And I’ve had more tee ties than the king himself.
What am I?
(Answer:
by M. T. – Grade 4
Sometimes I’m white
I could be said to be bright
Other times I’m dreary and dreadful and gray
Then I’ll cause you to have a bad day
I bring you something you need
I can move with great speed
I am like a ghost and you can float through me
Sometimes I make it difficult to see
I am quick, I am nimble, I am fast and can fly
But I can be slow and sluggish and sly
So what am I?
(Answer:
by J. D. – Grade 4
I am a bridge
Without white Ônor gray
I am a bridge
That goes over the ridge
I am a bridge
That exists in the heavens
I am a bridge
After the season’s wetness.
What am I?
(Answer:
by A. Z. – Grade 4
I am slimy and green,
I am not very lean.
Kids love to catch me,
But it’s hard you see!
I can jump very high
When I’ve eaten a fly.
I have two little eyes
And two great big thighs.
I have two webbed feet
That are really neat.
I jump from lily pad to lily pad.
Who am I?
(Answer:
by K. W. – Grade 4
ANDREW AND THE BULLY
by
J. C., J. D., E. S., M. V., and K. W. - Grade 4
Yesterday, Andrew was in a severe fight with the school bully. Andrew sprawled out on the ground to avoid the bully’s punch. The bully squandered his energy on the punch and fell forward. The bully summoned his friends to help him to get up. Andrew undertook the task of asking the bully to be friends with him, but the bully would not hear of it.
Andrew decided he would get the bully to like him, so late that night he sneaked into the bully’s garage and varnished the bully’s skateboard for him.
The next day, accompanied by his friend, the bully went to go and find Andrew to thank him. Andrew wasn’t accustomed to having the school bully thank him.
The bully happened to be arrayed in a suit and tie because it was school picture day. The bully asked Andrew to attend to his skateboard while he was in Florida. The bully’s friend started blustering that he should be the one to take care of the skateboard. The bully still preferred Andrew, and this made pride swell in Andrew’s bosom.
THE RACCOON AND THE COYOTE
by
J. D. - Grade 4
The raccoon was running through the forest. He was being chased by a coyote. He was running for home but diverted his course to keep his family safe. His friends were fixed in their lookout positions. They scanned the paths in the forest frequently. Gradually, over the course of the chase, they got better and better at their task. They observed the coyote hauling the raccoon to the ground. He was prostrate on the ground.
The coyote looked up when he heard a scream and saw something that had the resemblance of an attack owl. Because of the diversion, the raccoon had the chance to thrust the coyote into the air. The coyote yielded and ran away. The raccoon joined his family in time for dinner.
FRINDLE GETS A CUT
by
E. G., R. J., A. H., L. S., & A. Z. - Grade 4
One day, Frindle was relieved to run into the house to mend his cut. When his mom saw his cut, she started to mend it and told him not to fidget. He didn’t listen to his mom and rambled around the bathroom.
He went to his room and burrowed under his blankets until his mom came to get him. He was anxious and afraid that his mom might say he needed stitches. He wasn’t submissive enough to hold still until his mom promised he wouldn’t need stitches. Still, he wasn’t unduly convinced when his mom told him he didn’t need stitches.
He and his mom went to the doctor’s office to inquire about his injured finger. Frindle was artful at making his finger not look as bad as it really was. He felt feeble and he fainted when the doctor said he needed 25 stitches.
Frindle said in a languid voice, “Must I?,” and started to grasp at straws.
For his convenience, the doctor said he only needed 3 stitches (which was a complete lie to make him feel better). Frindle was incautious and believed him without question.
When they got to the bed where he was to get his stitches, he became a nuisance.
The doctor said heartily, “It’ll soon be over.” The doctor who was giving the stitches said in an alarmed voice, “Only 3 stitches! That’s a huge cut.”
I HEAR
ANDOVER SINGING POEMS (back to top)
I hear Andover singing, the distinguishing songs I hear,
Those of school boys and girls, working towards their futures.
The teachers that give kids the urge to learn, are singing their own carol.
The store workers are singing, while preparing for a new day.
I hear restaurant workers singing, their chefs and waiters ready.
I can hear everyone in Andover,
Singing their strong, beautiful melodies!
by E. C. – Grade 5
I hear Andover singing; it’s beautiful song of peace.
The teacher’s school bells ring as their knowledge fills the air.
The dentists are singing their squeaky song as they ask you to open your mouth.
Storekeepers type at the register as they sing their beeping song.
The carpenter keeps time with his hammer as he balances skillfully on his ladder.
In autumn Andover sings with colored leaves.
In winter with the downy flake.
Andover sings with misty warmth in spring.
She sings with heat and perfumed flowers in summer.
And all year round with life.
by A. T. – Grade 5
I hear Andover singing, blue and gold.
I hear the workers working as they’re told.
The boys out to play,
On a nice fine day.
I hear the school chorus ringing in my ear,
Oh, what a beautiful sound I hear.
I hear not people singing, but Andover singing,
Even when it is blistering cold.
I hear Andover singing blue gold.
by T. S. – Grade 5
I hear Andover singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of the soldiers, each singing their own, braveness and strength.
George Washington’s footsteps, left from him walking through town years ago,
The school children singing as they leave for school or on their way home,
The farmers singing as they work in the field, the women singing as they sit and sew,
The townspeople sing their song of individuality, all forming a chorus of Andover’s history.
by K. P. – Grade 5
I hear Andover singing, the varied carols I hear.
I hear the song birds singing, with the song that starts the day.
I hear the teachers teaching, helping the young students get an education.
I hear the cars go down the street, rushing to get to town.
I hear my family talking, helping each other with everything they need.
I hear my friends laughing, massaging their insides.
I hear Andover’s community.
A community that together forms a choral group that sings their glorious songs.
by S. G. – Grade 5
I hear Andover singing, the varied carols I hear.
I hear Harriet Beecher Stowe her stories ring through the walls of her old stone house.
I hear the speech of George Washington at the Phillips Academy campus.
I hear stomping.
The stomping of the soldiers that marched down the street.
The soldiers that defend the North in the Civil War.
I hear the Andover community.
A community that forms together through thick and thin and the community that makes a joyous choir.