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Young Reporter's Story Ideas
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 LEGO Robotics Teams Vie to Go to State Competition
by Reporter Grayson Barnes
Green Fields Country Day School
The excitement level was high as Wakefield Middle School hosted 26 LEGO robotics teams on Dec. 5. The teams competed in several different areas as they tried to reach to the state competition held at ASU the following week.
The areas of the competition included: technical, where you explained how your robot works; research, where you presented a real world problem, how you researched it, and how you found a solution; and running your robot on a table with a mat that had missions for you to do.
One of the challenges was called Smart Move. There were three rounds of robot runs. The highest score of the three was used to determine the six teams that would move on to the state competition.
After the last round, there was a single elimination tournament for fun. Then we found out which six teams were headed to state. The teams from Southern Arizona that went to state are: Ped-X, PARK, Boys of Transportation, Another One Rides the Bus and GLOO.
Here are some fun facts about the tournament: Three out of the six teams that went to state were from Sunrise Elementary; the highest score was 330 out of a possible 400 points.
New Year’s Party Lights Up NYC!
by Reporter Anna Malkin
Hudlow Elementary
 In New York City, there’s always something going on, especially on New Year’s Eve. But the biggest event is the New Year’s Eve party in Times Square.
It’s the wildest party of all—usually with hundreds of thousands of people crowding the square—and it’s been happening since 1904. It features dazzling lights, musical performances, fireworks and more. But what most excites the people of New York is the “ball drop,” in which a giant, lighted crystal ball strung up over One Times Square is lowered at midnight. For decades, the ball has been a symbol of peace for a new year.
Even if you can’t go to see all of this explosive fun, you can watch the event on TV. You will be surprised by how many people will be there for the New Year’s Eve party. Certainly hundreds of thousands, and maybe even more than a million!
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Give Peace a Chance
by Reporter Sadie Azersky
Harelson Elementary
At my school, we created peace with Peace Week.
During Peace Week, we learned how to make peace and why peace is good. At the end, we had a Unity Rally. A lot of schools in the Tucson area came to Harelson for it.
First, we listened to a woman named Jessica Cox. She was inspiring. She had been born without arms and eventually learned to do everything with her feet. She even demonstrated how she could tie her shoes with her feet!
When Cox got older, she learned that what’s on the outside of a person doesn’t matter; it’s the inside that counts. So she followed her dream. She flew an airplane with her feet! I learned that disabilities don’t mean anything when you try your hardest.
After that, everyone went out on the field. We stood on chalk lines so we formed a design made out of people—a flower with a peace sign in the middle and hearts as petals. One of the second-grade teachers flew over the field in a helicopter to take pictures of us. Then some doves were released into the air.
I had so much fun during Peace Week.
Author Writes Because She Loves to Read
by Reporter Mea Chiasson
Green Fields Country Day
On Jan. 1, I had the privilege of interviewing Susan Lowell, a local author, to find out what being a writer is like.
Lowell writes books for both children and adults. Her books include: “The Elephant Quilt,” “The Three Little Javelinas,” “I Am Lavina Cumming,” “Cactus Flowers” and “Saguaro: The Desert Giant.”
I recently read “The Elephant Quilt: Stitch by Stitch to California,” which was published in 2008. It was illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen. It’s a picture book about a girl named Lily Rose and her family.
Lily Rose, Grandma and Mama sew a quilt as they travel west from Missouri to California in their blue wagon. At the beginning of the journey, Lorenzo, Lily Rose’s brother, tells Lily Rose that they are looking for an elephant. Will Lily Rose ever find the elephant? Read the book to find out!
Lowell was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. At age 7, she started writing and illustrating paper books. She went to college at Stanford and Princeton universities. She published her first book at age 37. Lowell and her husband run a publishing company called Rio Nuevo Publishers.
I asked Lowell which of the books she has written is her favorite. She says it’s always one of the books in progress. Right now, it’s a book she is writing called “Happy Javelinas.” Lowell says she became a writer because she loves to read. This is her advice for young writers: “Read, read, read, write, write, write, and experiment with different ideas.”
You can meet great authors like Lowell at the Tucson Festival of Books. It will take place on the University of Arizona campus March 13–14.
‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ Sure Was Good
by Reporter Shane Weinstein,
Ironwood Ridge High
The music of jazz artist Thomas “Fats” Waller filled the room, and audience members were tapping their feet and clapping their hands during the Arizona Theatre Company’s latest show, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
From the very first note to the very last one, audience members are taken on a journey through the music of Waller. The show opens with the well-known “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and concludes with the ballad “Honeysuckle Rose.” Every note was enjoyable, and the performance of every song was unique and different than the next.
All of this was thanks to the vocals of the show’s stars. Christopher Morgan, Rebecca Covington, Ken Robinson and Aurelia Williams are fantastic, but Angela Grovey’s powerhouse vocals on “Mean to Me” really stole the show! However, it was the live orchestra that really pushed this two-hour review over the edge! From the performance of “Entar’acte” that began the show’s second half to the “Jitterbug Waltz,” the show seems so much more complete. A live piano player also complemented the vocal performance.
I came very close to not being able to see this show, but in the end I was able to attend. I am so glad that I was able to. Although the other two shows this season were quite enjoyable, I think this is my favorite thus far.
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” ran through Dec. 20. For info on upcoming Arizona Theatre Company performances, visit www.aztheatreco.org.
Visit Behind the Scenes at Bear
by Reporter Emme LeGendre,
Soleng Tom Elementary
On a Thursday, I went to Bear Essential News, which is located at 1037 S. Alvernon Way. I was the first one in Tucson to see the cover of January’s newspaper! And I became a Young Reporter!
There is a guy name Gary Shepard who sits in the back of the office. He does all the drawings and sketches. It takes him three days to get it right! A girl named Emily Gin was also there. Her dad, Stephen Gin, is the editor. Emily used to be a reporter, but now she is too old.
BASIS School Featured in Films
by Reporter Martha Kiela,
BASIS Tucson
BASIS Middle and High Schools recently won a big honor. Last year, Robert Compton came to the schools and filmed students and teachers.
This year, he made a movie about the schools. The movie appeared in the Fox Theater on Oct. 1. This was the first showing of the movie. The movie is called “2 Million Minutes.” The name comes from the time you spend in high school. But this was not Compton’s first movie about BASIS schools.
Also this year, Newt Gingrich and Al Sharpton came to BASIS middle with a film crew. Later that day, BASIS middle was on the TV news. Gingrich and Sharpton were at BASIS because they are trying to improve learning and teaching at different schools, and wanted to find a model school.
Student Board Does Good Deeds
by Reporter Susan Hong,
Canyon View Elementary
The Student Advisory Board at Canyon View Elementary invited residents of Carestone Assisted Living to the school for a Thanksgiving feast.
Gloria Gerwin, the manager at Carestone, which is a place for older people who may need access to medical care and other services, expressed thanks for making them feel like a family. She wished for similar activities with other schools. She also hoped more people would come visit Carestone and spend time with the residents, who get lonely.
The “seniors” were glad to come and enjoy the food provided by the parents of board members. Beverly, a Carestone resident, complimented the food, saying it was better than a five-star restaurant! She also loved the service provided by the board, and the chance to chat and enjoy the event.
The residents felt honored to be invited; the Student Advisory Board was also honored to have them come.
The board’s next event was stuffing stockings to give to homeless children at Palo Verde Baptist Church. We dropped the stocking off and wrapped presents in hopes that the children at the church would have a present to open on Christmas morning.
Museum Celebrates 100,000th Visitor
by Reporter Wicahpiwin Horse,
Blenman Elementary
In 2009, for the first time ever, the Tucson Children’s Museum had more than 100,000 visitors in one year. The lucky 100,000th visitor was a boy named Damian Aldrich, who is 5.
Why is he lucky? He got a lifetime membership to the museum! He got a gift certificate to Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s Toys and to local restaurants. He got passes to other museums. And he got candy, toys and more.
The Children’s Museum is a place where children can play. There is a dinosaur area. There is a whistle-stop that has train stuff. There is Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s, where you can get toys for someone. There are arts and crafts.You can make something and bring it home.
The staff of the museum was very excited to surprise the 100,000th visitor! They got balloons and noisemakers to celebrate Damian!
OV Parades its Holiday Spirit
by Reporter Stephanie Bai,
Homeschool
People started to line the streets between Ironwood Ridge High School and Oro Valley Town Campus long before 9:30 a.m., when Oro Valley’s 5th Annual Holiday Parade began.
Last month’s parade started at Ironwood Ridge High along Naranja Drive. Soldiers carrying the U.S., Arizona and police flags came first, followed by a band dressed in kilts and playing Scottish music on bagpipes. People threw or handed out candy, chocolate coins, coupons and pamphlets along the whole parade route. Some people were showered with candy.
Old-fashioned cars carried elected officials. There were two nativity scene floats. Marching bands from Ironwood Ridge High, CDO High and Coronado School performed. Other schools that didn’t have marching bands were there, along with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and a cheerleading group.
Save A Golden Corporation was there with a “herd” of golden retrievers, some dressed as reindeer! There were fire trucks and ambulances. In the middle of the parade, a fire truck left to go to a real fire! The bands made way for it, but the parade still went on.
People tossed plastic necklaces to the crowd. At the end of the parade, Santa was sitting on a fire truck with his elves. If you made enough noise, the elves would throw down Oro Valley Holiday Parade T-shirts at you. The parade sponsor was Hiremath Family Dentistry, and the Southern Arizona Arts & Culture Alliance provided operational support.
Hope you had a great holiday!
Devices Give Special Kids a Say
by Reporter Verenice Lopez,
Dodge Middle School
!Yo Sí Puedo! (Yes I Can!) is a program for kids with special needs. These kids have trouble speaking, but they have a lot to say. They use a speech laptop, and that’s their way of communicating.
Every year around Christmas, kids from ¡Yo Sí Puedo! go to a local restaurant. This time, on Dec. 12, they went to Mimi’s Café. They ordered food using their devices.
Santa was also there, and he had with him a very special elf. The elf used his own device to wish everyone “Merry Christmas” while he passed out goodies.
Later, many of the kids went to Santa’s workshop, where they practiced using their talking devices and created Christmas ornaments and gifts for family members and others they love. They ate “pan dulce,” which is Spanish for sweet bread.
Kids from !Yo Sí Puedo! also go to a summer day camp where they communicate using their awesome talking devices. None of this would be possible without the support of Sunnyside Unified School District, United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona and the Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities.
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Froggy Fairy Tale Takes a Turn in New Disney Film
by Reporter Linzey Leinart
Homeschool
Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” is an animated, musical fairy tale with a unique plot and tons of humor. It stars Tiana, the first African-American Disney princess!
But the usual story of a princess kissing a frog and the frog turning into a prince takes a turn. After kissing a frog (Naveen), Tiana changes into a frog herself. Tiana and Naveen find themselves on a mystical adventure in the bayous of Louisiana as they search for the famous voodoo queen, Mama Odie, who is the only one who can turn them human again.
The “The Princess and the Frog” is the best big-screen fairy tale I have seen for a long time. It’s rated G, but there is a part toward the end involving the evil Dr. Facilier and his voodoo friends that my 11-year-old younger brother and I agreed was a bit on the scary side for younger children.
Still, I give this movie a four-out-of-five stars rating. It would have been a five if Disney had toned down the voodoo parts. This is a fairy tale worth seeing over and
over again.
Celebrate MLK Day!
by Reporter Caitlin Chavez,
Desert Shadows Elementary
 What will you think of this year when the date Jan.18 pops in your head? Birthdays? Celebrations? I think of it as a day to remember Martin Luther King Jr., who was a fighter for African-American rights.
MLK Day is Jan. 18th this year; it’s always around the time of King’s birthday on Jan. 15. King was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which he won for his great work fighting for civil rights in the United States.
MLK Day became an official holiday in 1986. How will you celebrate it? I say something extra after the Pledge of Allegiance at school.
Superintendent Working Hard for Kids
by Reporters Marcos Jauregui
and Lisbet Jauregui
Glenn F. Burton Elementary
 Maybe you admire an artist or painter. We admire everyone who works in the educational system.
We know that Dr. Sandra Johnson is a fantastic superintendent for District 40. She has dedicated her time to education and has spent 11 years working with kids. She is a superintendent for love, not for money.
Her parents were teachers. She has really good memories of her elementary years in Mesa. Her favorite principal was Mr. Harris—she sends a fabulous greeting to him wherever he may be.
Our dearest superintendent is working hard so that now, when the economy is bad, it is not affecting kids. She wants to create big, positive changes.
Johnson comments that kids in sixth grade and above have a lot of peer pressure. But if they consider school fun as well as a responsibility, it will be a lot easier. She does not want any kids to leave school. She wants us to take advantage of school and get the most out of learning.
Johnson only had two kids, but she says everyone is one big family and we need to be united. The doors of her office are always open.
Alarm Interrupts
Library Time
by Reporter Lennon Audrain,
St. Gregory Catholic School
I went to the library last year and sat down at the computer to find a book. I had just typed two words when all of the sudden an alarm went off. “Beep-Beep-Beep” it went, but everybody just stood in place.
A man said, “Everybody please stay calm and head for the nearest exit.” Instead of following the rules of fire drills, I grabbed all of my things and left the building. (I walked quickly.) We all went to the front door and stood outside, but some librarians said to back away to make room for the
fire truck.
We waited outside for about 10 minutes.
Then we were told it was all just a practice drill.
Everyone’s a Champion at Sunrays
by Reporter Camille Heard,
St. Thomas School
Adviser: Stacey Lane
Arizona Sunrays is a great place to do gymnastics, dance, cheer, birthday parties, camps and special events! Dan and Julie Witenstein are the owners. They have three children, Matthew, 12, Illeyna, 9, and Flori, 9.
Arizona Sunrays’ motto is: “Where every child feels like a champion.” The gym has two foam pits, two large floors, 12 bars, two vaults and much more. The staff teaches gymnastics to kids from 16 months to 18 years of age. More than 36 Arizona Sunrays gymnasts are on full scholarships at major universities around the world.
I have been attending Sunrays for about four years. From my experience, Arizona Sunrays is a great place to learn gymnastics. The camp is also very fun. You get to do gymnastics, dance, karate and arts & crafts. The kids night is also a fun way to spend your Friday nights!
“I love gymnastics,” 10-year-old gymnast Jaquelyn Swartz says. It is also important to learn the right way to do things, and Arizona Sunrays teaches us that. "Gymnastics is fun if you do it safely," says 8-year old Alex Lebel.
For more information, visit www.arizonasunrays.com.
Lady Shares Century of Wisdom
by Reporter Will Leinart,
Homeschool
She was born in 1907 in Pearson, Ark. She got a “lickin” from her second-grade teacher for chewing gum. She was alive when the first automobile was invented. She lived through the Great Depression. Her name is Lona Timmons, and she’s 101 years old!
Timmons is the mother of my mom’s friend and the oldest woman I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. Every time I talk with her, she teaches me valuable stuff from her long and rich life. When I listen to her stories about growing up, I realize how much easier my life is. Timmons told me her mom made all her clothes, including her underwear. Timmons’ mom used flour sacks to not only make dishtowels but also Timmons’ panties. Girls didn’t wear jeans back in 1917, so when a little girl raised her arms, you could easily see what brand of flour her mother used.
Timmons remembers her arithmetic teacher saying a prayer before starting class. Nowadays, it’s against the law to pray in public school. Timmons thinks that’s sad.
Her favorite outdoor activity growing up was called long ball. The ball was homemade from twine mothers unraveled from the flour sacks they had emptied. The bat was made from a board. Back then, children played outside a lot to have fun. Nowadays, children tend to stay indoors, play video games on the computer or watch hours of TV.
When I asked Timmons what she wanted me to learn the most, she said to always obey my parents and be respectful of others. Timmons says she’s sad when she hears children talk back or when they don’t obey.
If there’s another thing I’ve learned from Timmons, it’s to never take this life we’re given for granted.
Exhibit Brings Robots to Life
by Reporter Thomas Abshire,
Homeschool
 The Robots exhibit at the Arizona Science Center is a great place. Based on the movie “Robots,” it creates a world run entirely by robots! It has several stations, including:
- Industrial Robots, which is two robot arms controlled by two joysticks. The aim is to stack blocks as high and as fast as possible. It feels like a video game and a Claw Machine all in one.
- Test Drive, in which you can play with different robots like Tribot, Tarantula, Roboquad, Robosapiens (female and male), Roboraptor and Robopet.
- Build-A-Wonder-Bot, in which you assemble a robot for washing dishes.
- Crosstown Express, which is a virtual reality ride. Riding in the two-seater makes you feel like a pinball in a pinball machine.
The cost of the exhibit is $5 for non-members and $2 for members, in addition to the price of admission. The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. The closing date is Feb. 28.
Family Fine Place to Find Love
by Reporter Brandon Miranda,
Frey Elementary
A family is a nice thing to have. In my family, there are good people. You can talk with them and cry with them. You can play with them.
A family is a group of people—moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. They are there for you every time, forever. They love you always.
Giving Is the Best Gift of All
by Reporter Lauren Bukoskey,
Cheyenne Traditional School
OK. I understand you were busy getting gifts for your family during the holiday season. That’s what I did every year until this December.
My dad adopted a little girl for the holidays, and my whole family bought a gift for her so that at least for one day she could feel special. Actually, we didn’t just adopt one child, we adopted three total for the holidays. You might think we were going out of control with this giving thing, but this “giving thing” is worth it.
We went to the shelter where the kids were staying and gave them gifts. We saw the joy on their faces as they unwrapped their first doll, pair of shoes and bottle. These are everyday items we can pick up from the store. But to them, these are special items.
Giving is a one-of-a-kind feeling you can’t wrap or put a bow on. It is one of those presents that will hopefully live on forever!
Express Yourself Through Art!
by Reporter Cynthia Serrano,
G. Frank Davidson Elementary
What do you think of when someone says art?
Art isn’t just an assignment or a silly picture on a wall. It is when you express yourself without words. Great artists don’t just draw pictures to be known. They draw to express themselves.
Pablo Picasso was a well-known artist who could draw beautifully. He created many wonderful pieces in the “cubist” style. He is a role model in art.
Will you be a great artist?
New Year’s Party Lights Up NYC!
by Reporter Anna Malkin
Hudlow Elementary
In New York City, there’s always something going on, especially on New Year’s Eve. But the biggest event is the New Year’s Eve party in Times Square.
It’s the wildest party of all—usually with hundreds of thousands of people crowding the square—and it’s been happening since 1904. It features dazzling lights, musical performances, fireworks and more. But what most excites the people of New York is the “ball drop,” in which a giant, lighted crystal ball strung up over One Times Square is lowered at midnight. For decades, the ball has been a symbol of peace for a new year.
Even if you can’t go to see all of this explosive fun, you can watch the event on TV. You will be surprised by how many people will be there for the New Year’s Eve party. Certainly hundreds of thousands, and maybe even more than a million!
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Give a Helping Hand
by Reporter Linzey Leinart,
Homeschool
“Would you like a cookie?” I asked a man with a plate of food. My family and friends were feeding the less fortunate. “Thank you very much,” said the man, who then shared a grin with me.
My family feeds the homeless once a month, and we ask friends if they’d like to help. We make a main course, salad and dessert, and bring drinks and a bag lunch for about 35 men and women to take with them.
All over the world, children are making a difference. Kids are helping clean our environment, caring for seniors, collecting items for those in need or fundraising for a good cause.
Our family sponsors two children in the Philippines, where my mom is originally from. Their names are Hannah and James. My brother and I set up a lemonade stand a couple times a month to help. We may be little in size, but our power to make a difference is big! Rock on kids!
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