The Search for School-Wide Love Amy's favorite thing to do at lunch was sit with her brothers in the school's courtyard, and read. At the moment they were on their favorite bench that was still a tad bit damp and cold from the recent snow that had now completely melted as it was now the beginning of spring. The air had a life of its own in the breeze that just tousled her hair. Her brother Ray's voice jolted her from her thoughts when he mentioned their quest. They had found an amazing thing this week, and they wanted to know how to do it. They were on the wild chase for the curios feeling that had come to the three of them a couple of lunch breaks ago. It was this feeling of belonging. A feeling of security that had always come to them after moving to a new school. But this was different. This time they were going to go and make it the goal of the rest of the time they are here at PSI to make everyone else feel this happiness right off. "Amy? Penny for your thoughts, what are you thinking about, lil' sis?" Alex asked kindly. " Oh, nothing. Just what you said about the quest. I think I found an important clue. But we've been looking too hard. We've known it all our lives. Mom and Dad have taught it to us ever since, well, since we were....... What?! You guys are making the weirdest faces I've ever seen! What?! Seriously, what was it that I said that ........" She turned to look around to see if it was something other than what she'd said that could've made those handsome faces turn all weird. " We had the answer this whole time? What is it?" Alex remarked confusedly. " Well, you know how we have always been taught that we should serve others, and if we do them we'll be too? Well that's it. We only had to look at what we were doing in our own lives and what we believe and do every day that makes us happy and turn it around and ......... What?" As Amy tried to explain she was surprised by the look on her twin brothers' faces. They were covered with love and understanding, the key clicked in the lock. They both had the same way of expressing themselves. Amy had learned that there were times for her too that she looked so much like their mother that everyone who knew both of them saw the resemblance of the other every time. This was one of those times. And that was because they all had the same idea at the same time. "Oh, our sweet little sister, you are the key! You found something that we couldn't even see ourselves!" Ray cried delightedly, with a brotherly pat on Amy's head. They needed to turn their hearts out and devise a plan to

give service to those around them. But they needed it to work without anyone knowing that it was them. And as the bell rang for their next class, they knew that this plan would have to come together either next break or at home. As Amy and her brothers went to their classes they each thought about what they could propose for their plan. As soon as Amy had gotten out of her double period class before the next break she ran to find her brothers. They all went straight to their secret meeting place. But it was not really a very secret place at all. It was simply the wrap around bench that was around their favorite lilac tree. It was blossoming now, and soon the twins would be teasing Amy about getting the delicate lavender petals in her auburn hair. But at the moment she wasn't paying any attention to the flowers or petals. Her mind was awhirl with plans for how they could make the 'new kids' feel like they really did belong. "OK, guys listen to this. What i think we ought to do is, first and foremost............uhhhhh what did you do in your last class?" Ray excitedly started but never finished his idea because their humanities teacher was headed this way, and of course they didn't want him of all people to know what their plans were. "All I did was a bunch of boring math, and uh Ray? I think we might as well work together to do all of our Russian homework tonight, I haven't got any idea how to do mine. Alex you are soo good at languages you should probably be around somewhere where we can get your help, that is if we need it." " Hey, guys what are you up to today?" Mr. Watson their humanities teacher stopped for a moment to talk to them, and smiled. "We were just talking about how fun your class is, and how much I'm looking forward to my next class 'cause you're teaching it." Amy said quickly giving her brothers no time to tell him how much homework they had- he didn't need to know that. " Oh really? I didn't know you all liked it that much." He said with raised eyebrows. " Of course we do!" They all said together. 'Oh good they caught on to my trail. I hope that they don't get mad at me for making conversation because now I've just wasted our whole break talking to a teacher.' Amy thought to herself. " Well I suppose I ought to go get my lesson spiced up for you Amy because the one I had prepared would probably make you wish you never even had humanities in the first place." Mr. Watson said jokingly, and quickly started to jog to his classroom. " THAT was worth it! Holy cow, Amy where did you get that?!" " Um, Ray, that was my idea in action. I guess. I was just a

little worried you would not like it. That's all." "You go gal! I say let's use it!" "Yeah!!"

The Testby Martin Well today is a great day, we are having a test or more summarily a final exam. And no matter what happens we cannot skip school. So I practiced all day and night and I still don’t remember a thing, so I thought to go to my friend’s house and practice for the test. It was night so I didn’t see anything while riding my bike. I crashed into some kid on a bicycle. Suddenly I felt something crashing into my forehead, then the pain sliding to the back of my head and then the bike appeared behind me. I felt great pain and my eyes started watering but right before I wanted to start crying I heard a howl of cry what was coming from the boy on the other bike. He was the same age as me so I was surprised. He didn’t seem to be familiar didn’t so I asked, ‘Where are you from?’. But he kept crying. So took him to my friend’s house because it was closer. When we just came to my friend he quited crying and instead he had an unnatural grin on his face. So then I shivered from that grin, but I sensibly asked him, ‘Where are you from?’. And he said that he’s new to this town. Then I asked him, ‘What school are you going to?’. And he answered the same school as me. I went up to my friend’s room and told him about the newcomer and he was actually happy to meet him. I was really surprised because my friend didn’t like newcomers so we practiced for a little until I got it in my head the new kid seemed really smart so I already defined him in my head as a nerd. Finally it’s the final exams I am really nervous, but then I come into the school and I suddenly black out for no reason then I woke up by hearing a shout and I ran after the shout came from. It was Gabriel Dunina who I only once talked to.She was all scarred like a pirate’s face. I asked the girl beside me what happened but when she just

opened her mouth she got dragged by the police. I knew the exams would be stopped so I went to the director but surprisingly he answered that should be fine and we should begin still do the test. I was speechless, I was trotting back from the office up to the site Gabriel was in and I saw a letter Saying “LOL here comes the reaper’. I then thought that only a girl could write it. Maybe Lydia Grimmet... No, she’s too popular. Or maybe Cora Ballance. YES! She’s that type! All the time she’s mean and quite and she always takes notes on the classes with LOL or OMG. I should ask her, but just in that second she ran out crying from a class and I thought to my self that it’s her. She just made it as a joke and it became serious. So I was satisfied with my brilliant logic and when I just was walking to the class room, I heard a scream. It came from the boys bathroom, I ran there and saw a kid who I never talked to and didn’t even know his name. I saw a blood stain in front of him. I looked through the guy there was no note this time. I knew that this will just create more chaos so I went out of the bathroom quietly like nothing happened but then I felt a blow of guilt coming through my whole body, but right before I wanted to shout out. The PE teacher Mr Max put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Don’t worry be happy’. I then got that it was him, he talked all hipster,he could scar children with his fist, he was the one who did it and I’m going to be his next victim. I felt him smile behind me and then I black out again. I woke up just lying, I looked at the clock and only a minute passed I needed to run to the exams. I came into the room, the teachers were frowned because of the absence of many students not including my friend. I sat next to him hoping to copy off him. We waited for five more minutes and when the teacher wanted to announce the beginning of the test the kid we met yesterday came in. I wanted to sit next to “him” to copy off but when I sat next to him the teacher said to go and sit somewhere else, so I sat in the back of the room. After hours of working we finally got a break. I ran to the PE room because I knew who it was. I saw the PE teacher training with a dummy, I bet he was imagining his next victim so I saw him and started running after him. When he saw me, he started running himself. Then I saw my friend coming from the other side of the gym. I guessed he heard what happened too so in the end me and my friend caught him. The teacher roared and shouted, ‘What are You doing?’ We said, ‘We know your secret’. He smiled and said, ‘That’s why you caught me? That’s silly!’. ‘Silly?’, I answered in surprise but when the man wanted to finish. The new kid who we met before came out of the shadow and said, “I think your going off track with this I’ll show you who it is’. He pointed at “me.........” but then I felt some pain in my back. I started falling slowly and collapsed and

right before I closed my eyes I heard Your Frien.. . I think the reader know is asking lots of questions like why is the friend the killer or how did the new kid know it was him or the most importantly how can I write this if I’m dead... . But that you will find out yourself..... . With your own mind.

Rationale The storie’s theme is death because of all the story rolls around death there were questions like who is the killer or why did he kill . Death is hard to connect to school but when a student leaves it feels like the student dies. And school is an everlasting mystery it could be about what you learn or why did best friends became enemies and death is mysterious especially a detective story that’s how i connected the theme. School is also full of people you never met and when you see a person is in trouble you don’t really care like when the kid had a blood stain but the main character just left him there. This shows that everyone needs to closer in our PSI community we are really close because we have a small school compared to other’s .And finally this story shows how important tests are and that even sight’s of injuries couldn’t stop the test.But it maybe is a little exaggerated that it still wouldn’t end.

Magic is everywhere

by KateSurvival is when you are going forward and forward straight

to your goal, and you cant stop cause you don't want to loose everything you gain overtime. This story doesn’t have an end but it has a beginning so I am going to tell it to you.

Once Upon a time there was a magic school of wizards in the woods called West Fukasumi High. It was hidden in a waterfall under an old oak tree. A school only for Wizards and Witches, this school had a very powerful cauldron that would chose the 30 most smart and kind people from all around the world and invite them to the school. Every student of Fukasumi High had a magic animal friend as his key to the world of magic. When he attended the school he would pick an animal that would be his second body, his animal would feel everything his owner feels the sadness and pain.

It was a cool day of September and the sneezing and trembling kids arrived to school. They were warmly welcomed to the campus and led to their rooms. The door screeched and two amazed kids were led into their rooms. “Wow,” Said Tony.

“It blows my mind too,” Said Markus. Both of the boys were new to this school and were from human family that’s why they were really amazed by everything they seen. Soon it would be time to get books, class schedule and their animals. That same moment someone banged on the door, and a marvelous blonde girl entered the room. “My name is Caroline, it will be a pleasure for me to show you around the school,” She said. Boys smiled and followed her to the shiny guest room where she granted them with appetizing hot chocolate and marshmallow inside. After that she showed them around the school and helped them get their school supplies and schedules. “It is very late guys you have to go to sleep,” Said Caroline and vanished away. Boys headed to their rooms full of new experiences they were so tired that they immediately fell asleep.

Next fresh morning a loud noise of thousands bells ringing broke into to the boy’s dreams. They opened their sleepy eyes and stood up, dressed and came down to a glorious hall where they ate breakfast. Then they heard Caroline’s voice booming through the hallway. “Guys lets go its time for the animal ritual to start,” Markus and Tony headed to the room where this spectacular meeting is going to attend. The drum bang, it was a sing of a ritual start, after an hour of pealing music and magic. Boys finished the ritual and Tony chose a pocket little dragon of toxic green color, and Markus picked a werewolf with topaz eyes. They really enjoyed the show but they couldn’t miss a class that’s why they took of to there first class “Care of Magical Creatures”. This class was for kids to learn a wide range of magical creatures like griffons, cookie monsters and even unicorns. Their professor had a very funny name Mr. Bob. He started out the lesson with talking about the basic magic creatures that there can be. Then he brought this mysterious box and showed everyone a 5-headed dog that was able to rip out anybody’s flesh in a second if it would be let out. Then he told more about this 5-headed deadly weapon. How we could protect from it or how we could use is to help the community of those who we love. After that singing like story, it was break time. “Caroline what do we have next?” Said Markus

“Oh you are going to love Herbology class it is amazing let’s go I am going to show you,” Said Caroline and they ran of to Herbology. They came up a rounded staircase that led to a room full of sunshine. When they entered it they smelled lilac, rose, sweet. The room was filled with different plants that Markus had never seen in his life before. Markus sat down and waited for the class to start. Then a very old woman appeared in his sight. “Call me Miss, Pomona,” She said.

The class started as Markus expected Miss. Pomona started to tell those boring lists of plants. Then she went behind her old chocolate colored table, and got a pot with a very canary colored plant. “This is a Mandragora plant, it's a plant which has a root that looks like a human,” She said Markus was really into this plant but it was time to go to lunch that's why he packed his books and headed out the door. He was so hypnotized by the plant that he tripped and with a loud smash landed on a rock floor. Caroline saw what happened and immediately ran for help. With tears on her pale face she said, “Markus I am with you everything will be okay” and her lips touched his cream cheek. His eyes slowly opened and he said, “I know Thank you”.

The End

Rationale So my story is about a school of wizards and witches. Two

boys are new to the school their names are Tony and Markus. They are warmly greeted and love their classes and the teachers. The teachers are very kind and interesting to listen. Everyone in

the school is kind to them and they get new friends, one of them is a girl named Caroline and she greets the boys and helps them. To survive thought the new school and get used to it and be one more puzzle to fill in the picture of happy kids all together. This is how it really links to PSI. Cause they want you to feel that “psi is a place where we belong”. In psi teachers are very kind and help you. The classmates are greeting you like Caroline

did with Tony and Markus and help you to be one more part of PSI. Also help you find new friends and survive all of those

hard moments you have in the beginning. By Ivan 25th August. “The worst day of the year” said Andrey as he woke up. In about 30 minutes he was already in the car thinking that he is now in 8th grade. “Finally I AM IN MIDLE SCHOOL” shouted somebody next to him. And of course that was his sister Masha, she was now in 6th grade, which meant she is now in middle school with her brother. “That’s the best day of my life” said Masha. Andrey knew that middle school is so much more fun then primary but he still didn’t understand how is going to school the best day of your life. Well even it was a mystery for Andrey, Masha loved school, she has gotten 4 awards last year and she was hoping that this year will be as successful for her

as the last one.There they were at 7:15 at the gates of PSI. Masha ran because she couldn’t wait to find out who are her this years classmates. As Andrey slowly walked after her. He didn’t like school but he wanted to see is any of his friends his classmate this year. His best friends were Sasha, Nikita and David. Andrey knew he has no chance of all 4 of them being together this year because all 4 of them were together last year and that didn’t turn out very well. This year they were spread in half Andrey was only with Nikita this year.He walked up to the new room that supposed to be his homeroom for this year. He saw Nikita and said hi to him. The boys talked about their Holiday. As the bell rang the teacher came in and checked if everybody is their because some people decided to give themselves extended holidays. But then she started reading the announcements. There were lot’s of them but the last one was very important. “In 3 weeks we have a testing. The results will be given to the IB department and according to the results of the tests the IB department will assign a check to the school for it’s years financing and the sum of the check is decided by the results of the test” “and that means these 3 weeks are going to prepare you for the tests as much as possible”The 3 weeks were horribly hard. In every class the teacher told you to memorize so many things the brains of the kids were going to blow up. But finally 3 weeks passed it was Thursday the preparation day for the tests and the next day was the test.So there it was Friday and Andrey was going to school with Masha and dad driving. “How did you do on the preparation test” asked Masha. “ I don’t know but my title of the article we were supposed to write was Underwear.” Said Andrey. “WHAT, don’t you understand you are ruining your future” said Masha while dad was talking on the phone. “So what” said Andrey “Who knows maybe it’s the end of the universe tomorrow and what will that mean I spent my life for nothing ”. As they came out of the car the homeroom teacher that was not liked by the principle and the principle himself said “Andrey come over”. Andrey came and was surprised by the words of the principle. “Andrey you have got all 100% on your preparation test and that means you will not write the final test, you will have pizza and play bowling for the rest of the day”. “AWSOME” said Andrey as he was walked to the bus where the other 11 people who’ve got 100% were waiting for him. But as Andrey entered he was very confused. There were Nikita, David, Sasha and the other guy from his homeroom that wasn’t very smart he also saw 3 6th graders and 4 7th graders. And when the boys were in the bus the teacher said “ Sir it’s a great plan to get rid of all the people who might ruin the result for us”. “ I Know right, by the way I forgot my shades

in the bus, can you get them for me” but just when the teacher entered the bus, the engine started and the bus drove away.While the bus was on it’s way to the other side of Kiev the teacher explained everything to the guys. After they arrived to the pizzeria the bus drove away leaving the teacher and 11 boys by themselves. Andrey felt horrible as the other boys had fun. He understood how the school just got rid of him, and that they don’t need him anymore. So did the teacher. As they walked around town the boys made fun of the teacher. As they were walking across a low laying bridge the teacher said “I am responsible for you guys so listen to me”. But just as he said that one of the 6th graders named Daniel ended up in the water. As the boy was carried away by the stream the teacher saw a motor boat coming. The teacher jumped into the water with the boys looking with their mouths open. The teacher was swimming the opposite direction from the boy and more the direction of the boat. But as the boat came by the teacher got pushed by the wave all the way to the boy in the water. When the teacher took the boy on land Andrey was the first to ask “How did you do that?”. “Easy” said the teacher “ I’ve just calculated how far away is the boy and what is the speed of the boat then I estimated which way it was supposed to push me and I ended up by Daniel”. “Now that’s what we are supposed to learn in school” said David. “That what I was teaching you for the whole year last year. But you just sit their and do nothing” said the teacher.When the boys returned to school they understood how learning is important. So they began to study harder then before and the were aloud to take the test’s. Talking about their results, they were not great but they were ok and didn’t ruin the average grades. RATIONAL My short stories links to the community of PSI because the story is happening in PSI and because it is a very familiar situation for all of the students to have exams and Acer tests like in the story. Even the test we have are usually in winter and spring.There never was a situation with the students being taken away not to write the tests. But I understand that the test we write are important because by the results shown by students people understand how good or bad is the schools learning and community.The story is written by my memories of the tests and then awaiting of the results. Also some small ideas like Masha(

sister of Andrey going to middle school) and the grade exchanging every year so that people can know each other better. And finally the ending how the boys were aloud to write the test’s and how the results came. Because every time the results come there is a paper and it shows how did you do, and then the grade average. So the story was written on my basic memories about the PSI testing and the usual rules Pulling through by Adrianne Alina had been in Pechersk School International for already three years. She had a best friend and her name is Oksana they had known each other for more than three years. she new everything well and had met everyone already but she didn't know what would come next! Alina was going to seventh grade already and it would be her second year in middle school. She wasn't nervous at all since she had her best friend and her boyfriend on her side. As the vacations flew by Alina packed her school bag with all her homework and things needed for school she looked out her window seeing nothing but pouring rain and thought to her self about the lovely bright vacations in Switzerland she just had and wished they had never ended. Alina heard her ocean colored mobile phone ring. she walked to her room and looked at the screen it said ALEX calling. she jumped up as if she had just won the lottery. she quickly answered. it was nice to hear his voice again. They chatted about what they were expecting in their new class, friends and family and shared secrets. “ there’s something i have to tell you Darling” Alex said in a serious voice. “ what?” she replied worried. “ okay...this might be hard on you but i am leaving for half a year to go to a economics school and learn a few things but then I'll come back and if i want i can come back to that school after middle school. but I'll be back in no time!” Alex said trying to make it less painful. “ okay...i understand and this is your dream so I will be fine on my own” she said turning pale. “ I'm really sorry but my dad wanted me to go forward with my career”. Alex said “ its okay, I'll be fine, half a year isn't that long anyway!” “bye love you” “ i will miss you! bye” Alina said. well isn't This school year starting out great? She thought to herself disappointed.

The next day classes were the same only the teachers were different. As Alina was paying for her lunch she could see Oksana sit at another table and hurried over to her and sat down. Oksana started talking about her class and suddenly they got into a fight and argued nonstop. “ You started!” Oksana argued. “ well, who started with the whole failing math thing!?” then the bell rung. Everyone went to their classes.for the rest of the week Alina stayed with Sonia and Rachel. She new that wasnt as fun as hanging out with her other best friend but she wanted to have someone on her side. The following week her life did not get any better. Day and night Alina heard her parents fight and shout at each other. it got worse day after day. when Alina went to bed and almost fell softly asleep she could hear screaming and arguing for a long time and at the end of the argument she could sometimes hear a crashing and shattering sound. Her mom would come to her room to see if she slept but Alina pretended she wasn't awake. Late at night when it was all over she would fall Asleep crying and wishing it would all end. when it was morning Alina was not any happier, she didn’t want to be with her “ friends” always be bored and feel alone. At school she got her math test back. oh no! i thought i did good and i studied so much...... well

now i know my grades aren't to good.” Alina thought to herself frustrated. Next was science. “ but when they then go extinct each animal........” were the last words she heard Alina then fell asleep and only woke up when her teacher Ms. Knox said her name and asked her question. “ um...i don’t know” Alina replied. “ well next time listen!” then Alina thought to herself Another thing I’ll fail. Weeks passed and she felt worse and worse but didn't want to tell anybody. Nights got more sleepless for Alina. Days got more miserable and lonely as Alina watched Oksana have fun with the other girls. As jealousy grew stronger inside of her she started to cut and hurt herself. Whenever she could she took a knife or something sharp to make her feelings stop. As she put the shiny cold blade to her skin she had a few seconds of peace. But she knew it wasn't the answer to ending all this. One night she stood outside on her balcony wishing she could go back in time when everything was much easier when suddenly a shooting star flew by. As she wished her life could change and be as good as it once was.In the next few months her parents settled everything and were talking to each other again. Alina felt like a real family now again. She knew she Had to talk to okasana again. She called her on her phone and told her she missed her and that she was sorry for everything. oksana admitted she was bored and sad when she wasn't with her anymore. As both of them chatted and laughed Alina knew she had her best friend back. Alina swore to get her

grades up to her parents and so she tried hard. She liked her life and school again but she was careful with her choices.Wishes do come true! Rationalemy story connects to psi because the school i am describing is psi. in psi there is middle school just like in the story. middle school is much harder than primary and you have to learn a lot to move on. Alina is just like any other student going to psi. Her life might not be the same as most psi students but she has some problems some people have and if i think hard i can relate some to me and others, but at the end everything is okay just like in the story. It shows how hard middle school can be no matter what school you are in. It talks about teen problems andsuffering in a stage of life and how you solve it all. Middle schoolers have to learn to survive. In the psi school i described learning is hard but important just like it is here. Having friends can be challenging in psi and in the story Alina loses her one friend but has other friends before being friends with oksana again. In psi middle school a lot of things happen with friendship and family. With Alina she hears fights from her parents and gets into arguments with her friends. In the story it shows and can make people understand what its like to be in the state that Alina was in middle school.

Lostby Elizabeth

New country, new life, new school and new friends. “Will I survive through this change?”- the only question that John had in his head right now. “I don’t know, but what I do know is that it won’t be easy.”- he kept thinking.

A 10 year old boy, named John Hades was leaving Boston, the country he lived in, all his life. He was moving to Ukraine, Kiev, due to the job of his dad, Mr. Hades. He owned a factory there, which was making dog food and was popular in Boston. Mr. Hades, Mrs. Hades and John are moving to Kiev for a couple of months to check the progress of selling dog food.Life for John was wonderful, he had all what he wanted, except he always felt something was missing. When John found out that he will move, he was excited and worried at the same time. Who knows what life can bring?

Some time passed, and John was already in Kiev. The family paid for a good apartment, where they would be living for the

time period they would be in Kiev. It was morning, and John was getting ready to go to his new school. Mrs. Hades gave John a map, showing the road to the school. The school was near, so the parents thought John will get there quickly and successfully alone. But as John was moving more closely to the school he was more confused about the map. Eventually, he got to the place, which wasn’t shown on the map and it didn’t look like school at all. He took a few steps to the right, and realized a big sign that was simply a capital letter “M”, which meant Metro. John decided to go there, with a hope that any Ukrainian would help him to find the right train to the school. As he went inside the metro, he saw a lot of people pushing there, struggling to get to their trains at time. He kept moving forward, trying to ask people for help. But they were not answering, still pushing in the crowd, pretending they didn’t hear anything. John started to understand that he will not get any help from the citizens, not because they do not understand his language, just that every one of them is busy, doing his/her own job.

He felt lost and lonely. Nobody helped him, nobody even cared about his small age! So John started looking for a way to get out of this situation. He looked up at the subtitles of the streets that were hanging in the metro. He realized in front of him was a train that will get him to that street. John starting rushing forward to that train, but a huge wave of people was pushing him back. Then, he heard a door opened behind him, he was too weak to fight the pressure of the people running into the train. In some seconds he was in the wrong train. John didn’t even realize how it happened.

As the train gate opened, John ran out, shocked and scared. But the floor was wet, so he slipped and fell. It was very painful. He looked at his knees, and saw the blood on them, as well as many scratches. He nearly cried, but not only because of the pain. He didn’t know this place! He was lost! And this feeling of sadness was depressing his heart stronger and stronger. How much he wished his parents to be here right now! He reached his pocket to take the phone out and call the parents, but the pocket was empty. He searched everywhere, but the phone was gone. Only right now, he realized how serious it was!

Meanwhile, a boy that was standing near the metro was looking at all the actions of John. He decided to come up to him. “Hi! My name is Ben. Seems like you are lost in here?” –he asked. Surprisingly John looked up at the boy, saying “You speak English? Yes, I am lost! I need to get over here, to this school!”- John was pointing at the map. “Well, what do you think?Of course I do speak English, but this is not the main thing right now. I know how to get to your school. Go with me!”- said

Ben.In about 40 minutes both boys were in the school. John saw

his Mum crying on the bench. He ran up to her, hugged her as hard as he could. They cried for a while. Then John explained her, the story that happened to him. “Where is that brave boy? I would like to thank him for such a big action that he did! Where is he?”- said Mrs. Hades in a wondering voice. John turned around, gave a quick glance at the place the boy was standing, just a moment ago. But he disappeared, just as mysteriously as the rabbit would be pulled out of the magician’s hat.

Margarita B 7K Rationale:

The theme of regret had always been in our school even though it wasn’t as badly noticed as others such as bullying. I had heard and experienced many situations with regret, that effected the people an enormous amount. If a person did something wrong, and that decision was the one which could keep another person alive or for the person to be killed. But, that’s looking bigger, even small things in our school could bring regret and guilt. In schools people usually never take responsibility for their actions, they try to hide them and never talk about it again. Through my story all that understanding will be broken as the main character would take responsibility for his actions, even though at the start she was hiding from the truth. Many people in our school would've been in such situations not as major but, similar. Even I was always in the situation of doing the right thing and taking responsibility or lying and my actions being taken on the other person. PSI supports all of our opinions and ideas, but some people make the choices which they regret, even some of my friends did so, to classmates and friends. As an example that last year some people bullied one of our classmates but, now they agree that their actions were wrong and now they regret it.But, mostly some of those actions may be changed if the person is willing to change them. So generally this story connects to our community through the idea of a teenager making a bad choice and bullying another person. but, after seeing the consequences understanding that he/she did wrong, regretting and sincerely willing to change it. The Lie covering the TruthWhat actually happened to Lucy Valasquez? That question still rings in my head. The day the journalist came I’ll never forget

it. The day when I became free. The day when I could finally live in peace. But I should probably tell you what happened on that day. Or should I? Anyways, I should that’s how you’ll understand my story. Well, it was spring… I was woken up by the telephone exploding from a call. While I still was in bed, covered in soft sheets, the silk cool against my skin. The ringing went non-stop for five minutes. It’s a gray morning, too early for me I think to myself. I still could see the dew on the grass as clear as my windows. The mild smell of rain so moist but, at the same fresh.Sudden thought appears in my mind Coffee. But the phone is still ringing. Now I’m furious. I go and pick the phone frustratingly. “Hello” I say in a bitterly voice. “Good Morning” I hear from the other line “I am Kelly Fine, journalist I would like to interview you about an incident which happened thirty years ago.” When I hear those words my heart sinks. I tried to forget Lucy since High school and now all those memories rush back like a tsunami flooding my conscience. Then after a long pause I suddenly return back to the reality, Kelly shouting into the phone “Hello? Hello? Mrs. Jennifer are you there.” I hesitate for a second but then answer “yes, yes excuse me got carried away for a second.” After a brief discussion with the journalist I finally answer her request with a solid yes. Monday-that’s when we meet, I make a mental note. Monday. I open my eyes slowly not wanting it to be true, as if the journalist’s call was only a bad dream. But no , It’s not a dream its reality. Today, today I’m going to be interviewed about that horrible day. The action or series of actions which I will never forgive myself. I still can remember that date 20th of May. While I’m lost in my own memories time flies and Kelly is already on my doorstep.

Couple of minutes pass in dead air. While I pour my milky Earl Grey with a hint of vanilla you can feel just on the tip of your tongue, Kelly interrupts the silence . “I know this is really hard for you to talk about, I know she was your close friend.” Well that’s what you think slips a thought in my head. “But, lets start off easy, how did you find out that Lucy Valasquez was murdered?” Hahah murdered you say. I think to myself amusingly, even though there is nothing amusing about it. But, I only say “ The police found my contact in Lucy’s mobile and called me then they asked if I knew her and finally they told me that she was dead. At first I didn’t believe them, I thought it was a cruel joke or just a mistake. But, when they showed me her body it was obvious, it was Lucy. “Do you have any

idea who actually killed her?’ Another question which makes me chuckle in my mind. Though I only say “ No, I have no idea.” Was it the way I said it or the gulp which finished that simple sentence. I still don’t know but, something made her suspicious. She asked me some more questions before she asked the final one. That final question which made me crack. “What actually happened to Lucy Valasquez?” I stop breathing. The world stops. Everything is mute as if I’m underwater, just floating there like algae. Then I start desperately gasping for air as if I’m drowning. The journalist tries to help me. Useless. When I finally calm down I’m shaking. But, she asks me that question again, more forcefully now. Then I crack I tell her that I bullied Lucy, that I harassed her in front of everyone. Only to be more popular than her. I made everything possible so she wouldn’t have any friends so Lucy would be alone in the world. So she would die alone. Now I know, be careful what you wish for. –Before I could finish my thought Kelly interrupts me,rudely, but she has her reasons. “But why would you do something like that to her, she didn’t do anything to you, she was innocent.” Innocent?! Oh please. I tell her that first when I came to that school she humiliated me in front of everyone, the whole school! In front of the person I loved… The memories fade back into the past. Me confused, embarrassed not knowing what to do, soaked in toilet water still stinking of sewage. The crowd laughing hysterically. Lucy at the lead. Johnny one of them, too, laughing. “Since then I made her suffer.” I say. After a year or so I find a note stuck to my locker. In it was written: I am so sorry for everything I’ve done to you. But now with me being so vulnerable and humiliated

all the time I cannot live like that anymore. I’m fading in your

eyes. Now I’m starting to fade away in mine too. I’m just going

to disappear forever. “I was shocked and didn’t know what to do, when I finally came to look for her, they found her body in the river…” my voice fades away. “I burned the note and was in my room until things didn’t settle down.” I still cannot forgive myself. I will never forgive myself.That’s the end of the interview; the journalist leaves disappointed with the answers I gave her. When the door closes shut I go into my room, fall on the bed which creaks under my wait and close my eyes. After a moment I realize that I feel this lightness which I didn’t feel since I was a teenager. That feeling. I just cant get the hang of it. Can’t catch the word. I smile. Found it. As simple as it could get. Freedom. I changed that day. Even though I had to look back. But it was

the price I had to pay,to gain my freedom. English Short StoryNazar Teslenko

The Spirit of Inter-nationalityIt all started with one school in Kiev, Ukraine, PSI. It was the year of 2032. Fall. 8 months away from the UEFA Euro 2032 first matches. Friday, October the 22nd the school was called by the representatives of UEFA and announced that our school students in secondary had been chosen to attend all Ukraine (home) matches and to have shifts during the games to pass the footballs on the field for the players. When there were the announcements on the following Monday, everyone was shouting and being very happy and excited with impatience for the events. Everyone was always talking about this in school and sometimes during classes (which sometimes annoyed the teachers) and still could not wait for this miracle to actually happen. When everyone was in school and it was getting intense 2 weeks before the first home match, the school was later on called during the day and said that the match is canceled because of an accident on the bus because the home team crashed and many were injured, but luckily, none too severely and a week’s recovery would be enough for all. We would all be participating, but as soon as we heard all this, we were very disappointed, but still happy that they would be able to take part in 1 week’s time. After 2 days school was over and everyone was happy that it was summer vacations, but still they were very impatient for the huge event that they would take part in.Finally, after 5 days, almost all students came to the tournament of Ukraine vs. England to help out and all were just amazed that they had this amazing responsibility and were awed with seeing that huge amount of people on all benches and all benches were filled with excited fans about to cheer for their team. The shifts were a little unfair for us as the shifts started from 12th grade down until finally 7th and the other 6th, but when it came to our group everyone just couldn’t stop looking around the field and the intensity of the game, and the smell the freshness of the grass. When we finally got to looking at the score, it was 1:2 and England was winning. We weren’t happy, because we would really want to see Ukraine win (as they don’t win that very often), but we thought it might not be their day. This was the time I had been waiting for; I finally get the responsibility and chance to throw in the ball for a player on our Ukrainian team. It was so cool to look into the player’s eyes and feeling the tactile surface of the ball that is being

passed to him by me.It was a very lucky pass and it truly amazed me that it was me who had done it. After I passed to this player he passed to a mid-fielder and then he passed it back to him and he shot for the goal a little past the center line and scored a terrific, wonderful, a goal that you could not describe with words, but something you had to see for yourself. Now it was 3:3 and now it was up to the home team to show that they can do this and they are not that bad of a team as all think it is. The British players were very surprised with the way the Ukrainian team started to act quickly towards the end of the game and they were trying their best to score, but our defense was too good for them to pass through and we managed to hold them more off our half. Then right when extended time was assigned, the clock was ticking, the British goalkeeper tried to hit it to the farthest attacker, but our defender intercepted it, made a very good pass to the attacker, who ran almost the whole half of the field without anyone stealing his ball. Finally when it was that time of one on one with the goalkeeper, he managed to out dribble the ball through the goal keeper and hitting the post, the ball bounce off and went in the goal! You could hear the crowd roaring, all tasting the taste of victory and all the Ukrainian players, the happiest in their lives and holding the scorer on their shoulders and carrying him around, being proud of this player, scoring in the last 1 minute and 17 seconds and amazing goal which bounced off the post and went in. Everyone was proud of their team and most Ukrainians being proud of having this team representing them in the Euro cup in their country which is hosting this whole championship. Finally, I saw myself, understanding that this was a miracle and that if he was not a student of PSI he would not be in a place where he belonged and not taking part in this terrific stadium filled with happiness and proudfulness. His school was unique, one of a kind. RationaleI used the theme of success as it is important for every human and was especially useful for me in this story about football. Success connects to our school in all ways as success is the key to a good education and still getting everything done including having fun after the time of hard working. Another

connection between this great community of PSI and my story is that everyone has dreams and try's to always to their best and achieve what they want or if a miracle happens like in my story. I thought that my story focused on theme of success as it helped develop the thought of the main character and to show how a community (in my case a football team) try's their hardest using teamwork and together achieve great heights in their career and not only career for some, but also in education and how you finish school and college to get to a good career for future success too. My finall connection is between the school community and the spirit of the students about the country they are in and how they show respect to other nations and cultures no matter where they are in Ukraine, Europe, or the whole world By Flora Walking down these halls was like having to spend 100 years under the rule of Apophys, or worse. With Apophys being the most evil of all the Lords of Systems (ruler of the galaxies). Each day was like going to hell and back. The only thought that still kept me going was after 1 year of this torture they would bring me back. How I hated the American air force now… after all they were the ones who actually got me into this mess, but that’s another story. Having one thought in my mind for the day I set off. All I needed to do was to survive. The fact that I was different didn’t mean that I was bad; all I want is to understand and to be understood. I know this world is too primitive for the complex science of relativity of this universe, therefore being unable to space travel, to know our beginning. Their simple arrogance, pride, lies had kept them behind for so many years that now I’m beginning to wonder if my being here is going to change anything, if this planet should have a chance… I know, every being in the universe has to have a chance. I was jerked out of my thoughts by Mitch jumping out at me from behind a corner.“Karellen! You’re late! Listen, I’ve been thinking about what you said to me yesterday, y’know about the lords of the systems, and I had an idea, what if we could stop them by letting the whole Earth know? Everyone! Imagine what a force that would be!” He said with enthusiasm,I felt bad having to deny one more of Mitch’s theories. Well I appreciate his support, but sometimes his theories were just unacceptable.“Mitch, you see how people react to me here and now. The things I say are extraordinary; can you imagine how revolutionary it could be for the world?”

I waited for his reaction. He was a pretty open-minded guy, so I think he will understand.“I get it…” he sat down on one of the many chairs in the locker area, “I just thought that I could be useful to you for once…” he said, looking pretty annoyed with himself for wanting such a thing.“Mitch, you are useful to me. In many ways, and you know which of those is the best?” he shook his head, “that you’re my best friend, and have always been. And you’re the only one that supports me.”“Really?” He asked hopefully, “Yep. Now come on, we don’t wanna be late for class.”We started towards our science period; my favorite because the teacher actually respected me and listened to me, didn’t support me but at least that. While everybody was laughing I noticed one guy in the corner that I’ve never seen before and he was not laughing at me. He’s probably new; no one that knows who I am would be serious about me. But yet, his face did show a sign of recognition. I decided that I’ll come up later to him to start up a conversation, and if he’ll not flick me off he will for some time be at least an ally. The lesson passed reasonably quickly; a couple of answers, rude comments about me and, most of all, thinking of my theories. After the lesson, still deep in thought, I started towards the door when I bumped into someone.“Oh, I’m sorry!” I tried to be as polite as possible, to not get into trouble, when I realized that the guy I just bumped into was the new person I wanted to talk to.“Oh, never mind. It was my entire fault anyway!” he said, blushing and rushing away behind the door, making clicking noises on the way.“Hey, wait up! What did I do?” I yelled down the corridor, the sound echoed through the empty halls.“What’s wrong with him?” I asked as Mitch came out of the classroom.“I don’t know. He’s new, they are often strange.” Mitch said without much thought.“He’s different though… ah, I think way too much. You’re probably right anyway.”The rest of the day went typically. Going home I began to think about the incident of today’s morning when I bumped into the new guy. How peculiar, he didn’t laugh at me, but did seem quite intimidated by my presence. The weirdest part was that I didn’t seem to quite understand his point of view. I know by the look on his face back then that he knew who I am, yet still didn’t hate me. I needed to find him that next day. The next day I found out that he was in my English class as well as Science. Halfway through the day I caught him by the door at lunch break

right after Science.“Hey, you ran away yesterday. I need to talk to you. I suppose you know who I am.”“Oh yeah, that… Well yes, I do know who you are… but see, I don’t think the same as them. I think that your theories do make sense. But I don’t want any controversies. I’m just not that kinda person.”“You support my theories?”“Yes.”My mind at that point was racing, and I thought of a great plan. Making a trio of gentlemen, meaning me, Mitch and this guy here uniting… oh, I still didn’t know his name.“Ok, first of all, what’s your name?”“Jess.”“Ok, Jess, now you are a part of a Trio that is bound to change the world.” I informed him proudly.“What???”“I’ll explain later.”He looked a me as if I were mental, his dark grey eyes pierced through my mind, that look so familiar. As usual i replied with nothing but stare. I turned away and walked out of the school. That’s how it all started. You know the rest of the story about how Earth came up to the highest level of knowledge. This was all we were able to get out of Karellen, but at least these are his exact words.

Report by Don Mayers’. 200 words:This story does connect to PSI and my experence here because the thoughts that you might not survive school and that you have to fit in but you don’t. When I first came to PSI in first grade I didn’t have my friends for quite some time because I didn’t think the same as them. At the end with a lot of trouble i was able to find the people who liked me the way i was. I know that many of the other people around here and in other schools all round the world have the same problems. As it shows in my story at the end everyone finds their place and you find out that if your way of thinking is different is actually very good because you are the one who ends up with a good life and changing the world. I tried my best to convey this idea of being different and still being able to adapt and keep your identity in this story while at the same time being original. The quote that comes to my mind is “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” -Steve Jobs.

By SamanthaIdentityThis theme connects to the PSI community because PSI is an international school and sometimes people form different countries want to be like other people within the community. At an international school the people are all different and come from different cultures. To make school interesting, people should be themselves and will be surprised at the outcome. There are some groups of people that are currently trying to teach students how to do that(be themselves and not be ashamed of it). For example, I am in the Student Council and in there, we are putting forward ideas, then planning events that help people in many ways. In some events, we ask people to come to school dances, relax, and be themselves. Usually, it gives people a chance to socialize with people they never would have been around on their own and to have fun or to forget about any worries they might have. During school, in the later years of school, people find true friends and their personalities, and they find out who they really are. PSI has a variety of unique people that are different in every way, and we all still get along fine, despite our differences.

The Identity of ME

3 simple words: Who am I? What am I doing here? I never knew who I was and what I actually am doing here. I know I have to be here for a reason, but what is that reason? One year in my life explained that loud and clear. I am… a person, a boy, and a freak. I am part of every one’s worst nightmare, making mine 10 times worse. I am a very mixed up person that can’t seem to do anything right or find the right solution. My story is an example on why you should be yourself and not anyone else. The only problem with it is that it is not quite finished. Now to begin, (even if it hurts): About 6 weeks ago, I was lonely. From where I was sitting, I could see lucky Ryan Higa, the one who got all the attention from everyone. He got it because he was the head of the football team, extremely obnoxious, all the girls thought he was ‘dreamy’, and was really rich. It’s not fair. Not everyone can have those qualities. Since he got all the attention, I got none, and it was driving me insane! I was determined, (Did you hear me, DETERMINED!) to be like him and be recognized. To do this, I needed to act like him, look like him, be a replica of him. My friend Sarah was a psychic and kept telling me I was

going to be recognized by being myself, but did I listen? No. Why should I? I have been myself since the beginning of time, but has that made me any less lonely? No. I know she only wanted to help, but was no help at all.

The next month, I came to school as Ryan. I had a similar outfit in his style, same haircut, same attitude, same obnoxiousness, and pretended to be rich and athletic. Nobody noticed. I began to get angry. I was confused. If I was a perfect replica of him, why didn’t anyone notice? Well, the ORIGINAL Ryan was still here and still got the attention. He wanted all the attention to himself. That was yesterday. Today, I have a plan. I will make Ryan seem less cool, which will direct attention to me. Okay, at school. It is Time for phase 2. “Hey, Everyone, Look! Ryan used to have buck teeth and an big curly hair.” “Dude, that’s Photo shop. The teeth are upside down and the hair isn’t on the picture. It’s on the ground.” Ryan said. At that moment I realized that I suck at Photo shop and this was not my best plan. Everyone started laughing. “Now, I had a new idea. I am going to become someone everyone laughs at, like a comedian”. I said to Sarah later that day.“Nick, there’s 1 problem with that. You’re not funny.” Sarah whispered.

I came up with lots more ideas like: bully, Emo, Goth, gangster, dancer, comedian, rapper, singer, bad boy, nice, sensitive, and many others. Sarah turned them all down. She turned down every one of them. Why would she do that? There were many great ideas in the mix. Then, she gave me a brilliant idea. “Why don’t you try being yourself? You have many talents. You’re smart, competitive, athletic, and great with computers.” Sarah is a genius. Why didn’t she give me that idea before? I don’t know. Anyway, I went around school the next day being myself and a majority of people talked to me! It is the first time in 5 years that anybody has actually talked to me on purpose. It’s so cool and exciting. I now have like 20 friends, not only 1. Maybe Sarah actually is a psychic or just a genius. From now on, I will be myself and not anyone else, no matter how jealous they make me. Maybe just for that……. No. Not even for that. I will be myself.

Although, what I said there isn’t quite true. I have already started a new plan to become even more popular because I can’t stand watching everyone around me have 1000000 friends. I should stop it. I am DONE with that. This time I mean it. I will be myself no matter how jealous I get, how angry I get, or how annoyed I get. I will be myself forever and always.

Changing PlacesBy Marco Borth

How could they have left me alone in this strange place and forgotten about me so quickly? I felt lonely and miserable. The shallow pain of being abandoned left me hollow inside and I questioned whether I had been as important to Sam and Rebecca as they had been to me. It hadn’t always been this way. When I came to the new school in the fall I set out to make new friends. For the longest time, it seemed that no one was interested in being my friend. Until one day in the gym, this girl walked up to me. She was a petite thing with short ebony hair, eyes like emeralds, and very kind. I didn’t know where she was from, but she smelled like lilacs, and her name was Rebecca. I understood by her quiet murmuring that she was shy, but that she wanted to try to be more outgoing. I was happy to find my first friend. Soon after, I met another friend. His name was Sam and he had a mop of matted hair on his head. He was from Austria, was very bubbly, and we too became good friends. We would watch “Myth Busters” during lunch break, and would burst out in thunderous laughter. Although I didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time with Sam or Rebecca outside of school, I was happy to have made new friends. The school organized a trip to Sicily. As Sam, Rebecca, and I rode together through the winding countryside, we got to know each other. Over the course of the next week, we spent a lot of time together taking in amazing sights. We climbed crumbling walls and ran around the serpentine hotel complex with the other kids. One evening we celebrated Rebecca’s friend’s birthday. We ate pungent sweets and drank crimson soda. We partied like there was no tomorrow and a few times I even danced with Rebecca. Having spent so much time with Sam’s acrid smells, I was surprised how Rebecca’s earthy scent, soft skin, jaded locks and ruby lips caught my breath as we danced.

I had an extraordinary time! I was so happy to have made such great new friends and shared these amazing experiences together! After we got back from that trip in September, we all began to focus on classes and I really began to enjoy school.

Unfortunately, it was not to last. One damp autumn day, Sam announced he was leaving at the end of November, and I learned soon after that Rebecca would be leaving in December. We spent our last few days together, but before we knew it, the time for their departure was upon us. They left to explore their new lives and I was left alone once again in a strange land with few friends.

For months I was depressed and could only think about returning home. It seemed once again that I was alone, an outcast in the new school. While I was depressed, I didn’t feel like reaching out to the people who had abandoned me, Sam and

Rebecca.My savior came in the form of a short email. Before I knew

it, Sam, Rebecca, and I were writing daily, and I began to feel much better. More importantly, I realized that both Sam and Rebecca were struggling to face their own challenges and needed cheering up too. Like I had months before, they were now being forced to assimilate to a new school, new country, and seek out new friends. Soon Sam asked if he could be my best friend. Rebecca was happy to hear from me and we enjoyed exchanging notes and photos on Facebook. I had found such strong friends, and while I missed seeing them every day, that didn’t mean that they were gone from my life. Now I keep in touch with Sam and Rebecca regularly and feel like I’m on top of the world again.My friends’ departure taught me a valuable lesson. I wasn’t the only one who had left their home and took a risk that they didn’t think they were ready for. Each of us had to leave everything we knew and loved behind. We were forced to adapt to a new environment, a new school, a new country, and to find new friends. With their help, I learned that sometimes you have to take risks, leave your comfort zone, and try something new. And although it might be difficult at times, by facing these challenges, you would be rewarded with exciting new experiences.

And in the process, I learned that under such challenging circumstances and ever changing environments, the strongest friendships are often forged. Such friendships can withstand the forces of time and space. Who’s to say what the future may hold? What new adventures might Sam, Rebecca, and I have together? Where once I was afraid to even contemplate change, I’m now ready for some adventure!