! WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XIV ISSUE V! FEBRUARY 2014

Houston Independent School District! ! http://westues.org! ! ! ! ! page1

Children in costumes holding passports, country representatives presenting decorated bulletin boards, and performers dancing, singing, and acting wonderfully all night were all part of the West University Elementary's International Festival on January 23,2014. The MPR was crowded with students and families visiting

countries with this year's special passports of

scavenging local international restaurant vouchers for family meals. At the same time, they all learned about these countries. There were a total of 32 country representatives. Each tri-board represented a country and was beautifully decorated with interesting facts.! This year, a special tour of around the world was designed by our wonderful volunteer parents. During ancillary, classes were scheduled in the MPR to watch a slideshow presentation of six continents. Each student was given a red passport and pencil. The presenter reviewed all questions on the passports during the slideshow. At the end of the presentation, Q&A was fun filled with prizes.! The performances were amazingly incredible such as cool Chinese magic, international dances, opera, cheerleading, and kung fu. I took part in the Vietnamese traditional hat dance. It was a great experience and fun to be directly involved in this year's International Festival. Many students and parents performed in the festival with great energy. The Shaolin Kung Fu was my favorite. The way they handle the dangerous tools was pretty cool. The audience enjoyed and cheered these performances until closing. ! Finally, the international parade was spectacular with children dressed up in their beautiful and colorful costumes waving flags. My brother and I were also part of this fun parade.! Thank you to the PTO & the parent volunteers for making the festival happen!

Monthly Mustang

! Were you at this school year’s spelling bee? It was on Tuesday, January 14. It was the quickest Spelling Bee in the history of WUES! The spelling words were extremely hard this year. Most people had never heard of many of the words! Like every year, the contestants were not given a packet to study for the overall Bee. They could use previous packets, online spelling practice, flashcards, and whatever other resources they could find. Dawson Benner said that his mom quizzed him to help him study.! It was surprising that all the 3rd and 4th grade competitors were eliminated during the 1st round. Only the 5th grade contestants remained in the competition after the 1st round. The 5th graders spelled several rounds before the first one was eliminated. After a few more rounds, Beth Athaide was declared as the 2014 WUES Spelling Bee Champion. Dawson placed second, and Casey Propst was third. This was Dawson’s second year in a row being the runner up. It could have been predicted that Beth would win. This is her third consecutive year as the school-wide Spelling Champion. In fact, last year she made it to the District, Regional and city-wide Spelling Bees and did extremely well.! The best advice from our school’s top spellers is quite simple. Dawson says that “you don’t need to study months in advance,” but he did suggest studying some before the Bee. Beth believes that just participating in a Spelling Bee is good experience, regardless of whether you win or lose.! Congratulations to all the finalists! You are all winners!

The Fastest Spelling Bee Ever!By Andrew Tan

Sophie Yu, Ava Yu and Amy He

The International Festival By Charlise Giang

Principal John Threet with the Spe!ing Bee winners. From Le" to Right: Dawson Benner (2nd Pl), Beth Athaide (1st Pl), and Casey Propst (3rd Place)

! WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XIV ISSUE V! FEBRUARY 2014

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Math Olympiad is a great program that takes problem solving to a whole new level. This club features great teachers and even better learning opportunities. Math Olympiad is an after-school club at WUES that participates in a national program, Mathematical Olympiad for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS). The club is taught by volunteer mathematical moms Yolande Athaide, an innate math lover, and Rashmi Jaitly, a daytime doctor whose favorite thing about Math Olympiad is the word problems. These two teachers show the club members fun puzzles, how to solve them, and make learning fun for everyone. In addition to having fun, children take 5 tests in a school year. After the tests are taken, they are given to Mrs. Taghavi to be graded. The scores are then sent to Mathematical Olympiad for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS). MOEMS keeps cumulative scores for each student and lets Mrs.Taghavi know who gets what awards. The awards are things like “Best Individual Score” and “Honorable Mention.” Math Olympiad is a great after-school club that helps children become better problem solvers. The teachers, Mrs. Athaide and Dr. Jaitly, make it rewarding and help the members’ minds blossom.

MATH OLYMPIAD BY KRISTOPHER AGARWAL

I visited the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World during the winter vacation. The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra in the northern part of India. I went to Agra by air from Delhi which is the capital of India. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan more than 350 years ago as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is made of white marble and was built over a period of 22 years. The queen died in childbirth while giving birth to her 14th child at the age of 39 years. Saddened by her death, the king decided to immortalize his love for the queen by building the Taj Mahal. The monument is placed on a platform that is almost 22 feet high and covers an area of 1,022 square feet. There are 4 elegant tapering minarets, one on each corner of the platform. The graves of the king and queen are located in the center of the monument. A central bulbous dome crowns the graves. The tomb covering the graves and the

entire monument is decorated with different kinds of precious and semi-precious stones such as turquoise, jade, coral, garnet, malachite. The walls are covered with beautiful colorful floral designs. In front of Taj Mahal there is a longitudinal poolthat offers a clear reflection of the Taj Mahal. Around the pool, there are four square gardens surrounded by tall trees. The Taj Mahal is an exquisite piece of architecture made of white marble with colorful floral carvings that is truly amazing. The beauty of the Taj Mahal which means “Crown Palace” is breathtaking. The history behind it is very interesting. It is unbelievable that such a monument was built by men in an era without any of the help of today’s technology. If you ever go on vacation to India, ask your parents to take you to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

MY VISIT TO THE TAJ MAHAL BY SARA AYER

The annual International Festival is a big part of WUES tradition. This year the central theme was celebrations around the world. Many aspects of the festival were familiar; like any big event: food, performances, and parade. But, thanks to co-chairs Delphine Daube and Enrica Gray, 2014 had something new in store for students. They made changes to the festival’s format, duration, and even the passports. International Festival always takes place on a Thursday night, but this year the Festival was held to coincide with the 3rd Grade Heritage Projects. A part of the festival was held during school 2 days before the Thursday evening event. Classes filed into the MPR to listen to presentations by continent representatives and answer questions in their passports. These focused on land area, population, native species, and landmarks among other things. There was so much to do that the evening festival extended an hour longer than in previous years. Performances have become such a big part of the festival that the organizers had to separate the country and continent displays from the stage to leave enough room for the audience. There were performances from Vietnam, Ireland, Scotland, China, India, and South America as well as many others. The passport was changed to match the focus on geographical regions. It was much thinner than in prior years, and students only had to find the answer to one question for each geographical area. They still had to visit all the displays to answer those scavenger hunt questions. For those who were unable to complete the scavenger hunt at the festival, the answers are below.

CELEBRATING OUR DIVERSITY !By Beth Athaide

Asia: Which Vietnamese festival is everyone’s birthday?A: Tet (Vietnamese New Year); also celebrated in other Asian countries as Lunar New Year.Africa/Middle East: What is

the Day of Goodwill? When is it celebrated?A: Formerly known as Boxing Day, it is celebrated Dec 26th. It is a day of sharing and good will to everyone.Continued on page 3.

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We asked various students what they would do with an aye-aye without telling them what an aye-aye was. Here were the results:1. I would give it a cupcake. –Beth Athaide2. I would feed it popcorn. –Kate Carlin3. I would let my grandma eat it. –Meridian Monthy4. I would make it dress up in a tutu and dance around the world. –Peyton Richardson5. I would sell it and buy a panda. –Lauren Aguilar

6. I would keep it as a pet. –John BurnettAn aye-aye is a rare, nocturnal primate from Madagascar. It has yellowish eyes, large ears and is very strange looking.

!" A river once turned red.#" Pigs have been taught to play video games.$" There are more ants in a square mile than people on the planet.%" Girls have more taste buds than boys.&" Some animals on earth have green or blue blood.'" Sagara Familia in Spain is a building that was started in the 20th Century and still in construction.(" Petting something can lower blood pressure.)" In Spain, there are more than 2000 castles. Some for

the Moorish attack; others for the royal families.*" There is a country that is shaped like a toilet. It is Mali, Africa.!+" Tarantula blood is white.!!" Bananas turn blue under a black lamp.,!#" Some robots are trained to play national soccer.!$" Scientist found a Cyclops shark.!%" In some places you can swim with pigs.!&" Ants are all over the world except Antarctica.!'" Your face can turn pink.!(" The town of Nestle, Pennsylvania that smells like chocolate.!)" Your finger can grow a 24 inch nail.!*" The way you sleep can tell a little bit about your personality.#+" There is a name for a fear of just about anything. See the phobialist.com

WEIRD BUT TRUE BY AZKAR MADISON & NORA BOYLE

Discovery Green in downtown Houston has lots of things to do over this semester. They have the Writing Seminar that the Writers in the Schools program has provided and some other activities to entertain you.First, they have the Writing Seminar that teaches you how to write all kinds of different types of writing. It is in the mini library, so they can have class no matter what the weather is like. The program is free and it lasts for one hour.

The program is on Saturdays starting March 1st. You just walk in on a Saturday at 10:30 am and you are in class.The next exciting thing to do is take a playful break on the playground. It has a play set, statues, and, to top it all off, a huge trampoline. When you get hungry after running all

around, there is a restaurant where you can go to eat a meal and there is usually a snow cone truck nearby. The next and last very exciting activity is playing in the water fountains. They are at the very front of the main entrance. Your parents can just sit back and relax while you go and run all around in the fuming water in your clothes (or swimsuit). After a long day of getting wet, you can dry off and go home. What a day!

DISCOVERY GREEN BY KASEY CHAPMAN

I m a g i n e being stuck i n s o m e r a n d o m place, where everyone is

out to get you. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an amazing book filled with action, violence and even a bit of romance where Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl is hunted. The book is set in Panem, a country divided into 12 districts and the capitol. Katniss and her family live in District 12. Each year the capitol holds the Hunger Games, a violent free-for-all between twenty-four, 12-18 year olds, run by the capitol. One boy and one girl from each district represent their district. Katniss has to leave her family, best friend Gale,

everything behind when she volunteers in place of her sister, Prim, to go to the Hunger Games. Katniss ends up representing District 12 along with Peeta Melark. But before the games take place, she and Peeta have to train f o r t h e g a m e s a n d g o interview in front of the whole country. During Peeta’s interview he admits that he loves a girl from his district, his new teammate, Katniss. Katniss and Peeta then have to fool everyone in Panem that they are in love. They will have to suffer through The Hunger Games while making allies and enemies along the way. Will they make it out alive? Are Katniss and Peeta really in love? To find out, read The Hunger Games.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH AN AYE-AYE? BY EMILY BURNETT AND RHEA KAMAT

THE HUNGER GAMES BY SERENA THOMPSON

Resource: Weird But True Books; National Geographic

Europe: Which country celebrates the Tomatina Festival? A: Spain. It's the world's biggest food fight festival, celebrated near Valencia on the last Wednesday of August, when people throw over 100 metric tons of overripe tomatoes at each other.Oceania: What is Waitangi Day?A: Celebrated Feb 6, it commemorates signing of Waitangi

International Festival Passport answers continued #om p.2

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Q.Who is in your family? A.My husband, Wayne and two sons, Allen and Parker.Q.Did you always want to be a teacher? A.When I was young I wanted to be a vet.Q.What is the most important skill to learn in 1st grade?A.They are all important!!

Q.What is your favorite project for students in 1st grade? A.The genre studies are my favorite.Q.What is your favorite West U Carnival ride? A.I love to watch the teachers in the dunking booth – as long as it’s not me.!Q.What is your favorite genre for a book? A.I love mythology.

Q.What is your favorite animal (not pets)? A.Horned Frog.Q.What is your favorite holiday to celebrate? A.ChristmasQ.If you could travel to one place in the world, where would it be? A.I love France and would go back in a heart beat.Q.What is your favorite activity to do on a weekend? A.I love to

Take a glimpse of Amy He with this interview which will introduce you to one of third grades spelling bee competitors and a top-notch student, too, a.k.a Amy He from Mrs. Morton’s proud class.Q.What was your most challenging

word you ever memorized? A. AnthropomorphicQ. If you could travel anywhere in

the world for a summer

vacation, were would it be? A. Hawaii

!" What’s your favorite subject? A. MathQ. What’s your favorite dessert? A. TiramisuQ. How did you prepare for the

spelling bee? A. My mom read the word to me and I would spell it.

!" What’s your favorite number?A. 9

Q. What’s your favorite movie? A. Spy Kids

Q. 1 out of 10, how much do you like vegetables?

A. 4!"What’s your favorite plant or

flower, specifically? A. DaisiesQ. Do you have advice for some

of our younger readers, Amy? A. My advice is start easy and

build up.!!

Q. Do you have a pet? A. Yes.Q. What is your dream pet? A. I really dream with a Dog Pug.Q. How does your dream house look? A mansion with 2 pools and 1 hot tub.Q. What sport do you play? A. I play Softball.

Q. What position do you play? A. Pitcher and 1st base.Q. What's your favorite book? A. Wonder.Q. What's your favorite movie? A. I love Frozen.Q. What's your favorite subject in school? A. I like Science.

Q. If you had a million dollars what would you do? A. I would have a science lab/jam and jelly.Q. What do you want to be when you grow up? A. I would like to be an artist.

INTERVIEW WITH CATE NICODEMUS BY:LEILA KHAN

WANT A BEE? AMY HE THE SPELLING BEE?

GET TO KNOW AN AWESOME 1ST GRADE TEACHER - MRS. KIMBERLY HOLLAND BY RACHEL MCINTOSH

Q: How many years have you been in West U?

A: 5. This is my 6th.Q: What is you r favorite color?A: Black.Q: Do you have any siblings?A: Yes.Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Walk Two MoonsQ: What is your favorite hobby ?A : DrawingQ: Do you have any pets?A: No.Q: What is your favorite food?A : Spaghetti and Meatballs.Q: What is your favorite dessert?A: Anything with chocolate.

Q: What is your favorite movie?A : SwindleQ: If you could have an un-

limited supply of anything in the world, what would it be?

A: Wishes, so I could keep wishing.

AN INTERVIEW OF SOFIA PUCCINI! BY ANANYA LUTHRIA

During the scorching hot summer or just another day after school when you feel like you need to cool down we have the perfect place for you. Snowblock located in the village on Rice Boulevard. Snowblock is a hip new place

where you can get any unique snow cone. With great flavors such as banana, strawberry, blue raspberry, tigers blood, and so much more. You can also personalize it by adding different toppings like delicious creams and sour sprays.

REVIEW ON SNOWBLOCK BY KATIE KOPEL AND PEYTON HOWARD

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SCHOOL TIPS HOTLINE BY PEYTON RICHARDSON, MARY LOUISE MANNON & ISABELLE GRACE Dear School Tips Hotline:My handwriting looks like I am scribbling, and my teachers can’t read anything I write. I am trying my best. What can I do?Hopelessly a mess,

ScribblesDear Scribbles:If you want to get better at something, you have to practice! You should try working on your handwriting in a special handwriting book. Sometimes printing is easier than cursive, so if your teacher makes you write in cursive, maybe you should explain your problem and she might let you write in print. Also, if you slow down, your handwriting will improve!Sincerely,

The School Tips Hotline

Dear School Tips Hotline:I can’t stop talking in class! The days get very long, and I can’t control the urge to talk to the person next to me. I am getting in trouble with my teachers and parents. Help!!Thank you,

TalkativeDear Talkative:You are not the first student to have a problem with this. Don’t worry. You should try not to sit by friends and ask your teacher

to move you. If she puts you near friends anyway, make a goal that if you are quiet in class you get a reward.Sincerely,The School Tips HotlineDear School Tips Hotline:I keep forgetting to complete ALL of my homework. I remember some of it, but I forget to do the rest. This is a big problem. I have to stay in for recess and get points off.What should I do?

- ForgetfulDear Forgetful:Do you use an agenda for writing down all of your homework? IF you don’t, you should. It really helps with organization. Write your homework down and check to make sure you have all our work each night. Don’t go to be before checking off the work you have completed! If you have a binder, have a sheet protector for each subject in your agenda, and put all your homework in them. Organization is important!

Dear School Tips Hotline:I get so nervous before a test. Even if I study, my nervousness makes me do poorly. How can I calm down before a test?Sincerely,

StressedDear Stressed:You should study the week before a test. Study just a little bit each night. If you ,-./012.,34506.,15-73089.:;1<-21=9>>186?31097310-165@1<-241036A83410-1:-1-?34190"11B36A83451A6.16>5-152::3501=8601<-21436>><1.33,10-1502,<15-1<-21,-./015C3.,109731502,<9.:10831=4-.:1502DD"1B8317-431<-21C43C643;10831>35515043553,1<-21=9>>1E3"11

Dear Monthly Mustang,

I rea$y like my school playground and I feel sad to see trash a$ over. Please read the book: Litterbugs Come in Every Size by Norah Samaridge. We need to be Neatos!

D’Andre Bergt Ms. Breen’s 1st Grade

Steam is a gaming website where you can buy games. Some of the fun games are: Project Zomboid, G-Mod, Game Dev Tycoon, Starbound, Craft The World, Counter Strike, and many others. Accounts are free and, when you get a game make sure you go to library and press install. Steam has games from E to M depending on age.

The games have different gameplay quality. One of my favorite games is Neo Scavenger (as shown right). It is a strategy action game and is not expensive. It is a simple game that is very fast paced. When you get a game you can send game cards to give a free three day trial to one of your friends. Steam is one of the best websites I’ve ever seen.

LETTER TO THE MONTHLY MUSTANG

STEAM BY OWEN BUTLER

SPELLING BEE UPDATE

Beth went on to win the district Spelling Bee and will be representing HISD at the PBS spelling Bee to be broadcaset live on Channel 8, March 29.

WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOL. XIV ISSUE V ! FEBRUARY 2014

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by Charlise Giang

Bad Kitty by Emily Harrington

One Day at the Beach by Alex Torgerson