Our flag will fly high so everyone can see,

A free nation we will forever be.

This striped flag shows both you and me,

An everlasting symbol of great victory.

We lift the flag high upon the metal pole,

So each day it can play its significant role.

To this great flag I lift my willing soul,

And strive to set my everyday goal.

Camille Morrow

Grade 4

dust floats from the small window’s light

covering the sturdy trunks neatly lined against the wall

boxes of photographs

of long ago sent letters

of ancient memories

longing to be found

clothes carefully folded in a trunk

buttons, feathers, lace

hats hanging on stands

begging to be remembered

books untouched for years

their stories meant to be read

mysteries and novels so long ago loved

restlessly waiting for someone to read them

forgotten treasures strewn across the floor

hiding among the shadows

war medals and corncob dolls

still shining from their days of glory

shadows coming from the window; a pink sky behind

things discovered and remembered—in my grandma’s attic.

Keiko Ito

Grade 6

“There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.” –George Eliot. Music is a powerful thing. It can completely change your mood within minutes. It can make you happy, relaxed, suspense-filled, sad, etc. Everyone is affected by music.

Many older people are strongly affected by music. My great-grandma is one of them. She lives in a nursing home and whenever we go to see her, I bring my violin and my family and I sing. Even though she sometimes doesn’t talk, it’s as if a sudden peace comes over her. She still remembers every word to the songs in the hymnal.

Some studies show that when people listen to upbeat music while eating, they eat faster than when listening to no music; they eat more slowly when listening to slow music. Upscale restaurants almost always play some kind of relaxing music.

Movies and TV shows often use music to create a mood. It would be really interesting if in a horror movie they started playing a romantic song, or right when a couple was eating dinner in an expensive restaurant they started playing polka music!

I listen to music every day, everywhere I go. I can’t imagine my life without music. “To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time, incredible and inconceivable.” –Aaron Copeland

Keiko Ito

Grade 6