hi+11

//__Hockey__// //By: Faith// By: Faith

Frantic Frisby's

If you live near Mr. Fitzgibons farm life has always been peaceful and never really complected. The only thing that has ever aroused is the rats. Now the rats are acting up. Living under the rose bush for so many years no one has really gotten close to the rats. “Their very secretive,” said the wise old owl. Our reporters have spotted young Mrs. Frisby interring the rats domain. After many interviews with the mouse we have learned nothing of the irritable rodents. “I can tell you nothing,” said a frisky Mrs. FrisbyWhile talking with some of the farms residents we have learned that Mrs. Frisby has a very ill child named Timothy. And we all now very well that moving day is dawning upon us. But it is still a mystery of what deal she has with the rats. Some say that the rats are planing something for they have been seen many a time leaving and returning with strange objects. “ I think they are creating something terrible,” said a nerves shrew “ I have seen them with an electric wire!” No one knows very much one the subject and we are looking further in on the issue. To learn more go to __[|www.goFranticFrisby.com]__.

Just Three Things By: Faith .H

Athletes are hard working, self-confident, active people who always try their hardest to be the best that they can be. The three things most athletes have that help them do the extravagant things that they do is working hard, being self-confident, and active all the time. Although I don't face the enormous challenge's that they face I can compare these three things to my life in many ways.

Working hard is applied to my life during school and my hobbies. Math, reading, writing, science, and social studies do not come naturally to anybody. You have to work hard to learn and adsorb all the information you are needed to know. I do this by studying and paying attention during class. I also always ask questions when the curriculum we are learning is confusing me. The second way I do this is by practicing my skills on a daily base's. Take my piano lessons for example. I remember a time when I never practiced my songs. It always seemed to come hard to me and I just kept getting worse and worse. I soon realized that if I never practiced I would never get better at my hobby. And to my surprise once I began to regularly pursue my hobby things got easier and the notes I knew by heart. My hands flowed with the music and a wonderful song would boom out of the piano. Lastly I always have a good attitude toward what I am working on. Wether it's piano or reading, writing or math. And if you have a positive attitude toward math then you will be just fine.

Self-confidence is something every one needs. It helps us not be nervous before a test or in a sport. That is one of the reasons athletes are able to do what they do. It is also the reason that get's me up on the block at a swim meet. Self-confidence for me is needed most at a swim tournament. Most of the time standing up there on the starting block kills me. It's then that my self-confidence kicks in. It tells me that I can do it because I practiced it, I know what I am doing, and I will succeed wether I come in dead last or first. To have fear is normal but fear should not rule your life. You shouldn't let other people rule your life ether. That is why you need self-confidence in yourself and others. If someone else is bugging you it may be your best friend or a kid in another class that stands up for you. This may be someone you can have confidence in to help and protect you. The final thing to self-confidence is just going for what you believe in. It sure works for me. If you wont to try out for the basket ball team you may be frightened by others that are better than you. But to tell you the truth to just go for it is the best choice possibly. You may make it you may not but at least you can say you tried.

Swimming, soccer, foot ball, basket ball, and base ball are all active sports that will keep you fit. To be an athlete you have to be fit. Not being fit can injure you in a sport and make it harder to participate. I know I always keep active. It may be hard for some people to get a proper workout, but not for me. To exercise is to play in my case. Tag and hid-and-go-seek is all a huge work out even if I don't realize it. To participate in a sport is a good way to stay active as well. In fact many athletes do more than the one sport they pursue because it helps them get fit. A finally way I stay fit and athletes stay fit is to work out in gyms. The equipment there locates and strengthens the muscles in your body and more. It also provids yoga moves to stretch your body and make it more flexible.

To be an athlete you need to work hard, be self-confident, and an active person. But believe it or not these things are applied to every day life in one way or another. It helps us peruse our dreams and succeed in what we love. Having all this can make you a great friend to be around, someone little kids look up to, and a model person that everyone adores just like an athlete.

**L7**

March was standing in the line waiting for the bus to arrive. Next to her grouched Caroline. Bus L7 was always late and it annoyed Caroline. “ When will that stupid bus come. If I don't get home soon I am going to miss my favorite TV show Hannah Montana. This week Oliver and Lily get together!” Being as lonely as she was March decided to answer Caroline's question. “ If I am right today the bus has to cross over on to County Road and instead of coming over on River Ave like normally our bus driver Mary Jane will have to come down January Street because.................” March was cut of by a loud screech as L7 along with Mary Jane screeched to a stop. Caroline glanced over at March and gave her a nasty glare. Her mouth hung open still from the remark of March's out burst but Caroline did not proceed for Hannah Montana was about to start. **The monster under my bed** “ That Caroline was grumpy to day. She got mad at Mary Jane for being late and it wasn't even her fault because she has to come down January Street instead of River Ave because she told me that every Friday................” For the second time that day March was interrupted this time by Sussie her little sister. “ A MONSTER IN MY ROOM A MONSTER IN MY ROOM **,**” she hollered as she came racing down the stairs. “ Why I even come home to this place I do not know for it is always loud so I think that I would prefer to go back to kindergarten,” grouched an angry March. Stomping into the kitchen March saw Sussie tugging at her mothers black and white apron pleading for her to come and see the monster. A chuckle floated down the stairs. Jonathan thought March. “ I think I will go to bed now and sleep plus there is no reason to check on me because I am not even going to pound my really mean brother's head in,” I blurted very sneaky. It was pretty easy to find Jonathan he was retrieving the “monster” under the bed. “ You really mean head you scared Sussie and now she is screaming her hand of down stair's oh AND THERE IS NO SUCH THINGS AS MONSTERS!” Jonathan glared at me and it made me think of Caroline. “ One” he grouched “ It is screaming her HEAD off not hand. And finally there is to such thing as monsters!” “ Well than prove it,” I hollered back. “ Were do you think the creaking noise comes from?” “ Mommy said it was are very old water pipe. So ha!” “ Well Mommy is lying she just doesn't want you to know that there is a monster crawling up there!” With that Jonathan snuck over to he's door as quiet as a snake and just as he was about to close it he blurted one final thing “ I bet you even have a monster under your bed March!” **I Hate Older Brother's** The next day at kindergarten I was very drowsy for I had to sneak down stairs to sleep on the couch because the monster was under my bed. And the worst part was I herd him up in the water pipes again! He sounded like a ghost in the story books I read near Halloween. “ Oh Tassha what should I do,” I questioned my other best friend. My brother said I have a monster under my bed and I need a reason not to believe him!” “ Oh but you should March because my brother said that monsters are like vampire's they don't like light so they leave during the day!” “ Thank you Tassha that made me feel much better for now I have another reason to believe in him!” I sat down very annoyed with that girl for now I know that a monster lives under my bed! Lunch finally came and I took my seat next to Tassha and Caroline. “Caroline do you believe in monsters?” “ Why yes I do March” she said in her most regal voice, “ For my brother said that the monster under your bed waits tell you are 15 because that's when you stop thinking a monster is under there and it can eat you with no stress.” The world just seemed to turn gray like on a rainy day and I was very surprised that the sky did not just cry right then and there. That day I decided that I don't like older brothers. **Mrs. Carole's** When we returned to are class room I felt yucky inside of me and the room seemed to glare at me as if in annoyance. So I asked if I could go lay down. “ Excuse me class I shall be right back,” Mrs. Carole's announced to the class. Then she pulled me into the hall and kneeled down beside me. “Is their something you wont to tell me March. You have been acting awfully strange.” “ Well,” I said kind of nervous. It was then I saw the gentleness in her eyes and I spoke my mind. “ There is a monster under my bed. My brother said that the creaking noise from the water pipe is the monster crawling up there and my best friend named Tassha told me that they leave during the day so that is why we can't see them and finally my other best friend named Caroline said that they wait tell you are 15 tell they eat you!” Mrs. Carole's. “ The only advice I can give you is to think about how the monster feels under there and does he really wont to eat you?” I was surprises at that remark because when grown up's sigh it means that they are going to tell you that what ever you think is there is not reasonably. I skipped very happy into the room it seemed to glow like it normally did. And now I have a reason to believe in that monster but not be afraid of him! **Curbby** “Mom guess what,” I yelped the minute I got home, “ There is a monster under my bed and I just have to become friends with him so he doesn't eat me!” “ That's good honey,” mom replied. Joyfully I hoped up to my room but right when I was about to enter I realized a problem. I was not friend's with the monster yet so he still wonted to eat me! I was frozen like an icicle. I dare not go in there for what if he was waiting for me like a lion waits for his pray?! Then I remembered that he wasn't back yet he was up in the water pipes and I have 1 2 3................. 10 years tell it really is going to make its first attempt to swallow me. (You know) I said to my self (I don't wont to call him monster so I am going to call him Curbby.) Uh oh another problem! If I don't become friend's with Curbby he will eat me when I am 15! I then decided that tonight I was going to become best friend's with Curbby wether I liked it or not! The rest of the evening went as always. Daddy came home at 5:00 and we had dinner at 6:00. At 6:30 I did the homework Mrs. Carol's gave us. 7:00 I watched my cartoon and then that dreaded hour came. 8:00 my bed time! When Mommy grabbed my hand and began to pull me to the stairs I became as stiff as a stick. “ Come on March don't do this to me,” Mommy pleaded. That's when Daddy trotted over and swung me up into his arms. I wiggled like a little worm but it was no use he just plopped me down in that bed guarded by Curbby. “NO! I can't sleep here Jonathan told me that there is a monster under my bed!” That's when all became clear. Mommy called Jonathan into my room. “ Say there is no monster under her bed Jonathan.” He came shamefully into my room. “ Fine. There is no monster in your room March!” “ Thank you Jonathan now just go to bed,” said me mom very stern. After that everyone left my room and went to bed. But hearing Jonathan tell me that did not help in the least. Because there was still a big, bad, mean, menacing monster under my bed! **The Plan in Action** I lay there only thinking of one thing. The plan! It was then that I heard him. Curbby was late for he was coming through my door! “ Hi C C C Curbby!” He just patted closer and closer to my bed. “ I wont to to to be F F F friends with Y Y you.” I stammered. He stopped dead in his tracks as if waiting for something. It was then to my horror that I heard him growl. “OK never mind!” At that moment he pounced up on to me silky bed! I screamed in my head as he trampled over me jumping and growling as if mad at me. “Stop,” I yelled. Mom and Dad raced into the room tiered and frustrated. “ What is it know!” They screamed in unison. “ There is a monster in my bed and he wonts to eat me!” I said breath less. Then to my surprise I felt a worm tong on my shaking face. “Bubbles?” It was Bubbles my dog! “Oh Bubbles I am so glade it is you for if you were a monster I would not be hear any more!” I heard the sigh of my parents as they slid over to my bed. Sussie just could not bare it any more and hoped out of bed and came bounding into my room. Jonathan couldn't stand it either and leaped into my room laughing like a chimp. “ March is this what all this fuse is about I though we had Jonathan tell you the truth?” Mom questioned. “ Well,” announced a tired daddy, “ Now you got Bubbles to protect you from “Curbby” so do you think you can go to bed now?” “ I hadn't thought of that! And yes I will go to bed now with my protector. Oh and guess what?” “ What?” everyone asked. “ Mary Jane my bus driver has to come down County Road and instead of coming over on River Ave like normally she goes down January Street because every Friday they open the canal and water pores over the street!”

Mrs. Brotherton By: Faith Hindman

When it comes to teaching Mrs. Brotherton is the person to call! She has taught in 2nd grade in a part time job with another teacher! The other 16 years she has been are beloved kindergarten teacher her at Twain. “I really enjoy kids and I love meeting other people. I also love helping people learn and helping there families understand the nature of there kids learning,” said Mrs. Brotherton. “ My favorite thing about twain is its my home school! And I really like the thought of teaching the future of are community!” said Mrs. Brotherton as she explained what she loves about Twain! Her strength in teaching is reading witch she adores to introduce to kids. But Mrs. Brotherton does not live at school! Some of her out of school hobbies are reading, she fancies to travel, loves to watch movies, adores teaching, and even hosts her own piano lessons! She started her job experience as a laundry cleaner but we all know that Mrs. Brotherton was meant for bigger things! Any one who knows Mrs. Brotherton is truly lucky for she is a sweet, caring, easy going teacher!

__**New year new student council!!!**__ By: Faith. H

A few months ago the students of Mark Twain voted for their student council president, vice president, and secretary. Many kids Ran for all of the positions but it was up to the students to decide. After all the speeches for secretary, president, and vice president were filmed and presented on are morning news every one voted. After all the votes were counted are new president, secretary, and vice president were revealed. Chloe in 3rd grade was voted secretary!Lily from 4th grade was voted vice president! And Lauren P. from 5th grade was voted president! Even though it is a lot of responsibility to handle every one who is a part of student council is doing a wonderful job making our school a better place to grow and learn!“ It was a very tuff computation” Said Jordan. P a 5th grade student. Together they all run the student council meetings with the class representatives. “ I really run the meetings but everyone puts in,” said our new president Lauren P. They kindly listen to all of the students suggestions and wishes and try to make them happen. Even though it is a lot of responsibility to handle every one who is a part of student council is doing a wonderful job making our school a better place to grow and learn!

//__Hockey__// //By: Faith// Whenever you think of the winter Olympics you may think skiing or snow boarding, but one of the most captivating sport's is ice hockey. Ice hockey was invented in Canada. The first recognized team was McGill University hockey club, formed in 1880. It was first declared a winter Olympic sport in 1908. The Olympic sport was dominated by Canada in its first day view in the Olympic games. Unfortunately in 1956 the Soviet Union claimed the gold. Nearly 85 years later women's Ice hockey was approved as an Olympic sport. The sport is played in a three, twenty minute time period. If some one receive's a penalty their team is sort handed for two minutes. Penalties include tripping, slashing, and interference. To participate in this sport you must wear elbow pads, gloves, helmet, shin guards, shoulder pads, skates, and a stick. Goalies must have all this plus leg pads, a wide brim stick, blockers, and a catching glove. This years U.S.A Olympic hockey team is made up of professional NHL (National Hockey League) players. This years team includes Paul Stastny' Bobby Ryan, Joe Plavelski, Zach Parise, Phil Kessel, and Ryan Malone along with a few others not recognized in this article. The 2010 winter Olympics are bound to be a smash and wether it's Alpine skiing you fancy or Speed skating be sure you take a glance at Paul Stastny and the U.S.A winter Olympic team!

//__Paul Stastny__// //__By: Faith__// After years of practice and NHL participation Paul Stastny has finally hit the big time. The O lympics! For over 6 years this hockey icon has been stunning fans around the world with his amazing scoring and play-making skills. Like his father Peter Stastny, Paul is an NHL legend who holds dozens of records for his play-making and hockey talent's. As a forward for Colorado Ave's he holds second place for Rookie of the year. And to everyone's great surprise he was invited to play on the U.S.A Olympic team for this 2010 Vancouver Olympics. On December 27, 1985 this hockey fanatic was born. As a little boy in Quebec City, Canada Paul played many sports but following in the shadow of his father, fell in love with ice hockey. His hockey career started in 2004. After just the first season people realized Paul's outstanding talent and was named one of the 2006-2007 finalist's for the Calder Trophy along with Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. “ I was lucky to have my dad. He never pushed us into hockey.” Say's Paul Stastny in a resent interview. It is true. As a boy Paul and his brothers were never forced to do hockey. So as you turn on your T.V to watch the Olympics make sure to support Paul Stastny and his first day view in the Olympics.

English Springer Spaniels By: Faith .H

Everywhere you look, dogs crowd the street. They sniff you as you stroke their fur and they bark at you when you stroll by. The big question is what breed is the best? Some may say the Lab while others claim the Collie but I lean on the side of the English Springer Spaniel.

Weather your old or young, no kids or kids galore you may consider the springer to be the best choice for this situation. **These animals are always family friendly. **You are not likely to find a more inquisitive animal.  When you amble around the house to occupied to notice you may have a curious little shadow right behind you just wonder what you are up to or what you plan to do next. Second these majestic dogs are very humane with all ages  . Some dogs attitudes my alter when confronted with other people. My Grandpa is 97 years old and lives alone. Over Christmas he came for our party and he fell head over heals for are loving and friendly Springer. Now he is considering purchasing one. Finally they adore to play and are willing to get up and go when you are ready to play ball or a game of hid and go seek. When you go out side you can bet that you'll have a little companion at your foot wonting to play fetch or just romp around and frolic!

 Not convinced that Springers are your best choice for a companion? Well then take this into consideration. **While other breads suffer from major of miner health problems and even unhealthy skin and fur ** **you have little to worry about when you adopt a Springer ** .  They are not easily able to pick up diseases like cancer and heart problems and can battle little sicknesses like colds and flu. But no dog is invincible for they are prone to ear infections. Nothing real big and normally regularly pills or ear drops will help clear that up. Keeping on the topic of health and features you may be looking for a dashing dog that you can ether enjoy or place in a dog show? Multi colored, and plan out flattering would best describe these animals. Black, white, and brown are the main colors found on a springer. They may even pose's all these vibrant colors. Not most dogs have what are called feathers ( long lengths of fur that dangle off the side of their but this is what make's this bread so unique.

** Finally every one wants a fun loving happy dog ** . Have a dog that wines and hides when the leash is brought out? Not Springers. At the sight of the leash they piratically leap into your lap with excitement and they are the merriest in the world as they follow the scent of those who have already walked before them. “I'm Home.” The second those words are spoken your companion will be at your side springing up and licking every inch of you skin in the pure pleasure that you are home and they are not isolated. Last but not least you can bet anything that when the lights are turned off and every one is ready to go to bed your little buddy will be at your feet silently waiting for the time to go to sleep. They cuddle at you feet. They lick your hand, And they hog the bed all night long. Once your hound forms a routine to sleep with you you'll never be able to sleep with out them.

 You have your opinion I have mine. But when it comes to the best breed on the street no dog can compare to the dashing features of the springer. Its curious nature. And their go lucky attitude. They are great family dogs and work dogs. And anyone who owns one of these dogs are truly blessed.

Have you ever heard of NHL hall of famer Peter Stastny? For many years this hockey icon has amazed and stunned hockey fans around the world. From scoring to play-making he holds many records. Soon after this hockey hero retired his fame and amazing skills were passed on to his son Paul Stastny. Like his father Paul is an NHL legend who holds dozens of records for his play-making and hockey skills. As a forward for Colorado Ave's he holds the lead for the teams longest scoring streak. And to everyone's great surprise he was invited to play on the U.S.A Olympic team for this 2010 Vancouver Olympics. December 27, 1985 was Paul's birth date. As a little boy in Quebec City Canada Paul played many sports but following in the shadow of his father, fell in love with ice hockey. His hockey career started in 2004 with the Colorado Ave's. After just the first season people realized Paul's outstanding talent and was named one of the 2006-2007 finalist's for the Calder Trophy along with Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. “ I was lucky to have my dad. He never pushed us into hockey.” Say's Paul Stastny in a resent interview.