Our Marvelous Memories 2013
Ethan
My School Year Memories
My memories of Van Hise begin when I first came here for my 3rd grade year. I remembered my first feeling of nervousness, then meeting Casper. We eventually became best friends. That year a highlight was the Medieval Fair with all the cool stuff the middle schoolers presented and sold to us, such as “dragon” teeth. My friend Sam wanted to trade me for the smallest tooth.
A great memory from 4th grade was the Colonial Fair in which Charlie and I were blacksmiths. We created a skit about blacksmith apprentices. It was an intriguing experience where I learned a lot about Colonial Times as well as performing for other younger students. That year was my first year participating at the MathFest event. MathFest is an event hosted by Madison Metropolitan School District for “Mathletes”. Students in 4th and 5th grade from all over the west side Madison elementary schools competed in a math tournament. Each school selected four 4th graders and four 5th graders to the MathFest. MathFest was a great memory from the fun working with other friends to the individual mental calculations.
My 5th grade year was THE BEST! So many events are stored in my mind. One of them was the Raps. All the students from Mr. C and Mrs. Mahr’s classes got together in a small group and each made a rap about any topics of their interest. The raps were amazingly loaded with information and clever tricks, such as rhyming. We preformed our raps at the Great Dane Pub to the public on March 4th. And some kids even performed their music talents with violin, viola, cello, voice, etc. Everyone had a blast with Fabius’ amazing voice to end the grand experience at the Great Dane.
Adding on, there was a debate project that was started when Henry and I watched the Presidential debates and wanted to do something like that in Mr. C’s class, where people picked topics and the two people debated opposite sides of the issues. But there is also the case like for the Global warming topic where two people discussed ways to slow down or stop it. When it was time for the actual debate, many parents came to watch as well as Mr. James Howard, the president of the Madison School Board. Mr. Howard thought we did an amazing job! Another great fun and educational project was the Discover Wisconsin Expo where, working in partners, we had to research a city in Wisconsin and then present why it would be interesting to visit this city. I learned so much about our state of Wisconsin as well as my chosen city – Baraboo. In the project we did quite some budgeting work for tourism, food, lodging and car-rental. Finally my favorite experience in the whole 5th grade is GEMS. GEMS is a special program for Math advanced students within the whole Madison school district. I was not only being challenged by the math skill for the entire semester, but also made friends outside our school. It was a really exciting experience!
My memories of Van Hise begin when I first came here for my 3rd grade year. I remembered my first feeling of nervousness, then meeting Casper. We eventually became best friends. That year a highlight was the Medieval Fair with all the cool stuff the middle schoolers presented and sold to us, such as “dragon” teeth. My friend Sam wanted to trade me for the smallest tooth.
A great memory from 4th grade was the Colonial Fair in which Charlie and I were blacksmiths. We created a skit about blacksmith apprentices. It was an intriguing experience where I learned a lot about Colonial Times as well as performing for other younger students. That year was my first year participating at the MathFest event. MathFest is an event hosted by Madison Metropolitan School District for “Mathletes”. Students in 4th and 5th grade from all over the west side Madison elementary schools competed in a math tournament. Each school selected four 4th graders and four 5th graders to the MathFest. MathFest was a great memory from the fun working with other friends to the individual mental calculations.
My 5th grade year was THE BEST! So many events are stored in my mind. One of them was the Raps. All the students from Mr. C and Mrs. Mahr’s classes got together in a small group and each made a rap about any topics of their interest. The raps were amazingly loaded with information and clever tricks, such as rhyming. We preformed our raps at the Great Dane Pub to the public on March 4th. And some kids even performed their music talents with violin, viola, cello, voice, etc. Everyone had a blast with Fabius’ amazing voice to end the grand experience at the Great Dane.
Adding on, there was a debate project that was started when Henry and I watched the Presidential debates and wanted to do something like that in Mr. C’s class, where people picked topics and the two people debated opposite sides of the issues. But there is also the case like for the Global warming topic where two people discussed ways to slow down or stop it. When it was time for the actual debate, many parents came to watch as well as Mr. James Howard, the president of the Madison School Board. Mr. Howard thought we did an amazing job! Another great fun and educational project was the Discover Wisconsin Expo where, working in partners, we had to research a city in Wisconsin and then present why it would be interesting to visit this city. I learned so much about our state of Wisconsin as well as my chosen city – Baraboo. In the project we did quite some budgeting work for tourism, food, lodging and car-rental. Finally my favorite experience in the whole 5th grade is GEMS. GEMS is a special program for Math advanced students within the whole Madison school district. I was not only being challenged by the math skill for the entire semester, but also made friends outside our school. It was a really exciting experience!
Lolo
I have many fond memories from my years at Van Hise, but would like to focus on one in particular which developed over the full duration of my 5th grade year. In the beginning of the year, I had a goal to come out of my shell and to be more confident by the end of the school year. Over time, it has happened. I speak up more often, and I put my drawings on my classroom's website. I have made more friends, and I am not as timid as I used to be. I think it is a great achievement.
Some of the awesome things we do in the classroom have additionally helped with my confidence. My favorite things that have helped are when some of Mr. C's friends came in and showed us that you can do amazing things if you have the confidence, and if you can think you can do it. I like Mr. C's friend Hannah Luree and her musical talents. I love to play the violin and I love to draw and sketch as well, and I hope to get continuously get better at both. I feel that playing the violin and performing my group's rap in front of crowds has boosted my confidence, too. The things we do in class are really fun and I like them a lot more than I used to. I wish to use all which I have developed as I move on to Middle School.
Some of the awesome things we do in the classroom have additionally helped with my confidence. My favorite things that have helped are when some of Mr. C's friends came in and showed us that you can do amazing things if you have the confidence, and if you can think you can do it. I like Mr. C's friend Hannah Luree and her musical talents. I love to play the violin and I love to draw and sketch as well, and I hope to get continuously get better at both. I feel that playing the violin and performing my group's rap in front of crowds has boosted my confidence, too. The things we do in class are really fun and I like them a lot more than I used to. I wish to use all which I have developed as I move on to Middle School.
Max
Good Times
I came to this school in 3rd grade. I was in Ms. Martin's class where we put shaving cream on our desks and then we wrote in it. Sometimes we would have pizza parties and have different choices.
4th grade. I was in Mr. C’s class. We made a website for our class which had some stories and different things our class did. I decided to write an article about the 2016 Olympics and how they were going to place it in Brazil, but in an area where people have already lived in. Where the people are living is called Vila Autodromo. It’s a squatter settlement. It means where abandoned buildings are being taken up by people who can’t afford a home, so people stay there for shelter. The government promised to let the families stay there for another 40 years! But they are going to break that promise. I learned more about my heritage and became more confident through working on that article.
Another memory was the teachers vs. students basketball game. I competed in it. Teachers won, but we still had fun. Our class and others went to the Brewers game. It was so fun. It was a long way there, but it was worth it. Terrace Town was one of the best because we got to build buildings with different materials like paper, card board and other things. We went to Monona Terrace to show off our buildings.
5th grade. Still in Mr. C’s class. We got to write and record raps. Everyone from Mrs. Mahr's room and ours made a rap about whatever topic interested them. When Mr. C has a sub and its Mrs. Crandall she always puts tissues out, but when she subbed for Mrs. Mahr one time we hid all the tissues from Mrs. Crandall. At literacy we hid one tissue in our pocket and waved to her with it in our hands. It was a great prank that kept us chuckling all day long. Mrs. Mahr’s and Mr. C’s classes went to Old World Wisconsin where we went around a small town with a pioneer time theme. We learned what the settlers had to do back then. Our class liked the Blacksmith the best because he had made a little hook right in front of our eyes. My last memory is when Phil Hands came to our classroom and showed us different comics he had made. Later he taught us how to draw Obama, Frankenstein, and a teddy bear.
I came to this school in 3rd grade. I was in Ms. Martin's class where we put shaving cream on our desks and then we wrote in it. Sometimes we would have pizza parties and have different choices.
4th grade. I was in Mr. C’s class. We made a website for our class which had some stories and different things our class did. I decided to write an article about the 2016 Olympics and how they were going to place it in Brazil, but in an area where people have already lived in. Where the people are living is called Vila Autodromo. It’s a squatter settlement. It means where abandoned buildings are being taken up by people who can’t afford a home, so people stay there for shelter. The government promised to let the families stay there for another 40 years! But they are going to break that promise. I learned more about my heritage and became more confident through working on that article.
Another memory was the teachers vs. students basketball game. I competed in it. Teachers won, but we still had fun. Our class and others went to the Brewers game. It was so fun. It was a long way there, but it was worth it. Terrace Town was one of the best because we got to build buildings with different materials like paper, card board and other things. We went to Monona Terrace to show off our buildings.
5th grade. Still in Mr. C’s class. We got to write and record raps. Everyone from Mrs. Mahr's room and ours made a rap about whatever topic interested them. When Mr. C has a sub and its Mrs. Crandall she always puts tissues out, but when she subbed for Mrs. Mahr one time we hid all the tissues from Mrs. Crandall. At literacy we hid one tissue in our pocket and waved to her with it in our hands. It was a great prank that kept us chuckling all day long. Mrs. Mahr’s and Mr. C’s classes went to Old World Wisconsin where we went around a small town with a pioneer time theme. We learned what the settlers had to do back then. Our class liked the Blacksmith the best because he had made a little hook right in front of our eyes. My last memory is when Phil Hands came to our classroom and showed us different comics he had made. Later he taught us how to draw Obama, Frankenstein, and a teddy bear.
Charlie
Kindergarten
My first prominent school memory was in kindergarten, with our reading buddies, when we were playing board games, and I just ran around with a plastic cherry from one of the games, and put it on everything, saying: "With a cherry on top." I also remember when Mrs. Frentz was still here, and we had Pizza Hut lunch. One day, I almost got school lunch, but chickened out at the last moment.
First Grade
All I remember from the first grade is Ms. Cahill's adamancy about estimating, not guessing.
Second Grade
Second Grade was the beginning of my four years with Mr. C. It was the year when I found my passion for math and science through Terrace Town, in which I spent hours a day solving engineering problems of our discarded materials model city. I even brought home a windmill to redesign. With the help of my dad, I figured out how to make a concept work that we came up with but couldn’t figure out at school.
Third Grade
In Third Grade, I discovered Euclid, just briefly through the area of a triangle. I also produce my first published work, in which I wrote about the Large Hadron Collider, the Higgs Boson, and CERN. That started my interest in high energy physics.
Fourth Grade
In Fourth Grade, Terrace Town rolled by again, and I wished I had done more of the engineering and designing for the city, but I built smaller stores and the central tower for the city. I also began my business GRASSA with Nate and Oscar.
Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade- oh- Fifth Grade. You can't possibly expect me to ramble on about everything I did in Fifth Grade. So much went on this year. I learned a little calculus through extensive spherical investigations. Mr. C brought in tons of visitors to teach us about genetically modified organisms and stuff. We had debates about topics we were interested in. Celia and I went to the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery to learn about science. I went to Kohl's to buy new summer clothes (which isn't significant in any way). And so much more.
My first prominent school memory was in kindergarten, with our reading buddies, when we were playing board games, and I just ran around with a plastic cherry from one of the games, and put it on everything, saying: "With a cherry on top." I also remember when Mrs. Frentz was still here, and we had Pizza Hut lunch. One day, I almost got school lunch, but chickened out at the last moment.
First Grade
All I remember from the first grade is Ms. Cahill's adamancy about estimating, not guessing.
Second Grade
Second Grade was the beginning of my four years with Mr. C. It was the year when I found my passion for math and science through Terrace Town, in which I spent hours a day solving engineering problems of our discarded materials model city. I even brought home a windmill to redesign. With the help of my dad, I figured out how to make a concept work that we came up with but couldn’t figure out at school.
Third Grade
In Third Grade, I discovered Euclid, just briefly through the area of a triangle. I also produce my first published work, in which I wrote about the Large Hadron Collider, the Higgs Boson, and CERN. That started my interest in high energy physics.
Fourth Grade
In Fourth Grade, Terrace Town rolled by again, and I wished I had done more of the engineering and designing for the city, but I built smaller stores and the central tower for the city. I also began my business GRASSA with Nate and Oscar.
Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade- oh- Fifth Grade. You can't possibly expect me to ramble on about everything I did in Fifth Grade. So much went on this year. I learned a little calculus through extensive spherical investigations. Mr. C brought in tons of visitors to teach us about genetically modified organisms and stuff. We had debates about topics we were interested in. Celia and I went to the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery to learn about science. I went to Kohl's to buy new summer clothes (which isn't significant in any way). And so much more.
Henry
Van Hise Memories
First of all, I’m glad we came to Madison after my last year of pre-school in Kentucky. Van Hise is a great, supporting place to be. Moving here in the summer helped, so I didn't come in the middle of the year. I was comfortable here instantly and I was surprised I hadn't lived here my whole life. Once, I stood by my locker all recess long because I didn't want to go out! We all felt so free in Kindergarten.
There were lots of field trips in first grade but besides that, nothing much happened. I didn't really like school.
Second grade was my turning point. I didn't think I’d like Mr. C so much. He seemed really strict. Actually, he was really cool. He was more funny than strict and just wanted us to shine to our full potential. That was also the year we did the clay stomp! I remember our class being the first ones to play in the clay. Also, I remember the funny juggler.
In third grade, I had Mr. C again. Third grade was awesome! We made a class rap; the highlight of the year! The rap was about confidence and breaking out of your shell. We sang it to the school during the last assembly of the year. I remember I threw up one day and went home early!
Lots of things happened in fifth grade. We wrote raps again. This time though, we were in small groups. My group’s rap was about climate change. Eventually we sung them at the Great Dane! It was a blast! We also did some debates that Ethan and I suggested! We were inspired by the presidential debates. At the day of the debates, school board president James Howard came in and watched out debates. He thought it was cool that we were debating how to solve global warming and whether kids should have cell phones. Also, I went to D.C. I was the alternate for the trip but I still got to go! We saw Gettysburg, the Capital, the White House, Mount Vernon, the national mall, and tons of other stuff! It was awesome!
There were lots of other things that happened during my time at Van Hise. Overall, my Van Hise experience was awesome!
First of all, I’m glad we came to Madison after my last year of pre-school in Kentucky. Van Hise is a great, supporting place to be. Moving here in the summer helped, so I didn't come in the middle of the year. I was comfortable here instantly and I was surprised I hadn't lived here my whole life. Once, I stood by my locker all recess long because I didn't want to go out! We all felt so free in Kindergarten.
There were lots of field trips in first grade but besides that, nothing much happened. I didn't really like school.
Second grade was my turning point. I didn't think I’d like Mr. C so much. He seemed really strict. Actually, he was really cool. He was more funny than strict and just wanted us to shine to our full potential. That was also the year we did the clay stomp! I remember our class being the first ones to play in the clay. Also, I remember the funny juggler.
In third grade, I had Mr. C again. Third grade was awesome! We made a class rap; the highlight of the year! The rap was about confidence and breaking out of your shell. We sang it to the school during the last assembly of the year. I remember I threw up one day and went home early!
Lots of things happened in fifth grade. We wrote raps again. This time though, we were in small groups. My group’s rap was about climate change. Eventually we sung them at the Great Dane! It was a blast! We also did some debates that Ethan and I suggested! We were inspired by the presidential debates. At the day of the debates, school board president James Howard came in and watched out debates. He thought it was cool that we were debating how to solve global warming and whether kids should have cell phones. Also, I went to D.C. I was the alternate for the trip but I still got to go! We saw Gettysburg, the Capital, the White House, Mount Vernon, the national mall, and tons of other stuff! It was awesome!
There were lots of other things that happened during my time at Van Hise. Overall, my Van Hise experience was awesome!
Celia
VHE Memories
Here is a recollection of all my years at VHE.
Kindergarten (2007/2008), Ms. Robbins
I don’t remember kindergarten very well because it seems like a long time ago. But here are some things that I do remember. The time before the school year started, my dad and I had to go to see Doug. I was scared, but when I got there, he had his hilarious elephant puppet, Flugelhorn, which calmed me down quite a bit.
Around the middle of the school year, I remember some boys calling each other “dude.” One said to me, “You can’t be a dude ‘cause you’re a girl.” I went home and told my mom. The next day I came back and said to him, “Well, I can be a dudette.” Then I stuck out my tongue at him.
First grade (2008/2009) Mrs. Powell
What I remember most about first grade was the principal swap, and also (strangely) the marshmallow and toothpick houses we made with our 2/3 buddies. Once, Kaylee, Maia and I decided to “clean” the lower girl’s bathroom. What we called “cleaning” was actually drenching the mirrors, faucets, floor and ourselves with soapy water. Maia left, and Kaylee and I kept going. When we heard teachers coming, we ran into the stalls.
“We know that you’re in here,” the teacher said. We got in lots of trouble.
Second grade (2009/2010), Mrs. Peterson
One of my most prominent memories from second grade is Mrs. Peterson singing songs about either Badgers, or Bucky Badger, or Wisconsin. She also told stories about her childhood, such as the time when all the power went out and there were about 800 rotten eggs in the local grocery store, so the boys and girls decided to have a rotten egg fight, 400 eggs per side. And then there was story about the chicken that got its head chopped off that ran through the school playground.
Third grade (2010/2011), Ms. Cahill
Third grade was the year of the clay stomp, otherwise known as the cause of the Chosen Foot, which I don’t really understand and I don’t think anyone else does, either.
Fourth grade (2011/2012) Mr. C.
This year was very important. It was the creation of Sody the Spy Dog, the Adventures of a Spy Dog. It was also my first year of Terrace Town, in which I created “Spaghetti Head’s Static Station,” and “Homeless Homo Sapiens and Canines Shelter.”
Mrs. Mahr’s class and my class wrote poems and performed them at the Poetry Slam with some singing and other musical performances included. I named my poem “Expensive Shoe,” about a dog that chews up a shoe.
Fifth grade (2012/2013) Mr. C
The last year was very exciting, particularly because of all the snow. When the hills were slick with ice, our class and our buddy class decided to sled. We ended up all going down the hill in one big heap of sleds and kids. A very important part of this year was the raps that our class wrote. There were lots of things that we did our raps on, such as overcoming shyness, friendship, bullying, environment, animals, and coming to a new country. We worked on them for a long time, and we finally got to perform them at the Great Dane at Hilldale. All other highlight of this year was the Spelling Bee. I expected only to last a couple of rounds, but I made second place! Maia and I also did a project for the science fair. It was on eyeballs.
Here is a recollection of all my years at VHE.
Kindergarten (2007/2008), Ms. Robbins
I don’t remember kindergarten very well because it seems like a long time ago. But here are some things that I do remember. The time before the school year started, my dad and I had to go to see Doug. I was scared, but when I got there, he had his hilarious elephant puppet, Flugelhorn, which calmed me down quite a bit.
Around the middle of the school year, I remember some boys calling each other “dude.” One said to me, “You can’t be a dude ‘cause you’re a girl.” I went home and told my mom. The next day I came back and said to him, “Well, I can be a dudette.” Then I stuck out my tongue at him.
First grade (2008/2009) Mrs. Powell
What I remember most about first grade was the principal swap, and also (strangely) the marshmallow and toothpick houses we made with our 2/3 buddies. Once, Kaylee, Maia and I decided to “clean” the lower girl’s bathroom. What we called “cleaning” was actually drenching the mirrors, faucets, floor and ourselves with soapy water. Maia left, and Kaylee and I kept going. When we heard teachers coming, we ran into the stalls.
“We know that you’re in here,” the teacher said. We got in lots of trouble.
Second grade (2009/2010), Mrs. Peterson
One of my most prominent memories from second grade is Mrs. Peterson singing songs about either Badgers, or Bucky Badger, or Wisconsin. She also told stories about her childhood, such as the time when all the power went out and there were about 800 rotten eggs in the local grocery store, so the boys and girls decided to have a rotten egg fight, 400 eggs per side. And then there was story about the chicken that got its head chopped off that ran through the school playground.
Third grade (2010/2011), Ms. Cahill
Third grade was the year of the clay stomp, otherwise known as the cause of the Chosen Foot, which I don’t really understand and I don’t think anyone else does, either.
Fourth grade (2011/2012) Mr. C.
This year was very important. It was the creation of Sody the Spy Dog, the Adventures of a Spy Dog. It was also my first year of Terrace Town, in which I created “Spaghetti Head’s Static Station,” and “Homeless Homo Sapiens and Canines Shelter.”
Mrs. Mahr’s class and my class wrote poems and performed them at the Poetry Slam with some singing and other musical performances included. I named my poem “Expensive Shoe,” about a dog that chews up a shoe.
Fifth grade (2012/2013) Mr. C
The last year was very exciting, particularly because of all the snow. When the hills were slick with ice, our class and our buddy class decided to sled. We ended up all going down the hill in one big heap of sleds and kids. A very important part of this year was the raps that our class wrote. There were lots of things that we did our raps on, such as overcoming shyness, friendship, bullying, environment, animals, and coming to a new country. We worked on them for a long time, and we finally got to perform them at the Great Dane at Hilldale. All other highlight of this year was the Spelling Bee. I expected only to last a couple of rounds, but I made second place! Maia and I also did a project for the science fair. It was on eyeballs.
Maia
Elementary School Memories
I am so glad that my elementary school has been Van Hise. It's just a great place to be. I have made so many friends over the years, new kids in each grade.
I remember in 2nd grade when there was an empty desk that nobody sat at. It was the desk right next to me. I decided that a new student should sit at that desk. That was Mr. Nobody. Soon everyone knew about him. Sadly, all he had as school supplies were two rolls of tape.
In 4th grade the Brewer's game in Milwaukee was awesome! Celia, Ryley and I were laughing so much that we were talking and laughing more than watching the game! I was also very excited that one of the players had one of the same last names as me.
One really fun 5th grade memory was when Celia and I recited our Sody rap in front of the K/1s at lunchtime. Right after we performed our raps, Josh went on the stage to sing "Let it Snow." In the act, Charlie was playing the cello and Joseph was supposed to throw "snow" on Josh during the song. The only problem was that there was hardly any "snow" in the basket Joseph was holding. Joseph threw all the snow in the beginning of the song so that at the end, there was no snow left to throw. For the rest of the song, Joseph was just standing on the stage without doing anything. Unfortunately, when Joseph threw the "snow," it missed Josh. The whole thing was so funny! Celia and I were laughing so hard.
Another really fun time this year (5th grade) was in winter when Mr. C's and Ms. Zucker's classes went sledding. Our class (Mr. C's class) decided to slide down all together as one big pack. We grabbed onto each other's sleds and down we went. We would always crash into each other. Sometimes if kids weren't looking out, someone would sled down the hill and knock that person over! We had a blast!
A third really fun highlight of elementary school was at the carnival in 5th grade. For the raffle, I really wanted Ms. Cantwell's Yummy Time. When the Yummy Time bag was being shuffled, I was so nervous. But then I heard "The winner is...MAIA!" Kathryn and I screamed so loudly! I was so excited! The Yummy Time meal was awesome. When Celia, Ryley, Kathryn and I came into the art room, we saw a ton of really bright colors. It was so cool! Ms. Cantwell said that there were bright colors because I was one of her students who wore the brightest clothes. At each of the spots, there was a take-apart eraser. They were all hedgehogs in different colors. The food that I chose was really good.
I have many more memories from elementary school. Van Hise has helped make them. I am so glad Van Hise has been my elementary school. SO GLAD.
I am so glad that my elementary school has been Van Hise. It's just a great place to be. I have made so many friends over the years, new kids in each grade.
I remember in 2nd grade when there was an empty desk that nobody sat at. It was the desk right next to me. I decided that a new student should sit at that desk. That was Mr. Nobody. Soon everyone knew about him. Sadly, all he had as school supplies were two rolls of tape.
In 4th grade the Brewer's game in Milwaukee was awesome! Celia, Ryley and I were laughing so much that we were talking and laughing more than watching the game! I was also very excited that one of the players had one of the same last names as me.
One really fun 5th grade memory was when Celia and I recited our Sody rap in front of the K/1s at lunchtime. Right after we performed our raps, Josh went on the stage to sing "Let it Snow." In the act, Charlie was playing the cello and Joseph was supposed to throw "snow" on Josh during the song. The only problem was that there was hardly any "snow" in the basket Joseph was holding. Joseph threw all the snow in the beginning of the song so that at the end, there was no snow left to throw. For the rest of the song, Joseph was just standing on the stage without doing anything. Unfortunately, when Joseph threw the "snow," it missed Josh. The whole thing was so funny! Celia and I were laughing so hard.
Another really fun time this year (5th grade) was in winter when Mr. C's and Ms. Zucker's classes went sledding. Our class (Mr. C's class) decided to slide down all together as one big pack. We grabbed onto each other's sleds and down we went. We would always crash into each other. Sometimes if kids weren't looking out, someone would sled down the hill and knock that person over! We had a blast!
A third really fun highlight of elementary school was at the carnival in 5th grade. For the raffle, I really wanted Ms. Cantwell's Yummy Time. When the Yummy Time bag was being shuffled, I was so nervous. But then I heard "The winner is...MAIA!" Kathryn and I screamed so loudly! I was so excited! The Yummy Time meal was awesome. When Celia, Ryley, Kathryn and I came into the art room, we saw a ton of really bright colors. It was so cool! Ms. Cantwell said that there were bright colors because I was one of her students who wore the brightest clothes. At each of the spots, there was a take-apart eraser. They were all hedgehogs in different colors. The food that I chose was really good.
I have many more memories from elementary school. Van Hise has helped make them. I am so glad Van Hise has been my elementary school. SO GLAD.
Ryley
I have been at VHE for 6 years and I love the fact that I attended the same school for my entire elementary career. This place (which is just around the corner from my house) really feels like home.
Kindergarten 2007-2008
In Kindergarten on the first day of school I was very nervous. That morning up until school started I clung onto my mom’s hand. But once the bell rang she had to leave. After going inside I got to know my teacher Ms. Robbins and made friends with some of the students. I got pretty comfortable with my surroundings and friends very fast. I made friends with a lot of people from my class and other classes.
1st grade 2008-2009
On the first day of 1st grade we got a new principal, Mrs. Keeler. I met her in the morning while she was talking to our old principal, Mrs. Frentz who was going to a different school. My teacher was Mrs. Powell. One time she let us build houses out of toothpicks and marshmallows. I tried to make a really tall one but it ended up just being wide. I was sad when she threw it away after a week (but that was only because I thought we were going to eat them).
2nd grade 2009-2010
In second grade my teacher was Mrs. Clark. On the 100th day of school the classes celebrated by having different activities in each room involving 100 of something. In one room you could make a 100 bead necklace or a building with 100 toothpicks and 100 marshmallows. Also that year we did Terrace Town with our buddies, Mr. Ginsberg’s class. Terrace Town is where you make small houses and buildings out of recyclable materials such as cereal boxes or oatmeal containers. The Terrace Town motto is “Go Green!” and it happens every other year.
3rd grade 2010-2011
In all of Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade our mascot was the Tigers and our school colors were orange and black but in third grade we had a vote for a new mascot and new school colors. The choices for a new mascot were The Hammerhead Sharks, Hornets, Hedgehogs, or you could chose to keep the Tigers, the colors were lime green and another color. I chose the Hedgehogs and lime green and turquoise and they won! My teacher was Mrs. Brown. One time during the school year she put me in a pod with seven boys and no other girls because she thought I could handle them. It was actually kind of fun because I got to tell them to be quiet and to get working.
4th grade 2011-2012
In fourth grade my teacher was Mr. Christopherson; he is funny. Throughout the year we did fun stuff like the all-school basketball game Kids V.S. Teachers. Our class was at the back against the bleachers so we were allowed to stand. Another fun thing was the Colonial fair where everyone dressed up as a person from the Colonial Days and gave a skit about something they researched with a group. That year we did Terrace Town again but we made it with a different class and I made more stuff this time than last.
5th grade 2012-2013
This year I became a patrol and it was fun! I got to be a playground patrol and a greeter but I only got to be a patrol for 2 seasons. Mr. C was my teacher again he helped us make raps in groups along with Mrs. Mahr’s class. I made a rap with 3 other people about endangered animals. We also did the DWE (Discover Wisconsin Expo) project which is where we pick a place in Wisconsin and fill out a packet about it and make a presentation board about it. When we finished the project, , classes came in and we shared what we found out with the students on a designated day.
Kindergarten 2007-2008
In Kindergarten on the first day of school I was very nervous. That morning up until school started I clung onto my mom’s hand. But once the bell rang she had to leave. After going inside I got to know my teacher Ms. Robbins and made friends with some of the students. I got pretty comfortable with my surroundings and friends very fast. I made friends with a lot of people from my class and other classes.
1st grade 2008-2009
On the first day of 1st grade we got a new principal, Mrs. Keeler. I met her in the morning while she was talking to our old principal, Mrs. Frentz who was going to a different school. My teacher was Mrs. Powell. One time she let us build houses out of toothpicks and marshmallows. I tried to make a really tall one but it ended up just being wide. I was sad when she threw it away after a week (but that was only because I thought we were going to eat them).
2nd grade 2009-2010
In second grade my teacher was Mrs. Clark. On the 100th day of school the classes celebrated by having different activities in each room involving 100 of something. In one room you could make a 100 bead necklace or a building with 100 toothpicks and 100 marshmallows. Also that year we did Terrace Town with our buddies, Mr. Ginsberg’s class. Terrace Town is where you make small houses and buildings out of recyclable materials such as cereal boxes or oatmeal containers. The Terrace Town motto is “Go Green!” and it happens every other year.
3rd grade 2010-2011
In all of Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade our mascot was the Tigers and our school colors were orange and black but in third grade we had a vote for a new mascot and new school colors. The choices for a new mascot were The Hammerhead Sharks, Hornets, Hedgehogs, or you could chose to keep the Tigers, the colors were lime green and another color. I chose the Hedgehogs and lime green and turquoise and they won! My teacher was Mrs. Brown. One time during the school year she put me in a pod with seven boys and no other girls because she thought I could handle them. It was actually kind of fun because I got to tell them to be quiet and to get working.
4th grade 2011-2012
In fourth grade my teacher was Mr. Christopherson; he is funny. Throughout the year we did fun stuff like the all-school basketball game Kids V.S. Teachers. Our class was at the back against the bleachers so we were allowed to stand. Another fun thing was the Colonial fair where everyone dressed up as a person from the Colonial Days and gave a skit about something they researched with a group. That year we did Terrace Town again but we made it with a different class and I made more stuff this time than last.
5th grade 2012-2013
This year I became a patrol and it was fun! I got to be a playground patrol and a greeter but I only got to be a patrol for 2 seasons. Mr. C was my teacher again he helped us make raps in groups along with Mrs. Mahr’s class. I made a rap with 3 other people about endangered animals. We also did the DWE (Discover Wisconsin Expo) project which is where we pick a place in Wisconsin and fill out a packet about it and make a presentation board about it. When we finished the project, , classes came in and we shared what we found out with the students on a designated day.
Youkyoung
Looking Back From 4th Grade
Do you remember your first year of school?
Last year was my first year at Van Hise Elementary. WE had a 2 month sub for Mrs. Martin (Mrs. Smith was the sub) because Mrs. Martin slammed her thumb between bricks and she lost a nail and sprained her thumb. That was a BIG situation. WE also went to the Cave of the Mounds which was cool. WE got to see a nature made “parrot” and we got cave kisses which were just water dripping from the cave’s ceiling. We also had the Middle Ages fair where we could buy stuff. But it was a bummer when Mrs. Martin said that we could only bring $1.00. Then Mrs. Pelleteri came to the rescue. She paid $3 just for me on the feathered pen! I owe her, but she retired. My memories from this year are the Potluck which was when we collected food from different cultures and, well, ate it. We went to Dairy Expo (Moo), Farmer’s Market, and Old World Wisconsin. We got to see cows in the Dairy Expo, interviewed farmers in the Farmer’s Market and got to be historians at Old World Wisconsin. On Valentine’s Day we got plates and everyone wrote something nice on the plates. All the events were fun! I remember the time we went sledding with or buddies. My buddy is Sophia. She’s really nice. I caught her when she almost fell off the sled. Phew! I also remember when Mrs. Mahr & Mr. C’s class went sledding, too. We could also snow shoe. That was a good day. The food that we ate was delicious! (That was the day of the potluck) I hope I can make more good memories during the few days left of school!
Do you remember your first year of school?
Last year was my first year at Van Hise Elementary. WE had a 2 month sub for Mrs. Martin (Mrs. Smith was the sub) because Mrs. Martin slammed her thumb between bricks and she lost a nail and sprained her thumb. That was a BIG situation. WE also went to the Cave of the Mounds which was cool. WE got to see a nature made “parrot” and we got cave kisses which were just water dripping from the cave’s ceiling. We also had the Middle Ages fair where we could buy stuff. But it was a bummer when Mrs. Martin said that we could only bring $1.00. Then Mrs. Pelleteri came to the rescue. She paid $3 just for me on the feathered pen! I owe her, but she retired. My memories from this year are the Potluck which was when we collected food from different cultures and, well, ate it. We went to Dairy Expo (Moo), Farmer’s Market, and Old World Wisconsin. We got to see cows in the Dairy Expo, interviewed farmers in the Farmer’s Market and got to be historians at Old World Wisconsin. On Valentine’s Day we got plates and everyone wrote something nice on the plates. All the events were fun! I remember the time we went sledding with or buddies. My buddy is Sophia. She’s really nice. I caught her when she almost fell off the sled. Phew! I also remember when Mrs. Mahr & Mr. C’s class went sledding, too. We could also snow shoe. That was a good day. The food that we ate was delicious! (That was the day of the potluck) I hope I can make more good memories during the few days left of school!
Gaby
VHE MEMORIES
Do you remember some of your kindergarten through 5th grade memories?
I remember some.
My first day of kindergarten was scary at first because I didn’t know anyone, but Mrs. Riecke’s class did some fun activities to get to know each other.
My 1st grade memories include taking some awesome field trips to some awesome places like Cherokee Marsh and The Farmer’s Market.
One of my most absolute favorite memories in 2nd grade was having the all school clay stomp where we got to do lots of outdoor and indoor games, stomp on the clay and make a beautiful mural.
I enjoyed having Mr. Stovall as my 3rd grade teacher because he let us have pizza parties every time everyone in the class got 100% on their spelling test.
I remember doing Terrace Town 2012 in 4th grade. Mrs. Mahr’s and Mr. C’s class had brainstormed ideas for things to make. Once we had lots of ideas, we started making things and then put all the things together to make it look like a town. All the hard work finally paid off in the end.
In 5th grade I remember getting into the school spelling bee. When I had finished spelling all my words, I had left for math next door in Mr. C’s class. When I had come back to put my stuff away for recess I saw my name on the board along with others for the spelling bee. I was SUPER excited!
Those were my VHE memories, but I know I’ll have some more memories to add next year up the hall.
Do you remember some of your kindergarten through 5th grade memories?
I remember some.
My first day of kindergarten was scary at first because I didn’t know anyone, but Mrs. Riecke’s class did some fun activities to get to know each other.
My 1st grade memories include taking some awesome field trips to some awesome places like Cherokee Marsh and The Farmer’s Market.
One of my most absolute favorite memories in 2nd grade was having the all school clay stomp where we got to do lots of outdoor and indoor games, stomp on the clay and make a beautiful mural.
I enjoyed having Mr. Stovall as my 3rd grade teacher because he let us have pizza parties every time everyone in the class got 100% on their spelling test.
I remember doing Terrace Town 2012 in 4th grade. Mrs. Mahr’s and Mr. C’s class had brainstormed ideas for things to make. Once we had lots of ideas, we started making things and then put all the things together to make it look like a town. All the hard work finally paid off in the end.
In 5th grade I remember getting into the school spelling bee. When I had finished spelling all my words, I had left for math next door in Mr. C’s class. When I had come back to put my stuff away for recess I saw my name on the board along with others for the spelling bee. I was SUPER excited!
Those were my VHE memories, but I know I’ll have some more memories to add next year up the hall.
Marie Helene
MY YEARS AT VAN HISE
I am so sad for the end of the year. There have been so many great days at Van Hise for the last two years that I was here. There are so many but I can only say a few.
One of the great days I remember is going to old world Wisconsin. It was so fun. First we went to the village. My favorite part was the black smith. There he melted metal to make into a hook. First he hammered it and then he cooled it in a tub of water.
Next we went to the German area. That was fun to because we go to play tug a war with oxen. The oxen won and dragged us trough the dirt. We also got to see chickens one even laid an egg.
Lastly went to the Norwegian area. My favorite part was going to school. We got to write on slates and read old books. Then we went to eat lunch by that time it was raining so we ate under a canopy it was a great day.
I also remember going to the Great Dane to sing our raps it was really hard to come up with the raps but it was worth it in the end. My group went first I was nervous at first but then I realized it wasn’t so hard after all. I ended up having a great time at the Great Dane.
I will really miss Van Hise and all the friends I made. I will also miss the great teachers I had at Van Hise. I am so sad for the last day of school. I am going to move to New York as of June 14 2013. I had such a great time here at Van Hise.
I am so sad for the end of the year. There have been so many great days at Van Hise for the last two years that I was here. There are so many but I can only say a few.
One of the great days I remember is going to old world Wisconsin. It was so fun. First we went to the village. My favorite part was the black smith. There he melted metal to make into a hook. First he hammered it and then he cooled it in a tub of water.
Next we went to the German area. That was fun to because we go to play tug a war with oxen. The oxen won and dragged us trough the dirt. We also got to see chickens one even laid an egg.
Lastly went to the Norwegian area. My favorite part was going to school. We got to write on slates and read old books. Then we went to eat lunch by that time it was raining so we ate under a canopy it was a great day.
I also remember going to the Great Dane to sing our raps it was really hard to come up with the raps but it was worth it in the end. My group went first I was nervous at first but then I realized it wasn’t so hard after all. I ended up having a great time at the Great Dane.
I will really miss Van Hise and all the friends I made. I will also miss the great teachers I had at Van Hise. I am so sad for the last day of school. I am going to move to New York as of June 14 2013. I had such a great time here at Van Hise.
Joseph
I came to Van Hise in first grade from Shorewood. I don’t really remember the details, but Mrs. Mahr held a party once for her birthday. We had a whole station with things for ice cream sundaes, M&M (of course), ice cream, chocolate syrup and all different sorts of toppings. We all topped it and ate it. The sundae was delicious. I still have the little cup from the party.
In second grade, I came back from China on September 8th. I came to school after the year had started. I was sort of nervous but I knew Mr. C from the year before. After school had blasted off, I forgot about coming to school late.
There was a trip to the farmers’ market later in the year. When we came back, we had wagons of good food. I particularly enjoyed the stuff the parents had made from the food. It was delicious. The fruit was also very yummy.
In third grade, I was in Mrs. Zucker’s class. I very liked the discussions in Mrs. Stehle’s room. It was for science but the unit had ended. All kids in Mrs. Zucker’s room joined in a conversation about deep questions with several points of view. Some topics included: Where do you go when you’re dead? How was life created? And so on. It was very interesting to hear others say their opinion.
In fourth grade, I was back to Mr. C’s class. I got lots of inspiration from the Higgs lecture from professor Wu. I went to WID with Charlie, Frank Seeger and Mr. C. We had a good time hanging out before and after the lecture. During the lecture, professor Wu talked about the Higgs boson, a newly detected particle thought to be responsible for mass. The talk was very informing. It gave me inspiration for my rap.
Tamano
MY MEMORIES AT VAN HISE ELEMENTARY
My memories at VHE start when I first came here from Japan in 2nd grade. Although it was only two months that I spent in VHE during 2nd grade, it was a great year. I couldn’t understand and speak English for a while. But Mrs. Clark and my classmates were so kind and friendly. I leaned English slowly, and was so glad that I could talk and play with my classmates. We had a Clay Stomp, and a field trip to the zoo. All was fun.
After that year, Mr. C became my homeroom teacher until my last year at VHE. I like both Mr. C and Ms. Mahr a lot. I think Mr. C is very fun and wise, while Mrs. Mahr is very gentle and caring. In 4th grade, Mr. C taught Math and Social Studies and Mrs. Mahr taught Literacy and Science. This year Mr. C teaches Math and Science and Mrs. Mahr teaches Literacy and Social Studies.
During 3rd grade, I still couldn’t talk well in English, but Mr. C, Ms. Betzweiser and Ms. Rose supported me and helped me to improve my English. My friend, Monona, is Japanese, so she helped me understand what was going on. I was happy and I wished to be able to help someone like me someday, too! And this wish came true during 5th grade, because I’m helping Hayato like Monona helped me. That year, I published my first book in English, called “The Raccoon Dog.” I first wrote it in Japanese and Ms. Rose translated it into English. That year, we also recorded the rap song, “Quest 4 Confidence”. I made a rap song for the first time of life.
During 4th grade, we had a lot of new things. We had the Colonial Fair for Social Studies, C.O.P.S, field trips, and having different teachers for different subjects, and new friends! Kassidy was one of my best friends. She was so friendly and fun to be with. We went to a lot of exciting field trip during the year. We went to a UW girls’ hockey game, a baseball game and more. The 5th graders went to Chicago for their patrol field trip. After I heard that patrols could go on a special trip, I was excited to become a 5th grader. The Colonial Fair was blast! I did arts and crafts. There was a lot more than only arts and crafts. For our presentation, we read books about colonial times and then, we made up a skit. After we were done practicing, other classes watched and we answered their questions about what we did. It was fun! For C.O.P.S, we learned what is good and bad from officer Tom. He talked about avoiding smoking, gangs, and more.
During 5th grade, we did a Discover Wisconsin project. I partnered up with Raia to make a report about Eau Claire. We had a whole two hours to present this to other classes. It was a fun project! One of my great memories during the year was a party at The Great Dane! We performed our original hip-hop song again, this time with Christina, Hayato, Kaylee, Mattie, and Fabius. We made the song not only in English but also in Japanese. After the performance, we spent a very fun night in the pub! Finally, for the first time, I performed at the talent show this year. I played violin with Gaby, Youkyoung, Monona, and Irene; Hayato’s mom played a piano with us. I think we did a great job. Anyway, this became one of my great memories in VHE.
I am so excited to go to a middle school next year. But I will never forget my great times in VHE.
My memories at VHE start when I first came here from Japan in 2nd grade. Although it was only two months that I spent in VHE during 2nd grade, it was a great year. I couldn’t understand and speak English for a while. But Mrs. Clark and my classmates were so kind and friendly. I leaned English slowly, and was so glad that I could talk and play with my classmates. We had a Clay Stomp, and a field trip to the zoo. All was fun.
After that year, Mr. C became my homeroom teacher until my last year at VHE. I like both Mr. C and Ms. Mahr a lot. I think Mr. C is very fun and wise, while Mrs. Mahr is very gentle and caring. In 4th grade, Mr. C taught Math and Social Studies and Mrs. Mahr taught Literacy and Science. This year Mr. C teaches Math and Science and Mrs. Mahr teaches Literacy and Social Studies.
During 3rd grade, I still couldn’t talk well in English, but Mr. C, Ms. Betzweiser and Ms. Rose supported me and helped me to improve my English. My friend, Monona, is Japanese, so she helped me understand what was going on. I was happy and I wished to be able to help someone like me someday, too! And this wish came true during 5th grade, because I’m helping Hayato like Monona helped me. That year, I published my first book in English, called “The Raccoon Dog.” I first wrote it in Japanese and Ms. Rose translated it into English. That year, we also recorded the rap song, “Quest 4 Confidence”. I made a rap song for the first time of life.
During 4th grade, we had a lot of new things. We had the Colonial Fair for Social Studies, C.O.P.S, field trips, and having different teachers for different subjects, and new friends! Kassidy was one of my best friends. She was so friendly and fun to be with. We went to a lot of exciting field trip during the year. We went to a UW girls’ hockey game, a baseball game and more. The 5th graders went to Chicago for their patrol field trip. After I heard that patrols could go on a special trip, I was excited to become a 5th grader. The Colonial Fair was blast! I did arts and crafts. There was a lot more than only arts and crafts. For our presentation, we read books about colonial times and then, we made up a skit. After we were done practicing, other classes watched and we answered their questions about what we did. It was fun! For C.O.P.S, we learned what is good and bad from officer Tom. He talked about avoiding smoking, gangs, and more.
During 5th grade, we did a Discover Wisconsin project. I partnered up with Raia to make a report about Eau Claire. We had a whole two hours to present this to other classes. It was a fun project! One of my great memories during the year was a party at The Great Dane! We performed our original hip-hop song again, this time with Christina, Hayato, Kaylee, Mattie, and Fabius. We made the song not only in English but also in Japanese. After the performance, we spent a very fun night in the pub! Finally, for the first time, I performed at the talent show this year. I played violin with Gaby, Youkyoung, Monona, and Irene; Hayato’s mom played a piano with us. I think we did a great job. Anyway, this became one of my great memories in VHE.
I am so excited to go to a middle school next year. But I will never forget my great times in VHE.
Casper
What’s are your favorite memories of school? Well here are some of mine.
In 3rd grade, I was the new kid at VHE. But I soon got used to VHE pretty quick because from 1st grade I was switching schools each year. I think my best memory from VHE came when I was in 4/5, either because there the most recent or because they were the funnest. So let’s start in 4th grade when I had to say the funnest time back then was probably going to see the Brew crew play some baseball and I think the team they were playing was the New York Giants. I am almost sure that the score was 7-4 for the BREW CREW!!!!!! Unfortunately, I had to leave early to go to 56ers tryouts :(.
Another fun thing from 4th grade was terrace town, and if you’re wondering what terrace town is, it’s were schools or other groups make buildings and/or designs made of recyclable things, such as paper, cardboard, etc. The designs are suppose to help the environment not pollute or waste as little energy as possible or if plausible none. What I built for terrace town was a way of transportation over usually hard places to travel through which makes it easier to go to your destination with only your energy. I think that's all I really made for terrace town. And my last memory for 4th grade was the earliest memory of that year. what this memory is early in the year we meaning Mrs. Mahr and Mr. C's class went down to the farmers market to interview a farmer/vendor about there product and lucky for me i got to interview a meat vendor. sorry but i don't remember what i asked him/her about the meat.
so lets move on to 5th grade, another year more memory's to come. one of the most recent memory's was when we went to old world Wisconsin, I'm only going to name a few of the places we went to (1 for every place we went to; German Norway and i don't remember the other one) one fun one we went to to was the school house. he really made it so it was like a school house back then, which i thought was pretty cool. but another one that i thought was the coolest was the blacksmith he actually gave us a hook to keep for are classroom that he just made. lastly we got to go to see an Ox and we got to play tug a war with them and they destroyed us, and we had are whole class!!! that is it for my memory's hope you've enjoyed.
In 3rd grade, I was the new kid at VHE. But I soon got used to VHE pretty quick because from 1st grade I was switching schools each year. I think my best memory from VHE came when I was in 4/5, either because there the most recent or because they were the funnest. So let’s start in 4th grade when I had to say the funnest time back then was probably going to see the Brew crew play some baseball and I think the team they were playing was the New York Giants. I am almost sure that the score was 7-4 for the BREW CREW!!!!!! Unfortunately, I had to leave early to go to 56ers tryouts :(.
Another fun thing from 4th grade was terrace town, and if you’re wondering what terrace town is, it’s were schools or other groups make buildings and/or designs made of recyclable things, such as paper, cardboard, etc. The designs are suppose to help the environment not pollute or waste as little energy as possible or if plausible none. What I built for terrace town was a way of transportation over usually hard places to travel through which makes it easier to go to your destination with only your energy. I think that's all I really made for terrace town. And my last memory for 4th grade was the earliest memory of that year. what this memory is early in the year we meaning Mrs. Mahr and Mr. C's class went down to the farmers market to interview a farmer/vendor about there product and lucky for me i got to interview a meat vendor. sorry but i don't remember what i asked him/her about the meat.
so lets move on to 5th grade, another year more memory's to come. one of the most recent memory's was when we went to old world Wisconsin, I'm only going to name a few of the places we went to (1 for every place we went to; German Norway and i don't remember the other one) one fun one we went to to was the school house. he really made it so it was like a school house back then, which i thought was pretty cool. but another one that i thought was the coolest was the blacksmith he actually gave us a hook to keep for are classroom that he just made. lastly we got to go to see an Ox and we got to play tug a war with them and they destroyed us, and we had are whole class!!! that is it for my memory's hope you've enjoyed.
Lynnette
My Years at VHE
The first thing I remember at VHE was all the kids. I didn’t want to meet them or my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hatmaker. I just stood there clinging to my dad’s leg. But the bell rang and my dad had to leave. That begins my 6 awesome years at Van Hise.
In first grade my teacher was Mrs. Mahr. Mrs. Mahr did many fun things when I was in first grade such as memory books. Memory books are fun keepsakes where you fill a little book out and keep it so when you're older you can remember 1st grade. Also with our 2/3 buddies (Mr. C’s class) my class made poems and preformed them in Borders (which is now gone). Parents were invited to Borders to watch their kids preform and people from the community were allowed to watch too!
When I was in 2nd grade I had Mr. Christopherson. That year we did a clay stomp where a man who worked with clay came to our school. He brought mounds of clay that we were allowed to play in. Everybody got covered in clay, even the teachers! I remember that I didn’t want to go in the clay and get dirty but finally I jumped in the clay with some encouragement from my friends. That same year we did Terrace Town. Terrace Town is where you make a mini city out of recyclables. Terrace Town happens every 2 years, and the theme is Go Green.
In 3rd grade I also had Mr. C (Mr. Christopherson.) That year my whole class made 1 rap together. The rap was about being confident in yourself it is called Quest4Confidence. Our class even had a website. The website tells you about our classroom and things we were doing in the classroom. So everyone who accomplished something would have their work put up on the website. Like one time everybody wrote articles about things in school and Mr. C put them on the website.
Then for 4th grade my teacher was Mrs. Mahr (again)!!! In fourth grade I get to do Terrace Town (again) since it happens every 2 years. This time in Terrace Town I made more buildings and other things then the last Terrace Town. I made more buildings with other people then just by myself also then the last time. Plus I made a water bus which can transport you through a lake to the other side. That same year we had an awesome student teacher Ms. Campbell. But sadly at the end of the school year she had to leave just like all the other student teachers before her. After the school year was over Ms. Campbell went to Gambia to teach school.
Now I am in 5th grade with Mrs. Mahr and my 6 wonderful years at Van Hise Elementary has been a great experience.
The first thing I remember at VHE was all the kids. I didn’t want to meet them or my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hatmaker. I just stood there clinging to my dad’s leg. But the bell rang and my dad had to leave. That begins my 6 awesome years at Van Hise.
In first grade my teacher was Mrs. Mahr. Mrs. Mahr did many fun things when I was in first grade such as memory books. Memory books are fun keepsakes where you fill a little book out and keep it so when you're older you can remember 1st grade. Also with our 2/3 buddies (Mr. C’s class) my class made poems and preformed them in Borders (which is now gone). Parents were invited to Borders to watch their kids preform and people from the community were allowed to watch too!
When I was in 2nd grade I had Mr. Christopherson. That year we did a clay stomp where a man who worked with clay came to our school. He brought mounds of clay that we were allowed to play in. Everybody got covered in clay, even the teachers! I remember that I didn’t want to go in the clay and get dirty but finally I jumped in the clay with some encouragement from my friends. That same year we did Terrace Town. Terrace Town is where you make a mini city out of recyclables. Terrace Town happens every 2 years, and the theme is Go Green.
In 3rd grade I also had Mr. C (Mr. Christopherson.) That year my whole class made 1 rap together. The rap was about being confident in yourself it is called Quest4Confidence. Our class even had a website. The website tells you about our classroom and things we were doing in the classroom. So everyone who accomplished something would have their work put up on the website. Like one time everybody wrote articles about things in school and Mr. C put them on the website.
Then for 4th grade my teacher was Mrs. Mahr (again)!!! In fourth grade I get to do Terrace Town (again) since it happens every 2 years. This time in Terrace Town I made more buildings and other things then the last Terrace Town. I made more buildings with other people then just by myself also then the last time. Plus I made a water bus which can transport you through a lake to the other side. That same year we had an awesome student teacher Ms. Campbell. But sadly at the end of the school year she had to leave just like all the other student teachers before her. After the school year was over Ms. Campbell went to Gambia to teach school.
Now I am in 5th grade with Mrs. Mahr and my 6 wonderful years at Van Hise Elementary has been a great experience.
Oskar
My Years At V.H.E.
In kindergarten my teacher was Ms. Robbins, she liked me a lot. It was a totally different experience going to school, it was hard to make friends and know who to hang around with.
Then in first grade I had one of my favorite teachers, Ms. Powell. Ms. Powell was one of my favorite teachers, because she always knew what I could and what I couldn’t do. So, she knew my limits well. I also liked the way she taught because she always confirmed with us that we understood the concepts being taught.
Onto second grade, In second grade my teacher was Mr. Christopherson, but everyone called him Mr. C. I never thought Mr. C liked me because I wasn’t used to a teacher being so strict. I just thought, "Oh he doesn’t like me" and carried on with my school work. Somewhere in the middle of the school year we started a project called Terrace Town. In Terrace Town you build a miniature city out of recyclables. Kyle, Deva, and I worked on a building together. We made a rain water building almost like a pyramid with a big ice cream tub on the top! When the rain water passed through it, it generated electricity and purified the water.
In third grade my teacher was Mr. Stovall. I can't remember much of third grade, but I know that one time when the class went on a field trip and I forgot my money Mr. Stovall loaned me some money and I was very grateful. Also in third grade I met my soon-to-be best friend,Toby. He and I didn’t get along too well until fourth grade.
In fourth grade I got Mrs. Mahr as my teacher. She is by far my favorite teacher because she has a great sense of humor and she and I think alike sometimes. Now in fourth grade Mrs. Mahr and Mr. C's classes worked together, Mr. C taught Math and Social Studies and Mrs. Mahr taught Literacy and Science. The other subjects were specials like Phy Ed, Music, Library etc... taught by separate teachers. In fourth grade Toby and I became best friends. We did a lot of things together. Also in fourth grade I realized that Mr. C really likes me because I got used to his strict ways and understood why he was so strict and it made sense. So, he became one of my favorite teachers in fourth grade.
Finally, fifth grade. Once again Mrs. Mahr is my teacher, only this time around Mr. C teaches Math and Science and Mrs. Mahr teaches Literacy and Social Studies. In fifth grade,Toby and I hung out a lot and we both started to like “ My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic” in late fourth grade. I hope all my teachers loved to teach my peers and I, because I know I loved being taught by them!!
In kindergarten my teacher was Ms. Robbins, she liked me a lot. It was a totally different experience going to school, it was hard to make friends and know who to hang around with.
Then in first grade I had one of my favorite teachers, Ms. Powell. Ms. Powell was one of my favorite teachers, because she always knew what I could and what I couldn’t do. So, she knew my limits well. I also liked the way she taught because she always confirmed with us that we understood the concepts being taught.
Onto second grade, In second grade my teacher was Mr. Christopherson, but everyone called him Mr. C. I never thought Mr. C liked me because I wasn’t used to a teacher being so strict. I just thought, "Oh he doesn’t like me" and carried on with my school work. Somewhere in the middle of the school year we started a project called Terrace Town. In Terrace Town you build a miniature city out of recyclables. Kyle, Deva, and I worked on a building together. We made a rain water building almost like a pyramid with a big ice cream tub on the top! When the rain water passed through it, it generated electricity and purified the water.
In third grade my teacher was Mr. Stovall. I can't remember much of third grade, but I know that one time when the class went on a field trip and I forgot my money Mr. Stovall loaned me some money and I was very grateful. Also in third grade I met my soon-to-be best friend,Toby. He and I didn’t get along too well until fourth grade.
In fourth grade I got Mrs. Mahr as my teacher. She is by far my favorite teacher because she has a great sense of humor and she and I think alike sometimes. Now in fourth grade Mrs. Mahr and Mr. C's classes worked together, Mr. C taught Math and Social Studies and Mrs. Mahr taught Literacy and Science. The other subjects were specials like Phy Ed, Music, Library etc... taught by separate teachers. In fourth grade Toby and I became best friends. We did a lot of things together. Also in fourth grade I realized that Mr. C really likes me because I got used to his strict ways and understood why he was so strict and it made sense. So, he became one of my favorite teachers in fourth grade.
Finally, fifth grade. Once again Mrs. Mahr is my teacher, only this time around Mr. C teaches Math and Science and Mrs. Mahr teaches Literacy and Social Studies. In fifth grade,Toby and I hung out a lot and we both started to like “ My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic” in late fourth grade. I hope all my teachers loved to teach my peers and I, because I know I loved being taught by them!!
Seegz
Pre-graduation memories
In all, my VHE experience was awesome. I learned many things, but I have picked out just the highlights.
Kindergarten
Teacher: Mrs. Robbins
In kindergarten, one of the regular classes was the computer lab, taught by our fantastic art teacher, Beth Cantwell. We learned the basics of technology, such as computer illustration and the internet.
1st grade
Teacher: Mrs. Mahr
For ist grade, we had a special ceremony called the clay stomp. Everyone made a carving to put up as a wall decoration (currently on a VHE wall). We stomped in clay and played water games to clean up. My favorite part was when a guy came on top of a table outside and juggled chainsaws, knives, and lit torches.
2nd grade
Teacher: Mr. Christopherson
In 2nd grade, I went into Mr. C’s class and helped with theQuest4confidence, a project meant to help release student’s potential. We spread the word by making a website, quest4confidence.weebly.com, and selling CDs of a rap created to go with it.
3rd grade
Teacher: Mrs. Zucker
On to 3rd grade, I participated in an event called terrace town, where students create buildings out of completely recyclable material, and combine them to make a realistic town. I created myself a mineral shop, and with a partner, I created a planetarium.
4th grade
Teacher: Mr. Christopherson
4th grade was so cool, I have TWO highlights. Back in Mr. C’s class, I had a debate with Henry about what we should do to stop global warming. And afterwards, Max, Ethan, Henry, Lauren, and I created a rap about global warming, called global warning, and spreading awareness. I also started a website called Oxygen Soldiers.
In all, my VHE experience was awesome. I learned many things, but I have picked out just the highlights.
Kindergarten
Teacher: Mrs. Robbins
In kindergarten, one of the regular classes was the computer lab, taught by our fantastic art teacher, Beth Cantwell. We learned the basics of technology, such as computer illustration and the internet.
1st grade
Teacher: Mrs. Mahr
For ist grade, we had a special ceremony called the clay stomp. Everyone made a carving to put up as a wall decoration (currently on a VHE wall). We stomped in clay and played water games to clean up. My favorite part was when a guy came on top of a table outside and juggled chainsaws, knives, and lit torches.
2nd grade
Teacher: Mr. Christopherson
In 2nd grade, I went into Mr. C’s class and helped with theQuest4confidence, a project meant to help release student’s potential. We spread the word by making a website, quest4confidence.weebly.com, and selling CDs of a rap created to go with it.
3rd grade
Teacher: Mrs. Zucker
On to 3rd grade, I participated in an event called terrace town, where students create buildings out of completely recyclable material, and combine them to make a realistic town. I created myself a mineral shop, and with a partner, I created a planetarium.
4th grade
Teacher: Mr. Christopherson
4th grade was so cool, I have TWO highlights. Back in Mr. C’s class, I had a debate with Henry about what we should do to stop global warming. And afterwards, Max, Ethan, Henry, Lauren, and I created a rap about global warming, called global warning, and spreading awareness. I also started a website called Oxygen Soldiers.
Ryan
Van Hise Memories
Do you remember your first day of kindergarten? I sure do. I cried so much when my parents left, but soon after that, my class started to play outside and do fun activities. Ever since that I’ve always wanted to go to school.
Every year my school goes to something special at Hamilton Middle School called the medieval fair. I love it so much because you can buy lots of great food and lots of medieval toys.
In fourth grade all of the 4th /5th grade classes went a brewer game. The Brewers played against the San Francisco Giants. The Brewers won 8 to 5. I can remember how excited I was! I was cheering so loud I bet the whole ballpark could hear me!
In January 2013, I found out I accepted to compete in the Geography Bee.
Last but not least, I remember earlier this year in 5th grade, on the third day of school, I was just walking casually in my classroom, when BOOM, I open my eyes and my face is on the floor! I noticed my front two teeth were broken in half! “OMG! OMG! OMG!” I was freaking out! Would my teeth be like this forever?! But Ms. Mahr brought me to the nurse. Later that day my teeth were fixed!
I’ve had six incredible years at VHE! I can’t wait to see what middle school brings me
Do you remember your first day of kindergarten? I sure do. I cried so much when my parents left, but soon after that, my class started to play outside and do fun activities. Ever since that I’ve always wanted to go to school.
Every year my school goes to something special at Hamilton Middle School called the medieval fair. I love it so much because you can buy lots of great food and lots of medieval toys.
In fourth grade all of the 4th /5th grade classes went a brewer game. The Brewers played against the San Francisco Giants. The Brewers won 8 to 5. I can remember how excited I was! I was cheering so loud I bet the whole ballpark could hear me!
In January 2013, I found out I accepted to compete in the Geography Bee.
Last but not least, I remember earlier this year in 5th grade, on the third day of school, I was just walking casually in my classroom, when BOOM, I open my eyes and my face is on the floor! I noticed my front two teeth were broken in half! “OMG! OMG! OMG!” I was freaking out! Would my teeth be like this forever?! But Ms. Mahr brought me to the nurse. Later that day my teeth were fixed!
I’ve had six incredible years at VHE! I can’t wait to see what middle school brings me
Fabius
I have only been at Van Hise for 2 years. When I first came here, I had been at three other schools before, so I am not afraid of being the new kid. Other kids first started warming up to me through playing football. Before that nobody knew who I was, but after football, everyone knew who I was. So my advice for someone who is at a new school is to get in where you fit in. With a little confidence, being the new kid is not so bad at least not as bad as all those movies make it out to be.
Another thing I remember from last year was when Kamden Stark won the hex bug by finding the penny in the tube after Kids my age have been looking for it since Mrs. Cantwell came to Van Hise. When Kamden found it, I went crazy; almost all the boys went berserk with envy that she found it instead of them. Another reason for the reaction was because they were happy for her.
At the Brewers game I had something like $40 in my pocket (twice as much as Macklamore) and my friend Toby bought a 72oz Coke which came with this combo he ordered. He drank some of it then he gave it to me because he could not finish it. I also couldn’t finish it, but when we left, it wasn’t that big of a waste because we took it down to about 10oz. The things I got were a wrist-band, a mini baseball bat and a custom ball. We left before the game ended, but we later found out the Brewers won.
In my second year at Van Hise I moved to Mr. C’s class. I really feel lucky to be here. In two years at VHE I got to experience Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Jimenez’s classes as well as Mr. C and Mrs. Mahr’s classes. In Mr.C’s class I have done raps. When we performed our raps I took part in three songs (most people went on stage only once or twice). The first time was with my group that I wrote a song with, the second time was with When We Arrive A.K.A Tamano, Hayato, Monona, and Christina. And at the end, to close off the entire show I sang solo to the whole crowd. Another amazing thing I did in Mr.C’s class was write 3 articles. I even got fan mail. I never would have thought that I could do something like that. This year I improved my behavior by leaps and bounds. I am grateful for all of these experiences.
Overall I think grade school was fun and I think I might miss it, but I am so excited for Middle School.
Another thing I remember from last year was when Kamden Stark won the hex bug by finding the penny in the tube after Kids my age have been looking for it since Mrs. Cantwell came to Van Hise. When Kamden found it, I went crazy; almost all the boys went berserk with envy that she found it instead of them. Another reason for the reaction was because they were happy for her.
At the Brewers game I had something like $40 in my pocket (twice as much as Macklamore) and my friend Toby bought a 72oz Coke which came with this combo he ordered. He drank some of it then he gave it to me because he could not finish it. I also couldn’t finish it, but when we left, it wasn’t that big of a waste because we took it down to about 10oz. The things I got were a wrist-band, a mini baseball bat and a custom ball. We left before the game ended, but we later found out the Brewers won.
In my second year at Van Hise I moved to Mr. C’s class. I really feel lucky to be here. In two years at VHE I got to experience Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Jimenez’s classes as well as Mr. C and Mrs. Mahr’s classes. In Mr.C’s class I have done raps. When we performed our raps I took part in three songs (most people went on stage only once or twice). The first time was with my group that I wrote a song with, the second time was with When We Arrive A.K.A Tamano, Hayato, Monona, and Christina. And at the end, to close off the entire show I sang solo to the whole crowd. Another amazing thing I did in Mr.C’s class was write 3 articles. I even got fan mail. I never would have thought that I could do something like that. This year I improved my behavior by leaps and bounds. I am grateful for all of these experiences.
Overall I think grade school was fun and I think I might miss it, but I am so excited for Middle School.
Sara
5th grade memories
Have you ever walked into a classroom, feeling entirely new there? The year was 2011. Everyone was trying to figure out who they were sitting by or if they brought the right things. All of those names to remember. Well, I made immediate friends that I still have today. Those friends I will never forget. That year we had a fantastic Colonial Fair. Tamar, Ayla, Kathryn, and I worked on a Salem Witch Trial board for our class’ Colonial Fair. We dressed like olden day people and presented to other classes. It was so humorous. That year we also went to a Brewer’s game. It was such a thrill.
Fifth grade has gone by so fast. I don’t want it to end. So I might as well go through some more memories. Our class had a stellar Wisconsin Expo. We got to choose a place in Wisconsin, do research on that place and present to different classes. This year we also had a spectacular field trip to Old World Wisconsin. Every volunteer did such a great job playing his or her roles! So here ends my last chapter at VHE. Oh! That sounds so dramatic. Middle School is just down the hall. Good-bye VHE, onto middle school I go!
P.S. Visits will be often for my 4/5 teachers.
Have you ever walked into a classroom, feeling entirely new there? The year was 2011. Everyone was trying to figure out who they were sitting by or if they brought the right things. All of those names to remember. Well, I made immediate friends that I still have today. Those friends I will never forget. That year we had a fantastic Colonial Fair. Tamar, Ayla, Kathryn, and I worked on a Salem Witch Trial board for our class’ Colonial Fair. We dressed like olden day people and presented to other classes. It was so humorous. That year we also went to a Brewer’s game. It was such a thrill.
Fifth grade has gone by so fast. I don’t want it to end. So I might as well go through some more memories. Our class had a stellar Wisconsin Expo. We got to choose a place in Wisconsin, do research on that place and present to different classes. This year we also had a spectacular field trip to Old World Wisconsin. Every volunteer did such a great job playing his or her roles! So here ends my last chapter at VHE. Oh! That sounds so dramatic. Middle School is just down the hall. Good-bye VHE, onto middle school I go!
P.S. Visits will be often for my 4/5 teachers.
Tatum
MEMORIES
In the summer of 2011 it was time to go to Wisconsin. My dad got accepted into the UW of Madison, so we had to leave Seattle and drive across six different states for what seemed like forever (but in reality were only four-and-a-half days.)
When the school year started, Mr. C made us each write our names on twenty-four different eggs. And then I thought, why are we doing this? Are we going to eat them? This is confusing! It turns out the eggs were representing our community, with everyone’s name on them. We had to take them home and bring them back the next day in one piece.
I think my favorite memory at Van Hise was Terrace Town. I had never done anything like it before so I was excited. My favorite building that I made was a mini mall that Maia R.C. and I decided to build. There was a tea shop, a flower shop, but my favorite was a Mexican restaurant with a bright little cardboard man in a sombrero on the roof.
Things were easier when I had Lauren T. as my best friend. She’s so serious and I’m so goofy, she keeps me on track. I also think Maia R.C. and Celia M. made life a lot more interesting in a fun goofy sort of way. And I always look forward to playing with erasers with Celia.
Another memory that was one of my favorites was sledding with buddies. Most of us would pile up on our sleds, grab whatever that was available, and slide down the hill. A lot of us fell down during the process. I can remember following Lauren around asking for a ride on her really long sled. We all came in with red, wet faces and I was happy because I had swim class later that day in a nice warm pool.
This year was definitely better than last year because I already know everybody and we can recall jokes that Mr. C made and then request Seeger G. to write them down. The best part is when everybody is goofing off and messing around with weird books in the book nook or making ridiculous faces. I don’t think I’ve goofed off more (or learned as much) in my entire life!
In the summer of 2011 it was time to go to Wisconsin. My dad got accepted into the UW of Madison, so we had to leave Seattle and drive across six different states for what seemed like forever (but in reality were only four-and-a-half days.)
When the school year started, Mr. C made us each write our names on twenty-four different eggs. And then I thought, why are we doing this? Are we going to eat them? This is confusing! It turns out the eggs were representing our community, with everyone’s name on them. We had to take them home and bring them back the next day in one piece.
I think my favorite memory at Van Hise was Terrace Town. I had never done anything like it before so I was excited. My favorite building that I made was a mini mall that Maia R.C. and I decided to build. There was a tea shop, a flower shop, but my favorite was a Mexican restaurant with a bright little cardboard man in a sombrero on the roof.
Things were easier when I had Lauren T. as my best friend. She’s so serious and I’m so goofy, she keeps me on track. I also think Maia R.C. and Celia M. made life a lot more interesting in a fun goofy sort of way. And I always look forward to playing with erasers with Celia.
Another memory that was one of my favorites was sledding with buddies. Most of us would pile up on our sleds, grab whatever that was available, and slide down the hill. A lot of us fell down during the process. I can remember following Lauren around asking for a ride on her really long sled. We all came in with red, wet faces and I was happy because I had swim class later that day in a nice warm pool.
This year was definitely better than last year because I already know everybody and we can recall jokes that Mr. C made and then request Seeger G. to write them down. The best part is when everybody is goofing off and messing around with weird books in the book nook or making ridiculous faces. I don’t think I’ve goofed off more (or learned as much) in my entire life!
Sophie Sunshine
My Memories
I came to Van Hise in Kindergarten, and had a couple nice years to begin. Some people thought that school was boring and wasn't fun, but Mr. C showed everyone that school could be fun. Of course we learned math, science, reading, and writing, but I think that even more important than the academics were the lessons about how to be happy for the others, responsible, respectful, caring, and most of all mature! I'm glad I had him for 2nd and 4th grade. I think I've learned more than I have with any other teacher. The greatest thing about Mr. C is that he knows we have potential and he helps us find it. Like Joseph with math, Lauren with drawing, Fabius with sports writing, and Sunita with writing and much more! I think he helps more kids come out of their shell than any other teacher.
Out of all my great memories, the one I cherish the most is Cool Kids in Second and Fourth grade. All the kids supported each other by listening to the songs that they had written. In fourth grade and second grade we wrote raps. One was a big rap that everyone helped put together. The ones in fourth grade were put on as a huge performance at the Great Dane. Some kids did singing, dancing, and playing instruments like the violin, cello and lots more! Everyone learned to be brave and get up and dance!!! Jameson was really good at doing that! I know that singing and dancing may look silly to some people, but after the performance people were more confident than before. That was a major breakthrough for everyone, especially the really shy kids. What’s great is now they’re inspired to write stories to express themselves. Some kids express themselves with drawing. Helping kids find their potential will always be a big part of Mr. C's class!
Another one of my memories is when we pulled a really funny prank on Mrs. Crandall. Mr. C usually has one box of tissues open, but when Ms. Crandall subs, she opens 4 or 5. So we played with this a little. What we did is hide all the tissues in both classrooms, and at Social Studies, we waved a tissue at her. It was super funny, but at the end she probably got the drift. But we still have tissues hidden in our room!
One of my favorite memories is when Phil Hands came to our class and taught us how to draw Obama, Frankenstein, and a teddy bear. All used basic shapes which was why it was so fun! Then we added our own touches like an Obamastein or an Obamabear. Some kids did characters of each other, and Raia put them on our website. It was super fun!
I came to Van Hise in Kindergarten, and had a couple nice years to begin. Some people thought that school was boring and wasn't fun, but Mr. C showed everyone that school could be fun. Of course we learned math, science, reading, and writing, but I think that even more important than the academics were the lessons about how to be happy for the others, responsible, respectful, caring, and most of all mature! I'm glad I had him for 2nd and 4th grade. I think I've learned more than I have with any other teacher. The greatest thing about Mr. C is that he knows we have potential and he helps us find it. Like Joseph with math, Lauren with drawing, Fabius with sports writing, and Sunita with writing and much more! I think he helps more kids come out of their shell than any other teacher.
Out of all my great memories, the one I cherish the most is Cool Kids in Second and Fourth grade. All the kids supported each other by listening to the songs that they had written. In fourth grade and second grade we wrote raps. One was a big rap that everyone helped put together. The ones in fourth grade were put on as a huge performance at the Great Dane. Some kids did singing, dancing, and playing instruments like the violin, cello and lots more! Everyone learned to be brave and get up and dance!!! Jameson was really good at doing that! I know that singing and dancing may look silly to some people, but after the performance people were more confident than before. That was a major breakthrough for everyone, especially the really shy kids. What’s great is now they’re inspired to write stories to express themselves. Some kids express themselves with drawing. Helping kids find their potential will always be a big part of Mr. C's class!
Another one of my memories is when we pulled a really funny prank on Mrs. Crandall. Mr. C usually has one box of tissues open, but when Ms. Crandall subs, she opens 4 or 5. So we played with this a little. What we did is hide all the tissues in both classrooms, and at Social Studies, we waved a tissue at her. It was super funny, but at the end she probably got the drift. But we still have tissues hidden in our room!
One of my favorite memories is when Phil Hands came to our class and taught us how to draw Obama, Frankenstein, and a teddy bear. All used basic shapes which was why it was so fun! Then we added our own touches like an Obamastein or an Obamabear. Some kids did characters of each other, and Raia put them on our website. It was super fun!
Marcos
My Years At VHE
I started school in First Grade. Mrs. Powell was my first teacher at VHE and one of my favorite teachers. At first I thought that I didn’t fit in, but after a few months I really started to like school and felt I fit in. First Grade was one of my favorite school years. I really enjoyed First Grade.
Going into Second Grade I had Mrs. Clark as my teacher. I think Second Grade wasn’t on of my best school years. In Mrs. Clark’s class I didn’t have many friends. I would say about 1 or 2 Friends. Second Grade was not an easy school year for me.
In Third Grade I had Ms. Cahill as my teacher. That school year was awesome! We had lots of fun. The best part was we had lots of field trips. I mean lots. Not one was boring. Third Grade was awesome!
For Fourth Grade I got Mrs. Mahr as my teacher. By far she is my favorite teacher. In Fourth Grade I met Ryan. Ryan soon became my best friend. The number one thing in Fourth Grade was going see the Brew Crew. The game was awesome! Fourth Grade is my favorite school year!
Again in Fifth Grade I had Mrs. Mahr. Fifth Grade hasn’t been the best year, but it’s been an OK year. Nothing amazing has happened for me, but the year is going fine.
I look forward to my memories in Middle School
I started school in First Grade. Mrs. Powell was my first teacher at VHE and one of my favorite teachers. At first I thought that I didn’t fit in, but after a few months I really started to like school and felt I fit in. First Grade was one of my favorite school years. I really enjoyed First Grade.
Going into Second Grade I had Mrs. Clark as my teacher. I think Second Grade wasn’t on of my best school years. In Mrs. Clark’s class I didn’t have many friends. I would say about 1 or 2 Friends. Second Grade was not an easy school year for me.
In Third Grade I had Ms. Cahill as my teacher. That school year was awesome! We had lots of fun. The best part was we had lots of field trips. I mean lots. Not one was boring. Third Grade was awesome!
For Fourth Grade I got Mrs. Mahr as my teacher. By far she is my favorite teacher. In Fourth Grade I met Ryan. Ryan soon became my best friend. The number one thing in Fourth Grade was going see the Brew Crew. The game was awesome! Fourth Grade is my favorite school year!
Again in Fifth Grade I had Mrs. Mahr. Fifth Grade hasn’t been the best year, but it’s been an OK year. Nothing amazing has happened for me, but the year is going fine.
I look forward to my memories in Middle School
J-Zone
It's the end of the year Makes you want to cheer,
But something inside
Doesn't want to say goodbye.
Finally you see what you needed to,
All of your friends are leaving you,
You wish you could wait,
Because the time was great,
and you hope you'll see them again.
CHORUS
It was the best time you had,
But you feel kind of sad,
You'll miss everything,
Leaving sure does sting.
The day I came back there was a pizza party,
Was I sad, psshh, hardly.
I was back where I started and belonged.
When I came, I knew this choice wasn't wrong.
My class wrote a couple of raps
about problems and mishaps.
I wrote one with my friends,
'bout how smoking has to end.
CHORUS
Sorry to say I'm packing my bags again,
Sorry to say I'm leaving this school again.
Same season, same reason.
My mom doesn't like the neighborhood,
I really would stay if I could.
I had a lot of fun,
but now I have to run.
CHORUS
Wish I could stay at the school that was my first
Because leaving my friends, man, it's the worst.
But something inside
Doesn't want to say goodbye.
Finally you see what you needed to,
All of your friends are leaving you,
You wish you could wait,
Because the time was great,
and you hope you'll see them again.
CHORUS
It was the best time you had,
But you feel kind of sad,
You'll miss everything,
Leaving sure does sting.
The day I came back there was a pizza party,
Was I sad, psshh, hardly.
I was back where I started and belonged.
When I came, I knew this choice wasn't wrong.
My class wrote a couple of raps
about problems and mishaps.
I wrote one with my friends,
'bout how smoking has to end.
CHORUS
Sorry to say I'm packing my bags again,
Sorry to say I'm leaving this school again.
Same season, same reason.
My mom doesn't like the neighborhood,
I really would stay if I could.
I had a lot of fun,
but now I have to run.
CHORUS
Wish I could stay at the school that was my first
Because leaving my friends, man, it's the worst.
Irene
Van Hise Memories
The first thing I remember from my first day of school was when my parents came to drop me of at school. When it was time for them to leave I wasn’t teary like some kids, and I liked my teacher and classmates too.
My second memory I had, was the all school clay stomp in 2010. I had so much fun stomping on the clay and some teachers had clay all smeared over their face; I remember seeing Mrs. Cantwell’s face covered with clay. We also got to do other activities. It was a blast!
Another memory was when I won the limbo contest in second grade. I was so happy because that was my first year doing the limbo contest and I won! I was going up against a 5th grader in the finals and he was taller than me, but he was really flexible. In third and fourth grade I was very happy that I won, but I was happier when I won in second grade.
Also, another thing I remembered during my six years at Van Hise was when I was in 4th grade and I read my book (The Lost Diadem) to Mr. Christopherson’s class. I started writing my book In the middle of summer break when I was a second grader. I wrote it for a long time but I finally finished it. Mr. C helped me revise and edit it, and finally I published my book. But in fourth grade, I wasn’t in Mr. C’s class and they were doing a lot of writing and publishing, so Mr. C asked me to come and read my book to his class. At first I was a little nervous about reading to them, because I didn’t know all the kids there. But I got over the nerves and read my book. Mr. C’s class seemed very interested, and they couldn’t wait to hear more. The day I finished reading, they clapped, and clapped, and clapped until I said for them to stop. I had a very fun time there!
Those memories were some of my favorite things I remembered from all these years at Van Hise Elementary. Since I’m graduating to middle school, I know I’m going to miss my teachers and my fourth grade friends, but I know that I can always come down the hallway and see everybody!
The first thing I remember from my first day of school was when my parents came to drop me of at school. When it was time for them to leave I wasn’t teary like some kids, and I liked my teacher and classmates too.
My second memory I had, was the all school clay stomp in 2010. I had so much fun stomping on the clay and some teachers had clay all smeared over their face; I remember seeing Mrs. Cantwell’s face covered with clay. We also got to do other activities. It was a blast!
Another memory was when I won the limbo contest in second grade. I was so happy because that was my first year doing the limbo contest and I won! I was going up against a 5th grader in the finals and he was taller than me, but he was really flexible. In third and fourth grade I was very happy that I won, but I was happier when I won in second grade.
Also, another thing I remembered during my six years at Van Hise was when I was in 4th grade and I read my book (The Lost Diadem) to Mr. Christopherson’s class. I started writing my book In the middle of summer break when I was a second grader. I wrote it for a long time but I finally finished it. Mr. C helped me revise and edit it, and finally I published my book. But in fourth grade, I wasn’t in Mr. C’s class and they were doing a lot of writing and publishing, so Mr. C asked me to come and read my book to his class. At first I was a little nervous about reading to them, because I didn’t know all the kids there. But I got over the nerves and read my book. Mr. C’s class seemed very interested, and they couldn’t wait to hear more. The day I finished reading, they clapped, and clapped, and clapped until I said for them to stop. I had a very fun time there!
Those memories were some of my favorite things I remembered from all these years at Van Hise Elementary. Since I’m graduating to middle school, I know I’m going to miss my teachers and my fourth grade friends, but I know that I can always come down the hallway and see everybody!
Kathryn
On a sunny September day in 2007, I came to Van Hise Elementary. I didn’t know anyone except a couple of teachers from my brother and sister Robyn and Tyler Romain. I made friends very fast. My first friends were Destiny and Cythlaly. One funny moment in k/1 was when I was walking and Maia Ramirez Corten was walking up the stairs and I yelled”, Hi Maia”. She had no idea who I was so she said hi and walked away.
My first grade teacher was Mrs. Mahr. She was the best teacher ever (sorry other teachers).
Second and third grade was so fun. I was racing my student teacher and I beat him. Unfortunately I was wearing crocs and they fell off and I sprained my toe.
4th grade ( Ahhhh! ) I was in Mrs. Mahr’s class. Yes she is now a 4th and 5th grade teacher. We did lots of things that year. I will never forget Hannah Luree Odland’s amazing voice. We talk a lot today still, and the first and last time performing in the talent show I danced to Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.
5th grade. My last year (Weep). It was the most amazing year. I got to see Hannah Luree Odland again. It was a wonderful year and let’s just says lots of drama went by and then came again. We did raps this year at the Great Dane. It was so fun I sang Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. I could have never overcome my stage fright without Mr.C. OMG Thank you so much. I wish so much I could stay I don’t want to be stuck here too long. But good news! I will just be down the hall. So I will visit almost every day. Now it’s time to begin the 2nd chapter of my life.
My first grade teacher was Mrs. Mahr. She was the best teacher ever (sorry other teachers).
Second and third grade was so fun. I was racing my student teacher and I beat him. Unfortunately I was wearing crocs and they fell off and I sprained my toe.
4th grade ( Ahhhh! ) I was in Mrs. Mahr’s class. Yes she is now a 4th and 5th grade teacher. We did lots of things that year. I will never forget Hannah Luree Odland’s amazing voice. We talk a lot today still, and the first and last time performing in the talent show I danced to Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.
5th grade. My last year (Weep). It was the most amazing year. I got to see Hannah Luree Odland again. It was a wonderful year and let’s just says lots of drama went by and then came again. We did raps this year at the Great Dane. It was so fun I sang Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. I could have never overcome my stage fright without Mr.C. OMG Thank you so much. I wish so much I could stay I don’t want to be stuck here too long. But good news! I will just be down the hall. So I will visit almost every day. Now it’s time to begin the 2nd chapter of my life.
Kaylee
My memories
2012-2013
I remember in COPS this year we had these goggles that made your vision weird and we had to try to catch a football with the goggles on. If someone caught the football threw it back to Officer Tom, and he caught it, then the class would win a prize. I caught the ball, and threw it back to Officer Tom who caught it. Our class got pencils.
This year I made a lot of new friends and I put other unproductive friendships behind me. Also I’m not as shy as I was last year!
2011-2012
I remember in fourth grade I published an article with Ryley about the Recall election. Before the recall I did not know much about it and then once we started to research it I learned a lot more about it than before. My family likes politics so I grew up with it.
2010-2011
I also remember when I was in Ms. Cahill’s class and we had this thing called the marble jar. If we were good then Ms. Cahill would put some marbles in the jar and when the jar was full we would have a special celebration. My favorite celebration was the bubblegum party. We got to do a bubble blowing contest, and we got to blow a bubble and stick it on a piece of paper. Then we would draw a picture incorporating the gum.
2008-2009
In first grade Celia, Maia, and I were “cleaning” the bathroom. We were using our water bottles to have water and we were dumping the water on the floor. We put soap everywhere and after Maia had finished her side of the bathroom she went back to the class room. After she left Celia and I decided that it would be a good idea to “clean” the floor so we filled our water bottles and dumped it on the floor and at that moment Mrs. Savage walked into the bath room and we got in so much trouble!
2012-2013
I remember in COPS this year we had these goggles that made your vision weird and we had to try to catch a football with the goggles on. If someone caught the football threw it back to Officer Tom, and he caught it, then the class would win a prize. I caught the ball, and threw it back to Officer Tom who caught it. Our class got pencils.
This year I made a lot of new friends and I put other unproductive friendships behind me. Also I’m not as shy as I was last year!
2011-2012
I remember in fourth grade I published an article with Ryley about the Recall election. Before the recall I did not know much about it and then once we started to research it I learned a lot more about it than before. My family likes politics so I grew up with it.
2010-2011
I also remember when I was in Ms. Cahill’s class and we had this thing called the marble jar. If we were good then Ms. Cahill would put some marbles in the jar and when the jar was full we would have a special celebration. My favorite celebration was the bubblegum party. We got to do a bubble blowing contest, and we got to blow a bubble and stick it on a piece of paper. Then we would draw a picture incorporating the gum.
2008-2009
In first grade Celia, Maia, and I were “cleaning” the bathroom. We were using our water bottles to have water and we were dumping the water on the floor. We put soap everywhere and after Maia had finished her side of the bathroom she went back to the class room. After she left Celia and I decided that it would be a good idea to “clean” the floor so we filled our water bottles and dumped it on the floor and at that moment Mrs. Savage walked into the bath room and we got in so much trouble!