Ms. Garra's Class Artwork

Stephanie G. 5-G

I Am from…

I am from my Lego masterpieces hidden in my closet, my brother’s annoying army figures all over the floor, my family’s baseball gloves and my old chewed up soccer balls and dolls that I still play with.

I am from Sam’s giant chewed dog bones, dead grass in our backyard, a beat up play set, with cobwebs and a broken slide. I am from my long driveway, at the bottom of my street which no one can find, and a passage way through the woods to my friend’s house.

I am from my oma, always telling me stories from her life in Germany,  and coming to America, my nana; the great artist, always letting me using her old supplies, and my papa, always willing to tell a joke.

I am from “Pick your towel off the ground”, from my shower that night, “Be nice to your brother” when I trip over his Legos, and “Did you finish your milk?” after dinner.

I am from spicy chili, my favorite dish my mom makes, German stews, an old family recipe, and large salads every night.

I am from my lock box, with my wallets, my sock drawer with electronic goods, and a big drawer with boxes, toys, and old princess figures, which I’m sure nobody can find.

David A 5G

Where I am from....

I am from Wii and Xbox controllers scattered all over the living room to pictures of my family and friends all over the walls like a blanket of snow.

I am from lacrosse sticks and footballs strewn all over the yard to bounce backs and lacrosse goals, favorite sport.

I’m from busy

Jennings Court

filled with a lot of activity and plenty of kids. Pick-up games are my life and there is always someone to play with.  Riding bikes in the circle is perfect on a spring day. 

I’m from holiday gatherings with my grandmother flying south to Florida is part of the Adipietro tradition.  I’m from trips to Garden City, Long Island for lacrosse games and Christmas, I never miss out on the double-presents.

I’m from, “Do your homework,” to “Be quiet, David,” It’s so hard to be quiet.  I am from, “Thank you for coming, and see you tomorrow.” My house door bell is always ringing.

I’ m from all the traditional delights, ham, turkey with all the trimmings.  I’m from Friday night pizza party movie night at my house. I usually get to pick the movie, sometimes my brother has a turn.  I just saw Happy Feet 2.

I’m from that random junk drawer that holds medals from my dad to pictures from long ago, and crystals that I got from a science trip with my family. 

Sophia T 5G

Emmett S Tarsy

On Friday at 11:30 the phone rang. It was my uncle. My uncle’s wife had a baby boy. I ran like lightening to my parent’s room. My mom said Bridget and Andy had a baby boy. I asked my mom his name. She said his name is Emmett. The next day my mom and dad said, “Let’s go to Boston.” So when we got there only my mom and dad went to see them because it was too late and we could go the next day. The next day we went to see him. We brought signs, brownies and flowers to her. She was so excited to see us. I held him and so did my sister and brother. It was so much fun to hold him. Then for his bris we went to see him too. I am going to like my cousin a lot. Now I can hold him and babysit him too. 

Sowbhasri S. 5G

Where I’m From

I am from nursery rhymes and baby toys all over the house.

You can blame it on my sister.

I am from gardening tools scattered all over the front yard.

It’s impossible to take me away from them.

I am from the bikes in my neighborhood,

Frequently whizzing by.

I am from my grandparents

Always giving me a warm feeling,

I am from “carry your sister” and “play with your sister”

You can tell she’s certainly entertained.

I am from Indian curry, dosa, sambar, idli, and rice served on the table.

A meal that will leave your tongue begging for more.

I am from that special secret place,

Where all my darkest secrets are stored there.

I am from my family.

Seren B 5G

Where I am From

I am from the big city lights that sparkle and shine like stars as I walk past my old home in New York City.

I am from fluffy white clouds that sway in the wind on warm summer days as I look out to the sky from my porch.

I am from a silly dog (named Brooklyn, she is my dog so I got to name her) that rolls on anything green, thinking that its grass.

I am from a stereo, blasting music at high volume in my room, making my brother get all flustered up when he is doing his homework.

I am from hot summer days with fireworks all lit up, celebrating the 4^th of July with my family when we all meet up.

I am from a bundle of instruments with music sheets all over my room as I practice my viola, getting ready for a concert.

I am from little dog treats for a small dog with a big imagination as I teacher her new tricks.

I’m from a piece of paper, with doodles all over it as I draw what my dream house could look like.

I am from a cup of frozen yogurt, with sprinkles piled high as I walk out of 16 Handles with my friends.

I am from palm-trees and sand, watching the sun-set end as I walk back to my hotel room in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

I am from fluffy stuffed animals decorating my bed as I get ready for visitors to come over.

I am from text messages, chatting with my friends as I lay in my bed with head-phones in my ears so I can ignore the rest of the world that surrounds me.

I am from a silver shining scooter, zooming down my dead-end street with my brother, racing him over and over.

I am from charm bracelets, jingling in their boxes as I place them on the top of the little draws that are attached to my desk.

I am from a rainbow, so colorful and bright as I stare out into the sky and beyond.

I am from sweet lollypops, saving each one up in the candy jar that stands on my kitchen counter.

I am from a tennis ball, tossing it to my dog in the sunlight of the spring.

I am from the bright, shiny stickers that cover my night stand in billions of different colors.

I am from the little ducklings, watching them waddle into the pond behind the houses of my street.

I am from the grass and the trees that shimmer in the sun’s warm rays, as I bounce on my trampoline.

I am from the tulips and daisies that sprout on my lawn in the spring.

I am from a butterfly, letting my imagination fly across the universe.

I am from all the posters hanging up in my room, showing all of my personality.

Sarah B. 5G

I Am From…

I am from the cold-hearted seahorse, frozen in place on my shelf, forever staring. I am from the fuzzy frog, the one that serves as my pillow, helping me sleep; I am from the stiff heartless lizard on the wall, to the cello resting in the living room, eager for the next practice.

I am from the lonely violet purple ball, confined in solitude, to the pesky bugs, munching on the grass that was so hard to grow. I am from the weeping cherry tree’s gentle arms, flowing gently in the wind, creating a peaceful sight.

I am from the picnic spot, nestled in a rock, the only place I can talk privately, in this busy world. I am from the baseball field, a nice place to unwind by jogging, the bent tree in the middle of the woods, creating a perfect place for a meeting place to talk with friends.

I am from ‘Sarah, time to get up,’ like if I don’t know that already. To ‘I’ll see you once I get home from work,’ I know I will see you and I know where you are, still friendly reminders!

I am from Grandpa Sal, he always had something nice to say, and I am from Grandpa Boat, he was always very kind to me, and I miss the rocking of the boat he lived on.

I am from sweet potato casserole, the kind with the big, gooey marshmallows in it. I am from the steaming hot turkey, and the hopeful face of my cat, to the warm French toast, which draws a smile to everyone’s face.

I am from a hidden spot in the woods, where birds chirp all day, and my baseballs, ready to be handed to a loyal dog. I am from the small corner in my room, where a box sits on a blanket of dust that contains my most prized position, a small pink photo album, with pictures of me and my family so many long, wonderful years ago.

Oliver S 5G

Where I am From

I am from bats and balls flying across my backyard, always wondering if one day they are going to be brought in, Sunday night movie with pizza and seltzer, laughing together at the funny parts,

I am from quick and easy dinners when my dad comes home late, sometimes just before bed.

I am from outside making up games in my clubhouse to playing basketball with my friends, feeling the warm hot basketball touch my sweaty hands seems familiar like Tom finally catching Jerry the cartoon mouse,

I am from grandparents visits on a boring Sunday. The taste of fish they always bring is a welcomed treat. My mouth prepares for the event.

I am from trying to find my jerseys 20 minutes before the game to just relaxing in the grass on a hot summer day, I am from riding a rusty bike the day after it rains,

I am from going to baseball games in a vintage car ride with my dad, feeling the wind cross across my face like a cheetah hunting for it’s prey,

I am from laughing at the Sherwood Diner which we go to more than twice a week, I am from being me as much as it as possible to be

Michael F 5G

I am From…

I am from a messy basement that I didn’t even mess up but I still have to clean, bookshelves filled with books I’ve read so many times, Christmas cards and decorations that I never want to take down, and three sisters who just never mind their own business.

I am from trampolines and swings, soccer balls, basketball hoops and deer that eat the grass, irises, daffodils, small grape hyacinth, tulips of all different colors and slides and an endless backyard.

I am from unfinished driveways at the house in front of me, mounds of dirt, and new (pink stucco…ugh) houses from across the street

I am from my Grandma, birthday money from Uncle Dave and Aunt Eva (they never forget), and vacations to the warm Caribbean with my cousins and family

I am from, “Time for dinner!”, “Do your homework!’, and, “Practice your piano!”.

I am from Thanksgiving turkey in Ohio, corned beef and cabbage, tacos, baked potatoes at Grandma’s house, and ham at Christmas

I am from the small niche under my bed where, my nightstand by my bed- heaped with junk, books, and a framed piano recital program from a few years ago.                                                                      

  

Matt M 5G

Where I’m From

I’m from rock ‘n’ roll.

The sound of instruments,

Ringing in my ear.  

I’m from the sound of baseballs.

Hitting the glove

Right when I catch it.

I’m from playing in the water

Pools, lakes, ponds, oceans, it doesn’t matter…

Drip-drop-drip-drop.

I’m from my dog Lucy,

Where barks and ringing bells are signs she’s near.

I’m from video games

X-box wii and ps3,

with clicking controls and familiar sounds.

I’m from the nice sounds of birds chirping

When I wake up,

Hair all messed up.

I’m from a loving family

When I’m hurt, they help me up

When I’m sad, they cheer me up.

Special

Woody Lane

, all for me!

  

Justin S. 5G

Where I’m from

I am from a big pool of Lego’s, my sisters Americans

girl doll cloths scattered all over the play room floor,

the inflated soccer balls piled in my room, the wii I let my sisters play so they can stop annoying me, and my big chunky cats.

I am from an old swing set that always breaks when I sit on it, a big swirly slide that’s home to mounds of snow during a winter storm, and a big yard with two soccer goals and a foot ball

I am from the neighbor’s trampoline, the creek where I like to catch frogs in, my neighbor’s huge tree which I climb, and the colossal woods that to me act like a huge obstacle course.

I am from my Grandma Gale, Grandpa Jim, my oma (grandma) Berble, opa (grandpa) Deteir, my mom Susan and my dad Thomas. 

I am from my mom screaming “Wake up, go outside,

And time for school, and get down here this instant.”

I am from the delicious pasta sauce my mom makes with sausages and the sweet taste of homemade cinnamon rolls.

I am from behind the closet door when all my treasures seem to find themselves and later some even forgotten.  

Jael J 5G

Where I’m From

I’m from…

 Books, dog fur, dog pee stains, wii games, board games, Oprah magazines, people magazines, news papers, glass braking, yelling and screaming.

I’m from…

Doggy dodo in the backyard (blame my sister for not picking it up)

Plenty of trees, flowers, kids running in the back of the house.

I’m from…

A big play area, Goodwill near by, burned down house, and Stop and Shop just down the street.

I’m from

Grandma Ruby, Grandpa Ignatius, Aunty Merlin, Uncle, Jason, Aunty Natalie, Aunty Sheree, Aunty Alison, Aunty Janelle, Mom, Josie , Jansen, Uncle Brain, Aunty Erica,  Uncle Winston,  and Mama.

I’m from…

“I told you not to swing the keys”, “What ever happens in this house, stays in this house”, “When you use my computer put it back were you got it”, “Put your stuff back were you found it”

I’m from…

Trinidadian foods like…

 Doubles, polorie, dalporie, busupshot, potato and chana, jerk chicken, sorrel, pineapple ginger beer, ham, lamb, shrimp, and fried rice.

I’m from…

Stuff in my shoe box, and pictures of my old friends,       

              

 

By Isabella J 5G

Where I am from

I am from...

An armoire of crafts and toys,

A walk-in closet of fashion

and shelves of books

I am from…

Spring Gardner-trimmed Green hedges

and chocolate dirt, Summer water guns

and sprinkler heads in the brown grass

I am from…

Shiny bikes ready for the next sunny day

and black tire marks from the few cars,

old basketball hoops and gray trampolines

that are barely used

I am from…

Sonya and Christian, Theresa,

Monica and Kurt

I am from…

How was your day? when I come home and

Hello Mausibaer (My German nickname) when

Dad arrives from work (He was

raised in Germany, more

to experience when you’re half German, half Swedish)

I am from…

Duck at Christmas and Turkey at Thanksgiving,

Schnitzel (German food. My favorite!)

and fried potatoes

I am from my keepsake box in my closet and my mind,

The western half of the world, the glowing California

Gersemi Z 5G

I am From

I am from books all over the place, lost math homework stuffed underneath my bed, old beat up maroon couch that has been jumped on for so many years, cold peppermint tea left on the table from the morning, guitar and my brothers base and euphonium crowd the living room( my mom says this is basicly the music room), the music for concerts falling of the stands creating a giant paper mess on the floor beneath it, and the three backpacks left by my brothers and me anxious  to get some ice cream on the boiling day about to fry us.

I am from broken tennis balls scattered all over the lawn, half chewed soccer balls kicked to death and then given to my dog to play with, the old swing hanging from the rotten strings about to pop, the trampoline that seems to be the only thing not broken in my yard, and the dog toys my dog didn’t take a liking for.

I am from the corner store stocked with candy to get me through an unsuccessful Halloween, Bedford just in walking distance, the woods filled with toys my brother threw to hard, curvy lanes and plenty of hills to make a bikers paradise, and kids shouting when they become “it”.

I am from grandpa and grandma, the only people on my dad’s side of the family that I have met, besta and bestafar, old amour, far moor, and uncle all, aunt dorien, om antony, and rangnild with her adorable children Daphne, Christian and liliana, and om antony’s children Nathon, and Elana.

I am from “take off your shoes you could track mud” or “Clear the table” and even “If I had a nickel for every time I heard_____, I would be rich!”

I am from turkey almost disinegrated it was so burned, spiral ham cooked to perfection, turnovers WAY overcooked, and warm soft oatmeal bread that melts in your mouth, empty olive bowls and hungry children begging for more, and apple crumble with homemade vanilla frosting that melts in your mouth.

I am from deep inside the closet contanes my memory box filled with baby pictures, the wooden box stuffed underneath my bed, my diary that tucks away all the juicy gossip and feeling that I need to hide, I am from everything and nothing, now or never.

 

Brandon V 5-G

I’m From…

I’m from: Lego sets – some old and some new all over the house –

no room is spared the loft and the living room – my mom doesn’t mind.

I’m from the lonely and small backyard that doesn’t get a lot of playtime but my grandpa’s yard is tons of fun with a pool and Jacuzzi – just steps away down the path near the shed is a grave for our dog Renee.

I’m from my High Point neighborhood which is seconds away from my school. There are a few kids that I am friends with – It’s a long road but were #1.

I’m from my grandpa John who loves the beach, I’m from my grandma who loves to cook and her specialty is her cookies – I’m from my mother who takes me to special trips to New York – I’m from my dad who lives in New Jersey who drives a great distance to spend time with me.

I’m from my grandma saying “Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today”. And I’m from my grandma telling me to wash my hands before dinner.

I’m from pirate booty for snack, turkey, gorilla bread, and French toast. I’m from all of the food my grandma makes for me.

I’m from boxes, cabinets, and closets which contain souvenirs, toys, and some things I played with as a little kid and still do. 

Isabel W 5G

The Move North

A Memoir

The day I moved to Westport I moved from

Greenwich CT.

It was an October Friday, bright and pretty outside.  I was excited because I knew something was going to happen.  I don’t like change because I knew what that would mean.  Meeting new people and missing the old place.  I was excited and sad at the same time. I am really going to miss the old house, we were planning on moving.  It was a big day, but I still had school in 4^th grade in the school year .I have a lot of friends I am also going to miss them when I move, but the good thing was my mom brought cupcakes for a goodbye present for me and my class. The day I came to school I unpacked and got everything I needed. I also gave my past teachers beautiful fluttering flowers to let them know they were special and I was going to miss them.  Their faces had a gargantuan smile that seemed to shine brightly at the sight of these bright flowers.  I knew they would miss me too. First thing that morning, we had morning meeting and had to perform a book report that was due. Mine was about the book Glinda of OZ it was a very interesting book. Time was going by fast, and before the class knew it we were having my “farewell cupcakes.”   They had sprinkles as if angels dropped these colorful pieces from the sky. Everyone munched them in their mouth slowly as their mouth glazed with joy .After the cupcakes, we were doing another subject. Then the whole class made great goodbye cards they were lovely. My teacher even made a card too. I was overcome and filled with joy at the sight of the different cards telling me how much I would be missed.  At the end of the day, all of my friends gave me hugs I was sad that I had to move to Westport.  I wanted to stay in Greenwich another year but I couldn’t my dad just got a new office in Westport. So I had to move and I was also just experiencing Westport. 

After school I got in the very tightly packed car with bags, school items from that day, and other house stuff and zoomed north to Westport. There was a lot of traffic so it took us an hour during the ride. To sooth my soul, I listened to some of my favorite music. When we finally got home I raced to the house. The packing team was busy working on setting up our house with the furniture from our old house. When I got in the house I curiously looked around the house. It was beautiful, nice and white with a red door. I am going to have a lot of fun in Westport, I thought. Finally I came up to see my room. I loved it. Everything was amazing I called my friend after about what a great time I am having.

I thought to myself, I am going to have good memories here.  And I have so far!

Ben T 5G

Tennis Changer

A Memoir

 When I was nine I took tennis lessons over the summer, just like I do every year. However, this year was different, there was a 7^th grader taking lessons too. I was partnered with him, because I was the best in my group, just like all week. At the end of practice, after some challenging drills, I was feeling like I was a lot worse than Phillip, my partner.  It seemed like he had done a lot better job than I had. When my tennis teacher came over to me and said that I was better than Phillip. I immediately was confused. Although, I still was not sure, it really did make me feel better and change how I felt about the whole experience. From that moment on, I decided not to allow anyone to make me feel better or inferior to them just because of a skill level. 

Thanks to my tennis teacher, I never let anyone make me feel bad about myself.

Joe H 5G

TARANTULA OBSSESION

I was in Old Saybrook. We drove to the Connecticut Science Museum. I went up to my favorite floor. The animal floor. They have toads, frogs, turtles, tortoises, fish and a tarantula. I went to the tarantula’s cage. It was in the corner. It was a Rose Haired Tarantula. One of the most popular tarantulas kept as a pet. That was the exact moment that I said to myself I am going to get a tarantula.

As soon as I got back to the hotel I did as much research as I could. Then I found the perfect one. The best you could get in the world. The Pink Toed Tarantula. It may seem lame but it is the nicest tarantula one of the easiest to care for and it has pink toes. I talked to my dad about it. I said we should go to Parrots of the World. The best pet store ever. They have tarantulas.

We went there the next Saturday. When we got there I was really exited.  I ran inside. It is a small place. I went to see the hedgehogs but they weren’t there. Again. Then I saw the insects, lizards, and amphibians. They had a chameleon, a snake, a scorpion, some toads, newts, a monitor and a tarantula. It was also a Rose Hair. There was a cricket right next to it. I tried blowing on the tarantula. It moved a little. I wanted to see it grab the cricket. It didn’t do anything.

My dad asked some questions about the tarantula, how to care for them and what they eat. The store owner Mark Morrone opened the top of the tarantula’s cage reached in and picked it up. My dad said “Wow”. Mark said “Come on” and put the tarantula on my dad’s hand. It crawled all the way up his arm. I ran to get my brother. He was all the way in the front. He was looking at the turtles. “Dad is holding a tarantula!” I yelled. We ran back. The tarantula was still on my dad’s arm. I was amazed. Mark told me “Usually people who want a tarantula hold it.” At first I was really scared. I was freaked out by the idea. But shakily I said “Sure”. Partly because I was scared of the spider and partly because I was talking to the TV star Mark Morrone who also ran his own pet store.  He picked up the tarantula and put it on my hand. It felt like a hamster with eight legs. It felt tickly. Then my dad totally surprised me. He quietly said “Do you want her?” I thought I didn’t hear him right.  Then I realized what he said and that he meant it. I almost fainted on the spot. One whole month I waited for this. I almost said no. But I didn’t. Yes. I can’t believe at one time I was so afraid of spiders and here I have one in the same room with me even when I’m sleeping.