embark on a new journey...

School is done! Where will you go now?

The next challenge is up ahead!

The road feels long, unfamiliar and kind of...haunted!

You feel scared, but courageous and somewhat excited.

Get on your bike and check it out!

Are you brave enough to continue,
or will you wait for the next moment?

Will you take a friend, or go alone?
Who is brave and fun enough to go with you?

Will you plan first, or just go and see what happens?

Enjoy the journey and return safely!

What will you do this summer?

Some of you will make art, origami, crafts...

...some will garden....







while some will just stare in space and daydream.

Many of you will travel and explore new things either at home or away,


But of course, some would just rather be left alone and sleep....zzzzz!

But regardless what you do...

Keep searching for what makes you feel strong and happy!

Last Day Countdown!

Smile!

I know this is the Last Day before some of you will say good-bye to Forest Park forever. (Andrew...I said SMILE!) Okay, maybe some of you are feeling a bit sad, scared, happy, angry (not sure why you would), stressed, remorseful (why?), grateful, relieved, confused…(anyone have a thesaurus?).

Questions to Comment:

What is your greatest memory of your FP experience?

What is your worst memory?

I won't ask your favorite teacher since that's obvious...haha. But I will
ask what you hope to take with you when you leave. For those of you
with a one or a few more years left, what do you want to do next/last year
at this fabulous school?

My greatest memory of Forest Park is the 8AM morning runs around the school with our bright yellow shirts and music breakfasts. I remember when our dear friend J had to move away and how we call made these wonderfully kind speeches to her (and ate lots of junk food - in honor of her). I enjoyed the Talent School try-outs and hosting for the parents and student body. I loved sitting with all of you during lunch to make sure you were all eating healthy foods...(but of course, even the teachers crave junk sometimes!) Most of all, I miss listening to your everyday stories, dramas, watching you athletes playing basketball, listening to music and laughing with you all.

My worse memory is...those times when emergency Circle Time moments had to take place. I didn't like seeing others feel angry or sad, but I just remember how well we openly discussed our problems and anger and craziness. (Even Miss Lou has plenty of those moments.) And then we would go out and play for extra recess!

In hopes we will continue to keep in touch and thanks for all those students still writing me to catch me up with your lives (JH, AS, DC, ED, CY, KJ, CC…)

Congratulations to ALL graduates of Forest Park 2009!

Always,
Miss Lou

A Picture Tells A Story

Each student received a piece of construction paper with a code written on it. When I shouted BEGIN, the students opened to a photo and wrote a 5-minute reflection piece. It could be a description, a narrative, a fantasy or realistic story, notes, song, poem or letter. Here is a beautiful example of a fabulous 5th grade writer...
__________________________
Title: The Typhoon
Author: Alyssa

"Dear Diary,

I was at home taking care of my 6-month little sister. Mother and Father were at work and I was hoping they would bring home some yummy crab. Then I felt a sudden draft. Cold wind isn't good for babies so I walked around looking for the open window.

"A typhoon is coming!" screamed someone. I didn't give it a second thought because last time they cried out a typhoon, it turned out to be a light rain. Besides, we learned that there hasn't been a typhoon in over 50 years. I picked up my sister and walked outside. There I saw a huge wave towering over us. Katie started crying but I could hear nothing. Suddenly, it went down. I ran as fast as I could.

On the way, I saw people running to the boat shack where extra boats are stored. I prayed to God hoping that my parents will make it to safety. I know that a small canoe couldn't stand a chance but all I could do was to hope. I reached the boat shack. Katie looked up into my face as to ask where we were headed, or if she counted on my to help us survive. I pulled out a narrow, long boat. There was some back up food and a bucket of water. I grabbed two oars and put Katie on the seat. So far, the village was just lightly flooded, but the water was still coming down strong. Only two feet of water hugged my ankles as I started to row toward the waters. I wanted desperately to find my parents.

"Don't go there!" shrieked the neighbors, but I kept rowing. A huge wave came when I realized what I was doing. I tried to row back, but the current of the barreling waves got too strong. I grabbed my sister and held her tight. As the waves continued to splash harsh against my face, I made sure Katie's eyes and mouth were closed. I pinched her nose to keep the water from drowning her. Everything blurred from the burn of the water clouding my sight. As I came up for more air, I checked to make sure Katie was still alive. I saw a large boat. I waved. I screamed for help and that is all I remember.

Next, I woke up looking into Mother's kind face. She was holding Katie who was fast asleep. Then Mother told me father was dead. I cried and cried. This horrible typhoon took the innocent life of my father. My mother took my hand and gazed at me with her sad, tired eyes. "You have always been my brave little girl. You saved Katie's life and I am so proud of you." It's hard to think about what I could've done for my father, but I am praying everyday that God is taking good care of my father as He is taking care of us.

I will keep writing because it is the only thing that helps me keep my mind clear."

3 More Days!

Thanks Kevin, Kat and Jordan for keeping me updated.

In the last days of Forest Park, you have:

1) Baseball Game (Go Teachers!!?)
2) Basketball Tournament (Go..?)
3) 501 Idol (Go 401'rs!)
4) Cleaning out your desks (ew)
5) Returning textbooks (Good riddance?)
6) Signing yearbooks (Hooray!)
7) Saying goodbye to teachers and Mr. Ford :(...
8) Making summer plans - bbq, parties, trips
9) Exchanging e-mails, phone numbers, etc...
10) What else?

Summer is almost here! Veda Bee plans to sleep, eat,
sleep, play, sleep, eat, nap in the sun, hide from the
rain, eat, run in the park, take road trips on the
east coast, sleep, eat...

We miss you all and congrats on your last days!

9 More Days?!?!

So,..a little bird tells me there are only a short number
of days left of school. Those leaving Forest Park must
feel a rush of giddy excitement as well as melancholy
sadness, maybe hopeful, maybe scared, maybe free?

Despite falling off the 401 Virtual world, Miss Lou
still thinks often about you all. I am keeping count
of the days left and wonder how life has been.
If you get a chance, tell me what's on your
mind...are you looking forward to summer? Do you
have big plans? Are you wishing Mr. Ford a happy,
happy retirement? I hope so.

Send me a comment!

Always,
Miss Lou

Mood: Happy
Temperature: 62F with a chance of rain

ABC Book: A for?

Guess where Miss Lou took this photo?

Hint: Begins with the first letter of the English alphabet.

1, 2, 3...Go!

Happy Reunion!

Osi, Jordan, Miss Lou, Samuel and Andrew...

...reunited again!

I miss you, 401!

What are they doooing?

What is Jake, Jordan and Annika doing with the papers?

Can you guess?

The Great and Powerful J!

And all because of J the Great...we had a successful and fun time!

Happy New Year 2009!

What is your new year's resolution?

Thanks Tim!

Thank you Tim and Mrs. A for inviting us to your warm Legoland!

Thank you all the 401'ers for a fab reunion and for the giant coffee maker and book - thus, completing my collection! Caffeine and books...oh my!

In hopes you are ready to return (sorry, too late!) and will begin this New Year with great hopes, better nutrition and less teasing each other (oh well, two out of three?)

Enjoy a Happy New Year!

Did you stay up past midnight?

Miss you all already...

Your Forever Teacher

Peace Boys

F, O and XK making their usual faces at T's house. Oh, what fun it is to ride to a one house open day...

hey!

Happy Reading

I'll see you all next week, or the week thereafter.
In the meantime, join Goodreads and let's share!

Miss you all so very much,

You Know Who

Yup Yup!

Hey No-Longer-5th Graders!

Has it really been months since I last wrote? Yikes...
Well, I just checked and there are 124 comments
on the last posting, so I best write more.

Party is happening on the week of the 16th of Dec, or...
perhaps we should make it the 17th since it is minimum
day? What do you all think?

Jordan, the party planner suggests the earlier the better
since some of you escape artists are off to an early
start on the holiday...nooo!

Comment, or write me via e-mail and let me know. I
want to be able to see all of you!

Miss you and can't wait to par-tay with my favorite
students ever!

Who is bringing music? Who is bringing food? Who is
bringing Veda? Who is bringing Rocky? Who is bringing
costumes and party favors?

See you soon and hope Science Camp was awesome,

Always,
Miss YKW

Jordan the Party Planner

401 Presents...a celebratory and well-needed reunion for the students of 401!

All are welcome. Details are tentative; however, Miss Lou and Jordan
would like to cordially you all to attend with food and games in a cold
winter day at the end of December.

Come one; come all!

Thank you Jordan and hope to see all of you soon. Yes, this is Miss Lou.
(Now do you believe him?!) Miss you all so much and hope your first month
of school has been a less than evil transition.

Please write me soon and tell me all about your first experience in the new grade.

Miss You Know Who!

Top 10 Things for Summer

Hello 6th Graders!

Are you ready for another four weeks of summer before IT begins?
Some of you are dying to hit the stores to load up on newly sharpened
pencils, spiral bound notebooks, red pens, highlighters, over-sized
binders and plastic boxes to keep all your special treasures in. While many
of you are still fully immersed in summer, without a thought about the upcoming school year.

Well, I hope you are taking full advantage. Here are a few simple, fun things
to do without guilt:

* Eat ice cream everyday.
*Play basketball until you can't see the ball anymore.
(You may want to bring a parent and a flashlight.)
*Go to Coyote Hills for running race down the hill.
(Bring knee pads, or maybe face pads.)
*Roll down a grassy knoll and count how many grass stains
you made on your clothes. (Don't wear white! And if you get
in trouble, you didn't hear it from me!)
*Swim until your skin gets all pruned and wrinkled.
*Mix your favorite drinks together until the liquid is black
and scare your brother or sister.
*Finish everything on your summer reading list.
*Write your own story. If you think it's brilliant, it probably
is…so send it to Stone Soup, or Highlights, or another one
of your favorite children's magazine or online website. (Make
sure you check with your parents first, and don't ever make a
submission if you have to pay for it!)
*Have a picnic at the park with your friends or siblings,
your favorite snacks, and books.
*Take pictures of funny faces. Have your friends take pictures
of your funny faces. Then post them all over your room.
*Invite your friend on a walk around the neighborhood.
Go together to the next friend's house and invite them
for a walk. Keep collecting friends in your neighborhood.
See how many can join you...(but don't get them mad by
eating all their food!)
*Eat ice cream everyday...ooops,…
I think I wrote that one already.

Click Here for more tips.

Stay cool, stay cool and miss you all!

Calling ALL 401 Students!

Hey Kiddies!

Remember me? It's the infamous Veda Bee. Yup, that's me!
Guess where I am now? It's humid and dense and I'm panting
like a dog right now. (Yeah, yeah, I know...)

I have traveled far and wide to get across country. My favorite
was camping in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, but now the
city is creeping me out with all its honking, confusing lights and
people EVERYWHERE! But this is what I must do now to
continue my journey in search of wisdom and truth. Yup! That's
me...

So what the heck are you all up to now? I wonder...Bryan and Debs
are in Oregon doing separate things...Bryan will be at the Olympics
soon, so I'm cheering him on. Go BBBBBRRRRYYY! And I hope
Debs doesn't come home with mosquito bites all over her face. That
ain't nice at all. So what happened to the other fantabulous 27-28
students? Too busy to write? Bored to death? Gone fishing?

Send pics and I will post them on this blog...well, still learning how,
so probably will have mama do that part. My paws are not
cooperating; maybe I need to get my nails trimmed. (Uh-oh, off
topic again,...) Where was I? Oh yes, I want to hear about your
adventures, so let's get together for a virtual reunion because I
miss you all. It's party time! Come on...what are you waiting for?

Check ya later, dudes!

Love,
The One and Only Veda Bee

Fantastic 401 Foursome

Hey Kids!

What are you up to now? It's summer and we still have many weeks
of freedom and fun ahead of us.

Are you taking advantage, or moping around in boredom?

Go play!

Miss you all...

Where in the World is Miss Lou?