A Day To Remember

This day was a huge day in history. The Twin Towers fell, people died, and buildings crashed. It all happened on 9/11. I am interviewing my mom about 9/11.

What time did the terrorists attack?

7:12 am [mountain time]

Did you find out on t.v?

No. A friend called.

Did you keep the kids inside or send them to school/day care?

They were too young to go to school.

Were you shocked?

Yes. I was scared and frightened.

What plane did this happen in?

United Airline and I think American Airlines as well.

How did you feel when you found out?

I felt scared, shocked, confused and sad.

What did you do when when you found out?

I cried and watched the news all day.

What was I doing when this happened?

You wanted to watch a kids show.

What did you tell me?

Nothing. Just that bad people did bad things.

Where was Kirk? (Kirk is my dad).

At work.

Did he come home? If so, how did he find out?

He did not come home, because he was at work and I called him to tell him.

So what happened exactly on the plane?

The terrorists got on the plane pretending they were passengers and they took over the pilot and killed everyone on the plane.

Were the terrorists planning to attack the people on the plane for a while?

Yes. They took many lessons to fly the plane.

How many people died? Did you know anyone who died?

5,300 people died. I did not know anyone who died.

Did you expect it to be better or worse than what it already was?

I didn't know what to expect, it was all just really bad.

I have learned a bit more about 9/11. It will always be a huge part of our history. So next time you think of 9/11, think of all the people who gave their lives for our country.

Alyssa r.

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Disaster Strikes In 93'

The water was getting higher and higher as if the rain would never stop. People were packing like they planned never to come back. This was the start of the flood of 93'.

So Dad, I believe you were alive in 1993?
Yes I was, and I was 23 years old and had just graduated from Simpson College.


And at the time of the flood were you living in Iowa? If so, where at?
I was actually living in Indianola, but at the time I had a part time job in Des Monies when the flood began. I can remember all of the traffic and it being hard to get home.


Do you remember approximately how long the flood went on?
I don't have an exact number for you but I do know it went on for several days.

Did the flood affect you strongly? If so, how?
Yes it did. It affected me strongly because it made me realize that natural disasters can strike at any time and anywhere, even in the center of the U.S.A.

What did you think about what was happening?/What did you feel?
I was concerned for everyone, especially the people who were physically affected by this natural disaster. I was also concerned for my family and Iowa overall.

Why were you so concerned for everyone?
I think the real reason that I was so concerned was the fact that never before in my lifetime had Iowa had a serious natural disaster that hurt so many people.

Can you give me any examples of what you and or other people were doing to help?
Well one big thing that most people did was sandbag, including my mom. I remember even people from out of state came here to help us with our problems. One other thing that people were doing was helping others get the flood water out of basements using sump-pumps. (Which they ran out of)

How did the flood affect you're everyday life?
The main thing was not being able to go to work, but for many other people it was that they didn't have any running water.

How did the flood of 93' affect you're life overall?
It made me realize that Iowa has great and caring people and it made me want to raise my kids in Iowa.

What made this flood so severe and how did you know?
I saw it on national T.V and you could just tell by looking around that it affected alot of people.

What did you come out of this experience with/knowing?
I learned that it really truly is important to help others in need no matter what, especially during a disaster like the one that occurred in 1993.


While doing this interview I enjoyed getting to learn from my dad's perspective of the flood. His perspective changed the way I thought of things. At first I thought that the flood only affected a small area with few people but now I know that the flood affected just about the opposite of what I thought before, but ended up bringing a lot of friends and families together.

Miranda W.

The Day That Made Everyone's Lives Harder

Introduction: This was the day that made everything harder. This was the ''93'' flood. It rained for a very long time and eventually it started to flood.



What was your reaction when you heard there was a flood?
I was really nervous and I didn't know what to do. I was freaked out.

What do you think the worst part of the flood was?
The worst part was not having running water. We had to take showers in the rain, it was awful.

What do you think the scariest part of the flood was?
The scariest part was all of the damage that happened to the city.

What did you do when the power went out?
We had to use way more candles. We were running out.

What do you think it would have been like if it rained even more?
It would have made things even harder. I don't know how we could have held up.

Do you think in the future there could be another flood and why?
There could be because natural disasters happen all the time.

What did you do when the flood ended?
We had to clean up an get things back to normal. we were glad it was over.

Do you have anything else to say about the flood?
I hope another one like that never happens again.

Conclusion: This flood was very awful and hopefully you agree with me. Thankyou for reading.

Tanner G.

My Dad In The Air Force

My dad is so cool! He got to get a license to fly a plane, he got to go on survival trainings,he even about went to war! That's right, he was in the Air Force.

Did you all wear the same uniform?
It depended on you group/job.

You once told me you ate dandelion soup. Is that true?
Yes, on survival trainings.

What did the soup taste like?
It tasted pretty plain,and somewhat bitter, but when it was boiled, the bitterness went away.

Did you make some friends?
Yes, lots of them. Friendships are very important in the military.

Can you tell me their names?
Sure! Here are a few: Ray Flannery, Rodney Radcliff, Aaron Barrick, and Bob Mack.

How many years were you in the Air Force?
I was in the Air Force for 7 years.

Was it hard?
It wasn't always.

What was hard about it?
It was hard to be a leader, how to tell people older than me how to behave, mostly to practice war.

What was your favorite part of the Air Force?
Definitely the people. Making new friends and learning about people.

Were you ever close to going to war?
Yes. I was in Tech School and the people who were going to the job I was going to had to go.

Do you know what war?
The First Gulf War.

Was Mom ever worried about you?
I don't think so.

Why did you decide to stop?
I felt I had served my country long enough, and I didn't want to do what they wanted me to do.

What were some times you will never forget about your experience?
My trip to Germany and playing war games in the forest.

Is their anything else that you think is important?
I'm very proud of my service in the Air Force.

When I did this interview, I learned so many things about my dad that i didn't even know about! I had a lot of fun learning all of this, and I bet he had fun when he was in the Air Force.

Olivia W.

The Way Man Kind Changed Forever

image from mhschool.com

How did man kind change forever? Well on July 20Th 1969. Man kind changed by 3 men and one space shuttle. They were the first men on the moon. Those men made history!
1 How do you feel about the moon landing?
I think those men were brave to go up into space. I would never have the guts to go up into space. Even if I were young I would not go up.

2 How did you find out about the moon landing?
Well I think I found out by either watching TV or reading the news paper. My husband may have told me or I also might have heard it from my family.

3 What was your favorite part of the moon landing?
I guess it would have to be that the men came home safely. I was so happy that they didn't die. If they had died it would have been a dark day for people.

4. What could you hear when they went up into space?
I think you could hear a big boom because space ships make loud noises. I wouldn't like to be close.

5 Do you think the Moon landing is real?
Yes. Lots of people believe it was real. It was all over the news and they brought back rocks. I don't think the rocks looked like earth rocks.

6 How long do you think you could live on the moon?
Depends on if you have oxygen and shelter and other survival stuff like food. You would also need water and other things.

7 How long do you think it would take to get to the moon?
I think it would take a couple of days. Space ship's are fast but it would take a long time.

8 How cold do you think the moon is?
I believe it is super cold. I think you would need a lot of jackets. It's hundreds below zero on the moon.

9 How old is Neil Armstrong?
I would way he is approximately 79 years old.

10 Do you think the men were brave?
Yes. I thought they were so brave! There some of the bravest people I know of!

Why did man kind go up into space? Was it that they wanted to know everything or they just wanted to explore? Those men were brave. No one will forget that day that man kind went up to space.

Matt S

Plane Crash

9/11 was a very sad day for lots of people. Many friends of family's and

family

members were killed. people jumped out of buildings because the planes were

crashing into the Twin Towers. Interviewing Kristie.

Where were you when 9/11 happened?

I was at work and that would be Principal Financial Group.

Did this event frighten you?

No, it didn't really frighten me.

Why did this event not scare you?

Well, I wasn't there at the event so it didn't scare me that much.

Was there anyone you knew on the flight?

Jeff had co workers but I didn't know them.

What were your feelings?

Sad, Surprised angry.

Why did you feel that way?

sad for people that lost their life and surprised that someone would do something like that,

last angry at the bad person who would even think of doing it.

Did you cry?

Yes i did cry.

For how long?

Couple of weeks it was on TV over and over, story after story it was just really sad.

Does this memory scare you at all?

Just a little bit.

Why does it scare you?

Wondering if it will happen again or maybe something even worse.

Do you miss the buildings?

Yes just a little.

Have you ever been in the buildings? Or what did you think they looked like?

No, I haven't been there but i think it had pretty office areas and a eating place and

maybe a store.

That is what i learned about 9/11 from my mom, but i will never forget that day

when many people died so everyone out there should remember this terrible day.

Dark Days

It was rough times when the Afghanistan war started. I am wondering what my moms life was like when that war started.I think that that time was hard for her but i'm not sure.

1Where were you when the Afghanistan war started? I was in Waterloo Iowa at my house with my family.
2How old were you? I was very young about 8 or 9. I didn't really know what was happening.
3Did you know anyone in the war? I knew some of my friends brothers and my brother went in the war.
4How did you feel knowing that someone you know was in the war? I was really sad and frightened for them.
5What effect did the war have on your life? It made me and my family very miserable.
6Did you like the idea of war, if so why? I did and didn't because we were free, but people were dieing.
7How did you feel knowing your brother could have died in the war? I was so scared! I was also mad.
8When did you find out about the war? I first found out when my brother left.
9Did you like war if so why? No I hated war because people were dieing.
10Were you happy when your brother came back? Of course, I missed him so much.

After asking these questions I now know about my moms life when the war started. She was very effected.

45 of 50 States!

We've had visitors from 45 out of 50 states.

Which states are we missing? (They're the very light ones.)

A Marathon of Rain

There was pounding rain and flooded houses and streets.

The New Jeresey flood had devastating stress on many people.

Only when the water went down did families go outside.

How old were you when the flood happened?

6 or 7 years old. I wasn't that old.

How did you feel when it started?

It was a bit scary. But I was mostly sad because I couldnt play outside and there was nothing to do in my house.

Were any of your family memebers with you in the flood besides parents?

Yes all of my 9 siblings and my grandpa. 4 brothers and 5 sisters.

Question: Were your parents really stressed about the flood, and why?

Yes mostly because we didnt have any running water in our house at all! That stressed me out a lot to.

Were you and your family members anything but scared, if so what were they feeling?

Well my brothers and most of my sisters were excited. Mostly because they

had nothing like the flood ever happen to them before. They just sat by the window watching the rain 24/7 it seemed like.

Was there a specific reason the flood happened and what?

Nothing except lots and lots and lots of rain.

How high did the flood get?

Hard to remember but my parents told me something about over 4 feet or something.

How long did it rain?

3 days and 2 nights....STRAIGHT!

What date did the flood happen?

August 2nd 1973. Also my sisters birthday

Was there any other experience you had during the flood?

One time my basement overflowed and my 80 year old grandpa had to take a shovel and dig a trench in our basement to keep the water from overflowing.

Were you releived when the flood was over?

Yes. For many reasons. 1 is I could go outside and play again. 2 is I didnt have to sit in the house all day. 3 is I could actually wash my hands again.

What did you do when the flood was over?

When the water level shrunk to a 2 inch we all went outside and collected golfballs. A mini golf course is right uphill from our house so when the flood came the golfballs went down the hill to our neighbor hood.

So we can say as an ending that there was high water levels very big stress on families and overflowing basements wasnt very fun. Not to mention no running water at all! Flooded days equal bad days if you ask anyone who was in that flood.

Brandon B

Social Studies -- Spiral Questioning

Today in Social Studies, we did some spiral questioning with two pictures of technology from Mesopotamia: a levee and a wheel.

Students discussed and shared based on these questions:

• What do you see? Observation
  
• What inferences can you make? Analysis
  
• How does this technology compare to the technology we use now? Evaluation

Students then created a list of how we use wheels today. Then, they took one of those ways and took away the wheels. Their assignment for tonight was to draw a picture of the new wheel-less technology and write a paragraph describing it.

Weekend Open Thread #4 - How would you change the schedule?

How would you change the schedule at school?

Which classes are missing?

Saturday Morning Learning

If you'd like to join me -- Mr. Goerend -- and a bunch of other learners tomorrow morning, you can learn about an online tool we will be using later on in the school year: Diigo.

Tomorrow morning from 11am to noon, I will be co-hosting a webinar on Diigo.

Join us at http://live.classroom20.com

-Mr. G

"Charles" Vocabulary Wordles

Students picked out the vocabulary from the short story "Charles" today. We then combined them and created these Wordles.

3/4 Block:

5/6 Block:

International Dress like a Hippie day!

Want to dress up like a hippie? Well now you can! International Dress like a Hippie Day is held July 1st of every year. Everybody is included in this holiday. During this holiday you where bell bottom jeans, tie-dye clothing, peace signs, and Converse shoes. It is a day to see other people dress up from the 80s. There is a celebreation at the capitol building of every state. There you will find a cake and obviously everybody dressed like a hippie! So mark your calendars for International Dress like a Hippie Day July 1st!!!

Molly A.

Weekend Open Thread #3 - Technology for teachers

What digital technology should teachers use in class?

How should they be using digital technology in class?

I got to meet my hero last night!

UPDATE: Listen to an interview with the author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Jeff Kinney.

 

Blogging Reflections

Visit this page for today's assignment. Complete the reflection on a separate sheet of paper.

Reflection

The day i got my gecko

On the day i got my gecko it was in the winter so it was really cold outside. In the pet store i was figuring out what gecko i wanted i looked in one of the cages on the label it said Crested Geckoes there was three crested geckoes in the cage one of the geckoes was on the wall then he jumped on the leaves. I could smell fruit from the geckoes food. I heard the gecko jumping.I picked the one that was jumping i felt him he felt like slime.

Carter. C

IALADD

International Act Like a Dork Day is here! It is time to act like a dork! Get some nerdy glasses and tape the nose piece. Pull up your pants really high. Wear pocket protecters. Get an A+ in class. It is on May 30th. You should dress up like a nerd to get a free pizza party at Incredibles Pizza! Items sold at local convenient stores.

Weekend Open Thread #2 - Cell Phones in School

Should we allow cell phones in school? (Closed question)

If we allowed them, what would they be used for? (Open question)


Hint: my answer to the first question is "yes." I'll let you in on my ideas after some of you have had the chance to discuss.

-Mr. G

Social Studies Vocabulary Quiz Monday / Catal Huyuk Project Due Tuesday

Use your crossword puzzles to study for your vocabulary tests over Chapter 1.

Also, spend some quality time working on your Catal Huyuk projects that are due on Tuesday.

Practice Interview

Take a look at the practice interview to get an idea of what the pacing of your interview may be like.

Don't forget: your interviews need to be done by Monday!

Weekend Open Thread #1

For our first Open Thread, please leave links to and reviews of educational web sites we should put in the sidebar.

For example:

We should put _______ in the sidebar because I've used it to study math facts. The games are interesting and I feel like I'm actually learning.

Remember the commenting guidelines and have fun!

Historical Interview Projects [Overview]

These are the student/parent-friendly plans for the Historical Interview Projects:

Link

If you have any questions about them, feel free to email me or leave a comment on the post.

Parent Teacher Conferences Update

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, November 5, and Monday, November 9!

• A mailing will be sent to you in the next week confirming your date/time.  If you have not yet signed up for a time, please contact the office at 987-5177.
• We are in need of parent volunteers to help us with this event.  If you are available and interested in helping, please email Jill Urich, principal, at jurich@waukee.12.ia.us.  Please specify your availability:  November 5 from 3:15-5:30, November 5 from 5:15-7:30, November 9 from 3:15-5:30, and/or November 9 from 5:15-7:30.   (Please note that if you do sign up to help on the same evening as your child's conference, your conference time lasts 45 minutes.)
• We look forward to spending time with you on November 5 and 9!
  

Best Concert Ever!

Have you ever been to a concert you didn't know of until the last minute? Well I have! And it was awesome!
It was around six o'clock and I was walking around the "Iowa State Fair" with my mom when suddenly a young boy comes out of nowhere onto the Bill Riley Stage I said to my mom, "Hey doesn't he look familiar like wasn't he in a movie?" I had to yell it because everyone was screaming! It didn't ring a bell.
Something smelt good so we went and got a funnel cake! IT tasted so good it looked like yellow noodles with white powder on them, it may sound weird but I don't care at all! All of a sudden I hear my favorite song "New Classic" Drew Seeley was singing! Was it really him? Or was it just a dream?
NO! Its not a dream this is really happening he is right in front of me! I could a voice of an angel come out of the big black speakers. It was so loud but I didn't care. Why? Because I was standing in the front rom having the time of my life!
The concert was awsome! But when I got my picture taken with him my mom embaressed me "I just want to get out of here!" she says and he goes "Well I'm sorry you feel that way." and I feel really bad because all I am doing is standing there like a rock!
I loved the concert so much it was more crazy than the time I went to see Uncle Kracker at Flemmings Steakhouse at the beginning of the summer! They are both someone who's concert I would be more than happy to go to again! I can't wait until one or both of then come in town I would have a blast all over again!

Interviewing Demos

Leave a comment on this post that talks about what you saw in these two interviews. Compare the first interview to the second interview.

What did you see that is different between the two?
What did you see that is the same?



Questions from the first interview:

1. So I hear you're a baseball fan?
2. Who's your favorite team?
3. Have you been to any Twins games?
4. Did they win?
5. You're also a teacher?
6. How long have you been teaching?

Questions from the second interview:

1. So I hear you're a baseball fan?
2. Ok, can we talk about it?
3. Who's your favorite team?
4. Why are they your favorite team?
5. So you've been up there before?
6. Tell me about one of your favorite games...
7. Who's your favorite player?
8. Can you tell me why he's your favorite?
9. Are there any stats that stand out for him?

In our lifetime

In our lifetime

national hop like a kangroo day

on july25th Max and his friend where playing football when Max got tackled. his leg was hurt hurt really bad. then for a couple of days he had to hop on one foot for a couple of days. then his friend suggested national hop like a kangaroo day. when summer was over they rote an essay on it. there teacher loved it. so she read it to the principle.she loved it so she read it to the school board. they loved it to. one of the members knew the mayor they read it to him. and it turns out that he knew the president. so they read it to him. then he declared it a national holiday. and that is how national hop like a kangaroo day was born




Cody M

irlacd/international run like cheetah day

on international run like a cheetah day,everybody runs like a cheetah on all fours all day.Everyone dresses like a cheetah and everyone has a big parade around town to celebrate national cheetah month.Everybody has to race from Des monies to Waukee,it starts at the blank park zoo and ends at waukee middle school.This holiday was made by Bill Andrews while he was exploring the jungles of Africa when he came upon a dead family of cheetahs,he felt so bad for the cheetahs that he started this holiday,and that's why every year we celebrate national run like a cheetah day or irlacd. by SHEA.C

A Hat, Long Nose, and Screachey laugh

On International Laugh Like a Witch Day (ILLAWD), you can just smell and taste all the moisture in the air. ILLAWD is a day where you will be annoyed because everyone will be laughing like a witch with a high squeaky pitch. The streets of New York City will be lined with tall skinny hats that are black and cloaks that are black. This day takes place on October 30 to get people in the mood for Halloween.
About 17 years ago, someone named Jefery thought that there should be a holiday before Halloween. When he heard his friend's laugh, he thought it should be called International Laugh Like a Witch Day. So he immediately got on the case. He wrote to the newspaper about his idea--that tomorrow, October 30, the people of Des Moines should have this day to get in the spirit of Halloween. Three years after it became a holiday in Des Moines, it became a holiday in all 50 states. So every year, the day before Halloween you should laugh like a witch.


Matt B.

IMLACD

This is moo like a cow day! This will be the most fun day of your life!!! On this day before you start talking you say moo then say what you needed to say. This holiday is June 5th and you will have fun. we do this because everyone should LOVE cows!!!! This holiday isn't fun for parents cause your kids might be mooing all day in your ear, but it would be fun for them so you just half to deal with it. Once you go to the fair when your kid sees a cow they will say mr.cow i got to act like you for a day it was fun then after that they will be so happy and you can go home and be happy the mooing day is over.

Malorie H.

Dance like a Dancer

My holiday is international dance like a dancer. All you do is dance around all day at school, practices, anywhere. You can't get in trouble so if you get in trouble you can say why you were dancing.
This holiday all started when one guy at Waukee always danced. One day Nick stopped dancing everybody wanted him to dance so they danced.So Nick started to dance so every year they all danced on this day.
3 years later a news cast came to Waukee and saw what they did every year on October 10.It was put on the news that night so in a year every school in Iowa was dancing then it was the U.S.A. Then it was all around the world and that's how the holiday started.


The
End

Posting Reminders

Students,
While you are posting your blog entries, be sure you sign it with your first name and last initial so I know where to give my feedback.

If you have already posted but forgot your name, you can go back to the blogger dashboard and sign in with our same user name and password.

Then, instead of "New Post," click on "Edit Posts:

After you've clicked "Edit Posts" find your post and click "Edit" next to it:

From the looks of it, some of you have started your blog posts, but haven't published them. If you don't see your blog post on our blog, go to the Edit Posts screen, select "Edit" on your post, double-check your grammar and hit publish.

Ready? Set? Read!!

Hey!! Guess what? It's International Read like a Bookworm Day! It's a whole day devoted to reading. So find your favorite book and, Ready? Get Set? READ!!!!!
This holiday was created by 2 young girls who love reading. They wanted a whole day devoted to reading. And it worked. It's celebrated January 4th.
Whether it's at home or at school, you read ALL day!!! In every class you read. Even in gym class! This is also to celebrate famous authors. When I read Inkheart, it's like I dive into the book. I feel and see trapped people. I smell and hear screams and smell fire. Burning everything down.
So pick up a book and, Ready? Set? READ!!!! See you at the end of the chapter!!!!



Sara L

International be like a sumo day

My holiday is International be like a sumo day. On that day you walk like you have a wedgie, if you fall then you can't get up so you're supposed to roll on the ground. Also every hour you do the sumo slide, you do 2 jumps and a slide but then you get tired and sweaty after all that work. When you're eating after you eat a ton of food you shove extra food in your belly button for later.
International be like a sumo day is on July 16th and it was started by a guy named Takashi who lives in Taiwan where sumo wrestling is the national sport, he came to the U. S. and he opened a club for sumo wrestling and it turned into a holiday.



Brett H.

Burp Like A Animal

Do you like to burp? If you do you should try IBLAAD. It stands for Internal Burp Like A Animal Day. It is on May first. All of the stores that sell pop on IBLAAD have to give it out free and teacher have hand it out pop to their class. It all started when two best friends loved pop and they had a blast burping. So one day they told some friends to pass it on and it kept spreading and spreading.



Brandon k.

monkey, monkey, monkey

Walk like a monkey day started when Owen woke up with a hunched back. His friends said he looked like a monkey. So every day on December 10th he and his friends walk like a monkey because they thought it was funny. Soon the whole school was doing it and soon the whole country was doing it and that is how walk like a monkey got started

Owen S.

Overalls and Boots

Have you ever dressed like a farmer? Well now you can on Sept. 30 we are going to have International Dress like a Farmer day! I created this because some of my family are farmer. On this day we will free super a healthy super we have corn, beans, chicken. We will have a great time like we would if we where at a party! Some towns are going to have parties i hope you will be there. It is celebrated all around the world. You can wear overalls or baggy shirts, boots, cowboy hat, anything you want. It usually smells like a farm. It will be ex tactic and you will see all these wonderful creative clothes. So be your self and have a great time! Don't forget overalls and boots!!!!!!!!!!




Macy M 3/4

How Embarrasement Turned Into An International Holiday

Tanner was late for his class an he needed to hurry. He sprinted like there was no tomorrow. The night before he dyed his hair and it didn't turn out very well. His hair wa covered in spots. He didn't like his hair-do so he put a hat on. While he was sprinting his hat fell off and everyone saw him. He was so embarrased. It stunk because today was his birthday(November 21) and he was embarrased to death. Thats when one of his friends got an idea.So his friend said that everytime it was November 21 they would sprint everywhereinstead ofwalking. Thats when Internatioal Sprint like A Cheeta Day was born.

Food and Alot of People

I.A.P.D. is Internatinal Awesome Party Day. When you have awesome parties all day! I made it up when I was at an awesome and I thought on this day every one should have an awesome party! Me and all my friends always celebrate every year on June 17. One June 10 ( 1 week from I.A.P.D. ), we went to a T.V. station and asked them to tell people to celebrate I.A.P.D. on June 17. Luckly they were having a slow news day and were happy to put it on tonight and on June 17. Some how it got spread to other T.V. stations all over the U.S. and still spreading! We were so excited every one knew about I.A.P.D.. Even all the schools were having parties because us. I.A.P.D. is the best holiday ever!!! 


Grace M.

Have you ever been a clown?

I.A.L.A.C.D. means International Act Like A Clown Day.
This day is exciting, weird, and funny. This is a day were you can dress like a clown, be
funny, and have fun.
This day was created on June 12 and how? Well my cousin came out of my
other cousins room and she had on a Afro wig, weird clothes that my cousin made and
huge shoes that didn't fit her. She said, "I'm an extraordinary clown."
This day is for fun. Hope you enjoy this extraordinary day!!!!

~Jenna~

Best School Day Ever

Do you ever get to class with time to spare? Well, I don't! I barely sit in my seat before the bell rings, so I've made a holiday to solve that problem. it will help everybody with their time management.
Do you want to hear about it? OK, I'll tell you. It's called International Walk Like A Sloth Day.
This holiday runs through the whole school year (August-May).
Whenever you're in the hallways you have to walk slow....like a sloth!
No worries though because there will be a 10-minute passing period. I know you're saying Woohoo!!! But... there are some catches. You have to walk slow like a sloth or you get DETENTION!
So think about it. This holiday helps you get to classes on time and that makes school more fun.
Why not celebrate it?

Ian C.

Let's Go Penguin!

International dress like a penguin day is on January fifth. This holiday was created by me, Jenna, and Hannah(fifth grade.). The way that it was created was when Hannah fell down then she started walking funny, so me and Jenna started walking like penguins to immitate her.
To celebrate this holiday, you will need a penguin costume, a set of flippers, and a short stubby beak. On this day, we will feast on lots of penguin shaped cake, and fish shaped cookies!
After school, everyone will go to the ice-skating rink. There we will drink pop, skate untill we ache, and have us some awesome fun!!!
I hope that International Dress Like a penguin day will really be international some day! Thanks for reading!

Maddie W.!!!

Dance your heart out!

Do you like to dance? Well on February 23rd you get to! It doesn't even matter if you cant dance. You dace when you are doing your homework, you dance when you are going to the bathroom, you dance when you are reading, you dance when you are eating lunch. You dance everywhere! There is really no story behind this, I just thought it would be funny to see everyone dance.I cant wait for February 23rd! I cant wait to see every ones sweet dance moves! So everyone don't forget about international dance like a dancer day!





chandler,w

International Dress Like A Giraffe Day

have you ever seen a giraffe ! I have especially on international dress like a giraffe day . It was made in Greenland and if you lived there you would love it . The first lady to where polka dots thought they where marvelous . So Miss Annie Apple decided to make it international . it was quiet hard in 1777 she had to use fliers, posters, buses, planes almost everything it was very hard. that's how international dress like a giraffe day was invented.






Cassi T.

Grab A Pencil And, GO!!!!

What are you making? Isn't it International Draw Like An Artist Day? Oh well, at least you're trying.
International Draw Like An Artist Day is a day where you draw all day in honor of all the artists. It all started one day or to be more specific, May 2nd. Two girls, or artists to be saw what a beautiful day it was and wanted to go outside and sit by the blooming flowers. Those girls always brought their sketchbooks with them along with five sharpened pencils and a pencil sharpener just in case. The girls stepped outside and the smell of flowers and freshly mowed grass filled their nostrils. A gentle breeze blew against them and rustled the pages of their sketchbooks. That's when they decided to draw the whole day. Later that day they decided to do this same thing every year on this day. In two years their holiday became international. The two girls did not care because they started it and always knew that those two girls, they, had originally celebrated it.
Now every year the art museums or art galleries have a celebration for this holiday. So next May 2nd grab a paper, a sketchbook, eraser, sharpener and go to your art museum or draw away.

Stephanie K.

FOOTBALL FRENZY

DOWN! SET! HIKE!.... Do you like to play football? Did you know that there is a day called INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL DAY? In case you didn't know, I'm going to tell you all about it.
The day is celebrated on September 27. People are not sure why it's on that date, but they do know that 5 kids, named Jacob, Tanner, Aaron, Mason, and David, started the first celebration. The holiday started in the year of 1984 when they were 12 years old. They used to hang out at Aaron's club tree house. Since many Americans love their football, they decided to ask people to vote for the day. When the votes were counted, YES is was 82% said!
Now it is a celebration day for the Country of the United States. The day went like this. There would be no school on it and there would be football games played all over the country. The 2 best teams from every state would have a tournament at the Valley and Waukee Stadiums. The 2 teams that played for the championship would get money. The losing team would get $500,000 and the winning team would get $1,000,000. The money would then be donated to the charity of their choice. All the people loved the day, especially, the 5 boys.
That is all about my INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL DAY!!!


David W

ISLALD

Have you ever got to spit were you want? Well ISLALD you can. ISLALD stands for international spit like a lama day. It is the slimmest day of your life. When you go to school on June 1st the fun begins .You will slip on tile , because of all the spit on the ground . All you will here is "pu pu pu " ,and "eww it is green" this probably the worst day of teachers life. Their will be spit in their classrooms. But they will enjoy it too. the people who will also enjoy is the janitors. They will work extra hours and get paid more. This is why you should celebrate ISLALD!!!!!!:)




Emma G

OOPS!

One day Zach was at a party and someone pushed him and flung his drink and landed on a kid next to him it. He probably felt wet and smelt bad to. I could see all the pop on him it looked horrible.So that's when Zach and his friends made "International act like you have muscle spasm day" Began June 21 2009. Even teachers, parents, mayors and presidents have to celebrate this day!

Zach S

Get Out Your Doggie Bowls

Who wants to eat like a doggie? Well, on December 31st you can! You'll hear the munchin' and crunchin' of people.
Ya'll might smell some food on people. Ya might even see some mold! Taste and Feeling involve your tongue and holiday spirit! Pick up and Touch your doggie bowls and get started on this great holiday.


Ty S.

IELASD

International Eat Like A Sumo Day is on January 26th every year. This holiday was started because of a famous brother and sisters birthdays. The famous brother's birthday is on Jan. 25th, and the sister's is Jan. 27th. On International Eat Like A Sumo Day peoople invite friends and relatives to their house and make everyones' favorite foods. Around lunch time the guests arrive and are given a special tray painted with a sumo onto it. Each person takes their sumo tray and goes through a gargantuan buffet line to fill their trays with a choice of around 30 different types of foods. Then the guests choose whereever they want to sit or stand and eat their foods as fast as you can. When your done they put their tray in a labeled tray holder to use again later.
After eating, guests go in separate rooms and change into their purchased sumo suits to get ready for wrestling. Next, they divide into a boys and girls group. Each individual rolls a die to seewho they wrestle against. The tournament is a single elimination tournament. The winners from th boys and girls tournament win an inflatable sumo wrestler suit, which they put on to wrestle for the ulimate sumo trophy.
After the tournament is finshed everybody grabs their tray and goes through the buffet line again to get more food. The rest of the day everybody just plays games and dances.
So now you know how to celebrate International Eat Like A Sumo Day, so celebrate starting this January.

Noah T.

Lets Go Nuns!!

Hey you have you ever wanted to dress up like a nun. Well if you do then Oct. 21 is your lucky day. My brother always acted like one. You go to the Abbey and pick up your stuff. If you have a family you can not be seen with them. If your under 5 your mom or dad drops you off the night before.
When you walk in to the sanctuary you hear the piano playing. The candles have a strong smell like vanilla. Everybody will sing hyms like angles. When you sit in the peus you almost sink in to them. After that you do what nuns do best be nuns.

A Big Red Nose, painted face....

One bright and sunny day Ben and I were heading to work. We worked at the Count Fair in North Dakota. We were clowns. Kind of embarrassing, but it was alright.
Then one day our friends came along and thought it would be funny to taunt us. I thought it was pretty funny myself.

Exactly one year had passed, and on the same day our friends came to taunt us, they did it again. Except this time they were dressed up as clowns. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen in my entire life. All of us were dressed up as clowns, we were wearing a big red nose, face painting, big red wigs, and a small hat.

So then every day on this day we decided to dress up as clowns. Then something hit me, my cousin was a publicist. Why don't I tell him about our holiday and he could publish it. So I told him and he published it.

Then I heard a faint screaming sound. Somebody was screaming my name. Mason, Mason, Mason! So I immediately woke up. Ben was the one who was screaming, he told me that the holiday where we dress up as clowns is a national holiday! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This was the most exciting thing that's ever happened. So when I was all dressed, we headed to the fair. There were thousands of people in line trying to get in , and the crazy thing was that every single person was dressed up as a clown. I could smell all the pies that were being thrown at the pie throwing contest, and all I could feel were the people rushing in to get in line. All i could see were clowns.

That was how international dress like a clown day was made.

MS5

October 30th

In October there is a day when everyone talks like an ALIEN! That day is October 30th. On that day you hear jiberish or alien language. Alien language was made up by Noah S.On that day some people would take it to the next level and dress up as aliens! These people would look like the outside of a lime with a weird looking mask. As the day goes on you hear words like yeck, yol, leu, and etc. If you walk down a street you will hear people yelling " Yeck yol leu." which means " come buy cornbread." You will hear this because on each side of the street there are vendors selling and making cornbread. Everyone is selling cornbread because legend says hat cornbread is aliens favorite food. This holiday started when Tommy and Brett were talking about the Moon and thought of alie ns. Then they decided it would be funny to talk like aliens for the rest of the day. By the end of the day the whole U.S.A was speaking alien language. This went on for three more years only the U.S.A knew about International Talk Like An Alien Day. On the fourth year the President went to every Continent to tell everyone about ITLAAD. By the fifth year everyone in the world was speaking alien language!



Noah S

Boing! Boing!

The holiday I started is International Hop Like a Kangaroo Day. This is a day when kids jump around from place-to-place the whole day, you have to do it. Even teachers have to do it! EVERYONE! Well not if you are an elderly person, but you are welcome to try. This is how the holiday was born. One day when I was walking out of math class, it happens. I could smell the nice warm gravy. I couldn't wait to slip it into my mouth. There was a bunch of people behind us about running so they could get to lunch. When one boy stepped on to my foot and I jump up to cling on to it. My math book and binder slid down on to my friends foot. My other friend just told us to hop around all day. So that's what we did. And that is how International Hop Like a Kangaroo Day was born. Now it is celebrated every February 22. Please try your best to do it. It is AWESOME!


Cassie C.

Where did your voice go?

September 26 is International Act Like a Mime Day. You paint your face white and black like a mime's, and no talking- not even the teachers can talk for the entire day!!!Everyone has to participate in all the activities!!! Everybody!!! Here's how it happened:

I once went to my school's football game with some friends. Our school colors are black and white; we are the Des Moines Dalmatians. Everyone was dressed appropriately for the game. I had black and white face paint on to be the ultimate fan. Earlier that day, my throat had been hurting and it was still sore. My mom told me not to yell too much so I wouldn't hurt my throat more. I didn't listen - 45 seconds left of the game and we were tied with the visitors. I had to shout! Suddenly, my voice cracked. I tried to speak, but couldn't. My mom's going to kill me, I thought in exasperation. My friend asked, "What's wrong?"

I replied in a very hoarse whisper, "I think I lost my voice." She told me to act out everything I wanted to say so I wouldn't hurt my voice any more than I already had. Apparently I looked pretty funny because she started cracking up. My best friend said, "You look like a mime." And so International Act Like a Mime Day was born. We did it every September 26. Others started seeing us do it and they wanted to try it too. Before we knew it, it was a Des Moines Dalmatians tradition. One year, we had a foreign exchange student attending our school and she thought it was cool. She took it home with her to Japan. The story spread, the tradition took hold there too, and it soon became an international phenomenon.

Anna R.

Swinging Like A Monkey

It all started when I felt that I haven't swung in forever. So I raced to my backyard. I searched for my swinging tree, found it, and pounced on to a branch. I could feel the rough bark rubbing off on my hands. I could hear the birds chirping all around me. I could smell the fresh air. I could see children laughing and playing.

I then started swinging, and I thought that this would be a great holiday. So, I figured out the date, and it would be September 28th. So, I dashed to the State Council, and asked them if they could make it a holiday. They told me that they would vote on it. The answer was yes! I was so happy I skipped all the way home.

Now the holiday, International Swing Like A Monkey Day, has spread all the way around the world and every September 28th, people find their swinging tree, and swing.


Olivia W.

Better get those afros on because its time to dance like a hippi

My holiday is called international dance like a hippi day.The day it is on is January 3rd. I thought of ti when I drove past this guy with puffy hair. It looked like a giant brown bouncy ball was on his head. He was moving in a very weird way.It was so funny!
So when I got home I started doing the weird dance.I improved the cool dance and I showed my friends how to do it. We did it for the whole day.So that was how international dance like a hippi day got started.




Jacob M

I- Am-A-Robot

This story is about International Act like a Robot Day and how it came to be.
One day on February 28th, I was playing Wii Fit at my house with my friend. The game I was playing was ski jump, you have to lift your arms up then down. I could smell the excitement in the air. I could taste the joy tingle in my mouth. I could see "me"(my person in the game) jump and land it. I could hear my friend roar when I landed a big jump. After my last jump my friend said, "You look like a robot"! So I started to talk like one,"I-am-a-robot"!(Sounding like a robot) We made a deal that on February 28th everybody acts like a robot. My friend told her friend and her friend told her friend and so on. Now on February 28th everybody acts like a robot! (well everybody thathas spirit) And that is how International Act like a Robot Day came to be!!!


Ally M.

International bring your dog lots of places day

Lots and lots of people with dogs are celebrating ibydlop day. You see and hear a lot of dogs barking. This holiday all got started when a dog walked into a store by accident. The store owner said get out. The dogs owner had his own store and said all dogs are allowed in my store.The holiday is on February 1st. This happened by people loving their dogs.






Matt S

The Two Richest Ladies

Okay we're just going to get right to it, you most likely have heard all about International Spend like a Millionaire but for those of you that haven't allow me to explain. Well to get this story going I can tell you that International Spend like a Millionaire Day is celebrated on October 11 witch just happens to land on my birthday, but lets get back on track shall we?
Next I will talk to you about how International Spend like a Millionaire got started. International Spend like a Millionaire Day got started in 1824 when the two richest ladies in the world scheduled a shopping spree for just the two of them on October 11, 1824. That day they planned to take at least 1/2 of their husbands pay for 1 month and blow it all on jewels, diamonds, purses, and of course, clothing. You see that this tradition carried on for the next 11 years but what the 2 ladies didn't know was that both of their husbands had created of their own tradition and went out and bought guns and other manly items together.
So then on October 11 of 1835 each couple received a letter that stated that they were each in debt. Back then being in debt was an extremely serious deal so they all went to prison thinking hard on what could had forced them to be in debt. Once their neighbors got word they all be gain to mock the two couples traditions but spent roughly 1/6 of what the actual couples did. Any way seance then the tradition just simply carried on.
Now we celebrate International Spend like a Millionaire Day by going to our nearest malls and some people don't even glance at the price tags! I celebrate my International Spend like a Millionaire Day by going to Jordan Creek Mall, picking up and almost rudely tossing every item that catches my eyes to my mom. I do this because she's the luck one that gets the shiny, rectangular, silver, and almost magical, credit-card!
Out of the stores that we visit they all had obnoxious and noise making cash registers that made a loud but crisp "Cha-Chinggg!" sound every time a store clerk were to open the loud thing! The stores also had the sent of card board boxes witch, most likely, the beautiful clothing and other things were delivered in.When I get new things I feel glad and proud to have such great parents to allow it.
Other human celebrate this Holiday by paying extra close attention to each and every price tag and buy only the most expensive things so that they are able to brag to their so called 'friends'. So tell me, how do you spend you're International Spend like a Millionaire Day?
Miranda W.

loud and Intense

There was a group of friends that were watching the Iowa,Iowa State game. Aaron thought it would be cool if they came up with international scream like a coach day. David ,Tanner, Zach, Mason, and Jacob agreed. So they started calling everyone they knew and told them about International Scream Like a Coach Day. Now every time Iowa and Iowa state play each other they will yell like a coach. After the game everyone went to the mall to tell them about the holiday. When they got there everyone already knew about there holiday.  Mason asked someone how they knew about it and they said word sperds fast

Aaron S

The most fishy holiday of the year!

Do you like oceans? Well this holiday is for you! Here is the story on how it started. One day I walked to the aquarium with my sister. As I walked into the aquarium I could smell the fish food. I could taste the smell of fish food in my mouth. It was gross. It taste like sea food. As I was looking at the large fish tank I pointed to the picture of a fish on the glass to my sister. The glass felt as cold as an ice cube melting in your hand. I could hear a lot of chatter but there were a couple of people who stood out to me. They had large plastic fish tanks on their heads and blue outfits. So my sister and I had the crazy idea to start a holiday. International Dress Like An Ocean Day. So we wrote a letter to the government and they accepted it. So every year on October 20th everyone dresses like an ocean. In school, at your house, everywhere. People celebrate the holiday by having parades everywhere. That is how International Dress Like An Ocean Day started.

Alyssa R.

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Mr. G

International Act Like a Monkey Day

This is the story on how “International Act like a Monkey Day” came to be. It all started on that lazy summer night of July 30. I was at my friend’s house and we were watching a movie. After the movie, she got crazy! She went outside and started climbing trees (she’s a very good climber). She looked like a monkey swinging through the trees. I could feel her zoom right past me. I could hear myself burst out with laughter. When she came back down she was still crazy! I saw her breathing heavily. I told her we should get the whole neighborhood to do that. Next thing I know, everybody is swinging in trees. After all of that, everyone started eating bananas and acting like monkeys. Every year since that night, everyone acts like monkeys on July 30th.


Ashley D.

Blackout ceremony

There were once four friends named Phil Chuck bill and Jojo. Suddenly Jojo fainted! The other 3 friends ran to Jojo. It turned out to be just a prank. That is when they all got the idea that everyday on August 25th that they would keep playing the prank. very soon they decided to spread it to the world. They messaged the president and he loved the idea. He put in newspapers and sometimes on the news. Sadly though it started out very very very small. 1 out of 100 people even knew what it was. so the four guys and the president came up with an idea. So when the president was giving his normal boring speech he suddenly blacked out. While the body guards with cool sunglasses ran after him they realized it was all just a joke! After that it seemed like the world was in a riot! So everybody started doing it. And so that is how play dead like an opossum holiday began. 

By:Brandon B