Wednesday, April 27, 2011

EDITOR’S NOTE: In connection with its 25th anniversary celebration this spring, the Cutchins Children’s Clinic in Northampton held a writing contest for children. Participants in grades 3, 4 and 5 were able to choose topics. Most elected to “write about a person, place or thing that makes you feel safe” or “something you do that helps you calm down when you are really mad or upset.”
Today, the Aspire Project publishes the entries that contest judges recognized as the top two in each grade category. They address the idea of safety and personal security in a sometimes difficult world.

FOR PHOTOS from the program's celebration, click here. 

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CONTEST WINNERS

Grade 3

‘Things That Make Me Feel Safe’

By ALEXIE J. ROBLES

Ben was calling me names at indoor recess and I was going to get blamed on. I felt mad. I started walking around and then I took a walk with Ms. B-G. Ms. B-G is half funny and half cool because she had a motorcycle before, and that is true too.
Sometimes I need space. I walk out of the room to the hallway at my favorite window. Ms. B-G and I sit at the window, I open it a little bit and I reach to grab the snow. I’m much better now. We talk about anything else besides what happened. We talk about what happened later when I’m not upset.
Some of the things that get me upset are when my work is really hard, or if someone fake punches me. Then I do my karate moves and Ms. B-G says “Whoa ... come for a walk.” Sometimes we go outside for a walk. Today at recess my teacher said everyone has to play together. No games until you learn how to share. The others got angry, but I got really angry. I went under her desk but she said I had to come out. I was mad and Ms. B-G said, “Let’s go for a walk, I need some water” and we took a walk.
I earn choice time when I get my checks on my chart — the chart helps me stay focused throughout the day on my school work and my behavior. I get 12 checks in the morning and 9 in the afternoon. Without Ms. B-G’s help I’d never have choice time, and then I would feel really sad.

Alexie J. Robles is a student at the Jackson Street School in Northampton.

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Grade 4

‘How Mr. Smith Makes Me Feel Safe’

By DAVID WEISMAN

Mr. Smith is the new principal of my school in Leeds. When I first saw him I knew that he would be a good principal because I saw something in his eyes that was telling me he’s a great man. What makes me feel safe around him is that whenever you need to see him he always listens very carefully and he knows what to do about the problem. When I had a problem with my friends I went to talk to him. He listened to all the words I said and told me to take a break from playing with my friends and to play with some other kids.
So that is what I did. After a couple of days I went to ask my friends if I could play football and they said yes so we played. After that was over I had another problem. I went to ask my teacher but since he was there I asked another teacher around if I could see Mr. Smith. Sometimes they would say no and sometimes they would say yes. When Mr. Smith had figured the problem and told me what to do I did what he said. And sometimes a teacher can help you.
Since I have a very special relationship with Mr. Smith I talk to him. We have a relationship because he and I play chess. Mr. Smith said that there would be a chess club. Sometimes I just go play chess with him so I can cool off. But sometimes I go to his office and play chess so I can become the new chess teacher. And I must say his office is very, very organized. And also since he is a person and not just a principal he also will laugh and have fun even if he has a very important job. He will also laugh at his own comments or at someone’s joke.
And if I have a problem I know where to go. I have to go to super Mr. Smith, the person who can solve any problem. And so I thank my good pal.

David Weisman attends Leeds Elementary School and lives in Florence.

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Grade 5

‘Bullying’

By JULIA LAFOUNTAIN

Bullying usually starts
Right in your heart
Because a guardian or parent
Is not doing their part.

Even a push or a shove
Might make you want to cry
Most kids say it makes them
Really want to die.

Some people can be mean
But why don’t you forgive
Because your heart’s been crushed
And you have nowhere to live?

In school, you start to feel
Like you’re in a black hole
That makes the bully know
They’ve achieved their evil goal.
But if the bully knows that,
Then they’ll come back again.

So try to keep it quiet
And do not tell a friend
So go straight to a teacher
Or someone you can trust
And tell them your problem
And hope you said enough.

The teacher will investigate
And find out the truth
The bully will be punished
Their mean flies out the roof.

And every time you meet
That bully in the hall,
Just turn around and say ...
“I WON’T BE BULLIED AT ALL.”

Julie LaFountain attends Leeds Elementary School and lives in Easthampton.

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

Grade 3

‘The Hugging Chair’

By ARIANA PLANTE

One day, on July 24, 2009, my daddy passed away. It was so unexpected. He was only 52 when he died. My daddy loved hugs so he invented something called the hugging chair!
So it was a place where we could always get hugs. It was always safe so even if you did something really, really bad, you would still get a hug. No one could be angry or negative in the lovable hugging chair. It is a lovable and peaceful place to be. Any time you are sad you can go to the hugging chair and yell “I need a hug” and mom would rush to the hugging chair and give us a hug.
When mom told us that daddy passed away she sat us down in the hugging chair and surrounded us with all our favorite things like all of our stuffed animals, best friends and especially family. Mommy knew we would need a hug.
Now when I miss daddy I go to the hugging chair and get a hug from mom and Ray and Toby.
Now when I miss daddy for a hug mom is always there first, then Ray and Toby (our dog). We miss and love him very, very, very much. I am oh so grateful for the hugging chair.
When I’m just having a bad day I go to the hugging chair. When I am not behaving and I do not understand why, I go to the hugging chair to start my day over. We always get to start our day over no matter what we do and we don’t get in trouble. Nobody’s perfect and the hugging chair is the perfect place to go when you are not feeling perfect.
Everybody should have a hugging chair.

Ariana Plante is a student at the Finn Ryan Road School and lives in Florence.

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Grade 4

‘Feeling Safe’

By DANIELLE ROSSI JORDAN

• I feel safe when I am with my family because I know I can count on them. They are there whenever I need them. I do not like being alone or being in the dark because I can not see and I might not know where I am.

• I feel secure when I am at a place that I know well because I know were I am.

• I feel protected in my bedroom because I am surrounded by all of the things I own.

• When I play soccer, I wear shin guards and a mouth guard to protect my legs and teeth from being kicked and from being hit with the ball.

• The crossing guard helps me cross the street safely by holding up a stop sign. All the cars stop and I can cross the street.

• When I learn a new gymnastics move, my coach spots me so I do not get hurt.

• When I go swimming, I feel safe when there is a lifeguard. I also feel safe when I am wearing a life vest.

• I feel better when I am wearing a seat belt in the car.

Danielle Rossi Jordan attends the Jackson Street School and lives in Northampton.

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Grade 5

‘Sitting on the Couch’

By NATALIE KAYE

Sitting on the couch, Pekoe, my dog, in my lap, looking out the window to see that snow has fallen and is still falling.
To see that the trees are painted with white from the snowflakes. To see all the people bundled up making snow angels, snowmen and going sledding.
To feel the warmth of my dog and his white and light brown fur running through my hands.
To hear my mom read to me as we are bundled up on the couch, sipping hot chocolate.
To watch a movie with my dad covered with blankets on the couch.
To laugh with my sister until I beg her to stop. All of these things make me feel good, warm, and safe. I hope you felt it too!

Natalie Kaye attends Leeds Elementary School and lives in Florence.