Three Inspiring Poems

By Novalynn Bodda

Eyes

Blue, green, brown, or hazel
It does not matter as long as we dazzle
We can be icy blue
Or brown as coffee brew
Green as the basil color in hazel eyes
We will always shine
Just like a rhinestone
No matter where we are we will never let you down
For we are what most people first see in you
We think eyes are the most dazzling thing about you
Believe it or not
We think all eyes are beautiful no matter what color they are
Or who they belong to

Family and Friends

Family and Friends
Are always there
True Friends will always forgive
Family will love you forever and always no matter what
Family and Friends
Will never let you down
They will never forget you if they are true
Family and Friends
Are there when you’re sad
When you’re happy
Glad
Mad
Angry
Depressed
But they will always care
No matter what they say
No matter if they go away
They will always care

The Shadow of Loneliness

There it is again
Am I dreaming?
Why do I keep seeing it?
I see that same shadow nearly every day
It never leaves
It won’t ever stop following me
The shadow of loneliness
Will never leave anyone alone
Not until they find someone
Someone to take away all this loneliness
But I don’t have anyone to talk to
Or to laugh with
So it will not leave until I do
The shadow of loneliness never forgets
It never forgets that it was once with you
And it will never forget me
The shadow of loneliness will come back one day
Not today
But someday it will

Three Somber Poems

By Deserie Balbaneda

*Without You*

Long hard days, sleepless nights
Non-stop crying, darkness no light
I force myself out of bed
Sadly wishing I was dead
For a life going on without you
Is something I know I could never do
For these hopeless days I have to live
I know there’s nothing I wouldn’t give
To spend at least one last day with you
But even then I guess I wouldn’t get a clue
That you're better where you are
And soon you won’t be very far
For when I am gone too
I'll be there right beside you

*So I thought*

*You said you loved me, so I thought *
*You told me you cared, so I thought*
*You promised me forever, so I thought *
*Then you broke me, so I thought…*
*Now I know how to love*
*No more "thought"*
*Now I know the way to care*
*No more "thought"*
*Now I know the true meaning of forever*
*I think no more…I know*

Still waiting

Do you love me, do you care
Do you even know I’m there?
I sit alone in the night
Wishing you had made this right
You say I’m something you never finished
Well, then I might as well be diminished
Cause if you cared then you’d be here
Instead of leaving me in fear
Of this world so cold and cruel
Without a father, I feel like a fool
A fool for waiting for you to come,
To be my dad but I guess that was dumb
For we both know that I'll always be paying,
For the choice that you made,
It will just leave me waiting…
So I guess I will be patient until that day
That you will honestly come up to me and say
I do love you, I do care
I will always know that you’re there

Music helps enrich students' souls

By Trevor Fischer

Music can mean something totally different to one person than to someone else. Also, everyone has to have their favorite artist or song for a reason. It could be the rhythm, the lyrics or even how the artist looks. To me, music is mostly just a poem with instruments. Some of my favorite artists are The Beatles, Daft Punk, and Muse.

I wanted to ask a couple music questions to students here at Waldo. The first student I interviewed was Tristan Curr. Tristan said that his favorite band is Green Day and his favorite song is Hurt Feelings from Flight of the Conchords.

The next student I interviewed was Jose Diaz. Jose said that he doesn't really have a favorite artist or song because he likes a lot of different types of music.

The last student I interviewed was Brian Neal. Brian said that his favorite artist was Rocka Rocka Ali, and his favorite song was Billy Jean by Micheal Jackson. One of the questions I asked them was, “Do you think any poem could be made into a song?” and they all said that this most likely could happen.

I also asked them, “Do you think anything else could be made into a song?” Brian said maybe something like a story from class, but it probably wouldn't sound that good. Tristan and Jose said no.

The last question I asked them was, “If you were in a band, what instrument would you play?” Jose said he would play the drums. Tristan said he would probably play the synthesizer. Brian said he would either play the triangle or the spoons.

If I were in a band, I would play the lead guitar. I think a short story could be made into a song. I've written a few songs myself on a variety of topics. I've been playing instruments since fourth grade, and writing songs seemed like the next good step.

Things Students Do After School

By Kiriell Ganchenko

I wanted to write a story about what people do at home because so you could learn about life outside of school. Nothing surprised me too much. It seemed pretty normal. This is what people said:

1. )Q: What do you do at home?

2.) Q: Do you hang out with your friends?

3.) Q: Do you do any activities with your family?

4.) Q: Do you go on Facebook and talk with your friends everyday?

5.) Q: What hobbies do you have?

Max Macsutenko: 1.) stuff. 2.) yeah sometimes. 3.) no. 4.) scooter, playvideo-games sometimes, work out, play ping pong, and do flips on trampolean.

Jasmin Espinoza: 1.) watch TV. 2.) yes. 3.) no. 4.) sometimes. 5.) I don't know.

Beaunyle: 1.) watch TV. 2.) yes a lot. 3.) no, not really. 4.) yes. 5.)volleyball w/ my sister.

Maya Kersnowski: 1.) go on the computer and text. 2.) yes, all the time.3.) not really. 4.) yes, everyday. 5.) text.

I personally like to finish my homework and then do what I want to do. Things that I like to do include play my iPod, go on Facebook, and make bracelets. I also hang out with my cousins. One of my hobbies is doing tricks on mgp scooters.

Iron Man 2 offers action, adventure

By Juan Avina

There are two movies so far about Iron Man. I liked the second one better because it has more action, and Iron Man has a new suit. The main characters are Robert Downey Jr., (Tony Stark), Don Cheadle (Rhodey), and Mickey Rourke (the bad guy, Ivan Vanko). I think Robert Downey Jr. gave the best performance among them as Tony Stark because he was a good action hero.

The movies are about two hours long, so it’s not that long. The movie is PG-13, so you can watch it if you are over 13. The movie was about Tony, and everybody knows he is Iron Man. He is trying to save the earth with his friend Rhodey. I wouldn’t change anything in the movie. I liked the ending because they are successful in their mission.

There are also video games about Iron Man. I haven't played them, but they look sort of cool. In conclusion, Iron Man 2 is the best movie I have ever seen in my life so far.

Three Interesting Poems

By Lauren Johnson

BABIES Little bundles of joy wrapped in your arm,

you start to think, stay the same you’re my little charm. Then they get older and take their first steps,

soon they will find the secrets you kept.

As they get older you want to know

how will they act and when will they grow?

You try so hard to be there by their side,

but you know you can not always be their guide.

As you see them go down the path of light,

they look back and you know you were right.

-------------------------------------------------

What WALDO’S About!!!
Waldo is about friends.
Waldo is about hanging out.
Waldo is about having fun.
Waldo is about standing up.
Waldo is about not backing down.
Waldo is about believing in what you believe in.
Waldo is about teamwork.
Waldo is about helping one another.
Waldo is about being all you can be.
Waldo is about helping the world.
Waldo is about learning about the past.
These are the things that Waldo's about.

----------------------------------------------------

Secret Love :)
A secret love is what I have,
a secret love for you.
I see you in my dreams,
I see you when you walk by,
and when I see you across the street
I feel as if I'll die.
Sometimes I wonder
Where I’ll be in a couple years or so.
Hopefully in your arms,
that I know for sure.
my secret love for you is so
secret you don’t even know,
but my secret love will soon
be revealed, a secret to you I will show :)

New Year's Eve celebrated by many

By Alejandra Ochoa and Abi Martinez

New Year's Eve is the best time to spend with your family and friends. It's a night to have fun, celebrate, and have new goals you want to accomplish. We went around asking students what they did for New Year's Eve.

Q: What did you do for New Year's Eve?
Kathy: I celebrated with my friends.
Cristal: I celebrated with my family.
Jose: Hung out and spent time with my family.

Q: What was one of your resolutions?
K: To be a better friend.
C: Try to be nice to people.

J: Play more video games.

Q: Did you like celebrating the holiday? Why?
K: Yes, because I like spending time with my family.
C: Yes, because it was the time to show joy.
J: Yes, because we stayed up late and ate A LOT!

Q: Do you think there is going to be some new changes in your lives this year?
K: I really don’t know. We will just have to wait and see.
C: No, I don’t think so, because it’s always seems the same to me.
J: Some but not much.

Q: Are you excited for this New Year?
K: Yeah, I want to meet new people
C: Yes, because I want to see what it is going to be like.
J: Yes, I am.

These are the answers we got from the students we interviewed. Are you excited for this year? What is one of your New Year's resolutions? New Year’s Eve is a really good night to spend with your family and friends, also a new year comes at midnight to greet new experiences.

Pendleton Round-Up offers something for everyone

By Nathan Ciriano

My name is Nathan. I am from Pendleton, Oregon. I am a Native American. One thing I liked about living in Pendleton was the people. Everybody is nice, and many races are represented. People are from mixed backgrounds.

Every year there is an event called The Pendleton Round-Up. It is a really huge event that takes place during a whole week of school. It's such a huge deal that students get the whole week off from school.

Mainly, Pendleton Round-Up is a rodeo that has a lot of competitions. A few of the many events are Steer Racing, Bare Back Riding, and Native American Relay Race. Also, Pendleton Round-Up has a lot to do with Native Americans. During the whole week of Round-Up, you can set up your own tipi (meaning "house" in the Native American language) and live there in a place called a Tipi Village. It's really cool because sometimes you can stay with a friend if your parents trust you.

Two years ago, that's where I stayed for Round-Up with my cousin and my friend. On the first night of Round-Up there is a play called Happy Canyon. It has been acted out since Round-Up began 100 years ago in 1910. It tells the story of Native Americans and Pioneers living in Pendleton. Another important thing about Round-Up is that hundreds of mini-stores open on Main Street. Also, a carnival opens by the movie theater.

Round-Up is important to a lot of people, including me, because it has a lot of history to it. If you are in Pendleton during Round-Up, I strongly recommend visiting Pendleton Round-Up. It will probably be the most fun you ever had.

Valentines Day activities analyzed

By Efrasia Alfonin

Every February 14, people around the world exchange candy, cards and even flowers. People can give candy or cards to someone they like, friends, teachers, parents and many more people. Many friends give to friends on Valentines Day. I wanted to ask people what they do on Valentines Day. These are the people that I asked and what I asked them.

A: Margarita
B: Crisol
C: Breana
D: Jesica
E: Graciela

Is there anything about Valentines Day that you like or dislike?
A: What I like about Valentines Day is that I spend time with my cousin.
B: I like that my dad was born that day.
C: Nope, I hate everything about Valentines Day.
D: What I like about Valentines Day is that I get to spend time with friends and family.
E: I like to visit my boyfriend.

Are you going to do anything special on Valentines Day?
A: No, I don't think so.
B: Yes, give presents to dad.
C: Nope.
D: No, I think I'm just gonna go to my friend's house.
E: Yes, spend time with my family.

Are you going to give any Valentines cards or candy out?
A: Maybe to my friends.
B: Yeah to the kids that I take care of.
C: No.
D: Probably.
E: Yes, at my class or different classes too.

Are you excited about Valentines Day?
A: Yes, I'm excited about Valentines Day.
B: Yeah.
C: No.
D: Not really.
E: Yes, a lot

I like that every year when I was in elementary school in my class everyone would bring every person in the class a Valentines card or hand out candy. On Valentines Day I am just going to hang out with my friend. I am probably going to give Valentines cards out to my friends. I am excited about Valentines Day. This is what me and other people are going to do on Valentines Day. What are you going to do on Valentines Day?

Students share resolutions

By Abi Martinez and Alejandra Ochoa

New Year’s Day is always an important part of the year because it means new beginnings and possibly new people. A tradition for the New Year is making a New Year's resolution or resolutions. Examples of resolutions are losing weight, stopping a nasty habit, spending more time with your family and friends, and getting good grades. We went to ask people what their resolutions would be and here is what they said:

Q: What is your New Year’s resolution?
Mario’s answer: Arrive early to class.
Vanessa’s answer: Get good grades this semester.
Laurie’s answer: Find a boyfriend.

Q: Do you think you will be able to accomplish it?
M: No, because of my friends.
V: Yes, because I believe I work hard.
L: No, but it’s worth the try.

Q: Why did you choose it?
M: Because I don’t want to get in trouble.
V: So I can get a new phone.
L: Because it was the first thing I could think of.

Q: How is it going to help you?
M: I'll get better grades and not disrupt class.
V: I'll not get in trouble with my mom.
L: I'll not be sad.

Do you have any other New Year’s resolutions?
M: No, I can’t think of any other one.
V: Eat healthier.
L: No, there is no other one.

There you have it. Some of our students New Year's resolutions are listed above. Some are for school and some aren’t so much, but to them they're still really important. Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

Winter Break reflections

By Martin Ramirez

I interviewed Mr. Jones and Ajesh Saini about the winter break about what they did and this is what they said:

Ajesh

Q: If you had one million dollars, what would you buy?
A: I would buy all the cool stuff.

Mr. Jones
Q: If you had one million dollars what would you buy?
A: I would buy a small apartment building in a college town.

Ajesh
Q: What did you do during winter break?
A: Stay home and go shopping.

Mr. Jones
Q: What did you do during winter break?
A: I made a snowman.

Ajesh
Q: Did you spend time with your friends?
A: Yes.

Mr. Jones
Q: Did you spend time with your friends?
A: I saw Mr. Blommendahl and Mr. Sackley.

Ajesh
Q: Is your birthday in winter break?
A: No.

Mr. Jones
Q: Is your birthday in winter break?
A: No.

If you want to know more about the winter break and Mr. Jones or Ajesh you can find them in Waldo Middle School.

Bring on the jeans!

By Lauren Johnson

Hello people of Waldo, how might you be? : >

I am doing fine, and yes I know you don’t care how I am because
barely any of you know me. I was going around the the school asking people questions about how they would make the Waldo dress code more cool or fashionable. I got some pretty good answers that I think you should hear, and you deserve to know.

The first person I interviewed was Guadalupe Martinez. She said that she would
change the dress code by having people wear different colors. Second , I talked with one of my close friends, Sabrina Lesky. In her opinion, she believes that the students should be allowed to wear the colors black and and yellow, the Waldo Mustang Spirit Day colors.

Next I talked with Ajesh Saini. He thinks that we should be able to wear jeans in dress code colors. After I talked with the students, I went and found some teachers and talked with
them. One of the teachers was Mrs. Cape, other teachers might know her as Paddie Cape. She said that the students should be allowed to wear jeans and whatever materials they want as long as it's dress code color.

Last but not least, I agree with all of the above. That is my story. I mostly knew that the students would say all that, but a teacher, wow, that is surprising!

Student shares about past homes

By Nathan Ciriano

Haris Khan is my friend. He has lived in New York and India. I was interested in learning more about where he had lived. Here are some questions I asked him about his life.

Q: What was it like living in New York and India?

A: New York I dont know much about because I lived there only the first two years of my life. Then the next 10 in India. School in India is different because students don't go from one room to another, teachers do.

Q: Do you speak perfect Indian?

A: Yes.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Biryani. (Chicken and rice with Indian spices.)

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Red and Black.

Q: What is your favorite movie from India?

A: Once Upon a Time in Mumbai.

Once Upon a Time in Mumbai is a tale of two gangsters from the eras of past and present, whose lives enter parallel paths as they struggle to survive within Bombay's criminal underworld. I was interested in talking with Haris about India because he had told me about it before and it seemed interesting. I would like to visit India someday because I'm interested in movies from there. Lagaan and Slumdog Millionaire are two movies that I have seen from India, and I would recommend both of them.

Love is Something

By Lauren Johnson

Love is something everyone wants,
Love is something everyone taunts.
Love is something you can't control,
Love is something you need to unroll.
Love is something beautiful to create,
Love is something we will never hate.
Love is something we all need,
Love is something we should always heed.
Love is something that can calm us down,
Love is something that can bring fun into town.
Love is something that we need to see,
Love is something for you and me.

Three Lovely Poems

By Novalynn Bodda

Whenever I See Him

Whenever I see him
Right in front of me
All I can do is hide the red rush of color to my face
I see him everyday
And I don’t do anything except hide my face when he looks this way
It’s all I can do
To stay focused on school
But whenever I see him
I forget everything else
Whenever I see him
My world turns around
Whenever I see him
I drown in my feelings
Whenever I see him
I can’t look away
Whenever I see him
I want to stay that way
Whenever I see him

When You Were Mine

I try to think
Think back to the time
The time when you were mine
When nothing could separate us
If I could
I would
I would go back
Back to the time
When you were mine
My one
And my only
No one could hurt you without hurting me
And no one could hurt me without hurting you
Now it’s as if none of that happened
Now it’s like you never cared
Like you never loved me or could have loved me

Always Dying

As I go about living my life
I am always dying
I keep telling myself I’m living
But I’m not, I’m always dying
I get older every year
Every month
Every week
Every day
Every minute
Every second
We never stop dying
Even when we’re dead
Always dying
And never truly living
We are always dying no matter what

Random

By Lauren Johnson

People say I'm always random.
I like waffles.
I don't know why they say that.
You smell like cheese.
I think I'm practically normal.
Have you ever had buttered toast?
I mean seriously, they think I'm bipolar.
I'm going to text you stuff.
I think that's insulting.
Have you ever tasted the clouds?
Isn't that rude?
Goodbye peanut butter.