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Congrats to Autumn on being our 4th straight winner of the MLK Writing Contest! Her ideas on social justice, fairness and being kind and accepting to all, were widely celebrated by the committee! Way to go Autumn!!

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2015 Crystal Lake Public Library Poetry Contest

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2015 Crystal Lake Public Library Poetry Contest

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Published April 21, 2015 | By bastrebel | Edit

Congratulations to our 2015 Poetry Contest Winners:

3rd Place: Kellie B

2nd Place: Zach R

1st Place: Sophie A

Thanks to all the kids for participating!  You can see the winning poems and other age level winners on the Crystal Lake Library Websites.  Great job everyone!!

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2020 DAR Contest State, Regional and NATIONAL Winners!

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2020 DAR Contest State, Regional and NATIONAL Winners!

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Winners in the Poster, Photography, Poetry, and Short Story Categories!

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Published October 12, 2016 | By bastrebel | Edit

Open Mic was a huge success! I was so proud of all the kids who shared their poetry today.  I challenged each of them to take inspiration from one of the poems from Bronx Masquerade and write their own poem that shared a part of them that we might not know about.  I was so proud of their bravery and creativity as they took to the spotlight.  Check the poems out with this link.  If you don’t love poetry, you might after hearing their work!

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Published January 10, 2017 | By bastrebel | Edit

Recently, Akwasi Q. entered the MLK Writing Contest.  His thoughtful essay responded to the challenging issue of racism withing schools for the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest, sponsored by Faithbridge.

As the interfaith organization in McHenry and Lake counties, FaithBridge’s purpose is to promote mutual understanding and respectful relationships among diverse communities by advancing unity in diversity for the common good.

After much consideration, Akwasi’s essay took 2nd place in the contest.  He will be recognized and has been asked to read his essay at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at D’Andrea’s Restaurant in Crystal Lake.

Congratulations Akwasi!! I am so proud of you!!

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From the Northwest Herald:

Five District 47 students received cash prizes for their original poems on Tuesday, April 26 at the Poetry: Imagine, Write and Win Contest, sponsored by the Crystal Lake Public Library.

One hundred and seventy-seven individuals ranging in age from students in grade three through adults, entered 256 poems in the contest. A first place prize of $100, second place prize of $50 and a third place prize of $25 was awarded in each of four categories, which included elementary school, middle school, high school and adult.

Five of the six elementary and middle school winners were from District 47. Congratulations to all!

Elementary School Contest Winners:

1st Place: Grace Gerhardt, “Imagination”  (Homeschool)

2nd Place: Madison Ross, “Just Because I’m a Girl” (Indian Prairie, Mrs. Harvel, 5th grade)

3rd Place:  Stephanie Gonzalez, “Unseen” (North Elementary, Mrs. Harrold, 5th grade)

Middle School Contest Winners:

1st Place:  Chrissy Dalton, “The Vast Outer Space” (Bernotas, Mrs. Strebel, 7th grade)

2nd Place:  Summer Goodwin, “When We Were Real” (Bernotas, Mrs. Strebel, 7th grade)

3rd Place: Sydney Ankenbrand, “Years”  (Bernotas, Mrs. Strebel, 7th grade)

To read the winning students’ poems, visit the Crystal Lake Public Library’s website at http://www.clpl.org/.

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Socratic Circles in 7th L.A.  Great debates! @BernotasVikings @CrystalLakeSD47 #engage47 http://t.co/kNWlCoMlSu

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Socratic Circles in 7th L.A.  Great debates! @BernotasVikings @CrystalLakeSD47 #engage47 http://t.co/kNWlCoMlSu

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Socratic Circles in 7th L.A. Great debates! @BernotasVikings @CrystalLakeSD47 #engage47 pic.twitter.com/kNWlCoMlSu
— Dr. Jeff Prickett (@jdprickett) January 23, 2015

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Socratic Circles in 7th L.A.  Great debates! @BernotasVikings @CrystalLakeSD47 #engage47 http://t.co/kNWlCoMlSu

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Socratic Circles in 7th L.A.  Great debates! @BernotasVikings @CrystalLakeSD47 #engage47 http://t.co/kNWlCoMlSu

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Socratic Circles in 7th L.A.  Great debates! @BernotasVikings @CrystalLakeSD47 #engage47 http://t.co/kNWlCoMlSu

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Published May 31, 2016 | By bastrebel | Edit

What better way to end the year by becoming a published poet?? I can’t think of one!  A poem written by Bella Carlino has been chosen by the Pittsburgh Poetry House to be published and passed out around Pittsburgh. Check out this link for more information about this unique contest.  Congrats Bella!! I am beyond excited for you!!

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Yes, Samantha!  We are so proud of you!! @BelindaStrebel #vikingpride https://t.co/87kqa5CUD2

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Yes, Samantha!  We are so proud of you!! @BelindaStrebel #vikingpride https://t.co/87kqa5CUD2

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.@BernotasVikings Samantha Blake with her Belin-Blank Center Silver Key writing award at ceremony at @TheIowaHawkeyes union hall. https://t.co/443zJC26fA

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Yes, Samantha! We are so proud of you!! @BelindaStrebel #vikingpride https://t.co/87kqa5CUD2
— Bernotas Vikings (@BernotasVikings) March 11, 2017

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Yes, Samantha!  We are so proud of you!! @BelindaStrebel #vikingpride https://t.co/87kqa5CUD2

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.@BernotasVikings Samantha Blake with her Belin-Blank Center Silver Key writing award at ceremony at @TheIowaHawkeyes union hall. https://t.co/443zJC26fA

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Yes, Samantha!  We are so proud of you!! @BelindaStrebel #vikingpride https://t.co/87kqa5CUD2

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Yes, Samantha!  We are so proud of you!! @BelindaStrebel #vikingpride https://t.co/87kqa5CUD2

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.@BernotasVikings Samantha Blake with her Belin-Blank Center Silver Key writing award at ceremony at @TheIowaHawkeyes union hall. https://t.co/443zJC26fA

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What a great night for RBMS! Celebrating student writers & a Spelling Champion! @BernotasVikings #vikingpride

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What a great night for RBMS! Celebrating student writers & a Spelling Champion! @BernotasVikings #vikingpride https://t.co/lgbQ7Zi1PT

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What a great night for RBMS! Celebrating student writers & a Spelling Champion! @BernotasVikings #vikingpride pic.twitter.com/lgbQ7Zi1PT
— Bernotas Vikings (@BernotasVikings) March 21, 2017

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What a great night for RBMS! Celebrating student writers & a Spelling Champion! @BernotasVikings #vikingpride https://t.co/lgbQ7Zi1PT

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What a great night for RBMS! Celebrating student writers & a Spelling Champion! @BernotasVikings #vikingpride https://t.co/lgbQ7Zi1PT

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What a great night for RBMS! Celebrating student writers & a Spelling Champion! @BernotasVikings #vikingpride

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Poetry in the News

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Downtown Sidewalk Project – Tribune Article

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What if it were me...
Peter G.

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Bernotas seventh grader Izma Casubhoy is one of 58 teens worldwide who made it to the third round of The New York Times fourth annual student editorial contest. Out of 7,895 applicants who ranged in age from 13 to 19 years old, Casubhoy was one of only six 13-year-old students recognized. The writing contest invites teens to submit short, evidence-based persuasive essays about topics they care about in 450 words or less, according to a news release. .

To aid students and teachers with the contest, the New York Times provides 401 writing prompts in argumentative writing. Students must have cited works to support their stance using at least one NYT source and one outside source and could choose whether they wanted to submit entries individually or as a team, according to the news release.

This year's topics ranged from affirmative action and climate change to American democracy and prison reform. Casubhoy's editorial is titled "The Stakes of Steaks: Why Vegetarianism Is Clearly the Better Lifestyle."

"Writing an editorial for this contest was such a valuable experience for me," said Casubhoy. "I learned how to challenge myself as a writer and had the opportunity to express my opinion about a topic that means a lot to me. I never really imagined making it to round three. Out of all the wonderful writers out there, I am honored to be recognized."

Casubhoy is a student in Belinda Strebel's seventh grade extended curriculum language arts class at Bernotas Middle School in Crystal Lake. Each year, Strebel encourages her students to enter writing contests to hone their editorial skills and share their ideas and perspectives.

"I wasn't surprised when Izma's editorial was recognized," she said. "Her topic of vegetarianism is one that is regularly written about, but she took a unique stance that stood out and taught the audience new information about an old topic. If you look at the list of recognized writers, the majority are 17 and 18 years old. To be recognized as a seventh grader is extraordinary."
More about the winners of this year's contest can be found in this New York Times article.

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Local Student Named as Finalist in The New York Times Editorial Contest

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Bernotas seventh grader Izma Casubhoy is one of 58 teens worldwide who made it to the third round of The New York Times fourth annual student editorial contest. Out of 7,895 applicants who ranged in age from 13 to 19 years old, Casubhoy was one of only six 13-year-old students recognized.

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Love this teacher and her passion for kids!

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Love this teacher and her passion for kids! https://t.co/xVOin6TNrv

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Love this teacher and her passion for kids! pic.twitter.com/xVOin6TNrv
— mal keenan (@mal_keenan) April 24, 2017

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Love this teacher and her passion for kids! https://t.co/xVOin6TNrv

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Love this teacher and her passion for kids! https://t.co/xVOin6TNrv

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Love this teacher and her passion for kids!

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Published February 5, 2017 | By bastrebel | Edit

It’s been a great week of writing!  Yesterday, we received word that Vanessa Morales won the Kishwaukee Trail Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) American History Writing Contest.

The American History Essay Contest was established to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation’s great history and learn about history in a new light.

The contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registered home-study programs. This year, students in grades five through eight were encouraged to write a journal entry about the National Parks.  Vanessa used her experience from a family vacation as a basis for her winning piece.

Vanessa will attend an award ceremony at McHenry County College to be recognized and receive an award.

Good job Vanessa!  I am so proud of your achievement!  You’ve had quite a week!!

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Published February 3, 2017 | By bastrebel | Edit

The Midwest Scholastic Art & Writing Awards posted the Honorable Mention, Silver, and Gold Award winners from this year’s writing contest. I am proud to announce our winners: Samantha Blake, Tessa Hunter, Sophie Kershaw, Brooke Tomkins, Lucy Metz, Joey Scaravalle, Abi Getty, Vanessa Morales and Maggie Noftz.  Very few 7th-graders are recognized out of the thousands of middle and high school students that send in work, so they should feel very proud of themselves.  We had quite a celebration today in class as I announced them!

Scholastic writes, “Remember that only the very best artists and writers earn awards through Scholastic.  It is very competitive and you should be proud of this recognition of your work.  As a reminder:

Gold Keys are awarded to the top 5-7% of all entries;

Silver Keys are awarded to the top 7-10% of all entries;

Sam Blake for her Science Fiction story, Reality Jump

Tessa Hunter for her Flash Fiction story, Exploration

Sophie Kershaw for her poems, Scars, and Bees

Brooke Tomkins for her poem, Life Happens

Honorable Mention is awarded to the top 10-15% of all entries.”

Lucy Metz for her Flash Fiction story, Alone

Tessa Hunter for her Flash Fiction story, Brilliance

Joey Scaravalle for his Humor Piece, Burrito

Tessa Hunter for her poem, Endless Walk

Abi Getty for her Short Story, So There I Was

Vanessa Morales for her Short Story, Doom in the Forest

Maggie Noftz for her Short Story, The Adventure of 🤬 the Pom Pom

Good Job Samantha, Tessa, Sophie, Brooke, Lucy, Joey, Abi, Vanessa, and Maggie.  Please go to www.belinblank.org/scholastic to look up student names and eventually see their work online.

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Published January 11, 2016 | By bastrebel | Edit

Early this week, Jorge Cuevas was notified that he was the first place winner in the MLK Writing Contest.  Emma Bolanowski was chosen as the runner-up.  Both kids have been asked to attend the MLK Jr. Interfaith Breakfast and read their essay.

I am so proud of your accomplishment and your dedication to making the world a better place through social change!

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Published April 11, 2016 | By bastrebel | Edit

Congratulations to Quinn Welder. His piece on the electoral college was published in the Northwest Herald’s Style section this weekend.

Congratulations to Will Stewart.  Lily Sternberg, Bella Carlino, Tommy Landt and Max Kanellopoulos for their pieces being published online in the Northwest Herald.

Here is a link to all the pieces.  I am so proud of you all!!  You are officially published authors!  Wooohoooo!

Quinn Welder – Electoral College

Max Kanellopoulos – Diversity in Moving Ratings

Bella Carlino – Inequality in The Oscars

William Stewart – Kids Need Recess

Lily Sternberg – The Death Penalty

Tommy Landt – The Current Condition of our Country

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Published February 17, 2016 | By bastrebel | Edit

Congratulations to Sydney Ankenbrand and Henry Ryerson! They are both finalists in the Totem Writing Contest! Both of the writing pieces will now move onto the finals!  Good Job guys!  I am so very proud of you.  Wooohooo!

Check out the link to see their names posted on Totem’s Facebook page.

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2016 DAR Stamp Act Writing Contest Winner

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2016 DAR Stamp Act Writing Contest Winner

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Published February 9, 2016 | By bastrebel | Edit

Congratulations to Serena Huberty for winning the Kishwaukee Region – Daughters of the American Revolution Stamp Act Writing Contest.  Not only did she win the local chapter’s contest, but her essay advanced to the District II level (the entire northern part of Illinois all the way over to Iowa), and won that award too!

Her essay will now go on to compete against 7 other 7th Grade District Winners from Illinois.  If she wins this, her essay will move onto the National Level!  Good luck Serena and congratulations!!

Serena will be celebrated at the DAR awards ceremony February 21st at MCC.  Good job Serena!  I am so very proud and excited for you!!!

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@downtowncl https://t.co/3flEfOdHlW
— Bernotas Vikings (@BernotasVikings) April 24, 2017

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Published January 29, 2016 | By bastrebel | Edit

The Midwest Scholastic Art & Writing Awards  posted the Honorable Mention, Silver, and Gold Award winners from this year’s writing contest. I am proud to announce that Ella Schuch was awarded Honorable Mention for both her science fiction stories and Faith Gancayco was awarded Silver Key for her short story.  This is a huge accomplishment!

I am so pleased to see their talent represented.  Scholastic writes, “Remember that only the very best artists and writers earn awards through Scholastic.  It is very competitive and you should be proud of this recognition of your work.  As a reminder:

Gold Keys are awarded to the top 5-7% of all entries;

Silver Keys are awarded to the top 7-10% of all entries;

Honorable Mention is awarded to the top 10-15% of all entries.”

Good Job Faith and Ella.  Please go to www.belinblank.org/scholastic to look up student names and eventually see their work online.

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Published January 11, 2016 | By bastrebel | Edit

Over the last few weeks, we have received great news.  First, Jake Hartman found out that his piece.  “My First Deer Hunt” won the 2015 Outdoor News – Illinois Youth Writing Contest. He won $100, his piece was published in Outdoor News and his piece continues on to a national writing contest.

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Published May 27, 2015 | By bastrebel | Edit

Congratulations Megan L., for having her piece considered for Stone Soup Magazine. I have had students try to publish for this children’s magazine for ten years, and I have never had a student receive word back from the editors.  It is an extraordinary achievement! In his letter to Megan, Gerry Mandel writes, “we receive a few hundred submissions every week, and, unfortunately, over 95% of them are rejected right away.”  Way to go Megan.  I am so very proud of you!!

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ELKS Lodge - "What does the Pledge Mean to Me" Writing Contest

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ELKS Lodge - "What does the Pledge Mean to Me" Writing Contest

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Published May 17, 2015 | By bastrebel | Edit
Congratulations to:

Peter G.
Lucas M.
Izzy S.

They consecutively placed first, second and third in the Elks Writing Contest – What Does the Pledge Mean to Me.  I am so proud of your accomplishment!  You guys are writing rock stars!  I can’t wait for you to take me to the Freeze with your prize money!!  Good job guys!!

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2015 Scholastic Writing Contest Announcement

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2015 Scholastic Writing Contest Announcement

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Published February 3, 2015 | By bastrebel | Edit

Over 300,000 pieces of art and writing were submitted to the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest this year, here are the Bernotas kids (two 8th and the rest 7th) that were recognized for their talent!!!! So proud of them!! And as a side note, most kids recognized are in high school!!! What an honor to be recognized in middle school!!

* Spencer Fiedler – honorable mention flash fiction

* Cate Mordi – honorable mention poetry

* Kate Mutka – honorable mention poetry

* Megan Lowe – honorable mention short story

* Anthony Mannuzza – honorable mention short story

* Allie Chang – silver key short story

* Frannie Zukowski – silver key short story

* Mira Quimby – silver key short story

* Kate Mutka – silver key short story

* Beth Mutka – silver key Science fiction/fantasy

Writing Rock Stars all of them!! Congrats!!!!!!!

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3 Students Make First Cut of Totem Writing Contest

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3 Students Make First Cut of Totem Writing Contest

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Published February 3, 2015 | By bastrebel | Edit

So proud of Sophie A., Drew J., and Ken B. Out of 1,000 entries, to the Totem Writing Contest, they have been chosen, with 50 other writers, to go to the next round of judging! I am soooo proud of you all! Congrats, and good luck!!

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Published December 6, 2014 | By bastrebel | Edit

I am proud to announce Allie C., Peter G., Lucas M., and Drew J. all have feature articles being published in the Northwest Herald this Sunday. Allie’s piece will be published in the PlanIt section of the Herald and the boys’ pieces will be online in the PlanIt section. Check out their work and join me in celebrating their accomplishment.  I hope they are the first of many who are recognized for their talents this year.

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Student Poetry Pitch to Crystal Lake City Council

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Student Poetry Pitch to Crystal Lake City Council

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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Gwendolyn Brooks Writing Contest Winners

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Gwendolyn Brooks Writing Contest Winners

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Congratulations to Kiera Majzner aka Holly Wood as we celebrate her huge accomplishment!

"Celebrate the winners of the Illinois state-wide Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards. Miss Brooks created and continued these awards for thirty years—honoring the poems of exceptional young Illinois poets in kindergarten through the twelfth grade.

Host Eve L. Ewing leads this lively event of poetry readings, food and family."

7th GRADE WINNERS:

“Animal Testing” by Holly Wood (Bernotas Middle School, Crystal Lake)

“Untitled” by Oliver Collier (The Children’s School, Berwyn)

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A couple weeks ago, Block Two posted letters to the potential presidential candidates. Emma K was quoted in an article written for teachers about the program!  Way to go Emma! Being a quoted author is great way to start the year out with a bang!  Check out Emma’s quote and use the links in the article to see all our published letters!

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Published January 14, 2015 | By bastrebel | Edit

I am proud to announce Zach R., as the winner of the MLK – 2015 Writing Contest.  Kids across McHenry Country were challenged to write pieces that focused on dealing with controversy in peaceful ways.

I think MLK himself would be proud of the many ideas Zach and his classmates came up with in their writing.

Congratulations on this awesome accomplishment.

Please read Zach’s winning entry below.

Many people worldwide struggle to bring about peace everyday. Such people as Mohandas Gandhi and, the honored person in this contest, Martin Luther King Jr fought for peace even when they were faced with many challenges and lots of controversy. Many people believe they cannot do anything similar to what they did. While it is true that creating peace can seem like an impossible task, MLK and many others have proved that it is possible.

The first step to creating peace is to find a situation lacking peace. For Martin Luther King Jr. this situation was the unrest and anger between African Americans and whites. Not all unpeaceful situations have to involve violence or death, even a debate can be classified as not peaceful.Next you must bring both sides to an agreement. Most conflicts are solved when one side or both sides give up something. These are the steps for solving any argument or conflict.

However, not all arguments can be so easily solved as a dinner table debate, some conflicts can take decades to solve. The challenges of creating peace in a situation with lots of controversy surrounding it is what makes most people not attempt to do so. To create peace you must make your voice heard by both sides of a conflict. One great example is Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech. You must prove to people that conflict is not needed and that peace is much more appealing. Many people are stubborn and will disagree with anyone who doesn’t think the same way, however most people are understanding and open to other ideas. Most importantly you must be determined and patient. It is very hard to bring about peace but not impossible.

Peace is not something that you can bring about easily, especially in situations that are controversial and have many challenges. Creating peace requires a lot of hard-work, patience and effort. However, people like MLK Jr. have proven it is not impossible. Anyone can bring about peace as long as they put in the effort.

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I carry this in my backpack

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Dr. Future President Publications Page 2

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Dr. Future President Publications Page 2

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Positive Quote Posters for Around the School

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Positive Quote Posters for Around the School

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Google Inventors of the Future Contest Honorary Mention

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Google Inventors of the Future Contest Honorary Mention

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Anna

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Elena

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My Classroom is ELECTRIC!

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Immigration Unit

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Partner Writing is Always Better with BIG paper!

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Partner Writing is Always Better with BIG paper!

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Just to make you smile