About Snakes

by Muireann, 2nd Grade

Do you find snakes creepy? Don’t! There is nothing to be afraid of! You might be thinking, “But don’t they bite?”

Snakes only bite for prey or if they feel threatened. Another interesting fact is that they go places using the power of only their muscles. Very impressive, right?

Snakes slither from side to side to cool off. There are many different kinds of snakes, such as the California King Snake, rattlesnakes, and pythons.

Snakes are the kings and queens of staring contests! They never blink!  This is because their eyelids are clear.  Snakes also smell with their tongues! How crazy is that?! Keep fighting for snakes!

Fun With the Family

by Keshav, 9th Grade

In a world that moves faster each day, where screens glow longer and brighter than sunsets and schedules fill before we notice. Even when life gets busy, there is always time to create lasting memories with loved ones.

Time spent with family is essential, as it strengthens bonds and builds long-lasting memories.

One of the best ways for families to connect is by spending time outside. The outdoors provides a refreshing break from screens, schedules and stress. Activities such as going for a walk, having a picnic or playing a sport encourage teamwork and communication. When families enjoy nature, they can focus on the world around them without the distractions of technology.

Some of the most memorable moments happen at home. Family activities such as cooking, board games or watching a good movie bring everyone closer in a simple yet unforgettable way. Home is where people can relax, be themselves and enjoy each other’s company.

Another way to strengthen family bonds is by exploring something new together. Trying new activities brings excitement and adventure. Families might start a small garden to keep them busy each day, or take a class that gives them the determination to do their best. These shared experiences help everyone learn from one another and discover new skills they may not have known they were interested in.

In the end, it’s not the activity that matters most but the time spent together as a family. Even small moments like a quick chat before bed or a meal can create lasting memories. In busy lives, people often forget that the simplest moments can be the most meaningful. Families grow stronger when they make time for each other. The best memories are made not by what we do but by who we do them with.

Gifts That Don’t Come Wrapped

by Aarna, 11th Grade

Snowflakes float softly to the ground, each carrying the joyful glimmer of childhood. A fire sways side to side, crackling and popping in harmony with the cheers of children as they unwrap presents encased in patterned wrapping paper. The real presents, though, are nearly invisible; quality time spent with family and friends, sharing stories by the fire, a sip of creamy hot cocoa from one’s favorite mug – all tied together with a ribbon of love. The gifts that don’t come wrapped often carry the greatest weight.

In fact, many older adults say the most meaningful aspect of the holidays isn’t presents; it’s presence. In today’s bustling world, time seems to tangle together and leaves people exhausted. But when one makes an effort to cherish the moment, their experiences become beautiful memories. With years of gathered wisdom, seniors often remind us that the moments we share can outlast any store-bought gift. Presence can take many forms: storytelling, kindness, handmade cards and family traditions, to name a few. Storytelling can create bridges between generations.

Seniors, in particular, harbor rivers of memories– memories of holidays celebrated before technology and online shopping, before the world sped up. They remember family recipes passed down from generation to generation, from hand to hand, memories of the sneaky smiles of mischievous children. These stories transform into everlasting gifts that enhance the holiday spirit. Additionally, kindness is a gift requiring no wrapping paper. Kindness can manifest in numerous ways, including as a handwritten note, a cheerful smile or sharing advice. It shows up in the smallest gestures. For seniors who may be missing loved ones or remembering holidays once spent in fuller households, these small acts can brighten the entire season. Kindness can also be visible in the thoughtfulness behind a gift.

Finally, traditions are another significant aspect of the holidays. Traditions carry history, stories, identity, and heritage. When seniors see their favorite recipes, songs, customs, or rituals carried forward, it is an act of honoring their lives and experiences. Whether it’s lighting a candle, baking a certain dessert, or watching a classic movie together, traditions can connect generations in a way that no store-bought item can.

During the busiest time of the year, being fully present is rare. We’re often thinking about our next task, next event or next place we have to be. But the holiday season can become truly meaningful when we slow down enough to notice the people around us. Being present is a present! By simply putting down the phone, listening without rushing and laughing without watching the clock, one can see that the most unforgettable moments are the quiet ones: the conversations after dinner, the shared laughter, the long hugs at the door. One can realize some of the best gifts don’t come wrapped.

The Fascination Behind Fruitcake

by Grace, 11th Grade

Once a symbol of wealth, fruitcake now has a bitter reputation. Seen as too dense, dry, and unappetizing, most fruitcakes today are mass-produced and filled with overly sweet candied fruits, which contribute to the negative reactions people have toward them. Yet fruitcakes remain staples at weddings and during Christmas.

Fruitcakes are cakes made with fruit, nuts and spices. Sometimes they include alcohol, though mass-produced versions often do not. Alcohol helps keep the cake moist and adds a more nuanced flavor. It also allows the cake to last longer, as alcohol kills bacteria by breaking down proteins and disrupting cell membranes. High sugar content also contributes to fruitcake’s long lifespan through osmosis, which draws water away from microorganisms and dehydrates them.

The origin of fruitcake may trace back to ancient Egyptians, who presumably placed it in tombs for consumption in the afterlife. Another possible origin is Rome, where fruitcakes consisted of barley mash, pomegranate seeds, nuts and raisins with wine. These cakes, called “satura,” were eaten by soldiers as they traveled across the empire. In the Middle Ages, during the Crusades, knights used fruitcake as nourishment while traveling to the Holy Land or nearby areas because it stayed edible during their six-month journeys.

Fruitcake went through a period in which butter was prohibited during Advent, a time of fasting. Stollen, a German version of fruitcake made with flour, oil, yeast and water, temporarily replaced butter. Fruitcake returned after Pope Innocent VIII, the fifth pope after the one who set the butter ban, allowed butter again, but only if people paid an annual tax. When the New World was discovered, British colonists brought fruitcake across the Atlantic Ocean, where it became more common, especially in regions without fresh fruit.

In 1896, Collins Street Bakery as well as Claxton Bakery began the trend of fruitcake commercialization. Both originated in the South due to inexpensive access to nuts, a fruitcake staple. Dislike for fruitcake grew partly because of mass production. Other influences included Tonight Show host Johnny Carson, who joked, “There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.” Marie Rudisill, known as the Fruitcake Lady, also appeared on the show in segments called “Ask the Fruitcake Lady,” where she answered questions with unpredictable, sometimes profane responses.

Warner Brothers cartoons likewise mocked fruitcake in the early 20th century.  Today, fruitcake appears in almost comical contexts. For example, the annual Great Fruitcake Toss in Manitou Springs began in 1995. Contestants attempt to throw a fruitcake as far as possible, with the record around 1,450 feet. This record was set in January 2007 when eight Boeing engineers built the Omega 380, a mock artillery piece powered by compressed air from an exercise bike.

One fruitcake was even claimed to have been baked in 1878 and passed down for generations.  In the end, fruitcake, although disliked by much of the public, will likely stay well-known for years to come. With a rich history and a memorable presence, it is hard to imagine a future in which fruitcake fades from relevance. And why not try it sometime? You might actually like it.

The History of Pools

by Alicia, 8th Grade

The swimming pool is a major part of recreation, fitness and luxury, with a long and diverse history. The history of pools reflects human technological development and changing views on living, as well as the enduring bond between people and water.

The evolution of pools can be traced back thousands of years, from large ancient stone basins to contemporary high-tech oases found in modern backyards.  The earliest known swimming pool was built around 2500 BCE in the Indus Valley city of Mohenjo-Daro. This structure, called the Great Bath, is 39 feet long and about 8 feet deep. Made with double-fired bricks and lined with tar, it is believed to have been constructed for ritualistic purposes. Its simple slab walls show an early understanding of water storage and shared space.

From there, pool technology spread into ancient design philosophies. In Greek culture, pools were linked to athletics practiced in the gymnasium and reflected the culture’s value for fitness and discipline.

The Greeks used bathing for practical and therapeutic reasons. The Romans, however, viewed pools and baths as an essential part of daily life. Roman baths were large buildings that housed hot bath pools and lukewarm lounging pools, and featured sophisticated plumbing systems. They served physical needs and also acted as places for social and political gatherings.

The Romans perfected early water engineering, including aqueducts, drainage and heating systems.  After the decline of the Roman Empire, public baths disappeared for nearly a millennium as dirt and disease became associated with them. It took about a thousand years for public swimming pools to reappear with the goal of restoring bathing practices and swimming instruction.

One early example was St. George’s Baths, opened in 1828.  In the 20th century, many free-form pools were created for pleasure rather than necessity. Water treatment and filtration systems have improved, increasing safety and cleanliness. Backyard pools became popular after World War II, as nuclear families grew, leading to renewed investment in pool construction as a household amenity.

The Evolution of Winter Wear

by Yoyo, 8th Grade

As November comes to a close and cold winter weather settles in, we begin reaching for thicker layers and cozy accessories. However, winter wear has evolved significantly throughout history. Outerwear that was once purely functional has become more innovative and a form of art and expression.  In prehistoric times, humans stayed warm with waterproof clothing made from animal skins, furs and plant fibers.

Images for the Blizzard Proof and Skyliner Jackets in the inaugural Eddie Bauer catalog. | Photo courtesy of the Eddie Bauer Archives.

According to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Otzi the Iceman, discovered in 1991, wore clothing made of hide, leather, and braided grass, as well as a bearskin cap. Although the main purpose of clothing in earlier periods was protection from the elements, our ancestors still had a personalized style, decorating their clothes with fringes, shells and beads. Winter wear later shifted as fashion and trends began playing a larger role alongside functionality.

In the Victorian era, women stayed warm by layering long stockings and extra wool or flannel petticoats under their outer garments. Cloaks made of wool, silk, or velvet were common for both men and women, though only the wealthy could afford high-quality materials. Innovations in the vulcanization of rubber by individuals such as Thomas Hancock and Charles Goodyear in 1843 were also a major step toward creating practical waterproof clothing.

In 1936, Eddie Bauer invented the first down jacket, naming it the Skyliner. Bauer used quilted down for insulation and to prevent the material from bunching at the bottom, making the coat both lightweight and warm. He was inspired after a near-death experience with hypothermia on a fishing trip. His invention greatly increased the popularity of puffy winter jackets, which remain a staple today.

Today, winter clothing combines fashion with advanced technology to create functional, stylish garments. Brands like PrimaLoft use synthetic fibers woven in layers to trap body heat while maintaining breathability. Materials have also become more sustainable, with more manufacturers using recycled down, polyester and cotton.

Whether it is prehistoric clothing made of animal skins or puffy jackets made of synthetic fibers, the evolution of winter wear shows how humans have adapted to their environments and societies over time. The future of winter clothing will likely continue to blend style with technological advancements and sustainable practices.