Short Story Contest and Next Weeks Entertainment Review

Thanks for all the views of the Cody Simpson EP review.  Any suggestions for next weeks review ?

Movies or Music.

Also, be sure to start sending in your Scary Short Stories. 

Details can be found at : http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/kids-news-ohio-scary-short-story.html


RJ

Kids News Ohio is Now on Facebook

Hey y'all now I'm on facebook make sure to check out my page. Don't forget to send in your votes for Cody Simpson's new album "Coast to Coast"!
I have a poll up on my facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kids-News-Ohio/266420253389671


TTYL,
     RJ 8D

Review of Cody Simpson's New EP Coast to Coast

Album Review of Cody Simpson's new EP “Coast to Coast” by RJ

From the Gold Coast of Queensland of Australia to the coasts of the US, Cody Simpson is now "Coast to Coast” with his new EP. Cody Simpson was discovered by Grammy producer Shawn Campbell from his cover songs posted on Youtube.

“Coast to Coast” is a set of 7 catchy songs that get in your head and are easy to sing along with.

The album opens with “Good As It Gets” a fun Electronic/R&B song. Definitely something I would dance along to . Track two is “Crazy But True” , a little slower pop song with some shout outs and a catchy sing along chorus. Track three is the pop ballad/music video “ On My Mind”, the download from iTunes™ includes the music video. A great pop ballad that shows off his vocal style and pitch control. The video is spectacular. Track 4 “Not Just You” is the current hit single from the album. A nice slow R & B ballad, this break up/try to get back together song is really smooth and reminds me of Usher and his classic tracks. Track 5 “All Day” is fun pop song that takes new twist of the old kid song “This Old Man” melody line. Track 6 “Angel” is a light Island themed song about a girl he is in <3 with. My favorite line is “Halo, Halo, I'm not saying, 'Hi'. There's a ring above your head.” Great Beach Guitar! Track 7 wraps up the EP with IYiYi featuring rapper Flo Rida. This rap/pop hit was his debut single in May 2010.

I really liked album for its mix of song styles and how easy it was to sing along to.

I give it 4 Buckeyes!!

You can find out more about Cody at http://www.codysimpson.com/ .

RJ

A Day at Progressive Field and the Cleveland Indians

Wow! What a day. I lost count of how many people I talked with today, but it was a lot of fun.   I  started with going to the Indians Kids Days events and getting a fanny pack and bag .  When I got inside the stadium I got to go and get autographs from Sandy Alomar and Josh Tomlin .  I then went up to the Social Media Suite, and set up the Twittercast and got logged in.  We got Cheeseburgers and fries and then waited for the first pitch.  It was a great game that just came up short.  The Twins started off with two runs, and the Indian responded with two run in the 1st. The next big thing was the two run Home Run by Duncan of the Indians. The Twins caught back up in  6th with a tie game 4 all.  In the 8th Inning Jim Thome came in to hit and play third for an inning.
In the top of the 10th the Twins came back with 2 and the Indians ended up losing 6-4.  It was a great game of good baseball.   Special thanks to Mr. Campbell and the rest of the Indians staff for inviting me to the social media suite.

You can lookup the whole play by play at kidsnewsohio on twitter .

RJ

Indians game

Indians game tied in the 8th.
Don't forget to keep working on your stories.

http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/kids-news-ohio-scary-short-story.html?m=1


RJ

Live from progressive field. Cleveland indians

At the Indians game getting ready to watch. Got to meet Sandy Alomar and Josh Tomlin and get their autograph . Watching muppets doing bohemian rhapsody on the jumbo screen. Will post pics later. Get to twitter at kidsnewsohio and read the live twitter cast. National anthem by oberlin choiristers.

Got to meet the Manager of Radio Disney. Watch for more details soon

Cody Simpson - Coast to Coast

Listening to the new Cody Simpson album.
Will be doing some additional research the next few days.
Check out the review this Wednesday.

RJ

Q & A with Brian Robiskie of the Cleveland Browns

Brian Robiskie Interview

Question 1: What do you like about playing in the NFL?

Answer: It’s a dream come true. I think anybody that plays football wants to one day end up playing in the NFL and it’s something I am doing and I enjoy every day of it.

Question 2: When did you start playing football?

Answer: In seventh grade. It would have been the first year I played. My mom didn’t let me when I was younger, so I was kind of a baseball kid. When I got to middle school and played with them and let me play and that was my first year. I was a running back and did that for a couple of years. Then I played receiver in high school and that’s what I played ever since.

Question 3: What was your favorite subject in school?

Answer: Probably Math. I think Math was a subject that kind of came easy to me and I enjoyed numbers. It was good with those, so I would have to say Math.

Question 4: What do you like about Ohio?

Answer: I have been here for eleven years living in Ohio. I moved up here for high school. I went to Ohio State and then got drafted right here to the Browns, so I have been in Ohio a while now. You know this has definitely become my home and I love it here. I love the people. They have some of the best fans in the country right here in Cleveland and Ohio State had the same thing. You know I have enjoyed every bit of it and just hopefully to just keep getting better.

Question 5: If you could have anything for dinner what would it be?

Answer: In season is probably any type of pasta any type of chicken, pasta with shrimp. Any type of dish like that. In the off season when I don’t have to worry about it too much at some point I have to get to my mom and she has to make her red beans and rice and that’s my favorite dish that she makes. Hopefully once the off season starts I can get to that.

Question 6: What is something you think is important for kids to know about?

Answer: I would just say just do it as long as you can. I think if you love it, don’t let anybody tell you that you need to be doing anything else that you are not good enough that whatever the case may be. If you love doing it just keep doing it and working at it. Like I said if you are doing it in the youth league middle school, high school, and if fortunate enough to go to college just make sure anytime you are doing it just love it and go out there every day and have fun with it. Have fun at the practices, have fun in the workouts because nobody enjoys doing all that stuff at 6 a.m., but you have to get up. You have to do it and enjoy it and it will come within.

Thanks again to Brian Robiskie for taking the time to answer my questions and thanks to Mr. Gulkis and Mr. Barnhart of the Cleveland Browns for the help in making this story possible.  

Keep sending in your Scary Stories and be sure to check back tomorrow at 1 pm to see posts from the Cleveland Indians game.  Be sure to follow our TwitterCast at KidsNewsOhio on Twitter.

RJ

First Two Scary Stories

Click THE LINK BELOW FOR ALL THE STORIES !
http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/10/scary-story-contest-links.html


AN said...
There was once a man who asked a little boy to spend one night in a haunted mansion. He said that he would do it.
Later that night, he went to the mansion. Now the reason why it was haunted is because at 12:00 midnight a head would come out from the chimney. So when he was there he was a little scared.
11:50 ten more minutes. TICK TOCK TICK TOCK. 11:55 five more minutes. TICK TOCK TICK TOCK TICK TOCK. 12:00 La la la la la la is what he had heard. Then, BEHOLD! THE HEAD! So the little boy ran out screaming. THE END, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

By A.L. 3rd grade
The Kid Who Cried Vampire

Once there was a kid named Jake, and he had an older sister named Vanessa. They were moving to a cold big house in Chicago. They did not want to go to Chicago, because they would have to leave their friends.  Jake is in the 8th grade and Vanessa is in the 12th grade. They were now in Chicago. When they got to the house they went inside and the doors slammed shut tight, and they wouldn't open. They all went to look for rooms for themselves. Once they were done unpacking. they went out for dinner.

Later that evening when their mom and dad were asleep, Jake and Vanessa snuck out to a party they heard about.  Soon they were at the party. When they got their they wanted to make some new friends, but they had skin that was really white. Then Jake went up to one and she smiled. And Jake said, "Vampire!"  And Vanessa said, "What ?" And Jake said, "They are all vampires." And Vanessa said, "Let's get out of here! "  And a vampire said, "Get them and suck their blood. "

Now the vampires were chasing Jake and Vanessa.  Soon one of the Vampires decided to turn into a bat, and flew up and bit Jake.  Then Jake bit Vanessa. Then they both turned into bats and flew home. They went inside and told them about it, and their mom and dad freaked out. Then Jake and Vanessa bit their mom and dad and they turned into vampires. Then their mom said , "Let's kick some vampire booty!" Then their mom and dad went out and kicked vampire booty.  And then they all went out for breakfast.

Big Sports Weekend

Hey Y'all !

Be sure to check back this weekend.  For Sports Saturday this week, I have an interview with Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver Brian Robiskie that will be up posting up on the site and some cool pictures the Browns sent us all well. Then Sunday I will be live at the Cleveland Indians final home game of the season, Twittering Live from the Indian's Social Suite.   Be sure to follow us on Twitter at kidsnewsohio  .

I will post the blog with all the details and pictures either late Sunday or on Monday .

So again.  Saturday  Brian Robiskie Q & A  and Sunday Live from Progressive Field with the Cleveland Indians.

Also, don't forget to work on your Scary Short Stories for the contest.  8D
Be sure to tell your teachers  and your friends.

RJ

Hoodwinked vs. Hoodwinked Too!

Hey everyone,

Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil just came out on DVD recently.  I watched Hoodwinked Too! and I also watched the original Hoodwinked.  Most of the cast is back for Hoodwinked Too! except for Anne Hathaway as Red, who is now played by Hayden Panettiere of "Heroes" fame and Kate in "Alpha and Omega"   Though if I had to chose a favorite between the original and the sequel,  I would chose the original Hoodwinked .

The use of the character Twitchy, who steals the movie,  is much better in the first movie.  The way he talks way too fast is fresh and his imitations of Red for example are funny and spontaneous.  The second movie it is almost expected and not used very well.  

Red may show off her ninja skills in the second movie, but she is more unique in what she does in the first movie.  Such as the scene with the hummingbirds and Disney song parody in the forest.  The whole ninja thing is kind of over done, and doesn't come off that original  .

Granny or "GGG"  that is one of the best parts of the first movie with the XXX imitation from the Vin Diesel movie.     Other fun returning characters that are in the second movie  are the Billy Goat and  Kurk.

Pat Garret is spectacular as the Giant with his gangster imitation from classic movies.  But, as we see he is not that tough as he gets beat by a little girl .   

Patrick Warburton is always great, with his voice characters like Kronk, Kim Possible characters, and may others. The wolf as a reporter is funny, with his constant fighting with his assistant Twitchy.

Both movies were fun, but again if I have to chose a Favorite. Hoodwinked is it.

I give it 5  Buckeyes .
Hoodwinked Too gets 3 Buckeyes.

Comment and let me know which was your favorite!

RJ

Kids News Ohio Scary Short Story Contest

Kids News Ohio Scary Short Story Contest for 2011

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE STORIES
http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/10/scary-story-contest-links.html

Kids News Ohio is having a  Scary Short Story Contest.  Write your scary story and share it with other kids here in Ohio.    The best submitted stories will be posted to the blog, and then you can vote for the best story.  The Winner will be announced November 1st. .  Anyone in grades 3rd - 8th grade can submit for the writing contest.  Stories need to be 100 to 200 words for 3rd and 4th graders and  300 to 500 words for 5th - 8th graders.  If lots of people send in stories, I will break it down by grades for the winners.

A couple rules.
1.  Keep the stories PG like a PG movie for what is in it. 
2.  No swearing or curse words
3.  No hateful words or dirty stuff
4.  No bloody violence, don't be all gory
5.  Please use a dictionary or  spell checker
6.  Check your grammar
7.  Be creative and have fun .

Contest begins today through October 26th.  Send your stories in early so more people have time to read the stories and vote.  If you are a teacher and want to find out more, please email me at kidsnewsohio@blogspot.com .    Also, I would love to hear from anyone who wants to sponsor prizes as well. 

Can't wait to read your stories,

RJ

October Short Story Contest and New Sunday Column

Hey Y'all ,

How have you been?   I will be writing a new Sunday column, called Ask RJ .  Send me your questions and I will answer them and share my thoughts.  Send your questions to kidsnewsohio@gmail.com by Friday of each week.  Then read each Sunday and post your comments.   Starting this coming Saturday,  the 24th, will be the first in our Sports Saturday feature.  Wednesday, I will have my first Entertainment article. 

RJ

Overview of 9/11 Posts

Hey Everyone,

For anyone visiting today from one of the news posts that are online or in the newspapers, I'm RJ.

This last month, I invited kids from all over Ohio to write in their thoughts on 9/11 ,  with three questions.

1. In a few sentences, what do you know about 9/11?
2. How old were you when you first heard about 9/11?
3. Talk with someone 20 years or older, and let us know how growing up after 9/11 has been different for you compared to kids who were in school before 9/11?

http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/08/911-project.html

I heard from people from all over the state of Ohio. The links to the 9/11 posts are listed below:

1. http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/911-posts_06.html

2. http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/911-posts_08.html

3. http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/5th-graders-thoughts-on-911-part-3.html

4. http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/5th-graders-thoughts-on-911-part-4.html

5. http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/5th-graders-thoughts-on-911-part-5.html

I also got to hear from the U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan with his thoughts on 9/11. 

http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/interview-with-us-secretrary-of_09.html

Thanks for all of you that answered.  I will keep posting more thoughts this month as people send them in.    

You may read my essay of my thoughts on 9/11 at :

http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-thoughts-on-911-by-rj.html 

I have some great stuff planned for the coming weeks, such as starting a Wednesday Entertainment post and a Saturday Ohio sports post.   We are working on featuring some really spectacular people, so  check back and see who they are. Be sure to sign up to subscribe to the blog by email or on Twitter. 

If you are a teacher, I would like to hear from you, as we are looking for classes that would want to submit feature articles.   Just email me at kidsnewsohio@gmail.com . 

TTYL,

RJ :D

SPORTS

Hey everyone!  I am looking for someone or a class who would like to help write articles on Sports in Ohio.  I am working on having Wednesday be about Entertainment like Movies, Music, and Games, and I want Saturday to be Sports Saturday.  This way the class or person could turn it in Friday.  :)  If you are interested, please email me at kidsnewsohio@gmail.com .  If you are a teacher with a class who needs more info, please email me at kidsnewsohio@gmail.com and include your contact information and I will connect with you. 


TTYL


RJ :)

5th graders Thoughts on 9/11 part 5

Kate - I was four years old when I first heard about 9/11. A lot of things changed after that like safety at schools and airports were more strict.

Jayden - I do not know much about 9/11. I think I was 5 when I first heard someone say something about 9/11. I asked my mom how things were different when she was little and she said that transportation has changed. No one had to be body scanned and now before boarding a plane .

Madeyln - When I first heard about 9/11 I was 5 years old. When my dad went to school they did'nt have a lock down like we have today . So there are some different things we do today.

Kayla - I think I was 7 or 8 years old. 3. I interviewed my mom for the 9/11 project. When she was in school all of the doors where unlocked and they did not have lockdown drills.They did not have to worry about weapons in the school . That is why school is different now.

Lacey - I was 9 months old. When 9/11 happened we were at the fairgrouds at 8:30A.M. The whole fairgrounds was quiet and it was a dead stop.

Mackenzie - I was 5 years old when I heard about 9/11. I talked to my mom about when she was in school and the changes that happened after 9/11. When she was in school, she did not do lock downs when she was in school. But now we always have lock downs.

Allen – I was 6 when I heard about 9/11. Since 9/11 people don't trust others anymore.

Sarah M - I was six months old when it happened and I knew about it but I never really understood it until first grade. I asked my mom about 9/11 and she said; it was scary because there was fear and uncertainty.

This year we will be decorating our lawn with 10 American flags to

remember the 10th anniversary of this event.

The people that did this thought they could bring America to its

knees. Instead, this event created a deeper sense of community, faith

and patriotism.

Kayla – I was 7 years old. There is more security. We were at war, and a lot of people died fighting for our country. I will read a book about 9/11.

C.B. – I was 4 1/2 when I heard about 9/11. My classroom helper said the security increased in airports, and that Americans came together and said “We will not stand for terrorist attacks”.

9/11 makes me fee sad for those who lost loved ones that day.

Caleb – I first heard about 9/11 when I was four when my family went to a parade. It was a funeral parade. When you fly you have to be scanned to make sure you don't have a knife or a gun. We always fly our flag.

My thoughts on 9/11 by RJ

After reading the many comments and thoughts from many of you, let me share my thoughts on 9/11 .

Change

Everyone keeps saying things changed. So what is change? Something different? Something sad?

Change is viewed in the way the world is different. We are currently in two wars. The economy is still struggling from it. But most people just want to blame everyone else. I don't know if blame is the right thing to say about change.

Change is change. Its a new direction. We all have to live with it. We just have to choose how we live with it. We still grow up, just like kids before. All the struggles of change they had, like puberty. That's been around forever. So has fear. It was always there through the years and it is never going to leave. Before 9/11 people feared things like Communism, Nazi's, terrorist bombings of airplanes, people being taken as hostages, people being sold as slaves. Fear is not new.

President Roosevelt said in the bad days of World War II, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Its your choice. 9/11 was a terrible day when some really horrible people tried hurt us so bad that we would change the way we lived, and that we would live in fear.

My parents have friends in the last 10 years who have died fighting for our country. My mom wears a name band around her wrist everyday to remind her of someone she has lost. I have relatives who fought and some who almost died serving our country. They have scars that remind them everyday of the price they paid for us. To what... Live in fear? NO WAY!

They fought and suffered and even died for us to live life in light not darkness.

How do I try to honor and remember 9/11 and all those who died on that day?

There are really cool T-Shirts out there that say it best: NO FEAR!

Also by doing this blog, so we can remember what happened and not forget.

Winston Churchill said , "Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it" .

Take moment of silence and remember , take time to pray for those who have lost family and friends.

It's okay to be sad and to cry today. It is not okay to fear. To fear is to say they won.

So what do we do. There are three things I have been taught are the greatest things in life.

To have faith, give hope, and show love.

Have Faith

Take a chance on something. Don't be afraid all the time of what will happen. What if the Wright brothers had been afraid to try to fly? What if Martin Luther King didn't have the faith to dream?

Give Hope

Think of someone other than yourself for once. Look around and think about what others have gone through. Take the time to talk with someone. Take the time to listen. Take the time to help.

Show Love

“Greater Love has no one than this , than to lay down his life for his friends.”

Many people over the years have shown this love for their country by dying so we can be free. How can we honor and remember them. Show Love. Its easy to love your friends and family, to be nice to people you like. Try to help someone who really needs it. Try to be a friend to who someone who doesn't have one. Give to those who don't have food to eat or clothes to wear. Try donating a coat or some cans of food. Show Love. The greatest gift.

May God bless America and this world.

RJ

5th graders Thoughts on 9/11 part 4

Alana – I know about 9/11. 9/11 Forever change my life by: the realization that terrorists can be right here in America and the impact it had on all the Americans.

Ashley - I was 6 years old when I first heard about 9/11. My mom told me that after 9/11 security at airports got tighter,people who weren't afraid to fly where afraid to fly,and gas prices went up. ------

Shealyn – I was 10 years old. It opened our eyes to the problems of the world.

Damien - I was 10 years old.  Security got tougher, and with all that happened people lost their jobs.

Sabrina -  After 9/11, I was told people put up posters in New York City with pictures of their loved ones so people might find them.  We never forget them. 

TJ - I was 4 and a half years old.

My mom said since 9/11 people don't feel as safe. Airports and large buildings have more security and we worry about more terrorist attacks.

A.B. - I was about 8 years old when I first heard about 9/11.
After 9/11 a lot changed like you had to go through lots of security before you get on planes and such.The things changed because we became vulnerable,and Americans lived in fear. We Americans never thought something like this could happen to us.
That is what I know about 9/11.

Deanna - I don't know what it was about. I was 5 months old.
People were on edge afraid of another attack.

T. S. - I was around 7 years old. The airport security is a lot harder to get through with a lot more restrictions.

A.V. - I was 5 when I first heard about 9/11.

I talked to my dad, and he said that people travel more carefully.

V.G. - I was 8 years old when I first learned about 9/11. I don't have a lot of knowledge about that day, but I do know it happened on September 11, 2001. On that day many people lost their lives and many others suffered the loss. After 9/11 the war began that is still happening today, 10 years later. Airports began to have higher security measures, and people were more afraid of other things happening. Our world became less trusting, more frightened and more secured in areas.

K.J. - The person i know said that 9/11 is a horrible day. They were watching the live news on TV. She was 32. Even though I lived in a very small town it still made people afraid. We would watch the skies wondering if it could happen again. We became closer to our family because of this tragedy.
I was one year and five months old when this happened.

Astrouse - I was only one when that happened. I didn't know much about it until I was five and some friends told me. Now that I know more I will always remember 9/11 that tragic year and people that were injured or died!.

K.C. - I feel sorry for the people that were in the building when 9/11 happened. I also feel bad for the people that lived there when it happened. All I know about 9/11 is that people lost a lot of their lives and family members. It was a tragedy. Some people also just got hurt,but its still horrible. I just feel terrible. 

Katelyn - I was three years old on 9/11. They now have more security on airplanes.

Destiny - I was 10 years old when i first heard about 9/11. My mom told me that alot of people lost loved ones. My mom told me that it made her think of her family more.

Braydon - I was 4 years old when I heard about 9/11.  Airports, now have more security and no liquids over 3 ounces are allowed in the carry on.

Lizzy - When 9 /11 happend I was only 10 months old. I will always remember that day, it's the darkest day in history.

Anonymous – The tragedy of 9/11 left fear in all of us.

Mikey – I was 5 years old when I hear about 9/11. I know that it was a day of disaster. My mom said it changed her life forever.

5th graders Thoughts on 9/11 part 3

Chris -

1.What do you know about 9/11?
Four planes were hijacked by terrorists. Two crashed into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one in the country side in Pennsylvania. Thousands of people were killed.
I first heard about it when I was 7 years old. 9/11 put fear in the hearts of people. Security was on high alert at airports and shipping ports. We ended up going to war against the terrorists. The US has fallen under economic uncertainties ever since 

Cassidy -

I was in 2nd grade I think, when I first heard about 9/11
My dad said before 9/11 in airports you didn't have to take off your shoes. Now you do. Before 9/11 we didn't have a Home Land Security. Now we do. Before 9/11 you were able to carry a bottle of water on airplanes. Now you can't.

Carter -

I was 5 years old when I first heard about 9/11 . After 9/11 our country felt unsafe . They changed laws concerning our boarders and air lines.

Cheyenne - I heard about it when I was about 8 years old. People were scarred to fly and did a lot more observing.

Savannah - After 9/11 our life changed because they started having rules at the airports and people in general are more worried about outside attacks from other countries and the cost of the was has really hurt the economy.

Anonymous - I was 10 months old when 9/11 happened. Airpots now have a lot more security. Now when you go to concerts, amusement parks, and other highly populated events, security has to check your bags and purses before entering.

Anonymous -

I was about 3 years old when I started to learn about what happened on 9/11 and why it all happened.
Someone 20 years older than me said life changed as such after 9/11:
- Now you cant walk people down to the gates on their flights,
- There is now restricted parking in front of the airport when dropping off a person or picking them up,
- They now created the Department of Homeland Security,
- People are now more alert of their surroundings,
- Now people have to have a passport to leave the U.S.,
-People have become more likely to stereotype about appearances
- People have now changed their travel habits from flying to driving,
-More animals help now in Search and Rescue efforts to find missing people.

Abby

I was about 7 years old when I heard about 9/11. I watched a TV show talking about 9/11.
After 9/11 - Security got stronger, more people dislike foreigners, and America went to war

Adam -

I don't remember when I first learned about 9/11 because it seems like I have always known about it.
My father said that life after 9/11 was very different. There was a lot more security everywhere like airports and large events. People are fearful that another attack in America could happen. It led to the "War on Terror" and was the reason that United States went into Afghanistan.

Madison-
I know that Bin Laden sent people to hijack planes to crash into the twin towers and the Pentagon. Two of the planes were successfully hijacked and crashed into the twin towers. The third one was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon. On the way the fourth plane was re-controlled by the passengers and crashed onto a field in Pennsylvania.

Dalton -
I was 5 years old when I first remember hearing about the tragedy. I was only 1 years old when 9/11 happened
The whole nation changed. The security that you didn't feel safe on airplanes. Some were worried every time you saw someone from an Arab country. Safety change in everything we did. From a sporting event to getting on an airplane.

Interview with US Secretrary of Education Arne Duncan

Good morning, 

Please keep sending in your 9/11 posts . I will begin posting more this evening and all weekend.  The interview with Secretary Duncan is listed below.  Again, my thanks to his staff for their help, especially Ms. Gast. 

RJ

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

Remarks from US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

2011 Kids News Ohio Interview

Question: Why is there a Department of Education, and what does it do?

To me, the quality of the public education we offer our children, youth and adults is the most important issue facing America. A well-educated America is the foundation for economic success, equal opportunity, and the preservation of our democratic values.

Our Department’s employees are dedicated to:

• Establishing policies related to the federal education funds provided by Congress, as well as administering the distribution of funds and monitoring how funds are used;
• Collecting data and overseeing research on America's schools;
• Identifying major issues in education and focusing national attention on them; and
• Enforcing federal laws prohibiting discrimination, in the programs that receive federal funds.

The Department of Education has historically had the smallest staff of all the agencies in the President’s Cabinet, and today our federal budget represents only about 8% of all the funds spent on education in this country – the rest comes from state and local government. However, our mission is to ensure that every student in America receives a world-class education, and we are proud to support states and communities as they work toward this goal.

Question: What do you do as Secretary of Education?

To achieve the mission of providing children a world-class education, the Department is supporting states as they lead efforts to reform their schools.

All of the work is focused around a goal that President Obama set for the country shortly after he took office. He wants America to lead the world in college completion by the end of the decade. It means producing 10 million more graduates from community colleges, four-year colleges and universities. And, it means creating opportunities for every American to complete at least a year of higher education or advanced training in his or her lifetime.

Achieving this goal will take courageous work, great commitment, and unprecedented capacity all across the country – and teachers, principals and community leaders are already responding in extraordinary ways. My role as Secretary is to support the innovative work happening across the country and find ways to spread those great ideas for others to try. My work includes meeting with students and parents, talking with teachers and school leaders, giving speeches at graduations and conferences, answering questions from the public on Facebook and Twitter, announcing new grants to improve early childhood education, working with Congress on legislation to improve the law that governs federal K-12 education funds, hearing from corporate and nonprofit groups that help to fund education, and working with President Obama to shape new policies and programs. Whatever I’m doing, I’m always focused on helping this country meet the 2020 goal.

Question: What do you like about being the Secretary of Education?

From my earliest years growing up in my mom’s afterschool program for kids in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods, I came to believe that education is one of the best antipoverty programs. I am honored to work closely with the President to provide students with the education they need to succeed in the future.

Question: I am doing a project on 9/11 on my blog. How do you think growing up after 9/11 has been different for kids now compared to kids who were in school before 9/11?

In many ways, as members of the post-9/11 generation, you and your peers are growing up in a different world than the one prior generations of students experienced.

But some very important things haven’t changed. Earlier generations of Americans overcame great tests. All of us in post-9/11 America must show similar courage and resilience in overcoming the challenges of our time. Our communities are secure and capable of withstanding whatever dangers may come – be they terrorist attacks, natural disasters, difficult economic times, or other challenges. Our values have endured for more than two centuries, and they are stronger than any threat. Our nation draws strength from diversity, including Americans of different races and religions. We Americans can do whatever we set our mind to – not just because of our power, but because of who we are: one nation, joined in the work of pursuing a more perfect union. Your generation is no exception.

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 will be a milestone for America – a moment to reflect on the last 10 years while also looking forward. As we remember those who were lost on 9/11, we also honor all victims of terrorism, as well as all the first responders, service men and women, diplomats, aid workers, and other volunteers at home and abroad who are striving to prevent future attacks – by putting unprecedented pressure on al Qaeda; strengthening our homeland defenses; building international partnerships; and demonstrating America’s affirmative support for peace, security, prosperity, and universal rights around the globe.

9/11 Posts

Thank you for sending in your comments, Please keep sending them we will keep posting into September.... Don't forget to come back tomorrow and read the interview of US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.   RJ

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What do you know about 9/11? 

Abby
1. 9/11 was when the twin towers fell.
2. I was 4 years old when I heard about 9/11.
3. Judy said she was more careful when she went outside. 

Destiny

10 years after 9/11 it changed everyone's life. Made everyone worry about their family. When I was 10 I first heard about 9/11. 

Mayah

When I first found out about 9/11 I was surprised. I did not think something would happen like that. Although, I was 7 years old when I found out about what had happened.

 

Lexy

I know that 9/11 was a terrorist attack on the United States that killed many people and changed how safe everyone felt.
I was 1 year old when the attack happened and probably 4 when I saw the video on T.V. of the buildings coming down, and my parents talked to me about it then.  

I talked to my mom about 9/11 and she said she is much more aware of  the people around her and appreciative of all the military protecting the United States.

 

Rochelle

I have learned that nine eleven was a deadly terriost attack on the United States.

Does anybody know why though?

Some people say that they think it is because we have the land and they don't, but others are still questioning why.  I learned that on September 11 we remember the ones that died or were injured and we pray for them. This is everything I know about 9/11. 

Thanks for listening. 

Dear Rochelle and all those who write in. That is what my blog is for. So we can listen to each other and share.  It makes is easier to get through sad and hard things when we work through it together not by ourselves.

RJ

Interview with US Secretrary of Education Arne Duncan this Friday

Hey Y'all !  Listen up,  I was able to get an interview with U.S. Secretary of Education Mr. Duncan. Special thanks to Ms. Gast in his office.  He talks about what the Department of Education does and what he does as Secretary.  With 9/11 this weekend, he also shares his thoughts about life after 9/11 for kids.  Tell everyone you know, and come read it on Friday.


Keep the 9/11 posts coming! More will be posted tomorrow morning, and hopefuly I'll get more posts ;-D!
   SYL,
        RJ

9/11 Posts

What do you know about 9/11? Some people have heard alot, some people have not. 

Anonymous and Dalton did not know much about 9/11

Gracie wrote:

This year the 9/11 10th anniversary and those that died on that terrible day. On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with Islamic extremist groups took four airlines and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the U.S. Often referred as 9/11,  attacks resulted in extensive death, destruction, tiggering major U.S. initiations combat terrorism and defining the presidency of Geogre W. Bush . Over 3,000 people were killed during attacks in New York City and Washington D.C including more then 400 police officers and firefighters. 

How has it changed things?

Preston: 

It has put alot of fear in my life. I have never flown in an airplane. I would love to travel to places like Hawaii but now I am too afraid to fly. I also have a greater respect for the men and women who serve and protect our country from these types of attacks. (my mom) 

Anonymous -- I was 11 years old when I heard about 9/11. I talked with my grandma and she said people were afraid the airplanes were going to be hijacked. People were also afraid that the buildings were going to collapse.

I also heard from Greg Power, Superintendent, Little Miami Schools.

On Sept. 11, 2001, I was a fifth grade teacher at Bethel Tate Middle School. We were just completing our opening year fire drill at about 9:55 A.M. when a parent who lived next door to the school came running over to see what was happening. The parent seemed very upset and then shared with me the news of the attack. As the day progressed, we learned more of the devastation and we watched news coverage on the classroom T.V. As I traveled home that evening, I remember many were in shock and there were lines forming at gas stations and many went to the store to stock up on groceries. As I watched the news coverage that evening, it became very clear that this attack would change our way of life for many years to come. I often think about the students who were in my fifth grade class that year. I realize that 10 years later, some may be deployed, defending for our country.

Keep sending in your posts. We will post more comments each day.  I also hope more teachers post as well as kids. 

RJ

Thank you for your repsponses, Any grade can respond

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day Weekend.  Due to the many 9/11 responses I will start posting selected responses tomorrow night in blog posts.  The quotes will be posted in blog posts on the blog.  To the many teachers, principals, and superintendents that have read my blog or replied to my emails, thank you for all your nice responses.

Anyone ,  teacher or student (any grade), is welcome to send in comments about your life after 9/11. 
Please remember to only use your first name if you are under 18 years of age. And make sure you have your parent's permission before replying. For those who have included their last names, we are editing the posts so just your first name appears. 

Help spread the word.  If your class would like to be involved in future articles, please have your teacher email me at kidsnewsohio@gmail.com .  I want this to grow to be a news site by kids for kids.

SYL

RJ

9/11 Posts

Thanks for those of you who are sending in your comments for the 9/11 project. A couple quick things.
1. Make sure you have your parents permission.
2.  Please just use you first name, this is all we will be publishing.
3. Be sure to check your spelling and grammar.  ;)

Also, teachers, would your class want to be part of future articles? If you are interested, email and let me know at kidsnewsohio@gmail.com.  I want to have KidsNewsOhio be a place of posts with topics for kids written by kids. 

Keep sending in your comments and have a great Labor Day Weekend. 

RJ

Make a Difference, Make a Friend!

Hi this is RJ with my newest post. :-D

You know how new kids are moving into your area and into your school? Well maybe you should help them by becoming friends. Or if you are a new boy/girl at  school , you shouldn’t be shy, join the fun, and well, don’t be afraid to try new things.

Just have fun at school and make sure you are participating in groups, sports, and in class activities.

So be a person to make difference in your class this year. Make a Friend!

Also, Don't forget to email in your 9/11 responses to kidsnewsohio@gmail.com .
Find out more about the project at .
http://kidsnewsohio.blogspot.com/2011/08/911-project.html


       TTYL,
             RJ :-)