Spring is right around the corner! The days are getting longer, and the sun is shining brighter. The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, and everything is becoming more vibrant and alive! One of the most exciting parts of spring is watching the flowers bloom. They come in such a variety of thrilling colors and shapes, that you could never find two that look alike! Flowers bring joy and interest to a landscape or garden that has been asleep for the winter. Sometimes it looks as though a giant has spilled its paint all over the green foliage. For this colorful time of year, the Lighthouse has put together a drawing challenge for you! You can probably guess what the theme is by now… flowers!
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
The flowers that you will be drawing can be drawn with any medium of your choosing! Pencils, paint, oils or charcoal, just to name a few. You can draw any type of flower you want! Some common spring flowers include Tulips, Daffodils, Daisies, and Roses. You can even draw a flower that you came up with yourself! You can get as creative as you like. This is a non-competitive challenge, and all art submissions will be included in the next publishing in the Arts and Culture section.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ART
All art should be submitted byMay 1st, and you will see your artwork when articles are published on May 5th. We accept kids of all ages, and ask that you please give us your age and first name. You may include your last name, or last initial. We value your privacy! You can submit your art to us by taking a picture and emailing it to us at thelighthousetve@gmail.com.
We hope to see your artwork! Remember, you can get as creative as you like.
The story follows Mark Watney, a member of NASA’s team sent to explore Mars. After a martian sandstorm leaves him stranded and injured, he is cut off from human communication and left to face the overwhelming challenges of surviving Mars. So ultimately, this book chronicles the story of Mark versus Mars. The main character’s bone-dry humor as he records his mission logs is both clever and entertaining. Another big strength of the book is the author’s attention to scientific detail and accuracy, while still managing to make the reader laugh. The author authenticated as much as possible the science behind the story. This was shown especially with application of physics on atmospheric pressure and the mathematics and chemistry behind the protagonist’s attempted solutions to problems that arise. I recommend this book for ten year old kids through adult, but the language is very explicit, so there is “Classroom Edition” for youth. This book is definitely worth your time if you are a sci-fi fan. There is a movie based off the book that I also recommend, but be sure to read the book first!
First off, Happy New Year everyone! Our Staff hopes all of you had a wonderful holiday season. Now that a new year has started we should all look back to see how far we have come and give ourselves a high-five for all we have accomplished! Don’t just look back, look to the future! The new year hosts many great and exciting opportunities for all of us. This article contains three poems that were submitted for our poetry challenge, so read on!
About the poetry challenge
Last month, our Staff posted a non-competitive poetry challenge. Submissions were to be sent to us by the 20th of December, and we got three fantastic poems! The submitted poems were to be posted in this very article, and never fear, we will not disappoint you!
Here are the three poems that were submitted by three kids from the TVE community! It’s not just poems that were submitted, actually, some art was submitted as well!
Christmastime
By Livi Skikos – 14 years old
Ornaments on every tree, some homemade of clay
People shovel snowy paths while candles light the way
Christmas cheer floods the homes of every girl and boy
Writing letters to the one who’ll bring them a new toy
Families gather ‘round to place a star on the tree
Children sled through the snow, feeling bright and free
Candy canes and silver bells remind you of the day
When Christmastime will come again, with Santa on his sleigh
HOPE
by Aleena Haimor
Hope is the bright flame
Like sunshine in the shadows
That I long to touch
Made by Max Yang
Sunfish
by Max Yang – 8 years old
Sunfish, sunfish,
you remind me of a wish.
You are like the sun drifting away.
You remind me of the sun on most sunny days.
Oh oh, sunfish,
In my dreams,
you keep me company.
In the Monterey Bay Aquarium,
you wait for me.
Congratulations to all three of you! Give yourself a nice pat on the back for your hard work. These three poems are a joy to read!
These poems were read by our Staff, and were given these titles in the following categories:
Christmastime – Best Rhymes and Most Joyful
Hope – Best Topic
Sunfish – Brightest and Most Creative
We hope that all those who read these poems enjoyed them as much as we did. And a big virtual high-five to the participants. Once again, Happy New Year!
Time for a poetry challenge! The staff of The Lighthouse (TVE’s own student-led newspaper) invites one and all to take part in our first ever poetry competition! Don’t be afraid to let your creative ideas run wild and why not show them off? We look forward to reading your submissions and getting inspired by your beautiful words! You could even share your poems with your parkday friends. Here are the rules. First off, YOUR POETRY MUST COME OUT OF YOUR OWN CREATIVE MIND. No quoting Edger Allen Poe, people! Second off, NO EXPLICIT LANGUAGE OR CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS. We will not accept any foul poetry submissions. Third off, WE ACCEPT ALL TYPES OF POETRY! We don’t hold grudges against haikus or anything.
POETRY IS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE 20th OF DECEMBER.
You can SUBMIT YOUR POEM AT: thelighthousetve@gmail.com
Our staff will decide who wins in each category, then we will email everyone to congratulate them for their hard work and receive an online certificate! ALL SUBMISSIONS WILL BE POSTED IN THE LIGHTHOUSE NEWSPAPER ON THE 5th OF JANUARY. (Unless you instruct us not to.)
It’s finally December! You know what that means. Christmas is coming! I’m sure you are all ecstatic for Santa to come down your chimney and put out your presents. He is sure to admire these 5 jolly Christmas crafts when he stops by.
Paper Chain Garland
This craft is my personal favorite, and I use it every year. It is really simple and super fun. It also looks really good, because you can add all kinds of neat designs!
Every good artist has their art supplies prepared and ready to go. So, make sure you have a pencil, colored markers (if you want), and a stack of colored (or regular) paper.
All photos by Lydia M.
Now, cut each paper lengthwise into about 8 pieces, using scissors. You can use a pencil and ruler to draw straight lines before cutting your strands. I recommend making strands that are approximately 1 inch wide and 11 inches long. Then, decorate them if you want.
Next, take one strip of sticky tape and attach the top of the paper strand to the bottom, forming a circle.
Now, run a new strip of paper through the previous one, and attach the top to the bottom to create a new circle. This will create the shape of a chain, and if you want, you can even make patterns on your chain using different colored paper.
Continue this process until the chain reaches the desired length of your garland. When you’re finished, hang it up for all to see!
Paper Plate Christmas Tree
Here is another beautiful, quick and easy craft. I find it very convenient, because it looks great, it’s simple and can be hung from the ceiling.
You will need string (for hanging the finished project up), scissors, colored pencils, markers, paints, stickers, or other decorating tools.
Now, you can begin by drawing a spiral on the back of the paper plate using a decorating tool, such as a marker, pen, pencil, or paint. Then, draw or paint some patterns along the spiral line. This makes your paper plate Christmas tree really pop.
After that, cut along the spiral line, so that the paper plate looks like a swirly Christmas tree when you hold it by the top. Make a tiny hole on the tip, so that you are able to run a string through, and tie a knot underneath.
Tape it to the ceiling. Now, you have a fabulous decoration for the holidays!
Bead Candy Cane Ornament
This is a very fun, simple craft that you can hang on your Christmas tree. DIY ornaments show lots of creativity, and are distinct.
You will need a pipe cleaner and plastic jewelry beads.
Twist the bottom of the pipe cleaner, so that the beads cannot fall off. Next, slide the beads onto the pipe cleaner. I recommend making patterns. While you are sliding the beads on, make sure you have room to twist the top of the pipe cleaner, to make sure that the beads will not fall off.
Then, curve your candy cane ornament into a candy cane shape. Now, your ornament is ready! Hang it up on your Christmas tree, and if you want to, make some more!
Countdown Till Christmas
This craft is like creating your own advent calendar. It is super cool, and you can hang it up in your room and change it every morning.
First, you need a paper plate, scissors, glue (or tape), paper and markers, paint, pens, pencils or other decorating tools.
Cut a square in the middle of the paper plate that is about an inch long, and an inch wide. On the back of the plate (inside), glue or tape a thin strip of paper to the back of the square.
Next, cut out a piece of paper that is 11 inches long, and 1 inch wide. On one side, write numbers 1 through 12 with your decorating tools from top to bottom, and 13 through 24 on the other side. Then, decorate your paper plate on the outside. When you are done, flip the plate over to the back, and weave the paper with numbers through the strip attached to the plate.
When you flip the plate over, there should be a number in the square. Starting on December 1st, move the paper by one number each day. Start at 1, then 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on. When you get to 12, flip the strip of paper to continue. Congrats! You have made your own advent calendar.
Paper Snowflake
Paper snowflakes are stunning, and you can decorate your house with lots of them. They are easy to make, and the items you need are very easy to come by.
First, you need to grab paper, a pencil, and scissors.
Make sure your paper is in a portrait format (or longways), and fold the top, right corner down, along the left edge of the paper.
Then, cut the paper under the triangle off. Unfold the triangle, and now you have a perfect square. Fold the bottom edge up to the top edge, and then the right edge to the left edge. You should now have a smaller square.
Draw a design on the square, but remember that the bottom right corner will be the middle of your snowflake. You are welcome to use my design or come up with your own. No two snowflakes in nature are alike, after all.
Then, cut along the design you drew, and unfold. Check out your wonderful paper snowflake!
I really hope you enjoyed making these 5 jolly Christmas crafts. Santa will be very impressed!
Deepavali (or Diwali) is the Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated on the new moon that occurs between mid-October to mid-November, according to the Lunar Calendar. The word Deepavali is a combination of two Sanskrit words — Deepa, meaning lamp, and Avali, meaning rows or series. Therefore, Deepavali means rows of lamps.
In Southern India, Deepavali celebrates the defeat of the demon Naraka at the hands of Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. In Northern India, it celebrates the victorious return of Prince Rama, another incarnation of Vishnu, having defeated the demon Ravana. The demons represent the vices in human nature.
Deepavali symbolizes light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Families wake up as early as 4:00 AM and apply an herbal medicinal oil before bathing as a cleansing ritual. Hindus celebrate this bright and joyous festival by lighting oil lamps, cooking traditional sweet and savory treats, and, more recently, lighting sparklers or firecrackers.
This is a universal prayer in Sanskrit on the occasion of Deepavali
असतो मा सद्गमय |
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय |
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय |
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्ति | |
Asatho ma sadgamaya,
Thamaso ma jyothirgamaya,
Mrithyorma amritham gamaya,
Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.
Lead us from untruth to truth,
From darkness to light,
From death to immortality
Peace, Peace, Peace.
Here is a healthy, sweet recipe to celebrate with — Carrot Payasam
Ingredients:
4 large carrots
2 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup water or reserved cooking liquid
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cardamom
4 whole cloves
saffron for garnish (optional)
Peel and cut carrots into two-inch pieces. Steam until thoroughly soft. If cooking on a stovetop, reserve cooking liquid for later use.
Combine the carrots, liquids, sugar, cardamom, and cloves in a blender and blend until smooth.
Adjust liquids for preferred consistency and sweetness for preferred taste.
Keeper of the Lost Cities is an exciting fantasy series by author Shannon Messenger. Book one is suitable for ages 10+.
Sophie Foster is a Telepath, and she has been keeping it a secret for years. One day while wandering in a museum in San Diego, Sophie meets a mysterious boy named Fitz. He reveals to her the reason she can read minds. She is an elf. He then tells her that she must leave behind her human family and move to where the elves live — the Lost Cities.
Soon after she arrives at the Lost Cities, Sophie begins to attend an Elvin school called Foxfire. There she develops her telepathic abilities and other skills under the guidance of her mentors.
But, amongst her memories are secrets about herself and why she was born within the human world. Secrets that even she does not know or remember. And the secrets contain information that some people would do anything to acquire.
As Sophie’s control over her ability grows, she makes new friends who each possess an ability of their own, discovers who her foes are, and learns more about her new home and where she truly and finally belongs.
photo by Lac de Feuilles
Keeper of the Lost Cities is complete with memorable characters, complex strategies, and lots of humor! The story continues in the following seven books: Exile, Everblaze, Neverseen, Lodestar, Nightfall, Flashback, and Legacy. These should be available at your local library or bookstore.
This series also includes Book 8.5, titled Unlocked. It offers different perspectives, character profiles, quizzes, themed recipes, and more!
Stellarlune, the long-anticipated ninth book, is expected to be released on November 8th, 2022.
To follow the release of the book or to read about the author, please visit
Mount Madonna School in Watsonville, California, will be performing their 43rd production of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, on stage this year. It will be held from June 9th to 12th at the Mexican Heritage Theater in San Jose, California. Tickets are now on sale at www.MountMadonnaSchool.org
Photo courtesy Meru S.
The Ramayana play has been running annually since 1974. It is performed by a cast of 175 students ranging from preschool to 12th grade. Due to the lockdown in 2020, they were unable to perform that year, but in 2021, they created Ramayana! – the Movie, so people could watch it from home and stay safe.
The production of this timeless tale is complete with live music and songs, dazzling costumes, and impressive props, most of which are put together by the teachers and parent volunteers. The humor, the acrobatic moves, the stunning lighting, and theatrical effects add to an enjoyable experience.
The Ramayana is the story of Prince Rama and his wife, Sita. Rama was born to the eldest queen of King Dasharata, the ruler of the kingdom of Kosala. When Rama reaches the age of sixteen, Sage Vishwamitra asks the king to let Rama come with him to the forest to help protect the sages from the demons who were disturbing their penances. Vishwamitra mentors Rama during their time in the forest. After Rama accomplishes the tasks, Vishwamitra takes Rama to the kingdom of Mithila where the ruler, King Janaka, has arranged that whoever could string the powerful and heavy celestial bow of Shiva, would be the one to marry his daughter, Sita. Rama succeeds in doing this and weds Sita. When the time comes for Rama to be king, Dasharata’s youngest queen commands Rama to live in the forest for fourteen years, as she wants her son to be the king. King Dasharata can not bear to be separated from his dearest son but has no other choice. Rama obeys the order and departs for the forest with his youngest brother Lakshmana and Sita.
Thirteen years in exile pass peacefully. In the fourteenth year, the king of the demons abducts Sita. Rama is grief-stricken. He sets out with Lakshmana to rescue her. They find help from the king of the monkeys and his minister, Hanuman, who becomes a loyal servant of Rama.
Will Rama be re-united with Sita? Discover the adventures of Hanuman on his search for Sita, meet the characters of Jatayu and Sampati the vultures, Jambavan the bear, Maricha the sorcerer, and much more in Mount Madonna School’s musical production, Ramayana!
Book One: First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts
Photo by Ananda S.
When eleven-year-old Helen Strang finds a wounded centaur named Yann in her yard, her life is changed. After treating the bite on Yann’s leg and discovering that fabled beasts are not mythical, she finds herself surrounded by many of their kind. She learns that Yann and his friends Rona, a selkie, and Lavender, a flower fairy, have committed a foolish act.
They have lost The Book, an ancient tome written by a fairy and wizard who have collected answers to every question that ever existed.
Yann, Rona, and Lavender need to find The Book before the yearly event at which the fabled beasts gather and ask The Book their questions. The festival is only daysaway.
The Book, frightened when the three fabled beasts had tried to use it out of curiosity, has taken flight. However, it has left some clues. Also, the Master of the Maze, an evil minotaur who is feared by many of the fabled beasts, wants it for himself.
Can Helen help her newly made friends find The Book in time? Follow her in her adventures in the world of fabled beasts.
The first book of the Fabled Beasts Chronicles will introduce you to different types of fabled beings as Helen learns more about them.
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Book Two: Wolf Notes and Other Musical Mishaps
Photo by Ananda S.
Helen is finally doing what she has always wanted – to be at the summer school for music! But, during her first night there, Yann and a mysterious wolf-girl arrive at the school. Yann appears anxious for Helen to leave right away. He tells her that the school and the surrounding forest is dangerous for the students, but Helen flatly refuses to go back home; she has waited a long time to be here.
Helen falls into yet another adventure when James, a young boy, is taken by the faeries, the glamorous and music-loving people, who cannot bear to touch iron. She and her friends must rescue James before the faeries feed him faery food, for then if he later consumed human food, he would crumble to dust. The faery queen, though, will not return James unless He in len brings her the Fairy Flag, a flag with powers that the queen thinks will bring the rest of the faeries back to the forest. If Helen fails to do this, she will forever have to play her fiddle for the faeries’ never-ending parties.
Along with her friends, including a faery boy named Lee, who is trying to convince the others that he is trustworthy, Helen must find the place where the flag is hidden and take it back to the faery queen.
How does this all come together? Find out in the second book in the series. It is filled with failures and triumphs and will take you through a little faery history mixed in with a touch of Scottish legends.
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Book Three: Storm Singing and Other Tangled Tasks
Photo by Ananda S.
Helen has been invited by her friend Rona to watch the fabled beasts’ competition to select the next Sea Herald.
First, Rona as one of the selkie participants must qualify by winning the storm singing contest. Then, she must try to win the three tasks of the competition. The rest of the competitors are good too. Can Rona beat them all?
But someone is trying to destroy the event and purposely cause Rona to fail. Helen, Yann, Rona, Lavender, and Catesby the phoenix attempt to discover the person responsible for doing this.
They must also prevent a disastrous storm from occurring by intervening and stopping the ocean powers from going to war against one another.
The third book in the Fabled Beast series shows the abilities and weaknesses of various fabled beasts including blue loons, mermaids, mermen, and more.
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Book Four: Maze Running and Other Magical Missions
Photo by Ananda S.
Helen and her friends succeed in rescuing a unicorn colt from being used in the ceremony of the evil Master of the Maze, but the Master traps them in the forest and uses magic to place rocks on the tree branches above them. He demands that they join his side and threatens to let the rocks fall on them.
During the encounter with the Master, Yann has a near-fatal injury. His centaur family summons three healers who ask for at least one of these four tokens – the water from the footprint of a king, the scabbard of King Arthur, the gems from the paired cliffs, and a flower washed by seven waterfalls at dawn.
Helen and her friends set off in pairs to find all the tokens. But they know that the Master of the Maze is waiting for them to complete the task so that he can take the tokens and use them for himself.
Can the friends find the tokens and possibly defeat the Master too? The fourth and final installment of the Fabled Beast Chronicles will envelop you with its suspense.
It is a series that you will never tire of reading.
The Lighthouse 