5

When people think of Vermont, they usually think of how small we are. We have a population of about 630,000; and our largest city, Burlington, has a population of about 40,000. Our population could fit inside six Rose Bowls, the football stadium in Pasadena, California. Once I went to New York City, and when I got back to Burlington, I really noticed how much smaller we are.
But Vermont is big in many different ways. We are very well known for our maple syrup production. Our three electoral votes (yes, three) were the first to go to President-Elect Barack Obama (and if you watched the Democratic National Convention, one camera showed the big poster that said, "Vermont," right in front of the stage). Our semi-pro basketball team won the National Championship two years in a row (their first two years in the league. They have already moved to a different league.)!

Some people think to be a true Vermonter, you have to be born in Vermont, as do your grandparents and your great-grandparents. I don't think so. I think a true Vermonter just has to LOVE living here. He could have started life as a flatlander. He could even have been born in Florida, but as long as he loves it here, he is a true Vermonter.
I was born in Vermont, Burlington Vermont to be exact. I have lived here my whole life so far, and I love it here. My parents weren't born here, nor my grandparents or great-grandparents, but I think I am a true Vermonter.
A Vermonter like me will melt under the heat, but he will embrace cold weather. He will also dream of Florida, the Bahamas, and other beaches and islands, but he will wake up from his dream, happy to be in Vermont.
A Vermonter won't care how big this state is, or how many electoral votes it has. He will stand tall and proud of our small, but wonderful, government.

Vermont seasons are unexpected, tricky, and long lasting. Winter, spring, summer, and fall. The circle of seasons goes in a continuing loop that never ends.

Winter. The first snow of the year is usually in November or December. When the snow starts to rise higher and higher, the thought of a snow day builds up inside of you. When the snow is so-o-o high and you hear that the schools are all closed, jumping into your snow suit and into the snow! Building snow tunnels, snow forts, and snow men and women. Having snowball fights, eating sugar on snow, drinking hot cocoa, and sledding on steep hills. The trees look like they have been glazed with melted frosting. After the snow melts into ice, and the ice starts to melt, you can finally see grass! The winds are still cold, and it feels like a thousand swords are cutting into your face.

"I love Vermont." To me being a Vermonter is like living free so you can go out in the wilderness and hunt or just watch nature. If I could change something in Vermont it would be for Vermont to be healthier and cleaner for us and the wild animals. Vermont has changed my life because it made me happier and helped me learn more about wild animals, and lots of other things. The best thing about living in Vermont is being a Vermonter and living free just like the animals. I love watching them wander around and play with their friends. But the most wonderful thing about living in Vermont is meeting nature and seeing all the animals you couldn't see before.

By Stephanie Shaw

Vermont

Leaves falling, hiking in the woods. Hi I’m Anna and being a Vermonter means the world to me! I think Vermont is the best place ever. I never thought I would go hunting or wear overalls, But that's what living in the country’s all about. I used to live in North Carolina but I realized I was so much happier in Vermont. When we moved back I couldn’t wait to see the beautiful country again! When I play outside I ask myself if I want to live in the country where I can see a view or live in the city where I can only see buildings? I chose the country! I mean it is so important to me to play in the leaves in the fall, and lick the snow from the ground in the winter. Vermont is definitely the place for me!

By Anna White

Vermont is my homeland; the place where I was born. I have experienced its landscape from the time I could walk, and I have realized that Vermont has much natural beauty, but it is being destroyed. I want to explore its splendor as I grow, and keep exploring it all my life, but how can I if it is being destroyed by development? I can’t. My generation is going to inherit this state, and my generation’s children are going to inherit it from us. If we want our children to be able to appreciate the views of undeveloped mountains, jump over fallen logs on a hill, skip rocks on a pond, and explore nature in this state, then we’ve got to stop destroying Vermont’s landscape.

The Slogger
by: Gabe Nelson

‘I can’t wait for lunch time!’ I thought hungrily. We were at Mountain Biking Camp in Williston, and my stomach was grumbling.
We got on our bikes and started following Nick down a trail. After about one minute of riding, we came to a big hill. ‘Whoa!’ I thought. There was a ton of mud at the bottom of the hill! It had tracks with muddy water in them. It also smelled.
“I don’t think mud is the only brown stuff down there guys,” I said jokingly. My eyes were wide and I was trying to smile.
Nick started to go down the hill. A couple of kids followed. “Wahoo!” some kids yelled as they were going down.
It was finally my turn. I was near last with about three other kids, Mike and Will (two of the counselors; Nick was the third).

Beautiful Vermont
Emily Martin

The most interesting and wonderful state in the entire U.S.A is positively Vermont! When you are in Vermont you always feel welcome whether it’s the people or the beauty. Some people retire here or move here when they grow up. Vermont is a state to be proud of. If you want just some peace and quiet to get away from city life Vermont is the natural resort. Growing up here gives you a different view of life and more respect for the land and nature. Vermont is a remarkable place.

Vermont

Living in Vermont is amazing because of the scenery. It is really beautiful. I live in Vergennes near Otter Creek and I love it. I love being able to look out onto a really pretty piece of land. One day, on my way to Stowe, I saw a lots of fall foliage. Thinking this is where I live and what I get to see everyday is enough to make me want to live here for the rest of my life. When I get older, I want to move into the Vermont country and live in all sorts of wonder.

Vermont

By Greta Exter

Summer, fall, winter, and Spring I look out my window. What do I see? I see trees, trees, trees, and more trees. What I find more enjoyable is when I put on my hiking boots, grab a snack, and head out the door. With excitement I run down my driveway, cross the dusty road, and start the muddy trail up Buck Mountain. The shady leaves and the attracting nature life of the woods make the mountain my favorite. The noisy chatter of birds and squirrels makes great company if you are lonely.

Karina Tarte

Vermont

I love living in Vermont because of the pure maple syrup, different colored leaves in the fall, good people, great schools, and so much more to name. I have been living in Vermont my whole life. The state of Vermont is not polluted. The weather is unpredictable. My favorite season is summer, then spring, then fall, and the worst is winter. I can not stand winter! I love summer. I HATE WINTER! I wish Vermont did not even have winter or snow!

Why I like Vermont?
By: Emma Gardner

Have you ever looked out your window and seen beauty surrounding you? If not, go to Vermont. The majestic lakes, delicate mountains, and spacious skies will astound you. The wildlife will fascinate you, making it so you don’t want to leave! The seasons give you an incredible feeling inside. That feeling will lift your heart. If you haven’t accomplished anything in life, this feeing will make you say, “I have a chance to straighten things up”, and you will. All of these things are what I like about Vermont. They all have a place in my heart.

The Slogger
by: Gabe Nelson

‘I can’t wait for lunch time!’ I thought hungrily. We were at Mountain Biking Camp in Williston, and my stomach was grumbling.
We got on our bikes and started following Nick down a trail. After about one minute of riding, we came to a big hill. ‘Whoa!’ I thought. There was a ton of mud at the bottom of the hill! It had tracks with muddy water in them. It also smelled.
“I don’t think mud is the only brown stuff down there guys,” I said jokingly. My eyes were wide and I was trying to smile.
Nick started to go down the hill. A couple of kids followed. “Wahoo!” some kids yelled as they were going down.
It was finally my turn. I was near last with about three other kids, Mike and Will (two of the counselors; Nick was the third).

Bats
By Ryan Liebegott

When I was still in pre-school, I could go to my Grandfather’s house most anytime I wanted. The school day was so short my family could drive down there to his house in New York and still get back in time for the next day of school.
In the evening we would just hang out by the pool and relax. The water was cool and calm, no yelling or screaming like during the day. Just peace. When it got dark enough we would go inside, have some ice cream, watch television and go to bed.
I would go outside with my ice cream and watch the bats. Sometimes my grandpa would come outside with me but my Dad was busy, and my Mom and sister were afraid of bats, so I could sit out there alone with nobody bothering me.

Oh how cool things would be
If in the world everyone could see
That beauty comes from heart and soul
Treats everyone young and old
So kindly, warmly and with joy
And respects every girl and boy
And is so warm and is so kind
Just warms the spirit and the mind

Vermont

I like Vermont because of all the pretty seasons. Also I like Vermont because there are so many trees. When you look outside there are so many things you can see like the leaves falling in the fall. I also love the smell of the maple syrup, which comes from the maple trees. There are also the Green Mountains they are so beautiful. I am glad I can just look out my window and see all these beautiful sights.

Vermont
By Nora Hubbard
Vermont is such a beautiful state in the Northeast. This state has so many great qualities. One reason is that Vermont has four seasons. Chilly winters, crisp autumns, breezy springs, and warm summers. The Vermont weather is also unpredictable. I love how the weather can change from bright and sunny to rainy in just ten minutes. I think all the different climates and seasons are really marvelous. I love Vermont weather.

Making friends never is old.
That’s the saying I was told.
Making friends is sometimes hard,
But once you make friends, you can play in the yard.
When I have a play date with my friends,
It’s so much fun I wish it never ends.
I make as many friends as I can,
So they accept me for who I am.
Whether we’re near or far apart,
They are always in my heart.

If I were a dog, I would do things humans can't. I could hear a car five minutes before it came. I would only think five things: fight, hunt, play, sleep, and (the most important one) eat! In darkness, I could see as well as a human. My smell sense is first rate. Finally I get LOTS of attention. After all, I would be man's best friend!

My Life as a Tree

By Warren Ouellette
Renaissance School, Grade 5

I start off as a seed. I'm planted in the ground, and I stay there. I collect water and sun to help me grow.
After awhile, I pop out of the ground. It's surprising because I thought I was going to stay underground forever. I feel the cool breeze. It feels great because under ground is so hot.
I see the big trees and their leaves falling off! I thought everything was dying. Things were shriveling up! I felt awful because I only lived a short time.
White powder is on the ground, and it's cold.
At least three months later, it gets warmer. The powder melts and turns to water. I can drink, and boy am I thirsty.
It rains and rains and rains. So much water I can grow faster. It starts to get warmer and warmer. It's hot and sunny.
I thought that was great! I get a lot of water and a lot of sun.
The leaves turn color again. Then white powder. Then a lot of rain. Then a lot of sun.

Friends with Rachel

The first day of school in the fifth grade, I met this girl who was nice, kind, and intelligent. The young lady’s name is Rachel. The next day I asked if I could play a game of basketball with her and what did she say? Yes! I could and she did not mind. That’s the story with Rachel and I.

Thank you!! Can I help you? Are you okay? Do any of these sayings sound familiar? These words usually come out of a friend’s mouth. Well at least that’s the kind of words that I hear my friends say to me. I don’t know about you but the word friend for me means someone who cares, is generous and is joyful. The most exciting times that my best friend and I have are when we use our imaginations together. My best friend and I are close. You and your best friend should be too.

There is

By Nathan Gradijan
Hanover Street School, Grade 5

There is a bird that's on an egg that's on
a limb that's on a tree that's from a seed
that's in the ground that's on the earth

There is smoke that's coming from a
chimney that's from burning wood
that's from a tree that's on the ground
that's on the earth

There is a ladybug that's on a leaf
that's floating in the water that's in
a lake that's on the earth that's in the
Universe

There is a man that is in a grave
that's in a graveyard that's by the school
that's on the earth that's in the universe

There is a cup that's in a hand that
belongs to a person that is standing o
on the earth that's in the universe

There is a man that's on a horse
that's on the ground that's on the
earth that's in the universe

There is a man that's in a house
that's built of wood that's on the
ground that's on the earth

There is hair that's on a
Head that's on a man that
Standing on the ground

Have you ever had the feeling that all you thought of was your friends and what you wanted to do with them all your life? Well I have and I love thinking about what I am going to do with them.

My moment with one of my best friends was when I was hanging out with one of my best friends (Esther) in New York (she moved there last year and I went to visit her). We had so much fun at her house because we did all sorts of things like walking around her town with her dogs, Otie and Rose. We went to the library, store, a bakery and a flower store. The library didn't allow dogs so I had to stand outside by myself with her big, and I mean big and strong, dogs. She was in there so long that I tied the dogs to a door across from the library. I went in and told her to get out and come on.

A Football Game for a Football

By Austin Goodhue
Fairfield Center School, Grade 5

Hi, I am Footie Football and I am going to tell you what it is like for me in a football game.

Well, first there is the kickoff. That is when the they kick me to the other team at the beginning of the game. NO, don’t send out Dozer to kick me. No please don’t. .Oh no, he’s mad and when he’s mad it really hurts. Here it comes! Ouch! Weeeeeeeeeee it’s a high booming kick downfield.

Then there is the return -- that is when the other team tries to run back the kick.

“Oh no here he comes. Run kid run. Run faster! Ouch."

Now they are doing their plays. They are doing a running play.

What am I?

By Julianna Brown
Ripton Elementary School, Grade 5

What am I?
It goes by so quickly,
it makes me feel sickly.
I go and I stop,
but at least I’m no mop.
I chug though in pain,
then they leave me out in the rain.
My juice runs out far too fast.
I am being put inside at last.
I live in a garage.
I don’t have a fuselage
I have to drive quite, quite far.
That is right, I’m a…
CAR!!!!!!!!

The wind-blown twig

By Silas Cleveland
Homeschooled, Grade 5

The wind is blustering, shaking me like the leaf I hold fast. The sky is gray, and clouds loom, threatening rain. The children have already run inside, seeking shelter from the storm. The tree I grow from creaks and moans. Then my only leaf is gone, blown away by the wind, and I am left bare and alone. Oh, why couldn’t it be summer, when I was clothed in green leaves, and children played below me, comforting me with their company?

In such a cozy country house
Which was as quiet as a mouse
Lived a mom, a dad and two kids
Plus two small babies still in cribs.
And one cold snowy winter morn
The kids got ready for the storm.
They both did hope for snow (much more)
And they scrambled right to the door.
But so the kids would not drop dead
The parents approached them and said,
"Dress warmly so you won't catch cold;
Just go and follow as you're told."
Down jackets kept them nice and warm
And then they played in the snowstorm.
Soon they did come across Frosty
The Snowman who shouted with glee!
Then Frosty with the kids went and
Took a sleigh ride around the bend.
They zipped and zoomed right down the hill.
The sled moved fast like a windmill.
The wind did whoosh; it blew so quick
Frosty did crash with Jane and Dick.
But they were happy, oh yes, oh
And they stopped sledding and ate snow.
Shiv'ring, the kids ran inside, then
Stripped off wet clothes, wet boots and when
The got hot cocoa in a mug

Snow

By Haley Rae Harder
Renaissance School, Grade 5

Snow falls on my
window pane. The
soft thumping of
my brother going
downstairs fills
my ears. I sit
in bed and listen
to the birds singing
their morning song
and I wish that I
would never grow older
than I am, and that
time would stay still.

friends- complicated! what i don't get about friends is that they can get into fights! seriously, such good times, such good memories, you guys were family! yet, you can STILL get in a fight, it's complecated, but i guess, when you get in a fight, you should just think of all the good times!( wow, i just sounded smart!)
friends= awesome! friends are, so cool! it just feels so cool to have friends! they got your back, they're always there. they'll make you laugh, and they'll help you, it's, AWESOME!