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MONTHLY MUSTANG

THE HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING BY : KAVAN PANDYA & JOVAN HEBBAR

Did you know that Thanksgiving was not always celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November? Let's find out more about the history of this holiday. The first Thanksgiving in North America isn’t what you think. It happened in 1610 at Jamestown, the first permanent settlement in North America. There was no grand feast, no Native Americans, and no turkey. It was just the settlers gathering to pray 75 days after completing a rough transatlantic journey. The origins of the traditional Thanksgiving we have come to know is likely when the Pilgrims celebrated it in 1621 at Plymouth, MA. It was celebrated to give thanks for a great harvest year. 90 Native Americans and 53 pilgrims attended the Thanksgiving feast. In 1789, President George Washington gave many reasons about why we should have a national Thanksgiving and selected a date, but from the time of Jefferson To Lincoln, Thanksgiving was barley celebrated. During the Civil War, Lincoln announced that Thanksgiving is a national holiday and it was to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. On December 26, 1941, President Roosevelt signed a bill, for the first time making the date of Thanksgiving a federal holiday and fixing the day as the fourth Thursday of November. Now before you eat your Turkey, just give thanks and remember the history of Thanksgiving!

Toby Yip, Harrison Benitez and Preston Wu: West University Elementary School classmates and teammates on WULL’s Knights

Fantastic Fall Ball in WULL BY: PRESTON WU AND TOBY YIP

West University Little League (WULL) is a baseball organization that provides kids ages 5 to 16 the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball and teaches children to have good sportsmanship and courage. Baseball is a fun activity with certain rules. There are nine positions in baseball: 1st baseman, 2nd baseman, shortstop, 3rd baseman, left fielder, center fielder, right fielder, pitcher and catcher. You need equipment to play different positions. To be a catcher, you need a catcher’s mitt, chest protector and two leg guards. For the other defensive positions, you need a hat, glove, bat and helmet. Battings gloves are optional. You win by scoring runs. A batter hits the ball then tries to run all the way around 1st base, 2ndbbase 3rd base and back home to score a run. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins. There are two seasons in

West University Little League: Fall Ball and Spring Ball. The season we are currently playing in is Fall Ball, and the division we are in is Minor AA (ages 9-10). We have one practice and one game per week. In the previous years, there is a pitching machine that pitches to the batters. Starting this year, kids pitch instead of a machine. Fall Ball is more casual, as no tryouts are needed and no one keeps scores. Spring Ball is a tournament and there are rankings. At the end of the game, free snow cones are available to the players from the concession stand. There are bleachers that surround home plate for anyone who wants to watch the game. Our team name is the Knights. Fun fact: The Knights is a Minor AA team whose hometown is in Charlotte, South Carolina. If you want to learn about baseball and play in a more casual environment, Fall Ball is the perfect opportunity!

NOVEMBER 2019/ VOLUME XX/ ISSUE 1 WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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West U Student Council Favorite Things About What People Like About Field Day BY ALEXIS CHEN

In November every school year, West University Elementary has a well-known tradition called Field Day. Each class forms a team and comes up with a cool name for their team and compete in sports activities. We conducted an in informal pull to see what most people were looking forward to. The most popular event was 50-yard dash. “My favorite event is the obstacle race,” said Tiffany Li “The sack race is my favorite event,” said Ethan Hill. “My favorite is the baton relay race,” said Bella Phan. Some students enjoyed other parts of Field Day. For example, Evie Ashcroft said, “I like the snacks.” “I like the Gatorade and getting the swag,” said Kenenna Ndefo. Hiatt Olmstead said, “I like cheering on my team.” No matter what you are looking forward to, field day is going to be a great day at West University Elementary School.

BY: YUTIA LI

The West U Student Council is a committee of elected student officials representing each homeroom in fourth and fifth grade. This organization is what all the posters hanging around the school were for. The council’s goal is to listen to the student body and bring up ideas to the principal and administration, and to help promote civic awareness in the school community. Since they are in the classrooms, while the school staff is not, they can bring suggestions that the administration may not be aware of. Here are the elected officials of student council: President: Derek Jiu Vice President: Thomas Jackson Treasurer: Emily Hines Secretary: Adela Kusinski Historian: Olivia Titus Parliamentarian: Alyssa Al-Uqdah Other Members: Dhara Agrawal, Zander Attia, Ayan Basha, Kayla Bayazitoglu, Megan Berry, Sean Boyle, Kate Burke, Hunter Chitty, Jason Cho, Anna Chung, Hunter DeFrehn, Emilie Dhalluin, Henry Friedman, Matthew Henning, Ethan Hill, Levi Kasner, Doyoon Kim, Yutia Li, Sammy Miller, Kate Naughton, Kenenna Ndefo, Jaiden Patel, Noah Prati, Zane Rigsby, Jake Ripley, Clara Rowsey, Sofia Stubinski, Eden Sussman, Jack Williams. Note: If you have any suggestions or concerns, please feel free to talk to any of the student council officials or members!

Here are a few questions for our council’s president, Derek Jiu. 1. How do you feel about being elected president of the student council? I feel very excited, since I have the ability to help make our school even better. 2. What is your favorite thing about this school? I love all the amazing students and teachers at West U. 3. What are some things you think could be improved in the school? I hope to add more interactive activities so everyone can socialize and learn more. We can also include free seating at lunch. 4. What are some suggestions you have heard from the student body so far? The most common suggestions are to improve the school lunch and to clean the bathrooms.

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Getting to know Ms. Campbell BY: Megan Berry, Isabella Clark, & Kirsten Moon Q Why did you want to become a teacher at WUES? A Because I love to teach kids, and I wanted to make a difference. Q What school did you go to as a kid? A Pioneer Park Lawton, Oklahoma. Q What is your favorite subject? A Science. Q What college did you graduate from? A The University Of Oklahoma. Q What is your favorite color? A Black. Q What is your biggest pet peeve? A When people don’t return their shopping carts. Q Did you teach at another school before WUES? A Yes, Great House Elementary and Burbank Elementary school. Q Who is your hero? A My older sister Ashley. Q What is your favorite book. A Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

Q What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome to be here today? A School. College especially. Q What is your favorite movie? A Forest Gump and Bridesmaids. Q What was your favorite grade as a kid? A 6th Grade. Q How has WEUS been so far? A “I love WUES!”

A Weekend in Washington DC

BY: MIA PLISKIN

All the monuments and buildings in Washington DC are so beautiful. I especially liked seeing them lit up at night. We took an evening tour, called Monuments by Moonlight, and got to visit the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. At the Lincoln Memorial, we stood in the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. made his famous “I have a dream” speech.

We spent our last day in DC walking around Georgetown, which reminded me a lot of Boston. There are beautiful streets to walk around, and great parks. My sister Riana and I loved riding electric scooters all around Georgetown and the National Mall. When your parents are planning your next trip, tell them to consider Washington DC. It is educational, beautiful and fun!

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Torchy’s Tacos Review by Evelyn Park

I love the Mexican food because of their variety of textures, flavors, and just how tasty they are. If you are like me, the new Torchy’s Tacos located at Bissonnet and Weslayan is a place to go!

This taco place would welcome you with the aroma of soft tacos to cheesy queso. The restaurant has many delicious big-portioned taco options and I would recommend kids to have 1 and adults to have 2 tacos unless you are super-hungry. Among so many taco choices they have, my personal favorite is the Trailer Park. On the other hand, my parents love the Fried Avocado and the Baja Shrimp. Trailer Park comes with crispy chicken, healthy lettuce, and flavorful cheddar cheese. I like the perfect balance between fried chicken strip and other ingredients, and it tastes even better with the poblano sauce. Doesn’t that sound tasty? If you are not a fan of tacos, don’t worry! Torchy’s Tacos has other Mexican essentials such as burritos, rice, and even salads. I always like to start my Mexican meal with queso and chips, and I can tell you their green chile queso is the best! The cheesy taste with the spiciness of the green chile makes them a fabulous combination! Also, if you happen to run out of chips, ask a server and they’ll give it to you for free. This new location is an upgrade from the Rice Village location with stylish interior, easier parking and more space (and closer to my home). Next time you are in the area, I recommend dining at the Torchy’s Tacos! You won’t regret it.

Qin Dynasty Review BY: ANNABEL TUROWSKY

Qin Dynasty is a Chinese restaurant located near HEB on Buffalo Speedway. They have a large menu full of classic Chinese food, including dishes like wonton soup, dumplings and chicken and broccoli. It is good for both lunch and dinner.

I especially enjoy their lunch specials, which include an appetizer and a main dish. It is a family friendly restaurant with great service and friendly people. One especially nice touch is when the servers help make special chop sticks for kids which makes it easy to hold them. It is also good for large groups because they have tables with “lazy susans” which makes it easy to share food with your friends and family. Overall, I highly recommend going to Qin Dynasty. The food is delicious. I give it 5 stars.

NOVEMBER 2019/ VOLUME XX/ ISSUE 1 WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Book Review on: “Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring” by Lila Mathuria This book is about Paloma Marquez. The daughter of a Mexican dad who passed away and a mom who works at a university. Her and her mom live in Kansas City. They go on a trip

to Mexico City for Paloma’s mom’s job. Paloma did not want to go. When they landed, Paloma say many Frida Kahlo paintings, but did not know who she was. She later met three kids who became her friends – two of which are twins. The twins give her a note that says, “Will you help us with this life or death mystery?” To find out what the mystery is, read: “Me, Frida, and Secret of the Peacock Ring”. If you like a good mystery that is both intriguing and educational, you would love this book!

WATCHDOG BOOK REVIEW By Arabella Vera Watchdog is about two thirteen-year old twins named Vick and Tara. Their mom is dead, and their father ran away in shame after his new business failed leaving the family to lose their house. Vick and Tara are homeless and live on a roof of an abandoned apartment. Vick and Tara take broken electronics from the dump and fix them. One day Tara finds a special chip from the dump and adds it to her toy robot dog, Daisy. Daisy can now build, fight and protect Tara and Vick. Evil Ms. Alba wants to take the chip. Vick and Tara wonder how the chip makes Daisy smarter. How will they defeat Ms. Alba and her army of watchdogs? With the help of friends who can build and locate the right parts, they will make their own, small army of watchdogs, but will they defeat Ms. Alba? Read Watchdog to find out what will happen on this amazing adventure.

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Restaurant Review: Cleburne’s Cafeteria By: Lauren Chen and Adela Kusinski Are you looking for somewhere delicious to go for Thanksgiving? Well, Cleburne’s Cafeteria is just the place. It is a family owned cafeteria located on 3606 Bissonnet near Edloe. It’s called Houston's best oldest cafeteria. The menu has a wide variety of delicious food. On Thanksgiving, it is open 11AM to 8PM. The current owner, George Mickelis, has been working at Cleburne’s since he was nine. The food on the Thanksgiving menu includes turkey, pies, mashed potatoes, and other traditional food. If you’re not a big fan of pies, they also have delicious cakes for you to try. George’s favorite Thanksgiving food

is turkey and dressing, but normally he recommends chicken dumplings or baked chicken. His favorite cake is Strawberry. George’s parents, Nick and Pat, bought the cafeteria in 1941. When George was young, he used to trick his friends into helping him wash the dishes. As a child, George admitted that he was ashamed of his father owning a cafeteria but feels different now. Some of West University Elementary’s current and previous workers are some of George’s friends. Coach Jones, Mr. A, and Mr. Threet are all some of George’s friends. Cleburne’s has a huge dining area of about 11,000 sq. ft. They also have a private dining area. Now, hopefully you

know where to go for Thanksgiving!

Restaurant Review: Azuma By: Naomi Fan

My family recently visited Azuma, a Japanese restaurant located in West University. They have a big variety of different foods, from soups, seafood, veggies, sushi, sashimi, rolls, robata, traditional food, etc. My favorite dishes that they have are their grilled salmon robata and crispy duck rolls. The Japanese robata is also known as robatayaki. How they cook their fish is a long Japanese tradition sort of like American B.B.Q. Just like the B.B.Q, they use hot charcoal to cook it for a long time. The drinks they have are orange juice, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. For dessert, they have homemade chocolate banana pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Even if you don't know how to use chopsticks, they have chopstick helpers for you. You can sit in the bar and watch them prepare your food. They have 2 locations: 5600 Kirby Dr. and 909 Texas St. This restaurant is a great dining place for families with children. I rate this restaurant a 5 out of 5 stars.

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Jokes by Sahana N. Hebbar Q: What do you use to mend a jack-o-lantern? A: A pumpkin patch. Q: What did the oak tree say when autumn came around? A: Leaf me alone. Q: How are you supposed to talk in the apple library? A: With your insider voice. Q: What’s the best thing to put into an apple pie? A: Your teeth. Q: Why did the Pilgrims sail from England to America? A: Because they missed their plane. Q: How many cranberries grow on a bush? A: All of them. Q: What always comes at the end of Thanksgiving? A: The letter “g”. Q: What’s the key to a great Thanksgiving dinner? A: The tur-key.

All About Ms. Busch

By: Emma Goldstein I interviewed Ms. Busch, one of the new 1st grade teachers. She was really nice. Here is a little more so West U Elementary students can get to know her. Q: Why did you want to be a teacher? A: I love encouraging students to be the best version of themselves. Q: Have you taught at any other schools? If so, where? A: Yes, Liberty Benton Elementary (Findlay, Ohio); Westover Elementary (Stamford, Connecticut). Q: Have you taught any other grades besides 1st grade? A: Yes, 2nd for 5 years; 3rd for 1 year. Q: What is your favorite subject? A: Teaching I like Reading because I like to teach them to read, but for me, I like math. Q: Why do you like 1st grade? A: Every day is a different day! Q: Is it hard work being a teacher? A: Yes, but it is so rewarding. Q: What is your favorite Holiday? A: Christmas or Fourth of July. Q: Where do you go for Thanksgiving? A: Siesta Key, Florida to visit family. Q: Where did you go to college? A: Bowling Green State University, Ohio Q: Where did you go to Elementary school? A: Liberty Benton Elementary.

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Getting to Know Principal Disch By Sophia Kim and Sean Boyle

Q: What do you like about our school? A: I love that, even though it’s a large school, it has a small community feel, and that teachers have a love for helping students grow and are passionate about learning. Q: Why did you want to become a principal? A: I always enjoyed working with students and children, and saw it as an opportunity to make an impact on students’ lives by supporting and helping teachers. Q: Have you worked at other schools before? A: Yes, I was at Westside High School for 6 years as a dean of students. I also worked at Grady Middle School for 6 years as a teacher and coach. Q: What is your educational background? A: I earned my undergraduate degree at Shenandoah University and earned a master’s degree in teaching at Rice University. Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: A professional major league baseball player for the Astros. Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you want to be? A: A teacher (so that I can still work with students). Q: What are you doing for Thanksgiving Break? A: I’m going to Round Rock, Texas to spend time with family (and eat pecan pie). Q: Why did you bring Student Council to WUES? A: Ms. Rawlinson actually brought up the idea, and I thought it was a great idea to offer leadership opportunities to students and to give them a voice over issues they were concerned about. Q: What’s your favorite subject? A: Reading, because I enjoy understanding the author’s purpose and reading books. Q: Were you in Student Council as a kid? A: We did not have Student Council in elementary

school, but I was a peer mediator in high school. I was not on Student Council then, but I was in the Key Club, a community service organization. Q: What are your top priorities as a principal? A: My top priorities are to provide support to teachers and students so that we can continue the high standards of West U and create a fun and engaging environment. Q: What is your biggest pet peeve? A: I don’t like it when people don’t use their car blinkers. Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the students of WUES and for this school? A: I hope that students find their passion and reach their full potential, and that WUES creates a strong foundation for them to do that.

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Who is Mrs. Rodriguez? By: Ana Choi and Giulia Andreoli Q: What is your favorite subject? A: Social Studies! I love history! I also like Science. Q: How long have you been teaching here? A: I’ve been substituting for a year and a half. Q: What is your favorite color? A: All shades of pink. Q: How many kids do you have? A: 3 - 1 girl and 2 boys. Q: Where did you go for college? A: I went to Texas A & M University. Q: What is your favorite food? A: It changes often. But, right now sushi. Q: What is your favorite book? A: Hatchet, Refugee and Grand Avenue. Q: Why did you decide to teach at West U? A: My youngest went to school here when I started. Q: If you could travel anywhere where would it be? Why? A: Well, if I could travel anywhere it would be a biking trip on the coast of Italy. The scenery looks beautiful. Also, I hear the food is amazing! Q: What is your favorite grade? A: Third grade is awesome, because the curriculum is interesting. And third graders are so much fun!

The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle Written By: Christina Uss Reviewed By: Sam Faulk The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle is an amazing book, written by Christina Uss. It is filled with joy and excitement and is one of my personal favorites. Bicycle was found as a little girl by Sister Wanda in the Mostly Silent Monastery, where the monks only speak the sacred 8 words; yes, no, maybe, help, now, later, sleep, and sandwich. Sister Wanda wants to send Bicycle to camp to make new friends but Bicycle refuses, because she wants to make friends her own way. With only herself, her bicycle, Clunk, and some necessary supplies, Bicycle begins to bike from Washington D.C. to San Francisco, California, to meet her hero, a famous bicyclist. This is one of my favorite books of all time, it is a bluebonnet, and I greatly enjoyed reading it. I think you’d like it, too, so pick up this book and read!

NOVEMBER 2019/ VOLUME XX/ ISSUE 1 WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Book Review: Shadow Weaver By Derek Jiu In this book, a girl named Emmeline is gifted with a unique power called shadow weaving, the ability to morph and talk with shadows. This power was given to her by the Cerelia Comet, a comet that passes the earth every 25 years and grants a few newborns with special talents. However, her parents consider her ability as an abnormality. When a noble family offers to cure Emmeline of her magic, she decides to send Dar, her personal shadow, to change the noble family’s mind. Instead, Dar puts the head of the noble family, Lord Tate, into a coma. Infuriated, Emmeline’s family sends her to her room. With Dar, Emmeline escapes from her home and meets a boy called Lucas, who has a talent: light singing. He brings her back to his house, and his parents are kind enough to let her stay with them. Lucas and Emily become friends, and life seems perfect, until….. Read Shadow Weaver by Marcy Kate Connolly to find

out what happens. ! I recommend this book to you because it is an exhilarating page-turner. It is full of twists and turns, and will keep you entertained from cover to cover.

Ghost Boys

By: Neha Ravi "Jerome Rogers,12, shot at an abandoned Green Street lot. The officer says," He had a gun."-Ghost Boys. Ghost Boys is an astonishing book that really captured me and became one of my favorite bluebonnet books very easily. If you are

looking for a book that will bring you to tears, Ghost Boys is the book for you. Jerome's friend, Carlos, gave Jerome a toy gun to play with. The day after he got it, he was on an abandoned lot playing by himself with the toy gun that Carlos gave him when a police officer, Officer Moore, was walking down the street, when he saw Jerome playing. From a distance, he spotted the gun and thought that it was real. Jerome noticed the officer pointing a gun at him too, except that one was real. Jerome turned and started to run, but it was too late. Officer Moore shot him twice in the back and Jerome died. Before, when Jerome was alive, things still weren't good for Jerome. He was constantly being bullied by three bullies, Mike, Eddie, and Snap. Jerome has to hide in the bathroom at lunch hoping that they will find another target. Jerome also has a strong bond with his grandma, who really wants Jerome to be educated. Every morning, Jerome has to tell his grandma three good things about life. He always did. when Jerome died he became a ghost. he stayed with his family. Surprisingly, he couldn't go through things and things couldn't go through him. Jerome starts to go to the preliminary hearings for his death and figures out that officer Moore's daughter, Sarah, can see him. Will Sarah help him? Will Jerome ever get revenge on the bullies? Will other people notice Jerome? To find out, read Ghost Boys.

NOVEMBER 2019/ VOLUME XX/ ISSUE 1 WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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NOVEMBER 2019/ VOLUME XX/ ISSUE 1 WEST UNIVERSITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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November Word Search

O S X C O D C N T E J N Y N C G E G O J R S

O W Y V E O I R U A N G X L P H A H D F N I

Y N I E O L A N P F J K N Y Z U T S J X U L

U E T K K D E R N Z J B H V F P I R D B A V

A L E D I R Y B Y E V M C D D J N Y I A X E

X D Y T X M U R R H R N E V O W G W C A A R

R G I Y E V O T F A Y V A R G O H T T E W W

C O R A U T C Y O J T O J T Y U M M Y W S A

N L T E S D I A O Q O I S K G Z N N B K C R

Z Q D I A O R X D D K A O V N H E F M J K E

G F H M E T V C G Z E M H N S X A A R Y M E

Z U Z B K M G J L F V C K Q O I M T X C R W

K M H E H I N O I G I L E R E E I K E K D Y

G F W T H E V B I L C G X M C A R N A G K Q

K K Q G S F C B P C A D I M A L G E L N G G

W L F J U L K U R O C M I Y E G L Q H C Y I

K N Q P W Q W L R X Y W R O P K I T R V W P

T F C Z N F R Z O T E L W P P B P N H L T B

E S M J Y M G H R V Q W Y M S T E H A C P B

Z N W Z K I O P I D N X F N N V C C F Q H V

K G E K L W E D B H O L I D A Y U I Y B T Q

T H A N K S G I V I N G O U D A C L R H V T

CELEBRATION COOKED DINNER EATING FEAST FOOD

FUN GRAVY GREAT

HISTORY HOLIDAY MEAT OVEN PEACE PILGRIM

RELIGION SILVERWARE

THANKSGIVING

TRADITION TRUCE TURKEYS