Taneal has been part of a newspaper group at her Elementary school for two years. She has had fun writing articles for the paper that are actually published in a newspaper and distributed to the student in her school. She has really enjoyed interviewing people for her articles and has had so much fun coming up with ideas and then seeing them in print.
There has been a delay in the printing of the last paper because of Taneal's article. The administration says it is inappropriate and refuse to print it without deleting several paragraphs. I thought she did a wonderful job, especially for being a 5th grader and still in Elementary School. So I thought I would share the uncensored article with you and see what you thought. I changed the name of the school and the names of the teachers:
The Butterfly Garden
by Taneal
Many of you know the beautiful butterfly garden at our school. You may think that Krueger hires someone to care for our garden, but that is not the case.
Fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Reed, is so nice and willing to help take care of our garden here at Krueger. Mrs Reed wanted to help out at the garden because when people drive up, that's the first thing they see. The beauty enhances our school and shows that we care about it.
"We plant plants that bring the butterflies. Especially the monarchs when they do their Journey North (migration)," Mrs. Reed said. She wants people to sit on the benches and admire all the plants and butterflies that come. "Different classes have different plaques that are dedicated by class and people that made a difference in our lives at Krueger," she said.
Mrs Reed has been working in the garden for two years. One of Mrs Reed's hobbies is gardening. She enjoys it because it is peaceful and gives her the satisfaction when she's finished and it's beautiful. She's proud of it. She works on the garden school for about two hours during the week, and on the weekends for six to eight hours. The butterfly garden was started by Mrs. Parks (a former science teacher) who had a great interest in butterflies and teaching children about plants and flowers and butterfly migration.
Mrs. Reed's family, especially her husband, helps her with the garden. "Former students come by all the time," she said. Mrs Zamella's family and boy scouts have helped build it too.
Unfortunately, some people do not love the garden as much as Mrs. Reed and Mrs. Zamella. Flowers have been pulled and ripped out. People have shown disrespect as well, by letting their animals run through it. Decorative spinners and chimes have been stolen out of the garden.
On the weekends, visitors come by and talk to Mrs. Reed about how beautiful the garden looks, and how much they appreciate it. Every Mockingjay should take pride in our school and our beautiful butterfly garden.
We can help keep it beautiful by walking around the garden instead of through it, and being respectful and not destructive. And maybe you could even volunteer to help in making the garden a lovely part of our school. We are thankful to Mrs Reed for our beautiful butterfly garden because without her there would be no butterfly garden.
Please be respectful to the garden. It's part of Krueger!
14 comments:
What is so inappropriate? I think that is silly. Are they offended that she pointed out that mrs. Rees takes care of the gardens and not the school? Censorship stinks sometimes. She is a very talented writer. I'm rather impressed with the fluidness and readability of her article. Quite impressive for such a young thing!
WHAT??!! That school needs a big chill pill. I read it four times and could not figure out what was inappropriate. Nice work, Taneal! I'd publish your article in a second.
I think it's a wonderful article--you've got a good writer on your hands! I agree, I can't see anything that should be deemed inappropriate. I'm glad you "published" it fully uncensored here at least!
What's the deal? I think it's a wonderful article. I would feel flattered if I was the teacher. What's there problem?
I mean, their problem?
Beautiful job Taneal! I can't find anything that should be looked at as inappropriate. Thanks for sharing!
I'm guessing that the parts the school wants to censor are the parts about disrespectful people? Really, what school that doesn't want to promote self-awareness, respect, and kindness? This is a great, non-threatening, non-lecturing way to take on personal responsiblity, social issues, character and feelings...all things that they have to learn now. Good luck with the rest of this "drama"! It was very well written!
That is ridiculous! That is an incredibly wonderful article and teaches not only awareness but also respect for that which is around us. So sorry for the school's ridiculousness!!!!!
What was wrong with it then? I say, way to go Taneal for wanting to make a difference.
Wholly inappropriate!!! What will her punishment be?!?
Way to go for taking a stand Taneal! I'm very proud of the way you stood up for your article, and now it will be printed because you didn't back down. Who knew you'd have to practice such strength in Elementary School? Watch out jr. high, here comes Taneal!
You have a budding journalist! I loved her article and echo the comments of everyone else in asking what was so inappropriate? Kudos to her, I thought it was great. :)
I loved her article. There was nothing inappropriate that I could tell. Just a bent out of shape principal.
Sounds fine to me! Are they worried about image or what? Do they not want people to know there has been lack of character (walking through the garden) and stealing going on in their own backyard.
Maybe knowing would have others be on the lookout for such occurrences or prompt them to say something to an individual walking through the middle.
What is wrong with teaching and encouraging a little respect, common courtesy and awareness.
I'd post it on Facebook too!
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