For:Getting

By Margaret Dalton, Washington High School, Sioux Falls Public Schools

As I approached the USD Music Museum, my mind was filled with images of my grandfather and the music he use to create.  This was the first stop on my writing marathon, and I was inspired before the building came into sight.  Memories of sitting with Grandpa at his computer while he composed music would soon cover my page.  In my mind, Grandpa is music and the root of my musicality.  As I entered the building, I could hardly wait to find a place to compose my own kind of music. Continue reading →

“Starry Night Over the Rhone”

By Beth Kopfmann, Mitchell Middle School

A couple is quietly walking along the shore of the glittering water, looking at the tan, brown, and deep wood colors of the sadly abandoned, shipwrecked boat along the side of the gracefully flowing river. Their feet quickly shuffle across the hay-like textured grass that has gently fallen as a result of the river winds and cooling autumn temperatures. They glance across the tributary to see the soft glow coming from the small welcoming houses that illuminate and reflect off of the midnight blue surface of the river. They hear the waves rippling up onto the shore as it echoes across the peaceful night.  They take in deep breaths of the fresh water smell and the newly baked breads that waft over from the inviting neighborhood across the way. As they tip their heads back to look up at the starry sky, they see all the different hues of the stars- lemon yellow, light pink, green, and even different shades of blue against the anything but plain black sky. Explosions of color throughout the sky create the illusion that the shades of blue, green, and purple are coming together in the majestic dance among the stars. Tightly clutching their furs and heavy coats around themselves to avoid the cool breeze of the crisp fall night, they proceed on with their evening stroll.

Washington’s Defeat

By Dustin Lenhoff, Knollwood Heights Elementary

In the deep, dark trenches of George W. Bush Elementary, there lived a teacher.  He was a pleasant sort who enjoyed being around eager learners.  It would be on this day that utter, cataclysmic disaster would befall our confident guide.

He had planned and practiced a wonderful lesson about the Revolutionary War. There would be skits, costumes, pictures, writing, and a textbook!  All materials were in place, his timing down to the minute, and a warm cup o’ joe fueling his confidence. “This will be epic!” he gleamed.

Just then a murmur came from the hall, which grew into chatter, which swelled into a disturbing are-you-kidding-me roar.  The students took their seats and the roar dissipated. Continue reading →

Storms

By Sherry Leasure, Eagle Pride Alternative High School, Andes Central Schools

After a long day, I finished up my lessons for the Dakota Writing project, showered, and put on my jammies.  I then made a couple of phone calls and listened to Shawn Cable’s weather report.  He stated that strong winds, heavy rains, and possible hail could hit the Vermillion area.  Great!  How can I go to sleep now?  Where do people go when they are in a motel and the weather is threatening to become rampant?

Padding to the desk, I decided to find out what the Comfort Inn’s plan was.  Oh no!  This was the clerk I asked the last time I stayed here, and she told me to go to the bathroom.  I stated I did not need the bathroom but was wondering where to go in case of severe weather.  She was not sure but emailed a co-worker.  Guess what?  She did not know either. Continue reading →