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By Eva Ciobanu and Anya Sleeper Sheppard After much deliberation we have come to the conclusion that the current eighth graders at A.P. Giannini Middle School deserve some recognition. First of all, we are truly exceptional, and bring joy and happiness to everyone here (totally). Secondly, we have come to this school for soon to be three years (and that’s more than anyone can handle). Third of all, we have not (yet) been expelled or held back. For these reasons, we believe that the student body should focus on making this year the best they possibly can.
We, the eighth graders, believe that this year should be the best. One of the things that can make it better is a Great America Field Day. In the past, each grade has gotten to go to an amusement park of some sorts for field day. In recent years, it has changed to only eighth graders getting to go to Six Flags or Great America. During these few weeks that we have been at school, we have heard a rumor that we might not go to Great America unless we raise enough money this year. We feel as though this is fair, however, the student body should make it a priority to organize fundraisers. A second way this year can be better is if the school dances can be better planned and implemented. For example, even though last year’s dance was fun, there were some things that could have been better. Such as the black tarp on the windows did block out the light, but made the room very hot, which is the main thing people complained about last year. Another thing is that the cafeteria is big, so why not open it all up instead of only using half of the room, this will allow people to have more space and will look nicer. If possible, we feel as though better snacks and drinks will also make the experience better; we also know that even if they are more expensive, people will pay for them. A third way this year can be greater is if more food fundraisers happen, we recently had one where krispy kreme donuts were sold. Another idea could be selling T-pumps boba or ice cream on hot days. Not only would this be good for raising money, but we know everyone will enjoy it. Bake sales happen often, but usually the items are bought in big boxes from Safeway, which works but selling boba will definitely get more people to purchase, but will also raise a lot of money. Overall, these fundraiser ideas would be an excellent way to raise money that goes towards sports teams, electives, and the Great America trip. By Joe Yu, Cici Yong, Teena Yang, Lorin Lew (hah! u thought we were doing a whole book didnt u?)
PROLOGUE November 17th, 2015 Riley stood up from his bed. “What’s that outside?” he wondered aloud. “Hmm? Oh, that’s just dad’s snowboarding gear,” Sophie said, paying more attention to her game of Clash Royale than the noises outside. “Shoot! I ran outta elixir! Ugh,” she grumbled. “I should have went with the musketeer... I was so close to getting their king tower down.” Cl-click. “I don’t care,” Riley said, annoyed. “What’s that noise outside?” “That was a 1v1, Riley. Do you know how many trophies I can lose?” “Look!” Riley said as he pointed to a big, white van. Even though Sophie had put her phone down, he could still hear some noises. He had no idea what her game was about, but there could just be bullet sounds. “Sophie, is that your stupid videogame still?” “Not right now, and plus, this isn’t a ‘stupid videogame’,” she said as her eyes started drifting to the white van. “Woah, what is that. That’s not dad’s!” “That’s exactly my point.” Riley mumbled. “Wait a second, there are people! Get down, Riley!” Sophie swore under her breath. “Oh. My. God. They have guns!” Riley yelled. “HE---” Sophie clamped her hand over his mouth. “Stay quiet. They might hear us. I’ll get mom,” Sophie whispered. “But I’ll be all alone, and mom’s all the way in the kitchen!” Riley said, worried. “You’ll be fine. Take my phone, dial 911, and answer all their questions, alright? I’ll be right back,” she whispered. “Mommy,” Riley said quietly. “Mommy will come,” Sophie said, trying to calm Riley down. “You have to stay calm, okay? “I love you.” “I love you too,” Riley said, shaking. “Please stay safe.” “Yeah, of course.” Sophie started crawling to the kitchen. “Don’t let out a single peep. I love you, okay?” She slid across the wooden floor as quietly as she could. “Let’s go into the backyard and then sneak into their house,” a voice called. “No, we should barge into the house and threaten them with our guns.” another argued. “Maybe then they'll give us what we want.” “Of course not! Barry, you and Rick should go into the backyard and Tom and I will guard the entrance, so no one will escape. We’ll have them all stuck in the house and we’ll give warning shots. If they don’t give it to us, then we have to grab one of the kids and hold them hostage, then Rachel would give us the money. If they don’t we’d have to shoot one of the children. Good old Rachel will have to give it to us because it’s the only way we’ll let them go.” someone else said. “Yes, boss,” two voices said. Riley took Sophie's phone and dialed 911, fingers shaking. He crawled under the bunk bed of their room in a cold sweat. Light footsteps echoed in the hallway. Running, Sophie went into the kitchen and called for her mother. Not noticing her mother motioning for her to join her under the dining room table to hide, Sophie screamed for her, her eyes darting around the room. “Someone's there!” A man yelled. “Find them!” Sophie panicked in her spot in the middle of the kitchen. Hyperventilating, she ran to the door. BANG! BANG! Her vision became black. Pain erupted in her back. Her breathing became rapid, and she struggled to breathe. It all happened in an instant. Her last scream was echoed throughout the house as she collapsed on the floor. “911, what is your emergency?” the lady on the phone said. “H-hi, there a-are some guys who barged into our house and they had guns, and I think they…they killed my sister and my mommy,” Riley said quietly, tears running down his face. “Okay sweetie, what’s your name?” a lady asked. “Riley Lin,” Riley sobbed softly. “Okay, who was in the house with you?” the lady asked. “My mommy, me, and my sister, Sophie,” Riley said, trying to be brave. “Okay, so I want you to grab something you can hit with, like a baseball bat-something hard, alright sweetie? Now, what is your current address?” she said. “My address is 1343 Hyde Way, 91034, in San Francisco, California,” Riley said in a choked voice. “Okay…” the lady said, the sound of fingers typing on a keyboard. “The police are going to arrive soon. Hang on tight and stay on the line until the police arrive, okay sweetheart?” “Okay.” “Where are you right now?” “I’m under my bed,” Riley said, calming himself down. “Okay, kiddo, hang in there. The police are coming right now. You’re gonna be okay. Stay quiet and don’t let anyone hear you or see you.” “Check the area. See if there’s anyone else here. We don’t want to leave any witnesses,” commanded the boss. About 4 minutes later, sirens wailed near the house. The boss cursed. “The police! They’re here! Go, go, go!” “Hands up. You are now under the hands of the police. You are under arrest on suspicion of offense. You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defense if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.” a booming voice said. “Get outta here! Move!” a guy said. Riley heard crashing and banging on the doors. Then he heard silence. “I think the police are here,” Riley told the lady quietly. “Alright. Now, do you hear anything?” she asked. “Yes, there are a lot of sirens and a lot of people outside.” “Okay, stay indoors until the police find you. Don’t move, because they are still armed and can hurt you.” “Okay,” he responded. |
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February 2022
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