TODAY'S TOPIC: We will celebrate the Fourth of July on Friday. What do you think represents America? What is the best thing about America?
The thing that represents America is the United States Flag. It represents the United States because it is a symbol of freedom. Freedom is what America is all about.
Jose Sanchez, 11
Oxnard Street Elementary
North Hollywood
My favorite things about America are the shows on the TV. What I also like about America are the kind people here. I love America because it has a lot of fun things here to do and to play. America is the greatest place in the world. Some things I like about America: parties, swings and parks.
Melisa Maya, 8
Fernangeles Elementary
Sun Valley
The best thing about America is that you can be whatever you want to be. America is the best because everybody is treated the same.
Ashley Pacias, 9
Fernangeles Elementary
Sun Valley
The best thing about America is that you can be who you want to be. I also like America because you can go anywhere you want to go.
Ivette Hernandez, 8
Fernangeles Elementary
Sun Valley
America is a country where the people are free. The flag stands for freedom because the flag has 50 stars that mean 50 states. The13 stripes stand for the13 colonies. I know that I am free.
Matthew De La Cruz, 11
Oxnard Street Elementary
North Hollywood
The thing that's good is that we get a good education so when we grow up, we will be smart and have a god job.
Giovany Soto, 9
Fernangeles Elementary
Sun Valley
The best thing about America is that they made it a free country. In America, you can even vote for anyone you want. Now everyone is treated the same. Now people can vote at 18. It used to be 21 to vote.
Chris Martinez, 9
Fernangeles Elementary
Sun Valley
The best thing about America is the flag. I think that America and the flag represent freedom. I think that's why my mom came here to give me a better life. Whenever I see the Statue of Liberty, I imagine the people from another country, like my family, pass by the Statue of Liberty.
Debora Soto, 11
Oxnard Street Elementary
North Hollywood
COMING UP: During the summer, what do you do to beat the heat? Do you run through the sprinklers, go swimming in a pool or go to the beach? If you stay at home, what are some ways to keep cool? Draw a picture of how you keep cool.
Parents and teachers should make sure that the student's name, address, age and school are CLEARLY PRINTED on the letters and the backs of drawings.
Pictures should be drawn using black or dark blue ink on white, unlined paper. Drawings must be no larger than a standard, 8 1/2-by-11 inch sheet of paper.
The deadline is July 8 and letters will be posted July 15.
Hey, moms and dads! The kids are out of school for the summer, but that doesn't mean their brains have to go on vacation, too. Encourage your children to keep up their reading and writing by keeping up with our weekly questions throughout the summer. We like hearing their thoughts - serious, insightful or amusing. We have some thought-provoking topics in store, so keep those letters coming!