TODAY'S TOPIC: If you get an allowance, how much do you get and what do you have to do to earn it?
I have an unusual chore. It can get pretty smelly. It's done once a week. I put away the garbage cans (bins) after the garbage truck empties them. I get paid $1.50 each can. I get paid $6 for all the cans. There are four cans. With the money, I get Legos and video games. Legos are fun to build and play with. I save some of my allowance money.
Alan Mirzaian, 9
Verdugo Woodlands Elementary
Glendale
I get an allowance once a week. I earn it by doing chores like cleaning the house, feeding the baby, walking the dog, washing the car and cleaning the dog's droppings. I earn$2 and save it for charity and to be rich.
Mercedes Tamayo, 8
Fernangeles Elementary
Sun Valley
I don't get an allowance. I don't want to because I don't think kids should be able to have a prize for doing chores. They should be able to do it on their own. If I did get an allowance, I would save it. That's because I want to get into a good medical school. I think $7 a week is enough. I would have to clean my room, make my bed, feed my fish and feed my cats.
Nika Gordy, 8
Wilbur Elementary
Tarzana
I get $15 every two weeks. I help my mom at a church making arrangements for quinceañeras. I think it's fair because I work but don't really get tired, so my allowance shouldn't be too high or too low. I save it for ice cream and school supplies.
Vivian Epitacio, 10
Lemay Elementary
Van Nuys
I get my allowance in many ways. The easiest way is by emptying the dishwasher or by putting new trash bags in the trash container. I also earn money by doing well in school. I get $5 for passing any test between 90-99 percent and $10 for 100 percent. Sometimes my dad gives me his change at the store for no reason at all. As I get older, I can help clean the pool to earn an allowance. I don't like to spend my money. I am saving it for college.
Alen Markarian, 8
Verdugo Woodlands Elementary
Glendale
I do get an allowance. I don't save it. I buy toys like Littlest Pet Shops, art, clothes, turtle statues and dolphin statues. I do get a fair amount. I get $10 a week! I earn it by cleaning the house (and) cleaning and feeding my pets.
Daniela Thomas, 8
Wilbur Elementary
Tarzana
I don't really have an allowance but I do get money when I help my mom. I like taking out the trash. What I mostly like is to wash the dishes. My brother doesn't help out but I love doing those things. I like to do other chores like feed my baby sister and set the table.
Jerry Alton, 8
Verdugo Woodlands Elementary
Glendale
COMING UP: Father's Day is June 15. What do you admire most about your dad or another special man, such as a grandfather or uncle? Tell us why this man is special in your life and draw apicture of him.
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 June 3 and letters will be posted June 10. Letters received after the deadline cannot be considered.
Send entries to Kids' Daily News, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, CA 91365-4200.