Arkansas to Los Angeles and Then Back

MR. GEIB’S 6th GRADE INT. ESL CLASS
Winter of 1995/Spring of 1996

E-Mail Correspondence Between Mr. Geib’s ESL Class at Berendo Middle School in Los Angeles, California and Mrs. Gray’s English Class at Pinkston Middle School in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Mrs. Gray’s class sent their first E-mail message to Los Angeles on January 8, 1996.

Dear Ingrid and Dorita,
Hi! Our names are Kara Hunt and Jessica Burch. We both have shoulder length hair. Our favorite singing group is TLC. We have seven periods in a day. Do you like to play any sports? We like soccer and hockey. The name of our school is Pinkston Middle School.
What do you eat? The food we eat is hamburgers, French fries, Chinese food, fish, and pizza. What are your favorite drinks? We drink Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, and Barqs Root Beer.
We have 650 kids in two grades and the grades are 6th and 7th.

Bye!
Kara Hunt
Jessica Burch

Dear Daisy and Adriana,
Hi! How are you doing? We are doing just fine. We are both 12 years old. How old are you? Our names are Jolene and Candise. We go to Pinkston Middle School. What school do you go to? Our school has the sixth and seventh grade in the same building. How many grades does your school have in the same building? We have 4 girls and 6 boys in our class. How many classes do you have? We have 7 classes.
What is your favorite food? Our favorite food is pizza. What is your favorite thing to drink? Ours is Dr. Pepper.
Is there a lot of violence around your school?
BYE!
CANDISE ROSS
JOLENE HAASE

Dear Elizabeth and Edward,
Our school is really nice. Most of our teachers are nice too. Our favorite foods are pizza, hamburgers, and hot-dogs. Our favorite animal is the chimpanzee. What is your favorite animal?
What is it like in your school? How many friends do you have? We have a lot of friends. We would like to be your friends too, and we would like for you to be our friends too.

Your pen pals,
Jimmy and Matt

Dear Steve and Aurora,
Hi this is Nick and Kelly, both 12 years old. We both have blonde hair. Our favorite music groups are Ozzy Ossborn, Grateful Dead, and Nirvana. Our favorite football team is Kansas City Chiefs.
We go to Pinkston Middle School, in Mtn. Home Arkansas. Nick says he likes to wear his clothes baggy. Nick is weird. Kelly made a New Year's Resolution to get along better with her mom and dad.

Kelly Hicks
Nick Hillstrom

Dear Joe and Michael,
Hi, our names are Scotty and Bobby. Do you like your school? Bobby's favorite football team is the Dallas Cowboys. They won the Super Bowl four times. Scotty likes to play basketball. We go to Pinkston Middle School. Scotty made the all-star team in are Pee-wee basketball league. Bobby played in the league too. Scotty is cool, I'm not. Just kidding!
The other kids in our classroom are Justin, Melinda, Lisa, Nathan, Stuart, Candise, Jolene, and Robert. Our State is different then your state. There's hardly any fighting in our town. Scotty is 13 years old, and I am 11 years young. Bobby's very weird. My favorite band is ZZ Top.
Good-bye, good friends.

Sincerely,
Scotty and Bobby

Dear Rob and Miguel,
I am Brandon. My birthday is January 21. I will be 12. My favorite sport is basketball. We just had a lot of snow ( 1 foot). I am Shane. I am 12. I have 1 cat, and I had a dog but she got run over by a van. My favorite sport is soccer.

Your friends,
Brandon and Shane

Dear Jayro and Manuel,
Do you like any sports? I play soccer and baseball. It is going to be kind of hard going to each practice. I don't play soccer and baseball yet. Do you like any kind of pizza? What is your favorite food?
We live in Mountain Home, Arkansas. It is not very fun here. I like it better in Los Angeles because you get to do more things there. I had to stay with my Grandma there. We had a lot of fun. We went to circus world. There were a lot of rides. There was this huge roller coaster that went upside down 3 times in a row.

Your friends,
Steven Van Tine
Randy King

Dear Roxana and Sury,
Our names are Melinda and Lisa. I am Melinda. I am 13 years old. I'm Lisa. I am 12 years old and turning 13 in February. How old are you all? We go to PINKSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL. Do you like school?
Hey, my name is Melinda. I am from BIG FLAT. We are writing to you from Mountain Home, Arkansas. We have many trees here also. We also have lakes.

Good-bye,
Melinda and Lisa

Dear Moises and Wilbert,
My name is Joe Massey and I am 13 years old. My name is Dale Clemons and I am 11 years old. And we only go to school 178 days out of the year.
This is Joe. I am half Mexican and I grew up in Mtn. Home. I have lived here for 8 years. My birthday is January 10.
This is Dale. I was born in Stuttguart. My birthday is April 8, 1984.

Talk to you later,
Dale and Joe

Dear Abraham and Juan,

Hi, our names are Nathan and Stuart. We like basketball. Do you play basketball? Do you like the Los Angeles Lakers? Do you like baseball? We don't. The Lakers are a pretty good team.

Talk to you next time,
Nathan and Stuart

Dear Rosa and Karla,
Hi, our names are Brandy and April. April is not here today. April and I both like basketball. Do you like basketball? We both are 12 years old. How old are you? Have you joined any kind of sports? I joined softball last year and April plays basketball this year.

Sincerely,
Brandy and April

Dear Mr. Geib,
Justin and I did not get a keypal. Do you have any for us? If not, it's OK. Mrs. Gray finally got some answers to our Israel letters.
Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Robert and Justin

Dear Abraham and Juan,
Hi, our names are Nathan and Stuart. We like basketball. Do you play basketball? Do you like the Los Angeles Lakers? Do you like baseball? We don't. The Lakers are a pretty good team.

Talk to you next time,
Nathan and Stuart

Dear Rosa and Karla,
Hi, our names are Brandy and April. April is not here today. April and I both like basketball. Do you like basketball? We both are 12 years old. How old are you? Have you joined any kind of sports? I joined softball last year and April plays basketball this year.

Sincerely,
Brandy and April

Dear Lan and Maricella,
Do you like to play basketball? How many pets do you have? Do you like hard rock music? How old are you? How many kids do you have in your class? We have 10 kids in our class. My name is Heidi and I am 12 years old. My name is Renee and I am 13 years old. What's your school's name? The name of our school is Pinkston Middle School.

Your friends,
Heidi and Renee

Mr. Geib’s class first introductory E-mail to Arkansas was sent on January 19, 1996.

Dear Nathan and Stuart,
Hi, how are you? Right now I am at my home writing a letter to you. Well, I think my life is pretty good in Los Angeles, California. I am 12 years old and I am going to be 13 in December 17. I like to play soccer, basketball and football. My favorite basketball team is the Magic, in soccer it is Brazil and football it is the San Francisco 49ers.
Well, I read your letter and it was nice. I read that you like the Lakers. They are a pretty good team and I see that you don’t like baseball. Me, too. Well, bye.
Your Pen Pal,
Juan

Dear Brandon and Shane,
I am Miguel and I am in the 6th grade. I am in the classroom. We are writing a letter to our friends. I don’t have many friends, so I am going to write to you.
I live in Los Angeles. I live in a house and I have two dogs. I live with my parents and I have brothers and sisters. I like to eat pizza or hamburgers. I like to play a lot.
How are you doing Brandon and Shane? I like to meet one of these days. What position do you play in basketball? Do any of you have brothers? I hope you are doing well in Arkansas.
Sincerely,
Miguel Miza

Dear Nick and Kelly,
Right now I am writing this letter to you guys. I am in Mr. Geib’s class while the class is reading. I am writing this letter. My name is Steve. I love to play video games and basketball. I like Coca Cola. I like pizza, burgers and fries.
How is life in Arkansas? Do you like video games?

Sincerely,
Steve Rivera

Dear Brandon and Shane,
I’m at home and this is my homework. My favorite sport is soccer and football. In my family there are 7 persons, my three brothers, and 1 sister, my mother and father. I live in a small apartment. Do you wear uniforms in your class? And what is your home like?

Sincerely,
Roberto Arteaga

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
My name is Michael. I like to play soccer and I am 11 years old. I go to Berendo Middle School. You guys are lucky you don’t live in a street or area with gangsters.
I have two pets, a cat named Lulu and a dog who is a golden retreiver. I heard one of your classmates cat got run over. I like hunting by Beckers which is a part of Los Angeles. Somebody told me you live by the mountains. I was wondering if you wear uniforms? Write back some good.

Sincerely,
Michael Almedia

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
Hi! My name is Joe. I want to ask you:: do you like your school? because I do. I see that you like the Dallas Cowboys. I like them, too, but I love the Raiders. Do you use uniforms?
I’m 11 years old. My favorite music is opera. My favorite composer is Mozart and Beethoven. I like baseball and I love collecting baseball cards. I have $100 in baseball cards.

Your Pen Pal,
Joe Hernandez

Dear Jimmy and Matt,
I am in my house writing to you. I am wondering how you are. I am fine, thank you. My favorite animal is the cat. I have a lot of friends, too.
I am a nice person. My favorite sport is soccer. I play center forward for Nike’s sports. My school is fun. My favorite food is fish and hot dogs.
What are your favorite sports? What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you live near mountains? Do your teachers let a lot of homework? What is your favorite subject; math, English, or writing?

Sincerely,
Eduardo Vasquez

Dear Jimmy and Matt,
I am Elizabeth Rebollendo. I am at home doing this letter. I am with my family, my mom, dad, brother and sister. I am sitting in my sofa. I am 12 years old. I like different animals. My favorite sport is volleyball. I like pizza, hot dogs and Mexican food.
Do you wear uniforms? Is Mountain Home big? I wish we could meet some day.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Elizabeth

Dear Candise and Jolene.
Hi! I am in the bed doing this letter because Mr. Geib tells us to do it for homework. It is Friday in the night and today I am doing a map and I’m sitting in the living room. The living room has a window and I am next to the window.
Tomorrow is Saturday and I’m going to my friend’s house and she has a swimming pool and I have to take my bikini and I can swim. My friend and me we are going to eat cookies and some juice of lemon.
Hi! How are you doing? How old are you? I have six classes and you have seven classes. Where do you live? I think you are so nice girl. Do you like to do math and social studies?
Bye!

Sincerely,
Deysi Salinas

Dear Candise and Jolene,
Hello! I hope you’re doing all right in your classes. I am doing all right. How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? We celebrate it by giving Valentine’s cards to other people.
I am 12 years old. I go to Berendo Middle School. We have like five buildings and each building has 6th, 7th and 8th graders. We all have 7 classes each.
My favorite food is pizza and Mexican food. My favorite drink in 7-Up. Around our school is a little peace, but in Pico St. I have seen people selling drugs.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Adriana Diaz

Dear Kara and Jessica,
Hi! Our names are Ingrid and Dorita. We both are 12 years old. Our favorite singing group is Selena. We have six periods and homeroom. How old are you? We go to Berendo Middle School. I like basketball. Our school is nice. We wear uniforms. We would like to be your friends too and we would like for you to be our friends, too.
Bye!

Sincerely,
Ingrid Luque
Dorita Castañeda

Dear Melinda and Lisa,
Hi! My name is Roxana. I am 12 years old. We go to Berendo Middle School. I am writing to you from Los Angeles, California. I have 13 friends. I play sometimes basketball. I run two miles everyday. My family is kind or big. They live in different parts of the United States. We wear uniforms.
Lisa, how is Arkansas? Is your school in the mountains? Do you like your school and where you live? Do you wear uniforms?

Sincerely,
Roxana Cardenas

Dear Melinda and Lisa,
Hi! My name is Suryzadai. The we are in is Berendo Middle School. When the bell rings I go to my first class. It is my English class with Mr. Geib. I like this class a lot. It is fun because we do puzzles, and play hangman.
I am in 6th grade. I am 11 years old. I am going to be 12 years old July 5. I don’t like school because they let a lot of homework.

Sincerely,
Sury

Dear Brandy and April,
Hi. My name is Karla Jimmenez and my friends name is Rosa. Well, I‘m in the classroom right now and there are only sixth graders here. The classroom is almost full of partners for right now I’m in ESL Intermediate.
I’m eleven years old. My birthday is on February the tenth. I live in Los Angeles, California. I have a dog that is six months old. I also am an aunt and I have two sisters and no brothers. I like paddle tennis. Do you like paddle tennis?
What is Mt. Home like? Do you wear uniforms? Do you live in the mountains or that is the name? I don’t have that much questions, but I have one more question. What is your favorite food? My favorite food is pizza, hamburger, and chicken. My favorite drinks is soda.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Karla Jimmenez

Dear Brandy and April,
Hi! Our names are Rosa and Karla. Karla is not here today. Karla and I both like art. Do you like art? We are about 11 years old. Do you have brothers? I have one brother and one sister and their names are Mario and Elizabeth. Mario is 5 years old and Elizabeth is 4 years old. Do you live in the mountains. I live in the city. We have six classes in different buildings.

Sincerely,
Rosa Villegas

Dear Massey and Dale,
My name is Victor Zamora, and not Wilbert. The computer made a mistake, or Mr. Geib mixed the names. Right now I am in second period. My first period and second period teacher is Mr. Geib. But you know that already.
I am 11 years old. I have many friends, boys and girls. I am small, size of a 9 year old kids. I got four sisters and two brothers so in my house we live 10 people in the same house. The other four people are my mother, stepfather, and my grandmother and me. I came here from Guatemala. I like for a meal chocolate cake, roasted chicken and soda.
Send me a picture of yourselves. And tell me how it is to live in Arkansas. Is the place you live big or is it small? If it is small do you got many friends?
I hope you’re all right. I wish you good luck and I hope you’re OK.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Victor Zamora

Dear Randy and Steven,
I am Jayro Rios. I like to play soccer and baseball. I like my pizza with pepperoni and cheese. My favorite food is hamburgers and hot dogs. I like it better here than in other places because there are a lot of schools. How is Arkansas? What do you do? Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Sincerely,
Jayro Rios

Dear Steven and Randy,
Hi! This is Manuel and I am writing this letter for you from Los Angeles, California, from the beautiful mountains of Big Bear Park. My family and I are just relaxing. I am playing and taking a swim here.
I am thirteen years old. I go to Berendo Middle School in the 6th grade. I like to play all the sports and I like all kinds of food. I like to go places with my friends and my family. I like my classmates and they are very nice. One of my classmates is especially nice. She also very pretty. Her name is Brenda and she is my girlfriend.
I have classes five times a week from the morning to the afternoon and I have six periods. 1/2 is English as a Second Language, 3rd period is Social Studies, 4th period is Math, 5th period is PE and 6th is Art.
How are you? Do you have a girlfriend? How many grades and periods does your school have? What is it like living in the mountains.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Manuel Castellon

Dear Joe and Wilbert,
My name is Daniel Solis. I am 12 years old. I am in the 6th grade. I play soccer with my team “Atlas.” We are in first place in the AYSO league and we won first place in the Inglewood League. My favorite food is chicken McNuggets and tamales.
So how is Arkansas? The kids in your school fight a lot? Do the kids in your school wear uniforms? How is Mountain Home that it has fun places to go? What are the name of the beaches? Do you have a girlfriend? I will write you later.

Sincerely,
Daniel

The next e-mail exchange from Los Angeles to Arkansas took place on February the fifth, 1996.

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
Today I am going to talk about myself. I was born in Los Angeles. I live in an apartment with three rooms and two bathrooms. I remember I went on a roller coaster I wasn’t supposed to go on. I threw up on this roller coaster named “Batman.” I felt weird and funny. My birthday is March 11, 1984 so that is all I have to talk about today.
Good-bye.

Sincerely,
Michael Ruiz

Dear Brandy and April,
Today I’m going to talk about my life so far. I was born in Los Angeles, California and I live in Los Angeles.
My first years were because when I was two I went to Mexico. My good memories were when I was little I was bad and I got in a lot of trouble. My bad memories are of my dad. My first days of school were good. In elementary school I knew everybody and they knew me.
My early years were good. In the future I would like to go to Hawaii and other places. In conclusion, these are my early years.
Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Karla

Dear Nathan and Stuart,
I am going to talk to you about my life. I was born in El Salvador. I live in a house.
Then I came to California, my first years were pretty good. Some of my good memories are being in Washington visiting my father when it was snowing. Also, I had bed memories when of when I was in first grade and I always used to get into fights. And my first day of school I was like five years old I think. My first day of elementary school was pretty good.
My early years were pretty good. In the future I want to go to San Francisco. I want to get married and have one kid only. Good bye.
Sincerely,
Your friend,
Juan

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
Today I am going to talk about my life so far. I was born in Los Angeles and I have only moved one time. My family lived in South Central Los Angeles. That is a very dangerous town.
When I was five I had only one friend. But I have some pretty good memories of my past. Like one time my Dad was very clean and nice to go to a party. He got me and he hugged me and I puked all over him. I also drank milk and juice at the same time, and my Mom got very worried that I get sick.
In conclusion, I have more friends now, and I don’t drink milk and juice at the same time. I think that I am going to be a teacher in the future.

Sincerely,
Your pen pal,
Joe

Dear Steve and Randy,
Today I am going to talk about my life so far. I was born in Los Angeles, California. My first years were good in school, and in kindergarten they were good. My good memories were in kindergarten I got to play with my friends. My bad memories are when the kids hit me in school. I went to Grant Elementary School and Union Avenue.
How are you?

Sincerely,
Jayro Rios

Dear Kara and Jessica,
Today I am going to write about my early years. I was born in Los Angeles, California. I remember living with my family and mom. I was born on January 14, 1984. I live at 1721 New Hampshire Avenue.
My first years were fine. My good memories were when I went to Disneyland. My bad memories were when someone died. My first days of school were fine. Elementary school was fine.
I had a good time when I was younger. In the future I want to go and visit many places.

Sincerely,
Your friend,
Ingrid

Dear Kara and Jessica,
Today I am going to talk about my life so far. I was born on November 26, 1983. I live now in Los Angeles, California.
Some years I have good memories. I remember my first teacher in kindergarten in the Tenth Street School. I remember my first friends who were Gerson, Rosa, Hugo, Sammy, Pepe, and Manuel who is taller than the other kids. I remember my first day of school I was so scared I didn’t want to go into the classroom. I remember the teacher was bad, but I was so little in elementary school that my mom told that the teacher was good.
I am twelve years old right now. So far middle school is OK. My first day was good with my teacher Mr. Geib and my teacher of music Mr. Brink. He invests your time and energy.

Sincerely,
Dorita

Dear Candisa and Jolene,
Today I am going to talk about my life so far. I was born October 29, 1983. I live in Los Angeles. My first years I did not know how to read and right in English. My good memories were learning how to eat and play. My first days of school I was so scared I did not know where my classes were and I did not know where to go. In elementary school I knew my ABC’s in English. I had to learn math and other things. I am now twelve years old.
In conclusion, my early years were good and I had friends to play with. I don't like homework. I don’t have a boyfriend. I want to go to Universal Studios.

Sincerely,
Your friend,
Deysi

Dear Dale and Joe,
Hi! Our names are Daniel and Victor. Do you like school? Victor’s favorite sport is soccer and he was born in Guatemala. I was born in Guatemala, too. I like soccer and my favorite teams are Guatemala, Brazil and the USA. I am on a team named “Atlas.” I play Saturday and Sundays. I am the captain and the second best player on the team. I have made 31 goals in 40 games. I am twelve years old and I was born on March 30, 1983. Our state is different than yours. I listen to cool music like “house” and band music.
Which music do you like? Which sport do you like? Do you like soccer?

Sincerely,
Daniel

Dear Candise and Jolene,
Today I am going to talk about my life so far. I was born in Los Angeles, California. I was born on January 9th, 1984, I lived in Los Angeles for a couple of years and then I went to Mexico for one or two years.
My first years were fine. My good memories were that I had and have some good friends. My bad memories were when some of my relatives died. My first days of school were fine because I loved school. Elementary school was fine.
My early years were fine. In the future I want to go and visit many places. I hope both of you are fine.

Sincerely,
Your friend,
Adriana

Dear Nathan and Stuart,
Hi! I am sending you the answers to your questions. Yes, I do like basketball. My favorite team in the Los Angeles Lakers, now they are better now that Magic is back.
I was born on March 4, 1982. I have lived in Los Angeles my whole life. I go to Berendo Middle School. My first day in Berendo was very scary. One of my memories was during class on a rain day I slipped and fell on the floor. All my friends laughed at me. My favorite teachers are Mr. Geib and Mr. Hernandez. I like to run a mile every day during PE. I like to play basketball with my friends.
What do you want to do in the future? I want to go to college and then play football in the NFL.

Sincerely,
Friends,
Abraham

Dear Joe and Dale,
Today I am going to talk about my early years. I was born in Guatemala. I lived in the city on a street named Kennedy.
My first years I don’t really remember what it was like to be small. I kind of remember when I fell down the stairs. It is a good memory because I didn’t get hurt. My shoe went flying, but it didn’t rip. Later on my mad memory was when my Mom left to go to work. I cried and cried until I got something to eat.
I was bad and good. I broke a picture. I lost like six or seven balls and a mirror. In the future I want to go into the army, or discover dinosaur bones.

Sincerely,
Your friend,
Victor

Dear Melinda and Lisa,
Hi! I was born in Mexico and I live in Los Angeles, California. I lived in Mexico for a couple of years.
My best friend is Lidia Fonseca. Who is your best friend? I do not like school because it is boring and I do not like homework. What I liked about elementary school is hanging around with my friends.
What I want to do when I get older is become a doctor.

Your friend,
Suryzadai

Dear Nick and Kelly,
Today I am going to talk about my life so far. I was born in Los Angeles, California. I live in a house with my brothers, sister, and both parents. And I like my Mom and Dad.
My first years were good and bad. I had three good memories. The first one is when I went to Disneyland when I was two. The second one is when I went to the snow for the first time and I got a little sick but I was OK. The last one was on Christmas when my Mom and Dad gave me a bicycle for Christmas.
In conclusion, I had a great life after all. When I grow up I want to be a doctor.

Your Friend,
Steve

Dear Melissa and Lisa,
Today I am going to talk about my life so far. First, I was born on January 9th, 1984. Second, I live in Los Angeles, California. For me it is cool and I like Los Angeles. It is a city with a lot of people.
My first memories were kind of good. Well, I cried a lot as a baby. I cried a lot because I was very mad. I remember one day when I threw salsa on my mom and she was very mad but she did not hit me. She said that I would never get to see my favorite video. So I cried a lot and I was very mad and I hit my brother. Then I remember my first day of school. I started to cry so hard that my mom stayed with me. It was terrible when I got to elementary school. I started to pay attention so when I finished fifth grade I was scared but now I see it is cool.
In conclusion, I was seven years old. I went to different schools and it was not good. I have a sad memory when I was eleven years old and my grandfather died. I was sad. When I grow up I want to be a teacher so I can teach kids how to write and read. Well, good bye.

Sincerely,
Roxana

Dear Shane and Brandon,
Today I am going to talk about my early years. Do you like school? Miguel’s favorite sport is basketball. He is from Los Angeles just like me. We like Brazil, Mexico and the United States team. I am on a soccer team - well, on tow soccer teams. I play on Saturdays and Sundays. Well, I will right you later.

Sincerely,
Roberto

Dear Brandon and Shane,
I am going to talk about my early years. I was born on April 22, 1984. I live with some friends of my parents. It was so weird to live with them then.
My first years were fun because I played and messed things up. My good memories are when I went to Universal Studios in Hollywood. My bad memories are when the shark came out of the water. When I first went to pre-school I started crying. When I went to elementary school it was better because I knew what to do.
In conclusion, the early years were good. In the future I want to be a policeman. I hope you are doing well in Arkansas Brandon and Shane?

Sincerely,
Your friend,
Miguel Miza

Dear Jimmy and Matt,
Today I am going to talk about my life so far. I was born in Los Angeles, California. I have always lived in California.
My first years were OK and good. I have some good memories when I went on trips with my friends. My bad memories are when one day I was playing with my doll and my sister broke it. My first day in kindergarten I was really scared. M early years were not really good and not really bad.
I some day want to go live in Mexico, but first I want to finish school so I could become a veterinarian.

Sincerely,
Your friend,
Elizabeth

Dear Everett,
Hello! My name is Michael Almeida. I’m going to talk about one of my friends Everett Melendes. He is cool with me and we both have hobbies. He helps me with my homework. My favorite hobbies are hunting with him in Bakersfield two times a month.
What I like about him is that he is always fair with me. We have the same cut of everything. We go kick back at Magnolia Elementary School and shoot some hoops with the basketball. He and I like animals a lot. That is all I have to say, goody bye!

Sincerely,
Michael

The next e-mail exchange from Arkansas to took place the week on February the eighth, 1996.

Dear Steve
I too like burgers and fries. No, we do not like video games.
Life in Arkansas is cold and snowy. We are in Mrs. Grays class.
We are starting a program called Reading Workshop. We also
like Football, and volleyball.
Sincerely,
Kelly and Nick

Dear Michael and Joe,
We received your letters. We enjoyed them very much. We heard
that one of you likes collecting baseball cards. Bobby likes baseball cards too. I have 4 books filled of baseball cards. Do you wear uniforms at your school? We don't wear uniforms at our school. We don't like the Raiders, but we like the Dallas Cowboys. Do you have to walk home from school with a gang on the street so you have to run?

Write Back Soon,
Scotty and Bobby

Dear Eduardo and Elizabeth,
We do not wear uniforms. Mountain Home is not a very big city compared to all the other cities in Arkansas. Jimmy is 12 years old
and I am 11. Jimmy has 3 brothers and 2 sisters, and I have 1 brother and 1 sister. We are learning about biographies. Well got to go.

Your Fiends,
Matt and Jimmy

Dear Ingrid and Dorita,
Hi! We are both 12 years old too! We just wear regular clothes. Baby T's are popular here now. They are little short T-shirts. Our school is named Pinkston Middle School. We hope we can be friends, too.
Bye!
Kara Hunt
Jessica Burch :)

Dear Juan,
In social studies we are studying ancient Greece. I am 11 and Nathan is 12, but I will be 13 February 25. Brazil is a good team. We think our life is good in Mtn. Home. We have a good school and it's a good town. It is small and there are no gangs.

Your friends,
Stuart and Nathan

Dear Rosa and Karla,
We do not live in the mountains. No I don't have any brothers but I have a sister named Stephanie who is 17. I live on a farm. Do you have a horse? I do and his name is Bee Spittin' Image. My birthday is July the 20th. Brandy is 12 and I am 11. I am going to let Brandy type, so bye. We both like art. I have 2 sisters whose names are Amy and Stephanie. Amy is 14 years old and Stephanie is 10. No, we do not wear uniforms in our school.

Brandy and April

Dear Deysi and Adriana,
Hi! How are you doing? We are doing fine. We celebrate VALENTINE'S DAY by giving cards and presents to other people.
Yes, we do like math and social studies. We can go out onto the streets with out seeing people selling drugs. Around our school it
is peaceful. How many sisters and brothers do you have?

Your friends,
Candise and

Dear Roberto and Miguel,
Hi this is Shane. No we don't have uniforms. We can wear what we choose, but no shirts that advertise tobacco or alcohol products. I have a step-sister who lives in California. I play point guard in basketball. I have a few friends.
Hi this is Brandon. I have two brothers. One of them is older and
one is younger. In basketball I play point guard and left or right guard.

Sincerely,
Brandon and Shane

Dear Roxana,
Hi Roxana, this is Lisa. Yes, my school is in the mountains. Hey Roxana, this is Melinda and no, we do not wear uniforms.
Sury, I don't like school, either. This is Lisa and I do like school and where I live.

Your friends,
Lisa and Melinda

Dear Daniel and Victor,
There was a misunderstanding about our names too. We are Dale and Joey.
We don't have beaches in Mtn. Home. You asked us if we wore uniforms. We don't wear uniforms. We have some fights in our school
but not a lot. I, Joe, have a girlfriend named Alisha R Miller. I, Dale, don't have a girlfriend yet. I have 2 brothers named Kyle & Bryan. They are 10 & 8 years old. I, Joe, have two brothers named Eddie and Chris. Nice talking to you.
Sincerely,
Joe and Dale

The following messages were sent from Arkansas to Los Angeles on February 20, 1996

Dear Jayro and Manuel,
I was born in Arkansas I was a straight A student when I was younger. I live in Midway, AR. I like my life so far but I have had a bad year. MY good memories are when I was in third grade but I think I will be all right because my dad doesn't drive a truck any more and is home now.

Sincerely,
Steven

Dear Joe and Michael,
I was born in Joilet, Illinois. I want to be a basketball player when I grow up. I have been living here 1 year and 5 months. I couldn't write with Scotty because I am going to Space Camp tomorrow and he isn't.
My sad memory is when we had to give up my dog, but I think she is with another family right now. My happy memory is probably going to be this week because I am going to Space Camp at Huntsville, Alabama.
I have a lot of friends. I will name some of them off to you Justin Dillard, Scotty Cook, Vincent Keenan, and Justin Brandon. That is just some of them. I don't want to name all of them off to you because that would be a lot to write and I don't have that much
time.
I usually play basketball at recess. My favorite thing to play at P.E is kickball. The teachers divide us into teams.
I have two brothers and one sister. There name are Kurt, Scott, and Jill.
Sincerely,
Bobby Pavey

Dear Elizabeth,
I like to play football because it's fun. I have one sister, but I can't get along with her. I'm the youngest in my family, but its a lot of fun. I'm 13 years old. I have a lot of friends but my best friend is Casey Sinor. We share a lot of stuff. I'm going to Space Camp really soon. I get to swim there and ride space rides. It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm going to tell you a little about what I like. I like hard rock music.

Your friend,
Renee White

Dear Jayro and Manuel,
HI!!!!
How are you doing? I have dropped out of soccer because it is not fun. I was born in Florida. We moved to Mountain Home because of all the people that were getting murdered there. So I went to pre school there and I didn't like it because all the teachers were all mean to me. I've been living in Mountain Home for 1O years. I've liked it so far. N O T !!!!!! I've hated it. But I'm staying here because the teachers are nicer to me. So I'm going to stay here for as long as I can. Well not as long as I can because I don't want to die here.
YOUR FRIEND,
Randy King

Dear Roxana and Suryzadai,
Hi, this is Lisa. I am writing to you again because I thought you might want to hear from me. I am sorry that Melinda couldn't write to
you right now because she is very busy right now.
I will tell you what my life is like. I have a younger brother that is five years old. I get mad at him sometimes but nobody gets hurt. His name is Allen. I also have an older sister, and her name is Melissa. We also get into fights. My mom is very nice, she cooks pretty good. My dad is okay I guess, for a dad. I like to play soccer, tetherball, and sometimes volleyball.
I was born in Poplar Bluff Missouri. So was my dad. From there we moved to Jonesboro. After we moved there we finally settled down at Mountain Home.

Your friend,
Lisa

Dear Elizabeth,
I was born in Illinois and lived there for about 3 years. I like it there. It is OK. My grandma lives in Illinois and my family does not get to see her that much. If you were wondering how many are in my family there are 5 of us. I have 2 brothers and they are pains to me. My mom is nice and my dad is nice too. My dad does not live with us. He lives in Missouri. We are going to visit him these summer and have fun.

Your friend,
Heidi Wilkins

Dear Dorita and Ingrid,
I am going to write about when I was small. When I was small I had short hair that was brown. I was born in Arkansas. I have two brothers and one sister. I live with both of my parents. My brothers names are Kevin, and Kyle. My sisters name is Jennifer. My parents names are Anita and Darren. I was scared when I started school too. But now I am used to it. When I get older I want to be a singer.
Gotta go.

Bye,
Jessica

Dear Deysi and Adriana,
I am going to tell you about my life. I was born October 14, 1983. I have lived in Arkansas almost all my life. I lived in Texas for 2 years. Then I lived in Kansas City for about 2 years.
My parents are divorced. My dad has a girlfriend whose name is
Courtney Felter. My mom's name is Lisa Ross and my dad's name is Dale Ross. What are your parents names? I have 2 sisters whose names are Kera Medders and Kallie Ross. I also have 1 brother, his name is Jeremy Ross. How many brothers and sisters do you have? My mom lives in Kansas City. I go up there almost every summer.

Your friend,
Candise

Dear Michael Ruiz,
Believe it or not, I was born in Los Angeles, too! I stayed in California for 3 years. Then I moved to Silver City, N.M. I lived in a trailer park, then I moved into a glass bottle window house. Then I moved to the Virgin Islands. I went to preschool there. After that we moved back to Silver City for a few more years. Then I moved to Las Cruces, N.M. into a yellow house for a few years. Now I am in Mtn. Home. It is a nice place to live in, but not for a long time.

Your friend,
Jimmy Dye

The following messages were sent from Los Angeles to Arkansas on February 22, 1996

Dear Brandy and April,
Hi! How are you? I hope you are OK. Is it cold in Arkansas? Would you ever move out of state? Or do you like it even if it is cold?
Have you ever been in a crash where you almost died? What would you do if you found a million dollars? I would buy a car, nice clothes and a big basket of kero kero koppi or pachaco. What would you do with it?
Well, bye. I hope you write back soon so I could get your answers. Good-bye, and have a nice day in your city.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Karla

Dear Lisa and Melinda,
How are you? I am fine. Yesterday was rainy and I got wet.
What would I do 1,000,000 dollars? I would pay my mom’s bills and the rent. I would buy a school and I would not make the kids wear uniforms. I would send some money to my grandpa and he could buy a little house.
Good-bye. I hope you write me back soon so I could have your answer. Well, I don’t else to say. Good bye.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Sury

Dear Matt and Jimmy,
My name is Eduardo. I am eleven years old. Soon I will be twelve. I am in the sixth grade. My birthday is August the twelfth. I like to play soccer and hockey.
If I has a million dollars I would buy a car. I would give money to my mom. I would play with the rest. I would buy a new house. I would give some money to my grandfather.
What would you do with a million dollars?

Sincerely,
Eduardo

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
How are you? I got your letter and I want to say how good I feel. I also got your question and yes we do wear uniforms. It is because there are many bad people that think we are gangsters if we dress like them. Some people like to dress like them and sometimes they get shot for dressing like a gangster. Well, let’s talk of something different.
Let us talk of things like what if I had a million dollars? If I had a million dollars, I would give some to the homeless people. Then I would get a house no less than $20,000 dollars. Then I would take a vacation to Arizona. Then I would make more dollars in the stock market. Then I would give my mom a car so she can be good and well after every trip she makes.
Well, that was good and fun. I want to ask you a question: is it true that it is like more than 5 degrees lower than 0 where you live? Do you like the apple pie and other sweet things? Can you play outside with 5 degrees below zero?

Sincerely,
Your Pen Pal in Los Angeles,
Joe

Dear Joey and Dale,
You remember me Victor Zamora? Tell me if it cold where you live?
Do you know what to do with a million dollars? I do. I would buy food - lots of it. I would buy cool stuff. I would put some money in the bank. I would give some to the people in the streets who have no place to go. I would give some to my family and friends and live the life.
I don’t like to do math, do you? And tell me do you know the X-Men? It is a cartoon they have comics and cards. Do you like to draw? I do. I hate those kids that say things about cooties and girls. They are acting stupid.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Victor

Dear Karla and Jessica,
Hello! How are you! How is Arkansas with the cold? In Los Angeles it is cold sometimes and hot other times. Mr. Geib is nice. What is the name of your teacher?
If I had a million dollars I would get a car and a house. I would buy a market for selling food. I would buy a house for the people who are poor. I would buy clothes for my family and for poor people. I would give money to these people. I would buy pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners and peachies for my little brothers to take to school. If you had a million dollars what would you do?
We hope that you two can send some photos with your names. Do you have brothers and sisters? Good luck in school.
Good-bye.

Sincerely,
Write Back Soon,
Dorita

Dear Shane and Brandon,
My name is Roberto Arteaga. I’m eleven years old. I like to play soccer and basketball.
If I had one million dollars I would buy a new house and a beautiful dress for my mom and some toys for my brothers. I would give some money to the poor. And the most important thing is that I would help abandoned kids. What would you do if you had one million dollars?
Good-bye Shane and Brandon.

Sincerely,
Roberto

Dear Steven and Randy,
I am very good so far. I am happy to be able to write to you. How are you and your mom? Where is Randy? He does not write to me. How are your brothers and sisters? Do you have any kind of animals? I have two birds. I had a dog but my mom didn’t want it.

Sincerely,
Jayro

Dear Lisa and Melinda,
Hi! This is Roxana. How are you? I’m fine. Mind if I ask you if it is cold or hot in Arkansas? Here in California it is raining. It’s terrible here in California.
What would I do with a million dollars? I would buy two pairs of new Nikes and for my family, too. I would pay my college fee for UCLA and give my mom and dad money, too. I would go to McDonald’s everyday. I would go to the mall with my friends. I would give my little brother every toy he needs and buy everybody clothes. Then I would go to visit Miami, Florida and go to the beaches and have a great time. Then I would give money to my family in Mexico and El Salvador.
Well, Lisa and Melinda I like school. I don’t have a boyfriend. My school is big. We have five buildings and we have a computer in our classroom. In my class we have 29 students and it is not cool.
Well, good-bye Lisa and Melinda.

Sincerely,
Roxana

Dear Karla and Jessica,
Hi! We received your letters. I am fine. How do you like Arkansas with the cold and snow?
If I had a million dollars I would buy a house and have my own room. I would also have my own servants. Then I would buy lots of new shoes and clothes. The rest of the money I would save.
What are you learning in your classes? And do you have a locker? What is your favorite TV show? We hope we can be friends, too.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Ingrid

Dear Nathan and Stuart,
Hello! How are you doing? I am doing good. Mr. Geib told us that it is snowing a lot so that is why you did not go to school. Well, I hope it gets better.
Mr. Geib told us to write about what if I had a million dollars. I would maybe buy a big house, a car and some video games. And then if I have more I will give it to my mom. But maybe some of the rest I’ll put in the bank. Then I’ll make more money some how and then I’ll have more money. And when I have more money put it again some of it in the bank. And the rest of it I would give again to my family.
I read your letter. It was nice. I read where you wrote when would be your birthday. I guess you are older than me. I see that you think that Brazil is a good team. Me too.
Good-bye! I hope I get to write to you again.
Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Juan

Dear Kelly and Nick,
I hope you are OK. Aurora and I are fine. Is it cold in Arkansas? Because here it is hot and cold.
Kelly and Nick I am sorry because I am not Steve. I am another person and my name is Margarita. I hope that you are not mad because I am not Steve. If you ask me where is Steve I will tell you he went to another school.
What would you do with a million dollars? I would buy a car and a computer and bring my sister from El Salvador. The rest of it I would save for college.
That’s all I am going to talk about today. And I am sorry because I am not Steve. Write back to me soon.

Your Friend,
Margarita

Dear Candise and Jolene,
How are you doing in the weather? We are doing fine. It has not rained too much. The weather is a little rainy.
What would I do if I had a million dollars? If I had a million dollars I would spend it on clothes, food and other necessary things. I would give money to my family in Mexico. I would build a house in Mexico. I would save money for college. I would help my family in what I could. These are the things I want to spend a million dollars on.
I heard that the weather in Arkansas is really cold. Are you going to be in the same school for next year? I am not going to be here for the next year. I am probably going to Denver, Colorado with my father.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Adriana

Dear Jimmy and Matt,
My name is Elizabeth Rebollendo. I am going to tell you what I would do with one million dollars. I will tell you now.
I would help my mom to buy a house. I would like to buy a dog. I would like to buy something for my little brother. I would like to go and eat at Burger King. I would like to go to Disneyland with my family. I would like to buy postcards and send it to my family in Mexico. The most beautiful thing I could do is to help poor people.
This is what I would like to do if I had one million dollars. I wish I could win the money but also no. I am just glad that I am alive.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth

Dear Brandon and Shane,
Hello! How are you doing? They tell me it is cold over there where you live. Is there anything good over there where you live? Now I will tell you what I would do if I had a million dollars.
If I had a million dollars I would save some for college. The I would put like $600,000 in the bank. Also I would give $7,000 to my parents, $1,000 to my sister and the rest is for me. First, I will buy a pair of shoes, some clothes, and some games for my Super NES. Second, if I have enough money left I will buy a large house that has a swimming pool. Then I would buy what I want. That’s all I will do with a million dollars.
What do you do when you get out of school Brandon and Shane? I hope you are all right because of the cold it is freezing! So I don’t have much to say. So I am only telling you this so good-bye.

Sincerely,
Your Friend from California, Miguel

Dear Nathan and Stuart,
Hi! My name is Abraham and we are students at Berendo. I am a student of Mr. Geib. I am 12 years old and Juan is 12 years old. My birthday is March 4th and I will be thirteen years old. Next year I will be in seventh grade. Brazil and Mexico are good teams. We have a good school and a good town. In Berendo there are no gangs and outside there are all the gangs. I get very scared sometimes to walk to school by the houses at the end of my street.

Sincerely,
Abraham

The following messages were sent from Arkansas to Los Angeles on February 23, 1996 and deal with the recent shooting of LAUSD teacher Alfredo Perez by a stray bullet while he was teaching a class.

Dear Mr. Geib,
Mrs. Gray just read us your letter and your poem. We are really sorry about the fifth grade teacher. We hope that you will get over this some day. We pray for Mr. Perez and hope that he recovers. We loved the poem that you wrote. It was very depressing to the class. We hope that the person who shot the teacher will be caught. We hope he gets punished.
We are excited about the pictures and the exhibit at your school. We promise that our next letters will be really good so you can put them up in the exhibit.
Thanks for writing us. You have given us something to think about.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Gray's First Period

Dear Mr. Geib,
We are sorry to hear about Mr. Perez. We wish there was a way to help cheer you up. We hope that he survives and gets to teach again. It is sad about the kids in class seeing this happen. We think if we were you, we would move out of that town. We wish there was a way to stop crime. A lot of us spend time in Chicago or Little Rock, so we know a little about city crime.
Your ideas for the newsletters and the exhibit are very good ideas. We hope it is a success for all of you. We will be glad to write about a million dollars! We might come to visit you with a million dollars and give some to Mr. Perez.
Mrs. Gray says it is time for us to work on Ratebuilders (reading speed practice). Thank you for writing to us.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Gray's Second Period Class

Dear Mr. Geib,
Even in Mtn. Home, we know about shooting. One boy in this class, Dale, was shot at as he rode his bike through some woods. They had been drinking. No one was hurt. Joey, who moved here from Los Angeles, had an uncle killed when a bullet came through the window while he sat in a college classroom in Riverside.
Those kids in class must have been scared to death. Why don't you move down here? We wonder what the chances are that Mr. Perez will live. We are so sorry to hear that a teacher was hurt.
The exhibit and newsletter is a good idea. Mrs. Gray will take pictures soon. Maybe the Baxter Bulletin, one of our newspapers, would like to know about this.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Gray's Third Period Class

The following messages were sent from Arkansas to Los Angeles on February 23, 1996

Dear Dorita and Ingrid,
Hi! I'm going to tell you about my life so far. I live at Rt.4 Box 119. My first years at school were fun. When you get in the older grades it gets tough. I'm in the 6th grade. I was born on July 6,1984. I'm sorry I can't remember some of my friends in kindergarten. I'll tell you some of my friends that I remember. They were Gus, Emily, and Jessica. That's all can think of.

Sincerely,
Kara Hunt

Dear Juan and Abraham,
Hi, I was born on June 1 1984 in Little Rock. I hated my first day of school and I still hate school. I have two dogs and I used to have one cat. About 5 years ago I had a golden retriever. I have a happy memory of going to Disney World. Space Mountain was the best!

Your friend,
Stuart

Dear Michael Ruiz,
Today I'm going talk about my self. I was born in Arkansas. I live in a house with six rooms and two bathrooms. I have one brother and one sister. I have a dog named P.J and a cat named Sox. I was born on August 7, 1984. And that's all I have to say. And I got to go.

Your friend,
Matthew Lampe

Dear Steve and Aurora,
My name is Nick Hillstrom. I have blond hair and blue eyes. I was born in California. I only lived there for two months, then I moved to Oregon. And I only lived there for nine years. Well after having a wonderful life there I moved to Arkansas. That's where I'm writing to you from. Well, class is over so I've got to go.

Sincerely,
Nick Hillstrom

Dear Deysi and Adriana,
Hi, now it is my turn to tell you about my life years ago. I was born July 31, 1983 in MTN.HOME AR. My mom died when I was only 5. I have a step-mom now. I used to hit my sister with the doorknob and give her a black eye when I was little. I do not know any more.

Your friend,
Jolene

Dear Roberto and Miguel,
When I was two years old I was in a tornado. I do not remember anything but seeing everything up side down because the trailer I was in flipped. I don't know any more about that.
Your Friend,
Brandon Whitehead

Dear Steve and Aurora,
Hi, my name is Kelly Hicks. Today I'm going to talk about my life so far. I was born in Oklahoma. My mom and dad got a divorce so I live with only 1 parent, 2 brothers, and one of my brother's girlfriend. When I was 6 years old I got bit in the face by a big dog, and I had to have surgery. I'll be 13 March 10. When I get older I would like to be a lawyer.

Your friend,
Kelly Hicks

Dear Joe and Michael A.,
Hi my name is Scotty Cook. Today I'm going to talk about my life so far. I was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I will be 13 years old on March 4. In Jonesboro there are a lot of rough kids in our schools and town. When my parents got a divorce it mad me mad. I did not want my parents to get a divorce.

Your friend,
Scotty Cook

Dear Roberto and Miguel,
This is Shane. I guess school is OK. I remember a long time ago I had a birthday party. We went skating and we had fun. I fell a lot and got hurt a few times, but nothing serious. My Uncle Clifton came too. He hadn't been skating in a long time. What kind of uniforms do you wear? Got to go.

Shane Bishop

Dear Juan and Abraham,
I cut my wrist on a fish aquarium. It cut 5 blood veins and knicked my main tendon. It left a big scar on my wrist. I also got bit by a brown recluse (that is a spider) and that left a big scar on my leg. But that doesn't leave me out of doing any sports.

Your friend,
Nathan

Dear Karla,
I was born on July 20th. I am 11 years old. I play basketball, kickball, softball, & soccer some times. I ride my horse Bee. I ride my bike sometimes. I have 1 dog and 5 cats. I play outside a lot and I also rollerblade. I go fishing a lot, I hardly catch anything, but I still like it. I go swimming a lot in the summer. Some Friday nights I go rollerblading at the ROCK-IT ROLLER RINK.

Your friend,
April Parks

Dear Victor and Daniel,
My name is Dale. I live in Mtn Home, Arkansas. When I was little the first time I rode my bike I had a bad crash and I had to get stitches. When I grew up I got rollerblades for Christmas and I fell a little. I don't have any more time.

Dale

The following messages were sent from Arkansas to Los Angeles on March 12, 1996

Dear Ingrid and Dorita,
Hi! We received your letter. I'm sorry we are just now writing to you. We haven't had very much snow lately. The cold weather is the main thing that we have had. If we both had a million dollars we would buy us a mansion and have maids. Then we would buy some clothes, shoes, and save the rest.
We are learning a lot of fun stuff. Yes we have a locker. Our favorite TV show is Home Improvement. We hope you are our friends still.

Sincerely,
Your Friends,
Kara Hunt Jessica Burch

Dear Michael and Joe,
How are you? We are fine. We got your letters and we really enjoyed reading them. We really like apple pie and other sweet things.
If we had a million dollars we would buy the Nike and Reebok company. Then we would give some money to the homeless people. We would give money to our families so they could travel around the world with us. Then we would put the rest in the bank and let it draw interest. Then after it draws some interest we would have some more money to buy some more stuff. We would build us a gym to play basketball in it 24 hours a day.
No we can not go outside in 5 degree weather. The girls go in the gym and the boys stay in the lunchroom. What would you do in the 0 degree weather. When were at home we would go to the gym and play basketball all day.

Your friend ,
Bobby and Scotty

Dear Roberto and Miguel,
This is Shane. I'm writing by myself because Brandon moved to a different reading level.
If I had a million dollars I would buy a car, shoes, clothes, and a big house. Most of the money would go in the bank, but some would be in my pocket.
It is a lot warmer here. It is going to be in the 60's! Did you
have a tornado there? We had a hail storm. It did some damage.
Sincerely,
Shane

Dear Jayro and Manuel,
HI! How are you doing? We're doing fine. If we had a million dollars we would buy a mansion right by Michael Jordan's 32 million dollar mansion. Randy is here with me today, finally. We would live in a mansion if we had two 57 Chevy's and 3 Harley Davidson's and 5 dogs and 1 cat and 2 Australian Python's. We have to go now, bye!!

Sincerely,
Steven and Randy

Dear Sury and Roxana,
What's up? Not much here. What I would I do with a 1,000,000 dollars. I would send it to that teacher that got shot up there.
Well, got to go .

Bye,
Melinda Kay Nash

Dear Sury and Roxana,
Hi, this is Lisa. I got your letters, and I think they are very nice. What I would do with 1,000,000 dollars? I would buy a few things for myself. I would also take my family shopping.

Your friend ,
Lisa

Dear Eduardo and Elizabeth,
My name is Matt Lampe. I am going to tell you what I would do with a million dollars. I would give 1,000 dollars to the poor, then I would buy a new house for my family, and 200 dollars worth of new clothes, and save the rest for me.
My name is Jimmy Dye. I will tell you what I would do with a million dollars. I would buy a Dodge Viper for the family, and then I would buy 200 dollars worth of CD's, and then I would buy something for all my brothers and sisters, and put the rest in the bank to save.
That's what we would do with a million dollars.
Sincerely,
Jimmy and Matt

Dear Margarita and Aurora,
If I had a million dollars I would buy all the Grateful Dead shirts, and CD’s. I would buy all the cool cars in the world. I would buy all the CD’s in the world. I would buy a lot of boots, and clothes, nice house and my own swimming pool. I would give Nick ten dollars to cut his hair and buy Nick some new jeans.
Sincerely,
Kelly and Nick

Dear Juan and Abraham,
What we would do with a million dollars is pay off our parent's bills. Then we would buy a four-wheeler and go shopping. We would buy a big house and do what ever we wanted.

Your friend,
Nathan and Stuart

Dear Victor and Daniel,
Why didn't Daniel write? It's cold sometimes here. What I, Dale, will do with a million dollars. I would buy a Lamborghini with a U 12 engine and a Porsche then I would buy a race car track with a house built in. I, Joe, would buy me a racing track, and a racing car. Then I would buy me a mansion.

Sincerely,
Joey and Dale

Dear Adriana and Deysi,
If I had a million dollars, I would buy new clothes, make-up, and a new car. I would also buy everything I would need. I will probably be going to the same school next year unless I move to a different state. How are you? I am doing just fine. Well I gues I better go.
This is Jolene. If I had a million dollars, I would buy a new car. Then I would give some of to the poor. Then I would put 100 dollars in the bank. After that I would buy out Wal-Mart. Then I would buy almost all schools in world. Well I guess I have no more money left.

Jolene Haase
Candise Ross

Dear Friends,
We did not get a letter this time, but we want to write about the million dollars.
If I had a million dollars I would give it to the poor. If I had a million dollars I would buy a house, car, and land. I would give my family about 300 each.

Your Friend,
Heidi and Renee

Dear Friends in Los Angeles,
We did not get keypals from your class, but we want to write letters anyway. We are in Mrs. Gray's first period class, too.
If I had a million dollars I would buy a car, house, and land. And I would put mine in a bank account. My name is Daniel and my classmate is Andrea Carraway. A million dollars is a lot of money. It will last for a long time. Well, it's time to go, talk to you later.

Sincerely,
Daniel and Andrea

The following messages were sent from Los Angeles to Arkansas on March 14, 1996

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
Hello! How are you this semester? Here it has been a pain with Mr. Ayala. It is cold here.
My favorite kind of music is rap and hip hop. My favorite station is Power 106. I like to dance to rap and meet girls.
On March 11 it was my birthday and now I am 12. On that day Mr. Geib told us we were going to take a picture. I didn’t come out so good. Bye, see you later.

Sincerely,
Michael

Dear Kelly and Nick,
Hello! I hope you are fine. I am fine. How is your semester? How is the weather doing?
Do you have a favorite music? My favorite music is old and new at the same. My favorite singer goes by the name of Angel Baby in Spanish and “Dreaming of You” by Selena.
Well, I hope you are OK. We went to the computer lab and it was fun. We just have seven more weeks in the semester. I hope you like our picture.
Sincerely,
Margi

Dear Melinda and Lisa,
Hi! How is the weather in Arkansas? Is it cold in Arkansas? Here in Los Angeles it is raining.
I am going to talk about how I fight with my brothers. My big brother is a pain. His name is Ricardo. I fight with my older brother a lot. He takes my things and I take his things. One day I put his socks in the water so he gets mad. Then there is my other older brother. He goes to a special school. I fight a lot. He takes my clothes and he even puts on my socks and he has a lot. I put them in his new clothes. Then there is my little brother. He does not make trouble.
Soon I am going off-track. I am very happy because I am going to graduate into the seventh-grade. I hope you and your family are well. Good-bye until the next letter.
Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Roxana

Dear Joe and Massey,
Hello, Victor speaking. I hope you are OK. I am fine.
Tell me, did the weather change or is it just stuck in Arkansas? Over here it is going rainy-dry, rainy-dry. It is that I am fine even if this semester I had problems.
Tell me, do you like music? I do. It is a new thing because in Guatemala there is no English. I like that kind of music. It is my favorite kind of music since I came to the States. I don’t really have a favorite group or performer. Do you?
I hope you are OK. We went to the computer lab and it was lots of fun. We barely have seven weeks left in school. Mr. Geib sent you a picture. I am the one with the Nike sweater. My little brother is writing to you on this paper, too.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Victor

Dear Jimmy and Matt,
Hi! I am Elizabeth. How are you? How is your semester going? Is the weather OK? I hope everything is OK? I hope you are OK. How is the weather in chilly Arkansas?
I like both old and new music. I like Selena’s music. I also like Quebradita which is a Spanish music. When I was little I liked baby music and rock and roll. I loved this baby music because it was fun. Rock and roll was also fun. My favorite performers are Selena, Banda Machos and a lot more. This music is cool. I like this music.
I hope you are OK. We went to the computer lab. We have seven weeks left in the semester.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Elizabeth

Dear Steve and Randy,
Hi! How are you? I have been sick and I could not write you. How are things is Arkansas?
I went to Lancaster and it was fun because there were horses and motorcycles. My mom bought a stereo and it cost one hundred dollars. Do you have a bike? I have a bike but the tire is flat. My mom is going to fix it today.

Sincerely,
Jayro Rios

Dear Brandy and April,
How are you? Is the weather changing? Well, I am OK. I hope you are OK like I am. I am not that cold and not that hot.
What kind of music do you like? Who are your favorite groups or bands? Do you like old music or hip-hop music? I like oldies, hip-hop, and Deep House. My favorite group is T.L.C., Monica, Montell Jordan and others. I like both old and hip-hop music.
I hope you saw the pictures. I was the one with the short hair and long sleeves. I was in the back. I hope you did see and that you take your picture, too.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Karla Jimmenez

Dear Candisa and Jolene,
How are you? How is your semester so far? Is the weather changing? My favorite music is “Fey.” She speaks Spanish and no English. This music is new. But this music has always been my favorite music. I like it because it makes you happy and you can dance to it.
I hope you are OK. We went to the computer lab and we play some games and look at videos on the computer. We have seven weeks left in the semester and we have too much work to do. We are doing a picture of the class.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Deysi Salinas

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
How are you? I am fine. I want to tell you something. In seven weeks I will be in the seventh-grade. I also want to ask you if the bad weather is changing.
Let’s talk of something else like what is your favorite music? My favorite music is old and new. But the new music I like has no bad words like in Rap and Feast music. My favorite music is Beethoven piano sonatas. I like this music because it is nice and it helps me sometimes. I don’t know how but it helps me. I think my favorite band is “Boys to Men.” I like it because they make slow music and they don’t use bad words.
I hope you are OK. My class and I went to the computer lab and it is very cool. The computers have CD ROMs and lots of good software. As I said before, I have seven more weeks to go until the seventh grade. This letter might get to you with a picture. There are three pictures and I am in the second one. There are two boys and two girls, I am the one with the circle that says “Berendo Middle School” and we are right in front of a bush. Well, that is all I have to say.

Your Pen Pal in LA,
Joe

Dear Dale and Joe,
Hello! How are you today? Has the weather changed in Arkansas? How is the semester in your school?
My favorite music is romantic. It has always been my favorite kind of music. I like other music like Salsa, Merengue, Deep House and Mambo. I like romantic music because it makes me feel fresh. It makes me dance and it makes me happy. The group that I like is Los Bukis. They sing romantic music. When I am doing my homework, I listen to music when I am alone in my house. I listen to music when I have a girlfriend. I dedicated one song to her. One of the songs that I like is romantic - actually it is not in English but in Spanish.
We have seven more weeks to go until vacation. We will return to school June 7, 1996. I hope the weather is good over there. Well, I don’t have any more time - see you!

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Daniel Solis

Dear Kara and Jessica,
Hello! How are you? How is your semester going? Is the weather changing? What is your whole name? Mine is Dorita Jessica Castaneda. I have a little brother and his name is Omar and the other is Byron. Do you know how to cook food?
I am going to tell you about my favorite music. When I was six years old I like the music so I listened to the radio. Do you have a favorite music that you like. I like Mr. Geib because he is nice to all the students. Do you know how to talk in Spanish? I do. Me and my uncle are the only people in the family who know how to speak in English and my cousin Pablo Sequin.
I hope you are OK. We went to the computer lab. We have seven weeks left. They sent a picture of the class but I was absent so I didn’t get to be in the picture.

Sincerely,
Dorita

Dear Randy and Steve,
Hello! It is me Manuel. How are you? I hope you are well. Today I am going to talk about what is my favorite music. My favorite music is, well, there are a lot of songs I like and each is good because I like all kinds of music like Salsa, Rancheras, hip-hop, love songs, and rock and roll. All of these songs I like them a lot, but I think the song I like the best is and must be “Dreaming of You” by Selena. So from all of these I pick this one as the best.
How are you? What kind of music do you like to listen to. How is the weather up there? Where do you go to eat at school? Is it still snowing? Well, I got to go. Write back soon.

Your Friend from California,
Manuel

Dear Matt and Jimmy,
How are you? I am fine thank you. Is your semester going good or bad? My semester is fine. Is the weather changing or not?
My favorite music is Spanish rock. What is your favorite music? These songs have always been my favorite. I like it because it is cultural music. Why do you like your favorite music? My favorite performers are the Power Rangers. What are your favorite performers? What is your second favorite music and why?
I hope you are OK. I hope your parents are OK. I am fine and my family, too.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Eduardo

Dear Kara and Jessica,
Hello! How are you? I am fine. How is your semester? Is the weather changing? Sometimes it rains and sometimes it is cold and hot here in Los Angeles.
I am going to write about my favorite music. My favorite music is new music. My favorite music is Selena. I also like music by Garabaldi. I like Selena because she has beautiful songs. I like it because the songs are very good. My favorite performers are General.
I hope you are OK. We went to the computer lab. We have some weeks left in the semester. We took a picture of the class. I hope you like it.

Sincerely,
by Your Friend,
Ingrid Luque

Dear Candise and Jolene,
Hello! How are you doing? I am doing fine. Is the weather changing? How is your semester?
Today I am going to talk about the kind of music I like. I like to listen to the music of the station Power 106. They play slow jams. One of my favorite songs is “Riding Low.” Sometimes I like to hear romantic music. It has always been the same. When I was nine years old I started to like the classics. I have always liked the blues. I like how the rhythm goes. What kind of music do you like?
I hope you are OK. On Friday we went to the computer lab and on Monday, too. I like to look for information in the computer. That was our classwork. We only have seven weeks left and I want to go on vacation and not. When we took the pictures of the class I was the one that was in almost all the pictures.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Adriana

The following messages were sent from Los Angeles to Arkansas on April 8, 1996.

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
How are you? I am good and I haven’t had any problems lately. My teacher is making us write about when was the last time I went on a trip. I went to Bakersfield and it was snowing. Bakersfield is three hours from Los Angeles. We visit our family over there.
We usually go over there to hunt. Do you hunt in Arkansas? The last time we went we killed eight rabbits. When we went there it was a nasty trip. We almost fell of the freeway when they had a crash. We stayed on the freeway for three hours. It was so cold so that is all I am going to say right now.
Good-bye.

Sincerely,
Michael Almeida Ruiz

Dear Kara and Jessica,
Hi? How are you? I am fine. The weather is OK? I got an “A” in class and I am happy.
I am going to write about a trip with my parents. I went to Disneyland. I went with my family. We went we saw things and places. I got there to Disneyland.
We were there. And we bought things for my sister. There was snow and I saw snow. We went to eat. We went to a game and I got things.
We went home. We saw many things. We finally got back to our house and I was happy to be home.
I hope you are both well Kara and Jessica. I hope you are getting good grades. I hope you and your classes are good.

Sincerely,
By your friend,
Ingrid Luque

Dear Matt and Jimmy,
How are you? I am fine, thank you. I hope your family is, too. My family is fine. And you? I am fine.
When we went to Las Vegas we got a flat tire. And then we got a flat on the other tire. Next a police officer gave us a ticket. Finally, my mom got mad. We had a lot of problems when we went to Las Vegas and everybody was upset.
I went to Las Vegas. When I got there I went to the machines. And then I went to eat. When I finished eating I went with my brother to go play pool at the pool tables. When we finished that we went to go dancing.
When we went home we had more problems. Everybody cried when they took the car. The police gave us another ticket. Did you ever go on an exciting trip?
I liked your last letter. I hope you are OK. I am fine.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Eduardo

Dear Shane,
How are you doing? They told me about the things you do in school. Now I am going to tell you about a trip I took.
This trip I am going to talk about is when I went to San Francisco. It was Friday at 5:00 in the morning when we left Los Angeles. The first thing we did is that my parents woke me up. I was mad. We then left home. Then we got on the freeway. It took us seven hours to get to San Francisco.
When we got to San Francisco we had to go and ask directions. Then we called my sister to know where to go. When we got there she was happy that we made it. We stayed for two days. It was fun. We went to the beach, parties, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It was amazing.
When it was time to go home everybody was sad to leave. But we had to go. When we go on the freeway we were hungry so we stopped at a restaurant. When we finished it took us another seven hours to go home. But I was glad to go home because I would like to play with my Super Nintendo.
When we got home we glad that nothing happened. then the next morning was boring because we were on vacations. That is all I have to say about this trip. I saw the letter you wrote Shane. It was nice. So long friend.

Sincerely,
Your Friend from California,
Miguel Miza

Dear Nathan and Stuart,
Hi! Do you like to play soccer and basketball? I visited Minnesota. When my cousins and cousins got there we had fun. Then I left and came back to Los Angeles. Next, I went to Las Vegas. They did not let me play the slot machines. I stayed for like a week and a half in Las Vegas. I stayed with my mother and father and I left and came back to LA.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Abraham R.

Dear Steve and Randy,
Hi! It’s me Manuel. How are you doing? I am fine. Today I am going to talk about a famous place I have been to. I am going to tell you step by step.
The place I am going to tell you about is my aunt’s house. It was not an OK day for me because I do not like to go to my aunt’s house in the city of Alhambra. We all started up early and I took a shower and ate breakfast. After that we got in the car and my father drove for one hour.
Then we got there my aunt was outside waiting for us so we got our things and went inside. Our cousins were waiting in the house and they wanted to play with me and my brothers and sisters. After that our aunt called us to come and to eat. It was 6:30 PM when we ate. After that we watched TV and then it was time to go home. But my brothers wanted to stay there for two days and so did my parents. Therefore, we decided to stay there for two days and so we did Those were good for me and they were very exciting days.
When we had to go back home my aunt was not that happy. We went back home in the car. When we got there I was very happy and that was not a typical day for me. Tell me what wasn’t a typical day for you?
How is the weather coming? Can you play again during lunch? What do you do in school. It was good speaking to you. I have to go. Please write back soon.

Sincerely,
Your Friend in California,
Manuel Castellon

Dear Kelly and Nick,
I hope you are fine. I am fine and so is Aurora. And the class in fine, too.
Have you ever gone on a trip? I have gone to El Salvador for two long weeks and it was a lot of fun. I hope you had fun to on your trips. How much time did you stay there?
When I got there at the house of my grandmother I was very excited. I hugged my grandmother and all my cousins. And then I went up the hill to visit my uncle, aunt and cousins.
Well, I hope you are fine and happy, too. I hope you are also happy with your family. Bye, I got to go.

Sincerely,
Margarita

Dear Dale and Joe,
The best trip I ever had with my family was to the snow. Well, not all my family - only three brothers, two brothers, two sisters, and eight cousins went and my mom and me.
When we got there we bought something to play with in the snow. We took pictures of us at the freeway and some animals that we saw. We had a lot of fun throwing snow balls. We drove two hours. when we were going up the mountain the van that my brother was driving ran out of gas. However, we were lucky about two minutes up there was a gas station. We put some gas in car and went up more. We found a place when it had a lot of snow.
Then we went home I was very tired. I slept in the car. When we got home everybody wanted to see the pictures.
Sorry for not writing you last week. If I had a million dollars I would buy a Lamborghini, one lowrider car, a bike and a mansion. I would also give Victor ten dollars so that he could buy new jeans.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Daniel

Dear Steven and Randy,
Hi! How are you doing? We were doing OK. If I had a million dollars I would buy four lowriders and five Harley Davidsons and two dogs. I would also buy a house for my parents and a car, too. How are your mom and your brothers? Would you go outside in zero degree weather? Over here in Los Angeles it is cold and it wants to rain. I hate being sick and I was absent and today I came to school. I went to see a little airplane in Van Nuys. It was fun. Then we went to a park to play soccer and eat ice cream.
I hope you are OK. I have to leave now. Bye!

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Jayro Rios

Dear Jolene and Candise,
Hello! How are you? I am fine. I hope you are OK. How is the weather? I hope it is OK. Do you like to go trips? I like to go trips to Mexico.
Saturday I went to Disneyland with my family and I was so happy. I felt so good to see all my family. When we got there I saw all my cousins, brothers, sisters and we started to play.
When I was there we went in a car to see old houses and saw a shark. Then my little brother wanted to go on a horse and we rode the horse. Then my sister wanted to see Mikey and she started to cry because he was a monster. Then we went to a room and there some people were doing a show and singing and dancing.
Then we went home and I said “thank you” to my mom.

Sincerely
Your Friend,
Deysi Salinas

Dear Nick and Kelly,
Hello! How are you? I hope you are well, too. I am going to talk about a memorable trip.
When I was nine years old I took a memorable trip with my family. I remember it well - like it was yesterday. We went to Santa Monica to visit my aunt, uncle and cousins. They live in a large apartment. It took us three hours to get there.
When we arrived there everyone ran out to greet us. We all hugged and kissed each other. We stayed for two days and had a wonderful time. We played outside all day and we went to the beach. At night I played checkers with Monica and Juan. We had dinner together and ate pizza.
When it was time to leave, we were very sad. They begged us to stay longer, but we had to leave.
I hope you like my memorable trip to Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Aurora

Dear Melinda and Lisa,
Hi! How are you? I hope you are OK. What was the best trip you have ever taken with your family?
My best trip was when I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain. It was my best trip because I met Bugs Bunny and other characters. What was the best trip you went on with your family?
When we were at Six Flags I went on almost all of the rides, but I didn’t go on the water ride. When we were on the way to Six Flags my little brother cried. Did anything happen to you on your trip?
I hope you write back soon so I could get your answer.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Suryzadai Cortes

Dear Melinda and Lisa,
Hi! I am going to talk about a trip where I had a good time or a bad time.
I am going to talk about a trip I like a lot. I went to El Salvador. I was very happy because I was going to see my grandpa and my cousins. When I arrived on the United Airlines plane and it was a good plane. then we went to get our luggage. Then we went out and it was beautiful. Then I saw my aunt and my uncle and I was very happy.
While I was there I had a great time. I went to the capital city. The capital city of El Salvador is San Salvador. It was very crowded and there were a lot of cars and lot of people. I went with my grandma to the market. Then I was walking with all the people staring at me. They even asked me if I was American. My cousin is a singer in El Salvador. I had a great time.
When I went back to California and my house and family. I was very sad because I left my family in El Salvador. Well, I had a fun time. Bye!

Sincerely,
Roxana Cardenas

Dear Brandy and April,
Hi! How are you? I hope you are OK? What is the best trip you have done with your family? My favorite trip was to Mexico.
That my best trip because I went to go and visit my family and friends. A lot of fun things happened. For example, we didn’t have enough gasoline so we had to go slow, but we did make it to the gas station. did something happen to you when you were on the trip?
When I go to Mexico I hugged and kissed my family. They also brought me toys and they took me to a lot of fun place and I really liked it. That is why I cannot wait to go to Mexico again. It is not because of the toys, but because I really like visiting my family and friends.
I hope you write back soon, because I want to know your answer. There are questions to which I don’t have an answer. Do you have a boyfriend? Do you use make-up? Well, good bye.

Sincerely,
Karla Jimmenez

Dear Bobby and Scotty,
Today I will tell you of a trip I took. It was last year and my dad wanted to go to Arizona. So we said, “OK.” So we went and it was very nice. It was so nice that my mom was going to fall down.
Me and my brothers were very glad. When we got there my dad got a room for all of us. It had a TV and it had a bed and a little desk. The hotel was named “Sheraton San Marcos”. It was a very expensive place. But my dad paid for it anyway. There was a pool and free shampoo. It was great and very nice.
While I was there I took a very long bath. Then I went to the pool. I fell in the first time because the floor was wet. Then my mom gave me five dollars to go and get some food. My brothers had a good time, too.
But then we had to go home. On the way home my brother got sick and puked in the car. But I was only a little puke, so it was not hard to get out. But then I wanted to go to the bathroom. So my dad stopped at a place and it had stores and everything. So when I went to the bathroom they bought stuff.
This was all that happened. But then I got home and like they say, “There is no place like home.”

Sincerely,
Your Pen Pal in LA,
Joe Hernandez

Dear Jimmy and Matt,
Hi! I am going to take about a trip to Mexico. Have you ever gone on a cool trip? I hope everything is OK. I am going to talk about my trip.
When we were going to Mexico it was so much fun. We saw a lot of animals, beaches, mountains and little cities. It was so cool, but we got tired of being in my dad’s car. But we saw a lot of beautiful things. It was so cool over there.
I had a lot of fun over there in Mexico. We went to parties. We played a lot of games with my cousins. We went to rivers and beaches and a lot more. The trip was very cool.
My trip home was kind of scary. We had a flat tire and we were in the desert. Then I wished that I was at home. I cried a lot when we had to leave Mexico.
I hope you are well. I hope the weather is OK, too. This is all that happened.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Elizabeth

Dear Joe and Massey,
I hope you are fine. I think I need a vacation. I think I need a little rest. Today I will be talking about my favorite trip.
I went to Guatemala and I spent a lot of time in the car. When we were on the road everybody was asleep. We saw small lagoons. We passed by a giant bridge. On the way we stopped to eat, but there was no food - only chips and soda. This trip was in Guatemala. And then I saw the beautiful lake that we were going to visit. It was very big and I saw that we were there.
While I was there I went to see people fishing. My uncle forgot his fishing pole. I also went to see the other side of the lake. On the way there (in a boat) I saw a man fishing and he caught a fish as big as a killer whale! My aunt also found a little turtle in the water. The water on this side of the lake was clearer than on the other side. It was called, “Playa Dorada.” Instead of having sand it had yellow rocks. But then it was time to go home.
On our way home everybody was wet and hungry. We passed by another store and they had some food. Then my grandmother remembered she had made some sandwiches and that they were on top of my uncle’s bus. they took them down and we ate them with some soda. By the time we got home it was like 5:23 PM. My uncle and his family left our house, but our other cousins stayed at our house. My uncle and his wife went home to rest and then pick up their children.
Well, I hope you are fine. I think these are our last letters so take care and bye.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Victor Zamora

Dear Candisa and Jolene,
Hi! How are you? I am doing fine so far. Today I am going to talk about a trip I took with my family.
This trip was like four or five years ago. This trip was to Plateritos which is a beautiful place in Zacatecas, Mexico. On the way to Plateritos we were all anxious to get there. The people that went on the trip are my cousins, uncles, grandma, father, mother, brothers and I. We went in two trucks. It was actually a van and a truck.
When we got there we were all happy to be there. We stayed there for two days. I don’t remember all that well, but one of these two days was the birthday of my younger brother. We had a great time. We bought things like toys and clothes. We went to the church. At night we saw dances. I went with my cousin to a house where God was. We went there on our knees and barefoot. The rocks scratched our feet. When we had to leave we were all sad.
On the trip home we were very tired because it takes like four hours to get there. We were all talking about the things that we did there. It was a beautiful trip. I enjoyed it a lot. When we got home we were all excited and sad. We were telling everybody who did not go how beautiful it was and what happened.
I hope you are well. Where did you go with your family? I hope you enjoyed hearing what I did.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Adriana Diaz

Dear Kara and Jessica,
Hello! I hope both of you are happy in Arkansas. I am OK here in Los Angeles.
I am going to talk about my trip to Las Vegas. I liked it a lot and my family, too. We went to my father’s apartment and it was very cool. My father lives in Las Vegas.
When we got to Las Vegas we went to the park to play with my brother. Then we went to the malls to buy things for the house. My mom also went to buy things. It got very cold and you would come home to go to sleep in your bed to get warm but you couldn’t.
When we were there it was OK. When we got there my father took us to eat at a restaurant called, “El Pollara.” My dad took us to see lots of interesting things. We saw many programs.
When we went back home my father and my mother were sad. My mom was going to have a baby when we got back to Los Angeles. When we got back she and my grandmother went to the hospital and my brother was born. I was happy to see my brother and so was my grandmother, too.
I hope you are all well in Arkansas. I hope that the cold goes away. I hope you are happy and your family, too.

Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Dorita

The following messages were sent from Los Angeles to Arkansas on April 9, 1996.

2010
My name is Juan. In this essay, I am going to talk about the year 2010. So far it has been good, and now its getting a little better. I am getting better grades now.
And 7th and 8 grade I would like to go to regular English and get more A’s. I would like to make my parents proud. I would like to get into Academy class. Maybe I will go to high school and then get a job. I would like to get into the army so my parents don’t have to pay for my college. I would like to get on the football team to and be a professional player
I would like to go to LA High School. The activities I would like to do is to get in the band or and any of the teams they have. I would like to have art, English, Math and music class. I would like to go to the prom or any of the other dances that they have. I would like to have the same friends but I would like to get new friends, too. I would like to get a college application to go to UCLA.. Maybe I would like to get a part time job at Mc Donald’s or Pizza Hut.
I would really like to go to UCLA. I would like to study history or music. I would like to live in a nice big house. And I would like that my mom live with me, too. The rest of my family is doing OK, too, They go to school at LA High School. I would like to get a job as a Police Officer or Fireman. I would like to live and Florida. I would like to have a beutiful wife and one kid.
In the year 2010 I am going to be 26 years old. I would like to have a nice little family. I think I am giong to be happy. OK I got to go.

‘’2010’
My name is Roxana Elizabeth Cardenas. I’m going to talk about what I will be in the future now. I’m a 6th grader. I have 6 periods.
I want to learn more about math in 7th grade. I will try to get straight ‘A. Be learning more so I could get better grades. I will improve my writing. Then in 8th I will go to field trip to UCLA. Then I will be more intelligence reading.
In high school I want to do many things. In high school you have 6 periods.I will go to the driil team . I will have 100 friends in high school. Have a great time in high like I would play hard sports go to 1 dance and go to 1 parties will apply for college. Then have a part time job.
I will go to UCLA IN UCLA .I will study pediatrician because I like kids I will study pediatrician . I will have to study hard. I will live in LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. I will have a husbund and a family . I will have 2 kids. My uncle lives in LAS VEGAS , NEVADA. Have a good job. I will have a great life with my family and grow up. Then go live far away from Los Angeles.
Well I think you could do any thing you want to be. Then I will have a good life. Well these is I want to do in the year 2010.

“The year 2010”
My name is Jose Luis Hernandez. In this essay I will write about what I want to do in the year 2010. So far I have been doing my best at Berendo JR. High School. I know math very well and I also speak English well.
In the 7th 8th grade, I will try to make my parents proud by getting good grades. But I also want to go to regular English. I also want to have some money so I can be with my friends. But most of all, and I do mean most of all, is to graduate from JR. High School.
In High School I want to do activities like to be on the baseball team. I want to have good classes that help me. I also want to study wood shop and other classes. I also want to attend social dances. That they have in High School. I also want to have friends so I can have people to talk to. I also want to have collage applications so I can be able to go to college. But I also want to go to parties. I also want to have a part-time job. So that I can have my money and go places.
I want to go to UCLA the best collage I know. It will be very good to be in that school. I want to live in the collage, for the 4 years. I also want to take more classes, for singing. I also want to act and dance. I also want to play my favorite sport, base ball. I also want to have a girl friend. That way I can have a social life. But I think I want to act and sing. So I can have fun at what I’m doing.
I think in the year 2010 I will be a singer or an actor. Because I want to do that when I grow up. I also want to have a family. But I’m not going to have many children. I think that my life will be very nice.

2010
Hello My name is Michael Almeida I’m going to write about the year 2010. I have big plans for It so far my grades are bad and good. I plan to pass E.S.L and Regular English and get straight “A”. Make my parents happy . people ate my Age drop of School, but I don’t like gangsters, they killed two of my favorite cousins but I’m going all the wall. I want to go to Belmont and I want to have allot of friends I want to go to USC and I want to be a park ranger and I want to move by the mountains so that’s all I’m going to talk about why I want to be Park Ranger I like hunting and I like animals dog’s allot and cat’s to or as a cop so that’s all I aft to talk about good by.

Hello,I am Victor. Today I will be writing about when the year 2010 comes. So far I baerly know how to use the computer. And I’m trying to learning how to print.
In the 7th and 8th grade I would like to go to high school. I want to make my parent’s proud. Iwould like to be an archeologist. And have more friends.I want to meet new girl’s.
And I wish to win the lottery.Iwant to have good grade’s. I want to play soccer too.
In high school, I would like to have actividies,like soccer.
I want to study Nature, and have P.E. go to dances if they have some. I want to Meet more friends. I don’t know if I am going to marry in the future.I want to have a gir’l friend. I want to grow up the right way.
I don't know to wich college I am going to go. I will go to the army so they will pay my college.
I don't know if I am going to marry. I will visit my family. I will work on nature. I will study nature
That is what I want to do by the year 2010. There are more things but I don't wana talk about. Good bye.

2010
Hello! My name is Eduardo. In this essay I going to talk about what I am going to do in the year 2010. So far I went to elementary school I learned lot. Until now. I have been a good student.
In 7th and 8th grade I want to have straight”A’s”. I want to be the beast soccer player in school. I want to make my parent happy.
In High school Im going to go to Vermont. And I going to do my family happy. I am going to gaf good grade. Went I going to go to Vermont Im going to shoes suiming. IM going to gaf a grilfriend.
I don’t no what colle I going to go. I tike to go to Taff. I want my parent’s to bay my a car. I like to gaf a mustang. And I want to be tha best soccer player.
What I Im going to do in 2010. Good bye. And your parent’s to.

THE YEAR 2010
THE YEAR 2010 MY NAME IS ABRAHAM RUVALCABA WHEN IS THE YEAR 2010.
IT IS VERY INTERESTING BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE COMPUTER BUT JUST A TYPEWRITER THE PEOPLE THEY GOING VERY WEIRD. IN THE YEAR 2010 THERE GUS EVENT END COMPUTER ALL THE PEOPLE GUST BAY I COMPUTER FOR GUST 200 DOLLAR ERA PEOPLE GUST FOR 100 DOLLAR OR CHEAPER.
IND. THE PEOPLE Guest BAY COMPUTER FOR THERE WORK FOR THEY PAPER EN I GO UP’ I WHEEL LEARN MORE THEN THE PEOPLE THEN THE PEOPLE LIKE TO GO WORK ABOUT THE WORK. END THE ACES A THE WORKER END TO LEAN WHEEL END TO BE A GOD TEACHER END THE SCHOOL OF BERENDO. WHEN A GO TO THE UCLA A WHEEL GO TO THE SCHOOL TO LEARN MORE THEN THE MATER PEOPLE GO TO LEARN MORE.

“2010”
My name is Elizabeth Rebolledo. In this essay I am going to talk what I want to be in the year 2010. So far I’m at Berendo Junior High School I am in Sixth grade.
I hope I pass to regular English. I want to get straight “A’s”. I want to make my parents feel proud Of me. I am going to study a lot so I can be something in life. In 7th grade I’m thinking about getting into the Drill Team. In my graduation I want to have a lot of friend’s.
When I am in high school the activities I want to do are be in Drill Team. My classes are going to be English , Art , Social Studies , Mathematics , Science and P.E. I would like to have a lot of friend’s and go to dances with them. I will like to receive a College Application to UCLA. I would like to have a part-time job in Burger King. I would like to go to dances and parties with my best friend’s.
I would like to go to UCLA. I will like to study to be a Veterinarian. I would like to live near the beach. I don’t now which beach but a beautiful beach. I would like to have a little family with 4 kids and my husband. I will study Science in college. I would live in college then I will buy a house near the beach. My job will be to be a vetenerian.
In the year 2010 I would like to be a professional in veterinarian. I want to give a good example to my children. This is what I want to do in the year 2010.

2010
Hello im JAYRO RIOS I’M GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE YEAR 2010. I HAVE ALOY OF PLANS AREDY WHITH MR GEIB CLASS.
I GOT GOOD AND BAD GRADES. I ALSO PLAN TO PASS E.S.L BECAUSE I DONT WANT GO TO REGULAR ENGLISH

“2010”
My name is Ingrid Luque. In this essay I’m going to talk about my future. I’m the 6th grade. I have 6 periods.
I want to be in Regular English. I want to get good grades “A” and “B”. I want to learn 8th grade more English, read, and other things to learn. I want to improve my writing. I want to learn math in 7th grade. I want to my parent proud.
My activities are math, English, learn more reading and social studies. In high school you have 6 periods I will go to the drill team. I will have 100 friends in high school. I will have a great time in high school. I will apoly for college. Then have a part time job.
I will go to UCLA. I will study to become a doctor. I will live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I will have a husband and a family. I have a friends in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have family Las Vegas, Nevada. Have a good job. Will have a great life.
I think you could do anything you want to do. Then you can have a good life. I will have a great life. what I want do to in the year 2010.

2010
My name is Daniel Solis. In this essay I’m going to write about what I want to do when the year 2010 comes. there are a lot of things I want when that year comes. I want to play soccer, study more art and learn more about computers.
In 7th grade and 8th I have some plans for my grades. I am going to go to regular English and get “As’ and “Bs.” I will try to be the best of the 6th and 7th, 8th graders of soccer. I want to make my parents proud of their son.I want to graduate from the 8th grade. And I want to graduate from Berendo school.When I graduate Iwant to have abig party with my family and friends and girlfriend.
When I grduate from Berendo I want to go to Santa Monica High School. Iwant to go there because I”ve been told that it is a great school. It is very calm. And they say that they have a good team of soccer. I like that school a lot because I have seen it from the out side.I will like to have a lot of classes like art P.E and a lot of more things.
When I graduate from High school I want to go to UCLA university.It is a good university . Because is a good university school. university is fun because of the girls. I some realy fine girls. And I want to learn more things and going to a university I could become a famous soccer player.
Those are my plans for the future. I want to be famous in soccer.

2010
My name is Adriana Diaz. In this essay I am going to talk about my future plans. so far I have done all right. But not that much because I at least have to try to get “A’s” and “B’s”.
The next year I am going to regular English. I am nervous! I want to make my parents proud of me. I have to get good grades I am going to have to study more.
In High School, I plan to enter some activities. I want to have tutoring and after school activities. I want to enter some after school activities of sports. Make some mero friends. And try to make friends with boys.
In college I want to study either veterinarian medicine, or just plain old medicine. And math , I always want to study math.

2010
My name is Karla Jimenez. In this essay I’ll be talking about what I’m going to be in the year 2010. So far I’m in Berendo Junior High School in the sixth grade.
In June I’m going to be in the seventh grade. For seventh grade I’m thinking to stay in Drill Team and to get good grades to make my perents proud. For eighth grade I’m thinking the same but also to be thinking about what high school I want to go to and what college I’m going to go. I would also like to go to partys and dances with my friend’s and boyfriend.
The activities I want to have are Art, Drill Team, and other staff. The classes I want to have I don’t really care but I would like to be in English and on Drill Team. In high school I would like to go to Dances, Proems, and other Dances. The friends I want to have are tall like me and fun and funny but also I don’t want to have no neardy friends. The college I want to go is UCLA. I would also like to have a part time job as a nurse or other job. I would like to have a boy friend a cute boyfriend. In high school I would like to have volley ball, soccer, or if they have basketball.
The college I would like to go is UCLA. In UCLA I would like to study Art, reading, Math, and other classes. I would like to live in Oregon and near the Beach. If I don’t go to live there I would like to live in Hawaii. I would like to merry a truthful men that would not hit me. I would like to have two children one boy and one girl. The job I would like to work is as a Judge. I would like to live at home with my family. I want to study spelling, math, science.
In the year 2010 I would like to do all of this things that is if I don’t die. I would like to make my kids, and family proud of me. I will be very happy if this comes thrue.

“2010”
My name is Aurora Arredondo I am 13 years old. I am a 6 th grader I go to Berendo Middle School. I born in Los Angeles in 3/25/83 but I am more from Mexico. In this essay I am going to talk about what I am going to do in “2010”. Sofar I do so many things like play baseball go to elementary school go to trips like Rocky Moutains, Los Angeles zoo, Children’s museum. uptil now I am going to Berendo and I play socker, basketball and I have six periods.
In 7 and 8 grade I want to go to regular English to learn and help my brothers and sister and get a god job with my english.

“2010” Hi name is Jessica Castaneda. I am 12 years old. I am in 6 th grader in Berendo Middle School. In this essay I am going to talk about what I am going to do in “2010”. I which to be a Doctor or lawyer to help the people who don’t have money. and I can’t get some money. when I go to 7th and 8 th grader I am going to do my best to progress to my family de happy what I do. in High school I Uganda to have a teacher of games to play baseball dicas is my fervor sports beseball and do more mathematics and music I get part some time for I gets a job to help my mam and have friends. and to get a Application for go to the school and I get lor more thing and then I show my little brador and my other braaador I which to go to college and my Famaly
2010
My name is Margarita. In this essay, I am going talk about the year 2010. And I’m going to talk about my life. Where I’m going to work , what kind of family I will have and what I’m going to do.
In June me and my friend Sury we are going to 7th grade. And when we finish 7th grade we are going to 8th and when we finish 8th grade we are going to finish JR. High school. And I’m going to Bell Mon. And then I’m going to the University and get good job and have a good family and good Husband and a big house for my family and a good car and a good school for my child.
In high school I’m going too be in drill team and. I’m going to dry to help the little kid’s in Magnolia school and I’m going to be a doctor if I cut. And if I graduate from high school.

The Year 2010
My name is Manuel De Jesus Castellon. In this essay I am going to talk about what is my life to going to be in the year 2010. I am going to talk about what is going to become of me and the family that I have in this world. I will be writing all the things that I would like to be in the future.
In the 7th,8th grade I will be in reguler English getting good grades, like straght “A’s.” I will be going to Academy classes in those years and going to other special classes. After that I will be knowing all the people in this school that I don’t know. The teachers I will have more respect for them because they are the people that are helping me to make me the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.
After these years in JR High school I will be going to High school. The name of this school that I will be going to is Belmont High school. That will only in two years. In that school I will be studying other classes. I don’t what I am going to have but I think those classes will be good. The sports I will like to play in High school will be baseball, basketball, soccer, and football. About girlfriends I may have the one I have hear in Berendo and I think I will. In High school I will take my girlfriend to dances they have in High school and in University I am going too.
By the year 2010 I would like to finish my education at Stanford University I will have a scholarship from High school and from Stanford University. After this I am going to Law School to be a lawyer so I can make my family proud of me and what I am doing for them. The things that I will be studying in College will be Math, Scienece, Social Studies, Art, and P.E. I may have a part time job and the places that I will be working are Burger King, and McDonald’s. The sports I like them a lot and I think that the same games will be there so the same games that I liked in High school will be there to play.
After that I would like to have a job as a lawyer and a family with at least 2 or 3 children in the family living in a house that I am going to have for my family and my parents. All of these things that are hear I want to be in the future.

“2010”
My name is Rosa Villegas, I am 11 years old. I am in 6 grader, I go to Berendo Middle School. I born in Los Angeles California. My mom is from Mexico and My dad is to from Mexico. I have Two Brothers .Their Names are Mario and Lis . They were in Los Angeles ,California. There each is My little sister age is 4 years old and My brother is 5 years old. My little sister doesn’t go to School. My brother gues to School and brother is in kinder garden.
In colleg I am going to study about medicin so I cut be a doctor and I cut help the kid’s when they are sick.

The year 2010
My name is Suryzadai. In this essay I’ll be talking about my life in the year 2010. So far I am in 6th grade.
In June I am going to be in 7th grade. When I come back from vacations I’m still be on drill team. when I go to 8th grade I’m talking about getting all A’s and when I am in 6th grade my friend Margarita she is going to try out for drill team. when my cousin com to Berendo J.H. school. My cousin she is goin to be in drill team and I’m goin to show her all the steps.
The High school I’m goin to go is Rosabell because my my friend Deserie and my other friend. Went I weth to Rosabell I’m goin to stary hard and I’m thinking to go to Mexico.
The college I would like to go is U.C.L.A. I would like study math, cloth, science, english, spelling, and chemestric. And I like to have I boyfriend.

The following were to a class in Florida:

Dear Jeremiah,
I’m a girl from Berendo Middle School in Los Angeles, California. My name is Nancy Escobedo. I’m thirteen years old. My birthday is in 5/26/82. I’m 4’ 6” tall and I have black hair, my eyes are brown and I look cool.
I live with my parents and my brother. I have no pets. I am an A and B student.
I talk and kick back with all my friends and just sit and talk. When I get home I eat, do my homework, and listen to the radio. Sometimes I talk on the phone.
Could you answer some questions: What do you do all day in school? Can you describe yourself more?
Write soon!

Sincerely,
Your New Keypal,
Nancy

Dear Amber Gartland,
Hello! My name is Cynthia Gomez. I live in Los Angeles, California. I’m thirteen years old. I’m a student at Berendo Junior High School. I’m an eighth grader. I have medium size hair. My hair color is burgundy. I’m not tall but I’m not short either.
My favorite type of music is alternative rock and hard rock. My favorite bands are Nirvana, Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, Hole and The Offering. I also like other bands like Elastica, Garbage, Bush, Pearl Jam, White Zombies and lots more. I guess my favorite rock stars would be Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love and Billy Joe Armstrong. I would consider myself as a rocker.
What I like to do is just hear music, watch TV, go to parties and go shopping. My favorite places to go re the malls, Hollywood, and Melrose. Tell me about yourself. What do you look like. Well, bye!

Sincerely,
Cynthia Gomez

Dear Niki,
My name is Mario Guzman and I am a student in school called ‘beautiful Berendo Middle School. I don’t know why they named it like that.
I live in a house with my parents and we have a dog that runs around the back yard. The dog gets along with us just fine. He is a German shepherd and he has a white chest while everything else in black.
My dad works as a policeman and my mom she makes clothes and repairs them.
We go to places almost every weekend. We went to the mountain with the sign “HOLLYWOOD” on it last week. I have two brothers which are smaller than me. My favorite shows are “Married with Children” and “Martin.”

Your Key Pal,
Mario Guzman

Dear Joe,
I am a sixth grader at Berendo Middle School. I am light brown and I am eleven years old. When I am in school I always do my work. I live near downtown Los Angeles. I am in my sixth period class. I am more or less five feet tall.
I live with my dad and I clean the apartment and get an allowance. I play soccer and I like cartoons. My dad is nice because he takes me anywhere I want. I live 1029 S Union Ave #15. Well, write soon. I will be waiting.

Sincerely,
Antonio Moreno

Dear Allen,
I am from Los Angeles and I love it in LA. I got your letter and I am going to answer the questions you asked. I am thirteen years old and I am in the eighth grade. I like to go to the gym and workout and as a sport I like to go to play tennis. I also like to go out with friends like to the movies and the mall and all those kinds of places.
I have dark brown hair that is up to my shoulders. My skin is light brown.

Sincerely,
Karla Rivas

Dear Billy,
Hello! My name is Martha. I am 13 years old and I am in eighth grade. I have many many friends. I like to joke around with them and do things together. I’m a big joker so I like to pull pranks on people.
I like to do outdoor things like going to the beach, swimming and collecting shells. I like to go to Marine Biology Museums. I do a lot of things with my family, like going to the mountains and hiking. We go on picnics or go to parks.
I would like to know what you do. I would like to know your hobbies, music, sports. I hope you write back.

Sincerely,
Martha Hernandez

Dear Dustin,
Hi! My name is Tatyana Vasquez. I am an eighth grader at Berendo Middle School. I am thirteen years old and I listen to KROQ. My favorite groups are Green Day, Hole and Nirvana. My hair is wavy and the color of my eyes used to be blue, but now they are brown. I am going to die it orange. My left eye brow is pierced.
I was born in Los Angeles, California. I have three brothers and two sisters. I live with my parents and my aunt.

Sincerely,
Tatyana Vasquez

Dear Kyle,
Well, my name is Ada Cordero. I live here in Los Angeles near Beverly Hills. I am 14 years old and I was born on 12/27/81. I come here to Berendo. It is not a good school, but I like it because I have lots of friends here. I spend my time with them a lot.
I like living here in LA. It’s pretty nice when you get used to it. I love to go to baseball games. In fact, my favorite sport is baseball. I love swimming a lot, too. I love going to the movies. I hope you are well wherever you are.

Sincerely,
Ada Cordero

Dear Brad,
Hi! My name is Ericka Alferez. I’m in the eighth grade. I’m 14 years old and I go to Berendo Middle School. I live in downtown Los Angeles. I have a nice teacher and so are the other teachers.
I have a nice family that cares about me. I have good friends. My hobbies are to play some sports. I like slow songs and they make me feel nice. I also like to dance a lot. I would love to visit Florida some day.
I hope you are feeling good with your family and friends. I hope to see you one day.

Sincerely,
Ericka Alferez

Dear Lindsey,
Hi! My name is Fidelina Lopez. I am a student from Berendo Middle School. I am a eighth grader. Well! We have fun here when there are dances and we hang out with all the cute guys. But I don’t know because every one of my friends are all going to go to a lot of different high schools. That would be a sad day in the last day of school. We will all be real sad.
My family are pretty cool, especially my sisters and brothers. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday we go to parties or to places fun to hang around with homeboys and homegirls. I live with my family at Santa Monica, close to the beach. My hobbies are going out with guys. The things I like to do are shopping at malls, watching movies and I like Power 106 with the Baker Boys. I like listening to Deep House, Old School, Hip Hop, Rap, and R and B. I am a popular girl in school. I am the prettiest girl in the school.

Sincerely,
Fidelina Lopez

Dear Jill,
Hi! My name is Yessi Balladeres. I go to Berendo Middle School and I am in the eighth grade. I like school because all my friends are there. I get good grades - they are not so bad and not so good. I have always tried my best. Sometimes I am lazy and I don’t want to do anything. Nut my mom says school is here for us to learn. But I also come to school for fun.
Right here in LA is cool. But sometimes it is dangerous. I have two sisters and they are married. By the way I am thirteen years old. I also have two nephews. One is a girl and the other is a boy. Also, I am their little one. I like to hang out with my friends. We make up cool games. I have to go. Bye!

Sincerely,
Yessi Balladares

P.S. Write back and tell me all about Florida.

Dear Tabatha,
How are you? My name is Elvis and I am thirteen years old. I am five feet tall and I weigh 115 pounds. I have black hair and black eyes. My favorite sport is basketball and football. School here is cool because we have many different activities. I study when I get home from school. My hobbies are to work out. I take art, science, math and gymnastics. I have no pets.
Check you out later and please write back.

Your New Best Friend,
Elvis

Dear Jeremiah,
I am a girl from Berendo Middle School in Los Angeles, California. My name is Nancy Escobedo. I am thirteen years old. My birthday is on May 26, 1982. I am 4’6” tall, I have school black hair, brown eyes and look cool.
I live with my brother and parents. I have no pets. I am an A and B student.
I talk and talk and kick back with all my friends. When I get home I eat, do my homework and listen to the radio or sometimes talk on the phone.
Could you answer some questions: What do you do all day in school? Can you describe yourself more?
Write soon!

Sincerely,
Nancy Escobedo

Dear Tar,
My name is Silver Martinez. I am in the eighth grade. I have light brown eyes and brown hair. I attend Berendo Middle School. The teachers here are mostly OK. They teach us what we need to know.
I live with my mother, because my parents are divorced. I have two older sisters. I live in an apartment near downtown Los Angeles. I am 14 years old. I like to play basketball and football. I like watching sports on TV. I like listening to alternative rock, too. My favorite group is Nirvana.
Do you like watching sports on TV? What are your favorite teams?

Sincerely,
Silvia Martinez

Dear Alexis,
Hi! My name is Rogelio Rubio. I am in the eighth grade and I am 13 years old. I have dark brown eyes and black hair. I go to Berendo Middle School. I have math, science, English, and I hate history.
I live with both of my parents. I have one brother and a lizard. My favorite sport is baseball. My favorite food is like a pizza. I like all kinds of music. I like every kind of TV show.
I have some questions for you, too: What is your favorite TV show? And what do you do for fun?

Sincerely,
Rogelio Rubio

Dear Nicole,
My name is Marvin Asencio. I am thirteen years old. I live near downtown Los Angeles. I am in the eighth grade.
I like to play football. Football is my favorite sport because you get to tackle down the people you hate. My grades in school are pretty good. My grades are usually average. I lie to watch TV, video games, and play sports. I hope I can communicate with you some day.

Sincerely,
Marvin Asencio

Dead Dedra,
How are things in Florida? I hope they are OK. My name is Giovanni. I am 5’5” so you are probably taller than I am. I am in the eighth grade.
I have a brother and a sister who are both older than me that live in the house. My parents are economically suffering, but maybe I will send you a gift later. I am just kidding about the economically suffering part, don’t worry. Some hobbies of mine are swimming, chemistry, chess (a hobby I got about a month ago) and reading. Have you seen the movies “Back to the Future” parts I, II, and III? My favorite was “Back to the Future Part II.” Oh yes, there is one more hobby I forgot to mention.... MONEY!!
I think you know everything there is to know about me, and that’s all.

Your Soon to be Computer Pal,
Giovanni Gaitan

Dear Kelvin,
Hi! My name is Angelica Franco. I am 12 years old. I am in the seventh grade academy. I have all A’s and B’s. I live near Berendo. I love to bother all of my friends, mostly when they are mad.
I have a step-father. I have three sisters. I am the oldest one of them. The things I like to do most is to draw, play basketball, and talk on the telephone. I like to eat lasagna, pizza, and some other things. My best friend is Elizabeth Rosa. She is very nice. But if you get her mad, you better say something nice to her before she gets mad. That is mostly how I am.

Sincerely,
Angelica Franco

Dear Chris,
My name is Jessenia Herrera. I am thirteen years old and I am almost ready to graduate. I am 5’3” - not that tall and not that short. I have brown eyes and brown eyes.
I like to have fun with my friends. My hobbies are to play basketball. I love to play basketball. Well, I have introduced myself and I would like to get to know more about you. I hope we will become good friends even though we can’t see each other.

Sincerely,
Jessenia Herrera

Dear Amber,
Hi! My name is Cynthia Gomez. I live in Los Angeles., California. I’m thirteen years old. I am a student at Berendo Junior High School. I am an eighth grader. I have medium size hair. My hair color is burgundy. I am not tall but I am not short either.
My favorite type of music is Alternative rock and hard rock. My favorite bands are Nirvana, Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, Hole and the Offspring. I also like other bands like Elastica, Garbage, Bush, Pearl Jam, White Zombies and lots more. I guess my favorite rock stars would be Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love and Billy Joe Armstrong. I would consider myself a rocker.
What I like to do is just listen to music, watch TV, go to parties and go shopping. My favorite places to go shopping are malls, Hollywood and Melrose. Well, tell me about yourself. Are you a he or a she? What kind of music do you like? And what do you look like? Well, bye!

Sincerely,
Cynthia Gomez

Dear Niki and Shekita,
My name is Mario Guzman and I am a student in a school called Beautiful Berendo. I don’t know why they named it that.
I live in a house with my parents and we have a dog that runs around the back yard. The dog gets along just fine. He is a German Shepherd and he has a white chest while everything else is black.
My dad works as a policeman and my mom she makes clothes and repairs it.
We go to places almost every weekend. We went to the mountain with the “Hollywood” sign on it last week. I have two brothers who are smaller than me. My favorite shows are “Married with Children” and “Martin.”

Sincerely,
Mario Guzman

Dear Joe,
I am a sixth-grader at Berendo Middle School. I have light brown skin and I am eleven years old. When I am in school I always do my work. I live near downtown Los Angeles. I am in the sixth grade class. I am in my sixth period class. I am almost five feet tall.
I live with my dad and I clean the apartment and I get an allowance. I play soccer and I like cartoons. My dad is nice because he takes me where I want to go. I live in 1029 S. Union Ave. #15. Well, write soon. I will be waiting.

Sincerely,
Antonio Moreno

The following were to a class in Sweden:

Dear Louise Ellenius,
My name is Maria Ubau. I am currently in the 8th grade. I am thirteen years old and living near downtown Los Angeles. I got o Berendo Middle School. We are now in our second semester. I am in the academy classes. Academy classes are the highest learning classes. We have the ability to learn faster and easier. I am alos involved in Parliament. We have Parliament for homeroom. Here in Berendo we decide that what students at Beendo want for special occasions. For example, we are currently deciding what kind of key chain we should sell to raise money for a special event, such as Valentine’s Day.
We also decide when and where dances take place. We as a group in Parliament decide all of those necessary things for different occasions. Berendo students are nice and friendly. We get along pretty well. Evn though there are fights now and then, we still have respect for one another.
There are four members in my family. My father, mother, brother and me. My brother is a senior in high school and now has three Advanced Placement classes. One of them is AP Calculus, the other one is AP English, and the last one is AP Government. He plans to go to UCLA or to USC. During my free time, I read. I also enjoy drawing. Sometimes I study for suture tests. One of them is the SAT. I study with a small book that is called, “Basic Tips On the SAT.” In that book you can study the SAT high frequency words. They give you the and the meaning. There are also bubbling the answers. You bubble the word that best describes the other word.
In conclusion, I am a hard working girl that studies and obtains straight A’s in all my classes. My brother also is a hard working guy that obtains only A’s in school.
I am glad to have you as my pen pal and I am eager to hear more about your life and your country!

Until the Next Message,

Sincerely,

Maria Ubau

Dear Johan Elfstrand,
How are things in Sweden? I hope OK. My name is Giovanni. I am 5 foot 5 inches, so you’re probably taller than me. I am in the eighth grade.
I have a brother and sister older than me that live in my house. My parents are economically suffering, but maybe I’ll send you a gift later. I’m just kidding about the economically suffering part, don’t worry. Some hobbies of mine are swimming, chemistry, chess (a hobby I got a month ago), and reading.
Have you seen the movies “Back to the Future” parts 1,2 or 3? Oh yes, there is one more hobby I forgot to mention: MONEY!
I think you know everything there is to know about me, and that’s all.
I look forward to hearing from you in the next e-mail. Take it easy and signing off from Los Angeles....

Your Soon to be Computer Pal,

Giovanni Gaitan