Thanks to Mr. V.’s 5th-grade class at Kipling Middle School in Deerfield for letting the KidNews staff visit recently. We had tons of fun, kids (and we’re all getting along now, really). Keep an eye out for our upcoming story starring you!
FREAK SHOW?
I’ve spotted a dress code problem at my school, mostly with 8th graders, who have been wearing black lipstick, black eye shadow and, this is what really kills me, dog chains and collars! And do you want to talk hair? Purple, green, blue, orange and streaked hair is in, but it’s ugly. My mom would kill me if I wore any of this stuff in public. I know it’s in, but these kids are only 8th graders. I’ve spotted some 6th graders who think it’s cool to dress like this.
My point is that if your school has a dress code, stick with it. I also think our deans should start making some remarks on how people dress. I call the way the 8th graders dress the “freak dress.”
Samantha K., 12, Villa Park.
Chill, doll
I’m writing to respond to ” `Girl’ Whirl” in Word Up (Nov. 18). I really love Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.” The song is just telling the truth about the perfect, blond-headed girl, Barbie. Just cuz Aqua is putting it bluntly doesn’t mean Mattel needs to sue. If you really think about it, Mattel is acting childish. The kids who still play with Barbies are like from ages 2 to maybe 10. The song is really meant for older kids. My parents won’t let me listen to it, but that doesn’t stop me.
Marie B., 14, Crystal Lake
Freak show II?
I am repulsed at the publicity that KidNews gave to Hanson (Nov. 11 Winners). Any band that looks like a group of girls and sounds like a group of girls is just wrong.
Garth Brooks was at the Rosemont in October and made history. Nobody has ever sold out eight consecutive concerts before.
Hanson did one concert, not a bunch in a row. Hanson did not sell out their lone concert nearly as fast as Garth sold out eight.
Garth appearing in Chicago was much bigger news than Hanson will EVER be.
John Z., 15, Sycamore
I’m very happy that you put Hanson’s new CD, “Snowed In,” in Backtalk (Nov. 18). Thanks for informing me. I am Hanson-crazy and cannot get enough of them.
To all of you non-Hanson fans out there, hey, that’s your choice. Everyone has an opinion. And my opinion is that Hanson rocks and I’m not afraid to say that! It’s not fair to start telling people what groups they should or shouldn’t like.
B.C., 11, Libertyville
Brainy move
Thank you for the article about heat escaping through your head (Nov. 18 Tough News). I never wear hats and I’m always freezing. I have a hat at home, though, and I think I’ll start wearing it. Maybe then I’ll keep warm.
Molly R., 11, Skokie
Drug-free zone
I’m writing in response to Mike B. (Nov. 18 Backtalk). What are you talking about saying “everybody” does drugs? I can name you 15,000 people who don’t! I probably live in one of the most drug-free towns in the state. We have a “Drug Free Week” at school, and the only drug arrest made here in as long as I can remember was a guy with a potted marijuana plant in his house. Next time you protest about drugs, don’t say everybody does it.
Matt T., 11, Hawthorn Woods
Gambling fools
In response to Steve W. (Nov. 25 Backtalk), are you crazy?! Kids should not be allowed to gamble. Adults who gamble lose lots of money all the time! More money is lost than won. If kids were allowed to gamble, it would certainly be worse. You need to be very skilled in games like craps and poker to even have a chance to win. And slot machines are entirely based on luck! People lose so much money on those things.
At least adults know when to stop. Some kids would just sit there all day pulling that lever and getting addicted to the slot machines. In the end you wouldn’t have much money left for fun things. And do you think security people want to spend their time baby-sitting a bunch of greedy kids? No. I suggest you wait until you’re 21 and then waste your money.
Gwynne R., 13, Evanston
People are considering banning gambling for people 18 and over, let alone kids using slot machines. The reason why they ban it for minors is because they don’t think kids are wise enough to make the decision to spend or not spend their money on gambling machines. If they let minors use slot machines, what will happen to the money they earned shoveling snow or mowing the lawn? You think gambling is fun now, but wait till you’re left with no dough.
Eva, America Online
Beware the au pair
I’m upset that Louise Woodward’s punishment is over (Nov. 18 Tough News). The baby was in her care. How could you shake a baby to death? I don’t care how upset you are. Louise Woodward should go to jail longer than 279 days.
That’s a lesson for all families who hire a baby-sitter. Find out if your sitter has experience. Why would Louise get to be an au pair if she had no experience with babies? Now, the baby’s parents lost their child!
Kristyn C., 14, Bensenville
I think that the judge should not have let (Woodward) walk free. She was convicted of manslaughter, plain and simple. I can understand that it was an accident, but killing someone is not a mistake you can fix. She caused the family grief they should not have gone through.
Adina S., 10, Skokie
Clueless
I think the incident involving the 18 5th graders who shared the needles in science class (Nov. 18 Tough News) should never have happened if the teacher knew what she was doing. I think both the teacher and the kids are at fault, because the kids should know what would happen if they share needles with someone.
Nancy E., 13, Bensenville
B&B, rock on!
Noooooo! Anything but “Beavis & Butt-Head.” Don’t take them off the air (Nov. 18 Cover). They’re funny in a weird way. Their big heads and hair and annoying laughs are funny. Doing bad stuff to get people expelled, arrested, thrown out and even deported is not right, but it is funny. I say keep them on the air. Huh, huh, huh, huh.
Adam G., 13, Orland Park
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