Kidsday: I miss my dad

My dad, Julio Melendez, passed away in a car crash in August. My sister, Ariana, and brother, Xavian, miss him very much. He was always fun to be with.

One of my favorite memories of Dad was going to the gym with him and also going swimming. He always liked do things with us, and we always had fun. I love my dad and wish he was with me today. Because my dad was taken from us so suddenly, I always think of these very special words:

Live every day like it's your last.

Every day, do something good.

Go to bed proud.

Tell your loved ones you love them.

Be thankful.

Have fun.

Give it your best.

A person can be here today and tomorrow be gone.

Chain of compliments

In our class we have a chain of compliments. Every day, if someone in our class gets a compliment, our teacher Donna Haakonson will add a paper clip to our chain. To get a compliment, you need to pay attention, do all your work and use good manners.

Every Wednesday, it is double day, so if Ms. Haakonson's class gets a compliment on a Wednesday, she will add two paper clips to our chain of compliments. Once we reach the bottom of the chalk board, we will get rewarded.

--Kidsday Reporter Casey Gemellaro

CLASS OF THE WEEK: Donna Haakonson's fourth-grade class, %WILLIAM FLOYD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Shirley