For the Munchkins
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
1. Woody Finds a Home Long ago a Viking warrior, looking for a place to land, Found a country to his liking; beached his boat upon the sand. The warrior searched both high and low for someplace he could rule, But he found existing mascots at every single school. The little warrior1s one desire was a school all his own, but no one wanted little Woody. he felt all alone. For such a little warrior, this was quite a quandary, because if no one wanted him, he would fade from memory. Then one day through a gifted child1s creativity, He came to Woodruff School, and our mascot came to be. He was the smallest warrior, but he had the biggest heart. He reminds us daily that we each must do our part. His colors (blue and silver) stand for truth and loyalty, his ax a silent warning against lies and bigotry. His feet are quite immense, as warrior1s feet go, And they remind us that we have a long way yet to grow. He1s a funny little warrior, but for many things he stands. Like this warrior, we1re setting out to conquer many lands. We1ll find the Sea of Mathematics, The Isle of History, The vistas of the science world -- sometimes a mystery! We1ll need to know of languages, to write them and to read, And we1ll be the best of warriors if we help others in need. For our Woodruff School spirit little Woody stands: Proud but humble, he1ll now lead us into all these lands. Dedicated to all the kids and staff at Woodruff School - September 1986
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
2. The Sea of Mathematics When Woody first set sail that day upon the sea so blue, he had no idea of the storms he1d be sailing through. His basic math could help him navigate the calmer seas, But when the sea turned rough the waves dashed him to his knees! The Winds of Fear were blowing hard; the little boat was tossed. if Woody didn1t set the sail right, soon all would be lost. He stumbled blindly to and fro, almost fell over the edge, Then he recalled his magic rope, made from New Knowledge. Woody grabbed the rope. Then he pulled hand-over-hand To set the sail right, to guide his boat to distant lands he overcame the Winds of Fear by learning more of them, Then used the winds to fill his sails. Onward Woody went! Sometimes the wind blew very strong, and Woody1s back was bent. then he grabbed the rope of knowledge when his strength was spent. Remember: knowledge helps you when you fear what you don1t know, So if you1re on the Sea of Mathematics, learn so you can go! Dedicated to my high school geometry teacher, Mr. Watts, who knew how to make it exciting - and to Dr Harry Lyons and Lorraine Easter of Yuba College lake County Campus, who knew how to make it understandable! October 1986/ May 1992
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
3. The Isle of History After his ordeal upon the Mathematics Sea, Woody found a harbor on the Isle of History. The people there were fighting over who would own the beach; the Muckities claimed the land as far as the eye could reach. the Grassroots stated all the beaches should belong to them. They couldn1t reach a compromise, so they battled again. At first they only disagreed, then they began to shout, then each resolved to try to force the others out! In amazement Woody watched as weapons they all made -- This one a new arrow, that one a new blade. They would not talk of peace; they were too busy making war. woody sadly turned his boat from that unfriendly shore. He wondered as he sailed away what would become of them, And if it would be peaceful there if he should come again. From ancient lore he knew the truth: it is no mystery... Peace breeds peace, but war breeds only war On the Isle of History. Dedicated to the pursuit of the knowledge of truth in history. may we learn from the mistakes of others, and not make too many ourselves. November 1986.
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
4. The Enchanted Rainbow Land Warrior Woody found it tough as through the seas he rowed. The fog was dense, think and intense. The sun rarely showed. He sighted a bird who spoke these words: Follow me if you want to be free.2 So he changed his course to follow this bird who spoke of liberty. On shore, there appeared a rainbow. Then he found a gate with a key. It said, 3I am the Reading Rainbow. Enter if you like to read.2 Into the rainbow and through the hills in excitement Woody ran. The adventures he found there will forever be his, for they happened in Rainbow Land. Rainbow Land is an enchanted land, where all things are written in books, So when you want to remember what happened, you can go back for another look! When he departed, his friend the bird whispered a word of cheer: 3When you want to remember Rainbow Land, just open a book and you1re here!2 Dedicated to all who love to read, and to Mary Ann Irey and Linda Johnson, who started The Book Nook at Woodruff School. December 1986.
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
5. The Scientific Fog Woody1s rations were running low so he left the sea behind And beached his sturdy little ship to sea what he could find. His boots filled up with water as he waded to the shore, So he went about barefooted. His feet got mighty sore! He climbed the nearest mountain when, to his surprise, A thick fog surrounded him and blotted out the skies! He wandered blindly �til he found an educated frog Who told him, 3Never fear -- it1s just a scientific fog.2 Well, a scientific fog seems scary to those who do not know The scientific method, but this Woody did know. First, he defined the problem (can1t see), then he did step two... Collected data (somewhat brown, hurts the eyes, too.) Next, he formed a hypothesis. 3Could this be smog?2 He thought. The frog agreed with Woody, so cleaner air they sought. If you ever find yourself in a scientific fog, Just use this simple method to get out of the bog: First you define the problem, then collect the facts you find, Then form a hypothesis (using your mind.) To test your hypothesis, experiment a bit. Record all your data. Stop and study it. Draw your own conclusions, and, like Woody and the frog, Soon you1ll be out of your scientific fog. Dedicated to teacher Nancy Swensen, who can make science fun (and understandable) for any age! January 1987
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
6. The Crazy Color Wheel Woody and Frog were ambling along enjoying the wondrous view, When suddenly out of nowhere appeared a circle of many hues. Well, Woody was all for investigating the ever-changing sphere, But Frog said, 3You can if you want. I1m going to sit right here.2 The Viking warrior cautiously walked all the way around it. When he tried to touch it, oh! Was he ever astounded! With just one touch, it produced an array of color, light and feeling. He discovered the color wheel can set your senses reeling. From just three colors mix and mingle, carefully choose. Shad a bit with black or white for a multitude of hues. The three primary colors are yellow, blue and red, But mix with each other and you will have, instead, The secondary colors of violet, orange and green. then, mix them up for any color you have ever seen! Woody had fun that fateful day with fantasies unreal. he could make any color with the crazy color wheel! Careful planning and mixing takes a bit of work. But Woody was too excited, and he just went berserk! He mixed ALL the colors together. 3Wait!2 said Frog. Woody told him to mind his own business, and he sat back on his log. 3I1m mixing all the colors at one time,2 said Woody, 3It1s crazy!2 3Well, all you1ll get by hurrying is gunk,2 said Frog, 3You1re lazy.2 And, sure enough, when Woody looked at what he1d stirred around, It was an icky, sticky mess of globby grayish brown. So if you1re fascinated by the colors that you see, And want to try to mix them to see what they will be, Star with a plan and blend with care so everyone can feel The wondrous things that happen with the crazy color wheel. Dedicated to teacher Vicki Roberts, who has probably forgotten more about art than I have yet learned. February 1987.
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
7. They Find Some Friends Woody and Frog were hiking down a canyon trail, When all at once they began slipping on some loosened shale. they tried to grab at bushes, but their speed only increased, And they just slid much faster. Would this nightmare ever cease? Coming to a cliff, they closed their eyes so tightly, and After long seconds in the air, landed in soft sand. Woody was buried up to his neck; all he could do is yelp While Frog went hopping up and down trying to find some help. Some human-types came running, and they saved our Viking friend. Someone offered to carry him, but Woody shyly grinned. He thanked them for their kindness, then brushed off all the sand, And asked them where they were. 3We1re at Cottontail Ranch!2 The human-types who helped him were on sort-of-a-vacation For a few days, something called 3outdoor education.2 They said that Woodruff School1s sixth graders were here for a few days. Then they hugged him (and the frog) and asked them both to stay. Woody and the educated frog stayed at the ranch And learned of soils and roots and bark -- and of each leaf and branch. The last day came, and all the campers loaded up the bus. They all asked Woody and the frog, 3Won1t you come with us?2 Woody hesitated...was his quest over so soon? The bus driver took one look at him and yelled, 3No more room! Keep your toes and fingers in! Don1t sit on the floor! Don1t make the truckers honk their horns!2 (Then she shut the door.) As the school bus pulled away, Woody waved to them, surprised At the teardrops falling from his valiant warrior eyes. he hadn1t known them very long, but they were all his friends. Would he ever find their school, and see them all again? Dedicated to Jean Layne, the 3chief2 of our sixth grade camp, and for all the sixth graders who affectionately call me 3Mom.2
The Ballad of Woody the Warrior
8. A Home at Last Woody was tired. He had traveled far, and needed a place to rest. Even frog was having trouble, doing his very best To keep his spirits up. It was hard to stay inspired When they weren1t sure where they belonged. The only time they had really felt at home (besides Enchanted Rainbow Land) Was at Cottontail Ranch, where they roamed Down a canyon to find a welcome. They longed For that feeling again. After a tiring walk, They saw a sign: 3Woodfruff Avenue.2 They got excited, for they knew Their camp friends were just around the block... Somewhere! As they searched the land, children waved with happy faces, But, it seemed, there was no place For a warrior and an educated frog. They met Braves and Patriots and Buccaneers, And the Bus took their message to all ears, But it seemed they were lost in the fog! Then a Monsoon came, and Lightening, too... It caused the Marmosets to chatter. A lion asked them what was the matter, then told them, 3I can help you... It1s that school that just opened again.2 The frog and Woody were so excited To find Woodruff and their friends. Delighted To find a home at last, their quest came to The End
All the strange names (monsoon, etc.) are mascots of schools in the Bellflower Unified School District. Dedicated to all the educators like principal Rick Kemppainen who help our children by helping them 3own2 their education.
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