What is the Census? The Census happens every 10 years. It is when homes in the U.S. submits the number of people that live in their home, each person’s age, race, etc. This way we will have a semi-accurate understanding of how many people live in the U.S. This is important because it helps the government know how much money to give to preschools, daycares, schools, parks, highway construction, and maintenance, etc. There are a couple different ways to submit a Census form. The first way is by mail or phone. Every home in the U.S will get a letter form or a phone call reminding them it’s time for the Census, again. Then you can answer the questions online, or mail it in. If you do not do that, someone,  a census worker, will, politely, knock on your door and ask you the questions in person. Speak a different language? No problem! There is a possibility of 13 languages to fill out the census form. Now that you know what the Census is and what it’s for, be sure to fill one out every 10 years😉

On April 22nd, 2020, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. But just one day isn’t enough to totally change the planet, we need to continue taking care of the earth on a regular basis. Whether that basis is daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly, we will get it done. One way to help the earth on a daily basis is by recycling your plastic bags, milk cartons, takeout containers, etc. We can also help the earth by composting old food such as banana peels, vegetable peelings, tea bags, etc. This helps the earth because compost makes rich soil that is good for planting trees and other plants. A weekly way to help planet Earth is by using reusable grocery bags when going shopping for the week. This way, less plastic will end up in the ocean, which means less innocent marine life will be hurt. One way to help on a monthly basis is by donating money to an organization that is helping change the earth, such as the Earth Day Network. Finally, a way to help the earth yearly is by planting a tree each year. Trees are so much more than bark and leaves. They give us oxygen to breathe and a place for animals to live. The goal is to plant 7.8 billion trees by 2020. That’s a tree for every person in the world. That’s a lot of trees.

Because of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, we people are to social distance from our neighbors, friends, and everyone else around us, besides immediate family. But during this hard time, we need to find different and unique ways to help our neighbors. One way to help an elderly neighbor is to go get their groceries for them since they are at the highest risk for the virus. Another way to help a friend is by sending them positive and uplifting cards to raise their spirits during this time of doubt. Since many families are without a job and probably don’t have much food, a way to help them is by donating food to a local food bank. These are all great ways to help your friends, neighbors and many other people in this time of need.

I don’t think it is fair to be raising the prices of eggs during a time when people are losing their jobs. Farmers will still be making money whether the producers raise the prices on eggs or not. This time is hard for everyone, so I think instead of making the eggs cost more, they could leave them at the regular price, so that people who may have lost their jobs will still be able to buy their eggs, and other foods, to provide for their family. The producers and farmers won’t be losing any money since this is what they would be regularly making without the spread of the virus. As long as we have chickens, there will always be eggs to sell. By leaving the regular prices on eggs, people who have lost their jobs will be able to buy food. This is why I believe it is unfair to raise the prices on eggs during such a difficult time for so many people.

This year’s, 2020, supermoon will be bright pink, which is why it is also known as a super pink moon. Supermoons only come about every 14 months, so be sure to get outside tonight, April 7th, at 10:35, when the supermoon will be at its biggest and brightest point in the sky. Supermoons occur when a full moon reaches perigee. Perigee is when the moon comes as close to the earth as it can in its orbit. In the Newsela article it states, “Though the moon is called a “pink” moon, its color won’t be any different than normal. It will be golden orange when low in the sky. It will brighten to white as it rises.” The name comes from not the color of the moon, but the flowers that bloom under it. Pink wildflowers, called Phlox, will usually bloom under the light of April’s full moon.

Schools should close due to COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. If schools would close it would help keep the virus from spreading to more and more people. It would also most likely keep students, teachers, bus drivers, etc. safe from the virus. The best amount of time to keep the schools closed is two to four weeks, at most. This would give superintendents, health officials, etc. time to decide ways to confine/stop the virus or, if needed, if the schools should stay closed for longer, and how long. It would also give time for people to thoroughly clean and sanitize the schools. A concern of elementary schools, whose students are not yet allowed to take home their computers, is how the students would be able to get there work done since not every student has internet they can access at home. A possible solution to that, which some schools have already done, would be to prepare folders or packets of work that students would have been doing if they were in school. They then could accomplish their school work without the use of a computer. This would also help prevent schools from having to extend school days farther into the summer.

The idea of Online Home Learning is great for situations, similar to one we are in now, that make it hard or even impossible for students to be able to learn at school. Students can do their schoolwork in the safety of their homes. They can even, with the help of technology, facetime and socialize with their teachers and fellow students. This way, they still interact and communicate with friends. This is also helpful because it gives the students a chance to ask their teachers any questions they might have about the work they’ve been given.

Last summer, my family and I took a trip to Tarpon Springs, FL. In this review, I will be sharing with you all the fun sights and places to see in Tarpon Springs.

Tarpon Springs is located in Pinellas County, Florida. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Tarpon Springs, expect to pay about $15-$20 for all-day parking. If you’re worried about finding a place to park, know that all parking is either metered or parking lots. While you’re out enjoying the sights be sure to pay attention to the different times each shop is open, since hours may vary. The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks open at 10:00 am and stay open till 10:00 pm. Most of the shops also may open around this time and close around 6 or 8 pm. 

While visiting Tarpon Springs, be sure to wear comfy, cool clothing, such as shorts, a t-shirt, flip flops or sneakers. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen because the weather there is hot! Be sure to bring a camera to take pictures of all the amazing sights. If your thinking about swimming at one of the many beaches there make sure you bring a bathing suit.  Don’t forget to bring money for parking, souvenir shops, dining, etc. 

The amount of time you stay in Tarpon Springs depends on what you’re planning to see/do while you’re there. If you do plan to sleep over, some local hotels include Tarpon Inn and Tarpon Shore Inn. While there be sure to visit Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, Fred Howard Park, Howard Beach, Tarpon Springs Aquarium, and so much more. If you’re getting hungry, different restaurants include Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill and Hellas Restuarant and Bakery.

I hope you have an amazing time visiting this interesting and fun place!