America Prepares for Inauguration Day

The 2012 presidential election cycle reaches its official conclusion on Monday. That's when citizens and elected officials will gather in Washington, D.C., to witness President Barack Obama be sworn in for his second term in office.

According to the 20th Amendment of Constitution, the current President's term ends at noon on January 20 after serving out a four-year term. The incoming or reelected President is then sworn in by taking the Oath of Office, also established by the Constitution. The Oath is administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

"The inauguration acknowledges the change of administration under the Constitution, in a peaceful transfer of power," explained William B. Allen, a retired dean and professor from James Madison College at Michigan State University. "This Oath, taken by all Presidents, is necessary before being allowed to execute the role of the President and it is required by the Constitution. It is a reminder of the source of their authority and the limitations on that authority."

"Young people should learn early that such testimony is an affirmation of their liberty and what it takes to sustain it," Allen added.

Read the rest of the story on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder

Photo: Barack Obama, joined by his wife Michelle, and daughters Sasha and Malia, takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts to become the 44th president of the United States, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)   

President Obama Wins in Oregon

President Obama officially won the seven electoral votes required for the state of Oregon. As of Tuesday evening, President Obama was projected as the winner of the presidential race over Mitt Romney in the state.

As people around the United States lined up at the polls to vote for this nation's next leader, Oregonians stayed home because of voter by mail.

Instead of heading to the polls to cast their votes in favor of the Democratic Presidential candidate, Oregonian voters mailed in their votes and were able to follow the election news  across the state via television, computers, and social media announcements.

"I have two feelings about voter by mail" Patrick Nearing, a trumpet teacher and chef in Portland expressed about voting in Oregon. "One is that I think it is a great way to do business long as we can trust the commissioners, and it's great for people who can't get off work to vote, since it is convenient."

However, people still miss going to the polls. "I miss going to the polls because it is an important community action. This is because no matter what party you are from, you meet your neighbors there," Patrick said.

Although Oregon voted a Democratic majority and President Obama won tonight, the state does have many Republican counties. This state has lots of people who are conservative.  "This whole idea, liberal or conservative, divides our nation in a way that is not constructive and people should not be labeled. We have to work together, so everybody's vote counts," Nearing said.

In Oregon, the election wasn't just a focus for the adults. At schools around the state, as parents cast their votes by mail, students participated in mock elections during the school day. At Poynter Middle school in Hillsboro Oregon, which is mainly Democratic state, children cast their "ballots" with an Obama majority. Most of the kids already knew who their parents voted for or who they would select because of voter by mail.

Poynter Middle School principal Greg Timmons said, "I thought this school election was awesome because 400 kids came to vote, even giving up their lunch time. I think it teaches students to be politically active and it sets healthy habits of being active in politics." The principal feels that the kids usually follow their parents' beliefs so the mock election is pretty accurate. "Very often parents are the biggest influence on the opinions of their kids," he said.

As Obama has gotten hold on the Pacific states, the election has come to a close. Obama has won most of the key battleground states, including Ohio. Oregon, one of his many safe states, has voted, and has chosen our next President.

—Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder

My 24 hours in Washington D.C.

When I received an e-mail from my editor asking for my availability for an undisclosed assignment on the 14th and 15th of July, I replied saying that I would be able to do any assignments that were necessary on those dates. Later, he revealed the assignment: I was to interview the President of the United States of America!

The morning of the interview, Topanga, the other Kid Reporter, and I (along with our parents) took a self-guided tour of the White House. I was able to see everything that I had read about or saw in pictures: the famous East Room and in it the famous picture of George Washington that Dolly Madison saved from burning in the War of 1812; Jacqueline Kennedy’s china; and the Presidential Library from the blocked off doorway to it. After the tour, my mom and I went straight to a White House gift shop nearby. We purchased a bunch of souvenirs and then rushed back to our hotel.

After confirming with one of my editors that that the interview was still on schedule, we all met up and headed to the White House. After passing through a security check, we found Lauren, a White House communications officer, along with another staff member, who escorted us to the interview. Before we went to where the interview would take place, we stopped at the Press Briefing Room. We were able to stand and get our pictures taken at the very podium that Obama stands when talking to the press! I could just imagine many of our modern Presidents standing at that very podium!

We were then led to the opposite side of the main hallway, and into the Library. I noticed that I’d seen that very same room earlier in the day; only it had been roped off to keep people from entering.

There, in the Library, we did an audio/video check with members of the production staff. Some Secret Service members were also in the room. Soon, a person came in saying that the President would be there in five minutes. The room quieted quickly and we all waited. I looked at my watch and four minutes had passed. Then, suddenly, the door banged open, and Lauren came in followed by President Obama and a Secret Serviceman. I was surprised because I expected someone to come in first announcing his arrival.

When we were done with the interview, the President told us that there was someone he would like us to meet. The door to the Library opened, and Bo, the First Dog, came running in and went straight to President Obama. Bo seemed confused and frantic at first, but then he calmed down when the President told him to lie down. We got to pet him, and then he was ushered out of the room. 

The President then told us that he had some things to give us before we left. He gave us a presidential gift bag filled with incredible things. There was a picture of Bo, a personally signed mini Constitution book, a Frisbee, a yo-yo, a Presidential Seal, and Presidential M&Ms. 

When we left the room, we were escorted down an outdoor hallway that I have seen used by many Presidents in lots of famous pictures. We then walked into an office used by the Head of the Presidential Press. 

After the interview, my mom and I went to a variety of Smithsonian museums at the National Mall. We had dinner that night at an incredible Chinese food restaurant called Meiwei. That night, we hung out in our hotel room and called family members. After that, we went to the hotel restaurant and had dessert. I went to bed exhausted. I knew that I would have to get up really early the next morning to travel home to Albuquerque.

Overall, it was an incredible experience!

Check out the Kids Press Corps interview with President Barack Obama! And for more news for kids, by kids, visit the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder

Photos: (top) Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder at the podium in the White House Press Briefing Room, (bottom) Jacob with the contents of the White House gift bag he and Topanga received at the end of their interview. (Photos courtesy Kyle Good and Jacob Schroeder)

Nine-year-old balloon boy made history!

Bobby Bradley made history on June 4 by becoming the youngest person to fly solo in a balloon. His solo flight in an ultra light hot air balloon landed safely in the New Mexico desert after 26 minutes in the air. The balloon took off from Tome, New Mexico near Albuquerque.

A crowd of more than 50 family members and friends showed up to support Bobby, who is 9 years old, in his adventure and to congratulate him when he landed. When the balloon landed, Bobby celebrated with the traditional balloonist's prayer with his supporters. Balloonists typically say a balloonist's poem  when they land that is from an unknown author but may have come from an old Irish sailor's prayer from long ago. 

Bobby was allowed to fly in his balloon because it weighs less than 150 pounds. Otherwise, under FAA regulations, he would have to wait to fly until he turns age 14. At the time of the flight, Bobby had logged approximately 30 hours of flight time to prepare for the adventure.

Bobby Bradley is the son of Troy and Tami Bradley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. His parents are licensed balloonists. Troy Bradley flew the first balloon from North America to Africa and has met many world records in ballooning.

Check out my story about Bobby and his preparation for his historic flight!

—Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder

Photo: Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder with young balloonist Bobby Bradley as he prepared for his flight. (courtesy Jacob Schroeder)

The Acoma Pueblo of New Mexico

Native Americans still live in pueblos over 500 years old.

The Acoma Pueblo is the oldest still inhabited community in North America. The ancient village of pueblo homes can be found on top of a 365-foot tall mesa to the west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The pueblo actually dates to over 1,200 years ago and some of the buildings that are still standing have been there for over 500 years.

"The view is amazing," said Jenna Porter who traveled from South Dakota for a family vacation to see the Acoma Pueblo. "It looks even prettier than pictures of the Pueblo we saw before we came.” Jenna read about the Pueblo at her school, she explained, as she followed a Acoma Pueblo Native American guide on a tour.

Thousands of visitors come to the Acoma Pueblo each year from around the world for a living history tour of the village. The Acoma Mesa is the only Native American site named as a National Trust Historic Site. Visitors are only able to visit if they take the guided tour led by a tribal member. A bus picks you up at the Sky City Cultural Center and takes you to the top of the hill to see the adobe homes.

You also meet artists who sell pottery and jewelry. Pictures are only allowed if visitors request a camera permit at the visitor center. Permits are attached to cameras so that people who live there know that it is OK to be photographed.

"I've never seen anything like this before," said Camille Coehlo who traveled from Boston, Massachusetts, to see the Acoma Pueblo.

Camille enjoyed a traditional lunch of fry bread baked in outdoor horno ovens that is served at the Yaak'a Cafe. She visited the Haak'u Museum and Gaits'j Gallery to learn about the Acoma people and their traditions before boarding the tour bus to the Pueblo village.

"I'm impressed by this cultural experience,” she said. “It provides so much insight about the people who have lived here for so many years.”

The tour guide shows visitors two and three story adobe structures. Some of the buildings have outside ladders to climb to get into the upper levels of the houses. There are a few homes where visitors are allowed to go inside to buy pottery and jewelry. Most of the artists stand outside to greet the guests. Tables are set up with hand crafted jewelry and traditional olla pots that are hand coiled with clay dug from the grounds of the Pueblo.

"The Acomas are a matriarachal society," explains the tour guide. "That means that the homes on the mesa are passed on from mother to daughter and owned by the women, not the men. The families that get to live there are chosen by the tribal council as a family honor.”

Cannon damage from 1540 can still be seen on the side of some of the houses in the mesa. The damage was from the first time the Acoma Pueblo came under enemy attack by the Spaniards who decided to colonize the area. The village was burned and hundreds of Acomans were killed and made slaves. Visitors can see evidence left behind from that time.

You can also see one of the oldest churches in New Mexico, the San Esteban Del Rey Mission, which was built by the Spaniards. Of the 6,000 Acomans alive today, only about 50 actually live year around in the village. Most tribal members live in homes on the nearby reservation.

Native Americans from the Acoma Pueblo gather on the mesa for feast day celebrations and public events throughout the year. Celebrations include their St. Esteban Feast Day in September, the Acoma Pueblo luminarias and dances in December, and the Governor's Feast Day in February.

—Jacob Schroeder

PHOTOS: (TOP) The pueblo homes of Acoma Native Americans in New Mexico. (BOTTOM) Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder with an Acoma guide at the pueblos. (Photos Courtesy Jacob Schroeder)

Sandia Peak Tramway

The world's longest tramway is in New Mexico.

Riding the Sandia Peak Tramway is one of the most awesome experiences when visiting my home state of New Mexico. It is the longest tramway in the world!

The tram boards at the base of a mountain in Albuquerque and travels a distance of 14,657 feet. I'm glad, I'm not afraid of heights, because looking out the windows can be pretty scary! Wide open windows allow the passengers to see rocky cliffs and canyons below as the tram car climbs 2.7 miles up into the Sandia Mountains.

I was a bit nervous and curious about safety. I asked the travel guide who rides in the cart with the passengers if there has ever been a crash or accident of any kind. I was happy to find out that the Sandia Peak Tram hasn't had any accidents and it has been running since 1966! I was reassured even more when I found out that every year there are more than 10,000 tram car trips to the top!

The Sandia Tram was designed by an engineer in Switzerland in 1939. He came up with the idea of having two tram cars that can carry up to 50 passengers each. The tram was designed with multiple emergency braking systems and a grounding system that keeps passengers safe in the case of a lightening storm.

As we headed toward the top, I could see another tram car coming from the other direction on another cable. The Sandia tram is known as a double reversible jigback aerial tramway. A jigback means that as one tram car is going up the mountain, the other is heading back down. We waved at the passengers riding the other tram car as they passed by.

The trip to the top took 15 minutes. We got off at an observation deck. I realized that I'd forgotten to bring a jacket and it was windy and about 20 to 30 degrees colder at the top than at the bottom.

At the 10,378-foot summit you can see amazing scenery. It's a great place to see the entire city of Albuquerque. You can also see Santa Fe and other surrounding cities. There are hiking and biking trails at the top and a ski lift that goes down the other side of the mountain.

We ate at a restaurant called High Finance. It had pretty good nachos with traditional New Mexican green chilies. We also visited a museum about the wildlife and landscape of the mountain.

As I boarded the tram car to head back down the mountain, I saw a sign that warned about bears. I was disappointed that I didn't get to see one! Sometimes passengers see mountain lions, too. I did see lots of birds and I could see the dormant volcanoes off in the distance. It was an exciting and interesting experience.

— Jacob A. Schroeder

PHOTOS: (TOP) The Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest tramway in the world. (BOTTOM) Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder by the tram car on the peak of the mountain. (Photo Courtesy Jacob Schroeder)

Summer Read: The Red Pyramid

This Fun Summer Read battles the ancient gods of Egypt.

The Kane Chronicles Book 1: The Red Pyramid

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher/Date of Publication: Disney, Hyperion Books, 2010

Number of Pages: 516

Recommended age of readers: 9-12

I decided to read The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan for several reasons. I chose the book because I'd read other books by the author and liked his writing.

I also am an Egyptian mythology buff so I thought it would be right up my alley and it was! If you like the Harry Potter series or the Percy Jackson books, you will like The Red Pyramid because it is filled with action, comedy, Egyptian sorcery, and magic.

The Red Pyramid is about two siblings, Carter and Sadie Kane, who were separated at an early age after an accident kills their mother. As it turns out, they share the blood of the pharaohs and they have magic powers beyond belief!

When their father disappears after a run in with Chaos, the Egyptian god of evil, the pair will have to work together with the good gods to overcome Chaos.

Carter and Sadie discover that the gods of Ancient Egypt are waking and the worst God, Set, has a scheme to wipe out the entire continent of North America with a storm 10 times more powerful than the storms of the Sahara Desert!

To save their dad, the siblings have an awesome adventure and meet many friends along the way. They face danger and discover truths about their family when they find out about a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

This is a great book that will keep you turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next!

—Jacob A. Schroeder

FROM THE EDITORS: What are you reading this summer? Use the comment section below to send in your recommendations or discuss this review.

PHOTOS: (TOP) The cover of The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. (Image Courtesy Disney, Hyperion Books) (BOTTOM) Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder's favorite place to read is a hammock! (Photo Courtesy Jacob Schroeder)

Yards That Don't Drink Much

Xeriscaping uses little water and no fertilizers.

Gardening and watering trees and plants can be a lot of hard work. In my family, my job is to water our back yard in our home in New Mexico. Thanks to xeriscaping, that’s a pretty easy job!

Xeriscaping is the term used for growing plants that do well in the region where you live. The unusual word comes from the Greek word xeros, which means dry. Xeriscaping can be used for landscaping anywhere in North America, but it is popular in the Southwest because the climate is hot and dry.

Xeriscaping is great for the environment because it saves water and doesn't require fertilizers or pesticides. Plants native to your area will grow without the need for chemicals that can end up in ground water and pollute drinking water supplies.

Using native plants, shrubs, and trees can also create a wildlife habitat in your own backyard! We planted trumpet vines, which bloom with bright and colorful orange flowers that attract hummingbirds. Mourning doves build their nests in our evergreen trees. This year, we have a nest of newborn chicks living in our trees.

Best part of all this is that I don't have to mow the lawn because we don't have grass! Instead, we have gravel in a variety of colors and sizes. We covered the ground with a fabric before putting down the gravel so that we could keep weeds from growing through. Weeds can steal water from your plants and they are not fun to pick.

We made a garden path with stones and used patio tiles and rocks for decoration. We still have lots of color in our back yard and it looks great, but we don't have to water much.

In New Mexico, we only get about nine inches of rain each year, so the local water authority sets restrictions on watering lawns. Rules are made for how much water can be used from spring through fall, and also what times of day you can water. When I water our yard, I try to water only in the morning or evening because if you water when it's hot in the middle of the day, a lot of the water evaporates.

At my house, we planted lots of trees. Trees are good because the shade helps slow down water evaporation after you’ve watered. Another good tip for xeriscaping is to plant a little bit of tall grass around your trees. This can help retain moisture and you only have to water once, because you're watering the trees and grass at the same time.

Whether you live in a dry place or a wet place, I recommend xeriscaping. It is a great way to save time on yard work while helping the environment. You will have fun learning about native plants while doing something great for the Earth!

—Jacob A. Schroeder

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder surrounded by plants native to the southwest U.S. (Photo Courtesy Jacob Schroeder)

SPEAK UP! To Be a Kid Reporter

Kid Reporter program is now taking applications.

If you like excitement and having new experiences, then being a Kid Reporter is the right job for you!

Being a kid reporter is a fun and challenging opportunity. As a reporter, I've had the chance to interview interesting people like Arizona Senator and presidential candidate John McCain, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and even a helicopter pilot. I have had lots of great experiences, but it has been hard work, too.

The most important thing I've learned is how to work like a real news reporter. Even though I am a kid, I was doing the exact same job as the adult reporters when I covered the presidential election. At campaign events, I stood right next to much taller reporters from newspapers and TV stations and made myself heard. Just like them, I was there to get the story.

I had to learn quickly how to ask candidates good questions at a moment’s notice. To do that, you have to be confident and prepared. Being prepared comes from doing the research and writing out your questions before the interview. You gain confidence by knowing your subject and then overcoming your fears. You have to put yourself out there and be heard. It’s a great feeling.

I learned to speak with a loud and clear voice when I interviewed. And I learned how to take good notes and write a lot! Just as important, I leaned to meet my editor’s deadlines, which often means writing a story immediately after covering an event.

If you like to write (and work under pressure!), then applying to be a kid reporter is an awesome idea.

To apply, you have to write about what’s special about where you live. When I wrote about the great state of New Mexico, I had just been to the state fair where I got my picture taken in front of chili peppers. I included the picture with my report. I think it's a good idea to be creative.

Check out the exact details on how to apply here. But hurry! Deadline is October 5!

—Jacob Schroeder

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder questions Republican presidential candidate John McCain about what was looking for in a vice presidential candidate. (Photo: Heidi Schroeder)

Kayaking on Beaver Lake

Even the dog participates in the Schroeder family hobby.

Nestled high in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas is an awesome lake called Beaver Lake. That’s where I spent my family summer vacation practicing our family hobby of kayaking.

We put our kayak on top of the family car and drove more than 14 hours from New Mexico to Arkansas. Beaver Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen! It is surrounded by plants, flowers, a variety of trees, and limestone bluffs.

The long drive was worth the wait, because I found out right away that the lake water was warm and clear. Beaver Lake has 28,370 acres of water and 487 miles of shoreline, so there were a lot of great spots on the lake to launch our kayak.

Our first launch was at Indian Creek, with shallow water and a swimming area where I could jump in and swim while my Dad unloaded the kayak. I also took my goggles and did some diving while I waited.

The kayak has three seats: just enough room for my mom, dad and my dog Kiska. We always wear life jackets so we brought along one for our dog to wear too!

It was a good thing Kiska was wearing her life jacket because when we started paddling out into the lake, she stood up and fell over the side! We had to grab the handle on her life jacket to pull her up and back into the boat. She was a very wet dog, so I was happy that she decided to sit with my mom at the back of the kayak instead of with me!

After I got a lot of exercise kayak paddling with my Mom and Dad, I jumped into the warm lake and swam next to the boat. I saw a turtle on a tree branch in the water and a squirrel running along the shore. My Dad was fishing for bass while I swam and told me he saw an alligator gar in the water! They have huge teeth but aren't aggressive towards people. I got back into the kayak just in case!

We had a great summer trip to Arkansas! We spent time at three different places on Beaver Lake and had fun with my cousins who live close by in Bentonville. We also visited Pea Ridge, which is one of the most important Civil War Battlefields west of the Mississippi. It was a great trip filled with a lot of good times, warm weather, and fun in the sun!

—Jacob A. Schroeder

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder (front) with his family and dog Kiska Kayaking on Beaver Lake in Arkansas. Photo courtesy Jacob Schroeder.