What is it like when your job is to play games? As much fun as you might think! Discover what it's like to make kids' games for a living by reading a story about Gamewright, the Newton-based company, in The World Around Us! (at left)
More than 50 representatives of scholastic journalism in the Watertown schools surround actor Matthew Lewis (front row in black-and-white shirt), who plays Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films, at a Museum of Science press preview Oct. 22. The new Harry Potter exhibit, celebrating the science and magic of the Harry Potter films, opens Sunday, Oct. 25, and runs until Feb. 21.
First on the scene
Watertown student reporters cover new Harry Potter exhibit
Student journalists from three Watertown schools attended the invitation-only press screening of the new Harry Potter movie exhibit at Boston's Museum of Science Oct. 22. The reporters -- representing the Cunniff Kids News (from Cunniff Elementary), The Watertown Splash (Watertown Middle School), and The Raider Times (Watertown High School) -- were given a guided tour by Robin Stapley, who created the exhibit. The 45 reporters, who ranged in grade level from kindergarten to high school seniors, also met actor Matthew Lewis, who portrays Neville Longbottom in the films. Lewis became the first member of the Harry Potter cast to ever tour the exhibit. The exhibit opens to the public Sunday, Oct. 25, and runs until Feb. 21. Reviews of the exhibit will soon be published in all three scholastic publications.
Exclusive! The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus is in Boston for its annual visit this weekend. Reporters from the Cunniff Kids News and the Watertown Splash -- the new newspaper at Watertown Middle School -- were at TD Garden for opening night, where they were given unprecedented access to performers and were able to go behind the scenes! To share just a taste of what they saw, see photos and video of the famous Globe of Steel motorcycle stunt at An Eye for News: Ringling Bros. Circus (at left)!
The books end up in children's hands each day all across the country, but where do the books come from? And why? And how? Come visit Charlesbridge Publishing in Watertown Square and discover how -- with a lot of hard work and loving care -- some typewritten pages turn into a book for readers everywhere to enjoy with the latest story in The World Around Us (at left)!
NEW BOOK REVIEW! In search of a good read that will give you a good laugh? You may want to check out the review of Lexi Connor's "Spelling B and the Missing Magic," the latest book profiled in Read All About It! (at left)!
CKN EXCLUSIVE!!! Reporters from the Cunniff Kids News made their third visit to the construction site of the new Watertown Police Station this week! For the first time, the reporters got to see the inside of the $13 million project! See for yourself exactly what's happening at the Main Street site by reading the story, looking at the pictures, and watching the video at The World Around Us (at left)!
She grew up dancing in Watertown and now she is passing on her love of the craft to students of all ages! Get to know Nicole Keuchkarian in An Interview With ... (at left)!
New book review! Did you ever want to have dessert first? If so, meet Dessert Schneider in Hallie Durand's new book, "Dessert First," profiled in Read All About It! (at left)
A CKN exclusive: Angela Hucles of the Boston Breakers has played soccer all over the world -- and won two Olympic gold medals with the US Women's Soccer team! But she faced her toughest challenge yet when she visited the Cunniff School for a press conference and had to answer questions from the staff of the Cunniff Kids News! Find out how she fared, and see pictures of the traditional end-of-the-year event, by reading May I Ask a Few Questions? (at left)
The third grade went to the Science Museum -- and reporters from the Cunniff Kids News got to tag along! Visit some of the museum highlights without leaving your home by reading the newest story in The World Around Us! (at left)
Last year, Harry and the Potters came to the Cunniff for a press conference to announce their US summer tour, Unlimited Enthusiasm! This year, they have a new album and a July 12 concert at Gore Place! For details -- and to get reacquainted with the brothers DeGeorge -- go to May I Ask a Few Questions? (at left)
The youngsters of Watertown are showing a stick-to-it-tiveness unlike anything seen in a long time, and all because of lacrosse! The net result? The program is already a success! Find out more by reading Fun and Games (at left), the Sports section of the Cunniff Kids News.
Cunniff's kindergartners found everything safe and sound when they visited Watertown's police and fire stations recently! Go on patrol with them by reading their story -- and seeing their pictures -- in The World Around Us! (at left)
"Confetti Girl," the newest book by Diana Lopez, has earned a rave review from the Cunniff Kids News. But how many Cougars? Turn to Read All About It! (at left) to find out!
If you are looking for a family destination, then hurry up and set sail for the Essex Shipbuilding Museum! Discover all that awaits by reading the story -- and seeing the pictures -- in Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
This Cunniff teacher grew up in Cambridge and has a German shepherd named Kelsey. Do you know who it is? Check your answer by reading the latest profile in Pleased to Meet You (at left)!
Move over Cam Jansen, here comes Mudshark, star of Gary Paulsen's new book, reviewed today in Read All About It (at left)!
As members of Troop 1988 have done a lot for the community in their time as Brownies, they have now earned the honor of bridging to Juniors! Find out how the 15 Cunniff students plan on celebrating by reading Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
Promised by organizers to be the best yet, the Spring Fling is set for Thursday, June 18 -- and it's free! Discover what's in store for the Cunniff's extended family by reading the story in Front Page News (at left)!
See Tubby and Lemonade, two of the chicks hatched in Debbie Munger's third-grade classroom, as you have never seen them before -- in photos and video posted on a special Cunniff Kids News page, An Eye for News: Baby Chicks (at left)!
Plenty of people were jumping for joy after the recent Jump Rope for Heart fund-raiser cleared $5,000 in donations! Find out more about the spectacular feat by reading the story in Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
Eight sisters. Two missing parents. One book you won't want to put down. So says the new review of "Annie's Adventures," the first book in the Sisters 8 series, in Read All About It! (at left)
The Cunniff third-grade class hosted some of Watertown's veterans at the annual Memorial Day assembly. Read all about the program at Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
The stage is set for next week's Scholastic Book Fair in the Cunniff Cafetorium! Find out what will be on sale, and check out the schedule of events by reading the story in Front Page News (at left)!
Third-graders don't need a lot to be egged on -- especially when it comes to the incubators in the back of Mrs. Munger's classroom! Find out how their plan is hatching by reading the latest story in Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
PLUS: Third-graders prove that it is possible to see a chicken before it is hatched with an experiment called "candling the egg." Learn how they did it in Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
More summer reading suggestions: "Diogenes" is a dog-gone funny book, so says the review of M.D. Usher's new work at Read All About It! (at left)
He wishes he could be like the other utensils, while they wish they could be just like him and dive headfirst into a bowl of ice cream! Meet "Spoon," star of Amy Krouse Rosenthal's new book, in the new review at Read All About It! (at left)
When the fourth-grade class moves up a grade in September, something will look very familiar to some of the students: their teacher! Mena Ciarlone is moving up to fifth grade, one of four grade switches planned for the fall. Find out which teachers are on the move in Front Page News (at left)!
A member of the Cunniff staff was recently honored with a SEPAC award! Find out who the deserving recipient is in Pleased to Meet You (at left)!
There's lots to see during a trip to California -- famous food, famous places, and even a famous prison! Discover just what to visit -- and what to avoid! -- when going to San Francisco and Los Angeles in the latest travel story in To the Cove and Beyond! (at left)!
Readers everywhere have delighted in the antics of Judy Moody and her brother Stink. Now meet their creator, author Megan McDonald, whose conversation with the Cunniff Kids News can be read in An Interview With ... (at left)!
Enter the world of karate, with a language all its own, where Sensei Craig transforms the Cunniff gym into his dojo and where one good (strong) belt brings about another (colorful) belt. Read about how students of all ages are getting their kicks with the latest story in Fun and Games (at left)!
There are big things happening in the Cunniff's upper grades -- all the result of small machines. Read all about the new Mini Dells, and how they are changing the way students are learning, in the new story in Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
The Watertown Boys and Girls Club is making a splash as the place to go to learn how to swim. Jump right in with a new story in Fun and Games (at left)!
A meteorologist talks a lot about colors, such as blue (for the sky) and black (for the clouds), but green? Todd Gutner from WBZ-TV explains in a new story in Corridors and Classrooms (at left), the CKN section capturing the events in and around the Cunniff School!
Being a stand-up comic is a funny way to make a living -- and very enjoyable, too -- says Frank Santorelli, a Waltham father and nationally known performer who will once again be starring in the Cunniff's annual Comedy Night fund-raiser! Come meet him with the latest story in Cunniff Culture, the Cunniff Kids News arts and entertainment section (at left)!
A CKN EXCLUSIVE!!! Catch a glimpse of Frank Santorelli's act with two exclusive videos attached to the story in Cunniff Culture (at left)!
The national holiday for boys and girls of all ages known as Free Comic Book Day was celebrated this year on Saturday, May 2, with local festivities centered at The Comic Stop on Main Street. Don your cape and secret identity and come meet a man with a super job by reading the story in The World Around Us (at left)!
From school lobby to art gallery, that's the transformation made recently at the Cunniff School with the staging of a visiting display of Vincent Van Gogh's work. See for yourself by reading the story and seeing the pictures at Cunniff Culture (at left)!
A food drive, organized and run by a Girl Scouts troop from the Cunniff School, helped the Cunniff community restock the shelves at a neighborhood pantry! Read all about the successful endeavor -- and how you can still help -- in the latest story at Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
Check out what's happening at a Lowell Devils hockey game, where there's plenty of fast, hard-hitting action, blimps, and ... Chuck-a-puck? And meet Devils player Ryan Murphy, who gives the Cunniff Kids News an explainer of what's going on behind the scenes and in the locker room! All this is can be found in the latest story in Fun and Games (at left)!
The School Store, the first of its kind at the Cunniff, is a major business success story! You will profit greatly when you read about the second-grade class that opened it, the business model it used, and what it is doing with the revenue in the latest story at Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
A CKN EXCLUSIVE!!! The adventures of Jack and Annie have brought millions of readers face to face with the great people of history. Now meet their creator, Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House series! Mary and her husband, Will, sat down with reporters from the Cunniff Kids News for an exclusive interview covering such subjects as the origins of the Magic Tree House, their new play, pandas, Mozart, and what happens when you can't sign a book at a book signing! Read the exclusive CKN interview in An Interview With ... (at left)!
Some families go on vacation to the beaches of Cape Cod and some go to the mountains of Vermont, and then there are some families that go away. Far, far away. Read Corridors and Classrooms (at left) to find out why second-grade teacher Elizabeth Uccello went halfway around the world during winter vacation!
When the school day is over, there is still plenty of action inside the Cunniff gym! Find out about Greg Marcotte's afterschool programs in the sports and fitness section of the Cunniff Kids News, Fun and Games (at left)!
PLUS: Get the scoops on Greg Marcotte, the person behind the climbing wall, jump rope club, and a closet filled with ... how many activities? ... in the newest profile at Pleased to Meet You (at left)!
Boston's newest team plays North America's oldest sport. Meet the Boston Blazers, members of the National Lacrosse League and visitors to the Cunniff School for a discussion on the joys of checking, the fun of winning, and the importance of L.E.A.D.-ing by example in a new feature story in Fun and Games (at left)!
What do trips to Mexico, Mayor Menino, and Speed Racer have in common? They are just a few of the memories from the year gone past. Hear more from the folks in the Cunniff community about their favorite moments of 2008 in Front Page News (at left)!
Cunniff third-graders took a trip back in time with some help from archeologists at the Gore Place! Uncover what they found at The World Around Us (at left)!
His name is Ralph Masiello, but his fans know him as the Icky Bug Man. This famous author and illustrator drew out plenty of laughs from students during his recent visit to the Cunniff School. Find out more with the latest story in Cunniff Culture, the arts and entertainment section of the Cunniff Kids News (at left)!
There was so much fun to be had at the annual Halloween Party, it was scary! Find out all about the spooky Cunniff School event in Corridors and Classrooms (at left)!
Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo '08 was a summer concert event unlike any before it -- featuring wizard rock, songs about sharks, and a singing sock puppet! -- the Cunniff Kids News held a press conference to interview Harry and the Potters and Math the Band before they headed out on their North American tour. Read the transcript and see the photos in May I Ask a Few Questions? (at left)
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe is used to asking the questions, not answering them! But that's exactly what he had to do when he visited the Cunniff School for a press conference with the staff of the Cunniff Kids News, becoming the first subject of May I Ask a Few Questions? (at left)
Just because you are in a rock band and playing concerts all over the world doesn't mean you can get out of doing your homework, too! Meet the three sisters that make up Smoosh, the first subject in the CKN's An Interview With ... (at left)!
The Shot Heard 'Round the World was fired in 1775 ... and again each Patriots' Day. Go to Lexington Green, the site of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, and meet the participants of the annual reenactment at Archive: The World Around Us (at left)!
ALSO: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Battle of Lexington and Concord, as well as the Cunniff Kids News staff in action, in the photo gallery at An Eye for News (at left).
When it comes to sumo wrestling, there's an awful to see. In its latest exhibit, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston tackles Japan's most popular sport as portrayed in beautiful works through the centuries. Go behind the scenes at the MFA's "biggest" hit ever with the latest story in Archive: Cunniff Culture (at left)!
The art scene is thriving in and around the Cunniff School! In Boston, there is a lot going on inside the Shubert Theatre -- even when it's empty. Discover the 2-ton chandeliers, false floors, and lights left on for very spooky reasons at the home of the Boston Lyric Opera in Archive: Cunniff Culture (at left)!
ALSO: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Shubert Theatre in the photo gallery at An Eye for News (at left).
What's the secret to learning magic? Students can find out by taking a course from Bonaparte, master magician, after school at the Watertown Middle School. Find out what he has up his sleeve at Archive: The World Around Us (at left), CKN's section devoted to interesting people, interesting places, and interesting stories.
ALSO: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic class in action, as well as the making
of the CKN interview in the photo galleries at An Eye for News (at left).
Which team was the Cunniff community backing for the 2008 Super Bowl? Read the CKN's special analysis, Closer Look: Super Bowl (at left), to find out!
SPECIAL REPORT: Did males and females have different ideas of what was going to happen at the Super Bowl? The latest CKN polling data inside Closer Look: Super Bowl (at left) may surprise you!
WBZ-TV reporter Scott Wahle has played many roles, but not all of them in front of a camera. Discover his many talents at Archive: The World Around Us (at left).
ALSO: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the CKN interview in the photo gallery, An Eye for News (at left).
Questions, comments, and suggestions can be sent to the staff at Cunniffnews@hotmail.com, or by clicking the mailbox above in the top right-hand corner.
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