[中文版本]

Dogs are our friends. Just like people, every dog looks different. Some have long fur, some short; some have curly hair, others straight, and their colors vary too. I like dogs because they are friendly and fun. Every time I see a dog, I can’t help but smile. If you're feeling down, you can talk to your dog. It will wag its tail and look at you with loving eyes, and that makes you feel so much better.

One of my good friends has a dog named Pluto. I often go to his house to play with Pluto. As soon as Pluto sees me, it jumps on me excitedly and wags its tail nonstop. When I tell it to sit, it sits. When I say stop, it stands still. When I say “shake hands,” it stretches out its front paw and shakes my hand.

Another reason I like dogs is because they are very loyal. Once a dog loves you, it will stay by your side no matter what happens. Playing with dogs is also a lot of fun. Whether it's playing fetch, tug-of-war, or just running around, dogs are full of energy. Seeing them so excited makes me happy too. Sometimes they’re so energetic I can’t even keep up—they run faster than I do! Dogs are always ready for an adventure, whether it’s going for a walk or just hanging out in the yard. They seem curious about everything, and that reminds us to love life.

I really love dogs. They make life so much happier.

By

陈骙钰 翻译 (Translation) 2/05/25

 [中文版本]

Many people find the rain annoying,

but I find comfort in it.

The ants start moving,

a sign that rain is coming.

The sky turns grey, like stone.

The wind picks up,

and drops begin to tap on the glass—

it has started to rain.

I stay in bed with a book,

while outside, the rain pours down.

I turn on just one light,

and the sound of the rain fills the room.

Everything feels calm.

After the rain, I step outside.

The air is fresh and clean,

and the sky brightens,

soft colors spread across the evening.

Sometimes, I like to exercise in the rain—

it feels different from dry days.

Though many dislike the rain,

I believe it is a gift to the world.

By

刘大卫 翻译 (Translation) 2/05/25

[中文版本]

A few months ago, my team and I joined the "Be a Zero Hero" initiative and started a dedicated plastic film recycling bin at Herbert Hoover Middle School. Unlike regular recycling bins, this bin is specifically for collecting plastic bags and other types of plastic film products that are not commonly recycled. Our goal is to reduce the amount of plastic bag waste on campus while encouraging more people to develop good recycling habits.

From an Email to Campus Environmental Action

The launch of this project began with an email I sent to the school principal, Dr. Kim. With her support, I met with Mr. Ostry, who then helped coordinate a presentation of the project at the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting. Eventually, we successfully set up the recycling bin on campus. Montgomery County has a well-established recycling system that handles most everyday recyclables, but plastic bags and plastic films are not included. With our recycling program, these plastic bags and other plastic films can be recycled and repurposed into outdoor furniture, such as park benches. In fact, our "Be a Zero Hero" student club recently donated a bench made from recycled plastic to Richard Montgomery High School. This bench was a reward for our contribution of over 2,000 pounds of plastic bags and films collected over the past two years.

Teamwork Helps Bring the Project to Life

The success of this project wouldn't have been possible without the help of many people. I would like to especially thank Dr. Kim, whose strong support helped us set up the recycling bin on campus. Additionally, Kenneth Shue, the founder of the "Be a Zero Hero" program, provided immense support from the planning stage to the final implementation. He was always there to guide and assist us. I would also like to thank Mr. Ostry for helping us promote the project school-wide and coordinating with the Student Government Association. Finally, I want to thank my team members—Melody Zhou and Julia Zhu—because it was everyone's collective effort that made this all possible.

Small Actions, Big Changes—A Call to Reduce Plastic Waste

I hope every reader will do their part to reduce unnecessary plastic waste. Whether at home, in your workplace, or at school, you can collect recyclable plastic bags and films and take them to designated recycling bins at local stores instead of throwing them away. Montgomery County students, if your school already has a "Be a Zero Hero" recycling program, please actively participate by placing eligible plastic films in the recycling bins. If not, you can be a promoter of the "Be a Zero Hero" program. Contact us for guidance and assistance on setting up a plastic film recycling bin.

This initiative not only effectively reduces plastic waste, but also aims to raise more awareness about environmental protection, so that we can all work together to create a better world!

By

姚乐之 翻译 (Translation) 1/04/25

  [中文版本]

One day, Mom took the whole family to the National Natural Botanical Garden for a visit. As soon as I arrived, I caught a whiff of a fresh fragrance. My eyes were immediately drawn to a pink flower.

The flower was big and smelled wonderful, with layer upon layer of petals that were especially beautiful. My mom told me that this was China’s national flower, called the peony. That instantly reminded me—I had painted this flower before in traditional Chinese painting class!

I gently touched a petal of the peony with my hand—wow! It was so soft! The petal felt as soft as a kitten’s fur. I began to observe the flower more closely. Its petals were layered just like a creamy cake, and my mouth started to water like a waterfall! The flower was just too beautiful!

I leaned in for a smell, and the fragrance was simply amazing. As I kept looking, the flower suddenly transformed into a ballerina in a pink dress, gracefully dancing to the rhythm of music. Her dance was so elegant and gentle. I was completely captivated. As she danced, background music somehow started to play, and with the music, her dancing became even more beautiful and graceful! I looked around and saw that all the other flowers were watching the peony dancer too. The garden around me had turned into a luxurious stage, with all the lights focused on the peony ballerina. When her dance ended, all the flowers applauded and praised her. The peony dancer bowed to show her thanks.

Suddenly, someone called out, “Cheng Xindi!” It was Mom—her voice snapped me out of my daydream. That’s when I realized I wasn’t watching a peony performance at all—I was just admiring flowers at the botanical garden!

By

程心笛 翻译 (Translation) 2/05/25

 [中文版本]

As the warm spring breeze caressed our faces, many of those around us held celebratory traditions commemorating their legacy and cultures; in the past month, Islamic devotees completed their demanding fasts, Jewish compatriots had their Seder meals after sunset, and Christians honored the resurrection of Jesus with Easter service as well. However, on the opposite side of the world, in the country of the golden stars and crimson flag, the sunny weather of the approaching May means something different: the May Fourth Movement. 

As to its name, the movement celebrates a pivotal event in Chinese history that happened on May 4th, 1919. 106 years ago, in the same warmth of the sun, over 3000 students, led by those from Peking University, marched in Beijing, flying banners and flags over their heads. The sole objective of the students was to protest against the Chinese government and their compliance with the Treaty of Versailles, which decided to transfer German-occupied territories in China's Shandong province to Japan. Coupled with the accumulated pressure of the previous century-long spheres of influence by foreign nations, the young, radical intellectuals viewed this decision, despite China's support for the Allies, as a betrayal by Western powers and a failure of Chinese governance. 

Intertwined with the preceding New Culture Movement, the two advocated for the rejection of traditional Confucian values and the adoption of Western ideals for scientific reasoning, political freedom, and a shift in authority. Such opposition to the republican nationalists and imperialism laid the groundwork for communism and anarchism, inspiring Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao in founding the Chinese Communist Party.
The May Fourth Movement’s significance lies in its opposition to imperialism, which awakened China’s modern national consciousness and patriotism; its opposition to traditional Confucianism and authoritarian values, marking the awakening of freedom, democracy, and science; and its initiative led by the young people, terming the “May Fourth Youth” as a spiritual symbol of the pursuit of progress and the courage to criticize. Nowadays, this movement is commemorated every year, and May 4th is known as “May Fourth Youth Day” in China. Commemorated annually, this movement is indispensable to China's national consciousness and identity today.

By

沈子越 翻译 (Translation) 2/05/25

[中文版本]

During the 2025 Spring Festival, under the guidance and planning of Teacher Li Feng, we, the students of Zaidao, organized our traditional New Year’s visit to the Sunshine Senior Center. To bring holiday cheer to the grandparents, we prepared a variety of performances and interactive activities. Before heading out, I thought this event was simply about bringing happiness and support to the elderly in the community, but by the end, I realized that I had gained much more than I had given.

The event began with Doris Wang and Emily jia introducing Zaidao’s activities and leading everyone in sending New Year’s greetings to the grandparents. Following that, Lin Zheng performed an impressive martial arts demonstration. Then, Allen Du and I organized a riddle-guessing game for the seniors. What surprised me most was how sharp and quick-witted the grandparents were. I had assumed that the riddles might be a bit challenging for them—after all, I had to discuss many of the answers with my parents beforehand to fully understand them. We even went over pronunciation and the stories behind some answers, like who "Lao She" was, so I could offer helpful hints. To my amazement, the grandparents answered almost all the riddles with ease. Sometimes, they even shouted out the correct answers before I finished reading the question! We handed out small prizes to those who guessed correctly.

Next came the hands-on activities, where students and grandparents worked together on traditional crafts like paper cutting, lantern making, folding origami cranes, and practicing calligraphy. At the calligraphy station, Teacher Li had already prepared brushes, ink, and large red rice paper adorned with golden dragon and phoenix patterns. The grandparents could use these to write the character "福" (meaning good fortune) to celebrate the New Year. My job was to assist with the calligraphy activity. At first, I thought I’d be offering guidance, but soon the tables turned—I found myself asking the seniors for advice on improving my brushwork. Some of them had incredible calligraphy skills, with strokes so smooth and elegant that their work looked like true art. One 94-year-old grandmother was even a professional calligrapher who had created signs for the senior center! They patiently taught me, stroke by stroke, how to refine my technique. What left the deepest impression on me was realizing that calligraphy isn’t just about writing—it’s a cultural expression and an art form passed down through generations.

Throughout the day, I gained invaluable experiences. The wisdom, creativity, and joy the seniors shared while engaging in cultural activities truly inspired me. They participated wholeheartedly in the festivities, showing immense gratitude through their enthusiasm. This experience taught me that learning isn’t limited by time or place—it’s a lifelong journey that can happen anywhere, at any moment. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and a deep sense of community—an experience I will always treasure.

By

刘润宇 翻译 (Translation) 19/02/25

  [中文版本]

My family has a dog named Remy. He is a purebred Maltese, and he just turned two! His fur is snowy white, and his eyes are hazel brown. His ears are soft, and the fur around his nose forms a round shape, resembling a cartoon character. He also has short legs and tiny paws. He’s a little guy, so he’s not very big—he weighs about seven pounds.

I’ve noticed that Remy doesn’t like taking baths. That’s because he doesn’t like the feeling of water getting into his nose, and he dislikes water in general. However, he loves going on walks and meeting new friends. We’ve also noticed his favorite food is chicken, and he loves gnawing on bones. One thing my family finds frustrating about Remy’s behavior is that he’ll beg for a bone, hide it somewhere, come back to ask for another, and then secretly stash all the bones in one spot. Since Remy keeps going back to my dad for more bones, my dad thinks he’s eaten them all, not knowing that the bones are secretly stashed away around the house. My family and I often find bones in random places, like the laundry room and the bathroom.

As I continue observing Remy, I’ve found that he tries to act tougher and stronger than he really is in front of other dogs. For example, when I take him for a walk and he sees a larger dog, he’ll bark loudly and even stand on his hind legs to look bigger. But the truth is, he’s scared of the bigger one—he’s just trying to get them to take him seriously. This usually only happens with bigger dogs. If Remy wants to play with a smaller dog, he doesn’t need to act tough because they’re the same size. Interestingly, Remy never barks at home—he’s always quiet and calmly stays by our side.

Even though Remy has many different traits—some good, some bad—my family and I still love him very much. We hope Remy stays a part of our family for many more years!

By

秦夏依 翻译 (Translation) 2/05/25

[中文版本]

Changes Coming to the MCPS Grading System in 2025-2026

To address the grade inflation issue in MCPS, Superintendent Thomas Taylor is preparing to adjust the grading system. A recent proposal (yet to be confirmed) suggests changes to how grades are calculated, potentially adopting a downward trending system or a numeric percentage average system. Additionally, district officials have proposed implementing final exams or projects in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies classes to address inconsistent grading standards. Other proposals include setting clear deadlines for reassessments and late assignments, clarifying the "minimum effort" required for the 50% rule, and reducing the differences between various honors courses, such as those related to difficulty and grading standards.

2025 NFL Draft Highlights

• Cam Ward was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans, aiming to rejuvenate the franchise.
• Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, was picked second by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who traded up with the Cleveland Browns.
• Shedeur Sanders, projected as a first-round pick, experienced an unexpected slide into the fifth round, being chosen 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
• Kaden Prather, a Montgomery County native who attended Northwest High School and later the University of Maryland, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as a wide receiver.

Metro’s Better Bus Network

Some residents may have noticed their bus stop signs being replaced by Metro Bus signs. This is part of the Better Bus Network initiative. The new bus network will introduce new route names, along with changes to routes and bus frequency, designed to optimize service across the region. Current routes will end on June 28, and the new system will begin on June 29. According to their website, the new system aims to improve service and connections, offering more frequent and consistent bus service.

By

刘润宇 翻译 (Translation) 2/05/25

[中文版本]

On January 26, Zaidao hosted a warm and meaningful annual meeting at Hibachi Sushi Supreme Buffet. More than 20 attendees, including Zaidao members, parents, and judges from the Washington Chinese Cultural Festival Youth Essay Competition, gathered to reflect on past achievements and announce the leadership team for the future.

The meeting began with self-introductions by Zaidao founders Emily and Doris, who recapped the inspiring Chinese essay competition and celebrated Nathan, a Zaidao member who won first place in the high school division! Judges 陈建戈 (Jian-Ge Chen), 李珊英 (Shan-Ying Li), and 张红卫 (Hong-Wei Zhang) shared their experiences as judges.

Mengchen Wang, President of the U.S.-China Economic and Cultural Exchange Association, expressed his organization’s commitment to supporting the growth of Chinese American youth in the Greater Washington community and looked forward to future collaboration. Noted historian and head judge of the essay competition, Jian-Ge Chen, reminisced about the first essay competition held by the Qiao Bao newspaper in the Greater Washington area in 2011, which unfortunately had been discontinued over the years. He acknowledged the challenges Chinese American children face in learning Chinese and commended Zaidao students for successfully reviving the competition for two consecutive years. Emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage, he encouraged everyone to continue their efforts and ensure the competition's continuity.

Judge Shan-Ying Li, a pioneer and founder of Chinese schools in the Washington area, was deeply impressed by this year’s competition. She highlighted that all participants signed an authenticity pledge, leading to a noticeable improvement in the quality of submissions. Witnessing the students' growth brought her great joy.

Judge Hong-Wei Zhang shared her judging experience, noting her long-standing interest in Zaidao’s development. She was delighted to see its vibrancy and enthusiasm. As a first-time judge, she was deeply moved by the competition entries and upheld the principles of fairness and impartiality in selecting the best works.

Zaidao members engaged in friendly discussions with the judges, who were honored with certificates of appreciation.

Following lunch, Zaidao held a work meeting to discuss its new organizational structure and announce its leadership team: Daniel Shen and Hannah Liu were appointed Editors-in-Chief; Sophia Li, Lin Zheng, and Sophie Huang were named Event Managers; Nathan Tian and Angie Shen took on the role of Media Leads; and Allen Du was designated as the Reporting Lead. The team then outlined their respective responsibilities and brainstormed future events.

The gathering concluded with team photos and small gifts in celebration of Lunar New Year!

By

杜乐尧 翻译 (Translation) 17/02/25

 [中文版本]

I’ve loved all types of animals since I was little, but penguins have always been one of my favorites.

I remember the first time I saw a penguin was at an aquarium. I was very young at the time, around three years old, and I didn’t even know what a penguin was. All I knew was that the animals in the aquarium could live in water. I remember holding my dad’s hand as we walked around the aquarium, full of curiosity and excitement. I saw so many animals: dolphins, fish, turtles—there were all kinds of creatures! Eventually, we walked over to a very large tank, and suddenly, a strange and giant-looking “fish” swam right toward us. It moved so quickly, like a shooting star, and in a flash, it disappeared from our view. I quickly asked my dad, “Daddy, what kind of fish is that?” My dad laughed and said, “That’s not a fish—that’s a penguin.”

I opened my eyes wide and exclaimed, “A penguin? What kind of animal is that? I’ve never heard of it!”

Later, I noticed other penguins waddling out from inside the tank, one after another, jumping into the water. They glided and swam through the water gracefully and joyfully. These penguins had sharp, black beaks, shiny black feathers covering their backs and heads, and soft, snowy-white feathers on their bellies. Their black flippers flapped and splashed rapidly across the water’s surface. They also had pairs of pointy, light pink feet that helped them stand steadily on the ice. All the penguins were short, chubby, and incredibly adorable! I couldn’t help but ask my dad if he could buy me a penguin toy as a keepsake. He agreed and got me a pink plush penguin.

From that day on, I completely fell in love with penguins. Whenever I come across books, clothes, or toys about penguins, I collect them so I can learn more and love them even more. Because I love this animal so much, I’ve also learned a lot about them, and I hope that one day I can visit Antarctica to see them in person—and even study them to help protect our Earth and do my part in protecting penguins.

By

杨善谊 翻译 (Translation) 2/05/25