THE POLO R-VII SCHOOL DISTRICT ANTHER RIDE OctoberP 2007 P Volume 3, Issue 11 FROM THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL by Beverly Deis IMPORTANT OCTOBER Elem. Principal DATES It is amazing how the year is flying by! The school year is off to a great start. Midterm reports for the first quarter have been sent out and Homecoming 2007 is behind us. Students and staff have practiced a tornado and a fire drill. Third grade Oct 9 students have already traveled on one field trip to the Bonanza Wildlife Area north Picture Day Retakes @ 8:30 a.m. of Polo. FCCLA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m. In the classrooms, teachers are using the grade level expectations (GLEs) and Oct 10 the Assessment Program (MAP) Crystal Reports to plan their daily les- Sports Association Meeting @ 5:00 p.m. sons. Students take home their planners (or agendas) on a daily basis and parents should be initially these. Tutoring sessions began on September 25 for most stu- Oct 13 dents and some tutoring will begin after Parent Teacher Conferences. The Gates- FBLA Worlds of Fun Trip MacGininite Reading Assessments were given to all students in grades 1 – 6 the first week in October. These scores are part of the criteria to determine the reading Oct 15 grade level for each student. Cafeteria Appreciation Week Students and staff recognized our custodial staff (Sharon Burnett, June Bost, ASVAB Testing (Juniors and Seniors) - 8:30 a.m. Allen Burnett, Gary Pollard, and Don Vier) during the week of September 10. FBLA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m. Mark your calendars now for Parent-Teacher Conferences, October 25, 1:00 – Oct 17 8:00 pm. There will be no school on Friday, October 26. Fall classroom parties Missouri Day will be on Wednesday, October 31, with the costume parade beginning at 1:45. FCCLA Regional Meeting @ Liberty PSAT - 8:30 a.m. PARENTS AS TEACHERS Oct 18 by Emily Powers Music Booster Meeting Staff Writer FBLA Officer Installation and New Member Induction Ceremon @ 6:30 p.m. Parents As Teachers is a free program offered to all families in the Polo School District. The goal of PAT is for all children to learn, grow, and develop to Oct 19 achieve their full potential. Parents As Teachers believe that a child’s first End of First Quarter teacher is their parents. Research shows that participation in PAT increases a child’s school readiness and school success. Oct 22 Personal home visits by a trained parent educator are offered to all families in Bus Safety Week the Polo School District with children prenatal to Kindergarten entry. During personal visits the educator will share child development information, help par- Oct 24 ents learn to observe their children, address any concerns parents have , and Herff Jones - Explain Senior Orders @ 11:00 a.m. provide engaging family activities that will stimulate parent-child interaction. Brain development that takes place before age one is rapid and extensive. Oct 25 The window of opportunity to address the growth is short and needs to be rec- Early Out - 11:30 a.m. ognized or certain development skills such as, sensory skills, communication PTO Fundraiser Pizza Party skills, and social skills may not be ‘wired’ properly in the child brain. PAT be- Parent/Teacher Conferences - 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. lieves that prenatal involvement in a child’s learning has a direct impact on the child’s academic skills such as reading and writing. PAT wants the best for Oct 26 each child and being educated helps parents understand what to expect during No School each stage of development. Group meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend with children Oct 27 ages birth to Kindergarten entry. At group meetings parents are offered child ACT Testing at Polo High School development and parenting information. Children get the opportunity to play with other children their age and parents can watch their interaction. Parents Oct 30 also get the opportunity to build lifelong friendships and form support networks Plan Test - 10th Graders @ 8:30 a.m. with other parents in the community. Health, hearing, vision, and development screenings are available for all chil- Oct 31 dren in the district ages six months to Kindergarten entry. Regular screening of a child’s developmental progress identifies strengths, as well as concerns that Elementary Fall Parties may require referral to follow-up services in the community. Costume Parade @ 1:45 p.m. For more information or to enroll in Parents As Teachers contact: Jamy Aubrey, Herff Jones - Take Senior Orders @ 2:15 p.m. PAT Coordinator/Educator at 354-2200 ext.114 For an opportunity to meet Jamy or other parents in the program to ask ques- tions, you are invited to attend the PAT Fall Fun Fest (ages 2-5) meeting in the old Ag shop October 23rd at 6:30 p.m. At this meeting Halloween safety issues will be addressed and there will be fun activities for the kids. If you attend the meeting you don’t have to join PAT, just come and see what Parents As Teach- ers is all about! INFO Subscribe Today for the Rural Reporter Polo Edition. NONPROFIT Mail in to P.O. Box 233, Polo MO 64671 or call in at (660) Postal Patron 255-4300 to place your subscription today for the Rural U.S. POSTAGE Reporter Polo Edition. The cost is $26.75 for a full year. All Polo, MO 64671 PAID that is needed is your name, address and billing information. PERMIT NO. 31 2 October 2007 The Panther Pride NEWS PATS ON THE BACK Reading Programs Helping Students Polo R-VII School District offers two programs to help low achiev- ing children improve their reading abilities. One program, for first graders only is the Reading Recovery Program. The program is in its second year in Polo School District. Developed by New Zealand educator Dr. Marie M. Clay, Reading Recovery® is a short-term intervention for children who have the lowest achievement in literacy learning in the first grade. Children meet individually with a specially trained teacher for 30 minutes each day for an average of 12-20 weeks. The goal is for children to develop effective reading and writ- ing strategies in order to work within an average range of classroom performance. Recently, the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) a branch of the United States Department of Education completed a three year independent assessment and has found that Reading Re- covery® is the only beginning reading program to earn full approval in all four domains of the review – alphabetics, fluency, comprehen- sion, and general reading achievement. The other program is Title I reading. Each student (grades 1-4) reading performance is checked in three areas. Scores on the Gates- Above: The following cafeteria staff were recognized at the Sep- MacGinitite Reading Achievement Test, the STAR test (a computer- tember Board of Education meeting for their continued service. ized reading test) and a teacher evaluation based on the students’ Samara Wormsley, Tina Bell, Sharla Stith, Lanette Zinna, and achievement of the Missouri Grade Level Expectations (GLE’s). Marsha Holt. Eligibility is based on a low standard of performance on at least two of the three evaluation tools. Students qualifying will receive daily FBLA Update chapter and will hold DLC here on help in reading either through pulling them from the classroom for by Joan Ahart Monday, February 18, 2008. It was attention or by the Title I reading teacher joining them in the regular Staff Writer also approved to take part in the online classroom for assistance. In some cases extended learning time, The “iCan” program, set up by testing the state has developed. All through before or after school tutoring is prescribed. Missouri FBLA, focuses on helping objective tests will be completed at The eligibility lists were being finalized and parents will be notified stop hunger through the Reach Out the home school prior to the DLC. if their child qualifies for the program. If you have questions or and Care Program. More than 854 Performance events such as the Job concerns about the Title 1/Reading Recovery program, please con- million people in the world are hun- Interview will still take place the day tact Beverly Deis, elementary principal or Lori Hicks, Title I/Reading gry. Missouri FBLA is encouraging of the conference. To take place of Recovery Teacher at 660-354-2200. local chapters to hold canned food the objective tests that have been drives and other projects throughout taken the day of the conference in FCCLA Update the year to help many people in need. the past, FBLA members will be able by Kim Webb Food gathered by the local chapters to listen to presenters and participate FCCLA will be donated to local food pantries. in workshops. Reporter The chapter who collects the most The Polo FBLA chapter is also The Family Career and Community Leaders of America held food will be recognized at the Dis- pumped for their Worlds of Fun Day their first meeting of the year and installed new officers on Septem- trict Leadership Conference and the on October 13. FBLA chapters from ber 10, 2007. The following new officers are President Amber 20 districts in the state will compete the western side of the state will join Endsley, Vice President Andrea Kesler, Treasurer Kasey Claypole, for the most items collected. The in on a fun filled day at the Kansas Secretary/Reporter Kim Webb, Recreation Leader Ambrielle Hicks, winning district will be announced and City amusement park. There is more and Historian Kim O’Dell. recognized at the State Leadership than half of the Polo chapter attend- Upcoming plans for FCCLA members include the Caldwell County Conference in April. ing the Worlds of Fun Day. Foundation cancer walk-a-thon on Saturday, September 29. Polo The Polo FBLA chapter is excited The next FBLA meeting will be members raised a total of over $120. October events include the to be involved in the Halloween held on Monday, October 15, 2007. Region 2 Lock-in in which over 30 other schools will spend the th “iCan” program. Polo FBLA mem- We are having a ‘B.Y.O.B’ party, evening at the Chillicothe YMCA on Friday October 5 from 11:00 bers will go trick-or-treating and in- where everyone will, ‘Bring Your p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The cost will be $5 per person and parents are still stead of trick-or-TREATING they Own Banana’ for a banana split! We needed to help car pool. th will trick-or-CAN. The FBLA mem- will be discussing old and new busi- The next chapter meeting is October 9 at 6:30 p.m. and the $20 bers will be asking for canned goods ness. The officer installation and new dues are due at that time. th instead of candy and donated canned member induction ceremony will be On October 17 the entire chapter will attend the Region 2 meet- goods will be given to Christ’s Cup- held on Thursday, October 18 at 6:30 ing in Liberty. Last but not least, they will be again selling Red board in Polo. So on October 31, 2007 p.m. Family and community mem- Wheel food items later this fall and planning pumpkin painting with have canned goods in your candy bers are invited to attend. Refresh- the preschool. baskets for the FBLA members to ments will follow the ceremony. rd trick-or-CAN you. If you’re interesting in joining the 3 Graders at Bonanza Polo FBLA chapter, adult or student, FBLA Vice-President Kim Webb by Patty Dixon and Secretary Joan Ahart attended you can. Adults can become a ‘Pro- 3rd Grade the FBLA Districts Fall Planning fessional member’ and can get ben- Teacher Meeting on September 26, 2007. The efits such as discounts in certain ar- meeting was lead by the District 19 eas. Visit the FBLA websites at Polo Third Graders attended the 4th Annual Environment Appre- officers. Items discussed involved www.fbla.org and click on the Pro- ciation Day on September 20th at Bonanza Wildlife Refuge. We the planning of the District Leader- fessional Division tab for more infor- rotated through eight different educational stations such as: The ship Conference. Polo is the hosting mation. Great Outdoors, Farm Animals, Soil Conservation, and About Fish- ing in which the students were taught how to bait a hook with worms and cast. They learned the catch and release method also that day. Other stations included: Bees, Bees, Everywhere, and probably their favorite station was the Stream Table. The students met meteorolo- gist Pete Grisby from Channel 9 News which was very exciting. Lunch was also provided for each student, a goody bag, and a bird- house was given to everyone who attended at the end of the day. We would like to thank the Caldwell County Soil & Water Conserva- tion District for this educational opportunity. NEWS http://polo.k12.mo.us October 2007 3 PANTHER PRIDE Homecoming Traditions Homecoming Outcomes Float Building by Kelsi Pile by Joan Ahart by Mitch Huntley Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer As you know, the week of September 17th was The 2007 Homecoming Football game was As you all know floats are always a big Homecoming week. During the week there were played on Friday, September 21, 2007 against the part of homecoming. Every year the se- many traditional activities such as the pep rally, King City Wildkats. When all was settled, the nior class decides the theme for each class bon fire, parade, homecoming football game, and score was 20-zip, leaving the panthers with yet to follow. This year’s chosen theme was the dance. another victory. “Game Shows”. The freshman choice was At the pep rally the cheerleaders had games The Varsity Panther Football captains Ryan Deal or No Deal, sophomores Hollywood and activities planned for the evening. Some of Barnes, Josh Duncan, Lathan Dixon, and Charlie Squares, juniors Wheel of Fortune, and the games included a few of the high school Bourch all commented that it was the best defen- seniors The Price is Right. Being as I am coaches and faculty, including Mr. Snodgrass who sive game the 2007 football team has played yet. a junior and have been on the winning float almost fell down after excitedly jumping into a Captain Josh Duncan says, “This was the most building team for two years now, [last baby pool filled with a wet floury mixture. The painful win on my part.” year’s Panthers of the Caribbean float and object of the coaches’ game was to get plastic Captain Ryan Barnes had 12 tackles. Captain this year’s Wheel over the Wildkats float] golf balls out of the pool using only their feet. Also Charlie Bourch had nine tackles with two for a I’ll give you all a sample of just what does there was the annual cheerleader vs. football loss, one touchdown, and one interception. Cap- go on to get these good looking floats on player relay. This year the cheerleaders got blown tain Josh Duncan had 27 carries for 131 yards, the road. away, with the football players winning by one one touchdown and one touchdown on a 75 yard As most of you know this year we had person. punt return. Captain Lathan Dixon had six tack- a pretty impressive wheel on our float. To Following the pep rally was the bon fire, where les with three for a loss and one sack. get that 11 foot, 400 lb wheel I had to travel some of the Polo football coaches, players, and Football Coach, Chris Johnson says, “It was a clear to Kansas City, Kansas to pick it up alumni gave speeches. Some speech givers in- hard earned victory.” and bring it home. It was originally a spool cluded Coach Chris Gagnon, Coach Chris The half time show was delayed for an hour that held irrigation pipe for construction. Johnson, Mr. Jason Snodgrass, and senior foot- because of a thunderstorm that had moved into Yet retrieving the massive wheel was only ball players Ryan Barnes, Charlie Boruch, Lathan the area. However, after the delay a shortened the beginning, when I brought it home on Dixon, and Josh Duncan. To close the bon fire Jig version of the Homecoming Coronation took Saturday the 15th. Alan Vassmer and I had Jag Johnson’s Fireworks donated to have an im- place. The Polo Panther Pride Marching Band to paint and build heavy duty braces to sup- pressive fireworks display. did not get the opportunity to play during half time port the weight of the 400lb wheel, before Friday was the parade, which was later fol- in spite of all the hard work they had put into pre- taking it up to the school for the prettier lowed by the home football game where the Polo paring for the nights big event. The Homecoming half of decorations. Monday started off Panthers towered over the King City Wildkats win- Queen Candidates, Joan Ahart, Megan with many juniors stuffing in the napkins, ning 20-0. The homecoming dance was held the Snodgrass, and Alyssa LaMarr, still smiled brightly which usually takes a long time to finish, following Saturday night from 8-11 p.m., where in the face of the rain that had damped the evening. only took about an hour. Day two started there was a good turnout. Superstars of the dance After each court member and candidate were off well. We built signs for the front, back, were Chad Bell and Mitch Huntley making an announced, the Homecoming King 2007 was and sides of the float but only placed the attempt to dance every song and dance with ev- awarded to Charlie Bourch and Homecoming signs on the sides of the trailer. On Wednes- eryone. Queen 2007 to Joan Ahart. day we placed the pennants on the wheel So homecoming this year was a big success This is going to be in the category of ‘Most and painted them, and then we placed the and everyone had a swell time!! Unforgettable Homecomings in Polo Panther His- big signs on the front and back of the float tory.’ and called it a day. Following on Thursday we had little to do but paint the napkins in Polo Band Competes at Carrollton Band Day our theme’s colors and do some last minute by Saren Thomas touch ups. Staff Writer Friday, the big day, we placed the Wildkat football player getting ran over by September 22nd the Polo Panther Pride march- band trailer to get dressed back into street the wheel on are float and pulled the 11 ing band left early in the morning to attend clothes and eat the donut breakfast. Later the foot first place float out on the road. In the Carrolton Band Days. The band has put in count- auxiliary team was to perform in the gym of the end, I was really pleased with the amount less early morning band sessions to help them- school. The flags had an astonishing perfor- of effort my class put in to make a suc- selves prepare for this competition. As the band mance which wowed the crowd. After that the cessful float. Hopefully next year will be approached the starting point of the parade a few band packed up to go home since the awards even better. I’m envisioning that we can members of the band got butterflies in their stom- ceremony wasn’t going to be held until later that add moving parts with smoke and flames achs. The parents, family, judges, and spectators evening. Results were found out the following and what not. I won’t get too ahead of my- all loved the band uniforms worn at the parade school day. The band did not place in the top self, or else you all will be expecting those which consisted of black band pants, the five but were in the middle of the twenty-two. things, and if we don’t deliver them we Incredibles tee-shirts, and black superhero masks. “I am very happy with how the band marched might not get another first place. We’ll just This being the reason because the bands them even if we didn’t place in the top five, and new- have to wait and see what happens next song is from the Disney movie The Incredibles. comers to the band did extremely well for their year. Mrs. Limyao director of the band was very first parade” says Limyao. “And that’s the way I see it” impressed with the band’s parade performance. The Chillicothe parade is next on After the parade the band walked back to the the marching bands list so be sure to attend.

The Following Past Yearbooks 2006-2007 Yearbooks are Available for $10.00 Still Available 1995-1996 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 Limited Supply for only $40.00 2005-2006 Contact High School Office Contact the High School Office for your copy 4 October 2007 The Panther Pride NEWS SEE YOU AT THE POLE Polo Student Holds Office by Ashley Strickbine by Saren Thomas Staff Writer Staff Writer

On September 26th, at eight a.m. Polo students and Jacob Shivers a junior here at Polo High members of the community gathered around the flagpole School has been selected as the 2007-2008 in front of the high school doors. Pastor David Miller Vice President of Skills USA for Excelsior from the Knoxville Community Church opened with the Springs Area Career Center. He is also able verse John 17:20-23 and a prayer. Students from the to apply for districts and state Skills USA. Polo Christian Youth volunteered to speak at See You at To obtain this position Jacob had to submit the Pole. The first student was sophomore Alyssia Scobee an officer application, resume, and letter of who recited a poem she wrote titled, ‘It’s Possible’, Sopho- recommendation to Skills USA. Skills USA more Haley Hurd recited a piece from the book ‘Guard is a national organization that prepares teach- Your Heart’ by inspirational speaker Ron Luce. Also, ers, high school and college students who are junior Emma Hindman and Whitnee Allen shared verses studying for careers in skilled, technical, and that touch their heart. See You at the Pole has taken service occupations. It is an applied method place at Polo for several years. This year there was of instruction for high performance workers approximately fifty attendants. For more information about in public career and technical programs. Also See You at the Pole and for next years date go to http:// this organization is not only helping students www.syatp.com/. become superior workers but it “builds and reinforces good work attitude, communication ABOVE: Polo High School Jun- FFA Fruit Sales skills, self-confidence, character development, ior, Jacob Shivers is elected at the and pride and dignity of work”. Each year ap- SkillsUSA Vice President at RIGHT A ROUND THE C ORNER proximately 285,000 student and teachers join ESACC. the organization and it has served more than 9.3 by Emily Powers Staff Writer million members over the years. Jacob said “I am excited about being vice FFA Fruit Sales are right around the corner. At the last president because this is helping me turn my life FFA meeting in August, the option of looking for a new around”. fruit vendor was put into motion. During our last fruit sale, we received some negative feedback that some of the National Honor Society Happenings oranges weren’t as juicy and flavorful as they had re- by Ashley Strickbine membered FFA fruit being in recent years. This is not Staff Writer something that we wanted to hear and we definitely want National Honor Society members gathered for the monthly meeting in the library on October to bring you the best quality of fruit you can buy. The 1, 2007. Events discussed were hanging flags, the book fair, service projects and the field trip. chapter agreed to let the officer team take a closer look at This fall, NHS will be organizing a book fair to raise money to pay for their local service some other vendors and see what our options are. projects. The officers have been analyzing the brochures from a This year’s NHS members plan on having two service projects. On October 27th, NHS few different fruit suppliers. Many things have been con- members are assisting the People Who Care Organization at their annual Halloween sidered to make sure that no one is unsatisfied this year. that is held at the Community Center in Stagecoach Park. Activities at the Halloween Carnival The officers have spent hours and hours debating on which include games, prizes, and refreshments. Hayrides will also be given at the event. vendor will be the most successful in meeting your wants This winter, NHS members plan on hanging up Christmas decorations and buying gifts for and needs from the FFA fruit sale. Everything from the the senior citizens at a nursing home. cost to the size of the fruit has been considered with a fine After the two service projects this fall, the NHS members will use any money left over to go tooth comb. The FFA officers have made a decision on on a field trip. The field trip idea discussed is the Steamboat Arabia in Kansas City. which vendor they will go with and promise you will not be disappointed. When you buy FFA fruit, not only do you get some re- EUROPE TRIP 2008 ally amazing products but you also help the Future Farm- ers of America fund their trips. Throughout the course of by Abbie Russell the year FFA takes many trips that are life changing but Staff Writer rather pricey. FFA goes to National Convention in India- napolis Indiana, Grasslands contest in St. Joe, and in the The summer of 08’ will be kicked off with an exciting trip to Europe for some students. The spring FFA students travel to many places to compete in date of departure is Monday, June 2, 2008; the date of return is Wednesday, June 18, 2008. If th contests. FFA’s motto is learning to do, doing to learn, you are interested please contact Mr. Sterner by October 10 , 2007. The final payment deadline earning to live, and living to serve. So when you see the is Sunday, February 24, 2008. There must be at least 14 people signed up for the trip to occur. blue jackets coming to your door remember that we are The requirements for the trip are the completion of eighth grade (all subjects passed) and Mr. working for you!!! Sterner’s approval. The cost, minus spending money and lunches, is $2915.00. The first day will be an overnight flight to Germany. The following sixteen days will be split up between Frankfurt, Munich, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne region, Colmar/Alsace, Paris, Counselor’s Corner London, and the trip home. Fifteen nights will be spent in a hotel with private bathrooms; there will be complete European breakfast and dinner daily; 7 sightseeing tours with director; 10 visits ACT test will be Dec.8th final applications are due to special attractions including the Heidelberg Castle wine barrel, Dachau Doges’ Palace, glass- Nov. 2nd. blowing demonstration at the Sistine Chapel, and the Notre Dame Cathedral; and a ride on a Seniors Eurostar high-speed train. This is a once in a lifetime trip for many-don’t miss out! -Some college applications are due on November 1,2007 -FAFSA information will be handed out in Nov/Dec -Sign up for College Day visits

Juniors -Polo will reimburse you for the $30 ACT test fee Parent Teacher Conferences -Take ACT and PSAT tests Sophomores Thursday, October 25th -Start looking at colleges and universities -Take Plan test

Freshman 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. -Remember this semester’s grades are the first you will earn that will be seen by colleges and universi- ties FEATURES http://polo.k12.mo.us October 2007 5 PANTHER PRIDE EVOLUTION OF HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS by Mitch Huntley Staff Writer

Over time, as you go from a kindergartener clear up by Ashley Strickbine to a senior the idea of Halloween changes. At first you Staff Writer dress up as Spiderman roaming from house to house to get treats and years later you watch scary movies that On Wednesday, September 26 the Polo Christian Youth group organized an event called keep you up all night. Through a resent survey, taken by Accelerate in the high school gymnasium from seven to nine p.m. Accelerate is a worship Polo students K-12, I have found out just where trick event that happens monthly at the Rock of KC church in Kansas City, Missouri. This month, begins and treat ends. Polo was lucky to have them bring the event to us! Starting with kindergartener Trysten Wolf stated, “This A week before the event students began having daily meetings during lunchtime. These year I plan to dress up as Spiderman and trick or treat meetings were a good time for students to prepare signs, flyers and to plan the event. The around Polo. Scaling from building to building just like in Polo Christian Youth members also supplied the food for the band and themselves before the the movie.” event. I thought they usually say “kids don’t try this at Adults and students from the Polo area began arriving around six-thirty p.m. and were home,” oh well have fun Trysten. cheerfully welcomed to the event by seniors Andrea Kesler and Ashley Strickbine at the Next skipping a few grades I talked to Joely Hicks door. Inside, the gymnasium was packed with around one hundred and fifty people! While who had an interesting idea of Halloween. the guests were inside, sophomores Whitnee Allen and Alyssia Scobee stuck post-it notes “Every year me and my grandma sew my costume with positive messages on the guests’ vehicles. After everyone had arrived, the band intro- and carve pumpkins. Then we go trick or treating around duced themselves and began worship. The band played songs by Hillsong United, the David Polo. Also I like to watch scary movies, and scare my Crowder Band, and some of their own. little brothers Jaxon and Jagger,” explained Hicks. “I was shocked at the turnout! When we were pulling into Polo we saw Accelerate signs Through this survey I noticed that seventh grade is all over the place. When we got to the school and got set up there were already all kinds of usually where kids start to gain a different perspective people showing up. We were so honored to get to come and rock out Polo High School. Mr. on Halloween. G is the man! Everyone needs to get to know him and get involved in the “POLO YOUTH As Daniel Boruch stated, “Instead of trick or treat- GROUP” We had a blast and can’t wait to come back…Polo HS Panthers Rule!!!!!” said ing I like to go out on the town with my friends and Luke Weese, the worship leader at Accelerate. Mr. Guerierro described Accelerate as scare people on the streets. Usually I still eat candy but “awesome to the power of N!” I also like to watch scary movies. This year I hope to go For more information about Accelerate and the Rock of KC go to http:// see the new Resident Evil movie.” www.varsitykc.com. In the tenth grade I asked Dalton Rardon just what he does for Halloween his answer was very surprising. Dalton said, “As most normal kids I like to watch HALLOWEEN COSTUMES scary movies and eat candy for Halloween, but I also like to dress up as a girl, which believe it or not scares What students/faculty had to say when asked people more than a Halloween costume. Every year I what their were going to be for Halloween. like to scare my grandma in my women outfit, boy I sure to give her a fright.” Wow a little weird but as long as you’re having fun, Dalton. Finally I talked to Jake Roberts a senior this year at Polo High. Jake stated, “Every year I like to have a bunch of friends over to carve jack-o lanterns and eat pumpkin seeds. Also I like to listen to the song, “Pumpkin Head Harvey” and tell ghost stories. Staff member Kim In conclusion, I would just like to say Halloween as Senior Tara Ross is going Templeton will be buzzing to be a pirate and her Freshman Nikki Junco these kids see it does change over time. As a kid you will be found prowling around the Elementary just can’t wait to go out and get a pillow case full of favorite candy is candy office as a bumble bee corn. as a cat trick-or- candy to take home and have mom yell at you for eat- treating for suckers. and her favorite candy ing it all in one night, to having your mom yell at you for are Smartees. staying out so late with your friends. Yet in the end the idea really stays the same we all love scary movies, eating candy or doing something fun with friends no matter what age you may be. Halloween Safety Tips -Children should go out during daylight hours only unless accompanied by a HOLIDAY HISTORY responsible adult. -Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set HALLOWEEN a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible by Abbie Russell enough to go out by themselves. Staff Writer -Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields. Make sure they know to stay in populated places and don’t go off the beaten track. Stay in well lighted Think you are magic? October 1st is supposed to be areas. the time witchcraft and such is most potent, so if you’re saving your powers that would be the day to use them. -Stop only at familiar houses in your own neighborhood unless they are accompa- Halloween used to be known as Hollow’s Eve, meaning nied by an adult. the day before All Hollow’s Day. All Hollow’s Day is a -Small children should never be allowed to go out alone on Halloween. Make day is a day saints were to be honored with a feast and sure an older sibling or adult is with them. festivities. Halloween was a day the saints were to rest -Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be in preparation for the coming day, and spirits were most examined by you. active. Commoners would often wear masks and other -Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. frightening items in hopes of keeping spirits away, which -Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their many now practice as a tradition. Trick-or-treating, costume to make them more visible to cars. costume parties, watching horror films, carving pump- Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat kins, and going “haunted housing” are also common tra- without an adult. ditions celebrated. 6 SPORTS October 2007 http://polo.k12.mo.us PANTHER PRIDE Volleyball Spikes Crowd Support...It Helps by Kelsi Pile by Josh Duncan Staff Writer Staff Writer Right now the Lady Panthers are in the Citizens of Polo if you’re sitting at home bored of watching re-runs and viewing your favorite movie midst of the season and working hard. So over and over again then come on out and support your Panthers. far they are 8-8-1, winning and losing 8, The Polo Volleyball team would be more then glad if the gym was packed full of people cheering and splitting a 2 match game. After earn- loudly after each ace and spike. The Softball and Football ball players would be pumped up if their ing 2nd in the CRC tournament the Lady stands were overflowing with crazy fans screaming out in excitement. Panthers have had 10 games and 1 tourna- The Polo athletes want you to be apart of their success on the field and on the court. So drop the ment. They have had ups and downs remote, grab your Panther gear, and come cheer them to a victory. throughout it all. This season the girls have Dates and times for upcoming activities are posted on the Polo High school website (http:// defeated Hardin, Norborne, Englewood polo.k12.mo.us/). Schedules can also be picked up in the High School office. Christian, Wellington and South Holt dur- Don’t be late, but late is better then never…... ing regular season and some others during tournaments. The Lady Panthers are led in kills and blocks by returning Junior Emma Hindman. October Athletic Events Leading in assists, are Sophomore setters October 8 Haley Hurd and Alyssa Scobee, and Junior JV Football @ Hamilton - 6:00 p.m. Courtney Cawthon is leading in aces with Varsity Volleyball @ Plattsburg - 5:30 p.m. her “power serve”. “Losing a number of valuable seniors, October 9 our girls knew from the beginning they were Junior High Football @ Braymer - 6:00 p.m. going to have to step it up in order to have October 12 a successful season. Many of our players Varsity Football @ Bethany - 7:00 p.m. saw little, if any playing time on the varsity October 15 team last year. Though there is always JV Football vs. Bethany - 6:00 p.m. room for improvement, I am very pleased October 16 with all ten of our players,” commented Varsity Volleyball @ Wentworth (Lexington) - 5:30 p.m. Coach Lindsey Frerking. October 19 th On October 17 the Lady Panthers are Varsity Football @ Hamilton - 7:00 p.m. traveling to the University of Missouri, in October 22 Columbia, to watch the Missouri women’s volleyball team take on last year’s national District Volleyball Tournament @ Polo - TBA champions Nebraska. October 23 “Our season really slows down the two District Volleyball Tournament @ Polo - TBA weeks prior to districts. We play two games October 26 in two weeks compared to the three games Varsity Football vs. Lathrop - 7:00 p.m. a week we had for three weeks. The Uni- October 29 versity of Missouri in Columbia offers a MS Basketball vs. Osborn - 6:00 p.m. great program for high school teams to come and watch the Lady Tigers. Our team is really excited to watch not only a tal- ented MU team but also the National Champs, Nebraska. I think that our girls will learn a lot from watching these two powerhouses battle it out on the court,” says Frerking. Good luck with the rest of your volley- ball season Lady Panthers and best wishes at the district tournament! 7 The Panther Pride October 2007 SPORTS 2007 Homecoming Review

Left: The Senior Homecoming candidates smile for the crowd after the rainy coronation.

Right: The Polo Marching Band drums to the beat of a victory during the annual Homecoming parade.

Below: The Panther shows how tough he’s going to be for the Wildkats.

Above: The cheerleaders succeed in getting the Seniors rawled up during the Pep Assembly.

Below: Polo Sophomores show their school spirit during PJ Day.

Above: The 2007 royalty poses for one last picture taken by Penny Copeland at twin springs PHOTOGRAPHY.

Left: Students take a minute from shaking their groove thang to snap a quick photo. INFORMATION

8 October 2007 http://polo.k12.mo.us PANTHER PRIDE OCTOBER ACTIVITIES CALENDAR AND MENU