PANTHER PRIDETHE POLO R-VII SCHOOL DISTRICT

December 2007 and January 2008 Volume 3, Issue 3

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Postal PatronPolo, MO 64671

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PAIDPERMIT NO. 31

ImportantJanuary Dates

Elementary Panther PrideElementary Panther PrideElementary Panther PrideElementary Panther PrideElementary Panther PrideOn Wednesday, December 19, 2007, Mrs. Deis had the “Panther Pride” drawing

for the first semester. For students to have their names in the drawing, anotherstudent or teacher has to tell Mrs. Deis what that student did to show Panther Prideat school. There were approximately 30 names in the drawing and the winnerswere Tyler Fesmire, Alex Johnson, Houston Stone, Ryan Henry, and James Cochran.One student helped another student when he dropped his tray in the cafeteria, threestudents picked up trash, and one student held the door open for an adult. When thestudents return for the second semester, a new “Panther Pride” bulletin board willbegin.

Jan 1No School

Jan 2No School

Jan 3Beginning of Second SemesterLate Start - 10:30 a.m.Varsity BB vs. Pattonsburg @ 6:00 p.m.

Jan 4Music Booster Meeting @ 5:00 p.m.

Jan 5Varsity Wrestling Tournament @ Rockport

Jan 7- 12Varsity BB @ Lathrop Tournament

Jan 10Varsity Wrestling vs. Tarkio @ 6:00 p.m.

Jan 12Varsity Wrestling @ Plattsburg Duals

Jan 14JV BB @ Maysville - 5:30 p.m.

Jan 15Varsity BB @ Gallatin - 6:00 p.m.

Jan 17Varsity Wrestling @ St. Pius - 6:00 p.m.

Jan 19Varsity Wrestling @ Lathrop Tournament

Jan 21No SchoolMartin Luther King, Jr. DayBoard Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

Jan 22Late Start - 10:30 a.m.Teacher In-ServiceVarsity BB @ Albany - 6:00 p.m.

Jan 24Varsity BB vs. East Buchanan @ 6:00 p.m.Middle School Dance @ 3:30 p.m.

Jan 25Varsity BB vs. Princeton @ 6:00 p.m.

Jan 26Varsity Wrestling @ Stanberry

Jan 29Varsity BB @ Bethany - 6:00 p.m.Varsity Wrestling @ Wentworth

Jan 31Varsity BB vs. Hamilton @ 6:00 p.m.Varsity Wrestling @ Hamilton - 6:00 p.m.

Beyond the curriculum many students in our district are busy competing in extracurricular activities. It is our belief that extra curricular activities and competitionhelps develop work ethic, motivation, and dedication for all students who partici-pate. When attending these activities please help us promote sportsmanship for allthose involved by being courteous to all athletes, officials, and spectators. Pleasehelp us make our second year as members of the Grand River Conference a suc-cess by attending the winter and spring activities and encouraging all participants.If we can provide anything that may make your visit to Polo High School moreenjoyable please allow us to help you. On the first page of this issue you will findthe school activities calendar for January. A full listing can be found on our schoolwebsite at polo.k12.mo.us under activities calendar.

Notes from MrNotes from MrNotes from MrNotes from MrNotes from Mr. Snodgrass. Snodgrass. Snodgrass. Snodgrass. Snodgrass

As we are nearing the end of our first semester, students and staff at Polo Elementaryhave many things to celebrate! Some of our celebrations include:

· Students in grades 4, 5, and 6 who received proficient or advanced on theirSpring 2007 MAP Assessments have attended their MAP Reward Party.

· Many students received a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Sonic, books,extra recess, or other rewards during Reading Week for completing and re-turning their reading logs.

· Cub Construction Preschool has recently received Missouri Accreditation forthe second time and the preschool is fully licensed.

With the weather being unpredictable this time of year, please make sure you sendproper coats, gloves, hats, etc. for recess time.Students in grades K-6 will be attending an assembly on “Charms of China” by Randy

Nadler. Students will be able to view many pictures of China while listening to Randydiscuss his travels there. This assembly is sponsored by our Parent – Teacher Organi-zation.Our K-12 Winter Program will be Thursday, December 13 at 6:30 in the high school

gymnasium. Students are to be here at 6:15. Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Limyao havecoordinated the program this year.School will dismiss on Friday, December 21 at 11:30 for our Winter Break. This will

also end our first semester (second quarter). Grade cards will be mailed out after wereturn to school on January 3, 2008. School will resume on January 3 with a late startday.I would like to thank the parents, patrons, and community members for your contin-

ued support of our school. Polo R-VII students and staff are fortunate to have yoursupport!I hope everyone enjoys their Winter Break with family and friends.

From the Desk of theFrom the Desk of theFrom the Desk of theFrom the Desk of theFrom the Desk of theElementary PrincipalElementary PrincipalElementary PrincipalElementary PrincipalElementary Principal

2 December 2007/January 2008 The Panther PrideNEWS

The Elementary students ob-served Reading Week with specialactivities scheduled for everydayduring the week of Nov. 12 – 16.. On Monday, the students partici-

pated in “Par-rot Day”, duringwhich they wore a brightly col-ored shirt and then “paired up”with another grade level to readwith for 10 minutes. The Kinder-garten classes hosted a “Breakfastwith Books” for their 3rd Gradebuddies. The 2nd grade read to thepreschoolers and the 1st graderswere paired up with the 4th gradeclass.Tuesday, we celebrated “Na-

tional Young Reader’s Day”. Ev-eryone was encouraged to wear aball cap and then that night theywere reminded that they couldparticipate in a special bedtimereading of “The RemarkableFarkle McBride” by logging on towww.book i tp rog ram.com/bedtimestory from 4 p.m. on -viewable all night).Also during the week the class-

rooms were asked to participate ina “We READ in the RED Day”.All were asked to wear readsweatshirt, sweat pants or thewhole sweat suit and then practicereading “Round Robin” style.Last, the students held a “Beat the

Reading Blues Day” and theyworked on reading to a beat (i.e.poetry).All week long the students were

to keep track of nightly reading ona reading log. The parents wereasked to read 10 to 20 minutesdaily with their child, dependingon the grade level. The parentswere also given a “Reading Tips…” handout to help explain theimportance of, as well as, encour-age nightly reading.Many extra activities were going

on throughout the week to pro-mote reading. All the administra-tors and the nurse came to read tothe Kindergarten classrooms.There was also the Book Fairwhich was held in the Library allweek long.

Reading Week

The Polo R-VII School Districtwill accept declarations of candi-dacy from any person interested inrunning for a position on theSchool Board in the April 8, 2008,election. Persons interested mayfile at the superintendent’s officelocated at 300 W. School Street,Polo, Missouri 64671.Filing will begin on December

18, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. and will con-tinue during the district’s regularbusiness hours, which are Mondaythrough Friday from 8:00 a.m. to4 p.m. Filing will not occur ondays that the school district’s of-fices are closed due to inclementweather. Filing will also not occuron the following holidays when theschool district’s offices are closed:Monday, December 24, 2007through Wednesday, January 2,2008. Filing will end on January22, 2008, at 5:00 p.m.There are 3 positions available

with three-year terms.

POLO R-VIISCHOOL

DISTRICTSCHOOL BOARD

ELECTIONS

Left: ElementaryPrincipal BeverlyDeis sports her hat asshe reads a story tothe tentive listeners.

Right: Middle and HighSchool Principal JasonSnodgrass makes a point toshow the illustrations of thebook he reads.

Left: Third Gradeteacher Mrs. PattyDixon checks forcomprehension asshe reads to her stu-dents.

Above: Polo R-VII Superintedent Robert Newhart takes time out ofhis busy schedule to read an interesting book to the elementary stu-dents during Reading Week.

The Kindergarten thru 6th gradestudents at Polo R7 had a wonder-ful opportunity this November.Each student made a Christmascard to be sent to our brave troopsin Iraq. The opportunity was madepossible by Phyllis Miller at ChristChapel Church. The church con-ducted a card drive; if each stu-dent made a card then ChristChapel would pay to have themsent to troops in Iraq. Ms. Millerhas an acquaintance who is a doc-tor currently serving in a militaryhospital in Afghanistan. The cardswere to be passed out to woundedsoldiers to brighten their stay in thehospital.

I recently received an emailednote that the cards arrived andwere passed out to the woundedand a hospital helicopter deliveredsome of them to the “front line”.The soldiers were very touched bythe heartfelt well wishes and thanksfrom our children and have re-quested pictures so that they cansee the faces of these great kidsthat we have here at Polo. We willbe taking class group pictures nextweek to send overseas. We shouldall be proud of our troops and ourchildren who understand the im-portance of their sacrifice and theirneed for appreciation and support.

Submitted by Lorie Fickess—ArtTeacher K-12

On December, 12, 2007, JenniiSorensen united Abbie Elizabethand Christopher Joe Ake in theannual Family Relations mockwedding. The Family Relationsclass, taught by FACs teacherCarol Phares, has been the last fewweeks discussing the various stepsin planning a wedding. Frompicking out the style of invitationsto making a wedding cake, theycovered it all. Numerous videos

were also watched to see contem-porary styles and popular fashionsof weddings today.

Other members of the weddingparty included the following: par-ents of the bride were Brad Blairand Stormy Ross, parents of thegroom were Braden Chastian andAlyssa LaMarr, Charlie Boruchserved as the usher, bridesmaidsincluded Sarah Souza and KimWebb with Maid of Honor Emily

Powers, and groomsmen were PhiCasey and Kylan Roark with BestMan Ricky Armstrong. MissFrerking’s Accounting class alsojoined in on the project. RitaStottlemyre served as the photog-rapher, Andra Young took on theduty of video taping, and JoshDuncan provided the music for theceremony.

by Abbie RussellStaff Writer

Polo StudentsPolo StudentsPolo StudentsPolo StudentsPolo StudentsCheer UpCheer UpCheer UpCheer UpCheer Up

TTTTTroops in Iraqroops in Iraqroops in Iraqroops in Iraqroops in Iraq

Annual Family Relations’ Mock Annual Family Relations’ Mock Annual Family Relations’ Mock Annual Family Relations’ Mock Annual Family Relations’ Mock WWWWWeddingeddingeddingeddingedding

NEWSPANTHER PRIDE

3http://polo.k12.mo.us December 2007/January 2008

The National Honor Society heldthe annual book fair in the Libraryduring November 12th-16th. Thepurpose of the book fair is to raisemoney for the chapter. The chap-ter raised a total of $589.86 fromthe book fair. Each member ofNHS was encouraged to help withthe book fair. It turned out to beanother great success. In othernews, the members will assist thelocal Veterans by hanging flags onPearl Harbor Day and PresidentsDay.

Future plans for the NationalHonor Society are to visit the“Bodies Revealed” exhibit atUnion Station in Kansas City, Mis-souri. “Bodies Revealed: Fasci-nating + Real” is the next museumexhibition coming to Union Sta-tion in spring of 2008. At “Bodies

Revealed” NHS members will,examine everything that lies be-neath the human skin, from thebones to the muscles to the intri-cate nervous system. Memberswill learn more about the manycomplexities that make the humanbody into a flawless, life-givingmachine. The members will seeat least twenty actual human bod-ies that went through polymer pres-ervation so they will be displayedaccurately. The members are veryexcited about this future field trip.Also next spring, qualified sopho-mores and juniors will receive ap-plications for the National HonorSociety. We encourage everyoneto apply!

National Honor Society Updateby Ashley Strickbine

Staff Writer

3rd Grade Buddies HelpKindergarteners with Holiday Fun

Left: 3rd grader, KaLeeTarwater reads a holdiayclassic to Kindergartener,Jordan Rash.

Right: 3rd grader, AustinArthur helps Kindergartener,Ethan Jeffus with decoratinghis snowflake.

Left: 3rd grader,Jolee Hicks readsand shows the illus-trations toKindergartener, TylerFesmire.

Christian Youth Updateby Ashley Strickbine

Staff Writer

On November 28 the Polo Chris-tian Youth Group was proud tosponsor the second Accelerateevent at Polo High School. Ac-celerate is a worship event thathappens monthly at the Rock ofKC church in Kansas City, Mis-souri. The Polo Youth group wasextremely happy to have the eventback at Polo. Last October whenAccelerate was here, there wereover one hundred and fifty attend-ees. This time there were approxi-mately one hundred and twentyfive. It may have been a smallercrowd, but it was still just as awe-some! This time the band cameprepared with new lighting ar-rangements and more t-shirts.“Most fun I’ve had at an Acceler-ate” Lathan Dixon

To start of the event, sophomore,Alyssia Scobee sang the hymn“Amazing Grace.” And theyclosed it off by singing the birth-day song to Senior AshleyStrickbine.

For a Christmas project, the PoloChristian Youth group is sponsor-ing a local family with the SADDmembers. Members of the groupsare collecting money and gifts todonate to the family. Also dinnerwill be prepared for the family inneed. If anyone is interested inhelping the family in need contactMr. G.

One Night: 2007 will also be com-

ing up on New Years Eve! OneNight: 2007 is a new tradition ofthe Rock of KC church in KansasCity. One Night will be a HUGENew Year’s Bash held at the Rockof KC church. There will be twolive bands, one coming all the wayfrom Nashville, Tennessee called‘The Turning,’ and ‘Varsity’ theworship band at the Rock of KCchurch. For more informationabout The Turning go to http://www.myspace.com/theturning.There will be an extreme amountof games such as a Guitar HeroCompetition, Halo 3 Competition,Polar Bear Slam Dunk Contest,Photo Shoot, Hip Hop DanceCompetition, Pedestal Jousting,Sumo Suit Wrestling, and a Me-chanical Bull. There will also befood, a fully loaded café, and a2,008 Balloon Drop with prizes inevery balloon! They are also giv-ing away a Nintendo Wii and giftcards to places such as Best Buy,iTunes, area restaurants and cloth-ing stores. Event t-shirts will beavailable to purchase at the event.Tickets are $8 prior to December9th, and $10 at the door. If enoughPolo students and area membersare interested, transportation willbe provided. For more informa-tion about One Night: 2007 go toh t t p : / / w w w. v a r s i t y k c . c o m /new_years_2007.

“While only one day of the yearis dedicated solely to honoring ourveterans, Americans must neverforget the sacrifices that many ofour fellow countrymen have madeto defend our country and protectour freedoms.” This quote byRandy Neugebauer is somethingall Americans who enjoy their dailyroutines should think about. OnNovember 11th local veteranscame to the elementary to sharetheir experiences in the militaryand what it has done for the UnitedStates. The veterans told abouttheir time in the service and whattheir jobs were. This was bothbeneficial and informative to thekids. They asked the veteransquestions and got a better under-standing that the freedoms theyenjoy are not free.

On December 7th VeteransDonald Joe Dixon, John Allen,Bob Berger, Jerry Sprouse, AndyGranfield, Bill Kelley, Roy Leeper,Charles Allard, Doris Carter, andgave a moving presentation togrades 7- 12 about the events thatoccurred at Pearl Harbor and whatAmerican pride represents. Presi-dent of the Polo American Legion,Donald Joe Dixon, opened the as-sembly with some interesting factsabout World War II and what heexperienced during that time. Fol-lowing that, other members of thelegion took part in presenting what

Veterans Speak at PHS

each of the folds in a flag repre-sents, that the flags red stripesstand for blood the white stripesstand for peace and the blue back-ground of the stars stands for pride.Bob Berger showed students all ofthe flags that have flown acrossAmerica before the current flaghad been created. During the pre-sentation Sophomores AlyssaScobee and Ashleigh Jones sangthe National Anthem, everyonestood to recite the Pledge of Alle-giance, and Alan Vassmer playedTaps on his trumpet. Roy Leeperbrought a Japanese flag that he hadtaken from a Japanese commanderafter his group had defeated themon the Philippine Islands in WWII.The flag is now very thin but theJapanese symbols marked on it arestill very clear. Roy isn’t quite surewhat the writings mean but the flagis one of the greatest souvenirs asoldier could bring back. Theveterans gave an excellent presen-tation not focusing so much on thewar stories themselves but on whywe should be grateful for our vet-erans and the sacrifices they havemade so that the rest of us can livemore comfortably and as we wish.The student enjoyed the assemblyand hearing the experiences of theveterans. The veterans are greatlyappreciated and the students ofPolo would like to thank them fortaking the time to share their sto-ries with us.

by Emily PowersStaff Writer

4 December 2007/January 2008 The Panther PrideNEWS

them, he really bought them forhimself. I sure thought it wasfunny, but my mom wasn’t reallylaughing.”That was a pretty good story

Coach, now moving on to thebusiness teacher, LindseyFrerking who said, “For oneChristmas I received a year’smembership to the Jelly of theMonth Club. What is that youmight ask? Well if you have everseen the movie Christmas Vaca-tion then you would know whatI’m talking about. Basically themembership includes the privilegeto receive a new jelly at the end ofeach month, I was really disap-pointed, but on the bright side, Iwon’t ever have to buy jellyagain.”In the end the true idea of Christ-

mas is really to spend time withfriends and family and enjoy eachothers company. To watch the tra-ditional Christmas movies drinksome eggnog or cocoa, put up theChristmas tree and exchange gifts.Everyone I’m sure has had a fewgifts they wish they could giveback, but really in the end it is thethought that counts even if it is aJelly of the Month Club certificate.

by Emily PowersStaff Writer

The Barnwarming dance tookplace in the multi-purpose roomFriday November 9th after theblood drive. Students put on theirwestern attire and had a good timelistening to some good old coun-try music. The Barnwarmingcourts were Freshmen AlexTempleton and Jeff King, Sopho-mores Paige Ahart and LanceSnodgrass, Juniors Kyndra Stithand Alan Vassmer, and SeniorsEmily Powers and Ryan Barnes.The 2007 Barnwarming king andqueen were Ryan Barnes andEmily Powers. Shortly after theywere crowned they had their firstdance which was the alwayspopular chicken dance.

Another part of Barnwarmingwas all of the fun games. The firstgame that was played was the hulahoop game where every one heldhands and passed a hula hoop fromone person to the next by steppingthrough it and passing it alongtheir arms. The next activity onthe agenda was Greenhand Initia-tion. This year officers decidedto go with something that wouldtest just how much the Greenhandsknew about the history of FFA andneedless to say they were stumpedon several questions. As a conse-quence of getting a wrong answerthey were rudely shocked by awhipped cream pie in the face.Somehow, even the few that did

get a correct answer still managedto get a pie in their face, exceptfor Alex Templeton who blockedit and ran out of the gym.

The next games that attendeesplayed were part of the skill a thon.In this competition students di-vided themselves into groups offive. The skill a thon consisted offive different stations which werethe spaghetti drop, cider chugging,nail driving, hay bale tossing, andsack racing. Participants were toperform each obstacle one personat a time and then after the fifthobstacle the person could go. Thewinning team members wereLance Snodgrass, SpencerSnodgrass, Mitch Huntley, AlanVassmer, and Kyle Stith. Theywere more than happy to rub theirvictory in everyone else’s face.

The last game played was a tour-nament similar to rock paper scis-sors. The rules of this game werefor the participants to pick onepartner and whoever lost went offof the court and then they had topick a new partner. The winnerof this game was LanceSnodgrass.

Senior Megan Snodgrass said,“I’m so glad that we saved thebest Barnwarming for my lastyear.”

Most attendees agreed toMegan’s statement and look for-ward to next year’s dance.

2007 FFA Barnwarming

The March of Dimes mission isto improve the health of babies bypreventing birth defects, prema-ture birth, and infantmortality. The March of Dimescarry out this mission through re-search, community services, edu-cation and advocacy to save ba-bies’ lives. March of Dimes re-searchers, volunteers, educators,outreach workers and advocateswork together to give all babies afighting chance against the threatsto their health: prematurity, birthdefects, low birth weight.Over the last 30 years, the March

of Dimes has had a successfulpartnership with the Future Busi-ness Leaders of America. In thistime, FBLA has raised over $12million for the March of Dimesand reached hundreds of thou-sands of young people. In 2000,FBLA again raised a remarkable$500,000 for the March ofDimes. Five percent of thatmoney, or roughly $25,000, was

FBLA Change Driveby Ashley Strickbine

Staff Writer

given back to FBLA to be used inthe form of grants for leadershipprojects. This money helps to en-hance the FBLA/March of Dimesexperience and strengthens effortsin making lasting chapters.The Polo FBLA chapter recently

had a change drive for the Marchof Dimes. Grades K-12 partici-pated. Donation buckets wereplaced in every class room as wellas the high school office, and lo-cal businesses around Polo. Tomake things exciting, the FBLApromised to buy the winning classbreakfast. Kindergarten raised$9.72, first grade raised $10.82,second grade raised $3.26, andthird grade raised $36.54. Thewinners were fourth grade with atotal donation of $55.00. Fifthgrade raised $12.34 and sixthgrade raised $11.85. Grades 7-12donated a total of $110.76. ThePolo FBLA is very excited to beable to send a total of $254.29!

Christmas Break

Christmas Time andThe Season of Giving

by Mitch HuntleyStaff Writer

It’s almost Christmas time. Atime to be with the family, to eatand exchange presents and sim-ply spend time together. As we allknow giving presents is always agreat thing to do, to see faces lightup in thanks and happiness, butI’m sure everyone has had apresent they weren’t so thankfulfor. I know, I know, you shouldalways be happy now matter whatthe gift, because it’s the thoughtthat counts, right, but sometimesyou wonder just what were theythinking when they picked outyour gift. To share with you a fewencounters I have once againtaken it upon myself to bring toyou true life stories from peopleat Polo High. The first person to share their

story is Chris Gagnon, whoquoted, “Well just to verify I’mnot the one that received the badgift, this story is between my par-ents. As a little background mymom has never hunted, she’s notreally an outdoor person at all.Well, one Christmas day, dadbought my mom some duckblinds. Of course she wasn’t evergoing to use them, but my dadnever intended for her to use

Christmas is a time for giving,being merry, and spending timewith family and friends. Manyfamilies have traditions in whichthey follow every year. Somefamilies just look forward to whatChristmas brings. Several seniorswere asked what they like aboutChristmas, and if their families didanything special or had traditionsfor the holidays.

Kasey Claypole says “My favor-ite thing about Christmas is see-ing my cousins who live in differ-ent states across the U.S.”

When asked if she had any fam-ily traditions she said she goes toher aunt’s house in Savanna, MOevery year Christmas morning.Watching old Christmas moviesand listening to Christmas musicare Andrea Kesler’s favorite thingsto do around Christmas, and herfamily tradition is to open presentson Christmas Eve.

When Bradley Blair was askedhe said “I like to eat at my grand-mas, dads and my house onChristmas day.”Besides all the great family time

Christmas brings about almost anystudent will tell you that they re-ally look forward to Christmasbreak.Looking forward to Christmas

break but needing some ideas?Here are some ideas for yourChristmas break. Get in thekitchen and bake something, youmight discover you’re a reallygood cook. Or, sit down and re-lax with a warm cup of hot choco-late while reading a book or maga-zine. Want to do something out-side? Invite friends over and builda snowman but put a fun twist onit. Try a hula skirt with coconutshells instead of the traditional hatand scarf. The point of Christmasbreak is to have fun while not be-ing in school, so make the best ofit.

by Saren ThomasStaff Writer

NEWSPANTHER PRIDE

5http://polo.k12.mo.us December 2007/January 2008

Dear Santa,I would like a operation gameand a yo-yo and whistle and abongo drum, because my dadwants me to get one. Can yougive my little brother, Nathan, 4presents, since he has been good?My sister has been good also.

Love,Brendon Arthur

Dear Santa,Santa can you give me a puppy?Can I also have a teddy bear anda pot to put on my play stove.Santa, can you give me a dino-saur? I will give you some cookieswhen you come to my house.

Love,Jasmine Taylor

Dear Santa,I would like a 4 wheeler, and aspiderman, a transformer, and astuffed bear. Have a MerryChristmas! I have been good tomy sisters. I play with them a lot.

Love,Trysten Wolf

Dear Santa,I would like a ballerina dress. Iwould like a purple skirt to wearto skirt after Christmas. I wouldlike a doll house with furnitureand dolls. I would also like abath duck to play with in mymom’s bathtub.

Love,Dawn Pieper

Dear Santa,I want for Christmas is a game, anew bike, a devil duck that theyhave at Walmart and some toysnakes. How is Rudolph? Is hefine or good? Is Rudolph goingto be the leader?

Love,Trevor Standley

Dear Santa,I would like a toy Christmas tree,a coloring book and a toy shovelto help my mom work in thegarden. I would also like crayonsthat have a sharpener with it.

Love,Jordan Rash

Dear Santa,I’d like a toy dump truck. I’d likea stuffed alien. I’d like a stuffedanimal snake. I’d like an opera-tion game. Has Rudolph beengood this year? Is Rudolph goingto be the leader today?

Love,Alex Pilger

Dear Santa,I’d like a toy roller coaster, and atoy dump truck, and a toy racecar. That’s all.

Love,Earl Cory

Dear Santa,I want a pair of sunglasses towear when I am playing in mybedroom. I also want a TV andtoothbrush and flip flops.

Love,Laney Durbin

Dear Santa,I would like a dog in a cage thatcan also get out of the cage. Iwould like a toy that is a carwash with a road to drive on. Iwould like a guitar to play musicwith it. And I want a toy dog formy baby sister. Has is theweather in the North Pole? Is itcold or hot? Is it great????

Love,Ethan Jeffus

Dear Santa,I want a toy fish, a toy tractorand a light up Christmas tree. Iwant a game like my big sisters.Tell Rudolph, Hi.

Love,Buck Cline

Dear Santa,I want a guitar and bell so I canplay music all day long. I want arace car and also a new sweater.How is Rudolph.

Love,Joseph Lopez

Dear Santa,I want a horse, a real doll one. Iwant a Operation game. I want apurple doll octopus. For Christ-mas I want a black, doll, kitty cat.

Love,Katherine Nichols

Dear Santa,I want a 4 – wheeler, a real one. Iwant a robot and dump truck. Ialso want some soap to wash. Ihave been good.

Love,Tyler Fesmire

Mrs. Silvey’s KindergartenLetters to Santa

Dear Santa,I have been very good this year. Iwould like to have a baby stroller anda new bicycle. Please bring somethingfor my brother and sisters. I will leavecookies under the tree for you.

Love,Montanna

Dear Santa,I have tried to be a good boy this year.I would like to have mummy costumeand a hawk costume. I would also liketo have a Santa Claus costume. Pleasebring my brother a X-Box 360 and acool video game. I also need some newmittens and a monster truck. Thankyou.

Love,Dylan

Dear Santa,I have been really, really good this year.I would like to have a toy truck and anew bicycle. I would also like to have atoy motorcycle. I will leave a snack foryou.

Love,Jacob

Dear Santa,I would like to have a dirt bike and theold bumblebee transformer. I wouldalso like to have a toy motorcycle anda dress up room and dress up clothes. Ihave tried to be good this year. I willleave some Cheetos under the tree foryou.

Love,Zeke

Dear Santa,I have been very good this year. Pleasebring me a Barbie doll, a Bratz doll, anda computer. I would also like to have aBratz doll make-up center. I will leaveyou some cupcakes under the tree.Please bring my brother a football anda transformer. Also bring my otherbrother a MP3 player.

Love,Shelby

Dear Santa,I have been good this year. I would liketo have a MP3 player, a toy shark anda toy crocodile. Please bring mybrother and sisters something too. I willleave cookies and milk for you.

Love,Aaron

Dear Santa,I would like to have a horse, a talkingdoll, a dollhouse and a Bratz make-upcenter. Please bring my sister arocking horse and a Cinderella dress.Please bring my mom a ladybugcatcher and a new hot tub. I will leaveyou some Christmas cookies under thetree.

Love,Katie

Mrs. Hogan’s KindergartenLetters to Santa

Dear Santa,I have tried very hard to be good thisyear. I would like to have a unicornand a new bike. I would also like tohave my own little Christmas tree.Please bring my brother an X-Box 360.Please bring my mom and dad somecandy. I will leave some cookies andmilk under the tree.

Love,Andria

Dear Santa,I would like to have a Bratz doll and aBarbie doll. I would also like to have ababy that talks and has a stroller. Ireally want a Sasha doll. I have tried tobe really good. My sisters and brotherhave been good too.

Love,Ayrika

Dear Santa, I have been good all year. I would liketo have a transformer, clothes, and awatch. Please bring my sister a Barbiedoll and my brother would like to havea video game. My mom would like someflowers. I will leave some cookies foryou under the tree.

Love,Wyatt

Dear Santa,I will leave extra cookies and milk outfor you. I would like a dirt bike, aremote control airplane with missiles, afour wheeler and some spy gear so Ican spy on my brother. Please bringmy brother and sisters something too.Oh, and I would like some binocularstoo.

Love,Carson

Dear Santa,I would like to have a transformer, aplay motorcycle, a purple powerranger costume and a remote controlmotorcycle. Please bring my brotherand me wheels in the heels shoes. I willleave you a snack under the tree.Please bring my mom and dad aChristmas blanket.

Love,Tony

Dear Santa,I love you Santa. I would like to have aVin 10 watch, a remote control car, asnowman and a candy cane. Pleasebring my sister a nail salon and my littlesister wants a new dress. I will leave acookie under the tree for you.

Love,Jarod

Dear Santa,I have tried to be very good this year. Iwould like to have power rangers, amegasaurus and lots of dinosaurs.Please bring my sister a book and atoy for my baby brother. Please bringmy mom and dad diamonds. I will leavean apple under the tree for you.

Love,Tyler

6 December 2007/January 2008 The Panther PrideSPORTS

Lady PanthersOff to a Rough

StartIt’s a new year for the Polo Pan-

ther wrestling team with new as-sistant Coach Jayson Erdman,freshmen James Taylor wrestlingat 103 lbs., and 171 pounder se-nior Charlie Boruch. Every yeara team wonders how the seasonwill go and so far it’s looking goodfor the Panthers. Starting off theseason with Polo double dual con-sisting of North Platte and SouthHarrison. Polo came out on topwith a team win of 57-6 againstNorth Platte and 33-30 to SouthHarrison.

This weekend was also a big winfor the team at the North Plattetournament consisting of twelveschools. The boys brought homesome shiny hardware with fourfirst place medals by Hollis Fee,Tyler Scobee, Dean Manning, andMitch Huntley. Two second placemedals were won by James Tay-lor and Lance Snodgrass. A fourthplace medal was brought home byfirst year wrestler, senior CharlieBoruch. Overall the team had atotal of 25 pins which is truly anamazing feat. In the end, the wres-tling team came out on top win-ning the tournament by close fourpoints in front of Hamilton.

As seen by many, this year’steam has great potential to bringhome some more tournamenttitles, a few more pins, and acouple more medals to sew onsome heavy lettermen jackets. Yes,the Polo Panthers may have a fewnew faces on the team but it isobvious they’re being put to gooduse. All in all, the team is lookinggood, and is now working to-wards another title at Polo’s DualTournament coming up on Dec8th. Don’t be afraid to come outsee a great team do what they dobest, win.

“And that’s the way I see it”

Panthers SeekGold

by Mitch HuntleyStaff Writer

This season the varsity LadyPanther’s basketball team hasstarted off the season with arecord of 0-2. The girls lost theirfirst game when they traveled onNovember 20th to Osborne to takeon the Wildcats. A week later thePanthers traveled to Plattsburg,hoping their fist game jitters wereout of the way. The Panthers cameout strong the first quarter keep-ing up with the Tigers, but by half-time the Panthers were trailing bymore than ten.The girls’ head coach is Heath

Harper and he is assisted by RyanHorn. Returning from last year forthe Lady Panthers are, sopho-mores Ashleigh Jones and KatelynSanders. Junior returnees areEmma Hindman, TiffineyHufford, and Kelsi Pile. And se-nior returnee Megan Snodgrass.New Players for the Lady Panthersinclude, freshman Cortney Arthur,Nicky Junco, Madison Misel,Alex Templeton, and juniorCourtney Cawthon. Although theLady Panthers lost three seniorstarters and their leading scorerfrom last year everyone is steppingup to fill positions.This week the varsity basketball

teams travel to Hardin to take onthe Bulldogs. The girls have hada week to prepare and are readyto win a game. Their first homegame is December 11th, so comeout and show your support for thebasketball teams. Good luck in therest of your season Lady Panthers.

by Kelsi PileStaff Writer

It was the game of the year, #4Missouri v. #2 Kansas. The gamewas set for Saturday November24th, at 7 p.m., at Arrowhead Sta-dium. The temperature for thenight was in the mid to high 30’s,although it didn’t feel that warm.The stadium was packed and thetraffic was crazy. Waiting in linejust to enter the stadium took somepeople nearly 30 minutes, whichgenerally should only take about5 minutes at the maximum for aChiefs game. Once inside, the sta-dium was almost completely di-vided. One half Missouri fans andone half Kansas fans, the stadiumwas split right down the 50 yardline. Of course there were a fewopposite fan groups thrown in hereand there, but for the most part thestadium was segregated.

Border Showdown 2007

Game one took place in theOsborn wildcats stadium. TheVarsity Boys Basketball teamstarted out their year like always,with a win. The Starters for thisgame were 20 Joshua Duncan, 42Ryan Barnes, 33 Christopher JoeAke, 23 Cody Drew, and 15Dalton Rardon. The score for thisgame was 58-47 Panthers. CoachGreg Keith was pleased with thefirst win but still expects morefrom his hard working team.Game two was against the

Plattsburg tigers. Senior EmilyPowers quoted, “This was the bestand most exciting game I haveseen the Varsity Boys play.” Thescore of this game was 56-55. Thisgame was intense, the tigers andpanthers were neck and neck the

Panther Ballers Start Out Hotby Joan Ahart

Staff Writer

entire time. At half time the pan-thers were down by 10 and gotright back up in the 3rd quarter.This was defiantly worth a driveto Plattsburg a $3.00 for a ticket.The Panthers then played the

Hardin Bulldogs at Hardin onDecember 4th. The Panthers cameout strong and stayed pretty closeto the Bulldogs up until half-time.The Panthers came back not asstrong, the shots were not falling,and the players seemed out of it.On December 10th the panthers

will be playing East Buc. and 11th

the panthers will be playingPattonsburg, this will be the firsttwo home games of 2007 for Pan-ther Basketball. Come join us forthe first home basketball games ofthe Polo Panthers!!

This game drew the second larg-est crowd in Arrowhead historywith an attendance of 80,537 fans.From kickoff to the very last sec-onds of the game nearly the entirecrowd was on their feet. Everyplay was loud and everyone wascheering. Some were worriedabout fights breaking out in thecrowd, with the game being be-tween such bitter rivals, and aftera day of tailgating and partying.For the most part there were somequarrels, but I don’t think it wasas bad as everyone though it couldhave been.

In the end everyone found outwho the better team was. Missouriwon the game scoring 36 pointsto Kansas’s 28 points. With thewin against Kansas, Missourimoved from #4 in the BCS stand-ings to #1.

Thank you to the following individualswho helped with the Fall AthleticBooster Club Concession Stands

Laurie AhartJoe BarnesMarla BarnesHolly BaughmanErnie ChildsDawn ClinePatty DixonRosamay HuffordTom KingKieth Logan

Debby MiselGreg MiselJulie PhillipsKim SnodgrassLesa StottlemyreTod StottlemyreConda TormeyDarrel UttBetty Vassmer

by Kelsi PileStaff Writer

Congratulations toHead Track Coach

Chris Gagnonfor being voted

Class 1 Boys’ TrackCoach of the Yearby the MissouriTrack and CrossCountry Coaches

Association.

SPORTSPANTHER PRIDE

7http://polo.k12.mo.us December 2007/January 2008

WrestlingUpdate

2007 Polo Football Season 2007 Polo Football Season 2007 Polo Football Season 2007 Polo Football Season 2007 Polo Football Season AAAAAwardswardswardswardswardsAll GRCAll GRCAll GRCAll GRCAll GRCJosh Duncan- HM/ Running Back

2nd Team Defensive BackRyan Barnes- HM/ Offensive Tackle

1st Team LinebackerCharlie Boruch- 2nd Team LinebackerLathan Dixon- HM/Defensive TackleCody Drew- 2nd Team Kicker

Coaches Coaches Coaches Coaches Coaches All-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictJosh Duncan- Runningback, Defensive Back, Return Specialist Ryan Barnes- Linebacker, Offensive TackleCharlie Boruch- LinebackerCJ Ake- Tight EndLathan Dixon- Defensive End

APAPAPAPAP All-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictJosh Duncan- 2nd Team Return SpecialistRyan Barnes- 2nd Team Linebacker

MOFBC- MOFBC- MOFBC- MOFBC- MOFBC- All-StateAll-StateAll-StateAll-StateAll-StateJosh Duncan- Return SpecialistRyan Barnes- 2nd Team Linebacker

APAPAPAPAP All-StateAll-StateAll-StateAll-StateAll-StateRyan Barnes- 2nd Team Linebacker

TTTTTeam eam eam eam eam AAAAAwardswardswardswardswardsPolo Panther Captains:Polo Panther Captains:Polo Panther Captains:Polo Panther Captains:Polo Panther Captains: Joshua Duncan, Charlie Boruch, RyanBarnes, Lathan DixonMost Improved:Most Improved:Most Improved:Most Improved:Most Improved: Mark GrayPanther Panther Panther Panther Panther AAAAAward: ward: ward: ward: ward: Alan VassmerMVP-O: MVP-O: MVP-O: MVP-O: MVP-O: Josh DuncanMVP-DMVP-DMVP-DMVP-DMVP-D: Charlie Boruch, Ryan BarnesHit-ManHit-ManHit-ManHit-ManHit-Man: Charlie Boruch

2007 Polo2007 Polo2007 Polo2007 Polo2007 PoloVVVVVolleyballolleyballolleyballolleyballolleyball

Season Season Season Season Season AAAAAwardswardswardswardswards

All-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictAll-DistrictEmma Hindman – 1st Team

TTTTTeam eam eam eam eam AAAAAwardswardswardswardswardsMost Improved:Most Improved:Most Improved:Most Improved:Most Improved: Emily Powersand Saren ThomasPanther Panther Panther Panther Panther AAAAAward: ward: ward: ward: ward: Haley Hurdand Joan AhartMVP-O: MVP-O: MVP-O: MVP-O: MVP-O: Courtney CawthonMVP-DMVP-DMVP-DMVP-DMVP-D: Emma Hindman

The last couple of weeks havebeen awarding for some Polo Pan-ther football players. They havebeen invited to banquets and re-ceived some great honorableawards. These players workedhard to achieve these goals. RyanBarnes, Charlie Boruch, and JoshDuncan, all seniors, have beenawarded for their hard work andoutstanding plays on the footballfield. Unfortunately, the other se-niors and players didn’t receiveany of these awards, but theyhelped the three that did achievethese high honorable awards.Charlie Boruch was invited andhonored at the KKWK All-Starbanquet. Ryan Barnes was invitedand honored at the KAAN andKKWK All-Star banquets. JoshDuncan was invited and honoredat the KMZU Dream Team andKKWK All-Star banquet. Allthese are great honors. These ban-quets consists of the best highschool football players meet, thebest in the state are in one build-ing. These banquets just don’thave the best high school playersbut they have great food. Here isa little taste of what I had; Chickencovered in mushroom gravy, bris-ket, baked beans, Cheesy potatoes(YUM), cheesecake and muchmore delicious savory foods. Af-ter you eat, Coaches of the hon-ored players give a two-threeminute speech about their player’sachievements on the field and offthe field. Some coaches will bustout some jokes, others will bemore serious, and the few willhave long boring speeches thatdon’t even honor there players.But anyways, it is a honor to re-ceive these awards. Congratula-tions to the players and the thankyou coaches, and last but not leastthank you to the parents for sup-porting us.

by Josh DuncanStaff Writer

Local RadioStation Football

Honors

Above: Seniors Josh Duncan, Ryan Barnes, and Charlie Boruchpose with their KKWK awards.

Above: Senior Josh Duncan and head coach Chris Johnson take amoment at the KMZU Dream Team banquet for a photo.

North PlatteSouth Harrison

Dual

Polo vs. South Harrison45-18

Polo vs. North Platte57-6

North PlatteTournament

Polo took first place with 189points.

Hamilton took home secondplace with 185 points .

Rock Port came in third placewith 181 points.

There were a total of 13 teams atthe tournament.

Polo duals

Polo vs. Holden49-9

Polo vs. Stanberry36-27

Polo vs. South Harrison40-18

Polo vs. Ruskin50-18

Polo vs. Hamilton28-51

Wrestling Senior Night

Jan 10 against Tarkio

Up ComingAthletic Events

Jan 3Varsity Basketball vs.

Pattonsburg @ 6:00 p.m.

Jan 5Varsity Wrestling @ Rockport

Tournament

Jan 7-12Varsity Basketball @ Lathrop

Tournament

Jan 12Varsity Wrestling @ Plattsburg

Duals

INFORMATIONPANTHER PRIDE

8http://polo.k12.mo.us December 2007/January 2008

January 2008

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 No School No School Late Start

10:30a.m. Varsity BB

Pattonsburg 6:00p.m.

Music Booster meeting 5:00p.m. in Band Room

Varsity Wrestling Tournament@ Rockport 9:00a.m.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Varsity BB @

Lathrop Tournament

Varsity BB @ Lathrop

Varsity BB @ Lathrop

Varsity BB @ Lathrop

Varsity BB @ Lathrop

Varsity BB @ Lathrop

Varsity Wrestling Plattsburg Duals

9:30 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

JV BB Maysville 5:30p.m.

Varsity BB Gallatin 6:00p.m.

Varsity Wrestling St. Pius

6:00p.m

Varsity Wrestling Lathrop

Tournament 9:30a.m.

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 No School

Martin Luther King Day.

BOE Meeting 7:00p.m. –Library

Late Start 10:30p.m.

Teacher In-Service Varsity BB Albany

6:00p.m.

Varsity BB v.s. East Buchanan

6:00p.m. Ms Dance 3:30-

5:30 p.m.

Varsity BB Vs Princeton

6:00p.m.

Varsity Wrestling @ Stanberry

10:00a.m.

27 28 29 30 31 Varsity BB Bethany

6:00p.m. Varsity Wrestling

WMA

Varsity BB vs Hamilton

Varsity Wrestling @ Hamilton 6:00

p.m.

January 2008 Menu Menu is subject to change. Each meal includes one milk. Lemonade and orange juice are available for 25¢.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1 2 3 4

Late Start – No Breakfast Sweet and Sour Chicken, Oriental Blend, and Pineapple

Biscuit with Sausage Gravy and Fruit Shrimp, Peas, and Mandarin Oranges

7 8 9 10 11 Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast, and Fruit Nachos, Refried Beans, and Pears

Scrambled Eggs, Ham, Toast and Fruit Meatball Sub, Green Beans, and Applesauce

Pop Tart, Ham, and Fruit Creamy Chicken over Biscuit, Mixed Veggies, and Peaches

French Toast, Sausage, and Fruit Hamburger, French Fries, and Pineapple

Biscuit with Sausage Gravy and Fruit Fish Sticks, Peas, and Mandarin Oranges

14 15 16 17 18 Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast, and Fruit Corndog Nuggets, Baked Beans, and Apple Crisp

Scrambled Eggs, Ham, Toast, and Fruit Chicken Pattie, Corn, and Pineapple

Hashbrown, Sausage, Cinnamon Toast, and Fruit Beefy Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, and Peaches

French Toast, Sausage, and Fruit Chicken Fajita, Spanish Rice, and Applesauce

Biscuit with Sausage Gravy and Fruit Tuna or Bologna Sandwich, Onion Rings, and Strawberries and Bananas

21 22 23 24 25 No School Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Late Start – No Breakfast Pizza, Corn, and Pineapple

Breakfast Pizza and Fruit Pasta w/ Meat Sauce, Green Beans, and Applesauce

French Toast, Sausage, and Fruit Grilled Chicken, Egg Rolls, and Pears

Biscuit with Sausage Gravy and Fruit Shrimp, Parsley Potatoes, and Peaches

28 29 30 31 Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast, and Fruit Corndog or Burrito, Pinto Beans, and Pears

Scrambled Eggs, Ham, Toast and Fruit Chicken Nuggets, Broccoli w/ Cheese, and Pears

Muffin, Sausage, and Fruit Chili, Carrot Sticks, and Blueberries

French Toast, Sausage, and Fruit Wrapped Weiner, Baked Beans, and Peaches

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (Voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.