Feb. 3rd - BBB vs. Ottawa: 8th @ Ottawa, 7th @ PMS

Feb. 4th - BBB vs. Louisburg; 8th @ PMS; 7th @ Louisburg

Feb. 5th- Scholars Bowl @ PMS

Feb. 6th- BBB vs. Bonner Springs: 8th @ Bonner Springs, 7th @ Home

Feb. 10th- BBB vs. Forest Spring: 7th @ Home, 8th @ Forest Spring

Feb. 13th- BBB vs. Eudora: 8th @ Eudora ; 7th @ Home

Feb. 17th- NO SCHOOL

Feb. 18th - Scholars Bowl @ Ottawa

• BBB vs. Spring Hill; 7th @ Spring Hill; 8th @ Home

Feb. 19th- Winter Sports Pictures- Boys Basketball/Dance

• 7th Grade ONLY Band Performance at PHS- 7:00

Feb. 20th - BBB vs. Woodland Spring - 7th @ Woodland Spring ; 8th @ Home

Feb. 24th - BBB vs. Baldwin- 7th @ Baldwin: 8th @ Home

Feb. 25th - STUCO Family Bingo Night- 6:00 p.m.

Feb. 27th- BBB vs. TBD: 7th @ Home; 8th - Away

Feb. 28th- KidWind Challenge @ Burlington- 8:00 a.m.

All students are invited to attend the pep club meeting in room 100 before all home basketball games. If students arrive to the game prior to 3:30 they will be asked to wait in room 100. Ms. Morris, the sponsor, is there encourage positive student section cheers, promote sportsmanship, and create signs, etc.

Welcome to 2nd semester! The 7th and 8th grade classes are off to a great start. Currently, both classes are learning various computer applications and using Canva to create letterheads, flyers, business letters, invitations, menu’s, posters and so much more. The last part of this unit is creating a website landing page and a two page website using internal and external links. The students all seem excited and have come up with some great ideas.

Wednesday, January 30 Nelson’s seminar students visited PHS to hear about all of the electives that they could take over the next four years. Students asked great questions and are very excited to make the move across the parking lot.

Mr. Doolittle's 7th grade classes became army rangers for a day, as they enjoyed an extended Friday Artifact Show and Tell presentation on the 24th. U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Ben Johnson, aka Tempi's dad, came to share his experience as a career Army sergeant who has been stationed in Iraq and Kuwait for most of his adult life, his dad preceding him. Stories were shared, including some pretty incredible accounts of being on the team that surrounded Saddam Hussein's palace that had gold plated toilets! These stories were accompanied by many pictures and videos, but according to the thank you notes written, students most enjoyed getting hands-on (or heads-on) with the supplies, the gear, and esp. the MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) he and Tempi brought along.

As we get ready to transition from our study of our great state and expand to cover the world, this was an outstanding hands-on way for all of us to think a bit outside the box of Paola, Miami County, KS, and see the world through the eyes of one of our own families. Tempi added wonderful insight, sharing what it's like to be without Dad for extended periods, and it was obvious to tell that she and her mom are overjoyed to have Dad back to themselves for a few years. Thank you Sgt. Johnson for sharing with us!

Thirty students participated in our school spelling bee. 6th Graders: Alex Doherty, Elicia Blackmore, Peyton Daniels, Alaina Denton, Savannah Ruggels, Reid Burchett, AJ Kane, Brayden Mots, Tyce Ball, and Joseph Howard. 7th Graders: Gigi Pertner, Layton Dinkel, Levi Scherman, Ani Yates, Alayna Robinson, Michael Braim, Tirzah Sears, Allie Wiegert, Abby Crawford, and Charlee Johnson. 8th Graders: Ellie Selig, Molly Morris, Bella Jackson, Izabella Thompson, Molly Ward, Seth Courtney, Caleb Bryant, Mcky Morris, Charlotte Hobart, and Amara Purl.

We are very proud of all of our competitors in the Paola Middle School spelling bee. It took twenty rounds to determine our champion. 7th-grader Gigi Pertner won our school spelling bee by correctly spelling "narwhal" leaving the three remaining spellers to battle several more rounds for runner-up. In the end, 8th-grader Molly Morris became our runner-up by correctly spelling "crescendo." Gigi and Molly will represent Paola Middle School in the Miami County Spelling Bee in Osawatomie at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025. The winner of the country spelling bee will represent Miami County in the Sunflower State Spelling Bee at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas on March 22, 2025.

7th grade is learning about the body's systems. In labs, students were learning about the nervous system. They tested their reaction times using sight, touch, and hearing. After taking data, they discussed dependent and independent variables and graphed their data. They also created true to scale Organ Systems! Very Cool!

8th-grade students attended an Electives Fair at the High School to learn about classes that are offered and got to tour the school. Students had a great time learning about the next phase of their education!

Our journey through Ancient India has ended, and what an adventure it’s been! From exploring the mysteries of the Indus Valley Civilization to learning about Hinduism and Buddhism, students have uncovered fascinating aspects of this incredible civilization. We’ve marveled at India’s contributions, such as their early advancements in mathematics (hello, zero!), their development of yoga, and even their pioneering work in early medicine and surgery. But as we say "namaste" to India, it's time to set our sights eastward to the awe-inspiring world of Ancient China!

In the coming weeks, we’ll dive into the wonders of Ancient China—a land known for its dynasties, inventions, and rich cultural traditions that still influence our world today. Students will explore topics such as:

• The Great Wall of China was built over centuries to protect the empire from invaders (and perhaps an ambitious emperor’s workout plan!).

• Inventions that changed the world – Paper, silk, the compass, and even early seismographs were all products of Ancient Chinese ingenuity.

• The Silk Road – An ancient trade route that connected China to the rest of the world, where goods (and ideas!) traveled across continents.

• Confucianism and Daoism – Philosophies that emphasized balance, respect, and the importance of relationships.

• Ancient Chinese traditions – From dragon dances to calligraphy, students will explore the vibrant cultural practices that have stood the test of time.

We have some exciting hands-on activities planned, trying our hand at Chinese calligraphy and exploring the impact of trade and cultural exchange through interactive simulations. Encourage your child to stay engaged, ask questions, and share their discoveries with you at home—there’s so much to learn and enjoy!

Thank you for your continued support as we travel through history together. Get ready for a fascinating adventure filled with emperors, inventions, and ancient wisdom!

If your child starts suggesting fireworks for everyday celebrations, just blame Ancient China!

We’ve just finished our exploration of poetry, and what a journey it’s been! From haikus to free verse, students have explored the beauty and power of words in a whole new way. They’ve learned how to express emotions, create imagery, and use rhythm and rhyme to make their voices heard. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading their creative poems as much as I have!

But now, it’s time to shift gears and dive into a new and exciting unit: Persuasive Writing! This is where students will learn to craft strong arguments, support their ideas with evidence, and persuade others through the power of well-chosen words. Whether they’re trying to convince someone that their favorite food is the best or arguing for a cause they’re passionate about, they’ll gain valuable skills for expressing opinions and making their voices heard in a compelling way. The focus will be on the structure of persuasive essays, understanding the importance of a clear thesis, and recognizing the need for strong supporting details. Throughout the unit, students will practice:

• Crafting clear thesis statements that express their position on an issue.

• Organizing their essays into logical sections, from introduction to conclusion.

• Using persuasive transitions and strong evidence to support their arguments.

• Addressing counterarguments and responding respectfully to opposing views.

Several fun activities are planned to get their persuasive juices flowing, including debates, group discussions, and writing challenges that will allow them to practice these skills in real-world contexts. By the end of this unit, your child will be equipped to present their ideas confidently and persuasively.

We’ll also be cracking open our textbooks! We’ll be diving into one of the most relevant topics of today: Modern Technology and how it impacts students and the world around us. Through our textbook, students will explore how technology influences education, communication, and even our daily lives. They’ll explore questions like:

• How has technology changed the way we learn and interact?

• What are the benefits and challenges of living in a tech-driven world?

• How does technology impact student success, and what role should it play in our education?

As always, thank you for supporting your student’s writing journey. Let’s get ready to write with purpose and power as we move into this exciting new phase of learning!

P.S. Be prepared for your child to start trying to persuade you that their opinion is the most convincing! 😄

The Student Council will be hosting a Winter Bingo Night which will be on Tuesday, February 25th at 6:00pm in the PMS Commons area. We will play a number of Bingo Games along with giving out prizes for each game won. Student Council is asking for donations from families to help with prizes such as gift cards to restaurants/businesses or themed baskets (i.e. Game, Candy, Movie). A family doesn’t even have to donate a whole basket, just some items would be very appreciated. Please drop off prizes in the office by Friday February 21st.

The cost of Winter Bingo Night is free. Everyone will be issued one Bingo card with a possibility of purchasing an additional card(s) for $1 a piece. There will be a concession stand available to purchase items from (Popcorn, Nachos, Candy, and Pop).

Thank you in advance for helping out the Student Council along with making Winter Bingo Night a success.

When dropping off and picking up students, please refrain from using the bus in lane in the back of the school.

If your student is attending PMS activities without a parent, please make sure they have arranged transportation and a ride is available at the conclusion of the game.

Just a quick reminder on our school electronic device (includes all devices) policy. If students choose to bring their electronic device we request that the device be turned off during the school day and kept in their school issued locker or backpack. "AWAY for the DAY" is a great way to remember the policy.

WE need your help in protecting the school learning environment! Students need a break from the pressures of social media, as well as the distraction of a phone. Research has shown that social media is a large part of the teen mental health crisis. When a student looks at a text on their phone, they also see notifications for social media which can cause students anxiety, as well as increase the temptation to access it. We also understand that you may need to get a message to your student, our office staff will pass along any messages that are needed to your student. Students are also able to receive and send emails on their Chromebook during the day. This is a great way to send a message as well.

If a student is accessing and using their cell phone during the day, this could result in consequences. It also helps to break down the culture of safety that is part of our foundations. Please help us reinforce the importance of not using their cell phone during school hours.

Please help us keep our learning environment protected and refrain from sending Valentines Day flowers and gifts to the school. Anything delivered to a student will be kept in the office until the end of the school day.

Jan. Activity

This month, our students have been deeply engaged in learning about Andrew Jackson and the process of Westward Expansion. They have been diligently working on gathering evidence from primary documents for a paper they will start writing next week. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and critical thinking skills grow as they dive into this important time in history.

Looking Ahead

Next month, we will begin an exciting unit on Sectionalism and the Civil War. This topic will help our students understand the complexities of our nation's history.

With High School around the corner students have been challenged to meet higher standards of academic work and self-accountability in class. So far the majority of our students are showing significant growth in these areas. The papers they are preparing will provide further insight into their progress and understanding.

State Assessments are coming soon! All students in the building will be testing from 8:00- 9:45 a.m. April 2nd & April 3rd in Reading, and April 9th and 10th in Math. If possible please avoid scheduling outside appointments during that time so that all students can be in attendance.

Meal Charge Policy and Procedures

POLICY

Students who are Reduced or Paid status are allowed to charge up to $5.00 for

reduced status and $10.00 for paid status. Once a student has reached the

allowable charge limit they will be offered an alternate lunch of Sunbutter & Jelly

Sandwich and a milk for two days. Each site will keep an accounting of all Alt

Meals served by building.

Procedures

The following steps will occur to notify student before and after reaching charge

limit:

• All sites: Households will be sent a text or email daily (provided this

information is set up in Infinite Campus) for positive amounts once the

balance is between .01-$8.00 for paid students and .01-$2.00 for reduced

students. Also all households will get an email or text daily once account

reaches -.01 until account is paid.

• Elementary: A low balance reminder letter is sent home with students daily

once the account reaches $5.60 for paid status or .80 for reduced status or

once the account is below -.01.

• Secondary: An email will be sent to all Middle and High School Students

daily once the account reaches $5.60 for paid status or .80 for reduced

status or once the account is below -.01.

• Alternate Meal: Each site will determine the best method to deliver the

alternate meal to avoid students having a lunch taken from them when

they go through the lunch line.

• Before Meal Account reaches the charge limit Food Service Staff will make

phone calls to parents.

Refunding All Students During School Year

When students leave the district, households need to request refund from each

school when checking out of district. Refunds will be applied to all outstanding

fees first then a refund will be made to parents. Any amounts over $5.00 the

Business office will issue a check, current or forwarding address appreciated.

• For Paid Students, with less than $5.00 Food Service staff will check with

school to see if all fees have been paid. Then a phone call will be made to

ask if parent wishes to leave money in the account in the event they return

to USD368 or do would they want to come to the school building and pick

up refund or would they like to donate to the Charitable account.

• Any money left in a free or reduced account must remain in child’s account,

unless refund requested by parent. Money cannot be transferred to

Charitable Account.

• All negative balances should be paid before students leave the district no

matter what the meal status.

Refunding Seniors Accounts at end of year:

• Food Service will check to see is any fees are owed before any money is

refunded to seniors

• Positive balance will be transferred to sibling’s accounts

• Less than $10.00 will be refunded to seniors at graduation Practice

• Money over $10.00 will be refunded through the Business Office after the

first Board Meeting in June.

How does the new Open Enrollment statute affect KSHSAA Eligibility?

All current transfer and eligibility policies for KSHSAA are still in place. Open enrollment does not exempt students from transfer rules, and all eligibility requirements remain in place for all KSHSAA member schools.

Meaning: any student who enrolls (without a move) in a new school may not gain eligibility for KSHSAA activities/sports under the current transfer rules. Enrollment does not equal eligibility.