25 cents
DECEMBER 2011
THE OFFICIAL FIFTH GRADE NEWSPAPER OF PETAL UPPER ELEMENTARY
PETAL, MISSISSIPPI, USA
Anthony Alford: Past, Present, & Future Who is an A/B student, works excep- 2010. Since then, Anthony has been an Southern Miss, or Nebraska. tionally hard, and is the star quarter- exceptional student athlete. If he goes to college, he would like back for the Petal Panthers? Anthony is the star quarter- to major in Biology, but Anthony is so Anthony Alford. back for the Petal good at baseball he may just skip Anthony is a 17 year old senior Panthers. college and go straight to the at Petal High School and is the He led the minor leagues. See more Alford star quarterback for the Petal Panthers to a 7-4 That is how good he is photos on Pg 2 Panthers. record and a 5-1 in at baseball. In this article we will pick apart district play during Well that is why Anthony his past, present, and future. his senior season. Alford is not just a spectacular Anthony lived in Columbia By Landon Anthony was also invited quarterback, he is also a spectacular until eighth grade and he has DRAUGHN to play in the Army All person. played football since the fourth American Bowl Game that Now you see why Anthony has made grade. He was very close to his grand- will air on NBC on January 7, 2012. so many big decisions in his life and I mother, as she played an important role Anthony wants to play college ball think we will know that Anthony in his life. and has narrowed his choices down to Alford has a spectacular future ahead She sadly passed away in March of LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, of him.
Artwork by Mason Broom
Just say No! Red Ribbon Week reminds students to stay away from drugs and alcohol During Red Ribbon Week we learned about being drug free. We had a door competition, and Officer Kinsey spoke to our activity class. That week was about being drug free. Here are some things we did at PUES (Petal Upper Elementary School). We had a competition to see who had the best door or board. The 5th grade winner was Miss By Maggie Henderson, 6th grade winner was PEARCE Mr. Mooney, and Community Hall winner was Mrs. Steele. The doors were judged on cuteness, uniqueness, and creativeness. Officer Kinsey came to our activity classes. He talked to us about not doing drugs. He told us they were bad for our health. That`s how they can cause cancer and other diseases. “Don`t do drugs,” he said. “They will ruin your life.” During Red Ribbon Week at PUES, the students learned about the dangers of drugs. Everyone enjoyed the competition and the visit from Officer Kinsey. Everybody learned at PUES to just say no to drugs.
Steve Jobs: The man who changed the world.
teve Jobs was a very skilled In 1985, he bought Next Step and and important man to our 1986 he became Chief Executive for world. He was the co- Pixar Animations. Pixar Animations is founder of Apple. Apple is a a company that produces popular, technology company that computer animated movies. invents high tech products. In 1985 he was credited in the He changed the world with movie Toy Story as Executive his amazing inventions and talProducer. ents. He was also credited in other Steve Jobs was born on popular children’s movies such February 29, 1955, in San as Monster’s Inc. and Toy Story Francisco, California. He went 2. to Reed College in Portland, In 2000, Steve Jobs invented Oregon where he met Bill the iPod Touch, the iPad, and By Thomas the iPhone, which were all Gates and George Lucas. They all became good BUDRAITIS Apple inventions. friends. After one semester of With these amazing invencollege, he dropped out of school tions, one could play games, watch because he ran out of money. movies, text, and play music by downLater, he married Laurene Powell loading it from iTunes. and had four children. See JOBS, Page 2
S
THE PANTHER PRESS
Page 2
The fifth grade newspaper of Petal Upper Elementary
F E AT U R E T E A C H E R S :
CONTRIBUTORS: Trey Atwood, Mason Broom, Thomas Budraitis, Ashlie Cooper, Katie Dameron, Landon Draughn, Nychelle Hawk, Jessica Hodge, Cady Layton, Austin McNease, Skylar Majors, Griffin Medina, Maggie Pearce, Azaviar Plummer, Colton Rainey, David Scott, Amaya-Rayn Thompson, and Harrison Wilson Book Reviews by: Grace Clark, Meagan Green, Elizabeth Hester, Chesna Wilson, Shelbie Kendrick, Jessica Hodge, Heaven Clark, Falon Nowicki, Cara Ellington, Azaviar Plummer, Chloe Slade, Tanner Housewright, Jenna Fisher, Julia Hinton, Tanner Housewright, Lawton Rodgers, J’Lin Jones, Dominiiq Leary, Ayleen Garcia, Jose Martinez, Heaven Clark Artwork by: Mason Broom, Mallory Extine, Grace Polley, Harley Harvey, Mekenzie Meyers, Daysha Lott, Caley Isaac Jones, Luke Watkins, Katelyn J. Powell, Tori Hamilton
Mrs. Davis is a newlywed
By Skylar MAJORS
PUBLISHED BY:
THE PETAL NEWS YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
(601) 268-2331 www.HubCitySPOKES.com
At the beginning of the school year, a new 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Davis, was brought into the Petal Upper Elementary family. Born in Meridian, Miss., Mrs. Davis cheered and played softball. The high school she graduated from is called Lamar High School. Mrs. Farmer was her favorite teacher when she was in school.
Her favorite subject was English. Guess what? Mrs. Davis didn’t have to wear uniforms. Unfair! Mrs. Davis got her college degree from Mississippi State and William Carey University. Don’t let the new face fool you! She has been teaching two years. She became a teacher to help kids learn. Her favorite part of learning is when kids finally get it.
2nd, 5th, and 6th are all the grades she has taught. Mrs. Davis got married just this year. Congratulations! She has one dog whose name is Emma. In her spare time Mrs. Davis loves to read, go biking, and hang out. Walk Two Moons is her favorite book. We are all so lucky to have Mrs. Davis in our Petal Upper Elementary family! Mrs. Bailey Davis
Mrs. Moak has taught for 18 years
ADVISORS: Leah Avenmarge, Staci Camp, Baleigh Davis, Gabrielle McQueen, Barbara Oberst, and Diane Wolfarth Renee Evans ..............Principal Mike Lott ............Asst. Principal Dr. Buchanan ....Superintendent
December 2011
By Colton RAINEY
At Petal Upper Elementary Schol, we have an awesome music teacher named Mrs. Moak. Mrs. Moak graduated from Clewiston High in Florida, where she was valedictorian of her class. Her favorite subject in school was math. She was in the drama club, the math team, and she was also the manager of the football and track teams. Mrs. Moak never wore uni-
forms when she was in school. Her favorite teacher was Mrs. Grace, her music teacher. Mrs. Moak graduated from Mississippi College in Clinton. She has been teaching for 18 years and has taught pre-k through 12 grade. She loves all grades. She has taught in Clinton, Florence, West Point, Madison, and now Petal. Mrs. Moak decided to be a teacher because she loved
teaching and wanted to teach other kids about music. Mrs. Moak’s favorite instruments are the French horn, the piano, and the cello. Her least favorite instrument is the organ. Mrs. Moak likes to play games, read , and shop during her time off. She is married and has two children. We are so glad we have a music teacher like Mrs. Moak!
Mrs. Mary Moak
PANTHER PRIDE... Above, Anthony Alford and Coach Steve Buckley discuss the importance of hard work in order to be successful in football and in life. Above right, Anthony and Coach Buckley with Mrs. Camp’s 2nd period girls, from left: (top) Kaylan Nichols, Heaven Clark, (front) Katie Dye, Grace Polley, Danielle Ware, Tori Hamilton, Hailey Dennis, and Falon Nowicki. At right, with Mrs. Camp’s 2nd period boys: (top) Ethan Potesta, Brett Pittman, Avery Nobles, (middle) Cole Farris, Landon Draughn, John Brady Amacker, Mason Broom, Elijah Ellis, Korbon Yawn, Sebastian Martinez-Solano, Dawson Hoover, Mason Moak, Andrew Ferguson, Ethan Reid, and Wade DesCombes, (front) Cole Walker, and Reagan Milliet.
JOBS:
Continued from Page 1 These small computers were the first of their kind, as they used touch screen technology. Steve Jobs’ popularity grew significantly after these inventions came out. A few years later, he invented the iPhone 4, which became one of the best selling phones. Steve Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, cancer of the pancreas, in 2003. He battled the disease for several years, but he passed away on October 5 of this year. Millions of people were deeply saddened by his death. His technological gift changed the world in many ways. He and his creations will never be forgotten.
By Mallory Extine
THE PANTHER PRESS
December 2011
Merry Christmas From the staff of The Panther Press ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY! CHRISTMAS EVE
My family tradition very year on Christmas, we go to my grandparents’ house. When we get there, we have to wait on the people who are not there. Then we eat gumbo, ham, dressing, and a lot more. The kids always get done first, so that is when my cousins and I throw the football. We play hide-in-seek and wait on the family to get done eating. After all that good stuff, my grandmother screams with a loud voice, “Come in every one! Presents.” Last but not least our grandfather builds a bonfire, and my family plays with what they got and sits by the bonfire. It’s special because I get to see my family and friends.
E By Austin McNEASE
A special holiday tradition oes your youth group at church always have a Christmas play as a yearly tradition? Well, my church does. Sometimes our Christmas plays are bad, but most of the time they are good. The youth director picks out the kids who have the most potential at acting. Most of the time we do plays for almost every holiday. The celebration last year was themed “Christmas All Around the World.” For months we studied the countries, all of the 50 states, and every single one of the 7 continents. This is special to me because it is all about love and unity. The youth department at my church can really spread the holiday cheer with bible stories and Christmas “hope and history.”
D By Amaya THOMPSON
Top 10
Favorite Christmas gifts for boys & girls
Mrs. McQueen’s second period fifth grade class compiled a list of their Top Ten favorite Christmas gifts for boys and girls. Here’s what they came up with:
Top 10 Gifts for Girls:
Top 10 Gifts for Boys:
1. Cell phone 2. Kindle 3. iPad 2 4. iPhone 4 5. Candy 6. Beyonce’s Styling Kit 7. Pet 8. High Heel Boots 9. Manicure 10. Kinect Wii
1. Dog 2. Dirt bike 3. ATV 4. XBox 5. American Eagle Clothes 6. Giant Hershey Bar 7. iPhone 8. Horse 9. iPad 2 10. Rifle
On December 24, 1809, Kit Carson was born. He was an explorer, trapper, and fur trader. He did not go to school. He received his education from “The Rocky Mountain College,” which referred to his experiences living in the wilderness. He went to places that others only dreamed about. Carson was an expert in several Native American languages. He won national recognition as a scout and guide. Nevada’s capitol, Carson City, was named after him. – Mrs. Davis’s 1st Period Class
CHRISTMAS DAY On December 25, 1821, Clara Barton was born. She was the founder of the American Red Cross. Before Clara moved to Washington, D.C. she was a teacher for 18 years. During the Civil War, she worked as a nurse in Washington, D.C. She took care of injured soldiers. Since there were no hospitals in the battlefields, soldiers had to wait to receive the care they needed. Clara decided to help by bringing medical supplies to the battlefield. As a result of her actions, her nickname became “Angel of the Battlefield.” In 1881, she started the American Red Cross. The Red Cross helps people even today. – Mrs. Davis’s 2nd Period Class
NEW YEAR’S EVE Dec. 31, 1891, noted the end of a time in the history of immigration in the United States. It was the night before Ellis Island was opened as the main processing place for immigrants. Immigrants are international people who moved to America for a greater life. As they arrived, they went to the small island in New York Harbor. At the Harbor, they would find out if they would be allowed to stay. Most immigrants were allowed to stay. Although this was not the only place to enter America, it was the main place. In 1954, Ellis Island was closed because the Government put a limit on how many people could move to America. Ellis Island is a museum today. The museum has memories of the people who went to Ellis Island in the past. Outside the museum, there is an American Immigrant Wall of Honor, which holds 700,000 names of the people who bravely left home to find freedom in the United States. – Mrs. Davis’s 3rd Period Class
NEW YEAR’S DAY Betsy Ross was born January 1, 1752. Some people thought she made the first flag of the United States, some people did not. We do know there was a Betsy Ross who was a seamstress that made flags during the American Revolutionary War, but we don’t know if she actually made the flag. The story was not told for almost 100 years. William Canby, her grandson, told a story about Betsy Ross making the flag. William Canby said a group of men and George Washington came to her house and asked her to make the first American Flag. George Washington wanted the 13 colonies to be united by one flag. The first flag had seven red stripes, six white stripes and 13 stars in a circle. Today, there are 50 stars that represent the 50 states. – Mrs. Davis’s 5th Period Class
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December 2011
Do I really have to go to school today? The answer is yes! Parents, it is important to have order to keep from having your child at school every day. absences, there are several things That means no tardies at you can do. You could go school. It will help every to bed really early. child in every way learn You could also lay out about responsibility and your clothes and book bag being on time. for the next day. Make Here are some tips on sure your child only stays attendance. home if he or she is really Starting in kindergarten, sick. too many absences can Schedule your child’s By Jessica cause a child to fall behind. doctor and dentist appointHODGE Did you know 31% of ments after school. people that had at least had If you are wondering 2 absences to 3 absences each how many absences your child can week will drop out of school? have, the answer is 15. Absences can cause other chilParents are notified when a studren to fall behind, too. dent has missed 10 total (excused The teacher has to go back over or unexcused) absences and will the material each child misses. In be notified of each absence follow-
All about:
Live United!
CANDY FOR SOLDIERS
Money donated to United Way is going to a good cause. Five dollars provides one meal for a hungry person at Christian Services. Ten dollars provides one hot meal for a disaster victim from the American Red Cross. Fifteen dollars gives one child access to the reading improvement program at Aldersgate Mission. Twenty dollars pays for one big brother big sister match to do an activity together. The United Way is a nonprofit organization that helps out local charities. The United Way of southeast Mississippi supports Forest, Lamar,
ing. The school attendance officer is notified when a student has five unexcused absences and again for every five after that up to 15 absences. After 15 absences, the school attendance officer is notified. When a student has missed 15 total days, the principal will notify the student’s parent or guardian and the school district superintendent. Also, when a student has 12 unexcused absences, the law states that charges of educational child neglect may be brought against the parent or guardian. Potential punishment for educational child neglect is a fine up to $1,000 and/or one year in jail.
Relay for Life is a fundraising event to help earn money to help fight cancer. Relay for Life is an event that takes place in a community that anyone can participate in. People donate money to walk around a track, or they can sponsor someone else who is walking. Another way money is raised is by food, games, and entertainment. Relay For Life takes place in communities all over the country. There are three main parts to a Relay for Life event. The survivors lap is when the cancer survivors circle the track together. The luminary ceremony occers when after dark. Candles inside bags are lit to remember people that have died from cancer. Finally, the fight back ceremony is when every one makes a personal By David goal to help fight canSCOTT cer . The first Relay for Life event took place in 1985. Dr. Gordy Klatt a cancer surgeon, decided to help raise awareness of cancer by running. He ran more then 83 miles in 24 hours. Nearly 300 of his of his friends, family, and patients watched as he ran during the night .People paid $25 to walk or run with him $27,000 was raised that night. That was the beginning of Relay For Life.
and Perry counties by providing money to local programs. Their mission is to improve lives by leading and mobilizing the caring power of southeast Mississippi . Thirty-four percent of the money donated to United Way is given to support services. Thirty percent is given to education. Twenty-two percent is given to health. Fourteen percent is given to financial staBy Azaviar bility. PLUMMER The United Way helps the American Red Cross, Christian Services, Boy Scouts, The Family Y, The Salvation Army, ARC, D.R.E.A.M, and R3SM. Petal Schools and United Way have a lot of history together. Petal
What is Candy for Soldiers? Candy for Soldiers is a program where you can donate all sorts of candy to soldiers in the war. Candy for Soldiers started several years ago. Once, tons of candy was sent to our soldiers from the government. Candy makes soldiers feel special and gives them courage to go back to war and fight because they know we love them By Katie DAMERON and care for them. The candy is sent to Camp Shelby. The candy is sent to the soldiers. The candy can be peppermints, suckers, Jolly Ranchers, and other kinds. So start donating candy now!
Do you know how many tardies a child can have each year? For every three unexcused tardies during one nine week term (12 for the year), the student will receive one day of after school detention. What do we get if we are here every day? Well, we get our teachers based on our attendance. We are allowed “teacher units” on our average daily attendance, so the better attendance we have, the more teachers we get. “The bottom line on attendance is that we can’t teach children who aren’t in school. We want all our students present every day,” says Mrs. Renee
Schools have had fundraisers, sales, fairs, and other fun stuff to donate to United Way. Petal School District has donated more than $15,000 to the United Way this year! Petal Upper Elementary has donated more than $800. You should really donate and make a difference. Live United!
Evans, principal at Petal Upper Elementary. At Petal Upper Elementary we have competitions and rewards to increase attendance and decrease absences and tardies. We have had several competitions: boys vs. girls, fifth grade vs. sixth grade, and homeroom classes competing against one another. Some of the rewards are to allow girls to wear “bling” or fancy jewelry, everyone wear blue jeans, boys playing football at recess, and everyone wearing their favorite college or NFL jersey. For more on school readiness and attendance visit www.attendanceworks.org and www.reachoutandread.org
HEROES... Maj. Dan Beeson and Sgt. 1st Class Jay Golden recently returned from Afghanistan after spending more than ten months away from their families.
Hometown Heroes Fifth graders welcome local soldiers Recently, two local soldiers, Maj. Dan Beeson and Sgt. 1st Class Jay Golden visited Petal Upper Elementary. Our English class was honored to hear their stories of Army life. We had a great question and answer session with them. These soldiers, along with three hundred other troops, recently returned from a year in Afghanistan. While there, they mostly lived in large tents with concrete floors. These large facilities became home base for the soldiers during their time there and were surrounded by fencing. This kept them safe, and thankfully, neither Maj. Beeson nor Sgt. Golden were injured. The soldiers spoke of the extreme weather conditions, which included extremely cold or By Cady extremely hot weather, and a rainy season. LAYTON Both men hated the rainy season the most because it meant dealing with a lot of mud. In addition to talking about Army life, the soldiers told us a little about themselves. Sgt. Golden has served for 23 years, and Maj. Beeson has served for 18 years. Both soldiers say they missed their families terribly and were very happy to come home, though it was an odd feeling of being back home and took some getting used to. We asked them how it felt to be heroes, and they had an interesting reply. Both said they were not the heroes, but their families were true heroes. That is amazing. I personally think if you are willing to sacrifice your life for your country, you are a hero, and it is an honor to inter- Maj. Beeson and his son, 5th grader Harper Beeson, demonstrate the corview you. Who is a hero to you? rect way to fold an American flag.
THE PANTHER PRESS
December 2011
Page 5
How to survive THE
Fifth GRADE! By Chloe SLADE
Welcome to the 5th grade. Follow these simple instructions and you will surely survive the 5th grade. This method is proven by trial and error. Always do your best. Follow the dress code. Finish homework assignments on time. Make sure you always say and follow the
creed and pledge. Always use your manners. Do not bully! Stand up for your friends and yourself. Do what is right even when others are doing wrong. Never talk in class without permission. Always come to class on time. Treat others how you want to be treated no matter
how they look or dress. No matter what always make friends with your teachers. This survival guide is not everything you will need to know; some thing you will just have to figure out yourself. However, this survival guide just might keep the 5th grade from eating you alive!
and mRs. camp’s class: By Cole WALKER
There are three steps to surviving Ms. Camp’s class. Don’t joke around. Stay on task. Do your homework. This is the only way you will survive the year. Many kids have tried to survive without doing these simple steps. They didn’t make it. Never joke around in Ms. Camp’s class! Her voice will boom across the classroom and your books will fall to the floor. She will then rise up, walk towards you, and lay the mighty detention slip upon your desktop. The best thing to do is just not risk it!
You must stay on task to survive Ms. Camp’s class. If you are just sitting there staring at the walls, she will find you. Your mind will be a thousand miles from the classroom and then you hear your name. This is soon followed with the mandatory detention slip. One more recess will be gone. The third and final step to survival is to do your homework. If you tell your parents you don’t have
any homework and watch TV, she will soon be on the phone with them. You never want to see Ms. Camp’s number on the caller ID. Then, when you arrive back in class, the mighty detention slip visits you again. In conclusion, surviving Ms. Camp’s class is a hard but necessary think to do. Simply follow these three steps, and you may make it to the end of the year. If not, well there is a graveyard behind the walking track.
and mR. GILES’S class:
? By I.M. Anonymous
There are three main ways to survive in Mr. Giles class. The first way is to be a thinker. Second, you need to like challenges. Thirdly, believe in yourself. If you can do this and like doing that, then you will do well in his class. If you are a thinker, then you will be a success in his class. As for me I’m not a thinker. I like for it to be placed in front of me, so I don’t have to waste my time thinking. Thanks to Mr. Giles, he doesn’t give me a choice. He makes me think. By doing
this he makes me smarter! He likes for you to work things out and show how you got your answer. Prove that you know what it means. Mr. Giles also likes to challenge you at every step of the day. By challenging you he is pushing yuou to be the very best you can be! I think when he challenges me to do things in his classroom. He is making me a stronger student. I think I can do some of the problems he gives me. Last, he has taught me how to believe in
myself. He has also taught me never doubt that I can’t do something. He wants me and everyone else to have confidence that we can do anything we put our minds to. He also has confidence in me and that helps me when I doubt myself! Mr. Giles is one of the best teachers I ever had in math! I feel lucky to have him as a teacher. The three things that he is teaching me: to be a thinker, to tackle challenges, and to have confidence. It will always help me the rest of my life.
and mRS. WOLFARTH’S CLASS:
By Layton PITTS
The purpose of this paper is to explain how a student can survive Mrs. Wolfarth’s class. Mrs. Wolfarth teaches me social studies and reading. I enjoy her class very much. I can help other students survive in her class with my knowledge of autonomy, leadership, and having a good sense of humor. The most important thing to survive her class is to understand how to be autonomous. Autonomy means to be independent. This means you have to be able to work and think for yourself. An autonomous student is able to do their work
and make choices with little help. All students should work hard to be autonomous, if they aren’t already. Another way to survive Mrs. Wolfarth’s class is to keep a good sense of humor. This means sometimes when you may be in a bad mood you just have to smile. Getting a good night’s rest and eating a good breakfast will make you more likely to have a good sense of humor. A sense of humor will take you far in Mrs. Wolfarth’s class. Put on your best smile and attitude before you walk in the door. Another way to be successful in Mrs.
Wolfarth’s class is to show leadership. A leader should always make the good choice even if it is not easy. A leader should show respect to his or her teacher and classmates. A leader shows responsibility by doing all his or her work. A leader should always be honest. All students can be successful in this class. You just have to follow the simple steps above. Mrs. Wolfarth expects you to do your best. She will treat you fair, if you work hard for her. If you follow these simple rules you will do just fine.
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December 2011
Did you know?
STAR STAFF: Mrs. Signe Mooney
By Harrison WILSON
Mrs. Mooney is our school’s book keeper. She’s very nice and careful, and keeps this school together. If Mrs. Mooney wasn’t here, I don’t know how this school would function properly. This school is lucky to have Mrs. Mooney. She enjoys balancing checks, finding mistakes, analyzing, and much more. She loves to keep the school organized. One reason she chose this job was because it was a good district for her
kids when they went here. Sometimes, she’s stressed out at work with avoiding mistakes, but Mrs. Mooney can still be someone’s hope. Mrs. Mooney also works late sometimes to make sure everything’s perfect. She thinks she’s doing a good job and she is. She feels like she’s respected at her job; we respect her because Mrs. Mooney has done so much for this school.
Interesting things about our community that you just might not know
History of Petal
Book Reviews: Walk Two Moons by Shannon Creech
Do you like books with a wonderful blend of excitement, happiness, and sadness? If you do, when you start reading “Walk Two Moons” by Shannon Creech, you will be hooked. We hope you’ll like it as much as we did. Walk Two Moons is a realistic fiction story about Salamanca Tree Hiddle, a.k.a Sal. When she moves from Bybanks, Kentucky to Euclid, Ohio, she makes new friends. H o w e v e r, some mysterious things begin to happen. As Sal and her grandparents take a trip across several states to Lewiston, Idaho to see Sal’s mother, Sal tells Gram and Gramps stories of her new friend, Phoebe Winterbottom, and the strange things that happened in Euclid. Our favorite part of the story is when Mr. Birkway, the English teacher, reads their private journals in class. Some very private, very embarrassing information is revealed. You really should read this book. It may become the greatest book you have ever read. With action, romance, adventure, and a hint of comedy, you have a great book if you read “Walk Two Moons.” – Grace Clark, Meagan Green, Elizabeth Hester, Chesna Wilson, Shelbie Kendrick, Jessica Hodge
Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Do you want to read an amazing story about friendship? This story about unlikely friends will capture your attention. You will become involved in the story “Sign of the Beaver” by Elizabeth George Speare. You will want to read it over and over again. You will laugh and cry throughout this amazing adventure story. A twelveyear-old boy, Matt, is left alone in the Maine wilderness while his father returns to Massachusetts to get the rest of
the family. Matt must keep the log cabin and the crops his pa has planted safe and survive alone in the woods until his family returns. Matt meets Attean, a 14-year-old Indian boy, and his grandfather, Saknis. The Indians teach Matt about survival in the wilderness. In return, Matt teaches Attean to read “white-man’s signs.” Although the boys do not like each other at first, they soon learn valuable lessons about friendship and trust. Our favorite part of the book was when a stranger appeared and stole something valuable for Matt’s survival. That’s why Attean’s lessons on survival were so important. This book makes you very emotional. It’s full of shocks, surprises, and an adventure at every turn. If this sounds like a book for you, don’t wait till tomorrow. Read “Sign of the Beaver” today. – Heaven Clark, Falon Nowicki, Cara Ellington, Azaviar Plummer, Chloe Slade, Tanner Housewright
Fifth Grade AR Book Recommendations The Clue of the Broken Locket by Carolyn Keene AR Level: 5.7 Points: 5 Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Nancy and her friends try to solve a mystery involving a girl named Cecily. She is looking for her family fortune. My favorite part of the book is when two guys try to get rid of Nancy so that she can’t find the iron bird in the Pudding Stone Lodge. I would recommend this book since it is about a girl trying to find her family’s fortune. – Jenna Fisher
School kids are going to find out. My favorite part is when Eddie, Howie, Liza, and Melody all run away from the supposed skeleton, but it’s actually their principal. I would recommend this book because it is a very good mystery book for children. It means you’re never too old to believe in ghosts. – Julia Hinton Case of the Fiddle Playing Fox by John R. Erickson AR Level: 5.3 Points: 4 Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Hank tries to see who is stealing eggs from the chicken house. He found out that it’s a fox playing a fiddle. My favorite part is when Hank is sprayed by a sneaky, stinky skunk! This book is funny because the fox steals Hank’s love, Beulah, with his fiddle music. That is why I recommend this book. – Tanner Housewright Wicked Velociraptors of West Virginia by Jonathan Rand
his mask and when Greg and Rowley went trick-or-treating. The weed eater went out of control and the dude said, “Are you kidding me!?!” We would recommend this book to every kid out there because it was a very good, funny book. – J’Lin Jones and Dominiiq Leary Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne AR Level: 2.2 Points: 1 Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Pirates Past Noon is about a tree house that was magical and led to an island of pirates. Anne and Jack discover treasure. My favorite part of the book was when they went through the magical tree house. If you like fantasy books about pirates, I recommend you read this book. – Ayleen Garcia The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan AR Level: 4.7 Points: 17 Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Percy Jackson is back, but he can’t remember anyAR Level: 4.3 thing about his past! Now he Points: 3 must go to the land beyond the Genre: Fiction god’s power. My favorite part of the book is when Percy kills gorSynopsis: This is a thrilling gon. I recommend this book book with action, excitement, and because it is action-packed. danger. After Brandon breaks a – Jose Martinez window at the house of a crazy scientist, he and Kara work to pay for the window by cleaning the Typhoid Fever: laboratory. You will not believe Dirty Food, what they find! My favorite part Dirty Water! is when they get lost in time. If by William Caper you are into spooky books, I recAR Level: 6.0 ommend you read this one. Points: .5 – Lawton Rodgers Genre: NonFiction
Skeletons Don’t Play Tubas by Debbie Dadey AR Level: 3.6 Points: 1 Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: There are some pretty weird grown-ups living in Bailey City, but could the new band teacher really teach a skeleton to play the tuba? The Bailey
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney AR Level: 5.2 Points: 3 Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Greg got suspended from safety patrol because he chased a kindergartener with a worm. He was trying to be popular and get the class favorite of the year. Our favorite parts are when Greg scared Rowley with
Synopsis: A very contagious fever is going around in the year 1906. “Typhoid Mary,” a cook for families, was believed to be the first carrier. My favorite part of the book was when Mary Mallon was quarantined to New York City’s North Brother Island. Who will survive? Who will not? Read this book to find out. Although it may sound weird, this is a very interesting, very great book. – Heaven Clark
Petal is a city in Forrest County, Mississippi that is part of the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Area. The population is 10,617, according to the census performed in July, 2007. The first post office in Petal was made in 1903. Petal was also named after the first Post Master’s, By Trey Irving A. Polk, ATWOOD daughter. Another interesting fact is Petal is the only city in the United States with that name. Petal was originally a farming community, with the city being established in 1906.
Petal Upper Elem Have you ever wondered about the history of PUES and the first principal? Petal Upper Elementary was founded in 1962. Originally, it was called Petal Harvey Elementary. The first principal was W.L. Smith, and he was principal for 23 years. When he retired, the name was changed in his honor to W.L. Smith Elementary. Sadly, after that, W.L. Smith died at By Nychelle the age of 59. He HAWK lived an adventurous life, including being a Major in the U.S. Army Engineers during World War II. Throughout the years, the school has changed in several ways. At one point in time, the school was first through sixth but has never had kindergarten. There have also been several additions to the original building. One interesting fact is the concrete pad located in the front surrounded by trees, was the first location of the Central Office in a trailer. PUES has changed a lot over the years, but it is the same on the inside. Thank you W.L. Smith.
The Leaf River Did you know the Leaf River is 180 miles long? That’s amazing. It begins in Bieville National Forest, flows to the Bouie River, then joins the Chickasawhay River , and finally flows into the Pascagoula River, which leads to the Gulf of Mexico. It has served as a trade route before roads and trails were developed. Legend says that one of the By Ashlie traders who sailed COOPER the river buried his profits near the banks of the Leaf River. The coins were found in 1854. Trout, Char and Bass are three fish found in Leaf River.
THE PANTHER PRESS
December 2011
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Words of wisdom There are many people in this world. Lots of them want friends. Choose your friends wisely because one day you will be dying and you need to know who you want to be at your side. You are special. You might think you are not By Griffin but you are. Self control is MEDINA knowing that you can but deciding that you will not. You have a purpose in this world. Find it and you will always be happy.
A little dog I am small I have a paw My face is cute and I have a suit I am brown I’m not a clown My name is Doug and I am a pug
By Katie DAMERON
By Tori Hamilton
Whattya mean all my facts are wrong? I copied everything straight off the Internet!
By Daysha Lott
ART CORNER
By Caleb Isaac Jones
By Grace Polley
By Harley Harvee By Luke Watkins
By Mekenzie Meyers
By Katelyn J. Powell
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THE PANTHER PRESS
December 2011
2011 PETAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Go PANTHERS! We’re so proud of all of you!