The Black and Gold Volume II: Issue 5 November 4, 2022

THE BLACK AND GOLD "Have a pawfect day!"

November 4, 2022 | Volume II: Issue 5 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWS SOURCE OF BUCHANAN COUNTY R-IV

Newspaper Staff Helaina Geoffroy | Marshall Jones

|

Abigail Miller | Tricia Simpson

TIGERS ADVANCE TO 2ND ROUND OF DISTRICTS BY: MARSHALL JONES

Tonight at 7pm, the De Kalb Tigers will be facing off against the Orrick Bearcats in a 2nd round Districts game.

They are advancing because of the game they won last Friday. On Tiger home turf, they went head-to-head against the Southwest Livingston Wildcats and won 50-22. According to coach Wardlow, The Wildcats “Scored the first two drives, but we didn’t let them score again. We threw more often than the norm. They were bigger, but we were faster.”

Pictured: Mason Punzo, Coach Wardlow, Gavin Moore, Luke Miller Photo Credit: Tricia Simpson and Abigail Miller

This week, the Tigers have been preparing for tonight's game. “We’ve been watching a lot of film to look for tendencies and see how we can take advantage of things they do and make game plan for how to stop them,” says Wardlow.

The Black and Gold staff wishes the Tigers a great game! Go Tigers!

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

PAGE | 01

HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS BY: TRICIA SIMPSON Halloween is a celebration commonly celebrated on October 31st, in many parts of the world. Many people celebrate Halloween in different ways.

In America, most people celebrate Halloween by dressing up as someone famous or a spooky creature, and going to different houses to trick-or-treat.

Canada mostly celebrates the same way, except they also decorate their streets and lights throughout the city.

In Spain, adults have costume parties and celebrate Halloween for three days rather than one night. Halloween is also celebrated differently by each family.

Students at De Kalb have traditions they love celebrating. Helaina Geoffroy dresses up and goes out trick or treating with her family. Lexi Gore celebrates by having a family-friend Halloween party at her house. Brooklyn Frakes celebrates Halloween by going trick-or-treating with friends. Boston Burdette goes to the Rushville churches and Trunk-or-Treat. Braylee Brown goes to her aunt’s house and swims in the hottub. Kaylee Grable goes trick-ortreating with her mom and her cousin Anna.

Pictured: Nurse Chelsey and Mrs. Horr Photo Credit: Marshall Jones

Students and staff members at De Kalb celebrate a little differently than the normal trick-or-treating. Mrs. Miller's family and friends get together and make Halloween themed food and have CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

PAGE | 02

HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS a Halloween party while they hand out candy to local kids trick-or-treating.

Coach Robert’s celebrates Halloween by handing out candy to kids. Mrs. Punzo celebrates Halloween by decorating her house and handing out candy to trickor-treaters. Mrs. Downing decorates her house and carves pumpkins with her family. Mr. Chisam usually has good food with his family and trick or treats with nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Matthews celebrates Halloween by going trick or treating with her two boys. Coach Dice watches Halloween movies with his dog Emma. Coach Dubs does a couple Hallowen dress up costume contest with his wife.

Pictured: Marshall Jones Photo Credit: Tricia Simpson

Everyone celebrates in different ways, but Halloween is still a nice time to get together and celebrate with friends and family! We hope you all enjoyed Halloween 2022.

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

PAGE | 03

MS BOYS BASKETBALL PREPARES FOR 2022 SEASON BY: TRICIA SIMPSON The middle school basketball season has officially begun and the boys played their first game on October 27th, against Stewartsville. They didn’t come out on top, but they still played hard, and it was only their first game. 7th grader Blayne Cline thinks, “We could have played better defense,” and his brother, 8th grader, Devlen Cline notes, “We could have put more shots up and played better offense.”

Coach Roberts has high hopes for the season.

Overall, he wants the boys to grow and learn and get better as the season goes on. Devlen hopes as the season goes on, he can help his younger teammates learn and get more advanced in their fundamentals.

In practice, the boys work on a variety of skills. The boys do in game situations, fundamentals, lots of drills, and conditioning.

As the season goes on, the boys will put what they have learned from practice, into the games and everything will come all together.

Coach Roberts wants the boys to have a fun season, and the boys would also like to.

Supporters can always bring the spirits up during a game.

All their hard work is paying off. The boys won 33-10 in their November 3rd match-up against Union Star.

The boys play their next game at Weston on November 7th. Come out and support your middle school boys basketball team!

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

Pictured: MS Boys Basketball Team Photo Credits Kaylee Grable

PAGE | 04

LIBRARY GETS REVAMPED BY: ABIGAIL MILLER Over the summer, the library got a makeover. Mrs. Miller took on the role of overseeing the library after last year’ library overseer took a position in another district.

Along with the help of Mrs. Faulkenberry and students such as McKayla Chatman, Brayden Bowen, Syra Servaes, and Brayton Sybert, Mrs. Miller reorganized books into genres, such as

Pictured: New Books at De Kalb Library Photo Credit: Abigail Miller

Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Realistic Fiction to help students find books they most like to read.

“Pulling all the books off the shelf and reorganizing them was probably the hardest part,” says Mrs.Miller. They also weeded out books that were

outdated

or

damaged

and

rehung

decorations throughout the library.

Most importantly, they created a list of new books to purchase based on titles students most want to read. “I like all of the new changes happening in the library. It's cool to see how everything is changing from when we first started,” says Brayden Bowen.

Students also have wider access to books because the Rolling Hills Library Bookmobile has started coming back to De Kalb every other Thursday.

If you have any questions or suggestions, or any books you’d like to see added to the library, you can speak to Mrs. Miller. “I am in the library every day during4th hour and study hall,” Miller.

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

says Mrs.

Pictured: Tiger in De Kalb Library Photo Credit: Abigail Miller PAGE | 05

RED RIBBON WEEK WAS A SUCCESS BY: HELAINA GEOFFROY

Pictured: Rawley Mydland wins candy for his 8th hour class.

Photo Credit: Helaina Geoffroy

Every year the school holds Red Ribbon Week in late October. The different daily contests and activities are to show that drugs are bad.

Schools have Red Ribbon Week “to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities'' (www.redribbon.org).

Here at De Kalb, Mrs. Penny Powell, the school's Counselor, and Resource Officer Joanna Mayer were in charge of this year's Red Ribbon Week.

This important week “is about the acknowledgment and pledge that drugs are bad, and we will not do drugs in our life,” said Mrs. Powell. Rushville Elementary and the Middle / High School made a chain link showing the district's pledge to say NO to drugs.

The impact it has on students is “it allows a chance for law enforcement to talk to students and explain to them the dangers of drugs and how it can affect your body long term and short term” said, Officer Jo. Officer Jo wanted to add that “it's not just drugs are bad. It's also about making healthy lifestyle choices and learning how other substances may be legal, but they are still bad.”

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

What to Watch BY: HELAINA GEOFFROY Halloween the series is a big hit during the Halloween season. Halloween is a 13 movie series and has been around since the release on October 25, 1978.

“The Halloween movie franchise’s net worth is over $700 million” according to marketrealist.com.

Halloween has always been good for drama and action. That draws in the audience's attention. A superstitious movie is always a good one. However, this latest release hasn’t been as well received as past releases.

One of critics' complaints was that Micheal Myers did not get a lot of screen time. According to Yahoo!

Sports “...Myers is on the screen for just 10 minutes and 55 seconds, less than 10% of the film’s total 1 hour and 51 minute runtime.” The 10 minutes is average for some of the films. But, as this is supposed to be the last film ever out of the 13 movies series, Micheal should've got more screen time.

I enjoyed Halloween Ends. Even though there has been backlash about the series as a whole, I feel like the Halloween film series ended at a good place.

PAGE | 06

FFA MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN SPEECH CONTEST BY: ABIGAIL MILLER

On November 2 at 4:30 P.M at savannah high school.

Some FFA members participated in a speech contest. The FFA members include Freshmen Presli Punzo, Grace Downing, Ava Donaldson, and Kenzie Pflugradt. Presli participated in the Young Farmer speech, Grace participated in the Missouri Cattlemen's speech, Ava participated in a Teach Ag speech, and Kenzie participated in the Missouri Pet Breeders speech contest. Kenzie placed 3rd in her category and advanced to districts.

Each speech was sponsored by an agricultural organization from Missouri.

“Any FFA member can participate. For example the Missouri Cattlemen's Association sponsors a speech. There are around 10 different speech categories that students can choose to participate in,” explains Mr.Medsker.

This contest allows students to practice and grow their skills in public speaking. It also allows students to win awards. “Public speaking competitions are a great opportunity to gain new skills in public speaking. The ability to speak and express yourself is so important and this is a valuable skill to have,” explains Medsker.

Districts will be held next wednesday at cameron high school. If you have any questions about districts or anything FFA related ask Mr.Medsker.

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

Pictured: Presli Punzo, Grace Downing, Ava Donaldson, Kenzie Pflugradt Photo Credit: Mr. Medsker

Quote of the Week

“If you live like a rogue you die like a rogue.”

Fire Star from Warrior Cats. ~ Layla Griffon PAGE | 07

HONORABLE MENTIONS "CHEESE" - LANDON WILLIAMS

"TAKING 25% OFF THE TOP OF MY KIDS' CANDY" - MRS. TAYLOR

"TECH DECKS" - KASEY STEINER

Hersheys 6.9%

Funnel Cake 6.9%

Reese's 20.7%

Snickers 9.2%

Candy corn 14.9%

Twix 13.8%

KitKats 11.5%

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

Popcorn Balls 16.1%

PAGE | 08

THE DHS AND DMS BAND ANNUAL 5K BY: HELAINA GEOFFROY For the last couple of years, the DHS and DMS band has hosted the “Haunted Hustle 5k” as a fundraiser. Instead of selling food, the band gets people to come out and spend time outdoors together.

This year's event was another success. “We had approximately 35 participants, some band members, while others were there to help during the walk. The weather was perfect. It was a cool morning to go for a walk or run,” said Mrs. King.

Ashlee Derry recalls, “It was good because we all had a great time and got to dress up and have fun."

After the 5k, the band headed over to the Atchison Halloween Parade. “The parade was also great. It was fun seeing all the people,” said Sidnie Nance.

According to Mrs. King, “The parade went well. It is always fun to march in the Atchison Halloween Parade and see all of the people there in costume.

It is one of the best-attended parades we do. There seemed to be more people there this year than normal."

Pictured: Mrs. King Photo Credit: Helaina Geoffroy

Pictured: Ashlee Derry Photo Credit: Helaina Geoffroy

The Parade also gave the band a chance to practice and show off skills learned this year. “The band has put in a lot of work on the songs we have played this fall. It's fun to feature those songs at the parade and play them all so well,” said Mrs. King.

Mrs. King wanted to add, “I am very proud of how far this group has come since August. They have worked very hard and their works show in their performances.”

Next week, the band is headed to Rushville Elementary to perform in their annual Veteran's Day assembly.

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

Pictured: Sidnie Nance Photo Credit: Helaina Geoffroy PAGE | 09

WHAT TO PLAY BY: MARSHALL JONES Beat Saber is a VR rhythm game where you hit cubes with sabers to the beat of a song. At first it might sound odd, but the game is better than you think.

There are several songs you can choose from and there are a range of difficulties. So if you struggle with the faster pace, you can lower the difficulty and slow it down.

You can also buy more music off the store or mod the game to use your own music. It's also a great way to get a little more exercise while having a lot of fun.

WHAT TO READ (OR NOT) BY: MRS. MILLER

It Starts with Us, the much-anticipated follow-up to Hoover's acclaimed It Ends with Us, left a bit to be desired. The plot just wasn't quite as gripping as its predecessor. Warning, if you haven't read It Starts with Us, SPOILERS ARE COMING! The story follows Lily, Ryle, and Atlas in the wake of Lily and Ryle's divorce. As Lily attempts to balance being a single mom with running her own flower shop, she finds herself involved in a budding romance as well.

Can she handle it all? Or, perhaps more importantly, can Ryle handle her dating someone new?

While there are a few new discoveries, several sweet moments, and a few tense ones, overall, the book was readable, but not necessarily a page-turner.

Hoover lets readers know in her notes at the end of the book that she never intended a follow-up to Lily's story, but fans wanted it, so she listened. Next time, let's hope she listens to her own instincts instead.

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

PAGE | 10

TERRIFIC TIGERS 7th Grade: Syra Serveas Favorite Subject: English Superpower: Teleportation Favorite hobby: Spending time outside 8th Grade: Emma Pitts

Favorite Subject: English Superpower: Invisibility Favorite hobby: Hunting 9th Grade: Faith Williams

Favorite Subject: Spanish Superpower: Mind reading Favorite hobby: Softball NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

PAGE | 11

TERRIFIC TIGERS 10th Grade: Lauren Marriott Favorite Subject: Art Superpower: Teleportation Favorite hobby: Painting

11th Grade: Rawley Midland Favorite Subject: History Superpower: Flying Favorite hobby: Going for walks

12th Grade: Koda Morey Favorite Subject: Weights Superpower: Flying Favorite hobby: Racing cars NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

PAGE | 12

NOVEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH Middle School Syra Servaes is a 7th grader who is always working hard in class and helping Mrs. Miller in the library. Syra was surprised she got Student of the Month, but it was "pretty cool" in her opinion!

Underclassman Shyann Nowack is a 10th grader who always has her work done on time and helps other students on math homework in Mrs. Hansbrough's class. Shyann felt great when she heard she was the Student of the Month.

Upperclassman Jayden Schneider is a junior who always works hard in Mrs. King's band class and is always ready to help others. Jayden was surprised to earn Student of the Month because he wasn't expecting it.

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2022

PAGE | 13