This week, our 3rd–5th grade students took part in the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) testing. Each morning, students started their day with a nutritious breakfast and had some fun showing school spirit through themed color days. We’re proud of their hard work and look forward to seeing the results this summer!
Brianna Kuhn has been selected as our March 2025 Student of the Month! High School Staff voted for her because she displays exemplary citizenship, leadership, and academic achievement! She has earned a $100 scholarship from the Polo School Foundation which is presented here by member, Alissa Zeigler. Bri has answered a few questions about herself:
Parents: Stephanie Kuhn-Donald and Skip Donald
Siblings: Ashley, Chris, Helena, Andrew, Zeneta and Oshane
Favorite class: Horticulture
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Coy
School activities in which you participate: Band, FCCLA, Drama Club, Game Club, Spanish Club and GSA
What will you do after high school? Graphic Design at a 4 year school
What is something you learned in high school that you think you’ll never use? Imaginary Numbers
If you could create any new class at your school, what would it be? A class that teaches you how to do adult things. Like taxes, writing checks, balancing a checkbook, bill paying, budgeting, stuff like that.
What does it take to be a successful high school student? Doing all your work on time, trying your absolute hardest on tests and assignments and most importantly asking for help when you need it.
How would you describe your group of friends? Diverse
What do you do in your free time? Craft things, generally I crochet, though I do read quite a lot in my free time.
What kind of music are you listening to? I listen to most everything, with the exception to that being opera.
If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? I think that I would go to Europe, nowhere specifically, but I would travel Europe.
What is your favorite childhood memory? When we went to the White Pines for a hike with our Girl Scout troop. We just happened to be there the day after a great amount of rain had come down. Somehow we happened upon a very muddy hill and we all slid down that hill, even the troop leaders.
What is the best way to cheer you up?
Putting on some feel good music and reading a good book
What is your life’s philosophy?
Live your life how you want to, what anyone else thinks of you doesn't matter.
What would you do if you received $1 billion all of a sudden?
I would give some money to my parents so that they could pay off their debt, I would likely donate some and the rest would be invested or used as fun money.
Your favorite:
Number: 17
Movie: Grease
TV Show: 9-1-1
Color: Purple
Food: Chicken tenders
Song: That’s My Kind of Night - Luke Bryan
● What class do you find really engaging and why?
I find the horticulture class with Stephanie Schultz really engaging. Right now since we’re getting ready for the grand opening plant sale on May 3rd for the greenhouse we’ve been in the greenhouse everyday. I enjoy spending time in our greenhouse with all of the plants.
● What are your career and post-graduation plans?
Post-graduation we have a few trips planned for the summer. In June I’m headed to Toronto for my graduation trip. In July we’re headed to Jamaica for around a week for a family gathering.
● What are your two favorite extracurricular, volunteer or community activities you participate in?
Band and Drama Club are by far my favorite extracurricular activities that I participate in. I think that being a part of a group that’s bigger than myself is very fun and it builds values of teamwork and that there is no I in team.
Calling all little royals! Nominations for Prom Prince and Princess are now being accepted. All nominees must be ages 4-6. The lucky winners will be announced on Monday, April 14th, in a random drawing. Prom duties are Saturday, April 26th. Email Emily Meinert at ejoines@poloschools.net with your nominations (include child's age, name, and parent/guardian contact info) or any questions.
Prom Grand March will be at 6pm on Saturday, April 26th. Attendees should arrive at 5:45.
The Polo Community School District has a vacancy on the Board of Education. We will be accepting applications from now until April 14th at 4:00 p.m. We can not accept applicants from Buffalo Township because it would cause a majority on the Board of Education. If you are interested in the position, please send a letter of interest to Dr. Kelly Mandrell at kmandrell@poloschools.net.
Due to unexpected circumstances we have made the difficult decision to postpone the spring musical Moana (April 11th and 12th) until fall next year (2025). Thank you for understanding.
Attention 8th grade parents! The IMPACT Program at Sauk Valley Community College is now open for registration! This is an exceptional opportunity for your child to explore and advance learning and career pathways. Don't miss out! They must be enrolled by September 1st!
Tonights boys basesball game will be varsity only.
Dear Polo Community Unit District Families,
With the forecast calling for the potential of severe weather Tuesday evening into Wednesday afternoon, we wanted to take a moment to proactively communicate some key safety procedures.
In the unlikely event that our area is under a tornado WARNING at the time of dismissal or bus route departure (either to or from school), we will not start bus routes until the warning has expired and it is safe to proceed. While this is a rare occurrence, we believe it’s important that families are aware of this in advance to avoid confusion or concern if a delay were to occur.
Additionally, if a tornado WARNING is issued while students are in school, all staff and students will immediately take cover in their designated severe weather shelter locations, such as interior hallways and pre-determined safe rooms. During this time, parents will not be allowed to enter the building to pick up their children until the warning has passed and it is safe to resume normal operations, which includes the resumption of bus routes and regular dismissal procedures.
However, if the area is under a tornado WATCH (not a warning), families may choose to come pick up their child(ren) at any time.
Student safety is always our top priority. We will continue to monitor weather developments closely and communicate further as needed via email, our school website, and our notification system.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mandrell
Girls high school softballl and boys and girls track have been cancelled for today due to wind chills.
Today, March 27th, 2025, the Polo Police Department and Ogle County Sheriff's Office with be conducting training at all three of our schools. There will be numerous police cars, but there is nothing wrong at any of the schools. We just wanted to let you know.
Baseball and softball games have been cancelled due to the weather for Satruday, March 22nd.
School will dismiss at 2:00pm today.
HAVE A WONDERFUL SPRING BREAK!
High school boys and girls track practice have both been cancelled for today
The high school boys baseball game for today at 4:00 has been cancelled due to the weather.
Students got to enjoy Block Fest! All students got to participate during their PE time and we hosted a preschool parent night. Thank you all of those who attended.
The Mobile Markets will be at Polo Lifeline on Wednesday, March 12th.
A huge congratulations to our own IESA 1A Wrestling 6th place state finisher in the 275 bracket, Maddox Peterson!! He will be welcomed back to Polo with a police escort in approximately 40 minutes if you want to come out to show your support. They will be coming in on Pines Rd.
Here are the brackets for the Rt 72 Girls Basketball Tournament this Saturday and next Tuesday. 7th grade will play at Centennial Elementary School, 8th grade girls will play at Polo High School.
This is just a reminder that the School Improvement/Early Dismissal day is Friday, March 14th at 11:15 am.
A bus incident occurred today involving a vehicle not affiliated with Polo Community Unit School District. The Polo Fire Department responded to the scene due to its proximity to Polo.