Telescoping panel construction

A vertically extensible self-storing partition panel, comprising:

• a base panel having a lower portion thereof shaped for freestanding support on an associated floor surface, and an upper portion therefor with two vertically oriented support sleeves and a storage cavity therebetween;
• an extender frame including first and second upright legs having upper ends thereof interconnected by a laterally extending crossarm to define an open interior, and lower ends thereof closely received in the support sleeves of said base panel to permit shifting said extender frame between an extended position wherein said extender frame crossarm is disposed above said base panel to increase the overall height of said panel, and a fully retracted position wherein said extender frame crossarm is disposed wholly within the storage cavity of said base panel for storage;
• a retainer interconnecting said extender frame and said base panel when said extender frame is in said extended position;
• and
• at least one cover panel connected with said extender frame when said extender frame is in said extended position, and covering the open interior of said extender frame.