The
Pride
The Pride exists to
update, celebrate, and inform, the community concerning weekly events at Willard
R-II
February 5,
2010
District
Office
The News-Leader headline this
morning reads "SNEA wins local union battle". In my opinion, this could be a sad
day for education. Please don't get me wrong: I highly support teacher
organizations! I believe that professionals should be part of organizations that
provide support, advice, and especially liability coverage. These aspects
of teacher organizations are pure and help teachers to grow in their skills, as
well as protect them from ungrounded legal suits. However, in many parts of the
country there is another uglier side to this issue. Illinois, our neighboring
state, is highly teacher unionized. Contracts are set with agreements so
specific that it limits how long teachers must remain in a building, how many
students in a class, how long they have to stay after school for staff meetings, how many
conferences they must have on parent nights, etc... Ultimately, in this type of
environment, the relationship between teachers and administrators become
tainted. Disagreement becomes adversarial and in the end, this is harmful to
students. Ransom Ellis is the Springfield School District attorney and a friend
of mine. He was quoted in the paper below:
"Ellis said he doesn't know
how different budget discussions may be this year, with the selection of a
union. But once SNEA is certified, he said, they will want to sit down to talk
about teacher contracts. "At that point you are entering into a business
arrangement as opposed to having a collegial discussion, etc. Not that
negotiations aren't collegial, but it's a different kind of process," said
Ellis. Since this will be the first contract to go through such a process, Ellis
said he would expect the process to take some time. Smith said his organization
will be getting a bargaining team together. The members will need to get some
training."
I hope for the best in this new relationship in Springfield.
I truly hope that their experience remains positive and does not slide down a
slope to negative union style negotiations. Once again, I am thankful to be in
Willard. The relationship that exists between teachers and administrators is
positive and built upon trust and shared goals. I respect the teaching staff
greatly. As a whole they are committed to continued improvement and the success
of every child.
Have a great weekend.
Kent
Activities Director
The Pride - Activities
Obviously, I'm not a scientist or meteorologist but I'm confused on how this whole "global warming" thing is suppose to work. It won't stop snowing! Anyway, back to the Tigers.
Congratulations to the basketball tigers on their 3rd place finish in the Nixa Invitational. They defeated Harrisonville and Mt. Vernon (pay back!). The boys had a heartbreaker against Rogersville on Tuesday but look to get back on track tonight vs. Carthage for Courtwarming. JV starts at 6:00 with Courtwarming festivities being held between games. The boys will then host Neosho next Tuesday before traveling to Republic next Friday.
The lady tigers had a big win this Monday over Bolivar before falling to Webb City last night. The girls travel to McDonald County tomorrow for a 1:00 game and will travel to Branson on Monday and Neosho next Thursday as they resume COC play.
Our wrestlers have some time off as they prepare for the district tournament a week from this Saturday. More details in next weeks Pride.
A special congratulations to Steven Anderson, Rick Samples, and the late Jim Staley on being inducted to the Willard Activities Hall of Fame. Induction ceremonies will take place during the Feb. 9th boys basketball game vs. Neosho. A reception for friends and family will follow.
Another special congratulations to our own Mark Lawley on being invited to be a guest conductor at Carnegie Hall (yes, THAT Carnegie Hall!). This is just another example of how lucky we are to have teachers like Mr. Lawley working with Willard kids.
Last, but not least, a big THANK YOU to all custodial and maintenance staff for helping keep the parking lots and sidewalks clear and safe for children and staff!
It's Good To Be A Tiger!
Jeff Staley - Director of Operations
Special
Services
Special Services serves a wide
range of students that might require help with vocations, housing, Social
Security information, or independent life skills. We will be hosting a Transition Fair on Thursday, March 11,
2010 from 2:00-6:00 in the High School Commons. Over 20 outside agencies will
set up booths to introduce people to services available in and around our community. These agencies will be
available, not only to students, but anyone that has a question or need. Please
come and visit with these agencies and learn what they have to offer to our students
and patrons in need.
HS
special services teachers express thanks to "Willard administration and school
board for the new technology we have in our classrooms. Projectors are used in many of the
classes to reinforce objectives through videos, alternative lessons, and
hands-on activities. Smartboards have brought the entire world into the
classroom with interactive lesson plans that teach concepts in a way that
students have come to expect. Document cameras are helping visually
impaired students and stretching budget dollars by removing the need for every
student to have a text. It is often a struggle for teachers to be as
technologically savvy as their students, but with the training and support
Willard RII offers we are making great strides".
High
School
As the month of January ended, the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education was making an impact on Legislators throughout the state. Willard students who have a passion for the importance of the Arts in public schools joined forces with other area school students. Willard students made a presentation at the Show-Me Arts Summit. Representative Shane Schoeller and Sen. Norma Champion were both in attendance. After Saturday's Arts Summit, Willard Senior Christine West joined with area students to speak with the Senate Education Committee in Jefferson City. Christine's passion was clearly heard about the importance of Fine Arts Education to Missouri students. Missouri Association for Art Education Director Deborah Fisher is hopeful that additional Willard students will be invited to speak to the House of Representatives in the near future. This is another example of the positive representation our students provide for our school and community.
This week is Courtwarming Week which concludes tonight with our Boys Basketball competing against Carthage. Between the games will be our Courtwarming Ceremonies and after the game our SGA Courtwarming Dance. WHS students have been dressed in some very "spiritful" and "unique" clothing each day to show school spirit and support. We have had a great week of fun and looking forward to a great game tonight.
Have a great weekend.
Stewart Pratt, HS Principal
Middle
School
Greetings from Willard Middle School. We have turned the calendar to February, and enjoying a few nice days along with the snow and frost. If it is true that "variety is the spice of life," then the weather in Missouri should keep us all happy. We are all gearing up for Super Bowl weekend, and in appreciation for the work our teachers do here at WMS, we are having our own little "soup-er bowl" lunch. This is of course due to the "soup-er" job they do each day, and we hope they know how much they are appreciated. We are also having the Valentines dance this evening (Friday 2/5/10), and look to have a great evening of music, food, and fun. Next week, the National Junior Honor Society members will be going on a skating trip on Tuesday evening. We applaud these kids for all of their hard work and accomplishments, and hope they continue to see the value in education and success. Spring sports will begin with their opening meetings in the coming weeks, and we hope to see a large number of students taking advantage of both our Track and Softball programs. By the time they get into full swing, the sun will be out and being outside will be a good thing (we hope). Thanks for checking on us, and have a great weekend. Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal
Intermediate
School
Willard Central
Elementary
Willard Central has been busy with the business of learning. We enjoyed hosting teachers from Warsaw and Marshfield to see all of the wonderful literacy instruction being provided for students in the Willard District. As we look ahead to the coming weeks, please mark your calendars for these events in February:
Monday 8th – PTO Meeting at 6:00
Wednesday 10th – McDonald’s Cookie Sales begin
Friday 12th – Valentine’s Day Parties at 2:45
Monday 15th – Snow Make Up Day
Tuesday 16th – PUSH Program begins for 3rd and 4th grade after school.
Have a warm, safe
weekend! Shane Medlin, Principal
Willard North
Elementary
Where has the time gone? We are already past our first week of February. This month we are selling candy grams in order to raise money and donate to Haiti. So far fourth grade students have sold over 550 candy grams within the first week. That is over $200.00 so far. We have one more week of selling before giving our donation to Convey for Hope.
Starting on February 8th, Mad Science will be offering a science workshop after school on Mondays. Students may choose to participate in the program to foster their interest in science.
Honor Choir will be performing the National Anthem tonight at the High School court warming basketball game at 6:45. Please come out and support our Willard players and our Willard North student honor choir.
Angela Stevens, Willard North Principal
Willard Orchard Hills Elementary It has been a Rocking Week at Willard Orchard Hills Elementary! On Monday evening we hosted our first PTO meeting. Thanks to all the parents that came and showed support for our school. We are planning activities including Valentine Candy Grams for February 12th!
On Wednesday, we held our February Tiger Pride. We recognized Perfect Attendance for the 2nd semester, 4th grade Honor Roll, and our monthly "apple" awards. The students were THRILLED when the Willard Tiger Basketball Team showed up! Coach K. taught the students a couple of cheers and he challenged the students to try and beat the teachers during the TIG-ERS cheer! Of course the students hung on every word Coach K said and they beat the staff! We then initiated our gymnasium "Tiger Style" Here is a link to pictures of the demonstration the Willard Tigers gave the kids. We will be reconnecting with the Tiger Basketball team on February 19th at WOHE night at the ballgame. Thanks Coach K and the team for taking time to be a part of our assembly!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43515229@N04/sets/72157623233741959/
WOHE cheers the basketball teams
on this week along with the wrestling Tiger JV team at Nixa. GO TIGERS!
--
Rhonda Bishop
Willard South
Elementary
FREE TAX PREPARATION
Willard South Elementary
4151 West Division Street
February 11th 4:00pm-8:00pm
Call 862-6308 ext 57 for more information
Walk-in NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! This is open to the public!
People should come prepared with the following items:
· Valid driver’s license or photo identification (self & spouse, if applicable)
· Dates of birth and social security cards for all persons listed on the return
· All income statements: Forms W-2, 1099, Social Security, Unemployment, or other benefits statements, self-employment records and any documents showing taxes withheld
· Child care provider’s information: Payee’s name address, and SSN or TIN; total paid for child care
· Proof of account at financial institution for direct debit or deposit (i.e. cancelled/voided check or bank statement)
· Prior year tax return (if available)
· Other relevant information about income and expenses
With the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you could get up to $5,600 extra back from the IRS. Imagine how that could help you make ends meet. Single or married, with or without children, you may qualify if you:
· Worked part or all of 2009
· File a 2009 federal tax return
· Make less than $50,000
***Brought to you by: Atlas Financial Services, Community Partnership, United Way, and Bank of America
--
Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal
Willard South Elementary
4151 West
Division Street
Springfield, MO 65802
417-862-6308 office
417-862-4266
fax
For information on the
Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation, please contact Judy Craig at 742-2506
or Dr. Kent Medlin at 742-2584.
Willard Parks and Recreation Weekly Update
Kevin
McDonald: Director
Shawn
Trent: Interim Sports Coordinator
Brandon
Eckhardt: Recreation/Aquatics Specialist
Britney
Carpenter: Child Care Coordinator
Mission
Statement:
To
provide the City of Willard the highest quality of leisure opportunities and
programs to people of all ages in the following ways:
-To
provide a Parks and Recreation system that is responsible and directed by the
needs of the people of Willard
-To
preserve, protect and enhance the city’s park lands as a way to improve the
physical and mental health of the people of Willard
-To
invite and encourage individuals, families, schools, businesses and other
community groups to become partners in our efforts to invigorate and sustain the
city’s natural and leisure resources
-To
provide safe and fun sports programs, camps, senior activities, classes, courses
and outings in a organized and positive manner
Visit
us on the web at www.willardparks.com
Spring Soccer /
Volleyball Registration 2010: Register now
thru February 19th
This season
features 7 games. The fee to participate is $40 and admission to all games is
$1. For more information please call Shawn at 742-2262.
Featured:
Willard Parks
and Recreation is featured in the winter 2010 Missouri Recreation and Parks
Association Magazine. This is a statewide magazine mailed out all over the
state. To view, follow the instructions below.
Copy and paste
the following link:
http://www.mopark.org/displaynewsletter.cfm
Then use the
drop down tab and click on winter 2010 magazine. Our article is on page 16
entitled “Busy Time in Willard”.
Valentine
Day’s Dance: Saturday February 13th
Don’t
miss the 2010 Willard Parks and Recreation Valentine’s Dance from 7pm – 9pm at
the Willard Recreation Center. This dance is free to attend and is open for all
ages. Come and dance to great music, get your picture taken and enjoy cake and
punch!
Health Fair:
Saturday February 20th
10am – 1:00pm
at the Willard Recreation Center. People of all ages can come and participate in
the many health activities that we will have available.
Willard’s
Biggest Loser:
The Willard
Biggest Loser weigh in for Saturday January 30th was cancelled due to
the weather. Weigh ins will continue on Saturday February 6th. If you
have any questions please call (417) 742-2262.
New Sponsors:
Willard Parks
and Recreation wishes to thank its newest sponsors, Hood’s, Smart Start Day
Care, and Century 21. These businesses have purchased signs in the gymnasium at
the Recreation Center.
Willard
Parks and Recreation's 2010 Food Drive:
Willard Parks and Recreation is having a food drive to benefit the Willard Food
Pantry now thru 2/6/10. All non-perishable food items will be accepted.
Donations can be dropped off at the Willard Recreation Center (133 North State
Hwy. Z). Time is running out to donate and we need your
help!!
Scrap Tire
Grant:
Willard Parks
and Recreation is in the process on applying for a Missouri Department of
Natural Resources Scrap Tire Playground Surfacing Grant for the youth playground
at Jackson St. Park. The Scrap Tire Material is one of the safest materials for
playground surfacing. If you are interested in helping us obtain this grant by
writing a letter to be included in the grant application please call Brandon at
742-2262.
Aquatic Center
Rentals:
The Willard
Parks Department is currently accepting rental applications for the 2010 summer.
If you are interesting in renting the aquatic center for a party or an event in
2010 please call Brandon at (417) 742-2262.
Out
of School Camps: 2010
Willard
Parks and Recreation offers various out of school camps throughout the entire
year. All camps will be held at the Willard Recreation Center.
Willard
Parks and Recreation will be offering camps each day school is not in session.
These camps are for ages 5 -12.
Spring
Break Camp: March 22nd – March 26th
$80
for the entire week or 17.50 per day. 7:00am – 6:00pm
Summer
Camp Session 2010: Registration forms are available at the Rec.
Center
Willard
Play Group:
COME OUT & PLAY with Willard's Playgroup! Come play every Wednesday from 9am - 11am at the Willard Recreation Center. This is a new opportunity for parents and kids to play, socialize and just have fun. Moms and Dads are invited to bring their infant through Pre-K aged children for FREE PLAY, STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES & MONTHLY WORKSHOPS. This playgroup is free and open to the community.
Diabetes
Support Group:
If
you are interested in the newly formed Diabetes Support Group please call
Darrell Biellier at 742-2377 for meeting dates and times or if you have
questions about the meetings.
Breast
Cancer Awareness Group:
If
you are interested in participating in a new Breast Cancer Awareness Group
please call the Recreation Center at (417) 742-2262.
Children's
Dance Classes: Let
your child grow through dance and experience its magic. These children
dance classes offer an excellent way to keep fit, learn coordination, rhythm,
social skills, confidence, and it’s FUN! The winter eight-week dance
session will begin January 5th thru February 25th. Creative
Dance is offered on Tuesday afternoons for ages 3-5; Ballet & Tap classes
are available and offered on Tuesday or Thursday depending on age and/or level
for ages 5 & up, fee is $50. Combination classes of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz
for children ages 9 & up with prior dance experience will be taught on
Tuesday evenings, fee is $65. Limited spaces are available so call Ms.
Patrice today for class availability and registration information at
818-3659.
Children’s
Dance Classes
Winter
Session: January 5th-February
25th
Spring
Session: March 9th—May
4th
“Dance
Revue”—Tuesday, May 4th 6:30 pm
Creative
Dance: Ages 3-5—Classes on Tuesday Afternoons
Ballet
and Tap: Ages 5 & up—Classes on Tuesdays &
Thursdays
Ballet,
Tap & Jazz: Ages 9 & up—students with prior dance
experience--Tuesdays
Classes
are 8 weeks. The fee is $50-$65. Contact Ms. Patrice at 818-3659 for
additional information and class availability.
Willard
Child Care at the Recreation Center:
Willard
Parks and Recreation has begun child care at the Willard Recreation Center. This
child care service is sponsored by the City of Willard and CoxHealth Fitness
Centers. The child care takes place in the small classroom at the Recreation
Center. Fees are $4 per child for up to two hours or an ALL ACCESS PASS for $24
for 12 times (up to 24 child care hours). This child care service may be used
for any activity held at the Recreation Center including the Cox Fitness Center,
Sports activities, etc. The parent or guardian must remain on the property while
their child is in child care. The child care is only available for 18 months to
10 years old.
The
hours for the child care at
Monday,
Wednesday and Friday: 5pm – 9pm
Tuesday
& Thursday: 3pm – 9pm
Senior
Activities:
Willard Parks
and Recreation is doing its best to try and offer senior activities and programs
to the senior citizens in the community.
Willard
Recreation Center Senior Activities:
Senior
Luncheons:
Every Wednesday
from 11am – 1pm at the Willard Community Building. All seniors are invited to
attend.
Game Days:
Every Tuesday
and Thursday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm seniors can come to the Willard Recreation
Center to play games such as bingo, dominos, cards and much more.
Exercise
Classes:
Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday: PACE CLASS 10:00am – 11:00am
Tuesday &
Thursday: SILVER SNEAKERS 9:00am – 10:00am
Movie
in the Park:
Come to the
Movie in the Park Series on the dates listed below. Bring your entire family for
a night of fun and movies. We will be selling hot-dogs and hamburgers.
May
29th – 9pm – Movie: Indiana Jones and the kingdom of the crystal
skull
June
26th – 9pm – Movie: The Incredible Hulk
Easter
Egg Hunt: Saturday March 27th
9am
at the Willard Recreation Center. Bring the kids for this fun, FREE Easter Party
that features hunting for eggs, pictures with the Easter Bunny and fun games!
Willard
2nd Annual Triathlon: June 19th
7:30am at
Jackson St. Park. Events include swimming 300 yards, biking 12 miles and a 5K
run. The deadline to register is June 12th. Start training now! The
cost to participate is $50.
Harlem
Legends Shot for the Stars Basketball Camp:
July 12th – 16th at the Recreation Center from 9:00am –
1:00pm.
Freedom
Fest 2010:
Saturday July 3rd
2010
January – June Program Guides: These guides will be mailed out this
week!!
The
2010 January – June Willard Parks and Recreation Program Guide is in
production.. Willard Parks wishes to thank the 2010 Program Guide Sponsors:
-CoxHealth
Fitness Centers
-Sac
River Stables
-Top
Hat Package
-Casey’s
General Stores
-New
Beginnings Community Church
-Pizza
Hut Willard
Thanks,
Kevin
McDonald
Parks
and Recreation Director
City
of Willard