The Pride exists to update, celebrate, and inform, the community concerning weekly events at Willard R-II

Three announcements to be aware of:

Willard Legislative Forum with Representative Shane Schoeller is scheduled for , Tuesday, March 9, 2010 from 6-7 p.m. @ Willard Community Center. All Willard Staff and Area Patrons are invited to attend. Rep. Schoeller will be present to answer questions about educational issues facing our school, community, and state. Refreshments will be provided by WHS FACS class.

Willard School Board Candidates Forum, Thursday, April 1, 2010 @ 6:30 p.m. @ Willard Central Elementary Multipurpose room. Come meet the candidates and learn their views on educational issues. Childcare provided by WHS FACS class. Please direct any questions to: Tiffany Houghtaling Willard Central Elementary 831-4440.

The Willard Charity Boxing event is scheduled for March 13th, 7:00p.m. at Willard Middle School. All proceeds from ringside seats are donated to the WCCF. (Willard Children's Charitable Foundation) The Foundation is involved in a matching funds campaign which will result in all donations matched with money from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Please consider purchasing a ringside seat for yourself or someone that would enjoy this event.

Congratulations to the wrestling tigers on their success at the state tournament last weekend. A special congratulations to Taylor Ball on finishing 5th in the 152lb weight class and to Joel Wyman on finishing 2nd in the 215lb weight class. I was privileged to be able to attend the tournament and our student/athletes represented our community with class and pride. Great job guys!

Watch out for the lady tigers! They are playing for a district championship this Saturday at 6:00 in Carthage. After defeating Central in the semifinal last night, the girls will be playing Hillcrest for the Class 5 District 11 title. The winner will play next Wednesday at SBU in the sectional round.

Congratulations to Coach Killingsworth, Coach Graves, Coach Ryerson and all of the tiger basketball players on a hard fought season. The tigers finished with an overall winning record and a 5-2 record in the COC which put them in 2nd place. The boys played hard all season and while we will miss our seniors, Marc Propst, Ethan Henderson, Brock Baker, and Nick Dodson, we are excited for what the future holds for the program.

A quick reminder...Willard will be hosting the Class 2 Boys and Girls Basketball Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 13th. Game times will be announced at a later date.

Good luck to the spring sports participants as they begin practicing this Monday!

Twenty-eight DECA students traveled to College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri to compete in the DECA District 11 competition on Tuesday, February 16th. Students submitted lengthy written projects and took extremely difficult tests to demonstrate their Marketing knowledge. Students were also required to utilize their critical thinking skills in presenting role plays, case studies, and projects before judges. Eleven members were the best in their event at Districts and have qualified for State Competition in Lake Ozark, MO on March 14th-16th. Kate
Metsker, WHS Junior, was chosen as the District 11 Leadership Delegate. In addition to qualifying for State, Kate has earned a trip to the International DECA Competition in Louisville, KY in April. Congratulations DECA members!

Makayla Waggoner - Accounting Applications Cheyenne Sircher - Quick Serve Restaurant Management, Tyler Onstott - Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Vanessa Alvarez & Josh Fowler - Team Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Jordan Bolin, Kelsey Goodwin, & Rebecca Skinner - Community Service Project, Melissa Curry & Stephanie Hyde - Learn and Earn Project Kate Metsker - Leadership Delegate

On Friday, February 19th, Willard FCCLA held their semi-annual blood drive. WHS FCCLA chapter set a goal of 105 units and we collected 111. Our chapter saved 333 lives on Friday! We had many first time donors and several faculty / staff donate as well as community members. FCCLA thanks all of those that supported our blood drive.

March 4^th – Senior Class Meeting in the Theater 10:00am – 10:32am – Graduation Information

Greetings from Willard Middle School. Many things are happening around WMS as usual this week, and more are on the way. We had students travel to Fantastic Caverns this week, and also get a taste of the military life, as the Junior ROTC came over from the high school to work with our students and give them an idea of what they do. We also are busy trying to schedule for next year, as students who are now in 8th grade are making decisions that will set their course for the next four years as they tackle the challenges of high school. It is amazing to see the growth of these students, as they begin to take responsibility for their actions and their future. Along those lines, our word for the month of March will be self-discipline, and we will focus on what this truly means for each of us. In a world with so many choices and temptations for young people today, self-discipline is a personal characteristic that is often forgotten, but incredibly valuable to have.

Auditions for the Musical/Play "Annie" were held this week, and those who are chosen will begin their rehearsals next week. We look forward to seeing the finished product later this spring, and wish them all good luck as they begin work on what is always a great production. Spring sports (softball and track) will begin next week, and we again remind you that each student will need to have a physical on file to participate. March also brings the years final "Spirit Week," which is a fun activity for the kids to take part in, and show their school spirit and enjoy something a little different at school. We will have "spirit days" each Wednesday, and will begin with Crazy Hair Day, followed by Twin Day, Hat Day, and P. J. Day. We encourage everyone to get involved on these days, and many of our teachers even get in on the fun. Spring is getting closer, and the weeks are getting more full, and that’s just the way we like it. Thanks for checking on us, and have a great weekend. Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

Work on our cafeteria addition has begun! It is great to see the dirt getting moved and all the activity going on associated with the construction project. We look forward to having this completed and ready for our students to use next school year.

Our teachers received a little more help with integrating technology into their classrooms this week. Thanks to our generous PTO each team will be receiving their own Flip Video camera. To go along with this, they have also received opportunities for training on how to use this form
of technology in their lessons. WIS students and teachers now have access to a great online education resource called BrainPop. Many teachers have been using this site on a limited basis but will now have full access for the next year. It has great stuff for all content areas and out
students love using it. Check it out at http://www.brainpop.com

Enjoy your weekend!

Tom Davis
Principal - Willard Intermediate School
Willard R-2 Schools
417-742-4242
417-742-0217 (fax)
tdavis@willard.k12.mo.us

Often, students will say their favorite part of the school day is special classes (art, music, PE, computer lab, library). They have good reason to enjoy these classes. Our teachers put the special in special area! They connect math, reading, science and social studies in a fun and meaningful way. In addition to providing great instruction, WC special area teachers also provide enrichment activities for our 3rd and 4th grade students during our daily TNT (Tigers Need Time) program. During TNT, our special area teachers have worked together connecting art, music, and PE
activities from different countries around the world.

A special thank you goes out to Coach Brown for organizing Jump Rope for Heart this week to support the American Heart Association. Thanks to her hard work, our students are learning to be heart healthy while supporting a great cause.

As we look ahead to March, mark your calendar for the following events:
Tuesday 2nd - McTeacher Night at the Willard McDonalds 4:00-8:00
Monday 8th - PTO Meeting 6:00
Friday 19th - Early Dismissal at 12:40 - Teacher Technology Meetings
Monday 22nd - Friday 26th - Spring Break

Shane Medlin, Principal
Willard Central Elementary
2625 North Farm Road 101
Springfield, MO 65802
417.831.4440

This last week in February has been focused on learning math facts. In 1^st grade students are earning their way into the “Doublemint Club”. Once students have learned how to add doubles, they will earn their name on the Doublemint wall as well as earn a pack of Doublemint gum. Second grade is working on addition facts with an Olympic theme for facts from zero to nine. Third grade is beaming up to the moon with their “Milkyway Multiplication” for their multiples up to twelve. Students are working very hard and we are very proud of all their efforts.

Willard North students will celebrate the joys of reading with Dr. Seuss and help the PTO fundraiser at the same time! Students will participate in the activities listed below:

Monday - Crazy Sock Day! Wear the funniest, strangest, or mismatched socks to celebrate with Fox in Socks!

Tuesday - Green Day! Wear a little green or wear a lot, dress like the Grinch today. Hurray! The high school drama students will bring books to life as they act out the Show-Me readers and Dr. Seuss books at 9:00 in the gym.

Wednesday - Stripes Day! Wear as many stripes as you can with your school T-shirt, like characters from On Beyond Zebra or The Cat in the Hat. How many stripes can a reading Willard Tiger wear?

Thursday - Mix or Match Day! Something inside, outside, upside, downside, or even backwards - it doesn’t matter, just dress this day in a crazy way!

Friday Sporty Hat Day! Put on your favorite team cap, or what you might wear while playing your favorite sport, or just place a silly hat on your head!

Upcoming Events for Special Services:

* March 11- Transition Fair at the High School 2-6 pm
* April 17- A Sporting Chance in Springfield- Track and Field competition
* April 19- Partners in Strength at the High School 5-7 pm
* May 15- A Sporting Chance in Branson- state Track and Field competition

Mark you calendar to join us and see the great things going on for Willard
students with special needs!

Sandy Gold
Director of Special Services

For information on the Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation, please contact Judy Craig at 742-2506 or Dr. Kent Medlin at 742-2584.

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

Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank everyone who attended the 2010 Valentine’s Dance that was held at the Recreation Center on Saturday 2/13/10. Between 700 – 1000 people attended!

Thank you again to everyone who participated in the Willard Biggest Loser Contest. The Springfield Newsleader did an article at the conclusion of the challenge. To view please copy and paste the following link:

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.

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 spring eight-week dance session will begin March 9^th thru May 4^th 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.

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.

Aquatic Center Rentals: The Willard Parks Department is currently accepting rental applications for the 2010 summer. Rental applications are available at the Recreation Center. The 2010 Season will be May 29^th – September 6^th.

2010 January – June Program Guides are ready! 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 and The Inn.

Willard Parks and Recreation will again be participating in Kansas City Wizards Passback Program. The Kansas City Wizards will collect soccer equipment at one of their home games. After which they will donate a portion of the equipment to the Willard Parks Department.

Harlem Legends Shot for the Stars Basketball Camp: The Harlem Legends will be returning to host a basketball camp at the Recreation Center on July 12^th – 16^th at the Recreation Center from 9:00am – 1:00pm each day. Michael Douglas will be hosting the camp. Registration forms are available at the Rec. Center.

Freedom Fest 2010: The date for this year’s Freedom Fest will be July 3^rd, 2010. This year features fireworks, a parade, vendors, music and much more. More information will be available soon.

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.

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.

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.

If you are interested in participating in a new Breast Cancer Awareness Group please call the Recreation Center at (417) 742-2262.

Willard Parks and Recreation is doing its best to try and offer senior activities and programs to the senior citizens in the community.

Every Wednesday from 11am – 1pm at the Willard Community Building. All seniors are invited to attend.

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.

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.

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!

7:30am at Jackson St. Park. Events include swimming 300 yards, biking 12 miles and a 5K run. The deadline to register is June 12^th. Start training now! The cost to participate is $50.

Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting an Out of School Bash on Friday May 28^th from 6pm – 8pm at the Recreation Center. Admission is a canned good to be donated to the Willard Food Pantry. This event is open for all ages.

Willard Rummage Sale: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a rummage sale at the Recreation Center on Saturday April 24^th from 8am – 1pm. If you are interested in purchasing a booth space please call 742-2262. Spaces are 8X8 and are $15 (add $2 if you want a table). The deadline to reserve a space is April 20^th.

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.