District Newsletter

Willard R-II Central Office

Four years ago Willard Administrators began writing weekly updates concerning their building or department; we called these updates "The Pride". Over the past four years changes have been made from a simple e-mail to an internet "blog site" which enabled animation, pictures, etc. I am interested in which form works better for you, the reader. We have had discussions resulting in concern that the blog site required readers to have high speed internet and be a bit more internet "savvy". Our goal is to communicate to the highest degree with our staff and community patrons. I would appreciate your opinion of which mode is better for you and the Willard Community.

Option 1. E-mail

Option 2. Internet Blog

Please reply to this e-mail so we can better determine the best communication tool.

This week is American Education Week. I believe that Public Education remains a cornerstone in American Society. Public Education constantly has a target on its back. It is so easy to blame the ills of society on its schools. I believe some of these points are valid, however, if this is true then we must also admit that the great things about our country are also a result of our schools. I choose to believe that we live in the greatest country in the world and it is a direct reflection of a public school system that still works. Please join me this week in celebrating American Education Week.

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Curriculum

Our APR (annual performance report) was just released from DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) in which we are measured against 14 standards and Willard R-II met all of the 14 standards. At the same time we are awarded this state recognition, we are also in a level of school improvement based on NCLB (No Child Left Behind) federal guidelines. The reason our district received the federal designation of school improvement is that our IEP students (special needs students) scored lower than the established proficient rate required of all students. NCLB measures tests as a whole and as subgroups along with attendance and graduation. The fourteen standards measured on the APR at the state level include tests as a whole in communication arts and math at Grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11 along with ACT, advanced courses, career education courses, college placement, career education placement, graduation rate, attendance rate, and subgroup achievement. Congratulations to all for helping Willard R-II students meet these state standards. Preliminary results indicate that we should be designated as distinction in performance for improvement! Dr. Susan Marcum, Director of Curriculum

Director of Special Services

Counting to eight in Spanish, reciting the alphabet in German............a foreign language class, perhaps? Actually, these are some of the amazing activities observed when I visited the Early Childhood Special Education classroom at North this week! What a delightful experience it was to see our three and four year old students engaged in learning. Motor activities designed for students with all levels of ability and skill, a special book reading by teacher Stacey Wade, and the team-approach with paraprofessionals Sarah Pringle, Melissa Freeze and Beverly dela Torre make our ECSE setting an environment in which any child would thrive. How fortunate our district is to have such an outstanding program for our young learners. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

It was our privilege to host a Veterans day assembly Friday afternoon. The last week in October we notified parents through our email system that we would be having an assembly and if they knew of a Veteran we invite them to join us. We received many email responses thanking the school for supporting the Veterans. The Veterans represented theaters of combat from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq. WHS NJROTC provided leadership for the assembly along with amazing armed and unarmed drill work. Captain Tong was our guest speaker and provided a powerful message discussing the history of Veterans Day and the meaning to serve our country. The end of the assembly was a moving experience, the WHS students and staff gave our Veteran guests a standing ovation with cheers, whistles, and thunderous applause. At that moment, 1200 clapping, cheering students and staff demonstrated honor and respect for our guests who gave, or currently giving, for our country. After school on Friday I went home and reflected upon the assembly. I logged on to my computer and looked at scanned pictures my father gave me of my grandfather in WWI with gas mask and full gear ready for departure for France. Grandpa is gone, and I do not think I ever comprehended the price he paid for my freedom to think, speak, and demonstrate my beliefs in our great country. I challenge you to find a Veteran and thank them for their service. Have a great Veteran's Day weekend! Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

Willard Middle School was honored to have very special guests on Friday for the Veterans Day assembly. There was over 40 veterans and family members that attended the assembly. Our guest speaker this year was Joe Lopez, a Marine, from Willard Schools. Several students performed songs and readings honoring our veterans. The students did a wonderful job showing their appreciation and support of our local veterans.

This week we are having a food drive for Thanksgiving baskets. The Willard Middle School is encouraging students to bring in non-perishable items to help out local families during the holiday seasons. If you are interested in helping with this effort, please drop off items to the Willard Middle School office by November 16, 2007. Amy Sims, Principal

Willard Intermediate School

WIS, like most other campuses, celebrated Veteran's Day with a student led assembly. Our STUCO students and sponsors did an awesome job of putting together a very nice program. Students were asked to invite friends or family that were veterans, and we had over 120 honorees. The WIS Honor Choir performed, and then we all enjoyed a closing performance by Mr. Lawley's Fast Forward group from the High School. WIS would also like to offer congrat's to our students who performed in the HS musical "Fiddler On The Roof", they did an awesome job in all their performances. Julie Germann, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

Reading aloud to children is one of the best ways parents can help their children foster a love for reading. Taking the journey through a wonderful book together creates a shared memory that children can always treasure and take with them as they grow. Stories of heroes who overcome great odds and obstacles can encourage and inspire kids in their own lives. For these reasons, all of the Willard Central families have been invited to read The Tale of Despereaux together. In this Newberry Award winning book, a small mouse survives against all odds to undertake a great adventure to save a human princess. I cannot wait for the exciting events of this story to unfold as the families and staff of Willard Central read this story together. The book conversations our building we will share together over the next month would make even Oprahs Book Club jealous. We will celebrate the end of this journey in December at our Communication Arts Night with activities from this story. All are invited to join us on this adventure through this fantastic story. Happy reading and remember to Reach for the Stars. Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

Willard East celebrated a very memorable Veteran's Day recognition assembly Friday. We would like to thank the HS ROTC and our students and teachers who made this such a touching event. There are never enough words or celebrations to thank these men and women who serve our country. THANK YOU!!!

I would also like to welcome two new family members to the Willard East family. Mrs. Vandever welcomed baby Kylin October 8 and Mrs. Freeman welcomed baby Evelyn October 19. Better late than never to welcome our new family members. These ladies are enjoying special time home with their new little girls. We wish them lots of happy memories and hopefully some sleep!:):):)

Last week at our October Tiger Pride Assembly we recognized our top fund raiser sellers and one student sold enough items for a Wii. All proceeds are going to the construction of pavilion for our students.

Upcoming WE Events: Nov. 15 3rd Grade Program 2:30pm and 7:00pm Nov. 16 Mid-Quarter Nov. 20 Midterms Go Home Nov. 21 - 25 HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

It's been a busy week at Willard North! Last Friday, the students who participated in the Read-A-Thon had a great reward party! They had jump houses, free dinner, and we played Deal or No Deal! Yes, I will be a chicken and there are 21 kids taking limo rides today! Its great fun! We have our Wall of Fame finished and it looks great! The Paw Prints keep coming! Have a wonderful week! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary

Friday was a busy day at Willard South Elementary! We celebrated Veteran's Day with a special breakfast and assembly for over eighty guests. We also honored our very own veteran, David Suits, for his continual contribution and dedication to our country, community and school district. It was a privilege to have these guests at our second annual Veteran's Day Assembly.

We also had our benefit chili supper for Mrs. Teel in the evening. We had an amazing crowd. I would like to thank everyone to helped make this such a success. It was truly amazing to see all of the supportive teachers, parents, students and school wide community members at this special event.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT WILLARD SOUTH November 13th-3rd Grade Music Program at 10:00 & 7:00 November 15th-Science Night at 6:30

Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal

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