District Newsletter

 The Pride

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

November 19, 2010

District Office

Think back with me to your 3rd grade teacher.  Try to focus on a time around Thanksgiving.  The art supplies came out and all of a sudden we were drawing a Turkey.  The turkey started with tracing your hand print and then adding eyes, feathers, beak, etc...  Some things never change.  I have seen some of those same pieces of art hanging in our hallways!  It is nice to know that some things change very slowly.  I learned once again over the past couple of  weeks that high quality change that is deep rooted, long lasting, and embedded in behavior, occurs not only slow but is difficult.  There is not any type of "get rich quick" scheme in education.  I worked with teachers, instructional specialists, and principals, on creation of common formative assessment questions.  Of course these can't be accomplished at a high quality level without having an understanding of State GLE's and how they are incorporated into power standards for instruction.  I had one big take away from the experience, THIS IS HARD!!!

What I also believe is that this is the deep rooted supporting foundation of our entire curriculum process and it must be done so we know how to focus instruction.  We are working to answer an age old teacher question:  Tell me what to teach.  We are also answering a new question: Tell me what depth of knowledge to teach.

 

It really made my brain hurt, but I know it is the right work to help improve student learning!!!  I guess I could simply pull out the same old turkey and trace my hand to see if I can produce a new work of art from an old activity!  (Please don't interpret this to mean that I don't want to see teachers do turkeys next year.  They are a fun activity and with great instruction could be made into a great learning experience.) 

 

Next week is Thanksgiving and we all have permission to eat as much as we want on Thursday!  I think that is a new federal law tucked into some 2000 page piece of legislation!!!

 

Have a Great pre-Thanksgiving Weekend!

 

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin
Superintendent of Schools
Willard MO

Activities This weekend the speech and debate team traveled to Nixa to compete against 29 other area high schools. Willard took a team of 26 students and it was the very first tournament for over half of the squad.  They had several wins in debate and all of the individual events showed very well in their rounds. Josiah Carpenter advanced to semi-finals in dramatic interpretation and everyone made Willard proud!! Great Job to the speech and debate team!! Congratulations to Jackson Patillo and Jacob Chappell on being named 1st team all-district AND 1st team all-COC in soccer.  Ryan Stober and Jaxn Rogers were named to the 2nd team all-district.  Also, congratulations to Hannah Brown on being named 1st team all-COC in volleyball and to Brittany VanNostrand for being named honorable mention all-COC.  All conference selections in football have not been released. As many of you have heard, the "Le Miz" reviews are outstanding.  I get the privilege of going this Saturday and will give my own "biased" review next week! It's Good To Be A Tiger! Jeff Staley - Director of Operations

High School

I scraped my windows for the first time as Southwest Missouri received a nice coating of frost. The changing of Daylight Savings Time and the outbreak of coats and jackets indicates the onset of Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. We have much to be thankful for in our students, staff, and
community. On a note of thankfulness, last Friday November 12th, a group of 11 Willard National Honor Society students made a commitment to understanding homelessness and poverty. Our students traveled to Springfield and constructed “Cardboard Houses” and spent the night in cold wind and rain to simulate circumstances many live in every day. The weather conditions caused some of the makeshift homes to
collapse exposing the individual open to the weather. Senior Teah Cunningham explained, “It truly made me realize how lucky I am, and this event helped raise my awareness of the world around me.” Willard students are good about seeing their surroundings and knowing when others are in need. Although this lesson was not specific to a classroom, it will be a lesson of lasting impact and reflection. Thank you for the trust and partnership in educating Willard students.

Have a great weekend,
Stewart Pratt, WHS Principal

Middle School

Greetings from Willard Middle School. It has once again been a full week, and many things are taking place each day. Our winter sports teams all got started this week, and we are planning a pep assembly for next Tuesday to officially kick things off and let the players know we are all behind them and wish them the best. This weekend will be full as well, as we will have the lighting of the Frisco Trail, the Christmas Parade, and the always popular Craft Show, which will be at the Middle School this Saturday. Each of these events are a part of the holiday season tradition, and we invite everyone to come out and be a part of the fun. Finally, we will be holding a special fund raiser this Saturday evening, to raise money for the students who will be taking the trip to Washington D. C. this spring. The event will be a "Trivia Night," and I for one am really looking forward to the competition. My hope is that this will be an opportunity to show how valuable the countless hours of watching, playing, coaching, and reading about sports can be, and be a productive member of my trivia team. I will let you know if my team wins, so if you don't hear anything, you will know that things did not go so well. Next week is Thanksgiving, which is my favorite holiday, and I hope you have a chance to reflect on all that we have, and let those that are important to you know that you care. Thanks for checking with us, and have a great Thanksgiving.   Tom Merriott   Asst. Principal WMS

 Willard Intermediate

I had the opportunity today to spend some time along side a group of our teachers during some professional development training. This training was specific to finding ways to successfully reach all the learners in a classroom. This is an incredibly tough challenge when you recognize the diverse needs and abilities that exist in a class of 25-30 students. Our teachers must find ways to engage those students that are struggling learners along with those that come into the lesson already knowing the concept. Teaching to the "middle" is no longer adequate. We must always be looking for ways to improve our instructional practices to reach the broad range of students we have been entrusted to educate. Being a teacher has never been easy but I think this is even more true today than in the past. This is a challenge WIS teachers are ready to meet head on. I appreciate the extra time and effort that our staff puts in to stay ahead of the
curve and move all students forward. It is this "extra" that makes Willard a great place to work and learn!

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

Willard North

We’ve had a lot of great activities at Willard North this past week.  Students raised $174.50 for Operation Uplink.  This is a program that sends calling cards to soldiers overseas so they will be able to call their families during the holidays.  With the holidays approaching, students at Willard North are lending a helping hand to families in need.  We will be having many activities from now until winter break that students will be able to participate in for community outreach.  Our students have big hearts!

We are getting ready for a long 5 day Thanksgiving break.  Tuesday, November 23^rd students are coming to school in their pajamas so they can “Snuggle Up With a Good Book” on their break. 

Just a reminder school is in session Monday and Tuesday of next week.  The rest of the week we are off for Thanksgiving Break.

Thank you and have a great Weekend!

Angela Stevens, Willard North Principal

Orchard Hills

We have had some awesome events at WOHE during the last week.  Last Thursday, our school hosted its first Veteran's Day Assembly. Thanks to Mrs. Perryman for making that event a success. We appreciate our men and women who have or are serving in the Armed Forces. Thanks to Andrew Phinney for making time to come and sing! He did a great job! Also, thanks to all our students for their part in this wonderful event!

 

On Friday, we were blessed to have Mr. Lawley and Fast Forward in the house to entertain our students!  The children (and staff) enjoy it when they come. I always love seeing former students who are now high school age and I know the teachers do as well.  Mr. Lawley and Mrs. French, you do an AWESOME job!

 

This past Tuesday, we celebrated our November Tiger Pride with our special guest speaker Greg Paris who is a U.S. Marshall. Mr. Paris gave us some great history on the U.S. Marshalls and showed some of the equipment they use. Thanks to him for taking the time to share with us.

 

Next week is a short week and I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my family, Mark, Dylann and Matt.  I am also thankful for my school family whom I spend a lot of my time!

 

Be safe and Happy Shopping on BLACK Friday!

Dr. Rhonda Bishop

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary

"All Roads Lead To Willard- 2010-2011"

 

Special Services

Our special services office has taken on a new look and we want to thank maintenance workers Mike Graves and Dave Lawrence for the great work they completed on our behalf! Talk about putting up with women who change their minds!! That is exactly what these guys did and did so very graciously as
they constructed walls for office space and a private conference area. We are very grateful to have this remodeling which allows for privacy when several meetings are occurring in the building simultaneously. I also want to recognize our process coordinators (Kelli Akers, HS; Susie Thieman, MS & ECSE; Janet Turner, South, Central & Intermediate; Mindy Husling, WOHE, East & North), as well as assistant director of special services, Amy Stroder, for the extra work and long hours they are putting in as we start
our MSIP review. This review, which rolls around every five years, is a thorough reviewing and grading of 80 documents prior to March 1st. The task is daunting when added to the regular duties of each so I am especially thankful for the dedication and commitment to accomplishing this review by doing "whatever it takes."

A Sporting Chance and Partners In Strength organizers are holding the annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, November 20th, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cost is $5.00 for breakfast and a 5 x 7 picture with Santa; extra copies are $2.00 each. Santa's estimated time of arrival is 8:00 a.m. There will also be a cake/pie auction and other gifts up for bid. Come in before the parade and have breakfast with Santa!

Don't forget to grab a copy of the November 18th Springfield News-Leader to see an excellent article on our Transition House! The article, which captures the very heart of the project, includes several pictures of students working and the interaction of general education students and students with special needs. It is exciting to read about our project!

Sandy Gold
Director of Special Services

Willard Parks and Recreation: When you’re ready to play!

Parks Director: Kevin McDonald

Sports Coordinator: Shawn Trent

Recreation Specialist: Whitney Shoffner

Recreation / Aquatics Specialist: Brandon Eckhardt

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 progra ms, camps, senior activities, classes, courses and outings in a organized and positive manner

Frisco Highline 5K Race: Saturday November 20^th 8am. Beginning at the Willard Community Building. The fee to participate is $15 if you pre-register and $20 day of registration. To register please come by the Willard Recreation Center during operational hours. For more information please call Kevin at 742-2262.

Youth Soccer & Volleyball Thanks: Thanks to everyone who participated in the fall season of soccer and volleyball. The seasons were a great success!

Youth Basketball: Thank you to everyone who is participating in the Willard Youth Basketball League. This season features 25 teams. All games this season are held on Saturdays at the Recreation Center.

Youth Competitive Volleyball: Thank you to everyone who is participating in the Willard Competitive Volleyball League. This season features eight teams and games are held on Tuesdays at the Recreati on Center.

Youth Bowling: Thank you to everyone who is participating in the 2010 Inaugural Season of Bowling. Thank you for your support of this season.

Safe Halloween Thanks: Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2010 Safe Halloween Festival on Saturday October 30^th. Over 800 people attended the fun night. A special thank you to the following businesses who participated: Willard Community Christian Church, Commerce Bank, Jones Photography, CoxHealth Fitness Centers, The Inn, Carpenters House Church, Willard Branch Library, Klinger-Cope Family Funeral Home, Check in-to Cash, 417 Jewelry Girls, Conco, and Heather Hoadsley Photography.

Veterans Memorial Banquet: A special thanks to everyone who supported and attended the 2010 Veterans Memorial Kick-Off Banquet on Friday November 5th. A total of $2200 was raised for the memorial. Look for more fundraising events in the future! For more information on the memorial please call Doug at 573-934-0377 or Pat at 417-988-5429 or Kevin at 742-2262.

Greene County Health Department Thanks: Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank the Greene County Health Department for giving Flu Shots to the Community on Tuesday October 26^th at the Willard Community Building!

Fall Clean Up: Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank Jim Roberts for hosting a Fall Clean Up event at the Recreation Center on Saturday October 23^rd at the Willard Recreation Center.

Movie In The Park 2010: Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank everyone who attended the 2010 Movie in the Park Series. A total of 4 movies were shown at Jackson St. Park this year. Over 1000 people attended the events combined. Thank you.

Facility Rentals: Willard Parks and Recreation Facility Rentals: Holding Fee: $25, Refundable Deposit: $75 (excluding the Pavilion). Rental Areas: Willard Co mmunity Building: $30 hour / kitchen $30 flat fee, Large Gym at the Recreation Center: $35 hour, Small Gym at the Recreation Center: $30, Murray Community Room/Patio/Kitchen: $35 hour, Jackson St Park Pavilion: $10 per hour. For more information contact (417) 742-2262.

New Park Land: Did you know that the Willard Parks Department has new park land at Hunt Road and Farm Road 94 in Willard? Planning is underway for development. If you have any ideas for this new park please call Kevin (417) 742-2262. 

Willard Play Group: COME OUT & PLAY with Willard's Playgroup! Come play every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Willard Recreation Center. This is an 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.

2010 Fall/Winter Out of School Camps: These camps are held at the Willard Recreation Center and are$17.50 per day. Camp is for grades K- 6th. Registration forms are at the Willard Recreation Center. Camps will be held on most days when school is not in session.

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. Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Willard Community Building. All seniors are invited to attend.

Children's Dance Classes: Dance classes for children ages 3 and up are held at the Willard Recreation Center.

Fall Session: Oct 12th-Dec 9th

Winter Session: Jan 11th-Mar 3rd

Spring Session: Mar 15th-May 3rd

Dance Review: May 3rd 6:30 pm

Creative Dance classes for ages 3-5

Ballet & Tap classes for ages 5+

Ballet, Tap & Jazz classes for ages 9 & up.

Classes are 8 weeks.  The fee is $50-$65.  For class availability and registration forms please contact Ms. Patrice at 818-3659.

Willard's 2010 Zumba Classes: The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you've got a Zumba class!

August 30^th – December 16^th

Monday and Thursday Classes: 6:30pm – 7:30pm at the Willard Community Building. First session is free. Classes are $45 for 10 visits. Punch cards will be available at the first class.

Willard Parks Website: Did you know that you can visit the Willard Parks Department online. Go to www.willardparks.com and check us out!

Might Mites Football: Willard Parks wishes to thank the Willard Mighty Mites Football Program. Willard Parks teamed up with the Willard Mighty Mites for the 2010 Season. Most games were held at the Willard Recreation Center during the season. Willard Parks will continue this relationship for the 2011 Season!

Sponsorship: Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank all of our yearly sign sponsors. Century 21, Hood’s Pump Service , Tax Station, Smart Start Day Care, EZ Mini Storage and Auto, Bryan College, Ash Grove Rehabilitation Center, CoxHealth Fitness Centers, Superior Hardwood Floors, J.W. Willoughby Septic Tank Cleaning, Casey’s General Store, Top Hat Package, Conco, Jarvis Family Eye Center, Commerce Bank, Junction Café, Sawyer Tire and Downtown Bar-B-Que.

CoxHealth: Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank CoxHealth Fitness Centers for sponsoring the 2010 Willard Basketball Season!

Kevin McDonald

Parks and Recreation Director

City of Willard