District Newsletter

 The Pride

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

January 28, 2011

District Office

This morning I was able to attend an appreciation breakfast hosted by our two district Social Workers Mrs. Chrysta Forrest and Mrs. Debbie Burks. The breakfast was in appreciation to all individuals who had helped donate time or money for Christmas baskets. I only had one
thought as I walked away from the breakfast. Why do I deserve to be thanked??? I thought to myself how special these two ladies are not only to our district but the entire community. I should be serving them breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc..... Sometimes, patrons ask why we
have social workers. There is only one answer: We have too! If anyone thinks the government the churches, the foundations, or any other organization is meeting all the need they are simply uninformed. The district provides a food pantry, because if we did not kids would go hungry. The district provides a clothing bank, because if we did not kids would not have appropriate clothing and shoes. Chrysta and Debbie do this almost entirely out of funds donated by staff and community members. Maslow offers in his "Hierarchy of Needs" that food, clothing, shelter, and safety are essential before kids can learn. Bottom line, if we don't help provide it, who will??? Thanks to both Chrysta, and Debbie for your untiring efforts to support children. I owe you lunch!

Have a great weekend!
Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin
Superintendent of Schools
Willard MO

Activities

Well, it is much warmer today but I believe that Mother Nature is playing a cruel joke on us!  Anyway, we will enjoy it while it is here.

Congratulations to the wrestling Tigers on their 5th place finish in the COC tournament last Saturday.  A special congratulations to Christian Adams, Jessie Ruark, and Steeler Seaburn on their 2nd place finishes in their weight classes.  Senior night has been scheduled for next Monday at 5:00 in the upper gym at the middle school against Branson.  The boys then have a break until the district tournament.

Congratulations to the Lady Tigers on their impressive victory over Monett on Monday.  Monett came in with a 14-3 record but left at 14-4!  They lost a close one last night to Catholic but will look to rebound next week as they travel to Bolivar on Monday and will host COC opponent, Branson on Thursday.

The Tigers took care of business last Friday, as they defeated Bolivar at Courtwarming.  A special congratulations to Tyler Onstott on being crowned Courtwarming King!  The Tigers were rewarded with their 15-3 start by being ranked 9th in the state in Class 5.  This is the first time in school history that our program has been ranked in Class 5!  They are competing in the Nixa Invitational this weekend and got off to a good start by defeating Aurora last night.  They will take on Hogan Prep tonight at 9:00 p.m. in the semifinals.  The tournament will conclude tomorrow with the 3rd place game at 4:30 and the championship game at 6:00.

What a great weekend for the Willard Speech and Debate Team! On Saturday, they traveled to Marion C. Early to compete against thirteen other schools; out of our 27 entries sixteen advanced to semi-finals and six went on to finals. In Extemporaneous speaking: Emii Stone and Dusty Bacon advanced to semis and Tyler Onstott earned 4th place and Austin Reade earned 2nd. In Humorous Interpretation: Jeremy Burnett, MacKathion Collins and Brittaeny Dunn all advanced to Semis and Liz Akers Earned 4th place. In Duet Acting: Chris Owens and MacKathion Collins advance to semis and Liz Akers and Jeremy Burnett earned 4th place. Jeremy Burnett also advanced to semis in Prose, Brittany Dunn in Storytelling and Tyler Ontott in Original Oratory. Finally, in Radio Speaking, Emii Stone advanced to semis and Greg Hamilton earned 2nd place and Tyler Onstott earned 1st!! Over all as a team, they earned 6th place in sweepstake points.
Great Job!!

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

Jeff Staley - Director of Operations

High School

A host of items going on at the High School as the month of January comes to a close.  WHS Choir and Band programs are at State competition at Lake of the Ozarks.  Choir members Becky Farr, T. J. Chatman, Jacob Stoll, and Nathan Olson are all competing for a “I” rating in Vocal Music while Nathan Pearl and William Pearl are both seeking a “I” rating in Instrumental Music.  Good luck WHS musicians!

Basketball programs are in the middle of COC conference play and the Wrestlers are gearing up for District and State matches.  We would love for you to join us and be a part of our competitions.

The year is moving very fast and for Senior it is time to gear up for post high school life.  Seniors who are planning for college may want to apply for scholarships to help reduce expenses.  Scholarship applications will be open from February 1^st through March 1^st.   Here is a link to the location on the High School website.   https://sites.google.com/a/media.willardr2.net/whs-counseling-department/scholarships-financial-aid

A reminder to parents we will be making up our “Snow Day” on Monday, February 21^st (President’s Day).

Have a great weekend.

Stewart Pratt, WHS Principal

 Middle School

Greetings from Willard Middle School. Next week will put us at the midway point of 3rd quarter, and a traditionally challenging time for students when it comes to motivation and academic success. With so many other outside influences and distractions, it is important that we all focus on encouraging our students to do their best, and support them in their efforts to succeed. This week, I have seen science students in the hallways multiple times. They are not just playing games, although I have seen toy race cars going up and down the "tracks." The students are participating in hands on projects and experiments, looking at time and speed relationships, as well as other concepts. The kids seemed to really be enjoying these activities, and I applaud the teachers for their willingness to come up with creative ideas to help kids learn. Again, this goes on in classrooms across the school each day, and is just part of what makes it so great to be at WMS. Thanks for checking on us, and have a great weekend.

Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

Willard North

This week has been a busy week for Willard North students, parents, and teachers.  On Monday we had McTeacher Night and raised $581.00 for MAP testing and a school-wide assembly!!!  Monday was a great success.  Thank you to all the students and parents who came out to support our school at McTeacher Night.

Wednesday was our monthly Super Tiger Celebration.  This month we recognized honor roll students in fourth grade.  These students worked very hard to maintain an A/B average on their semester report card. 

Wednesday was also our Hats off to Community Service Day.  All proceeds this month went to support Aleena and Alexia Havens (former students of Willard North and Willard East) who were hurt in a house fire.  Students and parents donated $717.00 to help support the girls in their recovery.  

Our make up snow day will be February 21^st.  Thank you and have a great weekend!

Angela Stevens, Willard North Elementary

Willard Central

Coach Brown and Coach Stewart have been working to help our students become more physically fit and smart about their hearts this week.  Students have been actively engaged in learning how blood is pumped through our hearts and how it helps our bodies through an interactive obstacle course in PE.  Students work their way through the body obstacle course and the chambers of the heart by carrying oxygenated blood and blood that has delivered oxygen to the brain.  The blood cells are represented by blue and red inflatable balls and students travel through veins (tunnels/maps of arrows on the floor) to oxygenate the blood and keep the cycle going.  It is an engaging, interactive way to teach about the circulatory system and is already a favorite for students and teachers alike.  This interactive obstacle course was purchased as a shared resource for the entire district and will be traveling around to the other elementary schools in the coming weeks.  Take some time to talk with your child about what they are learning and how they can be Heart-Smart!  ~Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard South

We had a GREAT crowd at our McTeacher Night on Monday evening at the McDonald's on West Chestnut Expressway.  I would like to personally thank the teachers who worked and the families who attended.  Thanks to your efforts we raised $716!  This money will go right back to the teachers who worked.  They will be able to use this money for classroom supplies.  I know how much money teachers personally use each year for items in their classroom.  I hope this helps their personal wallets! CONGRATUALTIONS to Mrs. Walters and Mrs. Harden for winning the Happy Meal party.  They each had 12 students attend McTeacher Night. 

 

The next Board of Education Round Table Discussion will be at Willard South, February 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The topics will be ACT scores compared to peer districts and class sizes.  All staff and patrons are invited. 

 

Have a GREAT weekend and enjoy the sun!  Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal

 

 

Willard Parks and Recreation

Youth Spring Soccer Registration: Registration for Spring Soccer in underway. The deadline to register is February 18^th. The fee to play is $40.

Youth Spring Volleyball Registration: Registration for Spring Volleyball is underway. The deadline to register is February 18^th. The fee to play is $40.

The Great Egg Hunt:

Saturday April 16^th at the Willard Recreation Center at 9:00am. This event is open to ages 12 and under. Come and see the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs and play exciting games. The event is free to attend.

Willard’s 3^rd Annual Frisco Runaway Triathlon:

Saturday June 18^th, 2011 7:30am at the Willard Community Building. The distances are 300 yards swimming, 12 miles biking and a 5K run. The fee to participate is $50 if you preregister and a $55 day of registration. All participants will receive a shirt, lunch and a participation metal. For more information please call 742-2262.

CHILDREN'S DANCE CLASSES       Winter Session

Let your child grow through dance and experience its magic.  These children dance classes offer an ex cellent way to keep fit, learn coordination, rhythm, social skills, confidence, and it's FUN!

The winter eight-week dance session will begin January 11^th thru March 3^rd.  Creative Dance is offered for ages 3-5; Ballet & Tap classes are available for ages 5 & up, the fee is $50.  Combination classes of Ballet, Tap and Jazz for children ages 9 & up with prior dance experience will be taught, fee is $65.  Classes are taught Tuesday's OR Thursday's depending on age and/or level.  Call Ms. Patrice for class availability and registration information at 818-3659.

Youth Basketball/Cheerleading 2011: Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank everyone who is registered to play basketball and cheerleading for the 2011 season. This is our largest season to date with 31 basketball teams and over 20 cheerleaders! Games for the season began January 22^nd at the Willard Recreation Center. For more information on the season please call Shawn at 742-2262.

Adult Co-ed Adult Volleyball 2011: Thanks to everyone who is registered to play adult co-ed volleyball. This season a total of 8 teams are participating. The season has begun. For more information on the season please call Whitney at 742-2262.

Youth Bowling 2011: Willard Parks and Recreation is currently taking registrations for the 2011 Youth Bowling Season. This season is open for 1^st – 8^th grade and the fees are below. All of the bowling will take place at Holiday Lanes in Springfield.

Bowling Fees:

Package One: Bowling Ball, Team Shirt, Shoe Rental, Awards, and 2 Games: $70

Package Two: Team Shirt, Shoe Rental, Awards, and 2 Games: $50

Valentine’s Dance: Willard Parks and Recreation would like to invite everyone to attend the 2011 Valentine’s Dance to be held at the Recreation Center on February 11^th, 2011 from 7pm – 9pm. Admission to the dance is $3 at the door. If under the age of 12 you must be accompanied with and adult. For more information on the dance place call 742-2262.

2011 Six Week Weight Loss Challenge: January 29^th – March 12^th

How the Challenge Works:

·         Fee to participate is $20 per person ($10 for winners and $10 administrative)

·         Every Saturday starting January 29^th, participants will come to the Willard Recreation Center between 9am – 11am to weigh in.

·         The deadline to register is January 28^th, 2011

·         All participants will receive a Free Trial Week with CoxHealth Fitness Center in Willard

·         The person who losses the most body fat percentage at the end of the challenge on March 12^th will win!

·         1^st place winner in each division will receive 60% of all money collected. 2^nd place winner in each division will receive 40% of all money collected. For example if $500 for proceeds is collected then first place will receive $300 and second place will receive $200.

·         Divisions are:

1.   18 – 34 Male

2.   18 – 34 Female

3.   35 Plus Male

4.   35 Plus Female

Rules:

o   All participants must attend all weigh in dates. No additional weigh in times will be added.

o   If a participants misses a weigh in then the participant is disqualified.

o   Fees are due at the time of registration and waivers must be signed.

For more information on the challenge please call 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.

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.

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

Facility Rentals: Willard Parks and Recreation Facility Rentals: Holding Fee: $25, Refundable Deposit: $75 (excluding the Pavilion). Rental Areas: Willard Community 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.

2011 Zumba Basic and Zumba Toning Class

January 17^th – May 19^th

Mondays: 6:30pm – 7:30pm at the Willard Community Building

Thursdays: 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the Willard Community Building

Punch cards are available for purchase at the Willard Recreation Center. The fee is $45 for 10 sessions. Toning sticks/weights required for Zumba Toning. For more information please contact Summer Kern at 417-742-5302.

Willard Veterans Memorial:

The City of Willard is in the process of building a Veterans Memorial. The Willard Veterans Memorial is to honor all veterans of the U.S. Military Service (including Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard. and Reserve) The Veterans Memorial features 648 Veteran paver bricks, 2 park benches, 3 flag poles and 5 monuments (one for each branch of service). The Memorial will be placed right across from the Willard Community Building. Bricks for the memorial are for sale for $60 per brick. Bricks are for sale at Willard City Hall and Commerce Bank in Willard.

Point of Contact to purchase bricks or to obtain more information is listed below.

Doug Johnson: (417) 742-3026 or 573-934-0377

Pat Lloyd: 417- 988-5429 or (417) 742-2263

Special Donations for the Memorial:

Any donation received that is $250 or more will have a special section to the right of the Memorial as you enter. There will be an in ground paver featuring all donors of $250 or more. To make a special donation please call an y member on the Memorial Contact list.

Special thanks to the Brighton AMVETS Post 178 for their support for this project.

 100% of all money received will go towards the Veterans Memorial.