District Newsletter

Everyone gave a little!!! The result was incredible!!!!!

Three months ago I was frustrated by the status of our At-Risk Alternative School Program in grades 5-12. Basically we had a program that was finding success at some grades but left other grade levels greatly underserved. Students in grades 5, 9, and 10 were given almost no additional support through this program. I had an afternoon moment which resulted in a brilliant idea: Why do we have to accept this as the best we can do?? (Really it was not brilliant but sometimes we simply forget to ask the question.) It did not take long to realize that the problem was long standing and it would take input from many people representing three buildings, three programs, transportation, special education, etc& in order to achieve positive change. A first meeting was called and I asked Amy Stroder, Assistant Director of Special Education, to chair the committee. (The secret to good leadership is to pick good people to lead. I did a great job picking the right person!) It required several meetings to simply agree on the problems and research to figure out what solutions to pursue. One of the limiting factors was that we had no new large pots of money, and grants have pretty much dried up at the State and Federal levels. I will have to admit the result is one of the best examples of cooperation that I have witnessed in well over 20+ years in public education. Amy and the committee went to work to find out how we could serve more kids at the same level of quality simply by being more efficient in our efforts. The result is remarkable. Next year the program will exist in all grades 5-12 and almost double the students served by the program. This was accomplished with the addition of only 1 ½ staff. This new program will serve students using a continuum of services from resource to self contained. I am very proud of the new program and want to thank Amy, as well as Josh Ladd, for their leadership in process. I also want to thank all the other players involved. It took everyone with a common vision working together and sacrificing a little to create something very special.

Have a great week!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Operations Spring is in full bloom and the Tigers are looking ahead to district competition.

The baseball Tigers will be in Cassville tonight in a district showdown. Varsity starts at 4:30. They will then resume COC play as they travel to Marshfield on Tuesday and will host Nixa on Thursday.

The soccer Tigers had a huge win over Neosho last week and look to continue their success this week as they host state ranked Catholic on Tuesday and travel to Marshfield on Thursday. We will then host the Willard Soccer Invitational on Friday and Saturday.

Track continues this week as the 9th/JV teams travel to Branson today. They will then participate in the COC/OC Showdown in Lebanon on Wednesday and will host the Willard JV Relays on Friday. A big "thank you" to everyone who helped with the varsity relays last week. Without your time and efforts we could not host such events!

A special congratulations to W. Burrell on signing a baseball scholarship with SBU last week!

It's Good To Be A Tiger! Jeff Staley, Director of Operations

Director of Special Services Saturday was the big day for our special needs students who participated in A Sporting Chance track and field meet at JFK Stadium in Springfield. Although the weather was chillier than expected, students enjoyed this opportunity to run, jump and throw softballs as they competed with peers from surrounding districts. Special thanks goes to all special services staff and other Willard staff for attending and supporting our athletes on Saturday, with special thanks going to Amanda Swadley who dedicates time and effort organizing our participation. It appeared staff actually outnumbered participates and it was great having such support. This is Willard's 14th consecutive year of being involved in A Sporting Chance and we look forward to the state competition next month in Branson. Hope to see you there! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School The high school completed the MAP testing on Thursday morning and followed up by having our MAP reward time 6th and 7th hours on Thursday afternoon. The faculty made many comments about the positive efforts of the students.

Oprah's "Big GiveZ" local winner was announced this past weekend with Finley River School in Ozark being the ultimate winner of the seven schools competing in the final round. Willard finished with a grand total of 8,633.00 for a riding program to assist students with disabilities. The winner was based on money raised per student. A big thank you to students, parents, local businesses, and Willard faculty for supporting our students.

We ask parents to continue to examine student calendars closely as we near the end of the school year. Many, many activities and events will be taking place as programs close for the year, and graduation nears. Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School This week we continue to focus on the MAP testing, both in final reviews and specially designed lessons to help students prepare, and then in the actual taking of the tests. Our students will be asked to get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast this week, as we strive to do our best to "Rock the Map," our theme for the week. Many special events and prizes are available to the students, and our ultimate goal is to show what we know, and display pride in our school and community by doing our best. We want to acknowledge a job well done by the drama group that presented the play Treasure Island on Friday and Saturday nights. The kids did a great job, and we want to thank all of those involved who helped to make it such a success. We are down to just five more weeks, but the finish line is still in the distance. We ask that everyone do their part to encourage students to really concentrate this week, and put their best foot forward on the MAP test. I know we often get tired of hearing about school testing, but it is one way to show what we can do in a measurable way, and we look forward to the challenge. Thanks for your continued support for our kids, as together we can make their future that much brighter. Tom Merriott, Assistant Principal

Willard Central Elementary It was a week for EXCELLENCE at Willard Central! Our 3rd and 4th grade students did their absolute best on the MAP test demonstrating all of the learning and hard work they have put into this school year. It was wonderful to see confident and relaxed students and teachers during what is often considered a stressful testing situation. A huge thank you to parents, teachers and students for making it a MAP Happy week that allowed students show what they know.

We are also proud to announce that Danielle Roeder received the Award for Excellence from the Willard Board of Education at Thursday evenings meeting. Danielle is a greatly deserving candidate whose story exemplifies excellence in attitude, hard work and determination. It was a joy to see Danielle walk into the Board Meeting and standing to see her lead us in The Pledge of Allegiance. Our Willard Central Family eagerly awaits the day when we will see Danielle walking down the halls unassisted and running around the playground with friends.

More excellent adventures await us this week at Willard Central.

April 24th Grandparents Day.

April 25th Snow Make-Up Day. Early dismissal at 12:40.

April 28th-May 2nd Teacher Appreciation Week and Book Fair

April 29th Fine Arts Night 5:30-7:00

April 30th 3rd and 4th Grade MAP Incentive Trip to WeatherSchool and Springfield Cardinals game

May 2nd 4th Grade Field Trip to Jefferson City

We hope you can join us for the exciting things happening at Willard Central as we continue to Reach for the Stars. Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary So long MAP Testing! Willard East teachers and students worked very hard but we are glad to see it go! We even survived a visit by a DESE representative to ensure that we were following all the guidelines. Tune in in September for our district results.

Next week we are looking forward to a fun-filled week of recognitions. Wed. 3rd and 4th grade students will be treated to a pizza party for giving it their all on the MAP test.

Friday = 1/2 Day Snow Make-up day. This day was originally scheduled as a teacher workday and we will still have a 1/2 to celebrate and collaborate! The following staff members will be recognized: Teacher of the Year = Wendy Dorland Staff Member of the Year = Liesl Euliss Ashley Freeman - Mrs. Freeman has been a part of our WE family for the past 4 years and has decided to stay home and work even harder as a stay at home mom:) Deana Glasgow - Mrs. Glasgow has been a part of our WE family for the past 6 years and will be leaving us to join her husband in Oklahoma where he has been called to work for a church. Susanna Hill - Mrs. Hill is able to retire this year but has not decided if she is retiring or going to try to something new. Either way she will leaving us/Willard after 12 years of service.

Following our staff luncheon/recognition our teachers will be collaborating on end of the year teaching and learning and looking ahead to next year. This time of year tends to be one of our busiest and most exciting times of year and time flies!!! Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary Friday, MAP testing came winding down! Whew! What a relief to be finished! Our students worked very hard and we are proud of them!

It seems that we have so many activities beginning this week!

April 21st First Grade Music Program 7:00 p.m. at WHS

April 22nd McTeacher Night 4-8 p.m. at Willard McDonald's

April 23rd 2nd Grade Field Trip to Frontier Theater Talent Show Tryouts

April 24th 4th Grade Trip to Jefferson City

April 25th Early Release 12:30 p.m. for students

April 28th Book Fair begins Locks of Love Makeovers

April 29th Kindergarten Screening at Willard North First Grade Field Trip

April 30th Kindergarten Screening at Willard North Super Tiger Celebration-Locks of Love- Intermediate Gym 2:30 p.m.

Have a wonderful week! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary MAP testing is COMPLETE! Our third and fourth graders worked very hard last week to complete the state wide MAP test in communication arts and math. I want to thank everyone for working hard and being flexible with our schedule. This Thursday we are looking forward to our annual Parent Appreciation Dance from 6:30-8:00 in the WS gymnasium. Our theme this year is "Pirates of the Caribbean". It is sure to be a GREAT time so don't miss the fun! Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal

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

++++++++++++++++ Bob Andrus, Technology Director Willard R-II School District