District Newsletter

Willard R-II Central Office

It is my pleasure to announce that Tom Davis has accepted the position for Intermediate School Principal. In a special meeting of the Board of Education the members voiced strong support for Tom and his efforts during the past two years. Tom clearly communicated his vision for the building. When asked when his efforts to accomplish this vision would begin if offered the position he quickly answered, "Tomorrow". Tom is clearly the person for this job.

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Davis, 2008-09 Intermediate School Principal!

I would also like to congratulate Mrs. Julie Germann in her acceptance of the Assistant Superintendent position in Monett, Missouri. Julie is currently Willard's most tenured administrator. During her years at Willard she has been principal over three buildings. One year she was the principal in charge of both Willard South and Willard Central. Julie has been instrumental in the success of the Accelerated Schools program K-6. Beginning in 2005 she led the process in the development of the current Willard Intermediate School. Julie's leadership and talents will be missed! Drop Julie a line and let her know that we have appreciated her service to Willard kids.

Have a great week!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Operations

As many of you know, I am a biased Tiger fan. All bias aside, Saturday I saw my pride go to a new level. The Willard football program, headed by Phil Wickwar and Jonny Gold, partnered with Sandy Gold and the special education department to host the first annual "Partners in Strength". For two hours I witnessed what our student athletes are capable of giving and it was beyond impressive. I encourage everyone to go to "kspr.com" and go to the sports section to watch the video of the event.

Congratulations to the soccer Tigers on their first round victory in district play over Joplin McCauley on Saturday. The girls will host the number 1 seeded Catholic tonight at 5:00 in the first semifinal match. The second semifinal will pit Bolivar vs. West Plains at 7:00. The championship game will be Wednesday at 6:00. Good luck girls!

The baseball Tigers will begin district play today as they take on Bolivar at 2:30 here at Willard. Semifinals will be tomorrow starting at 1:00 with the championship game scheduled for Thursday at 6:00.

The track Tigers were washed out on Saturday and it has been rescheduled for today starting at 11:00 in Nevada. Good luck Tigers!

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

Director of Special Services

What an extraordinary event our Partners in Strength Rally proved to be for special needs students, athletes, parents, spectators and staff. From the parade of champions, reciting of the Pledge by Trenton B., lifts by the athletes , the interaction between athletes and students throughout the relays, Michael T.'s featured lift, Howie's special performance, to the autographing of t-shirts, a force of greatness was apparent throughout the morning. Coach Wickwar said it best when he stated, "There is no way to describe what took place here today; it had to be experienced to understand."

Special Services high school teacher, Tracy Mauschbaugh wrote, "I don't know of another district whose athletic department would join hands with the special education department to give all types of students such an amazing experience. I saw younger students looking up to our athletes with complete awe; I saw student athletes being pushed past their comfort zone and responding with character; I saw parents with tears streaming down their faces; and I saw dedicated, loving staff here to support it all. What an amazing district!" I could not agree more.

I want to personally thank the Rally committee. Dana Sade, Candi Price, Lindsey Stanton, Michelle Hemphill, and Amy Wartick were there unfailingly throughout the planning stages; and Amy Stroder for helping us fine tune relay details. And, of course, thanks goes to Coaches Wickwar, Gold and Reynolds for making a good idea become great. Thank you from parents, students and staff. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

This past few weeks have definitely experienced a change in tempo as the end of the year winds down. Saturday's big event was located at the Oasis Inn Conference center. Prom 2008 began at 8:00pm and was filled with laughter, fun, and many pictures. A big thank you to all that helped in organizing, setup, and supervision.

Sunday was Mother's day and we hosted Baccalaureate at the WHS Theater. Baccalaureate is a student initiated and student led service honoring graduates and their families. The combination of Mother's Day and spending time with family and friends to honor WHS graduates made the day very special.

On Friday, May 16th, Willard R-II School Graduation exercises will be held at the Athletic Stadium. We are watching the weather closely and will make a decision as early as possible. Either way, we know that graduation will be spectacular and rewarding for the senior class and their families. Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

With less than two weeks left, students and teachers alike are trying to find time to squeeze in every last thing before summer break. Many classes will be having final exams next week, and deadlines for other projects are fast approaching. Tonight, (Mon.) we will have our final band concert, and the Drama Club will hold their awards banquet this week as well. The chess club will hold a tourney here on Tuesday, and Olympian Jason Pyrah, from right here in Willard, will hold a clinic on both Tues and Thurs. for those who would like to attend. The week we will also be sending a group of teachers to other middle schools to observe and exchange information and ideas, to hopefully improve what we do here at WMS. On Friday, the Reading Counts reward trip will find several deserving students headed to the theatre to see a movie, a reward for their hard work this year in reading. Next weeks events include a transition day for 6th graders coming to our campus, and 8th graders going on to high school, hopefully making their moves a little less stressful. We will also end the year next Friday with a character education assembly and probably other fun things in the works as well. Enjoy the last two weeks, and rest in the summer! Tom Merriott, Assistant Principal

Willard Intermediate School

As a note of "personal privilege", it's with mixed emotions that I am leaving the Willard School District after 15 years. I have accepted a position as the Assistant Superintendent of the Monett R-2 School District. I have had a great time being part of the Willard Tigers, made many great friends of staff, parents and students. This new position offers me a new challenge as I reach that point in my career where retirement is getting closer all the time. Thanks to the board, administration, and to all the Willard Community for the support and friendship. I'd also like to offer CONGRATULATIONS to my assistant, Mr. Tom Davis, who was hired last week by the Board to take over the helm of the Intermediate School. In my opinion, they couldn't have chosen a better person! Julie Germann, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

The 2007-08 school year has been a fast, but fantastic school year. I cannot believe how quickly the year has gone by and how many wonderful things we still have for students in these last two weeks of school. Thursday evening, our Science Cadre hosted their Family Science Night, The Wonderful World of Water. They had several local businesses set up stations to explain how they use science and the importance of water in their daily operations. A special thank you to Conco Quarries for sponsoring Mad Science to set up stations and a show for our students. We had over 200 guests in attendance and it was a wonderful evening. On Thursday and Friday, we screened future Willard Tigers for Kindergarten for next year. We had more than 80 families sign up for screening and the future of the Willard School District looks bright!

Here is what we are looking forward to as the year draws to an end:

May 12th PTO Meeting at 6:00 May 15th Field Day (If it rains, we will reschedule to the 22nd) May 16th High School Graduation May 17th 4th Grade Party May 23rd Last day of school. Terrific Tiger Celebration in the morning. Early Dismissal at 12:40.

Have a wonderful week and continue to Reach for the Stars! ~ Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

Field Trip Mania - It's that time of year when there is flurry of activity including field trips. The big field trip venue for our school has been Rutledge Farms. This week K, 1, and 2 went to learn about all the animals. Unfortunately the weather has not cooperated with us. Hopefully next year the students can benefit from all the attractions offered. This is public park and anyone is welcome to visit any time.

Teacher Appreciation Week Recap - Thank you for making our teachers feel appreciated this week! Teachers have been showered with flowers, gifts, and food all week. A huge thank you to our PTO for always going above and beyond recognizing our teachers.

Field Day - Tuesday May 13th is Willard East Field Day! Please call our office if you would like to join us for all the fun and activities.

Jeff City Field Trip - 4th Graders will be traveling to Jeff City on Thursday May 15th.

10 more days! Another great year for Willard Schools! Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

Willard North is busy with some great events!

On Friday, May 2nd we had our Celebration of Learning. We had a great turn-out! Congratulations to Ben W. his artwork will be on our t-shirts next year. Our theme is Willard North is WILD about learning! Thanks to all that helped with this event!

Friday May 9th was a great day also! The rain held off and we were able to have our Track and Field day outside! Thanks to Coach Bills and all his helpers for making the day a great success!

First Grade also hosted our Mother's Day Tea Friday morning. It is hard not to get teary eyed when your first grade student is singing "Mommy, Mommy I love you!" It was very evident how much the children love their mothers. Thanks to the first grade teachers for hosting this wonderful event.

The pace does not let up this week! Here are some upcoming events:

Monday, May 12th PTO meeting 6:00 pm

Tuesday, May 13th Tiger Cubs Graduation-Willard First Baptist Church-6:30 p.m. Honor Choir program-7:00 p.m. Willard North

Thursday Kindergarten Program " The Three Piggy Opera" 7:00 p.m. at Willard High School

Last Day of School Picnic! May 23rd at 11:00 a.m.

Have a wonderful week! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary

Last week we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. Our fabulous PTO provided snacks, lunch, gifts and other special treats each day. I truly appreciate all of support our PTO and parents have given us this year. THANK YOU!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Tuesday, May 13th-Talent Show at 7:00 in the cafeteria/gymnasium Wednesday, May 14th-Special Services Orientation to Willard Intermediate Thursday, May 15th-Retirement Celebration for Linda Parker at Springfield Brewing Co at 4:30 Tuesday, May 20th-Field Day; 4th Grade Transition Day to Willard Intermediate Friday, May 23rd-Tiger Pride Assembly 9:00; Last Day of School--students dismissed at 12:40

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.