District Newsletter

Willard R-II Central Office The 2008 Harvest Gathering was a huge success for WCCF. Saturday night was a real hoot! If you missed the evening, you missed out! The night was full of laughter and fun. During the pie, cake, and antique auction we had one instance when a husband and wife were bidding against each other and the pie brought over $100. I think Mary Crighton may need to think seriously about going into the pie making business. A couple of her pies brought over $130 each. Students from Terri Hession's baking class donated several beautiful cakes which were also a big hit. The girls at the District Office got into the spirit and had a baking session which produced apple, pecan, chocolate cream, and coconut cream pies as well as bags of caramel popcorn, and a couple cakes. I will have to admit that my pecan pie was the best $91.00 pie I have ever eaten. (Yes, I did share it with my family!) As you know the meal was free and immediately following dinner we received checks from four Willard District Businesses for $2,500 each. These businesses included: Commerce Bank, Mid-Missouri Bank, Conco Quarries, McDonald's of Willard and Thermo-King. These local businesses along with many local patrons helped us take advantage of a matching grant challenge offered by The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Harry Cooper family. The Community Foundation presented a check to the WCCF Foundation for over $30,000. WOW!!!! WCCF maintains a list of over 400 active donors. There truly is a spirit of helping kids in Willard. I would like to say thanks to all the individuals involved in the evening. Well over $4,000 was raised during the auction. Every penny will go to the WCCF Foundation to help kids in the Willard community!

Have a great weekend! Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Operations Fall sports have come to an end and it's time for some of us to climb up into trees and try to our best not to freeze in order for that once in a lifetime shot at "Bambi"! It's hard to believe but the Four-State Classic starts in just three weeks!

Boy's and girl's basketball and wrestling have started and all three groups have good numbers. They are working hard in anticipation of success this season. In the meantime, some of the fall sports awards are being announced and Willard, as usual, is well represented.

Congratulations to Daphne Merrick and Lauren Hillman on making 1st Team All-COC and 1st Team All-District in volleyball. Also congratulations to Kiley Finkbiner on being named 2nd Team All-COC and 2nd Team All-Distict and to Rachel Wilmes for making 2nd Team All-District. In soccer, we had Marian Lup and Jackson Patillo make 1st Team All-COC and 1st Team All-District with Thad Dearman making 2nd Team All-COC and 1st Team All-District. Also being honored were Josh Lindsey with 2nd Team All-COC and Honorable Mention All-District and Tyler Sevon making 2nd Team All-District. In cross country we had Kacy Hession making 1st Team All-COC, 1st Team All-Distict and 1st Team All-Sectional with Ryne Cook making All-COC and All-District. In softball we had Stephanie Sechler earn 1st Team All-COC honors and Morgan Ulesich earning 2nd Team All-COC. Football will be announcing their conference awards next week.

Also, our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler Wilson on a speedy recovery. Tyler has got one of the biggest hearts of any Tiger I know!

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

Special Services Our special services office received a surprise visit from Willard North's ECSE program yesterday and what a treat it was! Six little ones, (Ryan, Asher, Gunner, Julie, Tatum and Tyler), teacher Stacey Wade, and para Sarah Pringle took a break from their routine to walk over and show off some of the students' newly learned skills. We enjoyed listening as they sang, "Itsy, Bitsy Spider" and the alphabet song and marveled as Tatum recited the Pledge of Allegiance perfectly. While here, they looked at Horses of Hope pictures and one student recognized himself and his brother on horseback. After all that excitement, students rested a few minutes before starting the trek back to their classroom. Entertaining is hard work and it was a well-deserved rest! We thank Stacey and Sarah for brightening our day with this visit and for all they, and para Beverly DelaTorre, do for these young learners. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School The HS has had a fantastic week. On Tuesday, we hosted an assembly to honor Veteran's Day. The HS NJROTC and WHS Counseling Department teamed up and provided a very moving experience to honor Veterans. NJROTC and SGA, posted the Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and sang the National Anthem. WHS students demonstrated great respect and honor for our guests. The Counseling team put together a very emotional PowerPoint presentation of students and their Veteran family members. Our assembly closed with our student body, staff, and guests giving a standing ovation to the Veterans attending our service. We appreciate the individuals who committed to the cause of Freedom and defending our nation and the sacrifice they have provided for each American. Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School We are half way through the 2nd quarter, and it seems there is too little time to do all of the things that are offered at the Willard Middle School for our students. Next week will begin the winter sports season, with boys and girls basketball starting, and the wrestlers getting their first time on the mat as well. There will be a Tiger Tail Gate after school for the first home basketball game, which will feature the 7-8th grade girls on Thursday, Nov 20th. The Young Chef's Club is meeting on Tuesday the 18th, and we look for lots of goodies to be enjoyed on that afternoon. Our Drama Club is gearing up for their presentation of Aladdin, and we look forward to seeing how that turns out as well. Finally, the TCS Club will be holding a basketball 3 on 3 Tourney and pool tournament as well on the 18th ( a busy night! ) and we invite any student who would like to participate to get signed up. It is turning colder outside, but things are heating up inside WMS, and we hope everyone will enjoy the ride. Thanks for checking on us, and if you go hunting this weekend, please be careful, and good luck. Tom Merriott, Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School Over the last 2 1/2 years WIS has had many "firsts". A Veterans Day assembly was one of these 2 years ago this week. Our building has always found it very important to take time on this day to recognize and celebrate our country's Veterans. Although many of our students know why Veterans Day is on the calendar, they often do not recognize it's significance to our country. I know that they left our assembly on Tuesday with a better understanding of this. We were privileged to have over 70 veterans and their families present to share with us their stories of sacrifice and honor. Members of the Missouri National Guard presented the colors. Mr. Gene Beattie, a veteran of the Vietnam War, shared with us his personal experiences and insight. He led the 750+ members of the audience (mostly 10 and 11 year olds!) in a moment of silence that was so powerful and quiet that you could hear the wind blowing the flag outside. Each branch of the military was recognized and each member was given a gift as a token of our appreciation. Many tears and hugs were shared during and after the assembly. We want to express our thanks to all of the veterans that attended and we hope they can join us again in the future! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary We had another week at Willard Central. On Monday evening our PTO met for their monthly meeting. They announced that they nearly $10,000 was raised on the Mr. Z's fundraiser and that purchased items will be available for pickup on Friday afternoon in the gym from 4:00-6:00. WC is blessed to have such a supportive school community!!

On Tuesday morning, WC honored several guests for Veterans Day at Community Time. WC students created a banner of red , white and blue stars in the main hallway labeled with the names of family and friends who have served our country and freedom. We also recognized several special guests as students were able to present parents, grandparents, uncles and brothers who have served in the Armed Forces with a certificate in front of the school. It was great to honor these veterans and to see the pride our students shared for their family members who have served.

Thursday evening, the 3rd grade presented their music concert for family and friends. A special thanks to these students and Mrs. Chatman for a great show that incorporated many genres of music and hours of practice.

We hope that grandparents of WC students can join us next Friday for Grandparents Day. We hope to have a full house as we give thanks for our grandparents.

Keep reading A Dog Called Kitty with your families, and remember that WC is Wild About Learning! Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary Tuesday this week we recognized Veteran's from the Willard East community. As usual we had a GREAT turn out. Each Veteran introduced him or herself and was presented with a certificate of appreciation for their service.

Last Friday we had our first "Hat's on for Community Service." Students were able to wear a hat and donate at least $.25 to our fund. Our goal for each month is $100 and we raised $107!!! Don't you love when a plan comes together?! Maybe we can raise $110 next month?! Thank you for participating in this event and we look forward to it each month.

Teacher Professional Development update: For the past two years our teachers have been taking part in the Missouri Reading Initiative training program. This year the focus is on student writing. (Last year the focus was reading.) Our teachers go above and beyond what is asked of them in these trainings. If the trainer mentions a book....they want it AND read and implement it. If one teacher is seeing success.....he/she shares it with everyone. When our students are successful we are all successful! Sometimes what teachers are doing "behind the scenes" does not get recognized. Please know that there are a lot of things going on "behind the scenes" for Willard kids are we salute our teachers for this. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary The fourth grade students at Willard North have been learning about the geography of Missouri in a very sweet way! The students had Missouri cookies they labeled with rivers, cities, regions and other important facts. I have to say it is probably the favorite test they take all year. 3rd grade students have been learning about government and Mayor Schoolcraft came this week and discussed our local government and updated the students on important issues in Willard. We are excited about the Willard Christmas Parade on Saturday! Have a wonderful weekend! 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 one hundred guests. It is always a pleasure to honor these individuals. Our assembly included a flag presentation by Boy Scout Troop 52, the national anthem by Rachel Reynolds, God Bless America by fourth graders from Mrs. Brown's class, parade from the American Legion Riders, and a special visit from Mr. Jason Letterman a decorated soldier of the Iraq war. A BIG THANK you goes out to everyone who helped make this such a memorable event!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT WILLARD SOUTH Tuesday, November 18th-Mid Quarter; Flip Flop Girls Fashion Show 6:00-7:00; After School Artists Friday, November 21st-Mid Quarter Reports go home

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.

Willard Park Board News

5K Run: REGISTER EARLY: The Race begins tomorrow at 8:00am Registration is going on now to participate in Willard's 5k Race that will be held November 15th at 8:00am. The pre-registration fee is $15 and the day of registration fee is $20. All participants will receive a shirt. The race will begin at the Willard Community Center.

Upcoming Sports Registrations: Don't miss these exciting sports seasons!!

Youth Basketball Session 2 Registration: December 1st - 31st Ages: Pre K - 8th Fee: $35

Youth Cheerleading Session 2 Registration: December 1st - 31st Ages; Pre K - 8th

Adult Basketball Registration: December 1st - 31st Ages: 18 and Older Fee: $200

Competitive Basketball Registration: December 1st - 31st Ages: 3rd - 8th Fee: $200 in town teams and $225 for out of town teams

Winter Camp Registration: November 17th December 12th Are you looking for a place for your child to go during the Winter Break? Sign them up for the Willard Parks and Recreation Winter Camp. Registration will be held November 17th - December 12th. The camp days are December 22, 23, 26 , 29, 30, 2008 & January 2, 2009. Ages accepted will be K - 6th grade and the fee is $95.00 for the entire week or $17.50 per day. Campers will need a snack lunch each day. Registration for the camp ends December 12th. For more information please contact (417) 742-2262. Registration packets are available now at the Willard Recreation Center.

Willard Senior Citizens: Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering games on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm 3:00pm at the Recreation Center beginning January 6th for seniors. All seniors are invited to attend. Games include bingo, cards, dominos and much more. The game days are free to attend.

NEW WILLARD PARKS AND RECREATION WEBSITE: Willard Parks and Recreation is in the process of creating a new website. Work has begun on it and the new site will launch December 1st, 2008. The new site will be updated daily and will make registration easier.

Willard Basketball Camp: January 10th

Don't miss the first ever Willard Parks and Recreation / Willard High School Basketball Camp. The Willard High School Basketball Team will be hosting the camp. Fees are $25 per participate. Camp times are 9:00am 12:00pm for ages K -2nd and 1:00pm 4:00pm for ages 3rd- 6th. The camp will be held at the Willard Recreation Center. Enjoy a great camp hosted by local athletes. Proceeds will benefit Willard High School Sports Department & Willard Parks and Recreation. The deadline to register is Monday January 5th, 2009. For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

Mark Your Calendar: City of Willard Outing to the Springfield Cardinals Game is June 4th, 2009. Tickets go on sale May 1st, 2009.

Christmas at the Willard Recreation Center: Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday December 13th for Christmas in Willard 2008. The days activities include two showings of Dr. SeussHow the Grinch Stole Christmas(one showing at 4:00pm & one at 6:15pm). The movie will showing in the big gym. In the small gym, kids can get their picture taken with Santa (free to meet Santa and pictures are $2). Also come and participate in the Willard Silent Auction (auction items includes sports memorabilia, tickets to area attractions, free meals, etc) and participate in the Willard Bake Sale. All proceeds from the Auction and Bake sale will go toward renovating the Willard Baseball Complex. The Recreation Center is opening at 3:45pm and the activities begin. Don't miss the first Christmas in Willard Celebration on Saturday December 13th.

Park Naming: Willard Parks and Recreation is currently in the process of naming two of our City Parks. Please visit <http://www.cityofwillard.org>www.cityofwillard.org and participate in the online poll to help us name the parks.

Willard Parks and Recreation Looking for Sponsors: For Business Owners Did you know that you can advertise your business in front of thousands of people for only $400? Willard Parks and Recreation is selling 4 x 8 aluminum signs to be hung in the gym at the Willard Recreation Center during basketball season and to be hung in the gymnasium at the Willard Baseball field during baseball/softball season. Now is the perfect time to purchase your sign. We are doing some renovation work on the baseball complex in the spring. This renovation will definitely increase baseball/softball numbers. Also we are offering year round basketball now which means more people will be in the gymnasium. If you are interested in purchasing a sign then I encourage you to email me for details. If you would like to sponsor by purchasing a $400 4 x 8 aluminum sign then please contact the Recreation Center no later then December 1st, 2008. After December 1st, we will set up a meeting with all interested sponsors.

Food Drive: The Willard Food Pantry is in need of non-perishable food items. Willard Parks and Recreation will be having a food drive November 7th - 15th at the Willard Recreation Center. Come and drop off your perishable food item any time that the Recreation Center is open. If you donate during times when the basketball concessions are open you will receive a free pop-corn. Join us and help the Willard Food pantry.

CHILDREN'S DANCE CLASSES Registration for the winter session of children's dance classes is now available. For class availability and times contact Ms. Patrice at 818-3659. Classes are offered on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Creative dance is offered to 3-5 year olds, ballet and tap to 5 & up, and a combination ballet, tap & jazz class is available for students 9 and up with prior experience. Come share the "magic of dance" as you participate in these fun-moving classes. Learn new dance steps, vocabulary, and technique as the music and movement inspires you. Session begins January 13th - March 5th, the 8 week session fee is $50-$65 per child. Class sizes are limited so call today!

If you have questions about any of these activities please contact us at (417)742-2262.

Kevin McDonald Director of Willard Parks and Recreation 133 N State Hwy Z P.O. Box 187 Willard, MO 65781 (417) 742-2262 fax - (417) 742-6868

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