District Newsletter

Willard R-II Central Office I have kind of a weird habit that I do at night. I enjoy going out and sitting on my front step. Living in the country allows me to have a great view of the sky and I always receive a kind nuzzle from Jake my big black Lab. Last night my thoughts quickly directed to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has become my favorite national holiday of the year. Christmas has become way too much about getting stuff for others (we are already hearing Christmas music on KGBX?!). Valentine's is always stressful because I have to continue to think of something new to get my wife after 24 years. (she really doesn't care what I buy!) Then you have Mother's Day and Fathers's Day etc.... Thanksgiving is just a little special. It is simply focused on family and appreciation of what we have. Many times we immediately think of stuff including our home, car, job, family. When you take just a few minutes to sit down on the front step about 10:00 at night and be still to think (that is hard for me) many other thoughts arise:

Old friends that you have had since childhood. New friends that you made in the past few weeks. Our freedom that is currently being fought for in two wars. Our health. Personal Faith, Beliefs, and most of all Grace! One more Thanksgiving to spend with my Dad! All the positive influences for my children at school and away from school. The opportunity to work with great people in the best school district! All my stuff! Even though our economy is melting down we still live in the greatest country in the world! Gas prices at $1.49 (Who could have ever imagined!) Food Food Again Food a third time. (I think this is called a triple blessing of food!) And most of all FAMILY!

It is my hope and prayer that all of you take a little time to sit and think on the front step. It may remind you of some of the most important reasons why we are here! Have a great Thanksgiving with Friends and Family!!!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

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

Willard Parks and Recreation would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Willard Parks and Recreation would like to thank everyone who participated in Willard's 5K race on Saturday November 15th. Over 100 people participated. Thank you!

New Poll at <http://www.cityofwillard.org>www.cityofwillard.org: Help Willard Parks and Recreation pick an official slogan for our Department. Log on to <http://www.cityofwillard.org>www.cityofwillard.org and vote.

New Parks and Recreation Program Guide: Willard Parks and Recreation is in the process of putting together our spring program guide. This guide will be filled with news and events of 2009. Stop by the Recreation Center in late December to pick up a copy. Use this guide to keep up with everything that Willard Parks and Recreation is offering from January June 2009.

New Parks and Recreation Website: Willard's new Parks and Recreation website is nearly complete. The new site will launch December 1st, 2008. Visit <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com on December 1st to check out the new site!!

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; 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

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.

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.

Golf Scramble: At the Willard Green Hills Country Club on Friday May 8th at 1:00pm (shotgun start). Fees are $50 per person or $200 per team

A Healthy You in 2009: Willard will be holding health fair on January 17th at 10:00am at the Willard Recreation Center.

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 look over the attached contract. 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.

Willard Parks and Recreation Holiday Activities: 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.

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 the movie Polar Express at 4:00pm and Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 6:15pm. The movies will be 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.

New Years Bash: What's New in the New Year: Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday December 27th at 6:30pm for Willard's New Year Bash. We will be serving a full plate of spaghetti for only $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 & under. Bring your entire family and eat for cheap. The food will be cooked by the staff of the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. At 7:15pm, sit back and enjoy a short presentation of City / Parks and Recreation News and Events of 2009 entitled What's New in the New Year for Willard? The dinner and presentation will take place at the Willard Recreation Center. Get your advance tickets at the Recreation Center or just show up the night of the event.

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

Thanks,

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