District Newsletter

Willard R-II Central Office

Educators work and work and work and sometimes wonder if we are really making a difference. Are we being effective in our efforts. Are the plans and efforts of improvement working to help our students learn? This week the Missouri State Report card was posted for all schools. This data gives us concrete evidence that we are getting the job done! I believe our peer districts including Branson, Nixa , Ozark, and Republic, are some of the best districts in the State. These districts help us to set the bar of excellence at a proper height to judge for success. The following statistics are from the report:

	Willard(area rank)	Peer Dist Ave	Mo Ave
Attendance	95.2% (2)	95.1%	94%
Graduation	92.9% (1)	89.82%	85.2%
Dropout	1.1% (1)	2.5%	3.1%
Per Pupil $	$6642	$6850	$9338
ACT	22.6 (1)	22.2	21.6

What does this tell us? It says that we associate ourselves with a group of schools that are clearly above average. Most of all it says of those schools that are above average we are graduating the highest percentage of students, with the lowest dropout rate, and at the same time achieving the highest Composite ACT Score. In the same breath we need to note that we are providing this excellent level of education at a cost that is below our peer group and over $2000 a student below the Missouri State average. If we spent the average amount per-pupil we would have to add 8 million dollars into the schools budget. It is easy for all of us to forget the amazing job that Willard Administrators, Teachers, and Staff, do every day. This data can and should be a reminder for all of us that our efforts, planning, and skills are paying great dividends for Willard kids.

Have a great weekend!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities

As if Mother Nature hasn't been enough to remind you that Winter is here, Winter sports has started and the Tigers are off to a great start!

Congratulations to the Tigers and Lady Tigers on their 2nd place finish in the Four-State Classic last week. Both teams played with heart and showed us a sign of things to come in both programs. A special congratulations to the boy's program on winning the sportsmanship award. Also, congratulations to Brittany Carpenter, Amanda Allen, Kiley King, Ronnie Rust, Kevin Bracamonte, and Eric Hamilton on being named to the All-Tournament Team. I will also take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to all of the volunteers and workers that made this tournament a success. It is a reminder of just how special this district is and how lucky I am to be able to work with you every day. The Lady Tigers played at Buffalo Thursday night (results next week) and will be at Marshfield next Monday and at Central next Thursday. The boys travel to Lebanon this Friday and will host Camdenton next Tuesday and are at Hillcrest next Friday.

The wrestling Tigers got off to a great start at the Neosho Tournament as Joel Wyman and Bobby Adams took home championships in their weight divisions and Garrett Mayfield and Chris McMullin brought home 2nd place finishes. The team wrestled at Camdenton on Thursday and I'll have the results next week. They will host Nixa next Tuesday and Hillcrest and Republic on Thursday.

Fall awards keep coming in and the soccer and football programs received some great news this week! Congratulations to Jackson Patillo on making 1st team All-Southwest Regional and to Marian Lup for making honorable mention. Also, congratulations to Justin Cobb for being named to the 2nd Team Class 4 All-State and to Brian Daehling for making the 3rd Team Class 4 All-State!

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

Special Services

Special Services would like to thank the employees of Murfin's Market for their generosity and support shown to students in Erica Poulson's class. Nine students learned job skills while working in the grocery store for six weeks. These students learned how to efficiently bag groceries, check vegetables and fruit for bruising and chucked rotten produce for the circus. They also learned to stock items by looking at the bar codes. Students even discovered what the inside of a pomegranite looks like! The six weeks work session truly was a wonderful experience and we appreciate Murfin's Market for taking the time to teach our students in such a friendly atmosphere.

Following directions is very important in life! This lesson was well taken on December 8 as the 8th grade Learning Center Language classes moved to the FACS classroom. Several facets of learning took place as students experienced first-hand how to read and follow directions on packages of cookies, brownies and lemon bars. As with most lessons, a few directions were not followed and students experienced the immediate results of the errors as they sampled their fare and gave a critique of their product! The students realized a sense of accomplishment as their goodies were labeled and packaged. They look forward to sharing the finished products with grandparents and friends at the Grandparent tea. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

The HS is gearing up for the close of the 1st Semester and Finals. Hopefully the weather holds off which will allow Monday and Tuesday for students and staff to prepare for finals which occur Wednesday through Friday. Friday will conclude with a short Holiday Assembly by the SGA. We are looking forward to a great week as we close the books on the first semester. Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

Greetings from WMS. As we prepare for our last week of school before the Christmas break, it is amazing to think how quickly the 1st semester has come and gone. It seems we just welcomed the kids back to school and already it is half over. Many activities are taking place, and we hope everyone takes advantage of the opportunity to be a part of as many as you are able. The presentation of the play Aladdin is going on tonight (Fri) and tomorrow night, and from the previews we have seen, it will be fantastic. The wrestling team will be competing in the COC tourney this Saturday, and we wish them all success. Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Young Chefs club will be meeting, and we expect lots of tempting treats to make an appearance that afternoon. The NJHS club will have their Christmas party on Thurs. the 18th, which should be fun for all. Also next week, the 7th and 8th grade girls basketball team will be competing in the COC tournament, with the 7th grade going on the road to Neosho, and the 8th graders getting to stay right here at home, as we will be hosting the tourney. Finally, we want to remind anyone wanting to get a yearbook for this year that the price will go up after next week, so reserve yours today for only $20, and keep that extra money to buy someone a nice present for Christmas. Speaking of Christmas , we hope you all have a warm and peaceful holiday, shared with family and friends if possible, and take time to appreciate all that we have been blessed with this year. Thanks for checking in on us, until next time. Tom Merriott Assistant Principal

Willard Intermediate School

What a week of activities at WIS! Our Title 1 reading teachers held their "iCreate" night Tuesday evening. We had a good group brave the bad weather and enjoy some fun activities and pizza. Wednesday afternoon many of our running club athletes continued training in for the upcoming jingle bell run in Springfield. Thursday afternoon saw science club, cooking club, and Lime team craft night keep a large number of our students involved in high interest activities. It is great to see these kids find something to get involved with here at school!

Our building hat and glove donation tree and Salvation Army bell ringing continues through next week. Our students are getting fired up in preparation for our 2nd quarter iChoose assembly on Friday the 19th. We have some great prizes that will be awarded. Parents are reminded about classroom holiday parties on the 19th. If you are interested in helping please contact your child's homeroom teacher. Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

It has been a Wildweek at Willard Central. Tuesday evening we celebrated reading A Dog Called Kitty with our Family Reading Night. More than 250 people braved the icy conditions to enjoy several stations connected to the story. A special thank you to all of those individuals who brought therapy dogs, seeing eye dogs, and other furry friends for our students to enjoy. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. Thursday evening our 2nd grade students presented their concert for our Wildconcert series. All of their hard work was greatly appreciated and a joy to share in. Friday morning, I competed in a scrapeating contest to culminate our reading activities from Family Reading Night with Daisy (Mrs. Jones chocolate lab). It was a tasty treat to reward all of the students who braved the elements for Tuesday night.

As we look ahead to next week, we are excited for about our guest reader on Friday morning for our Holiday Community Time. We will also be celebrating with your PTO Christmas Parties at 2:45. Have a great week and remember that WC is Wild About Learning! ~ Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

THANKS!!! To everyone who was able to make it to Texas Roadhouse family night for Willard East. Even though the weather didn't cooperate we raised $90.13. The food was delicious and it was very nice to be able to chat with Willard East families in a more social setting.

1st Semester Reflection - Where does the time go? I ask this question a lot now that I have children of my own and they are growing up so fast. It is hard to believe that this year's 4th grade class was my first group of Kindergartners my first year as principal. How did they grow up so fast?

It has been another great semester with great things happening at Willard East. Even though our enrollment at Willard East is lower than previous years, we continue to welcome new students and improve our attendance percentages. In addition, our teachers have been working hard in grade level teams, leadership teams, and cadres to restructure the way our time is used in order for us to focus on student needs and improved achievement. Our district is currently in the middle of a Math textbook adoption process. At the start of next year we will have a new Math series. This series will be chosen based on research of best practices, ease of teacher and student use , and compared to tests scores of other districts. Our teachers are putting a lot of time into choosing the appropriate text for our district.

Mrs. Kuchta has produced 3 fantastic musical performances this year. Coach Wise has a gigantic new rock wall for students to use in the gym. Ms. Mathers, our Art teacher, will have access to some exciting new technological advances to enhance Art instruction. 3rd grade has been using new Smartboards for a few months now with lots improved student engagement and learning as a result. We will have a new checkout system installed in the Library at the beginning of the year. These are just a few of the exciting things happening at Willard East.

You can imagine the excitement level at an elementary school the week before Christmas break. Next week we will host holiday parties and our 4th grade holiday performance. Please feel free to join us for either of these events. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

We are getting geared up for our "holiday" at the end of next week. The 4th grade classes will be performing their musical "A Gingerbread Christmas" for the school on Wednesday, December 17th at 2:30pm. The evening performance of "A Gingerbread Christmas" will take place on Thursday, December 18th at 7:00pm in the High School Auditorium.

Tiger Cubs Preschool performed their Christmas program for a packed house Monday Night! The performers were adorable and did a great job! Thanks to the staff at Cubs for working hard with our kids!

Next Friday we will have our annual Polar Express Event with a school wide pajama day! I have my special holiday PJ's and it will be a great day!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary

We had another busy week at Willard South. Tuesday our second graders performed "A Holiday Moosical" in front of a packed house. On Friday, I enjoyed reading a special story to each grade level in the library. I want to congratulate Lindsay Wallace and her husband for their new addition to the family last week. Cael Steven Wallace was born Wednesday, December 3rd at 8:06pm. He weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and was 21.5 inches long. What a GREAT present!

UPCOMING EVENTS: December 15th-Faculty Christmas Tea in the library after school December 17th-18th-Santa Store on the stage from 8:30-3:30 December 19th-Winter classroom parties

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 Parks and Recreation

(417)742-2262

http://www.cityofwillard.org

Christmas at the Willard Recreation Center: THIS SATURDAY AT 3:45PM Come to the Willard Recreation Center this 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.

Items for the Silent Auction: All bidding starts at $5

· 2 Passes to Ride the Ducks in Branson ($40)

· 2 Tickets to the River City Rascal Professional Baseball Team Game

· 2 Passes to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in New York ($200 value)

· 2 Passes to the Legends in Concert in Branson ($123 value)

· 2 Tickets to Missouri State Bears Football Game

· 2 Tickets to Missouri State Bears Basketball Game

· 2 Passes for the Titanic Museum in Branson

· 2 Passes for the Dickerson Park Zoo ($14 value)

· 4 Passes to the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame ($56 value)

· 4 Passes to the Discovery Center in Springfield ($28 value)

· 2 Passes to Silver Dollar City ($100 value)

· 2 Passes to Bransons IMAX Entertainment Complex

· Autographed Football by St. Louis Rams player OJ Atogwe

· Arizona Diamondbacks Fan Pack (including poster, autographed baseball)

· Professional Golfer Peter Jacobson autographed book and picture

· Matt Light (New England Patriots) autographed picture

· 10 Free Bowling Games to Enterprise Park Lanes

· Springfield-Green County Free Private Ice Skating Lesson

· Rusty Wallace Fan Pack including 8 X 10 Autographed Picture

· $50 gift card for St. Louis Cardinals Tickets

· 2 Passes for the Branson Hollywood Wax Museum

· 8 X 10 Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City Chiefs) autographed Photo

· 2 VIP passes to the Grand Country Music Hall in Branson

· 6 Passes to the Kansas City Zoo

· 2 Tickets to a Kansas City Wizards Professional Soccer Game

· Full Size Basketball Autographed by the Kansas University Jayhawks Basketball Team

· Autographed Picture by Kansas University Basketball Coach Bill Self

· Free Sports Registrations for a year (limited to 3 sports) through Willard Parks and Recreation

· $25 gift card to Wal-Mart

· 2 Free Passes to Six Flags in St. Louis

· 4 Passes to the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence

· 2 Passes for a cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal ($60 value)

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. Sign up now, spots are filling fast.

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.

Current Sports Registrations: Don't miss these exciting sports seasons!! · Session 2 Recreational Basketball / Cheerleading: Register now for the Willard Parks and Recreation Session 2 Basketball/ Cheerleading Season. The cost to participate is $35 which includes a uniform and trophy. All games for the season will be played on Saturday's beginning in January. The deadline to register is December 31st.

Competitive Basketball Registration: Register now for Willard's Competitive Basketball League. This league is for grades 3rd -8th. Fees are $200 for in town teams and $225 for out of town teams. The deadline to register is December 31st.

Adult Basketball League: Register now for Willard's Adult Basketball League. Fees are $200 per team. The deadline to register is December 31st.

Registration forms for these sports are available now at the Willard Recreation Center. Sign up now!

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 participant. 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.

A Healthy You in 2009 Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a free Health Fair entitled "A Healthy You in 2009". The Health Fair will take place on Saturday January 17th from 10:00am -1:00pm at the Willard Recreation Center. All ages are welcome to come. Booths include Sanders Chiropractic, Preferred Hearing Care, Missouri Extension Office, Cox Fitness, Humana and many more. Kick off the New Year the Healthy way. Come to "A Healthy You in 2009". For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

Valentine Dance: Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday February 7th for the 2009 Valentine Day Dance. The dance will be held from 7:00pm 10:00pm. Adults and children of all ages can attend. Music played will be everything from 50's music to modern music. The dance is free to attend and concessions will be available.

Out of School Camp: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting an out of school camp on Monday January 19th from 7:00am -6:00pm. The entire day's camp will be held at the Recreation Center. The fee to attend is $17.50. The camp is open for grades K -6th. A snack lunch must be brought to the camp. Registration for the camp ends Thursday January 15th.

Willard's 2009 First Movie in the Park: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting its first Movie in the Park night of 2009 on Saturday March 28th. The movie will be showing at Jackson Street Park at 8:00pm. The event is free to attend and hamburgers and hotdogs will be available.

Baseball/Softball Field Renovations: Through a grant from the Kansas City Royals, Willard Parks and Recreation will be renovating the Willard Baseball/Softball Complex. The renovation is expected to begin in February 2009. For official plans please visit the Willard Recreation Center in January 2009.

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.

Willard Parks and Recreation New Website: The new Willard Parks and Recreation website will launch very soon. An email will be sent as soon as the new site launches to notify you.

Drury University Park Master Plan Meeting Come to City Hall on Thursday December 18th at 5:00pm and hear the final presentation from the students of Drury University. Drury University has been preparing the Master Planning for the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. Come and see their findings, listen to their ideas and see the goals for the future of the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. This presentation will be held at the regularly scheduled Park Meeting at City Hall, December 18, 2008 5:00pm.

Mark Your Calendar: Willard Golf Scramble at Green Hills Country Club: Friday May 8th

Willard Outing to the Springfield Cardinals Game: June 4th

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

Thanks,

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard 417-742-2262

<mailto:parkdir@cityofwillard.org>parkdir@cityofwillard.org