District Newsletter

Willard R-II Central Office

I have had many questions in regard to our construction projects. Everyone is eager to see progress. It is our goal to move as quickly as possible and at the same time utilize quality planning to eliminate costly change orders during the construction process. The following are updates on district capital projects:

1. Athletic Complex Restroom and Concession Stand:

The restroom and concession stand are 99% complete. We are currently working through some minor items on the contractor punch list. This will be a tremendous addition to our facility. The plaza concrete area will offer a comfortable area for patrons to visit and mingle during pre-game.

2. South Elementary Addition

The South Elementary gym addition has been bid and approved by the Board of Education. The site has been staked and we are waiting on Greene County officials to issue a building permit. The contractor is eager to begin work. We expect the permit to be issued and construction to move forward in the next few days.

3. Athletic Locker Rooms

The locker room addition for Football and Soccer is the final piece to the athletic field makeover. The building will be located South of the soccer field. Drawings are complete and the project will be submitted for bid on December 17th. Bids will be returned by the January Board meeting for approval.

4. Vocational Agriculture Building

The Vo-Ag project is currently out to bid. Bids are scheduled to return by December 20th. It is our intention to approve a bid for construction this month.

5. New Elementary

General design and layout of the building is complete. The BOE has directed architects to install a ground source heat and cooling system. Final construction plans are nearing completion for approval. It is our intention to approve a bid for this project in the March meeting of the Board of Education.

The planning phase is long and tedious. I look forward to seeing all projects move into the construction phase, however good planning pays off in the future.

Have a great week!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Operations

It's pretty bad when you have gone through an ice storm that makes this one seem minor! The Willard students continue to "wow" us with their talents and efforts!

A special congratulations to B. Whisler and making the 2nd team All-Ozarks football team! This is a huge honor! And speaking of "huge honors", congratulations to J. England on making 3rd team All-State!

Congratulations to the wrestling Tigers as they finished 4th in the Neosho Wrestling Tournament last weekend. Several young men finished 1st in their division and the team only finished 8 points out of 2nd place in one of the toughest tournaments in southwest Missouri. The Tigers will have their first home match of the season on Tuesday as they host COC power Nixa starting at 6:00pm. They will then be at Hillcrest on Thursday.

The Lady Tigers lost to Kickapoo last Tuesday but look to rebound as they will host a tough Central squad this Thursday at 6:00pm. The girls were seeded 9th in the Pink and White tournament over the holidays and will face Hillcrest in the first round. Game time is 11:00am, Dec. 27th in McDonald Arena.

The Tigers had a tough week as they lost close games to Glendale and Lebanon. They will be at Camdenton on Tuesday. Game time is 6:00pm. They will then host Morrisville on Friday in a 3-game night with the freshmen starting at 5:00pm. The boys were seeded 5th in the Blue division in the Blue and Gold Tournament. They will play Pleasant Hope on Dec. 26th at 12:30 in McDonald Arena. A reminder that the boy's games can be heard live on our webcast at the high school's website.

The Willard Speech and Debate Team won 1st Place in both Individual Events and Debate at the Bolivar Tournament over the weekend. Congratulations to the following individual competitors: In Lincoln Douglas Debate, J. Fugitt took first place, with C. Tharp taking third, and J. Saint taking fourth. In Public Forum Debate D. Wroolie and C. Hamilton took first, with H. Roberts and M. London taking third. Z. Hamilton was a finalist in Extemp and took first place in dramatic interpretation. J. Fugitt took first in oratory. D. Harrington took first in Prose reading. In poetry reading, C. Tharp and K. Allen were both finalists. In Humorous Interp, C. Tharp, C. West, and B. Lewis were finalists, with E. Akers taking second, and M. Craig taking third. Way to go, Speech and Debate!

On a final note, a special "thank you" to Mark Lawley and his choirs as, once again, they provided a magical night last Monday during their Winter program. Great Job!

It's good to be a Tiger! Jeff Staley, Director of Operations

Director of Special Services

A big thank you goes once again to Murfin's Market for allowing our students the opportunity to practice job skills in a real-life setting. Some responsibilities given to Erica Poulson's Life Skills students included checking produce for bruising, stocking shelves, checking dates on items, and sacking groceries (learning the hazards of placing eggs in the bottom of the bags!). The job-site work ended with the Murfin's crew hosting a party for our students. Besides cake and ice cream, each student received some winter items from a selection of hats, gloves, scarves , and ear muffs. The generosity, modeling, and patience the Murfin's staff has demonstrated to our kids will continue to have an impact on their development and work ethic for years to come. We appreciate Murfin's Market for allowing them this experience.

Our Special Services Holiday Celebration, planned for tonight, has been postponed due to weather concerns. The evening of dining and special entertainment will be rescheduled and announced soon. We appreciate those staff members who were prepared to help us honor our special services staff and wish them the best Holiday Season! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

Often we are provided news that focuses negative information about our young people. The WHS faculty is looking at ways to bring attention and recognition to the students who routinely make each day a positive educational experience. The focus of our attention is to find unique ways to reward students who improve grades, maintain high attendance , or seen making a differencein our school. Currently we are recognizing 4 students and 1 faculty member per day until the end of the semester on December 21st. Recipients are nominated by the staff for outstanding achievement, a person of great character that leads by example, or an event they demonstrated positive impact on others and we announce the winners by placing their picture in the commons on the announcements. We believe this has been a good (and humorous) way to recognize students each day.

If you have any suggestions or would like to assist us in this project, please communicate with us at

Willard Middle School

The Willard Middle School had a very eventful weekend. Friday and Saturday night WMS Drama Club presented James and the Giant Peach. The play was outstanding!! A big round of applause goes out to Mrs. Graves and the wonderful cast and crew. Way to go!!

Saturday the WMS wrestling team had a tournament at Ozark. The boys and girls represented Willard like champs. Several of the wrestlers took the top places at the tournament.

We are looking forward to the Snowflake dance Friday, December 14 from 7-9 p.m. The Annual Grandparents Tea will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2007 from 8-10 a.m.

Thanks and have great week! Amy Sims, Principal

Willard Intermediate School

Weather permitting, our Intermediate Honor Choir will be performing tonight at 7:00, sharing some Christmas Cheer. Tuesday evening our Title I staff will be hosting a family night. Thursday, between 2:30 and 6:00 PM if you ordered cookie dough, it is due to be here for pick-up. We appreciate all the families who helped with our fund raising events, which raised over $15,000 this year. Our new sound system is installed, the computer lab technology is ordered, and we've added an additional surprise to our purchases, for our gym. Be watching for that . . . it's going to be awesome! Julie Germann, Assistant Principal

Willard Central Elementary

The families of Willard Central culminated the reading of The Tale of Despereaux with our Family Reading Night on Tuesday, December 4th. Soup taste-testing, word games, comparing live rats and mice, creating mouse traps, and a darkened dungeon maze are just a few of the activities that students and their families participated in while making connections to this award winning childrens book. With more than 500 people in attendance, our Family Reading Night was a huge success. Due to this great turn-out, the students and teachers enjoyed pouring soup on me at Friday mornings Community Time. It was a tasty and satisfying reward for such a great evening with the Central Family.

As we look ahead to this week, we will be celebrating the holiday season with our 4th grade music concert on Thursday evening at 7:00. They have a wonderful performance in store for us. Stay warm and safe and have a wonderful week! Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

Pavilion Pride!!! Thank you PTO for our beautiful new pavilion! Please stop by and check it out. This is something our PTO has wanted for our students for many years and it is now a reality! We look forward to better weather days that the children and their classes can get outside and use this.

4th Grade Christmas Program - We invite you to join us Thursday Dec. 14 at 2:30PM and/or 7:00PM for our 4th grade Christmas program.

Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

Willard North had a wonderful week! We began collecting items for our Christmas baskets and we have gotten so many things! Thanks to all who have given so generously! I think every child thought we should have a snow day today, but I am glad we are here to learn! Our schedules start getting really busy this week! Before we know it, it will be Winter Break!

Willard North Calendar of Events:

December 11th-Title One Reading Night

December 11-13-Santa Shop

December 14- Door Decorating Contest Judging

Have a wonderful week! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary

I always love this time of year at school. You can see and hear the excitement in the hallways. Students and teachers alike join in on the holiday activities. Our FACT cadre held their annual Make-It Take-It night last Tuesday evening. We had over 250 family members in attendance. Everyone enjoyed hot cocoa, snacks, a craft project and a special appearance from a cheery someone wearing a red suit! A BIG THANK you to everyone who helped with this wonderful event.

This week we are looking forward to our second grade performance of "The Littlest Reindeer". They will be performing on Tuesday, December 11th at 10:45 and 7:00. We hope you are able to attend this festive performance.

Other Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, December 11th-3rd grade field trip to WHS Theater Department

Wednesday, December 12th-2nd grade field trip to WHS Theater Department

Thursday, December 13th-Kindergarten field trip to WHS Theater Department

Friday, December 14th-1st grade field trip to WHS Theater Department; school wide PJ day & special story in the library; Deal-No Deal Assembly 3:00

Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal