District Newsletter

Willard R-II Central Office

The new year is upon us and I am excited about the possibilities. I heard this morning on the radio that between 40 and 50% of Americans have weight loss as a New Year's Resolution. I quietly wonder what percentage of those individuals will truly lose weight and keep it off the entire year? My guess is a small percentage. It is so easy to say you are going to do something and so hard to work for true change. The following quote comes to mind: "If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance a lot less."

Kids are some of the best experts to spot teachers that are unable to make lessons relevant. I am so thankful to be an adult. If I go to a conference or a workshop and find that the speaker is basically reviewing theory or practice that has not been relevant for the past decade I can get up and quietly walk out. AND I HAVE!!!! Sometimes we ask ourselves why students would rather look out the window and watch the grass grow instead of listening to the lesson. The next question we should ask is, "Was our lesson relevant and engaging to the student?" Did the lesson allow the student to become an active participant or simply the ability to sit and listen. NO ONE LIKES TO BE IN A BORING CLASS!!!! Some would ask, How are Romeo and Juliet relevant to the 21st modern day? Talk to kids about a love story that has two feuding clans and a couple of good fight scenes and you can end up with a great discussion! 2009 will bring change in our district. Orchard Hills will become our 5th elementary school. This one change will domino into many changes including redistricting, teacher transfers, budgeting, transportation, etc... One primary ingredient in schools, business, and people who are seeking success is to examine if they are willing to change. If you, your classroom, your job, or your business is no longer relevant to what is happening around you success is going to be fleeting.

Here's to the positive changes that we will make in 2009! The possibilities are incredible!

Have a great weekend!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin

Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities

It was a busy Christmas break for the Tigers and they have come back to school looking to continue their successes!

The wrestling tigers had a historical break. They participated in the 41st Annual Springfield Holiday Tournament with 23 other schools from around the state and from Kansas and Arkansas. The tigers ended up finishing 3rd in the team competition. This is the highest finish in the history of our wrestling program! A special congratulations goes out to Bobby Adams and Taylor Ball for winning their weight divisions (it was Taylor's 3rd championship in this tournament!). Also, Garrett Mayfield finished 2nd, Chris McMullin finished 3rd, and Joel Wyman finished 5th. The tigers then defeated Carthage and Rogersville this week! They will be competing in the Monett Tournament this Saturday before wrestling at Lebanon on Tuesday. On a side note, for the first time in Willard wrestling history we have 6 wrestlers ranked in the top 10 of their weight divisions in the state! They are Bobby Adams, Taylor Ball, Garrett Mayfield, Joel Wyman, Curtis Adams, and Chris McMullin.

The lady tigers had a rough Pink and White Tournament but did they ever respond when they got back. Congratulations to Coach Killingsworth and his girls on a big COC victory this past Monday over Republic! The girls will play at Carthage next Monday (game time is 6:00) and will host Lebanon on Thursday (game time is 6:00).

The tigers got off to a good start in the Blue and Gold defeating Cassville in the first round before falling to Clever in a heartbreaker in the quarterfinals. They played tough down at Branson this past Tuesday but came up short and have tonight off. They will host Webb City next Tuesday (game time is 6:00) and will host Buffalo next Friday. We have also rescheduled the Camdenton game for next Saturday with the JV contest starting at 1:00.

A special congratulations to the Tigerettes on their 1st place finish over the holidays in a competition held at MSU. Great job girls!

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

Director of Special Services

It has been a busy return from the Christmas break with several new special education students coming to our district. I would like to recognize our process coordinators who have attended numerous meeting this week with parents, principals, transportation and teachers to help these transfer students settle in here at Willard. Not only is lengthy paperwork involved for each student, determining the most appropriate setting and amount of special services is required and our process coordinators are truly experts with these responsibilities. Being a part of some of these required meetings and observing the process coordinators has been a reminder to me of the many skills it takes to be effective in that role. Excellent job , Susie Thieman, Janet Turner, Kelli Akers, and Shannon Roberts! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

Monday morning January 5th the HS Commons area was "buzzing" as students was catching up on Christmas break news. Although students complain about having to get up and come back to school, you can feel the energy in the atmosphere the first day back. I was visiting with some senior students about how fast the 1st semester went by...and soon we will be having prom ( April 25th ) and graduation ( May 15 ).

Here are some important events coming up:

January 12th - 16th WHS Courtwarming Week - Coronation and Game on Friday Jan 16th. January 26-30th HS Counselors begin visiting with 8th Grade students about 2009-2010 school year Feb 4th - 3rd Quarter Progress report (Mid Quarter) Feb 9 - 13th - HS Counselors begin visiting with HS students about 2009-2010 school year courses

Steward Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

"It's great to be back!" That may not have been what everyone was thinking, but for the most part, the halls at the Willard Middle School were filled with people who were glad to get started on a brand new semester, and happy to get 2009 off to a great start. The first semester seemed to fly by, and we look forward to an even better second half to this school year. Students and teachers alike are adjusting to new classes and new opportunities, and a chance to enjoy a clean slate for 2nd semester. One new program that is starting here is the Willard Archery club, which is being sponsored by Mrs. Miller and Ms. Francka, who introduced the program in our Physical Education department. The kids have responded so well, it has led to an opportunity to expand to Wednesdays after school, and we encourage everyone to check this out. The girl's and boy's basketball teams are beginning to wind down their seasons, as the ladies will compete in season ending tourney action next week, while the boys have the week off to prepare for their own tournaments scheduled for the following week. If you haven't had a chance to see them play, your opportunities are running out. We hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break, and wish you a great 2009. Thanks for checking on us. Tom Merriott, Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School

Welcome to 2009! We hope everyone enjoyed a fun and relaxing 2 weeks of vacation and that 2009 is off to a positive start. WIS students and teachers are right back to work after the break. 2nd quarter and semester grade cards went home this week. It was great to see that many individual student grades have improved for the year so far. Keep up the good work!

I am very happy to announce that WIS will soon be the recipient of 3 exciting improvements. Conco quarries has graciously agreed to fund our Tiger Talk program. This exciting and innovative program will allow students to create and distribute podcasts to facilitate communication between our school and the community. Through the hard work of our students and PTO new playground equipment will soon be purchased. In addition, our PTO has budgeted $5000 to improve the classroom technology in our building. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these efforts will have on our students! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Break! The 2 week holiday brought the students and staff back to Willard Central refreshed and ready for 2009. As we look ahead to this month, we hope you can join us for the following events:

Jan 16th Terrific Tiger Celebration 2:30

Jan 19th NO School

Jan 29th Family Math Night 6:00

Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

Happy Hat's on for Community Service Day!! Today we are all wearing hats and donating $.25 to our community service project of the month. We will be hosting our Semester Tiger Pride assembly and recognizing 4th grade Honor Roll and semester perfect attendance in addition to our usual recognitions. The MAP countdown has begun! There are only 12 weeks until MAP testing. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

Willard North has successfully completed their first week back from a wonderful vacation! The kids were ready to go on Monday. The weather has been good and we have been able to maintain a normal schedule with outside play at recess!

I wanted to acknowledge one of our wonderful volunteers at Willard North. Pauline Roberts, who is a reading buddy at Willard North, received an award through the RSVP, a volunteer program in Southwest Missouri. She was recognized as an outstanding volunteer and was nominated by reading teacher Cyndi Clutter. Miss Pauline has been with Willard North for more than 6 years. I appreciate all she does for us and the award was highly deserved!

We have many volunteers at Willard North that help keep school running smoothly! All our faculty and staff appreciate all the hours they log to support our children.

Have a wonderful weekend! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary

Welcome back from Christmas break! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season. It was great to be at home relaxing and spending time with family. It was also good to get back in a routine and see all of the students at school this week. It is always exciting to hear about their adventures during the holidays! Today we held our second quarter Tiger Pride Assembly. This is a wonderful event that showcases student success and highlights a special person or community member. It was my honor to recognize a former board member, close family friend, fellow Willard resident and Hilldale student. Karla Shaffer, who passed away in May, was recognized with a plaque for her outstanding community involvement this afternoon. It was an honor to have her family members and present board members present. This plaque will be displayed by our new gymnasium at Willard South Elementary. It reads, "There are only two lasting bequest we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings." Karla was an amazing part of the Willard School District and will be remembered for her dedication to students and our community. 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

Grant Announcement Winner: Willard Parks and Recreation has been awarded a $2500.00 grant from the National Recreation and Parks Association / USA Football Youth Fund. Willard was one of two Missouri communities selected to receive this grant. The funds will be used for Willard's 2009 Spring Flag Football League. The 2009 Flag Football League games and practices will be held at Willard's NEW Highline Soccer Park.

Program Guide: Willard's January June Parks and Recreation Program guide is available. This guide is filled with detailed information for all of our January June activities, events and sports. Stop by the Recreation Center to pick up your copy.

New Website: Willard Parks and Recreation would like to encourage everyone to visit our new website at <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com. The website is filled information of all of our activities and events.

Baseball/Softball Field Renovation: Through two grants and money raised through the Willard Silent Auction over $11,500 has been raised to renovate the Willard Baseball/Softball Complex. The Willard Mayor and Alderman voted to approve the renovation at the December Board of Alderman Meeting. The renovation is expected to begin in January/February. Plans include:

A new admission booth

Painting the concession building, bleachers & equipment shed

Adding 10 foot netting across the entire outfield fence so we can add an Adult Softball League

Adding infield dirt mix to the infield to make the playing fields safer

Expanding the ADA path

And much more!!

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 50s 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.

Baseball Tomorrows Fund Grant: Willard Parks and Recreation has applied for a grant from the Baseball Tomorrows Fund. The amount applied for is $34,668.98. The grant is through Major League Baseball. If awarded we will receive:

15 new size and weight appropriate metal baseball bats

40 new size appropriate masked helmets

15 new dozen baseballs

500 uniform tops

500 uniform bottoms/500 pairs of socks/500 hats

8 sets of safe and size appropriate catchers equipment

8 catchers mitts

500 size appropriate gloves

50 team equipment bags

50 scorebooks

50 first aid kits

Grant winners will be announced in the spring 2009. If awarded, this grant will provide uniforms and proper equipment for our teams. To help get approved we need your help. If you believe that Willard will benefit from the above items, then please write an email stating how much this grant will benefit our kids who play baseball or softball. After you type this email please send to <mailto:parkdir@cityofwillard.org>parkdir@cityofwillard.org and we will forward to the Baseball Tomorrows Fund. Thank you for your help!

Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank its sponsors of the Willard Recreation Center:

Commerce Bank

Top Hat Package

Jarvis Eye Center

Ron's Custom Interior

JW Willoughby Septic Tank Cleaning

Willard Fast Lube

Bryan College

Cox Health

Conco

Ash Grove Rehabilitation Clinic

Master Planning: Thank you to the students from Drury University for doing the Master Planning for the Willard Parks Department. The students presented their final presentation on December 18th.

Project Playground: Willard Parks & Recreation is under taking a project for 2009. The project is entitled Project Playground. The goal of this project is to raise $12,000. The raised money will be used to purchase and install a new playground at the Highline Soccer Park (home of the Willard Soccer & Flag Football league). Events will be planned throughout 2009 to raise funds.

1st Event: Silent Auction Information: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Silent Auction on Saturday February 28th, 2009 to raise funds for Project Playground. The Silent Auction will be held in the community room at the Willard Recreation Center from 1:00pm 8:00pm. Auction items include sports memorabilia, tickets to area attractions, gift cards and much more. We encourage everyone to come and support Project Playground.

Dance: 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!

Upcoming Sports Registrations:

Spring Soccer Registration: March 2nd March 31st Spring Soccer is for grades pre-k 6th. The fee to participate is $35. Games: April 25th May 30th (Saturday games)

Flag Football Registration: March 2nd 31st Flag Football is for grades 1st 6th. The fee to participate is $35. Games: April 25th May 30th (Saturday games)

Spring Volleyball Registration: March 2nd 31st Spring Volleyball Registration is for grades 1st 6th. The fee to participate is $35. Games: April 28th May 26th (Friday games)

Competitive Baseball Registration: March 2nd March 31st Competitive Baseball Registration is for 3rd 6th grade. The fee to participate is $200 for in town teams and $225 for out of town teams.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard (417)742-2926