District Newsletter

Kindergarten screening dates for FY2009-10 Willard Central/Willard North: May 4 & 5 Willard East/Willard South: May 7 & 8

Parents should call the school the student will attend for an appointment after Spring Break. Children who will be attending Orchard Hills will be screened at Willard South and Willard Central. Mrs. Rhonda Bishop, Orchard Hills Principal, will be attending screenings at Willard South and Willard Central, to greet her new students. Please bring the following items with you to the screening: immunization records, proof of residency, social security card, birth certificate. All kindergartners are required to have an eye exam before entering kindergarten.

Willard Central: 831-4440 Willard East: 742-4639 Willard North: 742-2597 Willard South: 862-6308

Willard R-II Central Office I have been to too many meetings this week!!!!!! At all of the meetings the main topic was school funding. Today I met with several superintendents from Southwest Missouri and Representative Maynard Wallace. Mr. Wallace is a former superintendent and a true friend of public education. This year he is the chairman of the House of Representatives Education Committee. This is good for a variety of reasons. He made it very clear that there is no way to head off impending economic problems, however at least he will do what he can to help schools to navigate the rapids. Mr. Wallace has a deep understanding of how schools work, how school budgets are constructed, and the importance of state funding to public schools. After only a week of work at the capital they have done little more than begun the process. If the new stimulus package is passed at the federal level it is possible that a portion of this money could go into the state foundation formula to help prevent staff cuts in public schools. Another option would be for the revenue to go toward capital and school renovation projects. In the end, if it is passed, it will be anyone's best guess where the revenue will go, how long it will take to get there, and how much will be allotted to a district such as Willard. Needless to say I am not holding my breath waiting for any part of this revenue to end up in the Willard R-II bank accounts!

At the December Board of Education Meeting I outlined our current budget status. I offered several suggestions to the Board of Education which are copied below:

1. The district should enter into a safety mode with spending. (Not panic mode!)

2. In preparation of revenue shortfalls I have currently asked buildings to save 10% of their budgets this year. This money will return to the general fund to be utilized in the future years.

3. Three budget scenarios will be constructed this year to reflect varied degrees of cuts in revenue. A. 1% increase in revenue. This would only be the case if the funding formula is not frozen and the district continues to experience an increase in student enrollment. State revenue is generated by each new student enrolled. B. Flat Budget. No increase / No decrease C. 2-3% decrease in revenue

4. Priority Expenditures for the 2009 -2010 school year include: A. Orchard Hills Elementary Staffing B. Health Insurance Costs

5. Prepare to utilize Reserve Funds for up to three years. Current Reserve = 25% A. 2009 - 2010 Maximum of 7% Reserve Spending B. 2010 - 2011 Maximum of 5% Reserve Spending C. 2011 - 2012 Maximum of 3% Reserve Spending

6. "Staff is more important than Stuff!" Administrators will be looking at every position which is vacated due to resignation or retirement. If it is possible to absorb the position it will be considered.

Those of us that have been around for awhile have seen these tough times come and go. We have a great staff, exceptional students, and a tremendous community of support. We will see our way though this time and most likely end up better for process!!!

Have a great weekend!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin

Superintendent of Schools

Director of Operations It's Courtwarming Night and the student body has had a GREAT week of school spirit! The tigers will be taking on Buffalo in the Courtwarming game with the JV contest starting at 6:00. The crowning of our new king will take place immediately following the JV contest which will then be followed by the varsity contest. A dance will follow the varsity game.

Congratulations to the wrestling Tigers as they took home 2nd place in the Monett Invitational. A special congratulations to Bobby Adams, Garrett Mayfield, Joel Wyman, and Chris McMullin on winning their divisions! Also, Taylor Ball and Sawyer Vincent also medaled in their divisions. In the B pool, Caleb Shuck, Mason Clark and Christian Adams took home first place honors! The boys will be at Branson this weekend before competing in the COC tournament next Friday and Saturday in Neosho.

The Lady Tigers were on the prowl last night as they took it to the Lady Yellowjackets from Lebanon 71-59. The girls will host Hillcrest next Monday before traveling to Miami, OK. for the NEO Invitational next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The boys are coming off two heartbreakers to Branson and Webb City this past week. They will look to rebound against Buffalo tonight. They will then try to build a winning streak tomorrow as we host Camdenton in a make-up game from December. The JV game will start at 1:00 followed by the varsity contest.

Congratulations to the Academic Team as they finished 4th in the Webb City Classic!

And in case you didn't hear, we have a new head football coach for next season. His name is Brock Roweton and he comes to us from Rolla. Coach Roweton has had a very successful career and looks to bring that success to the Willard Tigers.

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

Jeff Staley, Director of Operations

Director of Special Services Special Services staff from Branson High School will be visiting the ROAR tomorrow seeking advice and ideas from teacher Erica Poulson as they look to open their own coffee shop. The ROAR, which is located off the high school Commons, is a profit-making business designed to provide work experience for students with special needs. The ROAR opened six years ago through a loan from the special services office, which was paid off in record time. The business has helped numerous students gain hands-on experience with working in or running a small business. Students learn to make drinks such as hot chocolate and various coffees (follow directions), customer service (being respectful), count money/budget, operate a cash register, and problem solve. Students also learned to serve food when the ROAR catered to teachers last month, much to their delight. We are proud other schools recognize this unique business experience and wish them success as their work to open their own business! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School The HS has had a great week of spirit as we prepare for Courtwarming. We were treated to some unique attire for "Duct Tape" day. Coronation will be tonight ( Friday Jan 16th ) around the 7:00pm mark.

The HS is examining our 1st Semester data ( grades, absences , tardies, and discipline ) to look at ways to improve student learning and performance. As End Of Course exams draws closer ( The last of April and the 1st Week in May ), we want to make sure our students are prepared in every way.

A reminder to parents to utilize "parent link" to examine your child's grades and assignments. "Parent Link" is a great communication tool for parents, teachers, and students to be on the "same page" with one another.

Steward Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School Although there is great debate as to the cause or even existence of this thing we call "global warning," after going through the coldest week we have had in many years, I would hate to think what it might be like without that warming! Days where the temperature begins with a negative number make getting on the bus a little tougher for our kids, but we appreciate the extra effort that everyone put in to make this week go as smoothly as it did. With the heaters doing all they could to keep us warm, we were busy getting things done in the classrooms, and many extra-curricular areas as well. This year we are working on a program called "refresh," where the students can focus on items that will likely be seen on the MAP test this spring, and allow them extra time to ask questions and master concepts that will help them to be successful on those tests. We look forward to showing off what we have learned when the time comes, and displaying what Willard kids can do when they put their mind to it. Yearbooks are still on sale, but time is getting short, so send that $25 and reserve yours soon if you would like to have one. The Young Chefs Club will be meeting again on Feb 10th, and be making fancy deserts, which will be just in time for valentines, so check in on that if you would like to be a part. Finally, our girls and boys basketball teams are involved in end-of-the-year tourneys over the next couple of weeks. Be sure to get out and support them if possible. Thanks for checking on us, and we hope you can find a big blanket or quilt and make it through this global warming as comfortable as possible. Have a great week. Tom Merriott, Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School The teachers at WIS spent 2 days this week in MRI (Missouri Reading Initiative) training. This three year process has already had a positive impact on our daily teaching practices. It is exciting to see our teachers fine tune the reading strategies they have been learning this year. Six of our teachers opened their classrooms and allowed us to practice these strategies with their students. These days are so exciting as they prove what quality teachers and students we have in our building!

A group of students recently approached me with an idea for helping keep our school clean. The idea was to model the "adopt a highway" concept by having teams or classes adopt a hallway. What a simple, but great idea! Just another way our students work to give back to the school and community. Stay warm and enjoy the weekend! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary WC had a busy week of learning for both the teachers and students. Students are busy into the learning of the 3rd quarter objectives. Teachers have spent extensive time learning as well. We have had MRI teacher training on writing instruction in grades K-3 as well as writing coaching lessons for our 4th grade teachers this week. Our special area teachers even spent time collaborating with the istrict's teaching specialist to identify ways to integrate math, reading, and writing into special area classes. Our teachers' commitment to continued learning sets a great example for our students while benefiting instruction. We are looking forward to continued professional development on Monday's PD day.

Enjoy the 3 day weekend and remember that Willard Central is Wild About Learning! Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary Brrrrrrrrr!!! It has been very cold at Willard East these past few days to say the least!!! Please let us know if your student is in need of any winter clothes and we can help set you up. Be sure to check with your student before he/she runs out the door in the morning to be sure they are dressed warm. There are some pretty pink cheeks rushing into the building in the mornings lately:)

Last Friday we celebrated our semester Tiger Pride recognition assembly. We had a HUGE turn out of parents and community and hope we continue to have a big turn out. Even though it was a semester assembly you are welcome to attend any of our Tiger Pride assemblies. The next one will be Jan. 30th at 2:45PM.

Hat's on for Community Service: Last Friday we raised approximately $75 for our Hat's on fundraiser. Our goal each month is $100 but we understand the economy will also be hitting our fundraisers as well. Even a little can go a long way. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary The weather has certainly taken a turn for the frostier! We are having a beautiful snow right now just the way I like it, tiny flakes and no accumulation! This is a great time to remind parents about appropriate clothing for your children during the colder winter months. Be sure to dress your child in layers so they can be comfortable in the building and at the times they will be outside such as at bus stops. Gloves, hats and warm coats are essential to protecting them against the weather.

Just to inform parents about our procedure of outdoor recess during winter months. Students will have indoor recess if the outside temperatures are 30 degrees or below. If the wind chill is 25 degrees or below, we will also be staying inside! These guidelines are also used for our Tiger Tales Program.

Have a great weekend and stay warm! The kids will enjoy their three day weekend! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary I would like to thank all of the amazing people who helped with holiday donations for the Willard R-II School District. We had various businesses, churches and organizations who contributed as well as numerous parents, teachers and staff. Those donations helped over 100 families throughout the district. Our final number for the 2008 holiday season was over $15,000! Thanks for making the Willard R-II School District a place we can all be proud to call home. Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal

For information on the Willard Childrens 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>www.cityofwillard.org

Willard Parks and Recreation wants to thank you everyone who registered to play session 2 basketball and cheerleading. The upcoming season looks to be very exciting for everyone participating.

Scholarship Program: Willard Parks and Recreation is bringing back the Sports Scholarship Program. 2 scholarships will be awarded per sports season. Only one scholarship is allowed per person per year. The scholarship only covers the $35 registration fee. Scholarship forms are available at the Recreation Center. For more information please contact Kevin McDonald at (417)742-2262. Thank you to Jackie Stiles of the Jackie Stiles Basketball Camp for donating money to bring the scholarship program back.

Passback Foundation: Willard Parks and Recreation has been selected to take part and receive donations in the Kansas City Wizards / US Soccer Foundation Passback Program. The Passback Program is a grassroots initiative designed to help meet the soccer uniform and equipment needs of all communities, regardless of income, gender or location. The Kansas City Wizards will be collecting new soccer equipment from March - June of this year. After the drive, a large portion of the donations will be coming directly to the Willard Parks and Recreation Department. The donations will be distributed to the Willard Soccer teams for the fall 2009 season.

Program Guide: Willard's January - June Parks and Recreation Program guide is available. The Program Guide was mailed out to Willard residents on Saturday. If you did not receive one please stop by the Recreation Center to pick up your free 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.

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 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.

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.

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 days 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 Rons Custom Interior JW Willoughby Septic Tank Cleaning Willard Fast Lube Bryan College Cox Health Conco Ash Grove Rehabilitation Clinic

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.

March Madness Basketball Tournament: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a basketball tournament march 13th 15th at the Willard Recreation Center for 3rd 6th grade. Fees are $115 for in town teams and $130 for out of town teams.

Upcoming Classes: KenKarJu-Ruy 2009: Register now for KenKarJu-Ryu martial arts. This family oriented art focuses on courtesy, respect, self-discipline, self-defense, self-improvement, physical fitness and FUN! Classes are offered on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30pm 7:30pm at the Willard Community Building for anyone ages 7 and up. The fee is $50 for the entire eight week session. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Session 1: 1/5 - 2/26 Session 2: 3/2 - 4/30 Session 3: 6/1 - 7/23 Session 4: 8/3 - 9/28 Session 5: 10/5 - 11/23

Prep for Poms 2009: Come learn the basics/advanced dance skills that are beneficial when trying out for the High School Pom squad. This eight week session will be held on Monday afternoons from 4:45pm - 5:45pm beginning 1/19 and running thru 3/9. The fee for this program is $45. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center. The deadline to register is January 16th.

Beginner Belly Dancing: Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering Belly Dancing Classes. All adults are eligible to attend. The cost is $40 per participant. This program is a 5 week session and will be held on Wednesdays from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Spots are limited. Belly dancing is for ages 15 and older. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Mother/Daughter Hip Hop: Come and join this energetic hip hop class for all ability levels. The instructor is a former Willard Tigerette and is with the Universal Dance Association. This eight week session will be held on Saturdays from 9:00am - 10:00am beginnings January 24th and running thru March 14th. The fee is $45 for one person or $75 for two family members. All ages are welcome. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Children's Dance Classes: Register now for Children's Dance. Hurry, spots are limited. Creative Dance: Ages 3-5: Classes on Tuesday Afternoons Ballet and Tap: Ages 5 & up: Classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays Jazz: Ages 9 & up: Classes on Tuesdays

Classes are 8 weeks. The fee is $50 - $65. Registration forms are availability at the Recreation Center. For more information please call Ms. Patrice at 818-3659 or 833-8631

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about any Willard Parks and Recreation activity or event please call us at (417)742-2262.

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