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

Next week is recognized as School Board Recognition week in Missouri. Each year, during the January board meeting, the board room is covered with pictures, letters, drawings, etc... that students have produced for board members. Board members truly appreciate pats on the back just like all of us. I have copied the note that I wrote to the board members below. Our board members volunteer many hours each month to our school district. When a board member attends a concert, ball game, or committee meeting please let them know that you appreciate their time and effort. They are a voice in the community that is positive and pulling for our public schools. More important than that, they are pulling for Willard Schools!!!!

Have a great weekend! Kent

Members of the Board,

The next year on the horizon for public schools does not look positive in regard to funding and budgets. Many districts are looking to this next year with great concern. I choose to look to this next year with confidence. Together we have worked to achieve progress for the Willard district in many areas during the past year. At first glance we can see new facility growth which compliments the expectations and needs of our community. We have witnessed growth in test scores which gives us faith in the direction that our district has grown. Our reserve funds remain extremely strong and will provide us the ability to navigate through the next couple years of economic stress. Our buildings and facilities are clean and well maintained which allows our community patrons and visitors to have a quality first impression of our district. Our staff is proudly committed to our district and work hard at all levels. The leadership team is united in purpose and philosophy.

In the end, none of this effort could have been accomplished without the support and direction that is offered by the Board of Education. Success has been realized because expectations and accountability is firmly rooted at your level of service. I appreciate the many hours that you spend to help provide a fantastic educational program for the children of our community. I am confident that working together we will continue the rich tradition of pursuing excellence in education.

Thank you for your service to our children,

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Operations

As always, it is with great honor that I report to everyone the successes of activities programs. Just during the past seven days I have seen our girl's basketball program defeat Lebanon, our wrestling program defeat Bolivar, our boy's basketball program defeat Buffalo and Marshfield, our Chamber Choir travel to elementary schools in Springfield and a local college. All organizations did so with class. I've seen Stephanie Sechler sign a softball scholarship to Baker University and Daphne Merrick and Kiley Finkbiner verbally commit to play volleyball at Missouri Southern and Evangel respectively. I've have watched our high school host the district AG teachers meeting this week which reminded me that we are hosting the district basketball tournament, district baseball tournament, the Class 2 basketball sectionals, the Class 1 district track meet, a marathon hosted by Ridge Runners Association, and numerous youth basketball and volleyball tournaments. People want to come to Willard! And that is a reflection on our students, teachers, and community.

In a time when the economy is down and everyone has felt it's effects to some degree, going through the past week and recognizing the blessings that we have at Willard (in just ONE week!) truly does make the hard times a little easier to handle. I would encourage everyone to look around you and recognize your blessings. Acknowledge them. Take time to thank the student/athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents and workers who put in countless hours representing us. It will put a smile on your face and make you feel truly blessed that you are a part of this very special community, town, and school.

It is GREAT to be a Tiger!

ps - The wrestlers will be in Neosho this Saturday for the COC tournament. Our boy's basketball team will host Bolivar tonight before going to the Nixa Invitational next Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Our girl's basketball team is currently in Miami, OK playing in the NEO Tournament. They will come back next week and host Monett on Monday.

Jeff Staley, Director of Operations

Director of Special Services

1. Our department is gearing up for a very exciting Spring Semester and there are many opportunities that our staff and students will have the opportunity to participate in. We would like to extend an invitation to all of you to join in the fun. Mark your calendars for the following events and contact our office if you'd like to participate.
2. Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program informational meeting, Monday, 1/26/09, 6:30pm, High School Library this will kick off our second session of therapeutic riding therapy for students with special needs. Many volunteers are needed to make this program a success, so come to the informational meeting and see if this is something youd enjoy being involved in.
3. Transition Fair Tuesday, 4/7/09, 6pm-8pm, High School Commons area 20+ outside agencies will set up booths to introduce people to services available in our community. All are welcome to come see what the Willard/Springfield community agencies have to offer our patrons in need.
4. Sporting Chance Track Meets the Local Meet is Saturday, 4/18/09, at JFK Stadium in Springfield. The state meet is Saturday, 5/16/09 at Branson Junior High. Contact our office if you are interested in helping with track practices as we prepare our athletes, or if you want to help us cheer on our athletes at either of the meets.
5. 2nd Annual Partners in Strength Rally Saturday, 5/9/09 at Willard High School WHS weight lifting students will partner up with students with disabilities to compete in this Strong Mantype rally. Last year we had 60+ athletes competing together. Its an incredible event to witness and participate in. Come out a support our student athletes. There is a planning meeting for this event on Monday, 1/26, 4:00pm, at Special Services Office if you want to help in planning the details of this event.

Amy Stroder, Assistant Special Services Director

Willard High School

The high school is gearing up for Freshmen Preview Night next week on Tuesday, January 27th from 5:30-7:30. The event will take place in the WHS Commons and is designed to offer incoming freshmen the opportunity to see the many ways they can be involved in activities as high school students.

Thirty-one different sports, clubs, and co-curricular activities will be represented and 8th graders will have the opportunity to meet the sponsors and coaches in each of these areas. In addition, tours of the high school will be available.

We encourage all incoming freshmen to attend. Scott Cook, Asst. Principal

Willard Middle School

It was another busy week at Willard Middle School, as we are back in full swing and the second semester in rolling at full steam ahead. Students are involved in numerous projects, and it is neat to see how far they have come in just the few months since school started last August. Recent or upcoming activities include building and launching rockets in the Industrial Tech classes, using microscopes to study cells in science, working on geometry and measurement in math, and the always exciting student debates in Language Arts class. These debates will focus on issues that will require research from the kids, but will include student opinion and beliefs as well. Activities like these get the kids involved in discussion and hopefully excited about learning as well. Mr. Germann is once again heading up the battery and phone book drive, and they are off to a great start, with approx. 500lbs of phone books collected so far. This is a great example for the kids, and a way for them to get involved in the recycling process. If you can help in this effort, it would always be appreciated. Other upcoming activities include the Men In Training (MIT) Pool Tournament, which will be for 8th grade boys, and will require that they team up with an adult male to form their team, and will be limited to the first 16 teams to sign up. This is the compliment to the already successful Girls Night Out events, and is meant to help students bond with and enjoy a night out with an adult. Besides the chance to play pool, and win a trophy for your efforts, you will also get free pizza and pop, along with a movie, so sign up today if you would like to be a part of this. Finally, congratulations to the Boy's 7th grade basketball team, who defeated our friends from Republic in the championship game to win the Marshfield Tourney this week. Both the 7th and 8th grade boys conclude their seasons next week with the COC tournaments, and we wish them luck. Thanks for checking in on us, and have a great week. Tom Merriott, Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School

Another busy week is in the books for Willard Intermediate. Our week started with a very productive teacher work day on Monday. We hope our students enjoyed the 3 day weekend! Inauguration day on Tuesday had many classes involved in discussions about the historic day. Several of our classes finished up projects involving Dr. Martin Luther King and civil rights this week. The warm weather allowed us to go outside and enjoy the temporary reprieve from the cold.

Next week we look forward to honoring our students academic accomplishments for 1st semester. We have a very large group on our 1st semester honor roll. Way to go! The prize assembly for our recent cookie dough sale will be on Thursday afternoon.

Have a great weekend! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

Last week Willard Central recognized our students' success from the 2nd Quarter at our Terrific Tiger Celebration. We enjoyed a great time together and were entertained by the Olson brothers (sons of Debbie Olson, Willard Middle School Teacher). Timothy and Nathan are members of a national champion clogging team who shared how their hard work has lead to their success. They demonstrated our Accelerated Schools Principles of Building on Strengths and Unity of Purpose. They truly lived up to their name as being "High Voltage" and were a hit with our students.

As we look ahead to the coming week, we invite everyone to join us for our annual Family Math Night. We will have several math stations and activities for our "Winter Math Night". Please make plans to come to school on Thursday evening, January 29th, at 6:00 pm for learning and fun. As a further incentive to attend, if 225 students join us for the festivities, I will be officially initiated into the Polar Bear Club by being dunked in an icy tank of water in honor of our Winter Math Night. Stay tuned to our WC blog for pictures of this event should we reach our goal. (Personally, I am rooting for 224 students and avoiding hypothermia!)

Have a great week and remember that Willard Central is "Wild About Learning!" Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

TGIF from Willard East! Our week started with a teacher work day on Monday and our teachers were able to work on end of the semester items and attend some training. Our K-3 teachers attended reading training and our 4th grade teachers attended training on our new Smartboard software. The teachers gained a lot of new strategies and ideas for our children as well getting some items on their never ending to-do lists crossed off.

Hat's off to Willard's School Board! This month is School Board Appreciation month and our children and staff showered our school board with recognition last night for all they do for our schools. These community members volunteer their time to help lead our schools and probably do not get many pats on the back. Please be sure to thank them for their service.

January Tiger Pride! Friday January 30th @ 2:45 we will celebrate our January Tiger Pride. Hope to see you there!!! Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

Our classes this week have been using President Obama's Inauguration as a teachable moment. The students watched parts of the Inauguration on Tuesday and the processes and formalities have been studied this week by our 4th grade. The kindergarten's Gingerbread Men are returning to Willard North. They have been on some exciting adventures. The kids are very excited to welcome them back from their friends and family from all around the world! We have also honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this week in all grade levels. Next week, we will celebrate the 100th day of school! Wow! The school year is flying by! Have a great weekend! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary

Congratulations to the following fourth grade students for making honor choir. They will represent Willard South at the Third Annual KOZ Honor Choir on February 28th at 3:30 at SBU in Bolivar. WAY TO GO... Marissa A., Jordan B., Ashley B., Emily C., Alysa F., Skylar H., Evan K., Madison L., Morgan M., Chanelle N., Aleksandr W., & Kaitlyn Williams! I would also like to thank Mrs. Becky Moore, our music teacher, for all of her hard work & dedication to our students. 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

Thank you to everyone who participated in the first Willard Parks and Recreation / Willard High School Basketball Camp held on Saturday January 10th. The camp was a huge success. Thank you also to everyone who attended Willard's first Health Fair on Saturday January 17th.

New Website: Willard Parks and Recreation would like to encourage everyone to visit our new website . While you are there, please take part in the online poll!

Program Guide: If you still havent picked up your copy of the Willard Parks and Recreation January June Program Guide , please come by the Recreation Center to pick up a copy.

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.

April Sports Camps: In April, Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting 3 sports camps instructed by the Willard High School Athletic Department.

Camp: Soccer Location: Highline Soccer Park Day/Date: Saturday April 18th Times: K thru 2nd grade 9:00am 12:00pm & 3rd thru 6th grade 1:00pm 4:00pm

Camp: Volleyball Location: Willard Recreation Center Day/Date: Saturday April 18th Times: K thru 2nd grade 9:00am 12:00pm & 3rd thru 6th grade 1:00pm 4:00pm

Camp: Flag Football Location: Highline Soccer Park Day/Date: Sunday April 19th Times: 1st thru 6th Grade 1:00pm 4:00pm

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

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. Beginner belly dancing is for ages 15 and up. 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 beginning 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.

Childrens Dance Classes: Register now for Childrens 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.

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 February 16th 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 forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Baseball Tomorrows Fund Grant: Willard Parks and Recreation has applied for a grant from the Baseball Tomorrows Fund. The amount applied for is $34668.98. 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!

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.

Movie in the Park: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting Movie in the Park on May 22nd at 9:00pm at Jackson St. Park. Playing will be the movie Kung Fu Panda. The event is free to attend and hamburgers, hotdogs and other concession items will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and family members for a fun night!

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.

If you have any questions or concerns about any Willard Parks and Recreation activity or event please contact 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