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

Make-up days will be scheduled as follows:

• March 23 First Day of Spring Break
• April 13 Monday after Easter

If we miss one more day, we will make it up on Tuesday, March 24. Any additional days will be made up the last week of May.

Director of Activities

I thought I would let everyone know what's going on. The Willard wrestling team sent 5 members to the state tournament this past weekend. Of the five that went, FOUR MADE ALL-STATE! Garret Mayfield finished 4th, Taylor Ball finished 5th, Joel Wyman finished 6th, and Chris McMullin finished his high school career by winning his 3rd state championship in a row! Willard finished 8th as a team out of 50 schools that were represented. This sets a school record for most all-state wrestlers and for the highest team finish.

A couple of other items of interest. Willard will be hosting the Class 5, District 12 basketball tournament all week. The boys quarterfinals will start tonight with Willard taking on Neosho at 7:45. The Lady Tigers will start their district tournament tomorrow as they take on Hillcrest at 6:00. The boys semifinals will be held on Wednesday, the girls semifinals will be held on Thursday and the finals for both boys and girls will be on Friday.

A special congratulations to Kacy Hession as she will be signing a track scholarship with UCM today at 2:00 in the high school library.

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

Special Services

What an exciting thing it is to see young adults excited and eager to serve those around them! We are proud of high school students Stephanie Sechler, Brittany Purdy, Teah Cunningham, Cici Shrewsberry, Alyssa Baker, Michelle Martin, Andrea Mullen and Laura McElroy for their commitment to the therapeutic riding program for students with special needs. These outstanding ladies amazed us at an initial planning meeting this week as we brainstormed ideas for community awareness and fund-raising. Wow....the power of youth! Keep posted regarding upcoming events as a result of their planning. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

The flu has taken a huge toll on student attendance this week. Our attendance is hovering in the 80's range between 87 to 89 percent ( typically we average 95% for most weeks ). Hopefully the flu bug will go into dormancy very soon.

The Drama department had a great performance last night of "A Piece of My Heart" and tonight ( Friday Feb. 20th ) is the final performance at 7:30pm in the HS theater. The performance is the final component in a fantastic interdisciplinary unit surrounding the Vietnam War time period.

WHS FCCLA with help from Community Blood Center of the Ozarks ( CBCO ) hosted a Blood Drive on Friday Feb 20th in the Auxiliary Gym. The goal of 130 units surpasses previous high of 124 units set last year.

Just a "Heads Up" on End of Course Exams coming this spring. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has changed testing for the High School. The testing has moved from "grade level" testing to "course level" testing. The dates for this spring, Tuesday April 28th ( Communication Arts: English II ), Thursday April 30th ( Science: Biology ), Tuesday May 5th and Thursday May 7th ( Mathematics: Algebra I ). We have been working to make sure our students are prepared and ready for state wide testing.

Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

Greeting from the Willard Middle School. As we head into the last week of February, thoughts of spring are all around us , and with warmer days come many new activities around WMS. The track coaches held an informational meeting this week, and there was a huge turnout of students. They will begin training soon, and if you would like to be a part of the fun , please contact one of the coaches. We will also begin a girls softball program this year, and look forward to seeing what our young ladies can do on the field as well. The Drama club will be holding auditions for parts in the play "The Trial of The Big Bad Wolf" on the 26th and 27th. Make sure to get on the list if you want to be a part of this, as these plays are always awesome. Along those lines, we will be holding our school musical next week, and invite the community to come out and enjoy what is always a great night of musical talent on display. Finally, we are taking spring pictures today, and hope everyone is happy with the way their hair looks and the lovely smile they did for the camera. It is amazing how much our students have changed since the fall pictures. Anyway, thanks for checking on us, and we'll see you next week. Tom Merriott Asst. Principal WMS

Willard Intermediate School

The second DARE graduating class of this school year was recognized on Tuesday night. Congratulations to the 5th grade students of the Green and Maroon teams for successfully completing this 10 week program. A special thanks to Willard mayor Jamie Schoolcraft for helping with the keynote speech and to Chief Tom McClain for continuing to give of himself and his time to make this program a reality. We know our students are better prepared to make positive choices in their lives.

WIS is in the middle of our annual spelling bee. Most classrooms have already selected their representative and team level competitions are in the works. Each team representative will then compete in our building spelling bee on Friday February 27th. The building winner will then participate in the area wide KY3 competition in March. Good luck to everyone involved!

Our student council has been pondering ways to best spend the proceeds from our very successful WIS skate night. After discussing several great ideas they have settled on one that will have a huge positive impact on both WIS and the community as a whole. Be looking for more information on this to come your way in the near future.

Today our staff and students took some time to enjoy the festivities of Mardi Gras. Colorful beads, feathery masks, and great food made today a fun Friday to be at WIS. Have a great week! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

Willard is in the 2nd year of the Missouri Reading Initiative. The teacher professional development training for this year has focused on the writing process and having students read books from the writer's point of view. By doing this, students can see how authors use the writing voice, sentence fluency, word choice and other elements to make an impact in their writing. The MRI trainers have focused on good leads and effective endings to stories. All of this hard work is paying off and the proof is in the students writing. It is exciting to have flag me down in the hallway to show me amazing examples of student writing and to hear students in classrooms talking about becoming successful writers. As you read with your student this evening, take a moment to talk with them about the book and ask What do you think the author was trying to get the reader the think when they & or What juicy words did the author use to make you see, feel or hear what was happening? Enjoy the discussion as you see your child reading like a writer. Shane Medlin, Proud Principal

Willard East Elementary

Read! Read! Read! That is our theme for the 1st week of March. This year we are going to kick-off our first ever Read-A-Thon. Instead of a spring catalog fundraiser we are going to donate pledges for our students to read. Students will be sitting "time" goals of how much time they can spend reading for that first week of March. We are going to host some kick-off activities and various activities during the week. The most exciting goal is if we reach our building goal of raising $4,000 Principal Miller will sit on the roof and read for a whole school day. You can't miss it!!! Let's help our students make this our most successful fundraiser in history. All proceeds raised will go towards buying more books for our school and adding technology advancements to improve technology literacy as well. If you do not have children in our school and understand the importance of reading, you are welcome to make a school-wide pledge of any amount you choose. Let's show our support for our students reading and promote the value and importance of reading for our students.

Administrator MRI Training - This week our elementary principals had the pleasure of attending training for administrators through the Missouri Reading Initiative. For the past two years our teachers have been receiving professional development in teaching reading and writing through this program. As we were listening to different districts talk about the impact these strategies have had on student learning, it reminded my how excellent our teaching staff is. We are on the cutting edge of quality instructional practices and our teachers are working very hard to ensure our students are able to read and write on their level. Teaching reading and writing is a lot different than it was when I was in school. It is a lot more focused and transparent. Teachers are writing with their students, modeling, reading, drafting, revising, etc. every day. Thank you for supporting us through this initiative!!!

Virtual Learning Experience - This weekend I will be hosting a "virtual" learning experience with some of our district teachers. Some fellow educator/administrator friends of mine will be hosting A Colorado Conversation Conference in Littleton, CO. Our teachers will be "attending" these conversations through Elluminate software with the capability to participate LIVE from MO. I have participated in many LIVE online events over the past two years. Hopefully there will be no tech glitches and our teachers will experience a whole new way of professional growth. Tune in next week for results of this event. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

Willard North has been very busy this week! Jump Rope for Heart has been going on all week! Thanks to Coach Bills for organizing this event. The PTO is getting ready for their big fundraiser! The Wild West Carnival will be March 6th at Willard North. Come one, come all, it should be a great night!! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary

February can be such a long cold month. To help energize the teachers we have been participating in Fabulous Friday's in February. Rhonda Bishop, Willard North Principal, created this to add a little excitement to the workplace. Today at Willard South, teachers came dressed in Tacky Teacher Attire! Needless to say, we have some VERY creative teachers. I have seen lots of holiday pins, apple necklaces, crazy socks, "teacher" shirts, slippers, word cards/labels, hats and so much more. It is great to see everyone enjoying their day and adding a smile to faces--students and teachers alike! Have a wonderful weekend. 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

Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank everyone who attended our Valentines Dance that was held at the Recreation Center on Saturday February 7th from 7-10pm. Over 300 people attended the event. Thank you to everyone who helped make the dance so successful.

<http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com: Visit our website today and take part in the online poll.

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 PlaygroundThe 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.

Auction Items Include:

Autographed Mini Football Helmet by St. Louis Rams Football Player Mark Setterstorm

Duke University Basketball Fan Pack (includes Duke Shirt, frisby, bumper sticker and poster)

St. Louis Billikens 4 Men's Soccer Tickets

4 Passes to the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, MO

2 Tickets to a St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Concert

$100 Gift Certificate to the World Largest Putt-Putt Family Park in Memphis, TN

8 X 10 Autographed Picture of Peyton Manning

Autographed RudyDVD by the real Rudy Ruetiger

Passes to Bransons IMAX, Silver Dollar City, Ride the Ducks, Ripleys Believe it or Not and the Titanic Museum

Casino overnight hotel stays in Tunica and Robersonville, MS

Passes to Six Flags

Springfield Cardinals Autographed Hat

AND MUCH MORE!!

Tot Time: Willard Parks and Recreation is offering Tot-Time for toilet trained youths ages 3-5. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am 11:00am at the Recreation Center. The fee is $55 per month. Tuition dues are at the beginning of each month. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Freedom Fest: Preparation has begun for Freedom Fest 2009. This 4th of July Celebration will be held Saturday July 4th. Visit <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com in the coming months for details.

New Willard Aquatic Center: Construction continues on the new Willard Aquatic Center. Drive by Jackson St. Park to check out the progress. The pool is expected to be completed in May/June.

Missouri State Bears: Willard Parks & Recreation presents The Missouri State Bears Mens Basketball Team and Coaches on Saturday April 25th from 10:00am 12:00pm. Come meet, take pictures and get autographs from the players and coaches. The event is free to attend and will be held at the Willard Recreation Center in the Murray Community Room. Dont miss this great opportunity to meet collegiate athletes in person. For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

Willards First Triathlon: Willard Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Ridge Runner Sports will be hosting our first Triathlon on Saturday June 20th beginning at the Community Building. The Triathlon entitled the Frisco Runaway Triathlon is $40 to participate. The race includes running, swimming and biking through and around Willard. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Recreation Center: A new Community section has been added to the Recreation Center. Various times throughout the week people come to the Recreation Center and want to post a flyer to advertise a community wide activity or event. In response to this we have added a community section for these groups to post their flyers. This section is located right as you enter the Recreation Center. This section includes a bulletin board and a paper rack.

Official Parks Slogan: The Willard Park Board voted at the January Park Board Meeting to officially have a Parks and Recreation Slogan. After an online poll at <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com and a discussion at the Park Board Meeting, the new Willard Parks and Recreation Slogan is When youre ready to play.

Baseball Field Renovation: Renovation has begun on the Willard Baseball/Softball Complex. Projects completed include a new ticket taking booth, a new garden around the electrical boxes and the bleachers being painted. The renovation will continue in the coming months.

Highline Soccer Park: Preparation continues for the opening of our new Highline Soccer Park. A new 4 x 8 sign for the front entrance has been purchased to welcome park users. The sign was paid for through the Tour of Missouri grant. Donated picnic tables from Commerce Bank will also be installed in the coming weeks.

Spring Break Camp: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Spring Break Camp for grade K 6th from March 24th March 27th at the Recreation Center. The fee to attend is $17.00 per day or $68 for the entire week. Camp hours are 7:00am 6:00pm. Registration forms are available online at <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com and are available at the Recreation Center.

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

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

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. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Session 1: 1/14 2/11 Session 2: 2/18 3/18 Session 3: 4/1 4/29 Session 4: 5/6 6/3

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.

Competitive Soccer Registration: March 2nd 31st Competitive Soccer Registration is for U8 U15. The fee to participate is $200 for in town teams and $225 for out of town teams.

Adult Basketball Session 2: Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering session 2 of adult basketball from March 14th April 11th at the Recreation Center. The deadline to register is February 28th, 2009. Fees are $250 per team. All teams will play 7 games. Registration forms are available now at the Recreation Center.

Adult Volleyball: Willard Parks and Recreation is offering an adult volleyball league from March 5th April 16th at the Recreation Center. The deadline to register is February 28th, 2009. Fees are $175 per team. Games will be played on Thursday and Friday nights. All teams will play 7 games. Registration forms are available now at the Recreation Center.

3 v 3 Basketball League: Willard Parks and Recreation is offering a 3 v 3 basketball league for all high school grades. Games will be held on Monday afternoons from March 2nd March 23rd. The deadline to register is February 21st, 2009. All teams will play 6 games plus a tournament. Fees are $50 per team. Registration forms are available now.

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

If you have any questions please contact the Recreation Center 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

_________________________ Bob Andrus, Technology Director Willard R-II School District