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.

District Office

Last night at a special session of the Board of Education a major step forward in the process of redistricting occurred for the Willard district. In superintendent circles, redistricting discussions rank about the same on the list as staff infections, snow days, building lock-downs, and budget crisis. Redistricting will never be an easy process, however I believe it can be successful. Early in this process, criteria was developed to help us to have a direction toward a successful product. 

• First, honor the tradition of the neighborhood school concept.
• Second, balance schools on the basis of enrollment, free and reduced lunch percentages, Title Services, etc...
• Third, all students living South of I-44 would attend either South or Orchard Hills Elementary School.

I believe we have been successful achieving our criteria in our tentative plan. This plan was presented to the Board of Education last night in a special session. Two options were presented to the BOE. One of the two plans was chosen with a minor adjustment. All BOE members present as well as administrators are in full agreement.

It is the hope of the BOE to make a final decision regarding redistricting prior to board reorganization. I agree that it is not fair for new board members to be faced with this level of decision when they have not been a part of the entire process. Dr. Royal and I will be presenting the plan four times at each of the elementary schools. This presentation will allow community patrons to see the plan and ask questions regarding the process. Patrons will be able to attend any of the boundary meetings in order to provide multiple opportunities. The plan will be discussed at the March meeting of the BOE. The BOE can decide to make a redistricting decision at the March meeting (3-19-09) or table the decision for a special meeting prior to school board member reorganization.

Community meeting times are as follows and are built around programs and meetings that the buildings already have scheduled.

• Willard South 7:30p.m. Tuesday March 10th
• Willard Central 7:30p.m. Thursday March 12th
• Willard East 7:30p.m. Tuesday March 17th
• Willard North 5:30 p.m. Tuesday March 10th

Flyers will be going home with kids today and all parents will be called this weekend by School Messenger. Maps of each elementary boundary will be posted next week.

I am optimistic about the process and the end result!

Have a great weekend! Spring is almost here!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities

Not too much to report at this time but, as usual, our tigers are continuing to work hard and earn honors! Spring sports has began and everyone is enjoying being outside for a change. Baseball, track, and girl's soccer all report good numbers and have high expectations for their seasons. Middle school softball had their inaugural tryouts and it was a resounding success with 21 girls being chosen to represent Willard in the first season.

A special congratulations to the following girls on being named Academic All-State in softball: 1st Team - Stephanie Sechler, Morgan Ulesich, Mia Young, and Rebecca Skinner 2nd Team - Rachel Rhoten, Kelsey Scott, and Kayla Powers These young ladies are what Willard athletics are all about. They excel both on the field and in the classroom!

A few updates on facilities. The new soccer storage/press box building is well on its way and with some more good weather will be completed very soon. Track has received a brand new discus throwing pad and cage as well as a new shot put pad and two new practice pads. The baseball scoreboard is receiving a facelift. The painting is finished and we are waiting for the arrival of the new decals. It's going to look sharp when completed.

Don't forget, we are hosting the Class 2 Sectional basketball games Wednesday, March 11th with the boy's game starting at 6:00pm and the girl's game starting at 7:45.

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

Special Services Special Services would like to thank and recognize social worker, Chrysta Forrest, for providing an in-service for our paraprofessionals entitled "Homelessness in our Community- A Problem We Need to Solve". Twenty of our paraprofessionals were educated on statistics and facts pertaining to the growing population and learned how homelessness impacts the educating of students who are homeless. We were reminded of the disadvantages for elementary students who cannot stay caught up in school due to mobility connected to homelessness and to high school students who "couch-surf" by staying at different friends' homes each night. Additional information included how the "typical" homeless stereotype has changed from single men with alcohol problems to families facing hard times. This important presentation ended with the "Everyone Counts" survivor game where participants experienced obstacles most homeless confront daily. We appreciate Chrysta for increasing awareness of this societal and educational issue and for the many, many ways she assists struggling families and students with her resources. She truly makes a difference in many students' lives. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School The high school counseling department and staff have been working on course offerings and scheduling students. It is hard to believe we are at the close of the 3rd Quarter, and working on the 09-10 school year. A big thank you to all the parents who have taken time to assist their students in course selections and career pathways in this process.

As you attend the HS campus or activities you may notice a new face. Jeremiah Tscherny ( pronounced Chern - knee ) began as our new district SRO replacing long time SRO Larry Alexander. Larry, who had been with the Willard R-II school district for 8 years, retired in December. Mr. Tscherny comes to us from Greene Co. Sheriff's department and we are excited about having him aboard our district. Willard school district has two SRO's, along with Officer Tscherny, Officer Glenn Cozzens heads the district SRO team. We appreciate the partnership with the City of Willard and Chief Tom McClain, and the assistance they provide with our SRO program. Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

Hello from Willard Middle School. Spring break is still two weeks away, but judging by the temps outside in the 70's, spring itself may have made an early appearance. Having this kind of weather is great for many reasons, but it especially is nice for our students involved in spring sports, such as track and softball. Being able to actually practice outside is a huge advantage for these kids, and makes the coaches smile as well. Unless you have been in charge of 80+ middle school students and trapped in a gym, you really can't appreciate how great it is to have nice weather this time of year. Also, the band is preparing for contest in Marshfield on the 14th. I had a chance to drop in on them this week, and they really sound great. If you haven't heard them play, take advantage of the opportunity next Saturday, and you will see why we are all so proud of our bands here at Willard. Finally, we are going to have a 3 on 3 basketball tourney, and board game competition this Tuesday after school. It will be from 2:35 to 4:00, and we encourage any student who would like to get involved to contact Mrs. Olson, Ms. Francka, or Mrs. Miller to sign up. Enjoy the great weather, and we'll see you next week. Tom Merriott Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School

Congratulations to 5th grader K. Raby for winning our building spelling bee. He survived the classroom, team, grade level, and building competitions to earn this honor. He will represent WIS later this month at the area wide KY3 spelling bee. We wish him good luck!

As many of you are already aware, the Willard North and WIS choirs will be performing at the Springfield Cardinals game on Saturday April 25th at 2:00. Everyone is invited to join us at the game that day. Our music teacher, Mrs. Morris, is coordinating the sale of these tickets. Students were given order forms last week. Ticket price is $7 and orders need to be in by Friday March 13th. We would love to see you there!

A reminder that 3rd quarter ends Monday the 9th. Grade cards will go home with students on the 12th. Our 3rd quarter iChoose reward assembly will be on the 13th.

Don't forget to set your clocks forward for Daylight Savings time. Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

WC enjoyed a wonderful week of activities for "Read Across America Week". We celebrated reading and authors in several ways. We celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday with birthday cake on Monday. On Tuesday, Dr. Medlin came to read to our students during Community Time. The students enjoyed him reading Yertle the Turtle, but were disappointed to find out that Dr. Medlin was not my dad or even my grandfather. J On Thursday, the WHS Drama Team came and performed excerpts from the Show-Me Readers Book Selections. These students, under the direction of Mrs. Chappell, were the hit of the week and our students loved seeing some of their favorite books of the year acted-out by some of Willard's finest. The rest of the week was filled with crazy socks, green day and hat day as well as lots of green eggs and ham to eat. A special thank you to the Communication Arts Cadre for planning such a fun week!

As we look ahead to next week, mark your calendars for the PTO meeting on Monday, March 9th at 6:00pm and Thursday, March 12th at 7:00pm for our 1st grade music program. Have a great weekend, enjoy the beautiful weather and remember that WC is Wild About Learning! Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard North Elementary

Who's Who at Willard North? - Dr. Suess kicked off our Read Across America week. From Green Eggs and Ham in Kindergarten, green gooey oobleck in first grade, to mystery readers in second grade. We all enjoyed getting out a good book and reading. The High School Thespians also performed for us on Thursday. Students saw the books they read in library come to life and dramatized by these talented students.

McTeacher Night

A big THANK YOU to all the parents that came out to support Willard North at McTeacher Night on Tuesday night. We had a great time, and it was a lot of fun seeing families and visiting outside of the school setting.

EVENTS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK: End of quarter is Monday, March 9th Grade cards sent home on Thursday, March 12th Wild West Carnival PTO fundraiser 6:00pm to 9:00 pm

Principals Rhonda Bishop and Angela Stevens

Willard South Elementary

Read Across America Week-This week we celebrated Read Across America Week. We had several activities planned throughout the week including wearing stripes, hats, all school read, guest readers in the library, and a visit from Cat in the Hat. I would also like to give the WHS Theater Department a BIG THANK YOU for an amazing production of the 2008-2009 Show-Me Reader and Dr. Seuss books on Thursday, March 5th at Willard South. I appreciate your energy and message to other students to continue learning and reading!

Student Council March Against Hunger 2nd-17th-The Willard food pantry is extremely low on food and the need in our community is increasing. To do our part, Willard South is having a food drive. Boxes will be placed in front of the office for the duration of the drive. If we collect 2000 pounds of food the Willard South staff will be green from head to toe on Tuesday, March 17th! Student Council will keep track of the weight of the food. You can help by sending in peanut butter, jelly, soup, canned ravioli and spaghettiO's.

Next Week: 3/9-End of 3rd Quarter 3/10-PTO mtg at 6:00 and 1st grade music program at 2:30 and 7:00 3/12-3rd Quarter report cards go home with 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 http://www.cityofwillard.org

• Kevin McDonald: Director
• Courtney Wendel: Sports Coordinator
• Sherry Bowen: Front Desk Programmer

New Willard Aquatic Center: Willard's New Aquatic Center will be officially opening in a few months. Please look over the new information below pertaining to the pool.

Daily Admission Prices: Ages 3 12: $3 Ages 13 & Older: $4 Senior Citizens: $3

Season Passes: Depending on Official Open Date May 23rd - September 7th June 8th - September 7th

Ages 3-12: $75 Ages 3-12: $70

Ages 13 & Older: $90 Ages 13 & Older: $85

Senior Citizens: $75 Senior Citizens: $70

Family Pass: $180 (up to 4 people) Family Pass: $175 (up to 4 people)

Additional Family Member(s): $15 Additional Family Member(s): $15

Hours: Monday Saturday: 11am - 6pm Sunday: 1pm - 6pm Mon, Wed, Fri Night: 6pm - 8pm

Rental Prices: U 75 People: $100 per hour 76 150 People: $125 per hour 151 plus people: $150 per hour

New Recreation Specialist: Willard Parks and Recreation has hired a new Recreation Specialist. The Recreation Specialist will be in charge of the new Aquatic Center. The new person's name is Brandon Eckhart. Brandon began his duties on March 2nd, 2009.

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.

Scholarship Program: Thank you to a Willard Park Board Member for donating $105 to the Sports Scholarship Program. To date, a total of $210 has been raised for the sports scholarship program. If you would like to obtain information about the Sports Scholarship Program please call (417)742-2262.

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.

St. Patrick's Day Dance: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a St. Patricks Day Dance at the Willard Recreation Center on Friday March 13th from 8:00pm 10:00pm. All That Music DJ Service will be DJing the event. Admission to attend is $1 to benefit Project Playground or a canned good item to benefit the Willard Food Pantry. All ages are welcome to attend. Concessions will be available and you can enjoy punch and cake courtesy of the Willard Parks Department. Don't miss this exciting event as Willard Parks and Recreation presents the first ever Willard St. Patrick's Day Dance. For more information call 742-2262 or visit <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com.

Sponsorships: Thank you to Conco Quarries for donating $5000 to the Willard Parks Department for family friendly events in 2009. And thank you to Cox Health for agreeing to sponsor the 2009 Willard Parks Fall Program Guide.

Gym Closing: The Willard Recreation Center gym will be closing April 6th - 10th. The gym is getting resurfaced.

Scout Project: Thank you to Willard High Student Dale Hamilton for agreeing to construct two new signs for Jackson St. Park. Dale will be constructing these signs in the coming weeks. This project is so Dale can obtain his Eagle Scout.

Willard's 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Sports Registrations: Spring Soccer Registration: March 2nd - March 31st Spring Soccer is for grades pre-k 8th. 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 - 8th. 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 K-8th. The fee to participate is $35. Games: April 28th - May 26th (Friday games)

Competitive Soccer Registration: March 2nd - 31st Competitive Soccer Registration is for U8 U13. 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 25th 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

Please contact us at (417)742-2262 if you have any questions.

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