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

District Office

I recently attended an educational leadership conference and had the opportunity to hear a session on technology by Ian Jukes. Dr. Jukes is a college professor from a university in Canada. Technology in the classroom has been a continual effort in the Willard District as well as districts throughout the country. I remember when I was taking graduate classes in the early 1990's one of the classes focused on technology/media in the classroom. We had to learn how to thread 16mm projectors and run slide projectors. Many of us laughed because we were no longer using this type of equipment. VCR's and TV's had taken their place in the classroom. Now we are wondering how to transfer all those VCR movies over to DVD or Digital. It has only been 10 years since I was a principal at a high school that had the goal of placing one computer in every classroom with Internet access. At that time we thought that goal may take years to achieve. It was difficult to forecast that we can now buy a personal computer for 25% of what we paid in 1995. One statistic that was given at the conference was that Computer Science Majors will learn information during their Freshman and Sophomore years that will be obsolete prior to graduating from college. Needless to say we have no idea what to expect in two, five , or even ten years. The conference changed much of my thinking toward technology. Dr. Jukes explained medically how children's brain's are now wired differently than ours. What does this mean??? Basically those of us that are from the generation of the Baby Boomers were raised in black and white. (Not only black and white TV but also only 3 channels and if the President was on Saturday morning you missed all your weekly cartoons!) We see, read, and learn in black and white. Conversely children today learn in color. Children have been raised on 50+ TV channels, a computer at home with the Internet, cell phones that do more than personal computers 5 years ago etc... Dr. Jukes refers to them as Digital Natives because they have grown up in a world of digital input. Our generation on the other hand is referred to as Digital Immigrants. Digital is kind of like our second language. Therefore if we are still trying to teach Digital Natives the same way that we learned as Digital Immigrants a learning gap will exist that will inhibit the process. This week the district will be presenting the yearly Technology Plan to the Board of Education. We are aggressively working on a plan to bridge this gap. Needless to say "Old Dogs will need to learn New Tricks" if our goal is to be effective and efficient in teaching.

Have a great week!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities

It's time to put some Tigers in here that sometimes don't get the recognition they deserve. Congratulations to the Willard High School Thespians and Crew! Readers Theater and One Act placed 1st in MSHAA District Theatre and will be performing at State on April 24th-25th. One Act Cast: Amber Alcorn, Paula Jo Branstetter, Elizabeth Kreiger, Margaret Moore, Lindsey Stokes, Christine West, Chase Ridgley, Sean Scott, Michael Stoll.

Readers Theater Cast: Nancyann Adams, Joseph Adams, Blake Andrews, Kyle Bird, Bethany Bumpers, Travis Burbee, Brandon Compton, Rebecca Farr, Kelsey Gilmore, Miranda Greene, Nathan Halle, Garrett Holle, Tyler Inglett, Breigh Jusino, Hannah Masters, Dakota Paris, Samantha Reid, Mark Rose, Doug Seeley, Jacob Stoll, Clint Unruh.

All District Readers: Brandon Compton and Sam Reid All District One Act Amber Alcorn, Paula Jo Branstetter, Elizabeth Kreiger, Margaret Moore, Lindsey Stokes, Christine West

Also, last week Willard had the honor of hosting the Class 2 Sectional basketball games. The Miller boys and the Sparta girls advanced with victories and both teams won their quarterfinal games on Saturday advancing to the Final Four. I would like to thank everyone responsible for making last Wednesday a GREAT night!

Spring sports are getting closer to game time! The first baseball game is Monday, March 23rd at Tom Greenwade Field vs. Aurora.

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

Special Services

I had back surgery the end of January, so I was away from work for a month. During this time my cohorts (Sandy Gold, Amy Stroder, Shannon Roberts, Susie Thieman, Kelli Akers, Aubrey Knight, and Melissa Baker), took care of my workload. They arranged and sat through meetings, helped with paperwork (which we have an overabundance of), kept up with 504 plans, and so much more. They worked with the Special Services Staff at the Intermediate Building and at Central to make sure all deadlines were met. The Special Services Staff at those two schools, including counselors, worked very hard to complete reevaluations, initial evaluations and IEP's, and did so willingly. I am so thankful to work with these individuals. They make coming to work worth it, even though there is much to be done!! I sincerely thank everyone for doing so much to keep me from worrying, and taking care of my buildings while I was gone. Janet Turner, Process Coordinator

Willard High School

The Communication Arts department hosted the Language Arts Day Fair (LAD Fair) this weekend. Schools from Southwest Missouri submit student literacy work. The LAD Fair involves area students in grades 1-12, which entries are grouped into 80 categories such as, prose, poetry, journals, documented essays, personal opinion, drama and art. Southwest Missouri students submitted over 5,000 pieces of student literacy work. David Harrison, a local children's author, was in attendance along with several college professors. Teachers from area schools are the backbone to the LAD events, and some judges came considerable distances to such as Jefferson City and Winona to participate and assist in the event. The LAD Fair also awarded scholarships, WHS student Anna Mattenon received a $1,500.00 scholarship for her work. It was a great event for literacy , with some amazing submissions from students. Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

Greetings from Willard Middle School. As we head toward Spring, and more importantly, Spring Break, the activity level around here remains high. Today (Friday) we paid tribute to Pi day, which celebrates the mathematically important number 3.14 (March 14th). As you know, this magical number of Pi actually goes on for 100's of digits, and the challenge for our students was to memorize this number for as many digits as possible. The winners get to throw a pie in their math teacher's face, and the overall winner mashed a cream pie into the face of our principal, Mrs. Sims. The big winner was Greg Hamilton, who went to the 260th digit of Pi! To give you an idea of what he did, try memorizing the phone numbers of about 40 people, all seven digits, and repeat them in alphabetical order. WOW! He must have really wanted to throw that pie.

Another neat thing that took place this week was a group of 14 students from WMS going to Linn, Mo. and competing in the MO-NASP State archery tournament. Overall, our team took 2nd place, and the top 5 scorers from Willard were Jordan Vitzthum, Harrison Puckett, Tim Talboys, Cannon Gammil, and Logan Mattix. We congratulate the members of the archery team, and their coach Ms. Francka on their success. Finally, we want to wish the WMS 7th and 8th grade bands good luck as they travel to Marshfield this Saturday (3/14) to compete with other bands from the area and show what they can do as both individuals and as a group. This is a big day for the band, and we are so proud of this group and wish them well. Thanks for checking in with us, and have a good week. Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School

12 students from WIS are the proud owners of new digital camcorders from our 3rd quarter iChoose assembly on Friday. These students exemplify the "above and beyond" mind-set that the program is built around. Way to go! Thanks to all of our sponsors that have made this program possible!

Several pieces of our new playground equipment are in and plans are currently in the works to get them installed. Be looking for this to happen in the near future. Our PTO has made this plan a reality and WIS is very appreciative!

Students received their 3rd quarter grade cards this week. Please take some time to go over this with your student and contact us if you need more specific information. Many parents have found the building and classroom blogs helpful in knowing what is happening at school. Check out our building blog at http://wisdavis.edublogs.org/

A reminder that school will be in session on Monday 3/23 as another of our make up days. Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

Spring is in the air. Correction. Spring was in the air just long enough to get the hopes up of students and teachers alike that warmer days were around the corner. Despite the swing in weather this week from 70s to 30s, learning has been a constant at WC. We have just started the 4th quarter stretch of the year and students are deep into new learning and units of study. 1st grade shared their learning from music class this last quarter with a wonderful program on Thursday evening.

Here is what we are looking forward to in the coming weeks at WC:

March 17th PTO Carnival Meeting 6:00

March 17th Boundary Line Meeting at Willard East 7:30

March 20th Terrific Tiger Celebration 2:45

March 23rd Snow Make Up Day School in Session

March 24th-27th Spring Break

Have a great week and think spring! Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

Read-a-thon EXTENDED!!! - As of last night we had only collected $2,400 toward our $4,000 goal. Today was supposed to be our last day to collect money but we have extended it a week in order to hopefully meet our goal. The students LOVED this and we plan to make it an annual event. Please feel free to stop by and see our bookworm that stretches down our main hall. Thank you Karen, Toni, and Michele for creating this wonderful addition to our event. Our worm even crosses the ceiling.

District Art Show - Last night our very own art teacher Michele Mathers hosted the District Art Show for her first time. I was unable to attend due to a sick child of my own but heard great things. This art show makes its way around the district every year to display our student's awesome artwork. You would be amazed at how many talented artists we have at the elementary level. Good job Miss Mathers!

MAESP Conference - This weekend the other elementary principals and myself will be attending the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. I think that the other principals in our district would agree with me when I say that we have some of the best teachers and programs in the state. It is always nice to have our hard work validated.

Spring Conferences - Something new at Willard East this spring are informal Parent/Teacher conferences. This week and next week our teachers will be available one evening to conference face to face with you or over the phone. This is just an informal way to touch base before the end of the year on your students progress. If you are not sure when your child's teacher will be available please call our office. Again, these are informal and meant to be easy on everyone's schedule. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

Willard North has been bustling with activities this week. The 3rd grade program was "Oceans of Fun" for parents and friends who attended the performance. It was an amazing show with sharks and sea horses singing and dancing. It was nothing short of a Broadway performance. Thank you to Mrs. Reed, the 3rd grade students and teachers, and everyone who helped behind the scenes to put on such a wonderful show.

A school boundary meeting was held on Tuesday night at the Willard North library. Dr. Medlin and Dr. Royal presented and answer questions for parents. We had a great group of parents attend. We are looking forward to the opening of Orchard Hills Elementary to Willard Schools.

Students from all over the district were recognized for their talents in art at the Youth Art Show hosted by Willard East Elementary Thursday night at 7:00. Students honored from North were:

Kindergarten Addalyn Adamson

1st grade - Jessica Baird

2nd grade - Finn Wartick

3rd grade -Timberlyn Barnett

4th grade - Christian Smart

School-wide we are getting ready for the big Wild West Carnival on Friday night. We have over 20 games to play with fabulous prizes. Carnival will be from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday the 13th at Willard North Elementary. It's going to be a GREAT time! Come join us! Principals Rhonda Bishop and Angela Stevens

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>www.cityofwillard.org

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

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.

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. Don't miss this great opportunity to meet collegiate athletes in person. For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

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.

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.

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.

Project Playground Auction Success: Thank you to everyone who helped make the first fundraising event for Project Playgrounda success. A Silent Auction for Project Playground was held on Saturday February 28th from 1:00pm 7:00pm at the Willard Recreation Center. Close to $1000.00 was raised through the fundraiser. The goal of Project Playground is to raise $12,000 to purchase and install a playground at Willard's Highline Soccer Park. If you are interested in donating money to Project Playground please call Kevin (417)742-2262. Thank you again to everyone who helped make the auction a success.

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 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

Spring Sports Registrations: REGISTER NOW!! 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 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 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 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