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 day is scheduled as follows: April 13 Monday after Easter

District Office

The votes are in! The newly elected Willard Board of Education includes:

• Mike Graves serving a second consecutive three year term
• Dr. John Lilly serving a three year term
• Jennifer Fickbohm serving a two year term
• Kip Baker serving a one year term

I believe that each of the new members are eager to serve the children of the Willard District and come to the table with no agenda issues other than service to our district. I have learned over the past 5 years as Superintendent of Willard Schools that every Board of Education has a little different personality. However, there have always been common threads of purpose existing each year. These would include:

• Always make decisions with the thought of what is best for kids. 
• Our children deserve the best teachers and staff available. This requires that teachers and staff are supported and appreciated. 
• We are all held accountable to the Willard community to be effective and efficient in our efforts.
• We must pursue excellence every day. Continual improvement is the standard.

I look forward to working with this new BOE. 2009-2010 will be a year that is remembered for a long time due to the status in the economy. District leadership will meet this challenge head on. Wisdom, common sense, and communication will be utilized to establish success.

Please join me in welcoming our newly elected Board Members to the Willard team and thank outgoing members Marsha Anstine, Joel Adams and Jana Copeland for their dedication to Willard kids.

Have a Happy Easter!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities

Lots of congrats to go around so I'll get right to it.

Congratulations to the baseball tigers as they defeated Hillcrest on Monday running their record to an impressive 6-2. The tigers will play in the Red and Blue Classic this weekend playing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They will start COC play by traveling to defending state champion Webb City on Tuesday. They will then host Nixa on Thursday with games starting at 4:30

WHS Choir advanced 46 students to State MSHSAA Solo/Ensemble Festival on Saturday! Congratulations to the following students: Nancy Ann Adams, Liz Akers, Amanda Allen, Holly Badger, Kyle Bird (2 events), Mitchell Bolton (3 events), Hannah Brown, Matt Bryant, Joanna Chastain, TJ Chatma (3 events), Brandon Compton, Becky Farr (2 events), Geoff French (2 events), Jackie Fugitt (2 events), Kari Halle, Lindsey Holbert, Tim Huskisson (2 events), Tyler Inglett (2 events), China Johnson (2 events), Brooke Lawley (3 events including a I+), Alisa Lechner (2 events including a I+), Josh Lindsey, BJ Lyons (2 events), Grace Madsen (2 events), Morgan Lenz, Taylor Lindsay, Hannah Masters (2 events including a I+), Katie McCormack, Amelia Montgomery, Austin Moore, Karley Murphy, Zach Nilsen, Nathan Olson (2 events), Zach Page (2 events), Drew Raby (2 events), Cassie Robinson (2 events including a I+), Jasmin Routh, Sean Scott (2 events), Stephanie Sechler (including a I+), Lindsey Sloan (3 events including a I+), Aaron Stark, Lecil Thedell (3 events), Chelsie Thomas, Cristina Todea (2 events), Malory Tuck, Brock Wade, They will compete on the state leve at Mizzou on May 2.

Congratulations to Annette Rosier for her 2nd place at the Republic JV meet. Also, congratulations to Alisa Lechner(3rd in discus), Kim Pearl(3rd 3200 m), and Haiden Bowman(2nd 200 m and 3rd 100m).

Congratulations to Daniel Harrington! He is the district champion in dramatic interpretation and he is going to state on April 24th. This is especially outstanding seeing as our district is considered one of the best in the nation!

It's Good To Be A Tiger! Jeff Staley - Director of Operations

Open this link to view District activities.

Special Services

Special Services would like to recognize the paraprofessionals and aides working within our district and who consistently work to help students and staff. We appreciate the many positive ways they impact our school by performing an endless list of duties. Thank you to those paras and aides who put students first each day.

We would also like to recognize and thank Erica Poulson and all other high school special services staff for hosting the Transition Fair this past Tuesday evening. Eighteen outside agencies were on-site to educate students, parents and teachers of resources and assistance for life after high school for students with disabilities. We were glad to have teachers from Logan-Rogersville as our guests and have them share information with their teachers and parents. Our teachers did a very nice job providing a meal and dessert to the vendors and making parents feel welcomed.

A benefit pancake breakfast will be held Saturday, April 25th, at Applebee's located at 2430 North Glenstone, from 8-10 am, to benefit our therapeutic riding program. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through the special services office or at the door. Please come enjoy some delicious Applebee's pancakes and support a wonderful program.

Have a wonderful Easter! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

We had a very unique week as students were driving a car within the Commons area. TADA ( Tigers Against Drugs and Alcohol ) sponsored an impaired driving simulator. The simulator program is designed to demonstrate the effects of mood altering chemicals on decision making and driving skills. A full size car was placed in the commons and equipped with a host of computer attachments to input responses from the accelerator, steering, and braking. Students, teachers, and administrators took their turn "behind the wheel" to drive. Each driver was fitted with 3d virtual reality goggles to simulate landscape, events, and motion. Students gathered in large groups to watch their peers strike other cars, pedestrians, and other objects. The simulator modified the car's responses based on a pre-set intoxication level of the driver (programmed in by the computer). Teachers, Administrators, and students laughed initially, but reality set in as it was very evident that driving under the influence resulted in serious repercussions We thank TADA for the simulator and their Pre-Prom efforts to help students in making good choices for themselves and others. Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

Greetings from Willard Middle School. As we struggle to decide whether to turn on the heat or the air conditioner, at least the calendar says it is spring, and the Cardinals are on TV at night, so things really are pretty good around here. We have a fun event coming next week, as we celebrate National Library Week, and encourage kids to "Read Like a Rock Star." This will be a week long event, and there will be trivia contests and prizes all week, as we try to show that reading can actually be a fun thing to do, and maybe even "cool."

The main focus next week will be the MAP test, which will begin on Wednesday, the 15th of April. One of the biggest factors for success on the MAP test is the effort and attitudes of the students when they are taking that test. I truly believe our students can do fantastic on these tests, but only if they want to do so. Our goal will be to motivate them as well as prepare them, and we ask that our parents assist us in this goal whenever possible. I am a competitive person, and if there is going to be a list that ranks anything, I want to be at the top. Our kids, teachers, and community do a great job, and this is one way we can be recognized for this. We wish all of our students good luck while taking this test, and look forward to seeing the results. Enjoy the three day Easter break, but remember that we are back in session on Monday, and we have much work to do.

Finally, we had some exciting news this weekend in our art department. Southwest District Art Teachers Association held their annual art show and workshop day on Saturday, April 4 at Drury School of Architecture. The Willard Middle School Exploratory Art Class (for Special Needs students) came away with BEST OF SHOW for grades 7 - 9. They created a large group project which was entered in the category of Fibers. Along with this prestigious award, the other five artworks also received recognition.

Victoria Steinmark- Second place- Fibers Kevin Bledsoe- First Place, Printmaking Allie Hood- First Place, Jewelry Sarah Kramer- Honorable Mention- Ceramics Gorgia Mitchell- Honorable Mitchell-Water-based painting Mrs. Treadway is so proud of the accomplishments of these students, as are we all.

Thanks for checking on us. Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School

What a busy 4 day week at WIS! Our students and teachers have been busy making a final push to make sure we are ready for MAP testing next week. WIS is confident that our students have the knowledge and preparation to continue the tradition of excellence we have established in past years. A reminder that test dates are Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (4/14 and 4/15) for both grades and Thursday (4/16) for 5th grade. Please make sure your student is prepared by getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy breakfast on those days.

Today our students and teachers had the privilege of hearing a great motivational speaker to help get everyone pumped up for next week. Willard graduate and professional boxer B.J. Flores spent some time with us this afternoon. Through his hard work and dedication he has become one of the best boxers in the world. We know his words of wisdom and life experiences will not only get our students in the right mind-set for MAP testing but also as they continue their journey toward adulthood.

A reminder for everyone to continue to "Pay it Forward"! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

WC is gearing up for the MAP next week. Students and teachers have been working hard to finish preparing for the test and we are confident that all of their hard work will pay off. A special thanks to Mrs. Debbie Gromer, WC Counselor, for all of her hard work in preparing the test materials, snacks, student encouragement bags and treats!! Her efforts are greatly appreciated and will help our MAP testing run smoothly. If you get a chance, you may also want to visit the Willard Central blog to see all of the excitement from our Test Success Assembly. (That is if our teachers are brave enough to share pictures of it!) From the Crocodile Hunter to Alvin and the Chipmunks, we showed that WC is Wild About Learning and that we are ready for the MAP!

Have a blessed and relaxing Easter weekend. Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

 MAP Idol Monday @2:15PM!!! - Join Willard East as we kick off MAP Testing with an Academy award winning skit performed by Willard East staff. Starring Randy, Paula, and Simon:) 3rd and 4th grade students will be MAP testing next week the 14th - 17th.

East Extravaganza - May 1st we will host our annual end of the year event. We will be raffling off a Nintendo Wii, beautiful wooden outdoor or indoor chairs and Taekwondo lessons. Feel free to come by our office and get tickets and see our fabulous prizes on display in the front hallway. When we meet our Box Top challenge we will also be making human sundaes of Principal Miller and the teachers who brought in the most Box Tops. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

Our short week is quickly coming to a close. Spring is a great time to focus on life cycles, and that is exactly what our classrooms have been doing. Kindergarten and 1st grades are learning about lifecycles first hand. Kindergarten is documenting and recording the process that their caterpillars go through in order to turn into butterflies. 1st grade is learning what plants need to grow and growing lima beans in their classrooms.

We are gearing up for a school-wide MAP assembly on Monday. We encourage all our 3rd and 4th graders to do their BEST on the MAP:

Be here Eat healthy Sleep Plenty Try Hard

We are proud of our students hard work this year and know that will do their BEST on the MAP.

Enjoy the mini-break and have a safe weekend. Principals Rhonda Bishop and Angela Stevens

Upcoming Events: April 10 No School April 13 Make up snow day April 13 PTO Meeting North 4:00 p.m. April 14-17 MAP testing Week

Willard South Elementary

We had a special visitor at our building on Wednesday. Louie, the Springfield Cardinal mascot, came to cheer on our third and fourth grade students for MAP testing next week. We also discussed test taking tips such as getting plenty of rest, eating a good breakfast and arriving to school on time. These students will be taking the test April 14-17 beginning at 9:00am each morning. As a MAP reward, the third and fourth graders will also be attending a Springfield Cardinal Weather School baseball game on Wednesday, May 6th. 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 http://www.cityofwillard.org
Kevin McDonald: Director Courtney Wendel: Sports Coordinator Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation Specialist Tina Christiensen: Front Desk Programmer

New Staff, New Ideas, a New Era in the Willard Parks Department http://www.willardparks.com :

Willard's Parks and Recreation website has been updated over the past few days. The site now features two new polls, a section dedicated to sports and aquatics and dozens of new news stories have been added. Log onto http://wwww.willardparks.com and check it out.

Easter Egg Hunt Thanks: Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2009 Willard Easter Egg Hunt on 4/4 a great success! Over 500 people participated in the hunt. This year's hunt featured 10,000 eggs, 3 moon bounces, Easter Carnival games, free pictures with the Easter Bunny, a Willard Fire Truck, a Willard Police Car, prizes and much more. Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2009 Willard Easter Egg Hunt the largest Egg Hunt in Willard's history!

2009 Easter Hunt Sponsors: Willard Veterinary Hospital Country Pest Control Willard Tax Station Casey's General Store Reconciliation Church New Beginnings Community Church Timber Creek Landscaping LLC: Darren Ellis Junction Cafe The Sandwich Shop

Blood Drive Thanks: Thank you to everyone who gave blood during the 2009 Willard Parks and Recreation Blood Drive. This year was the largest blood drive in Willard Parks and Recreations History. 39 people will be helped due to the success of the blood drive. Thank you!

Spring Break Camp Thanks: Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2009 Willard Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp. The Camp was a great success.

Thank you Sponsors: Thank you to the newest Willard Recreation Center Sponsors: Junction Cafe Casey's Willard Care Center Downtown Bar-B-Que Sawyer Tire Program Select

Missouri State Bears: Get Ready Willard for one of the most exciting days of the year as 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. The MSU Bears day will also feature face painting, moon bounces and much more! For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

Willard Rummage Sale: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Saturday April 25th from 8:00am - 1:00pm. Cost for a booth space is $15 and $2 for table. Call (417)742-2262 to reserve your booth. This is a huge yard sale (but indoors of course)!! Only a few open spots remain open.

Summer Camp Registration: May 1st - 15th: 2009 Summer Camp Theme: Around the World in 80 Days!

Willard Parks and Recreation will be providing summer camp for children who have completed Kindergarten thru completion of 5th grade. Session 1 camp will run May 26th - June 26th. Camp hours will be 7:00am - 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Campers will need a lunch brought to camp each day. 2 daily snacks will be provided. Daily activities , camp shirts and field trips are included in the tuition fee. Tuition fees are $95 per week (prepay weekly- no prorated weeks are available). First week of camp is $76 due to Monday May 25th being a holiday. If entire session 1 tuition fees are paid in full, there is a $5 discount per week. Registration forms are available at the Willard Recreation Center.

Willard's First Triathlon: Willard Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Ridge Runner Sports and Cox Health 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.

Triathlon Distances: Swimming: 300 Yards Biking: 12 Miles Running: 5K

US Soccer Foundation Grant: Willard Parks and Recreation has been awarded a grant in the amount of $4000. This grant was applied for last October. The money will be used to benefit the Willard Soccer Program and the opening of the new Willard Highline Soccer Park. Willard was one of 27 communities selected nation wide and one of two communities selected in Missouri to receive the grant.

Scholarship Grant: Through a generous donation, over $500 is available in the Sports Scholarship Program Fund. This provides a total of 14 scholarships for the 2009 year. If you are interested in signing up for a sports scholarship please email <mailto:parkdir@cityofwillard.org>parkdir@cityofwillard.org.

Baseball Field Renovation Update: The renovation continues on the Willard Baseball Complex. This week outfield netting will be installed for the first Willard Adult Softball League.

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.

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.

Conco Quarries Donation: Willard Parks and Recreation would like to thank Conco Quarries for donating $5000 to the Willard Parks Department. The donation will help fund family friendly events in 2009. Thank you Conco!!

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

Spring Sports Registrations: Sign up Now: Registration Extended!!

Spring Soccer Registration: March 2nd - April 15th 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 - April 15th 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 - April 15th 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 - April 15th 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 - April 15th 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

Way to Advertise Through the Willard Parks and Recreation: The Willard Parks and Recreation department has new staff, new ideas, and new activities in 2009.

Our top priority this year is offering free or low cost family friendly activities and adding more sports programs for youth and adults. Our department has seen a huge rise in the number of participants. For one session of basketball, we averaged over 1,500 people attending per week and last month we had approximately 400 people attend our Valentine Dance. Those are just a few examples of our attendance numbers. This year our 4th of July celebration will be bigger than ever and in May we will start a full season of the hugely popular Movie in the Park.

I want to invite you to take advantage of our successes and advertise with the Willard Parks Department.

4 X 8 Sign at the Recreation Center: Did you know that you can purchase a 4 X 8 advertising sign at the Recreation Center? The sign is a 4 X 8 aluminum sign that gets hung in the gym during basketball season and on the baseball field during baseball. With all these new activities, now is the perfect time to advertise with us! The cost is $400 (which includes the making of the sign) for the first year and $240 for every year after. Contracts are for a one year period. This is a great way to advertise your business in front on thousands of people in the community. These signs are visible for everyone who enters the gym and the ball fields. Your sign will be repaired by the Parks Department if any damage occurs. If you would like to purchase a sign please call Kevin at (417)742-2262

Advertising in our fall 2009 Program Guide: Willard Parks and Recreation sends out a spring and fall program guide to inform the community about all of our activities, sports programs and events. 4000 copies of this guide are printed. 3500 are mailed out to the Willard area community and 500 are for people to pick up at City Hall and the Recreation Center. These guides are used for the entire spring or fall season. A full page ad is only $200 and a half page ad is $125. There are limited spaces, so please call Kevin McDonald at (417)742-2262 today.