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

District Office

Wow what a day!!!! Sherri, my secretary, has been reminding me all day long that I need to write my Pride article. Unfortunately, I have literally ran from meeting to meeting and tried to solve several issues on my cell phone while on the run. Over the last few weeks I have seen my pace matched by teachers that are in total focus hoping to utilize every ounce of instructional time in order for kids to be successful on the MAP test. As we all pause for the weekend I simply want to say "Thank You" for your commitment to Willard kids and the work efforts that I have witnessed the last few weeks. I am one parent that appreciates your talent in growing young people. I have no doubt that the outcome of our efforts will exceed our expectations in many areas.

Have a restful weekend!!!!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities

It's hard to believe but we only have four more weeks until district tournaments begin for Spring sports and the Tigers are gearing up for a playoff run.

The baseball Tigers are hot! After defeating Nixa last night 6-1, they ran their record to an impressive 10-4 for the season. The tigers gave sophomore pitcher Lucas Peterson all the run support he needed as he dominated on the mound. Weather permitting they will play at Parkview on Saturday at 1:00 and then resume COC play next week as they travel to Neosho on Tuesday and to Republic on Thursday.

The soccer tigers will look to get back in the win column as they will play at Pleasant Hope tonight in a make-up game from earlier in the spring. They will then play in the Neosho Tournament on Saturday. This was not on the original schedule but was added due to the number of games they have lost because of rain. Next week the girls will be busy as they play at Catholic on Monday and are at Ozark on Tuesday. Both games start at 4:30.

Congratulations to the following boys track athletes that earned a medal at Aurora on Tuesday. The team placed 4th of 7 schools. 1st place - Sawyer Vincent, pole vault 4 x 1 relay, Andy Gomes, Rex Clark, Jimmy Johnson, Alex Christensen 2nd place - Andy Gomes, 100m dash and 200m dash Brian Daehling, shot put Sam Murray, pole vault 4 x 2 relay, Gomes, Clark, Johnson, Christensen 3rd place - Christensen, 100m dash Skyler Frazier, shot put

Also, congratulations to Kacy Hession on winning the mile and 2-mile race at Aurora. At this time I don't have any other results from the girls side but they had several outstanding efforts! Willard will be hosting the Willard Relays next Thursday with field events starting at 4:00.

I would like to formally welcome our new basketball coach into the Willard family. His name is Brad Crighton and he comes to us from Stoney Creek High School in Rochester, Michigan where he compiled a 94-51 record as the head girls coach and a 82-18 record as the boy's jv coach. Coach Crighton will be teaching math at the high school and will also be taking on the golf program as well.

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

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Special Services

Special Services would like to recognize MS nurse, Kendra Craft, for her professionalism displayed last week in an emergency situation with a student who has special needs and who was experiencing significant seizures. Kendra's decisive action, calm demeanor, and thoroughness with her responsibilities ensured student safety and left emergency responders, MS staff and myself knowing our students are well cared for in the school setting. Two emergency staff complimented Kendra's skills, excellent location and labeling of nurse' station and how well other staff members reacted to the emergency. Truly, it was a wonderful job by Kendra and others. Kendra is ready to celebrate her 11th anniversary in the district and has become a vital part of the MS team staff. Thank you, Kendra, for all you do for our students!

A Sporting Chance will be held this Saturday at Kickapoo's JFK Stadium. Several of our students with special needs will be competing with peers from districts in the area. This event begins at 9:00 and all are welcomed to come cheer for our athletes! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

WHS is busily preparing for the arrival of End of Course testing. English II students will be tested on Tuesday, April 28th. Biology I students will be tested on Thursday, April 30th. The Algebra I test will be given the following week on Tuesday, May 5th and Thursday May 7th. This is an important time for the high school and we ask parents to encourage students to prepare for a successful testing experience by getting proper rest and a good breakfast. Thank you in advance for all your help! Scott Cook, Asst. Principal

Willard Middle School

This week at the Middle School, we are really concentrating on one main thing: MAP Testing. We have other activities going on as well, but the key has been preparing and doing well on the MAP tests, and from all indications, things are going great. A huge factor in having success on the MAP is to have the kids come to school, and focus on their work, and put forth a good effort. The students have responded with flying colors, with an attendance rate of around 99% for the week! We want to say thanks to all who helped to get the kids here on time, and making sure they got to bed on time, had a good breakfast, and all the other factors that go into being successful this week. We look forward to seeing the results, and believe that our efforts will be reflected in those scores next fall. We complete the testing next week, and then our focus shifts to finishing the year on a positive note, sending one group on to the high school, and preparing for a new one from the intermediate school. The circle of life. Thanks for checking on us, and have a great weekend. Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School

The MAP is over! The MAP is over! These words echoed through the halls of WIS on Thursday as students (and teachers) are glad to have our state assessments behind us. We want to thank our wonderful counselors Mrs. Skaggs and Mrs. Johnson for coordinating our testing, our PTO for providing snacks on test days, and our MAP assembly committee for putting together an awesome assembly for everyone on Monday. Today was a great day to get outside and enjoy the weather after the week of testing.

Next week our honor choir will be singing at the Springfield Cardinals game. This will coincide with our WIS day at the ballpark. Game time is 2 pm. We look forward to a good time and hope for some great baseball weather. Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

It has been a busy week at Willard Central. The 3rd and 4th grade students showed they were WILD about learning through their hard work on the MAP test. It was great to hear students getting excited about knowing that stuff. Our students felt successful and showed great effort on the test. Many students even commented that the MAP was really cool and that they could not wait to see how well they did. Teachers and students alike deserve a pat on the back for a great week.

Our Kindergarten students also had a busy week visiting the Dickerson Park Zoo on Tuesday. They had a wonderful experience and represented Willard very well. Our 2nd grade students visited the Nature Center on Friday to learn about animals and habitats. They also had a great time of learning and fun.

We are looking forward to our Kindergarten Concert on Thursday evening, April 23rd at 7:00 and our Fine Arts Night on April 28th from 5:30-7:30.

On behalf of the teachers and administration of the Willard School District, I would like to thank and congratulate Mrs. Cindy Miles, WC kindergarten teacher, for completing her service as the Missouri State Teachers Association/Community Teachers Association President. Mrs. Miles has faithfully served Willard teachers as president for the past 4 years. Her efforts, dedication, and professionalism are greatly appreciated.

Have a restful weekend. Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

"Kissing the MAP test goodbye!" Today the students received a Hershey's kiss with the previous comment on it. As I wandered the halls during testing periods this week I was very proud of our students and how hard they worked. All we can do is hope that the instruction provided for the past 4 or 5 years sticks for this one week of intense testing. It is hard to believe that this one week "snap shot" of learning has so much influence on our schools. Imagine all the things that happen in a regular week in an elementary and then add state testing....

Reflections from the MAP battleground: * Geese on the playground right outside the classes who are testing. Never had geese on the playground before but they must have heard we were state testing and came to check it out. * Ants - It's that time of the year for ants. They also heard we were testing and came in for a peek. * Smoking laminator - Someone accidentally turned the laminator to the highest heat level and it started smoking. I guess state testing week is too much for school equipment as well. * Nose blowing - Not sure if it is because they had kleenex readily available but there was a lot of nose-blowing in the testing classrooms. * Lost keys - These poor teachers have so much on their plate this week they can't even keep track of their car keys :) Oh.... the trials and tribulations of state testing will soon be behind us and we will start all over again. One nice thing is that we get to do it all over again in a year and hope to do better. (Even if we are doing very well.)

On the brighter side of things.............PRINCIPAL MILLER SITS ON THE ROOF APRIL 24TH!!!!

Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

It has been MAP Attack Week! Our 3rd and 4th grade students have been testing for MAP this week. They have been very excited to "Show Off" what they know, and we are very proud of all their efforts!

It has turned into a beautiful week for fieldtrips. 2nd grade took a fieldtrip to Frontier Theater this Thursday. They loved the slide and the zip line! The hands-on experience put them back in time to pioneer days. They loved it! 1st grade took also took a fieldtrip this week to Rutledge Farm. It was great way to wrap up their life cycle unit in science, and first hand how plants develop and grow.

Enjoy the weekend and stay dry!

Principals Rhonda Bishop and Angela Stevens

Upcoming Events to Look Forward:

4/23 Inventors Night 6:00 7:00

4/25 Honor Choir at the Cardinals Game

Willard South Elementary

Earth Day is COMING! Willard South Elementary is celebrating by having a mobile truck located in the parking lot all day to shred your paper items. Start cleaning out your office and personal paperwork today! The truck will be here on Wednesday, April 22nd from 8:00am-2:00pm. Acceptable items include: paper documents, old bills, file folders, envelopes, binders...We would like to thank Shred Ink, from Republic, for donating their services for the day.

The Willard South Spring Carnival is this Friday Night, April 17th, 6-8pm at Willard South. We will have a live auction with Judy Bowen, former WS Art Teacher starting at 6:30pm. We have auction baskets this year with MSU Tickets , Merry Maids, Springfield Little Theater, Branson IMAX, Auto Magic, Discovery Center, Lighthouse Lanes, Silver Dollar City, KC Royals, Mediacom Ice Park, Grand County Music Hall, Pasta House, Incredible Pizza and MUCH MORE! We will have games & prizes, food and INFLATABLES for the kids! Come join us for a fun and exciting family event!

Have a great weekend. Willard South is GOING GREEN! 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 

Kevin McDonald: Director Courtney Wendel: Sports Coordinator Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation Specialist Tina Christiansen: Front Desk Programmer

New Staff, New Ideas, a New Era in the Willard Parks Department

Log on and check out the new Aquatics Section.

Cardinals Care Grant: Willard Parks and Recreation has been awarded a $2000 grant from the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball team. The grant will be used to purchase new baseball & softball equipment for the upcoming Recreational Season.

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.

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!

Willard Play Group: COME OUT & PLAY with Willard's Playgroup! Come play every Wednesday from 9am - 11am at the Willard Recreation Center. This is a new opportunity for parents and kids to play, socialize and just have fun. Moms and Dads are invited to bring their infant through Pre-K aged children for FREE PLAY , STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES & MONTHLY WORKSHOPS. This playgroup is free and open to the community. For more information please call (417)742-2262.

American Red Cross Community CPR/AED This course is designed to help participants recognize emergencies and respond appropriately. Emphasis will be placed on CPR for adults, children, and infants, as well as the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) for adults and children. All participants will receive a participants workbook, and upon successful course completion , an American Red Cross certification card.

Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 2:00-8:00 p.m. Location: Willard Recreation Center Cost: $25 For more information, contact Brandon Eckhardt at (417) 742-2262, ext. 385.

Swimming Lessons: Swim lessons registration begins May 1st. For more information including course descriptions, schedules, and fees, go to willardparks.com. Search under the Aquaticstab.

Pool Rentals: The Aquatic Center is now available for booking private rentals. The rates are as follows: Under 75 people: $100/hour 75-150 people: $125/hour 151+ people: $150/hour

Rental times can be set at any time the facility is not already booked. Recreation Center front desk staff, as a general rule of thumb, will not be responsible for booking these rentals. This is to avoid any double-bookings. Any inquiries should be directed to me. If I am not available, encourage them to leave a message on my voicemail. I always call people back as soon as possible when a message is left. After May 22, all rentals will be made at the Willard Aquatic Center through the front desk staff.

Recycling: Willard Parks and Recreation has begun a new recycling program. A recycling tub collecting bottles is available at the Recreation Center and will be available at all spring sports locations.

Willards First Triathlon: Willard Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Ridge Runner Sports and CoxHealth 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 Yard 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.

Freedom Fest: Preparation continues 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

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

Recreational Baseball / Adult Softball Registration: May 1st - 31st

Please call us if you have any questions.

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard 417-742-2262