District Newsletter

District Office

I have a friend that I see regularly and almost every time we visit he brings up how much he hates his job. It is clearly a weight that he is not able to handle because it spills out continually. I am sure that the weight affects every area of his life including the time at home with family. I cannot imagine a job that I hate going to every day. In 22 years of education I had 1 year that I look back on and try to forget. It was not a good year and I did not like what it was doing to me. So I quit!!! And I was led to Willard. Wow, how blessed I am to be here. I LOVE MY JOB!!! I am surrounded with people that are incredible at what they do. I am constantly amazed at the outcomes from this group of professionals. No, I am not in some fantasy and I did not take extra blood pressure medicine this morning! I simply love what I do. I never have to look far to see kids smiling because they have become excited about new learning. I never have to look far to find a teacher that is smiling because some child finally has understood a concept after multiple attempts at instruction. I never have to look far to find a principal that fights for their staff because they are deeply committed to them and their efforts. I never have to look far to find a situation that will make me smile when I am having a hard day. I hope I do not take what I have for granted because I am truly thankful! Willard is a team. We may be in 7+ different buildings. Some of us are teachers, custodians, secretaries, board members, bus drivers, administrators, etc... We all play different parts in this educational concert. Today the music has started to become very quiet but all you have to do is stop, and listen very carefully because when school takes up again in August the music will begin, the harmony will develop from each building and department and the outcome will be fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope each of you have an incredible and restful summer. Enjoy the music!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities Well, this is my final wrap-up of this year's activities and I don't have enough space to say everything that is in my heart. The Tigers had some failures but that was overwhelmed by our successes. We should be proud of our students, coaches, directors, parents, and community. They represented us with class not just in Southwest Missouri, but across the country as well.

It is truly an honor and privilege to serve in the Willard school district.

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

Special Services Even after having been rescheduled due to the massive storm that knocked out power to the high school, Partners in Strength was a huge success. Over 30 students with special needs and their families attended. The night kicked off with hamburgers and hot dogs graciously provided by some generous sponsors. After eating to their hearts content, the students teamed up with over 50 HS athletes and ROTC students. The 12 teams (The Bengals, Cardinals, Bumblebees, Sea Horses, Cobras, Fighting Irish, Panthers, Stallions, Butterflies, Rebels, Ghostriders and the Indians) designed team T-shirts, got their faces painted by the cheerleaders, and developed some team pride.

After 12 triumphant entries into the gym by the teams, the games were on! There were kids everywhere engaged in various events with basketballs, scooter boards, obstacles and even whoopee cushions. We also had over 20 HS athletes doing lifting demonstrations, some with over 500 pounds! Adding to the excitement was the fantastic play by play of Mike Graves, the voice of the Tigers!

This special night could not have happened without the help of many!

Special Services wants to wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School The end days of 2008-2009 school year are here, and I wanted to inform you of a program we are very proud of. Our Communication Arts department has "zoned in" on reading strategies to improve student literacy. Rene Flatness works with students in Reading Strategies classes to assist students in raising reading levels. WHS students were involved in a study conducted by MSU Reading, Foundations, and Technology Department, to examine the success of the strategies we have implemented and strategy success rate. The research article has been accepted to be published in the Journal of Reading Education. WHS students have shown marked gains in reading levels under Mrs. Flatness, and we are excited about what is happening with our students who have literacy difficulties. WHS Communication Arts department does an outstanding job of examining the best strategies to assist our students literacy skills.

In closing, would like to say the 2008-2009 year has been outstanding, and I appreciate all the hard work invested by students, parents, community, and staff. Have a great summer!!! Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School Greetings from Willard Middle School. We have come to the end of another great year, and what a year it has been. We have come from seeing faces with a look of fear and concern , mostly on how to get the lockers open, to a group of kids who are ready for the next chapter in life. Half of our current students will be making the move to the high school, and we wish them well on their journey. Those remaining will make up our "seasoned veterans," and will be asked to set a good example for next years incoming 7th graders. (And help them get those lockers open!)

Even though it is the last week, we are still in the business of learning. Most students completed at least a few final exams this week, and I got to see some exciting projects in the classrooms, including the construction of roller coasters in Mrs. Rummel's science class, and building and working with homemade kites in Mr. Wilson's room. Concepts dealing with mass, motion, inertia, lift, drag and others were all discussed, and the kids had a great time while learning. We will finish our year with a talent show and the Character Education assembly on Friday, and send the kids, the teachers, and all those who make this work, home for the summer. We again thank the parents and community for all you have done to help make this a great year, and the clock begins to tick, as we look forward to bringing them back next fall. Thanks again, and have a great summer. Tom Merriott, Assistant Principal

Willard Intermediate School All I can say is "Thank You!" to everyone that made this year so great at WIS. It almost seems impossible that we have spent a whole school year together. Even though our current 6th graders are anxious for school to be out for the summer they will be missed! We wish them continued growth and success as they make the move on to the Middle School next year. As we bring our "ipod" theme to a close we are excited to announce our them for next year: Around the world in 180 days. It should be quite a ride!

We wish everyone a fun-filled and safe summer and we look forward to seeing our new 5th and 6th grade students in August. Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary 2008-2009 was a wonderful school in which the students and teachers proved WC is Wild About Learning! It was an amazing school year full of memories, laughs, and student learning. From wonderful family nights to wrestling crocodiles to our PTO Carnival, it has been a year to remember. A special thank you to the students, parents and staff members who made this such a wonderful year.

As we look ahead to next year, we want to wish our students and staff members who will start new adventures at WOHE, WS , WIS the very best. You will be greatly missed, but I am confident of the wonderful opportunities in store for everyone. We are blessed to have such a strong school district with so many unique and amazing schools! WC would also like to welcome our new students from WN and WE. We are excited for our new journey to begin!! (after a short summer break! J)

Keep checking the WC Blog for summer updates and have a relaxing and safe summer! Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary Dear Willard East 4th Graders of 2008-2009, Five years ago you and I started our Willard East journey together. It was an exciting time for all of us. You were finding your way as Kindergartners and I was finding my way as your principal. Memories from that year may be blurry but what is very clear is how proud I am of the students you have become. Five years ago your enthusiasm for school was contagious and as you move onto a new school you still have that same energy and enthusiasm for school. I hope that when you look back on your time at Willard East Elementary you know how much your teachers cared for you and wanted you to succeed. We look forward to hearing about your future activities. Thank you for the memories and "raising" me as a principal. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary Willard North is on the downhill slide! Our last day will be a 1/2 day with school being dismissed at 12:30 p.m. I would like to thank everyone who has made 2009-2010 a successful school year for Willard North. I want to thank Mrs. Stevens for doing an excellent job of being the principal at Willard North. I wish her the best of luck next year and Willard North is blessed to have her.

On a similar note, I would like to thank the Willard North school community for 9 wonderful years. I have truly enjoyed working with your children, the families, and the staff. All of you are exceptional and it has been my joy to be a part of this team. I am looking forward to my challenge of opening a new school and spreading the vision of excellence of the Willard R-II District. Keep in touch! Go Tigers!!

Rhonda Bishop :)

Willard South Elementary I want to thank everyone for making this such an extraordinary school year. We have around 100 student who will be moving to the new Willard Orchard Hills Elementary building next year. I know that they will have a wonderful experience but they will be missed here at Willard South. I would also like to wish the following staff members the best of luck next year as they move on to other districts, buildings, or the wonderful life of retirement. We will miss you Sarah Jordan, Dana Meads, Colleen Appleby, Miranda Bryant, Joni Turner, Sharon Hammonds, Kathy Latimer, Becky Moore, Dennis Dye and Sherry Rush. Have a WONDERFUL and RELAXING summer break! Kara Crighton-Smith

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 Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation Specialist Tina Christiansen: Front Desk Programmer

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

NEW WILLARD AQUATIC CENTER SET TO OPEN: See Below

Visit us on the web at <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com

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!

Out of School Bash: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting its first Out of School Bash on Friday May 22nd 7:00pm -8:45pm at the Willard Community Building. Kids can enjoy free pizza, great music to Dance to and fun games. Admission is a canned food item to benefit the Willard Food Pantry.

Willard to Host Springfield Cardinals: Come and meet a Springfield Cardinal on Tuesday June 2nd from 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the Willard Recreation Center. This event is free to attend and open to the public.

City of Willard/Chamber of Commerce Outing to the Springfield Cardinals Game: Thursday June 4th 7:10pm. Tickets are $6 and are on sale at the Willard Recreation Center.

AAD Shade Structure: Willard Parks and Recreation has applied for a grant from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for $8000 for Shade Structures to go over the bleachers on the baseball/softball complex. If awarded, these structures will be installed in the fall of 2009.

Program Guide Sponsors Thank you to the 2009 Fall Willard Parks and Recreation Program Guide Sponsors:

Casey's General Store First Choice (Willard) CoxHealth The 2009 Fall Program Guides will be ready for pickup in July!

Big Truck Petting Zoo: Friday May 29th 10am at the Willard Recreation Center. Participants can hear a truck story, sing a truck song and pet the trucks local emergency and MODOT vehicles.

New Aquatic Center Set to Open! The Willard Parks Department has scheduled the opening of the new city pool, the Willard Aquatic Center (WAC), for May 23, 2009. The City of Willard began construction of the new pool last fall after an evaluation of the old pool built in 1993 showed it would take approximately $200,000 in repairs and renovations to bring it up to standards including the new federal standards set by the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. The new pool will feature zero depth entry, toddler slides, spray features, two slides, a one meter diving board and a three meter diving board. The Parks Department plans to offer more programs at the new pool including swimming lessons, water aerobics, Jr. Lifeguard instruction and family swim every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. Special events like Dive in Movies and Mid-Night Swim are some of the special events also scheduled. The daily admission rates are as follows: Children 3-12: $3, Adults 13 & Older: $4, Seniors 55+: $3. Season passes are now available for purchase at the Willard Recreation Center, 133 N State Highway Z, or by calling (417)742-2262.The cost for the new Willard Aquatic Center is $2.6 million. The City of Willard is using revenues from an existing Willard capital improvements sales tax and the Greene County Park Tax approved by the voters in 2006 to help pay for the cost of the new pool.

Swimming Lessons: Swimming lesson registration is underway. For more information including course descriptions, schedules, and fees, go to willardparks.com. Search under the Aquatics tab.

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.

Freedom Fest 2009: Saturday July 4th, 2009 Car Show: 11am 3pm Celebration Carnival: 1pm - 5pm & 7pm 10pm Parade: 6pm Location: Willard Intermediate School

The City of Willard Parks and Recreation Department presents Freedom Fest 2009. The theme this year is Back to our Roots. Freedom Fest will take place on Saturday, July 4th 2009 at Willard Intermediate School. Festivities include good music, great food, fun games and the biggest Fireworks Show ever in Willard's History. If you are interested in participating in the Parade or would like to rent a food booth, please call (417)742-2262. Spots are limited so reserve today! The deadline to register is June 15th.

New Contract with Coke: The City of Willard Parks and Recreation Department is entering into a new contract with Ozarks Coke Cola. The contract includes Ozarks Coke Cola purchasing and installing 6 new scoreboards for Willard's new Highline Soccer Park. The contract is worth over $27,000 to the Willard Parks Department. The new scoreboards will be installed in the coming weeks and will be used for the Willard Spring Soccer Season. Ozarks Coke Cola will also be donating drink coolers for the new Highline Soccer Park as well as the new Willard Aquatic Center set to open May 23rd. The contract was voted on and approved by the Willard Board of Mayor and Alderman on the recommendation of the Willard Park Board. For more information on this new contract call (417)742-2262.

Summer Camp Registration: 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 Music in the Park: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting its first Music in the Park event on Saturday May 30th at 6:00pm at Jackson St. Park. Performing will be Willard resident Brock Wade. Brock is a young up and coming musician. Dont miss this event.

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.

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 Yards

Biking: 12 Miles

Running: 5K

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

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 Update:

This season over 800 people are participating in the Willard Spring Sports Seasons which include youth & adult volleyball, youth soccer, youth flag football and competitive youth baseball.

Current Registrations:

Recreation Baseball / Softball: May 1st 31st

Adult Softball: May 1st 31st

Please call us if you have any questions.

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