District Newsletter

"At every crossroads that leads to the future, tradition will provide 10,000 men to protect the past!!!!!"

Any person that has served in a leadership capacity in an organization that is working to improve effectiveness and efficiency understands this quote very well. As improvement begins comments may surface such as:

• We can't do that.
• That's not the way we have done it in the past.
• Why do we always have to be changing?
• Don't worry just ignore him long enough and they will change what they are doing AGAIN!
• It worked well enough for me when I was growing up so it should be good enough now!

All of these statements represent a LOSER mentality. Please dont get me wrong. I dont like to change just to make people work harder. I want to change in order to improve and help people gain more through smarter and more efficient efforts. Willard R-II Schools is an incredible place for children. We are supported by a community that is desperately proud of their schools. I believe we have the best leadership in the State. Our teachers are fantastic in their skills and hungry to learn how to improve. Our classified employees are dedicated to helping in the student learning process. (Faye, one of our bus drivers has decided to teach her students sign language this year!) Activity sponsors and coaches teach our children morals, values, and teamwork. And one of the most important elements is that our community believes in us. I am thrilled to be back in session and believe that 2009-2010 is going to be a unique and exciting year for Willard. As we continue to press into the future lets all remember that at the crossroads we may have to fight some battles but the troops at Willard will absolutely destroy any barrier that stands in the way of achieving excellence for our kids!

I would like to thank all staff for their efforts which led to a great start of school.

Have an incredible weekend!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities Fall is a time when the Tigers are full of optimism and hope. This year is no exception as our squads are preparing for their season openers, coaches go without sleep, and the fans anticipate the results of everyone's hard work.

The football Tigers will start their season tonight at 6:30 at JFK Stadium in Springfield. They will be participating in the Jamboree with Neosho, Cassville, and host Parkview. This will allow new head coach Brock Roweton to evaluate his team before next week's opener at Rolla. Game time is 7:00. Coach Roweton has over 80 players grades 9-12 this year and there is a definite buzz surrounding the program!

Coach Clark Giboney has managed to take his cross country Tigers to another level. This year there are currently 27 athletes who are running cross country. They have been running all summer and look to take their first steps towards success on Sept. 5th at Nixa.

The softball Tigers will start their season on Monday at Reeds Spring, game time at 5:00. They will then travel to Cooper Sports Complex on Tuesday to take on Kickapoo. Coach Brown is very excited about her squad this year as she has 24 girls playing softball. Good luck ladies!

The soccer Tigers will have to wait awhile before breaking in their new press box as they open their season with four straight away games. Their first game is not until Sept. 1st as they travel to Aurora. Game time is 4:30. Coach McGee is very excited about this year's squad as they return many starters from last year's 17-4 team.

Coach Matt Stone has the girls golf team working hard and preparing for their short, yet intense season. Their first match is next Tuesday at Nixa and their first tournament is at Marshfield on the 31st of August.

A special congratulations to the Willard Tigers Cheerleaders! The JV squad won their division at Regionals for the 4th year in a row! The varsity squad finished 3rd which qualifies them for the state tournament in November. A huge thank you to Coach Goldschmidt, booster club, and the countless parents who volunteered their time in order for the Regional tournament to be a success.

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

Jeff Staley - Director of Operations

Special Services Willard Special Services enjoyed a back-to-school picnic on Monday, Aug. 10th, with approximately 115 people in attendance. Introductions of office staff, new teachers and paraprofessionals were made and welcomed into our department. The evening was enhanced with bagpipe music provided to us by Janet Turner's brother, who was visiting from Carson, Washington. This special music helped to complete an evening of delicious food, wonderful fellowship and meeting family members. We appreciate all who joined us and who look forward to working with our students.

What a busy, busy school year this is already proving to be! The special services administrative staff is working hard to receive appropriate paperwork on each of approximately 40 special services students transferring into the district and ensuring these students receive their needed services. Besides the new students, we welcome seven new teachers, four paraprofessionals, and a certified occupational therapist assistant. Each new staff member will be an important part of the incredible staff we currently have in place. We are off to a great start and are eager to educate our students with special needs! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School The first week at WHS has been very good. We are so appreciative of MoDOT and the City of Willard for working diligently to complete the intersection at Jackson and 160. MoDOT workers opened the intersection at 6:30am on Tuesday just in time for all the students and parents coming to the HS and MS.

WHS activities are in full swing, with Band meeting every morning at 6:30am, Vocal Music is preparing for performances, choir auditions and the trip this spring, and Theater auditions are coming for the Fall Musical. Another WHS activity competing through the summer is our Vocational Agriculture students. Below we have listed some of the winners at Ozark Empire Fair and Missouri State Fair.

Grace Madsen OEF - Gala Grand Champion Pen of Chickens OEF - Grand Champion Real Time Carcass Swine OEF - Grand Champion- Bantam

Ansen Smith OEF & MO State Fair Division Grand Champion - Gelbvieh

Alex Smith OEF & MO State Fair Reserve Division Gelbvieh

Ethan Patteson OEF Blue Ribbon Vegetables

Karissa Brown OEF - Blue Ribbon Vegetables - - MO State Fair Grand Champion Cucumbers

Chad Cook OEF Blue Ribbon Agricultural Mechanics

Erica Atkinson OEF Grand Champion Cow Calf Pair Angus

Scott Larson MO State Fair Champion - Division 1 Engineering Ag-Science Fair Qualifies for National Competition

Congratulations to these young people for working hard on their projects and representing Willard well at both OEF and MO State Fairs.

Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School Greetings from Willard Middle School, after our first week of the 2009-2010 school year. It is hard to believe that summer vacation is actually over, but it was great to see all of the students coming in on Tuesday morning, with mostly smiling faces, actually happy to be here. The other neat thing was to see that most of the teachers had that same look! As usual, the first few days were filled with people looking for the right classes, trying to open their lockers, and getting onto the correct bus at the end of the day. By the end of the week, things were smoothing out, and by Monday we expect to be running up to speed. We continue to grow in our numbers, as we currently have over 660 students in the 7th and 8th grades combined. Fall sports are all in practice mode, and the games will begin in a few weeks for volleyball, football, and cross country. We wrapped up our week with our yearly "Activities Day," which was centered around the 09-10 theme for WMS, which is State/National Parks around the country, including camping and other outdoor activities. We had around twelve different stations that the kids were able to attend, and they seemed to really enjoy them all. We had people from the Conservation Dept., an old fashion storyteller around the campfire, live snakes and birds, making of ice cream, RV tours, and several outdoor games. It was a great way to welcome the kids back, and set the stage for the fantastic year to come. Thanks to all those who made this possible, and thanks also to the parents who have trusted us with their kids for this year. We promise not to let you down, and look forward to working with you to keep this week's smile on your child's face for the entire year. Thanks for checking on us, and have a great week. Tom Merriott, Assistant Principal

Willard Intermediate School What a week at WIS! It has been so exciting to see all the new faces as well as those that are just a summer older back at school. Thanks to the hard work of our teachers, custodians, and maintenance department the building looks awesome. Every student I have seen this week had a smile on their face and seemed glad to be back to school (I know, hard to believe!).

As we begin our journey Around the World in 180 Days together I am confident the 09-10 school year will be

special for everyone involved. So hang on tight and enjoy the ride! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary The Willard Central Legion of Superheroes ventured back to school this week and immediately jumped in to using their special abilities to develop new friendships while beginning the learning tasks ahead of them for the year. I would like to thank the PTO for helping us kick-off the year with a BBQ on our Meet the Teacher Night. We had an excellent turnout for the evening and students enjoyed meeting their teachers and connecting with friends while getting to enjoy dinner and play on the new climbing rock-wall purchased through last year's PTO fundraiser.

To continue growing together as a new school community, we started Community Time this week. It was exciting to bring all of our new faces together to learn the WC School Song and share in some beginning of the year celebrations. Please take some time to visit us at 8:25 any morning for Community Time. You will enjoy seeing our school family in action as we celebrate each other and the learning taking place at WC.

As we look ahead to next week, don't forget to mark your calendars for Thursday, August 27th for Parent Orientation. During this evening, your child's teacher will provide 2 opportunities to inform you about classroom/grade level routines, expectations and curriculum. You are welcome to attend either session. Session 1 will be from 6:00-6:30 and Session 2 will be from 6:45-7:15. This is a time for adult conversations about learning so we ask that you make childcare arrangements to ensure quality and timely discussion. Childcare will be provided in the gym if you are unable to make other arrangements.

It has been a great first week and we are looking forward to a SUPER year as we unleash the HERO in all of us!! Have a great weekend and Dare to be Heroic! Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary Happy New Year from Willard East!!! New Teachers to East are Ashley Ferguson 1st grade, Brittany Smith 1st grade, Hanna Key 2nd Grade, and Dana Meads joins us as a Reading Recovery teacher from Willard South.

Technology additions: We are well on our way to becoming 21st Century learners and teachers. 1st grade through 4th grade have interactive Smartboards and EVERYONE has a projector. Teachers and students will be learning how to use these new tools to enhance their learning experience. We are very excited but realize that we are all learning at different levels. Feel free to call the office and set up an appointment to see these new tools in action.

Be sure to check out our newly updated school blog! Each teacher has also created a blog that is linked to our school website with lots of new information for our new school year. <http://willardeastelementary.wordpress.com/>http://willarde astelementary.wordpress.com/ Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary We had a WONDERFUL start to the school year at Willard North! We were excited to have students back from summer break and ready to learn. There are a few new teacher faces this year. Jamie Peters is our new kindergarten teacher. Mr. Gugel teachers one of our 4th grade technology classrooms, and Ms. Green also teaches 4th grade. We are excited to have them at North Elementary.

Students were excited to find their classrooms equipped with projectors this year. We have also installed a smartboard in the library for all students. I am thrilled about the technology upgrades that we have this year, and the teachers are thrilled to be using this new technology with students in their classrooms.

Our first early out Monday is the 24th. Just a friendly reminder that we will be dismissing at 3:00.

Our school theme this year is Super Heroes!! We have a SUPER team of teachers, students, and staff and are looking forward to an amazing year! Angela Stevens, Principal

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary We have had a fantastic first four days at WOHE! Our building is fantastic! We now have phones and internet so we are linked to the outside world! They are working diligently on our playground so hopefully (if the weather holds) we will be playing in the back instead of the parking lot by the end of next week. Just to let you know who our staff is:

Kindergarten: Sarah Blakemore, Tammy Cook, Rachel Faulk First Grade: Wendy Dorland, Debbie Newman, Lee Anne Peterson Second Grade: Karen Bench, Meg Horne, Heather Johnson Third Grade: Dana Burnich, Laura Hurd, Tara Palmer Fourth Grade: Stacy Gray, Laura Pyles Reading: Cyndi Clutter, Sandra Hodum Special Services: Tonya Lyons, Allison Tourville, Ashley Ellis, Colleen Applby,Stephanie Koenneman, Anne Wyman, Dagney Ogle, and Mel Hicks Special Classes: Phil Wickwar, Miranda Bryant, Joni Turner Counselor: Ashley Perryman Cooks: Susan Murphy, Jeanne Rahn, Ellie Deckard Custodians: Dan Howard, Brad England, Darlene Hammers Secretaries: Janet Miller and Marcy Allen Nurse: Melody Crouch

Our staff has been amazing and they are the reason our days have ran so smooth! We are looking forward to our first full week of school next week! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary We are off to a great start to the 2009-2010 school year. We currently have 368 students enrolled at WS and 20 classroom teachers. I would like to welcome new classroom teachers Miss Charity Hodum, Miss Whitney Rand, Mrs. Jaime Roweton, Mrs. Cindy Kisling and Mrs. Kara Witherspoon to the WS TEAM!

The first part of the school year is always an exciting time. However, this year the excitement has reached a new level. All PK-4th grade classrooms have been equipped with SMARTboards and projectors. The integration of technology in the classrooms will be a valuable tool as we teach students. We are fortunate to have a district that supports technology. Here is to a new year full of rewarding opportunities!

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>www.cityofwillard.org

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

Back to School Bash: Come to the 2009 Willard Parks and Recreation Back to School Bash Dance on this Saturday August 22nd from 6pm - 8pm at the Willard Recreation Center. This event is FREE to attend. Enjoy great music to dance to, free cake and much more!

Willard to offer Child Care at the Recreation Center: Willard Parks and Recreation will begin child care at the Willard Recreation Center on August 18th. This child care service is sponsored by the City of Willard and Cox Health. The child care will take place in the small classroom at the Recreation Center. Fees are $4 per child for up to two hours or an ALL ACCESS PASS for $24 for 12 times (up to 24 child care hours). This child care service may be used for any activity held at the Recreation Center including the Cox Fitness Center, Sports activities, etc. The parent or guardian must remain on the property while their child is in child care. The child care is only available for 18 months to 10 years old.

The hours for the child care at Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8am 10am Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 5pm 9pm Tuesday & Thursday: 3pm 9pm

MOVIES:

Upcoming Movie in the Park Events: Held at Jackson St. Park Come to the Willard Movie in the Park Series on the dates listed below. Bring your entire family for a night of fun and movies. We will be selling hot-dogs and hamburgers.

September 19th: 8:00pm: Bolt

October 17th: 7:00pm (Double Feature): Beetle Juice & Ghostbusters

Kelly Miller Circus: Sponsored by PAL Youth Boxing Willard Parks and Recreation Presents the KELLY MILLER CIRCUS on Tuesday, October 20th at Jackson St. Park in Willard. This one ring wonder is a traveling Tent Circus that features clowns, elephants, tigers, horses, trapeze artists, and much more. For more information on the Kelly Miller Circus visit <http://www.kellymillercircus.com/>www.kellymillercircus.com Tickets will be on sale at the Willard Recreation Center for $10 for adults and $6 for kids. Two shows will be held. One show at 4:30pm and one show at 7:30pm. For more information on this event call Kevin McDonald at (417) 742-2262. Log onto <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com and take part in the online circus poll.

July December Program Guide: The Willard Parks and Recreation 2009 July December program guides are ready. You may also pick up your free copy at the Willard Recreation Center and at Willards City Hall. Copies are going fast so be sure to get your copy as soon as possible.

FREE Soccer Equipment Drive: Saturday September 5th: 9am - 1pm Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday September 5th to pick up FREE Soccer Equipment. The Kansas City Wizards Professional Soccer Team has donated hundreds of soccer balls, cleats, shirts, goalie gloves and water bottles to the City of Willard. In turn the City of Willard will be distributing these items for FREE to the community. Come and pick up the free items. While picking up the items please bring your child. Items will be limited to two items per child per family. Dont miss this chance to receive free soccer equipment for the upcoming fall soccer season.

Project Playground Auction Continues: The Willard Project Playground Silent Auction continues on Saturday September 5th from 9am 1pm during the Soccer Equipment Drive. Come and bid on items and help Willard purchase and install a new playground at Willards New Highline Soccer Park.

CLASSES: Hula Hoop Classes: The Willard Parks & Recreation Department will offer Hula Hoop Classes. All adults and children ages 12 and older are eligible to attend. Costs for the lessons are $40 per participant. Please make all checks payable to Willard Parks and Recreation. This program will be a 5-week session and will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Limited spots available. Classes will run September 9th - October 7th. Classes will be held at the Willard Recreation Center.

Beginner Belly Dancing: The Willard Parks & Recreation Department will offer Belly Dancing Classes. All adults are eligible to attend. Costs for the lessons are $40 per participant. Please make all checks payable to Willard Parks and Recreation. This program will be a 5-week session and will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm 8:00pm. Limited spots available. Classes will run October 21st - November 18th. Classes will be held at the Willard Recreation Center.

KenKarJu-Ryu 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. 2 more sessions this year (8/3 - 9/28) & (10/5 - 11/23).

YOGA: 8 week sessions at the Willard Recreation Center. Classes are every Monday night at 6pm. Fees are $25 for Cox Members and $65 for non Cox members.

Childrens Dance Classes: Let your child grow through dance and experience its magic. These children dance classes offer an excellent way to keep fit, learn coordination, rhythm, social skills, confidence, and its FUN! The fall eight-week dance session will begin October 13th thru December 10th. Creative Dance is offered on Tuesday afternoons for ages 3-5; Ballet & Tap classes are available and offered on Tuesday or Thursday depending on age and/or level for ages 5 & up, fee is $50. Combination classes of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz for children ages 9 & up with prior dance experience will be taught on Tuesday evenings, fee is $65. Limited spaces are available so call Ms. Patrice today for class availability and registration information at 818-3659.

Art-Classes: Willard Parks and Recreation is teaming up with Art-Works Studios to offer Art classes for youth and adults at the Willard Community Building. Official class schedules and fees will be released soon.

Willard Play Group: COME OUT & PLAY with Willard's Playgroup! Come play every Wednesday from 9am - 11am at the Willard Aquatic 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.

CAMPS: Out of School Camps: Willard Parks and Recreation offers various camps throughout the entire year. All camps will be held at the Willard Recreation Center. Start planning now!

School Holiday Camp: September 25th Camp is for grades K 6th. The fee to attend is $17.50. A snack lunch must be brought to the camp. Camp hours are 7:00am 6:00pm.

School Holiday Camp: October 30th Camp is for grades K 6th. The fee to attend is $17.50. A snack lunch must be brought to the camp. Camp hours are 7:00am 6:00pm.

Holiday Camp: 12/21/09, 12/22/09, 12/23/09, 12/28/09, 12/29/09, 12/30/09, Camp is for grades K 6th. The fee to attend is $17.50 per day. A snack lunch must be brought to the camp. Camp hours are 7:00am 6:00pm

August Sports Registrations: Recreational Soccer: Registration August 1st - 31st Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering Recreational Soccer for ages 3 14. Fees are $35 per player. All games will be played at the NEW Highline Soccer Park. Games are on Saturdays beginning September 12th.

Recreational Volleyball: Registration August 1st 31st Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering Recreational Volleyball for kindergarten 14 years old. All games will be played at the Willard Recreation Center. Fees are $35 per person. Games are on Thursdays and Fridays beginnings September 11th.

Tiger Select Competitive Volleyball: Registration: August 1st 31st Season Begins: September 10th & 11th Fee: $100 per player Ages: 5th 7th grade

Tiger Select Competitive Soccer: Registration: August 1st 16th Season Begins: August 29th Fee: $100 per player Ages: 8-14 years old

Mens Fall League Basketball: Registration: August 1st 31st Fee: $225 per team Ages: Over 17th

AQUATICS: New Aquatic Center: NOW OPEN!! The new Willard Aquatic Center is now open. The daily admission rates are as follows: Children 3-12: $3, Adults 13&Older: $4, Seniors 55+: $3.

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

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 at the Recreation Center. 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. If you would like to purchase a sign please call Kevin at (417)742-2262.

Magazine Article: Willard Parks and Recreation is featured in the 2009 Summer MO Recreation and Parks Association magazine. Check it out.

There are two ways to get there:

Go to <http://www.mopark.org>www.mopark.org> and under the announcements click on Missouri Parks and Recreation Magazine Online and then use the drop down tab and click on Summer 2009 magazine

Or you can copy and paste <http://www.mopark.org/displaynewsletter.cfm>http://www.mopa rk.org/displaynewsletter.cfm and use the drop down tab and click on Summer 2009 Magazine

Thanks,

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard

_________________________ Bob Andrus, Technology Director Willard R-II School District