District Newsletter

District Office

I have been saddened this week by the actions of some individuals across our community as well as our state and country that have put public schools and children in the middle of a political argument. Educators have too much to do to worry about politics! Blame lands on those on the far left as well as those on the far right. The controversy concerns an upcoming speech from President Obama directed to the youth of our country. I have been an administrator for 19 years and I have never returned more phone calls and e-mails concerning any other issue. I said to one concerned parent that our country has become so polarized that it has become paralyzed. I have had calls saying "it is against the law to show this speech" and another saying "if you don't show this speech it is discrimination and censorship." It appears that I am not going to win in this situation. One parent said, "it is the job of the parents, not the schools to teach about morals and values ." I agree with this, but realize the failures by parents recognized in the suspensions of their children for inappropriate behavior, disrespect, drug use, defiance, etc... Willard Schools proudly support Character Education programs such as Abstinence and Character Word of the Month. Our schools proudly display signs encouraging values such as honesty, integrity, hard work, discipline, respect, etc... Our teachers are expected to demonstrate these character traits in their interactions with children. If I am ever stripped of the ability to encourage positive values in the public schools, I think it will be time for a new career or early retirement! It does not matter if I chose to vote for President Obama or not, I will respect him as our President. I have copied below the e-mail that I sent to staff on Wednesday. If I choose to allow the speech to be viewed by students it will be the end of next week at the earliest. Administrators will notify parents of our intention after the speech is reviewed. I would ask that all of us demonstrate integrity and respect as we deal with this volatile issue.

Respectfully, Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

To: All Staff
From: Dr. Medlin

President Obama has communicated that he intends to give a speech directed to all students in the United States on September 8th. This intention has raised many opinions from our community in support of this effort, as well as those in opposition to this effort. I refuse to get caught up in the political wrangling associated with this video presentation. President Obama, and the office of the presidency, is due respect as the leader of our country. However, due to the sensitive nature of this issue I am mandating that this speech not be viewed live in Willard classrooms. Willard procedures requires video material to be viewed by staff members prior to student viewing. I have directed staff to record this speech. It will be reviewed within 48 hours and a decision will be made to allow or not allow the speech to be presented to students. Administration will also determine if it is appropriate for all grade levels or should only be viewed by older students. Once again our decision will in no way be based upon political motivations but based upon what is best for Willard students.

If the decision is made to allow students to view the video any parents written request to exclude their child from viewing the speech will be accommodated. We will be in contact will all staff after the presidential address.

Please be sensitive to this issue with your students.

Dr. Medlin

Director of Activities

The football Tigers are looking to improve on last week's game as they will host the Ozark Tigers tonight at 7:00. It will be "Ozark Food Harvest" night and they will be accepting canned food donations at the gate. Also, the Willard Chamber of Commerce will be giving someone $5,000 at halftime during the golf ball drop. Tickets will be sold during pre-game and the first half. We are expecting a large crowd tonight so come early, get a good seat and be loud in cheering on the Tigers!

The softball Tigers continue their roller coaster season as they looked very impressive this week in their 2-0 victory over Bolivar on Tuesday. The girls had a small setback last night losing to Republic but have a chance to get back in the win column tonight as they travel to Strafford. They will host Ozark next Tuesday and travel to Branson on Thursday. All games will start at 5:00.

The Volleytigers are off to a great start! All three teams are undefeated as they swept through Buffalo on Tuesday and won all 3 matches in 2 games last night vs. Hillcrest! The girls are on the road next week as they travel to Central on Tuesday and are at Bolivar on Thursday. We will be hosting the Lori Endicott Invitational next Saturday.

Congratulations to the soccer tigers as they were victorious in their first game at Aurora. They then lost a hard-fought battle last night in Joplin. The tigers will also be on the road next week as they travel to Webb City on Tuesday and to Lebanon on Thursday. Game times are at 4:30.

I know the golfing Tigers finished 9th out of 20 teams in the Seymour Tournament last week but I'm sorry that I don't have individual results. I will make sure that I have those for next week.....and I LOVE golf!

Cross Country will open their season this Saturday as they run in East Newton in the Southwest Coaches Association meet. Good luck!

From what it sounds like (every morning from my office at 6:30!) the Cutting Edge has another incredible performance lined up for this season. They will be making their debut tonight.

A special "thank you" to the Willard Chamber of Commerce and Instant Imprints for the idea of Tiger Friday. The Tiger Pride shirts turned out great and if you didn't get a chance to get one on the first order, we will be having a second order through each school soon. The pride in this community is unbelievable!

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

Willard High School

The high school calendar is full of activities, athletics, and events as we close the 3rd week of 2009. To assist parents with the busy calendar and classroom progress, we offer two (2) very useful tools. If you have internet access, our "Parent- Link" portal allows parents access to their student's attendance, grades, homework assigned, and discipline. If you would like to sign up for "Parent-Link" access, please call 742-3524 and ask to sign up for "Parent-Link". The second tool is our web-based activities calendar. If you have an active student or you enjoy coming to HS activities, just look at our calendar at <http://www.willard.k12.mo.us/whs/index.html>www.willard.k12 mo.us/whs/index.html then click on student information - activities calendar. You will find all the events and happenings at Willard Middle School and High School. This is a great way to be on top of the events surrounding your student.

Parents & Students, don't forget WHS "Meet the Teacher Night" on Thurs., Sept 10 - from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. A great opportunity to meet our staff and "put a name with a face".

Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

Well, it is beginning to feel normal again to be at school, and the kids seem to be settling into their routines, such as finding all of their classes and getting their lockers open. Life is good! Thursday night (Sept. 3rd) we held our Back to School Night at the Middle School. It was great to see so many parents come out and support the kids, who seemed to really enjoy showing their moms and dads around their school. We appreciate the efforts of those who helped to make this night successful, and are thankful to have such great kids, as well as parents and grandparents.

Our next major event will be Growl Nite, which will be from 2-7pm on Sept 19th. This has proven to be a favorite among the students, as well as the community. There will be food, activities, silent auctions for amazing baskets of goodies, and even live music. Growl Nite t-shirts are on sale, and if you have any questions or would like to help out, we would love to hear from you as soon as possible.

One of our focuses this year is community service, and specifically, recycling projects around the school. In conjunction with this, a new club is being launched, called the Conservation Club. One of their key activities will be overseeing the recycling projects, and keeping awareness in the forefront of the students and staff. Another new club this year will be the FCA, which stands for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We encourage you to check these out, or any of our other clubs or athletic teams. There is something for everyone at WMS, and the more you are involved , the better your chance for overall success. Give one a try, and take advantage of the many opportunities available.

Finally, we are once again planning to take a trip to Washington D.C. this spring, and besides being a great chance to see history in person, and make a connection to many of the things we learn in the classroom, this trip is really a blast, and the kids will remember it for a lifetime. If you have any interest, or would like more information, please give us a call. Thanks for checking with us, and have a great Labor Day weekend.

Tom Merriott, Assistant Principal

Willard Intermediate School

As the third week of the school year comes to a close and everyone is settling into their routines, WIS looks forward

to the start of many of our after school activities. Most of our school clubs will begin in the next few weeks. Spanish club met this week and will meet again on October 6th. Running club, Scrapbooking club and Friday morning choir all meet next week. These are great ways for our students to try something new in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. WIS offers several other clubs that students may join throughout the year. We hope to appeal to the various areas of interest our students have. Students are encouraged to check with the club sponsors for details on how to join. Parents can check out the WIS building calendar at http://wistigers.wordpress.com for dates and times.

Enjoy the holiday weekend and the early fall weather! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

It is hard to believe that we are already off and running into September. School is fully underway and it is exciting to see the learning taking place in the classrooms. This week I enjoyed the opportunity to see 2nd grade students fully enjoyed in math station activities through our new math series. It was wonderful to see 5 different math activities taking place at the same time as students traveled from station to station solving a variety of problems. This experience reinforced that the brain is truly an amazing thing!! To see students sitting at the same table solving the same problem with the same manipulatives in completely different ways was a joy to observe. Even better, was listening to them explain the thinking behind their answers to justify their thought processes. This math class is a great analogy for life. There is not one set way to solve problems in life and I am encouraged to see our students becoming critical thinking problem-solvers rather than assuming there is only one correct way to reach a desired solution. As we go through this school year with this new math series, we must remind ourselves that while this change can be difficult, the reward will be life-long learners and problem-solvers in math and all other areas beyond.

As WC looks ahead this month, please mark the following dates on your calendars:

Sept 7th No School for Labor Day

Sept 14th PTO Meeting at 6:00

Sept 25th No School for Teacher Professional Development

Sept 29th Picture Day

Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

You may have noticed on the calendar and the sign in front of the school that this coming Friday is our first Hats on for Community Service. The 1st Friday of each month students are allowed to wear a hat by donating $.25 for our community service project of the month. If EVERY student wore a hat and/or donated $.25 we could raise approximately $80 each month.

Over the course of the school year our school is asked numerous times if we would be willing to raise money for various causes. Cancer foundations, WCCF, Diabetes, American Heart Association, and that is just to name a few. We will host Hats On for 9 months. We have the opportunity to raise $720 to support local causes.

Septembers Hats on service project = The Brymer Family

In August the 3 year old brother of a Willard East student lost his life. During the summer months he bravely fought as hard as he could until he could fight no more. Currently the family is working their way through various medical bills and the cost of a funeral for their child. Lets come together and show our support to relieve a little financial strain for this grieving family.

Today we raised over $450!!!! Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary

The first few weeks of school are behind us and we are settling into a nice routine, teachers and students alike. We want to thank the PTO for the new pavilion that is located in our playground area. It provides the students with a nice amount of shade during recess. We will be looking to place some interactive activities underneath the pavilion for the students as the year progresses.

Please ask your children about the technology in their classrooms. Teachers are using smart-board lessons and projectors in all the classrooms. The students are having fun with this technology. In kindergarten a math activity can be projected onto a screen for all the students to see. The students love seeing a large image of what they are working on. In third grade, teachers have recreated math games so they are interactive on the smart-board. Students are using this technology everyday, and it is very exciting!

Next, Tuesday, September 8th, 1st grade will be having a Parent Night from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Teachers will be using this meeting to go over classroom procedures and to answer any questions.

Enjoy the three day Labor Day weekend! Angela Stevens, Principal

Willard South Elementary

We encourage all parents to attend our first PTO meeting of the year. We will be meeting on Tuesday, September 8th at 6:00 in the library. We will be electing new officers for the year, establishing goals, deciding on fund raisers and so much more! Your attendance and participation at all levels is greatly appreciated.

Don't forget picture day on Thursday, September 10th. Bring you best SMILE!

Have a wonderful three day 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 Shawn Trent: Interim Sports Coordinator Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation/Aquatics Specialist Tina Christiansen: Front Desk Programmer

Website: Visit us online at <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com

Willard to offer Child Care at the Recreation Center: HAS BEGUN Willard Parks and Recreation has begun child care at the Willard Recreation Center. This child care service is sponsored by the City of Willard and Cox Health. The child care takes 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 are 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..

October Bash: Saturday October 10th at 7pm at the Recreation Center. Come to the 2009 Willard Parks October Bash Dance! This dance is open for all ages and is FREE to attend. Participants can listen to great music and enjoy cake and punch!

July December Program Guide: The Willard Parks and Recreation 2009 July December program guides are ready. You may 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.

Fun 5K Run: Saturday 8am 11/21/09 at the Willard Community Building. The Race will be held on the Frisco Trail. The fee to participate is $15 for those who pre-register. Registration forms are at the Recreation Center.

Willard Parks and Recreation Facility Rentals: Holding Fee: $25, Refundable Deposit: $75 (excluding the Pavilion). Rental Areas: Willard Community Building: $15 hour / kitchen $25 flat fee, Large Gym at the Recreation Center: $25 hour, Small Gym at the Recreation Center: $20, Murray Community Room/Patio/Kitchen: $15 hour, Classroom/Conference Room: $12 hour, Jackson St Park Pavilion: $7.50 hour. For more information contact Tina at (417) 742-2262

Willard Rummage Sale: Saturday October 3rd 8:00am - 12:00pm : Come to the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday October 3rd and shop from various Willard Community members. This is just a HUGE YARD SALE (but in-doors of course)

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

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.

Aquatics: The Willard Aquatic Center is closing September 7th. The daily admission rates are as follows: Children 3-12: $3, Adults 13&Older: $4, Seniors 55+: $3.

Hours: M-F 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Sat 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sun 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Pool Rentals: The Aquatic Center is 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

Ongoing and Upcoming 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-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. 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.

Safe Halloween 2009: Saturday October 24th, 2009 at the Willard Recreation Center

Christmas in Willard: Saturday December 12th, 2009 at the Willard Recreation Center

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