District Newsletter

District Office

Courts Upholds Constitutionality of Collective Bargaining Policy Allowing Multiple Representation for Teachers.

One of the secrets for creating a great school district is to establish a relationship between staff and administration that is built on trust and collaboration. I believe that we have worked hard at Willard to establish this type of environment. In recent years courts have allowed teachers to exercise the right to collectively bargain. The law is not well defined in Missouri and allows for the process of Meet and Confer to satisfy this procedure. Meet and Confer is practiced in our district. Meet and Confer is a process that brings representatives from both teacher groups (NEA and MSTA) to a common table to discuss issues regarding salary, benefits, work environment, etc& NEA, (National Education Association) recently sued the Springfield School District challenging the process. NEA asserted that districts should only allow one representative union with exclusive representation of teachers. The case was settled this month in favor of the Springfield School District allowing for multiple groups to be represented by teachers. I believe this was a positive decision from the courts. NEA and MSTA clearly have philosophical differences. I believe that teachers choose which organization to join based upon the value set of each particular organization. True collaboration appreciates input from all parties involved and does not require only one point of view to be representative of the entire group. It is my opinion that this was not only a win for Springfield Schools, but all Missouri School Districts, teachers, and ultimately children.

Have a great weekend!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities I don't do this very often but I'm going to this week. Occasionally, young adults will stand up and do something that says "We are here, so you had better be ready for us!". Well, our Middle School Tigers did just that this week. Here is a rundown of their week: The football tigers swept the 7th and 8th grade games vs. Bolivar, the volleytigers defeated Strafford, and the cross country tigers went to Bolivar where the boy's team finished 2nd and the girl's team finished 1st! I'd say our young Tigers let out quite a roar this week. Congratulations!

The football tigers are continuing to work hard and get better as they refuse to use their tough schedule as an excuse. After a tough loss last week to Webb City, the tigers will travel to Carthage tonight to take on the blue and white tigers. Game time is 7:00. I have been very impressed that through their struggles early on they continue to wear their jerseys with "Willard" on the front with great pride! Success is coming very soon!

The volleytigers fought very hard in their 4th place finish last Saturday in the Lori Endicott Tournament. They finished 2nd in their pool before falling to eventual champion Jeff City Helias in the semis (3 games) and then to Kickapoo in 3 games in the 3rd place match. The girls then played hard but came up short against Glendale on Tuesday before bouncing back to defeat Fair Grove last night. They will play in the Kickapoo Classic this Saturday before hosting Kickapoo next Tuesday and Rogersville on Thursday.

The soccer tigers had a good week as they came from behind to defeat Central 4-1 on Monday, lost a heartbreaker 0-1 to Ozark on Tuesday but then defeated Aurora 6-0 last night in the first round of the Monett Tournament. They will continue the Monett Tournament Saturday at 9:00 vs. Carl Junction. The tigers will then host Monett on Monday and travel to Carl Junction next Thursday.

The softball tigers competed hard in the Ozark Tournament last Saturday before struggling this week vs. Nixa and Neosho. The girls will look to get back in the win column as they play in the Branson Invitational this Saturday. They will then host Buffalo on Monday, Webb City on Tuesday, and travel to Carthage on Thursday.

Congratulations to Bailey Hession on her 3rd place finish in the Bolivar Cross Country meet last week! The lady tigers ended up with a 4th place finish as a team. Also, congratulations to Billye Redburn for finishing 3rd out of 75 players in the Pearson Golf Invitational!

Jeff Staley - Director of Operations

Willard High School We have ended another great week at the High School! Last Saturday ( Sept. 12th ) FBLA members assisted the March of Dimes in raising funds. "Bikers for Babies" was a contribution drive surrounding motorcycle riders from all over the Ozarks. WHS students assisted in setup, registration of participants, food preparation and distribution of breakfast. Motorcyclists began the ride at Evergreen Church parking lot and ended near Nixa at the old Fox Hollow Softball Complex.

A reminder to parents about "Growl Night" this weekend. Many clubs and organizations from the HS will be participating in the event.

HS SGA ( Student Government Organization ) is working hard on the fast approaching Homecoming Week. A week full of Homecoming activities throughout the week for students. On Thursday October 1st we will have a Bon Fire Rally behind the HS, Friday, Homecoming Assembly 7th hour, Homecoming Parade at 3:00pm ( parade route to be revealed later ), Football game and Coronation at 7:00am, followed by Homecoming Dance in the HS commons at 9:00pm - 12:00am.

Many activities and events are occurring at the HS. Please check the Willard Website for more information about events and calendar.

Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School Greetings from Willard Middle School. It has been busy as always around WMS this week, as we get ready for "Growl Nite," and all the fun that comes with this event. We hope to see as many students and community members as possible, and remind you to make a point to stop in and see what is going on if you can. As always, the activities will be on the east side of WMS, between our building and the football field. We are hoping for good weather, but if rain does come, we will move inside and still have a great day. Come by and say hi, and enjoy a fun event with us.

All of our fall sports teams were in action this week, and it proved to be a good week for Tiger fans. The cross country teams began their season with a 1st place finish by the girls, and a 2nd place showing for the boys. The 7th and 8th grade football teams both tasted victory, as did both volleyball teams. It was a great way to start the seasons, and we look forward to many more exciting contests ahead.

Next week's events include the final days of the book fair in the library, "Meet Me At the Pole" on Wednesday morning before school, and a special GNO (Girl's Night Out) on Thursday the 24th. This event will be from 2:30-5:30, and you should see Mrs. Treadway for more information or to sign up if you are interested. It should be a fun activity for our young ladies. Also, we encourage you to see Miss Graves if you would like to be a part of the Drama Club, and get in on the fun every Thursday from 2:30-3:30. Who knows, maybe the next great young actor or actress from Southwest Missouri is walking the halls of WMS, and they don't even know it yet. Find out if that person might be you!

Finally, we remind you that school will not be in session on Friday, Sept. 25th. We hope the kids will use the three day weekend in a positive way, and come back ready to go for the second half of 1st quarter. Yes, it is hard to believe, but we have already reached mid-term, and before we know it , the time will be here to get that turkey cooked and visit with Aunt Lola and Uncle Alvin for Thanksgiving. For some reason it seems the years just keep going by faster, so I encourage you to enjoy them as they come, and make the best of each day. Thanks for checking with us, and thanks for letting us work with your kids. Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

Willard Intermediate School Where does the time go? Here we sit at the mid-point of the first quarter and it seems we just started. It is great to see everybody into their "routine" and great instruction and learning going on! One of the most influential "new" things on the teaching/learning process at WIS this school year is our focus on incorporating technology into daily lessons.

Thanks to the generosity of the district and many hours of training and planning by our teachers it is now a very common thing to see lessons imbedded with digital media. We know that there is still much work to be done but I am incredibly proud of the strides that have been made to "catch up" with the digital world in our teaching.

A reminder that our mid-quarter grades will go home with students on Monday the 21st. Parents are encouraged to visit with their child about their academic progress and to contact their teachers with and questions or concerns. Also a reminder that school will not be in session on Friday 9/25 for our teacher professional development day. Have a great weekend! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary It has been a super week at WC! I have truly enjoyed seeing the learning and teaching taking place in each classroom this week. From kindergarten students writing descriptive stories full of details about family visits to the pumpkin patch to observing 4th grade students measuring the height of 1st grade students and graphing the information together , the building has been abuzz with the sounds of learning.

We kicked off our PTO fundraiser at Community Time on Thursday. We are blessed to have such wonderful community support through these fundraisers to help purchase playground equipment, interactive SMARTBoards, school t-shirts and so many other things make school so enjoyable for students. Thank you in advance for all you do for Willard Kids!

As we look ahead to the coming days, please mark your calendars for the following events:

Sept. 25 NO SCHOOL Teacher Professional Development Day Sept. 29 Picture Day Sept. 29 Mr. Zs PTO Fundraiser Packets Due Oct. 2 HS Homecoming Football Game

Have a great weekend and don't forget to Dare to be Heroic! ~ Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary This month I would like to spotlight some of my classroom blogs. Teachers are required to implement technology and one way to do that is through classroom blogs as communication with parents and to post links to use during instruction. Please feel free to go our school website and look around. You can also click on the links below and take a look at some of the great things my teachers are doing!

You will notice that these are very different but useful.

Mrs. Ball's Kindergarten - <https://gball.wikispaces.com/>https://gball.wikispaces.com/ Mrs. Kramer's 1st Grade - <http://mrsrobinkramer.blogspot.com/>http://mrsrobinkramer.b logspot.com/ Mrs. Carter's 2nd Grade - <http://bmcarter.edublogs.org/>http://bmcarter.edublogs.org/ Mrs. Hillenburg's 3rd Grade - <http://lisahillenburg.wordpress.com/>http://lisahillenburg. wordpress.com/ Mrs. Hayter's 4th Grade - <http://mhayter.wordpress.com/>http://mhayter.wordpress.com/ Mrs. Miller Library - <http://88miller.wordpress.com/>http://88miller.wordpress.co m/

Tiger Pride assembly Friday Sept. 24 2:30! Students will get Tiger Pride Tshirts AND our school-wide picture.

Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary With mid-quarter behind us, fall is quickly approaching. Willard North Elementary has already been buzzing with activity. Last Friday the 11th, students from second grade invited their grandparents to come in and join them for cookies and tea. Grandparents were also treated to a show from the students who performed What a Wonderful World.

Kindergarten has been learning all about apples this week. We are counting apples, graphing apples, cooking apples, and of course eating apples.

Third grades are also bringing in their community projects. They are on display in the third grade hallway. They look absolutely amazing.

Students also learned more about the Constitution for Constitution Day.

Just a reminder there is no school next Friday, September 25th.

Future-cast:

9/21 Early Out 3:00 9/24 Kindergarten Open House 6:00 9/25 NO SCHOOL 9/30 First Super Tiger Celebration 2:30

Angela Stevens, Willard North Principal

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary Willard Orchard Hills has settled in! Our classes are doing phenomenal work. Our new playground is a hit with the students. If you have not been to WOHE, we will be glad to give tours! I personally love the commons area. We have kicked off our first fundraiser. If the students meet their goal, Coach Wickwar and I could become human pizzas! Next week no school for students on Friday! Have a great week! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary Thanks to the continued support of our PTO, we have our t-shirts again this school year. This tradition started over thirteen years ago when Willard South became an Accelerated School. This was a reform process for schools across the United States. The Accelerated Schools program is one that focuses on three very important key words, STRENGTH, UNITY & EMPOWERMENT. Due to the commitment of our PTO, students and staff can demonstrate the true meaning of these words by wearing their school shirt every Friday. Students received these shirts today!

This Saturday we will be having our very first White Tiger Market Place here at Willard South Elementary! The money raised during this activity benefits all of our families across the district kindergarten through 12th grade. At this time we could really use some help with set-up this Friday from 6-8 and also on Saturday anytime from 7:00-2:00. Any of you that like to shop, want to get an early start on you Christmas shopping, or want to volunteer some time are welcome to "COME ON DOWN!" Chrysta Forrest, our social worker will be glad to help you-help us.

Don't forget that next week will be a four day week for students. School will not be in session on Friday, September 25th due to a teacher workday.

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

Kevin McDonald: Director Shawn Trent: Interim Sports Coordinator Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation/Aquatics Specialist Tina Christiansen: Front Desk Programmer

New Sponsors: Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank its newest sponsors. The new sponsors are Pizza Hut and Allied Waste Services. Thank you!

Fall Sports: The 2009 Willard Parks and Recreation fall soccer and volleyball season has begun. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the season please call (417) 742-2262.

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

MOVIES: THIS SATURDAY!! 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 (view preview at <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com)

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. Get your tickets fast before they sell out!

Harlem Legends Celebrity Basketball Show: TICKETS ON SALE NOW!! Willard Parks and Recreation and CoxHealth Fitness Centers present the Harlem Legends vs. the Willard All-Stars on Monday November 2nd at Willard High School at 6pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students in advance at the Willard Recreation Center. The Harlem Legends are a group of professional athletes, former players from the Harlem Globetrotters, NBA, NFL, past USA Olympians, and other professionals. Legends include, Michael Douglas, Tyrone Hollywood Brown, Larry Shorty Coleman, Brandon McDonald, Woody Carter, Gator Rivers, Mike Glenn, Jimmy Bolden, L.T. Trahan, Wayne Arnold and Somer Easterwood. For more information call (417) 742-2262.

Soccer Drive: Thank you to everyone who attended the Willard Soccer Drive on Saturday September 5th at the Recreation Center. Around 200 people received free soccer equipment for the upcoming fall soccer season. Items given out included soccer balls, cleats and shin guards. The items were donated to the Willard Parks Department from the Kansas City Wizards Professional Soccer Team.

Project Playground Auction: Thank you to everyone who participated in the Willard Project Playground Silent Auction on Saturday September 5th. Around $300 was raised for Project Playground. Project Playground is Willards Project to purchase and install a new playground at Willards New Highline Soccer Park.

Aquatic Center: Thank you to everyone who helped make the first year of the new Willard Aquatic Center a success. The last day of operation at the Aquatic Center is Monday September 7th. This year was a huge success. The pool will reopen in May 2010.

Willard Child Care at the Recreation Center: 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 CoxHealth Fitness Centers. 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

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.

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.

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 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.

Safe Halloween 2009: Saturday October 24th, 2009 at the Willard Recreation Center. Visit <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com for more information.

Christmas in Willard: Saturday December 12th, 2009 at the Willard Recreation Center. Visit <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com for more information.

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.

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.

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 Onlineand 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.

Upcoming Sports Registrations:

Recreational Basketball Session 1: Registration September 16th October 16th Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering Recreational Session 1 Basketball for ages 3 -14. All games will be played at the Willard Recreation Center. Fees are $35 per person. Games will be played on Saturdays beginning November 7th.

Recreational Cheerleading Session 1: Registration September 16th October 16th Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering Recreational Session 1 Cheerleading for grade K 8th. All games will be played at the Willard Recreation Center. Fees are $35 per person. Games will be played on Saturday beginning November 7th.

Thanks,

Kevin McDonald Willard Parks and Recreation Director

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