District Newsletter
Pride 11/6/09
District Office
Tomorrow evening my family and I will be attending a fun event that benefits many children in the Willard Community. The Willard Children's Charitable Foundation will be hosting their annual Fall Harvest Festival at the High School Commons. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with FREE hamburgers and hotdogs at 6:00 p.m. and the Pie and Cake Auction beginning around 7:00 p.m. Let me tell you, these items are homemade, WONDERFUL and last year some auctioned off for up to $130.00 EACH! We have some awesome cooks donating their baked goods to help children. What a great night of fun and proceeds benefit children in the Willard Community.
Come join us for fun, a free dinner AND enjoy some great desserts!
Kent
Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools
Director of Activities
Have you ever gotten so wet during a rain storm that you gave up trying to keep dry and just stood there and took it? Well, for those who braved the down pour last Thursday , you know what I'm talking about!
The fall season has come to an end (except for Bailey Hession who is running at State this Saturday!) and winter sports has started preparing for their long season. As usual, the Tigers have high expectations and are working hard under the direction of two new head coaches, Dusty Killingsworth for the boys and Kendra Lotter for the girls. The Four-State begins on Dec. 3rd for the boys and girls basketball teams and wrestling will have their first tournament on Dec. 5th in Neosho.
It's time to start a rumor...this year's musical, "Children of Eden", is going to be pretty special. Wait a second, the theatre's production is special every year! Tickets have gone on sale so get yours soon.
It's Good To Be A Tiger! Jeff Staley - Director of Operations
Willard High School
The HS was struck with the flu bug the last few weeks. We have worked hard to clean, disinfect, and communicate good hygiene behaviors to students to keep the flu away. Our attendance dipped into the 87-89 % range last week, but has slowly gained back into the 94% this week ( this same period last year we run 95%-97% attendance ). We appreciate all the parental assistance in monitoring students and making good decisions about coming to school.
WHS drama will be performing "Children of Eden". Dates of the performances are November 17th - November 21st. Students and staff have been working hard to complete the set and "polish" their individual performance pieces. It will be a great event for all in attendance. Please get your tickets early.
Willard FFA had a great time at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis Indiana. They were joined by 20,000 other delegates. Willard's own Scott Larsen who competed at the national level at the convention with a wood gasification project. Scott finished as a finalist Silver Medalist in Engineering I competition. Willard FFA will be competing next week at MSU for district level competitions. Great Job to the FFA program and Scott for their successes.
Next Wednesday ( November 11th ), we will be having our Veteran's Day Assembly. We will begin around 1:30pm and our ceremony includes NJROTC performances, Pledge of Allegiance by Willard East student Della Flores (Kindergarten), National Anthem by senior Brooke Lawley, a video presentation recognizing veteran's of our students and staff, and guest speaker Maj. Keith "Ghost" Butler of the 393rd Bomber Squadron. Maj. Butler is a B2 Bomber Pilot stationed out of Whiteman AFB in Knob Noster, MO. It should be a great experience for our students, staff, and most of all, for our Veteran Guests.
Next Friday, we will also be having an assembly focusing on positive choices. "Real Encounter" is an assembly of world class action sports person who demonstrate amazing motorcycle stunts along with a message of goal setting and positive decision making. The "Real Encounter" assembly will begin at 1:30pm on Friday November 13th.
WHS SGA ( Student Government Association ) has been in the local news media lately with their drive to bring attention to HWY 160. Our students wanted to use their energies to make a difference for future generations of students, parents, and patrons from Willard, Walnut Grove, Ash Grove, Everton, and Dadeville by bringing attention to HWY 160 road improvements. The SGA has formed a petition drive to gain signature of WHS students and staff, and hoping to gain parent and surrounding community support to place some pressure on the OTO and MoDot to bring HWY 160 to four lanes of divided highway. If you would like to read and see what SGA students are doing, here are links from the news media outlets:
Have a great weekend!
Stewart Pratt, HS Principal
Willard Middle School
Greetings from Willard Middle School. We are now well into the second quarter of school, and heading toward Thanksgiving. I am happy to say that we have made it through the week after Halloween, even though the sugar intake for the week was probably a bit higher than normal, and the energy level was a challenge at times for everyone. (Way too much for some, not nearly enough for others!) We are wrapping up this week with our first dance of the year, called the "Jungle Dance." It will be from 7-9pm, and we ask that parents try to be on time for picking up their kids so we can let everyone get home and start enjoying the weekend.
Next week we will be holding our Veteran's Day Assembly, which will be on Wednesday the 11th, starting at 8am. The community is invited, especially any veterans, and we encourage everyone to make an effort to be here. This event is always one of the favorites during the course of the year , and there is usually a great feeling of pride, appreciation, and thankfulness, along with a few tears as well. This is a great country that we are fortunate enough to call home, and this is one of the days that we recognize some of those who helped to make it that way for all of us.
The sports teams are busy practicing, and getting ready for their first games coming up a just a few weeks. The Archery Club is also meeting after school, and anyone interested should contact Coach Miller or coach Francka. There neat things happening all around the school, and as I got the opportunity to get into classrooms for observations this week, I noticed one common thing in all of the different settings: teachers are working hard to teach, and kids are working hard to learn. That is what it is all about, and we appreciate everyone who helps to make that possible. Thanks for checking on us, and have a great week. Tom Merriott, WMS Assistant Principal
Willard Intermediate School
What a beautiful week of weather we have had! I can't remember the last time we have had a full week of outside recess. Congratulations the green team on being our first D.A.R.E. graduating class of the year. It was great to see all the proud students and parents last night. A special thanks to Chief McLain for making this program available to our 5th grade students. Yesterday was also our first iChoose field trip of the year. 11 of our students earned this privilege by exemplifying the positive behaviors and attitudes we want all WIS students to have. We look forward to offering these field trips each quarter.
Next week we will be hosting our annual Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday the 11th. I know that our students and teachers are honored to be able to recognize the service and sacrifice of family and friends that have served in all branches of the military. We hope you can join us for this event!
Enjoy the warm weekend! Tom Davis, Principal
Willard Central Elementary
The Willard Central Legion of Superheroes conquered a busy week full of Red Ribbon Week activities, Book Fair, and Student-Led Conferences last week. A heart-felt thank you to Mrs. Gromer and Mrs. Roth for all of their extra work organizing the festivities last week and to our PTO for providing a wonderful dinner for our staff during conferences. All of these everyday heroes working together make Willard Central a truly special place for kids.
Friday morning WC kicked off our all-school book club. Teachers introduced our story, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, at Community Time with pictures and passages from this wonderful story. Every family and staff member will receive a copy of this chapter book to read and share together. We will be keeping track of our own Edward Tulaneas he goes on a miraculous journey around Willard Central as well. We will celebrate this book together at our Family Reading Night on December 10th. Happy reading and enjoy this story together with you families.
Here are the school events for November:
Monday 9th - PTO Meeting 6:00 Tuesday 10th - 2nd Grade Concert 7:00 Thursday 12th - Mr. Zs PTO Fundraiser Pickup 3:30-6:00 Friday 13th - Hats ON for Community Service Make a donation to wear your favorite hat to support our Heather and Stephen! Friday 20th - WC Student Flu Shot Clinic 12:00-3:00 Wednesday 25th - Friday 27th NO SCHOOL! Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy this beautiful November weather! Shane Medlin, Principal
Willard East Elementary
Veteran's Day Assembly Wednesday November 11! Please join us for breakfast and a recognition assembly starting at 8:30. This event has become a tradition for Willard East and we expect a large turn out. If you would like to help with the setup for breakfast please contact our office. We always appreciate volunteers!
Character word for November is CARING - to be interested and concerned about others, and to treat them with understanding and compassion. November is also the month that we celebrate Thanksgiving. As you been to plan for your Thanksgiving meals and holiday events please remember our families in need this year. Be on the lookout for information from our school counselor regarding our annual food and toy drive for our less fortunate families. Melinda Miller, Principal
Willard North Elementary
With Parent/Teacher Conferences behind us, this past week has moved at warp speed. We had many fun activities for Red Ribbon Week last week. The drama club from the high school came and performed. Students wore their red ribbons to remind them to make good choices. Michael Douglas from the Harlem Legends joined us for our Super Tiger Celebration. He shared an inspirational message and showed off his basketball skills.
Next week we will be celebrating Veterans Day with an assembly which is also our Super Tiger Celebration for the month of November. Also, our Helping Hats donation for the month of November will go to Operation Uplink. This is an organization that will help purchase calling cards for local soldiers so they will be able to talk to their families during the holidays. Don't forget Friday, November 12th, we will be having picture retakes. Have a wonderful and safe weekend! Angela Stevens, Principal
Willard Orchard Hills Elementary
WOHE is still putting finishing touches on the building. This week, our name went on the outside of the building, digital clocks are being installed in the hallways, and beautiful apple trees were painted on our walls. Thank you Julia Barger for sharing your painting talent with us!
We had our second WOHE Tiger PRIDE assembly last Wednesday. The students enjoyed watching me become a pizza! We also began our student recognition program where students earn apples for academics, character, improvement, and teamwork. We have many apples already adorning our new trees. Conferences went great last week and we appreciate our parents taking time to participate in conferences with their students! Have a great weekend! Rhonda Bishop, Principal
For information on the Willard Children's Charitable Foundation, please contact Judy Craig at 742-2506 or Dr. Kent Medlin at 742-2584.
The WCCF Fall Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the High School Commons Area. Join us for free hamburgers and hotdogs, a dessert auction and loads of fun for the entire family. Live music by The Old Wire Road!
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Homemade Ice Cream Auction at 6:30 p.m. Pie and Cake Auction at 7:00 p.m.
Proceeds from the auction benefit the Willard Children's Charitable Foundation. (Special auction items to benefit the Clint Anderson Medical Fund.) We hope to see you there!
Willard Parks and Recreation
Kevin McDonald: Director Shawn Trent: Interim Sports Coordinator Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation/Aquatics Specialist Tina Christiansen: Front Desk Programmer
Harlem Legends Basketball: Thank you to everyone who attended the Harlem Legends Game on Monday November 2nd at Willard High School.
Thank you to all of the Harlem Legends Sponsors: -CoxHealth Fitness Centers -The Sandwich Shoppe -Downtown Bar-B-Que -Legends Restaurant -Junction Cafe
Session 1 Basketball Season: Thank you to everyone who registered to play basketball in Willards Session 1 Basketball Season. This season looks to be very exciting.
Childrens Playground at Jackson St. Park As you might have noticed during the construction of the New Willard Aquatic Center, we took down one of the playgrounds at Jackson St. Park. I bet your wondering why this playground hasnt been put back in yet. The City of Willard is currently applying for grants and trying to obtain a sponsorship for the surface mulch for the playground. We believe the safest surfacing for the playground is recycled scrap tire material. The material prevents head injuries. As soon as the money is secured for this surfacing, the playground will be reinstalled at Jackson St. Park. If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please call 742-2262.
Meet the Legends: Thank you to everyone who attended the Meet the Legends Basketball night at the Recreation Center on Monday October 26th from 5pm - 5:45pm. Over 70 people attended the event. Michael Douglas was at the Center doing tricks and signing autographs for the people who attended.
Park Benches: Willard Parks & Recreation is in need of more benches and picnic tables in our parks. The Park Board would like to get the community involved in this process; therefore, we are starting a new table/bench program. In the coming months sponsorship pricing and forms will be available for the community. This is an exciting way for the community to get involved. Feel free to stop by the Jackson Street Park and see the current table and bench donations.
Kelly Miller Circus: Thank you to everyone who attended the Kelly Miller Circus on Tuesday, October 20th at Jackson St. Park. The circus showed two shows, one at 4:00pm and one at 7:30pm. Between the two shows over 400 people attended the events. Thank you to everyone who helped make the circus a successful event for the first year.
Grants Update: Willard Parks and Recreation has applied for grants from the US Soccer Foundation and USA Flag Football. Grants from these organizations will help purchase new sports equipment for the upcoming seasons.
Willard Park Board Openings: Are you interested in serving on the Willard Park Board? If so call Kate Gould at 742-5300 for more information.
Trees at Jackson St. Park: As you may have noticed, Empire Electric has cut down trees at Jackson St. Park. Empire Electric is offering a tree replacement program. At the next Park Board Meeting we will be selecting trees to plant at Jackson St. Park for replacements.
Parks and Recreation Website: Log onto <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com to keep up with everything going on in the Willard Parks and Recreation Department.
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
Fun 5K Run: Saturday, 8am on 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
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: 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.
Christmas in Willard: Willard Parks and Recreations Annual Christmas in Willard Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 12th at the Willard Recreation Center. This years activities include a silent auction, a Christmas Movie and pictures with Santa. Log onto <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.
Upcoming Sports: Recreational Basketball Session 2: Registration November 16th - December 16th
Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering Recreational Session 2 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 January 9th.
Recreational Cheerleading Session 2: Registration November 16th December 16th Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering Recreational Session 2 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 January 9th.
