District Newsletter

District Office This week several Willard Schools honored our country's veterans. Sometimes when we need to discuss serious issues with students I simply think they "don't get it". However, in regard to Veterans Day, kids "get it" very well. It is special to experience the quiet honor offered by students at assemblies on this special day. Respectful students listen with thoughtful ears as veterans of current and past wars share details of their experience in the military. Kids understand that these individuals were willing to fight and die for the true freedom that all of us enjoy. I have seen men well up with tears as high school students shake their hands and offer a "Thank you for your service." Captain Burnett, and Chief White represent many faculty members that have served in the military by continuing to lead our NJROTC program. Both men continue to represent the best in our military by teaching young people. They are only two of many employees that have served our country in the military. I would like to use this Pride article to say "Thank You" to them, as well as any other employee that has served. We truly live in the greatest country on Earth.

Have a great weekend! Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities Congratulations to Bailey Hession on being voted First Team All-District in Cross Country. There were 8 runners in our district that earned this honor and Bailey is just a freshman!

Winter sports is in full practice mode as basketball, wrestling, ROTC drill team, and Color Guard are all preparing for successful seasons!

Good luck to the Varsity Cheerleaders as they head to Columbia this Saturday for State! Witnessed their run through last night and I'm confident that these girls will bring home some hardware!

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

Director of Special Services Special Services "Breakfast with Santa" will be November 21st from 7-11 a.m. in the Middle School cafeteria. This breakfast will support Willard's "A Sporting Chance" and "Partners in Strength" events. Price is $5.00 for pancakes , drink and a 5 x 7 photo with Santa. Holiday calendars are filling up quickly so plans are being there to support our students with special needs!

Several students will be competing in "A Sporting Chance" bowling tournament tomorrow at Enterprise Park Lanes in Springfield. The fun begins at noon; come cheer on our students as they bowl and compete with peers from across the area. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School WHS Theater is all set for next week's performances of "Children of Eden". Tickets are on sale for performances Tues. 11/ 17th, Thurs 11/19th, Fri. 11/20, and Saturday 11/21. We encourage you to get your tickets purchased early. It will be a great performance!

WHS National Honor Society will be participating with other schools, churches and civic organizations in the Springfield "Sleep Out" on the campus of MSU at Plaster Stadium. The focus of the "Sleep Out" is to raise awareness to homelessness in the Ozarks. Approximately 10 - 12 Willard HS students will participate in sleeping in makeshift tents and homeless shelters at Plaster Stadium tonight ( Friday 11/13 ) to experience what homeless individuals face daily. The money raised by NHS will go towards "The Rare Breed" homeless shelter for teens. Although the shelter does not provide overnight stay, "The Rare Breed" shelter provides safety and food for homeless teenagers each day.

WHS Veteran's Day assembly was held Wednesday November 11th at 1:30pm. We were honored with a distinguished group of veteran's and Maj. Keith "Ghost" Butler was our guest speaker. Maj. Butler is an active duty B-2 Bomber pilot for the U.S. Air Force, and is stationed at Whiteman AFB in Knob Knoster MO. We are so appreciative of our Veterans and the sacrifice they have made for us in the past and present.

WHS Band is preparing for November 22nd when they perform at halftime of the St. Louis Rams game. The Band program has sold over 1,100 tickets for the event. It will awesome to see the "Cutting Edge" perform at a professional football game.

Have a great weekend. Stewart Pratt, HS Principal

Willard Middle School Greetings from Willard Middle School. As usual, the week has flown by, and though it has seemed very hectic at times, it has once again proven to be a great week to be at WMS. The big event of the week was the annual Veteran's Day Assembly , which was held on Wednesday. We were honored to have a large number of guests from the community, many of whom were extra special, as they were past or current members of the armed services. It was a time for all of us to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made that allow us our freedoms of today, and thank those who have made that possible. The neatest thing for us as educators is to see the level of respect that most of the students display on such an occasion, and how they interact with veterans who they may or may not even know. Patriotism is sometimes lost in the shuffle in our day to day life, but I believe it is safe to say that days like this one help us to get back in touch with the feeling of pride and gratitude that we sometimes forget. Thanks again to all who put this event together, and made it such a great day.

Other things going on include the first games for our basketball and wrestling teams next week, and a pancake breakfast/craft show next Saturday at the Middle School. Good food, good fun, good fellowship. What more could you ask for? I also wanted to mention that I once again was able to see some of the talents of our kids on display this week , as a Social Studies class wrote and acted out skits to reflect feelings of the colonists before the revolution, and a group of very talented students came over from the high school to share their singing skills with us on Thursday. What a fantastic show!

Finally, I wanted to share something that really made me feel good on my way to work this morning. On a Springfield radio station, 95.5, the disc jockeys were discussing area events and began talking about a benefit chili supper for a young man from Willard, and the different things that would be going on there, such as a silent auction, 1/2 a hog give away, cook book sales, and other things. What made this special was not just the fact that this event was going to be held, but that the two guys on the radio then went into an extended conversation about how neat of a place Willard was, and how great the people here are. They were so impressed that people would come out and donate their time and money to help someone in need, and went on and on about how great it would be to live in Willard. My dad always said he didn't like to brag on his kids, he just did all he could so that others would brag on them instead. I think that is what we do as well, and it is nice to hear when people notice. Have a great day, and be careful in the woods if you go out looking for that big deer this weekend. Tom Merriott Asst. Principal WMS

Willard East Elementary Wednesday this past week we hosted a wonderful Veteran's Day breakfast and assembly. We had approximately 50 Veteran's attend with their Willard East student. Our 3rd grade students sang, other students read poems, and each Veteran introduced himself/herself and shared with the students how they served our country. It was a small token of our appreciation for Veteran's. This has become an annual event at Willard East and we look forward to this next year.

Today we have over 150 students signed up for the H1N1 vaccine clinic. We are glad that we can provide this service for our students due to the amount of flu that has been going around recently. I want to thank the district nursing team and parent volunteers who are going to help with this clinic.

3rd Grade Music Program Thursday November 19 @ 2:30 and 7:00PM. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary Today we hosted a H1N1 flu clinic for our students. It has went really smoothly and I want to thank Nurse Melody for getting our site ready and all the nurses and volunteers who have helped us get it done.

I am so excited about the technology in our classrooms! I have seen teachers using their projectors and online resources to help students learn. In third and fourth grades, The Smart Boards are being used with interactive materials in all subject areas. I appreciate all the work teachers are doing to incorporate technology into their lessons and how much they are trying to learn new techniques. I would also like to thank our Technology Specialist, Rachel Tennison for supporting our teachers through this process. She has brought many resources to the teachers and helped them incorporate it into their lesson plans. It is awesome!

I want to congratulate one of our 4th grade students for his artwork being chosen to be shown at the Area Art Teacher's Conference! Justin A. did a great job!

Have a wonderful weekend! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary We celebrated Veteran's Day on Friday, November 6th with a special breakfast and assembly for over one hundred guests. It is always a pleasure to honor these individuals. Our assembly included a flag presentation by Boy Scout Troop 52 , the national anthem by Mrs. Rachel Reynolds and Zachary G., God Bless America and America the Beautiful by fourth graders from Mrs. Brown's class, and a special visit from Mr. Thomas Sutterfield. A BIG THANK you goes out to everyone who helped make this such a memorable event!

I would also like to thank all of the volunteers and staff member for helping with our Flu Clinic last week. We had around 100 students who received the vaccine. The clinic was a success due to the hard work and preparation from our dedicated workers. THANKS!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT WILLARD SOUTH T 11/17-Mid Quarter; Flip Flop Girls Fashion Show 6:00-7:00; After School Actors W 11/18-3rd Grade Radical Reading and Writing Club 3:45-5:00 Th 11/19-3rd Grade Radical Reading and Writing Club 3:45-5:00; After School Artists; Mid Quarter Reports go Home; School Board Meeting at WMS 7:00

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

Willard's Month of Fun: The Willard Parks and Recreation Departments Month of Fun is complete. Thank you to everyone who supported the events. Below is a recap and overview of the Month of Fun Events.

Harlem Legends Game: Thank you to everyone who attended the Harlem Legends Basketball Game at Willard High School on Monday November 2nd. Around 500 people attended the event. Money proceeds benefited Willard's Project Playground. Thank you also to CoxHealth Fitness Centers for sponsoring the event! The Harlem Legends will be returning again in 2010.

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.

Safe Halloween: Thank you to everyone who attended the Safe Halloween Night at the Willard Recreation Center on Saturday October 24th. Over 700 people attended the event. Thank you to all of the businesses that helped make the event possible.

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.

NEWS: 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 hasn't 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

FACILITY RENTALS: 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.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS: 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.

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.

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.

Advertising: It is that time again. Willard Parks and Recreation is currently putting together our 2010 January June Program Guide for the Community. This guide will feature events, sports, family friendly activities, park features, and everything that the Willard Parks Department will offer from January June of 2010. As you know the Willard Parks and Recreation Department is offering more events now then ever before.

These guides get mailed out to all of the City of Willard residents and all participants of the Willard Parks Department will receive one.

If your business is interested in advertising in the 2010 Willard Parks and Recreation January June Program Guide please see the rates below.

- Half Page $125 - Full Page $200 - Front Inside Cover $300

All of the ads are in black and white print. If your business is interested in advertising please email me at <mailto:parkdir@cityofwillard.org>parkdir@cityofwillard.org or call me at (417) 742-2262.

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

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