District Newsletter

District Office

OH MY GOSH!!!!

To say that Kendra Chappell has a gift is like saying King Kong was a movie about a chimp!!!!! My family and I attended Children of Eden this weekend. I am not well versed in the intricacies of drama, however, I was moved by this student presentation. I have been a man of faith for many years and often tried to mentally fill in "pictures" of how stories may have unfolded from the Old Testament. Children of Eden offered one authors "pictures" to two of these stories. The student actors were absolutely amazing!!! There was so much going on throughout the stage that it was hard to take it all in. I found myself watching one actor then out of the corner of my eye would see something special from another actor and think "darn I should have been looking over there". Some teachers look at teaching as a career. Kendra Chappell approaches teaching with a passion that few can match. She communicates that passion and skill set to her kids and helps them to grow and fashion their personal talent into something very special. The acting was simply taken to an even higher level by the music and the voices. All I can say is that this old guy was truly impressed by a group of Willard kids that helped me to "see" a new picture that I had know for 40+ years. I was greatly impressed!

Have a great week! Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Special Services

Tomorrow is the big day for "Breakfast with Santa" being held in the Middle School cafeteria from 7-11 a.m. The breakfast will support Willard's participation in "A Sporting Chance" bowling and track meet competitions and our own "Partners in Strength" events. Price is $5.00 for pancakes, drink and a 5 x 7 photo with Santa. We appreciate those joining us for pancakes, photos and fun!

Special Services jump-started the Holiday season with a Country Kickoff held this past Monday evening. Over 100 staff and family enjoyed an evening of fried chicken and biscuits, live bluegrass music, SPED Idol competition, and lots of conversation and laughter. The evening began with a beautiful song presented by Eric Roberts (Shannon's husband) who is blessed with an incredible talent. The evening was a tribute to all our special services staff who work hard throughout the year providing services and support to our students. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

WHS student body is getting ready for the upcoming Thanksgiving break with some "giving:" of their own. FBLA is having "Penny" war raising money for the Willard Food Pantry. Students donate money ( loose change ) in containers representing a HS employee ( Mr. Nax, Mr. Latham, Mr. Lawley, Mr. Pratt, and Mrs. Welsh ). The faculty member with the most money collected will be struck with a "pie in the face". The race is tight between the men, and all in good fun and for a good cause.

WHS DECA is gearing up for their drive for Cystic Fibrosis. DECA will be selling "Power Packs" for finals week to HS students. Power Packs are nutritious food packages to help students who need a snack to stay energized for final exams. All "Power Pack" sales proceeds will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis organization.

WHS Band is leaving Saturday to prepare for their trip to St. Louis to perform during the Rams game. Over 1,100 students, parents, and friends of Willard will be there to support the "Cutting Edge" Should be a great day of music and fun.

If you have not had the opportunity to watch "Children of Eden" by WHS Theater. It is a "must see" event. The performances so far have been outstanding. Friday ( tonight ) is almost sold out and performances on Saturday have some availability. Get your tickets and watch an amazing show.

As we close in on Thanksgiving next week, I wanted to represent the HS staff and say thank you to the parents and patrons of our district for supporting the school so well. We have been provided fantastic resources to educate and prepare Willard students for the future.

Thank you and have a great weekend. Stewart Pratt, HS Principal

Willard Middle School

Greetings from Willard Middle School. Well, after some very nice days of sunshine and warm weather, we got a reminder that winter is not far away, though it looks like this weekend is shaping up as very nice. If you are like me, it will give you another chance to get those leaves all put in their place before it gets too cold. The colder weather also reminds us that the holidays are right around the corner, and Thanksgiving break will begin for our students as of 2:32 next Tuesday afternoon. (Not that anyone is counting down.) I just wanted to mention a pretty special situation that I have been watching take place here at WMS, and how really proud I am of our kids. We talk of how much we should be thankful for at this time of year, but it soon turns to what we "want" for Christmas, and all the things we think we need, but do not have. How easy it is to forget how fortunate we really are. With our economy in a pretty rough shape, and many people really hurting, we began a food drive a few weeks ago, to try to help others in our area who need it. With two more days next week available to donate items, we are closing in on 750 food items being donated so far, with a goal of 1000 or more. The efforts and results have been amazing, and the kids are so proud that they can help others. We hope to reach the original goal, but even if we fall short, it has been a huge success. Far to often, we think only of ourselves, and what might be in it for us. A chance to really think of others, and put them first, is another great learning experience for our kids. If this lesson is learned, and hopefully passed on to others, what a wonderful Thanksgiving it will be for us all. Have a great weekend, and thanks for checking on us. Tom Merriott Asst. Principal WMS

Willard Intermediate School

Can you believe it is already the 20th of the month? In looking at the calendar we only have school three more days before December and the Christmas rush is upon us. I am sure our students are not bothered by this! This week saw WIS involved in several service and learning activities. Our annual Student Council Thanksgiving food drive saw a huge response to the needs of our community. WIS collected over 1200 food items and will provide food baskets to 21 families. Thank you to everyone that gave to this cause and to our student council for organizing it!

WIS kicked off a brand new club on Thursday. PE club will meet once a month and provide an opportunity for our students to enjoy some physical activity and improve their athletic skills. Contact Coach Highfill if your student is interested in joining. Thursday also saw our Science club members building mousetrap launch vehicles. It was amazing to see the creativity at work and their end products. Thanks to Mr. Hayes for sponsoring this great club.

Don't forget that school will not be in session Nov. 25-27. Enjoy the holiday break and best of luck to our 26 runners in the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary

Caring is the character education word of the month for November. The students and staff at Willard Central have fully embraced showing how they care for others this month. Last Friday, was Hats on for Community Service (an idea shared from Willard East). Each student and staff member could wear a hat for the donation of a quarter or more. All donations where to help our very Miss Heather Abney and her son Stephen with related expenditures from his cancer treatments. Together, we raised $300 to bless their family.

WC also showed they cared through our student council holiday food drive. Dried and canned foods, toiletry items and cleaning supplies were donated by students and collected by student council for the Willard Food Pantry. About $1000 in items were donated in our 4 day drive. It is wonderful to be part of such a generous and caring school community and to see our students embracing helping others in need.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your family and loved ones. May we live out caring this holiday season as our students have modeled it for us. Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard North Elementary

This was a very busy week. Our 1st grade program will be on Monday, November 23rd. Program will start at 7:00 p.m. at the high school theaters. Our little performers are ready and will knock your socks off.

Our Willard North 4th graders went to Jefferson City this week. They had a lot of fun and were able to see many parts of government in action as they were wrapping up their government unit. We are currently working on making brochures to share with friends and family about our trip. We had a great turn our for our H1N1 flu clinic this Friday. We were able to give close to 200 shots to students and faculty to help prepare them for the upcoming winter.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend! Remember we have a two day week next week! Angela Stevens, Willard North Principal

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary has been "in the money" this week! We hosted a penny drive to help with Holiday Baskets for our families. The penny drive had a little twist to it. Students brought pennies which counted toward their totals. However, silver such as nickels, dimes, and quarters and paper money counted AGAINST the pennies. There is a very strong competitive streak in our students, the teachers, and staff! Students really liked putting silver in other class's jars to decrease their penny points! All in all, our students and staff raised over $1000.00 for the cause! Our goal was a VERY small portion of that total and we will be able to do so much! Thanks to all who helped us! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary

On Tuesday evening our fourth grade girls walked the runway with our annual Flip Flop Fashion show! This is a seven week program developed and implemented by our school social worker Chrysta Forrest. This extra activity focuses on friendship, self-esteem, grooming, health and fitness, peer pressure and careers. A big thank you goes out to The Plaid Door, Social Worker Intern Becky Foshee, The System Hair Salon, fourth grade girls for participating and numerous staff members for making this such a special event.

I would also like to invite everyone to Barnes and Noble on Saturday, November 28th for our Willard South library fundraiser. Get an early start on your holiday shopping. A book is the perfect gift! We will also have special activities from 1:00-3:00. Come and check out our After School Actors, Good News Club, second grade skits, and cup stacking. We hope you are able to stop by and help support the Willard South library.

I want to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! 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 Weekly Update

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

Want to Get Re-Energized? Log onto <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com and click on Re-Energized for an exciting new league for 2010.

Flag Football Equipment Grant: Willard Parks and Recreation has been awarded a Flag Football Equipment Grant from USA Football for the 2009 Spring Season. This grant provides new equipment for the upcoming season.

New Park Board Member: Willard Parks and Recreation wants to welcome Tricia Taylor to the Park Board! Tricia joined the Park Board at the October monthly Park Board Meeting.

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 the Wal-Mart Foundation. Award winners will be announced in early 2010.

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

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: 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call me at (417) 742-2262.

Diabetes Support Group: If you are interested in the newly formed Diabetes Support Group please call Darrell Biellier at 742-2377 for meeting dates and times or if you have questions about the meetings.

Breast Cancer Awareness Group: If you are interested in participating in a new Breast Cancer Awareness Group please call at Recreation Center at (417) 742-2262.

Christmas on the Frisco: THIS SATURDAY Schedule of Events: 8am 5K Fun Run The run begins at the Willard Community Building, 222 W. Jackson Street. The entry fee is $15 or $20 the day of the race. Registrants will get a a T-shirt. This is sponsored by the Willard Parks Department & the Willard Chamber of Commerce.

9am-4pm Craft Show Come do some Christmas Shopping at the Willard Middle Schoo, 205 Miller Road. The entry fee is one canned or non-pershible food item for the Willard Food Pantry. Contact Debbie Olson at 742-2588 for booth information.

4pm Christmas Parade along Jackson Street There are sure to be plenty of great floats and lots of Christmas candy for the kids! Click <http://www.cityofwillard.org/images/stories/pdf/parade%20ap plication%202009.pdf>here for an entry form, or contact Kate at 742-5305.

6pm Award Trophies Awards will be given out for the best parade entries and best residential lighting display at the Chamber of Commerce Building, 101 E. Jackson Street. The lighting display contest is sponsored by Rep. Shane Schoeller.

6:30pm Lighting of Christmas Displays Come enjoy music, food and fun at the Frisco Highline Trailhead. Thank you to area businesses for sponsoring the displays!

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