District Newsletter

District Office 14 out of 14!!! Some might think this is how many games the New Orleans Saints or Indianapolis Colts will win at some point this year or how many regular season Basketball games Willard won a couple years ago, or even the number of times Jeff Staley has beaten me playing golf. (Jeff don't get the big head!) Today it stands for the perfect APR report that the Willard School District received for 2008-2009 school year. This comprehensive report examines public schools in areas including:

· MAP Scores for Communication Arts and Mathematics at grades 3-4 · End of Course Exams for Algebra 1 and Communication Arts II · ACT · Advanced Courses · Career Education Courses · College Placement · Career Education Placement · Graduation Rate · Attendance Rate · Subgroup Achievement · Bonus Points: MAP Science Scores grades 3-8, Biology 1

Each of these educational areas requires specific scores to be achieved in order to be judged as passing. Willard School District scored a perfect 14 out of 14 for the fourth year in a row. This success is shared by many stakeholders in our district: Teachers, Administrators, Non-Certified employees, Board Members, Volunteers, Parents , and especially our kids!!! It is comforting to know that plans, training, and hard work have paid off.

Congratulations to all the stakeholders!

Job well done!

Kent

p.s. Maybe with a little training and hard work on the golf course I will finally beat Jeff Staley??? (Probably not.)

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities The Willard Four-State Basketball Tournament is currently taking place at Willard High School. Please join us for the beginning of the Ladies and Mens Basketball Seasons. It looks to be an exciting year!

Also, good luck to the Wrestling Tigers as they open their season at the Neosho Tournament this weekend.

It's good to be a Tiger! Jeff Staley, Director of Activities

Director of Special Services WHS Special Services would like to thank Murfin's Market in Willard for again allowing students in Mrs Poulson's Transition Class come and learn on-site job skills. Nine students were placed in four different areas: produce, stocking, frozen foods, and bagging. Students learned to spot spoiled fruits and vegetables, read bar codes in order to place items on the shelves, check for out-dated product and bag items correctly. The students enjoyed working with the employees and many friendships developed. Thank you Murfins for dedicating your time to help students learn work skills to help them succeed. Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School The High School came back from the Thanksgiving break in full swing. Activities, Athletics, and school day events are going strong until December 18th ( End of the Semester ).

A reminder to parents and students about 1st Semester Finals , which are scheduled for December 16th, 17th, and 18th. It is crucial that students be present for their final exams. We use our semester final exams as indicators of student learning, and an avenue to prepare students for State Level Testing (End of Course Exams).

The Vocational Ag students and sponsors were awarded a $1,500.00 grant. The Vo-Ag program will be using the grant resources to improve classroom curriculum and programming aimed toward outdoor habitats and natural resources.

Many thanks to the community for their support of the Fine Arts programs at WHS. Fantastic audiences at "Children of Eden" ( wow...what a show), support of the WHS Choir ( Pancake Breakfasts ) and performances, and of course all the tickets purchased and support for the Band at St. Louis Rams game. A big thank you to parents and community!

Have a great weekend! Stewart Pratt, HS Principal

Willard Middle School Greetings from Willard Middle School. It is amazing that we only have two weeks left in the first semester, as this year has gone by so quickly. The message we want to send the students and parents alike is that although we are almost there, we do still have those two weeks to get a little more done around here. Please encourage your kids to keep up the good work, and finish the semester strong. It is very easy to let down when the finish line is near, and end up with grades that do not reflect the good work you have put forth over the past months. We all are excited for the break, but we hope to ensure that we are all proud of what has been accomplished once we get there.

In the coming weeks, we are looking forward to several exciting events to wrap up 2009. On Dec. 9th, the Cook and Create Club will be meeting in the FACS lab, from 2:30 - 4:30. There will of course be cooking going on, but more importantly, there will be eating as well! Next Friday and Saturday, we look forward to the presentation of "The Jungle Book" in Black Box Theater. The start time will be 7 pm each night, and the cost is only $5, which is a small price to pay for what is always a great display of talent and effort by our kids and Ms. Graves and staff.

On the 15th we will be holding an art show from 3:30 - 6:30. The Choir Christmas Concert will be that same night at 7 pm. And finally, we are looking forward to our very own WMS Talent Show, which will be after lunch on the 18th. I have seen some of the talent that will be on display, and I can only say that we have been blessed with some amazing singers and a variety of other talents for that show. Parents are welcome, and if you can make it I assure you that you will leave impressed with these kids. Thanks for checking with us, and have a great weekend.

Tom Merriott Asst. Principal WMS

Willard Intermediate School It seems that the weather has finally caught up with the calendar. It is cold outside! Today WIS celebrated having 20 days in a row fight free. As a result everyone got to watch Mr. Davis eat several live insects in our afternoon assembly. It was quite a show. We are proud of our students and look forward to reaching our next fight-free goal!

Our student council sponsored our second "Hat day" of the year. WIS came through in a big way and raised over $200 that will benefit the Jim Staley Scholarship fund. Thanks to everyone that participated.

Have a great weekend! Tom Davis, Principal

Willard Central Elementary December has brought the cold air to the Ozarks. It is perfect weather for snuggling up and reading a great book! The Willard Central All-School Book Club will finish reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and celebrate the book together with our Family Literacy Night on Thursday, December 10th at 6:00. Enjoy reading this book or another great book with your students and pass on the gift of reading together this holiday season!

Mark your calendars for the following December activities: Monday 14th PTO Meeting at 6:00 Tuesday 15th 4th Grade Concert at 7:00 Friday 18th Holiday Parties at 2:45 Monday 21st January 1st Christmas Break

Stay warm and enjoy all of the festive activities planned in the coming weeks. Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary Today is Hat's on for Community service. Students are wearing hats and donating at least $.25 to Victory Mission. We are on a streak of collecting at least $100 a month and hope to continue that streak today! We are also collecting hats, mittens, scarves, gloves and socks to decorate our Christmas tree in the front hallway. You are welcome to stop by and donate any of these items. 'Tis the season of giving and thinking of others. Our East students have shown their giving spirit all year and we are very proud of them.

Holiday festivities at Willard East - Winter parties and our school-wide pajama day will be Friday Dec. 18. Please check with your child's teacher for more details about your party. Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard North Elementary Our first week of December has been very high paced. Winter Break is quickly approaching and students have been excited about the tiny snowflakes we saw falling from the sky the other day. In music, our 1st graders put on a spectacular music program on the 23rd of November. It was the perfect performance to start our Thanksgiving break. Many thanks to Mrs. Reed and Coach Bills. This month on the 17th, the 4th graders will be performing at the high school in their music program.

Next week is our Santa Workshop hosted by our PTO. Students will be allowed to come in and shop independently for gifts for their families. It is a very exciting time, and the students love it.

We will also be hosting our monthly Helping Hatday on December 9th. Proceeds for this month will go to families who have special needs for the holidays.

Have a safe and fun weekend! Angela Stevens, Willard North Principal

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary WOHE has enjoyed our week back after our Thanksgiving Break! We are gearing up for our schoolwide Christmas program Monday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. Preschool through 4th grade will be spreading holiday cheer! We will also host an art and ornament show. Everyone is welcome to attend! Here is a list of upcomng events!

December 7th: Schoolwide Christmas Program December 15th: WOHE night at Barnes and Noble 5-7 p.m. December 18th: Holiday parties, Polar Express, and schoolwide pajama day!

Have a wonderful week! Rhonda Bishop, Principal

Willard South Elementary I always love this time of year at school. You can see and hear the excitement in the hallways. Students and teachers alike join in on the holiday activities. Our FACT cadre held their annual Make-It Take-It Night on Thursday evening. Everyone enjoyed decorating sugar cookies, creating a special ornament, bell musical performance from our 4th grade After School Actors, and a special appearance from a cheery someone wearing a red suit! A BIG THANK you to everyone who helped with this wonderful event. We had a great crowd and everyone enjoyed to holiday festivities.

Next week we are looking forward to "Jingle All the Way" performed by our very talented second graders. They will be performing on Thursday, December 10th at 3:00 and 7:00. We hope you are able to attend this holiday performance. 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

Willard Parks and Recreation Presents the 2010 Get Willard Fit Competition: Information will be available soon!

Christmas in Willard: Willard Parks and Recreations Second Annual Christmas in Willard Celebration will be held on Saturday December 12th at the Willard Recreation Center at 6:00pm. This years activities include a Christmas Movie and pictures with Santa. We will also be opening the concessions and having a bake sale from donated items. Go to <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com for more information and to view the official movie preview.

Reenergized Basketball 2010: Registration Ends December 16th ONE Location Smaller Teams Better Uniforms More Games New Coaches Training New Rules More Experienced Referees

LOG ONTO <http://WWW.WILLARDPARKS.COM>WWW.WILLARDPARKS.COM FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION

Christmas on the Frisco: Thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas on the Frisco events on Saturday, November 21st. We had a great turnout for the 5K, City-wide parade, and the Lighting of the Trail. Thank you!

Session 1 Basketball: Thank you to everyone who is playing basketball for Willard Parks for the Session 1 Season. This season would not be possible without you!

Grants Update: Willard Parks is still awaiting word if we were approved for the 2010 US Soccer Foundation Grant. Winners should be announced in the coming months.

Willard Parks also visited with Wal-Mart representatives (Kansas Exp.) about a $5000 business donation/grant. We will know if we are awarded in February 2010.

Willard Parks has been awarded an Equipment Grant from USA Football. This grant brings new equipment to Willard!

Land OFrost: Willard Parks and Recreation is entering into an agreement with Land OFrost again in 2010. Land OFrost will be giving $9500 to the Parks Department for uniforms for the 2010 sports teams.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Children's 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 winter eight-week dance session will begin January 5th thru February 25th. 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.

Childrens Dance Classes Winter Session: January 5th-February 25th Spring Session: March 9thMay 4th Dance RevueTuesday, May 4th 6:30 pm Creative Dance: Ages 3-5Classes on Tuesday Afternoons Ballet and Tap: Ages 5 & upClasses on Tuesdays & Thursdays Ballet, Tap & Jazz: Ages 9 & upstudents with prior dance experience--Tuesdays Classes are 8 weeks. The fee is $50-$65. Contact Ms. Patrice at 818-3659 for additional information and class availability.

2010 Family Friendly Information: Start planning now and mark your calendars Movie in the Park:

Come to the 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.

April 24th 8pm Movie: Wall-E

May 29th 9pm Movie: Indiana Jones and the kingdom of the crystal skull

June 26th 9pm Movie: The Incredible Hulk

Music in the Park: Come enjoy nights at the Park listening to great music. These events are FREE to attend and are held at Jackson St. Park. Concessions will be sold. Bring you lawn chairs and blankets!

2010 Music in the Park Dates:

May 22nd 6pm June 19th 6pm

Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 27th 9am at the Willard Recreation Center. Bring the kids for this fun, FREE Easter Party that features hunting for eggs, pictures with the Easter Bunny and fun games!

Willard 2nd Annual Triathlon: June 19th 7:30am at Jackson St. Park. Events include swimming 300 yards, biking 12 miles and a 5K run. The deadline to register is June 12th. Start training now! The cost to participate is $50.

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard