District Newsletter

District Office This week I had two opportunities to be a part of a discussion about student teachers. (Student teaching was 24 years ago for me; however, I remember it like yesterday!!!) The first opportunity was a meeting with one of our Principals and the Supervising Instructors for the student teaching program at Missouri State University. In that meeting, it was communicated that MSU is utilizing only specific school districts for inclusion in their student teaching program. Other districts are utilized only in special situations. Willard is the only school district north of Springfield that is utilized for the MSU student teacher academy. The other discussion opportunity was with Mark Lawley, high school choir director. I attended the yearly Christmas concert this week and was blown away as usual. During 2-3 of the choral numbers Joel Schilb, a student teacher, conducted the choir. This young student teacher led the choir with experienced mastery similar to Mark Lawley and Candace French. After the conclusion of the concert, I spoke with Mark and in our discussion he said simply "If you can't be successful student teaching at Willard, you can't be successful". I have processed on this statement all week. After much thought, I think I have gotten my head around the wisdom that Mark communicated. Basically, because of the talent, collaboration, motivation, and high expectations of many grade levels of professional instructors, students understand and embrace excellence. Therefore, a high quality student teaching experience is available but the young instructor better bring their "A" game because that is what our students believe is "normal". There is no doubt that "normal" is relative to your circumstances. I believe that in many classrooms in Willard "normal = excellence".

There is no doubt our kids are blessed to be in Willard!!

Have a great weekend!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities Winter Sports are under way and the Tigers are off to a great start.

Congratulations to the Lady Tigers on their undefeated Four State Championship last week and to the Tigers on their 2-1 2nd place finish. A special congratulations to Tim Huskisson, Skyler Frazier, Brook Duncan and Sammie Gathercole for being named to the All Tournament Team. I would also like to thank the countless number of workers and volunteers who helped make this year's tournament a success. Staying with the Lady Tigers - congratulations on their victory over North County Tech High School in St. Louis last night -- running their record to an undefeated 4-0 start. They will take on Eskridge High School tonight at 4:30 before hosting Marshfield next Monday (JV game starting at 6:00 pm) and Central on Thursday. Good luck to the Tigers as they host Lebanon tonight in a 3 game night with the freshman game starting at 5:00 pm. They travel to Camdenton this coming Tuesday night with the JV game starting at 6:00 pm.

Congratulations to the Wrestling Tigers on their 6th place finish in Neosho last Saturday. Joel Wyman won the 215 lb division. The Tigers defeated Camdenton last night and a special congratulations goes to Caleb Shuck, Steeler Seaburn, Sawyer Vincent, Dylann Bishop, Codey White, Louis Castro, Joel Wyman, Taylor Ball and Christian Adams on their individual wins. Their next wrestling match will be this coming Tuesday at home - hosting the Nixa Eagles.

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

Willard High School Willard HS is gearing up for the close of the 1st Semester. Students are involved in many charity drives such as SGA Food Drive, FBLA Candy Canes for Camp Hope, NHS Christmas Wrapping. Next week we will have final exams on Wednesday , Thursday, and Friday. We ask parents to ensure students are present, rested, and prepared for their testing.

We appreciate the nursing staff for assisting with the H1N1 flu vaccinations today ( Friday Dec 11th ). The organization of the heath care professionals made the process smooth and painless.

Have a great weekend. Stewart Pratt, HS Principal

Willard Middle School Greetings from the Willard Middle School. With only one week left before Christmas break, and the end of 1st semester, we are all running around here trying to finish last minute projects and final exams, and wishing we had just a few more days to get it all done. (Well, maybe not the kids, or even the teachers wish that, but I do. Really.) Anyway,we are also set to enjoy several exciting events in the next week. Tonight (Friday) and Saturday night, "The Jungle Book" will be presented by our drama dept. in the Black Box Theater. There will be a band concert on Sunday afternoon, and the choir will be giving a concert on Tuesday evening. We even have an art show on Tuesday afternoon, and will conclude the week with a talent show at the end of the school day on Friday the 18th. All of these events will provide an opportunity for our students to show off what they can do, and we invite you to come be a part of each of them. You will be amazed at the talent, and be entertained as well. Good luck with all the last minute Christmas details, and remember to enjoy this time of year, and the reason we celebrate. Thanks for checking on us, and have a great week. Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

Willard Central Elementary WC celebrated the completion of reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane last night with our Family Reading Night. It was a wonderful event with 154 students in attendance. With family members and siblings, we had around 450 people the book with us. Thank you to all of the families who participated and for sharing in the love of reading with your students! At Community Time this morning , gift certificates to Barnes and Noble and several books were given away to students who earned red tickets for attending our Family Night and answering questions about the story. Visit the WC Blog at <http://willard.k12.mo.us/scripts/webmail.exe?cmd=url&xdata= ~2-eb4523ff85a2de4e1526cc2bf6769aabc18a6cb39cdce391ddd4ae989 7372e302e302e3100&url=http!3A!2F!2Fwillardcentralparents.wor dpress.com!2F>http://willardcentralparents.wordpress.com/ to see pictures of the event.

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

Enjoy the break with your family and friends and have a Blessed Christmas and New Year. Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary It is a season of giving and our Willard East community has come through for us! Our Christmas tree is almost fully decorated with hats, mittens, scarves, and gloves. Our classrooms are collecting food and hygiene items for our families in need. During these tough economic times it warms our hearts to see such generosity. THANK YOU!!!

Hat's on for Community Service last week raised over $150 for the Victory Mission. So far this year we has surpassed our $80 goal every month!

PTO News - At our 4th Grade program next week we will be asking our families to approve the purchase of a new laminator. Originally we were going to use our fundraiser money to purchase SmartBoards for Kindergarten classrooms. Dr. Medlin has assured us that next year he is going to fund our additional technology needs. Right now we would not have enough to purchase all 3 Smartboards. We will be needing to look into other ways of spending our money. We also hope to raise additional funds during our Read-A-Thon and end of the year Extravaganza.

Tune in next week for Winter Party reviews! Melinda Miller, Principal

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary Last Monday night, the children of WOHE stood in the spotlight as they presented to their families and friends a school-wide Christmas program! The "house" was packed, the songs were great, and the stars of the show looked fabulous! After each set of songs, families were invited to join their students in the gym for the ornament and art show. Each family took home their child's ornament and holiday pictures.

To pull off such an event takes many hands working together.I would like to thank our traveling teachers who made this night special. Mrs. Michelle Chatman, Mrs. Erin Kuchta, and Mrs. Sharon Reed did a fantastic job with the music. Mrs. Krista Mello, Mrs. Michelle Mathers, and Mrs. Teresa Palmer helped the students create beautiful pieces of artwork. Each classroom teacher helped the students with their ornaments and the trees were magical. All the work cannot be done without a Jingle Bell Crew of parents who literally "swooped" down on the gym and transformed it into a child's art gallery. We are blessed with great parent support at WOHE. All the teachers and staff helped after school to put the final finishing touches on the building. I would also like to thank Mrs. Cyndi Clutter and Mr. Eric Roberts, who used their singing talents during the program transitions to bless the crowd. It is one to remember!!

Tuesday night will be our 2nd WOHE Barnes and Noble night. Students will be performing and hopefully all of you will be there buying books! Be sure to see some one about a WOHE ticket so we get credit for the sale! Next Friday we will be hosting our school-wide pajama day and Polar Express activities! Don't come to our building unless you are dressed appropriately! 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.

Willard Parks and Recreation Weekly Update Kevin McDonald: Director Shawn Trent: Interim Sports Coordinator Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation/Aquatics Specialist Britney Carpenter: Child Care Coordinator

Visit us on the web at <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com

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.

Biggest Loser Challenge: Willard Parks and Recreation & CoxHealth Fitness Centers Presents the Biggest Loser Six Week Fitness Challenge from January 9th February 13th. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

How the Challenge Works: Fee to participate is $20 per person ($15 for winners and $5 administrative fee)

Every Saturday during the challenge, participants will come to the Willard Recreation Center from 9am - 11am to weigh in

The deadline to register is January 8th

All participants will receive a Free Trail Week with CoxHealth Fitness in Willard

The person who losses the most body fat percentage at the end of the challenge on February 13th will win

1st Place Winner in each division will receive 60% of registration proceeds. 2nd Place Winner in each division will receive 40% of registration proceeds.

Divisions are:

1. 18-34 Male 2. 18-34 Female 3. 35 Plus Male 4. 35 Plus Female

For more information log onto <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com.

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

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 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.

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 thousands of dollars of new equipment to Willard!

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.

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 the 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.

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.

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard