District Newsletter

District Office

It is nice to see the Sunshine!!!! It was wonderful to have Christmas Break and I have had lots of comments that it was a "battery recharge" for many people. I did not quite intend to include an extra three snow days in the first week back from break. The following days have been identified as make up days:

• January 18th
• February 15th
• April 5th

I hear lots of comments when we have a snow day. Some of those are:

1. I am glad I don't have to make that decision!
2. Do you ever get it right?
3. Do we have a policy on wind chill?
4. Who makes the decision?
5. Do we always close if Springfield closes?
6. Why did they fill my parking place with a mountain of snow from the parking lot. (This was from my daughter who drove to school to find her assigned space filled with 6 feet of snow!)

Here is just a short rundown of how it works. I crawl out of my nice warm bed at about 3:45a.m. on days we might have problems. At 4:00, I enter into a conference call with about 10 other schools, the National Weather Service, Missouri Department of Transportation, Greene County Roads, and we hear the latest information about road conditions, temperature, and if there will be additional accumulation. The district representatives will visit and share if they plan to call off but most of us head out to our car to evaluate the roads. In Willard, I also force Dr. Royal to get out of her nice warm bed to help. She lives around Fantastic Caverns and this can be some of the hardest roads to navigate in the district. Forrest Owen the Director of Transportation is also up and driving roads. Our goal is to make a decision by 5:30a.m. Most employees have not left for work at this time and we can catch them before they leave. Immediately upon making the decision Dr. Royal call the local TV school cancellation hotline and Bob Andrus immediately begins our automated calling service. The district can call all employees in about 20 minutes. Dr. Royal and I both call individuals at the top of building phone trees and everyone gets a call. Ultimately the process works pretty well for about 600 employees. Needless to say this is not one of my favorite parts of my job! to try and answer the above questions: 2. No 3. No 4. I do 5. No 6. Sorry dear, just be happy snow melts!

Have a great weekend!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Activities Director

Well it has been awhile since I have written a Pride article so forgive me if I miss something.

Congratulations to the girl's basketball team on their victories over Carthage and Lebanon this week running their record to an impressive 10-4 on the season. The girls have a little break before returning to action next Friday at Joplin. A special "welcome back" to Coach Kendra Lotter (who is 2-0 since her return!) and a special "thank you" to Coach Paulsell, Coach Curry, and Coach Blair on doing a fantastic job while she was away!

The boy's basketball team had a rocky end to the 2009 year but they have started 2010 with a bang! After a victory over Ava in the first round of the Blue and Gold, the boys suffered a close loss to Nixa in the second round. They have since come back to beat Branson and Webb City to get off to a 2-0 start in the COC. They will be at Buffalo tonight and next week will host Mt. Vernon on Tuesday before traveling to Marshfield on Thursday and to Bolivar next Friday.

Our wrestlers had a great tournament last weekend in Monett taking home a 3rd place finish in the team standings! The tigers were led by senior Joel Wyman's first place finish. They will compete in the Republic Tournament this Saturday and are preparing for the COC tournament next Saturday in Nixa.

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

Jeff Staley - Director of Operations

High School

The 2nd semester started with a stutter as "old man winter" gave us a few snow days. This week we were able to get all five days of school accomplished as students and teachers re-established school routines.

WHS hosted the REACH conference, which is composed of 40 school librarians collaborating to maintain DESE standards for Southwest Missouri School Libraries. WHS Library staff Jill Wooldridge and Chris Kapper organized and hosted the regional event.

Each year WHS teachers collaborate together for an interdisciplinary unit to impact students. This year, our unit focus is on poverty. Faculty members manipulated curriculum to weave poverty lessons into content areas within the building. Literary works, artistic displays and productions, classroom dialogue surrounding poverty in the United States and throughout the world, along with economic factors of poverty. The interdisciplinary unit will finish up with a dramatic production in the theater on January 22nd from 8:30am - 10:30am. Each year this multi-content focus has provided enriched learning for our students. We are really proud of the effort and focus of our students and staff toward understanding poverty.

Coming up on January 26th, we will host Freshman Preview Night. The night is centered around current 8th grade students and parents coming to the High School and examining the activities, sports, clubs and organizations available for new High School students. Freshman Preview Night begins at 5:30pm and ends at 7:30pm.

Stewart Pratt, WHS Principal

Middle School

Greetings from Willard Middle School. After an "extended" Christmas break due to all the snow and cold weather, it is good to be back in school, and get back to the routines and business of learning. Once again we as educators, as well as the students, have the opportunity to begin a new semester and get a fresh start on things. (Hopefully build on the positives we have already established.) As we get back in the swing of things, there seems to be some type of activity almost every night. Both the boys and girls basketball teams are having end of the season tournaments, as their seasons begin to wind down. We encourage you to get

out and support these students if you haven't had the chance to do so already. There will be a fundraiser next Friday (Jan. 23) for the students going on the Washington D. C. trip. It will begin at 3 pm and will be held in the upper gym at the Middle School. Also, start making plans now for the Valentines Dance, which will take place on Feb. 5th, from 5-7pm. The first half of the school year is behind us, and we look forward to even better things in the second half. As always, thanks for checking in on us, and remember that Monday is now a makeup day, so we DO get to come to school! See you there.

Tom Merriott Asst. Principal WMS

Intermediate School

It felt a little odd to complete a whole week of school! WIS students and teachers found themselves getting back into the routine and now have the 2nd semester up and running. The upcoming week looks to be a busy one:

Monday - School will be in session as our first snow make-up day.

Tuesday - Hot cocoa cafe after school

Wednesday - Technology club and Running club after school

Thursday - Student council meeting and Science club after school

Friday - Friday Choir before school

WIS PTO is planning a new spring fund-raiser. Be looking for information to go out soon. The 2 remaining snow make-up days will be Monday Feb. 15th and Monday April 5th. Let's hope we do not need any to schedule any more. Bring on the warm weather!

Tom Davis

Principal - Willard Intermediate School

Willard Central Elementary

The snow days extended the holiday season giving parents and students alike a desire to get back in to the routine of school. We are back in the swing of things with students starting new units of instruction and going deeper in their learning for the 3rd quarter. Next week, we will celebrate the efforts of students from the first semester with our Terrific Tiger Week. During Community Time, we will be recognizing students and classes with perfect attendance, honor roll, and special area awards. On Friday, we will be honoring the hard work of students from our PTO fundraiser by duck taping the principal to the wall and holding our drawing for the Castle Rock Water Park and Resort in Branson. It looks to be a fun week of celebrating our dedicated students. ~ Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

Yesterday Willard East hosted Missouri Reading Initiative training for area principals. Approximately 40 principals participated in a morning of workshops followed by an afternoon of classroom observations. It was nice to show off our Willard teachers' expertise in teaching reading. Our students and our school received many compliments and requests to return and observe more classrooms.

Today we celebrate our December/January Tiger Pride assembly and recognize 4th grade Honor Roll students. 30 4th graders

will be recognized for their effort to maintain and A/B average. Attendance is also an important part of learning. If you are not here you can't learn so we will be recognizing students who have perfect attendance for 1st semester.

Hat's On for Haiti - Since we were out of school on our January Hat's on for Community Service we would like to reschedule that for next week and have all the proceeds to toward relief efforts in Haiti. The media is advertising that money is the best donation at this time so this will be a perfect cause for our money!

• Jan. 22nd - Hat's on for Haiti
• Feb. 5th - Hat's on for Willard Schools clothing and food bank

Willard North Elementary

We all survived the cold temperatures and are very happy to be back in school after our extended winter break. Students at North are rallying together this month to collect blankets for the Salvation Army. There is a need in the Ozarks for warm blankets for those who do not have adequate shelter. The blankets we collect will be delivered on the 20th along with our Helping Hatsdonation from the students. Willard North students this year have raised money for worthy causes across the Ozarks. Last month students collected over $140.00 to help support the troops who are away for the holidays. The money went to purchase calling cards for our troops so they would be able to talk to their loved ones. Thank you to all the students and parents for supporting all these worthy causes. We are very proud of the students at Willard North.

Angela Stevens, Willard North Principal

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary

Well the weather allowed us to make it for a full week! We are back in our regular routines after our extended holiday vacation. This week teachers have been working on common assessments with their grade levels across the district. We are collecting data for our assessment wall and showing student progress for the first semester.

Don't forget Monday, January 18th is a MAKE UP snow day! We will be in session all week long. The other two days we have missed will be made up on February 15th and April 5th. Mark your calendars with these changes.

Have a great week enjoy the warmer (above zero) weather!

Rhonda Bishop

Willard South Elementary

Welcome back from Christmas break! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and their extended days off from school. It was great to be at home relaxing and spending time with family. It was also good to get back in a routine and see all of the students at school this week. It is always exciting to hear about their adventures during the holidays! Today we held our second quarter Tiger Pride Assembly. This is a wonderful event that showcases student achievements and highlights a special person or community member. It was my honor to recognize our school social worker Chrysta Forrest. She does an amazing job at working will all of our families across the district. This holiday season she helped coordinate holiday baskets and gifts for 108 families, 242 children and collected more than $23,000 from area businesses and individuals. Her generosity, commitment and support is truly appreciated by everyone. Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal

**School will be in session on January 18th, February 15th and April 5th.

Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal

Willard Parks and Recreation

Weekly Update

• Kevin McDonald: Director
• Shawn Trent: Interim Sports Coordinator
• Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation/Aquatics Specialist
• Britney Carpenter: Child Care Coordinator

Mission Statement:

To provide the City of Willard the highest quality of leisure opportunities and programs to people of all ages in the following ways:

-To provide a Parks and Recreation system that is responsible and directed by the needs of the people of Willard

-To preserve, protect and enhance the citys park lands as a way to improve the physical and mental health of the people of Willard

-To invite and encourage individuals, families, schools, businesses and other community groups to become partners in our efforts to invigorate and sustain the citys natural and leisure resources

-To provide safe and fun sports programs, camps , senior activities, classes, courses and outings in a organized and positive manner

Visit us on the web

News Story: KSPR came to Willard on Sunday to do a story on the Willard Biggest Loser Competition. Logo on to http://www.kspr.com/news/local/80518407.html to check out the story. Information on the Competition is below.

Biggest Loser Challenge: Willard Parks and Recreation & CoxHealth Fitness Centers Presents the 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

Winter Camp 2009: Thank you to everyone who attended the 2009 Willard Parks and Recreation Winter Camp. The camp this year was a huge success! The camp was held at the Recreation Center through the out of school days.

New Sponsors: Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank its newest sponsors, Willard Tax Station & EZ Resale and Mini Storage. These businesses have purchased signs in the gymnasium at the Recreation Center.

Valentine Days Dance: Saturday February 13th Dont miss the 2010 Willard Parks and Recreation Valentines Dance from 7pm 9pm at the Willard Recreation Center. This dance is free to attend and is open for all ages. Come and dance to great music, get your picture taken and enjoy cake and punch!

Health Fair: Saturday February 20th 10am 1:00pm at the Willard Recreation Center. People of all ages can come and participate in the many health activities that we will have available.

Out of School Camps: 2010 Willard Parks and Recreation offers various out of school camps throughout the entire year. All camps will be held at the Willard Recreation Center.

Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering camps each day school is not in session. These camps are for ages 5 -12.

• Out of School Camp: January 18th $17.50 from 7:00am 6:00pm
• Out of School Camp: February 15th $17.50 from 7:00am 6:00pm
• Spring Break Camp: March 22nd March 26th $80 for the entire week or 17.50 per day. 7:00am 6:00pm
• Summer Camp Session 1: May 25th June 25th $85 per week or $17.50 per day. 7:00am 6:00pm

New Trees: A few months back, Empire Electric needed to remove some trees from Jackson St. Park because they were interfering with the utility poles. Due to removing these trees, Empire replaced the trees with NEW trees at Jackson St. Park. Stop by and check out the new trees.

Community Thank You: Toy Drive: Willard Parks and Recreation donated two full boxes of donated toys to deserving area kids. These toys were donated to the Willard Recreation Center during Safe Halloween 2009. Thank you to everyone who donated toys!

Food Drive: Throughout Session 1 Basketball, we have been collecting can goods at the Willard Recreation Center to donate to the Willard Food Pantry. On Thursday December 10th, Willard Parks took the donated items to the Willard Food Pantry. Around 40 can goods were donated and will go to deserving families. Thank you to everyone who donated.

2010 January June Program Guides: The 2010 January June Willard Parks and Recreation Program Guide is in production. The guide should be ready shortly. Willard Parks wishes to thank the 2010 Program Guide Sponsors:

-CoxHealth Fitness Centers -Sac River Stables -Top Hat Package -Caseys General Stores -New Beginnings Community Church

Featured Article: Willard Parks and Recreation will again be featured in a Missouri Recreation and Parks Association Magazine. The magazine article will be out in January. The article will feature special events that took place in Willard in 2009.

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.

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 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 be held at the Willard 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.

Land O Frost: Willard Parks and Recreation is entering into an agreement with Land O Frost again in 2010. Land O Frost 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 and Friday: 5pm 9pm Tuesday & Thursday: 3pm 9pm

Senior Activities: Willard Parks and Recreation is doing its best to try and offer senior activities and programs to the senior citizens in the community.

Willard Recreation Center Senior Activities:

Senior Luncheons: Every Wednesday from 11am 1pm at the Willard Community Building. All seniors are invited to attend.

Game Days: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00pm 3:00pm seniors can come to the Willard Recreation Center to play games such as bingo, dominos, cards and much more.

Exercise Classes: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: PACE CLASS 10:00am 11:00am Tuesday & Thursday: SILVER SNEAKERS 9:00am 10:00am

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.

May 29th 9pm Movie: Indiana Jones and the kingdom of the crystal skull June 26th 9pm Movie: The Incredible Hulk

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 (417) 742-2262