District Newsletter

District Office
Last month, our Librarians offered their annual report. This report to the Board of Education outlines the current status of the district media centers. Each building offered individual reports and one item was strikingly evident. Willard Students read lots of books! The HS media center reported over 42,108 items checked out. Intermediate school student data shows 16,509 items checked out. These are only two examples which indicate that students are motivated to read. I became hooked on reading at a young age and continue to love to read science-fiction, as well as books on educational leadership and motivation. Administrators regularly have book studies to learn, share, and collaborate about school improvement. Administrators will begin a new study next week using a book by James Hunter titled: The World's most Powerful Leadership Principle. My intent is for this to helps us build ourselves into even more powerful leadership "Prinicipals". If kids don't enjoy reading, they have simply not found the right book! Take a break from the TV this weekend and pull out that book you have wanted to reread. It will be a great weekend for a book, recliner, wood stove, and some quiet time!

Have a great weekend! Kent

Activities Director

What a beautiful Friday in the Ozarks! As of the time I'm typing this, all games are on as scheduled. If there are any changes, I will send them out as I get them. Congratulations to the wrestling Tigers on their outstanding performance at the COC tournament last week. Caleb Shook and Garrett Fletchall took 4th place in their weight class, Christian Adams finished 2nd, Taylor Ball and Joel Wyman were COC champions! The boys will travel to Warrensburg this Saturday for another tournament. The Lady Tigers have had an up and down week. After losing to Joplin, they rebounded with an impressive win over Monett only to lose a heartbreaker to Catholic last night. The girls resume play next week, as they host Bolivar on Monday and nationally ranked Webb City on Thursday. Good luck ladies! The Tigers have also been on a roller coaster ride, as they defeated Marshfield last week before dropping one at Bolivar. But, the boys responded in a big way, winning the first round game in the Nixa Tournament last night over Harrisonville! They will play O'Hara tonight at 9:00 in the semifinals. Third place game will be Saturday at 5:00 and the championship game at 6:30. On a separate note, the School Board has declared 8 weight racks and 7 benches as surplus material. Several of the racks and benches will be used at the middle school. The remainder of the surplus will be up for bid. Bids should be turned in to Jeff Staley at Central Office no later than Friday, Feb. 5th at 4:00pm. You may bid per piece or on the entire lot. Please contact me if you would like to see the equipment. It's Good To Be A Tiger! Jeff Staley - Activities Director

High School

We had an energetic finish to the week as the weather ( snow & the predictions ) got everyone excited. Predicting the weather is never easy, and we appreciate your assistance in getting students to and from school during these times. Last week we talked about Partners in Health Drive by the Science Department. By the end of Thursday, students and teachers had raised a little over $500 for Haiti relief. The final day Friday there was a surge of donations to raise the total amount to $917.00. It was a fantastic effort by the Science team to help medical needs in Haiti. Wednesday February 3rd, is the mid quarter grade report. If you are connected to "Parent-Link" our online student status connection, you can view student grades, attendance, and discipline. WHS Counselors have been visiting with the 8th grade class preparing for next year's transition to the HS. The week of February 8th - 12th the counseling team will begin scheduling current 9th - 11th grade students for the 2010-11 school year. Scheduling is being done online through SIS and "Parent-Link". We believe it will streamline the scheduling process and allow more visibility for parents in student class choices. Wednesday February 10th we will be hosting College Fair. This is an opportunity for our Junior and Senior students to talk to representatives from 50+ college and universities. The "College Fair" will begin at 11:30am (so students can visit with representatives during lunch ) and continue until 3:30pm. Stewart Pratt, HS Principal

Middle School

Greetings from Willard Middle School. We are wrapping up the last week of January, and mid-term for 3rd quarter is already here. This seems to be the time that many students struggle, coming off of break, cold weather, shorter days......ect. Please check with your son or daughter and encourage them to remain motivated to do their best, and keep their grades where they should be. Putting forth consistent effort will become a habit, and one that will be beneficial later in life. The winter sports seasons have come to a close, and we congratulate each team for the hard work and success they have achieved. We especially note the efforts of the 8th grade boys basketball team, which finished with only one loss this season, (by 2 points) and a 2nd place finish in the COC Tourney. The thing about this group that I appreciate the most is that their coach had nothing but praise for them after their only loss, and spoke glowingly about how they had each grown this year as people as well as players. I love to win games as much as anyone, but the quality of the person is far more important than the quality of the player, and I believe we are very well represented in this area with all of our teams. Finally, don't forget the Valentine's Dance next Friday evening, as it should be fun for everyone. Have a great weekend, and thanks for checking on us. Tom Merriott Asst. Principal Willard Middle School

Willard North Elementary

At this month’s Super Tiger, we celebrated all of our outstanding fourth grade students who made the Honor Roll. In February, we will be selling “Love Pops” and all proceeds will be sent to Haiti along with the money raised from “Helping Hats Day”. Have a save and restful weekend. Willard

Orchard Hills Elementary

We made it through the week without a snow day and through the first 100 days of school! The teachers have been to Missouri Reading Initiative Training and had our MRI Coach, Becky Garst in the classrooms for modeling. Our teachers and students have shown Miss Becky some really good lessons.

Today we did Hats on for Haiti at WOHE. Our students and staff donated $194.00 which will be given to Convoy of Hope to help the relief effort in Haiti.

Another one of our WOHE babies has arrived! We welcome Cadence Fayth Johnson to our WOHE family. She was born yesterday. Mrs. Johnson, who teachers 2nd grade at WOHE is doing great! Have a wonderful weekend and we will see you next week in FEBRUARY!

Rhonda Bishop 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
  

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 city’s 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 city’s 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 at www.willardparks.com

Willard’s Biggest Loser: The 2010 Willard Biggest Loser Challenge Sponsored by CoxHealth continued this past Saturday at the Recreation Center. Here are the results thus far. 18-34 Male Division: 1st Place: Has Lost 3.8% Body Fat 2nd Place: Has Lost 2.7% Body Fat 18-34 Female Division: 1st Place: Has Lost 2.7% Body Fat 2nd Place: Has Lost 2.1% Body Fat 35 Plus Male Division: 1st Place Has Lost 4.3% Body Fat 2nd Place Has Lost 3% Body Fat 35 Plus Female Division: 1st Place Has Last 2.5% Body Fat 2nd Place has Lost 2.1% Body Fat Only three more Saturdays remain in the challenge.

2010 Basketball: Thank you to everyone who is participating in the 2010 Willard Parks and Recreation Youth or Adult Basketball League. Games began this past week and went extremely well. Games for the season continue this week.

Willard Parks and Recreation's 2010 Food Drive: Willard Parks and Recreation is having a food drive to benefit the Willard Food Pantry now thru 2/6/10. All non-perishable food items will be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the Willard Recreation Center (133 North State Hwy. Z).

Scrap Tire Grant: Willard Parks and Recreation is in the process on applying for a Missouri Department of Natural Resources Scrap Tire Playground Surfacing Grant for the youth playground at Jackson St. Park. The Scrap Tire Material is one of the safest materials for playground surfacing. If you are interested in helping us obtain this grant by writing a letter to be included in the grant application please call Brandon at 742-2262.

Wal-Mart Foundation Grant: Willard Parks and Recreation has been awarded a $600 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. The grant will benefit the Willard Parks Department for the 2010 Year.

Aquatic Center Rentals: The Willard Parks Department is currently accepting rental applications for the 2010 summer. If you are interesting in renting the aquatic center for a party or an event in 2010 please call Brandon at (417) 742-2262.

Valentine Day’s Dance: Saturday February 13th Don’t miss the 2010 Willard Parks and Recreation Valentine’s 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!

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. 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

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.

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 it’s 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. Children’s Dance Classes Winter Session: January 5th-February 25th Spring Session: March 9th—May 4th “Dance Revue”—Tuesday, May 4th 6:30 pm Creative Dance: Ages 3-5—Classes on Tuesday Afternoons Ballet and Tap: Ages 5 & up—Classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays Ballet, Tap & Jazz: Ages 9 & up—students 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.

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

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.

Harlem Legends Shot for the Stars Basketball Camp: July 12th – 16th at the Recreation Center from 9:00am – 1:00pm. The Harlem Legends Celebrity Basketball Game will be held Friday July 16th at Willard High School at 6:00pm. Freedom Fest 2010: Saturday July 3rd 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 -Casey’s General Stores -New Beginnings Community Church -Pizza Hut Willard Kevin McDonald City of Willard Parks and Recreation Director