District Newsletter

The Pride

 

 

The Pride exists to update, celebrate, and inform, the community concerning weekly events at Willard R-II

 

February 5, 2010

 

District Office

The News-Leader headline this morning reads "SNEA wins local union battle". In my opinion, this could be a sad day for education. Please don't get me wrong: I highly support teacher organizations! I believe that professionals should be part of organizations that provide support, advice, and especially liability coverage. These aspects of teacher organizations are pure and help teachers to grow in their skills, as well as protect them from ungrounded legal suits. However, in many parts of the country there is another uglier side to this issue. Illinois, our neighboring state, is highly teacher unionized. Contracts are set with agreements so specific that it limits how long teachers must remain in a building, how many students in a class, how long they have to stay after  school for staff meetings, how many conferences they must have on parent nights, etc... Ultimately, in this type of environment, the relationship between teachers and administrators become tainted. Disagreement becomes adversarial and in the end, this is harmful to students. Ransom Ellis is the Springfield School District attorney and a friend of mine. He was quoted in the paper below:

"Ellis said he doesn't know how different budget discussions may be this year, with the selection of a union. But once SNEA is certified, he said, they will want to sit down to talk about teacher contracts. "At that point you are entering into a business arrangement as opposed to having a  collegial discussion, etc. Not that negotiations aren't collegial, but it's a different kind of process," said Ellis. Since this will be the first contract to go through such a process, Ellis said he would expect the process to take some time. Smith said his organization will be getting a bargaining team together. The members will need to get some training."

I hope for the best in this new relationship in Springfield. I truly hope that their experience remains positive and does not slide down a slope to negative union style negotiations. Once again, I am thankful to be in Willard. The relationship that exists between teachers and administrators is positive and built upon trust and shared goals. I respect the teaching staff greatly. As a whole they are committed to continued improvement and the success of every child.

Have a great weekend.
Kent

 

Activities Director

 

The Pride - Activities

Obviously, I'm not a scientist or meteorologist but I'm confused on how this whole "global warming" thing is suppose to work.  It won't stop snowing!  Anyway, back to the Tigers.

 

Congratulations to the basketball tigers on their 3rd place finish in the Nixa Invitational.  They defeated Harrisonville and Mt. Vernon (pay back!).  The boys had a heartbreaker against Rogersville on Tuesday but look to get back on track tonight vs. Carthage for Courtwarming.  JV starts at 6:00 with Courtwarming festivities being held between games.  The boys will then host Neosho next Tuesday before traveling to Republic next Friday.

 

The lady tigers had a big win this Monday over Bolivar before falling to Webb City last night.  The girls travel to McDonald County tomorrow for a 1:00 game and will travel to Branson on Monday and Neosho next Thursday as they resume COC play.

 

Our wrestlers have some time off as they prepare for the district tournament a week from this Saturday.  More details in next weeks Pride.

 

A special congratulations to Steven Anderson, Rick Samples, and the late Jim Staley on being inducted to the Willard Activities Hall of Fame.  Induction ceremonies will take place during the Feb. 9th boys basketball game vs. Neosho.  A reception for friends and family will follow.

 

Another special congratulations to our own Mark Lawley on being invited to be a guest conductor at Carnegie Hall (yes, THAT Carnegie Hall!).  This is just another example of how lucky we are to have teachers like Mr. Lawley working with Willard kids.

Last, but not least, a big THANK YOU to all custodial and maintenance staff for helping keep the parking lots and sidewalks clear and safe for children and staff!

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

Jeff Staley - Director of Operations

 

Special Services

 

Special Services serves a wide range of students that might require help with vocations, housing, Social Security information, or independent life skills. We will be hosting  a Transition Fair on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 2:00-6:00 in the High School Commons. Over 20 outside agencies will set up booths to introduce people to services available in  and around our  community. These agencies will be available, not only to students, but anyone that has a question or need. Please come and visit with these agencies and learn  what they have to offer to our students and patrons in need.
 
HS special services teachers express thanks to "Willard administration and school board for the new technology we have in our classrooms.  Projectors are used in many of the classes to reinforce objectives through videos, alternative lessons, and hands-on activities. Smartboards have brought the entire world into the classroom with interactive lesson plans that teach concepts in a way that students have come to expect.  Document cameras are helping visually impaired students and stretching budget dollars by removing the need for every student to have a text. It is often a struggle for teachers to be as technologically savvy as their students, but with the training and support Willard RII offers we are making great strides".

 

High School

As the month of January ended, the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education was making an impact on Legislators throughout the state.    Willard students who have a passion for the importance of the Arts in public schools joined forces with other area school students.   Willard students made a presentation at the Show-Me Arts Summit.  Representative Shane Schoeller and Sen. Norma Champion were both in attendance.  After Saturday's Arts Summit, Willard Senior Christine West joined with area students to speak with the Senate Education Committee in Jefferson City.  Christine's passion was clearly heard about the importance of Fine Arts Education to Missouri students.  Missouri Association for Art Education Director Deborah Fisher is hopeful that additional Willard students will be invited to speak to the House of Representatives in the near future.  This is another example of the positive representation our students provide for our school and community.

This week is Courtwarming Week which concludes tonight with our Boys Basketball competing against Carthage. Between the games will be our Courtwarming Ceremonies and after the game our SGA Courtwarming Dance.  WHS students have been dressed in some very "spiritful" and "unique" clothing each day to show school spirit and support.   We have had a great week of fun and looking forward to a great game tonight.

Have a great weekend.

Stewart Pratt, HS Principal

Middle School

 

Greetings from Willard Middle School. We have turned the calendar to February, and enjoying a few nice days along with the snow and frost. If it is true that "variety is the spice of life," then the weather in Missouri should keep us all happy. We are all gearing up for Super Bowl weekend, and in appreciation for the work our teachers do here at WMS, we are having our own little "soup-er bowl" lunch. This is of course due to the "soup-er" job they do each day, and we hope they know how much they are appreciated. We are also having the Valentines dance this evening (Friday 2/5/10), and look to have a great evening of music, food, and fun. Next week, the National Junior Honor Society members will be going on a skating trip on Tuesday evening. We applaud these kids for all of their hard work and accomplishments, and hope they continue to see the value in education and success. Spring sports will begin with their opening meetings in the coming weeks, and we hope to see a large number of students taking advantage of both our Track and Softball programs. By the time they get into full swing, the sun will be out and being outside will be a good thing (we hope). Thanks for checking on us, and have a great weekend.  Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

  

 

Willard Central Elementary

 

Willard Central has been busy with the business of learning.  We enjoyed hosting teachers from Warsaw and Marshfield to see all of the wonderful literacy instruction being provided for students in the Willard District.  As we look ahead to the coming weeks, please mark your calendars for these events in February:

Monday 8^th – PTO Meeting at 6:00

Wednesday 10^th – McDonald’s Cookie Sales begin

Friday 12^th – Valentine’s Day Parties at 2:45

Monday 15^th – Snow Make Up Day

Tuesday 16^th – PUSH Program begins for 3^rd and 4^th grade after school.

 

Have a warm, safe weekend!   Shane Medlin, Principal

 

 

Willard North Elementary

 

Where has the time gone?  We are already past our first week of February.  This month we are selling candy grams in order to raise money and donate to Haiti.  So far fourth grade students have sold over 550 candy grams within the first week.  That is over $200.00 so far.  We have one more week of selling before giving our donation to Convey for Hope. 

Starting on February 8^th, Mad Science will be offering a science workshop after school on Mondays.  Students may choose to participate in the program to foster their interest in science.

Honor Choir will be performing the National Anthem tonight at the High School court warming basketball game at 6:45.  Please come out and support our Willard players and our Willard North student honor choir.

Angela Stevens, Willard North Principal

 

Willard Orchard Hills Elementary

 

It has been a Rocking Week at Willard Orchard Hills Elementary!  On Monday evening we hosted our first PTO meeting. Thanks to all the parents that came and showed support for our school. We are planning activities including Valentine Candy Grams for February 12th! 

 

On Wednesday, we held our February Tiger Pride. We recognized Perfect Attendance for the 2nd semester , 4th grade Honor Roll, and our monthly "apple" awards. The students were THRILLED when the Willard Tiger Basketball Team showed up! Coach K. taught the students a couple of cheers and he challenged the students to try and beat the teachers during the TIG-ERS cheer!  Of course the students hung on every word Coach K said and they beat the staff!  We then initiated our gymnasium "Tiger Style" Here is a link to pictures of the demonstration the Willard Tigers gave the kids. We will be reconnecting with the Tiger Basketball team on February 19th at WOHE night at the ballgame. Thanks Coach K and the team for taking time to be a part of our assembly! 

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43515229@N04/sets /72157623233741959/

 

WOHE cheers the basketball teams on this week along with the wrestling Tiger JV team at Nixa.  GO TIGERS!

--
Rhonda Bishop

 

 

Willard South Elementary

FREE TAX PREPARATION

Willard South Elementary

4151 West Division Street

February 11th 4:00pm-8:00pm

Call 862-6308 ext 57 for more information

 

Walk-in NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY!  This is open to the public!

 

People should come prepared with the following items:

·       Valid driver’s license or photo identification (self & spouse, if applicable)

·       Dates of birth and social security cards for all persons listed on the return

·       All income statements: Forms W-2, 1099, Social Security, Unemployment, or other benefits statements, self-employment records and any documents showing taxes withheld

·       Child care provider’s information: Payee’s name address, and SSN or TIN; total paid for child care

·       Proof of account at financial institution for direct debit or deposit (i.e. cancelled/voided check or bank statement)

·       Prior year tax return (if available)

·       Other relevant information about income and expenses

With the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you could get up to $5,600 extra back from the IRS. Imagine how that could help you make ends meet. Single or married, with or without children, you may qualify if you:

·       Worked part or all of 2009

·       File a 2009 federal tax return

·       Make less than $50,000 

***Brought to you by: Atlas Financial Services, Community Partnership, United Way, and Bank of America

--
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

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

 

Spring Soccer / Volleyball Registration 2010: Register now thru February 19^th

This season features 7 games. The fee to participate is $40 and admission to all games is $1. For more information please call Shawn at 742-2262.

 

Featured:

Willard Parks and Recreation is featured in the winter 2010 Missouri Recreation and Parks Association Magazine. This is a statewide magazine mailed out all over the state. To view, follow the instructions below.

 

Copy and paste the following link:

http://www.mopark.org/displaynewsletter.cfm

Then use the drop down tab and click on winter 2010 magazine. Our article is on page 16 entitled “Busy Time in Willard”.

 

Valentine Day’s Dance: Saturday February 13^th

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!

 

Health Fair: Saturday February 20^th

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.

 

Willard’s Biggest Loser:

The Willard Biggest Loser weigh in for Saturday January 30^th was cancelled due to the weather. Weigh ins will continue on Saturday February 6^th. If you have any questions please call (417) 742-2262.

 

New Sponsors:

Willard Parks and Recreation wishes to thank its newest sponsors, Hood’s, Smart Start Day Care, and Century 21. These businesses have purchased signs in the gymnasium at the Recreation Center.

 

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). Time is running out to donate and we need your help!!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 22^nd – March 26^th

$80 for the entire week or 17.50 per day. 7:00am – 6:00pm

 

Summer Camp Session 2010: Registration forms are available at the Rec. Center

 

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 5^th 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 5^th-February 25^th

Spring Session:   March 9^th—May 4^th

“Dance Revue”—Tuesday, May 4^th 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.

 

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

June 26^th – 9pm – Movie: The Incredible Hulk

 

Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday March 27^th

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 2^nd Annual Triathlon: June 19^th

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

 

Harlem Legends Shot for the Stars Basketball Camp: July 12^th – 16^th at the Recreation Center from 9:00am – 1:00pm.

Freedom Fest 2010: Saturday July 3^rd

2010 January – June Program Guides: These guides will be mailed out this week!!

The 2010 January – June Willard Parks and Recreation Program Guide is in production.. 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

Thanks,

Kevin McDonald

Parks and Recreation Director

City of Willard