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Greetings!
Welcome to ZizzerPride News. Your source for the latest news and happenings in the West Plains R-VII School District. Please encourage students, parents and patrons to sign up for ZizzerPride News at www.zizzers.org |
| Headlines |
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Click on the links below for news and information about West Plains R-VII.
Ozark Radio Network:
WPHS Wins MSU-WP Interscholastic Contect Click Here Wal-Mart Donates To WP Educational Foundation Click Here
West Plains Daily Quill
Teacher Points to ECSE Needs at WP R-VII Click HereWPHS Faculty Wins Grizzly Triva Tourney Click Here2 Lady Zizzers Named to All-Ozark Conference 1st Team Click Here
All District Honors to Tabby & Andi Haney Click HereKeegan Bowen selected to Missouri Basketall Coaches Association All District Team Click Here
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| WPHS Takes Top Honors at 27th Annual Interscholastic Contest |
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 | The team from West Plains High School took top honors in the 27th annual Interscholastic Contest hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains on Thursday, March 4, on the Missouri State-West Plains campus.
An estimated 450 students from 20 area high schools in Missouri and Arkansas participated in the academic event. The competition tested students' knowledge in a variety of subject areas ranging from agriculture, science and math, to speech, history and English. Competition was held in three divisions based on school size, with first, second and third place winners announced in each division. First, second and third place winners overall also were named.
The West Plains team placed first in the overall competition, which gave them ownership of the "traveling trophy" that is given to the overall first place winner every year. Second place overall went to Mtn. Home (Ark.) High School, and third place went to Mountain Grove High School.
Dennis Lancaster, director of the William and Virginia Darr Honors Program at Missouri State-West Plains and coordinator of the contest, said the overall competition winner is determined by a point system based on student scores irrespective of division. "West Plains had more students who placed first, second or third overall than the other schools," he explained. "Mtn. Home, however, won the division trophy because they had more students total take first, second or third place among the division and fewer who placed in the top three overall." |
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Middle School Spelling Bee News! |
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Congratulations to the Middle School Spelling Bee winners!
They have been competing in their language classes for a chance to advance to the Howell County Spelling Bee. These students will compete againist other students of the same grade at Fair View on Saturday, April 10th. Those who place first through third will advance to the district level (LAD Spelling Bee), held at Willard High School on April 24th.
5th Grade: Noel Collins, Shanda Fine, Dakota Johnson, Ryan Mardock, Kayla Stadler, Spencer Young and alternate Taylor Hall.
6th Grade: Megan Biggers, Jake Burke, Ryan Evans, Nathan Mann, Michaela Marshall, Devin Schmitt, Maddie Warren and alternate Morgan Buehler.
7th Grade: Karlee Cochran, Brianna Collins, Kyle Hodges, Robert Kurth, Jordan Owens, Dalton Rakestraw, Juliette Reid and alternate Clayton Hall.
8th Grade: Zach Howell, Katie Kentner, Kevin Marquez, Kelsey Price, Brandi Snider, Jonathan Thornton, Kelsey Waggoner and alternate Ellen Hones.
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WPMS MCTM Math Contest |
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On Thursday, March 4th the West Plains Middle School hosted the Regional MCTM Math Contest. There were 51 students competing in individual and team competitions. Jonathon Thornton won 1st place in the Algebra Competition and Amy Kutter won 6th place in the Algebra Competition. Amanda Caetano competed in the 7th grade individual competition and won 9th place. The West Plains Middle School Team (Karlee Cochran, Amanda Caetano, Tori Ugbah, and Jonathon Thornton) won 3rd place.
Jonathon Thornton will also be eligible to attend the State Contest in Springfield at MSU on May 1st. |
| 9th Grade Science Fair |
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The science department will be having a science fair for the freshman level students this month. It will be open to the public on March 25th from after school until about 6:00 pm. Five categories will be represented; Physical Science, Life Science, Environmental Science, Behavioral Science, and Math/Technology. Approximately 200 projects will be presented at that time. For more information email Lori Shannon at lshannon@zizzers.org. |
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The West Plains Zizzer Speech and Debate Team is the DISTRICT CHAMPION Team!!! |
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West Plains Zizzer Speech and Debate Team is the DISTRICT CHAMPION Team!!!
There were 9 individual events at District Speech and Debate and the Zizzers placed in the top 3 in all of the events! Because of this, the ZIZZERS QUALIFIED in ALL NINE Events to the STATE competition in Columbia!
Taylor Swink --- 1st in Humorous Interpretation
Francis Ahrens --- 1st in Dramatic Interpretation
Francis Ahrens --- 1st in Storytelling
Kelby Czerwonka --- 2nd in Prose Reading
Kelby Czerwonka --- 2nd in Original Oratory
Tiawna Johnson --- 2nd in Extemporaneous Speaking
Kayla Elam --- 2nd in Radio Speaking
Ariel Coates and Emily Bridges --- 2nd in Duet Acting
Dayne Bonnewell --- 3rd in Poetry Reading
The Zizzers are also the District Champs in Public Forum Debate - Placing 3rd were Zizzer Team Kelby Czerwonka and Jimmy Thayer and Zizzer Team Placed 3rd, Kayla Elam and Francis Ahrens.
All Zizzers represented themselves, their parents, West Plains R-VII and our community in such a way that we should all be extremely proud to call them our students. They looked extremely professional. They won with pride and grace. |
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Food Backpack Program |
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The Grace Community Church of West Plains is sponsoring a Weekend Food Backpack program that currently serves 13 West Plains Elementary students.
The program is fashioned after similar programs at Bakersfield and Richards schools. Those programs are funded, at least in part, by Ozark Food Harvest. Learning about these programs, Grace Community Church parishioners wanted to provide a similar service to West Plains Elementary students. After researching the viability of tapping into other resources and finding funding is limited and no longer available for new programs, the church members voted unanimously to sponsor the program on their own.
The program began February 5th, 2010 with ten students and has since expanded to serving 13 students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Grace Community Church and family members of some in the congregation are also contributing, which will bring the total number of students served to 17 or more by the middle of March. The program will continue until the end of the school year.
On Fridays, each child receives a backpack with nutritious, prepared food that provides three meals a day for two days. The students are responsible for picking up their backpacks at dismissal on Friday and returning them the following Monday.
The children are excited about the program and have assumed responsibility to be sure their backpacks are back in time so they don't miss out the following weekend.
The District is so appreciative to Grace Community Church for their service to our students. To quote one teacher, "Thanks for doing this! I think it is such an outreach to families to know that we do care for our children. I think the church that is doing this, needs to know what a blessing each of these families will receive!"
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Happenings At South Fork |
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March 26th - End of the 3rd Quarter
April 2nd - Good Friday - No School
April 12th - South Fork MAP Boot Camp. This day is filled with fun games and educational activities to help students gear up for the MAP test.
April 27th - PreK & Kindergarten screening for the 2010-2011 school year
May 11th - South Fork Science Fair under the direction of Mrs. Camisha Hunter.
March 8th - 12th - Spring Break - No school
May 13th & 14th - Elementary Track Meet @ Zizzer Stadium |
| West Plains FFA Advances to Districts |
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West Plains FFA had two teams and four speakers advance to districts after area contest on March 10th, 2010
Parliamentary Procedure team placed 2nd and advanced
Joey Patten, Robert Patten, Jimmy Thayer, Melissa Whittingham, Crystal Wright, Lidia Collins, Laura Kerschen (coach- Mr. John Doss)
FFA Knowledge team also advanced
Kelly Richter (3rd high over all), Hailey Huddleston, Samantha Johnson
Speakers Advancing:
Division I Speaking 2nd - Robert Patten
Division II Speaking 1st - Delsey Jett
Extemporaneous Speaking 2nd - Jimmy Thayer
Creed Speaking 3rd -Laura Kerschen
Caitlin Remington and Kari McVey placed 1st with the Chapter FFA Scrapbook-will advance to state
Lidia Collins placed 3rd with Chapter Secretary's Book
Joey Patten Placed 3rd with Chapter Treasurer's Book
Thanks to all who helped these students succeed. Special thanks to judges Wendy Czerwonka, Marcia Kerschen, and Brent Henry
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Zizzers Speech & Debate Team Results |
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To start out last week's spring break The Zizzer Speech and Debate Team had a great MSHSAA District Tournament at Camdenton. The team then went to Springfield to the NFL District Tournament. The team brought home the traveling trophy for the team with the most consecutive rounds from the Ozark NFL District (one of the top five NFL Districts in toughness, in the nation).
The team had the following entries advance to Semifinals with the heartbreak of no one advancing to Nationals this year:
Francis Ahrens and Kayla Elam --- 6th in PF Debate
Kelby Czerwonka --- Original Oratory
Francis Ahrens --- Dramatic Interpretation
Jimmy Thayer and Kara Pilz --- Duo Interpretation
Ariel Coates and Emily Bridges --- Duo Interpretation
Megan Cowens --- Humorous Interpretation
Wyatt Thomas --- Humorous Interpretation
Please congratulate these students as you see them throughout the day! |
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This Week's WPHS Events & Sports Schedule |
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Tuesday
West Plains R-VII School Board Meeting at 5:00 in the Administration Building
FFA Vo-Ag CDE's in Houston at 9:00
Wednesday
No events Scheduled
Thursday
Boys Basketball Banquet in the Cafeteria at 6:00 pm
Friday and Saturday
Baseball at Mountain Home Tournament
Girls Soccer at Harrison, AR Tournament (varsity only)
Sunday
FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Columbia
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| A Message from Mr. Carter - WPHS Theatre, StageCraft, Advanced Acting & WPMS Theatre Instructor |
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| "I wanted to take a moment and brag a little on my advanced acting and stagecraft students. Our reader's theatre, "Desperate Housewives" and one act play, "The Pavilion" took fourth place in our district this weekend. Both productions were top notch and I couldn't be more proud of our students. Even though, neither took first place, the judge's critiques were all positive expressing that the students' acting skills, characterization, blocking, and style were superb and professional. Moreover, as I watched both, I can tell you they were wonderful productions-I am so proud!" |
| West Plains Elementary Musical |
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 The 4th grade classes at WP Elementary will be doing the musical "Lemonade" on Tuesday, March 30th in the elementary gym at 6:30 p.m. A cast of characters from nursery rhymes discovers that "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade."
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West Plains Community Transition Team Update |
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The West Plains Community Transition Team (SOCKETT) finished up the final training session in Columbia last week on Thursday and Friday. Team members attending were Mike Highfill of Ozark Independent Living, Danny Lillo a parent, and Joe Davis of the West Plains R-VII School District. The Missouri Community Transition Team Training is sponsored by the DESE and the University of Kansas. On Thursday afternoon the team heard presentations from schools that participated last year and their results of their progress this year. Barb Gilpin from DESE welcomed the teams and gave a brief overview for this year's progress. Angela Gourley of The ARC of Missouri gave an update on funding issues with the Department of Mental Health for people with developmental disabilities.
Friday morning representatives from Missouri Assistive Technology, Missouri Statewide Independent Living Council, Missouri Department of Developmental Disabilities and Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services all gave updates on their current projects within the state.
The West Plains R-VII School District received the grant last August. The purpose of the grant is to support team training and technical assistance to enhance a public education agency's ability to provide comprehensive transition programs for youth with disabilities aged 16-21, including facilitating a seamless transition to full community participation for every student, regardless of his/her disability, upon exit from high school.
The focus of the Missouri Community Transition Team training is aimed at the following four areas:
- Provide an understanding of transition planning, services and research-based effective practices in transition as a framework for educators, students, families, administrators, interagency personnel, community partners, and employers, to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and tools to improve post-secondary outcomes for transitioning youth;
- Provide training and technical assistance in developing a strategic plan for community-wide transition systems;
- Improve access to and availability and appropriateness of employment opportunities and other post-school activities as defined in Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004; and
- Elevate community awareness of, and commitment to the improvement of post-secondary outcomes.
For more information, contact Joe Davis, a special education teacher at the West Plains High School at 256-6150. |
| Skills USA Upcoming Events |
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March 25-27 - State Leadership Conference and Contest at Linn Tech Community College.
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| SCCC Spring Community Education Classes |
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Registration is available for the Spring Community Education classes offered at South Central Career Center. Classes are set up on a short-term basis and are available in computer applications, technical training, personal enrichment, and culinary delights. All classes will be starting this month. Visit www.zizzers.org/CommunityEducation or Jessica Weisbrod at 256-6152 for more information. |
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WPHS Volleyball |
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Volleyball Open Gym and Summer Camp Dates
Open Gym
Location: West Plains High School Gym
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
Dates: March 16 (Tues.)
March 23 (Tues.)
April 5 (Mon.)
April 12 (Mon.)
May 13 (Thurs.)
May 20 (Thurs.)
May 27 (Thurs.)
Licking Summer Camp
Location: Rolla, MO
Date: June 11-12 (Fri, Sat)
Teams: Varsity and JV
Cost: $280 per team plus hotel and food expenses (approximately $65 per athlete)
Willard Summer Camp
Location: Willard, MO
Date: July 12, 13, 14 (Mon, Tues, Wed)
Teams: Varsity only
Cost: $55 per athlete
Zizzer Volleyball Camp
Location: West Plains High School
* Date: July 26-30 (Mon-Fri)
Age: 4th grade -12th grade
Cost: $25 per athlete
- The volleyball program will be doing various fundraisers throughout the summer to hopefully be able to pay for a portion of these camps (excluding Zizzer Camp). More information about these fundraisers will be shared later.
- While open gyms and summer off-season practices are not required, it is very beneficial to attend as much as possible to allow players to practice skills before tryouts in the fall. While in NO WAY will a player be punished for not attending, keep in mind that those who DO attend will be further along with basic volleyball technique and skill.
- Please help get the word out of these dates to anyone interested in trying out for high school volleyball for the 2010-2011 school year.
- Information regarding the volleyball summer schedule will be handed out May 20 and 27.
- If there are any questions or concerns, feel free to call Coach Erin Lovelace at 256-6150.
* The week of the Zizzer Volleyball Camp may change depending on when the state (MSHSAA) sets "Dead Week."
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Missouri Youth Leadership Forum |
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The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum is seeking youth with disabilities ages 16-21 to learn leadership and career development skills that will enable the individuals to have a successful transition to post secondary education and employment. The forum is held at University of Missouri, July 25-28, 2010. For more information contact Ramona Talburt, at 256-6150.
DEADLINE IS APRIL 15, 2010.
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10th & 11th Grade Course Selections & Schedule Requests for 2010-2011 Are Now Avialable |
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For 10th grade & 11th grade course selections and important information pertaining to 2010-2011 school registration visit: www.zizzers.org/highschoolcounselor and click on course selections. |
| WPHS ZNN News |
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 ZNN News is now available online at www.zizzers.org/znn. |
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Middle School Spring Dance |
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Mark your calendar! The Middle School Spring dance will be Friday, March 26th from 6:30 until 9:00pm. The cost is $5.00 and concessions will be sold. |
| Graduating Foster Teen Shower |
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| Life is difficult after high school, especially for foster teens who do not have support from parents. To that end, members of the WPHS/MSU Associates Program are collecting items for graduating foster teens. Every item donated can help them start a new life after high school. These items will be distributed through Chaffe Foster Care Independence Program. Items needed include: toiletries, cleaning supplies, kitchenware, cookware, beddings, mattresses, irons, ironing boards, furniture, home décor, TV's, and home appliances. Collections will be made through May 21, 2010. Donations can be dropped off at West Plains High School in room 106 on Wednesdays and Fridays or other arrangements can be made by contacting Adam Chen at 274-2478, Jeremiah George at 293-7976, or Kathleen Aid at 256-6150. Please help these foster teens by donating new or gently used items! |
| Spring Cleaning? Help the WPMS Junior Beta Club |
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 Spring cleaning? Help a good cause! The WPMS Junior Beta Club is collecting used eyeglasses and hearing aids. These items will be donated for use in third world countries through Lions Club. Donations will be accepted through the end of the school year. |
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WPMS Zizzer Productions News |
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WPMS Zizzer Productions News is now on-line at SchoolTube (http://www.schooltube.com keyword Zizzers or West Plains). For the latest update click on the the link below.
http://got.im/cmw |
| Get Your Information in ZizzerPride News |
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If you have something school related you would like to spread the word about, send the information to lana.snodgras@zizzers.org.
To ensure your information will be in the next edition of ZizzerPride News, please send your information by 8am on Mondays & Thursdays and keep the description to 100 words or less. |
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Inclement Weather |
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Inclement weather is here! Do you need to update or add your phone number to ensure you receive the phone call when school is canceled?
If you would like to be added to list, update your phone number or to unsubscribe, contact Lana Snodgras at 256-6155.
Information will also be posted on the district website, Facebook, Twitter, and in the Zizzer Pride News in the event school is cancelled.
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