Willard East April 17th
Willard Central April 9th
Willard Orchard Hills May 6th
Willard North April 18th
Willard South April 16th |
We've updated our look & added friends!
As a parent, staff member or fan of Willard Schools we hope you'll enjoy reading about school happenings each week. In addition to the new look we've included a few new features as well.
* Easy Sharing
Just use the buttons at the bottom to send this issue to friends & family or post on social media.
* Manage Subscription
Use the link at the bottom to change your subscription. If you'd rather not receive The Pride or would like it sent to a different email address simply make the changes to your subscription.
* Connect with Your School
Each school's news section has a link to their website and Facebook page so you can get connected and stay informed.
* Quick Sign Up
The Join Our Mailing List box above let's anyone sign up instantly to receive their own copy of The Pride.
|
|
 |
|
Easter is always a celebration of new life! There is no better feeling then to know that we make another persons life better. I interviewed new teachers this week and I asked one of the applicants why they chose to pursue a job in Willard. {They were an excellent applicant and would probably have opportunity in several districts.} Her answer was, "I understand that Willard has excellent academics but cares about the whole child and that is what I want to be a part of!"
It did not take much more time to confirm that she was the right person to recommend to the BOE for a job. She was absolutely correct in her assessment. We don't simply build the knowledge base of young people, we help them to become life learners. When young people become learners we give them "new life"! They can take the understanding of how to learn and apply it to the rest of their lives and be more self sufficient and successful. Ultimately we add new life to children by helping them grow. I appreciate the Willard Staff because they understand what we do is just not about test scores and grades, it is about building "life" in kids!
Have a great Easter!
Kent
Dr. Kent Medlin
Superintendent |
|
As has become the norm, our Willard student/athletes are experiencing success at a very high rate so let's get to the updates...
Congratulations to the Willard Band Students for their outstanding results yesterday in the MSHSAA District Solo/Ensemble Festival. Seventeen of the 25 entries earned Honor I Ratings which qualifies them for the State Solo/Ensemble Festival at the end of April. Over 40 students will be attending the State Instrumental Music
Festival. Students earning an Honor I Rating on a solo were Kyle McKinney, Clayton Carter, Haley Schweighardt, Matthew Gaede, Timothy Olson, Logan Lockhart, William Dickens, Emily Crotts, Kayli Owen, and Zephan McGlasson. The other seven Honor I Ratings were in the large ensemble catagory. Congratulations students on your hard work!
Congratulations to the high school winter guard for taking first place honors with their very energetic performance at the O'Fallon Winter Guard Competition on Saturday. Their score currently has the guard seeded second in the Scholastic B Class for the MCCGA Championships to be held at Willard High School on April 6th.
This came from Jerry Scott, our choir director: I am delighted to pass along the OUTSTANDING results the choir students earned last night at the District Solo & Ensemble Festival. The students earned 34 "1" ratings with 72 of the 106 students qualifying for the State Music Festival at the end of April. The other 19 entries all earned "2" ratings which is also very impressive. These results are amongst the finest in the programs long history of excellence. The students work very hard and dedicate themselves to this event for 10 weeks all geared towards one performance and all of our entries performed beautifully all evening long.
Special thanks to my assistant Cathy Green and our accompanist Becky Woodall and Suzanne Bradhsaw for their help in preparing and playing for 53 entries (that is 106 songs) in one night!! It is so rewarding to work with such great kdis that excel in the classroom and also in so many activities and sports. The support and encouragement of teachers, staff, and administrators is much appreciated!
Six members of the Willard High School Track and Field team braved forty degree temperatures to compete at the University of Missouri Relays over the weekend. Seniors Brady Fitch and Ali Frazier each earned a medal at the meet. Fitch's discus throw of 143' 4" earned the second place spot. Frazier earned second in the shot put with a throw of 38' 4". Ali also had a seventh place finish in the discus with a throw of 107' 5". Freshman Chloe Andrews was just out of the medals with a fourth place finish in the 800m run (2:32.48). Andrews also competed in the 1600m, earning a seventh place with a run of 5:35. Sophomore Garron Schweighardt had his best 3200m of the early season, posting a 10:56.88. Senior Harrison Puckett made the finals in the discus with a personal best throw of 128' 09". The complete varsity squad will travel to Carthage on Thursday to compete in the Carthage Invitational.
Our baseball Tigers will resume their schedule tonight as they will play Parkview in the first round of the Willard Lead-Off Tournament at 4:30. Blue Springs South will take on Rogersville in the 7:00 game. Friday, Parkview will take on Blue Springs South at 4:30 followed by Willard vs. Rogersville at 7:30. On Saturday, Willard will play Blue Springs South at 9:30am followed by Parkview vs. Rogersville. Next week, the Tigers will host Conway on Tuesday (not on the original schedule) starting at 4:30 before playing in the Red and Blue Tournament in Springfield starting next Thursday.
The soccer Lady Tigers will be at Joplin tonight before hosting Marshfield on Friday. The girls will host Bolivar next Monday and will travel to Branson on Tuesday. Good luck ladies!
It's Good To Be A Tiger!
Jeff Staley - Activities Director |
District Solo and Ensemble were rescheduled and conducted this past Wednesday at Hollister. The WHS Choir students continue to shine and carry on a strong tradition of excellence. Mr. Scott's students earned 34 "1" ratings while 72 of 106 of our students qualified for State Music Festival. It is amazing who works behind the scenes at so many of our events. Between Cathy Green, Assistant Chorale, Becky Woodall, accompanist, and Suzanne Bradshaw,
accompanist, 53 entries equaling 106 songs were played in one evening of competition!
Going into the first of our WHS spring break, Communication Arts staff stayed late as well as an extra day to facilitate the Language Arts Department (LAD) Fair for Southwest Missouri. This was the fourth year that Mrs. Troxell and her
department have hosted this event at Willard. To note, more than 5500 student entries were judged in six different categories.
Our students and staff continue to prove that it is GREAT to be a Tiger!
Happy Easter
Curt Graves
Willard High School
Principal |
The WMS Archery team qualified for Nationals this past Saturday. WMS had 12 shooters that scored over 250 points! Jordan Lockhart finished third place in the state in the middle school male division. Congratulations to all our shooters on a great job!
The WMS Winter Guard took first place in the Jr. High/Middle School class at the MCCGA Winter Guard Competition in O'Fallon, Illinois this past weekend. Congratulations to these ladies. They have been working very hard this season!
WMS Dates:
April 4-6: Mulan Play 7pm - Don't miss out!!
April 16th @ 7 pm in the WMS library: There will be an informational meeting for any current 7th grade student that is interested in going on the 2014 Washington DC trip. Students and parents are invited. If you would like more information, please contact Mr. Biggers at dbiggers@willard.k12.mo.usThanks for checking in on us!!!
Amy Sims and Stephanie Walters Willard Middle School
School Mission: "Support the dream; move forward to create a community which fosters excellence and builds character." |
Each building across the district is filled with every day heroes. These individuals are silent with their thoughtful gestures, gifts and efforts to help others. We often are not even aware of all of the continual things these individuals do on a daily basis. Here at Willard South, we are very fortunate to have one individual whose energetic and outgoing personality was recognized by others. Below is the story of Jake Woods, a fourth grader at Willard South Elementary. He was recognized by KY 3 and The American Red Cross for making the difference in the lives of others. Jake was presented with the Everyday Hero award at a special luncheon on Wednesday, March 27th at the Oasis Convention Center. On December 20, 2012 Winter Storm Draco caused extreme travel havoc, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Many flights around the country were forced to divert, bringing many unexpected travelers to Springfield. Several local agencies, led by the American Red Cross, responded to the airport with cots, blankets, heater meals, and hygiene kits to bring some relief and comfort to the Springfield's new visitors. On that cold evening, Jake Woods went with his dad to the airport with the assignment of unloading supplies from the Red Cross trailer. He helped everyone find an open cot and worked to keep families together. There was never a time when Jake was not walking around, talking and checking on the well-being of passengers. There was an older gentleman that had some mobility challenges. Jake got his food, helped him prepare it, then checked on him several times. He made a personal visit to every stranded traveler ensuring that all their needs were met and they were as comfortable as possible. Jake is a very outstanding young man that made a difference to people he will never meet again. However, each of those travelers will, without a doubt, think of Jake Woods when they remember Springfield, Missouri. Congratulations to Jake Woods and his family for making the difference in the lives of others. Your story is an inspiration to others. Have a wonderful four day weekend! Kara Crighton-Smith Principal |
|
Central Elementary School
|
Willard Central celebrated the hard work of our students for the 3rd quarter with our Terrific Tiger Celebration Thursday morning. Students and classes were recognized for demonstrating our Willard Way of being respectful, responsible and ready to learn. Each quarter, we recognize a student, staff member or community member who excels at showing the Willard Way. On behalf of our students, staff and families, Dr. Devon Jarvis was recognized as our 3rd quarter honoree for all of his efforts for helping students across the district "be ready to learn". Dr. Jarvis v olunteers his time to help with vision screenings at health care screenings across the district. Dr. Jarvis works with the Lions Club to make sure every student that needs glasses gets them. He has volunteered his time to do a presenttion to staff members on vision issues and he is always available to answer any questions or concerns regarding eye care for Willard students. He has even made a "house call" to WC to treat an injury. It was a great morning to surprise and recognize Dr. Jarvis for all of his efforts. We even surprised his own children who were helping lead the assembly in their role as Student Council members. Thank you again to Dr. Jarvis for all of his work in helping Willard students be ready to learn.
As we look ahead, enjoy the long Easter Weekend and then be ready for these upcoming events in April:
4- Spring Pictures
8- PTO Meeting 6pm
9- Kindergarten Concert 7pm
27- PTO Carnival 4-6pm
Shane Medlin
Principal |
|
Orchard Hills Elementary School
|
|
The weather cannot keep us down at WOHE! Our students and staff are ready for some spring weather. After spring break, we started our sessions of CAMP MAP for 3rd and 4th grade students. This has been a great program that is well attended by students. After our extra hour of instruction, we serve all the students dinner. We are going to be ready for the test in late April.
We are also thankful for having Friday and Monday off school! The make-up snow days have been added to the end of the year and our new last day of school is May 24th.
We have a lot of activities coming up this spring. Talent Show try-outs will begin in April, the kindergarten and first grade music programs will be coming up and our Locks of Love assembly the last Wednesday of April.
We hope everyone has a wonderful mini-break!
Rhonda Bishop Principal |
|
This time of year is full of activities. Although it is busy, research supports the fact that students who participate in extracurricular activities actually benefit educationally. Participation in extracurricular activities helps to encourage appropriate social skills and self-confidence, as well as develop discipline. We encourage ALL of our students at Willard to get involved with music, clubs, sports and special events. Don't be a spectator, be a participator!
Lindsey Hicks is a great example of getting involved and having fun! If you have been to basketball games this year, you will see her cheering with the high school squad on the sidelines and during half-time. Lindsey is a 2nd grade student at Willard North Elementary and participates in cheerleading through the Champions Committed to Kids organization. The purpose of this organization is to pair kids who are fighting chronic illnesses with area sports teams and give them a chance to feel what it is like to be part of an athletic team. These students are able to have the opportunity to participate in their sport and to have a feeling of fellowship with other members. She cheers with the junior and varsity squads at all home games. We are very proud of her!
Have a great weekend!
Caryn McDonnell
Director of Special Services |
|
|
