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The Pride
October18, 2013

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Welcome to THE PRIDE
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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. 
 
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Willard Parks

Kid-Venture Days

$17.50 per child - Includes field trip

School is out Oct. 25th join us at THE REC!

6:30am to 6:30pm

 

Halloween Events

Boo Bash

Grades 5th-8th

7:00pm to 10:00pm

$5.00 - Live DJ/Costume Prizes

 

Dungeon of Doom

Oct. 25th - 26th

5:30pm to 10:00pm

$3.00 to enter

 

Trunk or Treat - Safe Halloween

Oct. 26th

5:30pm to 8:30pm

FREE EVENT!!!  

District Office

Example of True Willard Student Leaderhip!

One of my favorite quotes is "Leadership will rise and fall in the eye of a storm!" Leadership is not entirely a learned behavior. Often individuals demontrate leadership characteristics early in life. This last week the Willard Softball Team won the district championship and advanced in state playoffs to the Sectional Championship. Unfortunatley, they were unsuccessful in their attempt and lost the contest. However GREAT LEADERSHIP and EXEMPLIARY CHARACTER was demonstrated in the defeat. The following letter was written by the Home Plate Official about our team and one of our Senior Captains.

I just would like to take the time and commend the Willard High School softball team on their outstanding season.I also had the privilege to officiate their sectional game in Columbia on Wednesday.The sportsmanship displayed by the players, coaches and fans was second to none.The community of Willard should be proud to be represented by such an outstanding group of young ladies and their coaches.Upon the completion of the contest, something very special happened that I still am taken back by.After the game, which was a tough loss, the pitcher from Willard sought out the officials to thank us.She came all the way across the diamond and through some of the Hickman fans to shake our hands, this is a moment I will always remember as an official.I don't know the young lady and had never met her but I will always remember her because of her actions during and after the game.She never once made a gesture while pitching; she just received the ball back from the catcher and threw again.She could teach a lot of people about character, both adults and children.It is moments like this, why I officiate.I do write some complementary reports but seldom does someone make an impression as this young lady did.One of the other officials made the comment afterwards that she does this every game, wow.This is a true testament to her and her family.Thank you so much for letting me be part of this opportunity.I would suggest her to speak at your next sportsmanship summit.

The young lady refered to in the note was Willard Seniro Micki Andrus. I will bet my paycheck that this young lady will be a success in life. She has learned how to be a leader at a young age. I appreciate the example that she and the other Lady Tigers have set for me and everyone else that calls themselves a Willard Tiger!!!!!!

Have a great weekend!
 
Dr. Kent Medlin
Superintendent of Schools
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Athletics & Activities
"Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming. When do we know that we have succeeded? When asking ourselves this question, we should forget what others think...They DON'T KNOW!. We should be more concerned with our character than with our reputation." This is an excerpt from my Coaches Bible that was given to me by our FCA group. Our student/athletes "succeed"!!!

 

The softball Tigers ended their season with a loss to Columbia Hickman in the sectional game on Wednesday. The ladies had a great year finishing 19-12, 3rd in the COC, and District Champs! Also, a special congratulations to Olivia Rhoten, Allison Davis, Bridget Rippe, Hanna Hendrix, and Miki Andrus on making 1st Team All-District. Great job ladies!!!!

The football Tigers won a nail biter last Friday over COC rival Republic 22-21! This runs their record to 5-2 on the season and will look to build on that tonight as they travel to Branson. The Tigers are currently ranked 2nd in our district!

Congratulations goes out to the Marching Band for earning the Top Spot First Place at the Missouri State University Ozarko Competition on Saturday. The Band won their individual class in prelims and in the Open Class Finals swept the top honor by a mere 0.12 points over Nixa. There were only 3.72 points separating the top 7 bands in finals making this one of the closest competitions at MSU in a long time. The Band also earned Awards for the Outstanding Percussion and Color Guard in both prelims and finals as well as Kayli Owen being named the Outstanding Soloist (Flute), and Kaley Winkler and Kayli Owen were named the Outstanding Drum Majors. The Band will next compete at UCM in Warrensburg this coming Saturday.

Oct 14 (4 days ago)
The volleytigers defeated Webb City on Tuesday before falling last night to Republic. The girls will travel to Ozark next Tuesday and to Marshfield on Thursday. Good luck ladies!

The soccer Tigers are 5-1 in the COC after defeating Branson last night 3-2! They also finished 2nd in the Kickapoo Classic last weekend, defeated New Covenant (forfeit), and defeated Monett.....Pretty good week! Next week they will travel to Rogersville

on Monday, to Neosho on Tuesday, and will host Catholic on Thursday....busy week!

What a great first tournament for the speech and debate team! The Novice competed at Glendale.Making it to Semi-finals was Madison Powell in Dramatic Interpretation, and Noah Larson in Humorous Interpretation.In Finals in Humorous Interpretation Mary Hannah Miller took 4th Place and Cole Baker took 2nd Place.In Dramatic Interpretation Aly Marshall took 5th place and In Duo Interpretation Maci Bowmen and Ashlyn Shipley earned 6th place! At the Kickapoo Varsity tournament Emily Raney made it to Student Congress Super Session. In Dramatic Interpretation Semi-Finals were Kayleigh Amstutz and Irish Amundson.In finals of International Extemp Merecer Martin took 1st, in Humorous Interpretation Ryan Largent placed 3rd and Cameron McMurtrey took 1st.In Policy Debate Mercer Martin and Dusty Bacon placed 4th!

The Novice and Varsity took 7th in sweepstakes at both tournaments out of 31 schools! Great Job!

Good luck to the cross country tigers as they prepare for the district meet on Oct. 26th in Nixa. The top 15 individuals in the meet will advance to the sectional meet in Camdenton.

 

Jeff Staley

Director of Activties  

It's Good To Be A Tiger!
High School

Counselors have been busy getting into classrooms to meet with students this week and will continue these meetings next week.ASVAB and PSAT tests have also been given this week.The FCCLA Blood Drive in the auxiliary gym is taking place on Friday.The students and Mrs. Hession do a terrific job organizing this event.

 

The high school will be busy Friday evening and all-day Saturdaywith the Willard Speech and Debate Tournament.Twenty-five high schools will be represented at the tournament.

 

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for October 22, 5:30 -8:30 PM.Appointments can be made through the high school office if parents choose.Come and go visits are also welcome.There will be no school on October 25.

 

Finally, I want to say, "Thank you", to our students, and I want to say, "Congratulations", to our parents. I've had the opportunity to observe our students in the classrooms, hallways, and cafeteria. I've watched senior nights, COC league cross country, homecoming activities, pep assemblies, etc...I am proud of how our high school students carry themselves and respect each other on a daily basis.They are representing themselves, their school, their community, and their families very well. It is GREAT to be a Tiger!

 

Curt Graves

Principal 

Middle School
9th Annual Veteran's Day Assembly: This is our most important assembly of the year...to Honor our Veterans! Please come and help us thank them by attending our assembly on Monday, November 11 at 12:30pm. If you have a picture of a Veteran you would like to include in the Veteran's Day slide show presentation, please email the picture to kristinaloveland@willardschools.net or have your student bring the picture to be scanned to Mrs. Loveland no later than Friday, November 1. Please include the following information with the picture: student's name, Veteran's name, rank and a short description of the picture.

Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled next week. Tuesday's (October 22) conference time is 3:30 until 6:30 pm. Appointment are not needed for this night. Thursday evening conferences (October 24) are by appointment only.

Congratulations to our 8th grade volleyball team for their FIRST PLACE win at their tournament in Buffalo last weekend. The 7th grade volleyball team WON their tournament on Saturday the 12th.

Cross Country had an awesome showing at the COC meet! 8th grade boys are the COC Champs as well as several athletes earning medals.

7th grade football "A" team won against Branson last night 32 to 0!!! Way to go boys!

WMS will be collecting used, but still wearable, shoes October 21st through October 24th for a program called "Sole Food". Sole Food sells the shoes by weight and the money raised goes to Friends Against Hunger. Please help Sole Food turn used shoes into food for the hungry and so much more!

Thanks,
Amy Sims
Principal  
Intermediate School
We would like to extend an invitation to all WIS parents to attend our parent-teacher conferences next week in conjunction with the end of our first quarter grading period. Our teachers will be available Tuesday evening from 3:30-7:30 or would be happy to try and find a time that might better work for your schedule.
  
This is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on your student's academic and social growth so far this school year, and chart a course for their success moving forward. Grade cards, state MAP scores, and current reading assessment information will be shared during conferences. If you have not already scheduled an appointment with your child's teacher, please give them a call or send them an email to set one up.

Don't forget that there will be no school next Friday (10/25)! 
  
Tom Davis
Principal
  
North Elementary School
Happy Friday to everyone!!! Today we celebrated our wonderful bus drivers at North with an appreciation breakfast! Students made cards and banners for the bus drivers. Even for those students who do not ride the bus on a daily basis, they love riding for fieldtrips as well as for music program practice. Thank you to our bus drivers for keeping students safe!
  
This Friday also starts a week long kick-off with the book fair. Bookfair is open every morning before and after school for the next week as well as late on the nights of Parent/Teachers Conferences.
  
Conferences will be held on October 22nd and 24th. Please make sure to contact your child's teacher if you are not currently schedule for a meeting!
We are looking forward to a very busy, but short week next week and some true fall weather!
  
Have a Happy, Happy, Happy weekend from Willard North!
  
Angela Stevens
Principal  
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South Elementary School
Next week we will hold Parent/Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, October 22nd and Thursday, October 24th. This is an important opportunity for you to partner with your child's classroom teacher. This partnership plays a very important role in the development and academic success of all students. When parents and teachers work together to try and provide the best environment for learning, the child stands to benefit the most. We are looking forward to this opportunity to share your child's strengths and areas of growth for the first quarter.

I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to all of the family members who helped make our fundraiser a GREAT success!! Our overall profit is around....$9,500!! Thanks to your continual support for our students and staff members, the profit will continue to fund our school shirts, family night events, field trips, a new piano for our music room and numerous other activities. Don't forget to pick up your items on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd from 3:30-6:30 in the cafeteria.
 

Kara Crighton-Smith
Principal / Director of Federal Programs   
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East Elementary School
Next week we are looking forward to Parent/Teacher Conferences. This is such a great opportunity for parents and teachers to come together and talk about what children are learning. It will be so important for parents to attend these conferences and talk with the teachers about our new Standards Based Reporting system with the program MasteryConnect. Never before have we been able to provide families with such comprehensive information about their student's learning.

Friday we wrapped up Disability Awareness Week with a food drive and Career Day. In collaboration with the Willard Food Pantry we came up with a list of the most needed items. The class that brings the most items will earn an extra P.E. time with Coach J. Students will do anything to get extra time with our beloved P.E. Coach J.

It's hard to believe that we are 9 weeks into the school year. Time flies when we are busy and so much learning is taking place.

Melinda Miller
Principal  
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Central Elementary School
It has been a full week at Willard Central. Tuesday was our Fall Picture Day. Our 3rd Grade students also shared their great musical program, "The Elephant Child". Thank you to Mrs. Chatman and our students for a wonderful concert and to Mrs. Mello for great stage scenery as they sang this story to life. On Friday, we recognized the hard work of students with our 1st Quarter Terrific Tiger Celebration at Community Time.
  
We are looking forward to a full week next week with Student-Led Conferences to partner with parents on student learning. Mrs. Roth is busy setting up for the Book Fair, and our PTO Fundraiser will end on Monday.
  
Have a great weekend!

Shane Medlin
Principal  

Orchard Hills Elementary School

Math instruction is a targeted focus for Willard Orchard Hills this year. Over the past few years, it has been noted that while our MAP scores in Communication Arts have been making slow and steady growth, our math scores have not been increasing at the same rate. In third grade this year, we are using differentiated instruction extensively. It makes logical sense to teach based on student need in the same way we provide reading and writing instruction to students.


What does this look like? Teachers are using pre-formative information from Mastery Connect to group students based on the skills they need to learn. Teachers then focusing on this instruction based on student need. For example, if 1/3 of the students are pretty confident in the unit objectives and have many of the objectives correct on the pre-formative, they are grouped together, Students who need more support are also grouped together. Formative assessments are given as checkpoints to determine if students are moving in the right direction with understanding of the concepts. We are then able to provide more remediation or enrichment based on the needs of the students. Each time a new unit is presented, the groups are reassigned based on the knowledge of the students. It is exciting to have a tool such as Mastery Connect to give us instant feedback to make grouping student easier. We look forward to working out the details and seeing if this improves our student achievement!

On another note, don't forget the WOHE 5K this weekend! We will be ready to run at 8:00 am at Willard Orchard Hills Elementary! Hope you join us!
  
Dr. Rhonda Bishop
Principal 
 
Special Services

On Wednesday, several students from the high school transition program toured the facilities of Hammons Field, home of the Springfield Cardinals! Dressed in their new Cardinal's t-shirts, students and staff looked ready to cheer on their favorite local team. Although there wasn't a game, the students had the opportunity to tour the grounds, meet and take photographs with Louie the Cardinal and enjoy a pizza party for lunch. It was a great day and a nice break from the regular routine of the school day.

 

The entire month of October has been filled with a variety of activities that bring awareness to students with special needs and it is always amazing to see and feel the support of our community here in Willard in this area. We would like to say THANK YOU to Freedom Bank of Willard who sponsored this memorable day for students and staff!

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Caryn McDonnell  

Director of Special Services  

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
On Tuesday, October 15, Willard Schools welcomed the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO), Ozarks Teacher Corps, to the district. Willard has partnered in the past with CFO and our schools have been the recipients of grants totaling nearly $45,000. A trust from CFO funds the Ozarks Teacher Corps, which develops a cadre of talented teaching candidates from area universities who explore rural education issues, serve as teacher interns in small schools, and commit to teaching in their respective home communities for at least three years. The purpose of the Ozarks Teacher Corps is to encourage young people to become educators and return to their rural hometowns as teacher-leaders.

 
The group visited both Willard Middle School and High School, dropping in on a variety of classrooms to observe and ask questions of our teachers and students. To end the day, the group headed to East Elementary and the classroom of new teacher Stephanie Sechler, herself a graduate of the Ozarks Teacher Corps program. Ms. Sechler's students are participating in a grant program she secured with Placeworks, which teaches students to communicate with words, sounds, their faces and bodies. The Teacher Corps participants were able to partner with students in the class for story writing and skits and much fun was had by all. It was an exciting day to have the opportunity to showcase the many great things happening in Willard Schools, as well as to host soon-to-be teachers and see their eyes capturing every detail, and hearing their questions which clearly reflected their interest and awe of the craft of teaching.

Have a great weekend,
  
Danielle Sellenriek
Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment  



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Willard, MO 65781

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