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The Pride
November 15, 2013

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Willard Parks
District Office

District Master Planning

 

Hidden in the background of Willard Schools is a continual process of facilities master planning.  The plan document is full of variables including student enrollment, building capacity, assessed valuation, bonding capacity, average classroom size, predictive growth, interest rates, construction costs, etc...  

 

The Board of Education and Administration work diligently to be fiscally responsible with community funds.  The districts total Tax Rate remains at the same level today that it was 10 years ago.  Looking toward future years, district leadership is once again discussing Master Planning and would like to gain input from the community.  The district has planned the following Listening Sessions:

 

 Date
TmeGroupLocation
11/186:00 p.mBooster ClubsHigh School
11/196:00 p.m.CommuntyIntermediate
12/26:00 p.m.CommunityOrchard Hills
12/36:00 p.m.Business & Civic LeadersDistrict Office

 

(If you plan to attend the luncheon on 12/3 please call Tammy Conner at the district office so we can arrange for seating and food.)

 

Administration has proposed initial thoughts of projects which will be communicated at the sessions.  These thoughts would require a bond election, the last of which occurred in 2007.  I would personally like to invite community members to any of the sessions.  Your input will help us to better understand the future possibilities for Willard Schools. 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Dr. Kent Medlin

Superintendent 


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Athletics & Activities

I had the privilege of attending the Willard High School production of "Cats" last night.  I thought about writing something clever about the whole Cats - Tigers connection.  However, as I watched the show something more powerful came over me.  It was the confirmation of something I already knew.  Our students are AMAZING!  There is so much talent.  And when you combine that with hard work, dedication to your craft, and teamwork, the result is impressive.  Congrats to Kendra Chappell and her students on another outstanding production!

 

Well, Fall sports has officially come to an end as our football Tigers ran into a juggernaut at Lee's Summit West on Monday (great crowd for our Tigers by the way!) and our soccer Tigers couldn't overcome Carthage on Tuesday.  I will not be able to adequately summarize our season in words so let me give you some numbers....

  • First time ALL of our team sports finished in the top half of the COC since the current conference has been together (Soccer 2nd, Football 3rd, Softball 3rd, Volleyball 4th).
  • Our teams (freshmen thru varsity) had a combined record of 119-71.
  • We won 2 district championships (softball and soccer) and had a district runner-up (football)

Plus, the positive support our kids received from the community and parents was at an all-time high. And for that......THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

Winter sports is starting as boys and girls basketball will be hosting the first ever "Basketball Jamboree" on Saturday, Nov. 23rd.  Teams in our jamboree are Reeds Spring, Gainesville, and Strafford.  The girls will get it started at 1:00pm followed by the boys.  Admission will be $2 for everyone to help cover the cost of the officials.

 

This past weekend Willard Speech and Debate competed with 28 other schools at the Nixa Tournament.  It was tough competition but we still placed 9th overall!  
In the novice division the following students went to semi-finals: Molly Sullivan in Humorous Interpretation, Sarah Crain in Dramatic Interpretation, and Maci Bowman and Ashlyn Shipley in Duo.  Kate Vincent and Katie Schroeder in Debate!

In the Varsity devision the following students went to semi-finals: Mercer Martin in International Extemporaneous Speaking, Ryan Largent and Hayden Onstott in Humorous Interpretation.  Placing 5th in Humorous Interpretation Katelynn Wilson and 4th in Lincoln-Douglas Debate Irish Amundson!

Great Job!

 

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

 

Jeff Staley  

Activities Director  


 
High School

I want to briefly share a snippet of an email sent to staff earlier this week:

 

"This morning I had the opportunity to watch students learning through 2-dimensional DNA models, create brochures, identify microscopic structures, cost analysis, informal assessment, use of dry erase markers on desks, etc, etc, etc.... It was great to watch our students learning in so many ways with teachers using such variety of instruction and accounting for varied learning styles.

 

With district football, sectional soccer, the musical, CAP, and meetings, one might expect a lull in the instruction and expectation level in the classroom. I am proud and impressed by the level of instruction observed this morning as I "cruised" the halls and classrooms. Great job educating our students through engaging activities and varied instructional strategies."

 

Students and staff are doing a terrific job in classrooms!

 

With more than 80 students and several staff producing Cats this week, please plan to attend a performance.Performances are scheduled for 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.There is also a 2 PM performance on Saturday.

 

Next Tuesday, November 19th, WHS is hosting a 21stCentury meeting with several parents, students, staff, and administration.Activities are planned to facilitate collaboration around the skills students need to be successful in the 21stCentury.This will be an excellent opportunity for conceptualization of ideas and skills.

 

It is GREAT to be a Tiger!


Curt Graves
Principal 
Middle School
 
Wrestling opened last night at Nixa.  They did a great job kicking off the season!

Book Club: November19th, they should bring a book to share. There will be snacks and crafts!

The Willard Middle Student Council is holding a Thanksgiving food drive from now through November 22 before school in the student union. 

Science department have studied about DNA this past week. Today they had a exciting lab that allowed students to see real DNA. 


Amy Sims

Principal


 

 
Intermediate School

Annual WIS Thanksgiving Food Drive- Nov. 14-21!


WIS is collecting donations of non-perishable food items to help local Willard families during the holidays.  You are welcome to send in any of the items below, but to be sure we have everything covered we have divided items needed by team:
 

  • Black - canned veggies
  • Pink - canned fruit
  • Maroon - pastas, potatoes, macaroni & cheese, side dishes
  • Lime - crackers, bread mixes, stuffing mixes, etc.
  • Purple - desserts, pudding, cake mixes, etc.
  • Blue & Red - soups, canned meats
  • Yellow & Silver - cereals, peanut butter, jelly

*Paper products, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, etc. are also needed.

 

Thanks for helping make a difference for our students and their family! 

 

Tom Davis

Principal     


North Elementary School
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South Elementary School

Last Friday we held our annual Veteran's Day Assembly.  We had over 100 Veterans and family members in attendance.  It is always an honor to host such a special event for those individuals who have helped protect our country.  They enjoyed cookies and drinks in our library compliments of our kitchen staff.  They also had their picture taken and enjoyed various writings displayed in the hallways.  During the assembly, Veterans watched a video, a performance from our After School Actors, and everyone joined together to sing the song "My Flag".  We also enjoyed a special visit from our former counselor and Veteran, Mr. David Suits.   A special thank you to everyone who helped make this an incredible event for each and every Veteran. 

 

Our talented second graders performed  the musical "Bugz" on Thursday afternoon and evening. It included the cutest bugs you have ever seen including ladybugs, fireflies, stink bugs, and more!  Thanks for another great performance directed by Mrs. Christensen.  

 

Upcoming Events:

Friday, November 15th--Movie Night 6pm hosted by our 4th grade teachers

Friday, November 22nd--Fundraiser Limo Rides

Monday, November 25th--Fundraiser Bouncy Houses

Tuesday, November 26th--Tiger Pride Assembly 2:30

 

Kara Crighton-Smith

Principal 

 

 

 

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East Elementary School
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Central Elementary School

It is hard to believe we are already midway through the 2nd quarter. We would encourage parents to continue checking their child's MasteryConnect Trackers to monitor and support student learning.

 

The rest of November looks to be full of learning and fun! Next Tuesday, our 2nd grade students will have their music program at 7:00. We will also be celebrating our students' efforts in our PTO Fundraiser by creating a human sundae at Community Time on Friday and our student celebration after school.

Have a great weekend! Take advantage of the cooler weather to snuggle up with your kids and enjoy a good book together!

Shane Medlin
Principal 

Orchard Hills Elementary School

 
Special Services

The cold weather this week reminds me that it's just about time for winter and the holidays. This time is one of my favorite times of the year, but it always seems extremely hectic. Although it is busy, it is important to take time out to enjoy good food and friends.

 

I want to personally invite you to join us to do just that on Saturday, November 23rd from 7-11 AM in the Willard Middle School cafeteria. The Annual Pancakes with Santa Breakfast will be held with all proceeds benefitting A Sporting Chance. You will have the opportunity to eat a great breakfast, have your picture taken with Santa and enjoy all of the festivities surrounding the craft fair, WCCF Chili Cookoff, Christmas parade, Lighting of the Frisco Trail and more! It will be a great day and you won't want to miss out.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Caryn McDonnell

Director of Special Services 

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Professional development for teachers is an important part of how Willard Schools provide a quality education for students. Willard teachers work each year to learn new techniques, strategies, content curriculum and activities to support a positive learning experiences for all students.

 

This year, Willard University has expanded to include a teachers-teach-teachers component to support professional growth. Since September, 41 after-school courses have been offered, with 333 teachers in attendance. The opportunity to collaborate and share best practices from our in-house experts has been a powerful way for teachers to learn and grow together. The dedication Willard teachers show to enhancing the art of teaching each year, whether through Willard U, STAR Summit, or other professional development opportunities, reflects a commitment to excellence which directly impacts our students and their learning.  

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



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