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November 23, 2013
Christmas on the Frisco
For all event information visit:
November 28, 2013
Turkey Trot - Family Fun Walk/Run
For all even information visit:
December 14, 2013
Santa's Workshop
For all event information visit:
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Who needs to be driving this train???
I had an interesting experience this week. The high school hosted a 21st Century Discussion with Parents, Board of Education Members, District Administrators, Teachers, and Students. This type of discussion is becoming a common theme around the district. During the morning we were split into different groups and I participated in great discussions with all groups.
For the final activity individuals were split into homogeneous groups therefore, I was with other administrators. All groups were asked to provide a final summary of thoughts pertaining to the discussion of the day. I have participated and/or led many of these discussions and unfortunately, the table in which I was at did not provide any "new" idea or information.
However, I continued to notice the activity at the student table. Their table was engrossed in vibrant, dynamic conversation. I finally left my table to go participate in the student group. What is amazing is that I heard the same ideas from the students that I have heard for the past 2-3 years listening to expert, educated adults touting a multitude of certifications and degrees. The students were able to self assess, critically diagnose, and communicate problems in public education. They then verbalized solutions for the issues.
After the conversation I sat quietly and asked myself the question, "Who needs to be driving this train - the adults or the kids?". Please don't fret, we did not turn the High School over to this group of students. However, we better take some time and listen to the wisdom that they have to share!!!!!
Have a great weekend!
Kent |
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I just left the "Willard's Got Talent" production in the theater. Our students leave me speechless! Anyway, before I get to winter sports updates let me fill you in on some individual awards. Congratulations to John Delatorre, Cooper Dunn, Derrick Mills, Quinton Puckett, Trystyn Ritchey, and Carter Havens on making 1st Team All-District Soccer Team! Also, congratulations to Bailey Fletcher, Tanner Sevon, and Nate Terry on making 2nd Team! In football, congratulations to Zachory Barr, Jordan Turner, and Forrest Merrill on making 1st Team All-COC. Also, Tyler Larsen, Tanner Moore, Jonny Triff, and Matt Kudrna on making 2nd Team and to Montana Craig and Zachory Barr on making honorable mention. A special congratulations to Forrest Merrill on being named "Defensive Player of the Year" in the COC!!!
Basketball gets started (sort of) tomorrow as Willard will be hosting the first ever basketball jamboree. The girls will get started at 1:00pm followed by the boys at 3:00pm. Gainesville, Strafford, and Reeds Spring will be here. They will all play 6 minute quarters against each other. Admission is $2 for everyone so come on out and get a preview of our Lady Tigers and Tigers! Next week, the Lady Tigers will be traveling to Monett on Monday to officially open their season. We will also be hosting the boys JV tournament on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The varsity boys and girls will both be traveling to Rolla next Saturday for the Rolla Shootout before hosting the Four-State Classic on Dec. 5-7.
The wrestling Tigers don't open their season until Dec. 7th but early indications are that expectations are high and there will be a lot of success on the mats this winter! FYI.....we might be pretty good for quite awhile, our middle school wrestlers defeated Neosho and Ozark this week!
Speaking of future high school Tigers....congratulations to the 8th grade Tigers on winning the championship of the Branson Tournament this week!
It's Good To Be A Tiger!
Jeff Staley Director of Activities
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Several students, staff, parents, and administrators met on Tuesday, November 19, to discuss and collaborate about Willard High School meeting the 21st Century needs of students. The input and feedback from all parties will be reflected upon and discussed further. It was a great morning of discussion, challenging ideas, and brainstorming. When all the constituents have a common goal of doing what is best for the students, great ideas emerge!
The WHS Counselors and A+ Coordinator held their annual advisory meeting on Thursday, November 21. Students, counselors, administration, board of education, post-secondary education, and parents were represented. It was another great opportunity for collaboration by many different groups within our school community represented.
Students will be participating in the DECA Talent Show on Friday, November 22. Students who are passing their 3rd Hour courses and maintaining a 90% attendance rate have been invited. We have a diverse set of talents being represented at this year's talent show.
Next week is Thanksgiving. We want to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving!
It is GREAT to be a Tiger!
Curt Graves
Principal
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The NeverEnding Story is December 5 6, and 7, at 7pm in the Black Box. Tickets can be purchased from Ms. Graves at any time or at the door.
The 5th Annual WMS Washington DC Trivia Night is Saturday, November 23 at 6 pm in the WMS upper gym. Teams of up to 10 people compete against each other to help students raise money for the DC trip. Tickets are $10 per person. Get a team together and join us for a night of games and trivia! See Mr. Biggers or email [email protected] for tickets. A special thanks to the Dickerson Park Zoo, Zotts Creamery and Honda of the Ozarks for sponsoring this event.
Congratulations to the 8th grade boys basketball team for winning the CHAMPIONSHIP at the Branson Tournament. This is one team you need to watch!! Check out the pictures below.
Congratulations to WMS wrestlers. They did AWESOME at their match last night against Ozark and Neosho. Results 15 out 30 wins against Neosho (always tough competition) and 20 out of 34 wins against Ozark. Way to go tigers!! Can't wait to watch these athletes in the coming weeks!!
Willard Middle School launched a Project Based Learning time this year and the results are amazing! The theme for this PBL is Natural Disasters. One project that will be taking place on November 26th is derived from the guided question, "How can we work to create a simulation that helps participants experience a natural disaster?" You guessed it!! A natural disaster will be hitting WMS on Tuesday, November 26th. Students have been working with Willard Fire Protection District to create a simulated aftermath of a tornado. This should be an excited day!!!
Another PBL has been working on raising money and/or hygiene items for the red cross. One of the fundraisers students designed was spirit week. Students were asked to pay $1 or bring in a hygiene item to participate. It has been a BIG hit!! See pictures below.
Amy Sims Principal |
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! I love my mom's homemade crescent rolls and pies. If you know my mother, Mary Crighton, you know ALL about her cooking! I love spending time with family and playing board or card games. I also love the fact that no gifts are necessary because the true meaning of Thanksgiving is about family, friends, and food.
I am also aware that not all families will be able to enjoy these experiences. We have families in our community who are struggling to find a steady job, provide shelter for their family, and military men and women stationed abroad. This brings me to another thing that I am most thankful for...the Willard Community. We have teachers, staff members, school social workers, bus drivers, business owners and so many more that volunteer and give back to help support others. It makes me proud to be a "homegrown"Willard patron. The true gift of giving is seen throughout the year in our community.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving break next week.
Kara Crighton-Smith
Principal
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Today we are excited to celebrate "Duck Dynasty Day" and collect food for the Willard Food Pantry! In past years we have collected money for different charities. This year we decided we would support our community food pantry and those in need. I think we collected over 900 items for the food pantry last month.
Have you heard of a "Mystery Skype?" On Tuesday Mr. Heller's 4th Grade is going Skype with a "mystery" class. The students do not know each other or where each class is located. During the Skype the students in each class will ask questions and try to guess each others location. Students will learn how to collaborate, research, use map skills, Google, and much more. As soon as they guess the location of the mystery class we will share out on our school website and Facebook.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Willard East Staff
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Central Elementary School
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The 2013-2014 school year has been full of lots of new learning for students, teachers and parents. Through this learning process and the new ELA (English-Language Arts) standards, students are going deeper in the skills, content and meaning in their reading and writing. In 4th grade, students have been working on Personal Essays. Below are some shared student reflections on their essays and their peers' essays from Mrs. Blake's class. The students' level of learning and drawing meaning is encouraging for our students and teachers as they work through the hard process of becoming successful writers.
What I learned about myself from writing this personal essay:
"I learned that I can change the world with my thoughts." - Samara
"I learned that I can write better than I thought." Brady "I learned that when I am having fun and writing about something I care about. I can write a really good essay." - Aryonna "I learned that if you stand up to people, you can do almost anything." Trenton "I learned that writing can heal your wounds." Avery "I learned that I went deep into my thinking- I just kept on writing." Zack "I learned that I can be a better writer and more passionate about writing." Noah "I learned that it's okay to have one parent and you can get through a divorce - it's just hard." Fiona "I learned that I fail a lot and nobody is perfect. It takes me on a journey of grace and beauty about life." Kylie "I learned that I am a hard worker, and because my topic was really deep, that caused me to work even harder." Paige How I was affected by my peers' personal essays:
"This essay made me realize that I shouldn't be mad or hold grudges against people." MacKenzie "Reading your essay made me realize that my dad helps me a lot too, and that I should help him more." Noah "I am realizing that all I do is ask my parents for things. I need to be thankful for what I have and be satisfied. My parents are so much more important than me because they do everything for me." Fiona "This essay made me understand that you can beat a weakness. It may take you weeks of trying, but it helps you to be more free without weaknesses." Madison "If you challenge yourself, weakness can turn into strength." Kylie "This essay reminded me to not give up on a friend. I really need to stick with that friend." MacKenzie "I realized that giving up on a friend is giving up on happiness. It reminded me of when I lost my best friend. This is true and amazing." Madison "It is never good to give up but sometimes it doesn't always feel good until you accomplish it. Most things are like that - you have to work." Levi "I shouldn't back down. I am going to stand up for myself and others." Kylie "This story touched my heart. I have never been through a divorce, but I know what it's like now." Paige "This story reminds me of my dad. You are so lucky to have a dad like this!" Fiona "This makes me want to go up and hug your dad!" Zack "I know how it feels to be excited now and I agree that everyone should experience it. I am going to look for ways to experience excitement in my life." Noah It is a joy to watch students as they grow and learn! As a parent and educator, I feel blessed to work with a school team of such dedicated educators, hard-working students and supportive parents. (I guess I am in the Thanksgiving spirit and didn't even know it!).
Have a great weekend and a blessed Thanksgiving with family and loved ones.
Shane Medlin Principal |
Orchard Hills Elementary School
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This past week, 13 students from across the district participated in the A Sporting Chance bowling tournament. They represented themselves and Willard well and with pride. We are very proud of each of them and want to remind you to come out for Pancakes with Santa this Saturday, November 23rd from 7-11 AM at the WMS cafeteria to help support our athletes in their future events. For more details, visit the Willard District webpage for the link to the flier!
Have a great weekend,
Caryn McDonnnell
Director of Special Services
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Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
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As a district administrator, one of the best things about my position is getting to spend time with students of all ages. Whether I am listening to a first grader read, observing an eighth grade English class have a collaborative discussion about a novel, or participating with high school students on an advisory committee, these experiences are the best parts of my day.
This week I had the opportunity to participate on an exploratory committee at the high school to discuss 21st Century schools. I enjoyed meeting and sharing ideas with the young ladies and gentlemen who represented the student perspective. Their thoughts and ideas were honest, forthright, insightful, and at times, a wake-up call to the parents and educators in the room. The greatest assets to the district are our students, and I was thankful for the time with them to inform our thinking as we move forward with plans for the future. My hope is that as I visit the high school in the weeks ahead, I run into these students again - all great examples of students who care about the future of their learning and our schools.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
Danielle Sellenriek Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
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