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The Pride
December 20, 2013

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Willard Parks
 

  
District Office

If I could only give the gift of a Willard education to all kids the debate would be over! 

 

Christmas is special for educators.  It is a time to recharge and bring new life to our purpose, our efforts, our goals, and most importantly our spirit. What I get under the tree that costs money doesn't hold a candle to the gifts that God has given me:  Angie (wife), Lacey, Jarred, Jessica, Allie (kids),  and Emery (Granddaughter).  My extended family as well as my school family I also count as a gift.

 

I have been asked to represent SW Missouri educators in a platform conversation about Public Education /Common Core.  The "debate" is scheduled after the first of the year in Springfield.  The session is still tentative however, if finalized it will no doubt prove interesting.  If I could only give the gift of a Willard education to all kids the debate would be over!  Advancement of Public Education is the greatest answer for child poverty, economic problems, medical challenges, innovation, exploration, research, etc..........  Every child in teacher classes receive  a gift that many will not truly understand for years.  It is the gift of opportunity.  Public schools provide kids the opportunity for knowledge.  Willard Public Schools provides much more.  Willard provides kids the opportunity to grow not only academically but personally.  Teacher /student relationships, mentorship, encouragement, and advocacy enhances the lives of young people.  That is Willard's gift to students!   

 

My hope is that each of you will receive (and give) special gifts that cost absolutely nothing!  

 

Merry Christmas,

Kent 

 

Dr. Kent Medlin

Superintendent 


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Central Elementary School
Willard Central would like to congratulate Virginia Crosby on her retirement. Virginia has served in food services since 1986!  If you have ever walked in to school to the smell of hot rolls, cinnamon rolls or freshly baked cookies, chances are Virginia's hands were in the mix of the delicious treats waiting for students and staff.  While her baking talents will be greatly missed, Virginia will be missed even more!  She always has a story to share, a smile to give and something to brag on her grandkids about.  We wish her the very best and we know she will be back to visit us (and hopefully back to sub around the holidays for hot rolls!).
 
Willard Central has the Christmas Spirit! As you walk the hallways of W.C. you see and smell the holiday spirit everywhere from snowflakes on the walls to classroom doors that are decorated, to kindergarten learning about shapes in the process building gingerbread houses that look good enough to eat. You even hear the sounds of Christmas as 4th graders performed their "Holiday Zoobilee", PTO Christmas parties Thursday at 2:45 and Bus Driver Dave reading us a Christmas story and singing some songs at Community Time on Friday.  Yes, the Christmas spirit has come to Willard Central and we want to share that with you!  From all of us here at Willard Central to all of you wonderful parents and students, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very blessed New Year. 
Dr. Kent Medlin
Superintendent

Orchard Hills Elementary School

 
Special Services

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
The Ninth Reindeer - Rudolph

Rudolph, "the most famous reindeer of all," was born over a hundred years after his eight flying counterparts ('Twas the Night Before Christmas was published in 1822!)  Rudolph was created by a man named Robert May, who was a copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store.  The message of Rudolph - that given an opportunity, what could be seen as a liability can be turned into an asset (Rudolph's red nose) - proved as popular in 1939 as it does today.  We value our differences and that makes us stronger as an educational community.  We can grow and learn from each other as leaders, as teachers, and as students.  During this holiday season of hustle and bustle, find time to appreciate each person in your life!  

Happy Holidays from the CIA Department: Janetta Garton, Michelle Sechler, Carolyn Nixon, Marc Allie, Matt Rosebrough, Linda Azeez, Melaine Jones, Tiffany Houghtaling, and Danielle Sellenriek, Director.  May the blessings of the season be yours!  

Danielle Sellenriek
Director of Curriculum and Assessment



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500 E Kime
Willard, MO 65781

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