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The Pride
January 31, 2014

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Willard Parks
Youth Volleyball  Registration     Deadline is Feb. 7th

 

Youth Soccer Registration Deadline is Feb. 21st

 

Valentines Dance for Grades 5th-8th is Feb. 7th from 7pm to 10pm @ THE REC

 

Kids Night Out - Feb.14th from 5pm to 9pm @ THE REC

 

Check the website for new fitness classes and times!

  
District Office

Let the Politics Begin!!!

 

In the past two weeks, I have heard the State of the State address by Governor Nixon, followed by the Republican Response offered by Representative Tim Jones, Speaker of the House.  I also listened to the State of the Union address by President Obama, followed by the Republican response offered by Representative Cathy McMorris Rogers from the state of Washington.  (I know some of you are probably asking "Doesn't he have anything better to do??")  Each of the elected officials specifically addressed the need of a high quality educational system, but I would ask the question "In comparison to what??".

 

What should be the standard in which to compare public education?  Should we compare ourselves to Finland?  Finland is considered to be a country with a high quality public school system.  Finland has a population which is less than the state of Missouri and is significantly less diverse than the U.S.  Should China be the standard?  China has a population of 1.4 Billion which is almost 4 times larger than the U.S.  Public school for all children in China is only 9 years instead of 12-13 years which is customary in the United States.  

 

All of these politicians agree on two points:  First, they support public schools.  Second, public schools need to improve.  Other than that there is little to no agreement.  I hope to see the day when things truly change.  In both Finland and China the classroom teacher is held in high regard.  Teachers are considered individuals chosen from the "Best and Brightest".  In our country the media / Hollywood often depicts teachers as lazy, immoral, and even joked about:  "Those who can do,Those who can't teach".  I am so passionate about public education that I believe if our educational system ever collapses our country will not be far behind. 

 

We are all blessed to be in Willard.  The school system is certainly not perfect but it is filled with many of the finest, smartest, hardworking, caring, passionate, competitive, creative, people that I have ever known.  It is easy for us to live in our little bubble.  Unfortunately, our state and our country need us to help provide answers to the hard questions.  We need to provide input into political dialogue and platforms.  We need to be willing to "go to bat", "get in the game", "stay in the kitchen", and "wrestle with the pigs" (Just for you Coach Hartley!)

 

I have no problem with politicians demanding more from schools.  However, in the same discussion I believe it is appropriate for schools to demand more from politicians!!!!  "Let the Politics Begin".  

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Dr. Kent Medlin

Superintendent


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Athletics & Activities

We are blessed.  There are many "Tigers" in southwest Missouri.  There are red tigers, orange tigers, even blue tigers.  But there is only one white and black tiger.  We are unique...we are special...we are the Willard Tigers!  And if you don't believe me, come to an event, any event, and watch our students represent our community.  It doesn't even matter if they are wearing a uniform or not, you will be able to immediately pick out the Willard students.  Yep....we are blessed!

 

Congratulations to the Lady Tigers on their resounding victory over Catholic last night by a score of 68-38!  The girls will look to build on this momentum next week as they play in the Seneca tournament. They will play on Monday at 6:00 vs. Diamond,Thursday at 6:00 vs. Seneca and then the finals are on Saturday.

 

The Tigers are back on a roll as they defeated Carl Junction and Bolivar last week running their record to 13-5!  They will host district opponent, Central, tonight starting at 5:00.  Next week, they will travel to Ozark on Friday.

 

Well, the wrestling Tigers keep making history!  Congratulations on finishing their duel season undefeated!  They will be hosting the COC tournament this Saturday.  Wrestling will start at approximately 9:00am.  Come out and watch this truly unique event.

 

Last Weekend Speech and Debate attended one of the largest tournaments in the area.  The novices were at Central and had the following people break to semifinals: Jackson Uckele in International Extemp., Sarah Crain in Dramatic Interp., and In Duo Interp. Ashlyn Shipley and Maci Bowmen, Luke Murray and Cole Baker and Landon Summerville and Katie Schroeder. Going to finals and earning third place in Humorous Interp. Mary Hannah Miller and breaking to quarterfinals and earning 4th place in Public Forum Debate Jackson Uckele and Landon Summerville. 

 

At the Parkview Varsity Tournament the following people went to semifinals: Jacob Burnett in Original Oratory, Cameron McMurtrey in Humorous Interp., and Kayleigh Amstutz in Dramatic Interp. Going to finals and placing: Ryan Largent 6th and Katelynn Wilson 5th in Humorous Interp., Kimberly Jones 4th in Dramatic Interp., and Emily Raney 6th in Student Congress.

What a great weekend!

 

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

 

Jeff Staley

Director of Activities

 

 


High School

 

WHS is scheduling for next year.  This is an important and time-consuming process.  Counselors, administrators, and staff work very hard to meet the needs of more than a thousand student scheduling needs.  The early process is feedback from students which is happening now and through next week.  

 

Figuring student numbers per course and the number of sections to be offered is followed by trouble-shooting schedule conflicts and then staffing needs in order to develop the master schedule.  Our staff, especially the guidance office, works extremely hard at this important process.  In all, the process takes 10-12 weeks to complete.

 

Lots of winter activities continue to keep our students busy.  February 8 is a national ACT test date.  Willard High School staff will be conducting the assessment on campus for our students that morning. 

 

It is GREAT to be a Tiger!

 

Curt Graves

Principal

Middle School

This week, 8th grade math students had to explain their thinking and justify their answers while learning slope in creative ways. To accomplish this, they used the loop game, Shoots and Ladders Remade and slope puzzles.

 

Pictures of these fun learning activities are included. The Winter Wonderland Dance sponsored by Student Council will be Friday, Feb. 7 from 7-9 pm in the Student Union. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. A permission form is required to purchase a ticket.

 

 In conjunction with the annual WCCF district-wide fundraising effort, the middle school has come up with a creative challenge for teachers and support staff.  Each room will post a monetary goal on their decorated door with something they are willing to do if the goal is met. For example, Mr. Post will be Gorilla taped to the wall if he raises $75 and Mrs. Robinson will give a cookie to every student if she raises $75. Students will be monetarily voting on the doors to raise the funds. Goals that are reached will follow through with their committed actions on Monday, Feb. 10th.  Pictures of some of the decorated doors are included. 

 

Amy Sims

Principal

 

 

Intermediate School

Anyone that has been involved in education for any length of time quickly figures out that change is normal. Whether it is a local initiative or something pushed down from the state or federal government, it seems we are always doing something new.

 

I am often asked why this is the case, especially if what we are already doing works. It would seem like a logical choice to simply leave things alone and just keep doing them the same way. In reality this would make our jobs as educators much easier too as we would not need to concern ourselves with the time and effort change involves.

 

The answer to the "why change?" question is quite simple: Because we all want something better for our children. Our kids offer an opportunity for us to touch the future in a positive way. As parents we strive to find ways to better their current and future lives. Education is no different. We must always be looking for ways to get better at what we do.

 

Some of these changes are small and probably go unnoticed by students and parents while others are larger system changes that are more obvious. WIS recognizes the value of change that improves instruction and learning. We have a responsibility to embrace any type of change that better equips our students for their ever evolving futures.

 

As a building, we are currently undertaking the move to 1:1 student technology, the implementation of common assessments in three of our core academic areas, and transitioning to standards based grading. Up to this point these efforts have not been apparent on the surface, but they have challenged the "normal" way our school operates.I appreciate the extraordinary time and effort these changes have taken to get us this far and I know they will move us closer to our vision of what WIS can be!

 

Tom Davis

Principal

North Elementary School

This week Willard North celebrates the 18 years of service that Mary Butler has given to the Willard School District.  As our Willard North custodian, you could always find Mary hard at work, keeping our building running smoothly.

 

But, perhaps the legacy that will most be missed are the interactions she had with North students.  She loved each of them as her own, and made sure she sent every student back to class after lunch with a high-five. 

 

Mary will be our guest of honor at our January Super Tiger Assembly, on Wednesday, January 29th, at 2:30.

 

Angela Stevens

Principal

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South Elementary School

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East Elementary School

TGIF from Willard East! We are gearing up for an exciting week next week.

 

"Change a Life" Fundraiser supporting the WCCF will kick-off on Monday with a "Penny Wars" type of challenge. You can find information on WikiPedia about Penny Wars but an even better explanation is brought to you by Bo and Curtis here:


Counselor's Week Feb. 3rd - 7th! Mrs. Woodall does an amazing job for our students at Willard East. Feel free to drop her an email or nice note thanking her for all she does. We will celebrate next week some different events but wanted to make you all aware of this special week.

New face in the crowd: We would like to welcome Kylie Kilpatrick to Mr. Morton's room as our new Para replacing Mrs. Welsh who joined the office staff. Kylie is finishing her degree in Special Education at MSU. Welcome to the family!

Digital Learning Day 2014 Wed. Feb. 5th: Many of our classrooms will be participating in a national day of learning. Tens of thousands of teachers and millions of students across the country will be taking part in the third annual Digital Learning Day-a national celebration of innovative teaching and common-sense, effective applications of digital learning in America's schools that support teachers, improve learning, and help students achieve at their highest potential. 
 
More information here:
 
 
Melinda Miller
Principal
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Central Elementary School

It is hard to believe January is coming to an end!  Next week kicks off the yearly "Change a Life" fundraiser for the Willard Children's Charitable Foundation.  This money provides Willard students with medical and emotional support services as well as local scholarship funds.  Several WC students have benefited through the service of the WCCF.  Help us raise money next week by donating change (or bills) in the grade level bucket of your choice.  

 

The grade level that raises the most money wins an extra PE time with Coach Brown and their cranky old principal!  We are looking forward to some good times while supporting a great cause.

 

We are also down to the last week for our all-school book club and we are gearing up for our Family Reading and Fine Arts Night on Tuesday, February 11th from 5:30-7:30.  There will be activities, entertainment, tasty treats, art for enjoyment and the book fair.  Come celebrate our book club together with your family!

 

Have a great weekend! 

 

Shane Medlin

Principal  


Orchard Hills Elementary School
 
Special Services

A little change can make a BIG difference!


I want to encourage you to support the WCCF "Change A Life" Fundraiser during the week of February 3-7th.  All proceeds will benefit children right here in our local community.  


I have the privilege of serving as a representative in this organization and each month receive requests from counselors, nurses, teachers, administrators and even parents asking for assistance to help meet a health or dental need and we work hard to help in anyway we can. As partners in education, WCCF helps children be the best they can be in school and in life.  

 

 Please join us in support by collecting and donating all of the change you can find.  Each building is competing for the right to hang the WCCF "Change A Life" banner in their building.  Don't forget to check out the flyer on the Willard Public Schools webpage for more information and thanks for taking care of each other.


Have a great weekend!

 

Caryn McDonnell

Director of Special Services 

 

 

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

This week I had the opportunity, along with Assistant Superintendent Stewart Pratt, to collaborate with Dr. Dennis Kear and Dr. CW Chang from Missouri State University on a project for the Ozarks Educational Research Initiative (OERI).  

 

OERI is a research and development organization that partners Missouri State University with area school districts to explore educational issues that impact schools in Southwest Missouri.  We got together to discuss our 1:1 technology initiative, Every Kid Connected, through a Google Hangout.  A "hangout" allows participants to see and hear each other without being in the same room at the same time. 

 

I also had the opportunity to work with East and North Elementary teachers this week by utilizing the same communication - a hangout to share professional development and ideas between the two buildings.  This new way of communicating and collaborating with other professionals makes our world feel a little closer by simply using our technology in creative ways!

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Danielle Sellenriek

Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

 

 




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