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The Pride
February 07, 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
If we could all look at snow days like Mr. Young life would be a better place!!!

"There is something joyful about storms that interrupt routine.  Snow or freezing rain suddenly releases you from expectations, performance demands, and the tyranny of appointments and schedules.  And unlike illness, it is largely a corporate rather than individual experience.  One can almost hear a unified sigh rise from the nearby city and surrounding countryside where Nature has intervened to give respite to the weary humans slogging it out within her purview.  All those affected this way are united by a mutual excuse, and the heart is suddenly and unexpectedly a little giddy.  There will be no apologies needed for not showing up to some commitment or other.  Everyone understands and shares in this singular justification, and the sudden alleviation of the pressure to produce makes the heart merry. ... Even commonplace activities become extraordinary. ... Routine choices become adventures and are often experienced with a sense of heightened clarity. Even if it's hardly more than a day or two, somehow each person feels like the master of his or her own world, simply because those little droplets of water freeze as they hit the ground." - William Young, The Shack, p.15.
 
Unfortunately, my thoughts about snow days are not quite as positive as Mr. Youngs.  (I may need an attitude adjustment!) Yesterday morning I called Forrest Owen, Director of Transportation, a bit after 5:00a.m. and asked if the busses were ready to roll.  He said "We are batting a hundred.  All busses are started, running, cleaned off, and ready for kids!" My reply was a chuckle and a simple "Thank You, Great Job" because his answer didn't surprise me one bit.  This department is an example of high performance resulting from high expectations.  Last year Willard Busses traveled over 575,000 miles.  Willard drivers love kids and are dedicated to providing great customer service.  On these cold snowy days I always know if we decide to have school, Willard busses and drivers are ready to roll!
 
Have a great weekend!
Kent

 

Dr. Kent Medlin

Superintendent 


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Athletics & Activities

 

Willard High School would like to congratulate Dr. John Crighton on being the 27th inductee to our Activities Hall of Fame!  Dr. Crighton is a 1957 Willard graduate and has been a leader in the field of general surgery in the Springfield area.  The ceremony will be at halftime of our boys basketball game on Feb. 21st.  

 

Congratulations to our Tiger wrestlers on their 2nd place finish in the COC Tournament held at Willard last Saturday.  This is the highest team finish in school history!  A special congratulation to Conner Loderhose, Caleb Crook, and Nico Chavez on being COC champs in their weight divisions!  I would also like to thank ALL of the volunteers who helped make the tournament a huge success!!!

 

The team will travel to St. Louis for the Francis Howell Tournament this weekend before going to Branson next weekend for the district tournament.   

Well after a bit of a rough stretch, our Lady Tigers are starting to get hot at the right time!  They won their third game in a row last night over Seneca in the Seneca Tournament.  They will play for the tournament championship on Saturday!  Next week, they get back to COC play as they will host Webb City on Monday and travel to Carthage on Thursday.

 

Speaking of getting hot.....our Tigers have won three in a row as well after defeating Carl Junction, Bolivar, and Central.  The boys head to Ozark tonight in a key COC matchup.  Next week, they will host Webb City on Tuesday and travel to Carthage on Friday.

 

This last weekend Willard Speech and Debate showed up on MSU campus and rocked it!  We placed 3rd in sweepstakes out of 22 schools at the Gloria Deo/MSU tournament and had several students advance!  The following advanced to semifinals: In International Extemp. Matthew Walters, in Original Oratory Conor Wadle and Evan Kirksey, in Humorous Interp. Katelynn Wilson and Hayden Onstott, In Dramatic Interp. Madi Powell, in Poetry Reading Juliette Baker, In Duo Interp. Kimberly Jones and Irish Amundson and Advancing to Student Congress Super Session Ryan Sutton.  The following placed in finals: Mercer Martin 4th in International Extemp., Conor Wadle 4th in U.S. Extemp., Mary Hannah Miller 6th and Ryan Largent 2nd in Humorous Interp., Kimberly Jones 6th and Kayleigh Amstutz 3rd in Dramatic Interp., Debra Wekesa 6th in Prose, Katelynn Wilson 1st in Poetry, Mercer Martin 6th in Radio, and Timothy Olson 4th and Emily Raney 1st In Student Congress.  Placing in Debate was Katelyn Graham and Samantha Powell 4th in Novice Public Forum, Courtenay Turner 4th in Novice LD, Emily Raney 4th in Regular LD, and Conor Wadle 3rd in Champ LD!

 

Wow! What a great weekend for Speech and Debate!

 

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

 

Jeff Staley

Director of Activities

 

High School

 

WHS is holding a 'Hat Day' on Friday, February 7, with all proceeds going to the WCCF.  Cost to wear a hat all day at school will be $1.  This is another great opportunity for our students to give back or "pay it forward" to others.

 

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. 

 

Next Friday, February 14, students will be released early while staff continues working with curriculum.  Our instructional coaches have planned the afternoon for all high school staff.  Departments will be working to align curriculum, develop engaging activities, and documenting within the Willard CAP site.

 

Congratulations to the WHS wrestling team as COC Runners-up...It is GREAT to be a Tiger!

 

Curt Graves

Principal  

 

Middle School

 

This year we have added many items to our website to involve the community.  One of the items we added this year is the Recognition Paw. The idea behind the Recognition Paw is to have others recognize students, teachers, or staff for an accomplishment, an award or perhaps just taking that one step beyond what is expected.  For example, a student that wins a ribbon for an outside activity, a student who helps a teacher clean up or sits with a new student at lunch, a teacher who goes above and beyond, etc.  If you would like to pay special attention to a student, teacher or staff member, you can do that at: 

Tonight is our Winter Wonderland dance sponsored by the Student Council. The dance is from 7 - 9 pm and tickets are $7 at the door. A permission form will be required to purchase a ticket. 
 
Track officially begins February 24
 
7th Grade Science is working on creating electrical circuits.  Today they were working in lab groups creating parallel circuits in Mrs. Gurney's classroom.  Below is a video and some photos to enjoy!




Thanks,

Amy Sims
Principal  
Intermediate School

 

North Elementary School

 

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South Elementary School
Today I attended an appreciation breakfast hosted by our school social workers Chrysta Forrest and Debbie Burks at the Willard Community Center. These two individuals started this annual event several years ago to highlight the accomplishments of all of the volunteers and organizations in our district.   

These supporters help our local Care to Learn chapter, Willard Children's Charitable Foundation, Willard Community Food Pantry, Clothing Bank and more.  I would also like to thank all of the amazing volunteers we have throughout our district that help to ensure the needs of our students and families are met each day.  Your countless hours and donations touch the hearts of many families.  Your priceless contributions are truly appreciated.  
Mark your calendar for these events:
  • WCCF Change a Life Fundraiser--February 3rd-12th
  • Student Council Smencil Sales--February 3rd-14th
  • Jump rope for Heart--January 29th-February 28th
  • Valentine's Day Parties--February 13th at 2:30
  • Students Dismissed at 12:30 on Friday, February 14th

Kara Crighton-Smith
Principal
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East Elementary School
Crazy cold weather can't keep the fun from Willard East! Our kiddos are really enjoying the WCCF Change-a-Life Fundraiser. We chose a "Penny Wars" theme where pennies and paper are + points and silver coins are - points. The halls are busy with kids sabotaging other classrooms with silver coins! You can see our points sheet on the link below:


Our playground misses us! Oh how we miss outside recess. Please bring on summer!
 
Melinda Miller
Principal

 

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Central Elementary School

WC is looking forward to a full week of school, learning and activities next week!  Please mark you calendars for the following events:

   

 

Feb. 10-14th - Book Fair

Feb. 11th - Family Reading and Fine Arts Night 5:30-7:30

Feb. 13th - PTO Valentine's Day Parties 2:45

Feb. 14th - Snow Make Up Day.  Early Dismissal 12:30

 

We hope you can join us for the fun and festivities!  Stay warm and have a great weekend!

 

Shane Medlin

Principal 


Orchard Hills Elementary School
 
Special Services

 

Over the past several days, students, teachers and parents have been thinking about the 2014-2015 school year and scheduling.  Many have already determined which classes are necessary and which classes are preferred to help them meet their educational goals.  

  

In Special Education, the IEP process helps to guide the course selections for all students with unique learning needs.  This week, I want to say thank you to every teacher and parent who participates as a team member in these meetings.  They are often before or after school and sometimes can be very time consuming.  The end result is that everyone comes to a consensus about what is best for the student and identifies way to help the student meet their individual goals.  Although the process is not perfect and doesn't answer every question, it is essential and truly focuses on the individual student.  It is amazing to see how many people work together to help students succeed at Willard and we are blessed!

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Caryn McDonnell

Director of Special Services

  

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

 




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Willard, MO 65781

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