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The Pride
October 10, 2014

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Your Voice
 
Each week this section will feature a 2 minute survey asking for your input on an important school issue. Please take a couple minutes to let Your Voice be heard.
Willard Parks

 

Youth Basketball Registration

Oct. 1st - Oct. 18th  

 

Safe Halloween Trunk or Treat
October 25th 2014 from 6pm-8pm

 

Dungeon of Doom Haunted House

Friday, Oct. 24th & Saturday, Oct. 25th: 7-10 pm 

 

9th Annual Christmas on the Frisco - Nov. 22nd

www.christmasonthefrisco.com

 

3rd Annual Willard Turkey Trot 
Thanksgiving Morning November 27th 2014

 

Music Class Registration Underway

www.willardparks.com/music-classes

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

  
District Office
We are Willard!
 

The Board of Education and Administration discussed the upcoming bond election at this weeks Study Session.  I shared that I had received significant positive feedback from patrons.  During the discussion we also recognized that great apathy exists toward anything that is related to the government.  People are frustrated that the only thing that exists in Jefferson City and Washington D.C. is disagreement, finger pointing, and gridlock. 

  

I believe Willard has always been able to find a way to cut through the political nonsense and simply do what is best for kids!  I, along with the Board of Education members, believe this bond issue is a positive step for kids.  I can assure patrons that 100% of the funds gained through the 15 cent increase in taxes stays here in the Willard School District.  It goes directly to the benefit of Willard kids.  These funds do not get forwarded to Jefferson City or Washington, they stay here in Willard. 

 

I never want to take for granted the support that exists for Willard Schools.  We have a great school system because we have a great community!  Willard leaders have always passionately supported our local schools.  I never want to be compared to the failure of leadership that occurs at other levels of government.  We are Willard!  We find ways to make it work.  We don't always agree on every detail but the goal is always to support kids. 

 

I believe this bond issue provides new classroom space which accommodates growth and prevents redistricting and overcrowding of buildings.  I believe this bond issue provides needed updates and overhaul of 50-60 year old heat and air systems, I believe this bond issue increases security and safety of students, and I believe this bond issue provides for greater student opportunities.  I, like many others, have become very cynical in regard to politics.  It is tempting to throw your hands up in the air and admit that the system no longer works.  I refuse to accept that the local system is broken.  We are Willard!  We find ways to make it work!

 

If you have questions or concerns regarding the bond issue please e-mail me or come to Orchard Hills next Tuesday, October 14th at 6:00p.m. for the final community bond informational meeting.
  
Have a great weekend!
Dr. Medlin
Superintendent
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Athletics & Activities
"Fight Like A Tiger"...This is the slogan on the t-shirts that DECA is selling for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  What a great slogan!  It can be applied to so many aspects of our lives.  Whether you are currently battling cancer, are a cancer survivor, or are dealing with other issues in your family....always "Fight Like A Tiger" because NOTHING fights harder!
  
Congratulations to our cheerleaders on taking 6th place at State last weekend out of 20 squads!  Very proud of the coaches and athletes on a great competitive season and want to thank them for all their hard work on the sidelines supporting our Tigers!
  
Well football bounced back in a big way last week as they rolled Republic 40-10!  The Tigers are ranked #5 in Class 5 in the state!  They will host Branson tonight.  Game time is 7:00 but Senior Night festivities for football, cross country, and girls golf will begin at 6:30.  Bring an umbrella and come out to support the team!
  
Softball has hit a stand still.  The girls are playing well and defeated Central in the first round of districts on Wednesday.  Rain has postponed the semifinals but, eventually, they will play Waynesville in that round.
  
The VolleyTigers are hot right now!!!!  Holy cow, they are now 26-5 on the season after winning the Licking Tournament last week and defeating Webb City and Republic this week!  The girls will host Ozark next Tuesday in a match that will determine the COC championship and then will host Marshfield on Thursday which will be Senior Night.  Oh.....and they received the #1 seed in their District tournament in Waynesville.  The girls will play at 4:30 on Oct. 21st.
  
The soccer Tigers are playing much better as they won the Willard Invitational and then followed that up with impressive wins over Bolivar and Monett!  The Tigers will host Rogersville next Monday which will be Senior Night.  Match will start at 5:00pm with the varsity playing first.  They will then host Neosho on Tuesday and will travel to Catholic on Thursday.
  
Congratulations to "The Cutting Edge" for receiving 1st place in their division in prelims and 2nd place in open class finals at the Valhalla Marching Band Festival this past weekend at Parkview High School. Also, our percussionists received special recognition by obtaining the Outstanding Percussion Award for our division! It was a great day and we are so very proud of our students not only for how they perform but also how well they represent Willard each and every time we travel. We invite you to come see us perform this Saturday at the Ozarko Marching Band Festival which will be held at Missouri State University. Performance time is 3:18 pm
  
Cross Country is having trouble getting a meet in with all this rain!  The Highline Invitational was cancelled due to storms and the meet last night in Buffalo was also cancelled.  However, they have a huge meet next Tuesday as they travel to Nixa for the COC meet!  Races start at 4:00.  Come out and support our cross country Tigers!
  
It's Good To Be A Tiger
  
Jeff Staley

Director of Athletics/Activities 

High School

October 10, is an early out day for students.  High School staff will be receiving Active Shooter-Intruder training.  Safety is always a priority!  While we hope to never have to use this training, preparation is key.

 

Several colleges have been and are scheduled to provide admissions information to students during lunch.  Last week, Missouri University admissions staff visited our campus.  Southeast Missouri State, Regency, and Avila University have been to WHS this week.  Next week, admissions staff from Evangel and Missouri State will be visiting.  Other colleges, technical schools, and the military branches will visit throughout the coming months. These are great opportunities for our students to gain information and seek out answers to questions as they think about their futures.

 

Next Wednesday, October 15, we have a large group of sophomores that will be touring OTC to learn about more options for our students.  OTC works with WHS very well to provide our students opportunities for dual credit (high school and college credits) as well as provide excellent, specialized vocational programs such as diesel mechanics, nursing, auto body, auto mechanics, welding, landscaping, multimedia, and more. 

 

Next Friday, October 17, is the annual FCCLA Fall Blood Drive in the WHS Auxiliary Gym.  The FACs teachers and FCCLA students do a tremendous job of organizing and facilitating the event. 

 

It is GREAT to be a Tiger!

 

Curt Graves

Principal

 

  
Middle School

Middle school has been full of school spirit this week. Students organized 5 spirit days: Disney characters, crazy selfie day, fake injury, Netflix character day, black and white day.  Many students participated in these fun spirit filled days.  Check out a few of the photos below. 

 

At the end of each quarter, the individual team of teachers work to develop a time to recognize students. Today was the first time teams met with their groups of students. During this time they got a chance to recognize students for all the wonderful things they do as well as create team unity.
  
Amy Sims
Principal 
Intermediate School
  
North Elementary School
 

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South Elementary School
  

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East Elementary School

We are very excited about our VIP Parent Meeting last night! Over the past few weeks we received a lot of feedback and questions about starting a PTO. The teachers and I decided to host an informational meeting to see how to best meet the needs of our families. Last night was that meeting and it was amazing! We had a great turn out and it was exciting to hear how many parents want to be involved and just don't know how. So we are on the right track and getting started with some parent involvement ideas. If you are interested in being a part of our team please call the office or stop by for a up of coffee and we can fill you in and make some plans.

 

Kudos to Mrs. Hillenburg and Mrs. Uckele and their student presentation for Digital Citizenship. These two ladies are in the process of becoming certified educators and helping our school receive certification in digital citizenship for our students. 
  
Melinda Miller
Principal

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Central Elementary School

It is hard to believe the first quarter has come to an end!  Teachers and students are busy preparing for student-led conferences as we partner with parents to support student learning.

 

As we look ahead to the rest of October, please keep these important dates in mind:
Monday, 13th - PTO Meeting at 6:00pm
Tuesday, 14th - Picture Day
                        - PTO Fundraiser Delivery 3:30-6:00pm
Tuesday, 21st - 3rd Grade Music Program 2:45 and 7:00pm
Tuesday, 28th & Thursday, 30th - Student-Led Conferences 4:00-7:30pm
Friday, 31st - Terrific Tiger Celebration at Community Time
                    - PTO Fall Parties 2:45
 
Though not an officially sanctioned school event, WC would like to wish Mr. Madden and bride Holly the very best on their upcoming wedding this Saturday!  Not only does Mr. Madden serve our students wonderfully in the computer lab, Mr. Madden also works with many of our district's youth at NorthBridge Church.  Mr. Madden is a great role model for Willard students and we could not be happier with this new chapter in their lives.
  
Shane Medlin, Principal  

Orchard Hills Elementary School

 

 
Special Services

October is Disability History and Awareness Month

 

Check out the State of Missouri Disability Portal http://disability.mo.gov/for information about HB 555 which created Disability History and Awareness Month in Missouri, a You Tube Video titled "It's Our Story" discussing the disability rights movement, a list of disability history resources, a list of disability related events being held throughout the state during the month, and information about National Disability Employment Awareness Month (also celebrated in October).  The Governor's Council on Disability's web site http://disability.mo.gov/gcd/ will feature a slideshow of Missourians with Disabilities in Everyday Life.

Check out our own efforts to raise awareness throughout the month of October on the Special Services website at http://www.willardspecialservices.weebly.com

 

Have a great weekend!


 
Caryn McDonnell

Director of Special Services 

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

 




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500 E Kime
Willard, MO 65781

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