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The Pride
October 31, 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

I walked over to Willard East a few days ago and watched Lisa Hillenburg, the building librarian, working with one young man at a table in the library.  He was writing a paper on Roberto Clemente and Mrs. Hillenburg was helping him in his research. 

 

I happen to know his parents so I mentioned that I had seen him working and they filled me in on "The Rest of the Story".  This young man did research, wrote a paper, presented it to his class and it was not an assignment!  He simply loves baseball and school personnel used this to help him "own" his learning.  By the way he is only in first grade! 

 

That is the secret to creating learning opportunities for students.  We must tap into their personal motivation and make learning real, relevant, and rigorous.  It would have been so easy for his teachers to allow him to "read a book" while other students were completing their assignments but they chose to grab an opportunity to help a young man explore his passion of baseball while all the time directing that passion to higher levels of learning.  His parents care about learning and were part of the process encouraging him to stretch beyond what was required and do something special.  Good job to all involved. 

 

I believe that this is an example for all of us.  We can choose to accept mediocrity.  We can choose to do it the same way that it was always done.  We can say that it was good enough for us 30 years ago when we were in school.  We can choose not to go above and beyond.  We can choose not to put in extra effort because others don't.  We can choose not to act because it may take too much time, too much effort, or too much money or it might offend someone.  We can choose not to because that it is not in our job description.  We can choose not to because someone else will do it.  There are always reasons why we should not do something above and beyond.  There are always reasons not to do something special.  I congratulate this young man's teacher and librarian for choosing to help him excel in learning!  They have demonstrated that choosing to do something special results in great opportunities for Willard children!

 

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Medlin

Superintendent

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Athletics & Activities
I don't care how cold it is getting outside, our Tigers continue to be hot and are winning district championships!  Also, I would like to encourage EVERYONE to get out and vote on Nov. 4th.  Whether you are for or against the bond issue, it is important for your voice to be heard!  It's what makes Willard such a great community and school district and I am proud to be a part of it!
  
BACK....to BACK....to BACK!  Congratulations to our soccer Tigers on their Class 3 District 10 championship!  They defeated Bolivar 2-1 in overtime last night.  The Tigers will host Jefferson City Helias on Tuesday in the Sectional match.  Game time is to be determined.  Great job Tigers!
  
A big congratulations to Chloe Andrews, Justin Johnson, and Garron Schweighardt on qualifying out of district cross country!  All three will be representing Willard at the Sectional meet tomorrow in Nixa.  First race is at 11:00am.  Good luck Tigers!
  
Congratulations to the volleytigers on an outstanding season!  The girls won a district championship before falling to Carl Junction in the Sectional match last Saturday.  A special congratulations to Kate Bushnell, Mariah Stewart, and Kenzie Bouse on making 1st Team All-District!
  
Our football Tigers had a bye last week but will resume their playoffs tonight as we host Belton in the district semifinal.  Game time is 7:00pm.  Dress warm and come out and support our Tigers as they look to add to their historic season!!!  Admission is $5 tonight and no passes are accepted during the playoffs.
Several of our novice debaters competed last Saturday at the Neosho Novice Debate Tournament.  We had a lot of success by all of the students!  Placing and receiving a trophy in Lincoln Douglas Debate 5th place, Ashlyn Wadle.  Also, placing 5th in Public Forum Debate was Kathie Lawson and Tory Butler.  Finally placing 8th in Policy Debate was Hannah Scott and Jessi Schoolcraft! 
 
Congratulations to "The Cutting Edge" on the end of a spectacular season! The band took 3rd place in preliminary competition in the Class 5A Black Division and 5th place in Open Class Finals at the Festival of Champions Marching Band Contest held on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg this past Saturday. Willard was one of 31 bands from Missouri, Kansas and Illinois participating in this event. We are extremely pleased with our students not only for the dedication, determination and work ethic they exhibited all season but also for the exceptional way they represented the community of Willard and the entire Willard School District. The tradition continues as they continue to make Willard proud!
 
Jeff Staley
Director of Athletics / Activities  
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High School

November 15, WHS will host a practice ACT.  Students must sign up in the counseling office and bring their $5. Teachers continue to also use the Learning Express Library which contains several excellent ACT preparatory resources.  This includes an after school and TNT ACT prep sessions.  Students and/or parents may inquire through the counseling office for more details.

 

WHS is hosting several secondary school districts' staff for Star Summitt on November 4.  Tremendous professional development opportunities and collaboration amongst areas educators will take place.  WHS students do not have classes on November 3 or 4. 

 

The Veterans Day assembly is scheduled for November 11 at 1:35 PM.  Once again, SGA will be hosting all visiting veterans and their families prior to the assembly.  NJROTC and Mrs. Kiesewetter continue making plans for the program. 

 

It is GREAT to be a Tiger!

 

Curt Graves

Principal

 

  
Middle School

WMS held parent teacher conferences on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  It was a great time to meet with parents and work together to meet the needs of each student.  I would like to thank all the parents that attended as well as the teachers that put in the late nights!

 

Well, it is that time again! The gyms are full of anxious 7th and 8th graders that are ready to start the basketball season.  Tryouts for boys and girls were held this week and the teams have been formed.  Sixty-four boys and girls will grace our basketball floors for their first games starting in November.  Wrestling is also underway with 16 wrestlers participating this year.  We look forward to seeing these talented students in the upcoming months.
  
This week was full of celebration of Red Ribbon week.  Students dressed up each day with a different theme; mix it up day, favorite sports team day, wear red day, hat day, and words with friends day.  Students also had a Mix it Up Lunch Day that encouraged students to sit with others during lunch that they didn't sit with normally.   At the Red Ribbon Assembly, the high school thespians performed skits on topics that were relatable to our middle school students.   As always, the thespians did a fantastic job and our students enjoyed the opportunity to view their talents.  

  

Amy Sims

Principal 

Intermediate School
A busy week to close out the month of October.
  
Thank you to all our parents that came out to our parent/teacher conferences this week.  With one quarter of the school year behind us, this was a great opportunity for parents to find out how their student is progressing.  Thanks to our PTO and parent volunteers for providing an awesome dinner for us on Tuesday evening!  Mrs. Staley put on another great Book Fair that ran in conjunction with conferences.  Thanks to everyone that stopped by to support this effort.
  
On Tuesday, Mrs. Chappell and her thespian students from the High School stopped by to present several thought provoking and encouraging skits in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week.  It is always fun to see former students that have grown up return to the building in an effort to give back to our school community.  They did a great job and the messages they presented were well received by WIS.
  
Wednesday saw our first iChoose reward day of the year.  Students were rewarded for their positive behavior with fun and games in our gym along with snacks and prizes.  Congratulations to the 8 students that won a well deserved trip to Silver Dollar City in the spring.  We encourage all of our students to continue making positive behavior choices!
  
Friday afternoon the entire building took some time to celebrate classroom fall parties.  This tradition at WIS gives students a break from their normal school routine and allows them some time to eat snacks, play games, and have some relaxed fun with their classmates.  Thanks to homeroom parents for making this happen!
  
A reminder that school will not be in session next Monday or Tuesday.  We hope everyone has a safe weekend and we will see you on the first Wednesday of November!
  
Tom Davis
Principal  
North Elementary School

 

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South Elementary School
  
I believe we squeezed in everything possible this week here at Willard South.  We celebrated Red Ribbon Week with special activities each day.  This included the popular mustache day!    We also had an AMAZING performance by the WHS Theater Department.  They had the students and teachers laughing all day.  

We also wrapped up our fundraising prize activities with limo rides, Kona ice truck, and a 3D movie.  Special thanks to all of the parents and patrons who helped us raise around $12,000 this year!  This will continue to fund our school t-shirts, classroom supplies and additional school resources. 
  
On Tuesday, we celebrated our monthly Tiger  Pride Assembly to showcase all of the students for their hard work.  We also held our second night of parent teacher conferences.  It was a busy day!
  
We wrapped up the week with classroom parties on Friday afternoon.  A big thanks to all of the amazing homeroom helpers for organizing these special activities. The students had a great time eating all of the goodies and playing some fun games with their friends.  
  
Don't forget that there is no school for students Monday and Tuesday!  Have a great weekend and stay warm.
  
Kara Crighton-Smith
Principal

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East Elementary School

                                                                    What a fun week for the kids! It's Red Ribbon Week, fundraiser reward week, and Fall Parties today! The kids have had a ball dressing up for the different dress up days this week. Mrs. Woodall did an outstanding job of planning festivities.

 

  

  
  
Mustache Day
Red Day
Fake Injury Day
PJ Day
Tiger Wear Day
  
  
We were thrilled with our Parent/Teacher Conference turn out! It's a great time of year to sit down with parents and share the successes of our students. Thank you for sharing your children with us! It's such a tremendous responsibility to be entrusted to care for these great kids. 
  
  
Check out our kiddos riding in a Limo for lunch! They were super excited if you can't tell.
  
Melinda Miller
Principal                                                  
                                               
        

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Central Elementary School

It has been a full week at WC!  Thank you to all of the parents who partnered with their students and teachers for our student-led conferences this week.  We (and your kids) so appreciate your time investing in the classroom around what your child is learning.  This week, we also celebrated our students' hard work from the first quarter with our Terrific Tiger Celebration and Willard Way Celebrations on Friday.  After recognizing students during Community Time, students who showed the Willard Way during the first quarter earned the chance to participate in Superhero activities demonstrating leadership skills with several fun activities.  From the Batman and Robin obstacle course, to the Hawkeye target range to creating a class shield, students had fun while showing off their superhero and leadership skills.

 

Mrs. Lassley, the paraprofessionals and students created a video to share at Community Time in honor of Disability Awareness Month.  They started with the MattyBRaps youtube video about his sister Sarah with Down Syndrome and then shared the video they created.  It was a great chance to celebrate our students while focusing on our commonalities!  Willard is a great school district filled with exceptionally talented students and staff members.  Your support for all of our students and our schools is greatly appreciated!  We hope you take a chance to view the links to the videos below.
  
  
Enjoy the long weekend and stay safe and warm for all of the fall activities this weekend!
  
Shane Medlin
 Principal

Orchard Hills Elementary School

It has been a busy week at WOHE!  Parent-Teacher Conferences were a success!  Thanks to all the parents who came to visit. Thanks to PTO for the great meal on Tuesday night! 

 

This morning, Mrs. Bryant hosted our first Grandparent's breakfast at the book fair.  It was WONDERFUL to see our grandparents!  Check our Facebook page out for cute pictures!  Lots of books were sold this morning too! 

 

Don't forget there is no school for students on Monday OR Tuesday, November 3rd and 4th Tuesday is Election Day, so don't forget to vote!

 

Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

 

Dr. Rhonda Bishop

Principal  

 
Special Services

 

 

fo�cus

noun\ˈfō-kəs\

 

: a subject that is being discussed or studied : the subject on which people's attention is focused

: a main purpose or interest

 

 

  

Throughout the month of October, we have focused on bringing awareness and understanding to our school community about individuals with disabilities.  More importantly, we have tried to FOCUS on the ABILITY of individuals who live everyday with a particular challenge.  We are all more alike than different!

 

Thank you to all the teachers, staff and students who have participated in these efforts across the district.  I believe it has and will continue to make a difference in all of our lives.

 

For more information about Willard Special Services and these efforts, please visit our website at http://willardspecialservices.weebly.com/

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Caryn McDonnell

Director of Special Services




Willard Public Schools | 417-742-2584
500 E Kime
Willard, MO 65781

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