WillardPublicSchools
 Student Focused | Strongly Connected | Success Driven
The Pride

 
January 23, 2015
In This Issue
Your Voice
  
Willard Parks

 

Valentines Dance @ THE REC

Date: February 6th

Time: 7pm - 10pm

http://www.willardparks.com/valentines-day-sweetheart-dance.html

 

Youth Soccer Registration

Opens: February 23rd - March 14th

http://www.willardparks.com/youth-soccer.html

 

Youth Volleyball Registration

Opens: February 23rd - March 14th

http://www.willardparks.com/youth-volleyball.html

 

Summer @ THE WAC

Register today for Willard Aquatic Center Activities

http://www.willardaquatics.com/

  

  
  
  
District Office
No 2015 April Election for Willard Schools
 

Willard Schools will not participate in the 2015 April Election.   Each year at least two members of the Board of Education complete their respective three year term of office.   Patrons living in the Willard School District who meet the eligibility requirements must formally announce their desire to candidate for the open seat.  The patron must complete paperwork which is submitted to Greene County to officially complete this process. 

 

Board of Education members can be elected to an unlimited number of terms of service.  The window to declare interest is now closed.  Two individuals submitted formal candidate paperwork which fills the two open seats. 

 

Dr. John Lilly has served on the Willard Board of Education for six years and has made the decision to step away from BOE service.  Dr. Lilly has been a faithful advocate for the district and staff.  He has a deep understanding of the state / federal political processes and is continually interested in data analysis which the district utilizes to continually improve.  I have appreciated his positive approach and support.  Due to the fact that only two individuals formally submitted candidate paperwork they are automatically elected to the positions. 

 

Mrs. Jennifer Fickbohm is completing her fifth year of service on the Board.  BOE service runs in the family for Mrs. Fickbohm.  Her mother Carla served on the BOE for many years.  (Carla was on the BOE when I was hired 12 years ago.)  Jennifer, (and Carla) are fiercely devoted to Willard students.  Her positive attitude and uncompromising devotion to staff and students are a cornerstone for the BOE. 

 

The BOE will welcome Mrs. Kathy Hampton to the BOE in April.  Mrs. Hampton is a long time Willard resident currently working for Commerce Bank in Springfield.  Her children have graduated from Willard Schools and she now looks forward to BOE service.  I look forward to her joining the Willard Leadership Team. 

 

The BOE has decided not to run a Bond Election in the 2015 April Election.  The needs of the district are still present, therefore, the BOE continues in discussions about appropriate projects and timing.  Signs of enrollment growth are clearly visible along Hwy 160.  The apartment development close to the Willard Police Station will have 48 rental units completed in the next 12 months.  This development provides government subsidy which will draw young families and result in many students enrolling in Willard Schools.  Phase II of the development is currently in the planning stages.  

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Dr. Medlin

Superintendent  

Athletics & Activities
Tonight is Courtwarming!  A special "Thank You" to SGA for doing an outstanding job with Spirit Week.  They lead by example and that example is flat out awesome!
  
Congratulations to the wrestling Tigers on their championship in the Republic Tournament last Saturday.  This is the 6th year in a row that they have won the team title!!!  The boys followed that up with victories over Bolivar and Buffalo last night.  They will take a week off before competing in the COC tournament in Nixa next Saturday.
  
Congratulations to the Lady Tigers on their victory over Glendale this week!  The girls will have two home games next week as they host Fair Grove on Monday and Rogersville on Thursday.  Good luck ladies!
  
The Tigers will look for a big victory tonight during Courtwarming as they host Bolivar.  They will then host Hillcrest next Tuesday before traveling to Hogan Prep next Saturday.
  

Last weekend the speech and debate team traveled to Kansas City to compete at the largest tournament of the year, competing with 47 schools!

At Liberty High School the Novice did a great job! Advancing to semi-finals: Nate Swadley in IX, Serena Stump in OO, Grace Black and Zach Kauffman in HI, and Haley Wingender in Prose!  The following students' placed in Finals: Joe Amundson 6th place in HI, Hannah Scott 3rd Place in DI, and Kelsey Christianson and Joe Amundson 2nd in Duo.

 

At Liberty North the Varsity competed with some great competition! Advancing to semi-finals in their events was Evan Kirksey in OO, and Jacob Burnett/Cole Baker in Duo. The following students' placed in Finals: Emily Raney placed 4th in Student Congress, in Champ LD Cole baker and Conor Wadle both placed 4th as well.

Great JOB!

 

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

 

Jeff Staley

Director of Athletics / Activities
High School

We have had a great week at WHS!  Students and staff have participated all week in spirit days.  On Friday evening, courtwarming activities conclude with a crowning ceremony at the basketball game and a dodgeball tournament after the game. 

 

Teachers have been participating in a building competition called, "Competing for Exceeding".  Each  staff member has a red competition card with various tasks to complete.  I want to thank the local businesses who have donated and extended prizes for the competition.  The support of our staff, Willard staff, and Willard students is always appreciated!

 

Information can be accessed on the high school website about a new program teachers are learning to use called, Canvas.  Canvas is a site that facilitates digital learning opportunities for students.  All high school teachers received training on Monday, January 19.  This week, all staff have participated in a fully digital staff meeting rather than a traditional face-to-face meeting.  We are excited about the possibilities and opportunities for students and teachers to incorporate Canvas into our 1-1 laptop initiative as a tool to continue to developing 21st Century skills.

 

It is great to be a Tiger!

 

Curt Graves

Principal

Middle School

Basketball is winding up for the girl's 2014-15 season.  Both 7th and 8th grade have done an awesome job representing Willard and we look forward to watching these ladies in the future.   The boy's basketball season will be coming to an end next week.  We wish these gentleman the best of luck at their COC tournament!

 

2014-15 Archery Team competed in the Crane Tournament on Saturday, January 17.  The team did very well and took  third place.  Cara Driskell continues to score!  She took 1st place in middle school girls with a score of 279.  

 

"Into the Woods" is the middle school musical that will be performed in April.   The auditions will take place on February 5th and 6th.  We are looking forward to watching this talent group.

 

Amy Sims

Principal

Intermediate School

 

North Elementary School

 

South Elementary School
 
East Elementary School

Are you enjoying Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? The kids are so excited about this year's school-wide book club! A lot of our students are already done reading and our family night is still over a month away. Great job!

 

Last night I participated in a Twitter chat called #PTChat (Parent/Teacher Chat). This is a weekly chat about parent/teacher engagement.  The online discussion was about reading, finding book recommendations, promoting the benefits of reading aloud and with your family. It was a great discussion!
  
One resource that was shared really caught my attention. The link below is Scholastics Kids and Family Reading Report. Going along with our school-wide book read, I am specifically sharing the data about reading aloud at home. I think you will find the information helpful in understanding why schools encourage reading at home.
  
Check it out:
  
Melinda Miller
Principal  
Central Elementary School

It has been a short, but full week!  On Monday, our teachers had a full day.  During our Professional Development day, we discussed Daily 3 Math structures, Whole Brain Teaching and engagement strategies and spent time investigating apps, extensions, and websites to infuse student learning with technology.  Our teams also completed our book study of The Leader in Me to support leadership training with our students while others prepared for our All-School Family Book Club. 

 

On Tuesday, we returned to school and kicked off our 8th Annual All-School Family Book Club.  This year, we are reading The World According to Humphrey by Betty Birney.  This story tells Humphrey the hamster's adventures and observations as a class pet.  We kicked off the book in our own "WC Hamster Cage" and we are excited to share his adventures together as a school community.
  
On another "school/family" note, WC would like to congratulate Mrs. Floyd, third grade teacher, and her husband Nate on the birth of their daughter Ansley.  She is picture perfect and enjoying snuggle time with mom and dad.
  
Enjoy your weekend and happy reading!
  
Shane Medlin,
Principal
Orchard Hills Elementary School

 

Special Services

Congratulations to Mel Hicks and Wayne Harless for being recognized for their hard work and dedication to the staff and students at Willard High School during this month's faculty meeting. Mel and Wayne are both paraprofessionals that work with our students who have special needs.  They are an integral part of several student's days and often  volunteer above and beyond their job duties to lend a hand whenever they are needed.  

 

In Willard, we are blessed to have over 60 paraprofessionals that work closely with our special education teachers, classroom teachers, students and parents.  This week, we want to say THANK YOU to each of you and let you know that we are proud to have you as partners in education.  Thank you to Mel Hicks and Wayne Harless for being shining examples to us all!

 

With PRIDE,

Caryn McDonnell

Director of Special Services 

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment




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