WillardPublicSchools
 Student Focused | Strongly Connected | Success Driven
The Pride

 
February 27, 2015
In This Issue
Your Voice

District Communication Survey

 

Please click on the link above to participate in a quick 2 minute survey asking for your input on an important school issue.   

Willard Parks

 

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

 

NEW PROGRAM: 

Youth Flag Football Registration

Opens: February 23rd - March 14th

http://www.willardparks.com/youth-flag-football.html

  

Summer @ THE WAC

Register today for Willard Aquatic Center Activities

http://www.willardaquatics.com/

  

  
  
  
District Office

Now that we are 15 years into the 21st Century, and only ten years away from 2025, how do we prepare students for life after graduation?  A Gallup poll revealed that 43% of the students in a recent survey indicated they "plan to start their own business"; however of those students, only 7% are involved in an internship or hold a job in a real organization.   At the secondary level, administrators Amy Sims, Curt Graves and their staff seek out opportunities to maximize student exposure to workplace preparedness and problem-solving skills.  

 

The partnership between school and business/industry is not a new concept.  Willard and Springfield area businesses have been strong supporters and have provided learning opportunities and resources for our students.  Southwest Missouri area school districts have began to collaborate and create a joint venture of immersing students into a profession-based learning approach.   A Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) model has been successful in other Midwest and Missouri areas by partnering schools, businesses, and higher education institutions to engage students in an on-the-job professional learning experience while receiving high school and often college credit. 

 

 The goal is to begin with two areas of study, Medical/Healthcare and Manufacturing. The framework of Greater Ozarks CAPS program is underway with Willard and 11 partnering school districts to offer limited student enrollment for the 2015-16 school year.  We believe this program will provide another opportunity to assist students in college and career readiness.....more to come.

 

Stewart Pratt

Assistant Superintendent

Athletics & Activities

I shared something that I read from Proactive Coaching with all of my coaches and directors this week.  I liked it so much that I'm going to share it with everyone.....

"When kids are allowed to always feel successful without working hard in preparation, they are not learning confidence but rather to expect everything to be easy.  Teach young people to focus on and be proud of preparation." - Bruce Brown

 

STATE CHAMPION!!!!!!  Congratulations to Hunter Yeargan on becoming Willard's third state champion in wrestling.  Hunter won the 195lb weight division going undefeated over the three day tournament!  Also, congratulations to Kyle Caldwell for his 5th place finish and to Niko Chavez on his 6th place finish and to Austin McMillan, Sky Cope, Christian Smart, and Wyatt Smith on qualifying for the state tournament.  It was a great season!

 

Congratulations to the Tigers on their win over Neosho last Friday.  They finished the season with a 4-3 record in the COC.  Both the Tigers and Lady Tigers will start district play tomorrow as they will both play Joplin.  The girls will play at 1:30 followed by the boys at 3:00.  All district games will be held at Republic.  Girls semifinals are on Monday and the boys semifinals are on Tuesday.

 

The following students have qualified to compete at the FBLA State Leadership Conference, taking place in Springfield on Sunday, April 12 - Tuesday, April 14.

 

Cole Baker

Jasmine Berry

Kasey Brower

Haley Cole

Jeremy Dean

Alex Fox

Joe Griffin

Ryan Henslee

Madi Hinds

McKenzie Hunt

Chase Kauffman

Allie Marshall

Cameron McMurtrey

Elijah Pitts

Emily Raney

Evan Schwartz

Christine VanDoren

Conor Wadle

Courtney Weatherford

Amanda Paige Wilson

 

Great Job FBLA!!!!

 

The following students qualified at the district level to compete at the DECA State Conference from Sunday, March 15, through Tuesday, March 17

 

Ashleigh

Baker

Tanya

Boboescu

Makayla

Bowling

Aly

Bushong

Hayley

Cole

Jeremy

Dean

Jack

DuBois

Madi

Geiman

Stephanie

Graves

Mariah

Grayer

Bailey

Hays

Kaylee

Jordan

Callie

McCleod

Cameron

McMurtrey

Logan

McReynolds

Derick

Miller

Brooke

Mitchals

Cheyenne

Ogden

Maddie

Pingel

Emily

Raney

Tanner

Stafford

Nina

Todea

Kaeleigh

Toolen

Conor

Wadle

Tyler

Wisdom

 

Great Job DECA!!!!!

 

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

 

Jeff Staley

Director of Athletics/Activities 

High School

Next week starts "March Madness".  While most are thinking college basketball brackets, WHS Librarians are thinking book battles.  March Madness pits books against each other and is seeded based on circulation. Brackets are available for the students to fill out and turn in while voting is on line. There are weekly prizes and book discussions. 

 

Spring break and the end of the 3rd quarter are quickly approaching.  The March Senior meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd.  The presentation will be available online following the meeting for parents to also view. 

 

Parent-teacher conferences are planned for March 19 and 24 at the high school.  Some teachers may choose to pilot other strategies to increase the effectiveness and communication processes during conferences.  Additional information will be communicated to parents in the coming days. 

 

It is GREAT to be a Tiger!

 

Curt Graves

Principal 

Middle School
The WMS Archery Team took 3rd place in the Southwest Missouri Tournament last weekend.  We had almost 400 archery students from across Southwest Missouri participate in the tournament.  Once again, Cara Driskell ranked high taking 3rd place in the Middle School Girls Division with a score of 271. We would like to thank the many volunteers that made this tournament happen, we could never have done it without them. 

 

This week we would like to recognize two people that go above and beyond for our school.   Becky Robinson and her husband, Andy, are definitely "Pride" worthy.  Becky and Andy are both custodians in our district, she is assigned to WMS, he is at WHS. These two are at their schools during their normal shifts as well as numerous other hours of the day helping out at many of our school events.   We can not thank these two individuals enough!!  Becky and Andy, THANK  YOU for all you do!!!

 

Thanks, 

 

Amy Sims

Principal

Intermediate School
  
North Elementary School

Willard North held our February Super Tiger on Wednesday!  We just finished up our PTO fundraiser and our students were challenged to sell 200 coupon books.  If they met their challenge then Mrs. Hambey would be duct taped to the wall!  I am happy to report that the students exceeded the challenge and sold over 200 coupon books.  They also sold items and earned keychain bears.  I dressed up like a bear and they duct taped me to a lunch table so I could still lead the Super Tiger!  It was a lot of fun and the students loved seeing me dressed up.

    

Looking Ahead...

Read Across America Week

Monday-Red, White and Black Day

Tuesday-Silly Sock Day

Wednesday-Wacky Wednesday Hair Day

Thursday-Hat Day!

Friday-Storybook Character Day--Early Dismissal at 12:30

 

March 9-13-No School/Spring Break

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Amanda Hambey

Principal 

South Elementary School

The National Education Association annually sponsors Read Across America. Now in its 17th year, the program focuses on how important it is to motivate children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills. The nationwide reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of children's author Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, community centers, and more participate by bringing together kids and books!  Willard South will show their SEUSS support by participating in the activities listed below.  Don't miss out on the FUN!!!

 

 

 

Monday, March 2nd
 

Snuggle up with Seuss---PJ Day!  Free breakfast for every student also.  Breakfast will be delivered to each classroom at 8:20.  (Waffles, Apple slices & White Milk)


 

Tuesday, March 3rd

Wear your crazy "SEUSSICAL" hat and/or socks!  Bring in a canned food item for our food pantry.

 

 

Wednesday, March 4th

 

Wear STRIPES from head to toe!
 


Thursday, March 5th
Wear crazy MIX and MATCH clothing and show off your Seuss style?

Friday, March 6th
Dress up like your favorite story book character!  We will also kick-off our school wide BOOK READ!

SPECIAL DRAWING:  One student from each class will WIN a book and stuffed animal.  HOW??  All your child needs to do is participate EACH and EVERY day in our Read Across America activities to have their name entered in the drawing.  We will draw one name from each class and announce the WINNERS during morning announcements on Friday, March 6th.  

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Kara Crighton-Smith 

Principal

East Elementary School

 

Central Elementary School

While the arctic blasts continue to visit our area, our students have been busy warming themselves by working long division problems in 4th grade, creating mathematical representations of data through surveys in 1st grade, and working on sharing their learning and experience through KidBlog and iMovie trailers.  The cold and learning are in the air and our students are hoping spring and outside recess will be with us soon.

 

Congratulations to Mr. Helms, 4th grade teacher, and his wife Chandra on the birth of baby Asher this week.  He is adorable and is loved by his older brothers and sisters.  Mom and baby are doing well.  We wish many blessings for their wonderful family.

 

While it is cold this weekend, keep reading for our All-School Family Book Club of The World According to Humphrey.  We will be reading chapters 12 and 13 as we continue to share his adventures from classroom 26.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Shane Medlin

Principal  

Orchard Hills Elementary School

It's hard to believe that February is over and March begins next week!  There has been a lot of learning going on at WOHE.   Reading assessments, writing projects, and math practice to name a few.

 

 On Wednesday, Mrs. Jones, our computer teacher held a coding party with 3rd and 4th grade girls.  The room was packed with girls who wanted to show their expertise in computer coding. Great lesson for girls!  The possibilities are endless!  Want to learn more about coding?  Participate in The Hour of Code  http://hourofcode.com/us  anyone can participate. 

 

Dr. Prevo, the new principal for Orchard Hills came to visit on Thursday and spent time meeting students, visiting with teachers and staff and observing school routines.  Dr. Prevo will be visiting several times this spring to familiarize himself in the building. 

 

The third quarter ends on March 6th.  Spring Break is only a week away!   The year is closing in quickly!

 

Have a great weekend and think SPRING!

 

Dr. Rhonda Bishop

Principal 

Special Services

 

Partner's In Strength is just around the corner.  If you have never had a chance to attend, make it a priority this year! This is a great opportunity to see Willard students shine as they show their ABILITIES and enjoy a night filled with activity, teamwork, food and fun.  Mr. Jon Gold, chair for the planning committee is working diligently with his team to create a night that we will not forget.  Please be watching for more information following spring break and don't forget to check our website for information and many other events that you can be part of at school and in the community!

 


 http://www.willardspecialservices.weebly.com

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Caryn McDonnell

Director of Special Services 

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment




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