April 2, 2015

In This Issue

Side Subheading

Willard Parks

Summer @ THE WAC

http://www.willardaquatics.com/

Summer Adventure Camp

http://www.willardparks.com/summer-adventure-camp.html

willardparks.com

District Office

Good Friday!

Many years we lose Good Friday because of snow days. This year, the district had to utilize Easter Monday as a make-up school day however, Good Friday survived! Easter and springtime both signal "new life". At times everyone requires a "fresh start". Schools, business, and even people, go through "seasons" which are simply difficult. That is when persistence, discipline, grit, and hard work help us to bridge the difficult times. Most often those difficult times begin to turn and we find solutions to problems.

At times we must internally undergo an attitude adjustment. When successful, we begin to see a "light" in the tunnel. Fortunately for all of us spring is always a promise of "new life" after a long Winter. My lawn never looks more beautiful than in the spring. (Before the dandelions begin to grow!) For the educational K-12 world spring breathes new life into buildings. Recess returns outdoors, Baseball lights glow until 10:00pm. Spring Music productions, contests and plays are performed, shorts and sandals come out of the closet, the dirt of the garden smells fresh from the first tilling, and the dogwood trees come alive. Easter arrives and we are once again reminded of new life, second chances, growth, family, faith, and of course Good Friday!!!! I am thankful for all of them!

Spend a little time this weekend being thankful for new life!

Happy Easter,

Dr. Medlin

Superintendent

Special Services

April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. Several activities are occurring around the district in an effort to bring awareness and provide education to this growing area. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 of 68 children are diagnosed with autism each year, according to their most recent study in 2014. Last year, an amazing young man named Aaron Likens shared with the entire Willard staff about his personal experience with autism. He is now the Easter Seals Ambassador for Autism and you can follow him and learn more about autism by following his blog

http://lifeontheothersideofthewall.blogspot.com/

If you would like more information about autism, please visit our website:

www.willardspecialservices.weebly.com

UPCOMING EVENTS TO BE PART OF:

8th Annual Partner's In Strength Night: Monday, April 20th 5:30-7:30PM @ Willard High School (there is a participation form, please see your child's teacher or you can download a copy from our website above)

Jellybean Speech Tournament: Saturday, May 9th (AM) @ Willard High School. Students in grades 7-12 will be showcasing their talents such as poetry, storytelling, etc. A huge THANK YOU to Kathy Tobin for coordinating this event. Let's show our support!

SPED Transition Days: Tuesday, May 5th for 4th grade students entering WIS and Friday, May 8th for 6th grade students moving up to WMS. Be watching for details.

Annual Fishing with Friends Day: Tuesday, May 12th 8-2PM @ Bois D'Arc Conservation Area. Students will be notified if they are eligible to attend.

Caryn McDonnell

Director of Special Services

Willard Public Schools | 417-742-2584

http://www.willardschools.net

500 E Kime

Willard, MO 65781

The Pride is a publication of Willard R2 School District.