WillardPublicSchools
 Student Focused | Strongly Connected | Success Driven
The Pride
September 18, 2015
In This Issue
Your Voice

Back-to-School Survey

 

Please click on the link above to participate in a quick 5 minute survey asking for your input on an important school issue.   

Willard Parks
    
District Office
All Missouri Public Schools are required to establish a tax rate by September 1st of each year.  Willard Public Schools has increased the total school levy by only 5 cents in the past 11 years.  We have worked very hard to maximize our efforts and minimize our costs to community patrons and businesses.
 
The following chart represents comparative data from Willard's peer districts.  Willard, along with all of our district peers, continue to create solutions to accommodate increasing growth in enrollments.  Missourians, as well as families from out of state, are moving to Southwest Missouri schools due to the high quality of education.  No one likes to pay taxes however, everyone wants quality public schools.  The Willard Board of Education, Administration, and staff appreciate the local support which is realized year after year.  



Have a great weekend!

Dr. Kent Medlin
Superintendent
Athletics & Activities
It's been a good week for our Tigers both on and off the field.  On the field has included the many victories that we have become accustomed to, off the field our Tigers continue to display the scholarship, citizenship, and stewardship that makes us so proud to live in the community of Willard!
 
Congratulations to the softball Tigers on their victory over Carthage on Tuesday.  The girls lost a hard fought game to Republic last night 3-4 in extra innings but displayed a "won't quit" attitude and supported each other throughout the contest!  The Tigers now stand 8-4 on the season and 3-1 in the COC.  They will travel to Liberty today and tomorrow for a tournament before resuming their COC schedule next week as they host Ozark on Tuesday and travel to Branson on Thursday.
 
A BIG congratulations to the VolleyTigers on winning the championship of the Hillcrest Tournament last Saturday!  The girls rode this momentum and defeated Lebanon on Tuesday running their record to an impressive 16-2-1 on the season!  This week they will host Rogersville on Monday, Nixa on Tuesday, and then travel to Neosho on Thursday.
 
Congratulations to the soccer Tigers on their big COC win over Republic this week 2-1!  The Tigers are now 2-1 in the COC.  They will host Carthage next Tuesday before hosting the Willard Fall Classic next Thursday- Saturday.
 
The football Tigers took one on the chin last Friday night as they lost to COC foe Nixa at home.  They will look to rebound tonight as they travel to Ozark.  Kickoff is at 7:00pm.  The Tigers are now 3-1 on the season and this is a big game in determining district playoff seeds.
 
 Below are the results from the Pearson Invitational this past Tuesday at Horton Smith. The girls' team score was the lowest score that we have had since 2007! 
 
Team Score: 384
Team Place: 4th out of 11
 
Individuals
Brooklyn Teague - 88 (tied for 7th overall)
Tory Butler - 94
Hannah Scott - 104
Kamryn Amstutz - 99
Jordyn Staley - 103
 
Good luck to the Cross Country Tigers as they host a meet today at the high school.  They will travel to Nixa on Tuesday for their next meet.
 
It's Good To Be A Tiger!

Jeff Staley
Director of Athletics/Activities
High School
Army recruiters visited WHS on Monday during lunch.  On Thursday, Missouri S&T visited during lunch.  Near the end of this month, we expect a visit from Missouri Southern; then in October, we will have visits from Crowder College, Evangel, Pittsburg State, Truman State and Southeast Missouri State.  Representatives typically set up a table during all three student lunches providing students with information and visiting about what each has to offer.  These are great opportunities for students to identify college entrance requirements, post-graduation expectations, and reflect on future plans.

Willard High School administration will be hosting the first of four community meetings in the library on September 24th at 6:30 PM.  The goal for these meetings is to gain a better understanding of the perceived strengths of the district, specifically high school, as well as areas that require growth.  Focused improvement must be specific and unique to what is best for students.  Time will be included for district level questions as well as those specific to WHS.  It is our belief that collaboration and communication is key to continuous improvement.  We hope you will join us for this collaboration time and look forward to visiting with you.

It is GREAT to be a Tiger!  

Curt Graves
Principal
Middle School
This week was the beginning to our sports season.  Students that were involved in these activities were excited to get started!  
  • Cross country team had a meet on Tuesday and represented Willard very well!  The following students medaled at the meet: Sydney Pyrah, Megan Mahan, Emily Oedewaldt, and Blake Hultgren.  The girls team placed 5th out of 14 teams and the boys placed 4th out of 14 teams.  
  • Football players kicked off the season by bringing home a win in the 8th grade game against Republic!  Way to go boys!!  
  • Cheerleaders did a great job cheering on the 7th grade football team at home on Thursday night.  
  • Volleyball players are starting their season with some big wins!! 7th and 8th grade won against Strafford on Tuesday night and then won again on Thursday night against Reeds Spring. 
     

 On Monday, parents were asked to log into Mastery Connect to see the progress of their child.   It is vital that parents get connected so that they are able to see mastery levels in each class.  Parents are also able to have discussion with their child using the  "I can" statements that are found on the website that tell what they know and are able to do.


We had a good turn out at our parent night on Wednesday.  Parents were able to stop by and ask questions about their child's progress.  Currently, 50% of WMS parents have logged in to see their child's progress.  We highly recommend that parents log into Mastery Connect to get information about where their child currently is in their academic progress.  We want to partner with you through this process, so it you have any question or trouble logging into the site, please call the Middle School office at your convenience.  
 
Amy Sims
Principal
East Elementary School
It's fundraiser kick-off week!!! This year our goal is to raise at least $12,000 for playground improvements. It's been quite a few years since we added or updated the playground so we would like to get started. If we meet our goal of $12,000 Principal Miller will dress up like a Minion.

Melinda Miller
Principal
Central Elementary School
This week WC students learned about Habit 4: Think Win-Win.  Think Win-Win isn't about being nice, nor is it a quick-fix technique. It is a character-based code for human interaction and collaboration.  Many people think in terms of either/or: either you're nice or you're tough. Win-win requires that you be both. It is a balancing act between courage and consideration. To go for win-win, you not only have to be empathetic, but you also have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, you also have to be brave. To do that--to achieve that balance between courage and consideration--is the essence of real maturity and is fundamental to win-win.

WC also kicked off our PTO Fall Fundraiser this week.  Thank you to our school community for their generosity in supporting our school.  Don't forget to order your cookie dough or purchase a Springfield Coupon Book to support our elementary schools!

Shane Medlin
Principal
Special Services
This past weekend, a group of Willard employees helped organize and work an event called Walk Now for Autism, which benefits Autism Speaks.  It was a great event and a beautiful day for the walk. "We Are Willard" appeared to be the only school based team walking the event.  Many of our own Willard families participated in this walk as well supporting their students who have ASD. Thank you to Summer Kelley, Holly Musser, Catherine Bingle, April McCarter and Tammy Murray for representing us all.   Please visit our website so you can get involved in other area events in the future!

  
Proud to be a TIGER!

Caryn McDonnell
Director of Special Services
Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
September 4th was our first professional development day as a district and our first opportunity to have Juli Dixon meeting with staff from the high school, middle school, intermediate, and 2 elementary schools for math training. 
 
Juli K. Dixon, PhD, is a professor of mathematics education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She coordinates the  Lockheed Martin/UCF Academy Master of Education in K-8 mathematics and science and the PhD in mathematics education. Dr. Dixon is focused on improving teachers' mathematics knowledge for teaching so that they can communicate and justify mathematical ideas and also expect their students to explain their mathematical thinking.
 
Her focus for the training  was the five instructional shifts for the supporting rigorous math standards.  Her goals for the day were to:
  •  Explore five essential instructional shifts to support student engagement in the mathematical practices
  •  Connect shifts to the four critical questions of the PLC (Professional Learning Community)
  •  Create a shared image of classroom norms supportive of student engagement in the practices

The professional day for staff was very valuable and allowed for veteran teachers as well as new teachers to the district to participate in vertical alignment of strategies as well as ensuring rigor within the math content.

Angela Stevens
Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment




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