WillardPublicSchools
 Student Focused | Strongly Connected | Success Driven
The Pride
January 8, 2016
In This Issue
Willard Parks
  
        
Board of Education
As you may recall, in the past few months, the Board of Education posted an "opening" on the Board, due to the resignation of former member John Hartley.  Based on past election history, there was concern that we would have to "recruit" for candidates.  Instead, we were pleased to see 13 applications to fill that seat for 6 months!  At that time, we stated that this vacancy would mean that the next board election would be held for three seats, two for a regular 3 year term, and one seat for a one year term to complete Hartley's regular term of service.

Currently, the filing period for those three seats is open.  The last two regular elections have seen only the same number of candidates as there were vacancies.  Some may view this as a good thing, while others may feel that having to "earn" that seat through an election is also a good thing.  Knowing that we had 13 people who were interested in serving, even if for a short term, makes me think that there is interest in giving back to the district.  If any patron is interested in filing for candidacy, all it takes is to fill out a candidate ballot form, and an affidavit attesting to having paid your 2015 tax obligations.  The deadline for filing is January 19, at the end of district office hours.  For more information about the process of campaigning and becoming a board member, visit http://www.msbanet.org/board-development/board-members/board-candidates to learn more!

See you at the polls!  

Julie Germann
President
District Office
Happy New Year
 
I hope your 2016 is off to a great start!  I participated in a Twitter Chat with a person that I follow called "Blunt Educator".  Blunt Educator is a person, most likely a teacher, who provides daily posts for teachers.  Many are humorous, some sarcastic, but most are very realistic to the world of a teacher.  Blunt Educator has over 14,000 followers me being one.  
 
During the Twitter chat I participated with many other educators from around the country.  If you are on Twitter you understand this process, if you are not on Twitter you may want to try it out.  During the chat I "tweeted"  "A lone wolf can't kill a bear, but if the wolf brings the pack then bear meat is on the dinner menu".  Blunt Educator "favorited" and "retweeted" my comment.
 
That is how we roll at Willard Schools. We can no longer act like "lone wolfs" because the obstacles (disguised as bears) will pick us off one at a time.  However, when we bring the pack together great things happen.  Working together is not only important for teachers it is a key skill that students must understand to be prepared for the world of work. 
 
Some jobs allow for people to work alone and in isolation however, they are becoming fewer and fewer.  Schools must offer opportunities for problem solving by groups of students to reflect real world collaborative efforts.  I don't mind to fight the bear but it is sure nice to know that your pack is standing ready to help.
 
This year we are intentional about helping students learn this key skill.
 
Dr. Medlin
Superintendent
Athletics & Activities
Our Tigers have been extremely busy over the holidays and continue to represent our community in a manner that would make anyone proud!  Let's get to the results:

Willard wrestlers started the new year with a battle of the Tigers.  They traveled to Ozark for their first away dual meet of the season, where they would face off with the Carthage Tigers and Ozark Tigers.  It was a pretty good night for Willard as they would end up being the best tigers in the battle.  Coming off a defeat from last season against Carthage, Willard wrestled pretty well to start the night, as the tigers would avenge their last season defeat by a score of 52-21 and win 11 of the 14 bouts.  Willard would have to wait almost 2 hours before taking on Ozark with the long break seeming to effect some of the tigers.  Willard took 8 of the 14 bouts and earned a 38-27 victory to finish the evening.  By only winning 3 of those 8 bouts by way of decision Willard wasn't able to score bonus points which would have increased the gap in the final score.  Tigers move to 7-1 in duals on the season and will train the rest of the week for their tournament in Monett this Saturday.

Willard 52  Carthage 21
Willard 38  Ozark 27

106 Jonah Peters  1-1
113 Tallon Heimbach  2-0
120 Alex Garrett  2-0
126 Bruin Wildermuth  0-2
132 Gracie Lawhon  1-1
138 Niko Chavez  2-0
145 Tyler Carcione  1-1
152 Open
160 Kyle Caldwell  2-0
170 Cameron Caldwell  2-0
182 Christian Smart  1-1
195 Hunter Yeargan  2-0
220 Austin Hymer  1-1
285 Martin Eidson  1-1

The basketball Tigers have caught fire as they have now won 4 in a row defeating Stockton, Mansfield, and Camdenton to win the Consolation Championship in the Blue and Gold and then defeated Rogersville at home on Tuesday.  The Tigers will take on state ranked Clever tonight with the Frosh starting at 5:00pm.  Next week, they will travel to Branson on Tuesday to open COC play and then will host Blair Oaks on Friday.  There will be a silent auction to help support our bass fishing team on this night so come out and get some great fishing gear as well!

The Lady Tigers have struggled to get wins but continue to play hard and improve every night.  The girls will open COC play next Monday as they travel to Branson.  They will then travel to  Lebanon on Friday.  Good luck ladies!

It's Good To Be A Tiger!

Jeff Staley
Director of Athletics / Activities
High School

Middle School

The 7th grade science students have been working on a unit about energy transformations.  Before leaving for break, and upon return, the students created a paper roller coaster.   Through this activity students were specifically targeting two standards of learning.  The two standards are: I can explain that energy can change from one form to another. I can evaluate the design of an experiment and make improvements.  Students worked in collaborative groups to design their very own marble roller coaster.   Some of the students went above and beyond by spending time at home over the break tweaking and adding to the design.  Check out some of the designs in the pictures.   

 

 

 

Amy Sims

Principal

Intermediate
Welcome to 2016!  We are excited to start a new year and begin our journey through second semester together.  Students received their 1st semester grade reports today and we encourage parents to take some time to look over this information.  This is a great time to look back at the first half of the year and identify goals moving forward.  

The start of second semester is also a great time to find ways for students to get involved in one of our many school clubs.  5th and 6th grade students have a strong desire to connect with their peers outside of the academic world.  Our clubs provide a safe and structured environment for them to explore various interest areas while getting to interact with students they otherwise would not have the opportunity to be around.  Check out the broad range of after school activities WIS students can choose from!

Stay warm out there!


Tom Davis

Principal 

Orchard Hills

Central Elementary School
The new year and new semester has brought several new student and staff faces to Willard Central.  We would like to welcome Nurse Becky Meagher (pronounced Mayer). Nurse Becky comes to us from the Jordan Valley Clinic and the Jordan Valley Mobile Unit. Nurse Becky has several years of pediatric experience and is willing and ready to answer any questions or concerns that may come her way.  We would also like to welcome Mr. Ron Freeman to our full time staff. Mr. Ron has been working the split time late shift, but we are excited that he is now our full time evening custodian. Welcome Nurse Becky and Mr. Ron! We are so excited that you are now part of our Willard Central family!
 
 
We would also like to thank Mrs. Bass and the Merryman family for helping paint over the Christmas break.  We appreciate their time to spruce up the school.  Our students loved it!
 
Shane Medlin
Principal
East
North
South
We hope everyone enjoyed the two week holiday break with lots of rest and family fun!  Students, and parents alike, were ready to return to school this week.  Students jumped right back into the school routine and enjoyed sharing all of the details of their break with their teacher and friends.
Next week, we will kick-off our schoolwide book read.  Each child will receive a copy of the book Winter According to Humphreyby Betty Birney.  Families will enjoy reading this book together about the adventures of Humphrey the hamster.  Students will relate to the tales of this classroom pet. You can find more information about this enthusiastic hamster by visiting ourschoolwide book read website. (http://wsbook.weebly.com/) Please look for the newsletter and book in your child's backpack on Monday!
Kara Crighton-Smith
Principal
Special Education
 
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment




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