WillardPublicSchools
 Student Focused | Strongly Connected | Success Driven
The Pride
March 18, 2016
In This Issue
Quick News
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Willard School District has a bond issue on the April ballot that WILL NOT INCREASE TAXES! This issue will address 3 urgent needs in the district. Visit willardbondissue.net to learn more. Then please vote April 5!
 

School Board Candidates 


 
Seven patrons have filed to run for the three open school board seats in the upcoming April 5 election. Voters will elect two directors for three-year terms. 


 Willard's MSTA is hosting a candidates forum on March 29 at 6:30pm in the District Office Training Room, 500 Kime,  in Willard. All patrons are encouraged to attend to learn more about each candidate.
Willard Parks
 
The Great Easter Egg Hunt
March 19th @ THE REC
   
       
District Office
No Tax Increase!!!!
 
Willard Schools continues to see steady strong growth in student enrollment.  The district has added approximately 300 additional students since FY13.  In the past decade the district has grown over 1000 students.
 
The last bond issue approved by the community was in 2007 which was also a No Tax Increase bond.  The 2007 bond was for 13.5 million dollars and was used to construct Orchard Hills Elementary.  The building was opened in 2009.  In order to find the last bond which required an increase in the tax rate we would have to go back to 2002 when 19.6 million dollars was approved to build the high school.  The building opened in 2006.  How can that be 14 years ago??? 
 
The Board of Education and Administration has worked very hard over the past decade to construct schools, classroom additions, cafeterias, etc.... without causing an increase in the local tax rate.  The bottom line is that the people continue to want to move their family to the Willard Community and be a part of Willard Public Schools. 
 
The districts per-pupil expenditure is approximately $2,000 less than the state average.  The districts Tax Rate is lower than other peer districts in the area.  I have three children that were the beneficiary of a world class education and graduated from Willard Schools.  The value of that education will serve them for a lifetime!
 
Have a great weekend!
 
Dr. Medlin
Superintendent
Athletics & Activities
"Your character is more important than how good you are at any sport.  Your athleticism is only temporary, but your character, the type of person you are, lasts forever.  Be humble.  Be compassionate.  Be grateful.  Be honest and put others first....Be the best person you can be." - Proactive Coaching
 
Spring sports is about to get started as baseball opens things up with a trip to Waynesville tonight with varsity starting at 4:30 and the freshmen to follow as our JV will be playing in the Kickapoo Tournament today and tomorrow.  Speaking of tomorrow, our varsity Tigers will make a trip to Columbia as they take on Truman at noon and then Lees Summit at 2:30.  Next week we will have our home opener on Tuesday as Lebanon comes to town.
 
Girls soccer gets their season started next week as they host Rogersville on Tuesday and Clinton on Thursday.  The girls did a great job in their jamboree and are excited to get their season started!
 
The track Tigers will start their season on Monday as they will travel to Warrensburg for the CMSU Relays.
 
Congratulations to DECA on their state results!  Here is what Mrs. Wyatt sent as an update:
I'm so happy to report our state results. Our students were respectful, positive, and worked hard while we were there. We were so proud of their attitudes, their work ethic, and their overall commitment to excellence. Willard students are AWESOME!
 
Please join me in congratulating the following qualifiers for the INTERNATIONAL Career Development Conference and Competition (ICDC). This takes place in Nashville, TN, from 4/22-4/27! 
 
Emily Raney: STATE CHAMP, 1st Place - Human Resources Management
 
Charles (Fisher) Ogden; 3rd Place in the Central Region - Virtual Business Challenge. Central Region includes IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, ND, OH, SD, WI, and Manitoba.
 
Christine VanDoren: 4th Place - Entrepreneurship Startup Business Plan & Presentation
 
Evan Stober: Leadership Delegate
 
The following finalists were also called to the stage for recognition and medallions: 
 
Kaitlyn Cook: Business Operations Research. Kaitlyn researched, and wrote an excellent review and recommendation to increase employee engagement on a particular floor of Mercy Hospital. 
 
Charles (Fisher) Ogden: Retail Management Series
Congratulations to the following Speech and Debate Tigers on qualifying for state!
 
Cole Baker in Radio Speaking and Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Ethan Gambriel in Story Telling, Evan Kirksey in Original Oratory, Emily Raney in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Katelynn Wilson District Champion in Humorous Interp. 
 
It's Good To Be A Toger!
Jeff Staley
Director of Activities / Athletics
High School
On Monday, March 21, more than 70 students will be visiting MSU to hear Chad Cargill.  Chad is an ACT expert who provides students with strategies for improving and preparing for the ACT.  Students benefit from this presentation when applying the knowledge gained.

Prom is just around the corner.  Mrs. Keeth is in her first year of leading prom activities.  We have a new venue, new times, and new format.  On April 30, prom will be held at The Old Glass House in Springfield from 8-11 PM.  Students will be given time to take their dates out to eat and then attend the formal dance where light refreshments will be served.  Students can anticipate a reduction in ticket prices as well.  Tickets go on sale April 18 for $25 per student which is $15 less than previous years.  Additional information will be on the high school website as the event approaches.  We anticipate a really fun event!

No school on Friday, March 25, as it is Good Friday.  We are in session on March 28 as a snow make-up day.

It is GREAT to be a Tiger!  

Curt Graves

Principal 

Middle School

Intermediate

Orchard Hills
 
Central
Spring Break brought in warmer weather, a new quarter and a new coat of paint to the WCE gym.  Thank you to Mr. Dominik Stevens and his painting crew for brightening up the gym and stage with a fresh coat of paint.  Their efforts are greatly appreciated and a blessing to our students and staff!


Mark your calendars for the upcoming events:
Friday, March 25 - NO SCHOOL for Easter Break
Monday, March 28 - SNOW MAKE UP DAY - School in Session
Tuesday, March 29 - School Board Candidate Forum at District Office 6:30pm

Dr. Shane Medlin
Principal
East

North

South

Special Education
Willard continues to excel in many areas and I am always proud to say that I work in the Willard School District. Recently, I have encountered many families that say they are seeking residence in this area specifically because of the schools and quality education, staff and culture that exists here. What an amazing reputation!  I believe there is something to be said about having PRIDE in our schools, in our kids, in our staff, in our programs and in our facilities!  I encourage you to go out and see what is happening and talk to others about their experiences if you haven't had the chance. I am confident that you will be surprised about what you learn. There is rich history in this area and I hope that my family gets to help continue building a legacy for future kids that walk through the doors.  

I invite you to join us for a fantastic celebration of Willard PRIDE at the 9th Annual Partners In Strength event to be held on Monday, April 4th from 5:30-7:30 PM in the Willard High School commons/gym.  This night is evidence that "There's a Hero in ALL of Us!"!
 
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