THE LATEST FROM SPS
NEWS RESOURCES LEARNING UPDATES JOB POSTINGS STAFF SPOTLIGHTS
Dec. 15, 2022
Twain students and families gather to cut ribbon
for new storm shelter gymnasium
Completing more than promised, SPS added Twain project and three others with funds remaining from Proposition S in 2019.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, the Mark Twain Elementary community celebrated completion of its new storm shelter gym, a project made possible by the 2019 bond proposal. In April, SPS will ask voters to consider funding storm shelters at six other elementary schools, plus making safety and security upgrades to all schools among other facility improvements.
Calendar approved for 2023-2024
The Board of Education adopted the new school calendar, which includes a week-long Thanksgiving break in 2023. The first day of school will be Tuesday, Aug. 22, and the last day is Thursday, May 23.
Strategic Plan will guide work for next five years
The Board of Education approved a new mission statement and vision as the strategic plan is updated for 2023-2028.
Mark your calendar for Jan. 26
The next SPS University will be held
Jan. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hillcrest High School. Sessions, resource fair, free food and childcare for children ages 4-8 will be provided.
Board of Education approves bond proposal for April 4 ballot
Springfield voters will be asked to approve a $220 million bond issue to construct new schools for Reed and Pipkin, renovate Pershing, build storm shelter gymnasiums at Cowden, Holland, Mann, Pittman, Watkins and Wilder, and provide safety and security enhancements at all schools.
Class of ‘72 supports CHS Kilties
with donation
Members of the Central High School Class of 1972, including former Kilties, made a $2,500 gift to the drum and bugle corps. Replacing kilts and instruments is the greatest need for the 40-member corps.

WHAT'S TRENDING ON SPS.ORG
Boyd hosts winter STEAM night

Boyd students and their families gathered Dec. 8 to participate in a variety of winter-themed activities, including Candy Cane Coding and Symmetrical Snowflakes. They also enjoyed dinner, hot cocoa, popcorn and a variety of games.
Choral students selected for National Honor Choir

Eight students from Central, Kickapoo and Reed were selected from 4,000 applicants. They will travel to Cincinnati in February with their choral directors to participate in intensive workshops and rehearsals culminating in the National Honor Choir performance.
My SPS Story: Jennifer Barnes, math teacher & Lassies sponsor
The way my teachers impacted me helped me to realize that I wanted to be a teacher and make a difference in my community. Seven years ago, I accomplished that goal when I accepted a teaching position at Parkview High School. While I enjoy helping my students learn, my hope is that my students not only excel in math class but grow and develop and find success both here at SPS and beyond. 

In addition to being a math teacher, I am also the head coach of the Parkview Lassies Drum and Bugle Corps. Who could have predicted that my job at Parkview could include two of my favorite things, math and music? While I was never part of the drum corps as a student, my mother was a Hillcrest Highlander when she was in school, and I love being part of such a unique piece of Springfield history. Being head coach of the Lassies is a joy.

The Lassies mean so much to Parkview and the community, and I am so honored that I get to lead them. We’re more than just a drum and bugle corp. In Lassies, we learn how important it is to work as a team and to support one another. I am so proud of the girls we have this year and the growth they have shown so far. I am excited for what the future holds for the Lassies."
Share your #SPSstory to be featured this school year. Email story@spsmail.org.
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