East Elementary Lighthouse Group

On this #OneTeamOneWillardWednesday, we are thrilled to highlight our Willard East Elementary Lighthouse Group!

Our East Elementary Lighthouse Group is made up of the following students:

• Adalynn Dickinson - Third Grade - Mrs. Strutton
• Jackson Friend - Third Grade - Mrs. Strutton
• Bingham West - Third Grade - Mrs. M. Smith
• Dracelyn Vestal - 3rd Grade Mrs. M. Smith 
• James Nave - 4th Grade Mr. Wilson
• Sophia Woodall - 4th Grade - Mr. Wilson (not pictured)
• Sawyer Steele - 4th Grade - Mrs. Coffey (not pictured)

The group's motto is, "We work together to help each other," and when asked what One Team One Willard means to them, they did a great job tying the missions together. Take a look to see what they came up with!

2023-2024 Calendar Survey

Willard Public Schools' leaders are asking for patron input in the 2023-2024 school year calendar.

The calendar committee has landed on two calendar options. Your input will help determine which calendar is presented to the Willard Public Schools' Board of Education at the January board meeting for final consideration.

Before providing your feedback, please take time to review the two calendar options and consider which you prefer. The primary difference between the two options is the start and end day and the length of Thanksgiving Break.

Calendar A:

• School starts on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
• Students are out of school for Thanksgiving Break Wednesday, November 22, 2023 through Friday, November 24, 2023.
• Students are out of school for Winter Break Monday, December 25, 2023, through Friday, January 5, 2024.
• The last day of school is Thursday, May 23, 2024.
• View Calendar A here.

Calendar B:

• School starts on Monday, August 21, 2023.
• Students are out of school for Thanksgiving Break Monday, November 20, 2023 through Friday, November 24, 2023.
• Students are out of school for Winter Break Monday, December 25, 2023, through Friday, January 5, 2024.
• The last day of school is Friday, May 24, 2024.
• View Calendar B here.

We have reduced the number of half days from six to two and added full Professional Development days for staff, while keeping the number of learning hours consistent with our 2022-2023 calendar.

As always, we value and appreciate your input. Please complete the survey by Wednesday, December 21.

Elementary and Intermediate Principal Openings

The Willard Public School District is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Elementary and Intermediate School Principal. The job of Principal is responsible for establishing a school site’s mission and vision that aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan and provides support for the instructional process in a positive professional culture centered on student learning. 

This position includes specific responsibility for directing overall site operations, services and staff at a school; providing information and serving as a resource to others; enforcing established policies and regulatory requirements; coordinating school activities and addressing staff and/or student issues, situations and/or problems that arise on campus or with enrolled students. This position provides support as educators interact with students and parents to ensure collaboration and professional communication exists.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled with first consideration given to applications submitted by January 6, 2023.

Teacher Proud Tuesday - December Recipients

Join us in celebrating our two Teacher Proud Tuesday Recipients, Bonnie Herron and Kennedy Cisneros! Bonnie is a 6th Grade Math and Science Teacher, and Kennedy is a Special Services - Essential Skills Teacher at Intermediate South!

Both teachers were recognized by their peers for their dedication and heart to go above and beyond for all students. One is only a second-year teacher, and the other is completing her 26th year! Check out what their peers had to say when nominating Bonnie and Kennedy:

Bonnie Herron:

Bonnie was truly meant to be a teacher and has left such an impact on every student fortunate enough to spend a school year with her. This is evident through the many, many students who continue to stay in touch with her and evenings and weekends spent at after-school events around the area to cheer current and former classmates on with their talents.

Kennedy Cisneros:

Every time you see her with her class, you can tell that they feel so loved and safe with her. She has taken on the new role with so much determination, passion, and patience. Her students are absolutely thriving with her and it is amazing to see their growth. I know that she is spending so much extra time carefully and lovingly planning, prepping, and giving her all to these kids that she really deserves to be recognized!

Andrew Morton Selected to Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders Master Teachers

Congratulations to Andrew Morton on his selection to the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders Master Teachers. Andrew, a Behavior Coordinator at Willard Intermediate North, South, and the Middle School, was selected for this distinction because of his support and advocacy for students with emotional, behavioral, and autism spectrum disorders and their families.

As part of this distinction, Andrew will join a group of other master teachers at a summer retreat to develop a network of exemplary practitioners and plan an annual agenda, present a breakout session as part of the master teacher strand at the annual symposium, develop teacher-friendly resources for the MSLBD website, and join others in future writing projects.

Thank you for your dedication to our Willard students, Andrew, and congratulations on this incredible honor!

Substitute Teacher Shortage

Willard Public Schools is currently searching for quality substitute teachers to join our team. If you are a friendly and competent professional with an interest in education, this is the perfect position for you!

Applicants must have, or be able to attain, a Missouri Substitute Certificate and be available to work from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on assigned days. Additional role details are available upon request.

Visit our website to learn more about requirements, benefits, and sub rates.

Winter Break

We are officially less than two weeks out from Winter Break! As a reminder, we will have a half day on Thursday, December 22nd. Pre K - 6 will dismiss at 12:30 p.m., and 7-12 will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.

Students will return to kick off the second semester on January 4th.

The Cutting Edge - Springfield Christmas Parade Marching Band Winner

Our Willard High School Band, The Cutting Edge, participated in the annual Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade over the weekend. Not only that, they were selected as the best marching band! Congratulations to all those who participated!

Willard Middle School Wrestling - COC Tournament

Our middle school wrestling teams competed in the COC tournament over the weekend! Our Lady Tigers pulled out a 3rd place team finish, making it the second year in a row they have brought home a conference placement! Our boys finished in 4th place! Individual tournament results below:

Champions:

• 135 lbs: Delaney Dixon
• 180 lbs: Emily Brixey
• 190 lbs: Morgan Myers
• 210 lbs: Marissah Payne

Runner-Up:

• 80 lbs: Wyatt Sweeten
• 90 lbs: Chloe Kirksey
• 100 lbs: Zach Welly
• 100 lbs: Raya Eagle
• 130 lbs: Kade Shurtz
• 135 lbs: Gunner Puryear
• 150 lbs: Ellie Higginbotham
• 210 lbs: Kain Gateley

Third Place:

• 75 lbs: Gabe Grisham
• 90 lbs: Preston Cash
• 95 lbs: Easton Redd
• 130 lbs: Ethan Craft
• 142 lbs: Greyson Walden

Congratulations to both our boys and girls wrestling teams on a great season and COC tournament!

WHS Cheer Places 5th at State

Our Willard High School Cheerleaders competed in Cape Girardeau at the State Tournament over the weekend. They placed 5th overall! Congratulations to our cheer squad for all their hard work and fifth place finish!

Friday, December 16

V Girls Wrestling @ Eldon 5:30 P.M.

9th/JV/V Boys Basketball vs Marshfield 4:30 P.M.

Saturday, December 17

V Girls Wrestling @ Eldon 9:00 A.M.

Boys JV Wrestling @ Lebanon JV Tournament

9th/JV Girls Basketball @ Kickapoo 10:00 A.M.

Monday, December 19

7th/8th Girls Basketball vs Republic 5:30 P.M.

HS Vocal Music - Christmas Concert 7:00 P.M.

Tuesday, December 20

Willard Food Pantry 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Boys JV Wrestling @ Nixa - JV Scramble

9th/JV/V Girls Basketball vs Hillcrest 4:30 P.M.

9th/JV/V Boys Basketball @ Logan-Rogersville 4:30 P.M.

Thursday, December 22

Half Day - Winter Break Begins

Friday, December 23

No School - Winter Break

Please visit our District Website Calendar or our Willard Athletics Website for additional details. These calendars will have the most up-to-date information on what's going on, so be sure to check them regularly. We can't wait to see you at our various events!