THE LATEST FROM SPS
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
THE LATEST NEWS ON SPS.ORG
PHS junior Bethanie Koone wins $10,000 for being vaccinated
Parkview High School junior Bethanie Koone got vaccinated against COVID-19 when she was actually a sophomore -- at a clinic at Parkview.

“I got vaccinated because I care about my friends and family,” said Bethanie. “If there’s something to be known for after winning this month, caring about people’s health and safety -- that’s a good thing.”
CHS freshmen make friends, connect to campus at Bulldog Buddy Bash
Central High School hosted its fourth Central High School Bulldog Buddy Bash on Friday, Sept. 3. The annual, campuswide event is a way for every Central freshman to connect with a small group of peers and upperclassmen with games, activities and a few hours to develop positive relationships.
Williams Elementary celebrated with ribbon-cutting ceremony
Williams teachers, students, neighbors and community leaders gathered to celebrate the new Williams with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 2. The new school features innovative learning environments, dynamic classrooms and flexible spaces for collaboration for nearly 400 learners, pre-K to grade 5. 
SPS now offers free, antigen testing for symptomatic students and staff
Springfield Public Schools is now offering free rapid COVID-19 testing for symptomatic K-12 students and staff. The tests will be conducted using a minimally invasive anterior nasal swab, will be administered by an SPS nurse in a centralized location, and will yield results in 15 minutes. 

HEARD IN THE GARDEN
“I like Captain Underpants, so A2, please. That’s awesome.”

MCGREGOR THIRD-GRADER
One of the first McGregor Elementary School students to use its new Book Vending Machine

WHAT'S TRENDING ON SPS.ORG
McGregor Elementary supports literacy with Book Vending Machine

McGregor Elementary School officially opened the school’s Book Vending Machine at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 7. The vending machine was made possible by a $4,600 grant with the Jerry Redfern Grant Program of the Musgrave Foundation, facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.


Chief Human Resources Officer to retire in December

Mrs. Penney Rector, chief human resources officer for Springfield Public Schools, has announced her pending retirement from public education, effective Dec. 31, 2021, after 20 years of dedicated service to Missouri schools. Following retirement, Mrs. Rector plans a return to practicing law with a specialized emphasis in education, opening a Springfield office for Mickes O’Toole in 2022. 
FACES OF SPS
"Being a bilingual principal will help me make connections with students and their families."
Katy Knapp
Principal
McGregor Elementary School
“I believe that connections are at the heart of our students’ success. At McGregor, we are a family. The teachers and staff give their hearts to the students they serve, and I think that our students’ success is closely tied to our teachers’ success. As a new principal, I want to be a servant leader and help students be successful at school and the world beyond. Being a bilingual principal will help me make connections with students and their families, but I’m just one member of the incredible team here at McGregor. It’s going to be a great year.”
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