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MSU defensive assistant named Hillcrest football coach
February 29, 2008
John Beckham has been named the new Head Football Coach at Hillcrest High School.
Beckham was an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Hornets for five seasons. This past year he was a defensive assistant for the Missouri State University Bears.
Beckham’s hiring will become official with approval of the school board.
Dozens fill ‘Empty Bowls’ at Bailey for hunger
February 29, 2008
Several dozen people shared soup Friday noon in hand-crafted ceramic bowls created by students to symbolize the fight against area hunger.
Proceeds from Bailey Alternative High School’s ninth annual “Empty Bowls Luncheon” will benefit The Kitchen, Inc., which serves the needy and homeless.
Kathy Kneedler has attended the luncheon event every year for the past five years. “I love it,” she said. “It’s a great cause and it makes the kids so proud that something they’ve done is making a difference.”
Bailey students created more than 80 unique bowls this year with help from Drury University students. “We spend time studying how big a problem hunger is in America and locally,” said Bailey senior Jaymie Condren. “This is our way of showing that we care and are trying to do something to help.”
CENTRAL COACH IS SPRINGFIELD ‘TIP-OFF’ COACH OF YEAR
February 29, 2008
Central High School Head Boys Basketball Coach, Eddie Thomas, was recently named the Springfield Tip-Off Club Coach of the Year.
Thomas was chosen for the honor among all other Springfield public and private high school basketball coaches.
Thomas is in his third season as the Central head coach.
HILLCREST JROTC STUDENT TO ATTEND GIRLS STATE
February 29, 2008
Hillcrest High School student Jessica Cartwright, a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (JROTC) cadet, will attend Missouri Girls State at the University of Central Missouri June 22-28.
Cartwright is being sponsored by American Legion Post 676 Ladies Auxiliary.
HICKORY HILLS STUDENTS SUPPORT HEALTHY HEARTS
February 29, 2008
Hickory Hills Elementary School students spent a recent day jumping rope to raise money for the American Heart Association.
Students, parents, grandparents and teachers raised more than $6,425 for the heart association Feb. 20 by participating in the Jump Rope for Heart. Hickory Hills more than doubled its fundraising total from last year’s event.
WOLF application deadline is April 4
February 29, 2008
The application deadline is 5 p.m. April 4 for parents of Springfield Public Schools students interested in next year’s Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) program.
WOLF is a new district school developed in collaboration with Wonders of Wildlife and Bass Pro Shops. It will offer 50 5th graders an exciting opportunity to explore a comprehensive curriculum through the context of nature and the outdoors. For additional information or an application see our WOLF program information. Applications are also available at all district elementary schools.
On-going remodeling at the Wonders of Wildlife Museum is not expected to have a major impact at the school which will provide students with a variety of outdoor learning opportunities. Actual classrooms will be located near the museum’s administrative offices in the former Kmart building.
Reed MS students become published authors
February 28, 2008
Four Reed Middle School eighth-graders will have their original writings published in the EPIC New Voices 2008 anthology as part of their participation in the EPIC’s New Voices Competition.
Taylor Holton, Shanice Rose, Melissa Sidney and Cassandra Berry were recognized for placing in the top six in their respective divisions, ranging from poetry to short story to essay. Their winning writings are included below.
The contest, which was open to any middle school or high school student worldwide, will recognize winners at a March conference in Portland, Ore. The winning Reed students, along with English teacher Connie Westerman and reading teacher Cyndie Everson, will fly to the conference and be recognized at a March 8 luncheon.
EPIC New Voices 2008 will be distributed on CD at the conference. Winning students will also receive prizes and certificates for their contributions to the anthology.
Reed’s Partner in Education, KOLR-10, provided $400 to pay for incidentals on the trip.
Winning writings:
- My Brother by Taylor Holton
- Voices by Shanice Rose
- Lady or the Tiger by Melissa Sidney
- Daddy Lies by Cassandra Berry
Robberson to receive help with spring cleaning projects
February 28, 2008
Robberson Elementary School will receive a helping hand with its spring cleaning tasks on Saturday, March 1 from volunteers at High Street Baptist Church.
About 30 college students from the church will assist with a variety of tasks including painting and other indoor projects.
The college students are part of a class called “Vertical Access”, which regularly participates in outreach ministry. The class will be at Robberson from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
Robberson elementary welcomes author June Rae Wood
February 27, 2008
Nationally known children’s author June Rae Wood will visit Robberson Elementary School on Monday, March 3, to speak to students about the importance of writing.
Wood, the award-winning author of “The Man Who Loved Clowns,” “Turtle on a Fence Post,” “When Pigs Fly” and “About Face,” will also discuss her life as an author.
The best time for media to cover this event is between 9:40-10:40 a.m. or 12:05-1:05 p.m.
Wood’s visit is funded through the ECHO grant provided by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
WOLF news conference set for Thursday at Bass Pro Shops
February 27, 2008
Details on Springfield Public Schools’ new Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) will be announced at a 2 p.m. news conference on Thursday, Feb. 28 at Uncle Buck’s Auditorium in Bass Pro Shops.
WOLF is a new Springfield school developed in collaboration with Wonders of Wildlife and Bass Pro. It will offer 50 5th graders an exciting opportunity to explore a comprehensive curriculum through the context of nature and the outdoors.
Two teachers will lead classes in hands-on inquiry and learning using the Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) Educational Center at 726 W. Sunshine St. They will also use the area’s many parks and natural resources as their classroom.
Both WOLF teachers will be available for interviews at Thursday’s press conference, as will representatives from the district, WOW and Bass Pro.
Last week parents of Springfield 4th graders began receiving information in the mail about WOLF. Parents of students currently in 4th grade are invited to attend an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, in Bass Pro Shops’ White River Room. WOLF applications are available online or at Springfield elementary school offices.
Bailey students raise hunger awareness with ‘Empty Bowls’
February 26, 2008
Bailey Alternative High School will host its ninth annual “Empty Bowls” luncheon at noon Friday, Feb. 29, to help The Kitchen, Inc. in its fight against area hunger.
Empty Bowls provides soup served in a handcrafted ceramic bowl, which is a take-home reminder that many Americans are going to bed hungry.
The cost is $10; all proceeds benefit The Kitchen.
To make a reservation e-mail bethnickle@gmail.com Bailey Alternative High School is located at 501 W. Central Ave.
All staff welcome to visit WINGS
February 26, 2008
The Phelps Center for Gifted Education will host two gifted education weeks
March 3-6 for elementary students and March 10-13 for middle school students.
This is a great opportunity for all district staff to come by and see what our gifted students are learning in WINGS (Working with the Individual Needs of Gifted Students).
The WINGS school day is from 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Lunch is from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Please drop in and visit.
District has 12 National Merit finalists
February 25, 2008
Central, Glendale and Kickapoo high school proudly announce their National Merit Scholarship Program finalists.
Central High School has a school-record nine finalists this year: Karina Bielecki, Wesley Chao, Xi (Lucy) Chen, Evan Dorshorst, Anna Moseley, Shanna Nelson, Samuel Rowland, Amy Wei and Lindsey Zhang.
Glendale will be represented by Cole Carter and Alex Brozowski; Kickapoo is represented by Kevin Satzinger.
The National Merit Scholarship Program began in 1955 to recognize students who excel academically. Finalists are selected based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. About 15,000 students are chosen annually as finalists and compete for National Merit Scholarship awards announced later this year.
Mark Twain students to ‘Jump Rope for Heart’
February 25, 2008
Mark Twain Elementary School students and staff will participate in a community service fundraiser for the American Heart Association at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29.
The event, “Jump Rope for Heart,” has raised about $2,000 each of the three years Mark Twain has participated. This year’s goal is to raise $2,100.
While students will jump rope during the event, male staff members at Twain will wear red dresses to show their support for the Go Red for Women program sponsored by the heart association.
The fundraiser is designed to raise student awareness about the importance of physical activity and community service, as well as educate people about the dangers of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Glendale swimmers take second at state meet
February 21, 2008
The Glendale Lady Falcon swimming team took 2nd place at the MSHSAA State Championship meet on Saturday, Feb. 16 and head coach Jim Whytlaw was named Coach of the Year.
The Lady Falcons finished only six points behind Blue Springs High School.
Whytlaw was also named Coach of the Year in 1986, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2006. He has taught in the district for nearly 35 years.
Gifted students give back to administrator in need
February 21, 2008
Third grade students in the district’s Working with the Individual Needs of Gifted Students (WINGS) program recently presented the Phelps Center for Gifted Education coordinator with a $100 check.
Coordinator Lenae Lazzelle’s home was heavily damaged during the January tornados. The Field Elementary School WINGS students raised money to help her family recover from their loss.
The students raised the money by initiating a penny drive at Field. Along with the check, the students presented Lazelle with a large handmade Valentine they all signed.
PHS student excels at Youth Symphony comptetition
February 21, 2008
Parkview High School cello player Matt Price was the lone district winner at the 2008 Springfield Youth Symphony Concerto competition.
Price received a cash prize of $150 and the honor of soloing with the Springfield Youth Symphony at a concert on April 29.
The concert will be held in the Parkview High School Auditorium.
Applications for WOLF now available
February 21, 2008
Over the next few days parents of Springfield 4th graders will receive information in the mail about the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF). Beginning next August, 50 5th grade students will attend the school located at the Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) Educational Center, 726 W. Sunshine St.
Parents of students currently in 4th grade are invited to attend an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, in Bass Pro Shop’s White River Room. For additional information or an application see our WOLF program information.
WOLF is a new Springfield school developed in collaboration with Wonders of Wildlife and Bass Pro. It will offer 5th graders an exciting opportunity to explore a comprehensive curriculum through the context of nature and the outdoors. Two teachers will lead the classes in hands-on inquiry and learning, using the WOW Educational Center, the area’s many parks and natural resources as the classroom.
Students interested in attending WOLF must submit an application by 5 p.m. Friday, April 4. Through a random lottery system, 25 boys and 25 girls will be selected from among applicants. Any current 4th grade student with satisfactory attendance and behavior who lives within the SPS attendance area is eligible to apply for next school year.
More details about the program will be announced at a news conference at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28, at Uncle Buck’s Auditorium in Bass Pro Shop. The two WOLF teachers will be available for interviews as will representatives from the district, WOW and Bass Pro.
SPS kindergarten registration March 10-14
February 19, 2008
Kindergarten registration is March 10-14 for parents of children who turn 5-years-old before Aug. 1 and who live within the Springfield Public Schools’ district boundaries.
A birth certificate and immunization record must be provided at registration. A social security number is also requested. An appointment for required screenings will be made at the registration.
Each of the district’s 35 elementary schools with kindergarten classes has an assigned date and time for sign-up. See registration dates or call your child’s school to find out when their registration will be offered.
Central student to compete in Poetry Out Loud competition
February 18, 2008
Central High School junior, Vernon Meidlinger-Chin, will represent Springfield Public Schools in the Poetry Out Loud regional competition on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at The Creamery Arts Center.
Poetry Out Loud integrates aspects of slam poetry, spoken word and theatre into English classes. Competition is at the regional, state and national levels.
Central High School is the only Springfield high school represented at the regional competition. Last year’s regional winner was Central student Grace Statwick.
The Creamery Arts Center is at 411 N. Sherman Parkway. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Nominations sought for outstanding librarians and teachers
February 15, 2008
The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools is seeking nominations for the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Award and the Turner Family Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching Reading.
The Linda Luke award recognizes outstanding librarians and their contributions to their schools. The award was founded in honor of elementary school librarian Linda Luke, who was killed in a car accident 11 years ago.
The Turner Family award was established six years ago by the Turner family of Springfield. Award nominees should exhibit an ability to instill a love of reading in their students.
One winner will be chosen as the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year. Five awards will be given for the Turner Family Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching Reading.
Nominations for both awards must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 6.
Last day of school to be May 30
February 18, 2008
As indicated on this year's school calendar, Springfield Public Schools will use Feb. 18 and May 27-30 to make up the five days missed this year due to weather.
That means the last day of school will be May 30.
Any changes to this schedule will be determined by additional days missed due to weather.
Watkins students to attend ‘Flat Stanley’ play
February 13, 2008
Watkins Elementary School 2nd grade students will attend the play, “Flat Stanley” based on the book by Jeff Brown, on Thursday, Feb. 21, at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
Teacher Jodi Grable’s class read the book and made “Flat Stanley” paper dolls, which they sent to a friend or relative. The dolls were sent back to the students with pictures and stories of Flat Stanley’s vacation. The project was intended to teach students about letter writing, geography and cultural events.
Free play tickets were provided to 27 Watkins students. Showtime is 7 p.m. For tickets, visit www.hammonshall.com
Glendale High School yearbook staff receives elite honors
February 13, 2008
Glendale High School’s Falcon Yearbook staff is among only two Missouri high school staffs to have its 2007 yearbook named a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Finalist and a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Crown Finalist.
Two staff members and yearbook adviser Lisa Wingo will attend the CSPA Crown Awards in New York City during spring break. Wingo and five students will also travel to Anaheim, Calif., for the NSPA Pacemaker Awards.
Joel Heman named Glendale’s new head football coach
February 8, 2008
Glendale High School has named Joel Heman its new head football coach.
Heman began his coaching career at Ozark High School in 1995 as the offensive coordinator and co-head coach. His freshman team finished with a 7-1 record. He was a volunteer assistant football coach in 1996 at Springfield Catholic High School where the team was a state runner-up at 13-1. From 2000-2002, Heman was head football coach at Sarcoxie High School.
He has been the assistant football coach and offensive coordinator at Glendale since 2002.
Heman earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University in 1994 and a Master’s in Education Administration from Lindenwood University in 2003. He has played football for MSU and for the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Glendale graduate to return as girl’s head softball coach
February 8, 2008
Amanda Orchard, former Glendale High School student and member of the softball team from 1999-2002, has been named the school’s new girl’s head softball coach.
Orchard graduated from Southwest Baptist University in May 2007. In high school she qualified for “All District,” “All Conference,” “All Ozarks,” and “All Academic” teams and traveled to Japan in the summer of 2000 on an all-star team from Springfield.
She was a member of the Evangel University Softball Team from 2004-2005 and a member of the Southwest Baptist University Softball Team from 2006-2007.
Attendance coordinator is latest SPS Starcatcher
February 8, 2008
Becky Morgan and Dr. Ridder
Springfield Public Schools Attendance Coordinator Becky Morgan was presented with a district Starcatcher Award today by superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder.
The Starcatcher Award is presented three times each school year to an employee who demonstrates a commitment to the mission, belief and vision of the district.
Morgan has worked in the district for 16 years. For the last 12 years she has led the district effort to keep students coming to school on time, every day. Morgan has also directed services for the homeless and migrant populations, worked with the community to stock the Kiwanis Shoe Bank, and worked with various agencies like the United Way, North Springfield Betterment Association, Division of Family Services and the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s office to benefit Springfield students.
After last year’s ice storm, Morgan initiated the “Ice Storm Laundry Voucher Program” to give families of students attending Title I schools help washing their cloths when they could not do laundry at home.
“Becky does amazing work with our students,” said Ridder. Added attendance advisor Marti Montgomery: “She has her finger on the pulse of Springfield Public Schools.”
Starcatcher winners receive an exclusive Starcatcher pin in honor of long-time district educator, Dr. Wanda Gray, a framed certificate and a $50 gift card from the award sponsor, Horace Mann Insurance.
“I am just fortunate that all of you have allowed me to be a part of this amazing team,” Morgan told fellow staff members after receiving the award.
Parkview students receive theatre scholarships
Feruary 7, 2008
Two Parkview High School students recently received $1,000 scholarships from the Missouri State Thespian Society to pursue their theatre interests in college.
Recognized was Katie Dill for her work as a technical theatre student and Abby Price who hopes to pursue a theatre education degree. Both presented a portfolio showcasing their high school work. They underwent an interview process Price described as “very stressful.”
Parkview theatre was also recognized as a Thespian Honor Troupe for the 4th consecutive year. To be recognized as such, the theatre department had to meet several requirements such as community service and participation at conferences.
KHS students place at Science Knowledge Bowl
Feruary 7, 2008
Twelve students from Kickapoo High School recently attended the Science Knowledge Bowl at Rockhurst University in Kansas City. One group of four KHS students secured an 8th place finish in their division.
Senior Levi Crooke and juniors Ben Ceasar, Andrew Neill and Obi Simpson placed in the Linus Pauling Division.
Ninety teams from 40 schools in Missouri and Kansas participated in the 24th Annual Science Knowledge Bowl.
Holland students donate to Souper Bowl of Caring
Feruary 7, 2008
Holland Elementary School students found a creative way to donate soup and other food to the Ozarks Food Harvest: they recently participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring. Through their efforts, Holland will donate 783 items to needy families.
Students in grades K-2 were teamed together against students in grades 3-5, with “touchdowns” being awarded for every 100 items donated.
While the race was tight, team K-2 emerged victorious with 409 items donated; team 3-5 donated 374 items.
Central’s all-girls math class gets on-the-job experience
February 7, 2008
The all-girls math class at Central High School will visit Commerce Bank on Monday, Feb. 11, to learn the basics of private banking from presenter Andrea McKinney.
The class - consisting of 22 girls – was developed through a partnership between Central and Drury University to expose female students to hands-on problem solving, real-world math connections, and female interaction.
The class takes a field trip each quarter. Previous trips have been to the Dickerson Park Zoo and the Hammons School of Architecture to observe how math skills are used in various professions.
McKinney will present during a working lunch in the third floor conference room at Commerce Bank, 1345 E. Battlefield Road. Media interested in covering the event should arrive at 11:30 a.m.
Truman elementary hosts 2nd annual Fine Arts Night
February 7, 2008
In an effort to highlight the importance of fine arts in school, Truman Elementary School will host its 2nd annual Fine Arts Night at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11.
The evening will begin with comments from district Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder, followed by Truman’s artist-in-residence, Ibiyinka Alao. Alao serves as the United Nations Ambassador for the Arts and taught art to Truman students last fall.
The night will also include a performance by 4th and 5th grade recorder players and two songs from the school honor chorale.
Truman is located at 3850 N. Farm Road 159.
PTA Founder’s Day banquet ticket orders due Feb. 6
February 6, 2008
Ticket orders are due Wednesday, Feb. 6, for the 111th Annual Founder’s Day Banquet scheduled for Feb. 21 at Central High School.
Parkview High School PTA will host this year’s celebration, which starts at 6:30 p.m. The event will take on a “Chinese New Year” theme.
Tickets are $15 per person.
Nominations for each school’s PTA Volunteer of the Year are due by Thursday, Feb. 7.
York elementary hosts William Jewell hand bell choir concert
February 4, 2008
York Elementary School will welcome William Jewell College’s hand bell choir on Thursday, Feb. 7 for a free 1:30 p.m. concert.
No tickets or reservations are required. The event is part of William Jewell’s annual winter tour and showcases 5+ octaves of Malmark hand bells and hand chimes. The choir will play a wide variety of hand bell selections.
The choir is directed by Christie White; Springfield native Anne Engelbrecht is the student conductor.
York Elementary School is located at 2100 W. Nichols Ave.
Dr. Ken Rutherford to speak at Pipkin Middle School
February 4, 2008
Dr. Ken Rutherford, Associate Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University, will address Pipkin Middle School students on Tuesday, Feb. 5 as part of the school’s Pirates Without Borders community service program.
Rutherford, who is also the co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network, will focus his presentation on the continuing landmine crisis facing countries around the world.
Pirates Without Borders was created by Pipkin to support the community service component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program. Former guest speakers for the program include representatives from the Rainbow Network and Convoy of Hope as well as a former Peace Corps volunteer.
Rutherford’s presentation will take place at 8:15 a.m. in the Pipkin auditorium at 1215 Boonville Ave.
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