District foreign language leaders receive Governor proclamation
Feb. 23, 2010
District foreign language teachers Lisa Lilley and Carrol Lund represented the Foreign Language Association of Missouri and Springfield Public Schools in Jefferson City last week advocating for world language as a key component of 21st century education.
The two teachers met with Governor Nixon who issued a proclamation that the month of February is now National Discover Languages Month.
District grounds department to receive Exceptional ReLeaf Award
Feb. 23, 2010
Springfield Public Schools was recently awarded the Exceptional ReLeaf Award from Forest ReLeaf of Missouri for their efforts reforesting school grounds.
In 2007, the district lost nearly half of its existing trees during an ice storm. About 100 trees and shrubs have been planted at Pittman, Watkins and Campbell elementary schools and around JFK Stadium.
The Exceptional ReLeaf Award is to recognize outstanding community plantings using trees provided by the Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Awards are given to government agencies, schools and to other organizations who exhibit quality plantings and maintenance, community involvement and overall benefit to the community.
District grounds staff members will be recognized for their achievement at the Missouri Community Forestry Council annual conference luncheon March 17. For more information about Forest ReLeaf of Missouri go to their Web site, www.moreleaf.org.
Glendale chefs placed second at state competition
Feb. 23, 2010
The Glendale Pro Start Culinary Team placed second in a recent state competition in Union, MO.
There were 28 high schools competing from across the state, several being teams from community college programs and technical centers with professional chef instructors. Glendale students were awarded a $500 prize from the National Restaurant Association and each team member won a renewable scholarship at East Central College.
ProStart is a career-building program for high school students who are interested in culinary arts and foodservice management.
Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility is now accepting applications for 2010-2011
Feb. 23, 2010
Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) is now accepting applications from fourth-grade students for the 2010-2011 school year.
WOLF is an SPS Choice school for fifth-graders. Students who attend WOLF spend a substantial amount of time engaged in hands-on inquiry at local outdoor areas and are also taught the same core curriculum as other Springfield fifth-graders. All lessons at WOLF are taught in the context of nature and conservation education.
There will be an informational meeting for the parents of all Springfield fourth-grade students Thursday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Parkview High School auditorium, 516 W. Meadowmere St. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 30. Additional information about WOLF is available at http://springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org/wolf/index.htm.
Students to be released two hours early March 2
Feb. 23, 2010
Springfield Public Schools students will be release two hours before their regular dismissal time on Tuesday, March 2 for a professional learning opportunity for teachers.
Boyd, Field and Rountree elementary schools and Pipkin Middle School will release three hours early.
Students will be at alternative site through Feb. 23
Feb. 19, 2010
Repairing and testing the heating system at Wilson’s Creek 5-6 School means students will continue to have classes at an alternative site at least through Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Yesterday a broken weld was discovered in a factory-warranted heat exchanger. In order to make the repair, the heating/ventilation unit must be dismantled and a replacement heat exchanger manufactured.
The replacement component will be locally manufactured over the weekend. On Monday a crane will be on site to remove the old heat exchanger from the Wilson’s Creek roof and set in place the new heat exchanger, which measures about 3 feet wide, 7 feet tall and 8 feet long. Equipment start-up and testing of the unit is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
Meantime students should continue to arrive as usual at Wilson’s Creek prior to 8:45 a.m. All students will be transported via school bus to the former Hickory Hills School, which is located at 3429 E. Trafficway.
At the end of each day, students will be transported back to Wilson’s Creek. Parents may pick up their children at 2:30 p.m. or buses will depart the school at 3:30 p.m. for their regular routes.
On Monday and Tuesday SPARC before-school or after-school care will be provided at Wilson’s Creek in the gymnasium which will be heated with portable heaters.
"We appreciate everyone's cooperation and understanding through our relocation efforts," said Principal Karyn Christy. "Students, teachers, and our support staff did a fantastic job continuing learning as usual in our classrooms today."
If parents need to contact the school, they may call the regular school phone number, 523-7800.
Wilson’s Creek students will be relocated Friday, Feb. 19
Feb. 18, 2010
A problem with the heating system at Wilson’s Creek 5-6 School will necessitate holding classes at an alternative site Friday, Feb. 19.
Students should arrive as usual at Wilson’s Creek prior to 8:45 a.m. Then all students will be transported via school bus to the former Hickory Hills School, which is located at 3429 E. Trafficway. Breakfast will be served to students at Wilson’s Creek before they depart for Hickory Hills. Sack lunches will be provided to students who wish to purchase their lunch.
At the end of the day, students will be transported back to Wilson’s Creek. Parents may pick up their children at 2:30 p.m. or buses will depart the school at 3:30 p.m. for their regular routes.
There will be no SPARC before- or after-school care Friday.
If parents need to contact the school, they may call the regular school phone number, 523-7800.
After school today, a broken weld was discovered in a factory-warranted heat exchanger. In order to make the repair, the heating/ventilation unit must be dismantled and a replacement heat exchanger manufactured.
SPS students to have public musical performances and visual art exhibits
Feb. 18, 2010
Springfield Public Schools students will participate in the following citywide musical performances in late February through mid-March.
Feb. 20 - All district fifth-grade honor choir performance at Evangel Chapel Auditorium at 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 27 - Pershing Middle School hosts Middle School Instrumental Solo and Small Ensemble Festival from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 6 - Carver Middle School hosts Middle School Vocal Solo and Small Ensemble Festival from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 13 - High School District Solo and Small Ensemble Festival for instrumental, vocal and piano at High Street Baptist Church from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SPS students visual art will be featured throughout the month of February at the following venues:
Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Library Center Reading Room
Missouri State University Exhibition Center
Drury Pool Gallery
Pershing donated 1,197 pairs of jeans to PTA Clothing Bank
Feb. 18, 2010
Pershing Middle School students collected 1,197 pairs of jeans for the Springfield Council of PTAs Clothing Bank.
Students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades divided into two teams per grade for the jeans drive. Seventh-graders on the PRIDE team collected more than 500 pairs of jeans and will be treated to Andy’s Frozen Custard.
"We appreciate the efforts of Pershing PTSA and Pershing students to help kids in need," said Springfield Council of PTAs President Donna Pettiford. "The students who visit the PTA Clothing Bank are extremely grateful for the help they receive."
The contest was initiated and supported by Pershing’s PTA. Jeans have been identified as one of the biggest clothing needs at the PTA Clothing Bank, which provides clothing for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and is located in the same building as the Kiwanis Shoe bank at 501 W. Central St.
For more information about the clothing bank, parents should talk to the principal, nurse, counselor or secretary at their child's school.
New principal named for Fremont Elementary School
Feb. 17, 2010
Springfield Public Schools has named Dr. Nancy Brake-Johnson as principal at Fremont Elementary School beginning with the 2010-2011 school year. She will replace Susan McCollegan, who is retiring after serving as Fremont principal for seven years.
Brake-Johnson is currently principal at Westport Elementary School, a position she has held since 2001. Prior to her employment with SPS, she worked as an administrative analyst and K-3 principal with the Kansas City Missouri School District
She completed her doctorate degree in Educational Administration – Elementary Administration (Emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction) from the University of Missouri in December 1999.
Schools and district offices to be closed Presidents Day
Feb. 10, 2010
Springfield Public Schools students and teachers will have no classesMonday,Feb. 15 in observance of Presidents Day. All district offices will also be closed.
Pleasant View to present check to Community Coalition for Haiti Friday
Feb. 10, 2010
Pleasant View School will present a check to Randy Friga with the Community Coalition for Haiti Friday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m.
The school collected $1,634 through its "Our Hearts for Haiti" effort that ran only one week. The school's goal was to raise $1,000. The money will be used to repair and maintain water wells in Haiti. The donation will be presented at an all-school assembly. The school is located at 2210 E. State Highway AA.
Disney students to 'Go for the Gold' Feb. 12-26
Feb. 10, 2010
Disney Elementary School students will "Go for the Gold" in honor of the 2010 Winter Olympics, beginning with Opening CeremoniesFriday, Feb. 12, at 9 a.m. Each classroom will represent a different country, and support staff will represent the United States for the schoolwide cross-curriculum thematic unit Feb. 12-26.
Physical education will also have an Olympics theme by emulating the Winter Olympics sports.All non-teaching staff at the school willparticipate in activities done schoolwiderepresenting theUnited States team.
School staff will hand out die-cut gold medals to students exhibiting "gold medal behavior" in various areas throughout the two weeks. In addition, multiple curriculum activities based on the Olympic theme or the countries represented by classes will occur. Closing Ceremonies will be conducted Friday, Feb. 26, at 9 a.m., and gold medal awards will be presented to individual students and by class. For more information, contact Disney Elementary at 523-3602.
Glendale senior helps promote awareness of need for organ donors
Feb. 10, 2010
Last year a heart transplant saved the life of Taylor Parks’ father. That experience has motivated her to make others aware of the importance of being an organ donor.
Parks is a senior at Glendale High School and has helped to organize an awareness event at her school Friday, Feb. 12. Kim Harbor, who founded Gift of Life, a nonprofit organization that promotes organ and tissue donation, will be at GHS that day to share information with students.
Students in eight classes, including health, science and driver’s education, will hear presentations, according to Dr. Matt Pearce, GHS principal. “They are going to educate our kids about organ donation and address some of the myths and misconceptions people might have.”
Pearce emphasized that this effort is informational only and that students will not be asked to make commitments to become organ donors. Students will be encouraged to initiate family discussions about organ and tissue donation.
“I think it’s a good thing for our kids to have that information and be prepared to make an educated decision when the time is right,” he said.
According to Gift of Life, 2,000 people in Missouri are currently awaiting a life-saving transplant.
Pearce commended Parks for her commitment and effort to organize the event. “She was very thorough. First she came to me with the idea and then Taylor presented to our site council, which agreed this would be beneficial to our school. We also got support from our PTSA,” he explained.
SPS students musicians shine at annual conference in Tan-Tar-A
Feb. 10, 2010
Springfield Public Schools had 16 student selected to performin all-state performances in band, jazz band, orchestra and choir at the Music Educators Annual Conference at Tan-Tar-A Resort Jan. 27-30. The SPS students named below competed against other students from across the state to qualify for this honor:
Erin Cameron, Central, clarinet
Rebecca Claborn, Kickapoo, alto
Cassidy Clingan, Glendale, soprano
Katelyn Hicks, Kickapoo, soprano
Michael Jahnke, Kickapoo, string bass
Amanda Kruger, Glendale, violin
Caylin Manary, Parkview, soprano
Lauren McCreight, Kickapoo, soprano
Devin Parrish, Hillcrest, flute
Garrett Pratt, Central, viola
Christina Reeder, Glendale, flute
Cecilia Schudy, Glendale, soprano
Aubrey Smith, Central, soprano
Joe Snider, Glendale, tenor
Sarah Bakker, Kickapoo, alternate in tuba
Melissa Dudley, Glendale, alternate in cello
SPS commencement dates have been set
Feb. 3, 2010
Springfield Public Schools commencement dates for the 2009-2010 school year have been set. Commencements will be held at Hammons Student Center on the Missouri State University campus.
Baccalaureate will be held at each high school location on Sunday, May 16, 2010. Commencement schedules and Project Graduation locations for each SPS high school are listed below.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Time |
Commencement |
Project Graduation |
5:00 pm |
Central |
Drury |
7:00 pm |
Glendale |
Chesterfield Family Center |
9:00 pm |
Parkview |
Your Downtown YMCA |
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time |
Commencement |
Project Graduation |
5:30 pm |
Hillcrest |
Chesterfield Family Center |
7:30 pm |
Kickapoo |
Hammons Student Center |
Kindergarten registration for 2010-2011 to be March 15-19
Feb. 3, 2010
Springfield Public Schools will have early registration for kindergarteners for the 2010-2011 school year March 15-19.
Any child residing within the SPS district who will be 5 years of age BEFORE August 1, 2010, must register with their home school and receive a developmental screening. To enroll, parents will need to provide their child's immunization record, social security card or number, birth certificate and proof of residence. If a child has been previously enrolled in Wonder Years, Early Childhood Special Education, Integrated Classroom, Head Start or Junior Kindergarten, their screenings will be conducted in your child's classroom.
The following schools will have registration as detailed below.
SCHOOL |
ADDRESS |
PHONE |
PRINCIPAL |
DATE / TIME |
Bowerman |
2148 N. Douglas, 03 |
523-1400 |
Mr. Jason Steingraber |
Tuesday, March 16, 1:00 pm |
Boyd |
1409 N. Washington, 02 |
523-1500 |
Mr. James Grandon |
Tuesday, March 16, 3:30-5:30 pm |
Campbell |
506 S. Grant, 02 |
523-3200 |
Dr. Jason Anderson |
Thursday, March 18, 12:30-2:30 pm |
Delaware |
1505 S. Delaware, 04 |
523-3700 |
Mrs. Beth Engelhart |
Tuesday, March 16, 9:00-11:00 am |
Disney |
4100 S. Fremont Rd , 04 |
523-3600 |
Dr. Lynne Miller |
Tuesday, March 16, 9:00-10:30 am |
Field |
2120 E. Barataria, 04 |
523-4800 |
Dr. Nancy Colbaugh |
Wednesday, March 17, 9:00 am |
Gray |
2102 W. Farm Rd. 182, 10 |
523-4000 |
Mrs. Angela Carder |
Wednesday, March 17, 9:00-11:00 am |
H. Hills |
4650 E State Hwy YY, 02 |
523-7100 |
Mr. Kelly Allison |
Thursday, March 18, 9:00-10:30 am |
Jeffries |
4051 S. Scenic, 07 |
523-3900 |
Dr. Liz Cooper |
Wednesday, March 17, 8:00-11:00 am |
McBride |
5005 S. Farm Rd. 135, 10 |
523-4500 |
Dr. Bret Range |
Wednesday, March 17, 9:00-12:00 pm |
McGregor |
1221 W. Madison, 06 |
523-5700 |
Mr. Jeff Thornsberry |
Tuesday, March 16, 9:00-10:00 am |
Pershing |
2120 Ventura, 04 |
523-2400 |
Dr. Natalie Cauldwell |
Thursday, March 18, 10:30-11:30 am |
Portland |
906 W. Portland, 07 |
523-4600 |
Dr. Lora Hopper |
Monday, March 15, 1:30-3:30 pm |
Rountree |
1333 E. Grand, 04 |
523-4900 |
Mr. David Martin |
Wednesday, March 17, 9:00-11:00 am |
Sunshine |
421 E. Sunshine, 07 |
523-5200 |
Mrs. Rene Saner |
Thursday, March 18, 1:00-3:00 pm |
Truman |
3850 N. Farm Rd. 159, 03 |
523-5100 |
Mrs. Stephanie Young |
Thursday, March 18, 9:00-11:00 am |
Twain |
2352 S. Weaver, 07 |
523-4300 |
Dr. Janell Bagwell |
Wednesday, March 17, 9:00-3:00 pm |
Watkins |
732 W. Talmage, 03 |
523-5000 |
Mr. Robert Reed |
Thursday, March 18, 10:00-12:00 pm |
Weaver |
1461 N. Douglas, 02 |
523-1200 |
Dr. Janelle Andrus |
Wednesday, March 17, 1:00 pm |
Weller |
1630 N. Weller, 03 |
523-1900 |
Mrs. Marilyn Monroe |
Wednesday, March 17, 9:00-11:00 am |
The following schools will conduct both Kindergarten Registration and your child’s screening at Doling School, 1423 W. Atlantic: Bingham, Bissett, Cowden, Fremont, Harrison, Holland, Mann, Pleasant View, Pittman, Robberson, Sequiota, Sherwood, Westport, Wilder, Williams and York. Please call 523-1160 for an appointment. Please plan to bring your child’s immunization record, social security card or number, birth certificate and proof of residence with you.
Cherokee students to job shadow on Friday
Feb. 3, 2010
Cherokee Middle School eighth-graders will be job shadowing parent volunteers at their places of business Friday, Feb. 5.
Almost 300 of the 350 eighth-grade students at Cherokee will participate in the job shadowing event. Remaining students will participate in career-based activities on site that day. Parent volunteers have coordinated the event. Jobs were selected for students after they took online surveys through Missouri Connections to help indentify the best career pathway for each student based on their interest and skill set. Students are not allowed to shadow their own parent.
Students will shadow veterinarians, attorneys, doctors, teachers, librarians, dentists and oral surgeons, physical therapists and others. For more information about the event, contact Cherokee counselor Jeanene Gerhardt at 523-7200.
Sequiota students to present check to Red Cross for Haiti Thursday
Feb. 3, 2010
Sequiota Elementary School fifth-graders headed up an all-school coin drive to assist Haiti relief efforts and raised $660 for the Red Cross.
All six grade levels competed in the Coins for a Cause fundraiser to see who could raise the most money for Haiti. Fifth-graders came out on top raising nearly $350. Students will present a check to the Red Cross Thursday , Feb. 4, at 9 a.m. at the school, located at 3414 S. Mentor Ave.
New principal named for Jarrett Middle School
Feb. 3, 2010
Springfield Public Schools has named Teresa Wise as principal for Jarrett Middle School beginning with the 2010-2011 school year.
Wise is currently assistant principal at Glendale High School, a position she has held for the past five years. Her administrative experience with the district also includes working as summer school coordinator for secondary schools and serving as administrative intern in 2004-2005.
Prior to entering administration, Wise’s teaching experience spanned middle and high school levels. Most recently she was a health and physical education teacher at Glendale from 2001-2004. In addition to teaching, she enjoyed a successful coaching career from 1986-2004 at Glendale, Ozark, and Carl Junction in the areas of volleyball, basketball, softball, and track.
Wise received an associate degree from Crowder College in 1982; a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa in 1984; a Master of Science degree from Pittsburg State University in 1991; and a Specialist in Educational Administration from Missouri State University in 2005.
Governor recognizes Missouri students' efforts support relief to Haiti
Feb. 3, 2010
Springfield Public Schools students have raised about $14,000 and collected almost 1,100 hygiene kits to aid Haitians who survived earthquakes which rocked the island nation earlier this year. Many schools’ efforts are still ongoing.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon will kick off the statewide collection of “Kits 4 Kids” Thursday, Feb. 4, at Bowerman Elementary School, 2148 N. Douglas. Kits 4 Kids is a Haiti relief project coordinated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Springfield-based Convoy of Hope.
The governor, Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder, Bowerman Principal Jason Steingraber and representatives from Convoy of Hope will make brief remarks at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, followed by a question-and-answer session for the news media.
A Convoy of Hope 18-wheeler will arrive at the school and a group of fifth-grade students, assisted by Gov. Nixon, will load onto it boxes of hygiene kits collected and assembled by Bowerman students.
Following the event, at 1 p.m., Convoy of Hope will present a 30-minute educational program for students in the school gym.
Springfield Youth Symphony benefit concert to feature Kim Crosby
Feb. 2, 2010
Springfield Youth Symphony will perform a benefit concert Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Evangel University's Chapel Auditorium featuring Grammy-award-winning Broadway singer/actress, Kim Crosby.
Music will include both operatic and Broadway favorites. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Youth Symphony’s trip to Washington, DC in June to perform in the Festival of the States Concert Series. The Springfield Youth Symphony is the only orchestra selected from the state of Missouri to appear in this year’s Festival.
In addition to Crosby, the concert will also feature local soprano, Jane Munson-Berg and three singers from her recently founded Opera Theatre of the Ozarks: Jena Cantrell, soprano; Danny Gutierrez, tenor; and Chelsea Smith, soprano.
Tickets are now on sale for $10.00 and may be purchased in advance from youth symphony members or at the door.
For more information contact Larry Dissmore at 865-2815, Ext. 7214.
PHS to host 54th annual Bob Bilyeu Speech and Debate Tournament
Feb. 2, 2010
Parkview High School will host the 54th annual Bob Bilyeu Winter Classic Speech and Debate Tournament Feb. 5-6.
The event was rescheduled due to severe weather in the area causing many schools to cancel their entries on the original dates, Jan. 29-30. The tournament will now also include novice categories.
Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the school located at 516 W. Meadowmere St.
Central student wins first place at STN Fall Nationals
Feb. 2, 2010
Central High School senior Drew Mittman was awarded first place in the nation at the Student Television Network's fall competition.
Mittman is a member of the Central Intelligence staff, Central's student produced news program. He was awarded first place in the category of TV Graphics in the nation.
Student Television Network is the nation's largest scholastic broadcasting network comprised of over 600 schools from across the country.
Springfield selected as partner for Any Given Child initiative
Feb. 2, 2010
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder will announce tonight during school board meeting a new initiative that will assist Springfield in developing a long-range arts education plan to enhance opportunities for students in grades K-8. The school board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the assembly room at Kraft Administrative Center, 940 N. Jefferson Ave.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has chosen Springfield as a partner city for Any Given Child, a program that will use existing resources of Springfield Public Schools, along with those of local arts organizations and the Kennedy Center to create a plan for arts education specific to Springfield.
Any Given Child seeks to bring access, balance, and equity to each child’s arts education, using an affordable model that combines the resources of the school district, local arts groups, and the Kennedy Center. With the assistance of expert consultation services provided by Kennedy Center staff and other professionals, community leaders develop a long-range plan for arts education that is tailor-made for the Springfield school district and community.
“Expertise available through Any Given Child will be invaluable to our district and our entire community as we work toward the goal of enhancing arts education offerings throughout our community,” Dr. Ridder noted.
SPS has strong partnerships with numerous private and public arts organizations, which collaborated to apply for Kennedy Center assistance through the Any Given Child program. Among those involved include the Arts Programming Sustainability Initiative, Springfield Regional Arts Council, City of Springfield and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
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