News Archive - September 2009

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District schedules two tests of the AlertNow system

Sept. 30, 2009

Springfield Public Schools will conduct two districtwide tests of the AlertNow notification system Oct. 6 and Oct. 13. These tests are to ensure accuracy of the system and the contact information in the AlertNow database.

AlertNow enables the district and individual schools to contact parents via telephone with important announcements about emergencies or important school events. Parents received information about AlertNow and the scheduled tests at the beginning of the school year. The parent letter may be viewed at http://springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org/ParentsTab/documents/Parentletter0910.pdf.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., an Informational Message will be sent to primary and secondary phone numbers listed on the AlertNow contact sheet.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., a Priority Message will be sent to primary, secondary and emergency 1, 2, and 3 phone numbers listed on the contact sheet.

“Prior to these test dates, we encourage parents to communicate with individuals they have listed on their student’s contact sheet about these test messages so they will be expecting them,” said Teresa Bledsoe, community relations manager. “We also ask that they check with those same contacts after the tests to confirm that they received the proper message. “

The success of AlertNow is dependent upon accurate contact information for each student. Parents must have completed a contact form and returned it to school to receive these messages. To obtain a contact form or additional information about AlertNow, go to http://www.springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org/ParentsTab/alertnow.htm.

If the tests indicate a child’s correct contacts were not called, parents should contact their child’s school as soon as possible. If community members receive an AlertNow call in error, they may call (417) 523-0300 or send an e-mail to alertnow@spsmail.org to have their telephone number removed from the database.

Central and Hillcrest students named Broadcast Pacemaker finalists  

Sept. 30, 2009

Central and Hillcrest high schools’ "Central  Intelligence" and "HTV Magazine" have been named among 10 finalists for the prestigious National Scholastic Press Association Broadcast Pacemaker Award, which honors the nation’s top student-produced programs.

School broadcast journalism students were required to submit an entire broadcast news program in June to be eligible for the contest. Judges selected finalists based on videos meeting the following criteria:

The Broadcast Pacemaker Award is considered one of the top honors for scholastic broadcast programs. 

In 2008, "HTV" earned its tenth Pacemaker, and "CI" has now qualified as a top ten finalist for the third time in four consecutive years. All of this year's finalists can be viewed at http://studentpress.org/nspa/winners/bpm09.html.

The winners will be announced Nov. 14 at the NSPA National Convention in Washington D.C.

NSPA also announced its "Story of the Year" finalists in News, Feature and Sports categories.  Hillcrest is a finalist in Sports for a piece produced last fall by Fran Olive and Sarah Skinner.  HTV has earned six "Story of the Year" awards in the last nine years, and has been a finalist 11 times.

Glendale Falcons wear pink for 'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' campaign

Sept. 25, 2009

Glendale High School Falcons junior varsity and varsity boys soccer teams will wear pink jerseys at the Sept. 28 match against West Plains to support the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" campaign.

Glendale Falcons and West Plains Zizzers teams have partnered with the American Cancer Society to help them raise awareness and funds to fight the disease, provide comfort and hope, and save lives from breast cancer. The match is at Glendale, 2727 S Ingram Mill Rd., and starts at 5 p.m.

Nigerian artist Ibiyinka Alao to visit WINGS students   

Sept. 25, 2009

International artist from Nigeria Ibiyinka Alao will give presentations to WINGS students at the Phelps Center for Gifted Education, 934 S Kimbrough Ave, Monday, Sept. 28, Tuesday, Sept. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 1.

Alao represented Nigeria and was the recent winner of the prestigious United Nations International Art Competition competing against artists representing 60 other countries. His entry, "Girls and a Greener Environment" chronicles the life of a girl-child from infancy to adulthood and the values she acquires along the paths of life. Alao, also a trained architect, has shared his art which expresses a peaceful view of the integration of cultures through the use of colors with schools across America hoping to motivate and inspire students to see the relationship between academics, visual art and culture and architecture.

Alao will present at school assemblies at Phelps at 1 p.m. and will assist teacher Catherine Gilpin in the classroom with a unit on Africa from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. all three days

Field principal to be recognized with Evangel's top alumni award

Sept. 25, 2009

Dr. Nancy Colbaugh, Field Elementary School principal, will be presented the 2009 Evangel University Alumni Association President's Award Friday, Oct. 9, at Evangel University Oct. 9 at 10 a.m.

Colbaugh has served as principal at Field since 2001. She earned her bachelor's degree from Evangel and holds master's and specialist's degrees from Missouri State University. Colbaugh received her doctorate in educational leadership from University of Missouri-Columbia. She has been a teacher or principal at Springfield Public Schools since 1983 and has also taught music at Missouri State University's Greenwood Laboratory School for three years.

Colbaugh will be recognized with other Evangel alumni during an awards ceremony at the chapel in honor of the school's Homecoming celebration taking place Oct. 8-10.

DNR oversees cleanup of small mercury spill

Sept. 21, 2009

A small amount of mercury spilled at Sequiota Elementary School is unlikely to pose health concerns for students, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

A thermometer was broken Sept. 18 in a second-grade classroom during a science lesson. While it was initially thought that no mercury escaped, it was determined Monday morning that a small amount of mercury did spill onto the classroom floor. At that time, students were relocated to another classroom for the remainder of the day in order to inspect the room and thoroughly clean it.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is currently assessing the situation and will be overseeing the cleanup of the small mercury spill. DNR issued a statement noting that students’ exposure to mercury vapors was not likely high enough to cause anyone to experience adverse health effects.

Parents of students in the affected classroom received written notification about the incident Monday afternoon.

DNR has recommended that the affected classroom not be used for 24 hours after the cleanup. As standard practice, DNR has also requested that three nearby classrooms be temporarily vacated to help facilitate the cleanup. Students in the four identified classrooms will be relocated to another part of the school Tuesday. All other events and activities at Sequiota will continue as scheduled Tuesday.

Anyone who is concerned about potential exposure may contact the state Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology at (573) 751-6102 or their personal physician for more information.  

Read the Sept. 21 news release issued by DNR.

Board member named one of southwest Missouri's 'Most Influential Women'

Sept. 21, 2009

Springfield Public Schools board of education member Kris Callen will be recognized by the Springfield Business Journal as one of 20 "Most Influential Women" at a luncheon on Sept. 25 at the University Plaza Convention Center.

 The Springfield Business Journal honors 20 women each year for improving the southwest Missouri business, civic and philanthropic communities. Women are nominated by the public and complete applications that are scored by a panel of judges.

To attend the awards luncheon, you must purchase tickets in advance, no later than Sept. 21. Tickets are $35 per person and a table of 10 is $300. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Diana Weber at 831-3238 or by e-mail at dweber@sbj.net.

Fry-Wagner brings 'Discover America' program to Jeffries

Sept. 21, 2009

District Partner In Education Fry-Wagner Moving and Storage, agent for United Van Lines, will bring its "Discover America" program to Jeffries Elementary School,  4051 S. Scenic Ave., on Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. 

 United Van Lines offers the "Discover America" program to fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms all over the country to help schools enrich geography curriculum. The program gives students a firsthand account of a driver's cross-country trips and builds career awareness while helping students develop mathematical skills and strengthen their creative writing abilities.

 After a presentation to fifth-grade classes outlining the program, "Driver Dave" will give them a tour of a United Van Lines semi tractor and trailer where students will learn about its features and get a demonstration of wrapping and packing techniques. Students will also get a lesson on walking and bicycle safety. For more information about the "Discover America" program, go to www.unitedvanlines.com/driverdave.

Hillcrest to host national 'Save-A-Life Tour' Sept. 28

Sept. 21, 2009

Hillcrest High School will partner with State Farm Insurance on Monday, Sept. 28 to host the national "Save-A-Life Tour" at the school, located at 3319 N. Grant Ave.

The "Save-A-Life Tour" is a high-impact awareness program that offers teen drivers the opportunity to gain valuable and life-saving information related to the perils associated with drinking alcohol and operating a motor vehicle. The tour exhibit will begin with a short assembly followed by tours of interactive exhibits developed to provide students with real-life experiences related to drinking and driving.   

The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and will be located in the HPER facility adjacent to the school.

Springfield Regional College and Career Fair Tuesday, Oct. 6

Sept. 21, 2009

Springfield Public Schools will partner with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce to host the annual Springfield Regional College and Career Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at University Plaza Convention Center.

Representatives from 125 colleges and universities, trade and technical schools, the military and financial aid organizations will be present to help students and parents with important decisions involved in selecting a post secondary education.

The chamber will be represented by about 25 exhibitors providing students with information about specific career options in manufacturing, construction, health care and business.

Students and parents may also attend a presentation, “Planning and Preparing for College,” conducted by the Missouri Department of Higher Education. The workshop will provide current information about financial aid, including the latest information about student grants and loans. Sessions are at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Illinois/Colorado Room at University Plaza Hotel.

The annual fair is open to high school students from throughout Southwest Missouri and is hosted by SPS high school guidance counselors. For more information call Rhonda Mammen at 523-0063.

International recording artist Kelley Hunt to perform Sept. 10

Sept. 9, 2009

The Blues Society of the Ozarks brings international recording artist Kelley Hunt to perform at both Fremont and Portland elementary schools as part of the "Blues In The Schools" program Sept. 10.

The program is intended to promote an understanding of how American music changed the world and made modern music what it is today by incorporating influences from cultures around the world to create blues. The Blues Society of the Ozarks uses performers, harmonica lessons and presentations to educate students about the way blues music has impacted the world.

Hunt will perform at 10:30 a.m. at Fremont, 2814 N. Fremont Ave., and at 2:30 p.m. at Portland, 906 W. Portland St.

Hillcrest JROTC hosts 8th annual 9-11 memorial

Sept. 9, 2009

Hillcrest High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps will conduct a 9-11 memorial ceremony Friday, Sept. 11, at the school.

Ceremony participants will include the JROTC Hornet Battalion cadets and the Hillcrest band and choir. The ceremony begins at 7:20 a.m. on the front lawn of the school. Hillcrest is located at 3319 N. Grant Ave.

Kickapoo to have dedication ceremony at open house Sept. 17

Sept. 9, 2009

Kickapoo High School will have a dedication ceremony at the new main entrance plaza on the west side of the school at its open house on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.

The ceremony is in celebration of the completed $8 million renovation, including an updated main entrance and new science wing addition. The upgrades were made possible with funds from the 2006 bond.

There will be a reception in the school cafeteria immediately following the ceremony. The open house is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kickapoo is located at 3710 S. Jefferson Ave.

Schools to host benefit run/walk Sept. 19

Sept. 9, 2009

McBride Elementary School and Wilson's Creek 5-6 School will host the third annual 5K run/walk, "Are You Faster Than a Fifth-Grader," to raise money for a youth running program Sept. 19.
Runners compete against relay teams of made up of McBride and Wilson's Creek students placed in various locations on the course. The first 100 to register for the run will receive a T-shirt. Registration is $15 if paid in advance or $20 on the day of the run. Families of three pay $30 and each additional family member is $10.

Participants may register at McBride Elementary School, 5005 S. Farm Road 135, or at either Ridge Runner Sports location, 3057 S. Fremont or 431 S. Jefferson, Suite 107. Registration forms are also available at The Starting Block,1254 E. Republic Road, or online at www.omrr.org. Registration on race day is from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. and the race will begin at 8 a.m.

Springfield Public Schools sets dates for open house events

Sept. 9, 2009

Dates for Springfield Public Schools open house events have been set. High schools will hold open house Thursday, Sept. 17. Open house at all district middle schools will be held Thursday, Sept. 24. Times will vary by site.

The district's 36 elementary schools have also scheduled fall open houses. A listing of dates and times is posted on the School Activities page.

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