Linda Griffin named art educator of the year
Jan. 30, 2009
Linda Griffin has been named the Missouri Art Education Association’s 2009 Secondary Art Educator of the Year for exceptional talent, skill and dedication in art education.
Griffin will receive the award at the Missouri Art Education Association Spring Conference luncheon on Saturday, March 28, at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach.
Parkview graduate holds book signing Feb. 6
Jan. 30, 2009
Parkview High School 1960 graduate J. Terry Johnson will host a public signing of his new book, “Kirby: From the Baseball Field to the Battlefield,” from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, in the school’s new library.
The book is centered on a 1960 Parkview graduate named Kirby Wilcox and events that occurred during the early years of Parkview, which opened in the fall of 1956.
Wilcox was a successful two-sport athlete, co-captain of his American Legion baseball team, and he wed the school homecoming queen. He attended West Point Military Academy before serving in the Vietnam War where he was killed in action.
The book’s official release date is March 3. It will be sold for $10. Visitors to the book signing can also tour the newly remodeled high school.
For more information, contact assistant principal Matt Hudson at 523-9200.
Springfield author, poet laureate talks writing
Jan. 26, 2009
David Harrison, a long-time Springfield writer of children’s books and Drury University Poet Laureate, will discuss the writing process with students from Boyd Elementary School, Pipkin Middle School and Central High School on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Harrison will be at Boyd at 9 a.m., Pipkin at 11 a.m. and Central at 1 p.m. as part of Drury’s “A Celebration of Writing” for Missouri schoolchildren. In addition to the three participating schools, other schools can interact with Harrison using a remote videoconferencing system. The best media opportunities will occur about 45 minutes into Harrison’s presentations.
BASE program Transition Fair is Jan 29
Jan. 26, 2009
Springfield Public Schools' Business Associated Student Education (BASE) Program will host its fifth annual Transition Fair from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at St. John's Cancer Center, 2055 S. Fremont Ave.
The event is open to the public and designed for families of children with special needs. About 30 community agencies will share information about their programs and services. Participants will include The Springfield Regional Office, Social Security Administration, Southwest Center for Independent Living, Community Employment, Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of the Ozarks, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Sporting Chance.
BASE helps high school special education students gain employable life skills by job shadowing employees. For more information, call Patricia Grassa, St. John’s BASE program instructor, at 227-1427.
Pipkin teachers receive 'Picturing America' grant
Jan. 26, 2009
Two Pipkin Middle School eighth-grade social studies teachers will incorporate the “Picturing America” program in their classrooms next year after recently receiving a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
“Picturing America” is a new nationwide initiative from NEH that brings masterpieces of American art into classrooms and libraries. The goal is to give students and citizens a deeper appreciation of our country’s history and character through the study and understanding of its art.
Teachers Julia Armstrong and Sarah Carlton-Marshall will incorporate works of art into their weekly lesson plans by allowing students to examine and analyze the art, then discuss its impact on American culture.
Gifted education program celebrates 30 years
Jan. 23, 2009
The Phelps Center for Gifted Education will celebrate 30 years in Springfield Public Schools on Monday, Jan. 26, during a breakfast and tour of the district’s three gifted programs.
Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. at the center, 934 S. Kimbrough Ave. Invited guests can then participate in an informational tour of the WINGS program, Middle Years Scholars Program at Central High School and BRIDGES program at Weller Elementary School. Transportation will be provided. The program ends at 11 a.m.
“Our objective is to demonstrate the importance of gifted education,” said Lenae Lazzelle, district gifted education coordinator. For more information call Lenae Lazzelle at 766-2313.
Hillcrest, Kickapoo meet A+ program requirements
Jan. 23, 2009
Hillcrest and Kickapoo High Schools have met the requirements to be designated A+ program schools, according to officials with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The recommendations will be forwarded to the state Board of Education for final assessment in April. Following final approval qualifying seniors will begin receiving A+ benefits next fall.
The program was created by the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993 as an incentive to improve Missouri high schools. Glendale, Parkview and Central currently offer A+, which provides students with a variety of opportunities to prepare for the workplace, post-secondary vocational/technical training or college.
Students who graduate from a designated A+ high school may qualify for a state-paid financial incentive to attend any public community college or career/technical school in Missouri if the student successfully meets certain requirements.
Hillcrest honors 1984 championship Hornet basketball team
Jan. 23, 2009
Hillcrest High School will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its boys 1984 state basketball championship during a ceremony before the 7 p.m. Hillcrest-Waynesville game on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the school.
“The 1984 Hillcrest boys basketball state championship is a major source of pride for the entire Hillcrest community,” said principal Jay Rush. “There is rarely a gathering of Hillcrest alumni where the championship is not a major point of conversation. The championship shows what can be achieved by a dedicated group of students who work together to achieve a common goal. It’s a good lesson for today’s students.”
Recognized during the ceremony will be players from that championship team, their head coach, Gary Stanfield, and assistant coach, Dr. Nate Quinn, and cheerleaders and managers from the team. The ceremony will include an unveiling of the state championship team photo. All former Hillcrest basketball athletes (1958-present) will be recognized at halftime. An informal reception will follow the game in the east gymnasium. For more information call boys basketball coach John Schaefer at 523-8000 or 840-4661.
CHS 'Central Intelligence' wins STN awards
Jan. 23, 2009
The Central Intelligence staff at Central High School recently received top honors by the Student Television Network. The student video broadcasters won first place for a monthly/bi-monthly show in its 2008 fall nationals.
CI staffers Halli Bruton and Pazsely Looney earned top honors for sports news; Drew Sampson and Nicole Young won top awards for a human interest feature.
STN consists of 896 schools from across North America. A complete list of honors can be viewed at: http://www.studenttelevision.com/honors/honors.html.
Springfield board unanimously agrees to extend Ridder's contract
Jan. 21, 2009
Springfield Public Schools Board of Education recently completed its annual performance review of Superintendent Norm Ridder and has extended his contract through the 2011-2012 school year. School board members voted 7-0 during executive session Jan. 20 in favor of extending Dr. Ridder’s contract.
The review was based on Dr. Ridder’s performance in seven “performance excellence” categories identified as critical for high performing systems: 1) leadership, 2) strategic planning, 3) stakeholder and market focus, 4) measurement, analysis, and knowledge management, 5) human resources, 6) process management, and 7) performance results.
“Dr. Ridder’s commitment to our community’s desire to provide academic excellence for all our students is reflected in his work, both within the district and in the community,” said school board president Kris Callen. "He is engaged withkey district stakeholders and actively seeks their input on issues facing our school district. His focus on continual evaluation and improvement is helping our community improve the work we do on behalf of our students and staff. We are pleased he will continue to lead our successful team of administrators, teachers, staff, and students.”
Student-journalist wants to cover inauguration
Jan. 16, 2009
Kickapoo High School sophomore journalism student Chase Snider learned this week he was granted coveted press credentials to cover the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. On Friday, Snider was still scrambling to round up the $3,500 it will cost to make the trip.
"We're going to find a way, no matter what," said Chase, who at the age of 16, is already an award-winning journalist.
If he comes up with the money (about $2,500 had been collected as of Friday), Chase has agreed to cover the historic inauguration for his school and a number of local media outlets, including Springfield Business Journal, KY-3, KTTS and Alice@95.5.
For more information call Chase Snider at 894-7901 or email him at sendchase09@gmail.com
Glendale students to witness inauguration
Jan. 16, 2009
Thirteen Glendale High School students will board an early-morning flight Sunday, Jan. 18, to participate in the historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The students are from teacher Mike Snodgrass’s advanced placement government and liberty and law honors classes. In addition to attending the inauguration and inaugural ball, the students will tour the Smithsonian Institution, Mount Vernon, the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress and Supreme Court.
“The opportunity to witness the inauguration is inspirational,” said Snodgrass. “Students will experience the excitement and solemnness of our country changing leaders in a peaceful manner. This type of event can be life-changing.”
Snodgrass and his students will be available for interviews at the airport beginning about 5:15 a.m. Sunday. Their flight departs at 6:40 a.m. For more information call Mike Snodgrass at 833-3755 or 300-0575.
Middle school students introduced to HS stage
Jan. 16, 2009
Students from Cherokee and Carver middle schools and Wilson’s Creek 5-6 School are getting a jump on the high school acting experience with the performance of “School House Rock Live! Jr.” Jan. 23-24 at Kickapoo High School.
Michael Butcher, KHS theatre director, said the idea is to introduce middle school students and Kickapoo ninth-graders to high school theatre early on so they gain experience and a sense of belonging at Kickapoo.
For tickets, go to www.KickapooTheater.com For more information, contact Michael Butcher at 523-8641.
Jim Whytlaw national swimming coach of year
Jan. 16, 2009
Jim Whytlaw, Glendale High School swimming coach, has been named 2008 Coach of the Year in girls swimming and diving by the National Federation of State High School Association “Coaches Association.”
Whytlaw, who has taught and coached in the school district for more than 35 years, was named Missouri State High School Activities Association Coach of the Year last year after the Lady Falcon swimming team took 2nd place in the MSHSAA state championship. Whytlaw was also named coach of the year in 1986, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2006.
All-State band, orchestra, choir students to perform at convention
Jan. 16, 2009
The following district students were selected as All-State participants in band, orchestra or choir to perform Saturday, Jan. 31, at the 71st Annual Missouri Music Educators Association In-service Convention and Workshop at Tan-Tar- A Resort in Osage Beach.
Band: Erin Cameron – Central; Eric Lechliter - Kickapoo. Honorable mention students are Emily Blevins, Nathan Casteel and Evan Hager - Kickapoo.
Orchestra: Amanda Kruger - Glendale; Molly Morgan - Kickapoo; Chris Williams - Hillcrest.
Choir: Audrey Buxton, Rebekah Clark, Hannah Connolly, Emily Haden, Mike Jones, Alex Sheppard, Drew Young – Glendale; Christian Cook, Jisoo Kim, Breana Stewart and (alternate) Lauren McCreight – Kickapoo; Nathan Duke – Parkview.
For more information contact Dr. Bev. Rohlf at 523-5530 or Vicki Williams at 523-5530.
District has no immediate plans to make non-personnel reductions
Jan. 13, 2009
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder told the school board Jan. 13 the district has no intention at this time of making non-personnel reductions of up to 5 percent.
Ridder’s comments came as the board reviewed a lengthy list of potential reductions submitted from departments throughout the district. The report was prepared over several months in anticipation of diminishing state revenues for the district due to the troubled economy. However, Ridder told the board that December state revenues were better than expected and no cuts are being recommended at this time. Chief Financial Officer Steve Chodes added that the state will release more significant revenue numbers by the end of January and the district will have a clearer picture of projected revenue at that time. He will report back to the board on the matter in February.
More on Tuesday’s Jan. 13 study session
Jeff Rogers named Midwest soccer Coach of Year
Jan. 13, 2009
Glendale High School soccer coach Jeff Rogers was recently named Midwest Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Rogers now qualifies for the national coach of the year award to be announced Jan. 16. at the annual NSCAA Awards Banquet in St. Louis.
Rogers has coached soccer 21 years at Glendale and been head coach there for 19 years. His record coaching boys is 340-94-29; his record coaching girls is 222-88-33 (562-182-62 overall). His boys team finished second in the state this year, the best-ever finish for a large public school soccer team in southwest Missouri.
Chicago Bear to visit Bowerman elementary Jan. 14
Jan. 13, 2009
Chicago Bear defensive tackle Israel Idonije will visit Bowerman Elementary School on Wednesday, Jan. 14, to talk to fourth- and fifth-grade students about good habits for learning and for life.
Idonije is passing through Springfield on business and has a connection with the Bowerman community, said principal Jason Steingraber. Because he has an interest in working with kids, “Izzie” wanted to visit with students. He will talk to them in a group at 8:15 a.m., then break into smaller groups at 8:45 a.m. before leaving around 9:15 a.m. For more information call Jason Steingraber at 523-1410.
Teacher of the Year nominations being accepted
Jan. 13, 2009
Nominations are now being accepted for Springfield Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year.
The nomination form is easy to complete and can be submitted by a student, parent, co-worker or supervisor. Teachers can also nominate themselves. Just fill out the pertinent information and explain in 100 words or less why you are nominating the individual.
Return the completed form by Friday, Feb. 6, to Kristin Freitag in Human Resources via school mail, fax (523-0197) or e-mail kfreitag@spsmail.org. All nominations are confidential.
The 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year will be named on Monday, April 20 at the annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet hosted by Foundation for Springfield Public Schools April 20, at University Plaza. The winning teacher will receive prizes (to be announced later) and be in the running for Missouri Teacher of the Year.
Lisa Lilley named top foreign languages teacher
Jan. 9, 2009
Lisa Lilley, Central High School Spanish teacher, was recently named the Central States Foreign Languages Teacher of the Year among peers from 17 Midwestern states. She will be honored at the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages March 20 in Chicago.
As the 2009 CSC honoree, Lilley is among five regional finalists who will compete for the national foreign languages teacher of the year. That award, sponsored by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, will be announced in San Diego next November.
Lilley has taught 17 years in the district. She began her teaching career at Reed Middle School, taught 15 years at Glendale High School, and is currently at Central. In October, she was named Missouri’s Distinguished Foreign Language Educator for 2008 at the Missouri Foreign Language Association annual conference. She was recognized for her leadership among students and teachers at the local and national levels. Lilley also chairs the district curriculum development committee for foreign languages.
Single-day tickets available Jan. 12 for tournament
Jan. 9, 2009
Celebrating its 25th year, Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions Presented by Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks will be held Jan. 15-17 at JQH Arena. Single-day tickets for the tournament will go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the JQH box office or by calling 836-7678.
Organized by Springfield Public Schools athletic department, the popular boys basketball tournament matches area teams against outstanding teams from throughout the United States. Central High School Bulldogs and Glendale High School Falcons will represent SPS.
Teacher, daughter to attend presidential inauguration
Jan. 6, 2009
Parkview High School social studies teacher Kindra Neal and her daughter, Darian Dark, will be among the masses who attend the historical inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Kindra will take photos to share with her students and will incorporate her experience in the classroom as a contrast to absolute monarchies (which her students are studying). She and her daughter will also attend Martin Luther King Day activities on Jan. 19. Kindra will also share that experience with students during discussions about the Atlantic slave trade and advances in civil rights.
Darian is a seventh-grade student at Jarrett Middle School. Mother and daughter are excited to participate in these events and are willing to talk to media before they depart for Washington, D.C.
For more information contact Kindra Neal at 496-8311 or kneal@spsmail.org
Rountree Cares effort focuses on Humane Society
Jan. 6, 2009
Rountree Elementary School’s ongoing “Project Rountree Cares” will focus this month on helping to meet the needs at the Southwest Missouri Humane Society. Officials from the Humane Society will bring puppies and share information on how students can help during a monthly character assembly at 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8.
Project Rountree Cares focuses attention each month during the school year on a different service project. The goal is to help students focus on issues that provide “greater-than-self” awareness.
Central celebrates diversity with flag ceremony
Jan. 6, 2009
Central High School will celebrate the diversity of its students and staff with a special flag ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in the student commons. Flags representing 31 countries and over 70 students and staff members will be hung from the mezzanine. International students will pose for group pictures with their flags prior to hanging.
The event ties in with the school’s participation in the International Baccalaureate Program. IB is geared, in part, toward creating greater understanding of people from throughout the world.
PV's 'Girls' Night Out' produces needed quilts
Jan. 6, 2009
A group of Pleasant View Middle School girls will make 25 tied quilts on Wednesday, Jan. 7, for the Springfield Pregnancy Care Center as part of the school’s “Girls’ Night Out” program.
Girls’ Night Out began about three years ago to give Pleasant View Middle School girls a chance to get involved in activities and make friends. The program encourages monthly projects and has improved relationships among students and staff.
Wednesday’s activity begins at 3 p.m. at the school. Cindy Boston, Pregnancy Care Center executive director, will arrive about 3:45 p.m. to receive the quilts. For more information call Stacy Johannsen at Pleasant View at 523-2360.
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