'Financial peace' is goal of April 4 sale
March 31, 2009
Participants in the district’s Financial Peace University will hold a multi-family lot sale Saturday, April 4, from sunrise to 3 p.m. on the parking lot at JFK Stadium. Financial Peace University is sponsored by the Wellness Department to assist employees in achieving success with their personal finances. For more information, call 523-1635.
Campbell Elementary School is home to a Distinguished Principal
March 30, 2009
Campbell Elementary School Principal Jason Anderson was named Missouri's 2009 Distinguished Principal today by the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals at an all-school assembly.
The National Distinguished Principals program, established in 1984, honors exemplary elementary and middle-level principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years. Being recognized as a National Distinguished Principal is the highest praise a principal can receive from his or her peers in the profession.
Anderson began his career at Springfield Public Schools in 1998 teaching third grade at Sequiota Elementary School. He became assistant principal at Shady Dell Elementary School in 2000 and principal at Truman Elementary School in 2001. He has been the principal at Campbell since 2006.
All state Distinguished Principal winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in the fall. Anderson is also in the running to be named the 2009 National Distinguished Principal.
SPS schools shine on state Highest-Performing Schools lists
March 30, 2009
Springfield Public Schools had seven schools named 18 times to state Top 10 lists for Highest-Performing Schools by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Among all Missouri public school districts, Springfield had the third largest number of schools to make the Top 10 lists. The lists recognize schools for high performance determined by the percent of students scoring proficient and advanced on the spring 2008 Missouri Assessment Program tests.
Springfield schools that made the list are:
Hickory Hills Elementary School – 4th grade math.
Disney Elementary School – 4th grade math and 5th grade math.
Central High School Middle Years Scholars Program – 6th grade communication arts, 6th grade math, 7th grade communication arts, 7th grade math, 8th grade communication arts, 8th grade math and 8th grade science.
Wilson’s Creek Intermediate School – 6th grade math.
Cherokee Middle School – 7th grade communication arts, 8th grade math and 8th grade science.
Pleasant View Middle School – 7th grade math and 8th grade math.
Pershing Middle School – 7th grade math and 8th grade communication arts.
View the complete list of Missouri’s Highest-Performing Schools.
District sends 17 students to Missouri Scholars Academy
March 30, 2009
All 17 Springfield Public Schools students nominated for the 2009 Missouri Scholars Academy have been selected to participate June 7-27 at University of Missouri – Columbia.
The sophomores are among 330 gifted students selected statewide for the academy. SPS has the largest number of students participating in the academy, which offers unique opportunities for students to enhance their academic skills, gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their abilities and engage in critical-thinking and problem solving activities.
Central High School students attending are KarlBennicoff-Yundt, Martha Burton,RaleighCavero, Amelia Chiles,ClaireDonze, NathanielFairbank,Parker Hall,StephenHoffmeister, LaurenKerivan,ElizabethMarler,JamesMcShane,AnthonyNdikum,MarcSimon,SaraSwango,and DounanZhu. Glendale High School students participating are RomanAldaiz and Tanner Caruthers.
Central IB exhibition on display at Creamery Arts Center
March 30, 2009
The Central High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Examination Exhibition will be featured during Springfield Regional Arts Council's First Friday Art Show at The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway. A free public reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 3.
The exhibition, which runs April 3-27, is the culminating activity for Central IB art program students. The Creamery exhibition is a celebration of the creativity at Central High School and will feature performances by the school orchestra, choir, theater and media departments.
For more information, call the Springfield Regional Arts Council at 862-2787.
Summer school registration begins April 15
March 30, 2009
Students may register beginning April 15 for Springfield Public Schools Fifth Quarter and Artworks summer school classes.
District summer school classes will be held June 8-July 2 Monday through Friday at the following sites:
Elementary schools, 7:30 a.m. to noon
Delaware, Disney, Field, Gray, McGregor, Truman and Weaver
Middle schools, 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m
Carver and Study
High schools, 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Central and Parkview
The summer school catalog, which lists descriptions of courses offered, will be distributed April 5 in the local newspaper. It will also be available online or at any Springfield school office.
For the 27th year, the Artworks program is available to students currently in grades 3-8. The program allows students to study with professional artists and art teachers in the visual media and performing arts for 10 days. Classes will be held Monday through Friday June 15-26 and July 6-17.
Nine schools will offer site-based summer classes open only to students enrolled at their school. They are McGregor, Portland and Robberson elementary schools, Reed Middle School and Central, Glendale, Hillcrest, Kickapoo and Parkview high schools. Contact the individual school office to register for these offerings.
Two SPS employees are named Everyday Heroes
March 23, 2009
Springfield Public Schools employees Gloria Morris and Jim Guest will be honored March 25 as 2009 Everyday Heroes by the Greater Ozarks Chapter of American Red Cross and KY-3.
Morris is a counselor at Pipkin Middle School and Guest is the district’s transportation special needs supervisor.
More than 115 people were nominated for the Everyday Hero honor. Heroes are chosen for saving a life or going above and beyond the call of duty in daily life. The nine winners will be honored during a ceremony at the Oasis Inn and Convention Center.
District MAP tests set for March 30 - April 17
March 23, 2009
Springfield Public Schools students will take Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests between March 30 and April 17. MAP testing is mandated by the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993 to identify the knowledge, skills, and competencies Missouri students should acquire by the time they complete high school. The MAP evaluates student progress toward those academic standards.
This spring’s MAP includes the following assessments:
- Communication arts tests for grades 3–8.
- Mathematics tests for grades 3–8.
- Science tests for grades 5 and 8.
Each assessment takes three to five hours and may include any of three types of test items: selected-response items, constructed-response items, or performance events (including writing prompts).
Many district schools are preparing students for the MAP with a variety of learning activities designed to build enthusiasm for the tests and assure students perform at their best.
Parents should also do their part to assure their child’s success with the MAP. Here are some suggestions:
- Keep the lines of communication open with your child and the school. Find out what you can do at home to support your child.
- Always encourage a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast on the day of your child’s test. Studies show that a well-rested, well-nourished child learns better.
- Be encouraging and positive and show your child that you are confident in their abilities.
- Try to make studying fun for your child and take breaks when needed. Encourage your child to get some exercise during breaks. Just like eating and sleeping well, studies show that physical activity stimulates the brain for learning.
Pipkin’s Kevin Jolley will compete in geography bee
March 23, 2009
Pipkin Middle School sixth-grade student Kevin Jolley was recently named a semifinalist in the 2009 Missouri Geographic Bee set for Friday, April 3, at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
After winning his school’s Geographic Bee, Jolly took a test that qualified him for the state level competition, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek.
Six students compete for National Merit scholarships
March 23, 2009
Six Springfield Public Schools seniors have been named finalists in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Central High School students Alice W. Barber, Erez Bosch, Ruolin Hou and Robert T. Jones, and Glendale High School students Natalie S. Pak and Lindsey K. Steinberg are among about 15,000 students nationwide selected as finalists.
These academically talented students are eligible to compete for about 8,200 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $35 million to be awarded this spring. Scholarship winners will be chosen based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments.
District names Kickapoo head basketball coach
March 20, 2009
Springfield Public Schools has hired Dick Rippee as head coach for boys basketball at Kickapoo High School beginning with the 2009-2010 school year. He will also teach driver’s education.
Rippee is currently employed by Evangel University as assistant men’s basketball coach and an assistant professor in the physical education department. Previously he was employed by Springfield Public Schools as head boys basketball coach from 1998 to 2002 and freshman boys basketball coach from 1996 to 1998 at Parkview High School. He was also Parkview’s varsity baseball coach in 1998. Rippee was a coach and physical education teacher at Jarrett Middle School from 1991 to 1995.
“We are excited to have Dick Rippee returning to Springfield Public Schools as the new head basketball coach at Kickapoo High School,” said Mark Fisher, athletic director. “As a former Chief’s player, Dick appreciates the proud history of the basketball program and is looking forward to continuing the rich tradition at Kickapoo.”
Rippee’s employment is pending until April when the school board is expected to give final approval.
Five new principals named for 2009-2010
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Springfield Public Schools has named five principals for 2009-2010 to replace retiring principals.
Dr. Matt Pearce will be principal at Glendale High School following Gary Prouty’s retirement. Pearce has been principal at Cherokee Middle School since 2006. Previously he served as assistant principal/athletics and activities director at Hillcrest High School and assistant principal at Carver Middle School. He possesses a master’s degree in educational administration and earned his doctorate degree in 2006.
Tim Zeigler will replace Dr. Sharri Harwick as principal at Pipkin Middle School upon her retirement. He currently is assistant principal at Pipkin where he has also taught science and math. Prior to joining SPS in 2001, Zeigler was a teacher and principal in Lutheran schools in Springfield and Independence, Kan. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1971-1992. Zeigler holds bachelor’s degrees in mechanical technology and education, master’s degrees in business and logistics management, and a specialist’s degree in education.
Beth Engelhart will be the new principal at Delaware Elementary School, replacing Donna Prouty when she retires. Engelhart is currently assistant to the principal at Wilson’s Creek Intermediate School. She taught fifth grade at Delaware in 2007-2008 and also served as administrator for summer school there in 2008. She possesses a master’s degree in educational administration and is currently working toward a doctorate degree in educational administration.
Cherie Norman has been named to replace Jane Roebke, who is retiring as principal at Cowden Elementary School. Since December 2008, Norman has served as administrative liaison for the school district. Previously she taught for 15 years at Wanda Gray Elementary School. Norman has also served as an administrator for summer school at Truman Elementary School and also as coordinator of the extended learning program for summer school. She has a master’s degree in educational administration.
Nicole Kimbrough will be principal at Holland Elementary School upon Jeannine Causey’s retirement. She currently teaches first grade at Robberson Elementary School. In 2008, she served as assistant to the principal for summer school at McBride Elementary School. Kimbrough possesses a master’s degree in educational administration.
New elementary school named for David Harrison
March 17, 2009
David Harrison Elementary School was selected March 17 by Springfield Public SchoolsBoard of Education as the name for the elementary school currently under construction in southwest Springfield. The school, which will serve students in kindergarten through fourth grade, will open in August 2009.
Three names were presented to the school board during its study session March 3 for their consideration. David Harrison Elementary, Dogwood Elementary and Kildee Park Elementary were among about 40 suggestions submitted by students and families in the attendance area, explained Principal Chris Mendel.
Board members agreed naming an elementary school after Harrison is especially appropriate given his long-standing service to Springfield Public Schools. A Springfield businessman and author of more than 70 children's books, Harrison was instrumental in organizing the Teacher of the Year Banquet and initiating the Sky High for Reading campaign.
His efforts also resulted in the creation of Reading Roundup, a fundraising campaign which added countless books to Springfield Public Schools libraries. Harrison also served on the Springfield Board of Education from 1982 to 1988 and held the offices of president and vice president of the board.
Preliminary enrollment projections for the 2009-2010 school year indicate David Harrison Elementary School will have two classes each for grades kindergarten through third and one class for fourth grade. Ultimately, the school can accommodate up to four classes of each grade for a total enrollment of 435 students.
The school is open to transfer for students who currently attend another Springfield Public Schools elementary school. A transfer request form may be obtained at any elementary school office or at Kraft Administrative Center, 940 N. Jefferson Ave.
The school will also devote a classroom to a tuition-based preschool program which will serve up to 16 four-year-olds. Fees for Junior Kindergarten will range from $595 per month to $290 per month depending on the number of days a student attends each week. For more information or to request an enrollment packet, contact preschool teacher Julee Curry at 523-4832 or via e-mail at jcurry@spsmail.org .
“I believe this program will be very popular with families who want their preschoolers to benefit from instruction by a certificated teacher as they prepare to enter kindergarten,” Mendel said.
All parents are encouraged to attend the school’s first PTA meeting, which will be held Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at McBride Elementary School.
Mendel and a group of core teachers have been working since January to hire teaching staff and finalize details for the school’s first year of operation.
Classes at David Harrison Elementary School will begin each day at 8:10 a.m. and dismiss at 2:55 p.m.
The 58,980-square-foot school, situated on 72 acres northwest of the intersection of Weaver Road and Golden Avenue, is being constructed at a cost of $10 million, funded by the 2006 bond initiative.The project architect is Beringer, Ciaccio, Dennell, Mabry. The contractor is DeWitt & Associates Inc. Construction should be substantially complete in June 2009.
Future updates about the school may be viewed on the school’s web page at http://springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org/southwest/index.html .
KHS students write and rally for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
March 16, 2009
Kickapoo High School students will write and rally this week to raise awareness for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and its ongoing need for donations.
The goal of the event, called RALLY, is to raise money for the Memphis, Tenn., hospital, which serves a number of patients in the Ozarks, said John Wittmer, KHS communications arts teacher. Wittmer sponsors the school’s “Shelby’s Club” that supports families in the community struggling with childhood cancer. Shelby’s Club and the Kickapoo Pay It Forward Club will both participate in the rally.
About 200 students will each send out 25 letters to family, friends and neighbors with information on St. Jude’s. On Tuesday, juniors and seniors will write letters while freshman and sophomores celebrate the program. On Thursday, juniors and seniors will celebrate. Students will hold rallies for St. Jude both Tuesday and Thursday this week from 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
For more information, call John Wittmer at 523-8500.
WINGS students volunteering this week at The Kitchen
March 16, 2009
Students from Springfield Public Schools WINGS program (Working with the Individual Needs of Gifted Students) will volunteer this week at The Kitchen and Cook’s Kettle as part of a Day of Caring grant received by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.
It’s the second consecutive year the Phelps Center for the Gifted program has received the grant that allows students in grades six, seven and eight to volunteer in the community.
Media interested in covering the event may go to The Kitchen or Cook’s Kettle on Commercial Street between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Students will finish their work at 1 p.m. each day by cleaning the Phelps Center’s outdoor classroom and helping to plant and mulch.
For more information, call Melissa Sharpsteen at Phelps at 523-3331 or 987-9121.
Disney students to present 'Night at the Museum'
March 10, 2009
Fifth-grade students at Disney Elementary School will bring famous Americans to life during the school’s second annual “Disney’s Night at the Museum” from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12.
“Night at the Museum” allows students to share what they’ve researched about famous and historical Americans first as statues then as the characters in a first-person narrative speech.
Admission is free but tips will be accepted for top performances. Proceeds will go toward classroom supplies, field trips and technical equipment.
For more information, call 523-3600.
Bailey's Empty Bowls Luncheon is March 13
March 10, 2009
Bailey Alternative High School students will host their 10th annual Empty Bowls Luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the school, 501 W. Central St.
A $10 donation allows guests to choose from a variety of handmade ceramic bowls crafted by Bailey students with the help of the Drury University Ceramics Department. Soup, salad and bread will be provided. Bowls will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Proceeds will go to The Kitchen Inc. to help raise awareness of hunger in the community.
For more information, call 523-2700.
Bowerman to host pancake breakfast March 14
March 10, 2009
Bowerman Elementary School will hold its first St. Patty's Day Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14. The fundraiser will help pay for an upcoming fifth-grade field trip.
From March 9-12 discounted tickets may be purchased at the school from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the event at a cost of $4 per person or a maximum charge of $12 per family. Door prizes and a raffle are also planned for the event.
Lewis & Clark experience comes to Wilder
March 5, 2009
Fourth-graders at Wilder Elementary School will learn firsthand some of the skills used by the Corps of Discovery. Missouri Department of Conservation staff will visit the school from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 5, to bring to life the experiences of Lewis & Clark.
Students will visit four learning stations where they will experience mapping, nature journaling, hunting and trapping, and the use of the buffalo.
Middle schoolers to sing in solo, ensemble festival
March 5, 2009
Springfield Public Schools middle school vocal students will gather at Carver Middle School Saturday, March 7, for their annual solo and small ensemble festival.
The festival is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Bev Rohlf at 523-5532.
WOLF information meeting set for March 12
March 5, 2009
Springfield fourth-graders interested in attending the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) are invited to attend a March 12 information meeting along with their parents.
WOLF is a collaboration of Springfield Public Schools, Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Bass Pro. Any current fourth-grader with satisfactory attendance (at least 95 percent) and behavior who resides within the SPS attendance area is eligible to apply for the educational program for 2009-2010.
Parents and students can learn more about this opportunity during a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Parkview High School auditorium, 516 W. Meadowmere St.
Information about WOLF and application materials are available at www.springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org/wolf. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 20.
For more information, call 523-0044.
SPS announces make-up days
March 3, 2009
Springfield Public Schools expects to end the 2008-2009 school year Wednesday, June 3. Students will be dismissed two hours early that day.
As of March 3, students have missed three days of school due to inclement weather in January. Six make-up days were originally scheduled into the 2008-2009 school calendar, which identified June 5 as the last day of school if all six were necessary. Since fewer make-up days are required, the last day of school will be June 3, assuming there are no additional cancellations.
Students will be out of school March 23-27 for spring break. Also as originally scheduled, students will not have classes Friday, April 24, to allow teachers to participate in professional development or work opportunities. Although that date was designated on the calendar as a possible make-up day, administrators deemed it unnecessary since students would already be required to return the week of June 1.
View the 2008-2009 school calendar.
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