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Reminder: Summer school begins June 7
May 28, 2010
Springfield Public Schools summer school classes begin Monday, June 7. There is still time to register. Friday, May 28, is the deadline to register online but students may also sign up at school on the first day of summer classes. View a list of classes at www.springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org.
Classes will be held Monday through Friday through July 2. District summer school sites are Cowden, Delaware, Field, McBride, McGregor, and Weaver elementary schools; Cherokee and Study middle schools; and Central and Kickapoo high schools. For more information about summer school, call 523-0005 or visit www.springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org.
Harrison students to create time capsule
May 28, 2010
During a celebration assembly Tuesday, June 1, Harrison Elementary School students will present items they want included in a time capsule from the school's inaugural year.
The assembly will begin at 9:20 a.m. Students representing each class will bring the collection of items selected by their classmates and place them in the time capsule. A group of parents will bury the time capsule at a later date outside the school's library.
An engraved stone will mark the spot so future Harrison students can locate it and dig up the time capsule in the year 2032.
Bingham student to win bike for good attendance May 28
May 27, 2010
On Friday, May 28, a Bingham Elementary School student will receive a new bicycle as a reward for achieving perfect attendance.
Sell It Fast Auctions, a web-based auction business that helps individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations sell items online, is donating the bike to support Bingham’s perfect attendance initiative. Sell It Fast is one of Bingham's Partners in Education. The drawing will take place prior to the school talent show which starts at 1:30 p.m.
Central Intelligence wins seven national awards
May 27, 2010
Central High School’s student produced television show “Central Intelligence” won seven Emmy Awards from the Mid-America National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Award winners include:
News: Air Quality - Mitchell Trafford and Lydia Berns
News: K2 Controversy - Ian Kelly and Brittany Donnellan
News: Walking Warriors - Nate Fairbank and Raleigh Cavero
Cultural Affairs: Haley's Hope - Yoonji Kim and Valerie Quirk
Documentary: Hope Through Helping Hands - Nora Lewis-Borbely and Grier Gammon
Public Affairs: Driving While Intexicated - Andy Wolff and Sarah Nichols
Narrative: Dinner and a Movie - Lydia Berns, Drew Mittman, Andy Wolf and Nora Lewis-Borbely
These students will be honored at the 2010 Emmy Awards Gala in October. View the full list of award winners. The Emmy Awards cap off a highly successful year for Central Intelligence, in which the program received the prestigious Pacemaker Award.
Other awards for the program this year include three first place awards at the Student Television Network’s national competition and first place for the second consecutive year in the Best of Show category at the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and Journalism Education Association (JEA) fall convention.
Robberson secretary is district Starcatcher
May 26, 2010
Rita Sade, Robberson Elementary School secretary, received the district’s Starcatcher Award May 25, from Superintendent Norm Ridder during an all-school assembly.
This is Sade’s 23rd year working at Springfield Public Schools. She began her career with SPS at Pepperdine as a teacher’s aide and then became the school’s secretary in 1991. She joined Robberson in 2004.
“She is far more than a school secretary,” said principal Kevin Huffman. “She plays a different role to everyone she contacts--friend, confidant, consoler, mother, sister, adviser. She does this with patience and grace.”
The Starcatcher Award is presented three times each school year to employees who demonstrate a commitment to the mission, belief and vision of the district. 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.
SPS will be closed on Memorial Day
May 26, 2010
Springfield Public Schools will be closed Monday, May 31, in for the Memorial Day holiday.
Students and staff will return on Tuesday, June 1. The last day of school for students is Wednesday, June 2. Students will be released two hours early on the last day of school.
Final 2009-2010 district Starcatcher to be announced May 25
May 24, 2010
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder will present a Starcatcher Award during an all-school assembly at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, at Robberson Elementary School, 1100 E. Kearney St.
The Starcatcher Award is presented to an SPS employee who demonstrates a commitment to the mission, belief and vision of the district.
Starcatcher winners receive an exclusive Starcatcher pin in honor of long-time district educator Dr. Wanda Gray, a framed certificate from the district. The award has been sponsored since 2005 by district partner Horace Mann Insurance. Horace Mann representative Julie Kudrna will present the winner with a $50 gift card and will schedule a day to come and make breakfast for the staff at Robberson.
Media are advised to check in at the school office prior to 2 p.m. The assembly will already be in progress.
Springfield Public Schools receives ‘What Parents Want’ award
May 20, 2010
Springfield Public Schools received the “What Parents Want” award from SchoolMatch, a national firm that specializes in ranking schools based on auditable data. The award honors school districts, large and small, that have made successful efforts meet the needs of the parents and communities they serve.
Springfield Public Schools was one of 28 Missouri school districts to receive the award and one of only two districts in southwest Missouri.
“We’re honored to receive this award,” said Superintendent Norm Ridder. “Our strategic plan was based on careful research and the input of parents and the community. Small class sizes and competitive teacher salaries were two of the most important objectives identified through this process. The What Parents Want award underscores the progress our district has made with the thoughtful guidance of our strategic plan.”
“Despite the economic challenges we now face, Springfield Public Schools will continue its efforts to remain a high-performing school district, giving parents ‘what they want’ and our children a leg up on the future,” said Ridder.
According to SchoolMatch data, parents most often look for the following qualities in school districts:
- Competitive in academic test scores and academically solid, but not so rigorous as to intimidate their children.
- Accredited.
- Recognized for excellence by a national foundation or by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Competitive in teacher salaries.
- Above average in instructional expenditures on a national percentile basis.
- Above average in expenditures for library/media services on a national percentile basis.
- Known for small class size.
Only 16 percent of school districts in the nation consistently meet the qualifications for the “What Parents Want” award.
Bissett Elementary wins limousine ride, pizza party May 24
May 20, 2010
Top attendance earned three Springfield Public Schools a year-end pizza party. Bissett Elementary School achieved the top percentage of perfect attendance for the year, followed by Carver Middle School with the second highest, and Truman Elementary School with the third highest.
Students from Bissett Elementary School who have achieved this distinction will be taken by Majestic Limousines to Papa John’s and then returned to school after lunch on Monday, May 24. Students who achieved perfect attendance at Carver Middle School and Truman Elementary School will enjoy pizza delivered to their school on a date yet to be determined.
For more than 11 years, Papa John’s Pizza has offered a quarterly attendance incentive for students districtwide who have perfect attendance, distributing over 3,000 certificates per quarter for free medium pizzas. At the end of the school year, students districtwide with perfect attendance receive those certificates in addition to the top three schools winning pizza parties.
Youngblood Nissan sponsors 10th annual car drawing for student attendance May 27
May 20, 2010
Youngblood-Nissan-Chrysler-Kia will reward outstanding attendance on Thursday, May 27, when it gives one Springfield Public Schools high school student a new car.
For the tenth year, Youngblood is generously donating a new car to be given to a student in grades 9-12 who has 95 percent or better attendance. Students with 100 percent attendance will be entered twice in the drawing. They must meet all eligibility requirements and be present to win.
Five semi-finalists will be chosen in a preliminary drawing held at each high school to select participants for the final drawing, which will be held Thursday, May 27, at 4 p.m. at Youngblood-Nissan-Chrysler-Kia, 3410 S. Campbell Ave.
SPS graduates have accepted more than $22 million in scholarships
May 20, 2010
More than 1,700 Springfield Public Schools seniors received their diplomas May 17 and 18 during commencement ceremonies at Hammons Student Center. This year's graduates have already accepted more than $17.4 million in scholarship funds.
Seniors who participated in the A+ Program were also offered $4.5 million in grants. These funds are excluded form the totals below because students who qualify for A+ grants have four years to use the funds therefore not all have been accepted at this time.
Here is the breakdown of scholarships accepted as of graduation for all SPS high schools.
Central High School
Graduated 273 seniors
5 valedictorians with a 5.0 grade-point average
6 National Merit Scholarship Finalists, 6 Commended
41 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates
15 IB certificate candidates
31 qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships by scoring in the top 3 percent in Missouri on the ACT or SAT
190 students eligible for A+ Schools incentive grants
50 received President's Award for Educational Excellence
66 students received 198 Seals of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic department
45 received honors diplomas, graduating in the top 15 percent of their class
67 were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
36 seniors are National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted - more than $2.4 million
Hillcrest High School
Graduated 259 seniors
3 Valedictorians with 5.0 GPA’s
1 Salutatorian
1 student Qualified for a Bright Flight Scholarship by scoring in the top 3% in Missouri on the ACT or SAT
90 students eligible for A+ Schools incentive grants
60 seniors received 122 Seal of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic area
22 seniors received President’s Award for Educational Excellence
15 seniors received President’s Award for Educational Achievement
41 seniors received Honor’s Diplomas, graduating in the top 15% of their class
35 seniors were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
52 seniors were National Honor Society members
Total Scholarships accepted- more than $2.1 million
Glendale High School
Graduated 358 seniors
4 valedictorians with a 5.0 grade-point average
15 qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships by scoring in the top 3 percent in Missouri on the ACT or SAT
131 students eligible for A+ Schools incentive grants
99 Students received 191 Seals of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic department
84 received President's Award for Educational Excellence
56 received honors diplomas, graduating in the top 15 percent of their class
118 were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
64 seniors were National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted - more than $3.9 million
Kickapoo High School
Graduated 441 seniors
12 valedictorians with a 5.0 grade-point average
1 commended National Merit Scholar
34 qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships: 21 by scoring in the top 3 percent in Missouri on the ACT or SAT and 13 by scoring in the 4-5 percent.
195 students eligible for A+ Schools incentive grants
113 Students received 242 Seals of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic department
57 received President's Award for Educational Excellence
72 received honors diplomas, graduating in the top 15 percent of their class
149 were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
111 seniors were National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted - more than $6.4 million
Parkview High School
Graduated 335 seniors
3 valedictorians with a 5.0 grade point average
3 qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships
113 students eligible for A+ Schools incentive grants
67 students received 152 Seals of Excellence
43 received President’s Award for Educational Excellence
56 received honors diplomas (top 15% of class)
62 received College Preparatory Certificates
57 seniors were National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted – more than $3 million
Bailey Alternative High School
2 BEST Scholarships
2 Doris McMillen Thompson Sinden Memorial Scholarships
Total scholarships earned by students - $3,000
Bailey students are included in graduate totals at their home schools.
Middle College
3 students were on the Fall 2009 OTC President’s List
3 students were on the Fall 2009 OTC Dean’s List
1 student member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
3 scholarships awarded
Total Scholarships earned by students- $13,080
Middle College students are included in graduate totals at their home schools.
Kickapoo graduate wins new car from Reliable Chevy
May 20, 2010
Matt Lipscomb, Kickapoo High School graduate, was the winner of new car courtesy of Reliable Chevy on May 19.
Lipscomb’s new car, generously donated by Reliable Chevrolet, is a red 2010 Chevy HHR. To be eligible to win, graduates had to attend Project Graduation events. Five finalists were chosen from each of the five high schools and put in a drawing.
Lipscomb graduated Tuesday, May 18, from Kickapoo High School. He will attend University of Arkansas in the fall.
Amherst College to Honor Phil Hockensmith with Swift Moore Teaching Award May 23
May 20, 2010
Phil Hockensmith, a Kickapoo High School history teacher who challenged, inspired and moved a member of Amherst College’s Class of 2010, will be honored with the Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Awards during the school’s 189th Commencement exercises at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 23, in Amherst, Mass.
Hockensmith was nominated for this award by former Kickapoo student Daniel Kim for taking a thorough, varied approach to engage his students, pushing and inspiring them to achieve.
The honor recognizes instructors and counselors who have been important in the lives of graduating Amherst students. The winners are chosen by a committee of seniors, faculty and staff from nominations submitted by members of the Class of 2010.
The Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Awards are named for the first president of Amherst and his wife. This is the 14th year that the college has presented the awards.
Hall of Fame will honor distinguished SPS graduates
May 17, 2010
High school graduation is an important milestone for students on their path toward personal and professional success. Springfield Public Schools wants to honor graduates who have distinguished themselves through their accomplishments and personal character in the years following graduation.
The SPS Hall of Fame has been created to annually recognize outstanding SPS graduates. Nominations for the first class of three inductees are being accepted between May 19 and June 22.
“It is always gratifying to hear about the successes of our graduates and the many ways they are making a difference in the lives of others,” said Dr. Tom Prater, SPS school board vice president and chairman of the SPS Hall of Fame selection committee. “We want to formally recognize these outstanding individuals and create an opportunity for the Springfield community to celebrate with them.”
Hall of Fame inductees will be honored in October at a ceremony and will be featured in the same month’s issue of 417 Magazine, a presenting sponsor of the event. Inductees will also be recognized with a plaque displayed at the school (elementary, middle, or high school) of their choice.
To be considered, Hall of Fame nominees must have attended an SPS school for at least four years and have graduated from an SPS high school at least 10 years ago. Candidates must also meet eligibility requirements and guidelines.
Nominations for SPS Hall of Fame can be submitted via 417 Magazine. A nomination form may also be printed and submitted via mail to: Kraft Administrative Center, Hall of Fame, 940 N. Jefferson Ave, Springfield MO 65802. Nominations must be received by June 22.
Nominators will be asked to describe the candidate’s professional awards and accomplishments, charitable or community service work, and what makes the individual a good role model for current SPS students.
A selection committee, comprised of community members and the superintendent, will review the qualified nominations and select the Hall of Fame inductees.
CI brings home three top awards from STN’s 2010 Spring Nationals
May 16, 2010
Central High School’s student media group, Central Intelligence brought home multiple first place awards from the Student Television Network’s 2010 Spring Nationals.
CI won first place in the news category with the segment “K2 Curiosity,” produced by Brittany Donnellan and Ian Kelly. The group also won first place in the sports news category with the story “Making the Grade,” produced by Halli Burton and Jackie Moad, and first place in the feature story category with “Art for All,” produced by Raleigh Cavero and Nate Fairbanks.
Maddison McBurnie and Sarah Nichols received Honorable Mention in the lifestyle category for their feature on Millsap Farms.
CI was among more than 400 high school programs from across the nation. The STN awards show can be viewed online.
Reed to receive $10,000 gift from Sylvan on May 18
May 17, 2010
Sylvan Learning will present a gift of $10,000 to Reed Middle School at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, as part of its School Success Challenge. A local resident was a grand prize winner of the trivia-themed sweepstakes. Part of her prize was awarding $10,000 to the school of her choice.
"Reed Middle School is excited to receive this donation from Sylvan Learning. The money may be used to purchase new computers for our classrooms,” said Dr. Debbie Grega, Reed principal. "We thank not only Springfield Sylvan Learning for offering this great educational program to local families, but also to the prize winner who designated Reed Middle School to recieve part of her grand prize."
Commencement ceremonies for Class of 2010 to be held May 17-18
May 17, 2010
Springfield Public Schools will conduct commencement ceremonies for its five high schools Monday, May 17, and Tuesday, May 18, at Hammons Student Center on the campus of Missouri State University graduating around 1,700 seniors.
On May 17, commencement will be held at 5 p.m. for Central High School, at 7 p.m. for Glendale High School, and at 9 p.m. for Parkview High School.
On May 18, commencement will be held at 5:30 p.m. for Hillcrest High School and at 7:30 p.m. for Kickapoo High School.
A DVD of each graduation ceremony will be available for $30. The DVDs are produced by Central High School's media class, Central Intelligence, and all proceeds will benefit their program. You can pick up an order form at the event or http://www.chsci.com/Purchase.html.
One SPS graduate to win new car courtesy of Reliable Chevrolet on May 19
May 13, 2010
A generous donation from Reliable Chevrolet will make one Springfield graduate the owner of a new car. The drawing will be held on Wednesday, May 19, at 4 p.m. at Reliable Chevrolet, 3655 S Campbell Ave.
Among the graduates attending Project Graduation events this year, five finalists will be selected from a drawing. The final drawing to select a winner will be held at Reliable Chevrolet on May 19.
For more than two decades, Springfield Public Schools has hosted Project Graduation as a safe, drug-free and alcohol-free celebration for graduates.
Phelps student to be honored for volunteerism May 17
May 13, 2010
Phelps Center for Gifted Education fifth-grade student Madison Albert will be recognized for her volunteer efforts Monday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Phelps, 934 S. Kimbrough Ave.
Albert volunteers with the national organization Newborns in Need by donating hand-made blankets, clothing, pillows and toys. She makes the items herself and has also made and sold artwork to benefit the organization and sponsors fundraisers at her school.
The award is being presented by Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a nationwide program honoring young people for exemplary acts of volunteerism.
Albert will also receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She is among six other students in the state who will be recognized and will receive a bronze medallion.
Bingham students to throw pies May 17 for perfect attendance
May 13, 2010
Bingham Elementary School students with perfect attendance since spring break will throw pies at staff members on Monday, May 17, during lunch.
Students who have achieved perfect attendance since spring break will be allowed to throw a whipped cream pie. Staff members who will be targets are James Faucher, Levi Neville and Bingham principal Adam Meador.
Lunch periods begin at 10:55 a.m., with the last period ending around 12:40 p.m. There are 120 students who have qualified to throw pies. Bingham is located at 2126 E. Cherry St.
First district Middle College graduation May 16
May 13, 2010
Springfield Public Schools Middle College program housed at Ozarks Technical Community College will graduate its first class on Sunday, May 16, at 6 p.m. at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East St.
Middle College is an alternative education high school supported by SPS in a partnership with OTC. Students in the program attend classes at the community college and have the opportunity to earn their high school diplomas while simultaneously enrolling in college courses. Middle College also helps students obtain internships at local businesses in their career pathways.
There are 20 students in the first Middle College graduating class.
Hickory Hills K-8 School leads the way in nature play
May 11, 2010
A ceremony Thursday, May 13, celebrated the completion of a naturalized playground at Hickory Hills K-8 School, which has been designated a NatureGrounds national demonstration site.
The unique playground is the result of a successful collaboration involving Springfield Public Schools, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, PlayCore Inc., and private donors.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at Hickory Hills, 4650 E. State Highway YY, at 2 p.m. May 13 to recognize the partners and donors who helped make the playground possible.
“We are so fortunate to have the support of such great partners,” noted Dr. Peggy Riggs, SPS deputy superintendent of operations. “The Park Board, PlayCore and numerous donors helped make this playground a reality. Generations of children will benefit from their efforts to create a park that encourages them to engage with nature and be physically active.”
PlayCore supported the effort by designing and installing the playground and donating a portion of the costs. The playground was designed as a naturalized facility that promotes diverse play opportunities for children and families in an environment that mixes manufactured and natural play components.
Local donors also provided financial support for the project including Hickory Hills Elementary School PTA, Hickory Hills Middle School PTSA, Stephanie Montgomery and the Stenger Family, Arch and Tina Watson, Joe and Dawn Buster, Julie and Jason Brown, Neal and Kim Wood, The Turner Foundation, and Brad and Cindy Wyrsch.
The Hickory Hills playground is another example of how two entities can collaborate to maximize public resources. “Our School-Park ventures help us effectively meet the needs of both Springfield’s students and neighborhoods,” explained Jodie Adams, Park Board director. “The positive impact they make has attracted national attention, and this endeavor is no different.”
The playground has been selected to be a NatureGrounds national demonstration site where research will be conducted to help identify best practice principles for designing naturalized play environments that benefit children’s play and engage communities in working together to revalue the importance of children’s outdoor play and engagement with nature.
“Research tells us that if playgrounds are places adults enjoy visiting, they will bring their children and will likely stay longer and return more frequently,” Adams explained.
Unique components of the Hickory Hills playground will be developed in three phases:
- Phase I will include a Powerscape Modular Unit with a rock climbing wall, rockscape climber, wave zip slide, language panel with Braille, a sail climbing wall, balance beams, telescope attachment, bongos, spring riders, tunnels, tire swings, climbing equipment and a variety of other activities. Soccer goals will be installed with an outdoor basketball court. Trees, shrubs and plants native to Missouri are planted throughout the area. Programming with agencies such as the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and implementation of “Go Green” and Play On! curriculum will be initiated as well.
- Phase II will include additional plantings, the construction of pathways throughout the landscape, as well as construction of a gazebo.
- Phase III will comprise additional plantings, construction of an amphitheater, and connection to nearby Greenways trails, which will allow neighborhood residents to walk and bike in a natural landscape.
Contact:
Teresa Bledsoe, Springfield Public Schools community relations manager, (417) 523-0117; or Bob Nelson, Springfield-Greene County Park Board public information administrator, (417) 874-2176.
National School Nurses Day was May 12
May 11, 2010
National School Nurses Day was Wednesday, May 12, and SPS is celebrating its 80th year of school nursing practice.
National School Nurses Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. This year’s theme is “Vision, Voice, Visibility: Charting the Course for a Healthy Future,” and is reflective of the overall impact school nurses have on the health and well-being of students.
School nurses across the nation will be recognized for the work they do to bring about the educational success of children.
Pipkin hosted IBO celebration May 13
May 11, 2010
Pipkin Middle School hosted an international celebration Thursday, May 13.
Pipkin students participate in community and service-related classes as part of International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, Pirates Without Borders (PWB). PWB classes meet once a month and focus on helping students begin to see themselves as members of the local, national and international community through the study of other cultures and international issues. Students study topics like hunger, sustainability, endangered species, landmines, disaster relief, education, and women’s issues in third world countries.
The celebration is for Pipkin students’ families and families from Pipkin’s feeder elementary schools. In addition to student exhibits, there will be a talent show, a performance by Central High School salsa dancers, international puppet show, and live music performances. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Haiti relief.
The event will also feature exhibits from partnering organizations such as the Rainbow Network. High Street Baptist Church has generously donated inflatable games, volunteers, and decorations for the evening. Food will be available for purchase from Backyard Burgers and Pineapple Whip.
Ridder to appear in Springfield Little Theatre’s ‘Curtains’ May 14
May 11, 2010
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder will make his Landers Theatre debut in a guest appearance in Springfield Little Theatre’s production of “Curtains” Friday, May 14.
Curtains, follows the fallout when an untalented stage star is murdered. The play is a musical and based on a book by Rupert Holmes. Ridder is one of eight local celebrities and businessmen to be a featured guest in the play since opening night, May 6.
Tickets may be purchased for $25 for adults; $22 for senior citizens, students or military; $15 for children ages 14 and under. Friday’s show time is 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the theater box office at 869-1334.
Commencements and Project Graduation dates
May 11, 2010
Commencements for the 2009-2010 school year will be held at Hammons Student Center on the Missouri State University campus. Project Graduation sites are also listed for each high school.
Baccalaureate will be held at each high school location on Sunday, May 16, 2010.
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 |
Delaware event featured student writing and artwork
May 6, 2010
Delaware Elementary School hosted a Writer’s Open House & Ice Cream Social from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 6. The Delaware community was invited to come and browse students’ writing and artwork and enjoy cup of ice cream.
Student attendance to be celebrated at May 11 event
May 6, 2010
The North Springfield Betterment Association will host its 13th annual attendance party at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds’ E-Plex. More than 560 Springfield elementary school students and their families have been invited to this year’s event. Students qualified for the party by achieving 99 percent or better attendance in each of the first three quarters of the school year.
Boyd, Bissett, Fremont, Pleasant View and Watkins elementary schools will also be recognized for their schools’ attendance rates in 2009-2010. These schools will each receive a cash donation to their activity funds.
The evening’s activities include games, prizes and booths with giveaways from area businesses. Pleasant View Middle School’s band will provide music.
“NSBA does an outstanding job of promoting attendance in these schools,” said Becky Morgan, SPS attendance services coordinator. “Of the 14 participating schools, 100 percent have increased their attendance since the NSBA initiative began.”
Throughout the year, NSBA also provides quarterly awards and incentives to one class at each school that achieves the highest attendance rate.
Recognizing the connection between academic success and positive attendance rates, NSBA helps promote higher attendance rates at 14 district elementary schools. The participating schools are Bissett, Bowerman, Boyd, Campbell, Fremont, Pleasant View, Robberson, Truman, Watkins, Weaver, Weller, Westport, Williams and York elementary schools.
Hillcrest NHS students raise record amount for cancer research
May 6, 2010
The Hillcrest High School National Honor Society raised more than $9,500 to support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The relay event will be held at Hillcrest Friday, May 14, through Saturday, May 15, and will attract participants from the surrounding area.
The HHS National Honor Society students have a history of supporting the event in the past by organizing a talent show, pie-in-the-face contest and collecting pledges. This year the six participating NHS teams raised a record amount for the relay. Five of the teams have been designated as Bronze Level Teams for raising at least $1,500 per team.
Pipkin teacher invited to help write IB curriculum
May 6, 2010
The International Baccalaureate World Organization has invited Julia Armstrong, a teacher at Pipkin Middle School, to attend its Middle Years Programme technology curriculum review meeting May 10-12 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Armstrong was selected to help write curriculum based on her expertise in MYP technology and curriculum development. IB will pay for her travel and lodging expenses related to the meeting.
Armstrong, who was a 2010 Teacher of the Year finalist, is a social studies teacher and social studies department chair at Pipkin, which offers the Middle Years Programme. MYP provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers.
National Forensic League honors KHS teacher
May 6, 2010
Kickapoo High School teacher Teresa Sparkman has been recognized by the National Forensic League as one of only 36 members to earn a sixth diamond degree of membership. This prestigious honor was awarded to Sparkman based on points earned through her coaching successes.
Sparkman earned a total of 22,167 points on April 12, 2010. Upon attaining a total of 1,500 points, coaches are entitled to wear a diamond-set NFL key or pin; additional diamonds accrue at 3,000, 6,000, 10,000 and each 3,000 thereafter. The minimum time for each diamond is five years as an NFL member coach.
In June, she will receive special recognition at the Lincoln Financial Group/NFL National Speech and Debate Tournament in Kansas City. The tournament attracts more than 3,000 students in addition to 1,500 coaches, school administrators and parents.
Board honors students chosen to attend summer academies
May 6, 2010
The Springfield school board Tuesday night recognized high school students selected to participate in Missouri Scholars Academy and Missouri Fine Arts Academy this summer.
Missouri Scholars Academy is an intensive three-week academic program for 330 of the state’s brightest students who will be juniors next year. The academy is a residential program held June 13-July 3 on the campus of University of Missouri-Columbia. Students representing SPS are Laura Atkins, Yarra Bosch, Alex Ledger, Peter Liu, and Valerie Quirk from Central High School; and Hanna Fursa, Jordyn Horner, Katherine Hundley, Jessica Maurer, and Chris Park from Kickapoo High School.
Missouri Fine Arts Academy is a three-week program for about 150 talented visual and performing artists from high schools across the state. It will be held June 6-26 on the campus of Missouri State University. Cullam Olsen from Central High School will represent SPS.
Run and community fair set for June 12
May 6, 2010
Springfield Public Schools will host its first Support SPS Run & Community Fair Saturday, June 12, at JFK Stadium on the Parkview High School campus. The morning will start at 8:30 a.m. with a 5K race, which is open to walkers and runners. A pancake breakfast, courtesy of Parkview Christian Church, will follow the race.
A free community fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature more than 150 businesses and non-profits handing out information, providing resources, and distributing giveaways. Jump Mania will bring inflatable attractions for the kids; local restaurants will offer free food; the Tooth Truck and Louie from Springfield Cardinals will be on site; and local police and fire departments will bring vehicles to tour.
KSPR news anchors Joe and Christine Daues will host the event, which will feature music by Nick, Ruell & Ned the Band, Supercharge and student groups.
A raffle drawing for a trip to Orlando and tickets to Disney World will be held at 2 p.m. Raffle tickets are on sale through June 8 at all 10 Springfield Price Cutter locations. The cost is $5 each, three for $10 or five for $20. Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event.
Registration information for the 5K run/walk is available at www.springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org.
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