News Archive - August 2010
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Ridder to present State of the Schools Sept. 2
August 31, 2010
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder will present the State of the Schools annual address at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Good Morning, Springfield event at 7:30 a.m. at Hickory Hills School, 4650 E. State Highway YY, Thursday, Sept. 2.
Rountree students to navigate with bird's-eye view maps at MSU Sept. 2
August 31, 2010
Rountree Elementary School second-graders will be engaging in their first IB Primary Years Programme unit of inquiry-based learning at 9:30 a.m., in front of Carrington Hall at Missouri State University campus on Thursday, Sept. 2. Read more.
SPS will have no classes on Monday, Sept. 6
August 31, 2010
Springfield Public Schools students and teachers will have no classes on Monday, Sept. 6, and all district offices will be closed for the Labor Day holiday.
SPS is one of four districts in the nation chosen as a ‘Scholastic Success Story’
August 31, 2010
Springfield Public Schools is one of four school districts in the nation named as a “Scholastic Success Story” based on the special education department's results using Scholastic materials. Read more.
Robberson teacher named a finalist for literacy award
August 31, 2010
Marla Standage , a teacher at Robberson Elementary School, h as been selected as one of five finalists for the Alferd Williams Literacy Award, which is presented to an individual who promotes a love of reading in children. The essay written by Standage's nominator will be featured online from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30 and individuals may vote for the candidate of their choice at www.scholastic.com/literacyaward.
Weller students to get new shoes from High Street Baptist Church
August 25, 2010
All Weller Elementary School students will be measured for new shoes to be provided by district partner in education, High Street Baptist Church, beginning at 12 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, at the school located at 1630 N. Weller Ave. Read more.
SPS seniors’ ACT performance tops state and national averages
Aug. 20, 2010
Springfield Public Schools' 2010 graduating class has outperformed state and national average composite scores on ACT exams. Springfield's average composite score was 22.5, compared with a state average of 21.6 and a national average of 21.0.
In comparing 2010 district averages to those of 2009, the average composite stayed the same at 22.5. For 2010 the district saw increases in the content areas of English (22.5 to 22.7) and math (21.5 to 21.7). Reading decreased (23.3 to 22.9) yet remained the highest average among the content areas. Science stayed at the same level for both years at 22.2.
Central High School and Kickapoo High School increased the average ACT composite score between 2009 and 2010. Central moved from 23.2 to 23.9 and Kickapoo from 22.6 to 23.0.
In the area of college readiness, Springfield students outperformed the state and nation in every area. In English, the district was higher than the state by 7 percent and the nation by 14 percent.
Out of 1,696 SPS graduates, 63.7 percent of the 2010 graduating class took the ACT exam, compared with 62.7 percent who were tested in the 2009 graduating class. Statewide a record 48,290 high school graduates took the ACT, representing 69 percent of this year’s class.
"These numbers reinforce the success of our efforts to prepare students for college and the workforce, " explained Superintendent Norm Ridder. "We have more students taking the exam and those who do are performing better than their peers in Missouri and the nation."
The ACT consists of curriculum-based tests in English, mathematics, reading and science designed to measure skills needed to succeed in first-year college coursework.
SPS teacher chosen as finalist for state Teacher of the Year
Aug. 20, 2010
Abby Lowe, a kindergarten teacher at David Harrison Elementary School, has been selected as a finalist for the Missouri Teacher of the Year. Lowe was among six finalists announced by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Lowe is the Springfield Public Schools 2010-2011 Teacher of the Year.
The next step for the state Teacher of the Year finalists is an interview with the selection committee on Aug. 30. All six finalists will be honored at a banquet in November where the winner will be announced. The Missouri Teacher of the Year automatically becomes a candidate for National Teacher of the Year honors.
Learn more about Lowe and her thoughts on being a teacher in this video.
Evangel students host back-to-school event at Weller
Aug. 20, 2010
Weller Elementary School students will be welcomed back to school with a celebration organized by Evangel University’s new students . In partnership with Convoy of Hope, the students are inviting Weller families to attend an event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21, at the school, 1630 N. Weller. There will be free activities including a kids zone, haircuts for school children, family portraits, live family-friendly entertainment, and a grocery giveaway.
National Geographic scientist to speak Aug. 19
Aug. 17, 2010
A National Geographic field biologist will speak Thursday night about his research in Madagascar. Luke Dollar's visit is part of Springfield Public Schools' elementary science curriculum adoption process. He will speak beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Glendale High School auditorium, 2727 S. Ingram Mill Road.
Dollar first arrived in Madagascar in 1994 to study lemurs. Since then he has expanded his research to include the lemur's primary predator, the fossa, an animal which plays a crucial role in maintaining the equilibrium of Madagascar's food chain, according to Dollar.
Elementary students and their parents and elementary teachers are invited to attend the event. Following his speech, Dollar will be available in the cafeteria from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to meet students, sign autographs and take pictures.
As part of the K-5 science curriculum adoption, Springfield Public Schools will be implementing National Geographic resource materials including textbooks, online resources and informational text selections. "All of these include the amazing photography and illustrations that you have come to expect from National Geographic," explained Anne Wallenmeyer, science curriculum facilitator.
Dollar is a National Geographic 2010 Emerging Explorer. You may read more about Dollar and his research at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/explorers/luke-dollar.html
United Way Day of Caring is Aug. 19
Aug. 17, 2010
The annual United Way Day of Caring will take place Thursday, Aug. 19, and five Springfield Public Schools will benefit form the event this year. Volunteers from various organizations will gather at 9 a.m. to provide labor assistance on projects at Boyd, Watkins and Weller elementary schools, Pipkin Middle School and Hillcrest High School. Volunteers will work until 4 p.m. on Thursday. Projects at each school include painting, installing signs and lettering and landscaping work. The Day of Caring provides a way for businesses and organizations to build camaraderie and good will among employees while helping the community. For more information, go to the United Way of the Ozarks website.
SPS 2010-2011 Parent's Guide is now available
Aug. 17, 2010
The 2010-2011 Parent's Guide, which contains information helpful to families who have students attending Springfield Public Schools, is now available.
The 12-page booklet provides a wealth of information about programs, services, SPS schools, a district map, cancellation procedures and other information that families will find useful all year long. Copies of the booklet are available at any Springfield school and many local retailers, including Walmart. The guide may also be viewed online at http://springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org/docs/parentsguide/PG10-11Web.pdf.
Springfield Public Schools and Springfield Fire Department team up for bus rescue training excercise
Aug. 16, 2010
Three school buses being retired by Springfield Public Schools will give local firefighters a rare opportunity to conduct rescue training Aug. 17-19.
From noon to 5 p.m. each day, one of the three shifts of the Springfield Fire Department technical rescue team will conduct practical skills training, which includes creating exit and entry points and practicing other rescue techniques.
SPS and the Fire Department have been planning the training since earlier this spring to coincide with the buses being taken out of service. The training will be conducted at the SPS Transportation Center, 1600 E. Chestnut Expressway.
SPS is replacing the buses using funding from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which pays 50 percent of the purchase price. A requirement of the replacement program is that the old buses be scrapped, explained Russ Noe, SPS transportation shop supervisor. “Because we obtained funding through DNR we cannot sell the old buses; they must be destroyed. It’s similar to the ‘cash for clunkers’ program.”
“Safety is our number one concern,” said Rick Emling, SPS transportation director. “By providing this opportunity for rescue squads to train, we are helping ensure they are prepared to come to our students’ aid in the event of a bus accident.”
Each day SPS transports more than 7,000 students to and from school on 137 buses. For the past 11 years, the Missouri Highway Patrol has awarded SPS a safety rating of 97 percent or higher on annual state inspections.
After the fire department completes its training, SPS will transport the buses to a local salvage yard where they will be sold as scrap metal for around $900 each. “According to the terms of the agreement, the salvage yard can pay us by the ton for the scrapped buses,” Noe said.
The buses being destroyed are one 1985 International 65-passenger bus and two 1992 International 48-passenger buses.
During the training, firefighters will completely remove the roof and the rear of the bus. “Using various tools to gain access, we will create entry and exit points and use ladders, ropes, backboards and other medical equipment to simulate patient removal,” explained Andy Woody, Springfield Fire Department battalion chief.
“This is an excellent opportunity for us because it is so rare to be able to train using a school bus,” Woody said.
Springfield Public Schools recognized for budget, financial reporting practices
Aug. 5, 2010
Springfield Public Schools received a series of awards recently for its openness and accessibility in its financial reporting practices.
The district received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association and the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International for the preparation and issuance of the annual budget. These awards recognize the district’s effective use of resources, budget planning and industry leading practices in presenting a clear budget for a public entity. These awards were for the 2009-2010 school year.
Springfield Public Schools was also honored for its transparency and openness for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The district earned a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from ASBO and a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from GFOA. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is a comprehensive document detailing the district’s financial activities and operating results. The CAFR is prepared in conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and was audited by Daniel Jones & Associates CPAs, receiving an unqualified (the highest) opinion for the 17th year in a row. These awards recognize the CAFR for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.
The district also received GFOA’s Award for Outstanding Achievement for its Popular Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. The PAFR is an accessible, easily understandable report of the district’s financial activity. The intention of this report is to communicate SPS’ financial situation in an open and accountable manner for the general public. This was the first year SPS issued a PAFR.
Springfield Public Schools is committed to an effective and efficient use of resources. District budget books and both the PAFR and CAFR are available online. In addition to these reports, SPS maintains a financial news and information blog, The Bottom Line, to keep the community updated in real time with the district’s financial situation, bond project updates and other information.
Williams Elementary hosting Mustang Roundup for families
Aug. 5, 2010
Williams Elementary School will host the first annual Mustang Roundup tonight from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Williams Elementary, 2205 W. Kearney St. The event brings the Williams community together to celebrate the beginning of the school year and help get children ready to go back to school. The Roundup will feature food, games, haircuts, cold treats, hygiene kits and plenty of fun.
Volunteers from James River Assembly giving Study Middle School an “extreme makeover”
Aug. 5, 2010
Several hundred volunteers from James River Assembly will be at Study Middle School on Saturday, August 7, 2010, from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to provide the school with an “extreme makeover.” Projects include painting classrooms and other areas, landscaping work and various repairs and renovations to the middle school building and campus. This is James River Assembly’s 12th annual Project Partnership Public School Workday.
Messiah Lutheran Church volunteers making improvements at Holland Elementary
Aug. 5, 2010
Volunteers from Messiah Lutheran Church will descend on neighboring Holland Elementary School this Saturday, August 7, 2010, to paint and make other improvements to the school building. When students return on August 24, they will find a newly painted all-purpose room and playground equipment. Messiah Lutheran Church is a Partner in Education with Holland Elementary. Volunteers will begin work at 9:00 a.m.
Springfield PTA Clothing Bank and Kiwanis Shoe Bank reopens Aug. 11, 2010
August 3 , 2010
The Springfield Council of PTAs will distribute free new and gently used clothing during the next two Wednesdays, Aug. 11th and 18th to help families prepare for the new school year. Located behind Bailey Alternative School at 501 W. Central St. , the PTA Clothing Bank provides clothing, and new socks and underwear for Springfield Public Schools students who qualify for free and reduced lunches.
Students who qualify must first pick up a voucher from their school before visiting the clothing bank. The Clothing Bank is open every Wednesday school is in session (except for the first Wednesday of the month) from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Clothing Bank is also closed the months of December and May.
Kiwanis International will also provide new shoes at this location to children who qualify for the district’s free and reduced lunch program. A voucher is also required and students using the shoe bank must be accompanied by a parent. The shoe bank will be open the same days as the clothing bank but it will close at 11 a.m. and reopen at 1:30 p.m.
“We feel this service benefits our students in their steadfastness to graduation as it helps attendance and self-esteem.,” said Dawn Thompson, Springfield Council of PTAs President. This is just one of the many projects our PTAs provide to help make every child’s potential a reality. We appreciate the support we receive from the community in donations and volunteer time. The families we serve are extremely grateful.
For more information about the PTA Clothing Bank, call 881-2117 or visit the web site.
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