Bus driver Larry Meinsen receives Starcatcher Award
Feb. 27, 2009
Larry Meinsen, a Springfield Public Schools bus driver, received a district Starcatcher Award Feb. 27 from Superintendent Norm Ridder. The Starcatcher Award is presented several times each school year to employees who demonstrate a commitment to the mission, belief and vision of the district.
Meinsen began driving a bus for SPS in 2000. He knows by name every student on his route and most of their parents. District staff and parents know that students on his bus are safe because he goes the extra mile to make sure of that.
"It was snowing pretty hard when school let out one day," said parent Lisa Langley. "Mr. Larry didn't feel comfortable driving down a big hill on Weaver that had become pretty slick so he called all the parents of the kids in our neighborhood and asked if we could come and get them. A couple of us took our cars and picked them up and a little later, he called us to make sure we got home safely."
"He greets each child by name that gets on his bus and daily demonstrates a caring attitude," said Wanda Gray principal Angie Carder.
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. The next Starcatcher will be awarded in early April.
Gifted education week is March 2-5
Feb. 27, 2009
The Phelps Center for Gifted Education will host Gifted Education Week, March 2-5. This is a great opportunity for district staff to observe what gifted students are learning.
WINGS students attend the Phelps Center from 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Lunch is served from 10:30-11:40 a.m. The BRIDGES program is at Weller Elementary School. Students attend there from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lunch is served from 11:15-11:45 a.m.
For more information call 523-3300.
Starcatcher to be recognized Feb. 27
Feb. 26, 2009
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder will present his Starcatcher Award this month at 8:25 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Wilson's Creek 5-6 School, 4035 W. Weaver Road.
The Starcatcher Award is presented to an SPS employee who demonstrates a commitment to the mission, belief and vision of the district. Pipkin Middle School math teacher Brian Pyck received the second Starcatcher Award this school year on Feb. 12. Dr. Ridder is still accepting nominations and will select a fourth and final Starcatcher recipient to be awarded in early April.
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 award sponsor Horace Mann Insurance.
Media are advised to check in at the school office prior to 8:25 a.m. Friday.
SPS to dismiss classes early Tuesday, March 3
Feb. 26, 2009
Springfield Public Schools students will be released two hours early Tuesday, March 3, to allow teachers to participate in professional development and work opportunities at their schools. The next break for students will be March 23-27 when school will be out for spring break.
Soldier responds to fifth-graders' generosity
Feb. 26, 2009
Iraq War veteran Brad W. Smith will visit about 100 fifth-grade students at Jeffries Elementary School Friday, Feb. 27, to thank them for sending Christmas cards and snacks to his unit, as well as candy to be tossed to Iraqi children.
Smith, who flies Black Hawk helicopters, is the stepfather of a Jeffries fifth-grade student. He will speak to the entire fifth-grade class and give them a surprise gift at 3 p.m. in the school library. Media is welcome to attend. For more information, call Jeffries teacher Joe Williams at 523-3900.
Middle school band, orchestra performance set for Feb. 28
Feb. 26, 2009
Springfield Public Schools annual middle school band and orchestra solo and small ensemble clinic will be Saturday, Feb. 28, at Pershing Middle School. All district middle schools will be represented at the clinic which will feature about 490 events between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Students will be rated for their performance. The event is open to the public. For more information, call Dr. Bev Rohlf, district coordinator of music and visual arts, at 523-5532.
Parkview presents Masterworks Concert March 2
Feb. 26, 2009
The Parkview High School Viking Singers will present a Masterworks Concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, in the sanctuary at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3555 S. Fremont Ave. The event is open to the public. A $2 donation is appreciated.
The 130-voice choir, consisting of the Viking girls and boys choirs and the Parkview concert choir, will present “Mass in G” by Franz Schubert. They will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra of top string players from Parkview and professional string players from the area. The concert will feature Parkview cellist Matthew Price performing Beethoven’s Sonata Opus 69 in A Major.
For more information, contact William Grega, Parkview choral director, at 523-9200.
BASE Program Transition Fair is March 2
Feb. 26, 2009
Springfield Public Schools Business Associated Student Education (BASE) Program will host its fifth annual Transition Fair from 5-7 p.m. Monday, March 2, at St. John's C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Cancer Center, 2055 S. Fremont Ave.
The event is open to the public and designed for families of children with special needs. About 25 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, MERS Goodwill, Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of the Ozarks, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Springfield City Utilities transit officials.
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.
CHS student qualifies for state Poetry Out Loud
Feb. 26, 2009
For the second year, Central High School senior Vernon Meidlinger-Chin will compete in the state Poetry Out Loud contest set for Tuesday, March 3, in Jefferson City.
Vernon was runner-up in last year’s competition. In Poetry Out Loud, communication and art collide as students create wonderful poetry performances. For more information, contact Kyle Wallace, Central High School communication arts teacher, at 523-9600.
Applications for WOLF are now available
Feb 24, 2009
Over the next few days parents of Springfield Public Schools fourth-graders will receive information in the mail about applying to attend the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF). The program will accommodate 46 fifth-graders for the 2009-2010 school year.
Parents of interested students who are currently in the fourth grade are invited to attend an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, in the auditorium at Parkview High School, 516 W. Meadowmere St.
WOLF is an SPS Choice school developed in collaboration with Wonders of Wildlife and Bass Pro. It offers fifth-graders an exciting opportunity to explore a comprehensive curriculum through the context of nature and the outdoors. Two teachers lead the classes in hands-on inquiry and learning, using the WOW Educational Center, Bass Pro and the area’s many parks and natural resources as their classroom.
Students interested in attending WOLF must submit an application by 5 p.m. Friday, March 20. Through a random lottery system, 23 boys and 23 girls will be selected from the pool of applicants. Any current fourth-grade student with satisfactory attendance and behavior who resides within the SPS attendance area is eligible to apply for the 2009-2010 school year.
View WOLF applications materials. For more information, call 523-0044.
Food Power Adventure coming to Hickory Hills
Feb. 20, 2009
Food Power Adventure is coming to Hickory Hills Elementary School on Feb. 24. This Family Nutrition Education Program is sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension Office.
Food Power Adventure is an interactive walk-through exhibit that allows students to learn about healthy food choices and exercise while they journey through an oversized body.
This exhibit helps the school meet the requirements of the district’s wellness policy and state standards for health curriculum. It’s also fun, said Brenda Shannon, Food Power coordinator. “And when kids are having fun they’re learning.”
The exhibit will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call Hickory Hills principal Kelly Allison at 523-7100 or Brenda Shannon at 866-3039 ext. 12.
Springfield Symphony to perform at four elementary schools
Feb. 20, 2009
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra has received a grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to perform free concerts at four Springfield public elementary schools.
The first two concerts will be Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Westport and Mark Twain elementary schools, respectively. The other performances will be March 1 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Sunshine and Rountree elementary schools, respectively.
For more information call the symphony office at 864-6683.
High schools qualify 53 for state DECA competition
Feb. 20, 2009
Springfield’s five public high schools put on an impressive display during recent district DECA competition, winning 79 “top 5” awards and sending 53 students to state competition March 22-24. Here’s a school-by-school breakdown:
Glendale High School: 31 students won a top 5 award, 22 students advanced to state.
Parkview High School: 31 students won a top 5 award, 23 students advanced to state.
Kickapoo High School: nine students won a top 5 award, five students advanced to state.
Hillcrest High School: seven students won a top 5 award; two students advanced to state.
Central High School: one student won a top 5 award, one student advanced to state.
DECA is an international association of high school students studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service.
Annual ROSE Banquet is March 19 at MSU
Feb. 20, 2009
The 24th ROSE (Recognition of Scholastic Excellence) Banquet will be March 19 in the Plaster Student Union at Missouri State University.
This is an annual recognition of the top performing students from Springfield’s five public high schools based on grade-point average.
For more information call Teresa Bledsoe, district community relations manager, at 523-0117.
PTA council Trivia Night fundraiser is March 14
Feb. 20, 2009
Springfield Council of PTA’s spring fundraiser, Trivia Night 2009 – International Celebrations – is set for March 14 at Parkview High School.
Teams of eight are being formed and sign-up sheets are available through each school’s PTA. Prizes will be awarded to participants who best dress and decorate their table to represent the country of their choice. KY-3 meteorologist Brandon Beck will host the event.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Springfield Council of PTAs and its clothing bank.
For more information call Kim Horton at 865-6510 or Monica Hammon at 889-2482.
Bailey students to share their stories on stage
Feb. 13, 2009
Bailey Alternative High School students are rehearsing for a live stage performance that tells the stories of their lives. “Hear Our Voices…Read Our Stories” will be presented on Friday, Feb. 20, at the Springfield 2nd Stage Theatre, 440 S. Campbell Ave.
A cast of 12 juniors and seniors will tell the stories of Bailey students and the challenges and hopes they face under unique circumstances such as teen pregnancy and parenthood.
“This is a way to give a voice to Bailey students and identify them in a very positive way,” said Mark Gideon, a district instructional specialist, who helped create this project.
The students have been scripting their stories and rehearsing at Bailey. Next week they will move to the downtown theatre to practice for three days before performing live on Friday, Feb. 20. A 12:50 p.m. show is for Bailey students; a free public performance is at 5 p.m.
This first-ever project is funded by grants from the Missouri National Education Association, Staples and Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. For more information, call Mark Gideon at 773-8998.
High school student artwork on display
Feb. 13, 2009
Paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures and other artworks created by Springfield Public Schools high school students will be displayed this month at the following area locations:
The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. All schools’ paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, digital works and mixed media. Feb. 2 – 28.
Bellwether Art Gallery, 600 W. College St. All schools’ paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, digital works and mixed media. 1 – 5 p.m., Tues. – Fri.; 1 – 3 p.m., Saturdays, Feb. 2 – 28. Call 831-1778 for groups.
Springfield-Branson National Airport. Central High School students’ paintings, drawings, ceramics and digital photography (to be displayed near luggage pick-up area). Feb. 2 – 28.
Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (west wing). 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. – Sat., Feb. 2 – 28.
Missouri State University Student Art Exhibition Center, 838 E. Walnut St. Glendale High School and Kickapoo High School student work. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tues. - Fri., Feb. 24 - March 14 with opening celebration 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., March 6.
For more information, call Cynthia Bylander at 523-8616.
PHS volleyball teams honored for scholastics
Feb. 13, 2009
The Parkview High School Lady Viking varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams were recently recognized by the Missouri State High School Activities Association for Scholastic Achievement in grade point average.
The varsity team’s GPA is 3.76; the junior varsity team’s GPA is 3.47, the freshmen players’ GPA is 3.76. To be recognized, students must have a GPA of 3.25-4.00.
Parkview volleyball players have a reputation for scholastic excellence, said coach Amber Benton. Most players are enrolled in honors classes. They embody the term “student-athlete,” she said.
Brian Pyck is district Starcatcher
Feb. 12, 2009
Brian Pyck, a math teacher at Pipkin Middle School, received a district Starcatcher Award Feb. 12 from Superintendent Norm Ridder.
The Starcatcher Award is typically presented three times each school year to employees who demonstrate a commitment to the mission, belief and vision of the district.
Pyck started with the district in 2005 at Pipkin. He is known for his ability to engage students with creative integration of technology into his lessons and for his humorous morning announcements.
"He helps to make the learning curve easier for all of us," said Pipkin principal Sharri Harwick. "The best news is that no one has to push Brian, he does what he does because it energizes him."
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. The next Starcatcher will be awarded in late February.
Second district Starcatcher to be announced Feb. 12
Feb. 10, 2009
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Norm Ridder will present a Starcatcher Award at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Pipkin Middle School, 1215 N. Boonville Ave.The Starcatcher Award is typically presented three times per year to SPS employees who demonstrate commitment to the mission 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.
Glendale hosts first DECA 'Diva Fashion Show'
Feb. 10, 2009
Glendale High School DECA students will host the school’s first “Diva Fashion Show” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the school auditorium. DECA is an association of marketing students.
The show will feature men’s and women’s spring fashions from local retailers Staxx, Styles, Indie, Panache and Flame & Flair. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at any of the five participating retailers or at the event. Proceeds will benefit Isabel’s House Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks.
The fashion show will be followed by an afterparty in the Glendale small gymnasium. Local businesses will showcase their products and services.
For more information contact Yelena Bosovik at yelenabosovik@yahoo.com or Aundrea Morris at amorris@spsmail.org or 523-8900.
High schools forming new bowling league
Feb. 10, 2009
Springfield's five public high schools are recruiting students to participate in the new Show Me High School Club Bowling. Boys and girls teams from each school will compete for individual and team awards and a $1,000 scholarship.
The league gives students an opportunity to participate in a lifetime sport and an extracurricular activity that may be lacking in their lives.
The season begins March 1, but practice is already under way. Games will be Fridays and Saturdays at Springfield's five bowling alleys. The owners of those businesses will fund most of the league’s cost. Students are asked to pay a one-time fee of $10.
For more information contact program director Hollie Brannen at 883-0511 or Glendale High School Principal Gary Prouty at 523-8900.
Kindergarten registration begins March 16
Feb. 10, 2009
Children who turn 5 years old before Aug. 1, 2009, may enroll in kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year. Registration sessions will be held at each of the district's 36 elementary schools. Parents may contact the school where their child will attend to find out dates and times or visit www.springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org to view a complete schedule.
On the day of the screening, parents should bring the child's birth certificate, immunization record, proof of residency and Social Security number. Appointments for the required kindergarten screening will be made during registration.
Register now for Pie in the Sky Literacy Institute
Feb. 10, 2009
Springfield Public Schools will sponsor the Pie in the Sky II L3 Institute Aug. 3-4 at Ozarks Technical Community College. Individuals who register prior to May 1 will receive a discount on their registration fees.
The institute is open to area school administrators and curriculum directors, teachers and teacher leaders, instructional specialists, reading specialists and literacy coaches. It will feature nationally acclaimed authors and literacy experts Dr. Ruth Culham, Lester Laminak, Dr. Tim Rasinski, and Laura Robb.
Registration by May 1 is $200. Registration between May 1 and July 15 is $250. Registration ends July 15. Graduate credit is available from Evangel University for $50.
Sessions will be held in the Information Commons West from 7:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information, go to http://sps.k12.mo.us/curriculum/commarts/ or contact Denise Kelly, SPS communication arts K-12 curriculum facilitator, at 523-5554.
Westport Elementary School honors Sarah Overstreet
Feb. 10, 2009
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Westport Elementary School students, staff and parents will present former News-Leader columnist Sarah Overstreet with a special valentine and some thank-you notes for her work over the past four months helping young students create personalized books about their family, friends, pets and interests.
Participating students in grades kindergarten- 2nd grade will share how they learned to read. Overstreet will visit with them about their writing and discuss ways to become better writers.
The event is at 10 a.m. at the school. For more information call Westport principal Nancy Brake at 523-3100.
School board begins 2009-2010 budget discussions
Feb. 4, 2009
Springfield school board members agreed to two initial budget assumptions which will guide staff in developing the district’s 2009-2010 budget. During its strategic discussion at the Feb. 3 study session, the board agreed to maintain a fund balance of at least 10 percent of operating expenditures and to consider implementing the Tier 1 stipend recommendations presented to the board in January. Read more...
Parkview graduate to sign books Feb. 6
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 a.m. to 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. Read more...
Mobile science van to stop at Rountree Feb. 6
Feb. 4, 2009
The National Science Center’s mobile van will stop at Rountree Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, for students in grades 3-5.
The mobile discovery center travels the country to demonstrate how math, science and technology can be fun and important to a child’s future. The van is currently offered as a free outreach program by the National Science Center in Augusta, Ga., and the U.S. Army. View link.
At Cherokee it's farewell to old, hello to new
Feb. 4, 2009
The public is invited to sign a farewell message on the old Cherokee Middle School cafeteria wall before touring the new school and enjoying a plate of Village Inn pancakes Feb. 12. Proceeds from the pancake supper (also sponsored by Hiland Dairy) will go toward replacing the school’s old laptop computers. Checks should be made payable to Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.
The event is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. Music will be provided by McBride Elementary School 4th-grade choir, the Cherokee 7th-grade jazz band, orchestra ensemble and pep band, and the Disney Elementary School “Dynamics.”
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