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Bailey alternative hosts 20-year reunion for students, employees
April 30, 2008
Bailey Alternative High School will host a 20-year reunion for all former students and employees on Saturday, May 3, from 2-5 p.m. at the school.
Pictures from the past 20 years will be displayed and a slide show will be shown. Current staff and students will be on hand to visit and give tours of the school. Missouri Rep. Bob Dixon will lead a 3 p.m. dedication of the school flag.
Located at 501 W. Central St., Bailey applies a flexible, innovative curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students who have struggled to succeed in their home school. More than 650 students have graduated from Bailey since it opened, said Linda Jones, district Coordinator of Alternative Programs.
Students, faculty named foreign language winners
April 29, 2008
Two SPS students and Glendale High School teacher Lisa Lilley were recently recognized for their outstanding work in foreign language education and studies.
Glendale senior Jennifer Smith was selected by the Foreign Language Association of Missouri (FLAM) to receive the Excellence in Foreign Language Studies award. Kickapoo senior Stephanie Anderson was recognized for her first place entry in the poster/essay contest.
Lilley was named the 2008 Distinguished Foreign Language Educator by FLAM. She will be recognized at the fall conference in October.
Lady Bears read to Weaver students
April 29, 2008
Four members of the Missouri State University Lady Bears basketball team will visit Weaver Elementary School at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, to read to students and answer questions about the Lady Bears program.
Melissa Busby, Tiffany Coppage, Dee Davis and Roxy Stiles will read “J is for Jump Shot” by Mike Ulmer; each Weaver teacher will receive a copy of the book for classroom use.
Jennifer Bybee to lead Central volleyball team
April 29, 2008
Jennifer Bybee, Hillcrest High School alumna, was recently named the new head volleyball coach at Central High School and will begin coaching at Central this summer.
Bybee is a 2001 graduate of Hillcrest and a 2005 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she was a member of the Missouri Tigers volleyball and track teams.
SCHOOL NURSES TO BE RECOGNIZED NATIONWIDE MAY 7
April 29, 2008
The National Association of School Nurses, Inc. (NASN) has named May 7 as National School Nurse Day.
National School Nurse Day was established in 1977 to “foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting”.
Cherokee librarian wins Linda Luke award
April 29, 2008
The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools recently named Margaret Butler the district’s 2008 Linda Luke Librarian of the Year. Butler is librarian at Cherokee Middle School.
The award was established 11 years ago by family and friends of the late Linda Luke, who was a librarian at Hickory Hills and Disney elementary schools at the time of her death.
The award annually recognizes a librarian who stands out among her peers for demonstrating an attitude of caring, commitment to her work, support for teaching and learning and the ability to maximize existing resources and technology in her school.
One Cherokee teacher said, “Margaret’s passion for reading and literacy fuel her concern for each student at Cherokee. Margaret is always looking for ways to engage students in reading.”
Butler received an $800 cash award; the Cherokee library will receive a $200 cash award.
Turner Family reading awards announced
April 29, 2008
Five Springfield Public Schools teachers recently received Turner Family Foundation Reading Awards from the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.
The teachers are:
- Sandra Baron, Jeffries Elementary School
- Gail Iman, Westport Elementary School
- Debbie Lambeth, York Elementary School
- Barbara Mooneyham, Greene County Juvenile Justice
- Betsy Miller, McGregor Elementary School
Established by the Turner family of Springfield, the awards annually recognize district teachers who are excellent at teaching reading in the classroom and who instill in children a love of learning and reading.
Each of the five teachers received a $2,000 cash award; $1,000 is used for the school’s reading program and $1,000 may be used at the teacher’s discretion.
Bissett students rewarded for perfect attendance with bikes
April 28, 2008
Bissett Elementary School students Madelyn Southard and Sergio Solis will be rewarded for their perfect attendance during the third quarter of this school year by receiving a new bike from Horace Mann Insurance agent Julie Kudrna at 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 29.
An attendance improvement contest organized by Kudrna had Bissett, Robberson and Williams elementary schools compete to see which school could increase student attendance for the quarter by the greatest amount.
Bissett won the contest. Southard and Solis won the bikes in a random drawing from a pool of all Bissett students with perfect attendance for the quarter.
This is the first year for the program. Kudrna, who is a Partner In Education with Springfield Public Schools, purchased the bikes with the help of Wal-Mart, which gave her a $25 in-store credit.
“I believe in our public schools and understand that in order for students to succeed they need to be in school,” Kudrna said. “That was the goal of this contest - to give students a tangible reward for being in school every day.”
Robberson partners with MSU, provides Geocaching adventure
April 25, 2008
Robberson Elementary School students will hunt for history along Commercial Street Monday morning during a “Geocache” adventure.
Beginning at 11 a.m. fourth- and fifth-grade students will use “Global Positioning System” navigators to hunt or “Geocache” for historic treasures placed or hidden along the street. The hunt will begin outside the historic fire station at 201 E. Commercial St.
Students will walk to nearby historic locations on the street looking for small containers or caches’ that hold items symbolizing historic Commercial Street. Students will retrieve the items and replace them with another item.
“The purpose is to help kids stay interested in using latitude and longitude to track down objects,” said Robberson fourth-grade teacher Bryan Livingson. “It’s also a fun way to learn about the history of Springfield.”
The GPS units were paid for through a grant from the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. Livingston and MSU professor Dr. Steve Illum wrote the grant.
Livingston, Illum and Robberson teacher Sue Dyle spent the past four weeks teaching students about Springfield history and historical landmarks as well as how to navigate with the GPS units.
Kickapoo hosts ‘A-maize-ing’ fundraiser for The Kitchen
April 24, 2008
Kickapoo High School will host a canned food drive to benefit The Kitchen, Inc. on Friday, April 25 from 7:50-11:45 a.m.
The 5th Annual A-maize-ing Day at Kickapoo aims to collect 10,000 pounds of canned food goods. The Feinstein Foundation, a national organization fighting to end hunger in America, is matching Kickapoo’s donation with a dollar donation per pound of food collected.
At last year’s A-maize-ing Day event, the school collected 6,327 pounds of food and a $69,702, Feinstein donation for The Kitchen.
Kitchen volunteers will collect canned food from the school beginning at 1 p.m.
Kickapoo named district academic competition champs
April 24, 2008
Kickapoo High School’s varsity academic team, which competes in quiz bowl competitions requiring quick recall in a variety of academic subjects, was recently named district academic competition champion and will compete against seven other district champions at the state meet on Saturday, May 3 in Columbia.
Members of the academic team are: Yong Kim, Yao Liu, Tara Hammer, Ben Ceaser, Eric Lechliter, Loren Casteel, Lara Bower and April Wefler. Kim and Ceaser were named to the All-District Team at the district competition held April 10 in Branson.
The district victory is the first in the history of Kickapoo High School and the first district victory by a Springfield Public Schools team, according to Kickapoo teacher and team coach Phil Hockensmith. Kickapoo was the district runner-up in the 2007 competition.
The state competition will be held at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia.
Parkview students receive Chase scholarships
April 24, 2008
Chase Card Services in Springfield awarded $500 scholarships to 30 Parkview High School seniors Wednesday night for their successful participation in the year-long Chase Leadership Academy.
One of those students, Natalie Akins, received a $1,000 scholarship for being the top performer in the academy.
This was the seventh year Chase has partnered with Parkview seniors for the academy which begins in the fall and requires students to spend two hours every other week at Chase. Parkview students are mentored by Chase managers and manager trainees who teach life skills (goal-setting, decision-making and interpersonal communications), career skills (networking, team-building) and financial literacy.
“I think it’s been a wonderful thing for the students,” said Linda Turk, Chase Community Relations Manager. “It teaches them what they’ll experience in the real working world – to be on time and professional. I think the students enjoy it.”
Chase is one of 171 Partners In Education with Springfield Public Schools. Partners In Education links businesses and community organizations with schools in an effort to develop activities, projects and incentives that enrich education and enhance academics. For more information click the Partners link at the bottom of the home page.
Save A Life Tour gives KHS students lesson in driving sober
April 23, 2008
Kickapoo High School students will experience the virtual affects of impaired driving when the National “Save A Life Tour” stops at the school Thursday, April 24.
The tour will make its first-ever stop at a Springfield public school with an important message on sober driving taught with a multi-media presentation, including big-screen TV’s and a vehicle simulator.
Tour officials will speak to students about the program during an assembly from 10:15 -11:30 a.m. in the school gymnasium. The simulator, available to students from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will allow young drivers to get behind the wheel and experience the virtual affects of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Kickapoo school nurse Tammy Holley said she hopes the demonstration sends a strong reminder to students on the importance of driving with a clear head and focused attention.
Funding for the $5,250 Save A Life Tour was provided by State Farm Insurance of Missouri.
Hillcrests’s HTV Magazine wins another ‘Student Emmy’
April 23, 2008
For the third time in five years, the National Television Academy has honored "HTV Magazine," Hillcrest High School's student-produced broadcast, with a "National Student Award For Excellence," often referred to as the "Student Emmy."
Seniors Rachel Miles and Kendra Weatherford earned the honor in the "news" category for an investigative report, "Easy Access." The story revealed how easy it is for teenagers to purchase alcohol online. It aired in January on Mediacom channel 25.
Miles, Weatherford and HTV adviser Dave Davis will travel to Chicago May 9 for an awards ceremony hosted by the academy. Hillcrest is the only Missouri school to win the national award since the academy began the "Award For Excellence" program in 2004.
Other HTV staff members earned NTA regional honors in the writing, sports, and technical achievement categories.
Regional Awards:
- Writing - Mehleena Edmonds and Alex Tabor for "Whose Video?"
- Sports - Charles McDonald, Julie Wootton, Kendra Weatherford, Jordan Fielding for "Never Give Up."
- Technical Achievement, Editing - Kendra Weatherford and Rachel Miles for "Shayna's Story."
Honorable Mentions:
- Writing, Fran Olive for "Love the Locks."
- Sports, Lillian Olive, Rachel Miles, Lauren Bishop for "Lessons That Last."
A reception will be held in the Hillcrest library at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 7.
National Science Center to provide hands-on science education
April 22, 2008
The National Science Center’s Mobile Discovery Center (MDC) van will visit the Phelps Center for Gifted Education April 28-May 1 to provide a hands-on science learning experience for more than 1,000 area students.
Students from Phelps, Jarrett Middle School and the Middle Years Scholars Program will participate in the presentation, which shows students that studying science, technology and math can be exciting, fun, and beneficial to their futures.
The van serves as a theater for video presentations, a classroom for science demonstrations and an exhibition hall for small interactive exhibits. It is manned by U.S. Army military and Department of Army civilian personnel.
The MDC program is made possible by a partnership between the National Science Center, Inc. and the U.S. Army. Phelps was contacted by the program manager for the National Science Center.
“This is the first time that the Mobile Discovery Center van has come to Springfield, and we are so excited that Phelps was chosen to host,” Pursley said. “The benefit for our students is immeasurable.”
For additional information visit www.NationalScienceCenter.org
Language Arts Department (LAD) Fair winners to be displayed
April 22, 2008
Springfield Public Schools’ winning entries from the 2008 Language Arts Department (LAD) Fair will be displayed from 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at Nixa High School.
SPS had more than 400 winning entries representing 28 district schools and a variety of language arts categories, such as prose, poetry, anthology and art.
SPS also had 11 Writers Hall of Fame honorees, a distinction given to only 24 students each year in the 24 southwest Missouri counties participating in the competition.
The LAD Fair received 7,028 entries this year from students in 1st grade through high school.
Beth Nickle is 'Teacher of the Year'
April 21, 2008
Teacher of the Year Beth Nickle surrounded by students at Bailey Alternative High School
Beth Nickle, a communication arts and drama teacher at Bailey Alternative High School, was named Springfield Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2008-09 during the 15th Annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet Monday night at University Plaza Convention Center.
“From the time I was in preschool using the chalkboard on my Winnie the Pooh toy chest to teach my dolls and stuffed animals the alphabet, I have wanted to be a teacher,” Nickle said. “As a third-generation teacher, education not only appealed to my nature, but seemed to be a part of my genetic makeup.”
A graduate of Kickapoo High School, Nickle has taught 20 years in the district, all of them at Bailey.
“My teaching career has been an amazing journey,” said Nickle. During her years with the district she also worked in pre-college programs at Drury University as a residential assistant and residential coordinator. She is currently Drury’s Director of Residential Living.
Nickle is coordinator of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education South Central Service-Learning Regional Center. She has a Certificate of Excellent Practice in K-12 Service Learning from the University of Wisconsin and the National Youth Leadership Council
She received her Bachelor of Arts from William Jewell College with a double major in communication and education. She received a Masters in Education from Drury.
The other finalists were: Stephanie Blake, (Parkview High School), Tracy Bruton (Glendale High School), Phil Hockensmith, (Kickapoo High School), Troy Kuchta, (Boyd Elementary School) and Alberta Smith (Central High School).
Nickle is now in the running to be named state Teacher of the Year. In being named district Teacher of the Year, she will receive $2,000 for personal use; Bailey will receive another $2,000 for educational enhancements. The award money was provided by Missouri State University. The five other finalists each receive $200 for personal use and $200 for their schools’ educational enhancements. Those awards were provided by St. John’s Clinic.
Monday’s banquet was sponsored by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.
Teacher Appreciation Banquet is April 21
Left to right: Phil Hockensmith, Troy Kuchta, Beth Nickle, Alberta Smith, Tracy Bruton, Stephanie Blake
April 18, 2008
Springfield Public Schools will name its next Teacher of the Year during the 15th Annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet on Monday, April 21, at University Plaza Convention Center. This is the signature fundraising event for the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. It honors and celebrates all teachers of Springfield Public Schools.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. The six Teacher of the Year finalists will be introduced at about 7:40 p.m. before the next Teacher of the Year is named.
Finalists (pictured right) are:
- Stephanie Blake-Parkview High School
- Tracy Bruton-Glendale High School
- Phil Hockensmith-Kickapoo High School
- Beth Nickle-Bailey Alternative High School
- Troy Kuchta-Boyd Elementary School
- Alberta Smith-Central High School
Central’s Shanna Nelson National Merit Scholar
April 18, 2008
Central High School senior Shanna R. Nelson was named a National Merit Scholarship winner this week.
Nelson plans to study veterinary medicine and will enroll at Drury University next fall. She received the National Merit 3M Scholarship from 3M and is among 26 Missouri students and 8,200 award finalists across the country to receive a National Merit Scholarship this year.
“Shanna is an outstanding young lady personally, academically and musically,” said Central Band Director, Chris Rohrbaugh, who taught Nelson for seven years. “She demonstrates leadership and dedication in all endeavors.”
Winners are judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Most awards are renewable for one to four years of college undergraduate study and provide stipends of $500 to $10,000 annually.
Nelson was among 12 district students (nine from Central, two from Glendale and one from Kickapoo) named as National Merit finalists. Central had a school-record nine finalistsr: Karina Bielecki, Wesley Chao, Xi (Lucy) Chen, Evan Dorshorst, Anna Moseley, Shanna Nelson, Samuel Rowland, Amy Wei and Lindsey Zhang. Glendale was represented by Cole Carter and Alex Brozowski; Kickapoo was represented by Kevin Satzinger.
School district announces two administrative changes
April 18, 2008
Springfield Public Schools announces that Brian Hubbard has been named the district’s new Director of Title I programs and Benjamin Hackenwerth will be the new Executive Director of Elementary Education.
Hubbard joined the district in 1997. He taught six years at Fairbanks Elementary School and worked five years in communication arts curriculum and as an instructional assistant. He has spent the past two years as McGregor Elementary School principal.
Hubbard has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Administration, both from Missouri State University.
Hackenwerth was a teacher and track coach in Ozark before becoming an elementary school principal there five years ago. He has been Ozark’s summer school coordinator and principal for the past three years.
Hackenwerth has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from Missouri State University, a Masters in Elementary Education from Drury University and a Masters in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University. He is completing his doctorate this spring from St. Louis University.
Hubbard and Hackenwerth will begin their new jobs July 1.
Hillcrest seeks past graduates to help celebrate 50th anniversary
April 17, 2008
Hillcrest High School is looking for representatives from each of the school’s 50 graduating classes to help welcome back all graduating students during a special 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 10. Each class representative, with the help of alumni sponsorships, will prepare a registration table for their class featuring pictures and memorabilia.
To assist or to sponsor a class registration table, please contact Terry Robinson at 523-8013 or trobinson@spsmail.org
Reunion activities will include: tours of the school and new construction by current Hillcrest student council members; a noon lunch provided by the Hillcrest DECA/Marketing team; a welcome from principal Jay Rush; a video retrospective of HTV at Hillcrest from 1989-2008 by Dave Davis; classic yearbooks sales from 1960-2008 and a concert featuring modern music combined with orchestral music directed by Hillcrest orchestra teacher, Lisa Fent.
The day will culminate with a reunion dance at 7 p.m. in the east gym. The cost will be $5.
Hillcrest opened in September 1958, as the district’s third high school. It was touted during its dedication as, “an attractively designed, aesthetically beautiful and functionally planned edifice in which sound educational opportunities may be afforded for the youth it may serve for many years to come.”
School Board proposes budget options
April 16, 2008
The Springfield School Board continues to weigh spending options for next year’s fiscal budget. At a special budget work session April 15, the board asked administrators for information on how next year’s budget would be impacted if a cost of living increase was set at 2.5 percent, 3 percent or 3.5 percent.
Several board members support a 2.5 percent COLA saying it will allow the district to fund other necessary items, such as full-time positions.
Other board members said the district should forego additional hires next year and dedicate more resources to existing employees.
Administrators were directed to outline budget allocation scenarios for all three of the proposed cost-of-living increase amounts, and prioritize funding requests under each scenario.
The board must approve the proposed $198 million operating budget by the end of June.
NSBA raises money for school attendance incentives
April 16, 2008
The North Springfield Betterment Association is raising money for its on-going school attendance program by teaming up with Panera Bread on Thursday, April 17.
Proceeds will fund a party food, games and prizes for north Springfield students who are showing the greatest improvements in attendance.
NSBA is in its 11th year working to improve attendance at 14 north Springfield elementary schools. Each quarter, the association recognizes one class at each school for having the best attendance that quarter. The top five schools to improve attendance from the previous year are recognized at the end of the year. Students who achieve 100 percent attendance are recognized at a May 13 party with food, games and prizes.
According to district Attendance Coordinator Becky Morgan, attendance has increased at all 14 participating north-side schools since the association became involved in the effort.
From 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 17, Panera will donate 5 percent of all general sales and 25 percent of all grilled breakfast sandwich sales to the attendance program.
The participating Panera is located at 2535 N. Kansas Expressway. Customers should mention NSBA when placing an order.
High schools collaborate for ‘Big Give’
April 15, 2008
Students from all five Springfield public high schools recently collaborated to raise $14,459.50 in just three days during their participation in Oprah Winfrey’s primetime series, “Oprah’s Big Give.”
The district high schools collectively represent one of seven local high school districts competing to raise the most money to benefit their schools through Oprah’s “Change Your School Challenge.”
Student council cabinet members and sponsors from each SPS school worked together beginning in late March to create four fundraising events.
- Dine-out Springfield with sponsorship from five different restaurants on Thursday, April 3.
- The Big Dance, which generated over $5,500 on Friday, April 4.
- SPS at its Best, which created a family friendly environment that showcased some of our most talented students and offered a silent auction on Saturday, April 5.
- Central High School student Kevin Kring created a golf tournament at River Cut on Sunday, April 6. This event generated more than $4,000.
The money raised will be divided evenly between the five schools with each receiving $2,889 to develop or support freshmen transition programs in each of the schools.
“This is the first time in recent memory that all five high schools have collaborated on a project of this magnitude and pulled it off flawlessly,” said Justin Herrell, district executive director for secondary education. “It was awesome to be a part of this collaboration.”
Winners of the Change Your School Challenge will be announced April 20 on the finale of Oprah’s Big Give.
GLENDALE NAMED MSHSAA LEADERSHIP SCHOOL
April 14, 2008
Glendale High School was recently named a Missouri State High School Activities Association Leadership School for 2007-2008.
Leadership Schools are determined by achieving excellence in the promotion of citizenship, sportsmanship, leadership and scholarship through interscholastic programs.
JARRETT PRINCIPAL NAMED ONE OF TOP ‘40 UNDER 40’
April 14, 2008
Jarrett Middle School Principal Marty Marsh was recently recognized by the Springfield Business Journal as a 2008 “40 Under 40” honoree.
Marsh will be honored at the April 17 Springfield Cardinals game and the “Main Attraction” awards ceremony May 8 at the Springfield Cardinals’ indoor training facility, 935 East Trafficway.
HHS WINS AT MID-CONTINENT COLOR GUARD COMPETITION
April 14, 2008
Hillcrest High School’s Blue Wave Winter Color Guard recently won 1st place in its division at the 2008 Mid-Continent Color Guard Association Competition.
The Blue Wave Winter Drum Line from Hillcrest also had an impressive showing at the competition, taking 3rd place in its division.
ROBBERSON IN LINE FOR ENRICHMENT GRANT
April 14, 2008
Robberson Elementary School has been recommended for an $8,100 grant to implement the “Robberson Outer Limits Enrichment Program” next fall.
The program will offer tutoring, recreation, nutritional guidance along with field trips and team building to help keep students in school and out of trouble. The Springfield Community Development Block Grant was made possible by the district’s continuing partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department.
New partnership gives SPS students behind-the-scenes zoo experience
April 14, 2008
Springfield Public Schools Alternative Middle School (AIMS) students will learn about what happens behind the scenes at Dickerson Park Zoo when the “A to Z” (AIMS to Zoo) Program kicks off Friday, April 18.
The A to Z Program is the result of a new partnership between the AIMS program and the zoo. It will allow students to participate in various aspects of zoo operations - including shadowing zookeepers, veterinarians and education staff - to learn more about zoo career options.
The April 18 field trip will allow about 24 students in grades 6, 7 and 8 to focus on the different ways zookeepers use math skills in their jobs. Students will use digital cameras and camcorders to record information for research and presentations.
“The zoo provides us with the perfect educational learning experience that will help make learning relevant and exciting for students who haven't been successful in a traditional middle school,” said Susan Sneegas, district Instructional Specialist for School Improvement.”
Monthly events will occur at the zoo or at schools depending on the weather. When the zoo is closed, its conservation education director, Pam Herd, will bring animals to students at school.
The AIMS program helps students who struggle academically work toward their potential in a supportive setting.
Sunshine Elementary School hosts unique fine arts night
April 11, 2008
Sunshine Elementary School will host a fine arts night at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, culminating a year of activities in the school’s unique communication arts and media program CAMP Sunshine.
Student talents developed in three of the school’s extra curricular activities – drama, Spanish and choir – will be highlighted. The drama club will perform the play “Stone in the Road” by Kristi Thielen. The Spanish club will present a fashion show depicting action verbs, colors, and other Spanish vocabulary that students have learned. The Sunshine choir will perform songs from the ‘1970s and ‘80s.
CAMP Sunshine was designed to enhance the communication arts curriculum by emphasizing learning through creative oral and visual presentation. Sunshine is among only three district elementary schools to offer Spanish to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school is located at 421 E. Sunshine St.
Truman elementary to host 2nd annual Fine Arts Night
April 11, 2008
In an effort to highlight the importance of fine arts in the classroom, Truman Elementary School will host its 2nd Annual Fine Arts Night at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14. The event, originally scheduled for Monday, Feb. 11, was postponed due to weather.
The evening will begin with comments from district Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder, followed by Truman’s artist-in-residence, Ibiyinka Alao. Alao serves as the United Nations Ambassador for the Arts and taught art to Truman students last fall.
The night will include musical performances by third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students including tunes played on Orff instruments, such as Boom Whackers, Rain Sticks, and Thunder Tubes. Orff instruments were first developed in 1928 under the direction of composer Carl Orff. They are modeled after wooden African instruments.
Truman is located at 3850 N. Farm Road 159.
Carver Middle School named a Missouri Gold Star School
April 9, 2008
Carver Middle School is among only 15 public schools in Missouri named a Gold Star School for 2007-08 and has been nominated for a national “Blue Ribbon” for academic excellence.
“I’m thrilled for our faculty and students,” said Carver principal Dr. Dan O’Reilly. “This shows that the years of hard work, focus on achievement and good attendance are paying off. This award has been earned through years of teacher, student and parent effort. It gives us all something to really celebrate.”
Missouri schools are eligible to be recognized annually with a Gold Star when they meet one of two standards: 1: Students - at least 40 percent of whom must be from disadvantaged backgrounds - show dramatic academic improvement over the past three years on Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) reading and math tests. 2: Students perform in the top 10 percent of all schools on the MAP.
In Carver’s case the award came automatically when the school was recently selected as one of eight Missouri Blue Ribbon Secondary School nominations to the U.S. Department of Education. An announcement on that award will be made next fall. Missouri uses the two eligibility standards listed above to select the national nominees. The top three schools to meet the first standard and the top five schools to meet the second standard are sent to the U.S. Department of Education as Missouri nominees.
With about 700 students, Carver is among 10 district schools recently named to the state’s Top 10 list for “Highest Performing” schools. Carver made the list for 2007 MAP test results in seventh grade communication arts.
The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will honor Carver and the other 14 Gold Star schools at a reception Tuesday, May 6, in Jefferson City. Each school will be showcased and receive a banner, lapel pins for faculty and staff and an engraved plaque.
Last year, Portland Elementary School was named a Missouri Gold Star School for showing dramatic improvement in reading and math testing at a time when its number of free and reduced lunch students rose from less than 55 percent to more than 72 percent.
CAMPBELL PRINCIPAL HONORED AS ‘UNSUNG HERO’
April 9, 2008
Campbell Elementary School Principal Dr. Jay Anderson was recently profiled on KSMU radio’s “Unsung Heroes” series.
Anderson was recognized for what staff members describe as leadership with enthusiasm, kindness and a sense of humor.
His profile can be heard at http://www.ksmu.org/webaudio/Sense%20of%20Community/senseofcommunity.asp.
MLK HISTORICAL SITE DISPLAYS WILDER LETTERS
April 9, 2008
Letters written to Martin Luther King by Wilder Elementary School third-grade students are being displayed at a temporary exhibit at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, Ga.
The letters were written in January during the week of Martin Luther King Day. Students described why they thought Dr. King was a great man and how they are keeping his dream alive today.
The writings will be displayed from April 4 to April 28.
PEPPERDINE RECEIVES GRANT FOR WELLNESS EQUIPMENT
April 9, 2008
The Pepperdine Learning Center recently received a $4,934 grant from the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and the Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation. The funds will be used to acquire fitness equipment to promote wellness for students in the Pepperdine Academy for Learning Success (PALS) program, (an alternative program for elementary students), Solutions – a secondary alternative program, and for staff.
PARKVIEW SENIORS HONORED WITH DECA SCHOLARSHIPS
April 9, 2008
Parkview High School seniors Natalie Akins and Angela Iler were recently honored by Missouri DECA for their contributions to the marketing association.
Both students received $1,000 scholarships to continue their education in marketing, management or entrepreneurship at the collegiate level.
Bailey Alternative High School to host 20-year reunion for former students, employees
April 8, 2008
Bailey Alternative High School will host a 20-year reunion for all former students and employees on Saturday, May 3, from 2-5 p.m. at the school.
Pictures from the past 20 years will be displayed and a slide show will be shown. In addition, current staff and students will be on hand to visit and give tours of the school.
Bailey uses a flexible, innovative curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students who have struggled to succeed in their home school. Bailey addresses both the academic and personal growth of students to help them become responsible members of society.
Students are voluntarily referred to Bailey by their high school counselor.
More than 250 district students have graduated from Bailey in the past 20 years, said Linda Jones, district Coordinator of Alternative Programs. “Some of them have gone on to continue their education and are now holding very respectable jobs,” she said. “Bailey has definitely had an impact on their lives.”
Those planning to attend the reunion should RSVP the school at 523-2700 by April 30.
Bailey Alternative High School is located at 501 W. Central St.
Schools offer unique rewards for MAP performance
April 8, 2008
Two Springfield Public Schools will reward their students this week for good attendance and test-taking on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) with the following special events:
Williams Elementary School is helping to relieve MAP stress with laughter. On test mornings - March 31 through April 10 – school principal Jennifer Webb and counselor Cynthia Helmig perform a silly “MAP Rap” for students.
Webb and Helmig perform their “MAP Rap” for one class at a time between 8:45 and 9:15 a.m. Reporters wishing to cover this event are asked to come to Williams at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9.
“Our intent is to provide support and smiles to our already stressed students,” said Webb. “We want to encourage students to give their best effort and not become overwhelmed with the anxiety associated with testing.” Williams is located at 2205 W. Kearney St.
Study Middle School will present local-turned-international band Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10. The band will perform for students who attended MAP testing every day, were on time, and displayed positive attitudes.
The concert will be in Study’s auditorium at 2343 W. Olive St.
Westport elementary kindergarten teacher is latest Starcatcher
April 8, 2008
Westport Elementary School kindergarten teacher Maribeth Robertson received the final district Starcatcher Award of the school year today from district Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder.
The Starcatcher Award is presented three times each school year to a district employee who demonstrates a commitment to the mission, belief and vision of the district.
Robertson has taught 27 years at Springfield Public Schools. She began teaching first grade at Watkins Elementary School, then taught kindergarten at Horace Mann and Sequiota elementary schools. She taught kindergarten at Study Middle School when it included elementary grades. She has been at Westport for the past 14 years.
Robertson is known at Westport for having a passion for books and giving without expectation of recognition. She serves on the school’s library advisory committee.
“Mrs. Robertson keeps learning and learning to better teach her students who keep getting smarter and smarter,” said Westport principal Dr. Nancy Brake.
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.
“I am just overwhelmed,” said Robertson after receiving the award. “This is such a wonderful honor.”
Kris Callen reappointed to state special education panel
April 7, 2008
Springfield Public Schools Board of Education President Kris Callen was recently reappointed by state Commissioner of Education D. Kent King to serve a second term on the state Special Education Advisory Panel.
This group provides advice to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on critical issues that will affect the future lives and education of students with disabilities. Callen also serves on the panel’s executive committee.
Callen has served on the Springfield school board since 2003. She has been board president since 2007.
Bissett teacher scores Harlem Globetrotter tickets for entire class
April 4, 2008
Bissett Elementary School second-grade teacher Autumn Masaoay won tickets for her entire class to see the Harlem Globetrotters play Saturday, April 12 at Hammons Student Center.
Masaoay’s 16 students earned the tickets from Springfield radio station 100.5 “The Wolf” by winning a radio contest that asked teachers to explain why their class was deserving of Globetrotter tickets.
“Our school has been working hard this whole year to do well on the (Missouri Assessment Program) tests,” Masaoay wrote to the station. “Bissett Elementary School is a Title I school that has students from a variety of backgrounds. … I would love to be able to buy them all tickets to go to the game for their tremendous commitment to school. … I appreciate the consideration … for this great once in a lifetime event.”
Station morning DJ Jay Shannon will accompany one of the Globetrotters to Bissett Monday morning at 11 a.m. to present Masaoay’s class with the tickets. Bissett is located at 3014 W. Calhoun St.
McBride students to run ‘McBoston’ Marathon
April 4, 2008
McBride Elementary School will take an exercise break from MAP testing with the second annual McBoston Marathon at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 7.
Students in kindergarten through second grade will run a half mile; third- and fourth-grade students will run a full mile. About 150 students are expected to participate. The event is sponsored by the McBride Step Club and McBride physical education teacher Russ Traphagan, who has run the Boston Marathon (thus the school event name McBoston Marathon). Traphagan will run his 10th marathon Sunday in St. Louis.
Step Club is administered by the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department and is a partnership between Parks, Springfield Public Schools, St. John’s Health Systems and Kraft Cares for Kids. The program encourages students to walk twice a week and make a variety of healthy lifestyle choices.
Since October 1, about 2,000 students in 26 SPS schools have participated in Step Club; more than 1,200 students have walked at least 25 miles.
All 26 classes at McBride will be stationed along the race route to cheer on competitors. The race will take place on the half mile course behind McBride, located at the southwest corner of Weaver Road and Golden Avenue.
The top boy and girl runner in each division will receive a trophy at the awards ceremony scheduled for 8:25 a.m. Tuesday, April 8. All runners will receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medal.
Big name donors unveil ‘Care To Learn’
April 4, 2008
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are the celebrity names behind a new community challenge to help meet the basic needs of district students such as hunger, health and hygiene.
Pitt’s brother, Doug Pitt, and local businessman Jim D. Morris, made the announcement during an April 2 press conference at Campbell Elementary School. The Pitts, Morris and an anonymous donor will contribute $3 for every dollar donated by the community. Collectively, they will contribute $150,000 yearly for the next three years.
The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools is managing the funds,
“We are all aware that poverty is growing throughout the nation and Springfield is no exception,” said foundation executive director Nancy Fazzino. “This initiative could not have come at a better time. We know from speaking from school officials and principals that there are a number of children falling between the cracks of the system. They are going hungry on the week-ends when school breakfast and lunch is not served and they are going without other basic needs. This is what this fund is all about.”
Every district school will be eligible for a portion of the funding based on its free and reduced lunch rates.
Missouri State Greeks to give district playgrounds ‘extreme makeover’
April 3, 2008
The Springfield Public Schools Building Services Department is partnering with volunteers from the Potter’s House student organization and Missouri State University Greek organizations to give 16 district school playgrounds an “extreme makeover” on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The volunteers, including more than 350 college students and district employees, will prime and paint playground equipment at the 16 sites.
Schools benefiting from the effort are Bingham, Campbell, Cowden, Mann, Portland, Rountree, Sherwood, Sunshine, Truman, Twain, Watkins, Westport and York elementary schools; the Shady Dell Early Childhood Center and the Doling and Pepperdine buildings.
Landon McCarter, a coordinator from Potter’s House, will work at Portland; the president of Greek Organizations, Mark Sjoberg, will work at Sunshine. Both will be available for media interviews.
SPS schools shine on state 'Highest Performing Schools' lists
April 3, 2008
Ten Springfield Public Schools were named 21 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 once again had the second largest number of schools to make the Top 10 lists. The lists recognize schools for high performance on the spring 2007 Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests.
“We are very proud of these schools and of all the sites that made progress on state assessments last year,” said district superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder. “As always these successes are the result of the quality efforts of students, parents, staff and leadership at each site.”
District schools that made the list are:
Carver Middle School – 7th grade communication arts.
Central 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.
Cherokee Middle School – 7th grade communication arts, 7th grade math, 8th grade communication arts.
Disney Elementary School – 5th grade communication arts, 5th grade math.
Glendale High School – 11th grade communication arts.
Wanda Gray Elementary School – 3rd grade communication arts, 3rd grade math.
Hickory Hills Elementary School – 4th grade communication arts, 4th grade math.
Pershing Elementary School – 4th grade communication arts.
Pershing Middle School – 7th grade communication arts, 7th grade math.
Wilder Elementary School – 4th grade communication arts.
For more information on the district’s Top 10 performance, click here, or call district Public Information Officer Robert Keyes at 523-0050.
SPS summer school information now available
April 2, 2008
Information and course registration for Springfield Public Schools Fifth Quarter and Artworks summer school classes is now available on the district Web site.
Visit the “Summer School” Web page. On-line registration begins April 7.
To assist in enrollment and answer questions, the district will offer an open enrollment night for all district students and parents from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17 in the Central High School Commons.
Summer School begins Wednesday, June 4. Classes will be Monday through Friday until Thursday, July 3.
The district will offer summer school at the following sites. Elementary courses will be at Delaware, McBride, McGregor, Pittman, Weller, Watkins and Field from 7:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Middle school courses will be at Carver and Pipkin from 7:30 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. High School courses will be at Central and Kickapoo from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Artworks program is in its 26th year. Artworks is for students currently in grades 3-8. Artworks classes will be held Monday through Friday June 16-27 and July 7-18.
Some schools offer summer classes at their site only for students at their school. Check with your school to see if these classes will be offered.
The summer school newspaper that lists all courses will be included in the Sunday News-Leader on April 6. Copies will also be available at all schools.
Students travel to Memphis for MLK rally and march
April 2, 2008
More than 45 seventh- and eighth-grade students from Reed and Study middle schools will travel to Memphis, Tenn. Friday, April 4, to participate in a rally and march commemorating the 40th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
District cultural diversity coordinator Dr. Nate Quinn said it will be a good learning opportunity for students, some of whom are unfamiliar with the history of Dr. King and his assassination.
Arthur Hodge, Springfield Public Schools attendance advisor, will accompany the students. “Hopefully through Dr. King’s efforts to keep the dream alive, these students will learn something during this historical moment in time,” he said.
King was shot April 4, 1968 on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. He was 39.
The trip is sponsored by the cultural diversity offices at Springfield Public Schools and Missouri State University.
Robberson welcomes back deployed teacher
April 2, 2008
Robberson Elementary School will welcome back third-grade teacher and U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Fred Romaine during a surprise assembly at 9 a.m. Friday, April 4 in the school gymnasium.
A member of the Missouri National Guard, Romaine served in Baghdad, Iraq for the past year and is among at least nine district employees called to active duty in the past two years.
Before being deployed last April, Romaine taught at Robberson for two years. Prior to teaching, he was in the Army full-time for four years during which time he served in Kuwait for two years. He returned to attend college and has been in the Missouri National Guard for eight years.
He will be greeted Friday by a performance from past students and Robberson principal Kevin Huffman. The students will ring bells to the “Star Spangled Banner.” Two students will also sing “American Tears” and state Rep. Bob Dixon will speak.
This is a surprise assembly. Students are unaware that Romaine has returned. The celebration is open to the public. Robberson is located at 1100 E. Kearney St.
Oprah’s Big Give comes to Springfield Public Schools
April 1, 2008
Springfield’s five public high schools are teaming up to raise funds for freshmen as part of Oprah Winfrey’s primetime series, “Oprah’s Big Give.”
The district high schools collectively represent one of seven local high school districts competing to raise the most money to benefit their schools through Oprah’s “Change Your School Challenge.”
The three school districts that raise the most will win part of $10,000. The winners will be named during Oprah’s Big Give finale April 20 on KSPR-33.
“It is very exciting to see students banding together for one cause to help all of our high schools,” said district Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder.
Student leaders and teacher sponsors from Springfield’s five public high schools have met several times over the past two weeks to brainstorm fundraising events that will benefit future freshmen transitions programs.
On Thursday, April 3, five Springfield restaurants will donate 10 percent of each purchase to the district. The restaurants are: Pasta Express at 3250 E. Battlefield Road and 3025 W. Republic Road; Fuddruckers at 2920 S. Lone Pine Ave., Panera Bread at 2924 E. Sunshine St. and CiCi’s Pizza at 319 E. Battlefield Road.
On Friday, April 4, the district will hold a dance for all Springfield public high school students from 8:30-11 p.m. at Parkview High School. Tickets for “The Big Dance” will be sold at the door for $5. Students must bring a valid school ID badge.
On Saturday, April 5, Parkview will hold “Springfield At Its Best” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in its main gymnasium. Cost is $3 per person or $10 for a family of four or larger. The event will include entertainment from members of the band Big Smith, district bands and choirs, an elementary school art show and a silent auction. On the auction block will be golf packages, photography packages, restaurant gift certificates, spa packages, lawn care and floral services.
On Sunday, April 6, the Betty Allison Charity Golf Event will be at Rivercut Golf Course. Proceeds from the four-hole tournament will benefit the “Change Your School Challenge” and Champion Athletes of the Ozarks. To sponsor a hole or make a pledge contact Foundation for Springfield Public Schools at 523-0144. Tee time is 2 p.m.
Fremont turns March Madness into big donation
April 1, 2008
Fremont Elementary School students recently participated in a March Madness food drive to benefit Ozarks Food Harvest. Nearly 500 canned food goods were brought in to provide groceries for hungry families.
Carver raises money for leukemia and lymphoma
April 1, 2008
Carver Middle School students recently raised more than $1,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society national “Pennies for Patients” program and they got to see two male sixth grade teachers – Joe Laflen and Todd McLain - dress as women.
Students contributed change in a jar for the teacher they most wanted to see dress like a woman for a day. Laflen raised more than $600. McLain, who raised the second highest amount, joined Laflen in a show of support.
Reed student's poem wins state competition
April 1, 2008
Reed Middle School student Rachael Dotson recently won first place in the middle school division of the Missouri State Poetry Society’s 2008 Winter Poetry Contest for her poem “Yesterday’s Poem.”
Central High School student Amber Rose Bennett received an honorable mention for her poem, “Winter’s Shroud.”
Dotson’s poem will represent Missouri in the national Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest, sponsored by the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Winners will be notified in mid-May.
Forty 'Future Business Leaders' qualify for state
April 1, 2008
Students from all five SPS high schools attended Future Business Leaders of America- Phi Beta Lambda’s District Leadership Conference at Evangel University in March. Forty students qualified for the state conference April 20-22 in Columbia.
Kickapoo qualified 24 students, Glendale had nine, Central had four, Parkview had two, and Hillcrest qualified one.
Portland benefits from church partnership
April 1, 2008
Portland Elementary School and Heartland Covenant Church recently partnered for a 40 Days of Community outreach program.
Heartland raised more than $300 in a quarter drive to benefit a before-school reading program for Portland. Heartland also hosted an Easter egg hunt for more than 60 students.
On April 5, church members will participate in a spring clean-up day at Portland, painting free throw lines and doing other playground maintenance.
Hillcrest to welcome back alumni for 50th anniversary celebration
April 1, 2008
Hillcrest High School will welcome back all graduating classes for a special 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 10.
Set-up begins at 8 a.m.; registration begins at 11 a.m. Each class representative, with the help of alumni sponsorships, will prepare a registration table for their class featuring pictures and memorabilia.
Other activities during the day include tours of the school by current Hillcrest student council members, a lunch provided by the Hillcrest DECA team, a welcome from Principal Jay Rush, a video retrospective and a concert featuring modern music combined with orchestral music provided under the direction of Hillcrest orchestra teacher, Lisa Fent.
The day will culminate with a reunion dance at 7 p.m. in the east gym. The cost will be $5.
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