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High school commencement DVDs still on sale
May 30, 2008
DVD copies of this week’s five Springfield public high school commencement ceremonies can be purchased for $30. Send checks, payable to Central High School, to Central, attention Nichole Lemmon, at 423 E. Central St. Include your name, address and phone number.
Commencement ceremonies are also being rebroadcast on Mediacom channel 25. For specific dates and times, see below.
Central makes 'Challenge Index' list for 2008
May 30, 2008
Central High School was recently named to a national list of schools on the Newsweek and Washington Post “Challenge Index” for 2008.
The index measures a public high school’s effort to academically challenge its students. This is one factor used by educators to determine the overall quality of a school.
Central ranked 1,276 out of nearly 1,400 public schools in the country that are in the top 5 percent of all 27,000 U.S. high schools for encouraging students to take Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge tests.
GHS student's attendance nets him new car
May 30, 2008
Glendale High School freshman Stephen Luce was the lucky winner of a 2008 Kia Rio during this year’s 8th annual attendance car giveaway at Youngblood-Nissan-Chrysler-Kia, 3410 S. Campbell Ave.
Luce was among 25 students (five from each Springfield public high school) who became eligible to win the car if they attended school 95-100 percent of the time this year.
Luce attended school 96.89 percent of the time this year.
SEPTA sets June 17 membership meeting
May 30, 2008
The Springfield Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) will hold a general membership meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 in the Central High School Commons.
Speakers will be SPS Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder; Amy Krause, the director of special education; Jennifer Beuerlein, assistant director of special education, and Peggy Mitchell, assistant director of early childhood special education.
Parkview wins $2,000 in grants for record-setting blood drives
May 29, 2008
Parkview High School students received two grant awards from Community Blood Center of the Ozarks this week for donating record amounts of blood during the CBCO’s “Students for Life High School Partnership Program.”
The grants are based on participation in CBCO blood drives held during the 2007-08 school year, and are underwritten by local hospitals throughout a 38-county service area.
PHS will receive a $1,000 grant for recruiting the highest number of registered blood donors during the 2007-08 school year. According to the CBCO, 797 students attempted to make a donation during three blood drives this year, setting a new regional record for high school participation.
Parkview will receive another $1,000 grant for showing the greatest increase in participation (78 percent) over the previous year.
Principal Chance Wistrom said faculty and student leaders will meet to determine how the money should be used.
“We are very proud of these awards and feel they are indicative of our school’s dedication to civic responsibility,” Wistrom said. “Throughout the year our student leaders worked with the outstanding staff at the CBCO to market and conduct blood drives at Parkview.”
David Montgomery, CBCO’s Senior Director of Donor Recruitment and Marketing said: “Our Students for Life High School Partnership illustrates the good things that are happening in the schools across our area. During the school year, around 40 percent of the blood collected by this organization comes from high school and college donors. Young people play a vital role in saving the lives of sick and injured patients every day in the Ozarks. I’m awed by the way our area students rise each year to meet this ongoing challenge.”
Strong school attendance will win one SPS student a new car
May 29, 2008
A good year of school attendance and a moment of good luck will win one Springfield public high school student a new car on Thursday, May 29.
Youngblood-Nissan-Chrysler-Kia is giving away a 2008 Kia Rio during its 8th annual attendance car give-away at the 3410 S. Campbell Ave. dealership. A drawing is at 4 p.m.
Twenty-five semifinalists (five from each school) became eligible for the car if they attended school 95-100 percent of the time this year.
“This drawing is just one more way our community is working with Springfield Public Schools to help us improve overall student attendance,” said district Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder. “Thanks to Youngblood-Nissan-Chrysler-Kia.”
Commencement videos available to view or purchase
May 27, 2008
Commencement ceremonies for all five Springfield public high schools will be rebroadcast at 7 p.m. on Mediacom channel 25 on the following dates:
Parkview – May 29 and June 4.
Hillcrest – May 30 and June 5.
Kickapoo – May 31 and June 6.
Central – June 1 and June 7.
Glendale – June 2 and June 8.
DVD copies of the ceremonies can be purchased for $30. Send checks (payable to Central High School) to:
Central High School
attn: Nichole Lemmon
423 E. Central St.
Springfield, MO
65802
Include your name, address and phone number.
For more information call district Public Information Officer Robert Keyes at 523-0050.
District said farewell to 97 employees
May 22, 2008
Ninety-seven Springfield Public Schools employees representing 2,083 combined years of service were honored during the district’s annual retirement banquet on, Thursday, May 22.
The district said farewell to 57 certificated educators, averaging just over 23 years of experience, and 40 support staff employees, averaging more than 19 years experience.
“The impressive number of work years represented here is a testament to the dedication these fine employees have given to our community and our kids,” Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder said. “We wish them all the best in retirement.”
Springfield Public Schools is the fourth largest employer in the city with 1,754 educators, 1,363 support personnel and 219 administrators.
The retirement banquet was sponsored by the district Human Resources Department.
High school commencement DVDs now for sale
May 22, 2008
DVD copies of this week’s five Springfield public high school commencement ceremonies can be purchased for $30. Send checks, payable to Central High School, to Central, attention Nichole Lemmon, at 423 E. Central St. Include your name, address and phone number. Orders should be placed by Friday, May 30.
The district will replay the commencement ceremonies on Mediacom channel 25. Dates and times for those broadcasts will be announced next week.
Physics club third in national rocket challenge
May 22, 2008
The Kickapoo High School Physics Club placed third among 100 teams from across the nation in the 2008 Team America Rocket Challenge held May 17 in The Plains, Va.
Participating students were Jack Watts, Adam Legg, Quincy Conduff, Kevin Satzinger, Natalie Rooney, Lara Bower, Robert Fess, Tyler Scroggs, Jean Morano, Jade Johnson and Michael Jahnke.
Contest rules required students to design, build and test a model rocket that can fly for close to 45 seconds and soar up to 750 feet without breaking two raw eggs inside the capsule. The third place finish was based on a composite score of two launches.
The team will receive monetary awards totaling $9,000 from sponsors of the event including Lockheed Martin Corp.
Pirates Without Borders research displayed tonight
May 22, 2008
Pipkin Middle School will host an exhibit of projects students and staff have prepared as part of the school’s Pirates Without Borders Program from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the school. Pirates Without Borders is an international community service program supporting the International Baccalaureate, Middle Years Programme (IB/MYP). Pipkin is a candidate school.
Research done this year on hunger, clean water, environment, land mines, refugees, and education year will be exhibited in the cafeteria and gym. Pipkin Middle School is located at 1215 N. Boonville Ave.
Rountree holds annual 'egg drop' tonight
May 22, 2008
Rountree Elementary School will hold its annual year-end kindergarten egg drop at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the school, located at 1333 E. Grand St.
As tradition holds, participating kindergarteners secure a raw egg in a protective container that they created. The container is dropped from a third floor window at the school. The objective - to NOT break the egg. Certificates will be awarded for students who fare best.
Henry Stratman III is Project Graduation winner
May 22, 2008
Kickapoo High School senior Henry Stratman III won a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo during the Project Graduation Car Giveaway May 21 at Reliable Chevrolet in Springfield.
Project Graduation is drug- and alcohol-free post-graduation celebration for seniors. At the end of each schools’ party, attendees registered to win a car. Twenty-five semi-finalists were drawn (five from each district high school).
Springfield Public Schools has sponsored Project Graduation for more than 20 years.
Jeffries elementary sponsors second grade author night
May 21, 2008
Jeffries Elementary School will host an author night featuring the original works of second-grade students from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, May 22.
Students will present books and photo anthologies about the lives of various zoo animals. They have been working on the project for two months
The project has been a collaborative effort between students, teachers, the school library and the Dickerson Park Zoo.
“This project has turned out amazing,” said Jeffries library media specialist Laura Burdette. “The second-graders have really excelled at taking their own photos and creating digital photo-stories.”
Zoo representative Pam Herd will attend the event and bring animal artifacts and a live lizard. Photo-story anthology CDs will be sold for $2.
District high school commencements
May 22, 2008
Close to 1,550 Springfield public high school students received their diplomas May 19 and 20 during commencement ceremonies at Hammons Student Center.
Parkview High School - 282 graduated, view honors
Hillcrest High School - 247 graduated, view honors
Kickapoo High School - 345 graduated, view honors
Central High School - 280 graduated, view honors
Glendale High School - 342 graduated, view honors
Bailey Alternative High School - 43 graduated, view honors
corollary:
Springfield graduates earned over $15 million in scholarship dollars
About 1,550 Springfield Public Schools seniors graduated in May collecting a total of over $15 million in scholarship funds.
Here is the breakdown of scholarships awarded as of graduation for all SPS high schools.
Central High School
Graduated 280 students
10 valedictorians with a 5.0 grade-point average
Nine National Merit Scholarship finalists, 10 commended National Merit Scholars
55 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates
Seven IB certificate candidates
38 qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships by scoring in the top 3 percent in Missouri on the ACT or SAT
83 students eligible for A+ Schools incentive grants
83 received President’s Award for Educational Excellence
73 students received 231 Seals of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic department
42 received honors diplomas, graduating in the top 15 percent of their class
80 were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
51 seniors are National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted by students – more than $4.8 million
Hillcrest High School
Graduated 247 students
Two valedictorians with a 5.0 grade-point average
Two salutatorians with a 4.98 grade-point average
Four students qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships by scoring in the top 3 percent in Missouri on the ACT of SAT
46 students received 117 Seals of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic department
24 received President’s Award for Educational Excellence
14 were given the President’s Award for Educational Achievement
39 received honors diplomas, graduating in the top 15 percent of their class
52 were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
41 seniors are National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted by students – more than $1.5 million
Glendale High School
Graduated 342 students
Eight valedictorians with a 5.0 grade-point average
Two National Merit Scholarship finalists, three commended National Merit Scholars
22 qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships by scoring in the top 3 percent in Missouri on the ACT or SAT
119 students eligible for A+ Schools incentive grants
59 Students received 116 Seals of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic department
86 received President’s Award for Educational Excellence
53 received honors diplomas, graduating in the top 15 percent of their class
132 were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
66 seniors were National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted by students – more than $3.5 million
Kickapoo High School
Graduated 345 students
Five valedictorians with a 5.0 grade-point average
One National Merit Scholarship finalist
13 qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships by scoring in the top 3 percent in Missouri on the ACT or SAT
41 Students received 65 Seals of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic department
86 received President’s Award for Educational Excellence
60 received honors diplomas, graduating in the top 15 percent of their class
127 were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
59 seniors were National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted by students – more than $3.1 million
Parkview High School
Graduated 282 students
Two valedictorians with a 5.0 grade-point average
Seven qualified for Bright Flight Scholarships by scoring in the top 3 percent in Missouri on the ACT or SAT
75 students eligible for A+ Schools incentive grants
73 students received 138 Seals of Excellence based on performance in a particular academic department
38 received President’s Award for Educational Excellence
49 received honors diplomas, graduating in the top 15 percent of their class
60 were presented with College Preparatory Certificates
51 seniors were National Honor Society members
Total scholarships accepted by students – more than $2.1 million
Bailey Alternative High School
*Graduated 43 students
Two students received two-year Ozarks Technical Community College Director’s scholarships
One student received the Bailey Excellence and Success for Today (B.E.S.T.) scholarship (funded by a donor through The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools)
One student received the Doris McMillen Thompson Sinden Memorial Scholarship (funded by a donor through The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools)
Total scholarships accepted by students – $1,500
* students are also included in graduate totals at their home schools
Papa John’s, Majestic Limousine reward three schools for perfect attendance
May 21, 2008
Students from Boyd, Bissett and Pittman elementary schools will receive Majestic Limousine rides to a free lunch at Papa John’s Pizza this week in celebration of their perfect attendance during the school year.
Papa John’s and Majestic co-sponsor the annual event to reward Springfield Public School students for their commitment to getting to school every day. The district has set a goal under its Strategic Plan of achieving 95 percent overall student attendance by 2011.
“It’s kind of hard to learn if you’re not in school,” said Papa John’s local operator, Ken Bruce. “I think attendance is one of the most important things for students to learn.”
The three schools were chosen based on the percentage of their student population who had perfect attendance. Thirteen Boyd students with perfect attendance received their limo ride and pizza on Wednesday, May 21. Twenty Pittman students will be treated at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, May 22; 18 Bissett students will be rewarded at 11 a.m. Friday, May 23.
“Our goal was to reach 95 percent attendance this year and we’re on track to make that goal,” said Bissett principal Marcie Stallcup. “We’re thrilled, attendance is huge. This will help us make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) because more students are here to learn.”
Glendale the big winner in ‘Safe and Sober Prom’ event
May 19, 2008
Glendale students accept the winning check for $2,360
Students from all five Springfield public high schools received $1,000 checks and Glendale High School was the big money winner in this year’s 4th annual “Safe and Sober Prom Night” awards ceremony.
Glendale collected a $2,360 check for having the largest percentage of prom-eligible students sign pledges to remain drug and alcohol free on prom night. Central won $780, Parkview won $670, Kickapoo won $650 and Hillcrest won $540.
In addition, one student from each school won $1,000 in a random drawing. Winners were: Brittany Evans (Glendale), Samantha Young (Central), Melissa Nieves (Parkview), Brooks Lockwood (Kickapoo) and Sheldon Ihnen (Hillcrest).
Student $1000 winners. (Missing from photo: Brittany Evans)
The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools sponsors “Safe and Sober Prom Night,” which was founded and underwritten by Kurt and Sally Larson of Larson Law Firm.
“This entire community has joined together to support our students with this program, recognizing that right now, prom to graduation season, is statistically the most dangerous time for our teens,” said Larson. “If we all do our part, these are the kind of tragedies we can control and prevent by raising awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. “
Over the last month, Kurt Larson gave presentations at 15 local and regional high schools to more than 4,000 students about the legal and personal consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Students were given an opportunity to sign a pledge card, promising to remain drug and alcohol free. Parents of students were notified of the program by letter and given tips for their part in keeping prom night safe and sober. As incentive for students, schools and their students were offered cash prizes, free t-shirts or wristbands, and bumper stickers.
Disney elementary becomes Civil War learning camp on May 16
May 15, 2008
Disney Elementary School will be transformed into a Civil War battlefield Friday, May 16 during a hands-on history experience for fifth-grade students.
About 100 students will take part in “Camp Disney” from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the 4100 S. Fremont Ave. School. The event will include a five-piece Civil War era band and other music representing Union and Confederacy sentiments.
Students will visit 20 different stations set up to demonstrate various aspects of the Civil War, such as “spy coding,” soldier games, letter writing, marching and drills.
“We study the Civil War in the fifth grade and wanted to give students an opportunity to focus on the life of the common soldier,” explained Disney fifth grade teacher Debbie Hammer.
Care to Learn off to fast start
May 15, 2008
Doug Pitt and Wal-Mart Marketing Manager
Skip Tinney
Just six weeks after it was introduced the Care to Learn fund has shattered its sponsors’ goal of raising $200,000 to provide un-met students needs in Springfield Public Schools.
The new target is now $300,000. On Thursday, May 15, officials from Wal-Mart/Sam’s stores raised the running total to $275,000 by presenting a $50,000 check to local businessman Doug Pitt, who spearheaded the effort in partnership with the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, local philanthropist Jim D. Morris and an anonymous donor. The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools is administering the fund.
“This has come together very fast,” Pitt said during a check presentation at Jarrett Middle School. “Care to Learn has already been everything I’ve hoped for.”
The three-year Care to Learn plan is to use donations to help district schools provide basic hunger, health and hygiene necessities to individual students.
In its first month, the Care to Learn fund received donations ranging from $5 to $25,000 (the latter presented last month by SRC.Holdings Corp).
In presenting a company check Thursday, Wal-Mart Marketing Manager Skip Tinney said, “We have a burning passion to help kids.”
For more information on Care to Learn or to make a donation, call the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools at 523-0144.
Three CHS students awarded National Merit $2,500 Scholarships
May 15, 2008
Central High School seniors Karina Bielecki, Evan Dorshorst and Amy Wei have been named National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
The students were among 2,500 high school seniors in the nation and 49 in Missouri to win the scholarship. Winners were selected from among 15,000 finalists in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Finalists are selected by college admissions officers and high school counselors based on a combination of academic and community accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Winners of the $2,500 scholarships can apply their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
Twelve district students (nine from Central, two from Glendale and one from Kickapoo) were named National Merit finalists this year and are eligible for one of three types of National Merit Scholarships - corporate sponsored scholarships, $2,500 scholarships and college sponsored scholarships.
Shanna Nelson from Central was recently awarded a corporate scholarship.
Remaining finalists are Wesley Chao, Xi (Lucy) Chen, Anna Moseley, Samuel Rowland, and Lindsey Zhang from Central; Cole Carter and Alex Brozowski from Glendale and Kevin Satzinger from Kickapoo.
College sponsored scholarship winners will be announced May 28 and July 14.
NSBA celebrates outstanding student attendance
May 14, 2008
The North Springfield Betterment Association celebrated outstanding school-year attendance May 13 for students in 14 north Springfield public elementary schools. About 165 students with 99 percent or better attendance this year attended a party at the Missouri Entertainment and Event Center.
The five north-side schools with the most improved attendance are 1: Bowerman, 2: Watkins, 3: Robberson, 4: Bissett and 5) Campbell.
NSBA is in its 11th year working to improve attendance at 14 north Springfield elementary schools.
CHS students third in national ‘WordMasters Challenge’
May 14, 2008
A group of Central High School 10th grade students took third place out of 610 high school teams from across the country in this year’s WordMasters Challenge. The competition for high school students requires close reading and analysis of different kinds of prose and poetry. The premise is that attentive reading and sensitivity to language are among the most important skills students acquire in school.
During this year’s fourth and final meet, Christian Shade was among 11 tenth-graders to earn a perfect score. Classmate Anisha Rimal just missed a perfect score. Spencer Melgren, Marissa Farley, Nick Hugenberg, Jared Gohr and Austin Vinton were among the 196 highest-scoring tenth-graders.
Delaware third graders sell art for Isabel’s House
May 14, 2008
Third-grade students at Delaware Elementary School are selling their artwork Friday, May 23, to raise money for the prevention of child abuse. The sale is part of a service learning project for the students.
The sale is from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. in the front yard of the school at 1505 S. Delaware Ave. Proceeds will be donated to Isabel’s House.
Date set for Safe and Sober Prom Night awards ceremony
May 13, 2008
The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools will hold its 4th annual “Safe and Sober Prom Night” awards ceremony at 4 p.m. Friday, May 16 in the Assembly Room at Kraft Administrative Center.
“Safe and Sober Prom Night” founder Kurt Larson will award $10,000 to Springfield public high schools and their students for their commitments to remaining drug and alcohol free on prom night.
“This entire community has joined together to support our students with this program, recognizing that right now, prom to graduation season, is statistically the most dangerous time for our teens,” said Larson. “If we all do our part, these are the kind of tragedies we can control and prevent by raising awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. “
Safe and Sober Prom Night is underwritten by Kurt and Sally Larson of Larson Law Firm, in association with the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. Over the last month, Kurt gave presentations at 15 local and regional high schools where he spoke to more than 4000 students about the legal and personal consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Each student was given an opportunity to sign a pledge card, pledging to remain drug and alcohol free. Parents of students were notified of the program by letter and given tips for their part in keeping prom night safe and sober. As incentive for students, schools and their students were offered cash prizes, free t-shirts or wristbands, and bumper stickers.
The program has garnered the support of organizations throughout the community.
Kickapoo names Kuper Kreul new head football coach
May 13, 2008
Kuper Kreul has been named the new head football coach at Kickapoo High School, district Athletic Director Mark Fisher announced today.
Kreul was an assistant coach at Kickapoo last season. Before that he was head coach at Hampton (Ark.) High School and Cabool and Republic high schools. Kreul led Republic to a Central Ozark Conference title in 1999 and a district title in 2002.
Kreul has also been an assistant coach at Fayetteville (Ark.), Bentonville (Ark.) and Marshfield high schools.
Kickapoo engineering team places 40th nationally
May 8, 2008
The Kickapoo High School varsity Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) team was recently ranked 40th out of 60 teams that qualified for nationals.
Kickapoo qualified for nationals after receiving 1st place in its division at the regional competition. Kickapoo was one of only six Missouri teams to qualify for national ranking.
The competition consisted of physics students working in teams to cooperatively solve engineering and design problems in a timed testing format.
Disney students win big in 'Fight the Bite' contest
May 8, 2008
Peli Godden, a Disney Elementary School fifth-grader, was recently named the winner of the national “Fight the Bite” poster contest sponsored by the DEET Education Program.
Shinyoung Kim, also a Disney fifth-grader, was named the Missouri state winner in the contest. Classmate Caity McDiarmid received an honorable mention for Missouri fifth grade students.
“I feel that it is important that students are aware of methods to avoid tick and mosquito bites because of Missouri weather and habitats,” said their teacher, Sara Johnson. “This was a fun and educational way for students to learn this information.”
Godden will receive a $1,000 savings bond, plaque and travel expenses to the award ceremony in Atlanta, Ga.; both Godden and Kim will have their work displayed on the “Fight the Bite” Web site, www.fightthebitecontest.org beginning May 22.
All three students’ posters are below.
Peli Godden, national winner:
Shinyoung Kim, state winner:
Caity McDiarmid, honorable mention:
Parkview DECA students compete at nationals
May 8, 2008
Three Parkview High School DECA students were among more than 14,000 competitors who traveled to Atlanta, Ga. April 25-30 for the national DECA tournament.
Kaitlin Oxenrieder, Natalie Akins and Ben Haldiman competed in Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making and Leadership Development.
National Science Center makes impression in district schools
May 8, 2008
Army SFC, Michael Tindal, entertained and educated Westport fifth-grade students Thursday morning by using a Tesla coil to demonstrate how electricity travels.
The National Science Center’s Mobile Discovery Center has been spending a lot of time at Springfield Public Schools this spring.
On May 8 and 9, the rolling lab stopped at Westport Elementary School to give third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students a hands-on lesson in the workings of electricity.
Next stop will be Pershing Middle School May 12-16. The vehicle recently made district stops at the Phelps Center for Gifted Education, Hickory Hills, Twain and Disney schools.
The $1 million mobile learning center offers unique lessons in math, science and technology that sparks curiosity and a desire to learn.
Headquartered in Augusta, Ga., the National Science Center is a partnership between the National Science Center, Inc. and the U.S. Army. It is manned by army military and Department of Army civilian personnel.
GHS donates décor for independent living center prom
May 8, 2008
Glendale High School’s prom committee recently donated its prom décor to the Southwest Center for Independent Living, which will hold its own prom on Saturday, June 28.
The Southwest Center for Independent Living provides services, advocacy and resources for people with disabilities in southwest Missouri.
The effort was spearheaded by Glendale special education teachers Kristin Schaumberg and Jamie Rayburn who wanted to give back to the Southwest Center that has provided support and transition services for many of their students.
“The Southwest Center was thrilled with the gift and the prom committee was excited to be able to get more use out of the decorations,” Schaumberg said.
Glendale held its prom on April 25. Afterwards, fabric, candles, floor coverings and picture frames were saved for the Southwest Center’s prom. Several Glendale special education teachers will volunteer at that prom.
The prom committee plans to make the donation annually.
Partners in Education reception today
May 7, 2008
A reception will be from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Weller Elementary School to recognize participants in the district’s Partners In Education Program. Partners In Education links businesses and community organizations with schools to develop activities, projects and incentives that enhance learning. Weller is located at 1630 N. Weller Ave.
Parker McKenna named '20 Under 30' in Springfield
May 7, 2008
SPS Human Resources and Benefits Coordinator, Parker McKenna, was recently recognized by GO Magazine as one of Springfield’s “20 Under 30.”
“Parker is intelligent, innovative, articulate and community minded,” Human Resources Director Danny Fuller said. “He has worked hard for his education and continues to seek professional development in the human resources field.”
The complete list of the ’20 Under 30’ will be published in the May 21 edition of GO, a bi-monthly Springfield publication.
Isaacs named Counselor Advocate of the Year
May 7, 2008
Central High School Principal Everett Isaacs was named the Counselor Advocate of the Year by the Southwest Missouri School Counselor Association at the organization’s spring meeting on May 2.
The award is based upon Isaac’s exemplary support and promotion of new and existing guidance and counseling service programs at Central.
Author/illustrator team to visit Westport
May 7, 2008
A presentation from author/illustrator team Gail Taylor and Don Griffin stressing the importance of writing and illustrating will take place on Thursday, May 15 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at Westport Elementary School. The event correlates with the celebration of National Children’s Book Week.
Bailey awarded motivational speaker grant
May 7, 2008
Bailey Alternative High School was recently awarded a $300 grant from the Missouri National Education Association and Staples to help bring motivational speakers to the school and to purchase journals for at-risk students.
The grant was written by Mark Gideon, a member of the Springfield National Education Association and a district instructional specialist.
Students win big at Future Business Leaders state competition
May 6, 2008
Members of the Kickapoo High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter recently qualified for the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Ga. June 26-29.
The students competed at the 2008 Missouri FBLA Leadership Conference competition April 20-22 in Columbia. The top 10 places were recognized in each event, but only the winner and runner-up advanced to Atlanta.
Kickapoo students Bobby Hawn, Clayton Rothschild, Andrew Neill, Bonnie Lyons, Kevin Satzinger, Hunter Auman, Aimee Pong, Emily Wagman, Kyler Temple, Tyler Bruton and Zach Cochran qualified for nationals in various categories.
Placing in the top 10 in their events were Glendale students Erin Love, Thomas Fritts, Keith Wine and Yelena Bosovik; Kickapoo students Brooks Lockwood, Nat Thompson, Lauren McCreight and Erin Squires; and Central student Sara Swango.
Combination classrooms on the decline
May 6, 2008
Springfield public elementary schools have less than half the number of combination classrooms (with students from more than one grade level in the same classroom) we had in 2004-05.
Reducing combination classrooms supports the district goal of improving our graduation rate. It is also one of the targets of our long-range strategic plan and among the highlights in the latest “Quarterly Report” of district goal indicators and measures.
The “Quarterly Report” (view document) helps us share progress we’re making toward our three primary district goals, identifies strengths to celebrate and notes opportunities for improvement.
This quarter’s report also has information on our “schools of choice” plan, student test scores and trends and other information.
KHS students qualify for national rocket challenge
May 6, 2008
The Kickapoo High School Physics Club is among 100 high school teams from across the country that will compete in the 2008 Team America Rocket Challenge at the national finals in The Plains, Va. on May 17.
Jack Watts, Adam Legg, Quincy Conduff, Kevin Satzinger, Natalie Rooney, Lara Bower, Robert Fess, Tyler Scroggs, Jean Morano, Caleb Collier, Anisul Huq, Jade Johnson, Brooke McMillin and Michael Jahnke qualified April 5 in Columbia.
“The contest has provided physics club members an opportunity to apply what they have learned in physics to design, construct, and test a real world piece of engineering in the form of a model rocket,” said Jeremy McMillan, Kickapoo physics teacher and club sponsor. “Ultimately, the team built three different model rockets and conducted several test launches before a successful design was found.”
Contest rules stipulate that students design, build and test a model rocket that can fly for close to 45 seconds and soar up to 750 feet without breaking two raw eggs inside the capsule.
The KHS club’s qualification flight, which was certified by the National Association of Rocketry, lasted 43.5 seconds. The rocket lifted 760 feet before returning to earth with the eggs intact.
The winner of the national contest will receive a trip to the Farnborough Air Show in London, England in July; the top 10 teams will split a prize pool of $60,000.
Jeffrey Thornsberry named new principal at McGregor Elementary School
May 5, 2008
Jeffrey Thornsberry has been named the new principal at McGregor Elementary School.
Thornsberry is currently the principal and instructional services director at Conway High School. He was assistant principal and curriculum director at Webb City High School from 2004-07, taught American history and physical education at Branson Junior High School from 2001-04, and taught eighth grade American history at Logan-Rogersville Middle School from 1996-2001.
A graduate of Mehlville High School in St. Louis, Thornsberry received his Bachelor of Science in History and a minor in political science from Southwest Missouri State University in 1996. He received a Masters in School Administration from William Woods University in 2004 and is working toward his Education Specialist at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar.
Thornsberry begins working with the district this summer.
Pershing’s ‘Running for Recess’ encourages exercise in families
May 2, 2008
Pershing Middle School will host its first “Running for Recess 5K and Kids Fun Run” on Saturday, May 3. The event is designed to encourage healthy exercise programs and family unity.
Though the races are being run at Pershing, 2120 S. Ventura Ave., all district students and families are invited to participate.
Organizer Patty Petty says she hopes the event encourages families to maintain their own exercise routine and that it becomes an annual community tradition.
The 5K begins at 8 a.m.; awards will follow at 9 a.m. The Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m.; awards will follow at 10:15 a.m. Prizes will be given to the top overall male and female and to the top three finishers in each of the following age groups: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 and 71+.
All proceeds will go toward the purchase of new playground equipment at Pershing. However, $3 of the registration cost can be donated to a Parent Teachers Association (PTA) chapter of the participant’s choice.
Registrations will be accepted beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday; cost is $20 for the 5K and $8 for the fun run.
Bowerman offers night of family fun and helpful resources
May 1, 2008
Bowerman Elementary School’s annual Family Fun Night on May 2 will be more than a year-end celebration for students, parents and staff. It will also offer important resources for parents.
Friday’s event begins at 5 p.m. at Bowerman, 2148 N. Douglas Ave., and will feature an array of fun, games, live music and food. For the first time, the event will also offer parents direct access to community resources many of them may need.
Officials representing the Kiwanis Club Shoe Bank, Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association, Caring Communities, Lost and Found, Jordan Valley Clinic and many other organizations will be on-hand.
“We know many resources are available in our community and we want to make our parents aware they exist,” said Bowerman Principal Jason Steingraber. He added that a free meal will be provided to parents who get information from at least a half dozen of the organizations.
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