Elementary School

Ms. Solik’s 4th grade class at Willow Springs Elementary recently scrubbed in for a day of learning like no other. In "Fraction Hospital," students stitched up number lines with fractions, examined X-rays to identify fractional parts, and diagnosed word problems using medical charts. Some “patients” even received equivalent fraction bandages to make a full recovery. In the afternoon, it was all about “Text Feature Surgery.” Students read through charts, identified missing text features, and completed post-op reports to ensure every patient got the help they needed. Learning never looked so hands-on or so fun. 🩺✏️

Kindergarten Graduation is almost here. 🎓 Join us for a special celebration on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the Munford Gymnasium.

We are hiring a Kindergarten Teacher. Apply here and join our team! www.willowbears.com/page/employment

The Willow Springs School District invites you to nominate the amazing teachers and staff who make a difference every day! Through our "Boosting Our Bears" program, you can celebrate their hard work and dedication. Submit your nominations today—it's quick and easy! Nominations carry over each month, so there's no need to resubmit for previously recognized individuals. 👉 Click here to nominate: https://go.willowbears.com/boostingourbears (All nominations must be submitted through the form.) Let’s Boost Our Bears together! 🐾

November 'Boosting Our Bears' Employee Spotlight We’re excited to celebrate two amazing members of the Willow Springs team: Mr. Shiloh Walden and Ms. Heather Miller. Mr. Walden, our dedicated high school agriculture teacher, inspires students daily with his passion for education. His innovative approach to teaching and genuine care for his students leave a lasting impact in and beyond the classroom. Ms. Miller, our amazing middle school social studies teacher, consistently goes above and beyond. Her dedication, positive energy, and commitment to her students and colleagues make her an invaluable part of our Bear family. Thank you, Mr. Walden and Ms. Miller, for your outstanding contributions to our schools and community. You truly embody what it means to be part of the Willow Springs Bear family.

District calendar for the 2024-25 school year!📆 For a PDF version, click this link: https://tinyurl.com/ydv2ykwb

Mrs. Kelley recently visited Mrs. Thompson's class to talk about bee keeping and what tools are needed to harvest honey!🐝🍯 #OneWillow

Scott and Olivia Mackey from EHM and Co recently made a special visit to Mrs. Coffman's classroom and brought several of their animal friends! Students learned first hand about the diets, habitats, and common behaviors of bunnies, a baby tortoise, a bearded dragon, zebra skinks, a leopard gecko, an axolotl and a ball python. This was a fantastic opportunity to practice language and social skills! Thank you Scott and Olivia! #OneWillow

Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting the individuals that are retiring from the Willow Springs School District. First up is 2nd Grade Interventionist, Mrs. Anita Ellis! Q: How many years have you worked for the Willow Springs School District? A: I have worked in the Willow Springs School District for a total of nineteen years. (8 years as a paraprofessional, 11 years teaching). Q: How many years have you been in education? A: I have been in education for 33 years. Before teaching, I was a paraprofessional here at Willow Springs Elementary for eight years. After receiving my teaching certification, I taught at the FairView School District in West Plains for three years, Mountain View Elementary for eleven years and am now finishing my eleventh year here at WSE. Q: What will you miss the most about working for the Willow Springs School District? A: It’s hard to say what I’m going to miss the most when I leave the Willow Springs School District. There are so many things here that are very dear to my heart, those being my students' former/present and my co-workers/team. I will miss my students and those “ah ha” moments, when the light comes on. Those moments are my favorite and have reminded me on many occasions why I’m here. My co-workers/team are more like family. I have been blessed to work with such amazing people and to have built relationships that will last a lifetime. I will always hold true to the motto “Once a Bear, Always a Bear”! Q: What are you looking forward to the most about being retired? A: The thing that I am most looking forward to is having more time to spend with my sister, who retired from her job last year. She is constantly telling me how wonderful retirement is going to be! We will enjoy camping trips with our family, long day shopping trips, overnight stays, and sitting by the lake or river this summer. I also love to paint/refinish furniture. I am always finding old pieces of furniture that I would love to give new life. My new schedule will give more time to do that. Congratulations Mrs. Ellis and thank you for all that you have done for the Willow Springs School District! We wish you the best!🐻 #OneWillow #onceabearalwaysabear

Congratulations to the Willow Springs Elementary School Spelling Bee winners! 1st Grade: 🥇1st Place - Madelyn Gorla 🥈2nd Place - Kane Ennis 🥉3rd Place - Graysen Stiebs 2nd Grade: 🥇1st Place - Michael Iacovlev 🥈2nd Place - Rowdy Hays 🥉3rd Place - Amelia Green 3rd Grade: 🥇1st Place - Joshua Coffman 🥈2nd Place -Emery McKee 🥉3rd Place -Evelin Kharitonova 4th Grade: 🥇1st Place - Lily Mullins (not pictured) 🥈2nd Place - Alivia Tharp 🥉3rd Place - Russell Garner #OneWillow

The 4th grade classes went to the YMCA last week to watch their teachers vote to see the process and learn about the importance of voting! #OneWillow

Mrs. Kelley's class recently visited the Willow Springs FFA greenhouses for their plant science unit!🌱🌺 #OneWillow

Mrs. Chaney's Kindergarten class enjoyed learning about the Eclipse today!🌒 They tried the special glasses on and enjoyed a tasty snack of moon pies and sunny d! #OneWillow

Elementary and Middle School students recently participated in the Art Around Town event that is sponsored by MSU-West Plains and the West Plains Art Council!🎨 Keera Honerkamp placed 1st in the K-2nd division, Adelyn Dhillon placed 3rd in the 3rd and 4th division and Porter Casey won Best of Show! Congratulations!🥳 #OneWillow

Information for boys basketball camps for grades 3rd-6th!

Mrs. Solik's class researched different influential African Americans during February for Black History Month! #OneWillow

Children's author Jefferson Knapp came to visit the Willow Springs Elementary School today! Mr. Knapp is the author of a series titled The Kingdom at the End of the Driveway. The students had a great time! More information about Mr. Knapp can be found at www.krakenbooks.com. Thank you Mr. Knapp for stopping by Willow!

Members of the Presbyterian Church of Willow came by to read a book to our first graders! 📖 They also brought all of the first graders a book of their own! We want to thank Miss Candace, Cara and Cash for taking the time to read to our students! #OneWillow

Mrs. Green took a group of students to Jefferson City on March 4th for the Youth Art Month's Award Assembly! We had students represent the Willow Springs Middle School and Elementary School! Elsie Lemon won Primary Elementary Honorable Mention for the state! Each teacher gets to pick four works of art to represent their school. The art is displayed at the capital for the month of March. #OneWillow

The Willow Springs Elementary School would like to recognize the following students as Pawsitive Bears who have shown the character trait of Appreciative during the Third Quarter of school! These Bears have displayed how to be thankful and have good manners. Kindergarten: 🐻 Xander Velarde 🐻 Madilyn Dancer 🐻 Johnny Stark 🐻 Abel Smith 🐻 Andrew Sims 🐻 Roy Clinton 🐻 Charlie Johnson 🐻 Tymber Kargel 🐻 Madi Hileman 🐻 Not Pictured: Zeyanna Hord First Grade: 🐻 Sofia Gerasimov 🐻 Grayson Shanks 🐻 Jacob Kenyon 🐻 Adilee Green 🐻 Tucker Cox 🐻 Amelia Beltz 🐻 Kane Ennis 🐻 Viktor Fokina 🐻 Adeline Riley 🐻 Maci Clinton Second Grade: 🐻 Ethan Atkisson 🐻 Emily Campbell 🐻 Marie Braun 🐻 Samantha Coffman 🐻 Nathaniel Hood 🐻 Myrah Sanders 🐻 Creedence Gilliam 🐻 Paislee Murphy 🐻 Hattie Dodgen 🐻 Not Pictured: Joel Collins Third Grade: 🐻 Rylee Long 🐻 John Kimbrough 🐻 Kolbe Ewers 🐻 Kenzley Lemon 🐻 Paislee Cattell 🐻 Audrey James 🐻 Emery McKee 🐻 Hunter Ennis 🐻 Elliana Fursov 🐻 Allison Beltz Fourth Grade: 🐻 Riley Wheeler 🐻 Emmie Lemon 🐻 Ryleigh Romine 🐻 Aria Bittick 🐻 Shannon Cox 🐻 JaneLee Tetrick 🐻 Darrius Sexton-McLaurin 🐻 AlmaJean Widner 🐻 Lily Mullins 🐻 Izzy Callahan Congratulations Bears! 🥳 #OneWillow