Kindegartener plays on the jungle gym on the first day of school. Photo by Karen Foster.

Willow Springs R-IV Schools opened on Wednesday, August 17, 2005, with 1285 students walking the halls. Elementary claimed the highest number of students with 492; middle school came in second with 415 students, and high school totaled 378 students. With new back packs, new notebooks, and new classes to explore, students crossed the threshold ready to begin the 2005-2006 school year.

Teachers returned formally on Monday, August 15th with a joint meeting of faculty and staff in Grimes Auditorium. Superintendent Dr. Don Hamby addressed the group with an overview of summer activities and prospects for the coming year. He indicated a big change in the lower elementary building as it underwent a complete remodeling process. A complete story on this project will be in a later issue of The Educator. After a BBQ hamburger lunch served by Dr. Hamby, Jack Lyons, and the middle school cafeteria crew, faculty heard comments concerning school legal issues from Susan Goldhammer who is a member of the Missouri School Board Association. Teachers spent the next day preparing for the first day of school.

All activities of the district are underway. For a complete fall sports schedule, see Sports Section. Be sure and check out the school web site at www.willowsspringsschool.com or check the school voice mail at 417-469-3260 for updated information.