Blue Jay News
December 16, 2022
A Message from the Administrative Team
Greenwood Students and Families:
The first semester has ended and we are so proud of our students and teachers for their dedication and hard work. Grades will be forthcoming, and although not everyone may achieve the grade they desire, it is effort, diligence, and expanding your knowledge that will pay dividends in the future. Keep up the good work as we look forward to the second semester and continue on a path of academic success.
As a reminder, the full tuition for the 2022-23 school year is due. Please make your payment to Missouri State University at the Bursar’s office or we can process your payment here at Greenwood.
The 77th annual Greenwood Blue & Gold tournament and the 11th annual Greenwood/SPS Pink & White Lady Classic will be held during the holiday break. Please support our teams and enjoy these longstanding holiday/basketball traditions.
Congratulations to Coach Darren Taylor for achieving his 600th career win as a head basketball coach. This places Coach Taylor in rare company. Keep it going coach!
For the 2nd semester, the secondary classes (6-12) will be implementing a revised electronic device policy. Please see the details below:
GLS Electronic Device Practice
Effective January 30, 2023
January 23-30 will be an informative week for students and teachers to become familiar with the new practice.
The GLS electronic device practice will be in place to support the learning environment in the classroom and support our educators in the academic setting. This is a valuable teaching practice intended to reinforce the respect of our instructional time and provide consistency throughout our classrooms.
Expectations
During class, all devices must be placed in a student’s locker, backpack, or purse. Examples of devices are, but not limited to, cell phones, air pods, smart watches (may wear, but not use in class), iPods, iPads, computers. To be clear, there are times that devices are used as a part of the instructional process. The instructor will determine when the device is used for this purpose.
Consequences
First and foremost, classroom management techniques will be used in the classroom prior to instructors taking a student device for the first time. If students continue to use the electronic device in question after redirection from the instructor, the following practice will be in place:
o First offense: Teacher will take the device and keep until the end of the class period.
o Second offense: Teacher will take the device to the office for the student to pick up at the end of the day and the offense will be documented as a second offense.
o Third offense: Teacher will take the device to the office for the parent to pick up at the end of the day and the offense will be documented as a third offense.
o Fourth offense: Student will receive discipline in accordance with the scope and sequence in the handbook for Disrespect of Authority.
o Fifth offense: Student will receive discipline in accordance with the scope and sequence in the handbook for Disrespect of Authority. Student will not be allowed to bring the electronic device for the remainder of the semester.
o Subsequent offenses incurred will be reviewed by administration and can result in enrollment probation.
Offenses will be documented once it comes to the office and offenses will be cumulative school wide. For example, if a student phone comes to the office from Mrs. Hopkins class and then again from Dr. Snodgrass’ class, that would be the student’s third offense.
Emergency communication when a student’s device has been confiscated will be filtered through the office.
We hope all Greenwood families enjoy the holiday break! Be ready to “hit the ground running” as second semester classes will begin January 23, 2023.
Go Blue Jays!
Ron & Jeni
2nd Semester Writing Lab
Beginning the second week of second semester, a writing lab will be available for high school students before and after school in Ms. Holden’s room, 212. High schoolers who would like to conference on writing assignments, college essays, exhibition papers, etc. for any of their classes are welcome! This is a pilot program, and will only be extended if it is used, so encourage your students to use this opportunity. No sign-ups necessary.
Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning January 31st
Before school: 7:10 – 8:10am
After school: 3:10 – 4:10pm NOTE: No afternoon writing lab on Thursday, Feb 2, due to a faculty meeting
No appointments required; just show up!
Coach Spotlight: Mike Percival By: Nick Burri
A Blue Jay has returned to the nest! Basketball coach Mike Percival began his coaching career at Greenwood in 1988 as the grad assistant coaching for two years. (he coached Greenwood’s own assistant director, Jeni Hopkins) and is back for more. Coach Percival returned to the Lady Jays in 2019, and has nearly five hundred wins over the course of his career.
Coach Percival is a favorite in the halls of Greenwood. He always has a smile on his face and knows how to make anyone smile, even on a bad day. He is a great coach but an even better person. Coach Percival is a positive influence on every kid he encounters. Coach Percival has been around the game of basketball his whole life and has shaped many kid lives by teaching his players valuable life lessons. He values hard work and teaches his players and students what it means to work hard.
Coach Percival teaches elementary PE and highschool competitive fitness. He teaches the younger kids how to have fun while staying active by introducing all sorts of different activities and games, such as, Hula hoops war, dodge ball and kickball. He pushes athletes in the weight room during competitive fitness so they can be the best version of themselves. By supporting athletes in class and teaching them how to properly lift weights, he helps them gain confidence and reach their goals.
Coach Percival is excited for the potential of this year's lady jay and believes in his players. He uses his platform to spread passion for the game of basketball and for treating people the right way. Coach Percival has been a positive influence on many kids, including myself, inside and outside of the classroom and continues to brighten up the halls of Greenwood everyday.
The Blue Jay Bodega is Back!
You can click here for their Amazon Wish List.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2C1L2KMWLSLPL?ref_=wl_share
December is for Debate!
The Greenwood Debate Team has had an excellent December of competition, participating in tournaments at both Springfield Catholic and Bolivar High School. The results are as follows:
14 Greenwood debaters competed at the tournament hosted by Springfield Catholic on December 2nd and 3rd. Jamie Alford was tournament champion in International Extemporaneous Speaking and 3rd place in Informative Speaking! The varsity policy team of Jamie Alford and Eleanor Hilotin ended their undefeated run in the semi-finals of policy debate, securing 3rd place. Eleanor Hilotin was also in the semi-finals of Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. The team of Mary Gabriel and Romi Kim made it to the quarter finals in Policy Debate, securing 4th place. Mary Gabriel also received 6th place in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. Minal Khan also represented the varsity squad. Despite the tournament not having a novice division (meaning our first-year students were competing against fourth year seniors), our novice squad competed hard, won some debates, and learned a lot! Greenwood novice was represented by Gabriel Parada, Eli Wilson, Marcus Ryan, Anna Le, Amore, Carys Clore, Ethan Duff, Tristan Khoshyomn, and Gyan Grewal. Tristan and Gyan were ranked in the top ten in Policy Debate!
A small but mighty contingent of the Greenwood team traveled to Bolivar High School on December 9th and 10th. The team of Tristan Khoshyomn and Fatima Aslam were tournament champions in Varsity Policy Debate, beating multiple teams from Glendale and Kickapoo on their way to victory! Not to be done with only one tournament championship, Tristan was also tournament champion in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking! Fatima Aslam made the semi-finals round of Original Oratory. The varsity squad was also represented by Romi Kim and Mary Gabriel, who were one rank away from clearing in EACH of their 3 events. In addition to the efforts of Tristan in novice individual events, the novice squad was represented by Marcus Ryan and Ethan Duff. The pair were tournament champions in Novice Policy Debate, beating 5 schools on their way to their first-place finish! In addition, Ethan Duff qualified for the semi-final round of novice Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking.
The team will now take a well-deserved break and jump back into action in January at the Lebanon Tournament.
Winter Break Archery Practice
The Greenwood Bluejay Archery Team will practice over the winter break, Wednesdays from 8:00-9:00 AM, in the Greenwood Cafeteria the following dates:
December 21 January 4
January 11 January 18
Donuts will be provided! Anyone in grades 6-12 interested in trying archery may come with the parent permission form. A form can be picked up in the main office or from Coach Ewing. If you have any questions you may contact Jon Ewing at j.e.ewing@att.net or 417-569-8698.
Booster Club Updates for December
Hello from the Greenwood Booster Club!
As we approach mid-year, we would like to give you some information and updates on all our events & activities!
Treasurer report—The Greenwood Athletic and Debate Booster budgeted income for 22-23 is $92,050.00. Current expenses include this year’s rotation of new uniforms for varsity and junior varsity boys, soccer, varsity and junior varsity boys basketball, tennis, golf, cross country, volleyball, baseball equipment, and junior high track just to name a few.
Another notable expense is the Hudl camera and software system that has been installed in the Betty and Bobby Allison Event Center and the practice gym. This is a way to stream games and other events in our gyms for people to be able to watch at home. If you haven’t already, please check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel—
Greenwood Blue Jays
@greenwoodbluejays4814
Blue Jay Bash was on September 17th this year. It is vital part of our fundraiser. We split the funds with GPA. Homecoming also is our biggest all-school event of the year. We had a great turn-out and appreciate all our volunteers and sponsors that made it a fun night! We are so thankful for Dave Litherland and all the hard work he has put in over the years—we will miss you Dave!
Basketball season is currently underway! Coach Taylor reached his 600Th win at the Mt. Grove game on December 8th. Congratulations Coach!!
The boys will have their first home game on Tuesday December 20th. The girls next home game will be January 17th. Come out and support them as they play! We also need gate and concession volunteers so check your email for the sign-up genius!
The 77th annual Blue & Gold tournament will start on Monday December 26th. The boys will play Willow Springs at 830PM in the Great Southern Bank Arena.
The Pink and White Tourney will also be underway! The girls will play Greenwood Arkansas on the 26th at 5pm in Weiser gym.
The Greenwood Debate team has had an excellent first semester. The team traveled a total of 18 students to competitions hosted by MSU/Gloria Deo, Willard, Republic, Springfield Catholic, and Bolivar school districts. Members of the teams have competed in over 360 individual rounds of competition to bring home over 40 awards in ten distinct categories of events, including five tournament championships!
Scholar Bowl will have a tournament at GLS on Saturday January 28th from 8:30-4pm. There are 8 schools so far with a total of 13 teams. Concession will be open from 11:30-1:30.
The girls swim team is underway and off to a good start with 4 meets complete. They are small but a mighty team. Reece Moore has won 1st place 6 times during those competitions against many high-level swimmers.
We would also like to thank the cheerleaders for their commitment & energy they bring to games! Thank you, Nancy Bareford (Mimi) & Blair Usery, for all you do!
Pep Club has also taken an active role in getting kids to games. Thank you, Greenwood Pep club ran by seniors Caroline Dugal & Tess Fowler.
Mark your calendars--Senior night will be February 7th for boys game and February 9th for the girls. The cheerleaders, J-FORCE, debate, and swim team will also be honored at the night of their choice. It will be at halftime(s).
Our annual sports banquet will be Wednesday April 5; this will be for all those involved in sports and debate in grades 9th-12th. The middle schoolers have their own celebrations and we have a budget for that.
We will soon be preparing for next years volunteers. Please contact Mark Gelner at markgelner@gmail.com if you would be interested in helping out for the 2023-24 year!
Finally, it’s not too late to join booster club. We rely on sponsorships, memberships, and the Blue Jay Bash to help fund everything sports and debate!
We encourage anyone participating in school sports or debate to join!
Go to the greenwood home page: Greenwood.missouristate.edu , click on athletics, and scroll down to Greenwood Athletic and Debate Club to open up the memberships.
If you have any further questions, please contact Natalie Clark @ bandnclark@sbcglobal.net
Thank you!
Natalie Clark
President
Amy Lines
Past President
Mark Gelner
Vice-president
Dana & Teresa Frederick
Treasurers
Abbi Gilmore
Secretary
Student Podcast Episode 3
“What’s the Good Word?” Introduction: Scott McCaulley, long-time local broadcaster, member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and proud member of Greenwood’s Class of 1982, leads off our second podcast! (.5-.44 seconds)
Under the Greenwood Tree: Named for the school yearbook of yesteryear, this segment focuses on the history and tradition of Greenwood. In this edition, Reagan Winegar spends time with beloved faculty member and coach, David Oatman, and his recent induction to the Missouri State Hall of Fame. (0:44-27:01)
First Hour: Start your day and end the first semester with Caroline Dugal and Ethan Newberry as they discuss all things Winter Break! (27:01-36:01)
Holidays with Heath: Get comfortable with a hot cup of cocoa and reminisce as Heath Jeffreys reminds us of Greenwood traditions during the holiday season. (36:01-41:39)
Let’s Get Rowdy: This segment highlights Greenwood sports and activities. In this edition, Nick Burri talks boys’ and girls’ basketball. (41:39-49:43)
Jay Talk: While the topic always changes, Jay Talk is always a conversation with Greenwood students. In this edition, Alex Curchi learns about holiday traditions and customs from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds. 43:59-49:43).
Greenwood Global: This segment explores the world beyond the 417. In this edition, Anna McQueary shares the lawlessness of loony laws still on the books around the world. (49:43-53:39)
Soaring Jay: This segment spotlights an individual who flown above-and-beyond for the Greenwood community. In this inaugural segment, Griffin Litherland shares a unique father-son moment with his dad, David Litherland, also fondly known as “Mr. Homecoming,” during their last year as Greenwood student and parent. (55:23-71:59)
Senior Send-Off: The Class of 2023 ends our second podcast with their rendition of “White Christmas,” recorded during Carol Singing 2022, one of Greenwood’s long-standing holiday traditions. 71:59-75:23
Podcast Staff: Nick Burri, Alex Curchi, Caroline Dugal, Heath Jeffreys, Griffin Litherland, Anna McQueary, Ethan Newberry, Paul Weeks, Reagan Winegar
Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Nancy Bareford by Heath Jeffreys
Mrs. Nancy Bareford, known as Mme by the student body, started teaching in 1987. Mrs. Bareford graduated from Missouri State University with a major in French and a minor in both sociology and psychology. She started student teaching and decided that she would use her degree after her sons were born and raised a bit.
She began her teaching career at Hillcrest High School and remained there for nearly thirty years until she came to Greenwood nine years ago. The thing she likes most about teaching is the kids in general: teaching them, interacting with them, all things students.
When asked what she likes most about Greenwood she replied, “It is a family. It is a smaller school, everyone knows everybody. Everybody supports everybody. And it reminds me of a family.”
Mrs. Bareford’s advice to students is to enjoy the middle school and high school years, but “Always remember the big picture. What you do now affects your future and the direction you want to go in your future. So, enjoy yourself but bear in mind that learning is the key to everything!” Greenwood is fortunate to have our Mme, Nancy Bareford, as a member of our faculty.
Wonders of Wildlife Camps for Greenwood 's Break
Wonders of Wildlife is offtering camps over Winter break this year. They have their normal camp in December but are also offering 3 camps that coincide with Greenwood's break in January.
See the attached flyer for information on these camps and a link to register. They are hoping they will be popular and offered next year too.
Greenwood Cafeteria Renovation
Greenwood Cafeteria Renovation will begin soon! If you are looking for a tax deduction for 2022 please consider donating to this project. Donations can be made to the Missouri State University Foundation – Greenwood Lab School. Naming opportunities for this project are available. Please contact Dr. Snodgrass or Mrs. Hopkins if you are interested in your family name being part of this renovation.
Concession Stand Sign Up
Greenwood Booster Club Greenwood High School Basketball Concession
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. If signing up for middle school service hours, parents and child should sign up together. Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c44aca62ba3fe3-greenwood
If you have questions, you can contact Tona Hetzler at tonahetzler@missouristate.edu
New Coach Spotlight: John Mullen by: Anna McQueary
John Mullen is the Greenwood boys’ and girls’ swim coach. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Mullen went to high school at Jennings, where he swam for the school team. He went to college at Flow Valley in St. Louis, then St. Louis University. After that, he went to graduate school at SIU and then finished his master's degree at MSU. During Mullens's sophomore year in college, he started coaching while he was on the college team. He has always enjoyed coaching. Regarding the current season, Coach Mullen says, “The season is going well, and they are doing better than the year before.” The girls’ team has some strong swimmers who are helping the team: “The first meet went well and I am proud of how the girls did.”
For any future swimmers out there, here are a few words of advice for you from Coach Mullen: “You don't have to have any experience. You could be brand new and still have great success!”
Coaching Spotlight: Jan Stahle By: Griffin Litherland
After his second season back as the coach for the boys' soccer team, Coach Jan Stahle is feeling optimistic about the future of the Greenwood Soccer program. Coach Stahle is originally from Malmö, Sweden, but came to the United States as a foreign exchange student here at Greenwood Laboratory School; his aunt, Lena Anderson, was the French teacher. During his time at Greenwood, there was no soccer team, but Stahle was the kicker for the football team. Following graduation, Stahle went to SMSU (MSU) and joined the football program, where he had a successful career as the kicker. After graduating from SMSU in 1978, he joined as a free agent with the NFL's Houston Oilers. Four years later, in 1982, Stahle returned to the SMSU campus to be an assistant coach for the new soccer program.
Stahle remained the assistant coach for the SMSU team for three years until 1985, when he became the head coach. Two seasons later, Stahle led the team to their first-ever winning season. Although he stepped down as the head coach following the 1987 season, Stahle remained a part of the program as the assistant coach until 1989. Jan Stahle was out of the coaching game until 1992 when he was approached by Greenwood parents and asked to be the coach of Greenwood's first-ever soccer team. Although classified as a JV team the first year, Stahle went on to create a powerhouse of a team that made the Final Four five years in a row (1993-1997), and won eight district championships during his ten years as the coach. Stahle left the program in 2002.
Almost 20 years later in 2021, Greenwood parents once again called upon Stahle to coach the soccer team. Although he wasn't coaching, Stahle had remained a fan of Greenwood soccer and was excited to take on the challenge of coaching once again. The boys made significant improvement this season, and given this upward trend and the group's young age, Stahle is excited for the future of Greenwood Soccer. Stahle predicts that over the next couple of years, the boys will show significant signs of improvement. Over the next three years, an estimated 14 new freshmen will join the team, which is promising given the lack of players in the past.
As a graduating member of the team, I urge anyone interested in soccer to join the program. There is no requirement of experience to join, so don't let that hold you back. P.S. There has been talks of taking the soccer team to Sweden in 2025 to play against foreign teams, which would be a rare and exciting experience!
Given the group's young age and the progress made last year, Coach Stahle can’t help but feel excited for the future of Greenwood soccer.
From Mrs. Ewing
SENIORS: Finish this first semester strong!!
Our 2023 seniors were offered great advice from a few members from the class of 2022 during their senior capstone class on Tuesday, December 13. Tiffany Herman, Counseling Intern, organized the first Greenwood Alumni Panel Q&A, “What I would tell myself this time last year”. First time freshmen, Katherine Arquitt, Karson Feuerbaucher, Madison Mitchell, Reagan Rosen, and Sam Wang, along with 2018 GLS Grad, Alan Hammer, offered their insights to our current Bluejays on topics such as dorm life, academic preparation, and general self-care. Thank you to Jeni Hopkins for leading the discussion and to Mr. Pfeil and Tiffany Herman for working to carry out this event.
Dr. Zinia Thomas is a practicing Medical Doctor in St. Louis, Missouri. She wants to help the next generation of medical doctors in the United States, and would like to give back through the “Dr Zinia Thomas Scholarship for Medical Students”. The scholarship is meant to provide funding for a deserving student who wishes to become a medical doctor. Find all details here: https://drziniathomasscholarship.com/dr-zinia-thomas-scholarship/
The Springfield Elks Teenager of the Year Scholarships recognize outstanding local seniors for their academic achievements, community service, and school activities. Each year a group of senior finalists are chosen from applications received. Additionally, the TOP finalist will be awarded a special scholarship, the Kerr Award. See Mrs. Ewing for the materials if you are interested in applying. The application deadline is March 20, 2023.
Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ (CFO) scholarship season opens January 1, 2023.
You may “view only” the various scholarships and criteria on their public access page here: https://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlKey=cfozarksscholarships&AccessCode=public. Note that scholarship award amounts and criteria are subject to change as updates are made until the season opens January 1, 2023.
JUNIORS:
PSAT Results: Please remember to pay for the PSAT on Storefront. You may have received an email from College Board directing you to your PSAT results. See Mrs. Ewing if you did not receive that email.
ALL:
Pre-College Spring Schedules – Many of you may have still been working to register for spring semester with MSU. If you did not see Mrs. Ewing before leaving for Winter Break to confirm your spring schedule alignment for Greenwood and MSU courses, PLEASE email her as soon as possible. PRE-COLLEGE REGISTRATION: Registration for MSU’s spring semester opens for Precollege students on November 17. Students wishing to concurrently enroll in Precollege courses at MSU must first make an appointment with Teresa Cunningham (Zoom or in person). Following your appointment, she will lift the hold on student accounts allowing them to then register. Teresa is new this year in her role as Pre-College Academic Advisor. You will love working with her! You will find her very responsive, positive, and sincere in her approach to assisting you in successfully navigating college classes. To book an in person appointment; To book a Zoom appointment. If you have not had a meeting with Teresa Cunningham, I am not sure of her availability during the winter break. You may reach out to her to discuss.
ACT and SAT Reminders:
Register for the ACT at ACT | College and Career Readiness Solutions.
Register for the SAT at The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board.
Be sure to enter our School Code (CEEB) to identify with Greenwood: 263285. See the Greenwood Counseling Website for ACT/SAT tips Greenwood Laboratory School Counseling Department (greenwoodlabcounseling.com)
Many colleges/universities are test optional for admissions; even some scholarship programs are test optional. Check with the institutions you are interested in pursuing for their specific requirements.
Are you interested in entrepreneurship or urban design? Not all students enjoy writing academic papers. That’s why Scholar Launch is offering 4 hands-on projects this winter that allow students to dive deeper into the world of business, architecture and art. Students will work with professors from NYU, Columbia or Dartmouth, study advanced knowledge, and produce their own business proposal or portfolio that can be used in competitions, college applications and more. Here is the link to apply: https://www.scholarlaunch.org/apply-now.
Greenwood Laboratory School
Email: Greenwood@Missouristate.edu
Website: https://education.missouristate.edu/greenwood/
Location: 1024 East Harrison Street, Springfield, MO, USA
Phone: (417) 836-5124
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenwoodlab