Blue Jay News
November 17th, 2023
A Message from the Administrative Team
Greenwood Students and Families:
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and show appreciation for all that is “good” in our lives and at our school. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to have the opportunity to lead this school. Greenwood is a special place with outstanding teachers, supportive parents, engaged students, and active alumni. To be a part of the Greenwood family is truly something to be thankful for.
Thank you to Dr. John Putty for speaking to our students at the Thanksgiving Assembly, we appreciate the message of gratitude and thankfulness given by Dr. Putty, plus senior class president, Carson Lines, and Student Body President, Aubrey Taylor.
Looking ahead to the end of the 1st semester and winter break, the last day for students will be Thursday, December 14. All secondary students (6-12) will be dismissed at the end of 5th hour – 12:37 pm. All elementary students (K-5) will be dismissed at 12:30 pm. There will be NO Jay Care after-school for elementary students, nor after-school study hall for secondary students. All students must be picked up at dismissal. The elementary holiday parties will be held in each classroom from 9:30 – 10:30 am on this day.
Winter weather means a lot more coats, hats, jackets, etc. coming to school and therefore the possibility of misplacing one of these items. Please write your student’s name on ALL their belongings so we can return the items to the proper person.
We would like to extend a thank you to the Bluejay Bash committee, what a wonderful event! Thank you to those that attended and/or contributed to this valuable endeavor. Our GPA and Booster Club did a tremendous job and a specific shout out to the chair of the event, Amanda Montileone!
In the world of navigating the internet and our cyber-world, it is always best to stay as educated on the topic as possible. We will have a cyber security presentation for parents of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders on Thursday, November 30th at 5:30 in the Greenwood Cafeteria. The Springfield Police Department Cybercrimes Unit will be here to present and answer questions. We will record the presentation and share it afterward for those unable to attend.
Go Blue Jays!
Ron & Jeni
Visit Greenwood's New Virtual Calming Room
We all know that life can throw some curve balls and we still need to find ways to swing and keep our eye on the ball. Life is hard and your feelings are validated and we are here for you. No matter how you feel, we all need moments of peace, reflection, processing, and recharging.
Take a moment and breathe, relax, and realign what is needed and remember what is important. Self-care is vital to a person's mental health. If you need anything, please reach out. We hear you, we see you, we are with you on this journey.
This Virtual Calming Room is a place to find tools and strategies to manage our emotions and remind us that there is always help when needed. Also visit our page on community resources and mental health articles HERE.
Disclaimer: The following links are purely for educational purposes and are not intended as psychological interventions or as a substitute for psychological treatment. If you are in need of psychological help you should seek the consultation of a licensed mental health professional.
Third Graders Earning Ice Cream in Braum's Book Buddy Program
This year Greenwood Elementary is participating in the Braum’s Book Buddy Program. The program is for 1st-5th grade students and supports the love of reading. For every 6 books read, students earn a treat! This is the first year we have participated in this sought after program. Congratulations to Louise Zimmerman for earning a single dip ice cream sundae! Keep on reading!
Pie, Oh My!
This week 3rd grade sampled different flavors of pie. We wrote an opinion/descriptive paragraph based on our favorite pie. Thank you, parents for donating all items and volunteering to serve pie to our class! The most popular flavor of pie was…Pumpkin!
First Graders Learn About Being a Veterinarian
Willow’s mom, Dr. Meda McClure, came to visit first grade today for Willow’s student of the week presentation. Dr. McClure talked about how to take care of animals and Willow assisted her in showing an examination using Willow’s favorite stuffed animal cat. Students asked lots of amazing questions and 8 students said when they grow up they want to become a Veterinarian.
GPA's 10 Days of Holiday Cheer
Hi Greenwood Families,
Let's get in the spirit of spoiling our staff by signing up to help us with 10 Days of Holiday Cheer in December. Below are two signups ... one for buying them a gift and another for feeding them on specific days. We really appreciate your support in celebrating our teachers for all that they do for our kids.
Gift SignUp - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44A8AC2DA1FC1-45961148-11days#/
Food & Cookie Exchange SignUp - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44A8AC2DA1FC1-45962567-11days#/
Volunteers Needed for Holiday Decoration Setup
Mike the custodian will be at Greenwood setting up holiday decorations on Saturday, November 25th at 1:00 PM and would appreciate anyone who would like to assist's help.
Concession Stand Volunteers Needed for Basketball Games
BOYS! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4EAEA62DA0F94-45564938-high
GIRLS! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4EAEA62DA0F94-45675904-high
Greenwood Students Featured in Ozarks Studies Book
The Ozark Book Series from the Ozarks Studies Institute has published the book Ozarks Tales for Children: A Storytelling Handbook. Greenwood students did the illustrations for the book. It is an amazing opportunity that Greenwood students are able to participate in with our connections to Missouri State University. The Ozark Studies Institute is located in the Meyer Library. This is a link to their website if anyone would like to purchase a copy of the book.
New BearPass Card Deposit Information
Simply visit our website, navigate to the 'DINING' section, and click on the 'Add Money to BearPass-Greenwood Parents Only' link. The method for adding money has been upgraded to include balance viewing! After entering your child's M# and the required information, you'll instantly see the balance displayed at the top of the screen. Thank you to the BearPass office for making this update!
K-5 Elementary Service Project: Bear Pantry
Donations will be collected through December 14, 2023. Items needed: Nonperishable Food Items- canned meat, fruit, vegetables, soup, macaroni and cheese, noodles, spaghetti, tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, spice mixes, salt, pepper, condiments, etc. School Supplies and Hygiene products are also appreciated-soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, laundry and cleaning supplies. Cash is also an option- Make checks payable to the Bear Pantry MSU.
Updates from Archery
Our Greenwood Archers had another great week of practice! Everyone is shooting at 10 meters and at 15 meters now. We will not practice the week of Thanksgiving but pick back up when we come back.
November 27-30, 7:20-8:00 AM
December 4-7, 7:20-8:00 AM
December 11-14, 7:20-8:00 AM
MON-WED group: Addy Cimino, Ella Englert, Sawyer Evans, Gianni Gititu, Arjun Jayarao, Lilly Johnson, Bennett Kester, Kara Reynolds, Dax Ringer, Alton Trombold, Jack Wyas, Sam Schneider
TUE-THU group: Olyvia Beach, Ruby Brothers, Cullen Burch, Turner Crockett, Lillian Frederick, Halston Hicks, Jack Lindsey, Katelyn Matz, Katie Palmer, Grayson Steiro, William Wyas, Grace Yen
Eleven of our archers will compete in our first tournament at Willard Intermediate School North December 1 and 2!
Contact Coach Jon Ewing if you have any questions: j.e.ewing@att.net or 417-569-8698.
We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!
From the Counselors
Upcoming CollegeRep Visits: Representatives from colleges/universities (and other programs or businesses) will be available in the Science Wing during lunch (12:37-1:27). They will be happy to provide information about their school and answer any questions you may have.
□ Nov 27 – Republic Parks & Rec □ November 28 – OTC Career Center
Another College Visit: Here is a link to our upcoming Cardinal Visit Day: https://forms.gle/uZKAycMMxFkgoHMh6! Visit Day is Thursday, November 30th from 10am-1pm. This event is open to Freshmen-Juniors interested in learning more about Labette Community College (LCC) in Parsons, Kansas. While on campus, students will hear from campus departments, tour our facilities, and enjoy a FREE LUNCH in the Cardinal Cafe. Students are required to provide their own transportation for this event. Please register at the above link
We're excited to tell you about a limited time offer for your students applying to Mizzou in the upcoming weeks. To celebrate Mizzou's football team ranking in the Top 10, we're inviting students to apply for admission for only $10!
On or off the field, our students thrive here on campus and after graduation. With 95% of Mizzou students having successful career outcomes within six months of graduation (the highest rate in the SEC!), we are confident that they will find success here.
The $10 application fee offer will close on Saturday, November 25 at 11 p.m. CT, so don’t miss this golden opportunity to help your students succeed in the future and become #MizzouMade.
Seniors: The deadline was Friday, November 17 to turn in your Diploma Verification form and Endorsement Documentation to Mrs. Ewing. If you missed this deadline, you should bring your forms to the main office Monday or Tuesday, November 20 & 21. Ask our office staff to place your forms in my mailbox.
PSAT: Remember to pay the testing fee of $18 on Storefront. Scores have been released to students.
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.
CLASS 101 Program Opportunities:
1. Super Junior Program - 7 Goals in 3 Months Register for your free individual Super Junior session to proactively prepare to tackle your college application goals by Super Bowl Sunday.
2. ACT Practice Test - Saturday, Dec 2, 9:00 – 12:30 PM Register Here
This practice test is open to any high school student who has not taken a practice test with CLASS 101 in the past 12 months or to all students registered in our full college planning program. This is a great way to get a baseline score and a strengths and weaknesses report before going into an official test.
Spring 24 PRE-COLLEGE REGISTRATION: Registration for MSU’s spring semester opens for Pre-college students on November 17. Students wishing to concurrently enroll in Pre-college courses at MSU must first make an appointment with Teresa Cunningham (Zoom or in person). Following that appointment, she will lift the hold on student accounts allowing students to then register. Follow one of the links to schedule your appointment with Teresa: To book an in person appointment; To book a Zoom appointment.
Teresa is our 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.
The spring catalog is available to view now. You may open the spring catalog in your MyMissouriState account by finding the Registration card and clicking on “Add, Drop, or Search for Classes”, or use this link: Class Schedule - Missouri State.
Scholarships:
Bold.org is the largest independent scholarship provider in the US. Visit the links below to learn more about many scholarship opportunities:
- https://bold.org/scholarships/
- https://bold.org/scholarships/by-year/high-school/seniors/
- Exclusive Mental Health Scholarships in 2023 were recently updated.
Also check out www.scholarships.com and www.fastweb.com.
View a few scholarships with upcoming deadlines here: Scholarships.com - Google Sheets or Deadline In November 2023 Scholarships - Scholarships.com.
Join MIDN 1/C David Wells, Weapons, Robotics, & Controls Engineering Major and 2020 Glendale High School Graduate, at Hickory Hills Country Club, Tuesday, November 21, 6pm for information about the opportunities available for students at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Students, parents, and teachers are invited to learn about all the US Naval Academy has to offer. Wells will present information regarding their admissions process, majors offered, and career opportunities.
The US Naval Academy is a top-ranked college: #1 in Top Public Schools; #3 in National Liberal Arts Colleges; #5 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. Whether an athlete, STEM student, male or female, come see if the Naval Academy is right for you. It could mean a $400,000 free education!
Call Jeffrey Wells at 417-844-4900 for more information.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY - TEEN ADVISORY BOARD for the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library. See Mrs. Ewing to pick up an application if you are interested in applying to serve on the Midtown Library’s NEW Teen Advisory Board. Students (grades 6-12) can create a positive impact for teens in our community by creating a welcoming teen area with displays and interactive activities; plan and lead library events for teens and kids; attend a monthly advisory board meeting to collaborate and choose upcoming projects. You can also complete service-learning hours during the school day or on the weekends. Deadline for applications is December 22, 2023. Contact sadief@thelibrary.org or 417-616-0470 for more information.
MAKER SPACE: You can make it, fix it, preserve it at The Maker Space located in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library. Visit thelibrary.org/makerspace for a video tour. Registration is required for individual maker sessions and programs. Upcoming special programs:
· Cricut Gift Bags (for adults) Dec 4-9, 10am – 5pm. Materials provided. Registration starts Nov 15.
· Dungeons & Dragons DIY (gr 6 – adults) Jan 8-13, 10am – 5pm. Supplies provided. Registration begins Dec 26.
· Vacuum Formed Soaps (for adults) Feb 5-10, 10am – 5pm. Materials provided. Registration begins Jan 23.
For more information or to register, call 417-837-5011 to make an appointment.
New Jaywear Availabile!
New winter Jaywear items have been added to purchase from 4one7 Studio. Tons of great ideas for Christmas Gifts!
Jay Pic of the Week
GPA Cookbook Fundraiser
Greenwood Parent Association is bringing back a classic!
For years, Greenwood put together a cookbook of favorite recipes and now it's your turn to add to the tradition. Please submit your favorite family recipes here. We will compile them into a cookbook that will be available for sale this school year. We look forward to starting up a much-loved tradition again. You are more than welcome to submit a recipe from a previous cookbook, if you have one!
Cookbooks will be spiral bound, with a color cover and black and white interior with student art. Cost will be between $25-35, depending on how many pages it has and how many are ordered.
Score your raffle tickets and help the boys soccer team go to Europe!
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
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenwoodlabschool/
Counseling Website: https://www.greenwood.missouristate.edu/page/counseling-department
Greenwood Blue Jays YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@greenwoodbluejays4814/featured