Blue Jay News
May 12, 2023
A Message from the Administrative Team
Greenwood Students and Families:
Contracts are DUE in the office – please return ASAP to secure your spot for next year!
Honor Day is one of Greenwood’s most prestigious traditions as Fair and Sir Greenwood preside over the ceremony. This year Caroline Dugal and Griffin Litherland had the distinct honor to serve as Fair and Sir Greenwood. We congratulate all of our students on their achievements this year. The talent, hard work, and commitment to academics and service was very evident. Greenwood pride was on display at this year’s ceremony.
Greenwood commencement ceremonies will be Sunday, May 14 at 5:00 pm in the Event Center. We want to congratulate our seniors and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
The end of the school year is fast moving, and action packed. Please continue to encourage your students to be focused and engaged and to finish strong! Thank you for being our partners, we appreciate all our stakeholders!
Teacher appreciation week was awesome! We thank our GPA for the tremendous support they provide to our faculty and staff. Our teachers deserve all the props, and we are grateful for all the time and efforts they dedicate to our students. Thank you, teachers!
There are several opportunities for summer sessions offered by Greenwood faculty. To sign up, go to STOREFRONT.
GO Blue Jays!
Ron & Jeni
Concert Band Performs
The Greenwood Concert Band enjoyed the day performing at Silver Dollar City on Thursday, May 4.
2023 Greenwood Golf Clinic
Please take a look at the attached flyer about our golf clinic.
Congratulations to Anya Soni
On Friday, Greenwood 8th grader, Anya Soni, was visited by Shannon Shank who Co-Chairs the Model Bridge Contest hosted by the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers- Ozark Chapter.
Anya earned 2nd place for her bridge which had a mass of 17g and held 72 lbs.
Anya received a cash award and a certificate in appreciation for her hard work and design! Congratulations Anya!
GPA highlights
What had GPA been up to this school year?
• Field Trips: It was our top priority to pay for field trips this year. So far we have invested over $6,000 in field trips and classroom enrichment visits for our students K-12.
• Teacher Requests: To enhance the learning environment for our teachers and students we have fulfilled nearly $5,000 of teacher requests and there's more to come!
• Book Fair: GPA hosts two book fairs a year for our students. Both were successful coming in with $5240 (fall) and $5075 (spring) sales to buy books and supplies for the classrooms.
• Teacher and Staff Appreciation: We love our teachers and staff at Greenwood. It is a pleasure to shower them with meals and gifts throughout the year.
• Elementary End of Year Party: It’s the bounciest party of the year for our younger students. On the last day of school, GPA hosts an indoor inflatables party for K-5.
Do you want to be part of the action by serving on the board or becoming more involved? Please contact Blair Usery at sbusery@gmail.com or 417-861-7114.
State Music Festival Results
Congratulations to Greenwood’s State Music Festival qualifiers! Our students traveled to University of Missouri – Columbia to perform their solos for a judge who gave them feedback and a rating and all three had fantastic outcomes! Freshman Elif Benzer earned a silver medal on her clarinet solo, sophomore Mary Gabriel earned a bronze medal on her vocal solo, and senior William Chenevert earned a gold medal on his vocal solo! We are so proud of Greenwood’s hard working and talented musicians!
Volunteers Wanted for End of Year Party
SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP
Dylan Zheng State Math Results
Dylan Zheng, Greenwood 4th grader, competed in the Math League state championship on Saturday.
He got 1st place in sprint, 2nd place in number sense, and 2nd place in individual totals. He’s qualified to go to the National final.
He did the team contest problems too and got the most scores, so Greenwood is the 1st place in 4th grade in the state.
Congratulations to Dylan and good luck at Nationals!
Tennis Districts Pictures
Here is the link for the individual tennis districts.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uzba04bxgys4ia0r37tk9/h?dl=0&rlkey=8ev4wsb0ejok44efnjow5p4w0
This is the link for the team districts.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/70ipv3tmyfdqw78/AACqx3Z8bMG-uoTJspnJbJf7a?dl=0&preview=DSC05548.JPG
Contraction Surgeons in First Grade
Contraction Surgeons today in first grade. They talked to their patients (the words they were cutting apart) as they made incisions with their scalpels (scissors) and removed letters to create a contraction.
The “ambulance” came several times, “Band-Aids stat” and “I saved a patient” were common shout outs. Learning should be fun!
Teacher Spotlight: Dr. Tara Bonebrake by Ethan Newberry
The world is indeed full of peril, and in it, there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”
Taken from his The Fellowship of the Ring, this J.R.R. Tolkien quote is a favorite of Greenwood’s highly qualified biology teacher and a Greenwood Laboratory School alumnae, Dr. Tara Bonebrake. She attended Drury University for her undergraduate degree, holds master's degrees from Washington University and Missouri State University in K-12 Administration, and a doctorate from the University of Missouri in Academic Leadership. She and her husband have one son, Price, and four cats: Mrs. Jiggs, Wilsom Olympic Kitty, Bronte, and Lorelei.
Dr. Bonebrake decided to pursue teaching after she realized how much she truly loved science and wanted to share her passion with students. Dr. Bonebrake’s favorite time to teach is between 10 A.M. and noon; she cannot choose her favorite class because they are all so special to her!
Dr. Bonebrake dreams of someday traveling to Antarctica, South Africa, and Patagonia. Her favorite authors are J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Emily and Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Sara J. Maas, and, because of reading his novel in Jeanne Stinson’s 7th grade English class, Jack London’s The Call of the Wild. Her favorite sports teams are the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Tottenham Hotspurs.
Unfortunately for the Bluejays, this is Dr. Bonebrake’s final year at Greenwood. Dr. Bonebrake will be the Director of the Upper School at Summit Preparatory next fall. Although she will still teach some classes, Dr. Bonebrake’s primary role will be focused on student support, instructional leadership, and program support and development. Dr. Bonebrake has learned many valuable lessons here at Greenwood. She has built solid relationships with students, faculty, and parents, and believes that those are important to creating a successful learning community: “There is just such joy to be had in a day, says Dr. Bonebrake, “it is all in how you frame it. I have truly enjoyed and appreciate the opportunity to work and grow with our Greenwood family.”
Dr. Bonebrake will carry lots of fond memories of Greenwood with her to Summit Academy, including this year’s 5th place finish as a team at the State Science Olympiad. “It was truly a special experience. I appreciated how diligently the team continued to work after Regionals and was so proud of everyone who competed.” Of her time at Greenwood, during which she earned her advanced degrees, Bonebrake said, “Achievements like this occur because there is a village of people providing support. Greenwood has been an integral part of my village. Everyone in the community supported my work; I really appreciated that support. In addition, this year, I have presented at the National Science Teacher Association and the International Association of Laboratory Schools Annual conferences with tremendous support from both the Missouri State University College of Education, Greenwood Parents Association, and our Greenwood administration.”
The Greenwood family will always hold a special place in her heart, both as the home of her first learning experiences as well as the place where she taught and collaborated with a wonderful community of students, parents, and faculty. We wish her nothing but the best as Dr. Bonebrake takes the next step in her professional journey. Dr. Bonebrake, Summit Prep’s gain is Greenwood’s loss! You will be missed.
Thank you, Dr. Bonebrake!!
Summer Soccer
Greenwood Soccer families,
As part of summer training, the Greenwood soccer boys are forming a team to play in Lake Country's 7v7 outdoor high school league. Cooper Clark will be the coach. We would love for all the boys that want to play soccer next fall to be part of this team.
Games begin: June 19
Games end: August 4
Games will be played Sunday-Friday evenings between 6:15-8:30 pm.
Cost- Approx $50 each. Will be determined by the number of players.
More details to come.
http://www.lakecountrysoccer.org/adult-summer-outdoor/registration-and-information
Please let Kerry Scott know if you are interested.
kerryhscott@gmail.com or 417-350-3603
1st Graders Present "Inspiring Americans"
First Grade students learned about inspiring Americans in our community, city, state, and United States. Students selected a person they wanted to learn more about and research. After reading about the American students learned beginning research skills delving deeper to discover adverse circumstances that led to becoming someone who could inspire others. Students created a paper bag book and wrote speeches to share about the Inspiring American May 9, 2023 with friends and family.
Greenwood Middle School Baseball Summer 2023
Greenwood is exploring the interest level of current 5th, 6th, and 7th grade boys participating in a Greenwood middle school (13 and under) baseball team for this summer.
The tentative plan is to participate in a Boys & Girls Club of Springfield league from June 12 – August 8 and games are played on either Tuesday or Thursday. Go to https://bgclubspringfieldsports.org/home for more information.
The games are played at 720 South Park Avenue. Coach Chris Meza will be helping organize and coach the team. Coach Meza is joining Greenwood next fall as our new elementary Spanish teacher. He is currently an assistant baseball coach at Catholic HS and serves as an assistant softball coach for Hillcrest HS. This is not an overly competitive league, the goal is player and team development for the Greenwood High School team.
Coach Meza will want to organize a meeting and secure a place to practice so please respond ASAP so details can be ironed out. Thank you and GO Bluejays!
Please send your response to Coach Meza at meza.chris.24@gmail.com
Eden Jeffries Wins Outstanding Teen
Earlier this year, eighth grader Eden Jeffries was crowned as Miss Heart of the Ozarks Outstanding Teen. This June 12-19 she will compete for the title of Miss Missouri’s Outstanding Teen. There are 29 local title holders competing at this state pageant to see who will represent Missouri in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant in August.
On April 19th, the Missouri House of Representatives in Jefferson City recognized Eden’s accomplishments and wished her luck at the state pageant. You can follow her Instagram page @missheartoftheozarksteen this summer to cheer her on and give her encouragement.
Boys Tennis Highlight Film
Here is a link to the film.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0sgii4sdd81q217/GBT%20-%202023%20Highlights.mp4?dl=0
2nd Grade Summer Camps
From Mrs. Ewing
The last week of the 2022-2023 school year is here! We all have much to wrap-up before beginning our summer vacas! Mrs. Ewing offers a few helps for secondary students in planning for the summer and preparing for next year. Topics will include scheduling, summer enrichment/leadership programs, leadership opportunities, and scholarship opportunities for seniors. She will also provide some helpful grade-level checklists and calendars before the summer. Watch for a separate email to parents and students in the coming weeks.
NEXT YEAR SCHEDULING: Individual review meetings were held with each student (rising 7-12 grades) to finalize 2023-2024 schedules. The final step in this process requires students who intend to take a precollege class at MSU next fall. Thank you and congratulations to the students who have already completed this process.
Registration for MSU Precollege students began May 1. Any students wishing to take precollege classes at MSU this summer or next fall must complete the steps below. Students will not be allowed to register for precollege classes without completing these steps.
1. Complete the application process at this link, or you can also get a paper copy of the application from Mrs. Ewing. She will assist you in completing this step. https://www.missouristate.edu/Advising/precollege.htm.
NOTE: If you have previously taken precollege classes, you do not need to complete an application.
2. After you have been admitted as a dual enrollment student, Ms. Teresa Cunningham, the Precollege advisor, will send you a list of steps you must complete. The first will require you to make an appointment with Ms. Cunningham by visiting: https://msutacunninghamaatc.youcanbook.me/ .
NOTE: If you have previously taken precollege classes, you should contact Teresa to set up an appointment. You may email her at TeresaCunningham@MissouriState.edu or visit https://msutacunninghamaatc.youcanbook.me/)
3. Meet with Mrs. Ewing to confirm the college class will fit in your Greenwood schedule.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES: Various summer enrichment & leadership programs are offered in Missouri and across the nation. Participating in these programs provides students with invaluable curriculum enhancement and leadership experience. They will also contribute to the strength of one’s college applications.
Mrs. Ewing will send out notices as she learns of any summer program opportunities. You may also check out various programs listed on the Greenwood Counseling website at Greenwood Laboratory School Counseling Department (greenwoodlabcounseling.com). You are not limited to ones listed on our website. In fact, you will, no doubt, find other opportunities through your own research and networking. This week’s focus is:
CLASS 101:
Free ACT Practice Test; Wednesday, June 7th, 9:00a-12:30p Register Here
ACT Boot Camp: This 3-day prep course is to prepare for the June ACT test. $399; More information & Register Here Sunday, June 4, 5-8:00pm – English; Monday, June 5, 5-8pm – Math; Tuesday, June 6, 5-8pm - Reading & Science.
MSU CSI Summer Camp: (grades 9-12) July 17-20, 9am – 4pm, $175 (includes daily lunch and camp t-shirt) Learn from a former commander of a crime scene investigation unit. Here is the registration link: Missouri State University Crime Scene Investigations Summer Camp - 23-0717CSI. For more information, contact Dr. Michael Kyle, michaelkyle@missouristate.edu.
DRURY GIFTED CAMP Pre-Kindergarten students and up will find interesting classes and experiences that will encourage students to reach their highest potential while engaging in social-emotional learning. Visit www.drury.edu/giftededucation for more information. For any and all up-dates, please follow them on Facebook, twitter and Instagram @druryprecollege.
The University of Chicago offers summer pre-college programs: Immersion; Enrichment; Stones & Bones; and Summer Online. To learn more about the full list of in-person and online courses, application deadlines, program dates, tuition, and scholarship information, visit: summer.uchicago.edu.
Mizzou MedPrep: Medical Explorations Workshop The University of Missouri School of Check your emails for information regarding this opportunity for current sophomores and juniors.
MSU Sports Medicine/Athletic Training Summer Program – This program will be an excellent opportunity for any students interested in healthcare, physical fitness, sports medicine, or athletic training to learn about related careers from MSU’s AMAZING faculty! The application/brochure is available on the counter outside Mrs. Ewing’s office.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES for SENIORS: In addition to the scholarship information posted on the Greenwood Counseling website, Mrs. Ewing will highlight specific scholarship program details in future newsletters. She will also provide this information to seniors through Senior Capstone. The list of scholarship opportunities is growing:
1. College Scholarships for Women’s History Month Over 20 college scholarships for female students.College Scholarships for Women, National History Month | Fastweb Many of these scholarships had deadlines in March. A few remain open into April and May.
2. Here are two links for a few new scholarships:
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