Blue Jay News
February 23rd, 2024
A Message from the Administrative Team
Greenwood Students and Families:
The secondary students have received the selection of studies form for 2024-25. All forms are due to the counselor by March 4. Parents may view a recording of the scheduling presentation from Mrs. Ewing at: https://missouristate.zoom.us/rec/share/ejW9XUd231ssaAsdmzQRgi56pnitWrb32_eb51PDCJ41btYyUWaZBZqzm_wr1qTT.Hl3IIWXjGtGVVtiH
Passcode: aw.CR6$7
All high school spring sports will begin practice on Monday, February 26. Middle school track and field will begin Monday, March 4. Please welcome our new girls’ soccer coach Andres Cecenas. Coach Cecenas played collegiate soccer at Evangel and recently coached at Ozark High School. Track and field will be led by hall of fame coach Don Keeton and assisted by former Ohio State shot/discus thrower James Hilbert. Chris Meza will lead our third season of baseball. Alex Wiley and Jeff Tebbenkamp continue as head coaches for our tennis and golf teams respectively.
College education majors from Japan are visiting Greenwood for three weeks. They have been a welcome addition and are loving their experience at Greenwood! They would like to invite the Greenwood community to Japan Culture Night (info is included in this newsletter).
Contracts for 2024-25 for current students will be distributed in late March or early April. All families should anticipate an increase in tuition (approximately 4%) and some fees will increase as well. You will notice a significant increase in the safety fee, this is to help fund our school safety specialist position – Officer Long.
Tomorrow night at Sparta High School our boys’ basketball team will play for the District Championship at 6 pm against Fair Grove. Please come and support our team – there is a $6 admission.
GO Blue Jays!
Ron & Jeni
Congratulations to Dr. Hammerschmidt!
Congratulations to Dr. Melinda Hammerschmidt on the birth of another sweet grandchild!
Jade Elise Hammerschmidt - Born February 18th, 2024
Dylan Zheng Wins Big at Mathleague Contest
Dylan Zheng competed in the Mathleague Contest and he got 1st place overall and 1st place for the Greenwood Team as well! He will be advancing to the district round in April. Congratulations, Dylan!
Dr. Heather Cline Talks to First Graders About Tooth Care
Dr. Heather Cline, Greyson’s mom, talked to the First Grade Helpful Hedgehogs about tooth care to celebrate Tooth Month. First grade students asked questions, listened to a story and ach received a “tooth treat bag” to help take care of their teeth. Greyson and his mom provided a healthy snack for the class.
Officer Long Teaches Students About Safety Awareness
Students in grades 4-6 have participated in our safety awareness presentation presented by our safety officer, Ronnie Long. The safety presentation includes an awareness of the different types of emergencies and how to respond should an emergency occur at school. Students have an opportunity to ask questions and become familiar with safety protocols.
Safety presentations will continue with the remaining elementary grades the next few weeks.
Thank you, Officer Long, for sharing this important information with our students.
Greenwood Families are Invited to Attend Japan Culture Night
Everyone at Greenwood is invited to attend Japan Culture Night during Art Walk on March 1 from 5-7:30 at the Jim D. Morris Center, on the Missouri State campus. Our visiting group from Isesaki, Japan, along with students who are studying Japanese at MSU, will present dances, martial arts demos, origami, food, children's crafts and much more! 2 Cosplay groups from the area will also perform.
First Grade Students Learn About Japanese Culture
Dr. Sae Yamamoto introduced the students to The Tale of Genji which was written by Murasaki Shikibu and is the world's oldest full-length novel, written in Japan 1,000 years ago, at the beginning of the 11th century.
Murasaki was also the tutor of the empress Shoshi, the daughter of the most powerful man of the time, Michinaga.
Each student was given yarn and practiced playing the Cat’s Cradle game with help from the guest educators from Japan.
Arna is This Week's First Grade Student of the Week
For Arna’s first grade student of the week presentation her dad, Aninda Sadhukhan, shared about his job at SOX/Internal Audit a specialized company. Students were taught about risk management. Arna and her dad also shared about Holi a significant Hindu festival of colors to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. They shared that Holi celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring and the wish for a great spring harvest.
Check Out This Golf League Opportunity
It Is Almost Book Fair Time!
Please see the infomrational flyers below about this spring's upcoming Book Fair. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up at the link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0848A4AB22ABF85-47960439-spring
Sign Up For Greenwood Youth Baseball
Is your son interested in participating in Greenwood Youth Baseball program? If so please fill out this form, as it will allow Greenwood to build a strong baseball program for many years to come! Please return to Coach Meza or the Office
Greenwood Archery Tries to Improve on Their 3D Team Score at Conway Tonight
Congratulations to Olyvia, Grace, Katelyn, Grayson, Ruby, Lily, Alton and Kara for competing in the Wildcat Shootout #2 Bullseye Tournament at Billings High School last Saturday. Grace, Lily, Katelyn and Kara all had personal bests!
We wish Grayson, Cullen, Ruby, Olyvia, Grace and Katie the best as they compete tonight at the Conway 3D Shoot #3. A score of 1500 qualifies for State Tier 3. Our 3D Team scored 1447 at Billings February 9. We also wish Grace, Katie, Kara and Lily the best as they compete at Webb City Saturday in 3D and the four of them and Turner at Webb City in Bullseye, also on Saturday.
Practice and Tournament schedule for next week:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
February 26-29 - 7:20-8:00 AM
Come to at least two practices.
We will focus on Bullseye next week as the Republic tournament is Bullseye.
Our next 3D Tournament will be STATE in Branson, March 20-23, for those who qualify.
Flying Tigers State Qualifier II Bullseye Tournament at Republic, Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2
Friday: 4:00 PM - Ruby; 5:00 PM - Cullen; 6:00 PM - Grayson, Katie, Grace
Saturday: 10:00 AM - Turner, Alton, Lily, Kara, Addy, Katelyn, Damien, Sawyer
Remember Tournament fees are $8 for each one. Turn that money into Mrs. Tebbenkamp.
T-shirts are $20 and turn that money into Coach Ewing. The tentative date for our t-shirts to be ready is Friday, March 1. If that happens, Coach Ewing will have them at Greenwood that Friday.
Please let me know if you have any questions - j.e.ewing@att.net or 417-569-8698. Thank you!
From the Counselors
NEXT YEAR SCHEDULING:
All secondary students (current sixth through eleventh graders) will receive directions and information for selecting their courses for the 2024-2025 school year by Monday, February 26. They will bring home a Selection of Studies form to be reviewed, approved, and signed by parents.
These forms will be returned to Mrs. Ewing by March 4.
A zoom session was provided for parents on Tuesday evening detailing next year’s scheduling information. You can listen to that recording at the following link:
https://missouristate.zoom.us/rec/share/GqlfYN7Pwx6Oog2GLMqMYAOHmoO-WBcdLfOrsxuSl6dbrcrDRZ8iMXwNDMeT-Srq.F_VYyedpIyhhaS-4 Passcode: aw.CR6$7
Watch for 24-25 scheduling updates in future newsletters as we progress in the master scheduling process.
Area Opportunities:
Leadership Springfield - Leadership Springfield is accepting applications from current high school sophomores and juniors for our 2024-2025 Academy Class. This free community leadership program helps students discover how to be more engaged citizens and develop as leaders in a diverse community. During the seven-month program, students participate in leadership development training, learn about the local community, and coordinate three themed 'field trip days’ where students get to see firsthand how leaders work together to structure and influence the community around them with a focus on equity and inclusion. Students will gain project management skills, leadership training, and a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into making our community function. Most of all, the program is designed to inspire, develop, and connect local students to see the impact they can have on the community. Leadership Springfield provides the Academy program at no cost to students, families, or districts. Program days will not count as absences. Here are the direct links to each of the forms for the Academy Class:
· Application: https://leadershipspringfield.org/forms/leadership-springfield-academy-class-35-application/
· Parent/Guardian consent: https://www.cognitoforms.com/LeadershipSpringfield2/leadershipspringfieldacademyclassguardianconsentform2
· Reference: https://www.cognitoforms.com/LeadershipSpringfield2/LeadershipSpringfieldAcademyRecommendationForm
Club Z In-Home Tutoring Services – Club Z offers learning and academic solutions with tutoring, test prep, and study skills customized for your student’s needs. 417-714-4880; kevinbaker@clubztutoring.com; In Home Tutoring & Online Tutoring - Club Z! Tutoring of Springfield, MO (clubztutoring.com)
Class101 offers several events to assist students with ACT Prep.
Free ACT Practice Test Includes detailed strengths and weaknesses report & tips for improvement;Saturday, March 2nd;9:00-12:30.
3-week ACT Prep Class Learn the tips & tricks, test-taking strategies, and your individual strengths and weaknesses to master the ACT; 9 hours of in-person instruction, study guide, and customized homework for each student; 3-6pm
January 21 – English; January 28 – Math; February 4 - Reading & Science; $399.
The 101 Scholarship is BACK
Class 101 is awarding four high school students with a $3,000 scholarship! If you have a passion for making a difference in your community apply between February 15th - April 15th, 2024.Visit Class101.com/101scholar for more information.
High School Prep 101: Empower your middle schooler for high school success! Our tailored course imparts essential life skills and knowledge, from time management to goal-setting. Join us on the journey to personal growth and academic excellence. Enroll now and set the stage for a successful high school experience.
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, leadership experience, and contributes to the strength of 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 Counseling page of the Greenwood website. Counseling Department | Greenwood Laboratory School (missouristate.edu). You will also find other opportunities through your own research and networking. Continue reading for this week’s focus programs:
2024 Missouri Boys & Girls State sessions. Both programs are offered to rising seniors. Boys & Girls State will be held during the same week - June 22-June 29 - at the same site, on the campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. Attendees explore & experience many facets of local & state government through fun and meaningful learning formats. Several scholarship opportunities are available and college credit can be earned. Greenwood has a rich history of representation to both Boys and Girls State.
· Boys: Apply at www.moboysstate.org.
· Girls: Apply at www.missourigirlsstate.org/.
Mrs. Ewing will manage your application from Greenwood’s portal. Early registration deadline was January 31; Application deadline is April 3. Please note that the earlier you apply and are accepted the more likely you will receive sponsorships to cover your participation fees. Greenwood wants YOU to represent the Bluejays in the 2024 sessions of Missouri Girls State and Boys State. Past delegates would advise you not to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Mini-Med School - High School Mini-Med School at the University of Missouri Columbia is returning this June for two sessions. Session 1 runs from June 2-6 and Session 2 is from June 9-13. This overnight camp is for Missouri high school rising seniors who are interested in a career in medicine. Students will attend lectures and will participate in the same Patient Based Learning (PBL) curriculum that Mizzou medical students do with hands-on clinical experiences, simulation and anatomy centers, and social events in the evenings. This is a great experience for anyone who is considering medical school after college.
The cost for this camp is $650 which includes all the camp fees, lodging, camp deposit of $50 and meals. The application is free and there are scholarships available. The application opened Jan 12 and is due March 17, along with a transcript and a letter of recommendation from a past or current Science teacher. For more information about the camp and the application visit: https://medicine.missouri.edu/offices-programs/education/pre-med-outreach-programs/mini-medical-school.
2024 Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes - This two-week online enrichment program is designed for academically motivated and intellectually curious students currently in grades 8-11. Each online course provides an in-depth exploration of a single subject, allowing students to enrich their academic interests while meeting other students who share their passions and abilities. View their digital flyer here: share this digital flyer. NOTE: The application deadline is March 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
CoxHealth Medical Explorer Program is holding registration from March 1 - March 28 for students ages 15-20 interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Medical Explorers is an observation program offering 39 areas throughout the hospital for the students to see the staff in action. Opportunities vary from dietary to surgery and anesthesia allowing the students to narrow down their focus for planning their higher education path. See Mrs. Ewing for an application or contact Kathy Shirley at kathy.shirley@coxhealth.com or go to https://www.coxhealth.com/education/medical-explorers/.
SCHOLARSHIPS: In addition to the scholarship information posted on the website’s Counseling page, Mrs. Ewing will highlight specific scholarship programs and resources in future newsletters.
Scholarship Essays Worksheet - Check out this great resource to help you identify what makes a great scholarship essay, how to write a strong essay of your own, and how to ask for letters of recommendation. Student Worksheet: Essays and Letters of Recommendation - Going Merry
1. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE OZARKS (Various Scholarships) – CFO’s scholarship season is open, as of Jan 1! The application deadline is March 24. Seniors should use their personal email to set up an account. CFO has moved to a Universal Application process allowing students to apply for all CFO scholarships for which they qualify through one comprehensive application.
Students will create an account and answer several eligibility questions in the UA. Based on their answers, they will receive a confirmation page which will list the scholarship opportunities that they were found eligible to be considered for. Some scholarship opportunities will require answers to supplemental questions.
Specific criteria information can be found on the “Scholarship Criteria Preview” page on CFO’s website: https://www.cfozarks.org/resources/scholarship-criteria. See step by step instructions on the following pdf: “How to Apply for Scholarships” How to Apply for Scholarships.pdf
2. Missouri Bankers Foundation Scholarship - The Missouri Bankers Foundation established a scholarship program for high school students pursuing a banking related degree program in college. These scholarships help prepare the next generation of Missouri banking leaders. Seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to seven high school students for their first semester tuition payment and/or college expenses. Application postmark deadline is March 1, 2024.
2024_MBF_Scholarship_Form_fillable.pdf (magnetmail.net)
3. Junior League of Springfield Scholarship – The ideal candidate will have exhibited exceptional leadership and involvement within her community. Apply online at https://www.jlspringfield.org/founders-fund-scholarship/.
4. P.E.O Golden Girl Scholarship – The PEO Chapter LC provides this scholarship for exceptional senior women to attend a MO accredited postsecondary educational institution for the next academic year. Interested senior girls can pick up the application form from Mrs. Ewing. Postmark deadline is March 31.
5. Soroptimist Lollar Scholarship – The Soroptimist International of Springfield offers a scholarship of $1500 to a deserving, qualifying senior planning to attend college or vocational school in the fall of 2024. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. See Mrs. Ewing if interested in applying.
Applications must be postmarked before April 28.
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