Blue Jay News

Greenwood Students and Families:

Homecoming week is next week. There are many activities and events planned during Homecoming Week (Sept. 30 – October 5). Here are some of the highlights to look forward to:

Spirt Week (Sept. 30 – Oct. 5):

Monday – Comfy Cloths Day

Tuesday – Twin Tuesday

Wednesday – Class Color Day

Thursday – Hollywood Day (favorite actor/actress)

Friday – Welcome to the Jungle (camo and/or animal print)/ Bluejay Spirit Day (elementary)

Hamburger Fry (6-12): Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 6 pm – 8 pm

Homecoming Pep Assembly: K-12 EVENT - Friday Oct. 4 from 2:15 pm – 2:50 pm

Homecoming Game: Friday, Oct. 4 at MSU soccer field, pre-game activities start at 4:30 pm, Kickoff at 7:30 pm

The GLS Booster is providing pre-game activities for families and kiddos this year! There will be food trucks, bouncy houses, and other fun activities to enjoy before the big game. Students are expected to play safe at the tailgate and support our athletes at the game. Please sit in the designated area with the Greenwood fans. Parents, we appreciate your help supervising your child(ren) at this event. Supervision will not be provided, if you cannot attend with your children, please make sure they are supervised by a designated adult that you arrange.

Homecoming Dance: Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8 pm – 10 pm

The inaugural Greater Ozarks Conference “GO Collaborate” professional development day was a huge success! We had over 450 educators from seven different schools collaborating and learning from each other. Our keynote speaker, Jimmy Casas, was excellent and provided everyone with thought provoking ideas. We would like to thank the GPA for the morning coffee and snacks, along with Jerry and Paula Daugherty for providing the table settings and decorations. The lunch was provided by Mexican Villa and they knocked it out of the park! Thank you, also to the College of Education for sending representatives over and Dr. Reesha Adamson for addressing the conference. A big thank you to President Biff Williams from Missouri State University for a wonderful educational pep talk during lunch! Our staff and other volunteers, including student ambassadors and DJ Kelby, did a tremendous job participating and presenting and we are so grateful to them helping make our school “shine” among our peers.

Have a great weekend!

Ron & Jeni

PSAT: Greenwood will administer the PSAT in October to all juniors and to the sophomores who have signed up to take the test for practice.

• Juniors will take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 16, 8:30-11:30am.

• The sophomores who have signed up will take the PSAT on Thursday, October 17, 12:00-3:00pm.

In addition to the newsletter articles, Mrs. Ewing will email the students and their parents who will be taking the PSAT. Students have been encouraged to check their personal emails often over the upcoming weeks prior to the testing session for details that will include, a Student Guide, access to the Bluebook testing application, and specific test day directions.

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that provides excellent practice for the SAT and the ACT. Taking the PSAT is required for juniors to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. PSAT scores are not typically sent to colleges for admission but can be used as a tool for recruitment to some institutions and leadership programs. The test covers two major areas: Verbal and Mathematical Skills.

Please go to our school website (https://www.greenwood.missouristate.edu/) and click on Storefront to pay the $18 PSAT fee.

Dual Credit – Registration for dual credit ended Sept 16. The Dual Credit office emails billing notices to students and parents monthly with the first statement arriving at the end of Sept or first of Oct. Here is the link to our “Paying Your Tuition” page: Paying Your Tuition - Missouri State University Dual Credit - Missouri State

Upcoming College Rep Visits: Representatives from colleges/universities 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.

• October 1 – University of Alabama

• Nov 8 – Truman State University

2024 College & Career Fair –The Springfield R-12 School District will host its annual College and Career Fair on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Kickapoo High School, Springfield, Missouri. In addition to students from the five Springfield public high schools, students from the surrounding Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas area will also be invited. A Breakout session, “Paying for College” will be held 5:15-6:15.

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.

Many colleges/universities are test optional for admissions but pay close attention to their specific testing policies. Check with the institutions you are interested in pursuing for their specific requirements.

Class101: Students and families will gain excellent 1:1 preparation through working with Laurie Goslee at Class101. Here are a few upcoming programs. Click the program links to for more information.

Fall ACT Prep Class: Classes open to all high school students; $450 or included in our full college planning program; This 3-session prep course is to prepare for the October 26th ACT test

Register Here

Sunday, October 6, 3:00 - 6:00 pm - English
Sunday, October 13, 3:00 - 6:00 pm - Math
Sunday, October 20, 3:00 - 6:00 pm - Reading & Science

* Be sure to register for the test through ACT.org by Sept 20

Getting Started: Planning for College: Wednesday, October 9; 6:00-7:30 pm Preparing for college is a four-year strategy and the playing field is changing.This in-person event will provide guidance for parents and students on what to do and when to do it, exploring careers/majors, seeking out leadership opportunities, what classes to take in high school to prepare for college, and how extra-curricular activities play a part in developing a strong college resume.

Scholarship Opportunities

• 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/ or https://bold.org/scholarships/by-year/high-school/seniors/

• Fastweb.com

• Salliemae.com

• Scholarships.com

• My.appily.com

First Grade Helpful Hedgehog Eliza Bean, brought her dad for her student of the week presentation. Eliza’s dad Brandon Bean is a Civil Claims Investigator with the BNSF Railway. Mr. Bean brought a guest Special Agent Joshua Duncan with the BNSF Railway. Student were shown videos on Railroad safety and given an Operation Lifesaver Coloring book starring Sly Fox and Birdie. Special Agent Duncan shared his equipment that is used to inspect issues the railway may encounter and to keep him safe. Students asked great questions and learned a lot about being safe around railroad tracks. Eliza gave her classmates her favorite snack fruit gummies. Thank you Mr. Bean and Special Agent Duncan.

Last week , the First Grade Student of the week, Hudson Albritton, brought his Uncle Andrew to visit. Dr. Andrew Albritton is a Greenwood graduate, attended MSU and then got his doctorate in Nottingham England.

Dr. Albritton talked to the class about the power of communication, pragmatics of language, how language is actually used and how we express ourselves to others. Students have worked on the art of communication this year using the “glitter wands” taking turns speaking and listening and showed Hudson’s uncle how they work. Dr. Albritton reminded students to think before we speak, share important ideas and compliment others. The students asked terrific questions and Hudson treated his classmates to Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Hudson’s uncle also shared an important message with the students that they should remember, that our words not only “mean something” they have the power to “do something” when we speak others. Thank you, Dr. Albritton.

On Saturday, September 21 eight Greenwood High School Choir students took part in a rigorous, highly competitive audition process for District Honors Choir. Congratulations to these students for being selected to be a part of the South Central Missouri Music Educators Association District Honors Choir!

9-10 Choir: Adam Abdalla, Cullen Burch, Jack Lindsey, and Han Seo

11-12 Choir: Asher Nelson and Gabriel Parada

Congratulations to Asher Nelson and Gabriel Parada for scoring in the top 25 out of 88 basses, qualifying them to audition for Missouri All State Choir!

The Greenwood swim team finished 4th at All-City meet. Leif Neal medaled with a sixth place finish in the 50 free, He also just missed a medal with his 7th place finish in backstroke. Jacob Putty scored in the 100 free and 100 breast. Nathan Wu set meet records with his first place finishes in both of his events. He broke a 16 year record in the 100 Fly. In the 100 breast he set a new school and meet record. Both of the former record holders in Breast stroke were state Champions. The team of Joseph Whitaker, Leif Neil, Jacob Putty, and Nathan WU finished the meet with a 3rd place medal and state consideration time in the 400 free relay.

At the start of lunch (12:40 PM) on Wednesday, October 2nd there will be an information meeting for any high school students interested in participating in the Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair. The fair will be held March 11-13 here in Springfield, MO. This is a great opportunity if you're interested in science based student research! There are many prizes and awards available to winers.

Twenty-four Greenwood Archers attended one or both of the first off-season practices this week before school. Remaining practices will be October 1, 3, 8, 15, and 17. And then regular practice will start in November and our first tournament will be the first weekend of December. Students must have a permission form turned in before they can attend practice. Those are available in the Main Office and the Counseling Office.

For next week, Tuesday, and Thursday, October 1 and 3, this will be our schedule:

TUESDAY

7:00-7:20 AM - 4th and 5th grades

7:20-7:40 AM - 6th and 7th grades

7:40-8:00 AM - 8th and 9th grades

THURSDAY

7:00-7:20 AM - 6th and 7th grades

7:20-7:40 AM - 8th and 9th grades

7:40-8:00 AM - 4th and 5th grades

Please be patient as we try this schedule. With our numbers and current resources, we are trying to give our students the best opportunity possible. We want to give them all quality repetitions and we have the potential for Elementary, Middle School and High School Teams if we group them this way.

Also, we continue to teach the Archery unit in 4th and 5th grade PE classes which we will complete next week. We will teach the unit in 6th grade PE October 2, 3, 7, 8, 14 and 15.

If you would like to donate to help with additional resources, please give your check to Mrs. Roben Tebbenkamp, and let her know it is for Greenwood Archery. Contact Coach Jon Ewing if you have any questions, j.e.ewing@att.net or 417-569-8698. Thank you!

Looking for a fun and creative activity during winter break? The Quilted Cow in Springfield is offering sewing camps for students ages 10-18! Three sessions are available in December and January. Participants will learn basic machine use, various techniques and stitches, and create projects like tie blankets, tote bags, and more. All supplies included. Cost is $350 per one-week session, with one scholarship available per session. For more information or to register, contact The Quilted Cow at 417-413-3334 or springfieldmo@thequiltedcow.com. Don't miss this opportunity to develop a new skill and unleash your creativity!

The Booster Club wants to provide our K-5 kids a chance to take part in the Greenwood homecoming festivities this year. Just like with a professional soccer team, your kids will have the opportunity to walk out on the field with a Greenwood soccer player before the game, stand with them during the National Anthem then return to their seats in the stands.

We can only accept 40 kids so if interested please fill out the attached form by Sunday, September 29th . If you have questions you can email Katy Shaw at katyrshaw@gmail.com.

Greenwood Parent Association's autumn fundraiser is here! Purchase gorgeous 2-gallon Jumbo Mums for $15 each, partnering with Wheeler Gardens. Order online at greenwoodgpa.com or through the school office by October 10th, 2024. Vouchers delivered within a week, redeemable until October 13th, 2024. Spruce up your garden while supporting our school!

On Friday, November 8, 2024, the Greenwood Laboratory School Parents’ Association and the Athletic and Booster Club will host our annual Blue Jay Bash at Pythian Castle. Bluejay Bash is Greenwood’s #1 fundraiser for the year and 100% of its profits go to support Greenwood students in academics, athletics, and safety and security.

We are requesting your support and hope you will consider a sponsorship for our event. You can find more information about our sponsorship levels at www.greenwoodgpa.com.

Please be sure to include any marketing materials that would help us promote your brand during the event. In addition, we hope you will join us for a Gatsby-inspired evening full of mystery and supporting our school. TICKETS ARE LIMITED!

Greenwood Parents’ Association is a 501(c)(3) entity, and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Please feel free to reach out to Michelle (573-631-4630) or Elisha (617-653-0409) with any questions. If you need to mail in a sponsorship check, please send it to Greenwood Parents’ Association, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897

We are a laboratory school for students in Kindergarten - 12th grades. We are part of the College of Education at Missouri State University.

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