A Message from the Principal
 
Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - December 14, 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
 
Our students have done an excellent job gearing up for their final exam schedule starting tomorrow and continuing next week.  We are officially half-way through the 2017-2018 school year.  I hope you and your family have a safe and relaxing holiday, see everyone back on campus on January 8th, 2017.

Thank you to our teachers, students, and staff for a successful Flapjacks for Finals this morning.  Our teachers made over 950 pancakes this morning for our fabulous students.



    
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
Willow Springs Middle School
1101 West Lucas Rd, Lucas 75002
Office: 469-742-8417
Mobile: 214-293-9938
@WSMSLovejoyISD
#wsmslovejoy



Technology Survey - December 4th-20th
Lovejoy ISD is partnering with BrightBytes, an educational research organization, to learn more about our students' school and home technology use and the impact it has on instruction. We are reaching out to ask you to take part in the Technology & Learning questionnaire. This is a semi-annual initiative, and your participation is essential in helping us form a more complete picture of the role technology plays in your students' learning.

Please know that all of your responses will remain anonymous to protect your privacy. Please click here to begin the survey.


Final Exams, December 15th-20th
For a copy of the fall semester final exam schedule, please click here .   The exam lunch schedule can be seen by clicking here .


Final exams will officially begin, Friday, December 15th. Teachers are expected to provide students with final exam reviews by Friday, December 1st.  In addition, all final exam reviews will be loaded on the WSMS website on December 1st  (under both student and parent) and teachers will upload exam reviews into their Google Classrooms.   Please encourage your son or daughter to begin working on their final exam reviews early. As they begin to study, encourage them to study every night in short 15-20 minute increments rather than "cramming" the night before the test. Research shows that students who study in small chunks of time over a period of days are more successful on assessments.


NJHS Meeting - Wednesday, December 20th (Morning Only)
The next NJHS meeting is Wednesday, December 20th at 8:15am in Ms. Lamb's room, C104. Students need to bring a print out of their grades as well as their service hours log.


Early Release/Student Holiday
Wednesday, December 20th will be an early release day. Students will be taking their 4th period final exam from 8:55 a.m.-10:48 a.m. and 8th period exam and lunch from 10:52 a.m.-12:50 p.m.  School will dismiss at 12:50 p.m.  

Thursday, December 21st - Friday, January 5th is Winter Break. School will resume on Monday, January 8th.


WSMS 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney and Student Social - January 19th
Our winter social will be on January 19th from 6:00--8:00 p.m at WSMS. From 5:00--6:00 p.m., we will hold our annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the WSMS gyms. The cost is $30 per team, which will also admit your student into the social. Proceeds will go to the American Heart Association. Beginning at 6:00, we will have a DJ in the cafeteria and the gyms will be open for volleyball and basketball after the 3 on 3 tournament. Cost for the social is $8.00 on-line and $10.00 at the door.  Students will have the opportunity to purchase pizza, snacks, and water at the dance.  All items can be purchased for $1.00.  
 
More information to come about parent chaperone sign ups.  





Campus Information and Reminders
Safety Corner
For security purposes, all exterior doors to the campus are locked during the day.  If your student is dropped off early or picked up late for tutorials, practice, rehearsal, etc., please encourage them to stay inside the building when the weather is cold.  Once they exit the building in the evening, the doors will lock behind them.   During the winter months, please encourage your student to wait inside until you arrive.  They can wait in the rotunda in the front hall at WSMS.


Inclement Weather
School closures will be determined based on safety. In the event of a school closure, notifications will be announced on the district's website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. We will also announce any closure through the media and by phone. Links to our social media accounts are shown below.


Lovejoy ISD App
The Lovejoy ISD App is available for download on both Apple and Android devices.  To download the app for Apple devices, please click here .  To download the app for Android devices, please click here .  


Twitter and Facebook
Are you following the district onTwitter?  Have you liked us onFacebook?  Join us on social media for news and announcements.


Student Nutrition Newsletter for December


Shark Week at WSMS
This week our 8th grade students dissected tiger sharks as part of the science curriculum .  Over the course of the week, our 8th grade students participated in problem based learning where they analyzed sharks that washed up on shore and tested the water, researched the coral reef ecosystem, and performed a dissection in order to come to a conclusion as to why the sharks had washed up on shore.  This directly aligned with the 8th grade state science standard on   Organisms and environments. The student knows that interdependence occurs among living systems and the environment and that human activities can affect these systems.    Nice job students!   




WSMS Robotics
Check out our Gateway To Technology students working on mastering the 2018 VEX IQ Ringmaster challenge. The students are preparing for a competition with Curtis Middle School next this spring.  Gateway To Technology is an elective that focus on engineering and robic concepts and skills and is available to 7th and 8th graders at WSMS.




7th & 8th Grade Basketball Success
Congratulations to our 7th grade Girls and 8th grade boys basketball teams for their first place finish this past weekend in the Collin County Hoops Fest.  This tournament included middle schools from Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and Allen.


8th Grade Boys Champions


7th Grade Girls Champions


Final Exam Reviews
Teachers provided students with a copy of the final exam review this week. In addition, an electronic copy has been posted in Google Site and on the WSMS website under "Parent Resources." Teachers will be going over their review in class prior to the final exam. Each review will provide vocabulary, concepts, and/or skills needed to be successful on the final. Students will be expected to take the information from the review and apply it to questions on the exam that include graphs, charts, maps, diagrams, and excerpts. These application based questions provide a foundation for the level of thinking that aligns with the higher level thinking of our state standards in middle school and high school. Rather than studying the review for 2-3 hours the night before the final exam, we encourage students to prepare for each exam by studying for approximately 15-20 minutes a day. In addition, students should refer to notes, handouts, assignments, and their textbook to support their learning and preparation. For an example of a final exam review topic and how it might be tested on the final exam in each of the core subjects, please click here (these questions are from the 7th grade curriculum in ELAR, math, science, and social studies).


Final Exam Grades
Final Exams are a summative assessment over material that has been covered during the first semester. Teachers will be closing out their grades for the first semester once final exams have been completed. As a result, students will not have the opportunity to re-take their final exam. The summative data from final exams will provide teachers with a road map for instructional planning and intervention during the spring semester. As the semester comes to a close, please continue to work with your son or daughter to stay on top of their school responsibilities. This time of year is traditionally very busy for our students and families, both often get pulled in several different directions as we approach the holidays. If you or your student needs any assistance or support with academic or behavioral support, please partner with our teachers, counselors, and administrators. Let's work together to ensure that our students finish strong in their first semester of learning.


2017 Fall Final Exam Scheduled Time Slots for the CAT
December 15th  8:55-10:23 & 2:32-4:00
December 18th   9:45-11:13 & 1:41-3:09
December 19th   8:55-10:23 & 12:51-2:19
December 20th    8:55-10:48& 10:52-12:50
We would appreciate your help in volunteering in the CAT to support our students.  To sign for one of these times and/or dates, please click here .
Frequently Asked Questions about the Center for Academic Training (CAT)?

  • What is the purpose of the CAT? The CAT is designed to assist all students by providing before and after school support in all subject areas. It is also where all students with testing accommodations such as small group testing, oral reading of exams, etc. take their test during class time.
  • On average, how many students use the CAT during final exams? On the testing side alone, we will see approximately 330 students during the week of final exams who have some type of testing accommodation. This number does not include the students without testing accommodations who utilize the CAT during finals weeks.
  • Who else helps students?Teachers and Instructional Aides are available to help; however, their priority is helping students in class during instructional time.
  • Does a volunteer need previous knowledge of an exam before they arrive? Volunteers do not need any special training or knowledge to help in the CAT. Volunteers will be reading the questions and answer choices on an exam to a small group of 1-5 students.  The students are not permitted to have help understanding any of the content on the exam, so the volunteer would strictly be reading verbatim from their own copy of the exam.


Family Promise of Collin County
Angelina Mapes, a 7th grade student at WSMS, is raising funds to benefit Family Promise of Collin County. Angelina hopes to receive enough donations for parents to purchase presents for their children for Christmas. The donation box is located at Willow Springs Middle School.



Lost and Found
Please encourage your son or daughter to look through the lost and found and claim any sweatshirts, shoes, hats, etc. they may have left behind. All lost and found items are located on the stage in the cafeteria.  Students can visit the lost and found before or after school or during their lunch.  All items not claimed by December 19 th will be donated to Allen Community Outreach.


Academic UIL
Academic UIL competition is on the horizon, and we are looking forward to attending this year's competition on March 24 and 25, 2017! The competition will be held at Coppell Middle School West, which is located at 1301 Wrangler Drive, Coppell, TX 75019.

All students in grades 7 and 8 are eligible to try-out for a team. Students may compete in as many events as they would like as long as the events they enter compete at different times during the competition day. Tryouts for the competitions will occur shortly after we return from Winter Break. Students who make the team will begin practices as determined by the team coach. Practice days and times will vary with each competition. Please click here to find a document that has the contest descriptions, tryout information, and contest times. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Rogers at laura_rogers@lovejoyisd.net.


Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
Willow Springs is seeking strong adult volunteers to become mentors on our campus. An effective mentor understands that his/her role is to be dependable, engaged, authentic, and tuned into the needs of the student. Becoming a mentor is a great way to pay it forward, make a positive impact on a student's life, and make a positive impact on your own life!

If you are interested in becoming a mentor at WSMS, please contact Kathy Stone at kathy_stone@lovejoyisd.net.


School Store T-Shirt Sale
The school stores, located at Lovejoy High School and Willow Springs Middle School, are getting ready for the cooler weather.  Don't miss their special sales as they make room for the new season.
All Short-Sleeved T-Shirts - 50% off

Hurry, as the t-shirts will go quickly at this special price.

The LHS Store is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.  The WSMS Store is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM.   In addition to Lovejoy spirit wear, there are a limited number of grade-level spirit shirts for pep rallies, athletic events, and field trips to identify them as a WSMS student, also available for sale in the school store. If you pre-ordered a grade-level spirit shirt, please have your son or daughter pick their shirt up in the school store during lunch. These grade-level spirit shirts may also be purchased by clicking here .  We will place another order based on our online purchases.


Athletics

WSMS Cross Country News
Congratulations to the Willow Springs Cross Country Teams! These kids began training in August, and they wrapped up the season with the District meet on Tuesday, December 13th in Rockwall. These young runners have put in a lot of miles over the first semester, and we are very proud of their hard work and dedication!



Below are Team results as well as the names of the kids who were in the top 10 in their division and earned awards.

7th Grade Girls - DISTRICT CHAMPIONS (23 points) UNDEFEATED SEASON
Amy Morefield - District Champion (undefeated season!)
Callan Snider - 3rd
Bella Landrum - 4th
Emily Reyna - 7th
Morgan Streeter - 8th
Genevieve Jones - 9th
Emma Smith - 10th

8th Grade Girls - DISTRICT RUNNER-UP (36 points)
Katie Armstrong - District Champion
Avery Ashley - 4th
Jordyn Caro - 8th
Alex Willard - 9th

7th Grade Boys - DISTRICT CHAMPIONS (37 points) UNDEFEATED SEASON
Logan Pedersen - District Champion (undefeated season)
Landon Heruska - 5th
Hunter Reck - 9th
Andrew Stiles -10th

8th Grade Boys - DISTRICT CHAMPIONS (34 points) UNDEFEATED SEASON
Matthew Murray - District Runner-up
Riley McGowan - 4th
Carson Person -8th
Jake Piccirillo - 9th



Boys 7th vs. Rockwall Utley Basketball Results - December 11th
A Team - Won
B Team - Won
C Team - Won

Girls 7th vs. Rockwall Utley Basketball Results - December 11th
A Team - Won
B Team - Won
C Team - Won

Boys 8th vs. Rockwall Cain Basketball Results - December 7th
A Team - Won
B Team - Won
C Team - Won

Girls 8th vs. Rockwall Cain Basketball Results - December 7th
A Team - Won
B Team - Won
C Team - Won



WSMS Wrestling
This week we have practices only as we scheduled no competition for the middle school teams this week due to semester exams. Please note that practices over the holiday break are optional for middle school wrestlers. Here is the link for the practice schedule, Christmas Break practice schedule
No middle school practices beginning Thursday December 14 th due to final exams.




Golf Parent Meeting
All 8th grade students interested in participating in high school golf in 9th grade are invited to attend an informational golf meeting Jan 18th, at 6:30 PM,in the WSMS cafeteria. All those with 8th grade students interested in playing high school golf will benefit from the meeting.

Topics that  will be covered include:
1. What makes a high school team, how many teams, how many on a team?
2. What kind of time does high school golf require?
3. Lessons/clinics (Who, Where, Cost)
4. Playing junior tournaments


WSMS PTA

December is a busy month at WSMS and we can use your help!


Volunteer Opportunities!
Hello Volunteers!

This year has flown by and Final Exams are right around the corner. We need volunteers to help our students achieve their best work in the Center for Academic Training (CAT). The Final Exam test schedule below is available for you to find the perfect time to volunteer and read an exam to a student. The CAT has two wonderful teachers, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. May, who will be on hand to guide you and explain any questions you may have. Each time slot has 3 volunteer opportunities, please click here to signup.


December 15th 8:55-10:23 and 2:32-4:00
December 18th 9:45-11:13 and 1:41-3:09
December 19th 8:55-10:23 and 12:51-2:19
December 20th 8:55-10:48 and 10:52-12:50




District and Other News

Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
2017 Annual Appeal Ends December 31
As the end of the calendar year approaches, the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools would like to say thank you for your generosity to the annual appeal campaign. We have received donations from 555 donors totaling $194,265. This is just shy of our goal of $200,000 and 650 donors. If you have not yet donated or you wish to make a final end of year tax-deductible donation, please click here . Without you, we could not carry out our mission to enhance the educational experience for Lovejoy students and staff.



Lovejoy Ladies' Night Out
Join us for a Lovejoy Ladies' Night Out to raise funds to award grants to Lovejoy ISD. The event will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at Cross Creek Ranch in Parker. This event sold out last year. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 1st at 10:00 AM.
For pricing and ticket information, click here or contact Cindy Booker at 469.742.8043.

Give to the Foundation via AmazonSmile
If you plan on purchasing items from Amazon.com, please consider visiting Amazon Smile. Amazon established AmazonSmile to give back 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to charitable organizations. When you are ready to shop, log in to your Amazon account by visiting the AmazonSmile website for the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools. Once you have logged in, you will have access to the same products, same prices and same service you find at amazon.com. Thank you for your support of the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools.





LHS Collecting Donations for Coats for Kids
Lovejoy High School is collecting donations to buy coats for S.M. Wright's Christmas in the Park Event. The purpose is to provide funding and resources for underprivileged children and families through the nonprofit organization For Kids Foundation. Every $15 donated will provide a child in the Dallas area with a new coat. This is a great opportunity for everyone to give back this Christmas. You may click here to donate.


MySchoolBucks Convenience Fee
MySchoolBucks, the district's online meal prepayment program, has provided notification regarding an increase in the convenience fee paid by parents using the online payment feature. The fee will be increasing from $1.95 per payment to $2.49 per payment and will be effective as of December 11, 2017. This increase is the result of an increase in card scheme fees. The district does not receive any convenience fee funds from MySchoolBucks.

In light of the increase, the district contacted MySchoolBucks. They agreed to increase the maximum payment from $120 per deposit to $240 per deposit. This payment deposit increase is effective immediately. You may contact MySchoolBucks directly by telephone at 855.832.5226 or via email at support@myschoolbucks.com .


Kindergarten Gifted and Talented Referrals
Referrals for kindergarten Gifted and Talented services will be available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal from December 1, 2017 - January 12, 2018.
An information session for the parents of kindergarten students will review the referral process, as well as the G/T services offered in Lovejoy.

Lovejoy ISD Administration Building
Board Room
December 4 or 15, 2017
9:00 AM or 4:30 PM (Session information repeats)

If you are unable to attend and would like more information, a slideshow presentation will be available on the Gifted and Talented webpage after the December 4th presentations.

All kindergarten students will be tested at their home campuses in January. Additional testing for referred students is scheduled for both Saturday, February 10th and 24th. Services for identified kindergarten students begin March 1, 2018.

For questions regarding referrals, please contact Kari Lockhart (469.742.8015) or Brie Smith (469.742.8032).




Lovejoy Lacrosse - Boys' and Girls' Teams Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the boys' and girls' 2018 Spring season of Lovejoy Lacrosse.  Join the most exciting, fastest-growing sport in the country.
Register now for Boys: Grades Kindergarten through High School
Register now for Girls: Grades Kindergarten through 8th grade
Visit www.lovejoylacrosse.com for information regarding the program and the upcoming Spring season.
Hurry, as rosters are filling quickly!


Relay for Life Luminarias
Relay for Life is selling Luminarias for the Relay for Life event on April 6th at Lovejoy High School. Luminarias honor those whose lives have been affected by cancer. You may dedicate a Luminaria to a loved one who lost their battle with cancer, someone currently battling cancer, or anyone who has overcome cancer. When you attend the Relay event, you will see the Luminarias placed around the track, decorated with names and sometimes messages to whom they are dedicated. Luminarias are $10. If you would like to purchase one, please click here .