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Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - February 15, 2018
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
I would like you to direct you to my selfie pick for this week, the WSMS theater program graciously made a Muppet of Mr. Messer.-looks and sounds just like me. Thank you theater students! Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
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Upcoming Student Holidays - Friday, February 16th and Monday, February 19th
Monday, February 19th is a designated bad weather day
. If we do not have a school closing due to bad weather
,
it is a student and teacher holiday
. If needed, Friday, March 30th is the second bad weather make up day; otherwise, it will also be a student and teacher holiday.
"Engaged in a Healthy Lifestyle" Suicide Prevention Parent Presentation - February 20
We will have a parent preview of our "Engaged in a Healthy Lifestyle" / Suicide Prevention program after the 9:45am general PTA meeting on Tuesday, February 20th in the WSMS Aux Gym. Click here for flyer with more information on presenter and topics.
7th & 8th Grade Class Meetings
Next Wednesday, February 21st, all WSMS students will participate in our mid year class meetings through their Social Studies class. During these meetings, we will be reviewing campus procedures and expectations to keep our students safe and healthy this spring. The following topics will be discussed:
- Cell Phone Use on Campus (appropriate use in the halls, cafeteria and in class)
- Cyber Etiquette and the Acceptable Use of Technology (including the sending and receiving of inappropriate texts, pictures and emails)
- Commitment to Living a Healthy Lifestyle (abstinence from the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and e-cigs
- Before and After School Procedures (tutorials, the CAT and the library)
- Food and Drink (engaging in healthy snacks and drinks throughout the day)
If you would prefer that your son or daughter not participate in these class meetings, please contact Monique Cardwell at [email protected] or call 469-742-8422.
WSMS One Act Play - Feb. 21, 22, 28 & March 1 - I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY by Celeste Raspanti
This Holocaust play centers around Raja, one of the children who survived Terezin, and the other children trapped in the Ghetto. A memory play, Raja recalls the events that led her to be the confident woman she is now. This play was based off true stories of these children's lives, based on actual drawings and poems that were buried in hopes of someone finding them after the war.
SHOW TIME: 7:00 pm
DATES: Feb. 21, 22, 28 and Mar 1
TICKETS: $5 for students, $7 for adults
LOCATION: WSMS Cafetorium
This 40 minute DRAMA, is our UIL competition piece for One Act Play, on March 3 in Grand Prairie
Each night at our home show there will be a guest critic to provide feedback for the cast. Audience is welcome to stay, but may leave after the performance if they choose.
Academic UIL
The UIL competition is one week away. Our teams are set, and we are ready to compete! Below are the competition details.
February 23rd :
If your student is involved in Modern Oratory, Impromptu Speaking and/or Oral Reading, the first rounds will be held on Friday, February 23rd. The bus will depart WSMS around 2:30 p.m. to travel to Coppell MS North. Impromptu Speaking, begins at 4:30 pm, followed by Modern Oratory at 5:30 pm, and Oral Reading at 6:30 pm. The dress code for these events and more information can be found by
clicking this link. The event rounds take approximately an hour, depending on the number of contestants. Please be aware that if your child makes it out of this preliminary round, they will be competing in the finals, which are on Saturday. The bus will depart Coppell MS North after the Oral Reading competition is complete, hopefully around 8 pm, and return to WSMS between 8:30 and 9 pm. If you would like to pick your student up, you will need to come to the cafeteria at Coppell MS North and sign your child out. If you would like someone else to pick up your child in Coppell, I will need you to fill out and return an alternate travel release. Then, the person whom you designate to take your child home will need to come sign them out at CMS North.
February 24th :
All other competitions (except Ready Writing and Editorial Writing) will be conducted on Saturday, February 24th. The competition starts promptly at 8 a.m. The bus will load at WSMS at 6:15 am for a 6:30 am departure. If you are taking your child to CMS North, please be aware that we need your student to be there 30 minutes prior to their competition start time so that they can check in with us and get to their scheduled room on time. The bus will depart Coppell MS North after the Awards Ceremony is complete, hopefully around 2 pm, and return to WSMS between 2:30 and 3 pm. If you would like to pick your student up at Coppell MS North, you will need to come to the cafeteria there and sign your child out. If you would like someone else to pick up your child in Coppell, I will need you to fill out and return the alternate travel release. Then, the person whom you designate to take your child home will need to come sign them out at CMS North.
"Engaged in a Healthy Lifestyle" Suicide Prevention Student Presentations - February 27 & 28
We
will present "Engaged in a Healthy Lifestyle" / Suicide Prevention information to WSMS students on Tuesday February 27th and Wednesday February 28th through 7th period classes. If you have any questions or concerns about this presentation please contact WSMS counselors, Kay Bordelon at 469-742-8424 or Kathy Stone at 469-742-8423.
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Campus Information and Reminders
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Safety Corner
For security purposes, we ask that visitors enter the building one at a time. To encourage this, please do not hold the door for visitors behind you. We would like to make it a safety habit that every visitor ring the bell to enter the building. Once you enter the building, all visitors should sign in at the front office. Please bring your driver's license to help expedite the process. If you are a cleared volunteer, your driver's license will not be needed if you sign in as a volunteer.
February Nutrition Newsletter
Sonic, Starbucks, and Monsters, Oh my...
We have noticed an increase in students bringing beverages to school in the morning. If your student son or daughter feels the need for a Sonic, Starbucks, or Wendy's drink before school (or a Monster or other Energy Drink), please have him or her finish it before entering the building. As a campus rule, water is the only drink we allow in our classrooms. All other drinks will need to remain in the cafeteria during school hours. We appreciate your cooperation and support in keeping our school clean. Students who have these drinks in class will be asked to throw them away.
8th Grade Parents: PSAT 8/9 Student Reports
On Friday, February 23rd, 8th grade students will receive PSAT 8/9 Student Reports. WSMS Counselors will meet with 8th graders through English classes and will review our school's performance and explain how to understand the Student Report. Students will also create a College Board account. The College Board's interactive web site is a useful tool for viewing College Board assessment scores, finding resources for improving academic skills, and college and career planning. Students will be required to create a username and password for this web site. We will ask students to write this information on their Student Report, so you can access this information at home. Students will continue to use this web site throughout high school, so keeping this information in a safe place will be important. If you have any questions about PSAT 8/9 scores, please contact your student's counselor.
As your son our daughter plans out their electives for next year, please be aware that the athletics program at WSMS is designed for students interested in playing competitive sports. It provides students valuable life skills of good sportsmanship, commitment, perseverance and what it means to be a team player. Off-season workouts will at times push the athlete beyond their limits. All WSWS athletes must participate in a least one sport of his or her choice. Swim and tennis must be signed up for at the beginning of the year. These two sports are an all year commitment. Student add-ons will not be allowed throughout the year. For swim, your son or daughter must already know how to swim and cuts will be made in swim.
Tennis will practice in the morning at the High School. If your child misses tennis they will be countedabsent for the first period. Swim practices after school. If your child misses swim they will be counted absent for 8th period.
Student athletes must be able to attend practices and / or games after school and on Saturdays. A complete physical is required each school year for all students participating in Lovejoy Athletics.
WSMS Math Counts Video Challenge
The Math Video Challenge is a national program that challenges students to develop their math, communication and technology skills in a collaborative video project. Now that the video has been submitted into the competition, the MathCounts team needs the community's help. From mid-February through mid-March, the general public votes on the videos and the 100 videos with the most votes advance to the judging rounds.
Please take a moment to vote online for our WSMS Math Counts video, created by WSMS Math Counts team members Kendall Carll, Jordan Day, Joshua Lass and Eric Wang. This team is sponsored by Jacob Hunter. Click here to watch the video and cast your vote. You can vote once every 24 hours. You'll need to setup an account, but it only takes a couple of minutes.
Save the Date: STAAR Testing This Spring
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Date
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Event
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Who?
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Tues. April 10
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Grade 7 Writing STAAR
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All 7
th
Grade
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Grade 8 Math STAAR
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8
th
Grade Pre-Alg
8
th
Grade Geometry
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Grade 8 EOC Rotations
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8
th
Grade Algebra
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Wed. April 11
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Grade 8 Reading STAAR
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All 8
th
Grade
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Grade 7 - Regular Class Day
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All 7
th
Grade
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May 7 - May 11
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STAAR Algebra EOC Exam
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7
th
Grade GT Math
8
th
Grade Algebra
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Mon. May 14
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Grade 7 Math STAAR
Grade 8 Math STARR Retest
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All 7
th
Grade (except GT Math)
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Grade 7 GT Math Rotations
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7
th
Grade GT Math
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Grade 8 FitnessGram
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All 8
th
Grade
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Tues. May 15
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Grade 7 Reading STAAR
Grade 8 Reading STAAR Retest
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All 7
th
Grade
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Grade 8 Sci/SS Rotations
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All 8
th
Grade
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Wed. May 16
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Grade 7 FitnessGram
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All 7
th
Grade
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Grade 8 Science STAAR
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All 8
th
Grade
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Thurs. May 17
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Grade 8 Soc. Studies STAAR
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All 8
th
Grade
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Grade 7 - Regular Class Day
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All 7
th
Grade
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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 [email protected].
School Store
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.
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Cold Weather Reminder
Parents please remind your student-athlete to bring warm clothing for athletics. Off-season in particular will practice outside if the temperature is above thirty-two degrees.
Girls 8th Grade vs Allen Curtis
A team - Won
B team - Won
C team - Won
Boys 8th Grade vs Allen Curtis
A team - Won
B team - Won
C team - Lost
Basketball Tournament Results
Girls
Friday night, the 7th Grade Lady Leopards A-Team battled against Rockwall Utley and fell short with a score of 18 to 22, which ended their season.
8th grade Lady Leopards played in the district A team basketball tournament on Friday. Their first game was against Utley. The Leopards came away with a win. Later that evening the Leopards meet up with Allen Curtis. Curtis came away with the win and the Leopards ended their basketball season.
Boys
The 7th grade A team lost in their tournament Friday night against Wylie Burnett.
The 8th grade boys A team beat Ford in our first game, beat Ereckson in semi finals and lost to Rockwall Williams in the finals to finish 2nd place in district.
Lovejoy Golf Meeting
Informational golf meeting Mar 7th, at 6:30 PM, at WSMS library. All those with students interested in playing high school golf will benefit from the meeting. This includes grades 5-8.
Topics covered will 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
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Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
Taste of Fairview - March 2nd
Back by popular demand, the 3rd Annual Taste of Fairview will be presented by Estate Life Magazine in partnership with the Allen Fairview Chamber, Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club, and the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools.
What: 3rd Annual Taste of Fairview with over 30 local restaurants, wine and spirits
Where: Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club
When: Friday, March 2nd at 6:00 PM
Why: All ticket sales donated to the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
Last year's event was a sell-out, with more than 500 attendees helping to raise more than $17,000 for the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools.
This year's goal is the same: great food and great people coming together for an incredible evening benefiting Lovejoy schools.
For more details and to purchase tickets please visit
www.tasteoffairview.com
Denim and Diamonds - Lone Starry Night - April 7th
Through your generosity and support, the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools awarded grants totaling $451,100 to teachers for use in their classrooms this year. The Foundation is funded primarily from Annual Appeal and the Denim and Diamonds (D&D) Gala and Auction. The Foundation's goal this year is to cover D&D costs with sponsorships prior to the night of the event so all monies spent at the event go directly to fund classroom grants.
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools will host its 12th annual Denim and Diamonds Gala and Auction on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Marriott at Legacy Town Center in Plano. This year's theme is a Lone Starry Night. Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Chair, Carrie McClure and Co-Chair, Aimee Peay welcome you to a night featuring dinner, entertainment and live auctions.
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools will host a raffle for three great prizes, which includes:
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$2500 VISA gift card - donated by Owens Realtors
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EZ Go Golf cart - Completely Remodeled and Refurbished Model 2014 TXT-PDS with 2014 upbody with flip seating, new batteries, tires and LED head/tail lights. New factory-painted, flame-red body. EC Custom Carts - value $5,000
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Arcade Game Table - Designed like original arcade table from the 80s. Table can be customized, featuring officially licensed graphics of favorite College, Pro Team, etc. - value $4,400
Raffle tickets are $100. Only 500 tickets will be sold. A drawing will be held for each item, giving each ticket a chance to win one of these prizes. The winners will be drawn at the Denim and Diamonds Gala. You do not need to be present to win.
Click here
for additional information. You may purchase tickets from any Foundation director, via the Foundation's website, or at the LISD administration building. See the Foundation website for a list of directors or
click here
to purchase tickets online.
Tickets for the Gala go on sale Friday, February 9th for $135 each. The ticket price will increase to $150 beginning Friday, March 9th. This year, we will seat guests at tables of 12. For additional information, visit FoundationForLovejoySchools.org or contact Cindy Booker at [email protected] or at 469.742.8043.
Click here
to purchase tickets to the gala.
Lovejoy Men's Soccer Future Leopard Night - February 20th
The Lovejoy Men's soccer team will host Future Leopard Night on Tuesday, February 20th, when they take on Royse City with a 5:30 PM kick off for JV and a 7:30 PM kick off for Varsity. During halftime of the JV game, the first 15 future Leopards who score a goal will receive prizes. Additionally, there will be prizes for all future Leopards. Participants will take the field with Varsity players for the National Anthem. After the JV halftime events, players will be available to answer questions and sign posters which will be provided at the game as well as soccer balls which future Leopards bring to the game. This event is for all elementary, intermediate and middle school students.
LHS Jazz Band and A Capella Present Java and Jazz - February 23rd
Come sing and dance the night away with the Lovejoy High School Jazz Band and Choir at 7:00 PM in the Lovejoy High School commons area on Friday, February 23rd. This concert will feature vocal and band standards from the 1940s and beyond. Admission is free. Coffee and desert items may be purchased separately. This event is open to all.
Parent Workshop - ARD Process February 28th
Gifted and Talented Referrals for 2018-2019
The referral window for gifted and talented services opens February 1st for students in grades 1-12. The window will remain open through March 31, 2018.
Click here
for the referral forms located online in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. All referrals must be completed in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. A line is included to type the name of the individual referring the student (parent, teacher, other educator, or student).
Testing is scheduled for Saturday, April 14th and 28th.
For questions regarding referrals, please contact Kari Lockhart (469.742.8015) or
Brie Smith
(469.742.8032).
Volunteers Needed for the Frisco College Baseball Classic
The Frisco College Baseball Classic is returning to the Dr. Pepper Stadium, March 2nd - 4th. Texas A&M, Baylor, Louisiana Tech, and Cal Berkeley will be playing in a round robin tournament.
The Frisco College Baseball Classic is partnering with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for this event and is looking for volunteers to help throughout the weekend. Students in grades 8 - 12 may click here to register to volunteer.
Relay for Life Luminarias
Relay for Life is an annual event which will be held at Willow Springs Middle School to raise awareness of cancer and to donate to cancer research. This year's initiative is to bring the Lovejoy community together as a whole to promote a sense of unity and caring. We hope you will save the date of April 6th and join us for Relay for Life.
Relay for Life Dinner
A dinner in honor of survivors, caregivers, and their families will be held in conjunction with the Relay for Life event. If this applies to you or to someone you know, please RSVP to
Katherine Guo
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Relay for Life Stories to Share
The high school Relay for Life committee is also organizing a tribute to those who have been affected by cancer. If you have a story to share, please contact
Katherine Guo
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Relay for Life Gallery Wall Opportunity
To encourage participation of students at the elementary and intermediate school levels, the LHS Relay for Life organizers are hosting a coloring page activity. Students may
click here
to print the coloring page and decorate it as creatively as they can. They may then turn the page into the receptionist desk at their campus to receive a pencil, sticker or other prize. The event organizers will use all coloring pages to create a gallery wall for the event, which will represent loving support for those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Relay for Life Luminarias
Relay for Life is selling Luminarias for the Relay for Life event on April 6th at Willow Springs Middle School. Luminarias honor those whose lives have been affected by cancer. You may dedicate a Luminaria to loved ones who lost their battles 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
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