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Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - February 22, 2018
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
This weekend our UIL academic teams will be competing in our annual UIL competition in Coppell. Our teams traditionally perform very well at this competition so we are looking forward to a great weekend. This week, we had some great class meetings with our 7th and 8th grade students. As part of these meetings we discussed ways to keep our students safe through cyber etiquette, campus structures and routines, and campus security. Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
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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.
Club Day - February 23
Our next Club Day is tomorrow; we will be on an activity bell schedule. For copy of the activity bell schedule, please
go here
. Students participating in the Extreme Club must wear a helmet. Students who are in the K9 and Kritters Club must have permission from Mr. Abney before bringing an animal to school. Students may leave their equipment for Guitar Club, Extreme and Remote Control Club in the front office.
Academic UIL
Competition starts tomorrow, and we are ready! 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.
NJHS Spring Service Project
WSMS NJHS is excited to announce its Spring Service Project. From Monday, February 26th until Friday, March 9th, the NJHS will be gathering items and hosting a home-room competition to support Embrace Texas. Embrace Texas is a non-profit organization located on the historic downtown square in McKinney. The mission of Embrace Texas is to grow church-led programs that facilitate foster care and adoption programs in Collin County and to equip churches across the United States to develop ministries of their own. Items needed are:
Printed crib sheets
Cute printed twin sheet sets with pillowcases
Waterproof mattress pads (twin and crib sizes)
New complete outfits (for ages 18 months - 18 years)
"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.
Calling all 8th Grade Parents - High School PTSA
Please contact Amy Bell [email protected] or Holly Raforth [email protected] or Kelli Litchenburg [email protected] if you are interested in serving on the Lovejoy High School PTSA Board next year. We are looking for interested parents to serve on the board for the 2018-2019 school year.
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.
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
WSMS Boys Soccer
Save the Date! Boys soccer tryouts will begin March 19th. More information to come.
WSMS Girls Soccer
On March 7th the soccer coaches will be having a transition meeting during the off season period to discuss tryouts with the girls. 8th grade will be trying out in the morning from 7:30 to 8:45 AM March 19th-21st. On the 22nd coaches will meet with the girls and announce the team. 7th grade will be trying out in the afternoon from the start of 8th period until 4:30 PM March 26th-28th. On the 28th we will meet with the girls and announce the team. The coaching staff is really looking forward to working with the girls this year. We can't wait to get started. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!
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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
Online Auction: February 27th - March 6th
The Denim and Diamond Online Auction will open on February 27th. This is a great opportunity to win unique and special experiences for your students, which have been donated by Lovejoy staff members. The Spring Fling Socials for grades K-4 are new this year. For additional information, please
click here
. Further information will follow regarding registering to bid in the Online Auction. For questions, please contact Cindy Booker at 469.742.8043.
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.
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
Stem Festival - March 3rd
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: April 6th
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
.
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
.
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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