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Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - March 1, 2018
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
In my 20 years in public education, this has been one of the most difficult weeks of my career. My heart remains heavy for our Lovejoy community as we all mourn the loss of one of our own. A loss of this magnitude challenges us in every way. As we continue to grieve, I am so deeply moved by the way our students, staff, and community have come together to support each other through this tragedy. In true Lovejoy fashion, we have received several emails and phones calls inquiring about how we can support this family during this time of need. Please see below for opportunities to help. Thank you for all your love and support of our students and staff.
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation will be this Friday, March 2nd from 6-8 PM at Faith Lutheran Church
Funeral will be this Saturday, March 3rd at 10:30 AM at Faith Lutheran Church
Faith Lutheran Church is located at 1701 E. Park Blvd, Plano, Texas 75074
Meals for the Family
If you're interested in providing a meal for the family, please see the information below. There are 11 people at their house right now, so feel free to coordinate with a friend to share the meal duties.
To access Tommy & Michie Todd's CareCalendar site,
click here and enter the following information in the appropriate spaces:
Calendar ID : 267482
Security code : 7139
Please direct your questions to Jill LaTorre at (214) 662-5089.
Go Fund Me
Please see below for the Go Fund Me site that has been set up for family. Tommy & Michie Todd, his grandparents and guardians, agreed to accept donations in Parker's name to honor his brother Gabe Gillespie in his future education and endeavors.
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
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WSMS One Act Play - Encore Performance - 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: 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.
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)
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Campus Information and Reminders
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UIL Academic Success
Last weekend, our WSMS UIL Academic Teams participated in our annual UIL competition against middle schools from Highland Park, Grapevine, Coppell, and Propsor. Congratulations to both our 7th and 8th grade teams for taking 1st place in this competition. We are so proud of our students and teacher/coaches for of their efforts in this event. For a complete listing of Lovejoy students who placed in this event, please click here.
Dear Parent:
Willow Springs Middle School is sharing this information about the district and your child's campus with you as part of its obligations under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB).
Part I: Percent Tested and Student Achievement by Proficiency Level - Provides the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) performance results and participation for each subject area and grade level tested.
Participation reports also include reports of the participation of Children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) by assessment type.
Part II: Student Achievement and State Academic Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs) - Provides the AMO outcomes and data table of STAAR performance results for each subject area tested in the accountability subset. This section also includes participation rates on STAAR for reading/English and mathematics, use of alternative assessments, plus four-year and five-year graduation rates.
Part III: Priority and Focus Schools - Priority schools are the lowest 5% of Title I served campuses based on performance in reading and mathematics and graduation rates. Focus schools are 10% of Title I served campuses, not already identified as priority schools, that have the widest gaps between student group performance and safeguard targets.
Part IV: Teacher Quality Data - Provides information on teacher quality in three parts.
Part A - Percent of Teachers by Highest Degree Held - Professional qualifications of all public elementary and secondary teachers in the Texas.
Part B and C- Teachers with Emergency/Provisional Credentials, Low Poverty/High Poverty Summary Reports - Percentage of all public elementary and secondary school teachers teaching with emergency or provisional credentials, disaggregated by high-poverty compared to low-poverty schools.
Part V: Graduates Enrolled in Texas Institution of Higher Education (IHE) - Provides the percentage of students who enroll and begin instruction at an institution of higher education in Texas during the school year (fall or spring semester) following high school graduation.
Part VI: Statewide National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Results - Provides most recent NAEP results for Texas showing reading and mathematics performance results and participation rates, disaggregated by student group.
If you have difficulty accessing the information from the website, hard copies of the reports are available at the district or campus office. If you have questions about the information, please contact Kent Messer at [email protected] or 214-293-9938.
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.
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.
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: Now - March 6th
The Denim and Diamond Online Auction is open now through March 6th at 10:00 PM. 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. Be sure to check out the Family Funded Grant section for grants submitted by teachers/ staff at $5,000 and under. For additional information, please
click here
.
Click here and select "Start Bidding" to create your account.
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.
New! Lovejoy Girls' Soccer Presents Future Leopard Night - March 2nd
The Lovejoy Girls' soccer team will host Future Leopard Night this Friday, March 2nd when they take on Forney with a 5:30 PM kick off for JV and a 7:15 PM kick off for Varsity. During halftime of the Varsity game, the Future Leopards will be able come on the field and try to score a goal with the JV players. Future Leopards will have the opportunity to meet the Varsity players following the Varsity game. This event is for all elementary, intermediate and middle school students.
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.
WSMS Night at LHS Softball - March 6th
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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STAY CONNECTED
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