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Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - March 22, 2018
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing Spring Break--the weather is finally beginning to feel like Spring. It is hard to believe that we are heading into the final grading period of the school year. Over the next 10 weeks, we will be challenging our students and staff to engage in a healthy lifestyle. Students who meet our healthy lifestyle challenge will be invited to put their name in a random drawing for weekly prizes and have the opportunity to win a $10.00 gift card from a local restaurant, shopping, and entertainment venues each week during their lunch. Parents, we need your help! We are looking for donations of $10.00 gift cards from parents, businesses, and the community. If you would like to donate a gift card or two, please drop them off at the front desk by next Thursday, March 28th.
These next 10 weeks will be very busy with STAAR testing, awards ceremonies, and final exams. Our first round of STAAR testing will be the week of April 9th. Please see below for more info. Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
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Suicide Prevention Meetings
The WSMS student presentations on suicide prevention will take place next week, on Monday, March 26, and Thursday, March 29. Students will view the presentations during an extended 7th period.
Click here
for the modified bell schedule.
It will be recorded and may later be viewed on the WSMS website under the Quick Links and Parents tab, as well as in the Counselors Corner under the Departments tab.
WSMS Students Showcased at the Lovejoy High School Art Gallery - Beginning Tonight
The WSMS and SCIS visual art departments are hosting an art show! The opening reception will be this evening from 5:30-7:30 PM in the LHS Art Gallery and will feature artists from both campuses. Please plan to join us and celebrate these selected artists.
Click here
for a complete list of WSMS artists.
WSMS Color Guard Performance - Tonight!
On March 10, the WSMS Color Guard traveled to Mansfield, TX, to compete at the North Texas Color Guard Association's Cadet Class State Championships! The team put on a great show against some very competitive middle school teams from across DFW. The kids ended the night in first place and received the Gold Medal! This was the second year putting out a competitive team. The WSMS Color Guard did an amazing job all season and represented WSMS with pride and class. I am so proud of them!
Their 2018 Show is titled: The River
The WSMS Color Guard will be performing this TONIGHT at the Lovejoy ISD Winter Guard Showcase at the LHS Gym at 7:30 pm. Admission is free to watch, so come out and see what the team is all about!
WSMS 10-Week Healthy Lifestyle Challenge
WSMS PALS are challenging our students and staff to engage in a healthy lifestyle for the last ten weeks of school. Through a series of weekly challenges, students and staff will be challenged to promote healthy living in a variety of ways. For students who meet the challenge each week, they will be invited to put their name in a random drawing for weekly prizes. For a complete list of weekly challenges, please
click here
. The first challenge begins March 23rd and will run through March 29th. The current week's challenge is:
Give a different compliment to a different person every day.
Parents, we ask your support with our challenge by modeling and discussing the week's challenge at home. If you would like to contribute $10 gift card donations for challenge prizes, please drop them off at the front desk, by Thursday, March 28th.
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.
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Campus Information and Reminders
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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.
March Nutrition Newsletter
Click here for this months newsletter
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.
LHS and WSMS School Store Spring Sale
Don't miss the LHS and WSMS School Store Spring Sales.
Save 50%
on all in stock merchandise. Store hours are as follows:
LHS Store - Monday - Friday - 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM
WSMS Store - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
Summer Reading Pre-Order
The WSMS Library is offering a pre-sale for the required Summer Reading titles. Proceeds will go towards the WSMS Library Book Fair. Books will be distributed through the ELA classes. Please
click here
to order your student's Summer Reading!
The pre-sale will end at noon on March 29th
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WSMS PTA General Meeting and Parent Program - Tuesday, April 3
Please join us for a special meeting with Randy Trevino, College & Career Counselor at LHS, "College Prep Planning". This presentation is designed for parents to help them guide their college-bound students through all 4 years of high school. Mr. Trevino will cover topics such as: College Planning, Searches, and Naviance, SAT/ACT Updates and Information, Holistic Review, Avoiding Student Burnout, Published vs. Unpublished Class Rank, and Options for Students with Special Needs. The General PTA meeting will begin at 9:45am in the WSMS Auxiliary Gym. Mr. Trevino's presentation will begin immediately after the meeting.
STAAR Testing
STAAR tests for all of our students are below. Please keep the STAAR testing dates in mind while scheduling doctor appointments and orthodontics appointments. If a student is pulled out of school once he/she has begun their STAAR exam, the state requires it be graded "as is". If you have questions or concerns regarding any conflicts you may have with the STAAR testing dates, please contact Kathy Stone at [email protected].
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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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STAAR Testing Days - No Electronics on Campus for Testers
On STAAR testing days, we are requesting students who will be testing do not bring electronics to campus. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, eReaders, or other electronic devices will not be allowed in testing rooms. If students forget and bring their devices to school, they will be asked to sign a release and place their electronics in a plastic bin that will be removed from the testing room. Any electronics brought to school on testing days will be returned when testing is complete. Students will not be allowed to place electronics in lockers on testing days.
Additional Information for STAAR Tests April 10 & 11:
- Students will have 4 hours to complete the test.
- If a student arrives past 9:15, then they will NOT be allowed to take the test, and the student will have to make the test up on a different day.
- If students are absent from the test, they will have the opportunity to take the test on a different day as long as it is within the testing window.
- All test taking students will eat lunch in their testing rooms.
- Due to security on testing days, parents will not be allowed to eat lunch with their children if testing. In addition, parents will not be able to deliver lunch to their student on STAAR testing days.
- No morning athletics on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 10 & 11.
- No before school tutorials on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 10 & 11.
- The CAT, library and Homework Hour will all be closed before and after school on Tuesday, April 10 & 11.
National Junior Honor Society Applications for Current WSMS 7th graders
7th grade students eligible to apply for National Junior Honor Society will be notified by letter during the last week of April. Student eligibility will be based on the cumulative GPA of 94.0 for the first three grading periods of the 2017-2018 school year. Upon receiving this letter, students will be allowed to pick up an application for NJHS in the front office at WSMS. All applications will be due by 4:30 on May 18th. This is a firm deadline. Students will receive acceptance letters in August during the first week of school. The induction ceremony will be held during the first six weeks of the 2018-2019 school year. More information regarding specific eligibility requirements for NJHS will be coming at a later date.
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].
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On Monday, March 26th, we will be talking to each player individually letting them know if they made the team. We will talk to the 8th graders during 8th period and the 7th graders after school.
WSMS Girls Soccer
7th grade
will be trying out in the afternoon from the start of 8th period until 4:30 PM March 26th-29th (next week). On the 29th 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!
To view the Middle school soccer schedule please click here. Please note the two Thursday games due to state testing.
2018 Texas Student-Athlete of the Year Award Nominees
We have two LHS student-athletes who have been nominated for the 2Words, Student-Athlete of the Year. The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Senior Bradley Davis was nominated for organizing a fun run called Running Over Depression. His efforts raised thousands of dollars to help raise awareness about depression. Bradley is also a captain on the cross-country and has won back to back state titles in Cross Country.
Senior Meredith Ehlmann spearheads Relay for Life, a massive fundraiser to help fight cancer. Meredith is a three-year letterman on the girls' basketball team and is the Historian for the National Honor Society.
Please pass along this information to your email and social media groups.
Go click here to vote for Bradley Davis and Meredith Elhmann. Voting takes about 10 seconds. It looks as if you can vote as many times as you like. Voting closes on March 30th at 5pm.
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Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2018 Online Auction. The auction raised over $30,000. Thanks to your support, these funds will be used towards the mission of providing innovative classroom grants to benefit the students of Lovejoy ISD.
If you did not get a chance to purchase a ticket to the K-4 Spring Fling Beach Bash Socials, it is not too late. There will be a sign-up sheet at each campus office for you to purchase a ticket for your student to attend their grade-level party.
The success of this auction would not have been possible without the staff of Lovejoy. The campuses and teachers so graciously donated over 200 experiences for your students and your family.
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 are currently on sale 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.
Ticket sales end on Friday, March 23rd.
PTA Reflections
With 979 entries submitted in the PTA Reflections State Level Contest, the Lovejoy Council of PTAs is proud to announce ten Lovejoy students received awards with one student advancing to the National PTA. Congratulations to the following students:
Puster Elementary
Conor Vermie
- Literature- Award of Merit
Riley McCarter
- Photography- Award of Excellence
Hart Elementary
Mary Sheridan
- Music- Award of Merit
Sloan Creek Intermediate School
Emersyn Runions
- Photography- Award of Excellence
Jocelyn Kim
- Visual Arts- Overall Award of Excellence
Gavin Lauter
- Photography Special Artist- Award of Merit
Willow Springs Middle School
Arya Raju
-Literature- Honorable Mention
Lovejoy High School
Jackie Carroll
- Film- Award of Merit
Ryan Schlimme
- Music- Award of Merit
Major Friesland
- Photography- Honorable Mention
Jocelyn Kim,
a 6th grade student from SCIS, won the Overall Award of Excellence for her entry in Visual Arts entitled Pathways. The Overall Award of Excellence was awarded to only 30 students in Texas with those students advancing to National PTA. Following is Jocelyn's statement:
"
No matter who you are, or where you come from, or which path you choose to pursue, your goals are within reach, just persevere and believe."
Summer Enrichment Camps
Online registration is now open for Summer Enrichment camps. Click here
for a complete listing of camp offerings and additional information.
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).
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
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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
.
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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Firefighters Pancake Breakfast - April 21st
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STAY CONNECTED
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