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Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - April 12, 2018
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
We have had a great week of testing as our 7
th
grade students participated in the STAAR Writing test and our 8
th
grade students participated in the STAAR Reading and Math tests. All of our teachers and students did an excellent job of creating a positive testing environment. Our next round of STAAR tests will be the 8
th
grade Algebra I EOC the week of May 7th. Our final STAAR tests will be given the week of May 14th. Thank you for everyone's support during this busy week. I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the warm weather.
With soccer being the only sport in season for the next 7 weeks, carpool traffic will move a little slower before and after school. Please make sure you continue to follow carpool procedures to ensure student safety. As a reminder, please drive slowly through the carpool lane, watch for students crossing into the back parking lot, and please do not use cell phones. This time of year our carpool line clears out around 4:15. If you are in a hurry, please arrive before 4:00 or after 4:15 as traffic will move the slowest during the 4:00-4:15 block.
Also, if you pick up after school in the front parking lot, remember that it will be coned off until 4:15 to ensure a safe departure for our buses. Once all buses have exited the campus, the cones will be removed to allow cars to exit the front parking lot.
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
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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
fourth
challenge begins April 13th and will run through April 19th. The current week's challenge is:
Make A New Healthy Eating Decision 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 Monday April 16th.
WSMS Book Fair -- Get In the Game
Our Book Fair is next week --
April 16-20
! Our students always get excited about the Homeroom Competitions, but we are equally excited to get some great books in their hands before the long summer break. We will have the
summer read choices for rising 7th-9th graders
and many more titles your students will want to check out. Moms and Dads, you'll want to stop by to check out our
adult selections including popular novels and cookbooks
. Along with the book sales, we will be
collecting coins to benefit City House in Plano
whose mission is to provide emergency shelter and transitional residential services to children and young adults who are in need due to abuse, neglect or homelessness. To learn more about City House, click
here.
Upcoming Early Release
Wednesday, April 18th
school will be dismissed at 12:50pm. Please
click here
for the bell schedule.
Spring Pep Rally
We are looking forward to our Spring pep rally on Friday, April 20th at 3:15 pm in the main gym.
This will be our last pep rally of the year and we will honor several of our teams and organizations for all their hard work and dedication in representing WSMS during the spring season. We will have performances from our band, choir, color guard and cheerleading programs, as well as recognition of our UIL academic teams and OAP team. All parents are welcome to attend, we will reserved seating for parents in the chairs on the floor.
Save the Date - WSMS presents Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
April 26, 27 & 28 at Willow Springs at 7 pm AND a matinée at 2 pm on Sat 4/28
,
Charlotte's Web, the beloved and classic story of the rare friendship between a pig and a spider is present by students grades 6-8.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or the week of the show at the school store/theatre. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children.
This show is a great family outing - Seating is not assigned. There will be VIP seating for our younger audience members in the lowest area closest to the stage.
There will be county fair style concessions including cotton candy!
Scoliosis Testing
Our school Nurse, Gretchen Young, will be screening 8th grade students for possible Scoliosis, on Monday May 14th during their Fitnessgram Test. Scoliosis screening is required by House Bill 832 passed by the Texas Legislature in 1985.
Students will be required to remove their shirts for the screening. Girls WILL NEED TO WEAR one of the following under their blouse or shirt: swim suit top, bra or sports bra.
The procedure for screening is simple and quick, it requires the back to be visually examined while standing straight and bending forward. For this examination, boys and girls will be seen separately and individually examined by the WSMS nurse.
If you do not wish for your student to be screened you must have your child examined by your healthcare provider and an affidavit submitted to the nurse's office on or before May 10th. Parents will be notified of the results of the screening only if professional follow up is necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns, or wish to submit medical documentation regarding your child, please contact Gretchen by email or phone at 469-742-8420.
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 STAAR 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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Campus Information and Reminders
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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
Student Attendance
Did you know: In the TEA accountability system of 40 comparison schools with similar demographics, Willow Springs has ranked in the bottom 25% of student attendance?
One of our focus areas for this year is to increase our student and teacher daily attendance on campus. Research shows that the more students are in class with their teacher, the more they will learn over the course of the school year. The more students learn, the more success and confidence they will have in middle school. To promote this, we will be recognizing students and staff who have perfect attendance during each six weeks. Please assist us by working with your son or daughter to ensure they are getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and are taking care of themselves overall.
In addition, our new state accountability system uses student attendance as criteria for evaluating the performance of schools. We also receive state funding based on our "Average Daily Attendance" of students that are present during 2
nd
period, which ends at 10:00 a.m. As you begin to plan out of town trips this spring, please consider keeping your children in school through the Friday before each break. Let's work together to encourage our students to be in class every day.
April Nutrition Newsletter
8th Grade PSAT Testing
WSMS Counselors reviewed PSAT scores with 8th graders earlier this semester. Students reviewed scores and set up College Board accounts. One feature of the College Board account is to link with Khan Academy. Students have access to free, personalized Official SAT Practice through Khan Academy.
Here is a resource for interested students:
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Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy for students - Customized practice plan, interactive practice, instant feedback, SAT essay practice, 8 practice tests with essay (scored for free).
www.satpractice.org/sat
Choir Region Results
This past Saturday we had 36 students sing for a place in the Region 25 - All-Region Choir.
Willow Springs placed 19 students into the Choir!!
These students will sing with the best of the best on April 21st, at McKinney North HS.
Congratulations to those who place! So proud of everyone who auditioned.
All-Region Choir 2018
Soprano 1
Evelyn Kwon
Karina Li
Soprano 2
Ellis Smith - #2 in her room
Lindsey Hughes
Laela Bedjaoui
Natalie McLaren
Marissa Liebl
Alto
Dinah Thadikonda
Jillian Nuckles
Darby Manning
Katie Berman
Rebekah Green
Sadie Mowrer
Tenor 1
Daniel Lamping
Ryder Sullivan
Tenor 2
Ian York
Will Craft
Will Flinchbaugh
Bass
Sam Fowler
Dress Code Policy
With the weather getting warmer over the next six weeks, please help us by making sure what your son or daughter wears to school every day is in compliance with the LISD dress code. As part of the emotional, psychological, and physical changes of adolescence, middle school students can sometimes be nervous and apprehensive about what they or other students are wearing to school. Let's work together to lower their anxiety by following the LISD Dress Code. For more information about the LISD Dress Code, please
go here.
Notes from the Nurse - Medications
If your child has medicine at school, please make sure your child has exactly enough medicine to finish the school year. You are responsible for picking up any extra medicine as the school district has a policy against sending medicines home with students. At the end of this school year, any remaining medicines, including inhalers, will be thrown out. The school cannot store these for you during the summer.
Please remember, if your child is going to continue being medicated at school during the 2018-2019 school year, you will need to complete a new medication sheet at that time and bring a SMALL or travel size bottle of medicine that is not expired.
Immunizations
Early reminder to parents of students that will be 7th graders during the 2018-2019 school year:
It is a State requirement that all 7th grade students must have had 2 required updated immunizations in order to attend school. These required immunizations are, TDaP booster (Tetanus booster) and Menactra (Meningococcal).Please obtain a copy of your child's updated shots and provide it to our school nurse, Gretchen Young, BEFORE August 17, 2018. You may drop it off in person, send it through the mail to Willow Springs Middle School, 1101 West Lucas Road, Lucas, TX 75002, by email to
Gretchen Young
or fax at 469-742-8501.
Leopard Fishing Team
2018-2019 Season Kick Off Meeting
April 25, 6:30 Sloan Creek Cafeteria
Current 8th grade students (rising Freshmen) interested in fishing with the Leopard Fishing Team please come to the 18-19 Season Kick Off meeting. At this meeting high school fishing will be explained, including tournament information, costs, requirements, and the benefits of being on the team. Participation is limited to the availability of boats. If you do not have access to a boat and are interested, come to the meeting, sometimes there are opportunities to partner with another student. If you have questions contact Glenn Harrison at 214-535-8397.
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.
LOVE 4 JOYful DeAnna Mixon
DeAnna Mixon has been with Lovejoy ISD for almost 14 years and is a member of the Transportation team. She was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and had surgery earlier this week.
In addition to the GoFund Me, our theatre students are collecting items for a gift basket. Items collected will be taken to the transportation department, once a week. Please continue to drop off items to Stephanie at the WSMS front desk. Also, if would like to help prepare a meal for the family, please coordinate with Donella DiPasquale.
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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Varsity Tryout Information (8th grade parents) - 2018 - Team Tennis Season Information
First off, please mark your calendars for the 2018 varsity tryouts. We will have varsity tryouts August 6-9 - Monday-Thursday in the morning. Coach Cherry will send out specific times as the time get closer. Most likely 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. for the girls and 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. for the boys. Just like last year, Coach Cherry will invite 16 girls and 32 boys. The top 16 girls and top 16 boys will be in 8th period.
If you have any questions please contact Adam Cherry. His cell is (806)330-0188.
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Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
Denim and Diamonds - Thank You
Thank you to everyone who attended the Denim and Diamonds Auction and Gala on Saturday. The event raised a significant amount of money which will be awarded in grants to benefit the students of the Lovejoy Independent School District. The success of this event was led by chair, Carrie McClure and the Foundation Directors.
A special thank you to all of our sponsors who helped fund the costs of the event, and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to help make this evening a success. Thank you, as well, to the Lovejoy ISD staff who gave of their time.
Lovejoy Fiesta - Small Number of Seats Remain
A few available seats remain for the Lovejoy Fiesta. If you are interested in attending, email Cindy Booker or call 469-742-8043.
Join hosts Kevin and Maria Ritchie, Henri and Allison Friloux, and Sean and Stephanie McCaffity on Saturday, April 21st for a multi-course dinner and drinks at the Ritchies' home. Beer and other adult beverages will be served. Dinner will be provided by Fogo de Chão with all proceeds going to the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools. There is a limit of 76 people. This is an adult-only event and tickets are $60/person.
Kendra Scott Watters Creek - Summer Launch April 18th
Kendra Scott invites the Lovejoy community to help launch its Summer line. Get a head start on shopping for your Mother's Day or Graduation gifts. This is a "give back" event, with 20% of sales on April 18th, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM going to the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools. We hope you will join us on the 18th for this special event. Kendra Scott will provide snacks and beverages during the event.
Summer Enrichment Camps
Online registration is now open for Summer Enrichment camps. Click here
for a complete listing of camp offerings and additional information.
National Geographic Explorer Alizé Carrère - April 18th
On Wednesday, April 18th, LISD will be hosting Alize Carrere in the Sloan Creek Intermediate School cafeteria. Alize is a world-traveling scientist, writer, photographer, and National Geographic Young Explorer. Raised in a treehouse in Ithaca, New York, she now travels the world to illuminate humans and animals in their amazing adaptability to environmental change. This will be a great presentation for both parents and students to attend. Especially students who have a passion for science and engineering. We look forward to seeing you there.
Lovejoy Gifted Association Presentation: April 19
The Lovejoy Gifted Association invites you to attend a presentation by SMU's Dr. Ann Batenburg, as she discusses,
"Finding the right balance to motivate GT children - ending procrastination, encouraging achievement, reducing perfectionism".
The event is sponsored by The Lovejoy Gifted Association and is open to all parents, teachers and students interested in advice regarding supporting Gifted and Talented students. LGA membership is not required to attend this event. Please contact
Piritta van Rijn
with questions.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Lovejoy High School
Lecture Hall
Firefighters Pancake Breakfast - April 21st
Special Olympics Volunteers Needed
Lovejoy ISD is hosting the North Texas Special Olympics Spring Games on Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th. The event will be held at Lovejoy High School, with over 1,500 Special Olympics athletes competing in track and field, tennis, and soccer competitions. Volunteers are needed for timing, scorekeeping, staging and escorting athletes, along with other general event support and assistance. You may
click here
for additional information and to register as a volunteer
If you have further questions, please contact Lovejoy High School Sophomore Lauryn Fuller.
Town of Fairview Art Show - Call for Artist Entries
The 2018 Fairview Art Show will be held April 28th and 29th in Fairview Town Center. The show will be open for public viewing from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM both days, with an artist reception and award show on Sunday.
Artwork will be judged by a featured juror and will include the following categories: adult artwork, adult photography, student photography, and four student artwork divisions (Early Elementary, Intermediate, Middle, and High School). The show will feature medals and cash prizes up to $2,000.
Entry packets are due by April 11th. Click
here
for full details.
Sewing Camp
Join the fun at Summer Sewing Camps to be held at Willow Springs Middle School. Sewing Basics 101 teaches machine and tool basics while making a pillowcase and PJs. Sewing Skills Builder 201 continues to develop your skills with your choice of an individualized project.
Choose 1, 2 or all 3 sessions, which will take place in June and July. To reserve your spot, email [email protected]. Hurry, as sessions will fill quickly.
Click here
for additional information and to learn more about the special 3rd week option: a t-shirt quilt.
Lovejoy Parent Authors Book
Susan Hoemke, a Lovejoy parent, has authored a book titled,
Healing Scarred Hearts
which will be released on May 8th. Following is information shared by Susan:
"After we lost our son Hayden in 2014 to drug overdose and our family was impacted the 8 years as he struggled with addiction and personality disorder, I began to feel the need to educate other families about what all we learned. I have been working with Kathy Stone to build a better drug awareness program. In 2016, when the Opioid crisis made the news, I decided to write a book and in 2017 Brown Books Publishing accepted my manuscript and this began the process to bring our story to the frontline.
Healing Scarred Hearts
will be released May 8th with hopes to bring education and healing to the complicated issue of substance abuse, addiction and overdose. My book also shares the crisis of legal issues that many times are associated with kids and substance abuse."
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