|
Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - April 19, 2018
|
If you would like to update your district/campus email preferences or change your email address, please click on the Update Profile link at the footer of this email. You will receive an email from Constant Contact which will allow you to update your information and campus news preferences.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Tomorrow will be the halfway point of the final grading period of the 2017-2018 school year. As we head into the final six weeks, please encourage your son or daughter to maintain a quality work ethic and focus on all assignments, tests, and projects. These last few weeks will go fast, - please feel free to email or call your son or daughter's teachers, counselors, and/or assistant principals if you need any assistance.
This week, our Advanced Media students had the opportunity to part of Good Morning Texas, which is the variety show on WFAA, Channel 8, the ABC affiliate in Victory Park. As part of their visit, they were recognized on Good Morning Texas. We would like to give a special thank you to Carrie McClure for assisting us in setting up this opportunity for our Advanced Media Students to visit WFAA. Carrie is a Lovejoy parent and a former host of Good Morning Texas.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
|
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
fifth
challenge begins April 20th and will run through April 26th. The current week's challenge is:
Spend 30 minutes outside each day doing something you enjoy.
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 23rd.
Spring Pep Rally
We are looking forward to our Spring pep rally Tomorrow, 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, 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. We will be on an activity bell schedule that day. Please click here for the schedule.
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.
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!
Club Day
Our next Club Day is Friday, April 27th and 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 the counseling office before bringing an animal to school. Students may leave their equipment for Guitar Club, Extreme and Remote Control Club in the front office.
LHS Color Guard Auditions - April 30 - May 3
Open auditions for female and male students interested in joining the award winning Lovejoy Guard performance ensemble will be held April 30th - May 3rd in the LHS Fine Arts Dance Studio from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. No experience is necessary. Auditions are open to students who will be in the 9th - 12th grades at Lovejoy High School during the 2018-2019 school year. If you have questions about the Lovejoy Guard, contact David Sadler.
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].
|
Date
|
Event
|
Who?
|
|
|
|
|
May 7 - May 11
|
STAAR Algebra EOC Exam
|
7
th
Grade GT Math
8
th
Grade Algebra
|
|
Mon. May 14
|
Grade 7 Math STAAR
Grade 8 Math STAAR Retest
|
All 7
th
Grade (except GT Math)
|
|
Grade 7 GT Math Rotations
|
7
th
Grade GT Math
|
|
Grade 8 FitnessGram
|
All 8
th
Grade
|
|
Tues. May 15
|
Grade 7 Reading STAAR
Grade 8 Reading STAAR Retest
|
All 7
th
Grade
|
|
Grade 8 Sci/SS Rotations
|
All 8
th
Grade
|
|
Wed. May 16
|
Grade 7 FitnessGram
|
All 7
th
Grade
|
|
Grade 8 Science STAAR
|
All 8
th
Grade
|
|
Thurs. May 17
|
Grade 8 Soc. Studies STAAR
|
All 8
th
Grade
|
|
Grade 7 - Regular Class Day
|
All 7
th
Grade
|
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.
End of the Year Award Ceremonies, May 22 & 25
7th Grade: Tuesday, May 22 at 9am in WSMS Gym
8th Grade: Friday, May 25 at 9:00 AM in LHS Auditorium
8th Grade Retreat to Main Event in Frisco - Thursday, May 24
Congratulations to our 8th Graders for a superb year! We would like to celebrate this momentous transition to high school with them at Main Event in Frisco on May 24, 2018, A detailed packet will be sent home with 8th graders next week.
|
|
Campus Information and Reminders
|
|
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
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:
-
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.
Safety Corner- Online Safety & Hidden Apps
The cell phone is a valuable tool for teens and their parents, as well as for use in the classroom. However, this technology can also provide temptations for misuse, with photo vaults or "ghost" apps. These apps allow for the password-protected storage of photos, videos, and some provide Internet access with no traceable history. In addition to these apps, there are also social media websites that parents should be cautious of. Gaggle, an internet safety company for schools, has created a list of social networks, websites and apps that pose a potential risk to students. This list is updated frequently, so you will have the most current list of potential threats. To view their most current list,
visit this site.
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.
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].
|
7th grade girls lost to Wylie McMillan
8th grade girls took the win over Wylie McMillan
7th grade beat Wylie McMillan 5-1. Goals were scored by Joey Hansford, Hunter Reck, Will Drescher, Andrew Stiles, and George Salcedo. Assists by Reck, Salcedo, and Hansford.
8th Grade beat Wylie McMillan 2-0. Goals were scored by Trent Rucker and Luke Fisher. Assists by Chris Dismukes and Rucker. Sam Betz and Lee Blaylock earned the clean sheet in goal.
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.
|
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.
Summer Enrichment Camps
Online registration is now open for Summer Enrichment camps. Click here
for a complete listing of camp offerings and additional information.
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.
Lovejoy Country Run - May 12th
Join us for the 12th Annual Running with the Leopards Country Run on Saturday, May 12th at Lovejoy High School. The 1k Fun Run will begin at 7:30 AM and the 5k Run will begin at 8:00 AM at Leopard Stadium. The Country Run is coordinated by Lovejoy Leopards, Inc. (LLI) and benefits the Lovejoy athletic booster clubs. Please
click here
to register. If your business is interested in sponsoring the Country Run, please
click here
for the sponsorship form.
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."
|
|
STAY CONNECTED
|
|
|
|
|
