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Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - April 26, 2018
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Our cafeteria has been transformed into a county fair as our theater program makes final preparations for their performance of Charlotte's Web this weekend.. The first performance is tonight at 7:00 p.m. We will also have shows Friday and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. as well as a Saturday afternoon performance at 2:00 p.m. Congratulations to Mrs. DiPasquale and her theatre students for an outstanding performance.
Over the next two weeks, we will have other outstanding performances from our band, choir, and orchestra programs. This will be a great opportunity to see some of our talented students in their respected fine arts programs. Please see below for more information.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
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IT'S SHOWTIME - 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
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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!
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
sixth
challenge begins April 27th and will run through May 3rd. The current week's challenge is:
Put all technology away during lunch (Super Challenge: Put away technology during all meals for the week.
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 30th.
No Tech Tuesday, May 1st
Beginning Tuesday, May 1st, and continuing on every Tuesday for the remainder of the year, we will be implementing a "No Tech Tuesday" program during all three lunch periods. As part of this program, students will be expected to put away their phones and other electronic devices to provide a better opportunity for peer interaction during their lunch period once a week. We look forward to having our students unplug from their phones, iPads, tablets, kindles, and laptops to engage in conversation with their classmates. Students will still have the opportunity go to the library or CAT if they would like to read, study, or work on something from one of their classes.
Club Day
Our next Club Day is Tomorrow, 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.
Orchestra Performance- Monday, April 30
The WSMS orchestra spring concert will be on Monday, April 30 at 6:30 pm at Lovejoy High School. Come hear some familiar favorites from Journey, Queen,and the Beatles!!!
Band Performance -- Friday, May 4
The WSMS Band will have a concert on Friday, May 4, at 6:30 pm in the Lovejoy High School auditorium.
8th Grade Retreat to Main Event in Frisco - Payment Due Friday, May 11
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 packet with details was sent home on Tuesday with 8th Graders. Check out details by
clicking here.
The cost is $25 per student which includes access to bowling (shoes included), billiards, a gravity ropes course, laser tag, mini golf, and shuffleboard. Additionally, students are provided a $20 fun card to use on games. Lunch vouchers are included for two slices of pizza and a drink. Any additional purchases while at Main Event would require extra money.
Payment is due by May 11 and can be made online by
clicking here
.
All forms in the above packet will need to turned in to their ELAR teacher by May 11th.
STAAR Algebra I EOCs - May 9 and 10
WSMS Algebra students will take the STAAR End-of-Course exam for Algebra I May 9 and 10. Passing this EOC is necessary for high school graduation. The Algebra I EOC is a 4-hour online test. Algebra teachers will communicate with students the day they will take this test. On testing day, students need to remember the following:
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On testing day, students need to leave electronics at home
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All test-taking students will eat lunch in their testing rooms and will need to bring a sack lunch from home
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Students may bring a water bottle, marked with their name, with water only. A small snack will be provided
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Due to security on testing days, parents will not be allowed to eat lunch with their children or deliver lunch
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The CAT will be closed during the day May 9 and 10. It will be open before and after school
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Students will need to bring a book to read after testing (no electronic books)
If you have any concerns or questions about this test, please contact
Kay Bordelon.
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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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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Scoliosis Testing - May 14
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.
National Junior Honor Society Applications for Current WSMS 7th graders - DEADLINE May 18
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.
End of the Year Award Ceremonies
7th Grade Student Award Ceremonies - Monday, May 21
(DATE Changed to accommodate a conflict with 9th grade awards ceremony at LHS)
This year our 7th grade student award ceremony will be on Monday, May 21 9:30 - 11:00 in the WSMS main gym. During this award ceremony, a select number of students will be receiving a teacher award from one of their teachers. Parents will be notified in advance if their child will be receiving an award. We will also recognize students who have received perfect attendance for the entire school year and students who participated in the Lighthouse Leaders program.
8th Grade Student Award Ceremonies - Friday, May 25
The 8
th
grade student award ceremony will be on Friday, May 25 from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. in LHS auditorium. We will be sending out more detailed information by email to all 8th grade parents.
WSMS Choir Pop Show "The Greatest Show" Performance- Monday, May 21
The WSMS Pop Show Choir Performance of The Greatest Pop Show will be on Monday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Lovejoy High School auditorium. Tickets will go on sale to the public on May 7th. Tickets are $5.00 (with a $2.00 online fee) All seats are reserved seating this year. Get your tickets early.
8th Grade Panoramic Picture - Monday, May 22
The WSMS 8th grade class of 2018 will be taken on Tuesday, May 22. Panoramic pictures will be on sale during all lunches on Wednesday, May 23. More information to come
.
WSMS Library Books and Fines - Due May 22
All student library materials are due back on Tuesday, May 22nd. The last day to check out books is May 18th. Students with outstanding materials/fines will not be allowed to receive their yearbooks until the library account is cleared. Lost books may be paid for through RevTrac.
https://lovejoy.revtrak.net/lisd-library#/v/lisd-library-fines-wsms
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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
April Nutrition Newsletter
WSMS Library Presents Gift to City House
Thank you to all families who helped with our Book Fair coin drive. Because of your generosity, we were able to raise more than $1,400 for books for City House in Plano. Kathy Stone and Kay Bordelon (WSMS Counselors) joined our librarian, Beth Lowry, to deliver the donation. The mission of City House 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.
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.
Not Returning to LISD Next Year?
If your student will not be returning to WSMS or Lovejoy High School in the fall, please email
Carol Vik at [email protected]
with your student's name and where they will be attending school.
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.
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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WSMS Girls Soccer
7th grade girls lost 0-3 to Rockwall Cain
8th grade girls won 3-0 against Rockwall Cain
WSMS Boys Soccer
The 7th grade team lost to Rockwall Cain 3-1 Tuesday night. The lone goal was scored by Hunter Reck from the penalty spot after he was fouled in the box in the first half.
The 8th grade team lost to Rockwall Cain 2-0. The Leopards tried to find the back of the net and kept fighting the whole game but came up just short.
Cross Country Summer Workout Meeting - Tuesday, May 1
There will be a Lovejoy High School XC athletes for summer training orientation/Taos Camps meeting for all incoming freshmen and returning runners to the XC team on Tuesday May 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Lovejoy High School Cafeteria.
Sports Physicals and Cardiac Screenings - Annual Lovejoy Sports Medicine Fundraiser - July 21
For your convenience, the Lovejoy Sports Medicine Department is offering sports physicals and hosting WHO WE PLAY FOR for cardiac screenings. Physicals and cardiac screens are open to all 2018-19 incoming 7th - 12th grade student-athletes. A parent or guardian should attend with the student to sign permission forms.
Location: Willow Springs Middle School, 1101 W. Lucas Road, Lucas, TX 75002
Cost: $20 for physicals, payable to Lovejoy Athletics.Cost: $15 for cardiac screen, payable to WHO WE PLAY FOR. Payment and consent forms due at WSMS on July 21st.Checks or cash only. No credit cards.
For more information please visit this site:
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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Online registration is now open for Summer Enrichment camps. Click here
for a complete listing of camp offerings and additional information.
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.
Advocacy 101 - May 16
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 High Summer Musical Theatre Camp
The Lovejoy High School Theatre Department will produce Disney's The Jungle Book - KIDS this summer.
Students will work together to produce and perform Disney's The Jungle Book- Kids. Students will develop confidence, sharpen their musical and theatrical skills, and create wonderful memories along the way. Directed by Jessica Brewster, LHS Head Theatre Director, and musically directed by Anne Tracy, Puster Elementary Music Specialist, this show will be sure to be an unforgettable experience.
There are three camp opportunities available, which will run simultaneously:
● Lovejoy HS Summer Musical Theatre Camp
- for students completing 3rd grade through 6th grade who want to perform on stage.
● Lovejoy HS Summer Technical Theatre Camp
- for students completing 3rd grade through 6th grade who want to work behind the scenes.
● Lovejoy HS Summer Musical Theatre Intern Camp
- for students completing 7th grade through 8th grade who want to work with the LHS Theatre staff to produce the show.
You may
click here
for additional information and for registration.
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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