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Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - August 23, 2018
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Dear WSMS Parents and Guardians,
The 2018-2019 school year is off to a great start at Willow Springs! As I visited classrooms this week, I noticed less apprehension as students gained more confidence in the schedules and routines of our building.
I wanted to give you some information about our office hours and when the building will be open before and after school. Our office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. The front doors of the school will be unlocked at the same time as our front office at 8:00 AM. Prior to 8:00, we will not have anyone in the front office. If your son or daughter needs to enter the school prior to 8:00 AM, the courtyard doors next to the cafeteria will be opened at 6:30 AM.
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
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New Start TIme for WSMS
As you are aware, WSMS will be adding 5 minutes on our bell schedule this year to meet the new state attendance time requirements. With the addition of these five minutes,
the new WSMS start time will now be 8:50 AM. School will dismiss at our regular time of 4:00 PM.
Click here
for the new bell schedule.
Safety Corner
Tomorrow, Friday August 24, we will have our first lockdown drill of the school year.
For security purposes, we will be locking all exterior doors to Willow Springs at 8:55 AM.
We have asked students and staff not to open exterior doors for any visitors. All visitors should enter the building through the main office located at the front of school. This also means that students that arrive after 8:50 AM will not be able to enter the building through the courtyard or any other exterior door; they will need to enter at the front of the school and obtain a late pass from the front desk. If you drop your student off in the morning, please assist us in getting your son or daughter in the building prior to 8:50 AM. During the school day, teachers and students have been asked not to open exterior doors for anyone. This means they are not to open doors for parents, teachers, coaches, custodians, etc., even principals. All parents and/or visitors should enter the building through the front door. All campus or district personnel are expected to use their access badge or keys to enter the building. Thank you for assisting us in keeping Willow Springs safe and secure during the school day.
No Tech Tuesday
Our first "No Tech Tuesday" was a big success. Our students did an excellent job of staying off their electronic devices for one 30 minute lunch period on the second day of school. During lunch times we are asking all students and staff to put away all electronic devices and interact with the classmates at their lunch tables.
This will take place every Tuesday throughout the school year.
WSMS School Store
Beginning next week, the WSMS Store will be open every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Stop by to get your school spirit gear!
If you are interested in volunteering in the school store this year, please email
[email protected]
.
Theatre Auditions!
Based on the smash Disney animated movie The Little Mermaid, Jr all of your favorite crustaceans and Merfolk' living Under the Sea, Ariel, her mersisters and friend, Flounder become intrigued with the human world. Come be PART OF OUR WORLD!
ANYONE enrolled at WSMS is welcome to join the musical! Come try something new!
Auditions are NEXT WEEK- 8/27-29 after school at WSMS in the choir room.
All info is on the WSMS Theatre site found
here
or
go here
for the Little Mermaid 2018 site.
School Picture Day - Friday, August 31
Students will be taking pictures for the Willow Springs yearbook and their student ID's on Friday, August 31. Please assist your student in dressing appropriately to ensure they follow
LISD dress code
. Students out of LISD dress code will be provided a school shirt to wear during their ID photo and will have the option to retake their yearbook photo on Tuesday, October 2.
Forms will be distributed through your students Math classl. Students should bring their completed form (with payment enclosed) on photo day. Parents can also pre-pay online by using the link and passcode below. Pre-paying students must bring their printed receipt on photo day as proof of payment and order confirmation.
Passcode: 7033F19B
School Holiday - Monday, September 3
Monday, September 3 is a student and teacher holiday in observance of Labor Day.
7th
/8th Grade Open House - Tuesday, September 4
Our 7th/8th grade Open House will be Tuesday, September 4 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Parents will have an opportunity to walk their student's schedules and hear from all of their teachers. Student's schedules and school maps will be available in the rotunda upon arrival. We will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a brief WSMS introduction in the main gym. Parents will begin first period at 6:45 p.m. Open house
bell schedule
Principal's Coffee - Friday, September 21st *PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE*
I would like to invite you to our upcoming Principal's Coffee, on Friday, September 21st at 9:00 a.m. The Principal's Coffee is a forum discussion for all 7th and 8th grade parents to visit with me about the middle school experience over a cup of coffee.
For our first principals coffee, Dr. Ray Levy will be our guest speaker. Dr. Levy is clinical psychology who has extensive experience in working with and supporting middle school students and their families. His topic for this presentation will focus how to better understand middle school students. This presentation will share parenting strategies to best support your middle school student through the emotional, physical, and intellectual changes of adolescence.
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Campus Information and Reminders
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Parent Drop and Pick Up
Please be patient with the parent drop off and pick up process during Walk the Springs and the first week of school, traffic will move very slowly. Traditionally by the second week, everyone has a better understanding of the process and it will flow much smoother.
Carpool Procedures
Before School:
Cars will enter the campus through the east entrance off Bethany/West Lucas Road (the entrance closest to the stop light at Country Club/1378). Once vehicles are on campus, all traffic moves one way through two lanes that wind around to the courtyard located in the back of building. Please pull forward to unload 8-10 cars at a time at the courtyard. Students can unload from either of the two carpool lanes. Please drive slowly and pay close attention to our students who might be crossing
After School:
Cars will enter the campus through the east entrance off Bethany/West Lucas Road (the entrance closest to the stop light at Country Club/1378). Once vehicles are on campus, all traffic moves one way through two lanes that wind around to the courtyard located in the back of building. At the courtyard they split: one moves toward the tennis courts and around the back parking lot; the other moves along the back of the building. Both lanes converge at the student pick up location at the grass area on the west side of the building. Please pull forward to load 10-15 cars at a time along the grass field. Students can walk to their vehicles in both lanes using the cross walks. Once students are in their vehicles, parents can exit the carpool line through an exterior lane. Please drive slowly and pay close attention to our students who might be crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Middle School
What is the school dress code at WSMS?
When will my son or daughter be issued an academic locker?
There are often lots of questions about student lockers in middle school. Students participating in band or orchestra will have an instrument locker. Student athletes will have an athletic locker. Academic lockers are located in the academic hallways, and these lockers will be available to students during the first week of school. Academic lockers are optional at WSMS as we transition students to high school where academic lockers are not available. During the first week of school, students will be able to request lockers. WSMS staff will be in the cafeteria during lunches beginning Wednesday, August 22nd to assign lockers to students. Students may request a locker in a specific hallway. If you have any questions regarding academic lockers at WSMS, please contact your student's counselor.
How will I know which lunch my student will have?
Lunch schedules have been posted on the WSMS website. Lunches are based on each students 4th period teacher. For a student lunch schedule, please
click here.
The list of school supplies states that some Core classes need a 1"binder. Can students use one binder and have sections for each class or does each class really need an individual binder?
This depends on the student. Middle school is a time when students become more independent in identifying their personal strengths and interests. Our goal in middle school is for students to use an organizational system that fits their individual needs. Some students prefer one binder for all classes, while others prefer a binder for each class. If a student is struggling with organization during the first six-nine weeks of school, we have several support systems (CAT, teachers, counselors, mentors, assistant principals, etc.) in place that will help him/her get re-organized. In addition, some teachers post upcoming assignments, projects, and tests in PowerSchool and Google Classroom so students and parents can be aware of upcoming grades.
Will assignments and tests be posted online before the test so that parents know what needs to be studied?
Through our online database Google Classroom, teachers will post lesson plans and assignments for students and parents to view on a weekly basis. For the first three weeks of school, teachers will be communicating with students in class about upcoming assignments and tests as well as communicating with parents through weekly emails as well as through Google Classroom. Teachers will be posting assignments, handouts, test reviews, projects, etc. on Google Classroom throughout the year. This will be an excellent database for students and parents to access information for time management and organization. In addition, all tests and projects are posted on our CAT website at the beginning of each nine week grading period. This will allow students and parents to view when tests and projects will take place each week.
How will planners be used? Will planners be distributed by school or do students use their own planner/organization system?
Planners are not required at Willow Springs, but are encouraged. Middle school is a time when students become more independent in identifying their personal strengths and interests. Our goal in middle school is for students to use an organizational system that fits their individual needs. Some students use planners to write down assignments every day, while others use cell phones to input assignments into their calendar or take pictures of assignments posted in class.
How will information from teachers come home? Will there be a "Thursday" Folder in which all communication comes home?
Since students have seven or eight different teachers in middle school, we do not use a "Thursday Folder." As we begin to prepare students for high school and beyond, teachers will be sending information home through the students, as well as weekly emails that will provide information about upcoming lessons during the first three weeks of school. Once students are trained in Google Classroom, teachers will be posting lessons, assignments, and quizzes online. The principal's weekly email/newsletter is also an excellent resource for getting information about campus activities.
Will teachers inform parents if a student needs to come in for before or after school tutorials?
Tutorials can be scheduled by the teacher, parent, or student. We like to partner with parents through this process to ensure students are getting the support they need. Teachers are consistently collecting data on student progress and will inform the student and contact the parent if extra learning time is needed through tutorials. Parents can also contact the teacher if they would like their student to attend tutorials.
My son/daughter is in athletics. How do I know if the sport my son/daughter is participating in will begin tryouts the first day of school?
Please see Athletics section below.
What kind of homework should I expect in middle school?
Both 7th and 8th grade students should expect homework in middle school. Although most students will be provided time in class to complete classwork/homework, some of this work may trickle home. Please see below for anticipated homework loads by subject.
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English
--Every day (& 20 minutes of reading from their Choice Read book every night)
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Social Studies
--Occasional homework/projects. Projects will be given 2-3 class periods to complete. Review/study notes & handouts from class.
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Science
--Lab based instruction done in class--Each unit will include vocabulary and mastery questions that will be completed at home.
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Electives
--Occasional homework, practice, field activities, etc.
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All Classes
--Completion of test reviews and studying for tests
If your son or daughter is spending more than 90 minutes a night on homework, it is recommended that you contact your students teachers, counselor, and/or assistant principal.
One of the biggest challenges for middle school students is balancing extra-curricular activities both in and out of school with academic expectations--especially during the 1st nine weeks of school. Please encourage your son or daughter to access resources that are available to them through teacher tutorial times, CAT, Google Classroom, PowerSchool, etc., to stay on top of their classwork.
ParentPortal Update Needed
The PowerSchool ParentPortal is now open for you to complete the online Enrollment & Student Information Forms. Please
click here
to access the
Parent Portal
. Completion of these forms is required every year for every student. Please take a few minutes to update your contact information, emergency contacts, authorized pickup, FERPA acknowledgments, Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: Regarding the Release of Directory Information for School Use:
In order for your child's picture to appear in the Yearbook, you should answer "YES".
IMPORTANT
- Students and parents have a separate login/password for PowerSchool. Students should never have access to ParentPortal or use their parent login. If students were to access the ParentPortal on a school or public computer and not log out, family demographics as well as sibling's grades would be open for others to access. If you have any questions, you may contact Carol Vik at 469-742-8415.
Student Spirit Shirts!
As part of the WSMS student experience, we would like to offer a spirit shirt for all 7th and 8th grade students. These will be shirts that students can wear to school, pep rallies, athletic events, and field trips. During campus field trips and community service events, we will ask students to wear their spirit shirt to identify them as a WSMS student. Spirit shirts may purchased by
clicking here.
Willow Springs Yearbooks
Do you know what the spots on leopard is called? Answer: The spots on a leopard are called rosettes. In order for your child to be spotted in this year's yearbook, parents can order their child's 2016-2017 Willow Springs award-winning yearbook, Rosette, for a cost of $40.00 online now. Yearbook orders are available to purchase online only by electronic check, Pay Pal, debit, or credit card. Order now, as the price goes up September 16 to be sure to guarantee your child is spotted in the Rosette yearbook. For more information, please
click here
.
Share Your Wisdom: Mentor a Student
You've learned life lessons and gained wisdom. Be a positive influence for teens and pre-teens in our own community.
Become a mentor!
Each year, Willow Springs administrators work with students and mentors to provide an understanding, impartial connection. Mentors share time and care, often simply listening and reflecting ideas for those young people who are facing various challenges. To learn more and/or volunteer email WSMS counselor Kathy Stone at
[email protected]
or call 469-742-8423.
Cell Phones at WSMS
As we have done in the past, students are welcome to bring their cell phones to school, but cell phones are not required. Our philosophy as a campus is to work with students on the proper use of cell phones in a school setting by maximizing cell phone potential as an informational tool. We have observed that students sometimes struggle with the use of cell phones during class when they are not being used for educational purposes. This year, we are implementing a new strategy where students will turn off their cell phones at the beginning of each class period and place them in a hanging bin at the front of the classroom. If needed for educational purposes, teachers will ask students to access their phones. This will allow them the opportunity to be less distracted by their cell phone, yet still be able to use it to support and enhance learning. Students may use their cell phones before school, during passing periods, at lunch, and after school.
Bring Your Own Device to Willow Springs
Beginning next week, 7th and 8th grade students are welcome to bring their own lap top and/or iPad to class. Students are not required to bring their lap top and/or iPad to school, this is strictly optional. In addition, they will not use these devices every day, in every class, but would have the opportunity to use them when they align with the lesson to enhance student learning. If your child would like to use their laptop or iPad at school, it will be their responsibility for care and technical support. We are looking forward to this opportunity with our WSMS students.
For a copy of the LISD technology resources acceptable use policy, please
click here.
Want to Learn More About Your Son or Daughter's Teachers?
PowerSchool App
The PowerSchool app is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You use the same PowerSchool online login. Enter the District code NJBC.
WSMS Twitter Feeds #wsmslovejoy
@WSMSLovejoyISD (Campus Event Updates)
@sscwsms (Counseling updates)
Reporting an Incident at WSMS
One of our top priorities at Willow Springs Middle School is to ensure the safety of all of our students. Our most important asset in this is the eyes and ears our students can provide us on campus. We will begin using the Safe Schools Alert System this year for students and parents to report incidents they are aware of happening. You can access the system by going to
www.lovejoyisd.net
. Under Quick Links click on "REPORT IT!" You will have four ways to submit an incident. Furthermore, you will receive an access code to follow the progression of how an incident is being handled.
Swim & Dive Booster Club Meeting - Thursday, September 13th
Swim and Dive Booster Club will be having a meeting for WSMS swim parents. This will be held at 7pm, in the cafeteria at Sloan Creek Intermediate School.
WSMS Career Day Sign Up
WSMS will host its 4th annual Career Day on Friday, November 2nd. We hope you can join us to share your experience and expertise with WSMS students. The Career Day sign up form can be found
here
.
Student Nutrition and Cafeteria Accounts
For information about student breakfast and lunch accounts, and our student nutrition program, and free and reduced lunch, please click here.
LISD Calendar
Immunizations 7th Grade Students
If you have not done so already, please send a copy of your child's updatedshot record to our school nurse, Gretchen Young, before August 17. It is a state requirement that all 7thgrade students must have had 2 required updated immunizations in order to attend school.
These required immunizations are:
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 fax at 469-742-8501 or email our nurse
Gretchen Young.
New! Back to School: Important Transportation News
Important news regarding requesting bus service, bus routes, stop locations, time, and the SafeStop School Bus Tracking App is now available.
Click here for this important news.
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Parents please check Rank One for athletic paperwork. All paperwork must be turned in for your child to participate in athletics. Remember first period athletes will need to come dressed out on Monday for a workout. They will need to pack their school clothes and change after 1st period.
Lockers rooms are unlocked from 8:30-8:45 in the morning to drop off items that need to be stored in the athletic locker and from 4 - 4:15 in the afternoon. Students are not allowed to linger in the locker rooms. All personal item need to be stored in a locked locker.
Showers are available for the morning athletes. They will need to bring a towel and shower items. The towel should be brought home weekly for washing.
https://lovejoyisd.rankonesport.com/New/Home.aspx
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2018 Varsity Football Season Ticket Sales
Season tickets are available while supplies last. This week, July 23rd - 26th, we are offering an additional Early Bird window which will allow you to save $5 per seat/per game off the regular price.
Leopard Season Tickets (Final Option, If Available)
August 20th - 23rd, 2018
9:00 - 11:00 AM and 1:00 - 4:00 PM
$30 per seat / per game (maximum of six tickets per family)
You are invited to purchase your 2018 Lovejoy Leopard Varsity Football Season Tickets through the Lovejoy ISD Athletic Department:
Lovejoy ISD Athletic Department
259 Country Club Road (Portable 4B)
Allen, Texas 75002
Phone: 469-742-8068 (Robin Bass)
Checks may be made payable to: Lovejoy FB Season Tickets. Checks must be received in the Athletic Office on the date of sale. Cash and credit cards will also be accepted.
There are a few new options available for season ticket holders:
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Paid Parking Options (Parking Maps on Athletic Web Site) - not required
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Black Lot - $15 per game per space
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Red Lot - $10 per game per space
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Tailgate Lot - $35 per game / per space (maximum 2 spaces)
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Offsite Parking Shuttle Service - Free
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Stadium Seat Rental - $15 per game / per seat. (Seats will be set up for you prior to game and picked up after game for storage) - not required
For more information please contact the Athletic office at 469-742-8068 or email Robin Bass at
[email protected].
Tom Landry Classic - Saturday, September 1st
The Lovejoy Leopards will play Frisco Heritage in the Tom Landry Classic on September 1st at Allen Eagle Stadium. Proceeds from this game will go towards scholarships for students at Lovejoy High School. Come to the game and bring 5 of your friends.
Lovejoy Hockey Fundraiser
The Lovejoy Ice Hockey team will host a fundraiser on September 4th.Click here for details.
Leopard Fishing Club Meeting - Wednesday September 5th at 7pm in the WSMS Cafeteria
The purpose of the Leopard Fishing Club is to educate and prepare future Leopard Fishing Team anglers. Seventh and eighth grade anglers are invited to join. As a Club member you will be introduced to the art and technique of competitive bass fishing, interact with the high school fishing team, participate in fish camp and have the opportunity to fish in an intersquad tournament. If you have any questions please contact Nancy Burns 972-898-4046
New! Lovejoy Senior Requests Assistance with Senior Project
A message from Lovejoy Senior, Alexandra Brungardt:
"As an incoming senior, I have selected a project that is close to my heart. There is a "Toy Closet" at the Cancer Hospital from which patients can choose an item to help during their stay. I want to stock the Closet with as many toys as possible. In order to purchase toys for the closet, donation bins will be placed at each of the schools and the red building. These bins will be collecting gently used Lovejoy Spirit Wear. Once collected, the spirit wear will be sold and the money used to buy Toys for the Closet.
The toys will be donated in memory of Walker Jack Rainey.
I can be reached at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Thank you for your generosity."
New! Girls and Boys Lacrosse Free Try-It Clinics
Lovejoy Lacrosse will host 2 girls' and boys' lacrosse try-it clinics on August 25th and September 8th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Willow Springs Middle School. The try-it clinics and introduction to girls' and boys' lacrosse is open to Lovejoy ISD and surrounding communities.
Both try-it clinics are free and are open to all grade levels - kinder through high school. Girls and boys are welcome to attend one or both of the clinics. No registration is required. Just come on out to the field ready to have fun. There will be lacrosse equipment available to borrow.
No lacrosse experience is necessary. There will be drills for players of all skill and experience levels. The clinics will be a fun, no pressure environment where girls and boys can try lacrosse and parents can learn about the Lovejoy Lady Leopards Lacrosse program.
New! Chess Club for Elementary and Intermediate Students
Chess Club Enthusiasts: Lovejoy Chess Club registration is now open. The first session will be held the week of September 10th. You may click here for additional information and to register. If you have any questions, please email Miles Knight.
Lovejoy Lacrosse - Boys' and Girls' Teams Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the boys' and girls' 2018 Fall season of Lovejoy Lacrosse. Join the most exciting, fastest-growing sport in the country.
Register now for Boys: Grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Register now for Girls: Grades Kindergarten through High School
Hurry, as rosters are filling quickly!
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