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Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - September 15, 2017
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Dear WSMS Parents and Guardians,
It is hard to believe we have successfully completed our fourth week of school. Over the past four weeks, our students have been very busy with academic and extracurricular activities. Today we have our first advisory of the year, students will be having discussions over their learning and application from last week's bullying presentations. In addition, tonight will be our first home game for the LHS varsity volleyball and football teams, please see below for info about the middle school student section at varsity football games. Have a great weekend! Go Leopards!
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
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Football Game Entrance
Willow Springs Middle School students can get into all Willow Springs and high school football games except varsity football games, at no charge, with their student ID.
Home Football Game Tonight
Lovejoy vs Frisco Lone Star at 7:30 p.m.
The middle school section for the LHS home football games is located in general admission section A. This is the first section of the stands as you enter the stadium (closest to LHS).
Middle school students are welcome to sit with their friends and enjoy the game in this designated
location.
For copy the seating plan, please
click here
.
Student Spirit Shirts - Wear them to our first home game tonight!
As part of the WSMS student experience, we would like to offer a spirit shirt for all 7th and 8th grade students. Students may wear their spirit shirts to school, pep rallies, athletic events, and field trips to identify them as a WSMS student. Spirit shirts may be purchased by clicking here . A limited number of shirts are available for sale in the School Store. We will place another order based on our online purchases.
ParentPortal Update Needed Today
The PowerSchool ParentPortal is 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.
Willow Springs Yearbooks
Yearbook online sales have been up and running since August on the Jostens website. We wanted to give you heads up on a special personalization offer that is available for a short time for yearbook purchases. Your child should have received a flyer in his or her homeroom this week. For a limited time, with a yearbook personalization for $5.50, four icons are available free. Yearbook sales will continue at $40 per book, but order soon because prices will go up to $50. We did not want you to miss this opportunity to personalize your child's yearbook and receive free icons.
Willow Springs does not collect checks or cash for advance orders of the yearbook. All advance sales are online for most efficient bookkeeping. Please go here to order your child's book today by PayPal, debit card, or credit card to take part of this limited free icons with personalization sale. There is also a link on our school website homepage for your convenience. Be sure to keep a print out of your online purchase receipt for yearbook distribution day.
UT Dallas Offers After School Coding Clubs at WSMS - Register by Monday, September 18
The University of Texas at Dallas Department of Computer Science is offering After School Coding Clubs for 5th - 9th graders at Willow Springs Middle School from September through December; clubs begin September 20th!
Click here
for detailed information. You may register through Monday, September 18th.
Early Release - Friday, September 22
Next Friday, September 22 is an early release day for our students and they will be dismissed at 12:50 p.m.
Students will visit all 8 periods and each class will have meaningful instruction.
Please click here for the bell schedule.
The front office will close at 1:30 p.m. For assistance after 1:30 p.m., please call the administration building at 469-742-8000.
Principal's Coffee - Tuesday, September 26
I would like to invite you to our upcoming Principal's Coffee, on Tuesday, August 29 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. During the discussion, I will provide information about the overall 7th and 8th grade experience at Willow Springs and answer any questions you may have. Attending parents are encouraged to park in the front parking lot to enter and sign-in through the front office. The last meeting will be held October 31.
WSMS Fall Back to School Social & Dance - Friday, September 29
Our Fall Back to School Social and Dance will be Friday, September 29th from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at WSMS. We will have a DJ and music in the cafeteria as well as basketball, volleyball, and soccer in both gyms. Cost for the dance is $10.00. Tickets can be purchased online by
clicking here
.
-Students are welcome to purchase snacks and water during the dance
-Chips, Gold Fish, Teddy Grahams, M&M's and Kit Kat's and bottled water for $1.00
Chaperones:
We need at least 12 chaperones for this event to be able to offer all of the activities.
Chaperoning is easy, very little work, and it's fun to watch the kids having a good time (they forget we are there).
Please arrive by 4:15pm and plan to stay until the dance concludes
.
**Please make sure you have completed your online volunteer clearance.**
To sign up to volunteer as a chaperone please click here!
Additional Dance Information
*This is not a date dance so middle school students will not need a date to attend.
*Students will not need to change clothes or get into any special attire. Students will wear what they will be wearing to school and must be in dress code.
*After school athletics will only practice during 8th period so students can attend the social/dance. Coaches will make adjust to their schedules so practices are over by 4:15.
*This is for Willow Springs students only, students who attend a campus other than Willow Springs will not be allowed to enter.
*Once school is dismissed at 4:00, students staying for the dance will report to the Auxiliary Gym until the dance begins at 4:30.
*Once students enter the dance, they will not be allowed out of the building until 6:30 p.m. If your son or daughter needs to be picked up early, please come to the cafeteria doors in the courtyard to check your student out.
*7th Grade Parent pick up will be in the back of the school in the courtyard.
*8th Grade Parent pick up will be in the front of the school near the main entrance.
Picture Retakes - Tuesday, October 3
Picture retakes with Legacy Studio are Tuesday, October 3 for students that did not have their picture taken on August 25 or for students needing a retake. Parents can order on this webpage
http://www.legacystudios.com/
.
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Campus Information and Reminders
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Safety Corner
Willow Springs Middle School is equipped with security cameras inside and outside the building. The interior cameras provide views of all hallways, gyms, and the cafeteria, while the exterior cameras provide views of the building periphery and entrances.
Bullying Prevention Presentations
Last week all students attended Advocating for Self & Others / Bullying Prevention presentations with the counselors. The counselors split the boys and girls for this presentation by design to specifically talk about the inner-workings of "boy-world" and "girl world". Take time to talk to your child about what they learned from the presentation. Ask your child what their "one-liner or roll with it" is if they are ever teased and talk to your child about the importance of advocacy and the appropriate way to report concerns. Please
go here
for the girls presentation and
here
for the boys presentation.
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.
Developing Student Ownership in Learning
One of our goals is to work with students to build ownership and responsibility in their own learning. Consider having your student make first contact with his/her teachers by emailing them about assignments and/or tests. For example, if your student has not completed a homework assignment or a test, please encourage your student to do the following:
-Go to the Google Classroom to print off and complete the assignment and/or any test preparation materials
-Email their teacher and ask questions about the assignment or missing work
-Talk to their teacher about the missing assignment or test
-Know how and where to turn in the assignment or complete the test
Bringing Your Student Lunch
As a reminder, parents can bring a lunch of their choice to their own son or daughter but are prohibited under the Texas Administrative Code to bring lunch for other students
.
This is a violation of the Texas Administrative Code. In addition, if a parent brings food for other students, the parents of the other student may object to their child being provided a lunch from an outside restaurant due to diet or medical concerns of their child.
In the future, if a parent brings lunch for more than one student, we will inform the parent that WSMS and LISD are only permitted to allow parents to deliver food for their own student. Thank you for your cooperation in supporting the nutrition and safety of our students.
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Athletic Drop Off Before School
We know that mornings can be hectic, please help us with athletic drop-off in the morning by pulling forward as far as you can to keep the flow of traffic moving. Our goal is to unload 6-8 cars at a time in the courtyard, rather than just one. As you approach the courtyard, please continue to pull forward to the end of the metal awning to unload. This will allow cars behind you to move forward and unload 6-8 at time. Also, please remember that there are two drop off lanes in the morning to enable a steady flow of traffic. Thank you for your assistance with this to ensure everyone has a safe and smooth drop off.
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Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
Donor Signs
Soon, #WeLoveLovejoy 2017 Donor signs will be showing up in yards all over the district. As a way of saying thank you, the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools gives each donor, a yard sign once a donation has been made to the campaign. If you have made a donation to Annual Appeal we will be bringing your sign to you soon.
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Brandy Carll, Annual Appeal chair, delivers a sign to Kasey Havens.
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Hurricane Relief
In light of the devastation caused by Harvey, Anthony Tang (LHS Senior) is leading the way to help those affected by the hurricane. From sorting toothbrushes to organizing fundraising drives in the district, Anthony has been doing anything he can to help the cause.
Anthony, a senior at Lovejoy High, first learned of the traumatic impacts of the storm when he contacted a childhood friend who lives in Houston. "My buddy's family was fortunately not severely affected because his house is on higher ground, but many other houses in surrounding neighborhoods were flooded and ruined. I can't imagine the troubles those families are facing, but I want to help in any way I can." Anthony has reached out and partnered with Trusted World and Salvation Army and has delivered boxes of donations to be transported from their warehouses. "It makes me smile to see how genuinely cooperative people are in this time of need. Everyone I have worked with seems so willing to help."
Anthony is requesting the help of fellow Leopards. There is a need for clothes and shoes, especially for youth. Other supplies in need include Adult X-Large T-Shirts and undergarments, as well as Women's Sports-bras. If you wish to donate supplies or help pack donations to support this cause, please contact Anthony at:
The Lovejoy Running Club
The Lovejoy Running Club will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6:00 PM near the Duck Pond at Celebration Park. All ages and ability levels are welcome to attend from novice walkers looking to shed a few pounds, to elite runners gearing up for the next race. If you have questions regarding the running program you may contact
Greg Christensen.
P.S. Dogs are welcome.
HELP for Houston
Special thanks to Inga Van Wagoner for leading the HELP for Houston drive which yielded over $50,000 in donations. Special thanks also goes to the Lovejoy community for your overwhelming support and generosity. You may
click here
for detailed information regarding the successful drive, and for photos.
Girl Scouts Meetings - September 17
At Girl Scouts, the next opportunity to stand up, speak up, and take the lead is never far away. With us, you will discover the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader)™ in you, and watch her shine, again and again. Would you like to learn more about Girl Scouts? Join us for our information events:
Saturday, September 17
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Watters Creek
970 Garden Park Drive
Leopard Friday - Friday, September 22
The Lovejoy Independent School District will host a free community event on September 22nd from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Leopard Friday.
On Leopard Friday, the Courtyard at Lovejoy High School will be transformed into a showcase of our students, clubs, community, and organizations. There truly is something for everyone:
- Face painting
- Candy and tattoo prizes
- Cotton candy and popcorn
- Instrument "petting zoo"
- Try out multiple sports
- Spirit wear for purchase
- And much more
We will end the event with a community pep rally at 6:30 PM in the LHS Courtyard. All Leopard fans will be invited onto the field to form a spirit line prior to kick off.
A BBQ dinner will be catered by Sonny Bryan's. Tickets may be purchased via the Online Payment Center, or at the LHS school store. The ticket order deadline is September 20, 2017. A small number of tickets will be sold at the door.
Gifted and Talented Meet & Greet - Thursday, September 28
The Lovejoy Gifted Association will host an informal Meet and Greet on Thursday, September 28th from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM in the Board Room of the Lovejoy ISD Administration Building, 259 Country Club Road, Allen, TX 75002. Please join us for a "light" breakfast and coffee and to learn more about the Gifted and Talented program at LISD, as well as The Lovejoy Gifted Association. This is an opportunity to meet Brie Smith (LISD Director of Advanced Academics), Kari Lockhart (LISD Advanced Academics Coordinator), and other GT parents. For additional information please visit the LGA website at
www.lovejoygifted.org
.
Evening with the Majestics - Friday, October 13, 2017
The annual Evening with the Majestics will be Friday, October 13th. All Lovejoy ISD students in grades K-6 are invited to join the Majestics as we celebrate Homecoming. "Mini Majestics" (grades K-4) and "Majestics in Training" (grades 5-6) will perform the pre-game Fight Song in the Victory Lines on the field, and will then sit with the Majestics and participate in "stand routines" in the bleachers. Click here for additional information. Click here to complete the registration form and be a part of the Homecoming tradition.
Friends of Fairview Firefighters Association Community Pancake Breakfast: October 21
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STAY CONNECTED
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