A Message from the Principal
 
Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - October 10, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 









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Dear WSMS Parents and Guardians,

I hope everyone is looking forward to fall break this weekend. Next Friday will be an exciting day to wrap up Red Ribbon Week.  I would like to invite WSMS parents and guardians to attend Susan Hoemke's presentation "A plan to help parents to keep their children drug free."  Susan has presented at WSMS the past two years, this year she is taking her presentation to SCIS. She does an excellent job of sharing personal experiences of how close to home drug use can be.   We will wrap up our day with our Red Ribbon Week pep rally. Please see below for more details on both of these events.  




Kent Messer
Principal
Willow Springs Middle School
1101 West Lucas Rd, Lucas 75002
Office: 469-742-8417
Mobile: 214-293-9938
@WSMSLovejoyISD
#wsmslovejoy



NEW! School Holiday - Friday, October 11 and Monday, October 14
Our fall break is Friday, October 11 through Monday, October 14. School resumes on Tuesday, October 15.

ParentPortal Update - DUE NOW
The PowerSchool ParentPortal is now open for you to complete the online Enrollment & Student Information Forms. Please   click here  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, FERPA Acknowledgments, General Waivers, and other information.   As of today, there are 107 students whose forms have not been updated.
 
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.




No Pass - No Play: 9 Week Report Card  
With Thursday, October 10th being the end of the first 9 week grading period, students who are not passing all of their classes will become ineligible effective Friday, October 18th at the end of the school day.  Students who were failing at the six week mark, can regain eligibility if they are passing all of their classes on Friday, October 18th. Students will regain eligibility on Friday, October 18th at the end of the school day.    Although we have moved to a nine week grading system this year, UIL requires all schools to check eligibility after the first six weeks and again at the end of the first grading period if it exceeds six weeks. Based on our district academic calendar, we will have two eight week grading periods in the fall.  Our first grading period will end on Thursday, October 10 th .  For a copy of the UIL eligibility calendar, please  click here .


Red Ribbon Week - October 14 - 18
Willow Springs will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 14-18. Please encourage your child to participate in daily themes to show our pride and commitment to living a drug-free life! For a list of daily themes, please click here


Robotics Club - Thursday, October 17
Interested in Robotics....Join Us!  The WSMS Robotics Club will have it's first meeting on Thursday, October 17th.  Students should come to room C300, right after school, with pickup being 5pm. Please sign up by joining the Robotics Club classroom. The code is ubltty5.  Let's set the first meeting after school Thursday, October 17th till 5pm.  During the first meeting we will set regular meeting times. If you have any questions, please contact Sylvia Woods at sylvia_woods@lovejoyisd.net.



RESCHEDULED! WSMS Principals Coffee - Thursday, October 17th, at 9am
The topic on Thursday will be WSMS Safety & Security.  The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the WSMS Band Hall.  The Principal's Coffee is a forum discussion for all 7th and 8th grade parents to visit with me about the safety and security over a cup of coffee. During the discussion, I will provide information about the safety and security procedures 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. 


NEW! SCIS Principal's Coffee - Friday, October 18th, at 9:00 a.m-10:30 a.m. 
Guest Speaker: Susa'n Hoemke, Lovejoy ISD parent
Topic:                     A plan to help parents to keep their children drug free. 
 
A letter to you from lovejoy parent,  Susa'n Hoemke: 
"As a young parent of four kids I never imagined or even thought about the chance of my kids using drugs. We were not discussing any substances as a family because we ourselves were not educated on the topic and neither were our kids. My son Hayden was happy, curious and energetic before his drug use. When he was offered alcohol and then marijuana in 9th grade by his peers, he did try both which quickly led to his desire to have more. He had no idea of the changes going on in his brain and body even though he did not feel right. One substance led to another and began his battle with drug addiction. We did not understand him, and he did not understand himself. If he had known more of the consequences and if we had been educated about Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder/Addiction, Hayden would have had a better chance to be alive today. Hayden lost his life to Heroin Overdose at age 22 after a long 8-year battle. IMAP - I Make a Plan "Mapping the Way to be drug free" offers a way to plan and be prepared to avoid the many consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. IMAP wants to give your kids the tools they need and know why they want to say no to drugs and alcohol."
-Susa'n Hoemke, Lovejoy ISD parent. 


NEW! Pep Rally - Friday, October 18
Friday, October 18th, we are having our Red Ribbon Week pep rally in our main gym. We will be on our pep rally bell schedule. Please  click here for the bell schedule.  All parents are welcome to attend and are encouraged to park in a parking space not designated as a fire lane in the front parking lot to enter and sign-in through the front office.  


NEW! WSMS Career Day 2019
On Wednesday, November 6th, WSMS will hold our annual Career Day!  This event will give students the opportunity to visit with professionals from various professions to learn about potential career fields.
 
Students will sign up online Tuesday, October 22nd during Advisory.   Students will sign up for TWO career fields of interest.  Students will also sign up for TWO alternate career fields (in case their first choices are full). 
 
On November 6th, students will visit FOUR career presentations - two they have selected, and two they will be assigned - perhaps a career field they didn't know existed! 
 
LAST CALL for Presenters!
Our Career Day is not complete without your expertise!  We need your help to make Career Day a meaningful experience for our students.  If you are interested in presenting your career to students, but you have not signed up yet, please  sign up here .   Thank you!


College Board PSAT 8/9 - Thursday, October 24
On Thursday, October 24th, WSMS 8th graders will take the College Board's digital PSAT 8/9 test. This assessment is an opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to assess a student's math, writing, and reading skills needed to be college-ready. For more information on the College Board's PSAT 8/9 test, you can visit  this website . The PSAT 8/9 assessment will begin promptly at 9am on Thursday, October 24th and will last approximately 3.5 hours. 8th graders may want to bring a bottle of water for testing. All 8th graders will eat C lunch that day.  This will be an online test, and WSMS counselors will review scores with students in the spring.


Club Day - Friday, October 25
Club Day is Friday, October 25 a nd 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 Mr. Abney before bringing an animal to school. Students may leave their equipment for Guitar Club, Extreme and Remote Control Club in the front office. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathy Stone.


2019-2020 Reflections Theme Is In!
The Willow Springs PTA is pleased to announce the theme for this year's Reflections contest: "Look Within". We encourage ALL 7th and 8th graders to participate in this annual competition which promotes student creativity and expression. The categories include dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Students may enter works in one or more categories with no limit to the number of entries in a single category. The deadline for submission is Monday, October 28th by 3pm . Every student who participates will receive a certification of recognition signed by the Texas PTA President and recognition on the Texas PTA website. 
 
In order to participate, students must complete an entry form .
 
Review the official entry requirements and program participation rules .
 
For any further questions or concerns regarding Reflections, please contact Christy Payne .




Dude Be Nice Week and Presentation - October 29th 
Willow Springs' Dude Be Nice week is coming soon! During the week of October 28th Willow Springs students will be participating in Dude Be Nice week. This is a week dedicated to random acts of kindness that we hope will spread and continue on campus throughout the year!
 
On Tuesday, October 29th, 7th and 8th graders will attend a Dude By Nice presentation, paid for by WSMS PTA. We encourage all students to purchase and wear a Dude Be Nice shirt on October 29th to show unity and support of kindness across our campus! To purchase the shirt, click here: https://lovejoy.revtrak.net/lhs-dude-be-nice/


NEW! Summer Educational Trip: Costa Rica
For the past three years, students at WSMS have been provided an opportunity to extend their science learning in 7th and 8th grade by participating in a summer trip to Costa Rica.  This trip is hosted by WorldStrides, a company with over 50 year's of experience with student travel working with middle schools across the country to provide summer learning experiences. This year's trip is Coastal Conservation. Students will zipline through the rainforest canopy, hike through a cloud forest, horseback ride through the rainforest and visit National Parks and Costa Rican beaches. Students will discover Costa Rica's rich culture and traditions, and experience incomparable learning moments. S ign up today at worldstrides.com/signup using Trip ID 181112. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Perez at jennifer_perez@lovejoyisd.net .


Gardening Volunteer Opportunity
Do you have a green thumb? Do you enjoy gardening and helping get kids out in nature more for hands-on learning? We need you to join the Willow Springs "Guardians of the Green" parent group! This parent group will support what Dr. Messer and Mrs. Perez want to accomplish this year and beyond with outdoor learning projects, nature education and beautification around campus. To get involved, join the Facebook Group called "Willow Springs Guardians of the Green" or contact Lisa Wilkins at lisarosewilkins@yahoo.com or 214-206-7407. Thank you!


WSMS Yearbook
Parents - The yearbook staff needs more photos from your child's summer adventures for the yearbook.  If you have any photos, please send them to beverly_zetsche@lovejoyisd.net .  The photos can be of them and their friends or them with their family.  The first 24 students that submit photos will receive a donut if they would like.  Thanks!



Campus Information and Reminders
NEW! Safety Corner - Drug Dogs on Campus
We will have a drug dog on campus for an unannounced visit once a month for the remainder of the school year.  When classrooms are selected to be searched, all students will need to exit the room leaving their backpacks and other belongings.  The drug dog, the handler, and an administrator will enter the room to conduct the search. At the conclusion of the search, students and the teacher can re-enter the room.


PowerSchool Parent Portal Access Tips
Here are some quick bullets about the PowerSchool Parent Portal:
  • Unless you have changed your username after August 12, 2019, the username is the email address that is associated to the parent account. The log of invalid logins that we are seeing are typically parent accounts that are trying to use something other than an email address as the username.
  • Recently users have been denied access and it is determined that they are not using the correct URL. Please make sure that you are going to http://powerschool.lovejoyisd.net . If you see Welcome to Unified Classroom, you are on the wrong site. This is another PowerSchool product that we do not have a subscription for as it duplicates Google Classroom.
  • Remember that the mobile app is only a tool for updates on assignments, grades, and attendance. Typically to access the Enrollment Forms, Absence Reason Excuses, GPA Information, and the Random Drug Testing Forms you must use a tablet, laptop or desktop, and the URL above. From a mobile phone, you can use your browser and go to the URL above; however, once logged in it is difficult to navigate.
  • Parents should never give their Parent Portal login information to their students. Students have separate Power School accounts.


PowerSchool Parent Portal for Student Absences
A new feature has been added to the PowerSchool Parent portal where parents can enter the excuse notes for a student absence. Parents can do multiple students at the same school with one entry. This does not supersede sending in appropriate documentation but it does allow parents to skip phone calls and/or parent notes in the case of illness, vacation, etc.
 
This does not automatically mark the student absent; however, it does alert the attendance clerk to this absences to be approved and changed to the appropriate code. The app does not have this feature; however, parents can log onto the Browser from a phone and have this feature. For Instructions, please click on the links below.
 


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.


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.


LISD Calendar
Please go here for LISD calendars.



WSMS Twitter Feeds  #wsmslovejoy
@WSMSLovejoyISD (Campus Event Updates)
@sscwsms (Counseling updates) 
 
 

Athletics

Volleyball Results vs Allen Ereckson - October 3rd
7th Grade
A Team - Won
B Team - Won
C Team - Won
 
8th Grade
A Team - Won
B Team - Won
C Team - Won
 
 
Football Results vs Allen Ereckson - October 8th
7th Grade
Red - Won
Black -Won
 
8th Grade
Red - Won 
Black - Won
 

Girls Basketball Parent Information & Tryout Details
Middle school basketball informational meeting on October 21st at 6pm at Lovejoy High School in the Lecture Hall.
 
Middle School Tryouts will be held October 29th (Tuesday) through November 1st (Friday). We will meet with the girls individually on Friday and let them know if they made the team. Practices will start the following Monday (We will only have one week before games start!
 
8th Graders will tryout from 7:30am - 8:50am
7th Graders will tryout from 3:25pm - 5pm
 
The first 7th grade game will be on November 11 (Monday)
The first 8th grade game will be on November 14 (Thursday)



RUN-A-THON ---SAVE THE DATE!!! TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29th
Get ready for the 2nd annual GLOW RUN-A-THON! This was a big hit last year, and this year we are making it even better! Grab your glow sticks, your best neon gear, and your running shoes and get ready for a great event!
 


WSMS PTA


Did you know that your PTA is mostly funded by donations and rebates?  Besides communicating volunteer needs and hosting hospitality events for the staff and teachers the PTA financially supports programs that impact both the parents and students.  In the last few years through your donations we have been able to bring to WSMS Dr. Ray Levy to discuss the Teenage Mind, AIM for Success, Cyber Safety, Anti-Bullying, Healthy Lifestyle Choices, Drug And Alcohol prevention and College Preparedness programs.  To contribute to the continued funding of these fantastic programs you may write a check to WSMS PTA and deliver to Willow Springs or donate electronically to our  

It is never too late! Join PTA and be the first to know about volunteer needs and get all of the information of what is happening at WSMS! Your membership and donations allow us to support all the staff and students of WSMS through volunteering, hospitality events and meaningful programs for parents and students.  Please  join today, your membership matters!


2019-2020 Reflections Theme Is In!
The Willow Springs PTA is pleased to announce the theme for this year's Reflections contest: "Look Within". We encourage ALL 7th and 8th graders to participate in this annual competition which promotes student creativity and expression. The categories include dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Students may enter works in one or more categories with no limit to the number of entries in a single category. The deadline for submission is Monday, October 28th by 3pm . Every student who participates will receive a certification of recognition signed by the Texas PTA President and recognition on the Texas PTA web site. 
 
In order to participate, students must complete an entry form .
 
Review the official entry requirements and program participation rules .
 
For any further questions or concerns regarding Reflections, please contact Christy Payne .
 

Sincerely-
Kasey Havens
WSMS PTA President 2018-2019
214-534-6200




District and Other News

District Communications
 
One of our Board Priorities is to develop stronger community connections and confidence through effective communication. We are continuing to strengthen our communications and have shared   best practices for communicating with the Board of Trustees and   best practices for staff communications with parents . Today we are sharing the following information regarding how best to communicate and handle concerns with teachers, coaches, directors, etc. For future reference you may find this information on the  Parent Resources page under District Communication.
 
Student and Parent Concerns/Grievances
The faculty and staff of Lovejoy ISD are committed to the service of our students and their parents by responding promptly and professionally to concerns or grievances which may arise.
 
Student and Parent Complaints/Grievances are governed by LISD Board Policies FNG (LEGAL) and FNG (LOCAL).
 
How Do You Resolve Parent Concerns?
If you, as the parent or guardian of a Lovejoy ISD student, have concerns regarding your child's education or performance, we want to talk with you. Sitting down and talking with the people who interact most often with your child on a daily basis - his/her teacher, counselor, coach or director- can remedy the majority of concerns.
 
Most concerns can be and usually are resolved at the classroom/activity/sports or campus level. However, if your concerns are not addressed by visiting with the teacher, campus counselor, coach or director, you may choose to follow the three-level process listed below:
 
Level One:
Within 15 business days of the incident causing the concern/complaint, you may request a meeting with the next level supervisor which could be the Athletic Director, Fine Arts Director or Campus Principal. The Level One form may be found   here .
 
Level Two:
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Level One process, within 10 business days of receipt of the Level One decision letter, you may request a meeting with the Assistant Superintendent of Operations (Athletics, Safety, Operations) or Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction (Teachers, Administrators, Student Discipline). The Level Two form may be found  here .
 
Level Three:
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Level Two process, within 10 business days of receipt of the Level Two decision letter, you may appeal the decision to the School Board by contacting the Superintendent. The Level Three form may be found  here .
 
 
Upcoming Events
 

Apply Now for Leadership Lovejoy
The Lovejoy Independent School District is pleased to announce the application process for Leadership Lovejoy. This program provides an opportunity for participants to learn the history of Lovejoy, as well as educational practices, programs, and philosophy of Lovejoy ISD. Additionally, Leadership Lovejoy members will provide feedback, ask questions, and share ideas for district improvement. Meetings will be held once per month from October - April from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM.
 
If you are interested in applying for the 2019-2020 Leadership Lovejoy Cohort, please click on the following link:  https://forms.gle/EHGLDcud9CzufgL27 .
 
Applications should be submitted by Tuesday, October 15.
 
 
 
Running Over Depression - Senior Project
Please join us for the 4th Annual Running Over Depression Run on Saturday, November 16th at Lovejoy High School. The 1K Fun Run will begin at 8:00 AM and the 5K Run will begin at 8:30 AM at Lovejoy Leopard Stadium.  Running Over Depression is an event being organized by Lovejoy Seniors Zane Edwards, Shalin Mehta, and Thomas Michal for their Senior Projects. The goal of this run is to raise awareness about teenage depression and suicide prevention. All proceeds from the run will be donated to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To register please CLICK HERE .
 
If your business is interested in sponsoring Running Over Depression please email 
runningoverdepression@yahoo.com
 

 

Safety and Security Training
Lovejoy ISD is offering "Stop the Bleed" and "Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events" trainings during the month of November. You are invited to join us for this training which is applicable and practical for all community members.
 
Stop the Bleed
November 19, 2019
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Lovejoy High School Lecture Hall
 
Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
November 21, 2019
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Lovejoy High School Lecture Hall
 
For additional information, please visit our  Community News Page .






Community News
We are pleased to announce the   Lovejoy ISD Community News Page . This new addition to the Lovejoy ISD Webpage will share news from our schools, programs, booster clubs, student organizations, Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, community, and more. Check back often for up-to-date news on events and activities.



For more information on the following topics click the "Lovejoy ISD Community News Page" link above.


Apply Now for Leadership Lovejoy!
 
Senior Judges Needed!
 
Register Now! 10th Annual Turkey Chess Tournament
 
Varsity Football Tickets Available Through School Store
 
Parking Information for Home Football Games
 
2019-2020 PTA Reflections Contest - Look Within
 
Majestics Fundraiser
Homecoming Mums and Garters
On Sale at Lovejoy High School through October 15
 
City of Lucas Farmers Market
 
Choir Fundraiser
 
Majestics Fundraiser
 
When Life Gives You Lemons Fundraiser
 
Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Men's Tailgate Party and Cornhole Tournament
 
Taste of Fairview Benefiting the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
 
Red Ribbon Night at Allen Americans
 
Lovejoy Professional Network Charity Benefit Golf Tournament
 
Senior Project!  Boys Wrestling Camp
 
STEM Design Your World Conference for Girls
 
Senior Project!  Girls Wrestling Camp
 
Senior Project!  Running Over Depression
 
Safety and Security Training
 
Leopard Baseball Buddy League
 
Mountain Bike Team
 
Lovejoy High School Cheer Fundraiser
Holiday Poinsettias for Sale
 
Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run
 
News from Collin College


 
 
 
For the latest Athletic News, download the "Lovejoy Leopards Athletics" app.
 
For the latest Fine Arts News, follow @LovejoyArts on Twitter, or like them on Facebook at Lovejoy Arts.