A Message from the Principal
 
Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - February 21, 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 













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Dear WSMS Parents and Guardians,


We have officially begun the countdown for Spring Break.  The next two weeks will be exciting at WSMS. This weekend is our annual Denim and Diamonds auction hosted by the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools at the Legacy Marriott in Plano.  Next weekend, the district will be hosting the 3rd Annual STEM Festival to be held on February 29th from 10:00-3:00 at Lovejoy High School. The week of March 2nd, all WSMS students will be participating in a service learning project to beautify the campus.  Please see below for more information about the Lovejoy ISD STEM fest and the campus wide service learning project. It is a great time to be a Leopard!  




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



3rd Annual STEM Festival
The district is excited to announce the 3rd Annual STEM Festival to be held on February 29th from 10:00-3:00 at Lovejoy High School. We hope you will mark this date on your calendar and make plans to attend this STEMtastic event with your family. The STEM Festival also offers extra opportunities, like the CANgineering Competition and T-Shirt Design Contest, in which students and families can participate. All information about the STEM Festival is linked below. 



STEM Festival 2020
STEM Festival 2020



2020-2021 Online Registration Meetings
Next week, counselors will begin the online registration process with 7th and 8th grade students.
 
On February 25th, WSMS counselors will meet with current 7th graders. Students will need to bring
their completed BLUE athletic card, Athletic Policy Acknowledgement Receipt, and ORANGE course request cards to school. All elective applications are due February 21st.
On February 27th, LHS counselors will be at WSMS helping students add their course requests to PowerSchool. Personal Graduation Plans and 9th grade Course Requests were due in Google Classroom this week.

Please contact WSMS counselors if you have any registration questions or concerns.


WSMS Service Learning Project - March 3rd & 4th
On Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3rd & 4th, all WSMS students will be participating in our Annual Spring Service Learning Project.   In an effort to beautify WSMS and to encourage student ownership, this years project will take place on campus.  Below is a quick video from Mrs. Perez, about how science classes are preparing for the upcoming service learning project.  

Mrs. Perez -- Service Learning
Mrs. Perez -- Service Learning

 
Tuesday: March 3rd: All 7th grade students will participate in a campus wide project through their science class.  Students will be developing beds for native plants and flowers in front of our school and near our back garden. Prior to this project, students will receive an introductory lesson on the importance of native plants, habitats, and ecosystems to their community and school.  
 
Wednesday, March 4th: All 8th grade students will participate in a campus wide project through their science class.  Students will be developing beds for native plants and flowers in front of our school and near our back garden. Prior to this project, students will receive an introductory lesson on the importance of native plants, habitats, and ecosystems to their community and school.  
 
This years theme is Leopards By Nature.  As part of this campus wide service learning day, we are encouraging students to purchase a Leopards By Nature T-Shirt for $12.00.  All profits from T-Shirt sales will assist with the funding of purchasing compost, topsoil, and native plants and flowers. If you would like to purchase a T-Shirt for this event, please see the link below.  Deadline to order a shirt is Monday, February 24th at 12pm.  In addition, please see below to volunteer for these service learning days, as well as an opportunity to donate items through our Amazon Smile Wish List.  



Leopards by Nature logo designed by
Marissa Waldrop - 7th Grader at WSMS

 
Here is how you can help us:


Seeking Parent Input for New WSMS Principal Profile - Meeting, March 5
As part of our search process for the next principal of WSMS we are seeking parental input about the characteristics/attributes of the candidate we should select.  This "principal profile" allows us to align our selection process and find the new leader that will be the best fit to lead WSMS.
 
Please plan to attend our meeting opportunity on Thursday, March 5th at 1:30 pm in room C102 at WSMS.  For those unable to attend this meeting we will also have an online form available for input or you are welcome to email Dennis Muizers, Assistant Superintendent, at  
[email protected] as another avenue to provide your valuable input.
 
Campus principals are vitally important leaders in our district and in our community.  Your input is critical to our rigorous selection process in Lovejoy and we greatly appreciate you making time for your voice to be heard.


WSMS 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney - March 20
On March 20, WSMS will hold our annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the WSMS gyms from 4:30--6:00. The cost is $40 per team and each team can consist of 3-4 players.  Teams may register by  clicking here or pick up a registration form in the front office.  Students are welcome to come and watch this tournament free of charge. We will have pizza, snacks, and water for purchase.  All items can be purchased for $1.00.  





WSMS Cheer Tryouts - March 25-27
Students who are trying out for 7th or 8th-grade cheer will meet in the main gym at WSMS from 4:30-6:00 pm on March 25th and 26th to practice and prepare for tryouts which will be held on Friday, March 27th from 4:30-9:00 pm in the WSMS Main Gym. Please email  [email protected] if you have any questions about the WSMS cheer program. 


Academic UIL - Tryout Information
It's time for tryouts, and all students in grades 7 and 8 are eligible to try-out for a team! Students may compete in as many events as they would like as long as the events they enter compete at different times during the competition day. (Please see the  conflict schedule to help determine which events work best for your student.) Times and locations of tryouts can be accessed by clicking  here . Team practices will begin after that event's tryouts . If you have any questions, please contact Heather Lamb at [email protected] or the coach of the event your student is interested in.


2019-2020 WSMS STAAR Testing Calendar

Date
Who?
Event
Feb. 24 - April 3
TELPAS (ESL Students Only)



April 7 7th Grade STAAR Writing

8th Grade Pre-Algebra
8th Grade Geometry
STAAR Math 8

8th Grade Algebra 8th EOC Rotations
April 8 8th Grade STAAR Reading 8



May 5-6 7th Grade GT Algebra
8th Grade Algebra
STAAR Algebra EOC
May 12 7th Grade
8th Grade
STAAR Math 7
FitnessGram
May 13 7th Grade
8th Grade
STAAR Reading 7
Science & Social Studies Rotations
May 14 7th Grade
8th Grade
8th Grade
FitnessGram
STAAR Science 8
STAAR Social Studies 8




Campus Information and Reminders

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. For example, we have had parents bring Chick-fil-a for their son and three of his friends. 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 SCMS and LISD are only permitted to allow parents to deliver food for their own student. For more information about the Texas Administrative Code, please click here . Thank you for your cooperation in supporting the nutrition and safety of our students. 



Costa Rica Trip


Please contact 8th Grade Science teacher Jenny Perez at  [email protected]
if you have any questions.  If you are interested, call the customer service number above at World Strides and they will be able to assist you.


Winter Illness
Since we are entering the FLU season, we just wanted to remind you of the District Policies about students attending school with illnesses. Students MUST STAY HOME from school if they have experienced vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever of 100.0 or higher in the last 24 hours, without the use of medications to lower the fever, or stop the vomiting or diarrhea. This will help prevent the spread of illnesses to other students and staff as well as prevent your own child from contracting another illness since their immune system is already still low and trying to recover from their previous illness. Please read the attached letter about Flu from the CDC by clicking  HERE .


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
 

Boys Middle School Soccer
Tryouts will be held March 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th. The 7th graders will tryout from 3:20-4:20 and the 8th graders will tryout from 4:10-5:20.

There will be no makeup tryout dates and there is no penalty for missing any days (track, UIL, vacation, etc.) as we have set four days to impress. On Monday, March 16th, after Spring Break, we will be talking to each player individually, letting them know if they made the team. We will talk to the 7th graders during 7th period and the 8th graders after school.
 
The only equipment the boys need to bring with them are a pair of cleats, if they have them, and shin guards. We will provide balls, bibs, cones, and water.
 
There will be a meeting on February 26th, from 6-6:45 PM, in the library at WSMS for all parents whose sons are interested in trying out.
 
If you have any questions please contact Coach Alex Duran at [email protected].



Girls Middle School Soccer
Tryouts will be held on March 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th. The 8th graders will tryout from 8:00-9:10 AM and the 7th graders will tryout from 7:00-8:15 AM.

There will be no makeup tryout dates and there is no penalty for missing any days (track, UIL, vacation, etc.) as we have set four days to impress. On Friday, March 6th, we will be talking to each player individually, letting them know if they made the team. We will talk to the 8th graders during 1st period and the 7th graders before school from 7:30-8:45 AM.
 
The only equipment the girls need to bring with them are a pair of cleats, if they have them, and shin guards. We will provide balls, bibs, cones, and water.
 
There will be a meeting on February 26th, from 6-6:45 PM, in the cafeteria at WSMS for all parents whose daughters are interested in trying out.
 
If you have any questions please contact Coach Ian Keeble at [email protected] .



WSMS PTA

Volunteers Needed 
 Your WSMS PTA hopes that you are able to show your support to the 2020 Service Learning Project on March 3rd and 4th. If you are able to donate items or your time to help make these days the most meaningful for our staff, students and the campus we hope you will sign up using the following links 


Update 
During last weeks Executive and General PTA meetings there was a motion from the floor t o dissolve as the WSMS PTA.   This recommendation does not come lightly and is being put forth after researching what a PTO can offer our school and district.  We believe that we can continue to provide the great structure and training that we have enjoyed via the Texas PTA, keep money in our district and lobby for state and national programs that directly effect our kids and community by moving from the Texas PTA system to a PTO.  We believe switching will not effect the support or the programs we provide our student, teaching staff and parents. Over the next few weeks we will be positing here, in Dr. Messer's as well as communicating to our membership via email with facts on PTA vs PTO and will be communicating the official vote date once that date has been secured.  Please give me a call or email if have any questions, concerns or comments.
 
Specific Details-  
Dissolving: a vote to dissolve does not mean the PTA will cease to exist. Our current vote to dissolve allows us to notify the Texas PTA after which a formal meeting would be called to officially dissolve.  At that time the members would vote on where assets and financials would be allocated.  
 
Special Meeting: is a meeting called  to discuss specific matters stated in the notice of the meeting. It is a meeting outside the usual scheduled Membership meeting.


Reminders 
To have reminders sent to your phone about donations needed, volunteer time, PTA meetings and parent presentations please text @wsmspta2019 to 81010





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




District and Other News


Community News
The   Lovejoy ISD Community News Page  includes 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.


February 21st -  Meet Coach Ross and his Family



February 25th -  LJVA Portrait Show - 6pm-8pm



February 26th - Lovejoy Orchestra Spirit Night

















Our Lovejoy Orchestra Spirit night is at  Mod Pizza Wednesday, February 26th from 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.   Please plan on joining us for a great combo of delicious food, good company, and support of our Lovejoy Orchestra.  20 percent of the proceeds from our visit will go to the Orchestra Booster Club. When you order please let them know you are with Lovejoy Orchestra.  You must mention that you are purchasing for Lovejoy Orchestra BEFORE placing your order.   Hope to see you there!
 
Mod Pizza is located at 3100 FM 544, Suite 101,  Wylie-only 15 minutes from LHS





February 26th and 27th -  Community Safety Training Events




February 28 -  Java and Jazz


February 7th - March 16th -  Gifted and Talented Spring Referral Window




March 4 -  SAT Testing for LHS Juniors



March 5th -  Percussion Concert




March 17th -  Stress Management - Coping with Anxiety in a Stressful World presented by Collin County Substance Abuse Program




March 23rd - 27th -  Kindergarten Roundup




April 18th -  Lovejoy Country Run






























LHS National Honor Society to support Make-A-Wish Foundation
Lovejoy High School's annual philanthropic event is coming up this semester on May 8th!
LHS' National Honor Society has chosen to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Last year, Lovejoy students raised $16,000 for their cause. This year's goal is $20,000, or two wishes granted. 
 
Want to support Lovejoy Wish? 
Profits from the shirts will support Make-A-Wish.
Interested in sponsoring our Wish Night reveal? contact [email protected]

 
This Weeks News:

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


Make-A-Wish Foundation
 
One Glove at A Time
 
Swim Lessons - Metroplex Aquatics

Gifted and Talented Spring Referral Window

  Community Safety and Training Events

New -  Lovejoy Orchestra Booster Club Mod Pizza Fundraiser -  Feb. 26th
  
Give Sight Globally

National League Junior Cotillions

Lovejoy ISD Gold Card Program

International Justice Mission of Lovejoy Clothing Drive
 
Java and Jazz 
 
STEM Festival
 
 Senior Project Judges Needed
 
Percussion Concert

New Stress Management - Coping with Anxiety in a Stressful World presented by Collin County Substance Abuse Program

New  - Lovejoy Band Mattress Fundraiser - March 21st

Hop into Spring Chess Tournament - April 4th
 
 Save the Date! April 18
Lovejoy Country Run
  
News from Collin College
 
Turn Lucas Green


 
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.