A Message from the Principal
 
Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - May 9, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 









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Dear WSMS Parents and Guardians,

Next week will be a busy week for our students and staff at WSMS. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week will be STAAR testing days for all of our students. Our teachers and students have done an excellent job preparing for these assessments, I am confident that they will do well. Please see below for more info about the STAAR schedule for next week.

Students will be testing from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm on Monday--Thursday. As always, it is recommended that students get a good 8 hours of sleep and hearty breakfast in the morning before they come to school. If possible, please do not take your son or daughter out of school for doctor appointments during STAAR testing times. We ask that you not pick your student up early on these days.

During all STAAR testing days, parents will have limited access to the campus due to testing security. Parents and/or family members will not be able to deliver lunch to students, or eat lunch with students, during STAAR testing days. Thank you for your support in helping us create a great testing environment for our students.



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


8th Grade Retreat to Main Event in Frisco - Payment Due Friday, May 10
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 23, 2019. A packet with details will be 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 $10 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 10 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 10th.


Parents Night Out - May 10
Due to low registration, we are cancelling this event.  


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 Kathy_stone@lovejoyisd.net.
 
 
Upcoming STAAR Tests This Spring
 
 
Date
Event
Who?






Fri. May 10
STAAR Drill
All Staff & Students
Mon. May 13
Grade 7 Math STAAR
Grade 8 Math STARR Retest
All 7 th Grade
(Except GT Math)
Grade 7 GT Math Rotations
7 th Grade GT Math
Grade 8 FitnessGram
All 8 th Grade
Tues. May 14
Grade 7 Reading STAAR
Grade 8 Reading STAAR Retest
All 7 th Grade
Grade 8 Sci/SS Rotations
All 8 th Grade
Wed. May 15
Grade 7 FitnessGram
All 7 th Grade
Grade 8 Science STAAR
All 8 th Grade
Thurs. May 16
Grade 7 in Classes
All 7 th Grade
Grade 8 Social Studies STAAR
All 8 th Grade



Scoliosis Testing, Monday May 13
Our school Nurse, Gretchen Young, will be screening all ALL 8th grade BOY students for possible Scoliosis on Monday May 13th and ALL 7th grade GIRL students on Wednesday May 15th 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
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 2018-2019 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 4:00 on May 17th . 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 2019-2020 school year. More information regarding specific eligibility requirements for NJHS will be coming at a later date.


Final Exam Reviews - Available Next Friday, May 17th
On Friday, May 17th, teachers will provide students with a copy of the final exam review.  In addition, an electronic copy will be posted on course websites and on the WSMS website under "Parent Resources" on Friday, May 17th.  
Teachers will be going over their review in class prior to the final exam. Each review will provide vocabulary, concepts, and/or skills needed to be successful on the final. Students will be expected to take the information from the review and apply it to questions on the exam that include graphs, charts, maps, diagrams, and excerpts. These application based questions provide a foundation for the level of thinking that aligns with the higher level thinking of our state standards in middle school and high school. Rather than studying the review for 2-3 hours the night before the final exam, we encourage students to prepare for each exam by studying for approximately 15-20 minutes a day. In addition, students should refer to notes, handouts, assignments, and their textbook to support their learning and preparation. For an example of a final exam review topic and how it might be tested on the final exam in each of the core subjects, please click here (these questions are from the 7th grade curriculum in ELAR, math, science, and social studies).


WSMS Library Books and Fines - Due May 17
All student library materials are due back on Friday, May 17th. The last day to check out books is May 10th. 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


WSMS Choir Pop Show "A Night At The Movies" Performance- Monday, May 20th in the LHS Auditorium
Come experience some movie magic performed by the Willow Springs Choir! These singers will be performing classic songs from movies like Footloose, Guardians of the Galaxy, Dirty Dancing, and much more! The WSMS Pop Show will have you singing along and dancing in your seat. You don't want to miss this spectacular performance! Tickets will go on sale to the public on May 6th. Tickets are $5.00 (with a $2.00 online fee). All seats are reserved seating this year, so get your tickets early! Tickets are on sale now at the Lovejoy ISD Box office.
https://tinyurl.com/LovejoyBoxOffice1819



End of the Year Award Ceremonies
7th Grade Student Award Ceremonies - Tuesday, May 21
This year our 7th grade student award ceremony will be on Tuesday, May 21 8am - 9:30am in the WSMS main gym. During this award ceremony, we will be recognizing A and A/B honor roll, as well as a select number of students who 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.

8th Grade Student Award Ceremonies - Friday, May 24
The 8th grade student award ceremony will be on Friday, May 24 from 8:50 a.m. -10:30 a.m. in LHS auditorium.  We will be sending out more detailed information by email to all 8th grade parents.

*Perfect Attendance Awards - These will be handed out to students who have had perfect attendance for the entire school year, as of May 17th.  Please check PowerSchool for attendance. Should you have any outstanding dr's notes, those need to be turned in by 12pm on Friday, May 17th. Your student may turn them into the front office or they can be emailed to Carol Vik at carol_vik@lovejoyisd.net .


8th Grade Panoramic Pictures - Tuesday, May 21
The WSMS 8th grade class of 2019 will be taken on Tuesday, May 21. Panoramic pictures will be on sale during all lunches on Wednesday, May 22. Please go here for more information.  


Flapjacks for Finals - Tuesday, May 28
As a tradition at WSMS, we will be kicking off final exams with "Flapjacks for Finals" on Tuesday, May 28 from 8:00 a.m. - 8:55 a.m. in the cafeteria. This is the day before the first final exam. Please encourage your son or daughter to stop by the cafeteria for hot cakes before school.


Lost and Found - Donated May 31st
Please encourage your son or daughter to look through the lost and found by the library and the athletic lost and found and claim any sweatshirts, shoes, hats, etc. they may have left behind. All items not claimed by May 31st will be donated to Allen Community Outreach.




Campus Information and Reminders
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.  


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 with your student's name and where they will be attending school.  Please click here for the withdrawal form that must be completed and returned to Carol Vik.


Important News from Student Nutrition Regarding Student Meal Accounts
This is a courtesy message from Lovejoy Student Nutrition Services to inform households of an upcoming change in student meal accounts. In an effort to minimize negative balances at the end of the school year, beginning Wednesday, May 8 and for the remainder of the school year, students will no longer be able to charge meals which will result in the student incurring a negative balance to their meal account. Students may continue to use their lunch accounts as long as they have money in the account. Households with students who currently have negative balances will receive reminder emails and phone calls. Federal regulations prohibit us from rolling over negative balances to the next school year. Please make arrangements to remit payment for any negative lunch accounts your child may have incurred.

All positive balances will be rolled over to next school year. If you have a graduating senior, funds may be transferred to any sibling in the school district. To request a meal account refund, please complete a refund request form located on the Student Nutrition website. For assistance, please contact Student Nutrition at 469.742.8041.

Student Nutrition Services thanks you for your understanding and for allowing us to serve your student(s) this school year.


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.

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 2019-2020 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 2019-2020 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 16, 2019. 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.



Lovejoy ISD App
The Lovejoy ISD App is available for download on both Apple and Android devices.  To download the app for Apple devices, please click here .  To download the app for Android devices, please click here .  



Twitter and Facebook
Are you following the district on Twitter ?  Have you liked us on Facebook ?  Join us on social media for news and announcements.


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.


May Student Nutrition Newsletter
Please click here to view the newsletter.





Athletics

Performance Course for incoming 7th-12th
We are encouraging all of our players to participate in performance course. This is a great opportunity for team building and individual development!
Please click here to register.


Varsity Tryout Information (8th grade parents) - 2019 - Team Tennis Season Information
First off, please mark your calendars for the 2019 varsity tryouts. We will have varsity tryouts August 5-8 - 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.
 


WSMS PTA

Volunteer Opportunities
WSMS is looking for volunteers to help monitor the halls during STAAR testing, sign up is available here :
 
WSMS STAAR Volunteers  no technology is allowed while monitoring so this is a great time to get caught up on a good book or some crafting!
 
 
Thank you
This year has been wonderful for the WSMS PTA, most of our successes are due to your membership, involvement and check drive donations!  Without your support in all of those areas we would have not been able to bring to WSMS 3 student programs and 5 parent presentations as well as treat our teachers and staff to gratitude lunches or support the school with countless volunteer areas. Thank you for being a part of what makes WSMS a GREAT place to learn!  To see all of WSMS PTA's accomplishments this year please read our year in review found here .
 
 
PTA Reflections for 2019-2020
Over the summer is a great time to working on your reflections entries for next school year! Next school years theme is Look Within! We can not wait to see what wonderful entries you will submit.
 
 
Texas PTA
Texas PTA is actively supporting HS 4242 to pass legislation to determine if the current STAAR assessment is appropriate for our kids. To find out more or to access the link to contact your State Representative: Visit this link to Texas PTA.



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




District and Other News

Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Requests Assistance
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools is requesting your assistance in taking the following 3 minute survey .  The objective of the survey is to determine how best to share our accomplishments and progress, identifying the best avenues to share information, and increase participation.

The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools continues to award grants that help preserve and offer experiences, programs, equipment and education which support the educational goals in our district.

Because of your awesome support, $403,593 in innovative classroom grants is being awarded for the 2019 - 2020 school year.

You may access the survey at the following link:


The survey is active now thru May 10, 2019.


Summer Enrichment Camps
Click here to register now!





Lovejoy Country Run - May 11
Join us for the 13th Annual Lovejoy Country Run on Saturday, May 11 at Lovejoy High School. This event benefits the Lovejoy athletic teams of LLI (Lovejoy Leopards, Inc.).

The 1K Fun Run starts at 7:30 AM and will take participants around the Lovejoy High School track. The 5k will take place on a certified course beginning at 8:00 AM. The 5K will start in the LHS courtyard, to Estates Parkway, down Rock Ridge Road, with the finish at the LHS courtyard.  This is a great family event which will be followed by a delicious pancake breakfast hosted and served by the LLI booster clubs with generous donations by local businesses. Register today for some family fun and support our Lovejoy Athletic programs.

Click here to register to participate in "Running with the Leopards" and to support your Lovejoy Leopard Athletes.




LHS Choir Pop Concert - May 17 and 18
Tickets are on sale now at the Lovejoy ISD Box office:





DATE CHANGE: Lovejoy High School Recycling Event - May 18
Lovejoy High School, in partnership with Renewed Solutions, invites you to clean out your closets and file cabinets to participate in an electronics recycling and paper shredding event on Saturday, May 18 from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM in the front parking lot of the high school. Click here for more details.


Lovejoy Tennis Junior Development 2019: June 3 - July 15
Class Description:
JD 1-Beginner tennis instruction for Elem/MS students-minimum 2nd grade
JD 2/3-Instruction for experienced Elementary, Intermediate, and Middle School players
JD ADV - Instruction for experienced Middle School and High School players  
"Instructors reserve the right to move students to appropriate levels"
Goal of all Sessions:  Focus will be on teaching fundamental tennis skills and rules. Individual instruction, match play and games will be provided in each session.   Level of technical instruction will be geared toward specific age group.
Classes will be managed by Coaches Adam Cherry, Will Davis, Lou Hervey and staff. All coaches have extensive teaching experience.  Both Coach Cherry and Davis played #1 for McMurry University and coach at Lovejoy High School. Cherry was 3A 2012 coach of the Year. Davis was 2009 conference player of the year. Coach Hervey has been directing the LJ JD program for 12 years.
$50 per week JD 1 (2x per week)
$75 per week JD 2&3&ADV (3x per week)
To reserve your spot email Lou Hervey at louhervey@sbcglobal.net or mail check to:
Lou Hervey
300 Hampton Ct
Fairview TX, 75069
Click here for additional information.
This Junior Development Tennis Program is supervised by Lou Hervey, Adam Cherry and Will Davis who have successfully completed an SB 9 criminal background check including fingerprinting. Other instructors within this program have completed at minimum the name-based local background check which is the same as for all Lovejoy ISD Volunteers


Lovejoy Summer Musical Theatre Camps - July 9-20
We are excited to announce our 2019 musical:  Seussical KIDS!
Acting, choreography, lighting, costuming, set building, and painting are just some of the fun activities taking place in Lovejoy's Summer Musical Theatre Camps:  Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre, and Intern Camp.
Students will work together to produce and perform Seussical KIDS. Students who attend 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, LHS Puster Elementary Music Specialist, this show is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Please read the detailed handouts for more information and a link to register your child.  If you have any questions please contact Anne_Tracy@lovejoyisd.net .
Grades 3-6 Camp Flier, Click here
·   Musical Theatre Camp (35 student performers)
·   Technical Theatre Camp (7-10 technicians)
Grades 7-8 Intern Camp, Click here
·   Musical Theatre Intern Camp (assist student performers develop their musical and theatrical skills)
Online registration can be accessed from the flyers or with these links:
Grades 7-8 Intern Program:   http://tinyurl.com/SeussicalKidsInternReg


Summer Sewing Camp - June and July Offerings
Join the 12th year of summer sewing fun at a new location: Lovejoy High School! Sewing Basics 101 teaches machine and tool basics while making a pillowcase and PJ's. Sewing Skill Builder 201 will continue developing your sewing skills with an individualized project. Sessions are available for two weeks in June and one week in July. You may choose one, two or three sessions! Spots fill quickly. Email Louisekingtx@gmail.com  to reserve your spot. Click SEWING for details about the camp as well as details about a special project option: T-shirt quilt.