A Message from the Principal
 
Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - September 5, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 









If you would like to update your district/campus email preferences or change your email address, please click on the Update Profile link at the footer of this email. You will receive an email from Constant Contact which will allow you to update your information and campus news preferences.


Dear WSMS Parents and Guardians,

We have had another great week at WSMS and enjoyed seeing everyone at Open House on Tuesday night.  Our students and teachers are settling into the school year and working hard both in and out of the classroom. It is great to see their commitment and dedication in all that they do.  Have a great weekend!








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




Immunizations 7th Grade Students - Must Be Received by TOMORROW, September 6 
If you have not done so already, please send a copy of your child's updated  shot record to our school nurse, Gretchen Young, before tomorrow September 6th. 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)
  • Menactra (Meningococcal)

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 .


Three Week Progress Reports
Tomorrow is the end of the first 3-week grading period. All WSMS students will be given a three-week progress report on Tuesday, September 10th in their Advisory class.


PTA General Meeting and "Keeping Our Kids Safe Online" Presentation, Tuesday September 10th
The Willow Springs PTA will hold the first 2019-2020 general PTA meeting on Tuesday, September 10th at Willow Springs in the band hall beginning at 9:00 am. Immediately following our meeting we will have a Membership meeting and then a parent presentation from Summar Thomas-Mosby from the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center.  Please plan to stay for both meetings, we have quit a bit of business to attend to and will need quorum. I hope you will also stay for the parent presentation, it will be like that from Sarah Pierson so you may have heard it before but still worth it!

What you will learn:
●Inform parents and caregivers on how to protect children as they navigate the digital world
●Cover the four biggest risks for children online and the conversations you need to be having with them
●Recommendation given on how you may utilize technology to better protect your children



Chess Club Enthusiasts, Starting Tuesday, September 10th
Willow Springs Chess Club is starting soon. Mr. Crocker will be hosting Chess Club in room C602 every Tuesday morning beginning September 10. This will be a free opportunity for students to come and play in a friendly open environment. No sign-up is required!


DATE CHANGE - Principal's Coffee - Wednesday, September 11th
I would like to invite you to our first  Principal's Coffee of the school year, on Wednesday, September 11th 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. 


Student Spirit Shirts! - DEADLINE to order is Thursday, September 12th
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 - Early Deadline ends Friday, September 13th
The deadline to receive 4 free icons on the yearbook cover is Friday 9-13. Any yearbook ordered with personalization by Friday 9-13 receives 4 cover icons for free.  Purchase now for the low cost of $40.
 
You can purchase online at jostensyearbooks.com or by clicking the direct link below:
 
The free cover icon offer ends on Friday 9-13. Note, you do have to purchase personalization in order to receive the 4 free icons. 


Early Dismissal, Friday September 13th
School will be dismissed at 12:50pm.  Please click here for a copy of the bell schedule.


Advocating for Yourself and Others/Bullying Prevention Presentations, September 17th & 19th
According to StopBullying.gov , the school years most at risk for bullying are 4th through 8th grades. At WSMS, we are committed to preventing bullying behavior on our campus and teaching students to be strong advocates for themselves and others. On September 17th and September 19th, all students at WSMS will participate in an Advocacy / Bullying Prevention presentation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student's counselor: Kathy Stone , A-Le at 469-742-8423 or Kay Bordelon , Li-Z at 469-742-8424 .


The Latest Trends In Adolescent Substance Abuse
On September 17, 2019 @ 6:00, Lovejoy ISD will host "The Latest Trends in Adolescent Substance Abuse" at Lovejoy High School. There will be a separate parent and student session presented by staff of the Collin County Substance Abuse Program.  Click here for more details.



ParentPortal Update Needed by Friday, September 20th
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.
 
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.


Has Your Child signed up for Clubs?? 
Club Day at Willow Springs is designed for students and teachers to participate in non-academic activities in a fun and engaging way! WSMS Clubs will occur 3-4 times each semester. Students will sign up for 1 club each semester. 

Students will be given access to a list of clubs on Friday. Please remind your student to sign up for their 1st and 2nd choice clubs (both clubs should be ones they would enjoy participating in this fall)!. Sign ups will begin Friday, September 6th @ 4pm and will end Monday, September 9th @ 8am. 

Club Descriptions:

 
Club Sign-Ups:


WSMS Fall Back to School Social & Dance - Friday, September 20th
Our Fall Back to School Social and Dance will be Friday, September 20th 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 and volleyball, in both gyms.  Tickets can be purchased online beginning Monday, September 9th for $8 up until Thursday, September. 19th at 10pm, from the Online Payment Center .  Tickets will be $10 on the day of the social.
 
-Students are welcome to purchase snacks and water during the dance  
 
-Pizza, Chips, Sour Patch Kids, M&M's and bottled water will be available for students to purchase 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). More information to come on how to sign-up! 


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 adjustments 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 to leave 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.  


SAVE THE DATE - WSMS Career Day Sign Up
WSMS will host its 5th annual Career Day on Wednesday, November 6th.  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 .  


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 .



Campus Information and Reminders
Dress Code at WSMS
Please assist in supporting your son or daughter with appropriate dress for school. 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. The LISD dress code was created by the LISD administration and can be found in the student handbooks for each campus. For more information about the LISD Dress Code, please go here  .  


Attendance
Did you know: Student Attendance impacts school funding.  Our state accountability system uses student attendance as criteria for evaluating the performance of schools.  We also receive state funding based on our "Average Daily Attendance" of students that are present during 2 nd period, which ends at 10:30 AM.  As you begin to plan out of town trips around Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Break, please consider keeping your children in school through the Friday before each break.  Let's work together to encourage our students to be in class every day.

One of our focus areas for this year is to increase our student and teacher daily attendance on campus.  Research shows that the more students are in class with their teacher, the more they will learn over the course of the school year.  The more students learn, the more success and confidence they will have in middle school. To promote this, we will be recognizing students and staff who have perfect attendance during each six weeks.  Please assist us by working with your son or daughter to ensure they are getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and are taking care of themselves overall.


Nine Week Report Cards
In an effort to "go green," we will not be mailing home report cards for the 2018- 2019 school year. Your student(s) will still receive a hard copy of their report card each nine weeks through their 7th period class. The report card will be printed on yellow paper for students to take home. 

If you prefer to have a hard copy of your student's grade report mailed home each three or nine weeks, please contact please contact Carol Vik


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.


Grief Support Group at WSMS
Students who experience the loss of a loved one can feel isolated and misunderstood.  WSMS will begin a Grief Support Group the week of September 16th. If you feel your student could benefit from this group, please contact your WSMS counselor:  Kathy Stone, A-Le, Kathy_Stone@lovejoyisd.net , or Kay Bordelon, Li-Z, Kay_Bordelon@lovejoyisd.net .


Navigating the Transition to Middle School
Is your student new or relatively new to Lovejoy?  Is your student experiencing difficulty with this transition?  If so, we are here to help. WSMS will begin a Navigating the Transition to Middle School Support Group the week of September 16th.   If you feel your student could benefit from this group, please contact your WSMS counselor:  Kathy Stone, A-Le, Kathy_Stone@lovejoyisd.net , or Kay Bordelon, Li-Z, Kay_Bordelon@lovejoyisd.net .


LISD Calendar
Please go here for LISD calendars.


Want to Learn More About Your Son or Daughter's Teachers?
Please visit their staff webpage on the  WSMS staff directory website and find the names of 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.


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.  



Athletics
Volleyball Results vs Rockwall Cain - August 29th
7th Grade
A Team - Won
B Team - Lost
C Team - Won
 
8th Grade
A Team - Won
B Team - Lost
C Team - Won
 
 
Football Results vs Rockwall Cain  - September 4th
7th Grade
Red - Won
Black - Won
 
8th Grade
Red - Lost 
Black - Lost



Rank One Forms
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  


 


WSMS PTA

We hope you will join us next Tuesday, September 10th at 9:45 in the band hall for our first PTA meeting of the yea r.  Immediately following we will have a parent presentation from Summar Thomas-Mosby from the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center to discuss keeping our kids safe in a digital world.
 
The Latest Trends In Adolescent Substance Abuse
On September 17, 2019 @ 6:00 , Lovejoy ISD will host "The Latest Trends in Adolescent Substance Abuse" at Lovejoy High School . There will be a separate parent and student session presented by staff of the Collin County Substance Abuse Program.  Click here  for more details. 
 
Take a look at our new WSMS Checklist .   We have you covered with active links to order yearbooks, purchase school pictures,  join PTA, make a donation, renew your Kroger Card rebates and more. Check out our new check list  and mark a few important items off your list!
 
Volunteer during the 2019-2020 school year: This year we have created an online google doc as a way to communicate specific ways you would like to help at WSMS. Please take a moment and fill out your information here.
 
Join WSMS PTA for 2019-2020
 
NEW in 2019-2020 sign up for Remind texts!  Get Reminders on PTA events, parent presentations and Volunteer Opportunities! Sign up by texting @wspta2019 to 81010



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
 
Leopard Friday - Friday, September 13 
The Lovejoy Independent School District invites you to join us for our annual tradition - Leopard Friday! This is a free community event which will be held on Friday, September 13 from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM.
 
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, regardless of age. Join us for carnival activities, a pep rally and more!
 
After the festivities we hope you will join us as we support our Lovejoy Leopards as they compete against Frisco Memorial. Join us as we celebrate living Lovejoy!



 

LoJo Glow - Thursday, October 3
Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for the 1st Annual Black Light Community Pep Rally!




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.

This Week's News:

Lovejoy Gifted and Talented Referral Form Open Through September 13  
The Gifted and Talented (G/T) referral form is open in PowerSchool through September 13. Families of students in grades 1-12 may refer students for assessment. Two parent meetings are scheduled for Monday, September 9 at 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Additional information is available on the G/T website .





Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Award $405,103 in Grants
 
Chess Club Enthusiasts - Register Now!
 
BYOP Elementary Night with Lovejoy Volleyball
 
Evening with the Majestics
 
Leopard Friday
 
Junior Mini Cheer Camp
 
Public Lands Trail Cleanup
 
Lovejoy Leopards Inc. 11th Annual Golf Tournament
 
Lojo Glow Community Pep Rally
 
City of Lucas Farmers Market
 
Collin College News
 
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.