A Message from the Principal
 
Willow Springs Middle School Principal Newsletter - May 4, 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
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,
 
 
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 2:15 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.
 
    
Sincerely,
Kent Messer
Principal
Willow Springs Middle School
1101 West Lucas Rd, Lucas 75002
Office: 469-742-8417
Mobile: 214-293-9938
@WSMSLovejoyISD
#wsmslovejoy


Band Performance - Tomorrow
The WSMS band will have a concert on Friday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lovejoy High School auditorium.
 
 
8th Grade Retreat to Main Event in Frisco - Payment Due Friday, May 5
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 17, 2017. A packet with details was sent home with 8th Graders. Check out details by clicking here . The cost is $30 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 $20 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 5 and may be made online by clicking here .
 
 
STAAR Testing Schedule May 8, 9, 10, and 11
Students will have 4 hours to complete the test
According to our campus policy, if a student arrives past 9:30 a.m., they will NOT be allowed to take the test and the student will have to make the test up on a different day
If students are absent from the test, they will have the opportunity to take the test on a different day as long as it is within the testing window
All test-taking students will eat lunch in their testing rooms and will need to bring a sack lunch from home!
Students may bring a water bottle, marked with their name, with water only. A small snack will be provided .
Due to security on testing days, parents will not be allowed to eat lunch with their children or deliver lunch
The CAT and Library will be closed and there will be no morning tutoring Monday through hursday
Lockers will not be available before school or during the day
Students will need to bring a book to read after testing (no electronic books)
7th Graders should report to the Main Gym before school on testing days
8th Graders should report to the Cafeteria before school on testing days
STAAR Testing Days - No Electronics on Campus for Testers
On STAAR testing days, we are requesting students who will be testing do not bring electronics to campus. Cell phones, Apple watches and other watches/Fitbits that receive text messages, tablets, laptops, eReaders, or other electronic devices are NOT allowed in testing rooms. If students forget and bring their devices to school, they will be asked to sign a release and place their electronics in a plastic bin that will be removed from the testing room. Any electronics brought to school on testing days will be returned when testing is complete. Students will not be allowed to place electronics in lockers on testing days.
Class Schedule for Monday through Thursday
NO MORNING ATHLETICS on May 8, 9, 10, or 11
Student-athletes will need to report to school by 8:45 a.m. and report to their testing location.
Without morning athletics, traffic will move a little slower; please allow a little extra time when dropping off through car pool.
 
May 8th   
7th grade STAAR math
8th grade STAAR math retest
8th grade Fitnessgram
 
May 9th   
7th grade STAAR reading
8th grade STAAR reading retest
8th grade social studies & science rotations
 
May 10th   
8th grade STAAR Science
7th grade regular class day
 
May 11th   
8th grade STAAR Social Studies
7th grade regular class day


Willow Springs Cheerleaders - Uniform Payments due Monday, May 8
The first payment for cheer uniforms are due May 8th. Cheer physicals are due by May 15th. Camp payments are due by July 1st. Payments may be made at the Online Payment Center located here .
 
 
Scoliosis Screening - Monday, May 8
Our school Nurse, Gretchen Young, will be screening 8th grade students for possible Scoliosis, on Monday May 8th 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 4th. 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 .
 
 
WSMS Library Books and Fines - Due Friday, May 12
All library books will be DUE May 12. All students will need to have all books in and fines for lost books cleared by May 19 in order to pick up your yearbook.
 
 
Final Exam Reviews - Friday, May 12
On Friday, May 12, 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 12.  
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).
 
 
Choir Pop Show "Sing" Performance- Monday, May 15
The WSMS Pop Show Choir Performance of music from Motown to today will be on Monday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Lovejoy High School auditorium.
 
End of the Year Award Ceremonies, May 12  & 19
7th Grade: Friday, May 12 at 9:00--10:15 AM in WSMS Gym.  All 7th grade students will attend and a select number of students will be receiving a teacher award from one of their teachers.  Parents will be notified if their son or daughter will be receiving an award.  

8th Grade: Friday, May 19 at 9:00 AM-11:30 AM in the Lovejoy High School Auditorium
At the conclusion of the 8 th grade awards ceremony, students will be returning to campus for lunch. After lunch, all 8th grade students will receive their yearbook and will participate in a yearbook signing party with their classmates.


8th Grade Panoramic Picture - Monday, May 15
The WSMS 8th grade class of 2017 will be taken on Monday, May 15. Panoramic pictures will be on sale during all lunches on Tuesday, May 17. Please go here for more information.
 
 
Yearbook Distribution - Friday, May 19
Yearbook distribution is May 19th in the Aux Gym.  All 8th grade students will receive their yearbook after their awards ceremony on May 19th.  All 7th grade students will receive their yearbook later that day during 7th period.  
Yearb  
 
Any extra yearbooks will be for sale at school during yearbook distribution in the gym on May 19th during distribution. We cannot guarantee or hold yearbooks in advance if a yearbook was not purchased during yearbook pre-sales earlier during the academic year. Any extra yearbooks are $50 available on a first-come, first-served basis by grade on the scheduled yearbook release day and during lunches the week of May 22nd.   .
 
Also, please note that if any child owes a library fine, their yearbook will be held until that fine is cleared up in the library. In this case, students will pick up their yearbook in the library after paying their library fine.
 
Yearbook Distribution Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to assist with yearbook sorting, setup, and distribution. Please click here if you can assist.
 
Lost and Found - Donated May 26
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 26 will be donated to Allen Community Outreach the week of May 29.
 

Campus Information and Reminders

Safety Corner
As with everything we do at WSMS, student safety is our number one priority.  Although we are not yet in "tornado season," you never know what the weather is going to bring in North Texas.  We look forward to partnering with you in maximizing student safety should severe weather come again.  Here are a few items to keep in mind:
 
  • Although we will never deny a parent the right to pick up his/her student during a tornado drill, we will have a better procedure and check out location in the Fine Arts wing.  This means we will not have anyone located in the front office, so please enter through the doors on the north side of the building if you feel the need to pick up your student.  Once you are in the building, you will be asked to wait in the Orchestra Ensemble Room while we locate and check out your child in a timely manner.  
 
  • If a parent is checking out a student while tornado sirens are going off, for your own safety and the safety of your student, both will be asked to remain in the building in one of our safe locations.  You are welcome and encouraged to sit with your student.  
 
  • We will allow students, and even encourage them, to text their parents once they are in a safe location.  After the text is sent, we will ask them to turn off their cell phones to protect communication lines that may need to be used by law enforcement and school personnel.  We will be in constant contact with district personnel about updates in weather and district level procedures.  
 
  • All campuses, including WSMS, have a storm tracking device that is on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide accurate information about storms in our area.  This, along with constant communication with central office, will determine when we will move into a tornado drill due to severe weather.
 
 
Final Exam Grades
Final Exams are a summative assessment over material that has been covered during the entire year. Teachers will be closing out their grades for the second semester once final exams have been completed. As a result, students will not have the opportunity to re-take their final exam.  As the semester comes to a close, please continue to work with your son or daughter to stay on top of their school responsibilities. This time of year is traditionally very busy for our students and families, both often get pulled in several different directions as we approach summer. If you or your student needs any assistance or support with academic or behavioral support, please partner with our teachers, counselors, and administrators. Let's work together to ensure that our students finish strong in their second semester of learning.
 
 
Spring Final Exam Bell Schedule
For a copy of the spring final exam bell schedule, please go here.
 
 
Final Exams Make-Up
If a student was unable to take a final exam during Final Exam Week (May 22-May 26), they will need to coordinate with their teachers to schedule a make-up time during finals week.  Please feel free to contact your son or daughter's teacher to schedule a time to make up a final exam.
 
 
WSMS School Supply List 2017-2018
WSMS school supply lists will be posted soon on the school website under parent resources.


A Message to Parents
We wanted to bring the following concern to your attention. There is a TV show on Netflix entitled 13 Reasons Why, based on a young adult novel by the same name. We are hearing from students and parents that WSMS students may be watching this show. The series is rated TV-MA, which means Netflix does not consider the content to be appropriate for middle school students. We found the following article to be helpful in understanding why this show may not be appropriate for our students to watch. Click here for the article. If you have any questions or concerns about this subject, please contact your student's counselor, Kay Bordelon or Kathy Stone .
 
 
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.
 
 
Band UIL Results
On behalf of the WSMS Band, we would like to thank you for your support during our UIL season.
This week our Wind Ensemble and Symphonic band performed for our annual UIL contest. Our s tudents did an outstanding job! Please join us in congratulating the following:

Wind Ensemble
Stage Performance - A Superior rating. Straight one ratings and impressive comments by the judges with their performance!
Sight-Reading Performance - An Excellent rating.
Overall, the band had a wonderful performance!

Symphonic Band
Stage Performance - A Superior rating (1 rating )
Sight-Reading Performance - A Superior rating (1 rating)
Overall, this means they won the sweepstakes award - the highest hono r UIL awards!! Congratulations!


WSMS PTA

WSMS PTA Meeting - Tuesday, May 9
Join us for a Willow Springs Middle School PTA Meeting May 9th, 2017 at 10:15 in the Portable Building at the Red Schoolhouse.
 
 
CAT Volunteers Needed
Come spend some time in the CAT to help students take an exam! It takes less than an hour to have a profound impact on a student. Time ranges between 8:55-4:00. This experience is very rewarding and the students are very appreciative. For any questions, call Kathy Hale - 469-742-8447. 
 
The following days are available, click here to choose a few.
Final exam week:
5/23 -- approximately 20 Volunteers needed
5/24- approximately 20 Volunteers needed
5/25- approximately 20 Volunteers needed
5/26 -approximately 20 Volunteers needed 


District and Other News


Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
 
Kendra Scott - Allen, Gives Back to the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools 
Just in time for Mother's Day: Kendra Scott in Watters Creek will hold a "give back" event which will give the Foundation 20% of sales on May 11th, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. We hope you will join us on the 11th for this spe cial event. Kendra Scott will provide snacks and beverages .
 

Online Payment Center Has New Look
The Lovejoy Online Payment Center has a new look. You are able to log on to the Online Payment Center from any mobile device and make a payment. There is no need to download an app, just visit the Online Payment Center through the internet browser on your mobile device. It's that easy. In addition to the mobile-friendly update, you will enjoy the following features:
 
  • Quick, two-step checkout process
  • Convenient login window
  • User-friendly design
  • And more
 
Keep an eye out for additional updates regarding the Online Payment Center.
 
 
Senior Project - Children's Miracle Network
Ashton Franquiz, a Junior at Lovejoy High School, will be competing in the Miss Texas Outstanding Teen pageant. She is the reigning Miss Hunt County's Outstanding Teen 2017. Ashton is a philanthropist at heart and feels blessed to be raised in North Dallas and in the Lovejoy District. She is part of the Majestics leadership team, choir, theatre program, and NHS. She dances outside of school and finds time to give back through the National Charity League. Ashton feels "To much is given, much is required." Ashton believes we all can make a difference, even if it is 1 hour serving somewhere. Some are called to serve and some are called to give, but by doing something, we can all make a difference.
 
Over the next several weeks, Ashton is raising money for the Children's Miracle Network. Would you help her in this campaign? "Your spare change can make a change." Containers to collect change will be located at each campus.
 
 
Lovejoy Country Run - Saturday, May 6

Lovejoy Leopards, Inc. invites you to join them for a morning run or walk in the country surrounding Lovejoy High School. The 1K Fun Run will begin at 7:30 AM, followed by the 5K at 8:00 AM. The certified 5K course is a fast course or, if you prefer, you may choose the 1K Fun Run. Races will be chip-timed by Race Chip Timing.
 
After running, enjoy a pancake breakfast which is included in the race entry fee. Non-race participants may buy tickets at the door ($7 for adults, $5 children ages 6-12, and children 5 years and younger eat free) for breakfast.
 

Puster Star Party - Tuesday, May 9
Puster Elementary School will host a Star Party on Tuesday, May 9th from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM on the playground east of Puster Elementary School. This event is open to the public. We hope you will join us and bring your friends and family.   
We'll be out observing stellar constellations, the Sun, the Moon, Jupiter and its Galilean moons, star clusters, and a few other interesting objects in the Milky Way.
 
 
Lovejoy High School Choir Pop Show - May 11-12

The Lovejoy High School Choir Pop Show: Legends will be presented Thursday and Friday, May 11th and 12th at 7:00 PM in the Lovejoy High School Auditorium. Join the Choir as they present legendary songs by Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand, and more. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students, staff, and seniors. Click here to purchase your tickets.


Lovejoy AP Studio Art Show - Saturday, May 13
The Lovejoy AP Studio Art Show will be held on May 13th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the Villages of Fairview. This is always a great show. We hope to see you there.


Sports Physicals and Cardiac Screenings - Saturday, July 22



Saturday, July 22, 2017
Willow Springs Middle School
$20 for physicals, payable to Lovejoy Athletics
$15 for cardiac screen, payable to WHO WE PLAY FOR
 

The Lovejoy Sports Medicine Department is offering sports physicals and hosting WHO WE PLAY FOR for cardiac screenings. Physicals and cardiac screens are open to all 2017-18 incoming 7th - 12th grade student-athletes. A parent or guardian should attend with the student to sign permission forms.

The physical examination consists of the parent or guardian completing a medical history followed by a thorough medical and orthopedic assessment by a host of qualified nurses, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and physicians.

Please RSVP for each student attending physicals and/or cardiac screenings by clicking here. Payment is due at WSMS on July 22nd. Payment must be made by checks or cash as no credit cards will be accepted.

Lovejoy ISD requires every 7th - 12th grade student-athlete receive an annual physical prior to participation in sports.

The cardiac screen is not required for participation in athletics at Lovejoy ISD but it is highly recommended. WHO WE PLAY FOR recommends testing at least once during high school.

This is a fundraising event for our Sports Medicine Department. We appreciate your support.

Additional information regarding sports physicals may be found by clicking here.
 
 
Lovejoy ISD Pre-Kindergarten
 
Pictured: Kevin Parker, Principal of Puster Elementary School, "shoots hoops" with incoming Pre-Kindergarten student, Crew Thomas.

Lovejoy ISD is accepting applications for tuition-based Pre-Kindergarten. This comprehensive program will be staffed by credentialed teachers and housed on the Puster Elementary School campus. This program will offer enhancements in music, fitness, art, library, science, technology, engineering, and math. We are enthusiastic to provide a Lovejoy education for community members looking for a rich learning experience which will provide a firm foundation for kindergarten and beyond.
 
To apply, please click here . To schedule a tour of the Pre-Kindergarten program, please contact Stacey Dillon at 469.742.8003.


Summer Enrichment Camps


The Summer Enrichment Camps have been finalized, and we are excited to offer opportunities for Pre-K through 12th grade. You will find everything from dodge ball to robotics, and cooking to coding.
 
Summer Enrichment Camps will be offered in three sessions:
 
Session I: June 12-16
Session II: June 19-23
Session III: July 10-14
 
Click here to see all of the exciting summer enrichment camp offerings. Registration is open.
 
With a few exceptions (athletic camps and Lovejoy theatre camp), information for all enrichment camps is available through this link. If there is a need to register through the camp provider, the link will be provided with the session description for each session (e.g., PSAT Prep from Princeton Review).
Please review the enrichment camps and consider one or more of these excellent opportunities for your children this summer.
 
 
Lovejoy ISD Athletic Summer Camps and Performance Course

Registration is now open for Lovejoy ISD Athletic Summer Camps. Click here for details.
 
Lovejoy Athletics is pleased to announce its partnership with Geno Pierce's Performance Course for the 2017-2018 school year. Performance Course brings with it a proven track record of championship success. Performance Course offers many different courses from high-intensity to foundational programs. There is something for everyone. Click here for details and registration links.