WSMS Principal Newsletter
January 27, 2023
Dear Willow Families,
It's been a busy week at Willow! Students adjusted very well to the relaunch of Leopard Time! They quickly settled into the new routine and used this time wisely to receive tutoring, collaborate with peers, and prepare for upcoming unit tests and projects.
On Friday, students took a break from tutoring to attend school clubs and participate in fun activities hosted by our teachers such as: gardening, crafting, word games, digital drawing, Karaoke, giant Scrabble, and more. Thank you for your support throughout this process.
Please review the important information below regarding Lovejoy's Bump Up Day on February 3. We will be on a regular 8-period day on February 3rd (no Leopard Time).
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Caitlin Eldredge
WSMS Interim Principal
Annual Bump Up Day
Annual Bump Up Day is to take place on February 3, 2023.
Sloan Creek Intermediate, Willow Springs Middle School, and Lovejoy High School will host 4th, 6th, and 8th graders on Friday, February 3, 2023, for Lovejoy ISD’s Annual Bump Up Day. Bump Up Day was created to assist students with transitioning to a new campus and to help generate excitement for the new experiences they will have. Students will travel to the campus they will be attending for the 2023-2024 school year and have the opportunity to tour the campus, ask questions, and eat lunch. Students will be able to charge lunch and any a la carte/snacks purchases to their lunch account during their visit to their Bump Up school. Please make sure funds are available in your student's lunch account. Lunch prices for students visiting Sloan Creek Intermediate School or Willow Springs Middle School will be $4.00 for a regular meal or $4.75 for a premium meal. Lunch prices for students visiting Lovejoy High School will be $4.50 for a regular meal or $5.25 for a premium meal. A la carte/snack prices vary. Please refer to this document for specific pricing.
Attendance continues to be a top priority for Lovejoy ISD. It should come as no surprise that attendance has a direct relationship with student learning. Additionally, public school funding is provided by the State of Texas based on each district's average daily attendance (ADA).
Lovejoy has developed an Attendance Task Force consisting of staff, parents, and students to formulate ideas about how to positively impact ADA in our district. One suggestion is to update the community via weekly principal communication on the number of absences each campus has accrued YTD along with the budgetary impact of those absences. This information can be found below:
Food Delivery to WSMS
Please note that our campus does not accept meal deliveries ordered by students or from delivery services. We can accept food dropped off by a parent or guardian for their child only. Please clearly label these items. Our campus does our best to monitor the numerous deliveries throughout the day. Ultimately, the campus is not responsible for lost or misplaced meals. As a backup plan, please ensure that your student has funds in their lunch account.
January is School Board Appreciation Month
NJHS hosts a brunch with Mr. Bobo!
Marvin Bobo
Marvin Bobo was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2020.
Mr. Bobo and family moved to Lovejoy in 2005 after owning property here since 1995. Starting that first year Mr. Bobo volunteered across many areas of Lovejoy ISD with district-wide initiatives. He is an unapologetic advocate for Lovejoy ISD. Much of the history of Lovejoy was lived by Marvin and now he is ready for the next 15 years of service starting with his service on the board.
Mr. Bobo also volunteers for his church, scouting, sports and other community activities.
He received a bachelor’s of business administration degree from Abilene Christian University, earned an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University, and attended multiple training programs in management and technology. Mr. Bobo has spent the majority of his career in technology in functional and management roles across many different companies including supply chain, finance, retail, healthcare and software. He currently manages a real estate investment company and other investments.
“I joined the Lovejoy ISD School Board because I want to be a bridge from the past to the future as I have been active in this great community for many years. I want to preserve and sharpen the best of Lovejoy that is focused on creating well rounded graduates equipped for a future wherever it takes them. Lovejoy is a priceless gem and it deserves the same care as any quality gem.”
Mr. Bobo was raised in San Antonio, Texas, and started his career in Dallas eventually settling in Lucas in 2005. He has been married to Alysia for 29 years and has 3 sons. His wife, Alysia has also been a volunteer in the district as well through PTA, Foundation, and various other Lovejoy boards. His oldest is a Lovejoy grad and is pursuing his master’s degree at Baylor. His middle is currently a sophomore at Lovejoy High School and his youngest is in 3rd grade at Hart.
Student Spotlight
Robotics Update
Yearbook Ordering Information
LAST CHANCE TO ORDER A 2023 YEARBOOK IS FRIDAY 1-27!!!
The last chance to order a 2023 yearbook is Friday 1-27. Because of rising printing costs, we will not be ordering extra copies for May delivery. By purchasing online you can pay in 3 installments.
Please order online only at jostensyearbooks.com
Order now!
National Child Identification Program Kits
January Nutrition Newsletter
7th Grade Science Department
Rising 9th Grade Elective Showcase and Student/Parent Meeting *Updated*
Below are the confirmed dates for information/course registration for rising 9th graders:
- Wednesday, February 8: Elective Showcase & Student/Parent Meeting (@ Lovejoy HS)- 5:00-6:15 Elective Showcases, 6:30-7:30 Parent and Student Meeting
- Thursday, February 9: LHS Counselors meet with all 8th grade English classes to explain courses offered at LHS (@ WSMS) *HS students attending with Counselors
- Wednesday, February 15: LHS Counselors meet with all 8th grade Science classes to input courses into PowerSchool (@ WSMS)
Academic UIL
Academic UIL competition is on the horizon, and we are looking forward to attending this year's competition on March 31 & April 1 The competition will be held at Heritage Middle School, which is located at 5300 Heritage Avenue, Colleyville, TX 76034.
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. Tryouts for the competitions will occur shortly after we return from Winter Break. Students who make the team will begin practices as determined by the team coach. Practice days and times will vary with each competition. Please click here for a list of events and their descriptions. If you have any questions, please contact Joseph Washburn (joseph_washburn@lovejoyisd.net).
WSMS Registration Coming Soon
In just a few weeks, counselors will begin the registration process! Be on the lookout for more information regarding registration for current 6th, 7th graders, and 8th graders.
STAAR Testing Dates
Community Supplies Needed
At the beginning of each school year we ask for donations of the following: kleenex, hand sanitizer, paper towels and sanitizing wipes, to supply our classrooms and other areas. We’ve noticed that our supply is getting low. We are almost out of paper towels and tissues. Please consider picking up some of these items next time you're at the store. All donations may be dropped off in the front office. THANK YOU!
Powerschool App
The PowerSchool app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You use the same PowerSchool online login. Enter the District code NJBC. **Helpful Tip: If your app is not syncing, follow these steps:
- Log out
- Update app
- Log back in
Library Update
Classroom Conversations
We have enjoyed getting to speak to the kids on Monday through our Classroom Conversations over the first semester.
For the THIRD quarter our focus will be on: Trustworthiness. This will include how to show honesty, reliability, punctuality, and loyalty.
Please reach out to your student's counselor if you have any questions.
Kelly Collins - 7th Grade
Carey Miller - 8th Grade
LISD Calendar
Middle School Sports Tickets
To purchase a ticket for this week's HOME games, please click here.
Girls Soccer Tryout Sign up Form
***If your 8th grader is NOT in athletics they will tryout with the 7th graders at 7AM. This will allow students the opportunity to change and get to their 1st period on time.***
Track Parent Meeting and Tryouts
WSMS Cheer Squad Parent Meeting and Tryout Information
Leopard Golf Program Meeting
- How Does HS Golf Work
- Tryout
- Summer Expectations
- Competitive Culture
- Teaching/Lessons
- Multi-Sport Athletes
WSMS Basketball Update
7th Grade Boys
C Team Won
B Team Won
A Team Lost
7th Grade Girls
C Team Won
B Team Tied
A Team Lost
8th Grade Boys
C Team Lost
B Team Won
A Team Lost
8th Grade Girls
C Team Lost
B Team Win
A Team Win
Meet The Leopards - Lovejoy Baseball
Lovejoy Softball Bat Girls
Is your daughter interested in softball? Does she play softball? Have her come and join our JV or Varsity teams as a Lovejoy Bat Girl for a game! Please sign up for our softball season using the QR code or signup genius link below! Girls need to be dressed in softball attire and have a batting helmet to wear. Each girl will receive a t-shirt as a thank you for their participation! Please sign up by March 1st! Come and support your Lady Leopards! Play Ball!
Athlete Physical Information
Online athletic forms are online and ready to be completed for the 2022-2023 school year. Please go to https://lovejoyisd.rankonesport.com/New/Home.aspx set up your account, and fill out the forms. The physical forms are now available for athletes to pick up. Players may get one at the front office of WSMS, or print one by clicking here.
Any and all online paperwork questions should be directed to Steve Smith at 469-742-8411 or wsmsathletictrainer@gmail.com.
WSMS PTO Board for 2023-2024
We are already beginning the process of identifying officers and committee chairs for next school year's PTO board. If you are interested in serving in this way, please complete the attached form. You will be contacted by a board member in the coming months.
Next PTO Membership Meeting
Join PTO
It’s not too late to join and give
Your PTO membership and donations to the Leopard Drive allow us to fund student programs, Red Ribbon Week, College Preparedness presentations and more. It also provides access to the WSMS PTO directory, parent resources and helps us provide opportunities to show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them. All dues and donations stay at Willow Springs.
Dues are $8 per member. Mom, Dad, Grandparents, students and community members are all welcome to join.
Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
Carrie L. Lovejoy Child Development Center
Lovejoy Robotics Tournament - Volunteers Needed
Lovejoy Robotics is hosting a tournament on Jan. 28th at LHS. We are looking for volunteers to judge, be a scorekeeper and fill many other positions. We will train you if the position requires it. This is a great opportunity for any parents who have a child interested in joining the robotics programs at Sloan Creek, Willow Springs and LHS. Sign up to volunteer here!
*If you are an engineer or work in another field related to robotics or engineering we need you to be a judge!! Please reach out if you might be interested in judging to Tina Whitfill or Coach Strickland we will give you details about what judging entails.
Please contact Tina Whitfill 214-274-7384
Lovejoy Gifted Association Presentation
Majestic Contest Showoffs
ARD Process Workshop
Lovejoy Gifted and Talented
Lovejoy ISD G/T services is hosting a Depth and Complexity session for parents. All Lovejoy families are welcome.