WSMS Principal Newsletter
January 13, 2023
Good Afternoon Willow Families,
What a fun week it has been getting to know the Willow staff and so many of the students here. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by our journalism students as they wanted to know more about my background, family, and career journey up to this point. I enjoyed sharing my experience and heart for learners at the parent meet and greet opportunities this past week. We are in the final planning stage of our Leopard Time relaunch, I will be sending an update to parents soon.
Dr. Kordel recently spoke to all Lovejoy staff about hope. There is no school on Monday, providing us a chance to reflect on how to continue to build hope and excellence in our students and community.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Sincerely,
Caitlin Eldredge
WSMS Interim Principal
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NEW INFORMATION
School Holiday - Monday, January 16th
LISD will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Group Picture Day
Group Photos – Friday, January 20
Group photos day is Friday, January 20 with retakes for students that are new or missed portrait day for the yearbook. Please have your child dress in the appropriate attire recommended by their teacher for group photos or for portraits individually.
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!
Rising 9th Grade Elective Showcase and Student/Parent Meeting
Below are the confirmed dates for information/course registration for rising 9th graders:
- Wednesday, February 8: Elective Showcase & Student/Parent Meeting (@ Lovejoy HS)
- 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)
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.
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.
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. 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.
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LISD Attendance Update
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:
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A Note From Mrs. Emory
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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).
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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
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January is School Board Appreciation Month
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.
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Campus Information and Reminders
January Nutrition Newsletter
https://4.files.edl.io/7e69/01/12/23/144040-3cfd88d2-708c-4956-b453-f751927e04eb.pdf
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
LISD Calendar
Please go here for LISD calendars.
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WSMS Athletics Information
Middle School Sports Tickets
To purchase a ticket for this week's HOME games, please click here.
WSMS Basketball Update
7th Grade Boys
C Team WON
B Team WON
A Team WON
7th Grade Girls
C Team WON
B Team WON
A Team WON
8th Grade Boys
C Team WON
B Team WON
A Team WON
8th Grade Girls
C Team WON
B Team WON
A Team LOST
Wrestling Results
This past weekend our wrestling team competed in the Coppell Wrestling Invitational and the following athletes were able to place and receive medals in their respective weight class.
Gold Medalist:
Aro Ogle-Garza
Connor Stubblefield
Silver Medalist:
Josh Mulatu
Graham Haynes
Carson Branch
Lowen Stubbs
Bronze Medalist:
Will Brownlow
Kellen Gibson
Caden Horinek
Brock McKnight
One Standard Shirt Orders
The link has been reopened for one last One Standard shirt order for this school year. We will leave the link open until Jan. 18th. Please click here to place your order.
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.
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WSMS PTO
Car Line Auction
Tired of sitting in car line??!! Watch for information coming soon on how you can support the PTO by bidding on two reserved spots at the front of the car line.
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.
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District and Other News
Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
Community News
SAVE THE DATE: The Addams Family
The show will premiere on January 19 and continue through until January 21, 2023 at 7 PM.
Tickets go on sale beginning January 9, 2023. For tickets and info visit us at www.lovejoyfinearts.org