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Northern Middle Newsletter
Weekly Update 1/7/24
Principal's Update
Bobcat Nation:
I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! 2024 will provide many opportunities to continue working towards our theme - "We Rise by Lifting Others". Each year, many people make New Year’s resolutions based upon personal goals that wish to accomplish. Below are a few resolutions for middle school students to consider as they set short-term goals to help them achieve long-term dreams. I am sharing this as a possible resource for parents as they are supporting their children.
- Stay Organized - Keep a calendar or planner to help you see what you need to do and when it needs to get done. Jot down deadlines in advance so you can plan ahead. Include time for personal and family events so you have a good balance of school and family time.
- Stop Procrastinating - Everyone has likely waited until the last minute to get something done that they have known was coming. While we may get away with it, we know the results could have been better if made time to do it ahead of time and not in a rush. Working early and finishing with time to spare allows for better results and relieves the stress of rushing.
- Try New Things - You should always work hard on your schoolwork and tasks at home to support your family. But find time to try new things at school or in the community. There are many activities which will allow you to be creative, work together with others, become a leader, explore your interests, and make new friends. You may even discover an unknown passion that sparks a future career!
- Lift Others - Every student is part of a community – both inside and outside Northern Middle School. Find ways to help and support others. While this could involve volunteering your efforts for a cause, it is also as simple as being kind. You can lift others through small actions such as the things you say to others, encouraging them, and just being nice.
Reminder for AM Car Riders - It is important for students to arrive at school between 7:50 and 8:00 AM. Car-riders that arrive after 8:00 AM are considered tardy and have to sign-in at the main office before going to 1st period.
Student Laptops - It is important for students to charge their laptops overnight and bring them to school each day. It is also important that students take care of their device and charger. While normal wear and tear is acceptable and expected, intentional damage or damage caused by neglect is not covered under the accidental warranty. These types of damages require an investigation by school administration and may result in a student obligation for the repair costs. We would like to avoid parents being responsible for these costs, as they could hundreds of dollars depending on the damage. Due to an increase in devices needing repair, we are running low on loaner laptops. Starting on Monday, loaner laptops will not be available for those who leave them at home so it is important that students remember to bring them charged and ready for the school day.
8th Grade Families - we are approaching the time of the school year in which 8th grade students will start the process of registering for 9th grade courses and exploring the extracurricular options that are available in high school. We have added a section below in the newsletter for 8th grade families which contains information from the high schools as they are received. Be sure to check each week for updates.
Have a great week and New Year!
Mr. Webster, NMS Principal
Information for Bobcat Families
END OF THE 2ND MARKING PERIOD - JANUARY 19TH
With the end of the marking period coming soon, we encourage parents to check HAC to look at their child’s grades and for incomplete assignments that can still be submitted. Parents also have their own accounts in Schoology through which they can monitor their child’s learning activities and assignments. Teachers have been inputting grades into HAC so parents can see their child’s current grades in each of their classes. We encourage parents to use these tools to help their child organize their time and engagement in learning.
If you have questions about one of your child’s classes, please contact the teacher. Be patient in getting a response as teachers are answering messages from many parents and students. Their main focus will be working on current assignments with their classes. As a result, anything missing from earlier in the marking period will be addressed as they can get to it.
NMS Yearbook 23-24 - On Sale Now
Be sure to order your 2023-24 NMS Yearbook! Yearbooks are sold online at:
https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/NMS2023-24
Yearbooks are currently on sale for $35.00.
If you have any yearbook questions, please contact Mrs. McGuire at mcguireta@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
Attendance Notes
In addition to hard copy notes, parents can send notes for student absences, to Ms. Contee in the counseling office via email at conteeb@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
December Bobcats of the Month
Congratulations to the following students were named Bobcat Students of the Month!
December ROAR Awards
We recently recognized a number of students who were nominated by their grade level teachers for displaying the ROAR motto on a regular basis - Respect, Outstanding Achievement, and Responsibility. Congratulations!
NMS Wellness Club
Students in our Wellness Club recently created holiday ornaments for the local nursing home and treat jars for the local animal shelter. Great job by Dr. Dempster and her students for demonstrating our school theme - We Rise by Lifting Others!
NMS Extracurricular Opportunities
Middle School Athletics - Winter
Congratulations to those students who were selected to be part of one of our winter athletics groups! Thank you to Coach Ward, Coach Harris, Coach Price, Coach Siracusano, Coach Lewis, and Coach McGuire for providing a valuable experience for all of our clinic participants. We are excited to see our basketball teams, cheerleading squad, and poms squad compete against the other middle schools.
If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Ms. McGuire, at 443-550-9230 or at mcguireta@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Northern Middle School PTO
PTO is a great way to be involved in supporting our students, staff, and school! Click the link to join! https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pto-membership-2023-2024
The PTO meeting will take place on Tuesday January 9 at 5:30 in the cafeteria. Unable to attend in person-join us virtually! Tap on the link or paste it in a browser to join.
PBIS cart volunteers are needed! Dates have been provided for the rest of the school year. Shifts have been broken down to grade level lunches to allow for parents/guardians to participate during their students lunch shift.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044DACAA22A46-46948219-pbis
PTO will be hosting Family Game Night! See the flyer for more details!
We are also in need of a co-chair for Paint Night in February, if interested, please reach out to a board member.
With the help of our Bobcat families, we’d like to provide a soup lunch in February for the NMS staff. Click the link to see where you can help!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044DACAA22A46-47073112-nmsstaff
Information for 8th Grade Families - Opportunities for 9th Grade
NHS Info Night - 2/8
NHS will be hosting our annual Information Night for all incoming 9th graders and their families on Thursday, February 8 at 6 p.m. in the Mary Harrison Center. In the past, we reviewed high school graduation requirements, graduation pathways, additional learning opportunities (i.e. online courses, Dual Enrollment), ways that parents/guardians can support their child’s transition to high school, and other items pertinent to our high school. After this general presentation, we invite any families interested in learning more about their child taking AP US History to attend this presentation. There will also be a curriculum, athletic, and clubs fair after the general session.
NHS Football Recruit Night - 2/28
Northern Football Recruit Night - Thursday February 28th - 6:00 pm at the Mary Harrison Center.
Resources, Opportunities, and Flyers
Calvert County Community Events & Activities
For information about family events and youth activities taking place in our community, visit calvertnet.k12.md.us/flyers.
Please note: These events and activities are not sponsored by the Calvert County Board of Education or Calvert County Public Schools. We provide equal opportunities to outside agencies to distribute materials that offer opportunities to students and/or their parents, but that permission should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district.
CCSF 2024 Spread the Love Classroom Refresh Fundraiser Underway!
Calvert County School Foundation's Spread the Love Classroom Refresh fundraiser is underway! Show your support at https://bit.ly/CCSF2024SpreadtheLove. On Feb. 14th, three teachers will each win $750 for a classroom refresh! Thank you Calvert County School Foundation and Educational Systems Federal Credit Union!
For more information about Calvert County School Foundation, visit https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/district-information/community-partnerships-and-engagement/calvert-county-school-foundation.
2023-24 Annual Calvert SECAC Staff Appreciation Awards - Call for Nominations
The Calvert County Special Education Citizens' Advisory Committee (SECAC) invites parents and guardians to nominate the CCPS staff member (individual or team) who has made a difference in the life of your child with an IFSP, IEP or 504 accommodation plan in the 2023-2024 school year.
Nominations must be submitted by the parent, guardian, or the student by Friday, March 8th, 2024.
https://forms.office.com/r/tRRfpCPmPY
See the attachment below for more information.
Book Study Opportunity with Dr. Anderson, CCPS Director of Special Education
Dear Families, Teachers, and Staff:
I would like to encourage you to engage in a book study with me. We will be reading “Lost at School”, written by Ross W. Greene, Ph.D. This is one of his books that will reveal some of the behavioral approaches that he has produced through his life’s work. Calvert County School District has been training teams for quite a few years and we are embarking upon a train-the trainer model to increase the knowledge of these approaches to teachers and those who support our students across the county.
Please join me for this virtual “Koffee with Kendy” book study. Sessions will be held on the following Saturdays from 9-10am:
- January 27th, 2024 – Chapters 1 & 2
- February 3rd, 2024 – Chapters 3 & 4
- February 10th, 2024 – Chapters 5 & 6
- February 24th, 2024 – Chapters 7-9
See the attachment below for additional information including an RSVP link and link to the virtual meetings on Teams.
NHS Poms "Lil Poms Clinic"
The Northern High School Patriot Poms Dance Team is hosting their annual Poms and Dance Clinic on Saturday, January 20th from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for students in grades 3-8. Girls participating will have the opportunity to perform at the Friday, January 26th Varsity Girls Basketball game with the current NHS Patriot Poms. Register by January 12th for a reduced registration fee. Late and walk-in registrations will be accepted.
School Bus Drivers Needed - Free Training
Contractors are paid $24.04 an hour/8 hours per day for a brand-new bus driver. There are increases for those individuals with more verified school bus driving experience starting at year 4, 9, 14, 19 and 24. Drivers work for independent school bus contractors throughout Calvert County. The contractors hire drivers to work on daily bus routes, or as substitutes, or to drive field trips and sports teams.
The Transportation Department provides training, free of charge, for qualified candidates to become school bus drivers. This is a terrific opportunity to work close to home and to serve the children and schools in our community.
For more information about raining, requirements, and an application, go to the CCPS Transportation page at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation.
Please contact Chuck Baker, Driver Instructor, @ 443-550-8778 or bakerc@calvertnet.k12.md.us for details on the free training process or with questions. Classes are typically held twice a month at the Career & Technology Academy, 331 Dorsey Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Recurring Resources
CCPS Reopening Plan
Tardy to School Process for NMS
It is important for students to arrive at school between 7:50 and 8:00 AM. Car-riders that arrive after 8:00 AM are considered tardy. The following steps are in place when a student arrives repeatedly late to school:
- 4 days tardy in one marking period, the NMS Attendance Team will talk to the student about the need to be at school on time and discuss solutions with the student.
- 6 days tardy in one marking period, the NMS Attendance Team will call the parents or guardians to discuss solutions.
- 8 days tardy in one marking period, the student will have lunch detention each day they arrive after 8 AM.
If tardiness is something your child is struggling with in the morning, here are some suggestions to help them get to school on time:
- Pack lunch (if necessary), lay out outfit for the morning and pack book bag before going to bed at night.
- Talk to the student about they need to do in the morning (take shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, drive time, etc.), and how long each activity will take, then have them set their alarm for enough time to get all activities completed to get to school before 8 AM.
- Students can be dropped off at 7:50, so aim for 7:50 instead of 8 AM as your arrival time.
- If tardiness continues, have student take their assigned bus to school instead of being a car-rider.
CCPS SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS
NEW ONLINE MEAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
To provide parents/guardians with a better user experience, the CCPS Child Nutrition Program has transitioned from www.MySchoolBucks.com to https://LinqConnect.com for its online meal management system.
Student purchases and account balances may be monitored by signing up online for a LINQ Connect account at https://LinqConnect.com. There is no fee to sign up for an account. From this one site, parents/guardians will be able to apply for meal benefits (no registration required) and to register their student(s) if they wish to monitor Café purchases, view balances, set low balance reminders and make deposits. In addition, parents/guardians will also now have the ability to transfer funds between their student accounts and may choose to place spending limits/purchasing maximums on these accounts. Online deposits will still incur a fee of $1.60, but that fee will now include all deposits made during a single transaction.
Please note that all previous account balances automatically transferred into the new system, however, any special notes regarding snack/á la carte purchases and limits did not and will need to be re-entered vis https://LinqConnect.com or by contacting the Child Nutrition Office at 443.550.8680.
FREE/REDUCED PRICE MEAL BENEFIT APPLICATION
It’s not too late! Apply today for free and reduced-price meal benefits!
Some students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. A new application must be submitted each school year. Eligibility is typically determined by household size and income. To see if your household qualifies, please complete, and submit one meal benefit application per household. Applications may be completed online at https://LinqConnect.com. Applications are available in many languages on the LinqConnect site but are also available on the USDA’s website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/translated-applications.
More information is also available on the CCPS website at Departments – Child Nutrition or at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/child-nutrition.
Student Laptops
Student have been provided with a laptop and charger by Calvert County Public Schools. 8th graders will continue to utilize the laptop this school year that has been previously issued to them and was taken home over the summer. 6th grade and 7th grade students have received new laptops.
It is important that students take care of their device and charger. While normal wear and tear is acceptable and expected, intentional damage or damage caused by neglect is not covered under the accidental warranty. These types of damages will require an investigation by school administration and may result in a student obligation for the repair costs. We would like to avoid parents being responsible for these costs, as they could hundreds of dollars depending on the damage.
Technology Expectations
Learning Expectations with Devices
- CCPS/CHS device brought to school every day – fully charged before school begins.
- Used as the official electronic device in all classrooms
- Use CCPS Office 365 account to save assignments, projects, notes
Device Safety:
- Accounts, usernames and/or passwords are never to be shared with another student/individual
- Laptop devices should never be loaned to another student/individual
- Personal, identifiable information should never be posted on the internet
- Never leave devices unattended
Device Care:
- No decorations, stickers, drawing or writing on the device
- No eating or drinking near the device
- Do not expose the device to extreme heat, cold or rain
- Clean with a dry soft cloth only
- Do not drop or slam the device on any surface
- Do not places papers or other objects between the keyboard and screen and close shut/use as a folder
PARENT ACCOUNTS IN SCHOOLOGY
Schoology accounts for parents are view only accounts. They were created for parents who have an email address in Home Access Center (HAC). For more information about how to access your Schoology parent account click: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/instruction/programs/digital-learning/schoology-for-parents
Technology Support
If students have questions about their device (laptop/computer), they can get help from a member of the CCPS IT team at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us or call 443-550-8146. Students needing assistance can also drop off their laptop in the main office and fill out a paper Help Desk ticket.
Supports are available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support link below. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources that can be used to solve issues.
Here Comes the Bus - A School Bus Tracking App for Parents
Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) is an app with tracking features for the bus(es) your child(ren) is assigned to ride. They include
- Showing the real-time location of your child's bus on a map
- Scheduled and actual arrival times at home and school for bus routes
- Push and email notifications when the bus is near
Click this link for more information on getting the app - https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation/bus-status/here-comes-the-bus
To create an account, you will need to know your child's ID number and the school district activation code 87557.
Become a Volunteer
Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. Volunteers must apply annually to be an approved volunteer. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing and Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings.
CCPS Online Volunteer Application & Process: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/human-resources/become-a-volunteer