Nighthawk News
Week of November 13, 2023
Our Vision: The Herbert Akins Road MS Learning Community collaborates to facilitate equitable outcomes and growth through social, emotional, and academic opportunities.
Week of November 13, 2023
Nighthawk Families,
Last week was a wonderfully successful week in our Nighthawk Nest. Thank you to our PTA for hosting a Book Fair for our students and families over the last two weeks.
Winter Athletic Tryouts begin this week. Details are below in the Athletics section. There is a new process in place for students to receive a Ticket to Play prior to tryouts.
Thank you to Mr. Scott West for serving as our Athletic Director during our inaugural 2022-23 school year and the fall season. We appreciate all of his efforts to begin #buildingournest in athletics.
Please welcome Mr. Brent Winston as our new Athletic Director. If you have any questions or need support, you can reach out to him at bwinston@wcpss.net.
Picture retakes for Tracks 1 and 3 are on Thursday, November 16th. If your student has not had their picture taken this school year, they will also have their picture taken this day.
The 7th/8th grade dance will be held on Friday, November 17th from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
Tickets can be purchased online or during lunch (cash). Tickets will be sold during 7th and 8th grade lunch on 11/15, 11/16, and 11/17. Two ticket options:
$5.00 Admission Ticket or
$10 Combo Admission/Concession Ticket for $10.00
Includes admission AND 1 slice of pizza, drink, chips, and a candy bar
Online sales will end on 11/15 at 11:59 pm.
There will be no early dismissals from the dance. Tracks 1 and 3 will be dismissed from the gym parking lot and Track 4 from the bus loop.
This event will take place from 3:30 - 5:30 pm on Friday November 17th!
Volunteers are needed before, during and after the event. We will have a DJ playing students favorite hits, Sparks Photo Booth taking pictures, and snacks /pizza available for purchase.
In order to volunteer, YOU MUST be registered with WCPSS as a volunteer!!
Please reach out to herbertakinsmsptasecretary@gmail.com for any questions! We look forward to making this event a fun and relaxing time for our students.
SIGN UP HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E45A5AD29A7F49-446577
Please take time to stay connected and find all the opportunities offered to our students and school community each week. This Nighthawk News is filled with much information so be sure to continue reading below!
With appreciation for your support and partnership as we continue to #buildournest in Year 2,
Anne Marie Adkins
Principal
Positivity Project at Herbert Akins Rd MS
Knowing My Words and Actions Impact Others and Humility
Dear Families,
This week Track 1 will be focusing on the Other People Mindset of Knowing That My Words and Actions Affect Others. Everything that you say and do can affect others -- and your relationships with them.
Everything we do, say, text, tweet, snap, or post can positively or negatively impact other people. Our words and our actions are our choices to make, but they can have ripple effects long after we make them. Words and actions have the power to lift others up or tear them down, but, our words and actions also impact ourselves. When a group is comprised of individuals who are thoughtful about their words and actions -- individuals who show respect and consideration for the people around them -- we’re likely to have a happier and healthier culture.
This week Tracks 3 and 4 will be focusing on the character strength of Humility. Humility means you do not seek the spotlight. You let your actions speak for themselves.
Humble people have an accurate (not underestimated) sense of their abilities and achievements. They hold the capacity to acknowledge their mistakes and limitations, and are open to advice and new ideas. They do not show off their possessions or accomplishments.
Developing humility is associated with positive developmental outcomes in individuals. It allows a person to honestly reflect on their abilities and acknowledge how and where they can improve. Humility opens them up to new ideas, advice, and (consequently) abilities that pride, arrogance, or pretentiousness often block. Therefore, humility makes them desired members of a team.
To practice and encourage the character strength of humility with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2) where together you will watch a video, read a quote and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
Nighthawk Athletic News
Fall Athletics
We are proud of all our athletes and coaches and know their futures are bright in their chosen sports. Thank you to everyone in our school community that supported our fall teams and student athletes.
Winter Athletic Tryouts - ALL athletes trying out for a winter sports' team MUST have a Ticket to Play.
Ticket to Play
All required athletic paperwork must be completed on Dragonfly in order to try out. Information for uploading the paperwork in Dragonfly is below. On Monday, November 13th, Tuesday, November 14th, and November 15th students should check-in with AD Winston to get their Ticket to Play. A table will be set up during arrival (7:45-8:10 AM) and during each student lunch.Students will receive a wristband that they will wear and show to the coach on the first day of tryouts.
Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball
Winter Athletic Tryouts will begin 11/15/23 for boy’s and girl’s basketball. Tryouts will be November 15, 16, and 20 from 3:30-5:15 PM for those going out for the girls' team and 5:30-7 PM for those going out for the boys' team. Any student who wants to stay after school until the 5:30 start time will be offered a study hall.
Cheerleading
Cheerleaders who are trying out for the Winter Cheer Team will also need to obtain a Ticket to Play prior to tryouts on November 15, 16, and 20th. Tryouts will be from 3:30-5:30 PM. All required athletic paperwork must be completed on dragonfly in order to try out. Information regarding dragonfly is below.
Parent Meeting
On Tuesday, November 28th, there will be a mandatory Parent Meeting for parents in the cafeteria at 6:00 PM. After the Winter Sports Parent Meeting, each team will meet with the coach for specific detailed information.
Athletic Paperwork Information
Athletic Physicals can be found here. https://www.wcpss.net/Page/1465
Please use this LINK to register your student athlete in DRAGONFLY. NO PAPER COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF TRYOUTS.
How to use DragonFly instructions CLICK HERE.
Booster Club Memberships
Here is a link to the booster club website where information regarding sponsorships and memberships are available. Herbert Akins Road Middle School Booster Club
Booster Membership Square Site
Lastly, if you have any questions or need any help please feel free to reach out. Thank you!
Brent Winston
Athletic Director
Herbert Akins Road Middle School
919-694-8300 ext. 53051
7th and 8th Grade Dance - Friday, November 17th
Parent Volunteers NEEDED
Please consider volunteering at our next school dance that will be for 7th and 8th graders. We need you to make this event a success!! The theme for this dance is Tropical Paradise (Luau) which was chosen by the students.
SIGN UP HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E45A5AD29A7F49-446577
Please reference the map below for the dance dismissal procedures.
MATH COUNTS at Herbert Akins Rd MS - Click below to complete the form.
Little Mermaid Jr. - Important Information for Students to Be Involved!
Herbert Akins Rd MS Theatre Arts First Ever Production!
We are excited to announce that the first ever Herbert Akins Road Middle School Theatre Arts Production will be… The Little Mermaid Jr! Please take a moment to read over the audition and tech information below. If you are unable to access any of the files below, please try accessing them from your students WCPSS Chromebook before contacting Mr. Pressley. Thank you.
Audition Information:
Tracks 1, 3, & 4:
Monday, November 27th - Audition Workshop (3:30-5:30) - Room 1402
Tuesday, November 28th - Acting Auditions (3:30-5:30) - Room 1402
Wednesday, November 29th - Singing Auditions (3:30-5:30) - Room 1402
Track 2:
Monday, December 4th - Audition Workshop (3:30-5:00) - Room 1402
Tuesday, December 5th - Acting & Singing Auditions (3:30-5:00) - Room 1402
Notes about auditions:
All audition materials will be provided at auditions.
Students must attend all audition dates for their track to be considered for a role.
All who audition must sing (even if you don't want to be considered for a role in which you sing by yourself on stage.)
All who audition must complete THIS GOOGLE FORM WITH THEIR PARENT PRIOR TO AUDITIONING.
Students & Parents must FULLY and CAREFULLY read and complete the audition Google Form.
Please note - this is a different form than the Play Production Interest form. You must fill out this form and audition to be considered for a part.
Take a breath! We are here to help and support you through your audition. 😀
Questions? Contact Mr. Pressley at tpressley2@wcpss.net
Tech Information:
Students interested in being on the tech crew do not need to audition.
Students wishing to participate in tech must complete THIS GOOGLE FORM as their “audition.”
Students & Parents must FULLY and CAREFULLY read and complete the tech Google Form.
Please note - this is a different form than the Play Production Interest form. You must fill out this form to be considered for a tech role.
Questions? Contact Mr. Pressley at tpressley2@wcpss.net
Helpful Links:
Thank you for your interest in the production. We look forward to seeing your student(s) at auditions!
Mr. Travis Pressley
Theatre Arts Teacher & Director
Herbert Akins Road Middle School Theatre Arts
2275 Herbert Akins Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Click below to join our Fine Arts Boosters!
Fine Arts Booster Fundraiser
Help support the Herbert Akins Road Middle School Fine Arts Programs by participating in our inaugural fruit sale! The sale runs to December 10th. We are raising money to support the purchase of instruments, accessories need for the instruments, some art supplies for our art classes, and to cover the cost of supplies that may be needed for our first ever theatre production, The Little Mermaid Jr. We have partnered with Florida Indian River Groves to provide you with the freshest fruit available. Your fruit will be harvested the very same day it's shipped to us, ensuring that you receive fruit that is hours off of the tree. Now that's fresh! Now's the time to pick up a box of Navel Oranges that are sure to be bursting with flavor or a box of sugar-sweet, Indian River Red Grapefruit. And don't forget your friends, family, and coworkers. Everyone loves Fresh Fruit From Florida! Thank you! We appreciate your support!
Prospective Student/Family Tours
Game Night - Friday, December 1st
Prospective Student/Family Expo - January 18, 2024
HARMS PTA Silent Auction Fundraiser
STEM Career Day
Apply for School Meals
To apply for free or reduced-price meals, you can do so online by visiting www.MySchoolApps.com. Paper applications will always be made available in our school's front office, or you can call 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920 to have one mailed to you.
- Application information
- Application information - información sobre la solicitud (Español)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions - preguntas frecuentes (Español)
- Sample application/Ejemplo de solicitud (Please fill out an original / Favor de completar una solicitud original)
- Meal charges policy | Cuentas de Alimentos
Online Application
- Apply for Free or Reduced Price Meals Online
- Solicitud en línea para las comidas escolares Gratis/Precio Reducido: Español
Meal Benefits Expiration Date
Prior year meal benefits will carry over up to 30 school days in the new school year based on your student's school calendar. Families must reapply every school year if they are interested in receiving meal benefits.
Questions about applying for free and reduced meals:
(919) 856-2920 (English)
(919) 588-3535 (English and Spanish)
cnsmealbenefits@wcpss.net
Free and Reduced-Price Benefits Office fax number:
(919) 856-3704
Communication Protocol
We Need You as a Volunteer this Year!
Please take a moment to click here and register NOW!
Nighthawks PTA Information and Updates
Teacher / Staff Appreciation
PTA is getting an early start on collecting gift cards for Teacher / Staff Appreciation this year. Please sign up and add a small gift card to your next grocery store run! Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4AAEAE2BA7FE3-gift
Spiritwear Store Link https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/NC/Fuquay-Varina/Herbert+Akins+Road+Middle+School
Email attendance435@wcpss.net or scan QR code/fill out info in body of email
Harlem Wizards - Nighthawk Family Event - Mark Your Calendars!
On February 7th Herbert Akins Road MS will welcome the Harlem Wizards for a fun filled family night and we need volunteers to help make this event great. If you would like to sign up for the planning committee, please see the sign up genius link.