Weekly Wildcat Newsletter - Jan 26
Northwestern Middle School News and Notes
Happy Friday Wildcat Country!
Happy Friday! I was told me today was our 100th day of school. Time flies when you're having fun!
Our 2023-24 Teacher of the Year and Professional of the Year finalists were announced today! Congratulations to these amazing educators!
Teacher of the Year Finalists
Ms. Kimberley Reed - 6th grade Social Studies
Ms. Amelia Phillips - 8th grade Math/Social Studies
Ms. Jenny Rindt - Special Education/MID
Professional of the Year Finalists
Ms. Maria Gavenchak - Registrar
Ms. Alison Tripp - METI
Ms. Colleen Zeller - Bookkeeper
Today we celebrated our 2nd quarter Pride Wall. This is always a fun event and meaningful student recognition. We're so proud of our students who were recognized this morning.
Our 8th Grade Chorus students performed at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) conference in Athens, GA this week. The performance was AMAZING! Congratulations to Ms. Grant and our chorus students!
We have a new sign in system which requires all volunteers to re-register. Please see below for instructions on how to complete the volunteer registration.
I hope all our families enjoy the weekend. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to email me at petersonj1@fultonschools.org.
I can't wait to see our students again on Monday!
Upcoming School Events
- Friday, January 26 - Basketball Games @ Elkins Pointe MS - 5:30 - Girls, 6:30 - Boys
- Monday, January 29 - Write Score Assessment
- Wednesday, January 31 - Home Basketball Games - 5:30 - Girls, 6:30 - Boys
- Friday, February 2 - Basketball Games @ Crabapple MS - 5:30 - Girls, 6:30 - Boys
- Wednesday, February 7 - Home Basketball Games - 5:30 - Girls, 6:30 - Boys
- Friday, February 9 - Basketball Games @ Holcomb Bridge MS - 5:30 - Girls, 6:30 - Boys
- Wednesday, February 14 - Scoliosis Screening (6th and 8th grade)
Northwestern Lunch Menu
Volunteers in Fulton County Schools
Fulton County Schools implemented a new Volunteer & Visitor Management System in January 2024. All volunteers in Fulton County must re-register as volunteers to be active in our new system. Visitors and Volunteers will also be asked to scan your driver's license each time you sign in. Please bring your license with you each time you visit/volunteer at school as you will not be able to sign-in without it.
Use the link below to re-register as a volunteer in Fulton County Schools. After completing the re-registration, your volunteer status will now be active until May 31, 2026
Spring Musical Auditions
The Drama Department will be producing MTI's Broadway Junior Revue: Pure Imagination. This show is a musical revue of songs from many favorite shows - Seussical Kids, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr., Disney's Frozen, Jr., and Shrek The Musical Jr. just to name a few!
Auditions will be held on Monday, January 29th at 4:15pm in Ms. Moore's Room (210). Callbacks will be on Tuesday, January 30th. Please have a song of your choice ready for auditions.
Milton HS Cheerleading Tryout Meeting
Interested in Boy Scouts?
Join Boy Scouts now in Alpharetta/Milton/Roswell.
Flexible schedule allows scouting to work around your family's other youth commitments.
Contact us for more information:
404-819-0680
Cambridge HS French Honor Society Fundraiser
Write Score
Write Score will be administered at NMS on Monday, 1/29. We will follow a modified bell schedule on that day (see below). Please ensure your student has charged their device overnight and brings their device and charger to school on Monday 1/29 to complete the Write Score testing.
***Please note*** - Northwestern MS uses Write Score as a Major Assessment. Students will receive a grade for their Write Score assessment, and will be eligible for recovery if needed.
Treats Reminder from Fulton County Schools
As we approach Valentine’s Day, it is important to ensure that all homemade candy, desserts, baked goods, or other edible items are not to be sold or distributed during school hours, and that appropriate store-bought items are delivered to the administration. Please know that taking this measure will help us maintain a safe environment for all students with allergies, etc. You can help us protect your student(s) by requesting that they not eat anything given to them by another person, anything that they have not brought from your home or anything not in its original sealed package.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping all of our students safe at school!
NMS Basketball Games
The Northwestern basketball season has started and both our girls and boys teams are practicing hard for their upcoming games. As we prepare for the games to begin, we wanted to share the schedule.
Please note: NMS students may only attend an away basketball game if they are accompanied by an adult. Each adult may only be responsible for 4 (four) NMS students. This is a policy in affect at all FCS middle schools.
Basketball Game Schedule
Wednesday, January 24 at Haynes Bridge MS (Away)
Friday, January 26 at Elkins Pointe MS (Away)
Wednesday, January 31 vs. Autrey Mill MS (Home)
Friday, February 2 at Crabapple MS (Away)
Wednesday, February 7 vs. FAST (Home)
Friday, February 9 at Holcomb Bridge MS (Away)
Friday, February 16 vs. River Trail MS (Home)
Friday, February 23 vs. Taylor Road MS (Home)
Wednesday, February 28 vs. Webb Bridge MS (Home)
Friday, March 1 at Sandy Springs MS (Away)
Scoliosis Screening Information
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our students, Northwestern Middle School will be conducting scoliosis screenings for all 6th and 8th-grade students on February 14th, 2024.
Scoliosis is a condition that affects the curvature of the spine, and early detection is crucial for effective intervention. The screening process is a simple and non-invasive way to identify any potential signs of scoliosis in its early stages.
**Screening Details:**
- Date: February 14th, 2024
- Grades: 6th and 8th
If you do not wish for your child to participate in the scoliosis screening, we kindly request that you complete and return the Parent Screening Notification Form by January 26, 2024. This form allows you to opt your child out of the screening process. Your child's health and comfort are our top priorities, and we respect your decision in this matter.
**Opt-Out Procedure:**
- Complete the Parent Screening Notification Form
- Access the form by clicking the this link: Parent Scoliosis Screening Notification Letter 2024.docx
- Return the form to the homeroom teacher or school office by January 26, 2024.
We understand the importance of keeping parents informed and involved in their child's healthcare decisions. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the scoliosis screening or the opt-out process, please feel free to contact Ms. Catie Simpson or Ms. Trinita Marshall.
If you would like to volunteer during the Scoliosis screening, please reach out to Victoria Tucker at Tuckervi@fultonschools.org or signup using the link below.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for all our students.
Intro to Art Class
Staff Member of the Month
We would like your feedback and input to help select our Teacher and Professional of the Month. Often times, parents and students have great interactions with teachers and staff that administration doesn't see or is not aware of. We would like to include you in our process to select our Teacher and Professional of the Month. Use the links below to make your nominations.
2023 - 2024 Yearbook
Latin Trip in 2025!
Northwestern MS Website
Under the Academics Tab, you will find a list of department chairs, a curriculum guide, as well as the assessment calendars for each grade. Take a look to see any upcoming test or quizzes for your student. A list of all study sessions available to students is provided, as well. Links for the website, Assessment Calendars, and Study Sessions are below.
Communication at NMS
Important PTO Information
From Co-Presidents Victoria Tucker & Tracy Lynn Drye
Thank you to everyone who came to our meeting on Tuesday 1/9. We had an excellent discussion with our Milton & FCS police officers and were able to recognize them on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The next PTO meeting will be February 13 at 9:30 in the Media Center. Our featured speaker will be from our school partner Pathways2Life who will focus on drug & alcohol prevention education.
Volunteers Needed - Student Supervision
Our Teacher & Support Person of the Year will be announced Friday, February 9. Volunteers are needed to supervise students in the cafeteria from 8-8:45am so all staff members can attend the ceremony. Sign up here: https://northwesternpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/123398
Volunteers Needed - Lost & Found Clean Up
This is an opportunity once a month for several people to clean out the lost & found closet. It should take less than an hour. Sign up link with the full instructions is below. Please reach out to Victoria Tucker (victoriabuter@comcast.net) with questions.
Sign Up: https://northwesternpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/117964
Volunteer Interest Form
Please complete this short survey to indicate your volunteer interests for this school year & we will reach out with opportunities.
https://northwesternpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/114130
Business Partners
PTO is currently recruiting new Business Partners for the 23-24 school year. Do you own/work for a small business and would like more exposure for your services while at the same time supporting your child’s school? This is also a great opportunity for real estate agents, lawyers, accountants, etc. to support our school in many meaningful ways and receive promotion for your business through multiple channels reaching NMS families. Please email northwesternmspto@gmail.com for more information on partnership levels & benefits or sign up here: https://northwesternpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/237949
Dynamis Learning
NEW SAT/ACT Informational Webinar by Dynamis Learning exclusively for 6th – 12th Graders!
What will be covered:
- The New SAT Digital Format
- SAT/ACT: Which One is Best for Your Child?
- Preparation Tips for Middle vs. High School Students
- Zell/Hope Scholarship Requirements
- Q/A with parents/students who attend Live
If you would like to know more about these important tests and what your child could be doing ahead of time, this webinar is for you!
The last 2-3 years have been difficult for many of us and especially children in K-12. Many skills have been lost such as studying. The importance of setting a plan well in advance is key here!
**The price of the webinar includes the following:
- Valuable information from 2 educational experts with over 20 years experience in test prep
- Tips you can apply right away no matter the grade level of your child (middle or high school)
- Access to newsletters that will provide valuable information on SAT/ACT myths, strategies, tips, and more.
The Northwestern Middle School & Milton High School Webinar price is only $29.
NOTE: For this webinar, we will be donating back to the NMS PTO each time someone registers.
Dynamis Learning, is also a proud sponsor of Milton High School.
Once the registration form and payment are received, a Zoom link will be sent to you within 24-48 hours of the webinar. See payment options on the registration form.
Teacher's Favorite Things List
Looking to purchase a gift for your student's teachers? Want to know what things they like?
PTO has assembled a list of the staff's favorite things!
Don't see your teacher listed? Just means they haven't had a chance to complete their form. Keep checking back...PTO will be updating the document as lists are added.
IvyMath
IvyMath is providing all Northwestern families with a free online math tutoring session and an in-depth parent conference to discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses and how they compare to grade level.
IvyMath will also create a custom learning plan that maps out the exact areas your child should be focusing on in math for the rest of the year. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, and understand what your child needs to feel confident and stay on track in math this year.
The IvyMath tutoring session, parent conference, and learning plan are free for all Northwestern families. Popular times fill up, so please register quickly! Signup now at: IvyMath.com/Boost
New Bark Phone for NMS Families
Hello NMS Families,
Looking for the perfect and safest Holiday Gift for your kiddos!! Look NO further than the NEWEST BARK PHONE!!
Plans start at just $29/month with no contract required.
We’re proud to announce we've joined the Bark Community Partners Program! As a Bark Community Partner, our parents have ongoing access to up-to-date digital parenting resources, top-tier subject matter experts, and free social media safety tools.
As an added bonus, our NMS PTO will receive $100 when a NMS family orders a Bark Phone.
Why families need the Bark Phone?
Off-the-shelf Androids and iPhones aren’t built for kids — and there are tons of ways that they could encounter digital dangers and inappropriate content. The Bark Phone was built by parents, for parents, and it lets you control nearly everything your child can do, from contact requests to when they can open up YouTube.
What makes the Bark Phone safer than other kid’s phones:
●GPS location tracking
●Texts can’t be deleted
●Monitoring of messages and social media
●Alerts for potential dangers
●Screen time schedules
●Website & app blocking
●Tamper-proof settings
Learn More and purchase NOW using the link below!!
Tom's Closet
Tom's Place: Our Wildcat Serving Food and Clothing Pantry helps our very own Wildcats in need.
PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED:
Please consider stocking the pantry to fulfil the needs and necessities aiding students in our community. Single serve food items and microwavable single serves are appreciated. Signup for specific items needed here: https://northwesternpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/117111
Purchased and donated items may be dropped off to the front office. Please label or tell them it's for Tom's Place.
If you would prefer to make a monetary donation to this cause you can do so through the Wildcat Cares Fund:
https://northwesternpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/232683
Thank you in advance for supporting this effort. Should we have excess winter coat and warm item donations this season we will donate additional items to local charities that also support students in need in our area.
Stock the Candy Jar
The front office likes to have a stash of chocolate and candy (non chocolate) for the staff to access and get them through the day. Please help us keep their stash stocked. After all, most of us can relate to stress eating! Sign up here: https://northwesternpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/111882
NMS Spirit Wear
Thank You to our 2023-2024 Business Partners!
NMS Clubs and Student Activities
Northwestern will offer many clubs and student activities for our students during the 2023-24 school year. Check back often for more information!
If you have a question about starting a new school club, please email Beth Wylie at wyliee@fultonschools.org.
FCA - Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Extramural Sports
NMS Student Newspaper
Northwestern Garden and Environmental Club
The NMS Student Garden was established in 2011 as a permaculture and wildlife garden. It has gone through many iterations. Its most recent additions (2023) are a no-till section (which is affiliated with the Rodale Institute for Organic Research) and five new fruit trees (planted in celebration of Earth Day). If you would like to contribute (monetarily) to the maintenance of this site and its research, then you can use the link below. If you have any other questions about the site, please free to contact Dr. Bartlett at: bartlettj@fultonschools.org. Thank you for your continued support of Northwestern MS 🙂
NMS Music Programs
Family Resources for Social Media & Cell Phones
Representatives from Bark presented at one of our previous PTO meetings. As a company, Bark provides monitoring service and resources for families. I will be sharing information from Bark and other sources weekly in our newsletter.
There is also a Facebook group that is a great resource: Parenting in a Tech World
Northwestern Middle School
Home of the Wildcats!
Email: nmsfrontdesk@fultonschools.org
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/northwesternms
Location: 12805 Birmingham Highway, Milton, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 254-2870
Twitter: @TheNMSWildcats
Thank you for your continued support of Northwestern Middle School!
Sincerely,
Joel - Principal
Northwestern Middle School: Teach Hard, Love Harder - The Wildcat Way!