Happy Friday! We experienced some of the coldest temperatures I can remember this week. While it warmed up some towards the end of this week, we will have a lot of cold days between now and Spring. You can help us with the following:

• If your student has PE, please make sure they are dressed appropriately. Students will go outside during PE when the weather (even cold weather) allows.
• If you drive your student to school in the morning, please let them out of the car anywhere along the sidewalk. If you wait to drop them off until your car is at the front of the line, our carpool line backs up considerably. Students can exit their car anywhere along the sidewalk.
• Please do not drop off before 8:05 am. We cannot open our doors earlier than that, and it's too cold for students to stand outside the school in the morning.

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!

• Wednesday, January 24 - Basketball Games @ Haynes Bridge MS - 5:30 - Girls, 6:30 - Boys
• 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
• Wednesday, February 14 - Scoliosis Screening (6th and 8th grade)

NMS Drama attended the Junior Theatre Festival at Cobb Galleria on January 12th - 14th. They competed against other middle schools from around the southeast with a shortened version of their Mean Girls, Jr. show. The cast performed well and earned an Excellence in Music award. Macy Millon and Isla MacMillan were named to the All-Star cast for the festival and Chloe Breen was selected as a Technical Theater All-Star. Madelyn Connor was also selected as a finalist in the dance workshop audition. Congratulations to Ms. Moore and her cast!

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.

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!

Intersted in participating in band next year at Milton? Band class, marching band, colorguard, winterguard, or indoor drumline. As one of the largest elective programs on campus, our program offers students tremendous social and musical benefits. We hope your child will consider being with us for the 2024-2025 school year and continue in this tradition of excellence. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have (communications@miltonband.org) and we hope to see you at next month's informational meeting on Monday, January 22nd at 7:30, online, via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85470993144?pwd=MXpocTgxSXprd2x0TEZnTHkvbnlKdz09

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.

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)

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.

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.

Our school website is full of information! The calendar is constantly updated with events from PTO, Fine Arts, Athletics and other school activities. There is a staff directory where you can get the email address of any staff member. Information on carpool, attendance, student handbook, bell schedule and more are located on the 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.

At Northwestern Middle School, we believe effective and timely communication is essential to our mission. NMS staff, students, and parents/guardians should maintain open, honest, and respectful lines of communication. Working together is the best way to help each student achieve success!

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 - 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

NEW SAT/ACT Informational Webinar by Dynamis Learning exclusively for 6th – 12th Graders at NMS & MHS!

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 NWMS 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.

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 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

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 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.

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

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.

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 🙂

Our School Governance Council has discussed the need to do more as a school community to better understand our student's use of social media and cell phones, and provide education for students and families around this issue. This school year, our students will engage in more discussions with staff around safe and responsible use of 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

Parenting in a Tech World | Facebook

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!