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Nighthawk News
Week of February 5, 2024
Our Vision: The Herbert Akins Road MS Learning Community collaborates to facilitate equitable outcomes and growth through social, emotional, and academic opportunities.
Communication Protocol
Week of February 5, 2024
Nighthawk Families,
It's almost here! Get your TICKETS now for a fun family and community event in our Nest! Our Staff Team takes on the Harlem Wizards on February 7th. Details below!
Due to the continuously growing enrollment at our school and the capacity of our classrooms, we will need to create a Track 2 in 8th grade at our school for the 2024-25 school year. In addition, we will need to increase the number of 7th grade students assigned to Track 2 from other tracks. We are first looking for volunteers to move to Track 2 in 7th or 8th grade. Students on these teams will have the opportunity to be part of a smaller team and will receive more individualized attention by being on a smaller team. If you are interested in being considered to move to Track 2, you should complete this form. You may also reach out to our Student Services Receptionist or Data Manager if you have questions.
When students enter a new level, such as middle school, tracks are not automatically assigned. Due to the increasing enrollment at our school and multi-track year-round schools in WCPSS required to have 4 tracks, we will have students assigned to all four tracks for 6th grade. Our team will make every effort to meet rising 6th grade families' first or second track request. However, there will be circumstances where a third or fourth choice request will have to be utilized. In order to assign tracks to our Rising 6th Graders, families will need to complete this form below by February 12, 2024.
With appreciation for your support and partnership as we continue to #buildournest in Year 2,
Anne Marie Adkins
Principal
Harlem Wizards Coming to Herbert Akins Rd MS!
We cannot wait for this unique opportunity at Herbert Akins Rd MS! Purchase your tickets to this event NOW by clicking on the picture below.
Just a few of our Nighthawk Team Players
Positivity Project at Herbert Akins Rd MS
OPM: Cheering Others' Successes - Tracks 1 and 2; Perspective - Track 4
Dear Families,
This week our Tracks 1 and 2 will be focusing on the Other People Mindset of Cheering Others' Successes. This means when other people succeed, I am happy for them and cheer them on.
Being happy for other people when they succeed isn’t always everyone’s initial reaction. Often, it’s easy to become jealous or envious of others’ victories -- or even to experience schadenfreude, which is deriving pleasure from witnessing (or learning about) another person’s misfortune. People who have these reactions to the success or misfortune of others are colloquially known as “haters.” It’s important to note that these are natural emotions and in small doses can be helpful in allowing us to see what we care about -- and motivate us to pursue those goals.
But making a commitment towards cheering on other people’s successes can be a great way to improve our own health, happiness, and relationships. People can take active steps to be more genuinely happy for the achievements of others. Ways to do this include; telling others about the success of your modest friend; noticing when your reaction to a sibling’s success is envy or jealousy -- and asking yourself why that is; reminding yourself that appreciating the excellence in another is a character strength; asking your successful teammates and classmates what they do to prepare for games or tests.
Being supportive of people who succeed is good for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being and when people cheer each other on it begins a reciprocal process that forges stronger relationships. Those relationships are the foundation for a strong culture in teams, schools, and businesses.
This week our Track 4 will be focusing on the character strength of Perspective. Perspective means you appreciate when people see things in different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.
Perspective is also referred to as wisdom and is distinct from intelligence. People with this strength are sought out for advice because they see the big picture and can make sense of the world’s complexity. This strength of perspective gives individuals the ability to see to the heart of difficult matters and achieve clarity. Most importantly, they are honest and behave in an ethically consistent manner.
Perspective helps an individual make sense of the world. It provides clarity on what matters and what does not. Being able to see things from multiple angles helps individuals remain calm and learn from mistakes; they are typically highly self-aware. Reflecting on their own feelings, thoughts, and motives helps them understand and empathize with other people. These individuals are strong listeners and ask great questions. Individuals with the strength of perspective help their group get through difficult or uncertain circumstances because they’re poised and can identify opportunities for success.
To practice and encourage the character strength of purpose 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!
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
Nighthawk Athletic News
This Week's Newsletter can be found here!
Our Basketball Teams play at home Monday against Holly Grove MS and Thursday at Holly Ridge Middle School. We hope you will be able to join us in cheering on our Nighthawks on the court this week.
On Mondays and Tuesdays, the girls team plays first at 4:00 PM and on Wednesdays and Thursdays the boys' team plays first. The second game usually begins between 5:15 and 5:30 PM>
Tickets can be purchased on the GoFan App or at the gate with $6 cash or card.
Concession Stand Help
We are still in need of parents to help volunteer at the concession stand during games. Please sign up for a home game here! Thank you for helping raise money for Nighthawk Athletics!
Send in Your Game Photos
We have started a google folder to house game day photos. Please email me the photos or drop them in the google folder here. Thank you for your support!
Spring Sports Tryouts start February 21
For any student interested in trying out for boys soccer, softball, or girls and boys track, please note that tryouts begin after school on Wednesday, February 21.
Remember, you must have all required paperwork (physical exam, etc.) completed and approved to receive a ticket to play (numbered bracelet) in order to be eligible to try out.
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
6th & 7th Grade Dance - Winter Wonderland
The 6th & 7th Grade Dance "Winter Wonderland" will be held on Friday, February 16th.
Volunteers are needed to make this event a success!
This event will take place from 3:30 - 5:30 pm in the school Gym.
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!! Volunteer sign up is now done online from the convenince of your home. Please DO NOT wait as approval takes time.
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.
If you would like to join the committee to plan future dances, please email (as above).
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E45A5AD29A7F49-47044436-6h7th#/
Community Building Circle at Herbert Akins Rd MS
STEM Career Day
Click below to join our Fine Arts Boosters!
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/10C0C4AAEAE2BA7FE3-46949039-gift
Spiritwear Store Link https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/NC/Fuquay-Varina/Herbert+Akins+Road+Middle+School