Cougar Tracks Monthly Newsletter
December 2024
Important Dates
December 2024
- December 2- January 31: Girl's Volleyball
- December 3: Choir Concert 6:30pm
- December 4: End of 1st Trimester
- December 5 & 6: Teacher work day (No School)
- December 10: Winter Band Concert 7pm
- December 13: Winter Social 2:30-4pm
- December 18: PTA Mtg 4pm
- December 23-January 3: Winter Break (No School)
Holiday Assistance
Attendance
Attendance Information
Pre-arranged or Extended Absences
In the case that a family knows of an absence ahead of time (travel, family celebration, etc.) that exceeds 2 school days and does not meet the criteria for an excused absence, parents can seek prior approval for an absence. Please be sure to send a note or email to the office at least 3 days before the absence to arrange for a contract. The principal reserves the right to not excuse an absence that will have a serious adverse effect on the student's educational progress. In the event of such an absence, teachers will gather assignments to be completed or communicate via google classroom, students are responsible for making up work missed during the absence.
Excused or Unexcused Absences
Parents must request that an absence be excused within 2 school days by calling, writing a note or sending an email (nwmsattendance@ohsd.net). The request must be a valid reason and must include a date of absence. Parents can also call 360-279-5503.
"What do you do in your Cougar Den Class?"
Xello
NWMS students are thinking about the future with Xello, a career and college exploration tool. Accessible anytime through Clever, Xello is not just a tool but a key part of your child's high school and beyond plan, a requirement for graduation.
Middle school is the perfect time for students to start thinking about their future paths. Early college and career exploration helps students to identify their interests and passions, helping them make informed decisions about their educational journey. Learning about post high school pathways early on can help students be motivated to succeed and to take steps towards their goals.
Starting in February, advisory classes will complete weekly Xello lessons together, delving into topics such as Time Management, Learning Styles, and Decision Making. These lessons are not only valuable for academic success but also for personal growth.
Xello provides an interactive space for students to explore a variety of careers and colleges tailored to their unique interests and skills. We encourage students to use Xello anytime, and encourage families to talk with their students about what they have learned and are interested in pursuing!
For those interested in College
College Bound
The College Bound Scholarship is a cool opportunity for students who might need help paying for college. Students who receive free or reduced lunch in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, or are part of state foster care are automatically enrolled. Students have to complete the College Bound Pledge by finishing high school, being a good citizen with no felony convictions, getting accepted to a participating college or university, and applying for financial aid in your senior year.
If you and your student qualify, you will receive a certificate in the mail from College Bound! If you have questions, please see the College Bound website or talk with your school counselor.
Student Resources
Meet the Counselors
Ms. Butler: 8th Grade Counselor jbutler@ohsd.net
Ms. Codi: Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC)
Ms. Deprey: 7th Grade Counselor jdeprey@ohsd.net
Ms. Vester: Child Mental Health Counselor
Ms. Sandie: Substance Use Prevention/Intervention Counselor
Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC)
Ms. Codi
The MFLC program supports service members (Active duty, Reserve, & National Guard), their families, and survivors with confidential non-medical counseling. The MFLC offers individual and group support. The group is typically 6-7 weeks and is held during school hours. This is a WONDERFUL opportunity for military students to meet and talk with others about deployment, get support and learn ways to deal with deployment. If you think your student would be interested in meeting with Ms. Codi, please feel free to stop by the front office or have your student stop by for a parental consent form.
Student Assistance Professional (SAP) Substance Use Prevention/Intervention
Ms. Sandie
My Title is Student Assistant Professional (SAP)
What I do:
*support students, families, and the community in making healthy life choices that are proven to prevent and decrease substance use.
*identify and reduce mental health contributors to substance use.
*help students learn life skills that will improve their school performance, relationships, and general well being.
*I facilitate school-wide, small groups, and one to one education, awareness, and prevention activities.
*If parents would like me to meet with their child my contact is below.
360.279.5544
Current Events
SPORTS
Sports
Practice information and schedule changes.
All practice times and schedules will be communicated through your students coaches.
Students should also receive our school newsletter called The Daily Download which details their schedule for that current week.
NWMS Cougar Bazaar
Yearbook Sales
Year Book
Links can be found on our website. Resources, then payments.