The Weekly Update

The week of October 7 is the statewide observance of Week of Respect. This is a time when all schools in New Jersey take time to engage with the students to encourage positive behavior between students and reduce (and hopefully eliminate) bullying. As part of the observance, the students in the middle school will have different activities during homeroom. To accommodate the activities, homeroom will be longer than normal during this week.

We will also be having dress up themes for each day in which students are invited to participate. See the picture for each day's theme.

Northern Burlington is a No Place for Hate school. We have received this recognition from the Anti-Defamation League. One of the activities is a pledge to create a positive, respectful environment in our school for all students. We will introduce that activity to our students during the Week of Respect. In the weeks to follow, students who wish, may sign the No Place for Hate school pledge.

October 17 is the High School Open House. This event will be from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm. It is open to the public, but it is specifically designed for middle school students and their families to learn more about the high school and its programs. Come visit the high school, tour its facilities, meet the teachers, and learn about the different course offerings and programs. We hope to see you there.

On October 15, 2024, Northern Burlington will electronically solicit the US Department of Education's Federal Impact Aid Student-Parent Survey Form for the 2024-2025 School Year. This form is available through PowerSchool’s parent portal. This survey is important and determines the amount of Federal Impact Aid the district receives. Consequently, this form, one for each student, needs to be completed and submitted by you (student’s parent/guardian/sponsor) by Friday, November 1,2024.

Beginning on October 15, 2024 you will not be able to access your child(ren)’s grades until the survey form is completed so, please keep your eye out for this electronic survey form on October 15th. Thank you!

The 2025 Polaris Yearbook is now accepting pre-orders! Take advantage of our Back-to-School special: $8 off (full price is $60) and FOUR FREE icons when you purchase personalization ($10). The Back-to-School special ends October 25, 2024. Payments are made online via credit card or PayPal and can be split into three installments, if preferred. Additional options such as a Parent Ad, plastic cover, and other accessories are also available on the website. https://linktr.ee/nbcrmsyearbook

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NBC home football games ARE NOT a drop-off event. Anyone in the Middle School or Elementary Schools attending a Northern Burlington home football game must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

If you have not already done so, please complete a new lunch application for the 2024-2025 school year. Your child's lunch status remains the same eligibility from last year for free or reduced-price meals but will expire on 10/18/2024 unless a new application has been submitted prior to this date.

You can still reapply for benefits for this school year by completing the online application found at Online Free/Reduced Application Entry or turning in a paper application directly to the school.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has some great resources on their website for parents. For example, they created The Three C’s to help you connect with your child around mental health and wellness. Here they are in a snapshot:

Get CURIOUS

Use these conversation starters to talk to your kids about what they are experiencing. Remember to listen with curiosity and empathize with them. Here are some examples:

-It seems you are sadder during the evenings. So let’s explore why that may be happening…

-I’ve noticed you seem less interested in some of your favorite activities. Do you notice that too?

-When was the last time you felt this way? What was happening around you?

Get CONCRETE

Check in with your child with some of these questions. NAMI calls it 10 Question Tuesday and the complete list of questions are on their website but here are a few to start!

-What has been taking up most of your mental energy these days?

-What’s your favorite way to relax or de-stress right now?

-What’s something you are looking forward to? What are you dreading?

-Do you feel you have too many responsibilities? Do you think you are managing your time well? What could support you?

Stay COMPASSIONATE

Use compassionate language to ensure your child feels seen, heard, and validated when discussing mental health and wellness. Here are some tips:

-Say “Thank you for telling me that” after they express their feelings.

-Get comfortable with silence as people tend to share more when we show we are listening without interrupting.

-Try to remain calm. If your child senses you are upset they may shut down or be less likely to share in the future.

-Practice active listening, saying things like, “What I am hearing you say is….”

For more parent/caregiver resources go straight to NAMI.org.

Is your child in need of academic support? Members of the High School National Honors Society provide tutoring to all Northern Burlington students. Middle School students can attend tutoring after school on Mondays and Wednesdays in the Greyhound Learning Center. Interested students simply need to sign up during their lunch period.

During the course of the school year, students will participate in various standardized assessments. Assessment Information and NB’s Assessment Schedule is available on the Office of Curriculum and Instruction (Academics) website in the Student Assessment section.