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Nighthawk News
Week of January 29, 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 January 29, 2024
Nighthawk Families,
- We had a wonderfully, highly attended Rising 9th Grade Registration Meetings last Tuesday and Thursday for our 8th Grade Nighthawks! Over 300 people attended and Spanish translators were available to support 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!
With appreciation for your support and partnership as we continue to #buildournest in Year 2,
Anne Marie Adkins
Principal
Positivity Project at Herbert Akins Rd MS
OPM: Cheering Others' Successes - Tracks 1 and 2; Purpose and Open -Mindedness - 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 Track 4 will be focusing on the character strengths of Purpose and Open-Mindedness. Purpose means you have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part of something greater than yourself.
Purpose gives individuals the sense that they are put on this earth for a reason and that they are somehow connected with humanity or the universe. People who possess a sense of purpose believe that they were put on earth for a reason. That reason can have all kinds of variety. It could be to create a unique invention, bring joy through art or music, or raise their children to become good people. These people have a true calling.
Having a clear sense of purpose in life and believing that you’re connected to a larger meaning gives individuals strength. It allows them to persevere and find courage in trying circumstances or lead with kindness and love even when it’s not reciprocated. Those with a sense of purpose have more meaning in their life -- and are more fulfilled.
Open-Mindedness. Open-mindedness means you like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
Open-mindedness is the willingness to actively search for evidence that goes against one’s favored opinions, plans, or goals. Open-minded individuals are able to weigh all evidence fairly, when it is available. They see the other side and fight the tendency to have a bias for their own views. And, rather than favoring the socially dominant views, they give attention to those that are less dominant.
Open-minded individuals are often good listeners and called upon to provide a balanced viewpoint. Both listening and the ability to deliver reasonable and practical advice are marks of good friends and confidantes. This strength helps individuals form meaningful and lasting relationships.
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 Lufkin Road MS and Thursday at Apex 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
Rising 9th Grade Orientation Presentation - for parent reference
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.
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