Northern Middle Newsletter 11/23/22
Weekly Update 11/23/22
Bobcat Nation:
We hope that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy time over the break with their family and loved ones. Throughout the school year, Northern Middle School has been building upon our theme – “We Rise By Lifting Others.” Thanksgiving Break is a wonderful time to reflect upon our theme and reflect on the things in our lives that we are thankful for. We encourage our students to extend the ideals of our theme beyond Northern Middle School and into their homes and community.
We are excited to announce that for the 1st marking period, 156 students earned High Honor Roll and 346 students earned Honor Roll. Congratulations to these learners on their achievement!
Below is a special and early holiday edition of our weekly update. As a reminder, schools will reopen on Monday, 11/28. Have a great Thanksgiving Break!
Mr. Webster, NMS Principal
NMS SGA - End Hunger in Calvert County - Canned Food Drive
The NMS Student Government Association (SGA) is facilitating a canned food drive for End Hunger in Calvert County. This program will support families in need in Calvert County. We ask that students and families drop off non-perishable or canned foods to their grade designated boxes located in the main office lobby at Northern Middle School to be donated to our local food pantry. The boxes will be weighed and the grade with the most donations will win an SGA-designated prize, so get those cans in! The drive will last until Friday, December 2nd.
The canned food drive is a perfect opportunity for students, staff, and families to support the community and demonstrate our theme at Northern Middle School – “We Rise by Lifting Others!”
Thank You for Supporting the NMS Mega-Raiser!
We would like to thank our students, families, and staff who supported our Mega-Fundraiser. Students who earned their way to the Mega-Party on Tuesday had a great time enjoying the games and activities. Special thanks to our parent volunteers who helped out at the party!
NMS & Scholastic Winter Book Fair 12/5 -12/8
The Scholastic Winter Book Fair is coming and it's going to be epic!
At the book fair you will find hundreds of books from new and favorite authors, popular series, cool posters and a chance to win a free book! The Scholastic Book Fair will be here starting Monday December 5th and run thru Thursday December 8th.
Share the joy of reading with gifts to your favorite people and stack up on books for the winter break by shopping the NMS book fair!
Digital Book Fair Flyer: https://bookfairsfiles.scholastic.com/homepages/flyer_case_middle/flyer_case_middle.html#p=1
Carson Scholar Applications
If selected as the NMS nominee, you will apply to be selected as a Carson Scholar and possibly win a $1000.00 college scholarship.
Students who are interested in applying should stop by the guidance office for an application.
It’s Not Too Late to Order Your 2022 Fall School Portraits
But Hurry…Deadlines are Approaching Fast!
Order by December 1st for Holiday Delivery
December 31st is the last day to order your fall pictures
Ordering is EASY!
https://classicphotographyimagingorders.onlinephotocart.com/
then Enter your Access Key from your proof
Or you can simply scan the QR code on your proof.
Questions? Call us at (800)869-9515 x112
Classic Photography & Imaging
NMS Winter Athletics Update
We are preparing for the winter athletics clinics. Offerings during the winter include Boys and Girls Basketball, Poms, and Cheerleading. Please see below for information on required forms. The first date clinics can begin is November 14th.
- See below for the Winter Athletics Flyer and Calendar
- Required Athletics Forms - https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/athletics/middle-school-athletics. Copies are also available in the main office and cafeteria.
If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Ms. Emond, at 443-550-9230 or at emondr@calvertnet.k12.md.us.`
PBIS & PTO teams - Donation Request
We are seeking donations for rewards for our students. NMS wants to continue our partnerships with our families and local businesses to support our school’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) initiative. PBIS is a statewide initiative to improve behavior and increase student achievement. We try to accomplish this by creating a clear system for all expected behaviors and rewarding positive behaviors and choices. We reward students for embodying the Bobcat ROAR (Respect, Outstanding Achievement and Responsibility).
We hope to provide very attractive prizes to keep the students motivated! Donations can include anything that will serve to reward and motivate the students ($5-$10 gift cards, individually wrapped food items, coupons for free items, tangible items, school supplies, etc…) If you want to check with us about an idea, feel free to contact Jessica Himes at himesj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
One easy way to donate is through an Amazon Wish List that is being facilitated by the PTO - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/9H80XPJZUNWM?ref_=wl_share
We believe that involvement with families, businesses and the community can be a positive part of our students’ education. We will gladly accept donations year round!! Please drop your donations off in the main office.
We would like to recognize and thank the following business and individuals who donated to our PBIS program! We truly appreciate your generosity!
- AT&T
- Black Market Bakers
- Chick-fil-A
- Shelly Harvey
- Brenna Scheideman
- Ashley Stevens-Marrone
- WaWa
PTO Fundraiser - Lynch Creek Farms
Have you ever seen the festive decorations that Lynch Creek Farms creates? Fresh fall and winter wreaths, garlands, dried summer wreaths and so much more. This year Northern Middle School PTO has been given the opportunity to share these creations with you and your families while getting 15% back for our kids!
We were able to put the Haunted Trail and fall party together with the help of your previous fundraiser participation. Thank you so much for your continued support!!
Northern Middle School PTO
The electronic link for membership is https://pto-membership-83842.cheddarup.com
You can also access the NMS PTO Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/nmsbobcatspto/
The PTO is organizing several committees to help with events throughout the year. If you are interested in helping, please sign-up at https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0e4aa8ac2dabfac70-ptocommittees
Resource Flyers and Opportunities for Students and Families
The New IQ: Building Executive Function Skill Outside of the Classroom Workshop
Does your child have difficulties with organization or any other executive functioning skills?
The New IQ: Building Executive Function Skill Outside of the Classroom workshop will take place on 11/30. Strategies discussed in this workshop will work outside and inside the classroom. Please email parentconnections@calvertnet.k12.md.us to register.
They will be at Calvert Country School at 6:00pm. This really is a great workshop and Frank Kros is a dynamic speaker.
Recurring Resources for Families
CCPS Reopening Plan
CCPS School Lunch Menus
Become a Volunteer
Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. Volunteers must apply annually to be an approved volunteer. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing and Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings.
CCPS Online Volunteer Application & Process: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/human-resources/become-a-volunteer
Family, Student, & Staff Responsibility – Daily Health Screening
It is the responsibility of all families, students, and staff members to self-assess before entering a school bus or CCPS facility by answering the following questions:
- Has the individual or anyone in the family been sick with dry cough, shortness of breath, chills, fever, muscle or body aches, sore throat, or loss of sense of taste or smell in the last 5 days?
- Has the individual or anyone in the family been exposed to COVID-19 and asked to quarantine? If yes, who was directed to quarantine and what date did the quarantine start? (Ensure quarantine time is up and symptoms have improved.)
- Has the individual or anyone in the family tested positive for COVID-19? If yes, who and when? Were they having any symptoms? (Ensure quarantine is up and symptoms have improved.)
- Student and staff should not attend school if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been medically advised to quarantine. If this is the case, please contact our School Nurse, Carin Fleshman, at 443-550-9227 or fleshmanc@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
Here Comes the Bus - A School Bus Tracking App for Parents
Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) is an app with tracking features for the bus(es) your child(ren) is assigned to ride. They include
- Showing the real-time location of your child's bus on a map
- Scheduled and actual arrival times at home and school for bus routes
- Push and email notifications when the bus is near
Click this link for more information on getting the app - https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation/bus-status/here-comes-the-bus
To create an account, you will need to know your child's ID number and the school district activation code 87557.
Technology Support
If students have questions about their device (laptop/computer), they can get help from a member of the CCPS IT team at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us or call 443-550-8146. Students needing assistance can also drop off their laptop in the main office and fill out a paper Help Desk ticket.
Supports are also available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support button (pictured below) on the main page. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources students can use to solve issues.