NORTH NEWS

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We just wanted to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU for all the hard work you do to ensure your child comes to school each day. Your commitment is truly making a difference!

Because of your dedication, we’ve seen a fantastic improvement in our attendance rates—up nearly 7%! This is something we’re really proud of, and we couldn’t have achieved it without your support.

We all know that regular school attendance is key to a student’s success, and it’s clear that when we work together, great things happen. So, thank you for making your child’s education a priority.

Let’s keep up the great work and continue this positive momentum for the rest of the year!

With gratitude,

Mrs. Kocik

CSI Social Worker

Several of our NMS students showcased their scientific talents at the county science fair last month, and we couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments!

• Brady Franks took home 1st place in the Medical Science category for his project, "Suds for Safety." Brady tested the effectiveness of handwashing, earning recognition for his thorough and innovative approach to this important health topic.

• Macy Hernandez earned 2nd place in the same category with her project, "Five Second Rule." Macy tested whether the popular myth that food dropped on the floor is still safe to eat after five seconds holds any scientific truth.

• Gavin Wolfe received an Honorable Mention in the Plant Sciences category with his project, "Can You Buck-it?" Gavin explored the effectiveness of growing mushrooms in buckets, contributing fresh insights into sustainable agriculture.

But that's not all! Brady Franks continued his success by winning 1st place at the Regional Science Fair just last Friday! This achievement means that he will now be advancing to the state competition. We are incredibly proud of Brady's hard work and determination and wish him the best of luck in the next round.

Congratulations to all of our students for their remarkable efforts and achievements. Keep up the great work!

North Middle School hosted its annual Social Studies Fair on January 31, 2025, showcasing the hard work and dedication of students who explored a variety of historical, psychological, and economic topics. Students presented their research through engaging displays and oral presentations, demonstrating critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of their chosen subjects. A panel of judges evaluated the projects based on research quality, presentation skills, and originality. After much deliberation, the following students emerged as winners in their respective categories:

• Mila Archer and Kiara Lartey – 1st Place, Group Psychology for their project, “Deep Dive Into Fear”

• Declan Kradel – 1st Place, Economics for his project, “The Difference Between Economic Systems”

• Alexandra Daas – 2nd Place, World History for her project, “The History of the Titanic”

• Allura Kent – 1st Place, Psychology for her project, “Does Birth Order Determine Personality?”

These outstanding students will advance to the Berkeley County Social Studies Fair on Saturday, February 15th, where they will represent North Middle School and compete against students from across the county.

We are incredibly proud of all our participants for their dedication to academic excellence. Best of luck to our winners as they move on to the next level of competition!

North Middle School hosted a winter carnival last week, a special event rewarding students for their achievements in the Renaissance (REN) program. Students who earned at least 30 REN points were invited to participate in this exciting celebration, recognizing their hard work and positive behavior.

The carnival was filled with fun activities and treats! Students had the chance to decorate cookies, enjoy delicious snacks from the concession stand, and play a variety of games with their friends. Laughter and smiles filled the air as students celebrated their accomplishments together.

The Winter Carnival is just one of the many ways North Middle School encourages students to stay motivated and engaged. Keep working hard, and we hope to see even more students at the next REN event!

With the potential for snow/ ice this week, we want to remind all students and parents that we have two remaining remote learning days for inclement weather. Following those two days, BCS will start adding school days to the school year or taking scheduled spring break days away.

If we do have remote learning days and you are struggling to login, please use the QR code below to report your problem and Ms. Deavers will contact you for assistance.

With the potential for snow this week, please keep the link below handy. Here you will find resources for remote learning, including the daily schedule and troubleshooting tips.

Ren Club is now selling t-shirts and NMS bracelets. T-shirts are $8 and bracelets are $1. These items can be bought in Mrs. Long's room during lunch. Come get your NMS spirit wear to support Ren club!

The Chess Club will now be on WEDNESDAY after school until 4:15 PM and is still looking for members. We will be hosting a countywide chess tournament, but in order to be eligible for the tournament, you must be a member of the AFTER SCHOOL chess club. See Mr. Jones for more details!

The student council meeting that was scheduled for Monday, February 10th has been moved to Tuesday, February 11th. Please mark your calendars!

Have a heart and wear your hearts and Valentine's shirts to support those battling cancer! Pay $1 and wear your Valentine's gear on Feb 13th so we can raise money for the victims of cancer. You'll already be dressed for the Valentine's Dance after school!

Don't miss your opportunity to dance with your sweetheart at the Valentine's Dance on February 13th from 3:00-4:15pm. Tickets will be on sale from your team leaders on Feb 11th & 12th for $5 and concessions will be available during the dance. Any student who has earned in-school or out-of-school suspension during the 3rd quarter will not be allowed to attend.

Reading every day is one of the best ways to boost success in school and beyond! Strong reading skills help improve grades in all subjects—science, history, math, and more. Reading is also an essential life skill, making everything from following instructions to understanding the world around us easier. Just like practicing a sport improves your game, reading regularly makes it easier and more enjoyable over time. The more you read, the better you get! Encourage daily reading at home, and watch confidence and success grow.

Also, there is still space for students who want to join the Battle of the Books team and enjoy a fun reading competition!

Our 8th grade winter sports recognition nights are coming soon!

Girls Basketball & Cheer - February 10th

Boys Basketball - February 12th

We have three games left before the playoffs! Next Monday vs. Mountain Ridge, Wednesday vs. Musselman, and Thursday vs. Harper's Ferry!

Students can earn double REN Points for attending these games, so 2 points instead of just one! Hope to see a lot of fans out to support our 8th graders as they play their final sports at North Middle!

We are now live-streaming selected NMS basketball games with student commentators! Our livestream can be found on the NMS website by clicking in the icon for livestream or at the link below. We will also post links to past games in the same location.

As we kick off basketball season at North Middle School, here are some key reminders to ensure a great experience for everyone who is playing & attending:

• Pick-Up Time & Game Schedule: Doors open at 5:30 PM for most games (subject to change). If your child is attending a game without you, please pick them NO LATER THAN 8:30 PM. Late pick-ups may result in requiring a parent to accompany the student or the loss of game attendance privileges.

• Attendance Policy: If a student is absent from school during the day, they are not allowed to attend the game that evening. Students serving out-of-school suspension (OSS) or attending Transitional School may not attend NMS games. Once any suspension period ends, students may resume attending after school events like basketball games. Administrators will be at every game to enforce this expectation.

• Behavior Expectations: The same school rules and behavioral standards apply at games as they do during the school day. Any disruptive behavior could result in the loss of game attendance privileges and/or disciplinary consequences.

• Sportsmanship Matters: Players, coaches, referees, and spectators must be treated with respect. These games are for fun & to cultivate community. We expect all spectators to model good sportsmanship for our students.

Stop by the bulletin board in the UA hallway to see the many ways your school counselors can assist you!

The Summer Career Academy provides students about to start 9th and 10th grade with a unique opportunity to explore the growing world of career & technical education. Taking cues from James Rumsey Technical Institute’s Simulated Workplace curriculum, students are invited to participate in activities & live jobs related to some of the free high school courses that the school has to offer. This is a FREE program for students of the tri-county area (Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan) which will be held on June 3, 4, & 5 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Sign up today on our website, www.jamesrumsey.com.

There are many opportunities this summer to participate in the WV Governor's school. Check out the links and information below!

Governor's School of Literacy through the Arts, Culture, and History (GSLACH) – current 8th grade students

• About GSLACH - See attached

  How to Apply - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/arts-culture-and-history/-

  Applications and Forms - There are 2 parts to the application - Go to the link above to find both parts. The principal is also required to fill out a nomination form. It is located on the link above as well.

  School Deadline - March 20, 2025 (State Deadline March 28)

• About GSI - See attached

  How to Apply - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/stem-institute/

  Applications and Forms - There are 2 parts to the application - Go to the link above to find both parts. The principal is also required to fill out a nomination form. It is located on the link above as well.

  School Deadline - April 1, 2025 (State Deadline April 11)

• About GSI - See attached

  How to Apply - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/stem-institute/

  Applications and Forms - There are 2 parts to the application - Go to the link above to find both parts. The principal is also required to fill out a nomination form. It is located on the link above as

School Deadline - April 1, 2025 (State Deadline April 11)

Your student, upon start of 7th grade year, is required to have a TDAP (tetanus) booster and Meningitis (MC4) vaccine. This is required per WV state law for all 7th grade students. This also applies to virtual students.

ACT NOW TO ENSURE YOUR STUDENT RECEIVES THESE BEFORE THE START OF 7TH GRADE. Appointments fill up quickly during the summer months and your student cannot start 7th grade until the nurse has had proof of their vaccines by the first day of their 7th grade year (August 2025). Your student can receive these through their primary doctor, through the health department, or via our school-based health program that partners with Shenandoah Community Health. The school-based health mobile unit is here every Thursday, and your student will need to have forms filled out in order to receive required vaccines. Please contact the nurse for forms.

With a potential for remote learning due to snow, there are two programs we would like our NMS families to be aware of if your family does not have internet at home.

Internet Essentials through Xfinity

https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials

Lifeline

https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

West Virginia has partnered with My Mobile Witness to implement a “see something, send something” reporting system that can be completed on a smartphone or other mobile device. All West Virginians are encouraged to participate in this initiative by downloading the free See, Send application from the App Store or Google Play. All of our students have this app on their school-issued iPads. The user may submit tips for “Crime/Suspicious Activity” or “School Threat or Safety Issues,” and they may also request help for “Suicide or Addiction.”

Our students also have access to our school counselors from their iPads as well. There is an icon on the iPad that takes students directly to the school counselor forms on our website where they can request to see Ms. Poe or Ms. Sigler for assistance.

NEVER SUFFER IN SILENCE! As Mr. Rogers once said, in times of crisis "look for the helpers."

Did you know that your student could receive important health care at school? This can help save time in making doctor's appointments. If you would like your child to see one of Shenandoah Community Health's medical providers, contact our school nurse or the main office for a permission form. The Shenandoah Community Health van visit North Middle EVERY THURSDAY throughout the school year.

Did you know you can manage which schools you receive communications from on a weekly basis? North Middle will be sending all communications through the app this year, trying to reduce the number of text messages we send to parents. We will reserve text message and emails for the weekly newsletter and the most important information. So, to stay "in the loop" be sure to download the app today!

The third quarter of the school year can be one of the most challenging for middle school students. Coming off a long winter break, adjusting to unpredictable snow days and remote learning, and feeling cooped up due to the weather can make students sluggish, disengaged, and less motivated in school. However, the third quarter is also one of the most important—especially for students who have struggled in the first and second quarters. Their performance now can determine whether they have the potential earn enough credit in the fourth quarter to pass for the year.

As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child stay on track. Here are five practical ways to support your middle schooler during this crucial time:

1. Re-establish Routines - After the holiday season and winter break, it's essential to reinforce consistent routines. Ensure your child has a set bedtime, a designated homework space, and a daily schedule that prioritizes schoolwork, study time, and a healthy balance of activities.

2. Check Grades & Communicate with Teachers - Stay informed about your child’s progress by checking their grades regularly. If you notice missing assignments or declining grades, reach out to teachers for guidance. Encourage your child to self-advocate by speaking with teachers about any struggles they are experiencing. Last Friday, Feb 7th was the midpoint of the 3rd quarter, making this a great time to check grades and have a conversation with teachers about any concerns or areas for improvement.

3. Encourage Active Engagement in Learning - Winter months can make students feel sluggish, so finding ways to make learning active and engaging is key. Encourage your child to take study breaks, get some movement in between assignments, and use creative study methods like flashcards, videos, or educational games.

4. Stay on Top of Attendance - Snow days and winter illnesses can disrupt learning, but it’s important to minimize unnecessary absences. If your child misses school, help them catch up on assignments by checking online resources, reviewing class notes, or communicating with teachers for missed work. Encourage them to message their teachers on Schoology immediately to stay on track with their work.

5. Take Advantage of School Resources - To support students and parents, we are offering two great events to help strengthen reading and math skills:

   • "Reading is Snow Much Fun" – February 26th, 5-6 PM
     Parents and students are invited to join us for games, ideas, and valuable tips on improving reading skills at home.

   • "Math for All" – March 11th, 5-6 PM
     Come play math games, refresh math skills, and hear from our math teachers about what’s happening in math classes.

We encourage all parents and students to attend these events and take advantage of the fun and learning opportunities they offer! With your support and involvement, your child can navigate the challenges of the third quarter and finish the school year strong!

Check out the Middle School Parents newsletter for February 2025! Click on the PDF below to read more!

PLEASE NOTE: All documentation relating to absences shall be provided to the school no later than three instructional days after the first day the student returns to school. In the event documentation is not provided to the school within three instructional days after the first day the student returns to school, the absences are unexcused.

Parents or guardians interested in volunteering as chaperones for field trips must complete the BCS volunteer training. We will have events and activities at the end of the year that parents may want to attend. Please think ahead now and make sure you are a certified volunteer! Click the link below for more information.

The third quarter of the school year can be tough. The excitement of the holidays is over, the weather keeps you stuck inside, and it can be hard to stay motivated—especially if there are snow days or remote learning days mixed in. But here’s the deal: the third quarter is super important! It’s your chance to turn things around if you struggled in the first half of the year, and it can set you up for success in the final stretch of school.

Here are four ways you can stay on top of your game and finish strong:

1. Check Your Grades & Missing Work - Log in to check your grades at least once a week. If you have missing assignments, get them done! If you don’t understand something, ask your teacher for help. The midpoint of the 3rd quarter was last Friday, Feb 7th—so now is the perfect time to make sure you’re on track.

2. Use Schoology to Stay Organized - Check Schoology daily to see what’s due, read messages from teachers, and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. Use the Schoology calendar to plan for due dates and use messaging (the envelope icon in the top right corner of Schoology) to message your teachers if you have questions. Don’t forget to message your teachers if you are going to be absent for class to find out what you missed.

3. Stay Engaged in Class - It’s easy to zone out when you’re tired or unmotivated, but staying focused in class makes a huge difference. You only remember up to 30% of what you listen to, but you remember 95% of what you teach. So if you have to, teach the posters on your wall about multi-step equations or the parts of a cell. Speaking it out loud can help you do better in class!

4. Take Advantage of Extra Help & Fun Events - We’ve got two fun events coming up to help with your reading and math skills. If you bring your parents, you can get a REN point!

• "Math for All" – March 11th, 5-6 PM

The third nine weeks may be challenging, but with the right habits and effort, you can succeed. Stay focused, stay organized, and keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!

Don't miss a thing!

Congrats to Ms. Heck's enrichment class! They had an ice cream reward party for hitting 80% or better on their iReady lessons.

Students in Ms. Adams health class have been learning about the affects of alcohol on the body. Last week, students participated in activities using impairment goggles, commonly referred to as 'drunk goggles.' These simulations included a driving activity, and other tasks designed to demonstrate how varying levels of alcohol consumption can impact perception during both daytime and nighttime conditions. What an "eye opening" experience!

Ms. Sanders' 6th grade science students conducted a sound lab last week, investigating how sound moved through different mediums.

Ms. Rohrer, Speech Therapist, created picture communication boards for her students at North Middle School.

Ms. Long's Family & Consumer Science classes helped with the winter carnival last week. Students ran the concession stand, baked/ decorated cookies, make many cups of hot chocolate!

Mrs. Siberts ELA class was reviewing the 12 power words by getting up and moving/dancing.

Congrats to Ms. Sanders' students for finishing their element videos using Apple Clips! Here are two of the projects!

• Helium
• Oxygen

WE ARE NORTH!

Our mission is to provide a supportative and inclusive learning environment where every student is valued, held to high expectations, and inspired to reach their full potential. We commit to celebrating our diverse backgrounds while implementing strategies that promote respect, responsibility, and academic excellence.

Email: rachel.deavers@k12.wv.us