Our Vision: The Herbert Akins Road MS Learning Community collaborates to facilitate equitable outcomes and growth through social, emotional, and academic opportunities.

Nighthawk Families,

• School began last Monday, July 8th for Tracks 1, 2, and 3. Track 4 begins Monday, July 29, 2024.

• Our school website, https://www.wcpss.net/herbertakinsroadms, will be updated often by our team and provide information at your fingertips to ensure a successful partnership to support student growth and achievement.

• Our instructional school day this year will be from 8:15 AM - 3:00 PM with students able to enter the building at 7:45 AM. Each morning we begin the day with announcements at 8:10 AM; therefore, it is ideal if students are in their classrooms and seated ready to begin the day at that time. Students miss valuable instruction when they come to school late, leave early, or are absent.

• Students will not be checked out after 2:30 PM on school days as the staff will be preparing for student dismissal. If a student must be checked out of school early, they will need to be checked out prior to 2:30 PM.

• WCPSS Transportation information and bus routes can be found at https://www.wcpss.net/transportation. Per WCPSS and regardless of personal, social or recreational activities, students may not ride any bus other than that to which he/she has been assigned.

• Office staff will be available to assist you with information and procedures regarding student medication. Medication may be given at school only with the proper documentation from the doctor. Parents will need to bring the completed 1702 form and medication on or prior to the student’s first day of school.
  

• Review and update your student’s personal data to ensure your current email, phone numbers, and emergency contacts are updated in the system so you will be able to receive emails, texts, and other important notifications. If changes need to be made, please email the documentation to NCWise435@wcpss.net.

• Students will utilize a backpack and/or bag to bring their supplies to school. Students may also want to bring a water bottle as we have water bottle filling stations throughout the school. Students’ backpacks should not be filled with other items as nothing additional will be needed at school, and it will keep backpacks/bags at a reasonable weight. Lockers will not be used by students unless one is requested by a parent. Requests should be sent to the appropriate grade level school counselor.

• We understand that a student’s family may have their student keep a personal device and/or mobile phone in their backpack for before/after school safety purposes. These are to remain in backpacks unless approved by a teacher to be used for educational purposes. This expectation can be found in the WCPSS Student Code of Conduct. Student/Parent Handbooks will be sent home with students the first day of the school year.

• All students and family members are asked to review the WCPSS Board Policy on Technology Responsible Use.
  

• We ask that all students and their families review the WCPSS Student Code of Conduct which can be found here.

• As a reminder, in MTYR schools, not all platforms are up and running the first two weeks of the school year due to the state of NC operating the platforms and doing their yearly maintenance.

• Please follow us on our school's Facebook page, X "Twitter" account, and Instagram to stay abreast of up-to-date news and reminders throughout each school week. Scroll all the way to the end of this newsletter and click on the buttons to follow us on each platform.

• We encourage families to take vacations during track outs to ensure students are in the Nest on instructional days to ensure learning and growth each school year. Here is the 2024-25 school calendar for your planning purposes.

With appreciation for your support and partnership as we continue to #buildournest in Year 3,

Anne Marie Adkins

Principal

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.

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

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

• Carpool Arrival: Carpool arrival will not begin until 7:45 AM as students cannot be on campus without adult supervision. Board policy states they can arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the instructional day which is 7:45 AM at Herbert Akins Rd MS. Please do not release students from your vehicle until 7:45 AM.

  
  

• Carpool Dismissal: Carpool dismissal is available at Herbert Akins Rd MS for middle school students and will begin at our 3:00 PM dismissal time. For the 2024-2025 school year, all students will receive a new carpool number when they receive their schedule. Please ensure your carpool sticker is placed properly in your window. If you did not attend Meet the Teacher to receive your carpool number, your student will receive it on their first day of school. You may give the staff member collecting numbers your students' name until you receive your carpool number. Beginning July 15th, all families are expected to know their carpool number as staff will not be utilizing names for dismissal. We have a large volume of carpool students, walkers, and bike riders. The carpool pattern works well when everyone follows the procedures for both the middle school and elementary school. Please drive carefully when approaching the school area and follow the instructions staff provide as they work at their duty locations. We request that all families who plan to use carpool at any point this school year watch this video. Families that have an elementary school student should exit to the left from the parking lot (not turn right) and then enter the elementary school line on Herbert Akins Road. Due to the volume of cars for both schools and having 16 bus routes (with some of those being doublebacks) at the middle school, our hope is that we can have our dismissal completed by 3:30 PM to allow the elementary school the opportunity to begin their safe dismissal processes at 3:45 PM. If you do not receive a carpool number, please utilize this form to request one.

Walker/Biker List: Students may walk/bike between school and home if they meet the criteria. Please complete this form for your student to be added to the approved walker/biker list. For your student to be considered be for walker/bike rider status you must provide an address that is within the walking parameters set by WCPSS, within one mile of the school and a sidewalk must be available for walking from the school to the home. Student addresses will be checked to ensure the criteria is met.

A staff member will follow up if your student does not meet the criteria. Students must leave campus when they are dismissed to walk home and may not loiter at the end of the school day. Students may not request to be on the walk list to walk to a nearby neighborhood to avoid carpool. This is a potential safety concern.

On Monday, July 15th, staff will be checking with students during afternoon dismissal to ensure students have a walker/biker pass. Students will receive a reminder to have an adult at home complete the form no later than Tuesday morning, July 16th. Students who do not have a pass by afternoon dismissal will call an adult to pick them up in carpook beginning Tuesday, July 16th.

July 8, 2024

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome to Herbert Akins Rd MS! We look forward to a successful and rewarding school year with all students. In order to ensure a productive school year for every stakeholder year, Attendance Matters and a student must be in school on a regular basis with little or no absences. For your information and reference, below are some facts about attendance that you might find helpful throughout the school year. You may find more information online at the Wake County Public Schools website (www.wcpss.net).

Some highlights are as follows:

1. All children up to 16 years of age must attend school. This is N.C. law as well as Wake County’s policy (NC Law 115C-378 and Wake County policy 6000).

2. Every absence is considered either excused or unexcused. Please see policy 6000.3 for a list of excused absences.

3. In middle school, attendance is taken during every class period and then reported by the half or whole day.

4. A note/email written by the parent or guardian is required within 2 school days explaining the nature of the absence with dates and the student’s name. A note is required even if the parent contacts the school by phone. A note does not guarantee an absence will be excused but all absences without notes will be considered unexcused. It is preferred that notes are emailed to Attendance435@wcpss.net.

5. Excessive absences (15 days or more) may lead to school failure (in some cases, based solely on absences), the requirement of a doctor’s note for any absence to be excused, and/or court penalties including fines or imprisonment. Though the law is strongly worded, its intention is for children to be successful in school. Every effort is made to avoid such serious consequences.

1. Note if your student had Chronic absences (15 days or more absence) for the 2024-25 school year, our School Social Worker, Essence Lincoln, will be scheduling a conference to develop a plan of support for your student in the area of reducing their absences and increasing their academic goals.

We want to work with you and your student whenever a situation arises that may be problematic. We do understand that there may be extenuating circumstances, and we will do all we can to make the school experience pleasant and successful for you and your child. As we work together, your child will have a great educational experience at Herbert Akins Road Middle. We believe that Attendance Matters!

If at any time you have questions or concerns about attendance or any other area of which you think our team could be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office at (919) 694-8300. You may also reach out to our School Social Worker, Essence Lincoln at elincoln@wcpss.net.

WCPSS MS Information: Grades 6-8

Identified 6th, 7th and 8th grade students receive differentiated curriculum and instruction in language arts and/or mathematics within the general education setting. Options may include cluster and flexible skills grouping, curriculum compacting, differentiated units, and co-teaching between the classroom and AIG teacher. The AIG teacher consults with the classroom teacher regarding differentiated curriculum and instruction and also facilitates a variety of small group learning experiences. The AIG Teacher will serve the identified students face-to-face a minimum of 2 times per semester per area of identification.

Services vary depending upon course offerings and student performance. Differentiated course plans describe the course goals, content and evaluation.

NOTE: AIG identification for differentiated services does not guarantee a particular service option, program, class assignment, or school assignment

Submit AIG testing nominations for the Fall testing window!

Nominations are accepted all year. Testing occurs in the Fall and Spring. Students previously qualified as AIG do not have to be nominated to continue in the AIG programming.

HARMS AIG Identification and Nomination Form Link

The deadline for AIG Nominations for the 2024-2025 Fall Testing Window is

August 7th (Track 1) August 21st (Tracks 2, 3, and 4)

The deadline for AIG Nominations for the 2024-2025 Spring Testing Window is

December 8th (Tracks 1, 2 and 3) January 5th (Track 4)

Dear Families,

While we understand that students and families may have had experiences with the Positivity Project in previous school years, we know that research shows that consistent and continuous learning and reflection of the Other People Mindset is necessary for our brains to understand and practice the 5 principles each and every day.

1. Cheer other people on when they succeed

2. Recognize the good in other people

3. Remain present when giving people your attention

4. Support others when they struggle

5. Understand that everything you say and do affects other people

Next week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Being present and giving others my attention. This means when we are with other people, we are present and give them our full attention.

In today's world, it's easy to get distracted by phone calls, messages, and social media. These distractions can pull us away from what's most important — our relationships with other people.

Just as plants need sunlight to grow, our relationships need attention. If we don’t give our full attention when we are with our family, friends, and even colleagues, we can't build strong relationships. It’s crucial to put down our phones and tablets and really listen when others are talking. Positive relationships are the foundation of a positive culture, and we can’t build positive relationships without attention.

To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset of being present and giving others our attention, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families. There, you will watch a video clip together and discuss a quote and three questions.

Thank you for your support!

Section B. Laptops and Other Devices

The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) uses a variety of technology and digital resources to enable and enhance instruction. With permission, students may use physical devices, including but not limited to, computers, tablets, and other hardware, for approved educational uses. All technology involves some sort of Internet access, especially because many instructional tools are now located on the Internet rather than on a school server; therefore, technology access also means Internet access.

WCPSS strives to provide a laptop computer or other physical device to every student for approved educational uses. All WCPSS-issued devices may be inspected by WCPSS officials, with or without prior notice, either in person or remotely via the Internet, for purposes of maintenance and/or to monitor the Student’s use of the device (including any email and Internet activities) to determine whether the Student is complying with applicable laws, policies, and regulations. Students and parents have no reasonable expectation of privacy to any data or information of any kind that is stored in a WCPSS device, which remains at all times the property of WCPSS. If any such inspection reveals that the Student has violated any provision of the Code of Student Conduct or any criminal law, any such evidence may be used in support of a disciplinary action against the Student and/or shared with law enforcement consistent with applicable law. Staff should consult with the WCPSS Security Department before sharing any student information obtained from student devices with any law enforcement agency.

Parents who do not want their student to be issued a WCPSS device may opt to provide their own for the student’s use at school, so long as the device is a laptop computer (no tablets), has the latest operating system, and includes a keyboard, camera, and microphone. The device must otherwise be safe, adequate, and compatible with WCPSS educational services and technology resources.

Any non-WCPSS device that students use at school for educational purposes as an alternative to using a WCPSS-issued device are subject to inspection and monitoring by WCPSS at any time in the same manner and under the same circumstances as a WCPSS-issued device. The fact that the device is private property does not insulate it from inspection and monitoring pursuant to policy 4342 Student Searches. Students and parents who do not wish their personal devices to be subject to monitoring and inspection at school have the option to use a WCPSS-issued device instead.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported while they are on our campus. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we are always going to be proactive to protect our school community.

That is why I am glad to share that WCPSS is launching the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. It is an additional option to our existing WCPSS tip line at (919) 856-1911 for anonymously reporting threats and concerns. WCPSS is rolling Say Something out across our district, and we will be training our students on when and how to use it during the weeks of July 22 - Aug 9, 2024.

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is a research-based violence prevention program offered by Sandy Hook Promise, a national nonprofit organization. It teaches the warning signs of potential violence or self-harm and provides students and staff with secure ways to share safety concerns through a mobile app, website, or phone call. More than 5,000 schools nationwide are using this program.

This program will further enhance the student protections we have in place. We have included information about what the program is, how students can use it, and why we are adopting it in our schools below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System?

It is an age-appropriate, research-informed program that trains youth and adults to recognize warning signs and threats of potential violence and to tell a trusted adult or use the anonymous reporting system via app, website, or telephone hotline. This empowers students, parents, staff, and community members to securely share safety concerns, helping school administrators and law enforcement members to prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other dangerous behaviors.

How does the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System work?

Students and staff can submit a tip about concerning or threatening behaviors through the app, website, or a telephone hotline, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Every submission goes directly to a trained Crisis Counselor who vets the tip, gathers details, then shares the information and next steps with our school team and law enforcement (as needed). The team steps in to address the threat and provide solutions. WCPSS has a trained Say Something response staff that includes social workers, counselors, and administrators.

How does the system work?

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System can be used to report threatening or harmful behavior, harassment, and more. For example, imagine that a student, Thomas, is worried about a friend, Mary, who has been harming herself. Thomas isn’t sure who he should tell and is afraid of being labeled a "snitch" or, worse, losing his friend. Thomas can anonymously report the concern through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting app, website or through a phone call. He can even share screenshots of social media posts that he may have seen about this. Highly trained crisis counselors immediately take action to ensure Mary is safe and getting the help and support she needs.

What happens to the tip if the individual reporting is threatening to hurt themselves?

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System’s National Crisis Center and local Say Something team members are specifically trained to recognize mental and emotional disturbances and effectively manage crisis situations. Depending on district protocols, psychiatric emergencies may be referred to the appropriate community mental health services. Law enforcement may conduct a welfare check.

Do I have to use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System? Does my student?

Using the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is completely voluntary.

Who is running this program?

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is offered at no cost to schools and districts by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national nonprofit that was founded and is led by family members whose loved ones were killed during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2012. SHP has trained more than 18 million educators, parents, and students nationwide to recognize the warning signs of potential violence and tell a trusted adult.

What about privacy?

WCPSS has been working with our school board’s legal team to ensure that all key privacy standards are maintained. All data from our school community within the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is owned by the district.

What if I have more questions about Say Something?

You may reach out to Dr. Corliss Thompson-Drew, WCPSS Director of School Psychology, at cthompsondrew@wcpss.net.

Prepare Now for 24-25 Athletic Season

For any rising 7th or 8th grader interested in participating in Nighthawk athletic during the 2024-25 school year, please read the following:

MOST IMPORANT

Click here for the video on how to do athletic physicals

*Check out our NEW athletic paperwork/physical Google Doc for information on how to load all paperwork on DragonFly

Brent Winston

Athletic Director
Herbert Akins Road Middle School

bwinston@wcpss.net

919-694-8300 ext. 53051

The 2024-2025 PTA is very excited about this upcoming school year!

• Please join the PTA so that you can receive communications throughout the year (we promise to keep them to a minimum!) regarding school dances, fundraisers, Teacher Appreciation events, family fun nights, and more!
• Join here: Join the PTA - HERBERT AKINS RD NIGHTHAWKS PTA (weebly.com)
• We will start the year with a no-fuss fundraiser, just like last year.
• Our goal is to raise $40,000, with funds going to support teachers, student clubs, school dances, and so much more! (More information to come on that!)
• Updates are coming to the website as our board changes over, but on this site you will also be able to:
• Buy Spirit Wear (the PTA receives a portion of sales) - Herbert Akins Road spirit wear, Fuquay-Varina, NC, Nighthawks | 1st Place Spiritwear
• Rent the Spirit Rock (for birthdays and other celebrations)
• Find information on volunteering for events
• If you have any interest in joining a committee this year, please contact Alex Jamieson at herbertakinsmsptapresident@gmail.com. Examples of committee positions are:
• School Dances
• Fundraising
• Teacher Appreciation
• Audit
• Spirit Nights
• So much more! Do you have special interests? Let us know! We probably have a committee for it! :)

Thank you so much, and we look forward to a FUN and awesome school year!

Alex Jamieson, PTA President

"Nighthawk students interested in after-school theatre activities - please scan the QR codes below to express your interest in our Fall Showcase or Spring Musical. The title of the spring musical will be announced later this semester. Please note that these are only interest forms to help Mr. Pressley and Mr. Coppenbarger begin planning for the show(s). Audition forms will be released at a later date.

Fall Showcase: https://forms.gle/2Rnb7wDxvga3o7Sp6

Spring Musical: https://forms.gle/6W1PfTv7t8DLqjHZ9

Please contact Mr. Pressley with questions at tpressley2@wcpss.net"

See the Supply List below for a successful year in the Nest!

Please take a moment to click here and register NOW!