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North Central News

North Central Middle School: February Updates

North CentralNewsNorth Central Middle School: February Updates

Important Dates:

February 16th: Jazz Band Showcase


February 20th: Liberty Jazz Band Festival


February 24-28: Spirit Week

Monday (2/24) - PJ Day

Tuesday (2/25) - Twin Day

Wednesday (2/26) - Kids dress like staff, Staff dress like kids (Flip Flop Day)

Thursday (2/27) - College Shirt Day

Friday (2/28) - Class Color Day (6th Grade: Grey 7th Grade: Black 8th Grade: Purple)


February 26th: PSTO Meeting 11:30 am- 12:30 pm (Main Office)


February 28th: School Party (6:00pm - 8:00pm)

Theme: Winter Wonderland

Cost: $5 or 10 non-perishable items to donate to the food pantry

Pizza: $1

Pop: 50 cents

Meet some of our Awesome Staff!!!

Mr. Waite

My name is Zach Waite, I am entering my 8th year of teaching and first year at North Central Middle School. Previously I taught 5th grade at Grant Elementary here in North Liberty for two years and 5th grade for five years before that at Lemme Elementary in Iowa City. My wife and I have a two-year-old daughter named Charlie who loves watching Bluey on repeat and running away from us when it is bath time. We also recently moved into a new (old) house so much of our time is spent doing projects around the house and enjoying these early years with our daughter.

Mr. Potter

This is my 26th year in education. Most of my career was spent at Clear Creek Amana High School, where I was an English teacher and Assistant Principal. I'm very excited to be back in the classroom working directly with students on a daily basis!


I live in North Liberty with my wife, Cassie, and our two kids, Sophie and Jake. Most of our life revolves around the kids’ activities. Beyond that, I like to golf and complain about the Cubs. I grew up in Coralville and was an ICCSD student myself. I love this community and all that it offers!

Mrs. Hall

My name is Klaudia Hall, and I’m excited to be in my 5th year at North Central and my 9th year in education. This year, I’m thrilled to be teaching 6th grade Language Arts, a new adventure for me after spending previous years in the special education field.

Outside of school, my husband Reece and I are busy enjoying life with our son Grayson, who is 1.5 years old, and our newest addition, baby Brinley, who we welcomed into the world just a month ago! We love spending time outdoors, whether it’s biking, hiking, or playing at the park.


I’m so grateful to be part of the NCMS community because of the incredible support and camaraderie here!

Mr. Hartley

My name is Evan Hartley, and this is my 20th year working in the ICCSD district. I've worked as a substitute teacher, teacher, and Instructional Design Strategist. I’ve worked in some capacity at nearly every school in the district, but most of my experience is in teaching 8th grade language arts, which is my current role at NCMS. This is my second year at North Central.


I live with my wife, Erin, and we love to travel during the summer months. In the past few years, we have visited Portugal, Costa Rica, Brazil, and many parts of the U.S. We’re excited to be planning our second trip to Brazil.


I am also interested in entrepreneurship. I’ve started two businesses: IC Glass Recycling and a driving school called Driver's Edge. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, board games, pickleball, reading, writing, and the company of kind people.

Mrs. Kofoed

Hi, I’m Ashley Kofoed, and I’m thrilled to be in my seventh year of teaching and my first year at NCMS! Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to teach in both middle and elementary schools, but middle school has truly captured my heart. When I’m not in the classroom, I love diving into fantasy fiction and binge-watching shows with my husband, Adam. We have three amazing children—Anakin, Archer, and Amerynn—who keep life full of adventure and joy.

Ms. Overholt

Hi! I'm Brooke Overholt and this is my 2nd year teaching 8th grade Language Arts at NCMS. When I am not at NCMS, I am cheering on my 5 incredible children - Asher (19), Tirza (17), Noah (14), Malachi (almost 11) and Eden (4). I love to eat delicious food, read/ hear inspiring stories and watch LIVE shows! I have worked in the ICCSD for over a decade and I can't imagine being anywhere but here! #allinforallkids

Mrs. Krueger

My name is Jodi Krueger and I am entering my 18th year in education. This is my first year teaching 7th grade Literacy at NCMS. I spent the last 11 years teaching 6th grade at Penn Elementary. I am really enjoying the welcoming community at NCMS and am so happy I was able to move up and follow my students. I feel fortunate to start off a new chapter in teaching with former students while meeting a fresh group of new students.


My husband, Steve, and I have three grown children. Madisen, our oldest and unfortunately not in the picture, is enjoying Dubuque, IA and works at the casino. Josie is enjoying the country life in Bloomfield, IA as an associate in 6th grade with the Ottumwa School District. She is thinking about switching to a teaching career. Brennan, our youngest, is a Marine and enjoying his active military life. Family time are my happiest moments that I cherish. In my free time I enjoy time with friends, playing racquetball, playing games, and reading books. My first year at NCMS is definitely a win for me!

Mrs. Piper

My name is Lisa Piper, and I have been teaching for 16 years. I grew up in Iowa City and went on to attend Iowa State University (though I’m still a Hawk fan when we play the Cyclones!) with a double major in Journalism and Art & Design. After graduating, I worked for a newspaper near Ames, where I covered city council and school board meetings while also writing weekly feature articles.

After moving to Washington with my husband, I attended Washington State University, where I earned my Master’s in Teaching. I taught in Vancouver, Washington for a year before deciding to return to Iowa City to be closer to family. Since moving back to Iowa, I have been fortunate to teach at North Central, where I’ve taught Literacy, Language Arts, and Drama. Currently, I teach 7th-grade Language Arts, and I absolutely love my subject area, along with the energy and creativity my students bring each day.


My husband and I live in Iowa City with our three boys and two puppies. We enjoy hiking and taking road trips together whenever we can. I’m grateful for the incredible community and family support we have here at North Central. Go Bolts!

Mrs. Clark

I am Karen Clark and this is my 20th year of teaching and first year at North Central Middle School. I've worked in various roles in grades K-8 over the years including classroom teacher, Title I Reading, Intervention, and Language Arts Resource Specialist. I have also been an adjunct instructor at William Penn University and a Reading Practicum Supervisor for the University of Iowa. I am beyond thrilled to teach Literacy 7 at North Central, where our daughters Lauren (16) and Kaelyn (14) recently attended. My husband, Ryan, and I enjoy going to our girls' volleyball and basketball activities and entertaining our dog, Ozzie. I love reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

7th and 8th Grade Registration Information

As we get closer to the end of the year, the counseling team will be presenting registration materials in your student's Language Arts' classes. Students will have a paper copy of their registration that they will hopefully bring home to talk with you about classes they are interested in. In class, they will register for next year's classes but also will need to fill out the provided google sheets link. Below is a timeline of when this will happen.

Current 7th graders:

  • In class presentation and infinite campus registration opens up February 10th.
  • Google sheet submitted and registration sheet turned in to LA teachers February 17th.

Current 6th graders:

  • In class presentation and infinite campus registration opens up February 21st.
  • Google sheet submitted and registration sheet turned in to LA teachers February 28th.


Please encourage your student to have the conversations with you about this. If they have any questions have them reach out to Mr. Brenneman, Ms. Ashlie or Mr. Sturgell.

Incoming 9th Grade Liberty High Parent Webinar

North Central Families,

There will be an Incoming 9th Grade Liberty High Registration Webinar for parents on February 4 at 6pm. Please use the link below to gain access.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
When: Feb 4, 2025 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Incoming 9th Grade Registration - Parent Webinar


Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://iowacityschools-org.zoom.us/j/93607611352?pwd=2WBOLitHtGRzvtLvhNzFr6eaifEWhy.1
Passcode:609599

Thank you,

Colby Miller

Principal

North Central Middle School

Girls Wrestling

Boys Wrestling

6th Grade Wrestling Club

6th Grade Wrestling Club starting in February. This is a five week program designed to teach the basic understanding of the sport. Boys and girls practice separately on different days. No competitions.

BOYS Practices Begin February 10th through March 10th
When: Monday’s 7:15 - 8:30am
(2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10)


GIRLS Practices Begin February 11th through March 11th
When : Tuesday’s 4:15 - 5:30pm
(2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4**, 3/11)

STUDENT ID CARDS

Students need to have their ID cards here at school for checkouts in the library and at lunch. Replacement cards can be purchased in the main office.

Liberty Summer Sport Camps linked below

https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/icliberty/camps

Field Trip Permission Form (Please fill out if you have not done so already)

During the 2024-2025 school year, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will be traveling off school grounds for various field trip opportunities. Parents will receive specific details of each event via Blackboard Connect prior to each field trip as a reminder to parents. If you feel you need to keep your child from attending any field trip, please e-mail brinkman.carla@iowacityschools.org before the event and alternate arrangements will be made for your child. Please complete the three questions on this form if you wish for your child to participate in school sponsored field trips at North Central during the 2024-25 school year.

Yearbook Club

North Central Students & Families-


Our NCMS Yearbook Club is looking for help from our students and parents to help gather candid pictures for our yearbook!


In Sports, we are looking specifically for pictures from: football (all grades), cross country, volleyball (all grades), girls soccer, boys basketball


Around school, we are looking specifically for pictures about: spirit days (so far this year), the school party and snapshots from around school


Please help us out if you can! The picture below outlines a quick and easy way to share your photos via our QR Code (found below) or go to the https://photos.jostens.com/ybk>that goes directly to our school yearbook account!

Yearbook

North Central Middle School



This year's NCMS Yearbook is on sale and your last day to purchase is Friday, February 28. Yearbooks are $27. You need to purchase directly on Josten's website or find the QR code hanging around school. Don't miss out on this year's memories!


Other ways to order:

jostens.com/backtoschool

8th Grade Science students worked on building a wave during class!

8th Grade Science students worked on building a wave during class!

8th Grade Science students worked on building a wave during class!

8th Grade Science students worked on building a wave during class!

Flag Football Tournament

Hey! Is your child a future Bolt?
Step into the Flag Football Tournament (Grades 6-8) hosted by the North Liberty Youth Council and sponsored by the North Liberty Rec Center at the Liberty High School football field! Complete this registration form and see additional details below.


Details:

When: Saturday, May 10th

Check-in Time: 9:30 AM

Game Start Time: 10:00 AM

Game Rules: 5v5, 20-minute running clock per game, 10-minute halftime

Game Info: Losing the first game will not automatically take your child out of the tournament

Registration Deadline: May 5th

Location: Liberty High School Football Stadium

Registration Cost: $5 per player or $25 per team

Cash only collected during check-in

Proceeds: All proceeds will be donated to the Liberty High Athletics Booster Department

Prizes: Winner receives fame and a trophy!

What to bring: Water, cleats, gloves, etc

Don't have a full team? No problem! Just register your child, and we'll help place them on a team.

Food Deliveries

North Central does not accept door dash, or other food delivery services for students. Parents may bring lunch items for students, but items brought in from delivery drivers will not be accepted.

CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell Phone/Personal Technology Policy & Confiscation Procedures



Cell phones: Students may use cell phones during passing time and at lunch while school is in session. All phones must be put away, and ringers silenced before entering the classroom. Phones in use or view during class time may be confiscated by staff (this includes using phones to listen to music). Students who refuse to comply will be subject to additional school consequences. Additionally, students are not allowed to have headphones/earbuds on or in their ears during class. At North Central Middle School the following steps will be used to enforce the policy:

1. At the beginning of class all teachers/staff will say “secure your phones”

2. Students should have their phones put away and out of sight.

3. If the phone is out or being used, the teacher will confiscate the phone and deliver it to the main office where it will be secured until the end of the day.

4. If a student is refusing to give up his/her cell phone a counselor or administrator will be called and escort the student to the office where the phone will be secured.

Consequences For Policy Infractions:


  • 1st Offense: Loss of phone, earbuds, and/or headphones for day; Student signs documentation sheet to receive their device(s) at end of their school day and acknowledge their violation of the policy

  • 2nd Offense: Loss of phone, earbuds, and/or headphones for day; Student signs documentation sheet to receive their device(s) at end of their school day and acknowledge their violation of the policy and that an additional infraction will result in parent/guardian(s) being contacted

  • 3rd Offense: Loss of phone, earbuds, and/or headphones for day; Parent/Guardian contacted by administration; Student signs documentation sheet to receive their device(s) at end of their school day and to acknowledge a parent/guardian meeting will be held if another infraction occurs

  • 4th Offense: Loss of phone, earbuds, and/or headphones until parent/guardian meeting. Administration contacts parents/guardians; Student signs documentation sheet to acknowledge the policy infraction

  • 5th Offense: Technology Plan Implemented. Administration contacts parents/guardians; Technology plan created during the parent/guardian meeting.

STUDENT DROP OFF

Students are not allowed access to the building before 8:30am. Students wanting to meet with teachers, must get permission from the teacher prior to the meeting, to be let in to the building before 8:30am. The office will not allow students in to the building before that time unless notification from the teacher has been given to the main office. Students will not be allowed up to meet with teachers before 8:15am unless that has also been clearly communicated with office staff.

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance Procedures for North Central Middle School:

If your student is going to be late to school, needs to leave school early or will be absent from school, please make sure you have reported this to the NCMS Attendance Office by 9:00am on the day of the absence. You may call the attendance line at 319-688-1210 (Press 1 for attendance) or enter the absence in the Attendance Request section of Infinite Campus. Please give the date(s) and reason for the absence. (**Early releases requested in Infinite Campus must be done at least 2 hours before the student is to leave NCMS)

If a student needs to leave school early, please give the time the student is to be picked up from NCMS. Your student will be given a pass to leave their class and meet parents/guardians in the main office. Students are not permitted to leave class until the parent/guardian has contacted the attendance office directly.

Communicating absences to teachers directly or texting your student is not considered a communicated absence. The attendance office must be made aware of all absences.

Please note: Parents/Guardians will now be receiving automated attendance calls at the end of each period a student has an uncommunicated absence.

Food and Drink

All food and drink, other than water bottles, must remain in the cafeteria. You may not consume food in your classrooms, unless it is provided by a specific teacher for their class only. There is to be no food or drink in hallways or classrooms. Only water bottles may be taken in hallways and to classrooms. If a staff member sees you with food or any drinks other than water, you will be instructed to throw the item away.

Chromebook Expectations

At North Central, a major component of being READY to learn is having a charged chromebook at school every day. Please discuss this with your student and create a plan for ensuring your student charges their chromebook each night and brings it to school each day. We have charging carts in the Library and Bolt Space if students need to charge their device during the school day

PSTO Updates

PSTO Information: https://www.iowacityschools.org/domain/1340

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT

Non-Discrimination Policy Statement



It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact:

  • Laura Gray, Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness (programming), gray.laura@iowacityschools.org
  • If you are unsure how to proceed or would like assistance in discussing your options, you may also contact Janet Abejo-Parker, Ombuds, ombuds@iowacityschools.org or (319) 688-1312.

Ombuds Office


Students, Families, and Employees - The Ombuds Office i

Colby Miller
Colby is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters