• Message from Dr. Doyle
• Growth Assessments
• Update to Cell Phone Policy
• Do a snow dance!

As we step into the heart of this school year, I am reminded of a video our staff watched in August: a dancing bear hidden in plain sight, symbolizing the unnoticed opportunities around us. This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder that, with focus and intention, we can uncover incredible possibilities for our students to thrive. Together, when we sharpen our focus and act with intention, we achieve great things for our students. Remember, success isn’t in isolated moments—it’s in the process, the persistence, and the belief that change is a continuous journey.

Let us celebrate the people around us—the mentors, role models, and changemakers who define Blair. As Brad Stevens said, “Appreciate the people you're with, and you just keep going.” Your dedication fuels this journey, and I’m proud to rise alongside each of you every day.

We strive to create a well-rounded experience for every student, recognizing that growth happens inside and outside the classroom. Memorable experiences like field trips to the Naro and Plum Point Park, student performances at the Ghent Tree Lighting Festival, and cheering on teams at NSU Basketball and ODU Football games bring learning to life by connecting academics to the broader world. Our athletic wins, including championships in volleyball and tennis and a softball runner-up title, alongside innovative PE lessons like cardio circuits with spinning bikes, teach teamwork, perseverance, and the value of a healthy lifestyle. Similarly, artistic excellence through stunning music concerts and award-winning visual art celebrates creativity and self-expression, essential components of a comprehensive education. These achievements are rooted in a strong community spirit, evident in the PTA’s thoughtful surprises—mailbox goodies, hot cocoa, cookies—and the joyful energy of our spirit weeks, which foster a sense of belonging and pride. Academically, we celebrate milestones like entire classroom mastery on a division assessment and improved attendance because they reflect students’ dedication to learning and their commitment to success. These moments collectively enrich our students’ experiences, shaping them into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals ready to thrive.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our vision and to each other. Together, we’re shaping not only a school but a community where every child thrives.

Let’s keep dancing—not past the bear, but with it. Check out the video below, did you notice the bear?

We will continue to meet with our 8th grade students through January 31st to discuss 9th grade course selection for the 25/26 school year.

Parents/guardians, please contact your student's counselor to arrange a zoom or in-person course request meeting. This meeting will answer many questions related to high school classes and diploma options.

We look forward to collaborating with you. Please check out our brief youtube video with the QR code or click the video below.

Current 6th and 7th grade students will complete the 25/26 school year elective request form through guidance lessons this month. Please feel free to direct any questions regarding electives to your student's counselor. Middle school course description information can be found in the course description guide at https://www.npsk12.com/Page/14531

Mrs. McBee: 6th grade counselor, smcbee@nps.k12.va.us

Mrs. Tabron: 7th grade counselor, ptabron@nps.k12.va.us

Mr. Heise: 8th grade counselor, dheise@nps.k12.va.us

Mrs. Still: (all PMHE students), tstill@nps.k12.va.us

Thank you and Happy New Year.

Our school, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Department of Education, will conduct the Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions for students in grades 6-8, as well as classroom staff, from January 6 to February 28, 2025.

This anonymous survey measures student support, engagement, discipline, and safety to guide efforts in creating a supportive school environment. Questions cover topics such as school relationships, rules, bullying, mental health, and perceptions of teacher support. Parents can preview survey questions at this link.

Participation is voluntary. To opt-out, email Ms. Cave (mbcave@nps.k12.va.us) or Ms. Chinn (schinn@nps.k12.va.us) by December 20, 2024.

Students received the letter on December 9, during their last block class.

Students in grades 3-8 will participate in state growth assessments for reading and math during the fall, winter, and spring. These assessments are designed to help identify students' strengths, pinpoint areas for growth, and measure progress over time. The winter assessment is shorter than the spring SOL, with only 17-25 questions per test. The results are not reported as pass or fail but will include detailed information about your child’s performance, accessible in ParentVUE.

Families of virtual students will be contacted to arrange individual test dates.

If you have any questions, please contact AP Cave at mbcave@nps.k12.va.us or Shari Gomez at shgomez@nps.k12.va.us. Thank you for your continued support of your student’s learning journey. See the full letter below.

As we prepare to implement Governor Glenn Youngkin's Executive Order 33—which prohibits the use of cell phones and personal electronic communication devices during school hours (bell-to-bell) in all Virginia public schools starting January 1, 2025—we encourage families and community members to stay informed.

Visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.npsk12.com/ExecutiveOrder33 for the latest updates on how Executive Order 33 impacts NPS. The webpage features a public service announcement and an insightful podcast, that discusses this important initiative and its alignment with our commitment to student success.

January

6 - Students return (odd day)

10/11 - Junior District Orchestra Event

13 - Winter Student Growth Assessments START

15 - End of Q2

17 - Teacher Workday - No School for students

18 - Cheerleading Competition @ Norview HS

20 - MLK Day - no school

30/31 - All District Band Event

Website: https://www.npsk12.com/bms
Location: 730 Spotswood Avenue, Norfolk, VA, USA
Phone: 7576282400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlairMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @BlairClippers

Instagram: @BlairClippers