Northern Middle Newsletter

Bobcat Nation:

We are quickly approaching the start of the 2023-24 school year! The NMS staff has been busy preparing for the arrival of students. We are excited that they will be joining us in the building!

• Monday, August 26th - 6th Grade & New Student Orientation
• Tuesday, August 27th - First day of school for all students

Please review the newsletter below for important information regarding bus schedules, students schedules, Back to School forms/documents, Open House, PTO information, etc.

Last week, Calvert County Public Schools shared with families information about the updated cell phone/smartwatch policy and the modifications to the dress code policy.

CCPS Cell Phone & Smartwatch Policy for Middle School Students

Effective the first day of school, students are not permitted to use cell phones or smartwatches during the school day. This policy is designed to minimize distractions and promote a more focused and engaging educational experience.

• Students may bring cellular phones/smartwatches to school but are not permitted to bring in other electronic or communication devices (such as personal laptops).
• Once school begins, the device must be powered completely off (not on vibrate or silent mode) and must remain in a non-visible, secure location. There are exceptions for administratively approved times for students in grades 9 – 12 only to use their cell phone/smartwatch.
• If there is an emergency, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school’s main office. All cell phone/smartwatch guidelines, expectations, and discipline consequences apply even if communicating with parents/guardians.
• Students may use their phone/smartwatch on the bus or school-chartered vehicle, but it must not be disruptive or cause a distraction to the driver. Sound must only be audible through headphones.
• Camera/video use, and phone conversations are prohibited at all times.
• Students found using cell phones during school hours are subject to disciplinary consequences, including having their devices confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary action.

Revision to the CCPS Dress Code Policy

• It’s important to note that hoods have been removed from allowable headwear. Hoods are not permitted to be worn on the head inside CCPS school buildings. Please speak with your child(ren) to ensure they understand this expectation whenever they wear a garment with a hood attached (i.e., jacket, sweatshirt, etc.).

Please discuss these changes with your child(ren) and the importance of following the guidance of staff members as we work to put these policies in place. Additional information about each policy is included in the newsletter below. Your support is important in helping our students adapt to these new expectations and in supporting the school should consequences need to be given. We anticipate less distractions in class, increased academic focus and engagement, positive interactions, and community building.

A key to the success of each student will be everyone working together in support of our theme - "We Rise by Lifting Others." We are excited to work together with your student and family this year!

Mr. Webster, NMS Principal

Be sure to read through the attached Back to School letter. It contains important information to help students and families as we transition into the new school year.

Monday, August 26th - CCPS middle schools will be holding an Orientation Day for 6th graders from 8:10 - 11:10 am. New 7th and 8th grade students will receive an invitation from their counselor. As a reminder, Orientation Day in middle school is for students only. Parents will have an opportunity to meet teachers during Open House. See below for information about a memo from Transportation regarding buses for Orientation Day.

Bus information (bus #, bus stop location and approximate bus stop times) for the 2024-2025 school year was posted in Home Access Center on August 12th. Bus stop information is based on the guardian’s home address unless they have provided a different pick-up and drop-off location to your child’s school. Please contact your child’s school to make any corrections to the student database.

The NMS Staff has collaborated to develop a set of common expectations to support reduced distractions and a productive learning environment throughout the building. These expectations will be shared with the students at the beginning of the school year. We appreciate the support of our families with reinforcing these expectations.

• Bobcat Handbook for Students & Families
• CCPS Code of Conduct – https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/student-services/code-of-conduct
• CCPS Technology in the Classroom letter
• Back to School Vaccinations Flyer

There are forms that need to be signed and returned for each student. They will be included in our First Day Folders so parents will receive a paper copy. Attached are copies of the forms in the event that you would like to start filling them out.

• CCPS Code of Conduct Statement of Understanding
• NMS Technology Expectations Form

Ms. Albaugh, one of our outstanding teachers, has created a video and organizer with tips to welcome our Bobcats back to school. This is a great resource, especially for our incoming 6th graders!

We know you and your child are excited about being prepared and beating the rush of getting your school supplies. However, we recommend that you wait until your child brings home all of their teacher’s syllabuses to determine what supplies are needed. Typical supplies include items such as pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, paper, etc. We also encourage students to have their own corded headphones to connect to their laptops as needed.

As part of our commitment to create an optimal learning environment for all students, CCPS is implementing a new policy regarding cell phone and smartwatch use. We kindly request your support in ensuring that your child adheres to the new guidelines.

Updates In Cell Phone/Smartwatch Use

We understand that cell phones are an important part of daily life for many students and their families. However, we believe that this policy will help students stay focused on their learning and reduce the potential for distractions.

Effective the first day of school, students are not permitted to use cell phones or smartwatches during the school day. This policy is designed to minimize distractions and promote a more focused and engaging educational experience.

Key Points of the Policy:

1. Students may bring cellular phones/smartwatches to school but are not permitted to bring in other electronic or communication devices (such as personal laptops).
2. Once school begins, the device must be powered completely off (not on vibrate or silent mode) and must remain in a non-visible, secure location. There are exceptions for administratively approved times for students in grades 9 – 12 only to use their cell phone/smartwatch.
3. If there is an emergency, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school’s main office. All cell phone/smartwatch guidelines, expectations, and discipline consequences apply even if communicating with parents/guardians.
4. Students may use their phone/smartwatch on the bus or school-chartered vehicle, but it must not be disruptive or cause a distraction to the driver. Sound must only be audible through headphones.
5. Camera/video use, and phone conversations are prohibited at all times.
6. Students found using cell phones during school hours are subject to disciplinary consequences, including having their devices confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary action.

There are specific guidelines for each student level (elementary, middle, and high) in the ‘Electronic and Communication Devices’ section of the 2024 -2025 Students’ Rights, Responsibilities, and Code of Conduct. Please read this document which is available on the CCPS website Code of Conduct - Calvert County Public School District (calvertnet.k12.md.us).

We are excited about the positive impact these changes will have on student outcomes, specifically with promoting a positive, supportive, safe, and welcoming school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. Research shows that implementing a no cell phone policy in schools can offer several benefits:

1. Improved Academic Performance: Without the distraction of cell phones, students can focus better on their studies, leading to improved academic performance12.
2. Reduced Cyberbullying: Limiting cell phone use can help reduce incidents of cyberbullying, as students have fewer opportunities to engage in harmful online behavior during school hours23.
3. Enhanced Social Interaction: Without cell phones, students are more likely to engage in face-to-face interactions, fostering better social skills and stronger relationships with their peers2.
4. Increased Attention and Engagement: Students are more likely to participate actively in class discussions and activities when they are not distracted by their phones13
5. Better Mental Health: Reducing screen time can help alleviate issues related to social media use, such as anxiety and depression, contributing to better overall mental health23.
6. Decreased Disruptions: A no cell phone policy can lead to fewer disruptions in the classroom, creating a more conducive learning environment14.

We are confident that, with your support, CCPS students will follow expectations and contribute to a more focused, engaging, and supportive educational experience for all. Thank you for your partnership with successful implementation of the new cell phone and smartwatch policy.

As a reminder, the CCPS Board Policy 3170 and the CCPS Code of Student Conduct outline a dress code that shall be followed by all students in kindergarten through grade 12. When shopping for school clothes/items, please remember:

Students must wear:

• Shirt or top (all shirts and tops must at least cover the student’s navel).
• Bottom (for example, pants, sweatpants, shorts, skirt, dress, and leggings).
• Shoes (curricular or activity-specific shoes may be required).

Certain body parts must be covered for each student. Clothes must be worn in a way such that the chest, navel, pelvic/groin area and buttocks are covered with material that is not transparent.

Students are permitted to wear:

• Hats or headwear, as long as the student’s face and ears are visible and are not obscured, and the student’s identity is not concealed. Hoods are no longer permitted to be worn on the student’s head.
• Tank tops (including ones with spaghetti straps),halter tops, and strapless tops
• Ripped jeans that do not expose undergarments.
• Athletic attire.

Students are not permitted to wear:

• Attire that depicts profanity, hate speech, obscenity, or violence, including by the use of weapons.
• Attire that promotes use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or harmful products.
• Attire that promotes, implies, or contains sexually suggestive messages.
• Visible underwear or bathing suits.
• Headwear that obscures the face, except as a religious obligation, observation of a religious holiday, or for a school-related activity.
• Attire that depicts gang affiliation.
• Attire that causes or is likely to cause a material disruption, a substantial disorder to school activities or the orderly operation of the school, or an invasion of the rights of others.
• Attire that contains language or symbols that demean an identifiable person or group or otherwise infringes on the rights of others.
• Attire that may be used as a weapon (e.g., chains, dog collars, hats with spikes) or that may cause damage to school property.
• Sunglasses may not be worn inside of the school building unless prescribed by a physician. If sunglasses are prescribed, a medical form must be completed and submitted to the main office.
• Wearable technology (i.e., earbuds, headphones) when it interferes with instruction or student safety.

DRESS CODE (Policy #3170): Calvert County Public Schools, Policy 3170 (finalsite.net)

Open House/Back-to-School Night will occur on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:00 p.m. Please plan on attending. Back-to-School Night provides an excellent opportunity for parents to meet with their child’s teachers. During open house, parents will visit classrooms and learn information concerning curriculum, homework procedures, classroom policies, and upcoming events. There will be many parents attending and in each classroom. If you feel the need to meet with your child’s teachers about individual needs, please schedule a conference through our Counseling Department.

Students will have a laptop provided by Calvert County Public Schools. 7th and 8th graders will continue to utilize the laptop this school year that has been previously issued to them and was taken home over the summer. 6th grade students will be receiving new laptops during the initial weeks of the school year.

It is important that students take care of their device and charger. While normal wear and tear is acceptable and expected, intentional damage or damage caused by neglect is not covered under the accidental warranty. These types of damages will require an investigation by school administration and may result in a student obligation for the repair costs. We would like to avoid parents being responsible for these costs, as they could hundreds of dollars depending on the damage.

Calvert County Public Schools is thrilled to continue advancing our 1:1 laptop program for students in grades 3 – 12. To support this program, CCPS utilizes a comprehensive suite of child cyber safety and digital classroom solutions created by the company Linewize. This suite includes a robust and flexible content filtering system, School Manager, and the online classroom management software, Classwize.

What is School Manager?

The content filter, School Manager, provides real-time protection against harmful content and cyber threats, ensuring a safe and secure digital environment for staff and students. It also minimizes distractions by sites like gaming, social media, and other restricted categories. It has been installed on all CCPS staff and student devices and is already functioning as the district’s content filtering system.

What is Classwize?

Classwize is classroom management software that limits the websites students may access during instruction and provides teachers with a live view of student laptop screens during class. Teachers may generate student activity reports to understand online activities, eliminate off-task behaviors, and help students make good digital citizenship choices. It does not monitor keystroke activity, turn on cameras and microphones, or share student data.

To learn more about Classwize, visit: Classwize - CCPS

Classwize Implementation Plan: Grades 3-12

• High Schools: Classwize is currently available to all high school classrooms.
• Middle and Elementary Schools: Classwize will be made available for all middle and elementary schools to begin use between the months of September and November.

Linewize Privacy and Protection

Privacy is a critical priority for our district. Linewize has been awarded iKeepSafe certifications for complying with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and federal student privacy laws. We encourage parents to talk with their children about digital citizenship and to report any potential cyberbullying or other sensitive issues to CCPS staff.

Devices

For their protection and security, students are required to use their CCPS-issued laptops during school hours. According to the Student Code of Conduct, “students may not bring personal laptops to school because CCPS provides laptops to students in grades 3-12 and iPads for students in grades PreK-2.” For third and fourth graders, laptops will remain in the classroom each day. Students in grades 6 – 12 are expected to take their laptops home each afternoon. As for fifth graders, the decision on whether laptops stay in the classroom or go home with students will be determined by each school.

Laptop Distribution

• Newly enrolled students and students in grades 3, 4, 6, and 9 will receive their laptops during the first two weeks of school.
• Returning students in grades 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 will continue using their laptops from last year.

Parental Assistance Needed

Please ensure your child fully charges and reboots their school-issued laptop. Multiple reboots may be required to install all updates. After rebooting, please keep the laptop open and in use to complete the updates.

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.

NMS parents who drop off or pick up their student(s) are asked to turn left onto Flint Hill Road then left into the parking lot near the NMS cafeteria. The drop off and pick up zone for students extends from the sidewalk by the NMS cafeteria, continues along the sidewalk towards the NMS office, then continues along the sidewalk in front of the Mary Harrison Center. Please pull up to the furthest spot in the drop off zone so that we can allow as many vehicles into the zone as possible. Students should be ready to exit their vehicle quickly so that we can keep traffic flowing. Upon students exiting and entering, vehicles follow a route that allows them back onto Flint Hill Road. In the afternoon, if there are no additional spaces on the sidewalk before the cafeteria entrance, please park in a parking space so that we do not have cars blocking traffic on Flint Hill Road.

We are excited to share that the construction process for the new Northern Middle School building is scheduled to begin over Winter Break. The new building will be constructed in the NMS front parking lot. As a result, there will be significant changes to the parking lots and entrances to campus. Starting in January, the current NMS parking lot and the entrance to the bus lot will no longer be accessible. At that time, all cars and school buses will begin entering and exiting the NMS/NHS campus via the first entrance off Chaneyville Road by the NHS tennis courts. Additional details will be provided as we get closer to January. With all vehicles accessing just one entrance, families can help reduce traffic congestion by having their student(s) ride the bus to/from school. Students beginning the school year on the bus will have a much easier transition. We appreciate the cooperation of our school community as we work through the logistics with construction. While there will be short-term challenges, the long-term advantages of a new NMS building will benefit our community for years to come.

Students not eligible for free/reduced-price meals will be able to purchase meals at the prices below:

• Secondary Schools - $1.65 breakfast, $3.00 lunch

Each CCPS school cafeteria has a computerized debit system which allows parents to deposit money on their child’s very own cafeteria account. Students enter their 5-digit ID number at the cashier’s station where meals and à la carte purchases are then subtracted from the student’s account. Cash is always accepted, although parents may also make deposits online utilizing LINQ Connect. LINQ Connect is an online payment service that provides parents & guardians the ability to securely pay for meals, monitor student cafeteria purchases and receive email notifications for low account balances. This site is free to use, however, please note that there is a fee assessed when using this service to deposit funds into an account.

Student purchases and account balances may be monitored by signing up online for a LINQ Connect account at https://LinqConnect.com. There is no fee to sign up for an account, view purchases, monitor balances, set spending limits or to transfer funds between sibling accounts. If you choose to deposit funds through this site, however, there is a service fee per transaction.

Some students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. A new application must be submitted each school year. Eligibility is typically determined by household size and income. To see if your household qualifies, please complete, and submit one meal benefit application per household. Applications will be sent home with students in the beginning of the school year folders but may also be completed online at https://LinqConnect.com.

Applications are available in many languages on the LinqConnect site but are also available on the USDA’s website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/translated-applications. More information is also available on the CCPS website at Departments – Child Nutrition or at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/child-nutrition.

Sports physicals must be completed prior to a child’s participation in a sport. The clinics for soccer and volleyball are scheduled to start approximately Tuesday, September 3rd. If your child is interested in trying out for soccer or volleyball, they will need to have the completed physical evaluation form, team form, insurance waiver form, clinic form and $35.00 clinic fee turned in before they can participate. These forms can be located below, as well as a Fall Athletics Flyer with directions. Copies are also available in the main office. The clinic fee can be paid online at https://osp.osmsinc.com/CalvertMD/.

If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Ms. Gott, at gottl@calvertnet.k12.md.us or 443-550-9230.

Hello Bobcats!

My name is Rachael Little and I am your Northern Middle School Parent Teacher Organization President for the 2024-2025 school year.

Another great year is in the works and we can’t wait to get started! I look forward to working with the board, our teachers, staff, administrators, our community and families like yours to ensure a successful school year for our students.

The PTO uses its resources in the form of both volunteers and money to support the NMS students, staff and teachers. We encourage school spirit and encourage a close knit community. We organize school events, support PBIS, and various school clubs. At the end of each school year we’ve been able to provide a donation to the school to go towards purchasing new items that support the students.

Everything that we do relies on volunteers and donations. We hope that you will join us! We invite you to attend a PTO meeting this year, which will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM in the cafeteria and virtually.

We will have opportunities to volunteer with us throughout the school year. Please be sure to fill out the volunteer application on the CCPS website now to ensure you’re cleared in the system when it’s time to help, volunteer or chaperone.

We look forward to working with you this year!

The NMS PTO encourages you to become a member this school year! You can sign up at https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pto-membership-2024-25/

September 15 - Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. "THIS IS ME" Color Run
Join us in September and let NMS PTO blast ya with color! This isn't just any run; it's a celebration of YOUth empowerment, promoting happiness, health, and a substance-free lifestyle. Northern Middle School PTO will be benefiting from this event. Register today and designate Northern Middle School PTO as the participating youth group you are supporting.

Questions? Please email nmsbobcatspto@gmail.com.

For information about family events and youth activities taking place in our community, visit calvertnet.k12.md.us/flyers.

Please note: These events and activities are not sponsored by the Calvert County Board of Education or Calvert County Public Schools. We provide equal opportunities to outside agencies to distribute materials that offer opportunities to students and/or their parents, but that permission should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district.

Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) is establishing a joint Family Life Committee of educators who work in CCPS and community representatives who reside in Calvert County for the purpose of reviewing and commenting on, and where appropriate, recommending instructional materials. Members will serve for a one-year term.

The Family Life Committee will meet the 2nd Monday of each month, January through May at 6PM. At the initial meeting, the purpose, expectations, and the process for reviewing materials will be reviewed. Following full group sessions, the committee will divide into an elementary and a secondary committee where specific family life instructional materials will be reviewed and discussed.

CCPS is asking for any community member or parent residing in Calvert County to consider serving on this committee. Eight community members and parents representing elementary and secondary schools will be randomly selected. An official notification will be sent to those who are selected by September 20.

If you are interested in serving on the Family Life Committee, please complete the survey on this form: https://forms.office.com/r/t5g5KLbvuN by August 30.

Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) is establishing Library Reconsideration Committees for Elementary, Middle, and High School. Members will serve for a one-year term.

CCPS is asking for any community member or parent residing in Calvert County to consider serving on these committees. Each committee will consist of administrators, teachers, librarians, students, community members and parents. These committees will meet based on need.

One (1) community member and two (2) parents will be randomly selected to serve on each committee. An official notification will be sent to those who are selected by September 20. If additional committees are needed, members will be selected at random from the original list.

If you are interested in serving on a Library Reconsideration Committee, please complete the survey on this form: https://forms.office.com/r/DBa5b0Jzgg by August 30.

Contractors are paid $24.04 an hour/8 hours per day for a brand-new bus driver. There are increases for those individuals with more verified school bus driving experience starting at year 4, 9, 14, 19 and 24. Drivers work for independent school bus contractors throughout Calvert County. The contractors hire drivers to work on daily bus routes, or as substitutes, or to drive field trips and sports teams.

The Transportation Department provides training, free of charge, for qualified candidates to become school bus drivers. This is a terrific opportunity to work close to home and to serve the children and schools in our community.

For more information about raining, requirements, and an application, go to the CCPS Transportation page at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation.

Please contact Chuck Baker, Driver Instructor, @ 443-550-8778 or bakerc@calvertnet.k12.md.us for details on the free training process or with questions. Classes are typically held twice a month at the Career & Technology Academy, 331 Dorsey Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678

https://calvertnet.nutrislice.com/

In addition to hard copy notes, parents can send notes for student absences to Ms. Contee in the counseling office via email at conteeb@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

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 available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support link below. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources that can be used to solve issues.

https://calvertnet.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

Learning Expectations with Devices

• CCPS/NMS device brought to school every day – fully charged before school begins.
• Used as the official electronic device in all classrooms
• Use CCPS Office 365 account to save assignments, projects, notes

Device Safety:

• Accounts, usernames and/or passwords are never to be shared with another student/individual
• Laptop devices should never be loaned to another student/individual
• Personal, identifiable information should never be posted on the internet
• Never leave devices unattended

Device Care:

• No decorations, stickers, drawing or writing on the device
• No eating or drinking near the device
• Do not expose the device to extreme heat, cold or rain
• Clean with a dry soft cloth only
• Do not drop or slam the device on any surface
• Do not places papers or other objects between the keyboard and screen and close shut/use as a folder

Schoology accounts for parents are view only accounts. They were created for parents who have an email address in Home Access Center (HAC). For more information about how to access your Schoology parent account click:

https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/instruction/programs/digital-learning/schoology

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