NORTH NEWS

On Wednesday, May 1st the 6-8th grade choir as well as the "Northern Lights" Show Choir put on a magical performance singing famous Disney songs and dazzling with choreography. Students performed all of the Disney classics in medleys from "Cinderella" to "Frozen." Songs included were: "When You Wish Upon a Star," "What I was Made For," & "Lift Me up." Choir students, we are so proud of you and your amazing talents! Keep singing & dancing!

We want to especially thank Ms. Bair for her direction and hard work with the choir program this year!

Our 8th graders celebrated three years of hard work on Friday with a trip to Hershey Park! From the roller coasters to the candy, a great time was had by all!

There are three more celebratory events scheduled for our 8th graders:

May 7th - Farewell Semi-Formal Dance 5-7pm

May 22nd - Awards Ceremony, 8:25am

May 22nd - Picnic, afternoon

We are so proud of their accomplishments and are so glad they had an amazing time on Friday!

SCHEDULE CHANGE: The WV General Summative Assessments begin this TUESDAY with the 8th grade Science test. All 8th grade students are reminded to CHARGE and UPDATE their iPads by May 7th!

ALL STUDENTS will take the reading test on Thursday, May 9th. Students should make sure their devices are charged & updated. If you need assistance with your iPad, don't forget to click the link below or scan the QR code at the end of this newsletter or on the walls by any bathroom or water fountain.

It's that time of year again! Cheer conditioning is happening every Monday & Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00pm until May 22nd. This is open to any current 6th or 7th grade student who is currently attending North Middle or any 5th grade student who will be attending North Middle next school year. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Jones @ natalie.jones@k12.wv.us.

MHS Cheer is holding practices & conditioning this spring/ summer. If you are a current 8th grader who is planning to attend Martinsburg High School in the fall, check out the flyer below!

May is Mental Health Month, dedicated to prioritizing our well-being and promoting open conversations about mental health. At NMS, we recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on our personal and professional lives. This year’s theme, Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World, reminds us that dealing with life’s pressures can be overwhelming, and everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed.

Check out the fact sheet below full of coping skills students (or adults) can use to practice self-care.

Available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at no cost for West Virginians, TutorWV provides support for patrons of all ages and stages. For students, the program offers online, on-demand, expert tutoring and homework help in more than 200 subjects, along with drop-off review services for essays and math problems. Tutoring included for AP, SAT and ACT. Read the press release.

Shenandoah Community Health visits our school every Thursday. Students can be seen for a variety of reasons, including immunizations and school sports physicals.

If you want your child to be seen in the mobile clinic by a medical professional, please contact the main office for more information!

The upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, will include a continuation of the Berkeley County School excess levy on the ballot. A school excess levy is an opportunity provided to local boards of education to focus on improving and maintaining the educational system with community approval.

Fifteen percent of the BCS budget is provided by the school excess levy, and 100 percent of the funds benefit BCS students, staff, and the community. Berkeley County voters have passed the school excess levy since 1948; continuing 75+ years of community support for public education.

Please visit the link below to learn more about the school excess levy.

As the end of the school year approaches, it’s crucial to mark your calendars with the upcoming West Virginia General Summative Assessment dates. These assessments serve as vital checkpoints for our students’ progress and are scheduled as follows:

• May 7th: 8th Grade Science Testing
• May 9th: Reading Test for All Grades
• May 16th: Math Test for All Grades

It’s essential to understand why these tests are significant for both your child and the school as a whole. The West Virginia State Board of Education utilizes these assessments to evaluate schools. Student effort and participation play pivotal roles in determining the school's performance. When students do not give their best effort or lack preparation, it can negatively impact the entire school.

Here are several reasons why these tests are important:

• Assessment of Student Progress: These assessments help educators gauge students’ understanding of key concepts and skills taught throughout the year. They provide valuable insights into areas where students may need additional support.
• School Accountability: The results of these assessments are used to assess the overall performance of schools. High achievement can reflect positively on the school, while low performance may lead to interventions and support programs.
• College and Career Readiness: Success on these assessments demonstrates readiness for higher education and future career endeavors. They serve as benchmarks to ensure students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

As parents, you play a crucial role in preparing your teen for these tests. Here are some tips to help them succeed:

1. Establish a Positive Environment: Create a quiet and comfortable study space at home where your teen can focus without distractions.

2. Practice Time Management: Help your teen practice time management skills by setting aside specific study periods and ensuring they allocate enough time for each subject.

3. Provide Emotional Support: Remind your teen that you believe in them and encourage them to stay positive and confident in their abilities.

4. Ensure Adequate Rest and Nutrition: Make sure your teen gets plenty of sleep and eats nutritious meals leading up to the tests. A well-rested and healthy body supports optimal cognitive function. Consider limiting screen time and access to technology late in the evenings so students can get a good night's sleep.

5. Review Test-taking Strategies: Familiarize your teen with test-taking strategies such as reading questions carefully, managing time effectively, and reviewing answers before submitting.

By implementing these strategies and providing support at home, you can help your teen feel confident and prepared for the upcoming assessments. Remember, your involvement in your child’s education is invaluable and contributes to their success both academically and beyond.

Hey NMS!

Are you ready to show off your smarts on the upcoming West Virginia General Summative Assessments? Whether you're in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, it's time to gear up for some testing action. Here are some tips and strategies to help you rock those tests like a boss!

Testing Strategies:

• Read Carefully: Take your time to read each question carefully. Don't rush, and make sure you understand what the question is asking before answering.

• Use Scratch Paper: Don't be afraid to jot down notes or do rough calculations on scratch paper provided during the test. It can help you organize your thoughts and work through problems.

• Manage Your Time: Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself. Don't spend too much time on one question. If you get stuck, move on and come back to it later. Remember though, you have as much time as you need to complete the test!

• Eliminate Wrong Answers: If you're unsure of an answer, try to eliminate any obviously wrong choices. It can increase your chances of guessing correctly.

• Review Your Work: Once you've finished the test, go back and review your answers if you have time. Look for any mistakes or questions you may have skipped.

PREPARING AT HOME

Before the big day, here are some things you can do at home to make sure your mind and body are ready to crush those tests:

• Get Plenty of Sleep: Turn off the technology in the evenings and make sure you get a good night's sleep before each test day. A well-rested brain is a sharp brain!

• Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast on test day. Foods like whole grains, fruits, and protein can give you the energy you need to focus.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your brain functioning at its best.

• Get Outside in the Afternoons: Getting time in the sun and exercising can make it easier when you have to sit still for testing each day.

• PLUG IN YOUR IPAD: Make sure you are prepared! Remember, Ms. Deavers will have a large charging station in the cafeteria the night before each test for anyone to charge their devices.

• Relax and Stay Positive: Don't stress yourself out too much. Take deep breaths, stay positive, and believe in yourself. You've got this!

Remember, next week 8th graders will be taking two tests (Science on Tuesday and Reading on Thursday), while 6th & 7th graders will just have the Reading test on Thursday. So mark your calendars and get ready to show what you know!

You've worked hard all year, and now it's time to shine. Good luck, and go crush those tests!

STUDENTS! Make sure your iPad is charged (everyday) and updated! Your homeroom teachers will be checking! If you have lost your charger, need a new sticker, damaged your iPad, can't login to your Apple ID or have ANY other iPad problem, scan the QR code or click the link below and fill out the form. Ms. Deavers will contact you this week! Remember, these QR codes are located ALL OVER THE BUILDING in case you ever need to report an issue with your device!

Schoology is our online grading program. Parents are able to create accounts which allows them to view all of their child's assignments, due dates, & grades! If you do not have a Schoology account and would like one, please fill out the form below and our technology specialist will email you directions to set up that account. EVERY STUDENT benefits when parents and teachers are able to communicate!

*Ms. Long's Family & Consumer Science classes participated in a sub lunch fundraiser to help the choir program. Teachers could purchase lunch on Wednesday. Everything was so delicious! They also prepared a special treat for next week's "Teacher Appreciation Week".

*Mr. Icenhower's computer classes worked on AR Makr this week, creating augmented reality stories and videos. Students have to create a story that teaches a morale and then create the augmented reality scene that goes with that story. Finally, they had to record their story on video.

*Ms. Landerkin's classes have been working on podcasting in class. This week, they made their final recordings. Check out two examples below!

The Tragedy of Marc Antony Podcast

The C.A.D. Podcast - Redneck Romeo

"We at North Middle School are committed to doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to ensure that all student reach their highest potential!"

THE NORTH WAY

BE SAFE - BE RESPECTFUL - BE RESPONSIBLE

Email: rachel.deavers@k12.wv.us
Website: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/martinsburgnorth
Location: 250 East Road, Martinsburg, WV, USA
Phone: 304-267-3540
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialNMSpage
Twitter: @nmsteachers