Nighthawk News
Week of March 18, 2024
Our Vision: The Herbert Akins Road MS Learning Community collaborates to facilitate equitable outcomes and growth through social, emotional, and academic opportunities.
Communication Protocol
Week of March 18, 2024
Nighthawk Families,
Postcards for rising 7th and 8th graders were sent last week sharing Meet the Teacher dates for the 2024-25 school year. On the mailing label, students' track assignments for next school year are available. Unless families have contacted the school requesting a change or have heard directly from our Nighthawk Staff, no changes in track assignments were made.
Being in school and on time each day is the No. 1 key factor in determining a student's success with learning the grade level standards. We are asking families to make every effort to ensure their student arrives to school on time and remains for all classes. Our instructional school day is 8:15 AM-3:00 PM. This past week we averaged 50 students per day either arriving late or leaving early. Thank you for your partnership in prioritizing student learning and honoring the hard work of our teachers as they prepare for learning each day as this was a definite decrease since an average of 98 students per day during the week of March 4-8th.
Herbert Akins Rd MS is promoting responsible, respectful and ethical use of digital platforms. In all aspects, we promote the Other People Mindset at Herbert Akins Rd MS in person and via all social media platforms. Your support in assisting the school in teaching possible dangers of using online platforms as well as promoting the Other People Mindset is greatly appreciated.
WCPSS Information and Parent Resources on Online Safety at Home
Digital Wellness: Technology is a tool, and it can be beneficial in the overall learning process. It is a great way for schools and teachers to share information with students and families, and it is a useful resource for creating an engaging learning environment. However, the safe and appropriate use of technology, particularly social media, is dependent upon students utilizing social and emotional skills. If students aren’t developing skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision-making, then they will not have the capacity to make good choices when using social media. It is imperative that the school learning environment as well as the family environment allow for young people to develop these social and emotional skills with instruction and supervision, so when they are in a position to make choices on their own, they are making safe and positive choices for themselves and their peers.
Think of technology as an amplifier; it can amplify the best (and worst) that is going on in our world. There are many benefits technology provides for students: from being a fabulous research tool to allowing them to see places and make connections all over the world. The ability technology has to allow people to connect and collaborate can truly be transformative, but we must not be complacent about how we allow our children to use it. Technology can help kids learn more efficiently, can provide access to content for students, and can increase engagement in learning.
A big shout out to 6th Grade Track 2 as they had every student present, on time and all day their first day back from track out!
Tracks 2, 3, and 4 have just 2 weeks left in the third quarter.
We hope to have you join us for our Spring Athletic Events! You can find the link to the schedule below.
With appreciation for your support and partnership as we continue to #buildournest in Year 2,
Anne Marie Adkins
Principal
Positivity Project at Herbert Akins Rd MS
Enthusiasm
Dear Families,
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm means you approach life with excitement and energy. You energize people around you.
Enthusiasm is the ability to bring life and excitement to different situations. It often leads to a higher level of involvement and engagement both for individuals and for groups. Those who demonstrate enthusiasm bring an energy and level of intensity to individual and group work. These people are often identified as early leaders and innovators as a result of their outward excitement about a task or project. Look for these people to recruit new group members and generate ideas.
For groups, enthusiasm can be directly tied to high levels of success, happiness, and achievement. Enthusiasm is contagious. One person’s enthusiasm can spark others to think, speak, and act with more energy and conviction. Groups that are enthusiastic about tasks are much more likely to spend longer periods of time in service to the group’s overall goals.
To practice and encourage the character strength of enthusiasm with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2) where together you will watch a video, read a quote and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
Rising FVHS 9th Graders and Families
Nighthawk Athletic News
This Week's Newsletter can be found here!
This week's Athletic Schedule:
Monday, March 18th Softball at home against Fuquay Varina MS
Tuesday, March 19th Soccer at home against West Lake MS
Wednesday, March 20th Track Meet at home against Lufkin Rd MS/Apex MS
and Softball at home against Lufkin Rd MS
NOTE: For students’ safety, all tracked out students MUST use carpool to be dropped off in front of school. Ideal drop-off time is between 3:20 - 3:30.
Mark your calendars for our End of Year Sports Banquet on Wednesday, May 22.
At the banquet, we recognize each sport from the 2023-24 school year.
Booster Club Memberships
Here is a link to the booster club website where information regarding sponsorships and memberships are available. Herbert Akins Road Middle School Booster Club
Booster Membership Square Site
Lastly, if you have any questions or need any help please feel free to reach out. Thank you!
Brent Winston
Athletic Director
Herbert Akins Road Middle School
919-694-8300 ext. 53051
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Herbert Akins Rd MS
Little Mermaid Junior - 1st ever musical production at Herbert Akins Rd MS
Apply for School Meals
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
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.
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
Join our Fine Arts Boosters and secure your Little Mermaid Jr. Ticket!
We Need You as a Volunteer this Year!
Please take a moment to click here and register NOW!
Nighthawks PTA Information and Updates
Teacher / Staff Appreciation
PTA is getting an early start on collecting gift cards for Teacher / Staff Appreciation this year. Please sign up and add a small gift card to your next grocery store run! Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4AAEAE2BA7FE3-46949039-gift
Spiritwear Store Link https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/NC/Fuquay-Varina/Herbert+Akins+Road+Middle+School