Bobcat Nation:

We hope that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy time over the break with their family and loved ones. Throughout the school year, Northern Middle School has been building upon our theme – “We Rise By Lifting Others.” Thanksgiving Break is a wonderful time to reflect upon our theme and reflect on the things in our lives that we are thankful for. We encourage our students to extend the ideals of our theme beyond Northern Middle School and into their homes and community.

We are excited to announce that for the 1st marking period, 190 students earned High Honor Roll and 388 students earned Honor Roll. Congratulations to these learners on their achievement!

The Counseling Department at Northern Middle School will be hosting a Career Day on Thursday, December 12th. We are still in need of presenters in order to make this event happen for our students. If you are interested in being a Career Day Presenter, please see below for more detailed information.

Second marking period interim reports will be distributed via HAC on Friday, December 6th. If you have any questions about a particular class, please contact the teacher. This will allow them to provide you with suggestions on how to provide the best supports to help your child improve their performance. It may also be valuable to work with your child to set goals for the remainder of the marking period.

Below is a special and early holiday edition of our weekly update. Our next weekly update will be sent on Sunday, 12/8. As a reminder, schools will reopen on Monday, 12/2.

Have a great Thanksgiving Break!

Mr. Webster, NMS Principal

The Counseling Department at Northern Middle School will be hosting a Career Day on Thursday, December 12th.

The purpose of the Career Day is to expose students to a variety of professions and inform them of all the details regarding those careers so that they may relate them to their future goals and aspirations. It is an opportunity for our students to see firsthand the career choices of some of the parents in our school and community. In addition, students can see the commitment and dedication that parents give to their career.

We would like to invite you or a family member or friend to present at our Career Day to discuss the opportunities and expectations of your career. Career Day will take place from about 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm. Lunch will be provided for our presenters prior to the start of the presentations.

If you are interested in being a Career Day Presenter, please complete the attached form and return it to the counseling department by November 29th. If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor via email or by phone at 443-550-9230.

• Jessica Himes, School Counselor - himesj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
• Linda Woehlke, School Counselor - woehlkel@calvertnet.k12.md.us

Our winter Scholastic Book Fair is scheduled for the week of December 9 – December 15, 2024.

Students are invited to shop the Scholastic Book Fair with their ELA classes during the week. With the Holidays approaching, what better way to give a gift than the gift of a good book! All purchases benefit our school library and connect kids with new books, favorite characters, complete series, and more.

A new feature of the book fair allows you to say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet — your student’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.

Also, online shopping at the book fair is available. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Every online purchase will also benefit our school.

Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:

https://www.scholastic.com/bf/northernmiddleschool4

The Northern Middle SGA is sponsoring an Angel Tree to support Project Echo, our local homeless shelter. Please consider supporting our SGA as they work on this community service project.

If your child is absent because they are sick, please make sure to send in a note and/or doctor's note so these absences can be marked as legal. Notes can be turned in to Ms. Contee in Guidance or emailed to conteeb@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

Legal (lawful) absences would be those for reasons such as illness, medical appointments, bereavement, court summons, observance of a religious holiday, etc.

Calvert County Public Schools attendance policy states:

Students who miss 18 or more days, whether they are lawful or unlawful absences, in a school year will be considered for retention. Parents of middle school students will be notified in writing after students have accumulated 12 or more absences. Additionally, the principal may consider the following penalties or actions:

1. Verbal and/or written contract with parent/guardian.
2. After-school detention.
3. Removal of school privileges.
4. Restriction of extracurricular activities; and/or
5. In-school suspension and/or
6. Summer school attendance

We wanted to inform and/or remind our families of the importance of being to school on time. It is important that students arrive to school between 7:50 and 8:00 a.m. Car-riders that arrive after 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy. A student who is tardy misses valuable instructional time. When a student is tardy multiple times, that student repeatedly misses class time and instruction, which may result in a significant reduction in grades and possible failure of one or more subjects.

Please speak with your child about the importance of regular attendance, which includes being on time daily. The following steps are in place when a student arrives repeatedly late for school:

• 4 tardies in one marking period-the NMS Attendance Team will talk with the student
• 6 tardies in one marking period-parents/guardians will be notified
• 8 tardies in one marking period, the student will receive a lunch detention for each subsequent tardy

If there is any way we can assist you in getting to school on time, we are happy to help. Please reach out to administration or guidance if you have any questions or concerns.

We are now accepting applications for our Carson Scholar Nominee. The Carson Scholars Fund recognizes students who exemplify academic excellence and humanitarian qualities. In order to apply, students must have minimum of 3.75 GPA, display strong humanitarian qualities, and participate in community service activities.

If selected as the NMS nominee, you will apply to be selected as a Carson Scholar and possibly win a $1000.00 college scholarship.

Students who are interested in applying should stop by the Counseling Office for an application. See Ms. Himes or Ms. Woehlke if you have any questions.

We are excited to share that an online spirt wear store has been opened for our school community. Check out the link below to purchase gear to support Bobcat Nation!

https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/northern-middle-school-bobcats-1985132

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 have been shared and reinforced with students throughout the school year. We appreciate the support of our families with reinforcing these expectations.

There will be an end of season Fall Sports Party on Friday, December 6th from 3:20pm to 4:30pm for the soccer and volleyball teams. Students can turn jerseys in to Ms. Gott in the front office or at the party on December 6th.

Winter Athletics Clinics began the week of November 12th. Offerings during the winter include Boys and Girls Basketball, Poms, and Cheerleading. Attached is a calendar of clinic dates. Please look for which grades participate each day. In order to participate in the clinics, students will need to submit a completed physical, Athlete Clinic Form (with the clinic fee), and a School Insurance Waiver Form. These documents can be turned in at the main office.

• Winter Athletics Flyer
• Winter Athletics Clinic Calendar
• Required Forms - Copies are also available in the main office and cafeteria.
  
  • ​​​​​​​CCPS Middle School Athletics Clinic Fee Form - OSP One Time Clinic Fee Form - 35.00.pdf - Only one clinic fee will be collected per school year.
    • If your child has already participated in a clinic this school year, please complete the clinic fee form for the new sport and designate the sport for which you have already paid the clinic fee.
    • If this is your child’s first sports clinic of the year, the clinic fee can be paid online at https://osp.osmsinc.com/CalvertMD/. If you are unable to pay online, please contact the financial secretary, Laura Gott at 443-550-9219.
      
  • Sports Physical Form – all pages – (signed by a physician) - Note: Physical Forms are only good for 14 months from the date of the exam.
  • School Insurance Waiver Form – Only need to submit one form per school year.
    

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

UNO Tournament - Calling All Event Planners and UNO Enthusiasts!

We’re hosting an exciting UNO Tournament, and we need creative, energetic volunteers to join the Planning Committee! If you enjoy organizing events, brainstorming fun ideas, or simply want to help bring the community together, this is your chance! Email Alisha Coleman-Jensen at nmsbobcatspto@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining the committee!

SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Approved CCPS Volunteers Needed

• School Store Signup: Help during lunch on select Wednesdays.
• PBIS Cart Signup: Assist students with Bobcat Bucks on November 8 and/or December 6.
• Copy Room Help Signup: Support our staff with copying, stapling, and more on Wednesdays anytime from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

YES, WE STILL FUNDRAISE WITH BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION!
Supporting Northern Middle School is easy with the Box Tops app!

• In-Store: Simply scan your paper receipt to earn funds for our school.
• Online: Earn Box Tops with digital receipts from grocery delivery and pickup!
• Bonus Tip: Connect your Walmart account in the Box Tops app to automatically earn cash for the school on eligible items—no scanning needed!
• Give credit to the grade you want to support! We may run a contest.

Download the Box Tops app today!

SUPPORT NMS PTO: JOIN US TODAY!
Membership dues directly support school supplies, student activities, the 8th-grade promotion, and staff appreciation events.

• Membership: Family memberships are only $10.
• Discounts: Members or donors of $10 or more receive discounts on select events (excludes 8th-grade activities).

Join and/or donate here.

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.

“NOW HIRING! Enjoy working with children and food? Looking to work a few hours while the kids are in school? The Child Nutrition Program at CCPS has just this type of opportunity available! We are currently hiring for cafeteria substitute positions (per diem) throughout the county. No weekends, holidays or evenings required! Positions are posted on the CCPS Employment Page. Why wait? Apply now! For questions, please call 443.550.8680.”

https://calvertnet.nutrislice.com/

• Bobcat Handbook for Students & Families
• CCPS Code of Conduct – https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/student-services/code-of-conduct

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.

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 are available in the main office but may also be completed online at https://LinqConnect.com. More information is also available on the CCPS website at Departments – Child Nutrition or at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/child-nutrition.

Northern Middle School library resources connect students to a world of information beyond the school walls. We encourage students to make use of our subscription databases to support their research projects.

The link to our listing of databases is here:

Online Resources - Northern Middle School LibGuide - LibGuides at Calvert County Public Schools

Below is the login information to access our databases outside of school.

Also, students have access to the Calvert County Public Library resources through their virtual library card (CRAB Card). Information on the CRAB Card and the public library’s resources for students can be found at the following links:

• CRAB Card - https://calvertlibrary.info/kids-teens/kids/kids-cards-crab-cards/
• Online Resources - https://calvertlibrary.info/online-resources/?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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