NAMS Soar & Achieve Newsletter

Dear Middle School Families,

In preparation for the launch of the House System at NAMS, we are excited to introduce the PBIS Rewards program. This program will reward students with house points for exceeding our school's RISE expectations:

• Responding Above the Line: Demonstrating positive behavior and making responsible choices.

• Being Intentional: Setting goals and actively working towards them.

• Being Safe: Following school rules and promoting a safe learning environment.

• Embracing Kindness, Dignity, and Respect: Treating others with kindness and respect.

Students will also earn points for academic achievement and active participation in school activities.

By earning house points, students will contribute to their House's overall total, ultimately competing for the House Championship at the end of the school year. Additionally, students may earn special privileges or recognition for reaching certain milestones.

Over the next two months, our teachers will familiarize themselves with the PBIS Rewards system to ensure its effective implementation. In the coming weeks, we will provide parents with information on how to access the system and track their child's progress.

We are planning to launch Houses at NAMS in December 2024.

Mr. Kevin L. Freeman Sr.

Principal

Parents, let's make sure your student is in school each day. Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. When your student attends school regularly, they have the opportunity to fully engage in lessons, participate in discussions, and build strong relationships with their teachers and classmates.

Remember: If you know your student will be absent, please complete a pre-planned absence form to let us know in advance. Your student’s attendance directly impacts their learning, so let's make the most of every school day!

This year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of students that are riding electric scooters or bikes to campus. These new vehicles move at much greater speeds than traditional scooters and bikes creating the potential for unsafe situations or accidents. We would like to invite all of our families to please have a conversation with your student(s) to make sure that everyone remains safe on our school campus and while traveling to and from home.

1. Stay on Sidewalks: Students should always ride on sidewalks where available to keep themselves and pedestrians safe. Students should not ride on the road or through parking lots.

2. Stop at Crosswalks: Remind them to stop at all crosswalks and look both ways before crossing to ensure it's safe.

3. Watch for Traffic: Encourage students to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially when navigating through busy areas.

4. Speed Limit: Students should not exceed 10 miles per hour on campus to maintain control and react quickly to obstacles.

5. Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet is crucial for protection. All students under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets in New Albany when operating a bike or scooter.

6. No Doubling Up: Only one rider per scooter or bike is allowed to ensure stability and safety.

7. Secure Your Ride: Remind them to lock up their bikes and scooters when not in use to prevent theft.

By following these guidelines, we will be able to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Let's stay safe, Eagles!

October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month — Bullying is an issue that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, yet it often goes unspoken and unnoticed. As part of our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community it’s important to know there are things we can do to keep ourselves and others safe from bullying.

Together, let’s take proactive steps to make a positive change. We encourage you to explore these resources, share them with others, and get involved in creating a safer community for everyone.

Please refer to this link Bullying Prevention Information and Resources. Resources include recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying, along with resources tailored for parents, educators, and community members. We encourage you to visit the link to access helpful materials and join the effort in promoting a respectful and supportive environment for all.

8th grade students will take the PSAT 8/9 on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 using IPADs; scores will be released in mid-November. We will NOT have a make-up date for students that are not here to test on this day.

If you or your child have questions about the PSAT 8/9, please contact our school guidance department.

More details will be sent out via e-mail as we get closer to the testing date!

• Taking the PSAT 8/9 can also help your child to:

• Understand their strengths and what skills they need to work on.

• Find out what AP® courses they’re ready to take.

• Discover career options by exploring a sample of growing careers in their state.

The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce defines a gifted student as one who “performs or shows potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment” (Ohio Revised Code 3324.01). Not only are students identified as gifted for superior cognitive ability and specific academic abilities, but also for the visual and performing arts.

The potential areas of Visual or Performing Arts (VPA) are

• Drama/Theater

• Music (Vocal or Instrumental)

• Dance

• Visual Art

If you feel like your student is the next VanGogh or Misty Copeland and would like him/her identified as gifted, please click here for more information.

Early Dismissal Form

Pre Planned Absence Form

Lunch Menu

Final Forms

Pay Schools Central

• October 9th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
• October 15th - Orchestra Concert - McCoy Center
• October 18th - Grading Period Ends
• October 23 & 24 - Author Visit
• October 24th - PSAT
• October 25 - 27 - NAMS Jr. Musical Performance - Guys & Dolls Jr.
• October 29 - November 1st - 8th Grade Washington DC Class Trip
• November 8th - Sexting Presentation - 7th Grade Only

We hope everyone is enjoying fall! We're excited to introduce new spirit wear, welcome new members and provide fall treats to our staff and teachers!

Online Fall Spirit Wear

We've partnered with locally owned Home Turf to bring you and your students new custom designs. https://hometurfclothing.com/collections/middle-school-spirit-wear and order by Sunday, October 20. Enjoy free delivery within 7-10 days. A percentage of the sales supports our PTO.

PTO Membership

There's still time to join (with no time commitment required). Your monetary support helps us fund many great activities throughout the school year, including providing funding support for the 8th grade DC trip. Joining is easy, visit our https://napls-pto-membership.square.site/ and select either the $25 or $50 level. We also have a NEW Family membership option for families with multiple children in the district.

Hospitality Support

Thank you for helping us spoil our teachers and staff with conference dinner and snacks! Also, special thanks to Jersey Mike's and Starbucks for their recent donations!

Fall Football Concessions

Stop by and see us on Monday, October 14 for our final concession of the football season. All proceeds support our PTO!

Stay in Touch

Like our New Albany Middle School PTO Facebook page, follow us on Instagram at NAMS PTO and email us at mailto:namspto@napls.us with any questions. Also contact us if you're interested in learning more about our sponsorship packages this year or volunteering on any of our committees.

Go Eagles!

Terri Erlenbach - President

Ali Smith - Secretary

Nancy Alexander - Treasurer

Melissa Olson - Fundraising

Kristen Pietro & Sarah Mullendore - Membership

Erin Foster & Meredith Murphy - Hospitality

Krystal Sharrock & Amy Wenker - Programming

Emily Liebert - Communications

Email: news@napls.us
Website: www.napls.us/ms
Location: 6600 Dublin Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
Phone: 614-413-8500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewAlbanyMS/