NORTH NEWS

On November 4th, NMS 6th and 7th graders took a meaningful journey to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA, to honor the heroic actions of those aboard United Airlines Flight 93. The trip began with a timeline briefing by a National Park Ranger, who explained the bravery of the passengers, the flight path, and insights from the flight's black box. Students had the opportunity to explore the museum, gaining valuable facts and a deeper understanding of this historic event. Students also saw the Wall of Names, with 40 polished marble stones engraved with each victim’s name, symbolizing the courage and sacrifice made on September 11, 2001. They also visited the Overlook, offering a view of the crash site and Memorial Plaza, and the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot tower with 40 wind chimes, resonating in memory of those lost. This trip provided students with a powerful experience to reflect on the impact of Flight 93, which they had previously studied in social studies.

Park rangers praised our students for their respectful conduct at this hallowed site. NMS extends a heartfelt thanks to Ms. Updike, who organized this educational experience, and to all the students and staff who represented our school admirably.

6th GRADE STUDENST OF THE MONTH

• Phoenix Berry - Phoenix is always polite, respectful and turns in work on time without being prompted. He looks for ways to be helpful to his peers. Keep making North shine bright!
• Daphne Shiffler - Daphne is always so helpful and has a smile that makes all around her know that she is happy. She always strives to do her best.

7th GRADE STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

• Tyler Gregory - Tyler is nominated because his teachers really like him! He’s always got a smile for everyone, cares about his grades, and is always willing to help out. In class, Tyler is successful and really is a great student! As a person, his easy going, helpful manner makes him a wonderful 7th grade addition!
• Luna Sauls - Luna is nominated for being a shining star in her classes and being a genuinely nice person. Academically, Luna is in the top of her classes, and she always goes her best work. As a person, Luna can always be counted on to help out and be there for others. Her wonderful smile lights up our 7th grade halls!
• Bryce Reed - Bryce works hard every day and completes all classwork. Bryce has been very helpful this month & has listened and exceeded all expectations in the classroom this month.

8th GRADE STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

• Gavin Wolfe - Gavin displays an exceptional spirit and dedication to every activity he takes part in. Gavin is a member of the NMS Chorus and REN Club, where he is able to inspire his peers and community and contribute to projects that enrich the school community, demonstrating both leadership and commitment to teamwork. Outside the classroom, Gavin is an avid chess player that displays strategic thinking and brings dedication and sportsmanship to the baseball field. As a loyal Baltimore Orioles fan, he carries his love for the game with him, whether he’s practicing or cheering on his favorite team. Congratulations again to Gavin for exemplifying excellence, positivity, and school spirit, all qualities that make him Student of the Month!
• Jose Arciniega - Jose is one of those students who is happy to help anyone without expecting anything in return. He is humble, hardworking, caring, respectful and kind. Jose is always on task working hard to complete his work and we often find him helping other students with their work. Jose is also responsible for his own belongings and always comes prepared to class with an iPad and a pencil. Jose never needs redirection and is always on task!

UNIFIED ARTS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

• Olivia McPherson - Olivia has distinguished herself often through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior during Physical Education class. She always acts with integrity and respect to: include other students in activities, say "good game" to her opponent regardless of the score, and encourages others to demonstrate good sportsmanship and ethical conduct in and out of competition.
• Hunter Heartley - Hunter always comes to class with a positive attitude and has a heart of gold! He demonstrates positive sportsmanship by being honest during activities and always includes others!

We're excited to announce a new November tradition at North Middle School called "Thankful Thursday." This weekly event gives students the chance to spread kindness and show appreciation by writing “Happy Grams” to other students or staff. Whether you want to thank a friend for their support, recognize a teacher who’s made a difference, or just send a cheerful message to brighten someone’s day, Thankful Thursday is the perfect opportunity!

Last Thursday, students got their first chance to participate, and the response was fantastic! Many students wrote thoughtful messages, sharing positivity across our school community. A special thank you goes out to Ms. Dusing and her Renaissance Club team, who volunteered their time to collect the Happy Grams during lunch. Their help made the event run smoothly and allowed more students to take part.

If you missed it, don’t worry! Thankful Thursday will happen every week in November, so there’s always a new opportunity to send a Happy Gram and spread some gratitude. Let’s keep the kindness going, North Middle!

Senate Bill 530 requires that the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment be administrated to all students in grades 3-12. FITNESSGRAM is a health-related fitness assessment developed by The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research and is a research-based criterion referenced test. During your child’s test day(s), they should wear appropriate PE clothing and tennis shoes. If your child forgets proper testing attire, they will be required to proceed with the fitness test.

Any parent or community member interested in coming to the Local School Improvement Council meeting on November 19th is welcome! We will meet at 3:15pm in the main office conference room and will be discussing our Angel Tree program and other areas of concern for the school. All are welcome!

6th & 7th graders have the opporutnity to travel to the Apollo Theatre on November 21st to see "The Little Mermaid." See Ms. Updike or Ms. Moreland for details & permission slips. There are only 50 tickets per grade level available, first come, first served. Students with ISS, OSS, or after-school detention will not be permitted to attend. The cost is $10 and money & permission slips will not be accepted after November 13th.

Don't know what to get your loved ones for the holidays? Stop by the annual NMS Sock Sale! Every pair of socks is $1! Help Royce get rid of their extra inventory while contributing North Middle!

I’m excited to share that our library’s graphic novel collection is growing, and I’d like to highlight how these books support student literacy.

Graphic novels aren’t just “comics”—they’re powerful tools that engage students in reading, boost comprehension, and improve vocabulary. With a mix of text and images, graphic novels help students, especially reluctant readers, to make connections, enhance critical thinking, and strengthen interpretative skills.

While some may question the “seriousness” of graphic novels, research shows that they contain rich vocabulary, complex themes, and diverse perspectives that encourage empathy and creativity. Our collection includes carefully selected titles across genres, offering students a wide range of inclusive and quality reading options. Whether students are fans of historical stories, humor, science fiction, or realistic fiction, graphic novels offer something for everyone.

We’re proud to support students’ literacy journey through a variety of reading formats. Please reach out if you’d like more information on the benefits of graphic novels.

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Mills

NMS Library Media Specialist

Students who want to visit the library during recess should fill out a future pass in SmartPass during homeroom on the day you want to visit. Click on the link below to watch a video tutorial about how to sign up!

Boys' basketball try outs will be November 11th & 12th from 3:00- 5:00 p.m. JV tryouts will be from 3:00-4:00 p.m. & varsity tryouts will be from 4:00- 5:00 p.m. Players without a physical completed by a doctor will not be allowed to try out. Tryouts are closed to parents/guardians and only students with the intention of trying out and making the team are allowed to be present.

Join the Girls Basketball team at Applebee's on Saturday, November 16th for a $10 pancake breakfast! A portion of the proceeds will go towards the NMS girls basketball program!

The cheer team has two fun exciting fundraisers coming up. Our Spaghetti Dinner, Basket Raffle and Showcase will be on November 15th. Tickets are $10. Please see a cheerleader to purchase a ticket.

Our Little Blue Devil Cheer Clinic will be held on December 14th. Scan the QR code on the flyer below or click the link to register.

If you are an 8th grader attending Hedgesville High School next year, you are invited to an information meeting to run track & field this year!

Tuesday, November 19th at 6:00 pm

Hedgesville High School Cafeteria

Join Remind.com for updates:

• Class Name: HHSTrack&Field-Freshman (Class Code: @77ce3d)

To Join: Send a text @77cd3d to this number: 81010

Students, staff, & parents, please help us by donating non-perishable food items as we conduct a food drive for needy families! The drive continues until November 20th! Let's work together to feed the hungry!

As the holiday season approaches, North Middle School is proud to continue the Angel Tree program—a heartwarming initiative designed to bring holiday joy to NMS families who may need a little extra help this year. Through Angel Tree, we work together as a community to provide gifts and holiday meals to families in need, ensuring that everyone can experience the warmth and joy of the season.

Each year, we’ve been able to support dozens of families thanks to the generous donations from individuals and businesses who contribute to Angel Tree. This generosity has created countless smiles, filled holiday tables, and lifted the spirits of families in our community.

Community Donors: For those who wish to make a difference, we welcome donations of gifts or financial contributions to the Angel Tree program. Participating businesses that contribute to Angel Tree will receive advertisement in our program’s press releases, acknowledging your generous support and positive impact on our community.

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone in our NMS community! Please refer to the attached letter and link below for more details on how to apply for assistance or donate. Together, we can make a difference—one family at a time.

West Virginia has partnered with My Mobile Witness to implement a “see something, send something” reporting system that can be completed on a smartphone or other mobile device. All West Virginians are encouraged to participate in this initiative by downloading the free See, Send application from the App Store or Google Play. All of our students have this app on their school-issued iPads. The user may submit tips for “Crime/Suspicious Activity” or “School Threat or Safety Issues,” and they may also request help for “Suicide or Addiction.”

Our students also have access to our school counselors from their iPads as well. There is an icon on the iPad that takes students directly to the school counselor forms on our website where they can request to see Ms. Poe or Ms. Sigler for assistance.

NEVER SUFFER IN SILENCE! As Mr. Rogers once said, in times of crisis "look for the helpers."

Did you know that your student could receive important health care at school? This can help save time in making doctor's appointments. If you would like your child to see one of Shenandoah Community Health's medical providers, contact our school nurse or the main office for a permission form. The Shenandoah Community Health van visit North Middle EVERY THURSDAY throughout the school year.

Did you know you can manage which schools you receive communications from on a weekly basis? North Middle will be sending all communications through the app this year, trying to reduce the number of text messages we send to parents. We will reserve text message and emails for the weekly newsletter and the most important information. So, to stay "in the loop" be sure to download the app today!

Check out the Middle School Parents newsletter for November 2024! Click on the PDF below to read more!

Last week, North Middle School hosted a program focused on teaching students about preventing sexual harassment and respecting personal boundaries. Presented by Pupil Services, the sessions covered essential policies and behaviors that contribute to a safe and supportive school environment. The presenters outlined the Expected Behaviors in Safe & Supportive Schools (WV Policy 4374) and discussed the BCS Title IX Sexual Harassment policy.

Students learned about the concept of quid pro quo, which refers to situations where an adult might ask a student to do something inappropriate in exchange for a favor. The program explained how certain behaviors—like unwelcome comments, gestures, or physical actions of a sexual nature—can create an uncomfortable environment and violate a student’s right to equal access to education. Real-life examples included behaviors like slapping someone on the rear end as a joke or unwanted hugging, which can be considered harassment or even assault.

Additionally, students were educated on battery (physical violence like fighting), bullying and intimidation (repeated negative behavior targeting individuals or groups), and the serious implications of making or sharing threats online or in person. The presenters also discussed social misconduct, which includes inappropriate touching or talking about other people’s bodies, and emphasized the importance of respecting personal space and boundaries.

Finally, the discussion touched on issues like drug use on campus, including vaping and illegal substance possession. Students were reminded that such behaviors are not only against school rules but may also involve law enforcement.

The school hopes that by educating students about these topics, they will foster a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment where all students can feel supported and protected. Parents are encouraged to continue these conversations at home, reinforcing the importance of respect and appropriate behavior in all interactions.

Our lost & found in the cafeteria cubbies is getting REALLY full! If you are missing a lunch box, water bottle, or article of clothing, you need to check out the cubbies. When the cubbies are full, we will be donating unclaimed items.

Knowing how to respond when you witness inappropriate behavior is an important way to help keep North Middle School a safe and respectful place for everyone. If you see any actions that make someone uncomfortable or unsafe—such as unwanted touching, bullying, or even drug use on campus—there are steps you can take to make a difference.

First, recognize the behavior for what it is. Examples of inappropriate behavior include bullying or intimidation, physical violence, unwanted comments about someone’s body, or even reposting threats or harmful messages online. If you notice someone touching another student in a way that is unwanted, making uncomfortable jokes or remarks, or pressuring others to do something wrong, these actions are considered misconduct and are not acceptable in our school.

Once you identify the behavior, the next step is to report it to a trusted adult, like a teacher, school counselor, or administrator. Reporting isn’t about “getting someone in trouble”—it’s about protecting everyone’s right to feel safe and respected. You can approach an adult in person, or you might feel more comfortable writing a note or emailing them to explain what happened. Every report is taken seriously, and your involvement can help protect your classmates.

Finally, remember that supporting your peers can also make a difference. If someone is experiencing bullying or inappropriate behavior, let them know they’re not alone. Sometimes, just being there for someone and listening can make them feel more supported and safe at school. Knowing what to do when you witness inappropriate behavior empowers you to play a positive role in creating a safer, more respectful environment for everyone at North Middle School.

Don't miss a thing!

In health class last week, students explored the impact of smoking, vaping, and drug use on both the body and mind, with a particular focus on how these habits affect the lungs. To deepen their understanding, they participated in a hands-on activity where they built working models of the diaphragm and lungs using balloons, cups, and straws. Next, students completed four interactive stations while wearing "drunk" goggles that simulate different blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. They learned how increased alcohol consumption impairs vision, depth perception, and coordination. At each station, students experienced firsthand how alcohol affects their abilities—whether trying to score a soccer goal, make a basketball foul shot, catch and throw a tennis ball, or even undergo a sobriety test administered by Officer Tracy.

Our 7th graders started learning the sewing machine this week in Family & Consumer Science class!

Mrs. Sibert's 6th grade ELA class was on the case, ready to solve the thrilling mystery of the missing donuts. The students, like true detectives, searched for suspicious crumbs, and secret notes. Who could have taken the delicious treats? The excitement grew as each new discovery brought them closer to cracking the sweet case!

Mr. Ware & Ms. Updike's classes are currently studying World War I and trench warfare. Students are using their imaginations and what they have learned about WWI to pretend to be a soldier writing a letter home to his family, describing what life was like in the trenches on the western front.

In Ms. Heck's 7th grade Science class last week, students explored the skeletal system by looking at X-rays of different bones & applying their knowledge to figure out each bone's purpose in the body, all while they GLOWED!

WE ARE NORTH!

Our mission is to provide a supportative and inclusive learning environment where every student is valued, held to high expectations, and inspired to reach their full potential. We commit to celebrating our diverse backgrounds while implementing strategies that promote respect, responsibility, and academic excellence.

Email: rachel.deavers@k12.wv.us