NMS Family Update

Dear Families,

Happy May! 24 school days left for this calendar year. As a new Principal in Elyria, I can honestly say it has been amazing, and gone by terribly quickly. The school year is not quite over yet. We have one more state test, several field trips, and a lot more learning to do. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, it is important that parents and guardians are keeping track of student progress and helping them to meet their goals. This is the time of the year grit and perseverance are all important. Please continue to reach out so we can best meet your needs as a family and the needs of our students. In particular, reminders about dress code would be greatly appreciated. Guidelines are below.

As we look towards the 24-25 school year, it is important that new expectations are communicated and we improve in certain areas to ensure that our students' achievement and building culture keeps getting better. Please be on the lookout for communication regarding parent meetings in August. Attendance to these meetings will be highly important as we want no one to be surprised when it comes to academic or behavioral expectations.

Sincerely,

Michael Basinski and Jean Capacetti

NWMS Principals

Ashley Meikle

NWMS Assistant Principal

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As May has arrived, it's vital for parents to recognize the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month, especially in the context of their middle school-aged children. Adolescence is a time of profound changes, both physically and emotionally, and fostering mental well-being is crucial during this pivotal stage of development. Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize our children's mental health and equip them with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges they may face. By actively engaging in conversations about mental health, parents can create a supportive environment where their children feel comfortable expressing their feelings and seeking help when needed.

Keeping track of your child's mental health doesn't have to be complicated. Simple strategies like regular check-ins, attentive listening, and observing changes in behavior can provide valuable insights into their emotional well-being. Encourage open communication by creating a safe space for discussions about feelings and experiences. Additionally, familiarize yourself with resources available both within and outside the school community, such as school counselors, mental health professionals, and support groups. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you notice persistent signs of distress or if your child expresses concerns about their mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. Together, we can prioritize mental health awareness and support our children in leading fulfilling and emotionally healthy lives.

As part of state law, Northwood recently participated in an SOS - Signs of Suicide Prevention Program - which teaches warning signs for suicide and how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) to get help if you are worried about yourself or a friend.

SOS Signs of Suicide is an evidence-based suicide prevention program that has demonstrated a 64% reduction in self-reported suicide attempts. Designed for grades 6-12, SOS teaches students how to identify signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers, while providing materials that support school professionals, parents, and communities in recognizing at-risk students and taking appropriate action.

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Email: northwoodmiddleoffice@elyriaschools.org
Website: https://www.elyriaschools.org/domain/88
Location: 570 Abbe Road North, Elyria, OH, USA
Phone: 4402848016
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwmselyria