NORTH NEWS

On April 8th, the United States was filled with excitement as we all awaited the solar eclipse. At NMS, 6th grade Science teacher, Ms. Sanders, led her classes through a reading activity, delving into the science behind this celestial phenomenon. Ms. Sanders sparked curiosity and encouraged her students to ask questions, fostering a deeper understanding of the event.

Meanwhile, in Ms. French's class, creativity soared as students expressed their interpretations of the impending eclipse through drawings.

Ms. Burton talked to her 8th graders about being in the path of totality, and how her sons traveled to Cleveland, OH to experience it. Her sons said it was a life-changing view; it got completely dark in Cleveland and they could see the stars!

Teachers also instructed our students on the importance of wearing appropriate eyeglasses to shield their eyes from the sun's harmful rays once they got off the bus that afternoon.

Through a combination of education, creativity, and safety awareness, the teachers of NMS ensured that their students were not only prepared for the solar eclipse but also enriched by the experience, leaving a lasting impression that extended beyond the classroom.

Our principal, Ms. Eyler, was surprised this week by a visit from representatives from Toyota of Martinsburg. The business establishment conducted a school supply drive and visited NMS this week with those supplies and a donation to the school for $1000! We are so appreciative of their generosity and cannot wait to put those supplies to good use! We all benefit when communities rally around schools.

The next student council meeting will be April 15th after school in Ms. Updike's classroom. Please have your rides available on time to pick you up!

All NMS students are invited to the spring semi-formal dance on April 25th from 5:30-7pm! Students should get ready to dress their best and dance the night away! Tickets will be on sale during lunch on April 24th. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate this school year!

We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all of you to join us for the NMS Community Day on April 27th from 10am to 1pm. This event promises to be a vibrant celebration of our school community, filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness.

At NMS Community Day, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. From free food to face painting, games to crafts, and even a free market, the day is designed to bring our community closer together in a spirit of camaraderie and fun. It's an opportunity for parents, students, and families to come together, connect with one another, and create lasting memories.

So mark your calendars and join us for NMS Community Day on April 27th. Let's come together as a community to celebrate our school, our students, and the wonderful connections we share. We can't wait to see you there!

It's that time of year again! Cheer conditioning begins April 15th from 6:00 - 8:00pm. A parent meeting will be held on April 8th at 6pm. This is open to any current 6th or 7th grade student who is currently attending North Middle or a 5th grade student who will be attending North Middle next school year. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Jones @ natalie.jones@k12.wv.us.

MHS Cheer is holding practices & conditioning this spring/ summer. If you are a current 8th grader who is planning to attend Martinsburg High School in the fall, check out the flyer below!

The Governor's School of Literacy through Arts, Culture and Literacy, (GSLACH) is a free summer program. Interested 8th grade students should see Ms. Poe as soon as possible to register. The deadline is Wednesday, April 17th.

About GSLACH - https://wvde.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-GSLACH.pdf

How to Apply - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/arts-culture-and-history/

Applications and Forms - There are 2 parts to the application - Go to the link above to find both parts. The principal is also required to fill out a nomination form. It is located on the link above as well.

School Deadline - April 17, 2024

The Summer Career Academy provides students about to start 9th and 10th grade with a unique opportunity to explore the growing world of career & technical education. Students are invited to participate in activities & live jobs related to some of the free high school courses that the school has to offer. This is a FREE program for students of the tri-county area. (Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan) that takes place June 4-6 from 9am-2:30pm. A bus travels daily from NMS to Rumsey each morning & afternoon! Spaces are limited. Eighth graders, click the link below to register!

Available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at no cost for West Virginians, TutorWV provides support for patrons of all ages and stages. For students, the program offers online, on-demand, expert tutoring and homework help in more than 200 subjects, along with drop-off review services for essays and math problems. Tutoring included for AP, SAT and ACT. Read the press release.

Shenandoah Community Health visits our school every Thursday. Students can be seen for a variety of reasons, including immunizations and school sports physicals.

If you want your child to be seen in the mobile clinic by a medical professional, please contact the main office for more information!

The upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, will include a continuation of the Berkeley County School excess levy on the ballot. A school excess levy is an opportunity provided to local boards of education to focus on improving and maintaining the educational system with community approval.

Fifteen percent of the BCS budget is provided by the school excess levy, and 100 percent of the funds benefit BCS students, staff, and the community. Berkeley County voters have passed the school excess levy since 1948; continuing 75+ years of community support for public education.

Please visit the link below to learn more about the school excess levy.

Did you know that teens who read regularly tend to perform better academically and have stronger critical thinking skills? According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, students who daily read for fun score higher on reading assessments than those who rarely read. This underscores the importance of fostering a love for reading early on in your child's life.

As a teen parent, you play a vital role in nurturing your child's reading abilities. With the upcoming West Virginia Reading Assessment scheduled for May 9th for all grades, now is the perfect time to implement strategies to enhance your teen's reading skills.

Here are some practical and enjoyable strategies to help improve their reading skills:

1. Read Together: Spending just 20 minutes a day reading with your teen can make a significant difference. Research by the University of Nevada, Reno, shows that shared reading enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Plus, it strengthens the parent-child bond.

2. Utilize Everyday Situations: Did you know that 85% of what we learn is through reading? Take advantage of everyday situations to reinforce reading skills. Whether it's deciphering recipe instructions while cooking together or discussing the news, encourage your teen to engage with text in various contexts.

3. Create a Reading Corner: Studies have shown that having access to a variety of reading materials at home significantly impacts a child's reading achievement. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), students with more books in the home tend to perform better on reading tests. So, carve out a cozy reading nook and fill it with books, magazines, and other reading materials to encourage independent reading.

4. Engage with Multimedia: In today's digital age, there are countless multimedia resources available to supplement traditional reading materials. According to a survey by Common Sense Media, 53% of teens listen to podcasts regularly. Embrace audiobooks, podcasts, and educational videos as additional avenues for learning and discussion.

5. Play Word Games: Did you know that playing word games like Scrabble can improve vocabulary and cognitive skills? Research shows that engaging in word-based activities enhances language processing abilities. So, make learning fun by incorporating word games into your family time.

Remember, incorporating purposeful reading activities into your family's daily lives is not just to prepare for reading assessments, but to foster a lifelong love for reading and learning. Together, you and your teen can unlock the doors to a brighter future through the power of reading.

Hi NMS! Did you know that reading for just 20 minutes a day can make a big difference in how well you do in school? Research shows that students who read regularly tend to have better grades and understand things more easily. So, let's explore some fun ways to make reading a part of your daily routine and even learn some cool facts along the way!

1. Set Aside 20 Minutes: Find a cozy spot and set aside 20 minutes every day just for reading. It could be right after school, before bedtime, or any time that works best for you. Make it a habit, like brushing your teeth or checking your phone!

2. Pick the Right Books: Choose books that interest you! Whether it's about adventure, mystery, animals, or sports, there's a book out there for everyone. Not sure where to start? Ask your friends, family, or librarian (Ms. Mills is GREAT for suggestions!) for recommendations.

3. Make Reading Fun: Reading doesn't have to be boring! Create a cozy reading nook in your room with pillows and blankets. Podcast or post reviews on social media about what you are reading. You can even take turns reading aloud with a buddy or family member.

4. Explore Different Formats: Did you know that reading isn't just about books? You can read magazines, comics, newspapers, or even online articles. Mix it up and see what you enjoy the most!

5. Discover New Words: Every time you come across a word you don't know, look it up! Building your vocabulary will help you understand more of what you read and make you a better writer too.

Now, let's talk facts! Did you know that reading 20 minutes a day adds up to over 1.8 million words a year? That's a lot of words! And here's another one: Kids who read for fun have higher test scores in all subjects, not just reading. So, keep reading and watch your brain grow!

10 ONLINE SOURCES FOR READING:

Martinsburg Library: Visit the catalog or find an online book.

Wattpad: A platform where users can read and share stories across genres, from romance to fantasy and beyond.

Scribd: Offers a vast collection of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and more, accessible through a subscription service.

BookBub: Provides personalized book recommendations and access to discounted or free e-books across various genres.

Goodreads: A social platform for book lovers where you can discover new reads, track your reading progress, and join discussion groups.

Serial Reader: Delivers classic literature in bite-sized installments, making it easier to tackle iconic works over time.

LitLovers: Offers reading guides, book recommendations, and discussion forums to enhance your reading experience.

ManyBooks: Provides a vast collection of free e-books in multiple formats, from classics to contemporary titles.

Reactor: Focuses on science fiction and fantasy literature, offering short stories, articles, and news about upcoming releases.

National Geographic Kids: Features articles, quizzes, and interactive content covering science, nature, and exploration for young readers.

8 FUN PLACES TO READ:

• Local Park: Find a shady spot under a tree or on a bench and enjoy reading surrounded by nature.
• Cozy Cafe: Coffee shops and cafes often provide a relaxed atmosphere perfect for getting lost in a good book.
• Beach or Poolside: Lounge by the water with a captivating read to enjoy the sun and the story simultaneously.
• Public Library: Libraries offer a quiet and comfortable environment with endless book options to explore.
• Treehouse or Hammock: Create your own reading retreat outdoors in a treehouse or hammock for a unique experience.
• Bookstore: Wander the aisles of a bookstore, browsing through books, and finding a cozy corner to read.
• Bedroom Fort: Build a blanket fort in your bedroom for a cozy and imaginative reading hideaway.
• On the Deck/ Porch: Explore the beauty of nature while reading outside or in the sunshine.

STUDENTS! Make sure your iPad is charged (everyday) and updated! Your homeroom teachers will be checking! If you have lost your charger, need a new sticker, damaged your iPad, can't login to your Apple ID or have ANY other iPad problem, scan the QR code or click the link below and fill out the form. Ms. Deavers will contact you this week! Remember, these QR codes are located ALL OVER THE BUILDING in case you ever need to report an issue with your device!

*Ms. Stover's classes have finished their book Hatchet by Gary Paulson. As a final project, they are currently working on creating augmented reality scenes of the main character's campsite in the novel. This week they have been collecting images & next week they will use the AR Makr app on the iPad to create their scenes.

*On Wednesday, choir students auditioned in front of all 3 feeder high school show choir directors and/or "The Northern Lights" directors for next year's team! They learned choreography from Lily, an MHS senior Lily (who used to be one of Ms. Bair's students). Ms. Bair loves how show choir builds a stronger community!

*Ms. Branch came up with a fun idea for 7th grade reading students to work together as they show their reading skills that they learned throughout the year!

"We at North Middle School are committed to doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to ensure that all student reach their highest potential!"

THE NORTH WAY

BE SAFE - BE RESPECTFUL - BE RESPONSIBLE

Email: rachel.deavers@k12.wv.us
Website: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/martinsburgnorth
Location: 250 East Road, Martinsburg, WV, USA
Phone: 304-267-3540
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialNMSpage
Twitter: @nmsteachers