NORTH NEWS

Last week, North Middle School was full of festive spirit with our band and strings holiday concerts, as well as several exciting activities for students. During TEAMS class, students participated in a gingerbread house competition, using paper and cardboard to craft creative designs. The winning class will enjoy the chance to build a real gingerbread house next week in Ms. Long's Family and Consumer Science room. On Wednesday, our entire school participated in "club day" during 6th period. Students were able to choose a club that interests them and spend one class period in that club. The next day on "Tinsel Thursday," students created holiday ornaments during TEAMS, and the whole school celebrated "Candy Cane Day" by wearing red and white. A special thank-you goes to Ms. Long’s Family and Consumer Science students for preparing a delightful hot cocoa bar for staff on Tuesday!

The holiday fun continues this week with more exciting events:

• Monday: An in-school basketball game! Students who have earned six or more Ren points will attend for free, while those with five points can join for $2. Students with fewer than five points will remain in class.
• Wednesday: Celebrate "Polar Express Day" by wearing your favorite pajamas (please note: no onesies allowed).
• Thursday: Join in the fun with a candy cane scavenger hunt & wear your favorite ugly sweater for $1 to support Relay-for-Life.
• Friday: Students who showed growth on their Math and ELA diagnostic tests will participate in several reward activities (matball games, board games, or movies). Friday also marks the last day of school before winter break.

We hope everyone enjoys a restful holiday season and look forward to welcoming students back on January 6th!

This week, North Middle School showcased the incredible musical talents of our students during two festive holiday concerts. On Thursday night, the NMS Band and Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Cookus, performed a selection of holiday music that filled the gymnasium with joy and spirit. On Friday night, the 6th-8th grade strings classes, directed by Mr. Walton, impressed audiences with their beautiful performances and beautiful melodies.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended these concerts to support our students. Special thanks go to Mr. Cookus, Mr. Walton, and Mr. Blom, our general music teacher, for their dedication and expertise in fostering our students’ musical growth. Music education plays a vital role in our students’ lives, and we are fortunate to have such talented educators guiding them.

If you missed the concerts, don’t worry! You can still enjoy a few selections from the band, linked below. Thank you for continuing to support the arts at North Middle, and happy holidays!

Mark your calendars! The end of the second nine weeks less than a week away (12/20)! This is a great time to check those grades on Schoology and complete any missing assignments to boost your grade. Report cards will be issued shortly after returning from winter break, but grades will cut off THIS WEEK.

STUDENT WINTER BREAK WILL BE FROM DECEMBER 23rd THROUGH JANUARY 3rd! (Teachers will return to work on January 3rd for a professional learning day.)

Continuing this week, students will take their second diagnostic assessment of the school year in reading & math. It is imperative that students have a CHARGED iPad to assist them with testing. Student failure to bring an iPad for testing becomes disruptive to their ability to take the test as we do not have extra iPads for them to use. PARENTS, PLEASE HELP US BY REMINDING YOUR CHILD TO PLUG IN THEIR iPADS EACH NIGHT! We look forward to seeing how our students have improved in their reading & math skills.

**We are planning a special celebration on December 20th for any student who shows growth on their diagnostic tests!

Chess Club will begin this week & continue on Thursdays after school until 4:00 PM and will be co-hosted with Mr. Hairston of the Martinsburg Inititive. Please See Mr. Jones to sign up.

The next LSIC (Local School Improvement Council) meeting is at 3:15pm on December 17th. All are welcome!

Help us make cancer “jingle all the way AWAY” with this winter fundraiser!!! Wear an “ugly” sweater that you own, buy, or make Thursday, December 19th and donate $1 to Relay-for-Life to be entered to win a $10 Chick-fil-a gift card!

8th Grade Math Field Day practices start this week and will continue each Tuesday and Wednesday after school until 4:00 PM. The date of Math Field Day is January 22nd. Please see Mr. Jones in the 8th grade hallway to sign up.

This month, the Northern Lights have their FIRST fundraiser of the year!!! "Pick-a-Day" calendars were given out at the end of last month. This will conclude December 20th, with money being due that day. If your performer has lost their calendar, please contact Ms. Pleva for another. For anyone that would like to donate, please see a choir member or Ms. Pleva.

Looking for magical holiday adventures? Check out these enchanting books by Matt Haig!

• A Boy Called Christmas: This is the heartwarming origin story of Santa Claus! Follow Nikolas, a boy with a big heart, as he journeys to the North Pole, faces incredible challenges, and discovers the magic of generosity. Fans of the Netflix special will love diving into the deeper details and charm of the original book.

• A Mouse Called Miika: Ever wondered what adventures a little mouse might have in a world of magic? Miika, Nikolas’s tiny but brave friend, has his own hilarious and heartwarming tale. It's a quick and delightful read for animal lovers and anyone who enjoys small heroes with big dreams.

• The Girl Who Saved Christmas: What happens when Christmas itself is at risk? Enter Amelia, a courageous and determined girl, who teams up with Father Christmas to save the season. This story is packed with action, warmth, and holiday magic!

These books are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit with exciting adventures, unforgettable characters, and lessons about hope, courage, and kindness. Check them out and explore even more holiday books in the library!

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!

Congratulations to our JV and Varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for their hard-fought games against South Middle last Thursday afternoon/ evening at Martinsburg High School. Facing off against a strong county rival is never easy, and while the final scores may not have gone our way, our players demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout each game. We are incredibly proud of the effort and heart our athletes put into representing North Middle and will be working hard toward a rematch with South on January 25th!

Looking ahead, we’re excited for Monday’s games against Spring Mills Middle! The girls’ teams will play at home, while the boys’ teams will head to Spring Mills, with tip-offs starting at 1 PM. Let’s keep cheering on our players as they continue to grow and improve this season. Go Blue Devils!

As we kick off basketball season at North Middle School, here are some key reminders to ensure a great experience for everyone who is playing & attending:

• Pick-Up Time & Game Schedule: Doors open at 5:30 PM for most games (subject to change). If your child is attending a game without you, please pick them NO LATER THAN 8:30 PM. Late pick-ups may result in requiring a parent to accompany the student or the loss of game attendance privileges.

• Attendance Policy: If a student is absent from school during the day, they are not allowed to attend the game that evening. Students serving out-of-school suspension (OSS) or attending Transitional School may not attend NMS games. Once any suspension period ends, students may resume attending after school events like basketball games. Administrators will be at every game to enforce this expectation.

• Behavior Expectations: The same school rules and behavioral standards apply at games as they do during the school day. Any disruptive behavior could result in the loss of game attendance privileges and/or disciplinary consequences.

• Sportsmanship Matters: Players, coaches, referees, and spectators must be treated with respect. These games are for fun & to cultivate community. We expect all spectators to model good sportsmanship for our students.

Basketball season has officially started, and our cheer team is excited to cheer on our basketball teams. Good luck this season! A special thank you to Ms. Watson for capturing these moments.

Your K-4th grader will not want to miss the Little Blue Devil Cheer Clinic, which will now be on January 18th from 10 am to 1 pm. You can scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to register your child! They will get to learn a routine to perform at a real NMS basketball game!

We are still looking for a few more donations to assist several NMS families for the holidays. If you can help in any way, please click the link below to make your secure donation. Every little bit helps to put smiles on the faces of NMS students & their families in need during the holiday season!

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."

Parents of 6th grade students:

Your student, upon start of 7th grade year, is required to have a TDAP (tetanus) booster and Meningitis (MC4) vaccine. This is required per WV state law for all 7th grade students. This also applies to virtual students.

ACT NOW TO ENSURE YOUR STUDENT RECEIVES THESE BEFORE THE START OF 7TH GRADE. Appointments fill up quickly during the summer months and your student cannot start 7th grade until the nurse has had proof of their vaccines by the first day of their 7th grade year (August 2025). Your student can receive these through their primary doctor, through the health department, or via our school-based health program that partners with Shenandoah Community Health. The school-based health mobile unit is here every Thursday, and your student will need to have forms filled out in order to receive required vaccines. Please contact the nurse for forms.

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 December 2024! Click on the PDF below to read more!

While the holidays are often seen as a joyful time, they can be particularly challenging for teenagers. The mix of academic demands, family expectations, social pressures, and seasonal changes can lead to stress, anxiety, or even sadness. For some, unmet holiday expectations, family grief, or challenges at home make this time of year even harder. As a school community, it’s essential to recognize these struggles and work together to support our students.

Why Teens Struggle During the Holidays

Teens may feel overwhelmed by the pressures of exams, extracurricular activities, and holiday obligations. Seasonal depression, triggered by shorter days and less sunlight, can also affect mood and motivation. Additionally, family conflicts, financial stress, or the loss of a loved one can deepen emotional struggles.

How Parents Can Help

Here are some practical ways parents can support their teens:

• Maintain a Routine: Help your teen stick to a schedule that balances schoolwork, rest, and family activities. Encourage them to set aside regular study times and stick to a sleep schedule to avoid fatigue.
• Communicate Openly: Create a safe space for your teen to share their feelings. Ask how they’re managing stress and listen without judgment.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Remind your teen that it’s okay not to have a picture-perfect holiday. Encourage gratitude and focus on simple, meaningful moments.
• Watch for Signs of Struggle: Changes in mood, withdrawal from loved ones, or drops in academic performance could signal deeper issues. If you notice these, consider seeking support from a school counselor or mental health professional.

Helping Students Stay On Track

The busyness of the holidays can distract students from their academics. Encourage your teen to use planners or calendars to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks. Breaking larger assignments into smaller, manageable steps can make staying on track less overwhelming.

Building a Caring Community

As a school community, we all play a role in supporting students who may be struggling. If you know of a family experiencing grief, consider reaching out with kindness—a simple card or an offer to help can go a long way. Encourage your teen to look out for peers who seem withdrawn or upset and remind them to include others in group activities. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

The holiday season is an opportunity to come together and uplift one another. By maintaining awareness, fostering communication, and showing compassion, we can help our teens and our community navigate this busy time with resilience and care.

PLEASE NOTE: All documentation relating to absences shall be provided to the school no later than three instructional days after the first day the student returns to school. In the event documentation is not provided to the school within three instructional days after the first day the student returns to school, the absences are unexcused.

The holiday season can be a magical time, but for some people, it can also feel heavy. Maybe a friend is missing a loved one, or they’re feeling down because things aren’t going as they hoped. Even adults, like your parents, might find the holidays stressful. It’s important to remember that not everyone feels joy during this time, and you have the power to help make it a little brighter for those around you.

Here are some ways you can help someone who might be struggling:

• Be a good listener. Sometimes, just being there and letting a friend talk can make a huge difference.
• Show kindness. Small acts like writing a thoughtful note, inviting someone to hang out, or sharing a snack can mean a lot.
• Include others. If you notice someone sitting alone or looking sad, invite them to join you or your group.
• Speak up. If you’re really worried about someone, talk to a trusted adult like a teacher, counselor, or parent. Don't forget about the "See Something, Say Something" app on your iPad either. It's an easy way to report anything you are concerned about.

It’s also important to take care of yourself during the holidays. If you feel overwhelmed or sad, try to focus on the things that bring you joy, even if they’re small. Spend time doing something you love, talk to someone you trust, or take a moment to be thankful for the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem. Remember, the holidays are about giving, sharing kindness, and finding happiness in little moments. You have the power to make this season meaningful—not just for others, but for yourself too.

Don't miss a thing!

Ms. French's class baked holiday cookies last week!

During clubs this past Wednesday, Ms. Michael's class and Mrs. French's class painted and decorated wooden gingerbread men.

Ms. Landerkin's class did a great job on Friday in the library with Ms. Mills who had created a digital breakout room for students. What a fun way to learn about online databases!

Mr. Malcolm’s and Mrs. Sibert’s classes researched holiday traditions around the world and created Canva presentations to present to the class.

Students in Ms. Crowley's 6th grade science class made atoms last week! Students used paper and clay to create atoms with the proper number of protons, neutrons, & electrons.

As a "brain break" in TEAMS this week, students participated in a cardboard & paper gingerbread house competition. The TEAMS class that wins the competition will be able to create a REAL gingerbread house next week during TEAMS with Ms. Long in the Family & Consumer Science room! There has been some tough competiton out there this week!

Students from Ms. Burton's 8th grade science class. What a great group of NMS students!

Ms. Mangold & Mr. Nuhfer would like to congratulate the 1st semester volleyball champions in P.E. class!

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