Bobcat Nation:

First marking period interim reports will be distributed via HAC on Wednesday, October 2nd. If you have any questions about a particular class, please contact the teacher. This will allow them to provide you with suggestions on how to provide the best supports to help your child improve their performance. It may also be valuable to work with your child to set goals for the remainder of the first marking period.

Thank you to those families who have submitted the required CCPS Annual Student Update in HAC for your student(s). If you have not done so yet, please see below for information on how to do so as the deadline was Tuesday, September 24th.

We are in the final days of this year's NMS MEGA-Raiser Donation Drive that will help support instructional and extracurricular programs for our students and staff. Last week, we exceeded our mid-point goal of $15,000. Since the students met the goal, Mr. Webster greeted them from the roof of the school in Bobcat mascot costume. If the students reach the goal of $30,000 by the end of the day on Monday, Mr. Webster will receive a "pie in the face" at the Mega-Party from our students who reach the highest donation level. As of Sunday morning, we are approaching $24,000 and are almost there! We have had a great start to the fundraiser and would like to thank all of our students and families for their support!

CCPS Calendar Reminder

• Monday, 9/30 - Two Hour Delayed Opening for Students

Have a great week!

Mr. Webster, NMS Principal

We are excited to announce the start of the Northern Middle School Online Mega-Fundraiser with Mid-Atlantic Fundraising. We would like to invite interested students, parents, and staff members to participate in our donation drive fundraiser to help raise funds to support the instructional programs and opportunities for NMS students and staff. Last year's fundraiser supported NMS in many ways such as providing PBIS rewards for all students to recognize positive behaviors, purchasing new cheerleading & poms uniforms, providing additional funding for extracurricular programs to support enrichment opportunities for students, providing supplemental funds to lower field trip costs, and much more.

Go to the special donation page that has been created for your student & check it out! Click on this link and type in your student's name to access their fundraiser page - https://app.pledge-drive.net/Campaign/northern2024. The student donation website has options to share with family and friends about the fundraiser through email and social media.

Here are some tips:

• Make your donation now to set a good example for other potential donors to follow.
• SHARE your donation page with at least 10 family and friends with the email function on your donation page.
• Forward this e-mail and the link to family and friends.
• From your donation page, you can easily post on Facebook, send texts, and post to social media.

Students who receive at least $100 in donations in their name will be invited to participate in a Mega Party later this fall. Additional reward options are unlocked at different levels of donations. Check out the fundraiser website for more information on student rewards.

If you have any questions or would prefer for your student to not have a fundraiser page, please contact Ms. Gott at 443-550-9230 or gottl@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

If you have already completed the Annual Student Update for your children, thank you! If you still need to complete it, please follow the attached directions below. The same message was sent to parents/guardians by CCPS starting on September 5th. The direct link to access HAC to complete the update is https://hac.calvertnet.k12.md.us/HomeAccess.

This year, were asked to log in to their Home Access Center (HAC) account to complete the Annual Student Update form electronically for each child who lives with you no later than Tuesday, September 24, 2024. This process replaces the emergency form and several other permission forms and acknowledgements that are required each school year. Only one guardian for each child may complete this process, which is critical to school operations. Once each child’s form is done, it will be marked complete in eSchoolPlus, our student information system.

If you have any issues accessing the Annual Student Update on your desktop/laptop, you can try your mobile device as that seems to work for many people.

If you need to use a desktop/laptop, please verify that your browser is up to date and clear your browser cache.

To update your browser:

1. Click the three dots in the top right
2. Expand the “Help” option
3. Click “About”
4. Allow your browser to do a version check and update if necessary

To clear your browser cache:

1. Navigate to and follow these directions for your browser - Microsoft Edge - How to clear the cache (selecting “All Time” in the Time Range field is best) or Google Chrome - How to clear the cache (selecting “All Time” in the Time Range field is best)
2. Close all browser windows
3. Wait 60 seconds
4. Open the browser and try again

As we kick off another school year, we wanted to inform and/or remind our families of the importance of being to school on time. It is important that students arrive to school between 7:50 and 8:00 a.m. Car-riders that arrive after 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy. A student who is tardy misses valuable instructional time. When a student is tardy multiple times, that student repeatedly misses class time and instruction, which may result in a significant reduction in grades and possible failure of one or more subjects.

Please speak with your child about the importance of regular attendance, which includes being on time daily. The following steps are in place when a student arrives repeatedly late for school:

• 4 tardies in one marking period-the NMS Attendance Team will talk with the student
• 6 tardies in one marking period-parents/guardians will be notified
• 8 tardies in one marking period, the student will receive a lunch detention for each subsequent tardy

If there is any way we can assist you in getting to school on time, we are happy to help. Please reach out to administration or guidance if you have any questions or concerns.

We are excited to share that an online spirt wear store has been opened for our school community. Check out the link below to purchase gear to support Bobcat Nation!

https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/northern-middle-school-bobcats-1985132

First marking period interim reports will be distributed via HAC on Wednesday, October 2nd. If you have any questions about a particular class, please contact the teacher. This will allow them to provide you with suggestions on how to provide the best supports to help your child improve their performance. It may also be valuable to work with your child to set goals for the remainder of the first marking period.

The end of the first marking period is October 31st and report cards will be distributed on November 8th. These dates will get here quickly. It is important for students not to wait until the last minute to study for tests, turn in missing assignments, etc.

The NMS Staff has collaborated to develop a set of common expectations to support reduced distractions and a productive learning environment throughout the building. These expectations will be shared with the students at the beginning of the school year. We appreciate the support of our families with reinforcing these expectations.

MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement) wants you to consider participating this year. It is open to 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students. MESA will have an interest meeting on Monday, September 30 from 3:15-4:15 in the GTT Lab. MESA meetings will be on Mondays, after school, beginning October 7, from 3:15-5:00 in the GTT Lab. See Mr. Phillips or Mr. Hautmann for an application that must be turned in by October 7!

The NMS Robotics Club will meet weekly, on Wednesdays from 3:15 – 5:00 pm, beginning Wednesday October 9th. On Wednesday October 2nd,3:15 – 4:15 pm, we will have a meeting for anyone interested in learning more about Robotics.

If you are interested in Robotics, please pick up an application from Mr. Phillips in Room #2, the GTT Lab, or email him: phillipsj@calvertnet.k12.md.us. Applications are due by Friday October 4th.

Any interested in participating in our Future Business Leaders of America club should contact Ms. Lewis in Rm 23 or at lewisal@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

The Wellness Club will start meeting soon on Wednesdays during Advisory. If you have any questions, see Dr. Dempster in Rm 18 or email her at dempsterk@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

We have completed the fall sports clinics for soccer and volleyball. Thank you to Coach Curtis, Coach Poole, and Coach Bocianoski for providing a valuable experience for all of our clinic participants. Teams were posted last week. Congratulations to those student athletes who will be competing against the other CCPS middle schools. Practices for those who made the teams begin on Monday.

If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Ms. Gott, at gottl@calvertnet.k12.md.us or 443-550-9230.

Support NMS by Joining our PTO or Making a Donation before November 1 and be entered into a drawing for a Family Movie Night Gift Basket

Please consider joining the PTO, as 100% of your membership dues and direct donations help fund much needed items such as supplies, initiatives designed to improve our students’ educational experience, 8th grade promotion activities, and staff appreciation. You can sign up and/or make a donation at https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pto-membership-2024-25/

Family Memberships are just $10. This year, we will offer a discount to at least one PTO event for students that have parents that joined and/or donated at least $10 to the PTO. *Discounted events determined by PTO and does not include 8th grade activities)

Mark Your Calendars - Fall Dance November 1. A signup for volunteers is coming soon.

Volunteer Opportunities *You must be an approved CCPS volunteer to sign up.*

NEW! School Store Volunteers

The school store will be opening on select Wednesdays during lunch shifts and we are in need of volunteers to run the store. If you would like to help, sign up here.

NEW! PBIS Cart Volunteers

The students are ready to spend their Bobcat Bucks! The PBIS Carts are in need of volunteers during lunch shifts on Friday, October 11, Friday November 8 and Friday December 6.

If you are able to help, sign up here.

Smencil Sales

Green Team is selling Smencils in October and they need a volunteer to assist students during lunch shifts Oct 8-11. The greatest need is during 7th and 8th grade lunches.

You must be an approved CCPS volunteer to participate. Sign up here.

Copy Room Help

Volunteering in the Copy Room is a wonderful opportunity to support our teachers and staff. Helping with Copy Room tasks frees up time for teachers to focus on their students’ learning. Volunteers are needed each Wednesday anytime between 8:30am-2:30pm and must be approved CCPS volunteers. Tasks may include:

• Copying
• Stapling
• Sorting
• Laminating
• Cutting

Sign up here.

Questions? Please email nmsbobcatspto@gmail.com.

For information about family events and youth activities taking place in our community, visit calvertnet.k12.md.us/flyers.

Please note: These events and activities are not sponsored by the Calvert County Board of Education or Calvert County Public Schools. We provide equal opportunities to outside agencies to distribute materials that offer opportunities to students and/or their parents, but that permission should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district.

Use the link below to learn more about this exciting event.

https://calvertnet.nutrislice.com/

• Bobcat Handbook for Students & Families
• CCPS Code of Conduct – https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/student-services/code-of-conduct

In addition to hard copy notes, parents can send notes for student absences to Ms. Contee in the counseling office via email at conteeb@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

Some students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. A new application must be submitted each school year. Eligibility is typically determined by household size and income. To see if your household qualifies, please complete, and submit one meal benefit application per household. Applications are available in the main office but may also be completed online at https://LinqConnect.com. More information is also available on the CCPS website at Departments – Child Nutrition or at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/child-nutrition.

If students have questions about their device (laptop/computer), they can get help from a member of the CCPS IT team at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us or call 443-550-8146. Students needing assistance can also drop off their laptop in the main office and fill out a paper Help Desk ticket.

Supports are available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support link below. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources that can be used to solve issues.

https://calvertnet.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

Learning Expectations with Devices

• CCPS/NMS device brought to school every day – fully charged before school begins.
• Used as the official electronic device in all classrooms
• Use CCPS Office 365 account to save assignments, projects, notes

Device Safety:

• Accounts, usernames and/or passwords are never to be shared with another student/individual
• Laptop devices should never be loaned to another student/individual
• Personal, identifiable information should never be posted on the internet
• Never leave devices unattended

Device Care:

• No decorations, stickers, drawing or writing on the device
• No eating or drinking near the device
• Do not expose the device to extreme heat, cold or rain
• Clean with a dry soft cloth only
• Do not drop or slam the device on any surface
• Do not places papers or other objects between the keyboard and screen and close shut/use as a folder

Schoology accounts for parents are view only accounts. They were created for parents who have an email address in Home Access Center (HAC). For more information about how to access your Schoology parent account click:

https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/instruction/programs/digital-learning/schoology

As part of our commitment to create an optimal learning environment for all students, CCPS has implemented a new policy regarding cell phone and smartwatch use. We kindly request your support in ensuring that your child adheres to the new guidelines.

Students are not permitted to use cell phones or smartwatches during the school day. This policy is designed to minimize distractions and promote a more focused and engaging educational experience.

Key Points of the Policy:

1. Students may bring cellular phones/smartwatches to school but are not permitted to bring in other electronic or communication devices (such as personal laptops).
2. Once school begins, the device must be powered completely off (not on vibrate or silent mode) and must remain in a non-visible, secure location. There are exceptions for administratively approved times for students in grades 9 – 12 only to use their cell phone/smartwatch.
3. If there is an emergency, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school’s main office. All cell phone/smartwatch guidelines, expectations, and discipline consequences apply even if communicating with parents/guardians.
4. Students may use their phone/smartwatch on the bus or school-chartered vehicle, but it must not be disruptive or cause a distraction to the driver. Sound must only be audible through headphones.
5. Camera/video use, and phone conversations are prohibited at all times.
6. Students found using cell phones during school hours are subject to disciplinary consequences, including having their devices confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary action.

We are confident that, with your support, CCPS students will follow expectations and contribute to a more focused, engaging, and supportive educational experience for all. Thank you for your partnership with successful implementation of the new cell phone and smartwatch policy.

Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) is an app with tracking features for the bus(es) your child(ren) is assigned to ride. They include

• Showing the real-time location of your child's bus on a map
• Scheduled and actual arrival times at home and school for bus routes
• Push and email notifications when the bus is near

Click this link for more information on getting the app - https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation/bus-status/here-comes-the-bus

To create an account, you will need to know your child's ID number and the school district activation code 87557.

NMS parents who drop off or pick up their student(s) are asked to turn left onto Flint Hill Road then left into the parking lot near the NMS cafeteria. The drop off and pick up zone for students extends from the sidewalk by the NMS cafeteria, continues along the sidewalk towards the NMS office, then continues along the sidewalk in front of the Mary Harrison Center. Please pull up to the furthest spot in the drop off zone so that we can allow as many vehicles into the zone as possible. Students should be ready to exit their vehicle quickly so that we can keep traffic flowing. Upon students exiting and entering, vehicles follow a route that allows them back onto Flint Hill Road. In the afternoon, if there are no additional spaces on the sidewalk before the cafeteria entrance, please park in a parking space so that we do not have cars blocking traffic on Flint Hill Road.

We are excited to share that the construction process for the new Northern Middle School building is scheduled to begin over Winter Break. The new building will be constructed in the NMS front parking lot. As a result, there will be significant changes to the parking lots and entrances to campus. Starting in January, the current NMS parking lot and the entrance to the bus lot will no longer be accessible. At that time, all cars and school buses will begin entering and exiting the NMS/NHS campus via the first entrance off Chaneyville Road by the NHS tennis courts. Additional details will be provided as we get closer to January. With all vehicles accessing just one entrance, families can help reduce traffic congestion by having their student(s) ride the bus to/from school. Students beginning the school year on the bus will have a much easier transition. We appreciate the cooperation of our school community as we work through the logistics with construction. While there will be short-term challenges, the long-term advantages of a new NMS building will benefit our community for years to come.

Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. Volunteers must apply annually to be an approved volunteer. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing and Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings.

CCPS Online Volunteer Application & Process: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/human-resources/become-a-volunteer

Contractors are paid $24.04 an hour/8 hours per day for a brand-new bus driver. There are increases for those individuals with more verified school bus driving experience starting at year 4, 9, 14, 19 and 24. Drivers work for independent school bus contractors throughout Calvert County. The contractors hire drivers to work on daily bus routes, or as substitutes, or to drive field trips and sports teams.

The Transportation Department provides training, free of charge, for qualified candidates to become school bus drivers. This is a terrific opportunity to work close to home and to serve the children and schools in our community.

For more information about raining, requirements, and an application, go to the CCPS Transportation page at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation.

Please contact Chuck Baker, Driver Instructor, @ 443-550-8778 or bakerc@calvertnet.k12.md.us for details on the free training process or with questions. Classes are typically held twice a month at the Career & Technology Academy, 331 Dorsey Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678