NORTH NEWS

Students participated in the Mini Relay-for-Life event at North Middle School on Monday, May 13th. In addition to walking the track, students also had the opportunity to hear from cancer survivors. There was also a carnival and a concession stand where students could make purchases. In all, NMS students contributed $900 to cancer research through this event! Thank you to Ms. Bair and her team for organizing this amazing event and thanks to the many NMS students who purchased concessions or played games in the carnival!

The 6th grade field trip to JayDee's is MONDAY (tomorrow)! Don't forget your towel, sunscreen, modest bathing suits, and spending money!

Also, on Tuesday, May 21st, the 6th graders will be participating in an Olympic-style field day and will have the opportunity to socialize with friends outside for 6th and 7th periods. Concessions will be available for purchase, but students can also bring their own water bottle and snacks.

7th graders who have turned in their permission slips will be traveling to Antietam Recreation on Tuesday, May 21st! Check out the details & reminders below!

Pool Safety:

- All students will be required to wear appropriate swim attire.

- Lifeguards will be on duty, and students must follow all pool rules.

- Any student not comfortable swimming must inform a teacher in advance.

- There will be separate swim opportunities for boys and girls.

- Bring towels

Petting Zoo Safety:

- Students will be reminded to approach animals calmly and with care.

- Handwashing stations will be available after interacting with animals.

Outdoor Responsibility:

- Students should wear weather-appropriate clothing, including sunscreen.

- Encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the day.

All iPads and chargers are now past due. Failure to turn in iPads, chargers, or keyboard cases will result in $400 invoices being sent to parents over the summer. If students do not turn in or pay their invoices by the start of the next school year, they may not be able to have a device next school year. Please see Ms. Deavers as soon as possible if you have questions or concerns about a missing device!

LIBRARY BOOKS ARE PAST DUE AND MUST BE TURNED IN BY THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! This is especially important for 8th grade students, as any fees for lost books will remain on their accounts, and may cause social probation, such as not being allowed to attend dances, lunch detentions, and the withholding of their diploma until everything they owe BCS is paid. Please see Ms. Mills if you have any questions about an outstanding library book!

Are you interested in playing a sport next school year? WVU Medicine is providing FREE sports physicals for students on June 4-6th at the Dorothy McCormick Building. Check out the flyer below for more details!

It's time to start thinking about fall sports! NMS Cross Country begins on August 26th! Please make sure you take care of that physical form over the summer so you are ready to start the season! See the flyer below for more details or contact Mr. Malcolm.

It's that time of year again! Cheer conditioning is happening every Monday & Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00pm until May 22nd. This is open to any current 6th or 7th grade student who is currently attending North Middle or any 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!

Spring Mills is conducting their spring conditioning practices on Mondays & Tuesdays in May & June from 5-7pm. Check out the flyer and download the information sheet below!

The Hedgesville High School soccer interest parent/player meeting will be Monday May 20th at 6pm. Boys & their parents will meet in the cafeteria and girls & their parents will meet in the big gym.

May is Mental Health Month, dedicated to prioritizing our well-being and promoting open conversations about mental health. At NMS, we recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on our personal and professional lives. This year’s theme, Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World, reminds us that dealing with life’s pressures can be overwhelming, and everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed.

Check out the fact sheet below full of coping skills students (or adults) can use to practice self-care.

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!

As summer approaches, it's the perfect time to plan how to keep your child's education on track while ensuring they enjoy their break. Balancing fun and learning can be a challenge, especially with the allure of technology & screens. Here are some tips to help you keep education a special focus and encourage your child to stay active and engaged during the summer months.

Boosting Reading Skills

• Summer Reading Programs: The Martinsburg Public Library offer summer reading programs with incentives for kids to read a certain number of books. These programs often include fun activities and events that make reading a social and enjoyable experience.
• Family Reading Time: Set aside time each day for family reading. Choose a book to read together and discuss. This not only improves reading skills but also strengthens family bonds.
• Book Clubs: Encourage your child to start a book club with friends. They can choose a book to read each week and then meet (in person or virtually) to discuss it. This adds a social element to reading and helps with comprehension and critical thinking.

Enhancing Math Knowledge

• Math Games and Puzzles: Incorporate math into daily activities through games and puzzles. Board games like Monopoly or card games like Uno involve counting and strategy, while Sudoku and logic puzzles enhance problem-solving skills.
• Practical Math Activities: Engage your child in activities that involve math, such as cooking (measuring ingredients), shopping (budgeting and making change), or gardening (measuring spaces and counting plants).
• Online Math Resources: Use online resources like Khan Academy or IXL, which offer interactive math practice tailored to your child’s grade level. These platforms make learning math fun and rewarding.
• Review Basic Multiplication & Division: Having students review basic math facts will keep their minds sharp and allow them to work math problems faster in the fall when school begins.

Staying Active and Screen-Free

• Outdoor Adventures: Plan regular outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or playing sports. Exploring nature trails, parks, or even your backyard can provide both physical exercise and educational opportunities (like learning about plants and wildlife).
• Creative Projects: Encourage creativity with hands-on projects like building models, crafting, or painting. These activities keep kids engaged and reduce screen time while developing fine motor skills and creativity.
• Community Activities: Look for local community centers or organizations that offer summer programs. These can include sports leagues, art classes, or science camps. Such activities provide structure and social interaction while keeping kids active.

Balancing Work and Kids’ Activities

• Scheduled Downtime: Create a daily schedule that includes a mix of educational activities, physical exercise, chores, and free time. This helps kids know what to expect and keeps them occupied while you’re working.
• Independent Learning Projects: Encourage your child to pursue a personal project or interest, such as researching a topic they’re curious about, starting a garden, or learning to play a musical instrument. These projects can be done independently, fostering self-discipline and a love for learning.
• Cooperative Playdates: Coordinate with other parents to set up regular playdates or group activities. This can provide social interaction and a change of pace, giving you time to focus on work while knowing your child is engaged in a productive way.

By incorporating these strategies, you can help your child maintain their educational momentum, develop new skills, and enjoy a balanced, active summer. With a bit of planning and creativity, the summer break can be both fun and enriching for your child.

Summer break is a great time to relax, but it's also important to keep your brain active. Here are some fun and educational ideas to try instead of spending all your time on screens:

• Join a Summer Reading Program: Check out this website for summer reading programs (you can also win prizes).
• Play Math Games: Try Monopoly, Sudoku, or online math games on IXL or Khan Academy (stay tuned for more information about the NMS IXL Summer Contest).
• Cook and Bake: Use recipes to practice measuring and fractions.
• Learn a New Skill: Try coding with free online resources.
• Outdoor Adventures: Go hiking, biking, or explore local parks.
• Get Creative: Build models, paint, or try DIY crafts.
• Join Community Programs: Look for sports leagues, art classes, or science camps.
• Personal Projects: Start a garden, learn to play an instrument, or research a topic you’re curious about.
• Visit Museums or Zoos: Many offer virtual tours and interactive exhibits if you can't visit in person.
• Volunteer: Find local opportunities to help out and learn new skills.
• Write a Journal: Keep a daily journal of your summer activities and thoughts.
• Learn a Language: Use apps like Duolingo to start learning a new language.
• Explore Science Experiments: Try simple experiments at home with everyday items.
• Visit Historical Sites: Take trips to local historical landmarks and learn about their significance.
• Photography Projects: Take pictures of nature, family, or pets and create a photo album or blog.

Mix these activities into your summer routine to keep your mind sharp and have fun at the same time!

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!

Schoology is our online grading program. Parents are able to create accounts which allows them to view all of their child's assignments, due dates, & grades! If you do not have a Schoology account and would like one, please fill out the form below and our technology specialist will email you directions to set up that account. EVERY STUDENT benefits when parents and teachers are able to communicate!

*Ms. Long & Ms. Keppler teamed up once again to make food art! Students creates "breadscapes" (decorative landscapes with bread & food ingredients).

*Ms. Keppler and Ms. Long also teamed up to make decorative pancakes!

*Ms. Jones and Ms. Rhoden's classes had the opportunity to hear from an officer and his K-9 dog in class on Friday. Students learned about the great deal of training both the dog and the officer had to go through to be K-9 partners.

*The NMS Band played at Opequon on Friday for their Relay for Life event and they did a fantastic job! Ms. Aberegg is SO proud!

"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