Nighthawk News
Week of March 4, 2024
Our Vision: The Herbert Akins Road MS Learning Community collaborates to facilitate equitable outcomes and growth through social, emotional, and academic opportunities.
Communication Protocol
Week of March 4, 2024
Nighthawk Families,
Herbert Akins Rd MS is promoting responsible, respectful and ethical use of digital platforms. In all aspects, we promote the Other People Mindset at Herbert Akins Rd MS in person and via all social media platforms. Your support in assisting the school in teaching possible dangers of using online platforms as well as promoting the Other People Mindset is greatly appreciated.
WCPSS Information and Parent Resources on Online Safety at Home
Digital Wellness: Technology is a tool, and it can be beneficial in the overall learning process. It is a great way for schools and teachers to share information with students and families, and it is a useful resource for creating an engaging learning environment. However, the safe and appropriate use of technology, particularly social media, is dependent upon students utilizing social and emotional skills. If students aren’t developing skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision-making, then they will not have the capacity to make good choices when using social media. It is imperative that the school learning environment as well as the family environment allow for young people to develop these social and emotional skills with instruction and supervision, so when they are in a position to make choices on their own, they are making safe and positive choices for themselves and their peers.
Think of technology as an amplifier; it can amplify the best (and worst) that is going on in our world. There are many benefits technology provides for students: from being a fabulous research tool to allowing them to see places and make connections all over the world. The ability technology has to allow people to connect and collaborate can truly be transformative, but we must not be complacent about how we allow our children to use it. Technology can help kids learn more efficiently, can provide access to content for students, and can increase engagement in learning.
Tuesday, March 5th is a Teacher Workday so students will not have school that day.
Friday, March 8th is the last day of the third quarter for Track 1. Please check PowerSchool for missing work and assignments that currently have a '0'.
Monday, March 11th our Track 2 students will return to finish the third quarter.
8th Grade Parents whose student are going on the Washington, DC field trip should have the balance paid in full as the school is paying the final balance of the trips this week. Due to a lower number of students and parents participating than originally reported, the price of the trip has changed. The tour company determines the price based on the number of attendees. If you have any questions, you can reach out to AP Farrar or your student's Social Studies teacher.
Track Assignments for Rising 6th Graders will be sent via mail by the end of the week. If your student has not received theirs by Tuesday, March 12th, you can reach out to the school to ensure the correct address is on file. As a reminder rising 6th grade families had the opportunity to rank their track choices as they are entering a new level and school. As indicated on the form, the school made every effort to assign students to one of the first two choices; however, the third choice may have had to be utilized in a very few cases. Collaboration with the elementary schools has taken place throughout the process.
With appreciation for your support and partnership as we continue to #buildournest in Year 2,
Anne Marie Adkins
Principal
Positivity Project at Herbert Akins Rd MS
Tracks 1: Humor - Tracks 3 and 4: Teamwork
Dear Families,
This week Track 1 will be focusing on the character strength of Humor. Humor means you like to laugh and bring smiles to other people.
Humor is a sense of playfulness and lightness. It is a way of looking at and describing the world that brings laughter to people. A person with the strength of humor is skilled at seeing the funny side of things, bringing smiles and laughter to others, and identifying and communicating the absurdities in life. People with this strength don’t specifically need to be joke tellers, although many are.
Humor plays an important role in helping groups of people rise above difficult circumstances and boost morale. It removes us from our present difficulties by easing tension and making life more fun. This is why athletic teams often need a jokester to help them get through tough losses and early morning fitness sessions. On a larger societal level, humor often helps downtrodden groups to find cohesion and strength. This is why Simon Wiesenthal said, “Humor is the weapon of unarmed people: it helps people who are oppressed smile at the situation that pains them.”
This week our Tracks 3 and 4 will be focusing on the character strength of Teamwork. Teamwork means you work well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal, reliable, and dedicated to helping your team achieve its goals.
Teamwork is the ability and willingness to place overall group success as a higher priority than individual achievement. Those who demonstrate strengths in teamwork often work to help all group members find success. These individuals are willing to commit time and resources in order to further group goals and help toward the greater good.
For individuals, teamwork often means deferring or delaying individual accomplishments in order to ensure that the group maintains a high level of success. Their commitment to the larger group effort makes them good teammates. The positive feelings associated with being part of a larger whole -- can be highly beneficial and combat selfishness and egotism.
To practice and encourage the character strength of teamwork with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
Herbert Akins Rd MS Student Artists Open Call: Celebrating Women Superheroes
Open to all students in our school.
Introduction:
Throughout history, women have been portrayed as strong, courageous, and heroic figures. From ancient myths and legends to modern-day comic books and movies, women superheroes have captivated our imaginations and inspired us with their bravery and resilience. In honor of Women's History Month, we invite middle school student artists to join us in celebrating the legacy of women superheroes.
Women Superheroes in Stories, Comics, and History:
Ancient Mythology: In Greek mythology, figures like Athena, Artemis, and Hera were revered for their wisdom, prowess in battle, and strength of character.
Historical Figures: Women like Joan of Arc, Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks are celebrated for their courage and determination in the face of adversity, embodying the spirit of superheroes in real life.
Comic Books: From Wonder Woman, created by William Moulton Marston, to characters like Captain Marvel, Black Widow, and Storm, comic books have introduced a diverse array of women superheroes who fight injustice and protect the innocent.
Open Call Details:
Theme: Women Superheroes
Objective: Create art inspired by women superheroes, whether from mythology, history, or comics.
Medium: All forms of visual art are welcome, including but not limited to drawings, paintings, digital art, and mixed media.
Submission Deadline: Complete the participation form using the Google Form provided below no later than Mar 11, 2024. Artwork delivery: Please drop your artwork by the Art Room, 1705 by March 11,2024. Artworks should be unframed.
Guidelines: Art submissions should reflect the theme of women superheroes and may feature original characters or interpretations of existing heroes. Be creative and let your imagination soar!
Artworks will be displayed in the cafeteria area.
Submission Form:
Join us in commemorating Women's History Month by showcasing the strength, resilience, and heroism of women superheroes through your art. Let's celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women to our world!
Note: Teachers or guardians may assist students in submitting their participation form through the provided Google Form.
Congratulations to NCDOT Nighthawk Finalists!
Aletta Kurtz was a quarterfinalist and Jack Proudman, picture to the right, placed 11th in the state in the intermediate category out of over 1000 entries!
The artwork from the Top 12 finishers in each category can be viewed on the NCDOT Flickr site at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ncdot/albums/72177720315007492/with/53547540654
Apply for School Meals
To apply for free or reduced-price meals, you can do so online by visiting www.MySchoolApps.com. Paper applications will always be made available in our school's front office, or you can call 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920 to have one mailed to you.
- Application information
- Application information - información sobre la solicitud (Español)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions - preguntas frecuentes (Español)
- Sample application/Ejemplo de solicitud (Please fill out an original / Favor de completar una solicitud original)
- Meal charges policy | Cuentas de Alimentos
Online Application
- Apply for Free or Reduced Price Meals Online
- Solicitud en línea para las comidas escolares Gratis/Precio Reducido: Español
Meal Benefits Expiration Date
Prior year meal benefits will carry over up to 30 school days in the new school year based on your student's school calendar. Families must reapply every school year if they are interested in receiving meal benefits.
Questions about applying for free and reduced meals:
(919) 856-2920 (English)
(919) 588-3535 (English and Spanish)
cnsmealbenefits@wcpss.net
Free and Reduced-Price Benefits Office fax number:
(919) 856-3704
Nighthawk Athletic News
This Week's Newsletter can be found here!
Spring Athletics Fundraiser Update
As of Sunday morning, we have raised $1,398 in our Spring Athletics fundraiser. Boys soccer is in the lead and currently on track to win the Nighthawk drawstring bags! Our goal is $10,000, so please keep sharing online and asking friends and family to help fill up those calendars! The fundraiser will end on Friday, March 15, so please keep pushing so we can meet our goal!
HARMS sports teaming up with the local community in a big way
The HARMS athletic department is excited to announce our new community partnership with the A2K 2033 9U baseball team! Through this partnership, HARMS is building relationships with local businesses and helping ensure our softball field is in top shape for the foreseeable future. A special thanks to Don Page and the entire A2K 2033 team for helping spearhead this effort. We look forward to an exciting future together!
Mark your calendars for our End of Year Sports Banquet on Wednesday, May 22.
At the banquet, we recognize each sport from the 2023-24 school year.
Booster Club Memberships
Here is a link to the booster club website where information regarding sponsorships and memberships are available. Herbert Akins Road Middle School Booster Club
Booster Membership Square Site
Lastly, if you have any questions or need any help please feel free to reach out. Thank you!
Brent Winston
Athletic Director
Herbert Akins Road Middle School
919-694-8300 ext. 53051
Click below to join our Fine Arts Boosters!
We Need You as a Volunteer this Year!
Please take a moment to click here and register NOW!
Nighthawks PTA Information and Updates
Teacher / Staff Appreciation
PTA is getting an early start on collecting gift cards for Teacher / Staff Appreciation this year. Please sign up and add a small gift card to your next grocery store run! Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4AAEAE2BA7FE3-46949039-gift
Spiritwear Store Link https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/NC/Fuquay-Varina/Herbert+Akins+Road+Middle+School