NORTH NEWS

There were two main homework assigments for parents at the beginning of this school year!

1. Please update your contact & emergency information! It is important that we have current, updated parent contact information in case we need to get ahold of you! This can be completed by filling out the written emergency card sent home with students on the first day of school or by clicking the online link below.

2. Sign the Acceptable Use Policy for student internet/ devices. This was also sent home as a written permission slip or you can click the link below to complete it online. Students who do not bring this back within the next week, will have their devices locked until it is signed.

This school year, the 2023-2024 West Virginia General Summative Assessment scores will be delivered electronically by the state, rather than on paper. BCS will be providing more information later this week, including videos and step-by-step directions to help parents access their children's scores. Test results will be released on September 6th and will be emailed to both student email addresses and the parent email on file. To ensure you receive these important emails and other communications from BCS and North Middle School, please make sure your contact information is up to date.

We will be holding an attendance competition for the month of September. Students will have three opportunities to win: by classroom, by grade level, and schoolwide. To encourage students to attend, we will continue the schoolwide competition throughout the year. Students will have two opportunities to win a gift card each month. Please review the opportunities for your student to win an incentive for the month of September.

Classroom Competitions

• Each grade will compete by classroom within their grade level.
• The class with the best attendance will complete an online poll to decide the reward.
• Rewards may include movie time, extra recess (supervised by counselors and social workers), game day, etc.

Grade Level Competitions

• The grade with the best attendance will receive a reward.
• The grade with the best attendance will complete an online poll to decide the reward.
• Rewards may include a pizza party, donut party, or ice cream party.

Schoolwide Competitions

• The schoolwide competition will run from September through the last month of school.
• Students will be entered into a drawing to win a reward each month:
• Students with perfect attendance each month will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card of their choice.
• Students who miss the specified maximum number of days for the entire school year will be entered into a drawing for a $15 gift card to their favorite fast-food restaurant.

Are you ready to make a difference at NMS? Joining the Student Council is your chance to help shape your school community! As a member, you'll get to plan fun events like spirit days and school dances, and work on service projects that benefit our entire school. If you're interested in being a leader and making your voice heard, fill out the Student Council Contract (see the attachment below) or reach out to Ms. Updike in the 6th grade hall for more details. Don't forget, the first Student Council meeting is on September 16th after school in Ms. Updike's room—don't miss it!

This year, the NMS yearbook cover will be a student creation! If you like graphic design or drawing, this is an opportunity for YOU to be recognized by the whole school for your talents! Submissions are due October 1st to Ms. Sibert in the 6th grade hallway.

This is a great chance for our students to show their North pride and be part of something special. Let’s come together and demonstrate that WE ARE NORTH!

Join us for our annual BCS Bullying Prevention Program Community Wide Kick-Off event at War Memorial Park on September 19 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. There will be community organizations, along with student performances, a DJ Dance Party, fun activities, speakers, light refreshments, and more! In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held at North Middle School.

This is a great opportunity learn more about our efforts to prevent bullying and improve school climate. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in trying out for NMS Cheer, mark your calendars for September 9-12th from 6-8pm! If you have any questions about NMS cheer, contact Coach Jones at natalie.jones@k12.wv.us.

NMS Cross Country has had a GREAT week of practice! We cannot wait to see them running the course & representing NMS! We will publish the meet schedule soon!

Boys Basketball conditioning is from 3:00-4:30 pm and each Monday and Friday. For more information, see Coach Rhoden or Coach Callis.

Vaccines Are MANDATED By State Law and Students Without Updated Vaccines Will Be Sent Home! The West Virginia Department of Health (WVDH)'s one-time extension for students to receive their updated vaccines ends Tuesday, September 3!

If you have not done so already, please make an appointment with a health care provider or community health center so your child can receive their updated vaccines.

Please submit your student's updated vaccination records directly to North Middle! If you have already submitted an updated copy of your student's vaccination records, no action is needed.

IMPORTANT: Students who do not have updated vaccine records on file by Tuesday, September 3, will NOT be permitted to attend school and these absences are unexcused.

As parents, one of the most effective ways to support your middle schooler’s growth is through consistency. Setting clear expectations and holding your child accountable not only helps them understand their boundaries but also fosters responsibility and guides them toward success. Here are five areas where you can be more consistent at home to support what we’re doing at school.

1. Manners and Cleanliness: Just as we expect students to clean up after themselves in the cafeteria, encourage the same behavior at home. Consistently enforcing this rule teaches your child to take responsibility for their space, whether it’s their room, the kitchen, or shared family areas.

2. Daily Academic Check-Ins: Make it a habit to check your child’s grades and assignments daily. This not only keeps you informed but also helps your child stay on top of their work. Encourage them to plan ahead for projects, tests, and quizzes, which reinforces the importance of preparation and time management.

3. Consistency in Self-Care: Ensure that your child is eating well, getting regular exercise, and limiting screen time. Encourage them to spend time outdoors or engage in productive hobbies. A balanced routine supports their physical and mental health, which is crucial for their overall well-being.

4. Being a Consistent Friend: Teach your child to be a reliable friend by thinking about how their actions affect others, including their siblings. Emphasize the importance of kindness, empathy, and consideration in their relationships, both at home and with their peers.

5. Setting and Enforcing Boundaries: Clearly define the rules and expectations in your household, and be consistent in enforcing them. Whether it’s bedtime, homework time, or screen time, having predictable routines helps your child know what to expect and teaches them to respect boundaries.

By being consistent in these areas, you provide the structure and support your child needs to thrive both at home and at school. This consistency helps reinforce the values and expectations we emphasize at school, creating a cohesive environment that encourages your child’s growth and success.

Becoming more disciplined can make a big difference in your daily life, helping you stay organized, focused, and prepared for whatever comes your way. Here are some tips to help you build discipline:

1. Start Small with Cleanliness: Begin by setting a goal to clean up after yourself every day. Whether it's your room, your workspace, or your spot at the dinner table, make it a habit to put things away as soon as you’re done with them. This small step can lead to a more organized and stress-free environment.

2. Prioritize Self-Care: Discipline includes taking care of your body and mind. Set a routine that includes healthy meals, regular exercise, and enough sleep. Try limiting your screen time by setting specific times for watching TV or using your phone, and use that extra time to get outside or pick up a new hobby.

3. Stay on Top of Academics: Create a homework schedule and stick to it. Each day, review what assignments you have, and break them down into smaller tasks. Use a planner or an app to keep track of deadlines, tests, and projects so that you’re always prepared.

4. Be a Consistent Friend: Think about how your actions affect others. Make it a point to check in with friends and family regularly, offer help when they need it, and be kind in your words and actions. Being reliable builds strong, healthy relationships.

5. Set and Follow Routines: Develop routines that work for you. For example, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, or set a specific time for homework or chores. Predictable routines make it easier to manage your time and reduce stress.

By following these tips, you’ll start to see how discipline can make your life easier and more rewarding. The more you practice, the more natural it will become, helping you succeed in school, friendships, and everything else you take on.

Don't miss a thing!

*7th grade Family & Consumer Science classes are working hard on the beginning stages of making their own pajama pants!

*Ms. Burton's students made large DNA replicas to decorate the 8th grade hallway!

*8th grade Family & Consumer Science classes tried out some new iced coffee recipes for the Blue Devil Cafe! Next Thursday will be the grand opening for the Blue Devil Cafe Coffee Shop run by 8th grade FCS students. No caffeinated drinks were consumed by students! Sorry kids, it's for staff only!

*Mr. Callis' STAR academy students are working hard at their Science stations. We are excited to offer this hands-on learning opportunity for middle school students and look forward to seeing how this school within a school model can make an impact on student learning and more.

*Mrs. Napier and a student (who are birthday twins!) enjoying their birthday drinks in Mrs. Long's room!

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

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