NORTH NEWS

Parents/caregivers are asked to complete an online survey about Martinsburg North Middle school climate—the learning and teaching/working conditions—to help guide school improvement efforts. The results of this survey will be used to make changes at NMS to ensure a supportive environment for teaching and learning. The survey may be completed with any computer or device with an internet connection.

Parent/caregiver participation in the survey is very important, as our school is partially evaluated by this survey. If you have questions about the survey or problems completing the survey, please contact our principal, Mr. Pittsnogle at kpittsnogle@k12.wv.us. You may click the link below or scan the QR code. Remember to use the code P004302 to enter the survey.

Congratulations to Gavin Wolfe (8th grade), Ludin Barrientos (7th), and Zoie Bandy (6th) for being the top sellers in our recent Super Bowl subs & pizza fundraiser! They each won a $50 Amazon gift card for selling the most subs/pizzas in each grade. We thank Family Bible Church, who generously donated the gift card prizes!

With the potential for snow/ ice this week, we want to remind all students and parents that we have ONE remaining remote learning day for inclement weather. Following that one day, BCS will start adding school days to the school year. Last week, our Superintendent vowed not to take days from spring break to make up additional snow days.

If we do have another remote learning day and you are struggling to login, please use the QR code below to report your problem and Ms. Deavers will contact you for assistance.

With the potential for snow this week, please keep the link below handy. Here you will find resources for remote learning, including the daily schedule and troubleshooting tips.

Ren Club is now selling t-shirts and NMS bracelets. T-shirts are $8 and bracelets are $1. These items can be bought in Mrs. Long's room during lunch. Come get your NMS spirit wear to support Ren club!

Have a heart and wear your hearts and Valentine's shirts to support those battling cancer! Pay $1 and wear your Valentine's gear on Feb 20th so we can raise money for the victims of cancer. You'll already be dressed for the Valentine's Dance after school!

Don't miss your opportunity to dance with your sweetheart at the Valentine's Dance on February 20th from 3:00-4:15pm. Tickets will be on sale from your team leaders on Feb 18th & 19th for $5 and concessions will be available during the dance. Any student who has earned in-school or out-of-school suspension during the 3rd quarter will not be allowed to attend.

The student council meeting that was scheduled for Monday, February 10th has been moved to Monday, March 3rd. Please mark your calendars!

Keep Up the Great Work, Battle of the Books Team!

Hey, amazing readers! Just a reminder to keep reading your books and practice those questions by playing the games on the website. Every book you finish and every question you master brings you one step closer to victory!

You are already winners for taking on this challenge, and I know you have what it takes to win the competition too! Keep up the hard work, support each other, and most importantly—have fun!

I believe in you! Let’s do this!

Not every book is the right fit for every reader, and that’s okay! If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t like reading,” you just haven’t found the right book yet. The key is to explore different genres—there’s something for everyone!

Love fast-paced action? Try adventure books like Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick. Prefer stories that keep you on the edge of your seat? Mystery books like City Spies by James Ponti might be for you. Fans of fantasy worlds can dive into fantasy books like Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland, while those who enjoy real-life stories might love realistic fiction, such as Front Desk by Kelly Yang.

Right now in the library, we’re hosting a book tasting! Students will visit with their ELA classes to sample a variety of books from different genres. It’s a great way to discover new favorites—so get ready to find your next great read!

The boys basketball playoff games will take place the following week on Feb 24th, 25, & 27th! On Feb 24th, the JV boys team will play Wildwood at home and the varsity boys will play at Mountain Ridge. We hope to see MANY NMS fans in the stands to support our teams during the playoffs!

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.

Any 8th grader interested in running Freshman Track at Hedgesville High School should attend the parent/athlete meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, at 7 PM in the cafeteria. Joining as an 8th grader is a great way to make connections with other students before starting high school. Go EAGLES!

The Summer Career Academy provides students about to start 9th and 10th grade with a unique opportunity to explore the growing world of career & technical education. Taking cues from James Rumsey Technical Institute’s Simulated Workplace curriculum, students are invited to participate in activities & live jobs related to some of the free high school courses that the school has to offer. This is a FREE program for students of the tri-county area (Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan) which will be held on June 3, 4, & 5 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Sign up today on our website, www.jamesrumsey.com.

There are many opportunities this summer to participate in the WV Governor's school. Check out the links and information below!

Governor's School of Literacy through the Arts, Culture, and History (GSLACH) – current 8th grade students

• About GSLACH - See attached

  How to Apply - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/arts-culture-and-history/-

  Applications and Forms - There are 2 parts to the application - Go to the link above to find both parts. The principal is also required to fill out a nomination form. It is located on the link above as well.

  School Deadline - March 20, 2025 (State Deadline March 28)

• About GSI - See attached

  How to Apply - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/stem-institute/

  Applications and Forms - There are 2 parts to the application - Go to the link above to find both parts. The principal is also required to fill out a nomination form. It is located on the link above as well.

  School Deadline - April 1, 2025 (State Deadline April 11)

• About GSI - See attached

  How to Apply - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/stem-institute/

  Applications and Forms - There are 2 parts to the application - Go to the link above to find both parts. The principal is also required to fill out a nomination form. It is located on the link above as

School Deadline - April 1, 2025 (State Deadline April 11)

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.

With a potential for remote learning due to snow, there are two programs we would like our NMS families to be aware of if your family does not have internet at home.

Internet Essentials through Xfinity

https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials

Lifeline

https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

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."

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!

Empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others—is an essential skill that helps students build strong relationships, navigate social situations, and develop kindness and compassion. Middle school is a crucial time for students to learn and practice empathy, as they begin to encounter more diverse perspectives and complex social interactions. While schools play a role in fostering empathy, parents have the greatest influence in shaping how their children respond to the feelings and experiences of others.

Empathy is the foundation of a positive school culture. When students understand and care about each other’s feelings, it reduces conflicts and creates an environment where everyone feels safe and valued. A lack of empathy often leads to misunderstandings, exclusion, and even bullying. For example, if a student is struggling with a personal issue—such as a family hardship or anxiety—but their classmates dismiss their emotions or make jokes at their expense, it creates an atmosphere where students feel unsupported and isolated. Over time, this can lead to increased conflicts, lower student morale, and a school culture that feels unkind or unsafe. However, when students practice empathy, they help create a more positive, inclusive school climate where everyone feels valued and respected.

How Can Parents Foster Empathy at Home?

1. Model and Encourage Perspective-Taking

Children learn by example. Show empathy in your interactions with family members, friends, and even strangers. When discussing conflicts at school or challenges with friends, ask open-ended questions like, “How do you think they felt in that situation?” or “What would you want someone to do if you were in their place?” These conversations help your child practice seeing situations from multiple perspectives.

2. Use Books, Movies, and Real-Life Events

Stories are powerful tools for developing empathy. Read books or watch movies together that highlight diverse characters and experiences, then discuss how different people might feel and react. This helps students recognize emotions beyond their own experiences and builds emotional awareness.

3. Teach Active Listening

Encourage your child to listen carefully when others speak, without interrupting or immediately offering their opinion. Practicing eye contact, summarizing what someone said, and asking follow-up questions all reinforce empathetic listening skills.

4. Discuss Feelings Openly

Create a home environment where emotions can be discussed without judgment. Encourage your child to talk about their own feelings and help them recognize emotions in others. This emotional awareness strengthens their ability to empathize and respond with kindness.

5. Encourage Kindness and Service

Empathy isn’t just about understanding others—it’s also about taking action. Encourage simple acts of kindness, like holding the door for someone, checking in on a friend, or offering help to a classmate. Volunteering as a family—whether at a food bank, a community clean-up, or writing thank-you notes to service workers—also deepens a child’s capacity for empathy.

6. Encourage Self-Reflection

Empathy grows when children reflect on their own behaviors and emotions. Encourage your child to think about times when someone showed them kindness or when they wished they had responded differently in a situation. Journaling or talking through these moments helps build self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

By fostering empathy at home, parents help their children grow into compassionate, understanding individuals who can build strong friendships and contribute positively to their communities. Middle school can be a challenging time socially, but with parental support, students can develop the skills needed to connect with and support those around them.

Check out the Middle School Parents newsletter for February 2025! Click on the PDF below to read more!

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.

Parents or guardians interested in volunteering as chaperones for field trips must complete the BCS volunteer training. We will have events and activities at the end of the year that parents may want to attend. Please think ahead now and make sure you are a certified volunteer! Click the link below for more information.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings. It means putting yourself in another person’s shoes and imagining how they feel. Empathy helps us build strong friendships, solve conflicts peacefully, and create a school where everyone feels safe and supported.

But what happens when people don’t show empathy? A lack of empathy can lead to bullying, misunderstandings, and a school environment where students don’t feel comfortable being themselves. Let’s look at some real-life scenarios to see how empathy—or the lack of it—can impact our school.

Scenario 1: The New Student

Without Empathy: A new student walks into the cafeteria, looking around nervously for a place to sit. Some students glance at them but don’t say anything. The student ends up sitting alone, feeling like they don’t belong.
With Empathy: Another student notices and waves them over, saying, “Hey, you can sit with us!” That simple act of kindness makes the new student feel welcome and included.

Scenario 2: A Classmate Struggling in Class

Without Empathy: During a math lesson, a student answers a question incorrectly. A few classmates laugh, and someone mutters, “How do you not know that?” The student feels embarrassed and stops raising their hand in class.
With Empathy: Instead of laughing, a classmate says, “I used to struggle with that too—do you want me to help you after class?” Now, instead of feeling discouraged, the student feels supported.

Scenario 3: A Friend Having a Bad Day

Without Empathy: Your friend is quieter than usual at lunch, and when you ask what’s wrong, they say, “I just don’t feel like talking.” You roll your eyes and say, “Whatever, you’re being weird.”
With Empathy: You say, “I’m here if you want to talk,” and give them space. Later, they tell you they were just having a rough morning. Knowing you cared helped them feel a little better.

Scenario 4: Online Comments

Without Empathy: You see a mean comment about a classmate on social media. Instead of stopping it, you “like” the post and laugh about it with friends. The person targeted feels humiliated and dreads coming to school.
With Empathy: You don’t engage in the negativity. Instead, you message the classmate privately to check in, or you report the comment to an adult. This helps prevent cyberbullying and makes our school a safer place for everyone.

How You Can Show Empathy Every Day

• Listen before you judge. Try to understand how someone else feels before reacting.
• Choose kindness. Even small actions—like smiling, giving a compliment, or checking in on a friend—make a big difference.
• Speak up for others. If you see someone being treated unfairly, don’t be afraid to stand up for them or get help.
• Think before you post. Before you comment online, ask yourself: “Would I say this to someone’s face?”

Empathy makes NMS a better place for everyone. By choosing to understand and care about others, you help build a school where all students feel safe, valued, and supported.

Don't miss a thing!

Ms. Mills has created a "Starbooks Cafe" book tasting in the library for ELA classes this month. The students are enjoying "sipping" from various genres of books with a coffee shop theme.

Ms. Mijajlovic's class took a "brain break" from essay writing to make Valentine's cards on Friday!

Ms. Stover's 6th period class worked on a STEM project this week to design a bridge out of toothpicks that would hold the most weight. The winner's bridge held 17 pounds!

The kindness club made valentine's for every student in the school & slipped them in lockers!

On Valentine's Day, Ms. Keppler's art classes made paper flower bouquets! So beautiful!

Ms. Michael and Mrs. French's class came together to make Valentine's Day crafts.

Ms. Long's Family & Consumer Science classes in conjunction with the REN club, created special Valentine's themed drinks & snacks for the teachers on Friday. These types of activities allow our FACS students to experience a real-world workplace environment by taking orders, creating, and delivering items.

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