Nighthawk News
Week of September 4, 2023
Our Vision: The Herbert Akins Road MS Learning Community collaborates to facilitate equitable outcomes and growth through social, emotional, and academic opportunities.
Week of September 4, 2023
Nighthawk Families,
We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and fun holiday weekend. As you know there will be no school on Monday, September 4th, in observance of Labor Day.
- Athletic tryouts begin this week. Details are listed below in this newsletter. Be sure your student is aware of which day they should attend tryouts.
- Due to the delays in WCPSS Bus Transportation and the significant increase in our enrollment impacting carpool, athletic team tryouts/practices will not begin until 3:30 PM this school year.
- Our first annual 6th Grade Social will be this Friday, September 8th. Details are in this newsletter to volunteer and purchase a ticket. Students who attend the dance will stay after school and can be picked up at 5:30 PM by following our typical carpool procedures. There will be someone in carpool to take your student's number or name. Due to the large number of students and for safety reasons, students may not be dismissed early from the Social.
- We will host our First Annual Nighthawk Family Ed Camp (it is similar to a Curriculum Night) on September 26th and October 17th from 6:30-8:00 PM. Prior to each evening, a survey will be sent to families listing the names of the sessions offered. Families will be able to indicate their interest so we can determine how big of a space is needed for certain sessions. A wide variety of topics will be offered to meet the diverse needs of students and families throughout our school community.
- Our Nighthawk Staff Team is providing highly effective instruction to students in their classrooms. As is on the Communication Protocol in this newsletter, you can reach out to teachers with any inquiries or shout-outs regarding your student's classroom experience.
Here are a couple of fun facts:
- Did you know that this is just our second year as a school community and we have over 700 students new to our school this year? Due to having 1230 students in our Nest this year, we are like a new school again as last year we finished the school year with only 890 students. Structures throughout our building are different to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment each and every day.
- Did you know that we are already the 4th largest middle school out of 40 middle schools in WCPSS? Mills Park MS, Alston Ridge MS, and Apex Friendship MS are the only schools larger than us.
With appreciation for your support and partnership as we continue to #buildournest in Year 2,
Anne Marie Adkins
Principal
Inaugural School Improvement Team/Plan at Herbert Akins Rd MS
School Improvement Teams and Plans are a general statute in NC, and new schools are not required to create this team or have a plan. However, when a school community enters their 2nd year, the team and plan begin to form. While we are in another inaugural year with over 700 new students to our school and an additional 35 staff members from last school year, we are extremely fortunate. We have already been noted an exemplar school for our safe, consistent equitable structures as a new middle school and for having over 40 staff members on our team as well as 4 parent representatives. For more information on School Improvement, you can visit our school website at https://www.wcpss.net/domain/19577.
Transportation Information - Bus, Walker, Carpool, Bike Rider
UPDATES Below for those who utilize our CARPOOL
2023-2024 Bus Routes can be found here.
If you have not yet requested bus transportation for 2023-2024, please go to the WCPSS website to complete your request. You will have to request transportation even if you had transportation last school year.
To request a walker's pass and/or carpool number click here.
Please watch this carpool video to better understand how carpool will operate at our school. It is imperative that everyone adhere to the structures for safety and to ensure we are completed with carpool and bus arrival/dismissal so the elementary school can begin their procedures by 3:45 PM.
With all the changes in bus transportation this year, we know there will be longer lines in carpool. Please be sure your student knows this year's carpool number so they can come outdoors as soon as they see their number posted. Cars whose students are not outside by the time the car pulls up to the loading zone, will need to circle through the school's front parking lot. We must load at least 6 cars at a time to keep our carpool running and completed in time to not impact the elementary school's dismissal. With the significant growth of our school this year and the high volume of cars for the design of our school campus, we appreciate everyone's support and diligence to ensure a safe and orderly dismissal.
Mark your calendars...more details to come!
National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Thursday, Sep 7, 2023, 06:00 PM
Positivity Project at Herbert Akins Rd MS - Prudence and 1st Quarter Review for Track 1
Dear Families,
We want to offer the opportunity for you to take the VIA Survey at home so you can engage in dialogue and discussion with your student about the Other People Mindset and Character Strengths found within all of us. You will be able to share stories and perspectives with your student and other members of your family as you highlight and learn more about your top Character Strengths.
To access the VIA Survey, please click this link.
This week Track 1 will be engaging in Project Based Learning opportunities and a review of the Character Strengths they have been studying throughout the first quarter.
This week our Track 3 and 4 Teams will be focusing on the character strength of Prudence. Prudence means you plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.
Prudence is the ability to do the right thing for the right reason, at the right time. It’s a future-oriented way of thinking that helps a person set goals, make plans, and have the discipline to accomplish them. It is cognitive -- more a strength of the head than of the heart.
Prudence supports effective individual self-management. Whether aspiring for an athletic record, academic grade, or purchasing a car, foresight and planning are necessary. However, even with a plan, long-term goals can only be obtained by overcoming those impulses and desires that steer you away from your goals. Prudence provides the wisdom to know which character strength to leverage, at which time, to achieve your desired end state.
ALL FAMILIES: To practice and encourage the character strengths 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!
Carpool Updates
As you may have observed, FVPD has been assisting in ensuring a safe and orderly environment for vehicles and school buses to enter the Herbert Akins Rd MS and Herbert Akins Rd ES campus. The traffic division as well as the SRO division have been problem solving and brainstorming. Please note the following information and guidance that has been shared with us to communicate to families and community members.
1. During arrival and dismissal vehicles cannot turn left from the straight lane and stop in a travel lane. Warnings have been given but citations will eventually be given.
2. When traffic is backed up on Herbert Akins Road towards James Slaughter, cars should not get into the oncoming traffic lane and bypass other cars to turn left onto the campus. If there are repeat offenders, citations will be given.
3. It is difficult for the school buses that come from James Slaughter Road to make a left onto the campus. The bus normally turns left from the straight lane, which is difficult at times due to cars waiting to make a left and the bus does not have enough space to turn. Traffic will be stopped to allow the school buses to safely turn left.
4. Speeding is also an issue in the school zone. A traffic enforcement officer will be on James Slaughter and/or Herbert Akins Road at times for speeding enforcement.
Please note that WCPSS does not allow employees to assist with traffic unless it is on a school campus. We are unable to have staff serve as crossing guards on Herbert Akins Road. We ask that you be very careful as you drive on our campus and through carpool as two staff members were hit by cars during our carpool last school year. We have a significant increase in the number of vehicles using carpool this year. Thank you for you attention to this major safety situation and concern.
Nighthawk Athletic News
During the 2023-2024 school year we are going to start a NightHawk Athletic News Letter to help keep everyone informed of all things Athletics. This will be a great resource for parents and athletes to check for any new information, athletic practice/game schedules, weekly team needs, booster club, ect. New athletic information will be added each week so be sure to read everything!
To start many are wondering about our athletic schedule and tryout dates. Here is a link to our 2023-2024 NightHawk Athletic Schedule with tryout dates for each season. This document will be updated if any changes are made to the game schedules.
For tryouts please if you already have a Dragonfly account, log on and verify everything is completed. When Dragonfly rolled over to the 2023-2024 school year a few of the forms expired and needed to be redone. If you have not created an account please be sure to do so as soon as possible. Below is some helpful information regarding the Dragonfly process. If you plan on trying out for any sports or doing any open gyms please do not wait to get your DragonFly completed.
Fall Tryout Information
Girl’s Soccer:
Coach Guzman & Coach Cespedes will hold tryouts on September 5-6th for 7th graders and September 7-8th for 8th graders from 3:30-5:30. Please be prepared to be inside or outside depending on the weather.
Football
Coach Riddick, Coach Samuels, & Coach Winston will hold tryouts September 5-6-7th for both 7th and 8th graders from 3:30-5:30. Please be prepared to be inside or outside depending on the weather.
Volleyball
Coach Alombro and Coach Cascadden will hold tryouts September 5th for 7th graders and September 6th for 8th graders in the gym from 3:30-5.
Cheerleading
Coach Pennington and Coach McKenzie will hold tryouts September 5-6-7th for both 7th and 8th graders in the cafeteria from 3:30-5:30.
Athletic Paperwork Information
Athletic Physicals can be found here. https://www.wcpss.net/Page/1465
PLEASE USE THE REGISTRATION LINK FOR DRAGONFLY. NO PAPER COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF TRYOUTS.
How to use DragonFly instructions CLICK HERE.
Herbert Akins Road Booster Club
Thank you to those who came to our Booster Club meeting on Tuesday night. We would like to invite any interested parents to our next booster club meeting on 9/13/23 at 6 PM after our Fall Kickoff Parent Meeting.. Here also is an interest form for any parents who can not attend. Interest Form
Scott West
Athletic Director
Herbert Akins Road Middle
919-694-8300 ext. 53051
You can also find a copy of this newsletter linked here.
WCPSS Signs of Abuse Poster
NC Legislators passed a law last year that requires all secondary schools across the state to inform students in grades 6-12 each year about important resources related to child abuse and neglect. It also requires schools to have this information posted in each middle and high school.
The attached document is for your information that contains important information and resources available in our community. WCPSS is committed to the safety and well being of children in our community. If you have any questions about this information, please reach out to your school social worker, SAP, or school counselor.
Canvas | Parent Observer Accounts
Families can view their student's course content and progress by creating a Canvas Observer Account. If you have multiple students in WCPSS, you can link all students under a single Observer account. Observers have limited permissions, which allow you to see what is happening in a course without interrupting or participating. More information is available: https://www.wcpss.net/techguides
Apply for School Meals - See Below
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
Staff Introductions - Check back weekly to learn more about our Nighthawk Team!
8th Grade, Track 1 Team
Ms. Grice (Math), Ms. McKenzie (ELA), Ms. Maye (Social Studies), Mr. Von Linden (Science)
8th Grade, Track 3 Team
Ms. Regan (Science), Ms. Marchese (Social Studies), Ms. Jenkins (ELA), Ms. Williams (Math)
8th Grade, Track 4 Team
Mr. Moran (Math), Ms. Long (Science), Ms. Fordham (ELA), Mr. Weiss (Social Studies)
Tips for Coaching your Student on Retaining Information
It can be challenging for students to remember what they have learned. That’s because the human brain is wired to forget.
To help your middle schooler remember what they study:
• Be sure they understand the material. It’s tough to memorize something if you don’t know what
it means in the first place.
• Make it personal. Ask your child to explain the topic they are studying to you. Just putting it into their own words may help the concepts stick in his mind.
• Set it to music. Encourage your child to make up a tune or simple rhyme to remember names, dates
or math formulas. Encourage them to draw a picture or make a diagram about the information. They can use words for a caption.
• Surround them with the material. Find books, movies and songs about a topic that is being studied. Search YouTube for entertaining videos that explain difficult concepts.
• Be thorough. Remind your child to read through all of his notes when studying. Afterward, they can go back and try to recall and restate the information.
• Sleep on it. The brain processes and stores information while people sleep. Suggest that your
child review essential information just before they go to sleep.
Copyright © 2021, The Parent Institute
Reflections Art Program
Sponsored by our PTA
We Need You as a Volunteer this Year!
Please take a moment to click here and register NOW!
Building Classroom Libraries for Sustained Silent Reading
This school year we have implemented SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) to help enhance our school's reading culture. The staff and students read together during Nighthawk time across all grade levels, which promotes the enjoyment and lifelong skill of reading. We could use additional reading materials for the classrooms such as magazines, fiction and nonfiction books at a variety of reading levels, cookbooks, guidebooks, etc.. These donations can be brought to the office marked Attention: Stacee McCarter. Thank you for your support with reading both at home and in school.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kate Caflisch (kcaflisch@wcpss.net), Library/Media Coordinator, and/or Jean Jaros (jjaros@wcpss.net), Reading Intervention Teacher.
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-gift
Spirit Wear SALE
Nighthawks Spirit Wear Sale Continues
30% OFF STOREWIDE!!
Stock up on Nighthawks Spirit Wear & gear!
Store Link https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/NC/Fuquay-Varina/Herbert+Akins+Road+Middle+School
6th Grade Social - PTA is excited to offer a FUN event for our new Nighthawks! Please visit the 6th Grade Social tab on the PTA website for more information. Don't forget carpool will follow typical procedures at the end of the social at 5:30 PM.
Email attendance435@wcpss.net or scan QR code/fill out info in body of email
HARLEM WIZARDS - Nighthawk Family Event - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
On February 7th Herbert Akins Road MS will welcome the Harlem Wizards for a fun filled family night and we need volunteers to help make this event great. If you would like to sign up for the planning committee, please see the sign up genius link.