NORTH NEWS

Last Tuesday evening, North Middle School sparkled as our 8th graders bid farewell under the enchanting theme of "Under the Stars" at their much-anticipated dance. Amidst the lights and decorations, laughter and joy filled the air as students celebrated the memories made and the exciting journey ahead. With students soon dispersing to three different high schools - Hedgesville, Martinsburg, and Spring Mills - the dance served as a one of their last celebratory moments as a whole class. Thank you to our dedicated 8th grade teachers for orchestrating such a memorable event, and to Ms. Long and her talented students for the delicious food. Eighth graders, we are not yet ready to let you go, but we know when you do, you will shine like stars!

Congrats to Ms. Aberegg and the NMS band for a great concert on Thursday night! They played movie classics from the "Avengers" movies as well as "Little Mermaid" & "The Hunger Games." Also, for the first time, the NMS Drum Line performed. It's has been such a joy to hear them practice outside on nice weather days!

A BIG THANK YOU to our band director, Ms. Aberegg! We are so proud of the talents of our student musicians! Great job!

Get ready, North Middle School students! Our annual Relay For Life event is happening on May 13th, and it's going to be a blast while supporting a great cause! Join us for a day filled with fun activities like the dunk tank, inflatable obstacle course, and delicious concessions. Make sure to plan ahead and bring money if you want to purchase game tickets or snacks, as we won't be allowing calls home for money during the school day. In addition to the excitement, we'll also be walking the track and hearing inspiring stories from cancer survivors. Rain or shine, let's come together as a community to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and show our support for those affected by cancer!

If your 7th grader is interested in attending the field trip on May 21st to Antietam Recreation, their permission slip and money MUST be turned in by TOMORROW, May 13th! Please see Ms. Sibert for more details!

Details of the Trip:

- Date: May 21st

- Destination: Antietam Recreation

- Cost: $12 per student (Please enclose payment with the permission slip)

- Lunch: 10:50 AM - 11:15 AM (Students can pack lunch or be provided a packed lunch)

- Beverage Options: Students will have the option to purchase water or Gatorade

Safety Considerations:

1. 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

2. Petting Zoo Safety:

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

- Handwashing stations will be available after interacting with animals.

3. Outdoor Responsibility:

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

- Encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Don't forget that this Tuesday schools will be closed for primary election day! On the ballot this election is the school excess levy. Please read more information about the levy below and what it covers for the Berkeley County community. For more information, please click the button below!

We look forward to seeing our students back in the building on Wednesday.

ALL STUDENTS will take the final WVGSA test on Thursday, May 16th in math. Students should make sure their devices are charged & updated. If you need assistance with your iPad, don't forget to click the link below or scan the QR code at the end of this newsletter or on the walls by any bathroom or water fountain.

Following testing on May 16th, students will reset and turn in their iPads! It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT ALL iPADS BE TURNED IN BY MAY 16th! Failure to turn in iPads, chargers, or keyboard cases may result in charges over the summer. If students do not turn in or pay their invoices by the start of the next school year, they may be required to leave their device in the building next school year. If you have lost your charger, you can purchase one online through vendors like Amazon for approximately $10-12.

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 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!

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.

Available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at no cost for West Virginians, TutorWV provides support for patrons of all ages and stages. For students, the program offers online, on-demand, expert tutoring and homework help in more than 200 subjects, along with drop-off review services for essays and math problems. Tutoring included for AP, SAT and ACT. Read the press release.

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 we journey through the web of parenting, we come to acknowledge the indispensable role that moms play in shaping the lives of their children. From the tender years of infancy to the transition of adolescence, mothers are the unwavering pillars of support, guidance, and love. As our children traverse through the maze of middle and high school, the dynamics of this relationship undergo a profound transformation, demanding a delicate balance of understanding and adaptability.

The Importance of Moms in a Child's Life

Moms serve as the nurturing heartbeat of the family, offering unlimited love and unwavering support through every triumph and tribulation. They are the silent architects of character, instilling values, morals, and resilience in their children. In the formative years of middle school, moms provide a safe harbor amidst the stormy seas of adolescence, offering solace, wisdom, and a shoulder to lean on.

The Transition to Middle and High School

As children transition into the whirlwind of middle and high school, the maternal role undergoes a subtle yet significant evolution. The once omnipresent figure transforms into a guiding beacon, offering gentle nudges towards independence while remaining steadfast in their unwavering support. Moms become confidantes, cheerleaders, and mentors, navigating the intricate nuances of teenage angst with grace and patience.

Tips for Moms in Nurturing Teen Relationships:

1. Embrace Open Communication: Foster an environment of trust and open communication, where your teen feels comfortable expressing their thoughts, fears, and aspirations without judgment.
2. Respect Boundaries: Respect your teen's need for independence while providing guidance and support from the sidelines.
3. Lead by Example: Model the values and behaviors you wish to instill in your teen, showcasing empathy, resilience, and integrity in your daily interactions.
4. Find Common Ground: Explore shared interests and activities that strengthen your bond and create lasting memories together.
5. Practice Empathy: Empathize with your teen's struggles and challenges, offering a listening ear and a reassuring presence during times of uncertainty.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we celebrate the profound influence of moms in the lives of our students, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and love. Your tireless efforts and boundless affection shape the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. Thank you for all the ways you support your children and our school community. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

This week, let's think about how special our moms or mother figures are in our lives. Our moms do so much for us, like listening when we're upset, cheering us on, and giving us hugs when we need them.

As we go through middle school, let's remember all the ways our moms support and help us. They're always there for us, and it's important to say thank you and show them how much we care.

Here are some ideas to show appreciation for your mom:

• Write her a nice note thanking her for everything she does.
• Make her a homemade gift, like a card or a craft.
• Cook her favorite meal or help out with chores around the house.
• Spend quality time together doing something she enjoys, like watching a movie or going for a walk.
• Give her a big hug and tell her how much you love her.
• Help with siblings or pets without being asked.
• Make her breakfast in bed as a surprise.
• Create a photo album or scrapbook of special memories together.
• Plant flowers or a garden together as a fun activity.

Let's make this week extra special for our moms (or those we see as mother-figures) and show them just how much they mean to us!

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's Family & Consumer Science class enjoyed making tea and lemonade drinks and delivering Krispy Kreme donuts to celebrate teacher & staff appreciation this week.

*Our art teacher, Ms Keppler and her students passed out flowers to moms on Friday!

*Ms. Updike's student council pulled off an amazing week supplying gifts to the teachers for teacher appreciation week and also supplying mints and granola bars to students as they took their Science & Reading state tests this week!

*Ms. Heck's classes have been studying Newton's second law of motion by investigating how acceleration of an object can change based upon mass and force applied. They also tested balanced and unbalanced forces with a fun paper airplane lab.

*Coach Butts & Coach Mangold want to thank all of their students for their participation in the FItnessGRAM and for trying their hardest on all of the fitness tests! Great work!

*Congrats to our social worker, Ms. Kocik. Her poster presentation, submitted to the American Psychological Association 2024 Conference in Seattle, Washington, was accepted to be part of the IMPACT programming paper session on Trauma. She will give a 10-minute presentation on my topic, focusing on trauma and cognitive functioning. Thanks for representing us well, Ms. Kocik!

"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