NORTH NEWS

Our annual Veterans Day assembly was a memorable celebration of gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by our local veterans. The assembly opened with a beautiful performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the Strings class, followed by a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful” by the Band and Choir. Students also presented a reader's theatre piece entitled “Unsung Heroes of War,” highlighting the dedication of those who serve, and Ms. Updike shared a heartfelt reading of the poem “It is the Veteran.”

After the assembly, veterans were invited to a luncheon in the library, prepared by Ms. Long’s Family & Consumer Science classes. During this special time, veterans connected with students, sharing stories and insights from their time in the service, making it an invaluable learning experience for everyone.

We at NMS are truly grateful for our veterans and their enduring commitment to protecting our freedoms. This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring those who have served, and we thank our veterans, students, and staff for making this day meaningful.

This week, students enjoyed some thrilling after-school fun and had a chance to support a great cause. Our "Batty & Boujee" Costume Dance on Tuesday turned the Cafeteria into a lively scene where students danced to hits like "Thriller" and "Ghostbusters." Creativity was on full display as students arrived in a variety of imaginative costumes, celebrating an afternoon of music, friends, and festive fun!

Then, on Thursday, students had the option to wear a costume to school for a $1 donation, with all proceeds going to Relay for Life. Thanks to our generous students and staff, we raised over $40 to support the fight against cancer.

These activities brought excitement and community spirit to NMS while supporting an important cause. We’re so proud of our students for making the week both memorable and meaningful!

Last week, students and families joined together for an exciting Title 1 parent involvement event, “The Great Math Escape.” This unique event began with a fun, puzzle-packed “escape room” activity in which students had to solve math challenges to uncover clues leading to the location of Ms. Pleva, who would start the evening's main event. Working together, participants unlocked the clues and finally found Ms. Pleva to kick off the show!

Following the escape room, Ms. Pleva and her students took the stage to perform the reader’s theatre production, “The Great Pumpkin.” This engaging performance added a festive and dramatic touch to the evening, keeping the audience entertained after their successful “escape.”

Special thanks to Ms. Johnson, Ms. Neff, and all of our dedicated math teachers who designed the escape room activity, as well as Ms. Pleva and her students for their hard work on the show. Events like this are crucial for strengthening the partnership between parents, teachers, schools, and students—an essential factor in student success, especially in subjects like math. Thanks to all the parents and students who participated and made this evening a success!

To kick off the end of our first nine weeks, North Middle School students were treated to a special reward movie day on October 31st! Students who had no failing grades and had avoided any out-of-school or in-school suspensions were invited to join their friends for an afternoon movie on Thursday. It was a fun way for students to celebrate their hard work and enjoy time together.

Following the movie day, we will be launching the Jostens Renaissance Card Program on Friday! All students will receive a “starter card,” which they can redeem for a snack goodie bag, one extra point on an assignment, or a tardy pass. This card is just the beginning, as students have the chance to earn additional points throughout the second nine weeks, working toward either a silver or gold card. Each level comes with its own set of rewards and incentives.

Points can be earned by demonstrating good attendance, arriving on time, and being helpful around the school. We’re excited to see our students continue to work hard, show leadership, and make positive contributions. With each new level reached, students can look forward to more exciting rewards, reinforcing the great choices they make every day!

Senate Bill 530 requires that the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment be administrated to all students in grades 3-12. FITNESSGRAM is a health-related fitness assessment developed by The Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research and is a research-based criterion referenced test.

Students will begin testing for the FITNESSGRAM on November 4th. Testing will continue until all components are completed. During your child’s test day(s), they should wear appropriate PE clothing and tennis shoes. If your child forgets proper testing attire, they will be required to proceed with the fitness test.

Please read the attached letter from Ms. Mangold & Mr. Nuhfer, or visit the link below, if you want more information about the FITNESSGRAM test.

6th & 7th Graders who have turned in their money & permission slips will participate in the Flight 93 memorial field trip tomorrow, November 4th. Dress for the weather! Please email Ms. Updike with any questions at mupdike@k12.wv.us.

6th & 7th graders have the opporutnity to travel to the Apollo Theatre on November 21st to see "The Little Mermaid." See Ms. Updike or Ms. Moreland for details & permission slips. There are only 50 tickets per grade level available, first come, first served. Students with ISS, OSS, or after-school detention will not be permitted to attend. The cost is $10 and money & permission slips will not be accepted after November 13th.

Don't know what to get your loved ones for the holidays? Stop by the annual NMS Sock Sale! Every pair of socks is $1! Help Royce get rid of their extra inventory while contributing North Middle!

Girls' basketball tryouts will be November 4th from 6:30-8:30pm. Please come prepared and ready to give your best with your basketball gear, water, and a positive attitude! Players without a physical completed by a doctor will not be allowed to try out. Tryouts are closed to parents/guardians and only students with the intention of trying out and making the team are allowed to be present.

Boys' basketball try outs will be November 11th & 12th from 3:00- 5:00 p.m. JV tryouts will be from 3:00-4:00 p.m. & varsity tryouts will be from 4:00- 5:00 p.m.

North Middle School is lucky to have the Shenandoah Community Health van visit our school EVERY THURSDAY! If you still need a physical for basketball season, please pick up a form from the nurse so you can be seen by a healthcare provider with Shenandoah Community Health.

The cheer team has two fun exciting fundraisers coming up. Our Spaghetti Dinner, Basket Raffle and Showcase will be on November 15th. Tickets are $10. Please see a cheerleader to purchase a ticket.

Our Little Blue Devil Cheer Clinic will be held on December 14th. Scan the QR code on the flyer below or click the link to register.

Students, staff, & parents, please help us by donating non-perishable food items as we conduct a food drive for needy families! The drive continues until November 20th! Let's work together to feed the hungry!

As the holiday season approaches, North Middle School is proud to continue the Angel Tree program—a heartwarming initiative designed to bring holiday joy to NMS families who may need a little extra help this year. Through Angel Tree, we work together as a community to provide gifts and holiday meals to families in need, ensuring that everyone can experience the warmth and joy of the season.

Each year, we’ve been able to support dozens of families thanks to the generous donations from individuals and businesses who contribute to Angel Tree. This generosity has created countless smiles, filled holiday tables, and lifted the spirits of families in our community.

Families in Need: If you or someone you know could use some extra support this holiday season, please fill out the link below to apply for assistance through Angel Tree. We’re here to make sure your holiday season is filled with joy.

Community Donors: For those who wish to make a difference, we welcome donations of gifts or financial contributions to the Angel Tree program. Participating businesses that contribute to Angel Tree will receive advertisement in our program’s press releases, acknowledging your generous support and positive impact on our community.

Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone in our NMS community! Please refer to the attached letter and link below for more details on how to apply for assistance or donate. Together, we can make a difference—one family at a time.

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!

Check out the Middle School Parents newsletter for November 2024! Click on the PDF below to read more!

Last week, North Middle School began hosting several assemblies led by the Adolescent Health Coordinator from the Eastern Panhandle Instructional Cooperative (EPIC). This important program will address topics such as the dangers of vaping, internet safety, respecting personal space, and the serious consequences of making school threats. To reinforce these critical messages, each week we’ll feature articles in our newsletter’s Parent Corner. This week, we will be focusing on internet safety.

Digital citizenship encompasses the responsible, safe, and respectful use of technology. It includes several key components: healthy usage patterns, online safety and privacy, online etiquette, responsible social media usage, digital literacy, and critical thinking.

Healthy usage patterns emphasize that time spent online should not interfere with essential activities such as physical exercise, family time, social interactions, and adequate sleep. Online safety involves safeguarding personal information by refraining from sharing private details, including contact information, passwords, and photos. Students were reminded of the importance of online etiquette, which includes avoiding cyberbullying, reporting any incidents of online bullying to trusted adults, and maintaining a kind and courteous demeanor online.

Moreover, students learned about the importance of having a clean digital reputation. It’s vital to remember that hitting “delete” does not always erase shared information. Responsible technology use involves connecting with people they already know rather than seeking new online friendships, which can pose risks. Critical thinking is essential; students should question the authenticity of online information by considering who created it, who benefits from it, and when it was last updated. According to Pew Research, 82-94% of middle school teens share their real names and photos online, and over 50% disclose sensitive information, such as their school name, town, relationship status, and birthdates.

The assembly also addressed the potential risks of unsupervised online activities, including exposure to inappropriate content, privacy invasions, grooming, sextortion, and mental health issues related to technology addiction.

As parents, there are several strategies you can implement to help supervise your teen’s technology use:

• Install Protective Software: Consider using protective software or VPNs, such as Bark, to monitor online activity and protect against harmful content.
• Limit Privacy: Ensure that devices are not used alone in bedrooms, allowing for more supervision during internet use.
• Use Controls: Utilize parental controls on social media accounts and internet providers to filter inappropriate content and limit access to certain sites.

By fostering open conversations about online safety and being proactive in supervision, we can work together to ensure our children navigate the digital world responsibly and safely. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe online!

Our lost & found in the cafeteria cubbies is getting REALLY full! If you are missing a lunch box, water bottle, or article of clothing, you need to check out the cubbies. When the cubbies are full, we will be donating unclaimed items.

In today’s digital world, being a good digital citizen means using technology responsibly, safely, and respectfully. As middle schoolers, it’s important to understand how to navigate online spaces wisely. Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Healthy Usage: Make sure your time online doesn’t interfere with other important parts of your life, like physical activity, family time, and sleep.
• Online Safety: Keep your personal information private. Never share your full name, address, phone number, passwords, or photos with strangers online.
• Online Etiquette: Be kind and respectful. Avoid cyberbullying and report any bullying you see to a trusted adult. Remember, your digital reputation matters!

Take a moment to think about your own internet habits with these questions:

• Do I balance screen time with other activities, like hobbies, sports, or family time?
• Have I ever posted something I wish I hadn’t? How can I be more mindful next time?
• Do I think before I share my personal information or photos online?

By asking yourself these questions and practicing safe habits, you can enjoy the internet while staying secure, respectful, and responsible!

We have a new way for students to request access to the library during recess. Students will go to SmartPass and click "Future" to schedule a pass using the times on the flyer below. We will start these procedures on TUESDAY this week. Any student who wants to visit the library during recess will need to follow these procedures. No pass is considered approved until it turns green on the student device. Students will be required to show their green pass on their iPad to Ms. Mills or Ms. Springer to gain access to the library during recess. For more information, please watch the video linked below, which students will be watching in their TEAM classes on Monday.

Don't miss a thing!

Ms. Long's Family & Consumer Science classes made spider donuts to sell at the "Batty & Boujee" dance on Tuesday. They may have also tasted a few (you have to make sure they are good, right?)! SO YUMMY!

Last week in Ms. Moreland's 7th grade Social Studies class, students learned the intricacies of the first writing system in Mesopotamia, by writing their names in cuneiform! They used play-dough to represent stone tables and toothpicks to represent the reeds the ancient scribes would use. After the activity, students reflected on the difficulty of writing and the challenges the scribes had recording documents.

In Mr. Malcolm's 6th grade ELA class, several young actors and actresses put together a terrifying rendition of the Tale-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe in "Reader's Theatre."

Mr. Rhoden's students made pumpkin catapults in Science this week!

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