• Winter 1 Sport Tryout info
• PTA - we need your help!
• Softball team - great season
• Help us spread word - PMHE Open House for current 5th Grade Students
• Student Recognitions
• Student work
• Are cell phones damaging mental health?
• Clubs Started
• Club Spotlights
• Need a PTC?
• Need help accessing ParentVue or Canvas Observer Role?
• Important dates

If you ever have questions about our terrific athletic program, please contact Mr. Straub, our AD; Kstraub@nps.k12.va.us, or 757-633-6818.

Stay connected by checking our BMS Athletics Page: https://blairclippersms.rschoolteams.com/ and on Facebook @ Blair Athletics.

We’re organizing a special Halloween Treat event, where we will "stuff" teachers' mailboxes with goodies on Monday, October 30th, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This is where YOU come in! We’re asking families to sign up to donate some delicious, spooky (but friendly!) snacks, treats, or small goodies to brighten their day.

If you’re able to contribute, please click the link below to sign up and let us know what you can bring. Whether it’s sweet or savory, we’re excited to spread the cheer!

Students read an article about the cell phone ban and wrote a CER response to it. We have brilliant students at Blair!

School districts across the country are enacting cell phone bans to reduce distractions and improve mental health. One reason this is happening is because 72 percent of high-school teachers said that cell phones are a "major distraction" in classrooms. Another reason why is because eliminating phones could promote a healthier and more focused educational environment. Lastly, cell phones create sleep issues, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of aggression. In conclusion, this is important because young people are our future and young people can't do their best if they are distracted by cell phones. That is why school districts across the country are banning cell phones from schools.

Maleigha W.

School districts across the country are enacting cell phone bans to reduce distractions and improve mental health. Seventy-two percent of high school teachers say that cell phones are a major distraction in class. Virginia Gov. Glenn Younkin felt like cell phones were a threat and are damaging to students’ mental health. In the article, Youngkin called the executive order an "essential action" that would promote a “healthier and more focused educational environment.” This is important because young people are the future, teachers want students to succeed, and cell phones aren't helping. It's also very important that the governor cares about the students’ mental health. He wants to see students do great in school and out.

Zoey W.

Why are schools in Virginia banning cell phone use? Well, it’s because the governor and school officials think that cell phone use is a distraction and causes mental health problems. in fact, 72 percent of high school teachers say it is a very large distraction in the classroom setting. Mental health problems have skyrocketed since 2020 when the pandemic started, and many people were on lock down and were trapped in their own feelings of loneliness. Classroom distractions are wrong and cell phone use is a nuisance to the teacher and other students who are trying to learn.

Cayden W.

I think cell phones are damaging to mental health. I am not the only one who thinks that: 72 percent of high school teachers have said it’s a problem with students having their cell phones in class. Two of the country’s largest school districts, New York City Public Schools and the Los Angeles Unified School District, have already started the new policy. I think cell phones are damaging mental health because they can mess up your sleep schedule and you might wake up late for school. This is important because it could take some of your learning away, which could be bad for your academic career and record.

Nylah A.

School districts across the country are enacting cell phone bans to reduce distractions and improve mental health. The governor thought it was a big issue, so he went straight to the Virginia Department of Education to set guidelines. Seventy-two percent of high school teachers said cell phones distraction is a major problem. The clear goal is to protect the health and safety of our students by limiting the amount of time they are exposed to addictive cell phones and social media and eliminate clear distractions in the classroom. Young people are the future, and if they are not feeling well are distracted, they won’t give their full potential. The goal is to take away phones and limit screen time so they could protect the health and safety of students.

De’Zyah B.

Congratulations to our amazing softball team on being the Norfolk Middle School runners-up! 🥈 They fought hard all season and showed incredible teamwork, dedication, and heart. We’re so proud of their efforts and the way they represented Blair Middle School! 🥎🥎🥎 Go team!

Congratulations to Lucas who won the poster contest at the Burgers for Benefits night to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Students were asked to design diverse people with a range of disabilities who are employed in various inclusive workplaces. Lucas' talented artwork earned the most votes and was the topic of everyone's conversations during the event. Keep up the great work Lucas!

Check out this fantastic news about one of our very own talented students, Nocari, an 8th grader at Blair Middle School! As part of Earth Science Week, sponsored by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), Nocari entered their contest with a stunning photograph titled "Feeling Bright."

Nocari has a passion for photography, and it truly shows. His beautiful photograph, taken right here in Norfolk, reflects his unique perspective and creativity.

We are so proud of Nocari for representing Blair and sharing his passion with the world.

We are pleased to announce our variety of clubs and grateful for the staff members that are sponsoring these clubs for our students. Activities offered by clubs enable students to learn valuable skills and many of the activities offered by clubs help students to extend and elaborate on the more formal knowledge learned in school.

Times and dates will be shared with you after you sign up by the club sponsor. If you have any questions, please contact the club sponsor. Most clubs will start soon. Clubs will be held on Tuesday or Thursday because we can provide bus transportation (5:07 departure) for students that meet the requirements; club sponsor will let you know if the clubs meets on a different day. A form will be sent home to students when clubs start that give permission for students to stay after school. Students must use this form and sign a permission form to stay back.

If you would like to request a conference with your child's teacher, please click the button below to sign up for a meeting. Our counselors will reach out to you to set up the meeting using the email/ number you provided. We are in this together. Be sure to monitor your child's grade and attendance through ParentVue. We must be proactive and work together to ensure all of our students are successful. These conferences are a vital part of your child's academic journey, as they provide an opportunity for open communication between you and your child’s teachers. Together, we can celebrate successes, address challenges, and ensure we are supporting your child’s growth and development in every way possible.

ParentVUE is a secure web-based information management system that provides parents/guardians the ability to view their child’s assignments, grades, attendance and contact information. ParentVUE is free to all Norfolk Public Schools families and is available from any computer with internet access. In addition, ParentVUE offers app access for Android and iPhone devices. Students can access the same information via their StudentVUE account.

A ParentVUE account will provide real-time, view-only access to their student’s attendance information, class schedule, grades, missing assignments, and important district information.

Our students love earning rewards for positive behavior! Please consider donating to our Amazon wish list to put items on the Blair Buck cart for our students to purchase this school year.

October

8 - Clubs and after school programs start

14 - Parent-Teacher Conference Day

17 - NPS Specialty Night @ NHS

16 - Wear Orange

23 - End of Quarter 1

26 - Junior District Orchestra Auditions

28 - No School for students

November

2 - Junior District Chorus Auditions

4 - Report Cards Mailed home

5 - No school for students

11 - No school for students

Website: https://www.npsk12.com/bms
Location: 730 Spotswood Avenue, Norfolk, VA, USA
Phone: 7576282400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlairMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @BlairClippers

Instagram: @BlairClippers