Lot to celebrate this week!

• We recognized our Teacher of the Year
• E-Book Fair - soon!
• PTA needs your help this week
• Celebrating our amazing students!
• Specialty Program Information
• Need a parent - teacher conference?
• Cell-Phone free - "bell to bell"

It is with great pride and excitement that we announce Ms. Tate as Blair Middle School’s Teacher of the Year! Ms. Tate was selected by her peers for this this distinguished award; a true testament to her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students, colleagues, and school community. Ms. Tate exemplifies the excellence and spirit we strive for at Blair; she not only engages students with innovative and impactful lessons but also fosters a welcoming and inspiring environment for all.

Being chosen as Teacher of the Year is an extraordinary honor, and Ms. Tate truly represents the heart of Blair. Her work reflects our shared goal of equipping students with the skills and confidence to succeed. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Tate on this well-deserved recognition! We’re grateful to have her leading by example every day!

to Mr. Vyskocil for earning the NPS Rock Star Award! This recognition, presented by Dr. Jones on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Byrdsong, celebrates teachers who support Norfolk Public Schools’ goals in Literacy, Accountability, and Attendance. Each month, Dr. Byrdsong and her team will recognize a teacher who achieves 95% completion in STAR assessments, perfect attendance, or creatively boosts attendance goals.

Mr. Vyskocil was recognized for his perfect attendance with a Crystal Star award and a special gift from a community partner. Let’s celebrate this achievement and keep up the incredible work!

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!

Blair is hosting an online book fair Nov. 4th-22nd. Visit book-efairs.follettcontent.com and use ZG96Y to shop. Students get a free drawstring bag with purchase while supplies last. Please support our school! Student’s will need to type their name and choose their English teacher when they are ready to order. The books will be delivered to Blair before Winter Break. We will send out more info soon. The link will not work until November 4.

This week, our 6th grade PMHE students took advantage of the beautiful fall weather and ventured outside to investigate and observe weathering and erosion around the school grounds. This hands-on learning experience allowed students to see first-hand how natural forces shape the world around them, connecting classroom concepts to the real environment.

By exploring these geological processes right here at school, students not only enhanced their understanding of science but also learned to appreciate the natural changes happening around them daily. It’s fantastic to see our students connecting theory with real-world applications—learning that sticks with them beyond the classroom!

Every single student in Ms. Jackson's class reached proficiency on their latest Civics test—a testament to their hard work, focus, and dedication to understanding the material.

In the attached photo, you’ll see the students proudly holding up their data binders, showing off the results of their efforts with well-deserved excitement. Their smiles and enthusiasm speak volumes about the pride they feel in their accomplishments. This success didn’t come without commitment; each student put in the time and effort to prepare, review, and own their learning journey.

Questions about the NPS High school specialty programs?

Mrs. Still and Mr. Heise will be available to speak with you in a lunchtime open zoom session on Monday, Oct 28th, from 12:30 - 1:30 pm. Please stop by during that hour if you would like more information or have questions.

Interested in applying for a program? The application is online and the date closes on 12/13/24 -no exceptions.

In accordance with Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 33, all of Norfolk Public Schools will be cell phone-free “from bell-to-bell” beginning on January 1, 2025.

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.

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