NORTH NEWS

Welcome to the new school year at Martinsburg North Middle School! We are thrilled to embark on this journey with you and share our excitement about the exciting changes and initiatives we have in store. Our school is evolving in ways that will enhance your learning experience and help you reach your full potential.

This year, we are introducing the "School within a School" concept, which aims to create smaller learning communities that allow for more personalized attention and stronger relationships between students and staff. Many of our 8th grade students will benefit from the STAR program, a hands-on approach to learning that emphasizes real-world applications of classroom knowledge. Additionally, our new schedule includes built-in time for both intervention and enrichment, ensuring that every student, whether they need extra support in math or reading or crave more challenging work, will have their needs met.

We are also excited to implement the Jostens Renaissance program, which will foster a positive school culture by recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our students and staff. With almost 20 new staff members joining our team, from classroom aides to administrators, we are more equipped than ever to provide the best educational experience possible.

Our new school mission statement reflects our commitment to creating a top-notch learning environment: "Our mission is to provide a supportive 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."

We look forward to working together with parents and families to make this school year a success for every student at Martinsburg North Middle School. Let’s make it a year filled with growth, achievement, and positive experiences!

Several changes have been made to the NMS school schedule this year, however the school start time has not changed. The doors to our building will open at 7:15am each day. Students should arrive between 7:15-7:30am to be able to grab breakfast and get to their homerooms on time. Students will be considered tardy to school after 7:30am.

All students will have an enrichment class each day which allows them to practice essential math & reading skills; additionally, we have added minutes to each class. There is also a return to homerooms during TEAM time for news, anti-bullying lessons, technology help, etc.

Dismissal is at 2:40 this year. Students will remain in bus call rooms until their buses are called or walkers & car riders are released.

It is important that we have current, updated parent contact information in case of emergency. Students will receive a written emergency card on the first day of school or parents can complete one by scanning the QR code or clicking the button below.

Each student will receive a new iPad and iPad case this year as well as a charger. WE WILL BE REQUIRING PAYMENT FOR REPLACEMENT CHARGERS THIS YEAR. Chargers are $38. Any charger that is not from the school should NOT be used on these iPads or it will void the warranty from Apple.

Every student will receive a device, but if the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is not complete by August 30th, the iPad will be shut down until the policy is signed by a parent/ guardian. Each student will receive a written copy of the AUP in homeroom on the first day of school which can be signed and returned to their homeroom teacher or you can print out your own below or sign it online.

If you plan to bring your student to school in the morning or pick them up in the afternoon, please use the access road between the Rec center on Woodbury Ave and North Middle School. NO PARENTS SHOULD ENTER THE MAIN ENTRANCE AT THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING. We also ask you not to park in the side parking lots in the morning due to limited parking. Teachers need to be able to park and get to class in the mornings. If you need to park for some reason, please do so in the Rec center parking lot and have your child walk across the field. Please see the aerial photo below for directions.

Remember, students are not to enter the building until 7:15am. Please do not drop off your child earlier than 7:15am.

This year, students will not be allowed to carry a backpack around during the school day. Backpacks will be placed in lockers at the beginning of homeroom and will remain until 7th period. Every student will be issued a locker to use for the year where they can leave their backpack and other belongings they do not wish to carry.

As we start the new school year, we want to remind everyone of several key points in our dress code policy to ensure a focused and respectful learning environment. Please remember that shirts should cover the stomach and have straps at least two inches wide, and undergarments must always remain covered. Shorts and skirts should reach the fingertips or longer when standing with arms by your side, and shirts should not be low cut or too revealing. Jeans or pants should not have rips above the knee. Pajamas, hoods, hats, bandanas, and blankets are not permitted to be worn on campus, and clothing with inappropriate messages will not be allowed. If a student's clothing disrupts the classroom environment, they may be asked to change, and parents might need to bring a new outfit to school. For a detailed dress code policy, please visit the Berkeley County Schools website. Thank you for your cooperation!

To maintain an environment conducive to learning and minimize distractions, the use of smartphones, cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, air pods, or Bluetooth headphones during class time will be strictly prohibited effective Monday, August 19, 2024.

Limiting cell phone use is essential to foster a focused, respectful, and equitable learning environment. Research has shown that cell phone use in schools can significantly distract students, impair their concentration, and negatively impact their mental health.

Students in Grades 6 – 12: Students may bring personal electronic devices to school, but they must be placed on silent or turned off and must be off and away at all times during instructional periods, which are defined by the school’s bell schedule, and class changes. Principals may allow the use of personal electronic devices before the first instructional period, during lunch, and after school.

We appreciate your support as we enforce this policy to keep your students engaged in learning. If you should need to contact your student during the school day, please contact the school's main office by phone. In the event of a school emergency, parents will be notified via the contacts on the Annual Emergency Information Card.

The policy is subject to change pending board approval.

If you are interested in trying out for NMS Cheer, mark your calendars for September 9-12th from 6-8pm! It is also advised that you and your parent attend the parent information meeting on August 29th at 6pm in the North Middle cafeteria. If you have any questions about NMS cheer, contact Coach Jones at natalie.jones@k12.wv.us.

NMS Cross Country begins on August 26th! Please make sure you have a completed physical form before the first practice! See the flyer below for more details or contact Mr. Malcolm at skmalcolm@k12.wv.us

Boys Basketball conditioning will start Monday, August 26th from 3:00-4:30 pm and reoccur each Monday and Friday. For more information, see Coach Rhoden or Coach Callis.

Students can request to see a school counselor online! Ms. Sigler serves the entire 6th grade class and 7th graders with last names beginning with L-Z. This is her second year at NMS and she is very excited to see all of her students! Her office is now located in the main office.

Ms. Poe serves the entire 8th grade class and 7th graders with last names beginning with A-K. Ms. Poe enjoys assisting 8th graders with their transition to high school. She will help them choose 9th grade courses in December/ January and she plans trips to James Rumsey and Blue Ridge to help 8th graders start planning for their futures. Her office also moved to the main office this year.

Our counselors can help students with a variety of social, mental, and academic issues and are always available to help. Click the button below to contact them.

Regular school attendance is crucial for your child’s academic success, especially in the pivotal middle school years. Missing just two days a month might seem insignificant, but over a school year, that adds up to 20 days—nearly a full month of lost learning. In concrete terms, your child could miss out on 30 hours of math and 60 hours of reading and writing instruction. These missed hours can create learning gaps that are challenging to overcome, affecting their grades, confidence, and preparedness for more advanced coursework.

Beyond academics, consistent attendance plays a significant role in shaping your child’s future opportunities. Colleges and employers alike look for individuals who demonstrate reliability and a strong work ethic—qualities that are cultivated early on through regular attendance and participation in school. Students who develop good attendance habits are more likely to succeed in college and have a smoother transition into the workforce, where punctuality and responsibility are key to career success.

Encouraging your child to attend school regularly helps set the foundation for lifelong learning and success. By emphasizing the importance of being present and engaged in their education, you’re helping them build the skills and habits that will open doors to future opportunities. Let’s work together to ensure your child doesn’t miss out on the invaluable experiences and knowledge that come with being in the classroom every day.

Tardy/ Early Dismissal Procedures:

Parents, this is just a reminder that students will be marked "tardy to school" after 7:30am. Our day ends at 2:40pm. If a student is tardy to school, they may enter alone and sign themselves in. If you are picking up your child early from school, you will need to come inside to show proof of ID and to sign out your child. This is to make sure that students are leaving with only parents/ guardians listed on the emergency card.

Being in school every day is more than just a requirement—it's an investment in your future. Each day you’re in class, you’re gaining knowledge and skills that will help you in high school, college, and beyond. When you miss school, you miss out on important lessons and practice, making it harder to keep up with your studies and achieve your goals. Staying focused in class and being mentally present is just as important as physically being there. The more you pay attention now, the better prepared you’ll be for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

But being present in class isn’t always easy. It’s normal for your mind to wander or for distractions to pop up, but learning how to refocus your attention is key to your success. When you actively engage with the material being taught, you not only understand it better, but you also retain the information longer, which leads to better grades and a stronger academic foundation.

5 Strategies to Stay Focused in Class:

• Take Notes: Writing down key points helps you stay engaged and remember the material better.
• Ask Questions: If something isn’t clear, ask! Engaging in the lesson keeps your mind from drifting.
• Sit in the Front: Being closer to the teacher can help minimize distractions and keep you focused.
• Take Short Breaks: If your mind is wandering, try to refocus by taking a few deep breaths or stretching discreetly.
• Set Goals: Before class, set a small goal, like answering one question or summarizing the main point, to keep yourself engaged.

By staying focused and present in your classes, you’re setting yourself up for success, both now and in the future.

Don't miss a thing!

*WELCOME BACK! Some of our NMS alumni came back last Tuesday to help Ms. Long with a fresh fruit, yogurt and granola bar at school orientation. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a refreshment and to Ms. Long for always serving the most delicious treats!

*This week, our teachers were the students! Our staff participated in over 15 hours of in-person instruction and over 13 hours of online instruction, as well as many more hours of preparation in their classrooms to get ready for the 2024-2025 school year. There is never more anticipation than the week before school starts when the classrooms are clean and the school supplies are fresh! MANY of our teachers came weeks early to start preparing their rooms & lessons. We are so excited to show our students what we have prepared for them!

"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