Community Clipper
Volume 6 Issue 19
December 8, 2024
In this week's newsletter
- School Dance - December
- We need volunteers!
- Spirit Week (12/16-20)
- Upcoming Naro Field Trips
- PTA Event - we need your help
- Check out pics from our music department
- Guidance Information:
- Time to schedule our rising 9th grade students
- Specialty Program Deadline is this week
- Update to Cell Phone Policy
School Dance - December 13
Spirit Week - December 16 - 20
Naro Field Trips
Permission slips and money will be collected in the cafeteria during lunch shifts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday beginning Wednesday, December 4th.
7th Grade: Tuesday, December 17th watching "Scrooged: A Christmas Carol"
6th Grade: Wednesday, December 18th watching "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch"
8th Grade: Thursday, December 19th watching "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms"
Our PTA presents: Cookies and Hot Cocoa
Happy December! It's time to shower our Blair teachers and staff with Holiday Treats. We would "CRUMBLE" without them.
We will serve cookies and hot chocolate from 7:30 am to 8:15 am on December 19, 2024. All donations should be dropped off to the main office from December 9th-December 18th.
Please click the sign-up genius to donate. Alternatively you can make a monetary donation at https://squareup.com/store/blairmspta and we will do the shopping for you! Please note that all items should be individually wrapped candy or treats. Thank you!!
Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions
Our school, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Department of Education, will conduct the Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions for students in grades 6-8, as well as classroom staff, from January 6 to February 28, 2025.
This anonymous survey measures student support, engagement, discipline, and safety to guide efforts in creating a supportive school environment. Questions cover topics such as school relationships, rules, bullying, mental health, and perceptions of teacher support. Parents can preview survey questions at this link.
Participation is voluntary. To opt-out, email Ms. Cave (mbcave@nps.k12.va.us) or Ms. Chinn (schinn@nps.k12.va.us) by December 20, 2024. Results, available at the end of the school year, help improve school climates across Virginia.
Students will receive the letter on December 9, during their last block class.
🎶 Celebrating the Talents of Our Music Department 🎶
Blair Middle School’s music program continues to shine! Our orchestra, led by the talented Mr. Austin, recently performed to a packed audience, showcasing their hard work and musical excellence. Meanwhile, under the direction of Mr. Federico, our band brought festive cheer to the annual Ghent Tree Lighting, creating a magical atmosphere for the community.
Participation in music programs is more than just learning notes and rhythms—it builds discipline, teamwork, and creativity while boosting students' confidence and academic success. These experiences also strengthen our school’s connection with the community, proving that our students are not only excelling in the classroom but also making meaningful contributions outside of it.
We are so proud of our student musicians for their dedication and achievements, and we thank our incredible music educators for inspiring them to reach new heights!
It is time to begin our Rising 9th grade scheduling!
We are excited to assist our 8th-grade students with selecting courses for 9th grade! Parent conferences to complete course requests will be held from December 2nd through the end of January.
To schedule a 20-30 minute Zoom or in-person meeting, please email:
- Mrs. Still (for PMHE 8th graders): tstill@nps.k12.va.us
- Mr. Heise (for all other 8th graders): dheise431@nps.k12.va.us
We look forward to partnering with you to ensure a smooth transition to high school!
Scan the QR code below to watch our brief YouTube video, packed with valuable information for our families. Don’t miss out on these important updates!
Specialty Program Deadline is December 13
The deadline for High school specialty applications is this Friday, 12/13/24!!
Any student interested in being considered for a high school specialty program must apply.
Please see this link for information and the online application:
Update to Cell Phone Policy
As we prepare to implement Governor Glenn Youngkin's Executive Order 33—which prohibits the use of cell phones and personal electronic communication devices during school hours (bell-to-bell) in all Virginia public schools starting January 1, 2025—we encourage families and community members to stay informed.
Visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.npsk12.com/ExecutiveOrder33 for the latest updates on how Executive Order 33 impacts NPS. The webpage features a public service announcement and an insightful podcast, that discusses this important initiative and its alignment with our commitment to student success.
he School Board of the City of Norfolk wants your input on the following policy that is on the discussion agendas during the November 6, 2024, (1st reading) work session and December 4, 2024, (2nd reading) work session for a vote at the December 18, 2024, business meeting.
Please review the following policy and share your public comments:
JXXZ. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE/CELL PHONE POLICY:
Important Dates
December
2 - End of Interim 2
5 - Orchestra Concert
***Competition Cheerleading @ NHS - Rescheduled for January 18
11 - Band Concert
13 - School specialty application submission deadline
17 - Chorus Concert
Dec 23 - Jan 3 - Closed - Winter Break
Sign up here to volunteer
Blair Middle School Information
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