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Eagle's Nest News

December, 2020

Eagle'sNest NewsDecember, 2020

Dear Families,

We hope you will enjoy this informative newsletter! It's full of updates about what's going on here at Neal Middle School. Be on the lookout for more newsletters released on a monthly schedule. Staying connected will help all of us succeed!


Sincerely,

The Newsletter Committee

( Ms. Moriarty, Mr. Liska, and Ms. Hanna)

Neal News!

Upcoming Magnet Fair

Magnet Open House on January 14th from 6-7:30. This is a great chance for 8th graders to come learn about seven high schools and get information about the Magnet Application Process. Once you register, you will be sent a zoom link and you can jump on at any time to learn about schools throughout the night! High School information sessions start at 6:40 and run every 5 minutes. Click here to register!
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Attention all 7th grade parents!!

7th grade immunizations records are due on December 31st!

Required: TDAP and MENINGOCOCCAL

Send updated information records to Ms. Keaton at shon_keaton@dpsnc.net or by fax at (919) 560-3451.

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Neal's Food and Pantry Program

Please click here and complete this form if you would like to pick up a food bag, school supplies or hygiene supplies. Pick up will take place at Neal Middle School - 201 Baptist Road, Durham, NC 27704. Please contact the school if you have any questions, 919-560-3955.

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Check out the Electives Newsletter...

Click here to see the newsletter that's all about our Elective classes at Neal! There is a section for each class, from Art to Spanish and everything in between. Find out what students are working on in each class, find some great resources, and hear about what's next on our amazing elective team's agenda!

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...And the Sixth Grade Newsletter, too!

Click here to see the newsletter that's just for 6th graders and their families. See our December Habit Highlight winners, find out about the January Habit Highlight, and see pictures from Spirit Week in The Six!
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Upcoming Virtual Showcase and Field Trip for Dance

All dance students have been rehearsing and working hard for Virtual ‘Dance’ Showcase, which will premiere after the holiday break. Each grade level’s dance is based on modern world issues happening in the US today. Students have a chance to incorporate their own choreography into these dances and share ideas to include in the showcase. All dance students will also team up with other Arts students to attend a Virtual Field Trip. This will be held during class on December 17th and 18th in which they will watch a Performance by Rennie Harris’s Dance company.
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Extra Credit Opportunity and Parent Portal Help for 8th Grade Parents

Parents, Please join us for one of our Parent Portal Help Sessions on Tuesday, December 15 (11-11:30am or 6-6:30pm). See this flyer for more information!

Questions about returning to in-person learning? Check out this video from DPS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Hardy:

#WeAreDPS | Message from the District | December 11, 2020

Check Your Students' Grades

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Powerschool Parent Portal:

This year we are unable to send out physical report cards, but no need to worry! You can check on your students' grades and attendance anytime using the Powerschool Parent Portal! Click here to read a letter explaining how to access the Parent Portal, and here is a version in Spanish. You can also watch this handy video tutorial that will take you through the process step by step.

Staff Shoutout

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"I’d like to give a shout out to my co-teachers, Ms. Kendrick and Mr. Hankins, who are very dedicated to their craft, always on point, innovative, eloquent with their delivery of the lesson, empathetic and compassionate, have strong rapport with the students, and have welcomed me into their classroom with open arms."

Student Spotlight

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"Chris N. I nominate him because he is always working and always helps the teacher" -Michael M.


"Belky Cruz- I nominate Belky because she is always excited to talk about books with me and it's so much fun having her in the Battle of the Books club!" -Ms. Moriarty

Take Care of Yourself

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MIND: Learn about holiday celebrations from around the World!

Winter celebrations are happening all over the world! Christmas is the most popular winter holiday in the U.S.A., but other cultures celebrate Christmas in different ways than what we typically see in America, and of course there are tons of altogether different celebrations to learn about as well! Click here to see a collection of National Geographic resources exploring various holidays that take place this time of year.
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BODY: Try your hand at cooking or baking!

Tis the season to eat delicious holiday treats! And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a few extra cookies or a slice of pie here and there, make sure you're still getting a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies. Here is a link to some healthy holiday recipes- try one and impress the whole family! It's a great way to stay busy while the weather is too cold and blustery to go out, plus you might discover a hidden chef's talent!
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SPIRIT: Watch some cute animals!

Need a little break? Give your mind and spirit a chance to rest, and simply enjoy watching a calming live video of your favorite animal. Here is a link to a collection of live video feeds for tons of adorable animals. Find your favorite and enjoy, because no one can be truly stressed while they watch panda bears romping around in their habitat exhibit!

Media Center News

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Join Battle of the Books!

Battle of the Books is looking for 2-4 new members who love to read and love the win! This is a virtual club that meets on Wednesdays at 1:00pm. Students read books off of a pre-selected list, and there is a district-wide competition in the Spring. This trivia-bowl style competition is super fun and the perfect club for a competitive bookworm! If you're interested, fill out this Google Form and Ms. Moriarty will be in touch.

Need Help?

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Use these resources to find help for you, a friend, or a family member.

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Talk to Someone

Click here to see a list of Hotlines that you can call if you need immediate mental health assistance. There are hotlines for a wide range of topics including suicide prevention, domestic violence, depression and anxiety, and even financial assistance. Always call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
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Not Sure if You Need Help?

Sometimes it can be hard to know if your mental health symptoms require professional care. Check out this handy PDF from the National Institute of Mental Health to assess how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.
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Help Others

It's difficult to see someone you love in pain, especially when you may not know the best way to help them. Click here for 5 Action Steps to Help Someone in Emotional Pain by the National Institute of Mental Health.
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This has been a tough year for many families in our community. If you need more resources, check out this handy Google Doc- there are pages and pages of information about where to get free meals, enrichment activities, discounts and PD opportunities for teachers, COVID-specific assistance, and so much more! (Shoutout to Christy Bechtel, our Beginning Teachers mentor, for this incredible list!) Each month we will highlight one resource in particular. This month's pick is...


Zero to Three: Resources for families with very young children, including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing

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Calendar

    We Want to Hear From YOU!

    Click Here to Get in Touch
    On the google form linked here, you can give us feedback, ask a question, nominate a student/staff member for a spotlight, or even submit your artwork or schoolwork to be featured in the newsletter!
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    Neal Middle School

    Neal Magnet Middle School has been educating Durham for over 50 years! These days we are soaring to new heights, including a 15% proficiency increase over the last four years. Our school met or exceeded growth in the past two years! Go Eagles!

    Website: https://www.dpsnc.net/domain/44
    Location: 201 Baptist Road, Durham, NC 27704, USA
    Phone: (919) 560-3955
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealEagles/
    Twitter: @DPSNealMiddle