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Nighthawk News
Week of October 30, 2023
Our Vision: The Herbert Akins Road MS Learning Community collaborates to facilitate equitable outcomes and growth through social, emotional, and academic opportunities.
Week of October 30, 2023
Nighthawk Families,
Last week was a wonderfully successful week in our Nighthawk Nest. Thank you to our PTA for hosting a Book Fair for our students and families over the last two weeks.
Our school is applying to be a Purple Ribbon School to recognize our Military Families/Students at Herbert Akins Rd MS. In doing so, we appreciate the support of our entire school community. Below you will see one way you can support in the month of November.
As we are approaching Veteran's Day we would like to welcome you to Celebrate a Veteran within your family here at Herbert Akins Road Middle School. We are honored to recognize the Veterans that are close to our hearts who have served in any capacity at any time. Please upload a picture if able so we can display the photos throughout school on our television announcements. Form here
- Have you had the opportunity to have dialogue and discussion at home around each family members' Character Strengths? We encourage everyone to take just one minute to review the research and purpose behind teaching the Positivity Project here.
- All family members and parents are asked to take the VIA Survey using this link. This will help to build partnership and collaboration between home and school as we all focus on the Character Traits/Strengths in the Positivity Project's Other People Mindset.
Please take time to stay connected and find all the opportunities offered to our students and school community each week. This Nighthawk News is filled with much information so be sure to continue reading below!
With appreciation for your support and partnership as we continue to #buildournest in Year 2,
Anne Marie Adkins
Principal
Positivity Project at Herbert Akins Rd MS
Social Intelligence and Integrity
Dear Families,
We want to offer the opportunity for you to take the VIA Survey at home so you can engage in dialogue and discussion with your student about the Other People Mindset and Character Strengths found within all of us. You will be able to share stories and perspectives with your student and other members of your family as you highlight and learn more about your top Character Strengths.
To access the VIA Survey, please click this link.
Dear Families,
This week Tracks 1 and 2 will be focusing on the character strength of Social Intelligence. Social intelligence means you are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.
Social intelligence refers to a person’s ability to understand and manage interpersonal relationships. It is distinct from a person’s IQ or “book smarts.” It includes an individual’s ability to understand, and act on, the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of other people. This type of intelligence can take place “in the moment” of face-to-face conversations but also appears during times of deliberate thinking. It involves emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Social intelligence helps individuals build relationships -- and is important to numerous aspects of a person’s life. It allows an individual to form friendships and alliances. And it assists a person against being taken advantage of. People with social intelligence can “read” other people’s faces and know what motivates them. Social intelligence builds over time and as a person ages. In this sense, it is similar to the character strength of perspective.
To practice and encourage the character strength of social intelligence with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
This week Track 4 will be focusing on the character strength of Integrity. Integrity means you are honest and speak the truth. You present yourself genuinely and sincerely.
Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching. People with integrity practice what they preach and maintain a consistent pattern of behavior aligned with their values. They have the courage not to follow the crowd if it means going against their beliefs. Integrity is closely aligned with the terms of honesty and authenticity. People with integrity tell the truth and have alignment in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Integrity is vital to individual growth. It is correlated with a multitude of psychological well-being measures. Harmony in your feelings, thoughts, and actions makes you better able to personally grow and achieve goals. Authenticity and a lack of pretense make you more likable and trusted by others, meaning your relationships will benefit.
To practice and encourage the character strength of integrity with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
MATH COUNTS at Herbert Akins Rd MS - Click below to complete the form.
Costume Drive for our Theatre Arts Program
Little Mermaid Jr. - Important Information for Students to Be Involved!
Herbert Akins Rd MS Theatre Arts First Ever Production!
We are excited to announce that the first ever Herbert Akins Road Middle School Theatre Arts Production will be… The Little Mermaid Jr! Please take a moment to read over the audition and tech information below. If you are unable to access any of the files below, please try accessing them from your students WCPSS Chromebook before contacting Mr. Pressley. Thank you.
Audition Information:
Tracks 1, 3, & 4:
Monday, November 27th - Audition Workshop (3:30-5:30) - Room 1402
Tuesday, November 28th - Acting Auditions (3:30-5:30) - Room 1402
Wednesday, November 29th - Singing Auditions (3:30-5:30) - Room 1402
Track 2:
Monday, December 4th - Audition Workshop (3:30-5:00) - Room 1402
Tuesday, December 5th - Acting & Singing Auditions (3:30-5:00) - Room 1402
Notes about auditions:
All audition materials will be provided at auditions.
Students must attend all audition dates for their track to be considered for a role.
All who audition must sing (even if you don't want to be considered for a role in which you sing by yourself on stage.)
All who audition must complete THIS GOOGLE FORM WITH THEIR PARENT PRIOR TO AUDITIONING.
Students & Parents must FULLY and CAREFULLY read and complete the audition Google Form.
Please note - this is a different form than the Play Production Interest form. You must fill out this form and audition to be considered for a part.
Take a breath! We are here to help and support you through your audition. 😀
Questions? Contact Mr. Pressley at tpressley2@wcpss.net
Tech Information:
Students interested in being on the tech crew do not need to audition.
Students wishing to participate in tech must complete THIS GOOGLE FORM as their “audition.”
Students & Parents must FULLY and CAREFULLY read and complete the tech Google Form.
Please note - this is a different form than the Play Production Interest form. You must fill out this form to be considered for a tech role.
Questions? Contact Mr. Pressley at tpressley2@wcpss.net
Helpful Links:
Thank you for your interest in the production. We look forward to seeing your student(s) at auditions!
Mr. Travis Pressley
Theatre Arts Teacher & Director
Herbert Akins Road Middle School Theatre Arts
2275 Herbert Akins Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Click below to join our Fine Arts Boosters!
Nighthawk Athletic News
Game Scores
The NightHawks traveled to Holly Grove last week to take on the Bulldogs. The Soccer team remained undefeated with a 0-0 tie against two evenly matched teams their record is now 4-0-2. The Volleyball team lost in 3 sets and moved their record to 1-5 on the season but continue to work hard and get better every week. The football fell to Holly Grove 44-0 on Thursday their record is now 2-4. We will celebrate our 8th graders during the games next week against Holly Ridge.
Fall Team Schedule
Girl’s Soccer:
Practice Tuesday 10/31, Wednesday 11/1 & Thursday 11/2 from 3:30-5:30. Game Monday 10/30 against Holly Ridge at Herbert Akins Road starting at 4 PM. 8th grade recognition will be at halftime of the soccer game. We invite all parents and guardians to the field to recognize our 8th graders.
Football
Practice Monday 10/30, Tuesday 10/31, Wednesday 11/1 from 3:30-5:30. Game Thursday 11/2 against Holly Ridge at Herbert Akins Road starting at 4 PM. 8th grade recognition will be at halftime of the football game. We invite all parents and guardians to the field to recognize our 8th graders.
Volleyball
Practice Tuesday 10/31, Wednesday 11/1 & Thursday 11/2 from 3:30-5. Game Monday 10/30 against Holly Ridge at Herbert Akins Road starting at 4 PM. 8th grade recognition will be 3:45 prior to the start of the game. We invite all parents and guardians to the court to recognize our 8th graders.
Cheerleading
Practice Monday 10/16, Tuesday 10/17, Wednesday 10/18 from 3:30-5:30. Game Thursday 10/19 against Apex at Herbert Akins Road starting at 4 PM. 8th grade recognition will be at halftime of the football game. We invite all parents and guardians to the field to recognize our 8th graders.
Here is a link to our 2023-2024 NightHawk Athletic Schedule with tryout dates for each season. This document will be updated if any changes are made to the game schedules.
Athletic home Game Parking/Entrance
Spectators should park in the athletic parking lot labeled on the map below. Please use the right carpool lane to enter the school as the elementary carpool will be going on. Football/Soccer spectators should walk around to the back of the building to the athletic fields and volleyball spectators should enter the school through the front doors labeled on the map.
Tracked Out Athlete Drop Off
Parents due to our large number of carpool and coaches being on duty in the afternoon. Please go through the carpool line to drop off athletes no earlier than 3:30. Athletes will enter through the front of the school building. If an athlete arrives earlier than 3:30 they will need to sit in the cafeteria until it is time for practice. Parents please be sure not to drop off your athletes in the back by the gym you must go through the carpool drop off. This is a safety concern!
Booster Club Memberships
Here is a link to the booster club website where information regarding sponsorships and memberships are available. Herbert Akins Road Middle School Booster Club
Booster Membership Square Site
Winter Athletic Tryouts
Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball
Winter Athletic Tryouts will begin 11/15/23 for boy’s and girl’s basketball. Tryouts will be from 11/15, 11/16, & 11/20 from 3:30-5:15 PM for the girl’s and boy’s tryouts will be from 5:30-7 PM. All required athletic paperwork must be completed on dragonfly in order to try out. Information regarding dragonfly is below.
Cheerleading
Winter Athletic Cheer Tryouts will be 11/15/23. Tryouts will be from 3:30-5:30 PM. All required athletic paperwork must be completed on dragonfly in order to try out. Information regarding dragonfly is below.
Athletic Paperwork Information
Athletic Physicals can be found here. https://www.wcpss.net/Page/1465
PLEASE USE THE REGISTRATION LINK FOR DRAGONFLY. NO PAPER COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF TRYOUTS.
How to use DragonFly instructions CLICK HERE.
Lastly, if you have any questions or need any help please feel free to reach out. Thank you!
Scott West
Athletic Director
Herbert Akins Road Middle
919-694-8300 ext. 53051
We are excited to announce our Nighthawk Teacher of the Year!
Aurelis Lugo, Visual Arts Teacher
Hello, everyone. My name is Aurelis Marie Lugo Barriera, and I was born and raised in the beautiful town of Ponce, located in the southern part of Puerto Rico. I am the eldest child and a first-generation college graduate in my family. I attended the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus earning a bachelor's degree in fine arts education with a concentration in Visual Arts. Currently, I am pursuing my online master's degree in digital marketing and media Content at The Sacred Heart University in Puerto Rico. For the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself to teaching visual arts in Puerto Rico and the United States. I have also worked as a missionary teacher in the Dominican Republic.
As an educator, I believe that Visual Arts can transform the lives of students by giving them the opportunity to express and be themselves. My teaching philosophy is to show students that you care. Working in different educational scenarios taught me that the best way to accomplish something in the classroom is by showing students how much you care about them and that you are willing to help them achieve their goals. I believe in empowering them to be confident in pursuing their dreams, improve their academic performance, and understand that their future is in their hands. Caring also gives me the opportunity of creating a safe environment for all my students. A classroom where everyone has a voice, and that voice will be respected. My passion for helping and teaching brought me to Herbert Akins Road Middle School where I have the honor to be a faculty member. This school has changed my entire career. I work alongside an amazing team of professionals, all working for the benefit of our students. Here at Herbert Akins Road Middle School, I have been able to assess my students inside and outside the classroom. I have been able to provide my students with an accessible Visual Arts class; a class that supplies their needs and helps them understand the importance of love, perseverance, creativity, hope, curiosity, bravery, and integrity among other characteristics not only needed to complete an artwork, but also to make great choices outside of school.
My background as a visual artist enables me to exemplify to my students that goals can be reached with dedication and discipline. “Dreams do come true. If you can imagine it, you can create it” is what I always remind them. With this award I want to continue to help raise voices along my way, not only in my classroom; but also, outside of it. This opportunity represents that no matter your background, your culture, your history; we all have a chance! My seven-year-old self would have never imagined that I would be where I am today.
Culvers Spirit Night
Game Night - Friday, December 1st
STEM Career Day
Apply for School Meals
To apply for free or reduced-price meals, you can do so online by visiting www.MySchoolApps.com. Paper applications will always be made available in our school's front office, or you can call 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920 to have one mailed to you.
- Application information
- Application information - información sobre la solicitud (Español)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions - preguntas frecuentes (Español)
- Sample application/Ejemplo de solicitud (Please fill out an original / Favor de completar una solicitud original)
- Meal charges policy | Cuentas de Alimentos
Online Application
- Apply for Free or Reduced Price Meals Online
- Solicitud en línea para las comidas escolares Gratis/Precio Reducido: Español
Meal Benefits Expiration Date
Prior year meal benefits will carry over up to 30 school days in the new school year based on your student's school calendar. Families must reapply every school year if they are interested in receiving meal benefits.
Questions about applying for free and reduced meals:
(919) 856-2920 (English)
(919) 588-3535 (English and Spanish)
cnsmealbenefits@wcpss.net
Free and Reduced-Price Benefits Office fax number:
(919) 856-3704
Communication Protocol
We Need You as a Volunteer this Year!
Please take a moment to click here and register NOW!
Nighthawks PTA Information and Updates
Teacher / Staff Appreciation
PTA is getting an early start on collecting gift cards for Teacher / Staff Appreciation this year. Please sign up and add a small gift card to your next grocery store run! Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4AAEAE2BA7FE3-gift
Spiritwear Store Link https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/NC/Fuquay-Varina/Herbert+Akins+Road+Middle+School
Email attendance435@wcpss.net or scan QR code/fill out info in body of email
Harlem Wizards - Nighthawk Family Event - Mark Your Calendars!
On February 7th Herbert Akins Road MS will welcome the Harlem Wizards for a fun filled family night and we need volunteers to help make this event great. If you would like to sign up for the planning committee, please see the sign up genius link.