NMS Mustang Minutes

Hello Mustang Families -

This past week we hosted the NCPS Spelling Bee. Congratulations to Sadie Perry who placed first! She will go on to represent NCPS in state Spelling Bee. I would also like to congratulate Juan Booysen who placed 2nd and Orion Dettweiler who placed 3rd in the NCPS Spelling Bee this past week!

A special congratulations also goes out to Ava Berry who wrote the winning entry in Writer’s Eye 2023, The Fralin Museum of Art’s 37th annual poetry and prose competition! Her entry will be published in the 2023 Writer's Eye Anthology. It is important to note that this contest typically has near 1,000 entries. Way to go Ava!

I would like to thank our school community for their support this past week. I encourage all families to take time to frequently remind your student(s) of the importance of not sharing or taking food from anyone especially if they are not in their original sealed packaging.

It is hard to believe that February is right around the corner. Next week will bring us to the middle of the third 9 weeks. Students are reminded of the importance to remain focused and engaged. Teachers are reporting lower grades due to assignments not being completed and/or submitted. Students are reminded to complete and submit all classwork and homework daily. Students are also reminded to check-in with their teachers when they are absent from school. Missing work should be completed and submitted as soon as possible. Thank you for working with your student(s) at home to reinforce the importance of completing all assignments. Your educational partnership is appreciated!

Please reach out to our school team by email or phone with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding all things NMS.

Have a great week!

Scott Belako

Principal

We are loving our new NCPS app! Stay updated with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. You can download the Nelson County PS app for free on both Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3qcA8Hs
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3q6FFzk

Important February Dates:

• 2/15 - Sweetheart Dance - 3:30 - 5:30pm
• 2/19 - No School - President's Day

Help Us Catch Our Mustangs READING:

Parents, did you know 20 minutes of daily reading to or with your middle school student can greatly increase their reading comprehension and level? We encourage you to read with or to your student every day. If you need resources, or want to know how to encourage your student to read at home, contact their ELA teacher or our Reading Specialist, Jennifer Campbell. If you see your student reading at home send an email with a note or picture for a classroom or PBIS productivity reward.

Chromebooks and Chargers:

Students and families are reminded that restitution will be sought for damage to Chromebooks and for missing and/or lost power cords. It is important for students to handle their devices with care as we do not have the resources to continuously repair devices that are neglected or intentionally damaged.

Birthday Celebrations / Outside Food:

Parents and families are encouraged to work through their student's Advisory Teachers to arrange student birthday celebrations. Please note that birthday treats and food cannot be distributed in the cafeteria during student lunch times. All outside food must be purchased from a store and have the ingredients available due to student allergies.

Bus Passes:

Bus passes must be provided in writing or by email when requesting your student to go home on a different bus with a friend by noon of the day the pass is being requested. Please note that we will not accept a phone request as we have no way of knowing who is making the request. Thank you for understanding as we want to assure all students arrive home safely.

Daily Student Attendance:

Attending school has a huge impact on student success. This year, we want to make sure that every student is present every day. Student attendance is recorded daily. Students are expected to be present each day to receive instruction. By attending class regularly, your student is more likely to keep up with daily lessons and assignments. We will be monitoring student attendance carefully and working with families and students to make sure students do not become chronically absent this school year. Please note that students are considered chronically absent once they have missed 18 or more days of school for any reason.

Parents and/or caretakers are asked to contact the main office to report all student absences. Thank you in advance for making sure your student attends school regularly.

To encourage daily attendance we will be starting an incentive program through our PBIS Rewards program. Students who do not miss a day of school each month will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win prizes each month. We will also have additional raffles at the end of the school year for students who have 7 or more months of Perfect Attendance and for students who miss 7 or less school days overall. We look forward to working with our students and families to improve daily student attendance throughout this school year. Student success begins with being at school!

Classroom Action Process:

Staff will issue Classroom Actions after reminding students of expected behaviors. Classroom Actions will be assigned as follows:

• 1st Action = Phone call home and warning provided to the student
• 2nd Action = Phone call home and teacher assigned lunch detention
• 3rd Action = Phone call home and scheduled parent/teacher conference
• 4th Action = Phone call home and disciplinary referral submitted to administration

Please note that serious violations of the Student Code of Conduct will be investigated and handled accordingly. Thank you for working with us as we build upon our tiered systems of support to promote a safe learning environment for all students and staff.

All student athletes are reminded that academics and behavior are monitored throughout the school year and each playing season. Students must maintain passing grades and demonstrate good behavior consistently throughout the school year and each season to be eligible to participate.

Upcoming Athletic Events:

1/29 - Basketball AWAY vs. Amherst

2/1 - Basketball AWAY vs. Monelison

Important Game Reminder:

All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all NMS and NCHS athletic events and games.

Website: https://nms.nelson.k12.va.us/en-US
Location: 6925 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, VA, USA
Phone: 434-263-4801