

NMS Mustang Minutes
Week of February 19 - 23, 2024
From the Principal
Please note that all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, in recognition of President's Day. We hope that everyone enjoys the 3 day weekend!
I would like to thank all of our student and families for limiting the number of Valentine's Day gifts and goodies this past week. Your efforts and understanding are appreciated as we were able to minimize distractions as we focus daily on teaching and learning.
We have seen an uptick in cell phone violations and disruptions since returning from Winter Break. Therefore, we have reminded all students of our cell phone policy which can be found on page 31 of the Student Code of Conduct, Section D - "Students may possess a personal electronic device in school buildings provided that the device remains turned off and out of sight during the instructional time unless it is being used for instructional purposes at the discretion of the student’s teacher." We appreciate the support of our families as we work together to remind students to keep their cell phones off and out of sight (in backpacks) during the school day. Students are less distracted and more focused and engaged in learning when their electronic devices are put away. Please note that families are asked to contact the main office should they need to get a message to a student during the school day. Students may also request to use a classroom phone or the phone in the main office should they need to make a phone call during the instructional day.
This week we will celebrate FFA Week. All students are welcome and encouraged to participate in the themed spirit days listed on the flier below.
The Marching Band is hosting a Talent Show on Thursday evening. Please see the flier below for additional details.
On Friday morning our 8th grade students will be touring the high school. This will allow them the opportunity to become familiar with high school offerings and the layout of the building as they prepare to transition next school year. Please contact Ms. Marin Tettelbach, 8th/9th Grade School Counselor, with any questions regarding the MS-HS transition process.
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 terrific week!
Scott Belako
Principal
Announcements & Reminders
Important February Dates:
- 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.
NMS Athletic Information
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:
Tryouts for spring sports will be held at the beginning of March. Students who are planning to tryout must have a sports physical on file with Nurse Phillips prior to tryouts. Please reach our to Mr. Parsley with any athletic related questions.
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.
Nelson Middle School - Home of the Mustangs
Website: https://nms.nelson.k12.va.us/en-US
Location: 6925 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, VA, USA
Phone: 434-263-4801