NORTH NEWS
January 7, 2024
SPECIAL INTEREST/ OUR WEEK IN REVIEW
NMS WELCOMES OLACK & SIKORSKI!
NMS is pleased to welcome two new staff members this week!
Dean Olack is our new School Safety Officer. Mr. Olack just retired from the West Virginia State Police in December and now will be coordinating the School Resource Officer program within Berkeley County middle schools. Students may see him greeting them at the front door in the mornings and in the halls throughout the day. We are excited to have him as a part of our NMS family!
Bailey Sikorski is a recent graduate of Shenandoah University and our new 6th grade ELA teacher, who LOVES reading anything from fantasy novels to manga to memoirs! No doubt, students in 6th grade are going to be influenced to love reading too!
We are so delighted to welcome them to our staff!
THE LOST & FOUND IS OVERFLOWING!
We have MANY lost items that are looking for their owners! If you have lost a coat, sweatshirt, water bottle, etc. PLEASE check the table in the cafeteria as soon as possible. Leftover items will be donated soon!
HOLDING STUDENTS ACCOUNTABLE FOR iPADS
We see many students daily who have either not brought their device to school or have not charged it, which causes many issues in the classroom. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO CHARGE THEIR DEVICES EVERY NIGHT AND BRING THEM TO EACH CLASS. Because this has not been happening, the NMS Technology Committee has created a new policy to hold students accountable for their iPads.
1st offense (without a charged iPad): Warning
2nd offense: Tailslip & reteach during lunch/ recess
3rd offense: Phone call to parent
4th offense: Referral for administrative lunch detention
5th offense: Referral for habitual violation of school rules - student will be required to keep device at school to charge daily & cannot take home
We suggest that students find a place in their home where they can keep their backpack next to an electrical outlet. The student can open the backpack and plug in the iPad, allowing it to charge all night. When they leave in the morning, they can unplug the device, leaving the charger at home where it cannot be lost. An iPad will last ALL DAY if charged all night long and if the student is not inappropriately playing games during class. We ask parents to help their children get into a habit of taking care of their school devices at home! Thank you for your assistance!
MORNING DROP OFF REMINDER
Our teachers are repeatedly not able to park in our parking lot due to parents parking to drop off their students. STUDENT DROP OFF IS ALONG THE ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN NMS & THE REC CENTER. Parents may NOT park in the side parking lot. If you desire to park, please do so in the Rec Center parking lot and have your student walk across the field to school.
If our teachers cannot get into the parking lot, they cannot teach your children. Please help us with this!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Report cards for the 2nd nine weeks will be issued TOMORROW, January 8, 2024! Please look for your child to bring home that report card after school!
STUDENT COUNCIL MEETING
Our next student council meeting will be held in Ms. Updike's room after school tomorrow, January 8th! Don't miss it!
JOIN US FOR PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCES
One of the most important ways you can help your child through the middle school years is by letting them know you are working with their teachers! We would love to see a record number of parents back for the second conference night of the school year - January 18th from 5 to 7 pm! Click the link below to sign up with specific teachers!
Remember to click the dropdown box that says "ANYONE" to select a teacher.
IT'S TIME FOR THE BATTLE OF THE BOOKS!
Battle of the Books season is beginning! There will be an informational meeting for those who want to find out more on Thursday, January 11 during recess times. Battle of the Books is a fun competition where teams of students compete to answer the most questions about awesome books they get to read. Winners get to compete against the other middle schools in our county!
SPORTS NEWS
GIRLS BASKETBALL
The J.V. girls won their game against Charlestown on Thursday putting them at 5-2 for the season! Even though the Varsity unfortunately lost their game, they gave their everything even though they were down many players. Our coaching staff and school are proud of both teams!
BOYS BASKETBALL
The North boys JV team beat Charlestown 61-22. Leading scorers for North were Liam Coe with 22, Dayon Fischer with 11, and Zevyn Dunn-Carey with 11. JV Boys improve to 3-3 on the season. The North Varsity team also beat Charlestown by a score of 46-24. Scoring leaders for the varsity team were Kolby Walker with 14, Kemar Green with 11, and Jaedon Carter-Butts with 11. Varsity Boys are currently undefeated this season! Congrats to the boys basketball "players of the week" - Junior Varsity: Liam Coe & Varsity: Kolby Walker!
ONLINE BASKETBALL TICKETS AVAILABLE!
Did you know that you can purchase your girls & boys basketball tickets ONLINE? Purchase your tickets early and avoid the line! The link to purchase tickets is on our website under Athletics - Basketball. It will also be located right here on all of our newsletters throughout the season! See the link below!
Check out the game schedule below for both the girls & boys basketball teams!
GUIDANCE & COMMUNITY NEWS
WV GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL
The West Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce applications for Governor's Schools of West Virginia are now open. Please visit their new website to learn about these exciting opportunities for students in middle and high schools and to access the applications.
These FREE summer residential programs offer incredible experiences for students in a variety of disciplines. Applications and directions for preparing for auditions can be found at the website below.
Middle School Programs
STUDENT BANKING OFFER FROM FIRST UNITED BANK
First United Bank is excited to offer a student saving account special. Students who open a new savings account will be able to have their first deposit matched up to $10.00!
If you are interested in this opportunity, check out the flyer below or call Jennifer Lewis, Community Office Manager at the Edwin Miller Blvd Branch at 304-267-3130.
FREE BCS VIRTUAL TUTORING
FREE BCS virtual tutoring is available in Math, Science, English (Reading and Language Arts), and Social Studies for ALL BCS K-12 students Monday-Thursday from 5-7 pm by appointment. Tutoring sessions are approximately 30 minutes.
Please complete the form below and you will be contacted via email on your requested day prior to 5 p.m. with the information for your tutoring session. One of our tutors will call the number you provide between the hours of 5 - 7 p.m. Please be sure you select a date that you are available and able to attend. Also note that you will not have the tutor for the full 2 hours.
Also available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at no cost for West Virginians, TutorWV provides support for patrons of all ages and stages. For students, the program offers online, on-demand, expert tutoring and homework help in more than 200 subjects, along with drop-off review services for essays and math problems. Tutoring included for AP, SAT and ACT. Read the press release.
SIGNING UP FRIENDS/ FAMILY FOR NTOUCH MESSAGES
HEALTH CLINIC INFORMATION
Shenandoah Community Health visits our school every Thursday. Students can be seen for a variety of reasons, including immunizations and school sports physicals.
If you want your child to be seen in the mobile clinic by a medical professional, please contact the main office for more information!
PARENT CORNER: RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF VAPING
As we navigate the challenges of adolescence, it's essential to stay informed about potential risks and habits that may impact our teens. One such concern is the rising trend of vaping among middle school students.
Vaping has become a prevalent issue that we have covered in "The Parent Corner" before, and it is crucial for parents to be aware of the signs that their teens might be engaging in this behavior. Often, adolescents try to conceal their vaping habit from their parents, making it challenging for adults to intervene early. Below are some common signs to watch for and insights into how teens may attempt to hide their vaping activities:
1. Unusual Odors
Vaping devices often produce distinct and sweet-smelling vapors. If your child's clothes, breath, or personal items carry an unexplained fruity or candy-like scent, it could be a sign of vaping.
2. Changes in Behavior
Keep an eye out for sudden shifts in your teen's behavior. If they become more secretive, irritable, or isolated, it may be a response to the guilt or anxiety associated with vaping.
3. Frequent Thirst
Vaping can cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst. If you notice your teen drinking more water than usual, it might be a subtle indication of their vaping habits.
4. Unexplained Gadgets
Vaping devices come in various shapes and sizes, often resembling USB drives, pens, or other inconspicuous items. Be vigilant about unfamiliar gadgets in your child's possession.
5. Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
If your teen exhibits signs of nicotine withdrawal, such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, or mood swings, it may suggest a dependence on vaping.
6. Concealing Devices
Teens are resourceful in hiding their vaping devices. Check for hidden compartments in backpacks, pencil cases, or even clothing pockets where they may stash their vaping tools.
7. Changes in Academic Performance
Vaping can affect cognitive function and concentration. A sudden decline in academic performance may be linked to vaping, as nicotine can impact the ability to focus and learn.
8. Frequent Bathroom Breaks
Teens may use the privacy of bathrooms to vape discreetly. If your child consistently takes extended bathroom breaks, it's worth investigating further.
As parents, staying informed and maintaining open communication with our teens is crucial. Discuss the dangers of vaping openly and encourage your child to come to you with any concerns or questions they may have. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, we can work together to address these challenges and ensure the well-being of our middle school students.
Thank you for your continued partnership in promoting a healthy and safe environment for our children.
SCHOOLOGY ACCESS
PARENTS, DO YOU NEED YOUR OWN ACCOUNT?
ONLINE ABSENCE NOTE ACCESS
A COOL THING HAPPENED IN CLASS...
*In 8th grade ELA, Ms. Simmons & Ms. Zahradnik gave their students several random objects and told their students to create a funny story using all of the items. Students had the opportunity to be creative & have fun!
*During PBL, Ms. Sikorski's 6th grade students completed an activity where they grouped up to answer questions about the topic of honesty. The questions included "What is honesty?," "Why is honesty important?," and "What are some ways to be honest every day?" It was a fun and engaging way to complete the work rather than having students just sit in their seats.
*Ms. Updike's students have been starting class off with mindful affirmations by taking deep breaths then repeating things like "I matter", "in school I learn", "in life I can do hard things"!
*Students in Mr. Jackson's math class were challenged with a Friday STEM activity of building the tallest (second challenge was the widest) structure! The main focus for this activity was teamwork and collaboration, as students picked their own groups to compete against classmates!
STAY IN TOUCH!
MARTINSBURG NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
"We at North Middle School are committed to doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to ensure that all student reach their highest potential!"
THE NORTH WAY
BE SAFE - BE RESPECTFUL - BE RESPONSIBLE
Email: rachel.deavers@k12.wv.us
Website: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/martinsburgnorth
Location: 250 East Road, Martinsburg, WV, USA
Phone: 304-267-3540
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialNMSpage
Twitter: @nmsteachers