NMS Family Update

August 12- Locker day 8:30-3:30

August 15- Open House 6-8PM

August 17- First Day of School!

September 2- Early Release SIP Day- 10:50 Dismissal for Students

September 5- NO SCHOOL- Labor Day

September 7- TENTATIVE: Cybersafe presentation for student and parents

September 8- School Picture Day

Open House will be held on Monday, August 15th from 6-8pm for all NMS families. Open House will be an opportunity for students and families to come in and tour the school, practice student’s schedules and meet the teachers. Come when you want during the 2 hours and stay as long as you want until 8PM. Staff will share a little bit about our curriculum and answer any general questions related to the course they teach.

We have taken a few extra measures to continue to ensure our students and staff are safe her at NMS.

Couple of changes you will notice.

• When you ring the exterior bell we will ask you "May I help you" to ensure every person entering is here for a specified purpose.
• We have adjusted entrance cameras to better view patrons as they enter the building and office.
• The main office door will remain locked and you will now be "buzzed" into the main office.

Students will be required to have cell phones/electronic devices powered off and put away during the school day. Students will be told to leave their phones/electronic device in their lockers to eliminate distractions and the involuntary action of checking their phones/electronic device. The following is in our 22-23 student handbook

"During instructional time, which includes class periods and passing periods, electronic devices must be kept powered off and out of sight unless permission is granted..."

I understand as a parent, it is convenient to text/call your child during the school day, however, we can relay messages to your child through the main office. We are really focusing on getting back to a typical school year and working to eliminate unnecessary distractions from electronic devices. Students will have access to information they need for school with the use of their chromebook.

We are expecting students to use their lockers this year and will NOT be allowing students to carry their backpacks through out the day. Our rationale is based on our learning experiences from this past year.

Classrooms and common areas became very cluttered and hard to walk. We will be reducing trip hazards by asking students to place back packs in their lockers and carrying their items to class. In addition, its another layer of safety to help prevent students from carrying any items that go against our student code of conduct.

Parents dropping your child off and/or picking your child up at the beginning and end of the day will do so in the back parking lot. To access the rear parking lot, please use South Street located just north of the school.

Yearbooks for our 7th and 8th graders will be distributed during Locker Day on August 12th. We will have a table set up for distribution.

Homebase is a 21 minute period at the beginning of each day. This will serve as a "homeroom". We have kept these classes small intentionally in order to build better relationships with students. This time will help us address lessons for social emotional learning (SEL), address universal expectations, in addition to supporting students with other non-academic skills students need to be successful.

Immunizations must be up to date for all students. Required immunizations including proof of 2 doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella, 2 doses of Varicella or proof of disease (5 doses of Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) (and 4 doses of Polio). Completion of Hepatitis B vaccination series. Proof of having received one dose of Tdap. The Tdap vaccination is in accordance with Section 665.250 (b). This vaccine provides protection against Pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

The state requires all 6th grade students to have a dental exam on file prior to the start of the school year. Parents can find these forms on the school website

If there is ever a time you would like to schedule a time with me either in person or by phone you can do so in a few different ways.

• You can call the school at 815-678-7129 to schedule an appointment
• Email me at swhipple@nsd2.com to set something up.
• Use my Calendly account to schedule a time on my calendar to meet in person or for me to call you.