NORTH NEWS

On Monday, April 22nd, North Middle School embraced the spirit of Earth Day with an inspiring celebration, drawing support from the Martinsburg Community. The event was marked by a collective effort to enhance the school's surroundings and foster environmental consciousness among students.

The Martinsburg Shade Commission generously contributed several trees, while Mr. McCarthy and Ms. Heck students, along with members of the Student Government, eagerly participated in planting these donated trees & plants. The presence of several guests, including Police Chief Gibbons, WV Delegate Michael Hite, County Commissioner Eddie Gochenour, Martinsburg City Manager Andy Blake, Ward 5 Councilman Jason Baker, Mayor Kevin Knowles and officials from the Stormwater Department and Department of Public Works, further underscored the community's commitment to environmental stewardship.

In addition to the planting activities, students were treated to a demonstration by the Stormwater Dommission, highlighting the importance of responsible water management and the usage of rain barrels. The event concluded on a festive note, with treats generously provided by Chick-fil-A of Martinsburg.

North Middle School extends heartfelt appreciation to the city, county, and state officials, as well as local businesses whose support made the Earth Day celebration possible. Special thanks are extended to the Martinsburg Shade Tree Commission, City National Bank, and Chick-fil-A of Martinsburg for their generous contributions.

Thank you to the many families who joined us for COMMUNITY DAY, one of our favorite days of the year! What a fun time! We especially want to thank the local businesses who donated to our cause. We received donations from Dawn Newland - State Farm, Martin's Grocery Store, Walmart, Jodee Arndt - Long and Foster, and Chick-fil-A. We also want to thank our teachers & staff for donating and participating and a special "thanks" to Ms. Dusing for organizing it all!

The WV General Summative Assessments begin this Thursday with the 8th grade Science test. All 8th grade students are reminded to CHARGE and UPDATE their iPads by May 2nd! This is also a great time for 6th & 7th grade students to prepare their iPads for testing next week on May 9th.

Several 8th grade students will be traveling to Hershey Park on May 3rd. Buses will leave the school at 9:00am and return at approximately 7:00pm. Students must have rides at the school prompty at 7:00pm for pick up! This trip is rain or shine. Hershey Park is now cashless. Students are encouraged to bring gift cards, however, there are kiosks where students can exchange cash for Hershey Park gift cards. Students should dress appropriately for the weather. Students bringing money for lunch are encouraged to bring at least $25 as food is pricey at the park. Students who receive ISS or OSS will not be permitted to attend. This trip is non-refundable.

It's that time of year again! Cheer conditioning is happening every Monday & Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00pm until May 22nd. This is open to any current 6th or 7th grade student who is currently attending North Middle or any 5th grade student who will be attending North Middle next school year. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Jones @ natalie.jones@k12.wv.us.

MHS Cheer is holding practices & conditioning this spring/ summer. If you are a current 8th grader who is planning to attend Martinsburg High School in the fall, check out the flyer below!

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.

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!

The upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, will include a continuation of the Berkeley County School excess levy on the ballot. A school excess levy is an opportunity provided to local boards of education to focus on improving and maintaining the educational system with community approval.

Fifteen percent of the BCS budget is provided by the school excess levy, and 100 percent of the funds benefit BCS students, staff, and the community. Berkeley County voters have passed the school excess levy since 1948; continuing 75+ years of community support for public education.

Please visit the link below to learn more about the school excess levy.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the families who joined us for Community Day on April 27th! Your presence and participation made the event a resounding success, showcasing the strength and unity of our school community. As members of our school community, it’s essential for us to recognize the profound impact schools have beyond the walls of the classroom. Schools are not just educational institutions; they are integral parts of our broader community fabric. This understanding is crucial for fostering a positive environment that nurtures student growth and achievement. Schools serve as hubs of social interaction, cultural exchange, and intellectual development. They bring together students, parents, teachers, and community members, creating a network of support and collaboration. When schools actively engage with the community, they create a sense of belonging and pride that extends far beyond academic achievement.

The Link Between Community Perception and Student Achievement

Research consistently demonstrates the correlation between community perception of schools and student achievement. A positive view of the school in the community can significantly impact student outcomes. According to a study by the National School Boards Association, communities with strong support for their schools tend to have higher graduation rates, lower dropout rates, and better academic performance overall. As parents, your role in nurturing these connections is paramount. Encourage your children to engage with their school community through extracurricular activities, volunteering, and attending school events. By actively participating in school life, parents not only demonstrate the value of education but also strengthen the bonds between the school and the community.

The Impact of Parental Attitudes on Student Learning

How parents talk about school with their children can also have a significant impact on their academic success. Instead of focusing solely on grades or performance, emphasize the importance of effort, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. Encourage open communication and active listening, creating a safe space for your children to express their concerns and aspirations. It’s crucial for parents to be mindful of the impact their attitudes toward school and teachers can have on their children. Voicing bitterness or negativity in front of your child can undermine their confidence and motivation. Instead, model constructive ways of addressing concerns or disagreements with school policies or personnel. Consider scheduling a meeting with the appropriate school official to discuss your concerns calmly and respectfully. By approaching these conversations with a solution-oriented mindset, we can work together to address issues and create positive change for the benefit of all students.

Schools play a vital role as pillars of our community, shaping the future of our children and society as a whole. By fostering positive relationships between schools, parents, and the community, we can create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Let us continue to celebrate and support our school community, ensuring a bright and promising future for all.

Hey there, NMS students!

We want to give a big shoutout to everyone who rocked Community Day with us on April 27th! Your energy and enthusiasm made it a blast, and we couldn't have done it without you. Let's keep the spirit alive as we dive into why our school is so much more than just a place to study.

Why Schools Are So Cool

Think about it—our school isn't just a building where we have classes. It's like our second home, where we spend a big chunk of our day, make friends, and learn cool stuff (do you remember how difficult life was when we couldn't go to school during Covid?). Plus, it's where we get to hang out with awesome teachers who want to help us succeed. Believe it or not, how we feel about school can totally affect how we do academically. If we're pumped up and positive about learning, we're more likely to tackle challenges head-on and do our best. But if we're feeling down or negative, it can be a real drag on our motivation and performance.

Making School Awesome for Ourselves

Let's take a sec to think about our own attitudes toward school. Are we excited to learn new things? Do we see challenges as opportunities to grow? Or are we feeling a bit meh about it all? It's cool to be honest with ourselves and figure out how we can make our school experience more awesome. Our school isn't just about us—it's about all of us, together. When we support each other, cheer each other on, and show school spirit, it makes our whole community stronger. Plus, when we feel like we belong, it's easier to stay focused and motivated in class.

Speaking Up in a Positive Way

Sometimes we might have concerns or ideas about how things could be better at school. That's totally normal! Instead of complaining or getting bummed out, let's try speaking up in a positive way. We can talk to our teachers, counselors, or student leaders about what's on our minds and work together to make positive changes. The best way to change something is by getting involved and voicing your opinions in a constructive way. As we keep rocking our way through the school year, let's remember that our attitudes can make a big difference in how much we enjoy school and how well we do academically. Let's stay positive, stay pumped, and keep making our school community the best it can be!

Stay awesome, NMS!

STUDENTS! Make sure your iPad is charged (everyday) and updated! Your homeroom teachers will be checking! If you have lost your charger, need a new sticker, damaged your iPad, can't login to your Apple ID or have ANY other iPad problem, scan the QR code or click the link below and fill out the form. Ms. Deavers will contact you this week! Remember, these QR codes are located ALL OVER THE BUILDING in case you ever need to report an issue with your device!

Schoology is our online grading program. Parents are able to create accounts which allows them to view all of their child's assignments, due dates, & grades! If you do not have a Schoology account and would like one, please fill out the form below and our technology specialist will email you directions to set up that account. EVERY STUDENT benefits when parents and teachers are able to communicate!

*Mr. Malcolm's students have been studying ethos, pathos, & logos. To extend their learning, students had to use one of these methods to advertise a local business. Some students made print advertisements, while others create videos. We may have a few future advertising executives in our midst! Check out this video! Thanks to Camden, Adrian & Ray for allowing us to publicize your work!

*In gym classes this week, students are plalying "Spider Pong" which is like Ping Pong, but without a net or paddle. Students are allowed one bounce on the webbed table & then they must hit it back to their opponent. Coach B says they are really getting the hang of it!

*Ms. Deavers, our Technology Specialist, was in a class recently talking to students about making podcasts. Two young ladies were very interested in podcasting and wanted to learn more, so they became the "NORTH NEWS CREW" this week at the Earth Day celebration, covering the event. Check out the podcast below they made of their experience! They even got to spend time speaking with local officials and a reporter from the Journal about their jobs in our community. Great job Yariah & Casi!

If you are a student interested in joining the "NORTH NEWS CREW" please contact Ms. Deavers!

"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