NORTH NEWS

MARCH MADNESS HAS HIT NORTH MIDDLE! (No, we aren't talking about basketball or student behavior!) Starting March 4th, NMS will be participating in the county-wide March Madness IXL Challenge! Schools will go head-to-head in a bracket style tournament to see what school has earned the highest number of MATH skills proficient for the month. Each week, schools will square off and schools will be eliminated. The last school standing will win the March Madness Challenge! What counts? MATH skills (SmartScore of 80) per student. Only skills above grade level, on grade level and no more than 2 grade levels below the students current grade level will count on the Leaderboard.

The top 5 students in grades 6-8 will win prizes for being top achievers. The individual with the most skills proficient will win a $50 gift card and those who finish in the remaining top 5 will win a $25 gift card. Remember, even if North Middle gets eliminated, students are still competing on the individual leaderboard and can win individual prizes!

The IXL March Madness challenge will start on Monday, March 4 at 7:00 am and will end on Friday, March 29 at 4:00pm.

Ms. Shade was awarded NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION! This was a three-year process in which Ms. Shade had to submit lesson plans, track student progress, video record lessons and evaluate her own teaching. She also had to take a National Board test in her content area. National Board Certification is a difficult process and we are so proud of the work she has accomplished.

Ms. Eyler delivered a box of goodies to Ms. Shade in the middle of class to celebrate her! She will be officially recognized by the board on March 4th at 6pm at Musselman High School. If you see Ms. Shade in the halls, make sure you give her a "congratulations" or a high five! She's earned it!

As we approach the testing season, we want to inform you of the upcoming West Virginia Summative Assessments that will be administered at our school.

Please take note of the following testing dates:

• Writing Assessment: March 5th
• 8th Grade Science Assessment: May 2nd
• Reading Assessment: May 9th
• Math Assessment: May 16th

It is imperative that all students have a charged and updated iPad for testing on each of these days. The tests will be administered in the morning, in homerooms. Therefore, students are advised to arrive promptly to school, especially on testing days, to ensure they have ample time to prepare and settle in before the assessments begin.

Additionally, it is essential for students to adhere to state laws regarding electronic devices during testing. Students are not allowed to have their phones in their possession during testing. Phones should be left in lockers or given to the teacher before the test begins.

For more detailed information regarding the testing procedures and guidelines, please refer to the PDF document attached below this email article. We appreciate your cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth testing process for all our students. Together, let's strive for success in the upcoming assessments!

(To update an iPad, go to your settings wheel icon. Click General - Software Update. If you need an update it will allow you to update now or update later. Your iPad will not update unless it is charged to at least 20% and has the storage space to do so. You may find yourself having to delete a few apps (they will come back after the update) or pictures to make the update go through.)

North Middle is again excited to present the MATH-FOR-ALL event! We invite all NMS parents to join us at 8am on March 14th in the school cafeteria for a presentation about the NMS math curriculum and how you can help your child improve their math skills. Teachers will present ideas for math games and real-world activities to help build math skills in our students. There will also be give-a-ways!

If you are an 8th grade student interested in track & field and you will be attending Spring Mills High School next year, this message is for you! The first date of spring tryouts is Feb 26th and interested students will need their parent to fill out Family ID (see directions below) which will close on March 8th. If you are interested and need more information, please contact Spring Mills High School.

Attention, those interested in running freshman track at Hedgesville High School, practices start on February 26th! This opportunity is open to 8th & 9th graders! Students will meet in the cafeteria at HHS at 3pm and be picked up at the track at 4:30pm. Interested students should register on Family ID before Feb 24th (you must have physical). See Mrs. Burton if you need more information!

There is still time for students to apply for the 2024 Stanford Middle School Scholars Program (SMSSP). The application deadline is March 29, 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. When students become Stanford Middle School Scholars, they develop skills to thrive at academically rigorous high schools. Students engage with different academic disciplines and build community with instructors and scholars.

The program serves low-income students in grades 6 or 7 who reside in and attend school in the United States. SMSSP is tuition-free and there is no fee to apply.

Students and their families can visit our website to learn more. You and your students are welcome to contact us with any questions at precollegiate@stanford.edu.

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. This program will end right before Spring Break.

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.

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!

As we embark on School Social Worker Week, we take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated individuals who tirelessly support our students and families—Ms. Kocik, Ms. Wolfgang, and Mr. Sarina --North Middle's "pillars of support." Their unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of our students is truly commendable, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions to our school community.

School social workers play a vital role in fostering the holistic development of our students. While their primary focus lies in working directly with students, they also provide invaluable support to parents, recognizing that the success of each child is a collaborative effort between home and school. Through open communication and the delivery of essential services, they cultivate strong relationships between parents and our school personnel, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive.

One of the hallmark features of our school social workers is their dedication to equipping students with the skills necessary for navigating life's challenges. From problem-solving and communication to self-awareness and conflict resolution, they empower students with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally. By fostering healthy interpersonal relationships and promoting emotion regulation, they create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported.

In addition to their daily efforts, our school social workers spearhead initiatives that extend beyond the classroom. From organizing the annual Angel Tree program, which provides gifts to families in need during the holiday season, to offering resources and support for military families, they go above and beyond to ensure that every member of our community feels included and supported.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the upcoming "Headstrong" self-esteem club, initiated by Ms. Kocik, which will commence in March. This club will provide students with a platform to engage with guest speakers, share experiences, and foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence—an invaluable resource as they navigate the complexities of adolescence.

As we celebrate School Social Worker Week, let us take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Kocik, Ms. Wolfgang, and Mr. Sarina for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of our students. Their passion, empathy, and commitment to serving others truly embody the spirit of our school community, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them as part of our team.

Mister Rogers once said that when life gets difficult or scary, we should look around for the helpers all around us. As we kick off School Social Worker Week, it's time to give a big shoutout to the amazing helpers who always have our backs—Ms. Kocik, Ms. Wolfgang, and Mr. Sarina! These superheroes work behind the scenes to make sure we're all doing our best and feeling supported along the way. So, what exactly do our school social workers do, and how can they help us out? Well, let me break it down for you:

Here's some of what a school social worker can help with:

• Dealing with school stress
• Managing your emotions
• Sorting through family issues
• Handling conflicts with classmates
• Help with clothing/ personal care items and other basic needs
• Being a mentor or trusted adult to talk with

These are just a few examples, but seriously, if you're ever feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to, our school social workers are here for you!

And hey, if you're thinking, "How do I even see one of our social workers?" It's easy! You can make an appointment in SmartPass, or if you're not sure how to do that, swing by the office or chat with one of the guidance counselors—they'll point you in the right direction.

But wait, there's more! Our awesome social workers aren't just here for us during school hours—they also make sure our community is thriving all year long. From organizing the Angel Tree program during the holidays to supporting military families, they're always finding ways to lend a helping hand. Check out the flyer below for an after school club called "Headstrong" that is starting soon!

So, let's give a round of applause to Ms. Kocik, Ms. Wolfgang, and Mr. Sarina for being rock stars and always being there for us when we need them most!

Headstrong is an after school club which promotes self-esteem. Students who attend will be provided an afternoon snack while participating in a talking circle to share characteristics and qualities of healthy self-esteem. Guest speakers are invited to demonstrate and share cultural aspects of traditions shared by community members. The club is voluntary, and your child is not required to attend. Transportation is not provided, and your child must be picked up promptly at 4:10 pm. See Ms. Kocik for more information!

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!

*Ms. Wood's classes last week were education, fun, and... yummy? Students used fruit loops to create ratios in math class. So creative!

*Ms. Sanders & Ms. Alatta have been studying sound waves with their 6th grade Science students. Ms. Sanders did a sound lab where students get to explore how sound/waves move and react through different mediums. Ms. Alatta's class made a sound wave out of gummy bears & sticks! They are both proving that science is fun!

"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