The Spillway

TNReady testing starts on Wednesday. Please make sure that your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.

All students should be at school by 8:00 AM. If students get to school after the test start period they will be required to wait in the office until the first break.

There will be no check outs during the testing. Per state regulations, if a student leaves during a test then all sections of the test will be voided.

If your child has an appointment that cannot be missed then communicate with the testing coordinators, Tallitha Job or Carey Downs, so that we can schedule testing around the child's absence.

They can be contacted at tjob@acs.ac or cdowns@acs.ac. You can always call the school office at 865-494-7171.

From Andrew Harrison, STEM Teacher:

What a neat experience this was! This was my first year being a part of the Dream It Do It project and it did not disappoint! We had a great company to work with in Clayton Homes Appalachia. Ryan Miller of Clayton Homes displayed to us the best hospitality. The group of students I got the pleasure of working with were incredible! They were very professional and developed a fantastic video to showcase all that Clayton Homes has to offer. Please check out our video and vote for us!

https://dreamitdoitetn.com/

Transfer request deadline is May 1, 2024

Anderson County School Board Policy requires that all applications for transfer be submitted in writing by the parent/guardian and must include all information requested. This form and the supporting information may then be submitted to the requested school's principal who will inform the parent of approval or denial of the transfer in a timely manner.

Parents/guardians must complete the normal registration process if the application is approved Anderson County School Board procedures for transfer/OOZ require all applications be submitted April 1 through May 1 prior to the school year the parent/guardian wishes to enroll the student. Parents will be notified of the decision by May 15th for grades 1-12.

For a student to be considered for transfer. the following conditions must be met:

• Student must have a ·C" or better average in all coursework

• Student must have 95% attendance for the previous year

• Student may have no more than three disciplinary referrals during the previous year.

Parents are cautioned that providing any false information will result in the denial of this request.

The following information MUST be submitted with the initial transfer application:

• Current school grades, attendance and discipline reports.

Once a transfer is approved , the approval will be re-evaluated each semester IF:

• The parent/guardian indicates the choice to renew this form and updates the address each year.

• The above conditions for transfer continue to be met by the student.

Forms were sent home with current students last week. Additional forms may be downloaded from The Spillway or you may call the school office at 865-494-7171 and request a form.

The Poetry/SongWriting Contest is up and running here at NMS! Several 6th graders and a few 7th graders have already submitted poems. April is National Poetry Month so encourage your child to participate in this contest and submit an original poem/song to the library by Friday, April 26. These poems will be displayed at our upcoming Related Arts showcase in May.

Sixth Grade Field Trip: Knoxville Zoo May 16th

We will be selling popsicles for $1.00 on Friday April 25th to help provide scholarships for students to the Zoo Field Trip and celebrate the end of state testing!

Parents and students put in your calendars for our May 16th field trip to the Knoxville Zoo. Permission slips were sent home on April 2. Parents who would like to serve as chaperones for small groups of students at the zoo please use this link to sign up. We can’t wait to see you there!

Math:

ELA:

We have been reviewing in preparation for TCAPs! Monday and Tuesday, we will specifically be reviewing how to set up an essay and the different types of writing to get ready for the writing test Wednesday!

Social Studies:

We have finished all our official units for the year! We are spending the next two weeks reviewing in preparation for our TCAP on April 25th.

Science:

Today our sixth grade scientists finalized and presented their designs of sustainable oil palm farms that support both orangutan populations and Indonesian farmers. Completion and analysis of these designs required students to practice engineering design skills and apply knowledge of how human actions can cause changes to the stability of ecosystems.

The week of April 15 - 19 is SHARK WEEK in sixth grade science! We will review for the TNReady test by watching videos, reading graphs, and answering questions all about sharks. Students are encouraged to wear shark themed clothing during our Shark Week!

8th grade formal tickets on sale starting next week! Please see Mrs. Madron during Senator time to purchase your ticket. Also, please check out our Perfect Potluck and consider donating your time or items to help make our formal special. https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/UYSL6240

Students may bring other 7th or 8th grade students with approval from ADMIN. Forms can be picked up from an 8th grade teacher, Guidance, or in the office. Forms must be returned no later than May 1, 2024.

Math students will be reviewing all standards covered this year in preparation for our upcoming TNReady tests. Please keep in mind that all current iReady lessons need to be up-to-date by Tuesday, April 16th, since students will not have access to their Chromebooks during TNReady testing.

Social Studies has just wrapped up their standards and is now beginning to review for TCAPS using Quizzes, Quizlet, Kami, and Mastery Connect.

ELA is wrapping up Unit 1 “The Art of Suspense “. Next week we will focus on preparing for TCAP exams and begin a novel study of the classic “To Kill A Mockingbird”.

This week, science students have completed their third packet and tested over them to better prepare for the science TCAP in two weeks. Packet four has been passed out and students will need to complete them by next Wednesday 17th. Thank you for a great week!

Last night our boys basketball team was recognized at the school board meeting for their very exciting and successful season. The team made it all the way to the state Final Four for the first time in school history. Dr. Parrott read a lengthy decree and declared April 11th, 2024 as Norris Senator Basketball Day.

The next Beta Club meeting will be on Monday, April 15, 2024in Mrs. Lyness's class until 4:15.

Last week at the Kincade House the Norris Middle School art students participated in the ACS Art Show. We are proud of our students and amazing Art teacher for their hard work in creating their works of art!

The guest presenters from the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee will be at our school on April 11th and 15th to conduct the Mental Health 101 early intervention program through related arts. If you have questions about the curriculum or would like to speak further please contact Emily Baxter at 865-494-7171 or elockridge@acs.ac

It is time for interested students to apply to the Anderson County Fair Youth Board. The Board is open to Anderson County students in grades 6-12. It is a great community service opportunity to list on college applications. Please see Ms. Baxter in Guidance for more information.