NORTH NEWS
Saturday, September 16, 2023
NMS CROSS COUNTRY FIGHTS HARD IN THEIR FIRST MEET
North Middle Cross Country completed their first hard-fought race of the season Wednesday at Spring Mills High School! The race had it's ups and downs for both the boys & girls teams, and though they didn't finish in first place, they worked hard and ran great races! Runners, the BLUE DEVIL family is proud of you!
Come join us Wednesday, September 20th at Poor House Farm Park for our next meet against Spring Mills and Mountain Ridge. See you there!
BULLYING PREVENTION SPIRIT WEEK STARTS MONDAY
Check out the spirit days listed in the flyer below!
Also, on Thursday, September 21st from 5-7pm at War Memorial Park, the entire county will gather for a night of fun, food, games, and music at the annual Bullying Prevention Community Kick-off night! NMS' very own "Northern Lights" show choir will be performing at 5:00pm on the main stage! Don't miss this opportunity to gather as a community for a positive message!
LET'S BEAT SOUTH MIDDLE IN THE SEPTEMBER ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE!
Right now, 81% of the 6th grade class has had exemplory attendance (one absence or less), compared to 73% and 72% for the 7th and 8th grade classes, respectively.
Our goal for each student is to have five or less absences for the year! You can do it North Middle!
STAY INFORMED! DOWNLOAD OUR APP!
You can also follow us on "X" (formerly Twitter) @nmsteachers and on our official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/officialNMSpage.
NMS CHEER NEWS
Check out the flyers below for Chipotle night and fall cheer conditioning!
6th GRADE TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC
On October 10, 2023, the 6th grade is sponsoring a trip to Washington, D.C. Students will tour the US Capitol Visitor Center, WWII Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall. The buses will leave at 8am and return around 5pm so students will need to find a ride home that day. The cost is $40.00 ($20.00 will secure your spot) and the seats are first come, first-served. There are only 25 seats remaining and all money is due by September 22nd. If there are any remaining seats, parents & guardians will be permitted to sign up on September 25th. Download the permission form below or see your 6th grade homeroom teacher for more details.
NEWS FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
HEALTH CLINIC INFORMATION
If you want your child to be seen in our clinic by a medical professional, please contact the main office for more information!
PARENT CORNER: HOW ENFORCING THE SCHOOL DRESS CODE CAN BE A PARENT / TEACHER PARTNERSHIP
At North Middle School, we believe that creating a safe and conducive learning environment for your children is of utmost importance. We teach that everyday by reminding students of the NORTH WAY - Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible. However, we have recently faced challenges with enforcing our school dress code. We are writing to ask for your partnership in addressing this issue and ensuring that our school remains a place where learning can flourish.
Why is the Dress Code Important?
First, let's discuss why having a dress code is essential. A dress code sets the tone for a respectful and focused learning atmosphere. It helps students understand the importance of appropriate attire for various settings, including school and the workplace. It also promotes equality by preventing distractions that may arise from clothing choices, ensuring that every student feels comfortable and respected.
The Impact of Inappropriate Clothing
When students arrive at school in clothing that violates our dress code, it can have several negative effects on their education:
Distraction: Inappropriate clothing, such as short shorts, low-cut shirts, and midriff-baring attire, can be distracting to both students and teachers. This distraction disrupts the learning process and can lead to less time on task in the classroom and lower academic performance.
Bullying and Peer Pressure: Students who don't adhere to the dress code may become targets of bullying or peer pressure. This can harm their self-esteem and mental well-being, making it difficult for them to focus on their studies.
Disruption of Classroom Time: When teachers must address dress code violations, it takes away valuable instructional time. This means less time for learning and less opportunity for your child to receive a quality education.
Inequality: Inconsistencies in dress code enforcement can lead to feelings of inequality among students. We want every child to feel included and equal, regardless of their background or clothing choices. While we try, it is difficult to police the attire of nearly 700 students without your help.
How Can You Help?
We understand that enforcing the dress code can be a challenging task, but with your support, we can create a safer and more focused learning environment for all our students. Here's how you can help:
Review the Dress Code: Familiarize yourself with our school's dress code guidelines. Click the link below this article for the Berkeley County Public Schools dress code policy.
Discuss Expectations: Have a conversation with your child about the importance of adhering to the dress code. Explain how it contributes to a positive learning environment for them and others.
Check Their Attire: Before your child leaves for school, take a quick look at their outfit to ensure it complies with the dress code. This simple step can save time and prevent disruptions later, but also know that students often change their appearance when they enter the building. That shirt which is just too short might be hiding under a sweatshirt that they take off the moment they walk in the building.
Support and Encourage: If your child has questions or concerns about the dress code, be there to provide guidance and support. Encourage them to express themselves through clothing in a way that aligns with our guidelines.
Report Concerns: If you notice dress code violations or believe your child is facing peer pressure related to clothing, please don't hesitate to reach out to our school administration. Your feedback is invaluable.
By working together, we can maintain a safe and non-distracting school environment where every student can thrive academically and socially. We appreciate your partnership in this endeavor and look forward to a successful school year ahead.
Thank you for your commitment to the education and well-being of your child and to the entire North Blue Devil community.
A COOL THING HAPPENED IN CLASS...
*On Friday, Ms. Macias' students kicked-off Hispanic Heritage Month by making Churros and having Horchata!! It was some students' first time having churros!
*Ms. Kyker's Project-Based Learning class students spent time completing their "Mission US Simulation." Next week they are creating their own game/simulation around a specific time period in the U.S. They must have real and historically accurate characters as well as a mission that they are solving in their game.
*Mr. Callis’ science class completed their very first lab of the year. Each class did a wonderful job following the newly-learned Scientific Method. Mr. Callis wants to let them know that he is "very proud of all of them."
*Mrs. Mills welcomed students back to the library this week with a really fun QR code scavenger hunt to help them find important things in the library. She created a parody of the song "You'll Be Back" from Hamilton to sing to them. Watch HERE! Mrs. Mills, you are so clever!
*Ms. Long's Family & Consumer Science classes are sewing and cooking! The 6th & 7th grade classes are working on hand sewing & making pajama pants, while the 8th graders completed their egg unit by making breakfast bombs. The Blue Devil Cafe also provided lunch for teachers & staff this week!
*Ms. Bair would like to congratulate her 6th grade choir for building strong bonds of trust and friendship while also building confidence to sing on a stage. Ms. Bair says, "My 6th grade choir rocks!"
Check out a few pictures from the week below!
Martinsburg North Middle School
Email: rachel.deavers@k12.wv.us
Website: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/martinsburgnorth
Location: 250 East Road, Martinsburg, WV, USA
Phone: 304-267-3540
Facebook: facebook.com/officialNMSpage
Twitter: @nmsteachers