NORTH NEWS

It sounds like Superintendent Stephens had a very positive experience during his visit to North Middle School on Friday. Mr. Stephens spent time at North Middle visiting with teachers and students. He spoke with 8th grade teacher, Mr. Jones regarding the future of math achievement and AI in education. He spent time learning about the collaboration between FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) students and art students in creating Focaccia bread, marveling at the interdisciplinary learning and creativity shown by students & staff. His three bits of advice - "Do what's right, for the right reason," "Strive for excellence in all that you do," and "Treat others the way you would like to be treated" - are timeless principles that can guide both students and educators towards success and a positive school culture.

"Overall, it seems that North Middle School is on a positive trajectory," he said, "with engaged educators and students working together towards academic achievement and personal growth."

Mr. Stephens, we couldn't agree more!

*PHOTO: Ms. Eyler & Mr. Stephens visit a classroom.

Congrats the NMS History Bowl teams for their hard work at Friday's competition at Spring Mills High School. The History Bowl competition requires students to memorize facts related to WV history & culture. Then student compete against other schools in a buzzer-style quiz game. Our teams represented NMS well!

A special thanks to Ms. Dusing who spent many hours coaching the teams!

All 8th grade students will take the WV Golden Horseshoe Test on March 19th (written essay portion) and March 26th (multiple choice portion). This is a state-wide contest for 8th grade students about WV history, geography, economics & culture. The top 250 students in the state will be invited to special ceremony in Charleston, WV this summer. I'm sure our history bowl students ready to take the Golden Horseshoe!

If your 8th grader is interested in studying for this test, please contact Ms. Kyker or Ms. Dusing for more information.

STUDENTS! Make sure your iPad is charged (everyday) and updated by February 26th! 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!

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.)

Stay tuned for information conditioning for next year's season!

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.

Are you interested in learning a new language or about different cultures? If this interests you, and you are a current 4th -8th grade student, then the Berkeley County STARTALK program might be for you. Beginning in February through the end of May, students in this program will have the opportunity to learn about the Chinese Mandarin language. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a two-week learning camp this summer through the BCS Summer SOLE program. There is NO COST to participate if accepted! If you are interested in this opportunity, check out the flyer below for more details. You can also email wvstartalk@gmail.com.

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 navigate through the academic year, it's crucial to recognize the profound significance of writing skills in your child's education and future endeavors. Writing is not only a fundamental aspect of literacy but also a tool for communication, self-expression, and critical thinking. Encouraging and fostering strong writing skills at home can significantly benefit your child's academic success and personal development.

Why is Writing Important?

Writing enables individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively. In today's digital age, written communication plays a central role in various aspects of life, including academics, professional environments, and personal relationships. Writing also encourages critical thinking skills by requiring students to organize their thoughts coherently, analyze information, and develop logical arguments. Through writing, children learn to articulate their opinions, evaluate evidence, and engage with complex concepts.

Proficient writing skills are essential for academic success across all subjects. From essays and research papers to lab reports and creative projects, students must convey their understanding and insights through written assignments. Even more so, students need writing skills to be marketable in the professional world where effective written communication is highly valued. Whether drafting reports, composing emails, or creating presentations, individuals with strong writing skills are better equipped to convey professionalism, clarity, and credibility in their work.

Tips for Practicing Writing Skills at Home:

1. Provide Opportunities for Writing: Encourage your child to write regularly by providing various opportunities for practice. Encourage them to keep a journal, write stories, compose poems, or even engage in activities such as writing letters to family members or pen pals.

2. Set Aside Dedicated Writing Time: Designate specific times during the week for writing activities. Create a conducive environment free from distractions where your child can focus on expressing their ideas through writing.

3. Offer Encouragement and Feedback: Celebrate your child's writing efforts and accomplishments. Offer constructive feedback to help them improve their writing skills, focusing on areas such as clarity, organization, grammar, and vocabulary. Offering to proofread their school essays at home is often a way parents can help students improve their writing.

4. Model Writing Behavior: Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating your own appreciation for writing. Let your child see you engage in writing activities such as composing emails, writing letters, or keeping a journal.

5. Make Writing Enjoyable: Foster a love for writing by making it a fun and enjoyable activity. Encourage creativity, imagination, and experimentation in your child's writing endeavors.

6. Emphasize the Writing Process: Reinforce writing process taught at school, including brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing & publishing. Help them understand that writing is a gradual process that requires patience, perseverance, and attention to detail.

By actively supporting your child's writing development at home, you play a crucial role in nurturing their literacy skills and preparing them for academic and professional success. Together, let us inspire a generation of confident and proficient writers who can effectively communicate and contribute to our ever-changing world.

We also want to remind you that North Middle School will be administering the West Virginia General Summative Assessment in Writing on March 5th. It is imperative that all students have a charged and updated iPad for testing on that day. Your cooperation ensures that our students can demonstrate their writing proficiency effectively. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

Did you know that good writing skills are not just important for English class but also for your future success? Whether you're crafting essays, sending emails, or sharing your thoughts online, strong writing skills can help you communicate effectively and stand out in any situation. Poor writing can leave a negative impression on future employers, making it crucial to hone your skills now.

To improve your writing at home, try these tips: First, make writing a habit by journaling or writing short stories regularly. Second, explore online resources like writing blogs, interactive writing games, or grammar tutorials to help you learn new skills in a fun way. Third, get creative with your writing by experimenting with different genres like poetry, fiction, or even fan fiction based on your favorite books or movies. You can also try writing collaborative stories with friends or family members, where each person adds a sentence or paragraph to the story, making it a fun and interactive activity.

Don't forget: On March 5th, we'll be taking the West Virginia Summative Assessment in writing. Make sure your iPads are charged and updated for testing. Let's show off our writing skills and make our school proud!

*Mrs. Bair’s choir classes use technology to create their own music. 6th grade used the white board to spell words on the Treble Clef Staff. 8th graders used AR Maker app to create new ways to display notes in augmented reality!

*Students in Mrs. Morelands class last week were diving in to Ancient Rome! A major theme throughout the unit is the idea of leaders and power. Students participated in a CSI activity to determine the motive and murder of the infamous Roman consul, Julius Caesar. Students had to analyze source documents to find evidence related to the murder. Always remember to Beware the Ides of March!

*Ms. French's students made brownies from a story they read about the Super Bowl.

*Congratulations to the 7th grade "Hunger Games" volleyball champions for the second year in a row - Mr. Jackson’s 7th period class! The game was broadcasted on live streaming for all of the 7th grade to watch from their Unified Arts classes!

"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