NMS Mustang Minutes

Hello Mustang Families -

It is hard to believe that we are only 10 school days away from the end of the second 9-weeks and the first semester. Students are reminded to complete and submit all missing assignments prior to Friday, December 15th.

The Winter Break begins on Monday, December 17th! The holidays often bring excitement and sometimes anxiousness for students. Please help remind your student to remain focused and engaged as we approach Winter Break. Thank you for your support as we all work together to provide a safe and conducive learning environment!

A reminder that NMS students are not permitted to use their cell phone during the instructional day. Cell phones are asked to be off and out of sight. This past week several concerns were brought to school administration as a result of students using social media and their cell phones inappropriately outside of school. I encourage all families to check their student's cell phone and social media frequently while also with providing frequent reminders to use cell phones and social media to communicate with others respectfully. Please note that messages and/or images that negatively impact the school day and environment are subject to investigation and enforcement of our Student Code of Conduct. Thank you for your help as we work together to remind our students of appropriate and respectful communication while using electronic communication tools.

Our students worked hard to complete the required Reading Growth Assessments last week. Please note that students will participate in the required VDOE Mathematics Winter Growth Assessments on the following dates this week.

• 12/5 - Math Grade 6
• 12/6 - Math Grade 7
• 12/7 - Math Grade 8

Students are reminded to arrive at school on time as testing will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. each morning.

I encourage our families to reach out to our school team by email or phone with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding all things NMS.

Have a great week!

Scott Belako

Principal

We are loving our new NCPS app! Stay updated with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. You can download the Nelson County PS app for free on both Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3qcA8Hs
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3q6FFzk

Please consider helping one of the NCHS BRVGS students with a pajama drive to support local students in need.

Important December Dates:

• 12/7 - Winter Choral Concert - 7:00PM
• 12/12 - Winter Band Concert - 7:00 PM
• 12/15 - VTSS 2nd Semester Celebration - 2:45 - 3:20 (students who receive ISS, OSS. ASD, or a bus suspension will lose the privilege to attend)
• 12/17 - Winter Break Begins
• 1/4/24 - Students return from Winter Break

Help Us Catch Our Mustangs READING:

Parents, did you know 20 minutes of daily reading to or with your middle school student can greatly increase their reading comprehension and level? We encourage you to read with or to your student every day. If you need resources, or want to know how to encourage your student to read at home, contact their ELA teacher or our Reading Specialist, Jennifer Campbell. If you see your student reading at home send an email with a note or picture for a classroom or PBIS productivity reward.

Chromebooks and Chargers:

Students and families are reminded that restitution will be sought for damage to Chromebooks and for missing and/or lost power cords. It is important for students to handle their devices with care as we do not have the resources to continuously repair devices that are neglected or intentionally damaged.

Birthday Celebrations / Outside Food:

Parents and families are encouraged to work through their student's Advisory Teachers to arrange student birthday celebrations. Please note that birthday treats and food cannot be distributed in the cafeteria during student lunch times. All outside food must be purchased from a store and have the ingredients available due to student allergies.

Bus Passes:

Bus passes must be provided in writing or by email when requesting your student to go home on a different bus with a friend by noon of the day the pass is being requested. Please note that we will not accept a phone request as we have no way of knowing who is making the request. Thank you for understanding as we want to assure all students arrive home safely.

Daily Student Attendance:

Attending school has a huge impact on student success. This year, we want to make sure that every student is present every day. Student attendance is recorded daily. Students are expected to be present each day to receive instruction. By attending class regularly, your student is more likely to keep up with daily lessons and assignments. We will be monitoring student attendance carefully and working with families and students to make sure students do not become chronically absent this school year. Please note that students are considered chronically absent once they have missed 18 or more days of school for any reason.

Parents and/or caretakers are asked to contact the main office to report all student absences. Thank you in advance for making sure your student attends school regularly.

To encourage daily attendance we will be starting an incentive program through our PBIS Rewards program. Students who do not miss a day of school each month will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win prizes each month. We will also have additional raffles at the end of the school year for students who have 7 or more months of Perfect Attendance and for students who miss 7 or less school days overall. We look forward to working with our students and families to improve daily student attendance throughout this school year. Student success begins with being at school!

Classroom Action Process:

Students will be introduced to our Classroom Action Procedures that will be implemented this school year as a tiered system of support. Our goal is to improve communication between home and school while also working to enhance our learning environment by issuing a system of reminders and consequences for minor behavior infractions. Staff will work to issue Classroom Actions after reminding students of expected behaviors. Classroom Actions will be assigned as follows:

• 1st Action = Phone call home and warning provided to the student
• 2nd Action = Phone call home and teacher assigned lunch detention
• 3rd Action = Phone call home and scheduled parent/teacher conference
• 4th Action = Phone call home and disciplinary referral submitted to administration

Please note that serious violations of the Student Code of Conduct will be investigated and handled accordingly. Thank you for working with us as we build upon our tiered systems of support to promote a safe learning environment for all students and staff.

All student athletes are reminded that academics and behavior are monitored throughout the school year and each playing season. Students must maintain passing grades and demonstrate good behavior consistently throughout the school year and each season to be eligible to participate.

Upcoming Athletic Events:

12/4 - Basketball at Home - 5:30 PM (girls play first)

12/7 - Basketball at Home - 5:00 PM (boys play first)

Important Game Reminder:

All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all NMS and NCHS athletic events and games.

Website: https://nms.nelson.k12.va.us/en-US
Location: 6925 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, VA, USA
Phone: 434-263-4801