NTMS North Note
January 2024 Newsletter
Principal's Message
NTMS Community,
The start of 2024 has been a fun and exciting time at NTMS with Buffalo Bills fever in full effect! As the second quarter comes to an end, we would like to inform you of several important events that are set to take place in the near future.
Dr. Janese
NTMS Musical Finding Nemo
The NTMS Drama Club invites you to see our 2024 production of "Finding Nemo Jr" January 18th - 20th. This fun dramatization of the classic movie by the same title is a 60 minute version perfect for all ages. Reserved seat tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://ntcsd.booktix.net/
8th Grade Career Exploration
Graduation Requirements
During the week of January 8th, cohort counselor Mrs. Evarts pushed into 8th grade classes to talk about graduation requirements.
CTE Center Visit
In 11th and 12th grade, students have the option of participating in career and technical education (CTE) as a part of their daily programming. On January 22nd, students on Team Draco will visit the Orleans-Niagara BOCES CTE Center to learn about these options as they begin to craft a 4-year graduation plan. On January 25th, students on Team Phoenix will do the same. The 2023-2024 CTE program guide has been linked here. We would encourage all students and families that would like to learn more about these programmatic opportunities to view this document.
Future Opportunities Fair
On January 26th, 8th graders on both teams will hear presentations from NTHS elective teachers, learn about the rigors of participating in the honors program, as well as find out more about high school life from the NTHS student Lumberjack Mentor group. The updated 2024-2025 Secondary Curriculum Handbook has been linked here for your review.
Computer Based Testing
Upcoming New York State Testing: Computer Based Testing (CBT)
For the 2023-2024 school year, districts across New York State will begin taking state assessments using digital devices. Students and staff at NTMS have been preparing for these new rigors over the past year as the building conducted mandatory practice "field tests" using this format in the spring of 2023. Additionally, when students have taken their quarterly assessments with the eDoctrina software, they have been using the same digital tools they will utilize on the state exams.
When districts take state assessments in a CBT format, they must participate in a simulation experience during the month of January. The primary goals of the simulation is to ensure that school districts can meet the technological demands of administering assessments on digital devices and to familiarize students with the testing platform.
Team Draco students will participate in the CBT simulation on January 22nd after their visit to the CTE Center. Team Phoenix students will participate in the CBT simulation on January 25th after their visit to the CTE Center. Team Aries and Team Orion students will participate in their CBT simulation on the morning of January 26th.
Superintendent Woytila's 1/16/24 community notification has been attached below.
The building's 1/18/24 community simulation notification has been attached below.
Friday January 26th - Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences
On Friday January 26th, students will be dismissed at 10:30 so staff can have the opportunity to meet with families to discuss academic progress. Families can meet with NTMS teachers from 12:00-2:30. The building will utilize an "open conference" format where signups will not be required to meet with staff. If you cannot attend the conferences in-person and would like a phone conference, please reach out to the staff member directly via email to arrange for a time for a phone call.
Important Upcoming Dates
January 26th - Quarter 2 Ends
January 26th - Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences
February 2nd - NCMEA All County Jr. Jazz Band Competition
February 2nd - FACS for Life field trip to Platter's Chocolate
February 3rd - NCMEA All County Jr. Jazz Band Competition
February 7th - Board of Education Meeting
February 9th - NCMEA All County Jr. Band Competition
February 10th - NCMEA All County Jr. Band Competition
February 16th - Studio in Art field trip to Niagara Aquarium
February 19th & 20th - No School; President's Day holiday recess
February 21st - Board of Education Policy Meeting
February 23rd - 25 week progress report window closes