NHMS Newsletter
January 6, 2023
Principal's Principles
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a joyous and safe holiday break.
I’d like to start the new year with some big news. After months of gathering feedback from the staff, students and the community North Harford Middle will align with the High school and adopt the colors Green and Gold and the Hawk mascot.
The falcon mascot will be retired at the end of this school year. The 8th grade will be the last falcon graduates. Over the next several months you may notice color changes in the school to prepare for the conversion next school year.
Staff Highlights
Academic Tutoring
Additional tutoring resources:
Carson Scholarship Essay Contest
Congratulations to Ethan Pannebaker!
He is the Carson Scholars winner for North Harford Middle School. He participated in an essay contest where he is eligible to win a $1000 scholarship! He will now enter a regional competition.
Best of luck to Ethan!
Parent Pick Up when NHMS has an Away Basketball Game
This applies on the following days:
Wednesday, January 18th
Wednesday, January 25th
Monday, January 30th
Wednesday, February 8th
School Expectations
Lockers
We have noticed that some students have been "presetting" their locks for ease of access. This practice does not secure their belongs, as others may discover that the locker can be opened. Please remind your child that they should not be sharing their combination or presetting their locks so they have a secure place to keep their belongings during the school day.
Safety and Security
We work closely with the Harford County Sheriff's office to maintain a safe environment at NHMS. Gestures and comments that are cause for concern must be investigated for validity. Staff will act with an abundance of caution to ensure our students are safe during the investigation.
Care for School
We want to see our students take pride in the building and be part of taking care of the facility. Recently there has been an increase in the damage being caused in the bathrooms. If students see something is broken or not working correctly it should be reported to the office so it can be addressed. If a student is found to be responsible for damage they will be billed for the necessary repairs as well as other potential consequences. As we mentioned in previous newsletters, our custodians work hard to keep our school looking good and to have the facilities ready for students, staff, and visitors.
Student Agendas
Students received agendas at the beginning of the school year. The expectation is for students to utilize them as a tool throughout the year. We are using them to log bathroom use, track homework assignments, and reminders for upcoming events. Students can purchase a replacement in the main office for $5 if needed.
Earbuds/headphones
Students should not have earbuds/headphones in during the school day unless directed to use them by their teacher. When needed for class they are expected to use wired earbuds/headphones.
Device Protection Plan
From now through January 31st the Device Protection Plan cost is $50. The Plan can be purchased at School Cash Online website. We strongly encourage all families to secure device protection
School Meals
You can preload your students account at My School Bucks: prepayment option (click on link).
Free and Reduced Meals
The meal benefit application can be completed online here on myschoolapps.com. If you are unable to complete the form online, a copy can be printed here and returned to school.If you apply and are approved for free and/or reduced meals this school year, you will automatically receive the student device protection plan.
*Please note that you must complete a free and/or reduced-cost meals application each school year. Prior applications do not apply.*
HCPS Swan Creek School - Applications for 2023-2024
PTSA Meeting: January 11th at 6:30pm
Peer Helpers: Humane Society Charity event
Giving Tree
Dates to Remember
January 14th - Winter Clothing Drive
The Parish House with Holy Trinity Church located at 2925 Level Road, Churchville, MD 21028 is hosting a Winter Clothing Drive from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, January 14th.
January 16th - Schools and Offices Closed
January 17th - NHHS registration information Night
January 17th - PTSA Chipotle fundraiser
1538 Rock Spring Rd
Ste 200
Forest Hill, MD 21050
January 27th - end of 2nd quarter
January 31st - Device Protection Plan closes
Counselor Corner
School Attendance Matters
Missing school can be stressful as students attempt to make up missed classwork as well as keep up with current assignments. It can be more difficult for students to learn key concepts when they are not present for direct instruction from the teacher. We want students to be successful in school and regular attendance is an important part of the process.
Women in Math Essay Contest
The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and Math for America (MfA) cosponsor an essay contest each year for students in three grade categories: Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, and Undergraduate. It's open to any student in these categories: there are no restrictions based on gender, nationality, or anything else.
To enter, students interview a woman in a mathematical career about her life and work, and then they write and submit a biographical essay of about 500-1000 words based on their interview. If a student wants help finding a woman to interview, they can ask us -- we have a matching service that connects students with women mathematicians!
The contest doesn't open for submissions until December 1, 2022, but it's a good idea get started well before that.
Important dates:
- December 1, 2022: Contest opens for submissions
- January 10, 2023: Last day for students to request a match with an interviewee
- February 1, 2023: Entry deadline
Useful links:
- https://awm-math.org/awards/student-essay-contest/ : Essay Contest website with rules, an FAQ, submission instructions, previous winning essays, etc.
- https://awm-math.org/ : the Association for Women in Mathematics's website
- https://www.mathforamerica.org/ : Math for America's website
Who are School Counselors?
School counselors are certified/licensed educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. At North Harford Middle School the school counselors will lead, advocate and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by connecting their school counseling program to the school’s academic mission and school improvement plan.
The school counselors at NHMS will …
- help students apply academic achievement strategies
- help students manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
- provide time for students to plan for postsecondary options
- set up individual meetings to express themselves, plan for the future, problem solve and set goals
- provide classroom lessons based on student success standards
- provide small group opportunities for students to grow
NHMS School Counselors
Susan Smith - susan.smith2@hcps.org
8th Grade and Dept. Chair
M. Devon Vogt - mark.vogt@hcsp.org
7th Grade
Hannah Bittner - hannah.bittner@hcps.org
6th Grade
Candy White - candy.white@hcps.org
Secretary
Office Phone: 410-638-3658
January Awareness Days
Get Organized Month
National Mentoring Month
National Thank You Month
1 - Emancipation Proclamation Anniversary
1 - Global Family Day
15 - World Religion Day
16 - Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service
27 - International Holocaust Remembrance Day
NHMS Athletics, Clubs, and Activities
Club News
Club information and applications are available in the cafeteria. Students can talk to their school counselor if they have questions about any of the clubs.
After School Activities
AG club- 2nd Monday of month in band room until 4:00
Dungeons & Dragons Club- Thursdays
FCA - Fridays
GSA – 4th Thursday of the month until 4:00
Game Club- 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month
Girls Club-Tuesdays (twice/month)
Jam Club-3rd Wed of month
Mentoring -Wednesdays until 3:45pm
STARS 4th Tuesday of month
SGA 2nd Tuesday of month
Yearbook- 2nd & 4th Wed of month
Athletics
Home Basketball Games
2. Students who wish to attend must go home after school and return with an adult for entrance into the game.
3. Concessions will NOT be available.
Girls Soccer Coach
Middle School Sports Eligibility - Spring
Appeals are due by February 14th.
Community News
Substitutes Needed
Steps to be an ESSER Substitute Teacher - Existing Substitute Teachers:
- Send an email to SubSupport@hcps.org expressing your interest.
Steps to be an ESSER Substitute Teacher - New Substitute Teachers:
- Indicate Yes to ESSER Substitute Teacher on the Substitute Opportunities page of your application.
https://harford.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=5230
HCPS ESSER Substitute Teacher Pay Rates:
$165.00/day
Contact Human Resources Staff Management Department at 410-588-5238 for questions.
North Harford Middle School
Email: Daniel.Good@hcps.org
Website: https://nhms.ss18.sharpschool.com/
Location: 112 Pylesville Road, Pylesville, MD, USA
Phone: 410-638-3658