NORTH NEWS

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS REGARDING COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Believe it or not, it is the middle of the 3rd nine weeks! Interim report grades were set to be available today, however due to our county-wide computer issues, students and staff may be unable to login to Schoology, but might be able to see grades using the phone app. As soon as this system is up and running as normal, we will let you know so you can check your child's 3rd nine weeks progress.

Due to our computer issues, which we expect to be ongoing next week, please make sure your student has paper, pencils and perhaps a folder or notebook for class. Also, make sure your student keeps bringing their Chromebook to school each day so they will be prepared when the internet is back up and running at school.

To read our superintendent's statement on 2/3/23 regarding the computer issues, please click the link below.

**8th GRADE SATURDAY SCHOOL has been postponed until next Saturday, February 11th from 9-11am due to the loss of internet at the school.

ATTENTION PARENTS DROPPING OFF THEIR STUDENTS IN THE MORNING!!!

If you are the parent of a student who is being dropped off in the morning, PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN OUR SCHOOL PARKING LOT. Teachers have not been able to get into the building for work because all of the parking is being taken by parents. If you do not want to wait in the drop off line running down the access road between the school and the Rec center, we ask that you park at the Rec center and have your student walk across the field to the school. We need our staff to be able to park their cars and get inside to work. Thank you for your help with this matter.

ON TO THE PLAYOFFS!

NMS students participated in a pep rally yesterday to support our sports teams and wish our basketball players "good luck" in the playoffs which start on February 13th! Both our varsity girls & boys teams will play AT HOME that evening starting with the girls game at 6:00pm and the boys game following (approximately 7:30pm). Our girls team will face off against Charlestown and the boys will play against Harper's Ferry! We hope to see many spectators out to support our Blue Devil athletes!

Please note: All girls & boys basketball and cheerleaders should prepare to stay after school on Friday, Feb 10th for sport pictures.

CONGRATS TO OUR MATH FIELD DAY & REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR PARTICIPANTS

On Wedensday, several North Middle students competed in the county-wide Math Field Day! Congratulations to Avery Reyes who placed 3rd in the 7th grade competition and Xavier Smith who placed 6th! We are so proud of our "math-letes"!

We are also delighted to announce Gavin Wolfe's Regional Science Fair win yesterday! He will be representing North Middle in the upcoming State Science Fair competition! We are so proud of Gavin!

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS

Monday, February 6th is the next Student Council meeting after school in Ms. Updike's room! Please have your rides to go home here promptly by 4:00pm!

Student Council will also be hosting the Valentine's Day dance on Thursday, February 9th from 3:00-4:15pm. Tickets will go on sale Feb 8th during recess for $5.00. Only 75 tickets will be available per grade.

HEADSTRONG AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

Headstrong is a new school club whose purpose is to promote independence & healthy self-esteem. This club will meet after school every Tuesday and Thursday from February 7th to March 28th and will be led by Ms. Kocik, our school social worker. Students who participate will be provided an afternoon snack while interacting with several guest speakers. They will also be invited to eat breakfast together from 7:10-7:35am. Students must have rides available at 3:50pm after school if they want to participate in this club. For more information, contact Ms. Kocik at 304-267-3540 or fill out the form in the link below.

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES PICTURES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10th

All sports teams will have pictures taken during or after school on February 10th!

*Band, Choir, Strings, Cross Country, and Pep Squad pictures will be finished before school ends and can leave on the bus.

*Girls/ Boys Basketball, and the Cheer teams & coaches should expect to attend after school. Have your rides available to pick you up by 4:00pm.

Spring pictures for all students (who desire them) will be on Friday, March 24th.

ATTENTION 8th GRADERS GOING TO MARTINSBURG HIGH NEXT YEAR

If you are going to Martinsburg High School next year, please take note of the following dates...

Wednesday, February 8th:

Mandatory Informational Parent/Athlete meeting from 6pm - 7pm in the Martinsburg High Cafeteria. All parents and athletes wanting to run track and field should attend.

Monday, February 27th:

First day of Track Practice - meet in the Martinsburg High cafeteria at 3:10pm.

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 3pm - 4:30pm of every week from now until the start of the regular season:

Off-season Conditioning and Flex Days. 8th graders are welcome to attend off-season conditioning to prepare for the regular season.

FOR 7th GRADERS ONLY: THE WV GOVERNOR'S STEM INSTITUTE AT WVU

Governor's STEM Institute students will engage in various projects and activities related to the math and science of amusement park rides. The goal is to open students' eyes to what lies behind the creation, construction and marketing of these rides in relation to math and science. Get on board - there are many connections with the thrill of the ride! Students will experience an exciting time of discovery!

Session #1: July 2-10

Session #2: July 12-20

For deadlines & advice, see Ms. Jackson or Ms. Poe, our guidance counselors or click the link below!

A COOL THING HAPPENED IN CLASS...

Ms. Updike's ELA students are creating old time newspaper articles on Canva, pretending to be reporters covering the diphtheria outbreak in 1925 Alaska!

The students in Mrs. Simmons 8th grade ELA class have been learning how to properly write formal letters and address envelopes. They will be sending appreciation letters near and far to teachers of their choice. North teachers, many of you will be receiving a letter, so be on the lookout!

Several of Ms. Cline's band students performed in the county Honor Band last Friday evening! To watch a video of the performance, click the link below. NMS students are in the first group!

Ms. Gantt's Science students had to research background information on heat transfer and what makes a good insulator. They had to create a blueprint of a cooler or thermos design and build something to keep a drink hot or cold for at least 30 minutes!