Weekly Wildcat Newsletter - July 2
Northwestern Middle School News and Notes
Howdy Wildcat Country!
This week we learned the decision and some follow up information about our district's plan to reopen schools on August 17 for face-to-face instruction with the option for families to choose Individual Remote Learning. I have been in several meetings this week with district leaders, fellow Principals, some NMS parents, and some our staff to discuss the logistics of students and staff safely returning to school. I am confident that we will be ready for students on August 17. Thank you for those who have already completed the NMS Return to School Family Survey. The link to the survey is below so you can still participate if you choose to.
I watched the FCS Virtual Briefings yesterday and today. Our district leaders provided some clarifying information that was helpful to better understand the return to school plan. I would encourage you to participate in these briefings - either live or watch the recordings. We have included a link below to the FCS Virtual Briefings webpage with dates, times, and links to join the meetings.
As Northwestern continues to plan for reopening school on August 17, I will share more details over time. Here are some important points I want to communicate with you now.
Masks will be expected for students during school at Northwestern. Wearing a mask is a great way to demonstrate that we care about other students and staff in the school. Be KIND, wear a mask.
Students and staff will practice modified social distancing while in school. In the classroom, teachers will space out classroom furniture to the extent possible to improve social distancing. During class transitions, student dismissal will be slightly staggered and hallways will be one-way. Students will not use lockers, except by request, and will carry their school materials in a backpack. Some students will eat lunch in the cafeteria and others will eat lunch in classrooms in order to provide for modified social distancing. Students will participate in PE, music classes, clubs, and extramural athletics. During each of these activities, school staff will ensure modified social distancing for all people. These plans may change if new guidance is provided before we begin school.
I want to wish all of Wildcat Country a Happy 4th of July! I hope your family enjoys this weekend either at home or on the road. Please be safe and enjoy your time together.
Northwestern Middle School
Northwestern will be open from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday .
Email: nmsfrontdesk@fultonschools.org
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/northwesternms
Location: 12805 Birmingham Highway, Milton, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 254-2870
Twitter: @TheNMSWildcats
First Day of School Changed to Monday, August 17
Virtual Learning Opportunities for 2020-21
Fulton County Schools is offering an Individual Remote Learning opportunity for students in grades 1-8 and a Full-time Fulton Virtual opportunity for students in grades 9-12. These options are available for students who have an underlying health condition, a social or emotional condition, or other special or extenuating family circumstances that prevents them from safely returning to a face-to-face school environment due to COVID-19. The programs are also open to other interested families. Registration begins on June 30 and ends on July 17. These virtual options require a semester commitment (from August through December) and do not include extracurricular activities at local schools. However, virtual clubs will be offered. Click here for more information and visit www.fultonschools.org/enrollment to register your student.
FCS Virtual Briefings
Substitute Teachers for School Year 2020-21
We are looking for individuals who are interested in working as a Substitute Teacher during the upcoming school year. If you or someone you know is interested in working similar hours as their school aged children and making an impact on the lives of our students, please consider becoming a substitute at Northwestern Middle School. Substitute teaching offers the flexibility to choose the days and school location that work with your schedule. If you have any questions about substitute teaching, please email Mr. Peterson at petersonj1@fultonschools.org.
Please use the link below to access information from our district website about substitute teaching.
NMS Cell Phone Policy Change for School Year 2020-21
Student use of cell phones is prohibited during the school day. Student use of cell phones (calling, texting, playing games, recording video) will result in disciplinary consequences in accordance with the RRRoar progressive discipline cycle. Student cell phones should be off or silent and placed in their locker during the school day.
This policy also applies to other personal electronic devices, headphones, earbuds, headsets, and portable speakers. These items should be turned off and placed in their locker during the school day.
Smart watches will be allowed in the classroom. Inappropriate use of smart watches will result in consequences in accourdance with the RRRoar progressive discipline cycle.
Summer Resources for Students and Families
Help is Here!
Our district continues to offer meal distribution at several school sites. Meals can be picked up on Wednesdays from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Other resources are available through our district's School Community Connection initiative. Please see the graphics below for more information.
Thank you for your continued support of Northwestern Middle School!
Sincerely,
Joel - Principal
Northwestern Middle School: Teach Hard, Love Harder - The Wildcat Way!