NHMS Newsletter
October 27, 2022
Principal's Principles
What’s my path in High School, a Magnet program, Dual enrollment, or Career certification?
I have stated middle school is a bridge to high school. However, students worry what path to take once they cross that bridge. Students typically don’t plan a path for their future. That’s a mindset I would like to change.
We have many options for students to pursue with our magnet programs. This is the first-time students are faced with a decision to explore their interests. That decision can be overwhelming and scary because they could leave the North Harford Community. In addition to a magnet program, there is path for students to follow through the North Star initiative at NH High School. North Star is opportunity for students to earn college and career experience in their high school years.
To help the students at NHMS feel comfortable with their big decision, this November, we are going to take the 8th grade students to Harford Community College. They will be exposed to possible college and career opportunities they can explore in high school. The hope is to give them destination point when they cross that bridge.
Staff Highlights
Susan Summerfield
Congratulations to Susan Summerfield, one of our Math teachers in 6th grade. She has been honored as NHMS's Everyday Hero by the Harford County Education Foundation. Mrs. Summerfield is being honored and recognized for her outstanding dedication to her students.
Thank you for all you do for NHMS and your students!
Device Protection Plan
The Device Protection Plan is currently being offered for $20 if purchased through October 31st. From November 1st through January 31st the Device Protection Plan cost will increase to $50. The Plan can be purchased at School Cash Online website which is linked in the e-mail. We strongly encourage all families to secure device protection
NHMS 8th Grade Visit to HCC
Harford County NorthStar
North Harford Middle School
Harford Community College
On November 16th, 8th grade students from North Harford Middle School will have the opportunity to visit Harford Community College. They will be exploring career options and setting goals for how to fulfill their plan. This trip is planned 2 weeks before Magnet School applications are due so they still have time to consider the various high school programs in Harford County that could be a step toward their future career.
School Meals
HCPS will be returning to purchasing breakfast items and school lunches this year. 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.*
Academic Tutoring
Additional tutoring resources:
School Expectations
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.
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.
Upcoming Events
October 27th - SMA Open House
November 1st - Fundraising Tastes Great
1604 Conowingo Rd
Present the flyer shown to the right and we NHMS PTSA will receive 20% of your order.
November 2nd - IB Open House
November 3rd - 39th Annual Sandy Richardson Run
The Richardson Run is a memorial run in memory of Sandy Richardson, a former Physical Education Teacher here at North Harford Middle School that died tragically in a car accident. This run has become a school tradition and an event the school community looks forward to each year. Parents and guardians are welcome to come watch! Students will be running during their scheduled physical education period. Please come show your support!
This year, we are asking students to dress in their grades assigned color!
6th - WHTIE
7th - BLUE
8th - RED
Good Luck to all of the RUNNERS!
November 3rd - Harford Tech Open House
November 4th - 3 hour early dismissal
November 8th - Election Day: schools and offices are closed
November 11th - End of 1st Quarter & 3 hour early dismissal
November 14th - Picture Make-UP day
Flyers and Order Forms are available in the main office.
November 16th - 8th Grade HCC Field Trip
November 23rd - Report Cards & 3 hour early dismissal
November 24 & 25 - Schools and Offices are closed
November 29 - 6th Grade Honors Assembly
November 30th - 7th Grade Honors Assembly
November 30th - Parent Teacher Conferences
December 1st - 8th Grade Honors Assembly
December 1st - Magnet Programs application closes
December 12th - Basketball Tryouts
Counselor Corner
2023 Carson Scholars Scholarship
Eligible students will soon be receiving information from their school counselor about the Carson Scholars Scholarship.
2023 Carson Scholars Scholarship
Our scholarship program awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Students must attend an accredited K-12 school in the United States and be nominated by an educator at their school to be able to compete for a Carson Scholarship. In order for a student to be eligible for the award, they must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and participate in community service activities. Only one student from each school can be nominated, unless otherwise told by a CSF staff member. For more information about our scholarships, visit https://carsonscholars.org/overall-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
November Awareness Days
November
Adoption Awareness Month
College Application Month
Military Family Appreciation Month
National Career Development Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
National Runaway Prevention Month
National Scholarship Month
Native American Heritage Month
Picture Book Month
12-20 National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness
Week
13 World Kindness Day
13-19 Transgender Awareness Week
14-18 American Education Week
14-20 National Apprenticeship Week
16 International Day for Tolerance
17 Children’s Grief Awareness Day
17 Great American Smokeout
17 National Parental Involvement Day
19 Family Volunteer Day
19 International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
19 National Adoption Day
20 Transgender Day of Remembrance
25 Native American Heritage Day
25 Random Acts of Kindness Friday
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 - meets Fridays starting tomorrow, 10/28
GSA – selected Thursdays all year until 4:00
Game Club- 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month
Girls Club-Tuesdays (twice/month)
Jam Club-3rd Wed of month
Jazz Club
Mentoring -Wednesdays beginning until 3:45pm
Run Club - Thursdays 9/29-11/17
STARS 4th Tuesday of month
SGA 2nd Tuesday of month
Yearbook- 2nd & 4th Wed of month
NHMS Running Club participating in Bel Air Turkey Trot
Many members of the running club will be running on Thanksgiving morning. Feel free to cheer us on or run with us at the Bel Air Turkey Trot: https://www.ymdturkeytrot.org/Race/YTurkeyTrotCharity5K/Page/belair
Athletics
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