Northwest Junior High Newsletter
December 2016
A note from our Principal...
Hello Vikings,
I want to thank all of you who donated to the Northwest Fundraiser. Your contribution will benefit our students greatly.
The holiday season is upon us and I know the students are looking forward to winter break which starts December 22nd and ends January 4th. Classes resume January 5th.
I was pleased to participate in a Peace Gathering for Northwest and Kirkwood communities. If you missed it, you missed a treat! I want to thank all of the parents, students, teachers, ESC administrators, Coralville's Mayor Lundell and Coralville council members who were in attendance. It was cold and sleeting, but we stuck it out for the greater cause. Check out pictures on our website or NW Facebook page.
I want to ensure all families that all students will continuously be welcome at NW regardless of race, cultural background, sexual orientation or political views. Please encourage your students to support an inclusive culture at Northwest and in the community. Rest assured that NW staff is dedicated to the success of all students!
Thank you,
Laura Cottrell, Principal
Attendance Policy Reminders
Students are expected to be in all classes and to make daily attendance a
top priority. Only through consistent attendance and class participation
do students achieve the benefits of the educational program. Students and
their parents/guardians are asked to consider the impact of participating in
several activities that may require numerous school absences due to competition
or major travel. The Iowa City Community School District Board
of Education has outlined policies for the expressed purpose of encouraging
regular attendance practices on the part of students. Parents can check on their student’s attendance by accessing Power-School at any time.
Acceptable excuses for absences, tardies and departures:
1. Evidence that the student is not in proper physical or mental condition to attend school or an educational program. The district may request the parent or guardian to obtain a written statement from a physician or licensed practitioner as proof of the physical or mental condition of the student. Such excuse shall be made in writing, shall state the period of time for which it is valid, and shall not exceed 30 days.
2. Medical, dental, chiropractic, optometric or other valid professional appointments. Parents or guardians are requested to make their appointments during non-school hours.
3. A death in the immediate family or funerals for close relatives.
4. Religious holidays.
5. Family trips that can be taken only during the normal school term. The intent of this statement is to provide opportunity for students to accompany their parent(s)/guardian on a vacation, which cannot be scheduled when school is not in session. A parent/guardian shall be required to notify the school attendance officer prior to leaving on vacation of the pending absence for the purpose of reviewing the student's attendance record and overall performance record. If attendance is satisfactory, the attendance officer may excuse up to 5 days a year for family trips. Student vacations or trips without parent/guardian accompaniment are not excused absences.
6. A court appearance or other legal procedure which requires the attendance of the student.
7. A quarantine as imposed by a public health officer.
8. Attendance at special events of educational value or school activities as approved by the school attendance officer.
9. Special circumstances that show good cause which the school attendance officer approves in advance.
10. Out of school suspension.
To report an absence or if a student needs to come to school late or leave early please call the NWJH main office at 319.688.1060.
Student Athletes/After school activity Attendance Policy...
Students serving In school suspensions or out of school suspensions are NOT allowed to attend games, practices or other after school activities on the days they serve their suspensions.
Fundraiser Item Delivery Information...
Donations needed...
We are also finding ourselves using up more pencils than ever at NWJH. If you have any pencils to donate to the main office they would be put to good use with our students!
KMO Results!
Our KMO (Knowledge Masters) team participated in the Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl competition.
Our 7th grade team places 2nd in Iowa among 30 7th grade teams and 7th overall against 66 7th and 8th grade teams.
Our 8th graders also placed 2nd in Iowa among 36 8th grade teams and 2nd overall among the 66 7th and 8th grade teams.
Needless to say that I am very proud of the students!
If you want to see results -
http://www.thinkingcapquizbowl.com/contests/dates#7th/8th Grade Contest 2016-2017
We have another competition on Dec 2nd – that will be the Questions Unlimited 3-2-1 contest. Wish us luck!
Way to go, KMO!!
Coach Dan
National French Week (Nov.4-10).
We had a guest speaker, Roxanna Curto, from the University of Iowa to talk about opportunities for French majors and minors and some AP French students from West come to talk about the trip to France. We also hosted a film screening and a tongue twister competition. The posters were made by my French club students who wanted to research various French speaking countries. French Week was really successful! Contact Ms. McDermott with suggestions from staff, students and parents for next year's National French Week. mailto:McDermott.Sydney@iowacityschools.org
NWJH Parent Student Teacher Organization
At last month’s meeting, school board members Lori Roetlin and Chris Leibeig shared information about proposed science curriculum changes at the freshman and possibly eighth grade level which will affect those students looking to take an advanced science class during their freshman year. They also shared information about the school bond issue referendum proposed to take place next fall which will support improvements at all schools in the district as well as build outdoor sports facilities for Liberty High School. Both school board members encouraged parents to read about school board business on the school website and to e-mail comments or questions to any of the board members. Parent's voices matter to both board members and administration but they need to hear from us.
Upcoming PSTO meetings
January 25 11:45 a.m.
February 21 7:00 p.m.
March 29 11:45 a.m.
April 25 7:00 p.m.
Northwest JH Bands are doing well this year!
The 8th grade band marched with the North Central 8th grade and West High Trojan Marching Band on September 16. It was an amazing performance of “Evil Ways” by Santana with over 400 musicians on the field!
The first concert for 7th and 8th grade concert bands was November 3rd. Both groups played very well and are off to a terrific start this year.
During lessons the week of November 14-18 auditions were held for the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association JH Honor Bands. We were allowed to take only 17 students and the competition is always steep with so much talent in our groups.
Please know that most NWJH Band information for schedules and concert information may be found on our new website: www.nwjhbands.com
As always, thank you everyone for all of your support of the Northwest JH Bands!
FCS News
NWJH – A SEWING CLUB!
Open to all interested students! We meet on most Mondays, 4:05 – 5:00. Bring your projects, fabric and have FUN. New friendships – camaraderie for all! Also, bring BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION!! WE COLLECT THESE FOR EXTRA MONEY FOR OUR CLUB!! I’m looking forward to meeting you ……….Mrs. Hanes
Family and Consumer Sciences1
Donations of lightweight cotton WOVEN fabric (novelty prints – cute designs or solids), thread, buttons, stuffing and interfacing are always appreciated. Classes are mastering the basic sewing machine and soon will begin constructing bags and book covers. Clothing care will follow – be prepared your child will need to sort the family laundry and do at least one load from beginning to end. Meaning, pre-treat stains, read care labels, wash, dry, fold or hang up and put away! Your signature is required on the worksheet. FCS1 classes are asked to collect BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION for our Sewing Club. Thank you……...Mrs. Hanes
Dates To Remember...
Monday, Dec. 12th Fundraiser Delivery Day, in the Little Theater after school
Tuesday, Dec. 13th 7:30pm 8th Grade Choir Concert at WHS
Thursday, Dec. 15th Junior High Festival at WHS
Friday, Dec. 16th Boys Swim Meet vs. Linn-Mar at Coralville Rec Center Pool
Monday, Dec. 19th Boys Swim & Girls Basketball Picture day after school
Wednesday, Dec. 21st Last day of classes before winter break.
Thursday, Jan. 5th Classes Resume
Saturday, Jan. 7th SEIBA Honor Band Auditions
Northwest Junior High
Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact the District Equity Director, at 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245, 319-688-1000.
Email: king.christina@iowacityschools.org
Website: http://www.edline.net/pages/Northwest_Junior_HS
Location: 1507 8th Street, Coralville, IA, United States
Phone: 319.688.1060
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwestjuniorhighschool/