Novi Middle School News
News from Wildcat Country -December 4th, 2019
Administrative Note
We hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving break this past weekend! In this busy time of year, it is important to slow down and enjoy all of our blessings and to enjoy our friends and family.
On Thursday, we are excited to once again host the Rotary-sponsored holiday luncheon for Novi-area senior citizens here at our Auditorium. Our choir, orchestra, and band students will be performing for nearly 100 seniors and our student council members will be decorating and helping serve lunch to our visiting guests in the afternoon. Thank you to Mrs. Grebinski, Ms. Hickey, Mr. Ronning, and Ms. Morgan for helping to facilitate this annual event!
Let's have a great week!
Sincerely,
Principal Baker & Dean Southworth
Novi Middle School New Staff Spotlight
My name is Julie Warren and I am the police officer who has the privilege of working with your children each and every day at the middle school. I have been a police officer for almost fourteen years now. I spent twelve of those years on road patrol and in 2018-2019 I became a detective assigned to the schools (preschool-8th grade). My partner Detective Zabick is at the high school while my office is here at the middle school. So, you may ask what does a school resource officer do? Many think that we are only in the schools to provide security. While this is a big part of my job, I also support administration and help investigate anything that happens in school or on school property. In addition, school resource officers are mentors and some may say we are consolers as well.
I was born and raised in East Lansing Michigan and after graduating high school I went to Saginaw Valley State University where I played soccer. My husband and I have been married for 11 years and have four children together with our youngest being in kindergarten. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the movies, drinking coffee, and doing puzzles.
Although this is my second year as a school resource officer, I absolutely love my job and feel very lucky to be able to interact with your children and keep them safe. Oftentimes, I walk through the hallways in the various schools and think to myself “I have the best job in the world.” There is no better feeling when a student says “hi, Detective Warren” in the hallways, gives me a hug, or comes to my office to chat about whatever is going on in their life.
This year has been off to a great start and I look forward to what the rest of the year brings. If you ever need to contact me for whatever reason, my email is julie.warren@novik12.org and my office number is 248-449-1606.
Important School Dates
December
- December 5th - Rotary Luncheon for community senior citizens (Student music performances and student council support for the luncheon).
- December 9th - NMS Theatre Company Tryouts
- December 11th - Tea with Principal Baker & Dean Southworth - 8:15AM - 9:15 AM - Main Office - Topic: Scheduling and Classes!
- December 16th - 7th Grade Washington, DC Parent Night - 7:00 PM - NMS Auditorium
- December 19th - MS Choir Concert - 7:00 PM - NMS Auditorium
- December 23rd - Winter Break Begins
No Late Buses Available on the Following Dates
On the following dates, there will be no late buses running from the Middle School. Parents should plan to provide transportation if a student needs to stay after school. Thank you!
Friday, December 6
Thursday, January 23
Friday, January 24
Thursday, March 12
NMS Theater Company Musical Tryouts
The audition packets will be available for cast members in the Main Office starting December 2nd. Please have your child pick up the packet, his or her parent/guardian must sign the agreement of rules, & child should be prepared by memorizing the dialogue and song by December 9th.
Tech tryouts will begin, after the break, in January 2020.
For additional information, please contact Lori Burkhardt at loretta.burkhardt@novik12.org
Novi Middle School & Bridgepointe Partnership
Each school across the district works together in our Bridgepointe partnership. Each school works to fulfill different needs for our partnered schools.
We are also accepting gently used items: Small stuffed animals like Beanie Babies, Big Eyed Boos, Webkinz and Matchbox/Hot Wheels.
If you wish to make a financial donation please make the check out to “Novi Meadows” with the Attn/Memo: Bridgepointe.
Please send all items unwrapped: Our students will wrap them at a later date! All items should be turned in to your students A20 Teacher. The A20 Class that collects the most items will receive a Pizza Party!
Items are being Collected from November 21st-December 10th
Love and Logic
Have you ever been curious about Love & Logic? Would you like to learn more? Then, please do not miss this upcoming event at our Novi Public Library.
This event is being facilitated by David Ascher, Novi Woods Elementary Principal. Mr. Ascher has been practicing and facilitating Love and Logic for the past 23 years.
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2019
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Where: The Novi Public Library
Facilitator: David Ascher, Novi Woods Elementary Principal
Don't forget to register: Love & Logic
Food Pantry
Sincerely,
Mary DePotter
Novi Middle School Counseling Secretary
248.449.1609 mary.depotter@novik12.org
2020 Washington DC Trip
Information packets regarding the November 2020 8th Grade Washington DC Trip will be passed out to 7th graders in their social studies classes the week of 11/18.
- All payments and registrations are handled through Worldstrides.
- There will be an Informational Parent Meeting on Monday, December 16, 2019, at 7pm in the NMS Auditorium.
- For information regarding financial assistance for next fall's trip please click here:
Novi Middle School Twitter
Novi Middle School Counseling Department- @NoviMScounselor
Schoology - Grade Reporting
Yearbook
Avoiding Lice
As school is now in session, it is important to remember the guidelines for avoiding head lice. It has been found in classrooms around the district already this year so please be vigilant in looking for it and treating it effectively. The website below has very helpful information.
Vision Screening for 7th Grade
Vision screening occurs in pre-school, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th grades
Hearing screening occurs in pre-school, kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th grades
Please ensure your student is in attendance on screening days. For more information visit www.oakgov.com/health call OCHD’s Hearing and Vision program at 248-424-7070, or contact your child’s school.
PTO
Once again, Thank you to so many parents for donating to the Novi Middle School PTO this year at registration. The PTO has several great projects to support our students throughout the year and is looking for volunteers to help with activities/events. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Kaija Juszak - ksjuszak@gmail.com or Jen Pleet - jenpleet@hotmail.com.
Thank you so much for your consideration!
Box Tops for Education
New Box Tops App
Volunteer Background Checks
Food Service
BREAKFAST - Please fuel up for the day with a Delicious Breakfast served by our friendly Staff available for any and all interested students in the Cafeteria. A breakfast station is open in the cafeteria from 7:25am - 7:45am. Food and drink should please remain in the cafeteria only.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
CLUB NEWS AND INFORMATION
Club & Activity Sponsors
CLUBS
Art Club - Alex Erskine alexander.erskine@novik12.org
Game Club - Taylor Morgan taylor.morgan@novik12.org
Golf Club - Kim Wesner kimberly.wesner@novik12.org
Interact Club - Michelle Evans michelle.evans@novk12.org
Math Club - New Coach coming soon!
Paw Print Newsletter - Ken Fenchel kenneth.fenchel@novik12.org
ACTIVITIES
Fall Play - Lori Burkhardt loretta.burkhardt@novik12.org
Spring Musical - Lori Burkhardt loretta.burkhardt@novik12.org
Art Club
Chamber Club
Game Club
Our next Game Club meeting will be held on Monday, December 16th in room #110.
GSA
Paw Print Newspaper
Future Novi Middle School Activities
Science Fair: Our annual science fair is held in January; judging occurs in a closed session. Listen for announcements in October. Qualifiers will go on to compete at the Detroit Science Fair in the Spring. Contact Ms. Morgan at taylor.morgan@novik12.org for more information.
Spelling Bee: On January 15th, students will compete for the one spot that will qualify for the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee – But everyone will have a great time in the process. Information will be in the main office in December.
Theater/Drama: Novi Middle School will produce a fall play and a spring musical. Listen to announcements for audition times. Lots of roles to be filled: actors/actress, make-up, lighting, set design, publicity... come check it out! Email Mrs. Burkhardt for information loretta.burkhardt@novik12.org
Variety Show: Held in the Spring, the Variety Show showcases the many talents of our NMS students and staff. Audition required. Auditions and show will take place in March 2020. Watch for details.
Washington DC Trip: Every 8th grader is invited to explore our Nation’s capital for four days in November. Students register for this trip during January of their 7th grade year, but some openings usually remain after that time. Email Mr. Fenchel at kenneth.fenchel@novik12.org or see him in room 128 for more information.
SPORTS
New Athletic Website
We are very excited to announce that the Novi Community Schools Athletic Department has partnered with FinalForms, online forms, and data management service. FinalForms allows you to complete and sign athletic participation forms for your students. The most exciting news is that FinalForms saves data from season-to-season and year-to-year, meaning that you will never need to enter the same information twice! FinalForms also pre-populates information wherever possible, for each of your students, saving you time.
You may review your data at any time to verify it is current. You will be required to sign your forms once per year and after any update.
Click on the Parent Playbook (attached) to get started in FinalForms. If you require any support during the process, scroll to the page bottom and click “Use Support”.
We are asking that ALL parents of athletes use FinalForms.
Please register at: https://novi-mi.finalforms.com/students
and follow the prompts to create your account, create your students and sign your forms.
Thank you for your assistance in streamlining our paperwork processes at Novi Community Schools.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
The Michigan Child Protection Registry
The Michigan Child Protection Registry, administered under our Secretary of State’s office, is dedicated to stopping minors, parents and other caregivers from receiving any solicitations from gambling, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and pornography companies via email and text messaging. You can visit the Registry at www.ProtectMIChild.com.
There are 4 things you can do to help get this information out to parents:
- Include information about the Registry in a newsletter. I’ve attached a copy of what other schools have used in the past in their newsletters.
- Include a link to the Registry somewhere on your website.
- Include a brief description and a link to the Registry on your Facebook page. (I can assist you with the wording.)
- If you are looking for someone to talk about the Registry, internet safety and the popular apps that teens are using, please contact me. I speak to a lot of parent groups all around Michigan.
I can’t stress enough how important internet safety and this Registry is in helping to keep our kids safe while using any type of mobile device. Please let me know if you can help us inform parents of this resource, if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you so much and have a great day!
Alisha Meneely
Community Outreach Coordinator
Protect MI Child
Cell: 616-540-8669
Go to www.protectMIchild.com and register today!
Like us on Facebook and get updates on how you can keep your children safe.
Morning Drop-off/Afternoon Pick-up
Please do not plan to pick up or drop off on the east side of the building. This area is reserved for school bus drop-offs and pick-ups. Thank you for your patience and for helping to keep all of our Wildcats safe.
Welcome to ALL of our Wildcats!
Our Wildcats are POWERful!
Here is our map if you need to study :)
Novi Middle School
Asst. Principal: Andrew Comb
Dean of Students: Angie Southworth - 7th Grade Liaison
Email: Robert.Baker@novik12.org
Website: http://www.novi.k12.mi.us/ms/
Location: 49000 West 11 Mile Road, Novi, MI, USA
Phone: 248-449-1600
Twitter: @novi_ms