Cougar Tracks
February 2024
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Mark Your Calendar - for all things NWMS
February 7 - AVID a & Apps
February 7 - BINGO 6:00pm - 7:30pm
February 8 & 9 - Parent Teacher Conference (No School)
February 12 - 16 - Spirit Week
February 14th - Spring Social 2:30pm-4:00pm
- Students must stay on campus after school in order to attend.
February 21st - PTA Meeting - NWMS Library @ 4:00pm
March 12 - Band Concert (OHHS SUB) 7:00pm - 8:30pm
March 14 - Choir Concert (OHHS SUB) 6:30pm - 7:15pm
March 18 - Teacher Workday (No School)
March 19 - End of 2nd Trimester
March 20 - PTA Meeting - NWMS Library 4:00pm
Attendance Information
Pre-arranged or Extended Absences
In the case that a family knows of an absence ahead of time (travel, family celebration, etc.) that exceeds 2 school days and does not meet the criteria for an excused absence, parents can seek prior approval for an absence. Please be sure to send a note or email to the office at least 3 days before the absence to arrange for a contract. The principal reserves the right to not excuse an absence that will have a serious adverse effect on the student's educational progress. In the event of such an absence, teachers will gather assignments to be completed or communicate via google classroom, students are responsible for making up work missed during the absence.
Excused or Unexcused Absences
Parents must request that an absence be excused within 2 school days by calling, writing a note or sending an email (nwmsattendance@ohsd.net). The request must be a valid reason and must include a date of absence. Parents can also call 360-279-5503/5500.
A message from your school counselors
NWMS students are thinking about the future with Xello, a career and college exploration tool. Accessible anytime through Clever, Xello is not just a tool but a key part of your child's high school and beyond plan, a requirement for graduation.
Middle school is the perfect time for students to start thinking about their future paths. Early college and career exploration helps students to identify their interests and passions, helping them make informed decisions about their educational journey. Learning about post high school pathways early on can help students be motivated to succeed and to take steps towards their goals.
Starting in February, advisory classes will complete weekly Xello lessons together, delving into topics such as Time Management, Learning Styles, and Decision Making. These lessons are not only valuable for academic success but also for personal growth.
Xello provides an interactive space for students to explore a variety of careers and colleges tailored to their unique interests and skills. We encourage students to use Xello anytime, and encourage families to talk with their students about what they have learned and are interested in pursuing!
The College Bound Scholarship is a cool opportunity for students who might need help paying for college. Students who receive free or reduced lunch in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, or are part of state foster care are automatically enrolled. Students have to complete the College Bound Pledge by finishing high school, being a good citizen with no felony convictions, getting accepted to a participating college or university, and applying for financial aid in your senior year.
If you and your student qualify, you will receive a certificate in the mail from College Bound! If you have questions, please see the College Bound website or talk with your school counselor.
Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC)
Ms. Codi
The MFLC program supports service members (Active duty, Reserve, & National Guard), their families, and survivors with confidential non-medical counseling. The MFLC offers individual and group support. The group is typically 6-7 weeks and is held during school hours. This is a WONDERFUL opportunity for military students to meet and talk with others about deployment, get support and learn ways to deal with deployment. If you think your student would be interested in meeting with Ms. Codi, please feel free to stop by the front office or have your student stop by for a parental consent form.
Student Assistance Professional (SAP) Substance Use Prevention/Intervention
Ms. Sandie
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) new “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign mobile app helps parents and caregivers prepare for some of the most important conversations they may ever have with their kids. The app shows parents how to turn everyday
situations into opportunities to talk with their kids about alcohol and other drugs. It also equips them with the necessary skills, confidence, and knowledge to start and continue these conversations as their kids get older.
Features of the new app include:
- Sample conversation starters
- Ways to keep the conversation going
- An interactive practice simulation section
- The opportunity to earn badges for practicing and having real-life conversations
- A resource section with informative and useful videos, fact sheets, brochures, infographics, guides/toolkits, and more
DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY BY CLICKING THIS LINK
Parent Teacher Conference
Our scheduler is currently open and will close on Tuesday, February 6th at 4:00 p.m.
If you are having difficulties accessing your skyward account, please contact the front office.
Go to our school website using this link for more details on our conference schedule.
Periodic Yearbook Sales
If you were unable to purchase your yearbook in December, you'll have another chance.
Our next open order time will be March 15th - April 12th.
You can use your efunds account, or pay with cash, check or credit card in the office from
7:00am - 2:45pm
Current Sports
Practice information and schedule changes.
Students should also receive our school newsletter called The Daily Download which details their schedule for that current week.
If there are any changes that are made to any game/match, we do our best to communicate as quickly and effectively as possible, it is always recommended to follow us on Facebook at North Whidbey Middle School.
Home Girls Basketball Game Concessions
If you would like to volunteer for home game concessions to help out our Parent Teacher Association, there is a signup form using this link. We would love to have you there to support our school.
Parent Teacher Association
The PTA helps our school as a whole, we're thankful for all of our volunteers!
There are many volunteer opportunities available
Are you interested in being apart of our North Whidvey Middle School Parent Teacher Association??
Come to their meeting Wednesday, February 21st at 4:00 p.m. in the NWMS Library
All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Here is what your PTA has for this month! Doughnuts, books, concessions and more!
Doughnut orders end Friday, February 9th!
Book Fair!!
NWMS Library Book Fair February 5th- 8th
ONLINE Book Fair February 5th - February 18th
B-I-N-G-O and Bingo Was His Name-O
Wednesday, February 7th 6:00 p.m. - 7::30 p.m.
Join us for our family bingo night in the NWMS Commons!