NAHS Family Newsletter
March 2024
Important Dates:
3/4 MISA Testing for 8th Grade begins
3/22 Spring Break begins at the end of the school day
4/2 Schools reopen
Principal's Corner
Happy March to our NAHS Families!
March has rolled in and school events and activities are in full effect! Our AVID students recently completed their HBCU presentations, and we are approaching our annual STEM night event! In addition, there will be additional incentives planned for our students who are following the R.A.P. Code of Conduct. As the weather warms, we are hoping to add outdoor opportunities for students as well!
Please continue to partner with us in upholding expectations for our students. Appropriate uniform attire must be worn during the school day. We have also seen a dip in student attendance. It is vital that students be present and engaged in learning with few exceptions.
Our next Parent Advisory Meeting will be on March 20 @ 5:30 pm via MS Teams. We hope to see you there!
Early Dismissal Reminder
MISA TESTING
MISA TESTING SEASON IS UPON US! The MISA test is a proficiency test in the content area of science which is given to our 8th grade students. Please encourage your 8th grade student to do the following:
- Bring a charged device daily.
- Get adequate rest the night before.
- Participate daily and do their best on every session.
- Come to school on time daily.
- Either leave phones, earpods, and iWatches at home, in locker, or turn into teacher without incident for the duration of the testing period. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE.
In a valiant effort to provide the best access and opportunity to perform optimally during our MISA testing session, and every subsequent state testing platform, we as a school are enacting a ONE WARNING POLICY for any negative behaviors which occur during the testing session from students. They will be given one warning to change the unwanted action or behavior. If they must be addressed for any other negative behavior during the testing time, they will be removed and assigned to a Saturday school session consequently. No questions asked. Please encourage your child to be participatory and cooperative daily. We want to provide equitable access for students to do their very best, and we are steadfast on this provision. Please help support us in our effort. Thank you!
Mr. Chapman
7th Grade Assistant Principal/School Test Coordinator
Cooler Weather Uniform Expectations
A friendly reminder that students are required to follow uniform expectations at all times while in the building. As the weather changes and temperatures drop, students may wear a plain crew neck, cardigan, or fleece jacket that corresponds to their uniform color. They may also wear a long sleeve shirt under their uniform polo. No hooded sweatshirts or jackets are permitted.
Please take some time this weekend to ensure your student has something that aligns to their uniform colors and is permitted for cooler weather days.
Grade 6- Light Blue or Black
Grade 7- Burgundy or Gold
Grade 8- Red or Gray
Thank you for your support and adherence to this expectation.
If you are unable to provide proper cooler weather items for your child, please email Jmiranda@bcps.org
Women's History Month
Women's History Month (US Government)
Official National Women's History Month- Teacher Resources
Includes resources and information from the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, and the Smithsonian Institution.
DestinyCollectionHighlights
Mrs. Marihugh has created an evolving set of heritage month Destiny Collections for use with students. It is organized by month and heritage. Locate it here.
View the Women's History Month resources here. Let Mrs. Marihugh know if there is a resource that needs to be included.
*Schoology and FOCUS Help*
Creating a Parent Account in Focus
Directions for parents to create a Focus account are located here: HOW TO: Creating a Parent Account in FOCUS. Parents must use the same email address to create this account that they provided to the school or else they will be denied access. Parent access to Schoology is via the Focus Parent Portal. Please use these Parent Portal Instructions.
Attendance
School attendance remains a priority for Northwest Academy of Health Sciences.
Our goal is for every student to attend instruction every day and on time. Regular school attendance ensures your child’s access to a high-quality education and has a major impact on their success from kindergarten through high school.
We understand that some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances.
However, when students miss too much school — for any reason— they fall behind academically and will be considered chronically absent.
Chronic absenteeism is defined as any absence that exceeds more than 10 percent of the 180-day school year.
To help your child achieve the most from their learning experience, make school attendance a priority!
*Have you taken the BCPS Climate Survey?*
Your voice is important to us! The survey is available at www.bcps.org from February 5 through
March 8, the survey takes five minutes or less, is anonymous, and is available in 20 languages for
students, parents/caregivers, and community members.
The survey can be taken from anywhere using a phone, tablet, or computer. You can also visit the school to take the survey at school. Students, parents/caregivers, and staff will be given opportunities to take the survey at school.
If you are a BCPS parent/caregiver and employee, or if you have children in more than one school,
you are encouraged to take the survey more than once to reflect these experiences
Family Engagement and Parent Resources
C.A.R.E. Liaison
Hello!
My name is Jessica Miranda and I am Northwest Academy's CARE Liaison! Please take a look at the resources and links provided below.
My email address is Jmiranda@bcps.org
Please let me know if I can help in any way. I have access to many resources available in our community so please don't hesitate to reach out if you or your child needs anything.
My Northwest Academy's family involvement goals are:
• To educate parents on the important role they play in assisting in their child’s education.
• To encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s education at school.
• To communicate with parents as full partners in their child’s education.
• To provide parents with opportunities, skills and tools to help them engage in meaningful parent-child learning activities.
Local Resources:
Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214
Crisis text line: Text the word "HOME" to 741741 for free 24 hour support
Maryland Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009
National Suicide Prevention Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
Baltimore County DSS: 410-887-TIME
Maryland Food Bank: 410-737-8282
211 Maryland: 211, https://211md.org/ or text 898-211
Additional resources: Baltimore County Resource Guide * BCPS Meal Sites * BCPS Social Emotional Support Page * MD Crisis Hotline * MD Food Bank * Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214 * Crisis Text Line (Text the word "HOME" to 741741 for free 24 hour support)
Please take a moment to fill out our Q3 family engagement survey!
Parent Volunteer Applications
If you are interested in being a chaperone on a field trip or volunteering this year at NAHS please follow the directions in the link below. You will need to complete the application, watch the training video and get the certificate.
When completed please email the application and certificate to me at Jmiranda@bcps.org or turn it into the main office.
Resources from the Public Library
Home Internet Access Resources for Families/Students
Families needing assistance with paying for or obtaining internet access for their children while at home should be directed to the Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit (MEBB) service. The State of Maryland has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which provides eligible families access to free or reduced internet access for their homes. This internet access can be used for virtual learning, and access to online resources such as job postings, health resources, and other benefits for adult family members and children.
Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit can be accessed through the MEBB website by going to a Baltimore County Public Library and using the available internet access.
Baltimore County Public Libraries also has a ‘Long Term Device Lending Program’ where patrons of the library can sign out either a ChromeBook and/or a cellular hotspot for up to six months. More information is available on the Baltimore County Public Library website (https://www.bcpl.info/services/longterm-lending.html ).
An alternative method is to contact the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program directly by calling (877) 384-2575. Services are available in multiple languages. Families must qualify for the service. A family can also contact one of the internet access/broadband providers on the attached listing directly to find out more about the application process.
Links to these resources are available on the BCPS Office of Network Support Services webpage. BCPS will not be providing cellular hotspots to students for virtual learning days. Only students who are verified as being in need, as defined by the Title I office, will be eligible to receive BCPS-provided hotspots. The MEBB, ACP, and BCPL lending programs are administered outside of Baltimore County Public Schools. All questions should be directed to either the Federal Communications Commission, the State of Maryland, or the Baltimore County Public Libraries as it relates to the appropriate program.
Questions regarding this information should be directed to the following individual(s): Greg Vukov, Director 443-809-9888
International Night Project
COVID
Tis the season for sniffles, sneezes, coughs and more! Many viruses circulate during the winter months. Holiday gatherings and being indoors add to the spread of viral illnesses. To protect yourself and your family:
- Keep up to date on vaccines. Find vaccines near you here.
- Stay home when sick. Students who have a fever of 100°F or higher should stay home until the fever is gone (without fever reducing medicine) for 24 hours. Consult with your healthcare provider about whether you should be tested for flu, COVID or other illnesses.
- Practice good habits – cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands regularly, consider wearing a high filtration mask if you or your family members are at high risk of complications from flu or COVID.
- Follow CDC guidelines on COVID testing. Free COVID test kits can be ordered online. If you are sick consult with your healthcare provider, regardless of the results of your COVID test. Persons with COVID may need medicine to protect them from complications; persons with negative COVID tests may need testing or evaluation for other illnesses, like flu, that can cause significant illness.
Free Vaccinations
The first and most important step to protect yourself against flu viruses is to get a flu vaccine. You can get a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. Find your flu vaccine. The injectable quadravalent vaccine will be available, which is not the high-dose vaccine recommended for people 65 and over. See your healthcare provider to obtain the high-dose vaccine. In addition, many local pharmacies offer free flu shots in your community. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the most up-to-date information on seasonal flu. If you are unable to attend a clinic, find a location offering vaccinations near you. https://www.vaccinefinder.org/
REMEMBER THE FLU FACTS Residents are encouraged to remember the flu FACTS in order to prevent the spread of contagious viruses, including seasonal flu: • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. • Always get an annual flu shot. • Cover coughs and sneezes.
Parent University
March 8 – 12:30 PM Lunch & Learn – Compassion vs. Control: Finding the Balance You Need (also offered May 10) Virtual Presented by Mariposa Education It's really hard when your child is struggling to know how to help. On the one hand, you know it's important to hold your child accountable and to set clear expectations. And yet you also want to be compassionate, to be a source of support and understanding when they struggle. For example, if your child is upset and they snap at you, it's hard to know whether to lean into what is bothering them or address the way they spoke to you. This is a common dilemma. Time and time again, the research shows us that children need to feel understood and accepted for their feelings AND to have clearly stated boundaries and expectations. In this workshop, we will talk about successful adult-child relationship styles and some tips and language to try to strike that balance needed between control and compassion. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvc-msqTkuHN04qf2wYjPlwccGaZhuY6tr
March 12 – 12:30 PM Lunch & Learn - Introduction to Bullying Prevention Virtual Presented by Brad Engel, Maryland State Department of Education What is bullying? What are Maryland’s laws around bullying? How can you help prevent bullying? Brad Engel, School Climate Initiatives Specialist with the Maryland State Department of Education, will provide an hour of crucial information on how to effectively respond to bullying situations and get a better understanding of the barriers that prevent children from reporting to adults. For educators and parents/caregivers alike. To be repeated on May 16, 2024. https://forms.office.com/r/JUAinXhVcM
Changes to Transportation Services for Middle School Students for 2024-2025
PTSA Meeting Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 6:00pm
Dear Parents,
Please join the PTSA for their next meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 6:00pm. This will be a hybrid meeting (both in-person and remote via Zoom).
Please email nahsptsa2@gmail.com if you are interested in joining virtually or have any questions.
Thank you for your continued support and participation. We look forward to seeing you.
The NAHS PTSA Executive Board
Resource Links
Athletics
Dear Northwest Academy of Health Sciences Scholar Athletes and Families:
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning LIONS for the 2023-2024 Spring season of athletics! We are excited to announce that we now offer the convenience of online registration for our sports programs through the registration platform, FormRELeaf!
FormRELeaf ls an Intuitive and secure registration platform providing you with a user-friendly way to register for our sports programs, while helping us to be more administratively efficient. The Winter season registration opens from Feb1st through March 10, 2024. Registration will close at 12.01 am March 10, 2024.
All Scholar Athletes must have a G.P.A of 2.0 or above, this is a Maryland state requirement for student athletes.
Begin your online registration using this link to FormRELeaf: English and Spanish version available.
https:/app.formreleaf.com/login
All necessary forms are uploaded and available on the NAHS web page under Athletics.
1. Signup for your FormRELeaf account by entering your name, email address and password; confirm your password. Agree to the FormRELeaf Terms of Service.
2. Now login to Form Leaf using your credentials (email address and password)
3. On the top menu bar select "Find organization"
4. Search for Northwest Academy of Health Sciences by typing the first few letters of our school’s name; once located, click on "Northwest Academy of Health Sciences”
5. Click on the Program ("2023-2024 sports") you wish to register for.
6. After clicking on the appropriate sport(s), complete all required information. Physical forms need to be uploaded and signed by a licensed physician.
7. Sign (using your mouse/finger/stylus) in those fields where appropriate.
8. When finished click "'Submit."
9. You will receive confirmation from FormReLeaf when you have completed your
registration.
10. The Athletic Office will verify all registrations once submitted.
If you need help at any point of the registration process, you may call FormRELeaf customer service support Monday through Saturday at (844) 367-6735.
The Athletics Staff of Northwest Academy of Health Sciences are excited about the registration platform and hope that you will appreciate and enjoy the ease of registering your students for our athletic programs.
We are offering the following sports for our winter season:
*Track and Field
*Softball Co-ed
* Tennis
Please remind your student athlete that athletics is a privilege and not a right.
We appreciate your support. Go Lions!
Kudos and Thank You to our NAHS School Community for making NAHS the #1 Middle School in the district to raise funds for Athletic Programming. We raised over $4,000 to contribute to sports uniforms and our end of the school year Athletic Gala.
- Mr. Priddee (Athletic Advisor)
Social Worker
Math Department
Hello Math Families,
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, MCAP, officially begins this month. In order to continue to strengthen the home-school connection, links to two resources are provided below. The first resource is from the National PTA and details the role of MCAP in measuring your student’s learning. The second resource is also from the National PTA and focuses on strategies to help students with “taking the stress out of tests.”
Together we can!
Family Guide to Annual State Tests in Maryland: https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/family-resources/2021/state-assessment-guides/md-assessmentguide-familyguide.pdf
Take the Stress Out of Standardized Tests: https://ptaourchildren.org/take-the-stress-out-of-standardized-tests/
Reading and English Language Arts Department
Reading and English Language Arts Department
· Grade 6 – 8 English Language Arts students have completed their MAP assessments. Data will be analyzed, and reports completed to access students’ progress.
· The Reading and English Language Arts Department will be infusing MCAP assessment strategies within instruction to support enhancing student skills.
· Grade 6 – 8 Reading students are continuing their instruction. End of the Year assessment will start in May.
· Quarter 3 will end on April 5th.
· Please be sure to check Schoology grades.
Sincerely,
Pamela Bass
Reading and English Language Arts Department Chair
Guidance Department
School Counseling Updates
Greetings Northwest Academy families! As we enter into the season of test-taking we would like to provide some test-taking strategies for students to utilize.
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is excited to announce our school was one of five BCPS middle schools to participate in a pilot program for the Cigna School Support Line. This is a no-cost, confidential service for students, families, and staff. The Cigna Support Line provides support when individuals need help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Students, families, and staff of Franklin Middle School, General John Stricker Middle School, Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, Perry Hall Middle School, and Stemmers Run Middle School can call 833-632-4462 (833-MeCigna) to access the support line. Student Support- English Student Support- Spanish
To schedule an appointment with your grade level counselor please click here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/NorthwestAcademyofHealthSciencesCounselingOffice@bcpscloud.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
Deborah Carroll, Registrar dcarroll2@bcps.org
Steffanie Cadogan, 6th Grade School Counselor scadogan@bcps.org
Monica Jones, 7th Grade School Counselor and Department Chair mjones25@bcps.org
Tonya Linton, 8th Grade School Counselor tlinton@bcps.org