Eagle's Nest News

May, 2021

Dear Families,

We hope you will enjoy this informative newsletter! It's full of updates about what's going on here at Neal Middle School. Be on the lookout for more newsletters released on a monthly schedule. Staying connected will help all of us succeed!


Sincerely,

The Newsletter Committee

( Ms. Moriarty, Mr. Liska, and Ms. Hanna)

Neal News!

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We recommend that students keep devices (Chromebook, charger, hotspot, and hotspot charger) until the last day of school on June 4. However, if students turn in their devices on their final day of testing or before hte end of the year, they are agreeing that their grades and attendance are finalized. If students turn in devices early, they will still have the option of logging in with a phone or personal device to continue to attend class and/or complete work. However, if students do not login to classes, they will be marked absent.

If you are attending RISE Summer Camp at Neal Middle, you may keep your device, but we would prefer that students return them so they can be checked and updated. If you are an 8th grader, all devices must be turned in, and your summer camp location will issue you a new device.

June 8 is the last day to return devices if you are completing make-up work. Click here for more info!

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Device Return Spanish 2


Recomendamos que los estudiantes mantengan sus dispositivos (Chromebook, cargador, hotspot y cargador de hotspot) hasta el último día de clases el 4 de junio. Sin embargo, si los estudiantes entregan sus dispositivos en el último día de exámenes o antes de fin de año, están de acuerdo en que se finalicen sus calificaciones y asistencia. Si los estudiantes entregan los dispositivos temprano, aún tendrán la opción de iniciar sesión con un teléfono o dispositivo personal para continuar asistiendo a clase y / o completar el trabajo. Sin embargo, si los estudiantes no inician sesión en las clases, se marcarán como ausentes.

Si asiste al campamento de verano RISE en Neal Middle, puede quedarse con su dispositivo, pero preferiríamos que los estudiantes los devuelvan para que puedan ser revisados y actualizados. Si usted es un estudiante de octavo grado, debe entregar todos los dispositivos y la ubicación de su campamento de verano le entregará un dispositivo nuevo.

El 8 de junio es el último día para devolver los dispositivos si está completando el trabajo de recuperación.

Spark Camp!

SPARK Camp is open to rising 4th – 8th grade AIG identified students enrolled in Durham Public Schools. During the 4 day camp, students select 2 classes for exploration, such as Crime Scene Investigation, Science Experiments, Hamilton: The Man, The Myth, The Legend, and many more! Student selection by lottery process will take place with notifications sent before May 8th. Lottery will include siblings. Click here for more information or click here to register.

Campamento Spark de DPS

El campamento SPARK esta disponible para los futuros estudiantes de 4th a 8th grado, identificados para AIG (Servicios para estudiantes academica y/o intelectualmente dotados), inscriptos en las Escuelas Publicas de Durham. Durante el campamento de cuatro dias de duracion, los estudiantes seleccionaran dos clases para exploracion, por ejemplo, Investigacion de la Escene del Crimen, Experimentos de Ciencias, Hamilton: el hombre, el mito, la leyenda, iy muchas mas! Seleccion de estudiantes por el proceso de loteria con notifaciciones enviadas a mas tardar el 8 de Mayo. Le loteria incluira a los hermanos/as. Mas informacion aqui o Registrar acqui!
Neal Middle School - Testing Schedule for End-of-Year Tests - 2021

Testing Info!

Testing is going on now! See the video above for an explanation of the testing schedule. Click here to see a larger version of Neal Middle School's testing calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery/ CDM Summer Testing

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery is a two-phase process by which students can earn credit for a course by demonstrating a deep understanding and mastery of application of the content standards prior to taking the class. Students who successfully complete CDM will receive a pass/fail grade and course credit. Click here to find out more!

COVID-19 Testing Schedules (Students & Community)

Durham Public Schools is pleased to announce that Ottendorf Labortories LLC has agreed to provide free asymptomatic PCR testing for COVID-19 at DPS schools. While students and staff may access testing at their school, they may be tested at any DPS location. Click here for the testing schedules.

Check out the Sixth Grade Newsletter!

Click here to see the newsletter that's just for 6th graders and their families. See our cohort calendar, celebrate the May Habit Highlight winners, and find out how to beat the dreaded "Summer Slide!"

Neal Food and Pantry Program

Please complete this form if you would like to pick up a food bag, school supplies or hygiene supplies. Pick up will take place at Neal Middle School - 201 Baptist Road, Durham, NC 27704. Sign-up for a pick-up slot in the form below. Please contact the school if you have any questions, 919-560-3955.


Por favor acomplete esta forma si le gustaria recojer una bolsa de comida, utiles para la escuela o productos de higiene. Lo recojeria en la Escuela Neal Middle School- 201 Baptist Road, Durham, NC 27704. Seleccione una de las horas en esta forma. Por favor contacte a la escuela si usted tiene alguna pregunta, 919-560-3955.

Ms. Pena's Virtual OT Classroom!

This month's OT Tip is: There's an app for that! A list of well-reviewed apps designed for individuals with disabilities. It’s organized by area of support and many are relevant to our students. Check out the virtual classroom and it's resources here! Have a WONDERFUL summer!
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RISE Summer Camp 2021!

RISE is a fun-filled academic experience for all rising 6th-8th grade Neal students. Join us for amazing STEM-themed, and core subjects activities and lessons! Activities include field trips, On-campus activities, academic instruction, physical activity, and STEM hands-on learning.

FREE to all rising Neal students!


Learn More!



RISE es una experiencia académica llena de diversión para todos los estudiantes de Neal de sexto a octavo grado. ¡Únase a nosotros para disfrutar de increíbles actividades y lecciones de materias básicas y temáticas STEM! Las actividades incluyen excursiones, actividades en el campus, instrucción académica, actividad física y aprendizaje práctico de STEM.

¡GRATIS para todos los estudiantes en ascenso de Neal!



Aprende Mas!

Check Your Students' Grades

Powerschool Parent Portal:

This year we are unable to send out physical report cards, but no need to worry! You can check on your students' grades and attendance anytime using the Powerschool Parent Portal! Click here to read a letter explaining how to access the Parent Portal, and here is a version in Spanish. You can also watch this handy video tutorial that will take you through the process step by step.

Student Spotlights

Shoutout to Angela Aguilar Orozco- Angela is a newcomer who always gives her best effort. Thanks Angela! -Mr. Fashoro

Need Help?

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Use these resources to find help for you, a friend, or a family member.

This has been a tough year for many families in our community. If you need more resources, check out this handy Google Doc- there are pages and pages of information about where to get free meals, enrichment activities, discounts and PD opportunities for teachers, COVID-specific assistance, and so much more! (Shoutout to Christy Bechtel, our Beginning Teachers mentor, for this incredible list!) Each month we will highlight one resource in particular. This month's pick is...


Charter Communications-

  • Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
  • Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely. Charter will continue to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, high speed broadband program to eligible low-income households delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.
  • Charter will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across our footprint for public use.

We Want to Hear From YOU!

Click Here to Get in Touch

On the google form linked here, you can give us feedback, ask a question, nominate a student/staff member for a spotlight, or even submit your artwork or schoolwork to be featured in the newsletter!

Neal Middle School

Neal Magnet Middle School has been educating Durham for over 50 years! These days we are soaring to new heights, including a 15% proficiency increase over the last four years. Our school met or exceeded growth in the past two years! Go Eagles!