Weekly Wildcat Newsletter - Feb. 5
Northwestern Middle School News and Notes
Good afternoon Wildcat Country!
What a week in Wildcat Country! We celebrated our three amazing School Counselors this week. Ms. Pena, Ms. Hinton, and Ms. Harris do a fantastic job supporting our students. Their combined efforts have a very positive impact on our school and community!
SGC Candidate Declaration is now open. See below if you're interested in SGC for next school year.
We're in the middle of 2021-22 scheduling season. The deadline for rising 9th graders to choose electives for Milton is today. Please pay close attention to the 21-22 scheduling timelines below so you don't miss anything.
We received some great news from our district IT Department this week. Northwestern students who currently have a Microsoft Surface will be receiving a new device in the coming weeks! We are developing our plan to deploy over 1000 new student devices safely and efficiently. Stay tuned for information about device deployment for both F2F and remote learners.
Lastly, please make plans to join the PTO meeting next week. The link is provided below in the PTO section.
If you have any questions, you can email me directly at petersonj1@fultonschools.org.
Have a GREAT weekend! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone Monday morning!
COVID-19 Parent (Student) Reporting Portal
Did you know? NMS Grading Policies
NMS Late Work Policy
Students may turn in work after the original due date for Summative, Formative, and Progress Monitoring grading categories. A maximum penalty of 10 points may be deducted for late work (exception for high school credit courses). 8th grade students may have up to 5 points deducted per day for a maximum of 10 points. 6th/7th grade students may have up to 2 points deducted per day for a maximum of 10 points.
8th grade students in a high school credit course may have up to 5 points deducted per day with a minimum grade of 60 for late work.
Student work that meets the expectation for a passing grade, will not be scored below 70%.
NMS Minimum Grade Policy
Students who make a legitimate attempt but earn a score of 59% or less, will receive 60% as a minimum grade. This policy maintains the 10-point differential between letter grades and includes Summative, Formative, Progress Monitoring and Homework grading categories.
This policy does not pertain to high school credit courses.
School Governance Election 2021
We are approaching election season for new membership in our School Governance Council. The School Governance Council has one parent/guardian and one teacher position open for election. Parents/guardians of students who will be attending Northwestern Middle School during both the 2021-2022 and 2022-23 school years are eligible to run for the parent/guardian SGC positions.
Our School Governance Council (SGC) plays a critical role in the success of our school. The SGC works with school leadership and the community to help determine the long-term direction of the school, design innovative solutions to increase academic achievement, and serve as school ambassadors to the local community. Specifically, the School Governance Council has the following powers:
· Create, approve, and monitor the implementation of the school strategic plan
· Manage the Request for Flexibility process
· Approve the annual budget recommendations and related allocations
· Participate in the hiring of the principal, in the case of a vacancy
· Provide annual feedback to the Area Superintendent on principal performance
For a video with more information about School Governance Councils, please visit the SGC page on our FCS website - https://www.fultonschools.org/Page/7358.
Candidate Declaration: 2/3 - 2/26
Elections: 3/17-3/24
You can declare your candidacy on our website:
Visit the SGC website and click on Elections for a candidate guide and/or declaration.
www.fultonschools.org/elections (Opens 2/3)
Questions for our current SGC members? Please visit our SGC website to find current members and their contacts. https://www.fultonschools.org/domain/1441
Attendance Policy
During Spring Semester, attendance will be taken by the teacher for all students each class period. For F2F learners, students who are in class will be present. Students who are not in class will be marked “absent”. For remote learners, when the class is being taught live (synchronously), teachers will mark students who log in and actively participate, as “participated”. If a student does not log in to a live (synchronous) class or does not respond when called upon, he/she will not be marked as “participated”. If a student experiences a technical issue which prohibits him/her from logging into a live class, a parent or guardian should email the grade level Assistant Principal to resolve the absence within five school days.
6th grade: Amber Manganelli – manganellia@fultonschools.org
7th grade: Deana Skimel – skimel@fultonschools.org
8th grade: Ashley Poston – postona@fultonschools.org
Attendance for offline (asynchronous) classes will be determined by work submission and as defined by the teacher. If you do not have attendance alerts set up in Infinite Campus, please take time this evening to set them up, so you will be immediately notified if your student is not attending classes.
NMS Expectations for Remote Participation
Live/Synchronous Lessons
- Remote students should be in class (online) on time each period.
- Remote students will communicate/answer questions as directed by their teacher
- Remote students will have their camera on as directed by their teacher.
- Remote students will remain in class (online) as directed by their teacher.
Offline/Asynchronous Lessons
- Remote students will submit class work/assignments as directed by their teacher.
Family Events and Pre-Approved Absences
- Visitation with an immediate family member who is on leave from or is being deployed to military service
- Important family events/celebrations for an immediate family member (graduation, wedding, etc.)
- A specialized, supplemental, or extracurricular program/event
- Other absences pre-approved by the principal
Attendance Codes Updated
P - Absences Recorded as Present
PI - Personal Illness (Note from Parent/Guardian)
M - Medical (Note from Doctor Only)
PR - Participate Remote
T - Tardy (No more excused or unexcused)
Participate Remotely
NMS Expectations for Remote Participation
Live/Synchronous Lessons
- Remote students should be in class (online) on time each period.
- Remote students will communicate/answer questions as directed by their teacher
- Remote students will have their camera on as directed by their teacher.
- Remote students will remain in class (online) as directed by their teacher.
Offline/Asynchronous Lessons
- Remote students will submit class work/assignments as directed by their teacher.
Parent/guardian must notify teacher AND the front office in advance to utilize the participate remote days. Notify the front office at nmsfrontdesk@fultonschools.org
Documentation Requirements
or handwritten note to the school to document a student absence before or within five days of the absence. The following must be included in all documentation:
- Student Name
- Student FCS ID Number (lunch number)
- Parent/Guardian Name
- Parent/Guardian Email & Phone Number
- Reason for excuse
Valentines Day Communication
As we approach Valentine’s Day, it is important to remind our families and students that candy, desserts, baked goods (store bought/homemade), or other edible items are not to be sold or distributed during school hours. These food items will be confiscated.
Please know that taking this measure will help us maintain a safe environment for all students. You can help us protect your student(s) by requesting that they not eat anything given to them by another person, anything that they have not brought from your home or anything not in its original sealed package. Also, to reduce the interaction of front office staff with visitors, valentine deliveries will not be accepted.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping all of our students and staff safe at school!
School Year 2021-22 Scheduling Timeline
During this process we will continue to update and provide information to parents/guardians and students. These communications will be sent home through messenger by our Counselors and Grade Level APs, as well as updates in our Weekly Wildcat.
Questions?
Rising 9th Grade Parents/Guardians - contact Ms. Euodia Harris at harrise1@fultonschools.org
Rising 6th-8th Grade Parents/Guardians - contact Ms. Amber Manganelli at manganellia@fultonschools.org
Rising 9th Grade Milton High School
Rising 9th Grade Cambridge High School
Rising 6th Grade Elementary
Rising 7th/8th Grade NMS
Student Success Skills Inventory
Students can choose to opt out of the Student Success Skills inventory. If you choose to opt out for your student(s), please send an email to the grade level Assistant Principal, with your student’s full name and student ID number.
Come Sub With Us at Northwestern!
Fulton County Schools is providing a temporary pay incentive to substitutes starting December 1st through the remainder of this school year. The following are the added incentives:
- Add an emergency substitute daily rate incentive (see below) that expires as of May 31st.
- If occurs, FCS will pay a quarantined individual substituting in the (teacher role only) a $75 flat daily rate for a maximum of 10 days during the quarantine period. The quarantine must be directed by a FCS COVID-19 Response Team nurse and the result of a direct contact with a positive COVID-19 staff/student while substituting at a FCS school. This is a one-time incentive.
- Increase the maximum number of substitute workdays per month from 17 to 20 days for the remainder of this school year.
New Substitute Rates with incentive
Keep Students Healthy Checklist
- Students are required to wear a face covering/mask while at school. Staff are also required to wear face coverings.
- If your child is sick, please keep them at home and make sure they are fever free for at least 24 hours before return.
- If anyone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19 and you have been advised to isolate or quarantine, please adhere to the public health guidance and do not send your student to school until after the noted timeframe.
- Encourage your student to wash hands frequently.
- If your child becomes sick while at school, you will be expected to be pick-up your child immediately.
- Please alert school administration of any COVID-19 related concerns.
Parent/Guardian Visits to School
We are attempting to limit visitors to the school and ask that our community only visit for essential reasons. We will make allowances for student who have forgotten things at home. There is no charge for breakfast or lunch in the cafeteria at this time, so parents/guardians do not need to deliver food for their students.
When visitors come to the school, they will be asked to complete a health assessment before entering the building. Wearing a mask is required and visitors will have their temperature checked upon entering the building. If you have to pick up your student or visit the school, please plan for these additional steps and come early.
Clinic Information
Medications may be brought to the school. Prescription medications must be in the original container and labeled. All medications must be accompanied with proper medical forms. Please go to https://www.fultonschools.org/Page/7525 for forms and healthcare plans. Medications will be accepted by appointment only. Please call Mary Crandall at 470-254-8514 or send an email to crandall@fultonschools.org.
- In the event that your student has been exposed to Covid please inform an Administrator and your concern will be forwarded to Student Health Services for further evaluation.
- If your child develops a fever while in school, they will be isolated and you will need to pick them up immediately.
Media Center
NMS Clubs and Student Activities
Northwestern is excited to offer a variety of clubs and activities this school year. Please visit the NMS website’s Quick Links and select Student Clubs and Activities to learn more about our offerings.
Milton Cheerleading 2021-22
NMS Student Newspaper
February PTO Meeting - Tuesday, 2/9
Please join us for our January PTO meeting via ZOOM. On Tuesday, 2/9 at 9:30AM. All are welcome.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87334032464?pwd=RHNtRVdsTWVyNGU5YWUraURlMitWQT09
Meeting ID: 873 3403 2464 Passcode: 144706
Our Counselors are ALL IN for our Wildcats
This past week was National School Counseling week. The PTO surprised our 3 amazing NMS counselors with treats and surprises all week long. This trio tirelessly supports our students and staff and make such a positive impact in our school. Take a minute and drop them a note of thanks for all they do day in and day out.
Don’t miss out!
It isn't too late to submit a baby photo of your 8th grader for inclusion in the yearbook!
To date, we have only received baby photos for 50% of the 8th graders enrolled at NMS.
Submit your picture via the Image Share app - project number 125612
or
via email (full size please) to nmsyearbookmiltonga@gmail.com
The new deadline is Monday, February 15. Don't miss out on this (free) opportunity to honor your 8th grader!
Shout Out to our Wildcats in the Fine Arts
Congratulations to the following students were participants in the 2020 GEMA Honor Chorus Virtual Choir.
You can view the video HERE.
Lyla Augello
Tucker Bowers
Hannah Choi
Cassidy Gordon
Maryam Gul Gorduk
Lillian Katula
Sophie Montenegro Villoria
Mia Mowbray
Addison Mynatt
Emmy Poteralski
BAND
Congratulations to the following Band students will represent NMS at this year’s Virtual District Honor Band event:
Noah Bartlone, 7th grade Percussion
Liam Cahill, 7th grade Tenor Saxophone
Aiden Taheri, 8th grade Clarinet
Anderson Fuhrer, 8th grade Baritone Saxophone
Haley Hoover, 8th grade Percussion
Christian Enderle, 8th grade Percussion
Kirthana Golla, 8th grade Percussion
Noah Bartlone, Aiden Taheri, Anderson Fuhrer, Haley Hoover and Christian Enderle
will go on to the 2nd All-State audition later this month.
We are SO PROUD of all of our amazing Band students who tried out this year!
ORCHESTRA
Congratulations to following Orchestra students passed the district audition for the GMEA ALL State Orchestra and will go on to the state level audition later this month.
Jamie Chiu, 7th grade violin
Waverly Alexander, 7th grade violin
Stephanie Malcom, 7th grade cello
Nicole Johnson, 8th grade cello
Do You Own Your Own Business?
or Know Someone Who Does?
Northwestern Middle school invites you to partner with us to enhance the educational experiences of our students and support the needs of our teachers. Become a Business Partner and your financial donation will be greatly appreciated. In return, the NMS PTO would display your business logo to our NMS families in various communications, websites and on campus throughout the year. Click HERE to learn more about our Business Partner levels and ways to partner with us.
Northwestern Middle School
Home of the Wildcats!
Email: nmsfrontdesk@fultonschools.org
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/northwesternms
Location: 12805 Birmingham Highway, Milton, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 254-2870
Twitter: @TheNMSWildcats
NMS Front Office Hours
Outside of these hours, you can send an email to our front office staff at nmsfrontdesk@fultonschools.org.
Thank you for your continued support of Northwestern Middle School!
Sincerely,
Joel - Principal
Northwestern Middle School: Teach Hard, Love Harder - The Wildcat Way!