NMS Parent Update
June 8, 2023
Check out what is happening at NMS!!
The End of the School Year is Near
June 12 & 13 - Middle School Class Final Exams
June 14 - Living Environment Regents Exam
June 15 - Algebra I Regents Exam
June 15 - 7th Grade Year End Trip
June 16 - 8th Grade Year End Trip
June 16 - 6th Grade Picnic
June 19 - No School
June 21 - Half Day - 11:30 Dismissal
June 22 - Last Day of School - Half Day - 11:30 Dismissal
As we are all excited about the end of the school year, it is essential that we keep focused on the work that we need to get done. The end of the school year is an important time where we will wrap up the year's work as well as have some celebrations to end the year.
We hope that everyone is preparing for an outstanding summer!!
5th Grade Student Visit
We look forward to hosting the students and their parents again in late August/Early September!
Special thank you to our National Junior Honor Society members who welcomed the students into our school and lead the school tours. They did an exceptional job!!
Attendance Matters
As we approach the final month of middle school, it is essential to reflect on the significance of attendance for our students. Throughout this academic year, consistent attendance has played a crucial role in the success and growth of our middle schoolers. By attending school regularly, students have been able to actively participate in classroom discussions, collaborate with their peers, and benefit from the guidance and expertise of their teachers. Regular attendance has provided them with opportunities for valuable learning experiences, personal development, and academic achievement.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to who has consistently ensured attendance at school. Your commitment and dedication has contributed to the overall positive atmosphere and academic environment of our school community.
Looking ahead to the next academic year, we aspire to enhance our collective efforts and improve overall as a community. We recognize the importance of open communication between parents, teachers, and students, fostering a collaborative relationship that promotes attendance and student engagement. By working together, we can implement strategies to address any challenges that may hinder consistent attendance and provide the necessary support and resources to help our students succeed. Through a shared commitment to prioritize attendance, we will continue to create a vibrant and nurturing environment that enables every student to thrive academically and personally.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support, and let us embark on the journey ahead with enthusiasm and a collective determination to foster a strong and thriving middle school community.
7th Grade Science Students
We would like to make you all aware of a change in policy regarding the recommendations to the 8th grade Advanced Living Environment course. Students will still need to maintain above a 90 overall average throughout the course of the year to be considered, however this year students will have a CHOICE in whether to take the standard 7th grade final or the final for consideration for Living Environment.
The standard exam assesses student’s learning for the content covered in 7th grade, and includes questions from topics learned throughout the year. The Living Environment final will also feature questions on material the students have learned this year, but is structured to assess students on their ability to use critical thinking skills to formulate written responses. Students will sign up to take the Living Environment final with their teachers.
Selection for the Living Environment course will be based on overall course average throughout the year and performance on the Living Environment Final. You will be notified if your student has been selected for Living Environment over the summer by mail.
Be Rx-tra Smart!
1, Be Rx-tra Smart: Talk to Your Kids About Medications Parents: talking to kids about drug safety should start early! How will you start the conversation with your children? This guide will give you some examples for kids from preschool age all the way to young adults: bit.ly/3ohSkhY
2. Talk to Your Kids About Prescription Drug Misuse Prescription drugs are readily available in many homes. In addition to storing these medications safely, it is a parent’s responsibility to teach their children about medication safety and the risk of addiction. This page gives a few tips for starting the conversation: bit.ly/42Zidlu
3. Illegal Drugs Aren’t the Only Temptations for Teens: now is a great time to talk to your teen about prescription drug misuse. Here are some tips to get the conversation going:
• Provide a safe space for your child to talk. Try not to use threats or controlling language with your teen. Instead, open up a dialogue with them.
• Start talking about the risks of medication misuse and addiction. There is no perfect time to have this talk, so just start talking—and keep talking about it.
• Know that your teen is listening, even if they don’t appear to be engaged.
• Monitor your teen’s internet use.
• Speak to your family doctor if you have concerns—and encourage your teen to talk privately with their doctor if they have questions. • Brainstorm ways your teen can respond if they are in a situation where others are misusing drugs.
4. Misconceptions About Prescription Medications “Prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs.” False. “Prescription pain pills are not addictive.” False. “It’s okay to take a drug that’s not prescribed for you.” False. “It’s harder to overdose on a prescription versus an illegal drug.” False. Talk to your children about drug safety, no matter what their age. Ensure your child knows you care about them and want them to be healthy. Encourage open conversations about prescription drug use.
5. Talking to Children About Addiction - Children of any age should be taught about the risks of addiction—including addiction to prescription medications. Start talking with them. Some of the risks include:
• finding it difficult to quit;
• not being able to stop;
• huge expenses related to the addicting habit;
• a range of health issues, which vary depending on the substance;
• permanent damage to the body or brain, even after someone has quit;
• social isolation;
• mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety;
• relapse;
• overdose;
• even death.
Keeping your child informed is one way to teach them about drug safety.
6. Help Your Child Live Their Best Life—Safe and Healthy! Be Clear About Rx Safety with Kids. Make sure your kids know where you stand on substance misuse. Talk with them early and often about prescription medications. Discuss the risks of taking someone else’s medication and talk through what your child can do if their peers are misusing medications.
Character Strong Corner
Each Family CharacterDare offers families the opportunity to engage in challenges designed to increase connection and conversation at home. These CharacterDare challenges also provide students with more opportunities to practice habits discussed in class.
Dates to Remember
June 2023
15 - 7th Grade Year End Trip
16 - 8th Grade Year End Trip
19 - No School - Juneteenth
21 - Half Day
22 - Last Day of School -Half Day
Norwich Middle School
Email: tdevine@norwichcsd.org
Website: www.norwichcsd.org
Location: 89 Midland Drive, Norwich, NY, USA
Phone: 607-344-1600