Northern Middle Newsletter
Weekly Update 2/11/24
Principal's Update
Bobcat Nation:
As we continue into the second semester, please take a moment to review your expectations with your child and to reinforce kindness and acceptance of differences among their classmates and peers. Each school day is a new opportunity for students to choose kindness, compassion, and empathy. Harmful or disruptive acts that have become part of some students' choices have included the use of foul language, unkind acts towards others and in some instances, standing by and watching instead of speaking up and coming to an adult for support.
Through our weekly Character Strong programming and monthly grade level meetings, as well staff reinforcement of these expectations throughout the school day, we are providing all students with valuable tools and strategies to make good choices and model our school theme, “We Rise by Lifting Others.” We appreciate your efforts at home to help our children focus on developing positive habits for the remainder of the school year!
Course registration forms for the 2024-25 school year for all grades are due to 1st period teachers by Thursday, February 22nd. See below for more specific information by grade level.
The Counseling Department at Northern Middle School will be hosting a Career Day on Friday, March 22nd. If you are interested in being a Career Day Presenter, please see below for more detailed information.
Thank you to the PTO for organizing the "SOUPer Bowl Friday" appreciation lunch for staff!
As a reminder, CCPS schools are closed on Friday, February 16th and Monday, February 19th.
CCPS Calendar Adjustment - The snow day from January 19th will be made up on Friday, March 1, 2024 (previously schools were to be closed on 3/1).
Have a great week!
Mr. Webster, NMS Principal
Information for Bobcat Families
3rd MP Interim Reports Approaching
Third marking period interim reports will be distributed via HAC on Friday, February 23rd. If you have any questions about a particular class, please contact the teacher. This will allow them to provide you with suggestions on how to provide the best supports to help your child improve their performance. It may also be valuable to work with your child to set goals for the remainder of the marking period.
Northern Middle Career Day – March 22nd – Presenters Needed
The Counseling Department at Northern Middle School will be hosting a Career Day on Friday, March 22nd. The purpose of the Career Day is to expose students to a variety of professions and inform them of all the details regarding those careers so that they may relate them to their future goals and aspirations. It is an opportunity for our students to see firsthand the career choices of some of the parents in our school and community. In addition, students can see the commitment and dedication that parents give to their career.
We would like to invite you or a family member or friend to present at our Career Day to discuss the opportunities and expectations of your career. Career Day will take place from about 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm. Lunch will be provided for our presenters prior to the start of the presentations.
If you are interested in being a Career Day Presenter, please complete the attached form and return it to the counseling department or our Career Advisor by March 1st. If you have any questions, please contact a School Counselor or Career Advisor via email or by phone at 443-550-9230.
- Jessica Himes, School Counselor - himesj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
- Linda Woehlke, School Counselor - woehlkel@calvertnet.k12.md.us
- Aisling Elgesem, Career Advisor - elgesema@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Current 8th Graders - Course Registration Information for SY24-25
On Monday 2/5, 8th grade students received their course registration material for high school during a presentation in their science classes. Course registration sheets are due back to their 1st period teachers on February 22nd.
Please see video below for an instructional video that explains the registration process and important high school information. This information was shared with your students in class.
Please refer to the link below for the 2024-25 High School Planning Guide:
Feel free to contact your child’s counselor with questions:
- Jessica Himes (Last names A-K) himesj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
- Linda Woehlke (Last names L-Z) woehlkel@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Current 6th & 7th Graders - Course Registration Information for SY24-25
6th and 7th grade students will receive their course selection sheets for the upcoming school year on Monday, February 12th in their 1st period classes. Course registration sheets are due back to their 1st period teachers on February 22nd.
Please see below for an instructional videos for each grade that explains the registration process and important middle school information.
Please refer to the link below for the 2024-25 Middle School Planning Guide:
Feel free to contact your child’s counselor with questions:
- Jessica Himes (Last names A-K) himesj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
- Linda Woehlke (Last names L-Z) woehlkel@calvertnet.k12.md.us
January Students of the Month
Congratulations to the following students who were selected as Students of the Month for January!
ROAR Award Winners
Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their teachers for ROAR awards!
CCPS Student Transfer Requests for 2024-25 School Year
The attached letter outlines information regarding information for students currently enrolled on approved transfers or interested in submitting transfer requests for the 2024 - 2025 school year. The application is now available. Transfer requests that are not submitted by February 15th may not be honored due to lack of space at the desired school or grade level. Please note that transfers are approved on a one-year basis so families must apply/reapply each year.
After-School Tutoring
Hello, my name is Rachel Van Vliet and I'm the Lead Teacher for Tutoring for the 2023-2024 School Year. This year, tutoring is available on Thursdays from 3:20 to 4:30pm. Students may bring their own snack, if desired. Please complete the digital permission slip below permitting your child to stay after school. Students must be signed out by a parent/guardian at 4:30pm inside the Media Center.
Permission Slip: https://forms.office.com/r/SRUjYDZvSm
We look forward to helping your child strive to improve their academic achievement!
11th Annual CCPS Science and Engineering EXPO - February 24th
On February 24, 2024, Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) will host the 11th Annual Science and Engineering EXPO at Calvert High School from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This family event is free and open to the public. The EXPO will showcase CCPS science and engineering programs and STEM organizations from the local community. Exhibits will be engaging for both children and adults, designed to spark interest in STEM classes and careers. The hands-on activities will include science and engineering demonstrations, Career Technology Academy exhibits, computer coding, biomedical experiments, robots, math games, catapults, and much more for the entire family to explore.
For more information, contact Dr. Yovonda Kolo at 443-550-8026 or koloy@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Career Advisor Update from Ms. Elgesem
Career Corner
Ms. E is located in the library. The room next to the Calendar wall before the teacher work room.
Guest Speakers
In December we had and Environmental Engineer come in and talk with those 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who signed up. I would like to ask more guest speakers to come in and talk with students who have a specific interest in that profession. Please use the link below to give me any suggestions you have for a guest speaker.
https://forms.office.com/r/A0pEPLcd1W
RIASEC
Have you heard of the RIASEC model? If not come see me! I would love to talk to you about what it is and how helpful it can be.
I invite all students to come and chat with me about interests and possible career paths and plans for success. All are welcome to email me at elgesema@calvertnet.k12.md.us for a meeting or come see me in my room for a lunch or advisory pass.
Lunch Time Groups
Are you are interested in participating in a lunch time Career Advisory group? We will meet on Thursday’s during lunch periods starting February 4th. In this group we will participate in career activities to help identify future goals and career path opportunities, help to cultivate a list of possible guest speakers, discuss possible events and/or activities to help peers identify interests, strengths, and goals.
If you are interested please sign up with the link below by February 3. This group will run through March 1st. I will create a new Thursday lunch group for the month of March.
7TH AND 8TH GRADE HEALTH CURRICULUM IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES
Reminder: Students in 7ᵗʰ and 8ᵗʰ grade will participate in the family life and human sexuality
component of the health curriculum. Typically, this takes place during the 2ⁿᵈ or 3ʳᵈ marking
periods. Parents will receive an opt- out letter outlining what is taught in Family Life and Human Sexuality. Teachers will email this letter through Home Access Center (HAC). Any parents who would like to excuse their child from family life and human sexuality topics, should return the letter to the teacher.
We encourage parents to speak with the teacher to further understand what is being taught and to determine if there are specific elements in which you would want your child to participate. Students who are excused from family life learning objectives will receive appropriate alternative learning in health education outside of the health classroom.
If you have any questions regarding the curriculum, please contact your child’s teacher. You can find the letter here:
NMS Yearbook 23-24 - On Sale Now
Be sure to order your 2023-24 NMS Yearbook! Yearbooks are sold online at:
https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/NMS2023-24
Yearbooks are currently on sale for $35.00.
If you have any yearbook questions, please contact Mrs. McGuire at mcguireta@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
NMS Extracurricular Opportunities
Middle School Athletics - Winter
Our basketball teams, cheerleading squad, and poms squad have completed their regular season. This week, we will be hosting playoff games.
- 2/13 - 1st Round - Girls Basketball, Cheer, Poms at home vs MCMS
- 2/15 - Semifinal - Boys Basketball, Cheer, Poms at home vs TBD
- 2/15 - Possible Semifinal - Girls Basketball away at TBD
Games will start at 4:30 pm. Students and families who wish to attend as spectators will be admitted starting at 4:00 pm. Admission is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for students.
If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Ms. McGuire, at 443-550-9230 or at mcguireta@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Middle School Athletics - Spring
We are preparing for the spring athletics clinics. Offerings during the winter include Boys and Girls Track, Baseball, and Softball. Please see below for information on required forms. The first date clinics can begin is February 26th.
- See below for the Spring Athletics Flyer
- A calendar of clinic dates will be published soon
- Required Athletics Forms - https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/athletics/middle-school-athletics. Copies are also available in the main office and cafeteria.
If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Ms. McGuire, at 443-550-9230 or at mcguireta@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Northern Middle School PTO
PTO is a great way to be involved in supporting our students, staff, and school! Click the link to join! https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pto-membership-2023-2024
Friday, 2/23 - PTO Family Paint Night/Game Night
- Family Paint Night! Join us for a fun and creative evening! Friday February 23 in the cafeteria. Click the link or scan QR code in the flyer to purchase your tickets. http://my.cheddarup.com/c/nms-family-paint-night-50559
- Family Game Night (new date!) Join us for a fun evening of family friendly games on Friday February 23 in the media center! See the flyer for more details! Click the link to reserve your tickets! https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pto-family-game-night?cart=3ce9f62d-3fa4-4963-bfe1-a52e52bb2463%21%2172462183&mrId
Jesse Jays Spirit Day! February 21 from 11am-8pm. Please show the flyer/mention NMS when placing phone in orders for NMS PTO to receive credit.
PBIS has requested gift card donations as a prize for the upcoming Bobcat Buck raffle-
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044DACAA22A46-47464782-pbis
Calendar update: the March PTO meeting will be moved to March 12th.
Information for 8th Grade Families - Opportunities for 9th Grade
NHS Football Recruit Night - 2/28
Northern Football Recruit Night - Thursday February 28th - 6:00 pm at the Mary Harrison Center.
Resources, Opportunities, and Flyers
Calvert County Community Events & Activities
For information about family events and youth activities taking place in our community, visit calvertnet.k12.md.us/flyers.
Please note: These events and activities are not sponsored by the Calvert County Board of Education or Calvert County Public Schools. We provide equal opportunities to outside agencies to distribute materials that offer opportunities to students and/or their parents, but that permission should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district.
Parent Workshop - Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships - February 13th
If you would like additional information or have questions please contact, Janet Parks, CCPS Social Worker, at Parksj@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
National Civics Bee
If you are a middle school student with an idea about using civics to solve a problem in your community, see below for an essay contest with cash prizes! Deadline is February 19th.
2023-24 Annual Calvert SECAC Staff Appreciation Awards - Call for Nominations
The Calvert County Special Education Citizens' Advisory Committee (SECAC) invites parents and guardians to nominate the CCPS staff member (individual or team) who has made a difference in the life of your child with an IFSP, IEP or 504 accommodation plan in the 2023-2024 school year.
Nominations must be submitted by the parent, guardian, or the student by Friday, March 8th, 2024.
https://forms.office.com/r/tRRfpCPmPY
See the attachment below for more information.
School Bus Drivers Needed - Free Training
Contractors are paid $24.04 an hour/8 hours per day for a brand-new bus driver. There are increases for those individuals with more verified school bus driving experience starting at year 4, 9, 14, 19 and 24. Drivers work for independent school bus contractors throughout Calvert County. The contractors hire drivers to work on daily bus routes, or as substitutes, or to drive field trips and sports teams.
The Transportation Department provides training, free of charge, for qualified candidates to become school bus drivers. This is a terrific opportunity to work close to home and to serve the children and schools in our community.
For more information about raining, requirements, and an application, go to the CCPS Transportation page at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation.
Please contact Chuck Baker, Driver Instructor, @ 443-550-8778 or bakerc@calvertnet.k12.md.us for details on the free training process or with questions. Classes are typically held twice a month at the Career & Technology Academy, 331 Dorsey Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Recurring Resources
CCPS Reopening Plan
Attendance Notes
In addition to hard copy notes, parents can send notes for student absences to Ms. Contee in the counseling office via email at conteeb@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
Reminder for AM Car Riders
It is important for students to arrive at school between 7:50 and 8:00 AM. Car-riders that arrive after 8:00 AM are considered tardy and have to sign-in at the main office before going to 1st period.
Tardy to School Process for NMS
It is important for students to arrive at school between 7:50 and 8:00 AM. Car-riders that arrive after 8:00 AM are considered tardy. The following steps are in place when a student arrives repeatedly late to school:
- 4 days tardy in one marking period, the NMS Attendance Team will talk to the student about the need to be at school on time and discuss solutions with the student.
- 6 days tardy in one marking period, the NMS Attendance Team will call the parents or guardians to discuss solutions.
- 8 days tardy in one marking period, the student will have lunch detention each day they arrive after 8 AM.
If tardiness is something your child is struggling with in the morning, here are some suggestions to help them get to school on time:
- Pack lunch (if necessary), lay out outfit for the morning and pack book bag before going to bed at night.
- Talk to the student about they need to do in the morning (take shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, drive time, etc.), and how long each activity will take, then have them set their alarm for enough time to get all activities completed to get to school before 8 AM.
- Students can be dropped off at 7:50, so aim for 7:50 instead of 8 AM as your arrival time.
- If tardiness continues, have student take their assigned bus to school instead of being a car-rider.
CCPS SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS
NEW ONLINE MEAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
To provide parents/guardians with a better user experience, the CCPS Child Nutrition Program has transitioned from www.MySchoolBucks.com to https://LinqConnect.com for its online meal management system.
Student purchases and account balances may be monitored by signing up online for a LINQ Connect account at https://LinqConnect.com. There is no fee to sign up for an account. From this one site, parents/guardians will be able to apply for meal benefits (no registration required) and to register their student(s) if they wish to monitor Café purchases, view balances, set low balance reminders and make deposits. In addition, parents/guardians will also now have the ability to transfer funds between their student accounts and may choose to place spending limits/purchasing maximums on these accounts. Online deposits will still incur a fee of $1.60, but that fee will now include all deposits made during a single transaction.
Please note that all previous account balances automatically transferred into the new system, however, any special notes regarding snack/á la carte purchases and limits did not and will need to be re-entered vis https://LinqConnect.com or by contacting the Child Nutrition Office at 443.550.8680.
FREE/REDUCED PRICE MEAL BENEFIT APPLICATION
It’s not too late! Apply today for free and reduced-price meal benefits!
Some students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. A new application must be submitted each school year. Eligibility is typically determined by household size and income. To see if your household qualifies, please complete, and submit one meal benefit application per household. Applications may be completed online at https://LinqConnect.com. Applications are available in many languages on the LinqConnect site but are also available on the USDA’s website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/translated-applications.
More information is also available on the CCPS website at Departments – Child Nutrition or at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/child-nutrition.
Student Laptops
Student have been provided with a laptop and charger by Calvert County Public Schools. 8th graders will continue to utilize the laptop this school year that has been previously issued to them and was taken home over the summer. 6th grade and 7th grade students have received new laptops.
It is important for students to charge their laptops overnight and bring them to school each day. It is also important that students take care of their device and charger. While normal wear and tear is acceptable and expected, intentional damage or damage caused by neglect is not covered under the accidental warranty. These types of damages require an investigation by school administration and may result in a student obligation for the repair costs. We would like to avoid parents being responsible for these costs, as they could hundreds of dollars depending on the damage. Due to an increase in devices needing repair, we are running low on loaner laptops. Loaner laptops will not be available for those who leave them at home so it is important that students remember to bring them charged and ready for the school day.
Technology Expectations
Learning Expectations with Devices
- CCPS/CHS device brought to school every day – fully charged before school begins.
- Used as the official electronic device in all classrooms
- Use CCPS Office 365 account to save assignments, projects, notes
Device Safety:
- Accounts, usernames and/or passwords are never to be shared with another student/individual
- Laptop devices should never be loaned to another student/individual
- Personal, identifiable information should never be posted on the internet
- Never leave devices unattended
Device Care:
- No decorations, stickers, drawing or writing on the device
- No eating or drinking near the device
- Do not expose the device to extreme heat, cold or rain
- Clean with a dry soft cloth only
- Do not drop or slam the device on any surface
- Do not places papers or other objects between the keyboard and screen and close shut/use as a folder
PARENT ACCOUNTS IN SCHOOLOGY
Schoology accounts for parents are view only accounts. They were created for parents who have an email address in Home Access Center (HAC). For more information about how to access your Schoology parent account click: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/instruction/programs/digital-learning/schoology-for-parents
Technology Support
If students have questions about their device (laptop/computer), they can get help from a member of the CCPS IT team at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us or call 443-550-8146. Students needing assistance can also drop off their laptop in the main office and fill out a paper Help Desk ticket.
Supports are available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support link below. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources that can be used to solve issues.
Here Comes the Bus - A School Bus Tracking App for Parents
Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) is an app with tracking features for the bus(es) your child(ren) is assigned to ride. They include
- Showing the real-time location of your child's bus on a map
- Scheduled and actual arrival times at home and school for bus routes
- Push and email notifications when the bus is near
Click this link for more information on getting the app - https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation/bus-status/here-comes-the-bus
To create an account, you will need to know your child's ID number and the school district activation code 87557.
Become a Volunteer
Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. Volunteers must apply annually to be an approved volunteer. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing and Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings.
CCPS Online Volunteer Application & Process: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/human-resources/become-a-volunteer