Northern Middle Newsletter 5-14-23
Weekly Update 5/14/23
Bobcat Nation:
I wanted to take a moment to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to each of the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, guardians, and mentors who are supporting a child in our community. Your hard work over the years has provided us with great kids at Northern Middle School. We appreciate all that you do to support your student(s) at school and at home! Your help is a perfect example of our theme – “We Rise by Lifting Others!”
This past week, we celebrated our staff at Northern Middle School. Our teachers and support staff do amazing work preparing our students for high school, college, and beyond. We are very grateful to have them working at NMS on a daily basis. Thank you to our PTO for organizing and facilitating a number of events this past week to recognize our staff. Each day, a special lunch and treats were provided. Thank you to each family who made a donation to help put these lunches together.
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for their support during last week's state Math assessments. Everyone pulled together to help capitalize on an opportunity for our students to demonstrate their learning and progress this school year on the mathematics standards. This week, we will be completing the state Social Studies assessments with our 8th graders during the morning on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Fourth marking period interim reports were distributed in HAC on May 10th. 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.
Have a great week!
Mr. Webster, NMS Principal
State Testing Update for Parents - MCAP Assessments
Throughout the month of May, Northern Middle School will be completing the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments. The assessments are online and students will complete them using their school laptop. In middle school, these assessments will provide information to students, educators, and parents, on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland state content standards.
Testing Dates for MCAP Assessments
- Social Studies (8th Grade only) - 5/16, 5/17
Please encourage your child to being their own plug-in headphones (wireless headphones are not permitted for testing). This will increase their comfort with the headphones, as well as reduce items that need to be shared.
Due to the importance of these assessments, we are asking parents for their support. If possible, please avoid making any appointments on the dates assessments are scheduled if possible. It is important for the students to be in school on time during the assessments. We are also asking families to make sure that each student gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast prior to taking the assessments. While we do not want any students or families to stress over the MCAP assessments, they are an important part of the school year. We want to make sure that every student is able to perform to the best of their abilities.
Further information regarding the transition to the MCAP assessments is available online at http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/index.aspx.
NMS Yearbook 22-23 – On Sale Now
Be sure to order your 2022-23 NMS Yearbook! Yearbooks are sold online at https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/view_account.asp?l=FA7A42A7-C300-45ED-BBEB-129ECDED39DC.
Yearbooks are currently on sale for $35.00. If you have any yearbook questions, please contact Mrs. McGuire at mcguireta@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
CCPS Middle School Unified Bocce Ball Tournament
The first ever NMS Unified Bocce Team competed at CHS today against all of the Calvert County middle schools. Congrats to all of our athletes, and thanks to our coaches: Ms. Connell, Ms. Hood and Ms. Lamb!
NMS SGA Recognized at BOE Meeting
NMS MESA Team Participates at State Competition
Congratulations to the NMS MESA Expanding Structure team who participated at the state competition on Saturday. We are very proud of these students who won at the county level and were able to compete against teams from all over Maryland. Thank you to Mr. Phillips and Mr. Hautmann for their support!
NMS Math Counts Team at State Competition
At the MD State Competition for Math Counts- three of our NMS students score in the top ¼ of the Southern Maryland Chapter! The Southern Maryland Chapter includes public and private schools in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's. Congrats to Andrew, Ali and Logan for scoring in the top 25% of all of Southern Maryland (nearly 130 students)! Congratulations to Dr. Dempster and the NMS Math Counts Team!
NMS Talent Show - Thursday May 18th
NMS Staff vs Student Basketball - May 19th - Relay for Life Fundraiser
Relay for Life Donation Request from Mr. Poole
- Canned sodas, teas, etc.
- Full-sized candy bars
- Individual sized chips
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Poole at pooled@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
Incoming 6th Grade Open House - May 22nd
CCPS 2023 End of Year Survey for Parents
Please take the time to complete the 2023 End of the Year Survey. This survey is designed to collect feedback from parents on the climate and culture of our schools. Please respond to each statement to the best of your ability. Information received from this survey will be compiled and used by both the district and the school to inform our policies and procedures in creating a positive learning environment for all students.
If you have children at multiple schools, please complete this survey as many times as needed so that you complete one survey per school. For example, if you have three children who attend two schools, please complete this survey twice, one time for each school. Do your best to isolate your responses by only thinking about your experiences with one school as you complete the survey the first time. When you return, focus your responses on your experiences at the other school.
To take this survey in English, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JYXVV5D
Si prefieres responder esta encuesta en español, haz clic aquí: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JYXVV5D?lang=es
Note from Nurse Fleshman - Vaccination Information for 6th Graders and Upcoming Clinic
This is a very important message for current 6th grade students and their families. Students entering seventh (7th) grade are required to show proof of one (1) tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis/whooping cough (TdaP) vaccination and proof of one (1) meningococcal (MCV4) vaccination.
Many of our students have already submitted their required immunizations. Others may have received the required immunizations and just need to send paperwork to the school. If you would like to have your child’s physician fax a copy of the updated immunization record, Northern Middle School’s fax number is (410) 286-4025.
In addition to receiving the vaccinations at your doctor's office, the Calvert County Health Department will be holding a vaccination clinic on May 16th at NMS. More info below.
Please do not hesitate to contact our school nurse, Mrs. Fleshman, at (443) 550-9227 or fleshmanc@calvertnet.k12.md.us, with any questions.
- On May 16, 2023, the Calvert County Health Department will hold a vaccination clinic for 6th graders at Northern Middle School. Please see the attached letter regarding the clinic. If you would like your student to be vaccinated during the clinic, please register at:
CCPS Dress Code Reminder
The full Code of Conduct can be reviewed at: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/student-services/code-of-conduct.
- Students must wear clothing that covers the chest, torso, lower extremities, and undergarments.
- Clothing that is ripped or has holes must cover the chest, torso, and undergarments.
- Clothing on the lower extremities must be longer than the longest fingertip when the student stands with arms fully extended at their sides.
- Clothing must not be see-through.
- Hats, hoods, and any other headwear that obscures the face and/or ears is not permitted.
- Attire that can be used as a weapon (e.g., chains, dog collars, hats with spikes) or cause damage to property is prohibited.
Save the Dates – 8th Grade End of Year Activities
We are excited to share dates that have been scheduled for 8th grade end-of-year activities. We wanted to give 8th grade families a heads up for your calendars. See the attachment below for more information and details such as dance ticket sales, dance dress code, donation requests, etc.
- 8th Grade Dance sponsored by the NMS PTO – Friday, June 9th – 6:00 – 8:00 pm
- 8th Grade Picnic sponsored by the NMS PTO – Monday, June 12th – last two hours of the school day
- 8th Grade Awards Assembly – Monday, June 12th – 6:00 pm at the Mary Harrison Center
8th Grade Families - Request from Mrs. Martus
This year has really flown by and with only a few weeks left it is so close. Every year, for the past 5 or so, I have created the 8th grade slideshow that is shown during the 8th grade ceremony. I am requesting images from you to help with this endeavor. Pictures can be from field trips, first day of school, after school activities, etc. Last year I did a first day of 6th grade/8th grade mash up of students. I also divide pictures between 6th, 7th, and 8th grade within the slideshow.
Whatever images you choose to send please include:
- The name of the students in the images/pictures.
- Grades of the images/pictures
This will help when putting it all together to make sure all students are shown. Please send any school related pictures to me no later than Friday, May 26th. Thank you in advance and I look forward to seeing all of your great pictures.
Email: martusc@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Information for Current 8th Graders - HHS Athletics Dates & Tryout Information
Northern Middle School PTO Updates
THE NMS PTO NEEDS YOU!
We are seeking a new PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT and TREASURER to take the lead for next year. Email: nmsbobcatspto@gmail.com to submit your self-nomination in writing.
NMS PTO Save the Dates:
- Thursday May 18th: RITA's Spirit Night
- Wednesday May 31st: RITA's Spirit Night
- Tuesday June 6th: PTO General Membership Meeting - OFFICER ELECTIONS!
- Friday June 9th: 8th Grade Dance - A Night in New York City - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - More details to follow.
- Monday June 12th: 8th Grade Picnic - Hawaiian Luau - During school hours.
Please consider joining the NMS PTO! We need the support of all parents and families. Even if you have no time to volunteer, there are other ways to support all children at NMS.
You can email the PTO officers at any time at nmsbobcatspto@gmail.com.
The electronic link for membership is https://pto-membership-83842.cheddarup.com
You can also access the NMS PTO Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/nmsbobcatspto/
8th GRADE PARENTS interested in volunteering please join our 2023 NMS 8th Grade Parents FB Page.
Resource Flyers and Opportunities for Students and Families
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.
Recurring Resources for Families
CCPS Reopening Plan
CCPS School Lunch Menus
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
Family, Student, & Staff Responsibility – Daily Health Screening
It is the responsibility of all families, students, and staff members to self-assess before entering a school bus or CCPS facility by answering the following questions:
- Has the individual or anyone in the family been sick with dry cough, shortness of breath, chills, fever, muscle or body aches, sore throat, or loss of sense of taste or smell in the last 5 days?
- Has the individual or anyone in the family been exposed to COVID-19 and asked to quarantine? If yes, who was directed to quarantine and what date did the quarantine start? (Ensure quarantine time is up and symptoms have improved.)
- Has the individual or anyone in the family tested positive for COVID-19? If yes, who and when? Were they having any symptoms? (Ensure quarantine is up and symptoms have improved.)
- Student and staff should not attend school if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been medically advised to quarantine. If this is the case, please contact our School Nurse, Carin Fleshman, at 443-550-9227 or fleshmanc@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
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.
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 also available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support button (pictured below) on the main page. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources students can use to solve issues.