Phoenix Community Update

• Monday- No School for Students, Professional Day for Staff with Telework Option
• Tuesday- Schools Closed- ELECTION DAY
• Wednesday- First Day of Quarter Two, Period Five Phoenix Time
• Thursday- Period Six Phoenix Time
• Friday- Period Seven Phoenix Time

If you have not completed the High School Possibilities Process, please go into ParentVue to complete the process by November 4th. ALL Current 8th grade students must complete the High School Possibilities Process even if your 8th grader is planning on attending their homeschool. You must select that option.

DIRECTIONS

1.Log into ParentVue

2. Click Online Registration at the top right of the screen

3. Select the 2026-2027 Grade 8 High School Possibilities Process

4. Click Begin New Registration (or you can complete the process if you already started) and follow the prompts to the end.

5. When you get to the student section after confirming student and demographics there are 4 bolded questions. It is the last question and Selection is bold. You will select My 8th grade Student will attend their home high school next year or Select 2. My 8th Grade Student will apply to up to 8 Center programs.

SCREEN SHOT DIRECTIONS BELOW

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PggQLwBz5JolQFesQsbtUHlmaPTpg26N/view?usp=sharing

High School Program South Central Promotional Video and updated Center program information are linked below. Central Lead Teachers (CLT) contact information is provided below and they are available to answer any questions about their programs.

Central South Region High School Websites, Videos, & Center Lead Teachers (CLT):

• Kennedy HS
  • CLT: Jane_E_Cocker@mcpsmd.org
  • Website: https://kennedy-hs.mcpsmd.org/
  • Video: Kennedy
• Walter Johnson HS
  • CLT: Katherine_A_Simmons@mcpsmd.org & Emily_C_Fishel@mcpsmd.org
  • Website: https://wj-hs.mcpsmd.org/
  • Video: Walter Johnson
• Wheaton HS
  • CLT: Lisa_Gerhardt@mcpsmd.org
  • Website: https://wheaton-hs.mcpsmd.org/
  • Video: Wheaton
• Woodward HS
  • CLT & Principal- Robert_Sinclair@mcpsmd.org
  • Website: https://woodward-hs.mcpsmd.org/
  • Video: Woodward

NBMS Boys Cross Country Team Finishes UNDEFEATED Season! You heard that, right! On Thursday, our boys finished off their perfect season, defeating Tilden Middle School with a perfect score 15 to 48. Sam Fogg took first for the 4th straight race, crushing the 1.5 mile course in 8:29, just 8 seconds off the course record. Asher Friedman was second with 8:48. Bennett Shah was 3rd, Noah Nicastro was 4th, and Jack Williams was 5th. Incredible runs were also turned in by Jack Soccio, Bram Kramer, Decker Varney, Nate Hartz, Ravi Hennessey, Henry Jennings and Will Riddle.

Our girls team also won big, winning 21 to 38 against Tilden. Victoria Lever scorched our 1.5 course in 9:56. Breaking 10:00 in the girls race is a rare and impressive accomplishment. Teddy Engle was next, followed by Bea Valdivia-Steinberg and Lucy Diehl. Nicole Jones, Ellis Despenza, Mary Stone, Liyu Tenkir and Mela Teather also ran amazing races.

The NBMS Counseling Department is here to support you and your student. Our website offers great resources for developing adolescents and their caregivers. We also update upcoming events in the Counseling Department and Community Mental Health workshops weekly. Bookmark our tab!

Mark your calendars for Mental Health Awareness Week, November 9th-14th. We will celebrate by learning new coping skills, ways to get support for oneself or someone else, and dressing up to draw awareness. MCPS will culminate the week with a Mental Health and Wellness Fair on November 14th at Blake High School.

Save the Date for our next Coffee With the Counselors, Friday, November 13th at 9:00am featuring the Signs of Suicide curriculum for parents and caregivers. This Coffee will focus on warning signs, risk factors, and symptoms of depression and focusing on how to get the support and help needed. All students will have a lesson on SOS in early December.

Attention 8th Grade Families: Make sure to complete the online High School Registration process, either choosing your Home High School or ranking the Choice Programs your child is interested in applying to by November 6th.

COUNSELING GOOD GRIEF GROUP

This year the Counseling Department is planning to host a small group called, “The Good Grief Group” through Caring Matters. Please let us know if your student has experienced a significant loss and if you would like your student to participate in this group. For more information, please visit https://www.caringmatters.org/good-grief-clubs

If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Mendelson either by e-mail: julie_r_mendelson@mcpsmd.org or by calling the Counseling Department at 240.740.2110.

If you missed the session sharing important information about the high school center programs, you can review the slides, recording and frequently asked questions sheet.

If you missed the opportunity to visit NBMS at Back-to-School night, we have another exciting opportunity for you! North Bethesda will have our Open House for parents/caregivers from 8:30 to 2:30 on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Please see the attached flyer for more information and how to pre-register.

The NBMS Music Department is holding a fundraiser from October 26th–November 4th to raise money for valuable resources and opportunities for our music students. We are partnering with SupportFund, where families can support our program by purchasing caramels or making a donation.

If you are interested in contributing, you can do so at the following link (https://supportfund.com/fund/nbms1026/w4oogF7uKyVbprA1bEJ0). We also encourage you to reach out to an NBMS music student and contribute through their personal fundraising link to help them earn incentives!

The NBMS Music program thrives because of the support of our families and community members. Whether you make a donation, purchase caramels, or simply spread the word, your support makes a difference!

Extra, Extra! Read All About It!

Check out Mrs. Afram’s Career Newsflash! Catch up on all the career exploration, learning, and opportunities that took place this month!

https://drive.google.com/open?id=10cyz8Es8D8hDttcwECPpc1CE_BOS0neG, https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pCttEulhGL2wg51_PkEfW_1q_DoVU68l, https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Qbb0Fcj2RpgqHx9KOs5AiThiOd2WlGUR

✨ Bonne Semaine du Français! ✨

Celebrate National French Week | November 4–10

Bonjour, NBMS families! 👋

It’s time to celebrate National French Week! 🎉 The French Club has planned a fun-filled week of activities to share the French language and culture with our school community. Get ready for a little joie de vivre as we celebrate all things French!

Here’s what’s happening throughout the week:

📿 Wednesday, November 4 – Friendship Bracelets!

Keep an eye out for our French Club ambassadors, who will be handing out bracelets to spread a little French spirit!

🥐 Thursday, November 5 – Macaron Sale!

Ooh là là! Bring $1 to lunch and treat yourself to a delicious French macaron! 😋

🧠 Friday, November 6 – French Trivia & Raffle!

Think you know a thing or two about all things French? Answer a fun trivia question for a chance to have your name entered into a prize raffle! 🎟️

🔵⚪🔴 Monday, November 9 – French Flag Spirit Day!

Show your French spirit by wearing blue, white, and red, the colors of the French flag!

📸 Tuesday, November 10 – French Photo Booth!

Dites « cheese » ! Strike a pose and capture some fun memories with our French-themed photo booth and props! 🎭✨

Merci beaucoup for helping us celebrate National French Week! We can’t wait to share a little piece of French culture with our NBMS community! ❤️🤍💙

À bientôt!

NBMS COMMUNITY SUPPORT “GIVE AND GET”

As we approach the holiday season, we want to make sure all families in our community feel supported. If you are in need of food resources, please complete this form in either English or Spanish to be referred for possible assistance by Friday, October 30th. If you are in a place to GIVE and support others this season, please email Ms. Ashley Rice at Ashley_B_Rice@mcpsmd.org for information on what is needed.

YEARBOOKS FOR SALE! NBMS Yearbook sales have begun! If you would like to order a yearbook this year, please use this link to place your order: https://yearbookforever.com/.

Enter "North Bethesda Middle School" in the search bar and it will take you to the order page. Special Price: $30 (now until 12/31); Early Bird Discount: $35 (1/1 until 2/28); Regular Price $40 (3/1 onwards).

Yearbooks sold out last year! As yearbooks are ordered based on demand, please reserve your copy ASAP so that we can make sure there are enough for those interested in purchasing one.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Lockett at Jemi_J_Lockett@mcpsmd.org.

SUBMIT PHOTOS FOR YEARBOOK! Do you have photos you would like to submit for the yearbook? Have you taken pictures of events this year? We hope your answer is YES! The Yearbook Club is looking for students and families to contribute pictures for the '26-'27 yearbook. They can be of classes, clubs, student life, community events, SSL, concerts, sporting events, etc. You can submit photos via the Yearbook Snap app (the app icon is orange!), or the Community Upload website. https://snap.yearbookforever.com/upload/1-23J-32823. The access code is: phoenix (no caps or spaces). If you have any questions or run into any problems with submissions, please contact Mrs. Lockett at Jemi_J_Lockett@mcpsmd.org.

Registration for NBMS Winter Athletics is officially open!

Students interested in trying out for Boys or Girls Basketball must complete the athletics registration through ParentVUE before participating in tryouts.

Families can find additional information about registration, eligibility requirements, physical forms, tryout information, schedules, and other athletics resources on the NBMS After-School Activities & Athletics website.

Please make sure registration is completed before the posted deadline so your student is eligible to participate in tryouts.

For questions or assistance with athletics registration, please contact Jordan Baucom at jordan.t.baucom@mcpsmd.net.

***

The D.C. chapter of INTEGIRLS is hosting a beginner-friendly, in-person math competition Saturday, December 12th from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Bioscience Education Center at Montgomery College Germantown Campus! Our mission at INTEGIRLS is to encourage girls and non-binary students in STEM fields through math competitions and events. This year, we will have math competition rounds (individual and team), an estimathon, a speaker event, an awards ceremony (with special awards for beginner competitors!), provided lunch and snacks, and lots of exciting STEM activities. Teams of up to 4 students will be able to connect with and enjoy math with other girls and non-binary students around the DMV. There will be tons of prizes and fun swag for all participants.

Go to the INTEGIRLS D.C. website (dc.integirls.org) to learn more about the competition.

***

If you are interested in participating, please complete the google form. https://forms.gle/1RzM5yeTL8sdu3UN6

After we generate a list, we will form teams. If you have an idea of others you would like on your team, there is a space in the google form to indicate that.

Mrs. Watkins

Check out our offerings using the link below and use the Google form on the “sign up” tab to register.

https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/nbms-eca/activity-offerings

The Hardest Math Problem is back! Please share the announcement below.

Hardest Math Problem Overview

Video https://vimeo.com/1221224723?&login=true

Entry Form and Grade level problems can be found in Mrs. Watkins room, C103.

Entry Form

6th grade

7th grade

8th grade

The Hardest Math Problem is an annual competition presented by The Actuarial Foundation, and the New York Life Foundation that challenges grades 6–8 students to solve multistep, grade-appropriate math problems with real-world situations and engaging characters.

Challenge 1 - Now until December 1st: Every student who provides a mathematically correct answer to Challenge 1 will receive an invitation to compete in Challenge 2 with an even more difficult problem. Turn your paper in to your Math Teacher or Ms. Watkins by Tuesday, December 1st, 2026.

Challenge 2 - By Invitation to Challenge 1 Winners, January-March, 2027

Entries must contain a mathematically correct answer and a compelling written explanation of their reasoning to be eligible for the Grand Prize! Correct entries are judged by a panel of teachers and actuaries to determine the strongest written argument and award prizes.

3 Grand Prize Winners (one per grade): $3,000 for a 529 college savings plan, plus a laptop!

3 Runner-Up Winners (one per grade): $2,000 for a 529 college savings plan and a tablet computer.

3 Honorable Mentions (one per grade): $1,000 contribution to a 529 college savings plan.

Teachers can win a $300 gift card and $200 towards a class pizza party!

Hello Eco-Warriors - our next meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 26th after school in Mrs. Sadeghi's room A107. New members always welcome. Please make sure you sign up electronically to be a member - form can be found under the ECA tab on the NBMS website!

Art Club meets this Wednesday in room C208 with Ms. Stentz! See you there!

Come to the drama club interest meeting during Period 4 Phoenix Time on Friday, October 30th for information about our spring musical production of Something Rotten Jr. There, you will be able to sign up for auditions, join the production crew, and find out how you can help bring this play to life! See Mr. Schwarz or Mr. Perlson before first period to get a pass for the meeting.

NBMS Happenings & PTSA Updates

🎉 7th Grade Fall Social — Friday, Nov. 13!

Save the date! The 7th Grade Fall Social is Friday, Nov. 13, from 6–8 p.m. Students can enjoy a DJ, games, and plenty of time to hang out with friends.

Tickets on sale now through the PTSA Phoenix Store. And please sign up to volunteer - we can’t do this without you!

📅 November PTSA Meeting — New Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11

Please note that our November PTSA meeting has been moved to Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m. so that 8th grade families can attend Walter Johnson’s Nov. 10 information session on AP courses. View WJ’s fall guidance events here.

At our PTSA meeting, Paige Trevor, parent educator and coach, will join us for a conversation about parenting during the teen years.

Join us in person or virtually for a helpful and engaging discussion. Find the Zoom link on the PTSA calendar.

🚗 Show Your Phoenix Pride — New NBMS Car Magnets!

Show off your school spirit with our new NBMS car magnets, just $5 each! Featuring the NBMS logo, these circular magnets are available online and at PTSA meetings and events, while supplies last.

Order yours here! Please include your student's name and home address when ordering. Distribution details will be announced soon!

MCPS Decisions That Affect Our Schools — Get Involved!

🏫 Have a Voice in MCPS Planning: Elementary and Middle School Boundary Studies

MCPS is beginning a two-year process examining elementary and middle school closures/consolidations, followed next year by a countywide elementary boundary study and related middle school boundary changes. Families are encouraged to get involved early: this fall’s community meetings will help inform the criteria and factors MCPS uses to consider possible school closures and consolidations before recommendations are made.

The first round of meetings runs Oct. 19–Nov. 2, with multiple in-person and virtual options, followed by a second round Nov. 30–Dec. 10. Each session will cover the same information, so families can attend whichever is most convenient.

See the full MCPS meeting schedule and learn more.

📣 MCPS Policies Open for Public Comment — Have Your Say!

The Board of Education is seeking feedback on proposed MCPS policies, including Policy IPD, which governs school field trips. Proposed changes would prohibit school-sponsored trips involving activities that require student waivers as a condition of participation and remove existing language specifically allowing promotion and articulation trips with approval.

These changes could affect popular 5th and 8th grade end-of-year trips, as well as music trips to amusement parks and other student experiences. Families are encouraged to review the proposed language and share their perspectives before the November 6 deadline.

Review the proposed policies and submit your feedback here.

Looking Ahead: High School Opportunities

Explore MCPS's New High School Center Programs — Fall Showcases!

MCPS is rolling out a new regional high school Center program model for 2027–28, expanding access to specialized programs in STEM, humanities, arts, medical science, leadership, and more. NBMS families are in the Central South Region, which includes Walter Johnson, Woodward, Kennedy, and Wheaton high schools.

Current 8th grade families should pay particular attention! Applications are now open, with a November 6 deadline. Fall showcases are taking place this month, offering opportunities to visit schools, explore programs, and ask questions. Younger families may also want to follow these changes as they plan ahead.

Explore Center programs, upcoming showcases, and application information on the MCPS website.

Turn Back Time This Weekend: Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on this Sunday, Nov. 1, for daylight saving time. As we return to shorter days and earlier evenings, remember to stay alert on the roads, and be extra vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists.
Calendar Notes:

• Nov. 2 is Grading and Planning for the end of term; no school for students

• Nov. 3 is Election Day - Schools and offices closed

MCPS Is on the Rise! More Schools Earn Top STAR Ratings
Big news worth celebrating! 134 MCPS schools, nearly 69%, earned 4 or 5 STAR ratings on the 2026 Maryland School Report Card. Fifty-six schools improved their STAR ratings, including 50 that reached four or five STARs. Even better, ZERO MCPS schools received a 1-STAR rating! These results reflect the hard work of our students, educators and school communities, with important gains in reading and math across the district.
Read the Press Release | Read the Information One-Pager | Watch the Event Video

School Closure and Consolidation Study: Last Round One Virtual Session; Nov. 2
MCPS is wrapping up the first phase of community engagement sessions on the elementary and middle school closure and consolidation study. The final opportunity to provide feedback in a virtual meeting is: Join on Zoom — Mon, Nov. 2, 6-7 p.m.

If you’ve already attended one of our sessions, please take the time to share your perspective on our feedback form. Your valuable input will be reflected in our updated FAQs, which will be available in the coming weeks. The form is open through Wednesday, Nov. 4.

A second round of engagement sessions will be held in late November and early December.

Visit mcpsstudy.org to review study information, explore frequently asked questions, learn about the process and find opportunities to share your feedback. Learn more.

Inside MCPS: The Realities of Our Aging Facilities
Leaking roofs. Failing heating and cooling systems. Aging buildings. Rising construction costs. The hard truth is that MCPS has significant facility needs, and waiting to address them only makes the problems more expensive.
In a new video series, "The Hard Truth," MCPS takes you inside schools and support facilities to show the real facilities challenges facing our district.
The Hard Truth: Doing nothing is not an option.
Watch the Video Series

The Latest EdTalk: Supporting Multilingual Students and Families

On the newest episode of EdTalk, hear from host Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven and principals Alicia Deeny (Richard Montgomery High School) and Isabelle Mensah (Rolling Terrace Elementary School) about how their schools create welcoming environments, engage students and maximize family involvement for multilingual students and families. Watch EdTalk | Vea Educación al Día

You can now listen to all the EdTalk and Educación al Día episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Be Sure to Weigh In on the 2027-2028 School Calendar
As MCPS continues to develop the 2027-2028 school calendar, the district is seeking more input from you!
Complete this second survey to share input on the proposed draft calendar for the 2027-2028 school year. The survey will close on Friday, Nov. 6. Take the survey.

Activity Buses are running. They will be available for students who are participating in extracurricular activities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The buses leave campus at 4:30 p.m. and stop at central locations as opposed to individual student addresses. The routes for the buses are linked here.

• Be at your stop on time and wait safely away from the road.
• Wait for the bus to stop and the driver to signal before approaching or crossing.
• Board safely—no pushing, shoving or horseplay.
• Listen to the bus operator and follow directions just as you would from a teacher or school administrator.
• Stay seated, keep the aisle clear and keep hands, feet and belongings inside the bus.
• Be respectful of others—no bullying, harassment, fighting, inappropriate language or disruptive behavior.
• Respect neighborhoods and property around bus stops and help keep buses clean.
• Ride your assigned bus unless you have permission to do otherwise.
• Speak up about unsafe behavior and tell the bus operator or a trusted adult if there is a problem.
• Remember: Your choices matter. Safe, responsible behavior helps everyone get to and from school safely.

Ride by the Rules: Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be Safe.

North Bethesda Middle School is continuing to embrace the appropriate use of technology for students throughout the school day to enhance students’ learning experience. Please review the information below as it relates to the NBMS use of personal mobile devices (PMD’s). PMD’s are defined as cell phones and personal listening devices, including earbuds, headsets, ear accessories, etc.

Cell Phones/ Personal Mobile Devices: If you choose to send your child to school with a personal mobile device to include smartwatches, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the device is turned off and locked away in their locker during the academic day. Moreover, students must turn off and refrain from using their phones once they enter the school building in the morning (this includes while they wait in the cafeteria, Media Center or gym for school to begin) until they exit out of the building to go home. Any cellphone seen by staff during the instructional day may be confiscated. NBMS is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen cell phones.

Please note: recording eyeglasses and smart glasses are also prohibited and unauthorized.