Phoenix Community Update
August 23, 2026
Welcome Back to School Phoenixes!
We Are Ready
I hope you are as excited as I am for this new school year. Incoming sixth grade students, seventh and eighth grade students NEW to North Bethesda Middle School will join us at NB on Monday, August 24, 2026 for transition day. It is a full day schedule for students only. All students will officially start school on Tuesday, August 25, 2026! We have full confidence it is going to be an amazing school year and we hope you are elated for a new beginning! Please remember that students will have access to the building at 7:45 a.m. daily and classes begin at 8:15 a.m. sharp. All students should get a good night's rest, leave home on time and be prepared to jump right in on day one. Please note: we will have a modified schedule to include homeroom as the first class on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Students are able to access their studentvue accounts to see their student schedules for the year. Printed schedules will be distributed in homerooms and homeroom locations have been posted around the building.
When students arrive in the morning before first period, sixth graders report to the cafeteria, seventh graders report to the main gym and eighth graders report to the lower gym. Anyone is welcome to grab breakfast from the cafeteria prior to reported to their designated location to wait for the dismissal bell to classes.
The NBMS C.A.R.E. Values That We Commit To As A School Community
Important Messages from the Counseling Department Regarding Student Schedules
Students and parents/caregivers please check your Student/ParentVUE to see your schedule prior to the start of school on Tuesday, printed schedules will be distributed in homerooms. We are only able to accommodate scheduling changes due to errors. Please see graphic below.
Updated Bus Routes for 26-27 year
Students please ask an adult prior to dismissal time if you are unsure of which school bus you will need to ride home in the afternoon. The buses will leave campus promptly at 3:07 p.m. in the afternoon. All routes for North Bethesda are linked here.
August 24, 2026 Transition Day only for NEW STUDENTS
On Monday, Aug. 24, MCPS will hold its second annual Student Transition Day, an all-day, non-instructional school experience designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings. It is a good day to try out your school routine and get prepared before all students return to school. We will be ready to receive students starting at 7:45 a.m. at North Bethesda and the day will be begin at 8:15 a.m.
Learn more.Regular school hours are 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please note: During the school year there is no supervision available before 7:45 a.m. or after 3:15 p.m. Parents should use the designated drop-off area and follow safety protocols and signs on the campus. For any bus changes, a note and prior approval are required; please contact Randolph Mussotte, Bethesda Depot- Division of Transportation (240)740-6573 for bus issues.
Principal's Meet and Greet
Principal’s Meet & Greet: Monday, August 24, 2026 10:00 a.m. - 10: 30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
While students are learning about North Bethesda and building community, parents are welcome to attend a principal’s Meet and Greet with Ms. Snead and the admin team in the media center. Please choose one of the two sessions. The meet and greet is optional.
First Day of School for ALL Students on Tuesday, August 26th
NBMS Athletics Night Message from Our Athletic Coordinator
NBMS Athletics Info Night Wednesday, August 26
North Bethesda Middle School families are invited to attend our Athletics Info Night on Wednesday, August 26, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM via Google Meet.
This will be an opportunity for families to learn more about the NBMS Athletics program, including registration, participation requirements, eligibility, tryouts, and what students and families can expect throughout the school year. Families will also have an opportunity to ask questions about middle school athletics.
Join the Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/udk-mqih-qgcPhone Option:
(US) +1 337 628 2065
PIN: 336 559 491#We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you!
Jordan Baucom
Health & Physical Education
Athletic Coordinator
North Bethesda Middle School
Event Information
Please join us for Back to School Night. You will have an opportunity to meet the school's administration team, your child's teachers, the PTSA executive board and tour our building. There will be a meet and greet session with PTSA from 6:00 p.m.- 6:25 p.m. in the media center. We are looking forward to partnering with you this year to ensure your child's success.
Cellphones Away ALL Day to include smart watches, earbuds, headsets and listening and recording devices
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.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Fire Drill
Lockdown / Hold / Secure
Severe Weather
Earthquake
Evacuation / Reverse Evacuation
JOIN THE PTSA
Stay Connected
🎉 Welcome Back from the NBMS PTSA! 🎉
We’re excited for a great year ahead! Be sure to visit our PTSA website for everything you need—our welcome letter (packed with helpful info), calendar, volunteer opportunities, and quick links on how to join.
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for updates all year long.
📅 Save the Dates:
Back to School Night: Thursday, August 27 6:30pm
September PTSA Meeting: Tuesday, September 8th, 7pm
Kensington 8K: Saturday, September 19th
Skate Night: Saturday, September 26, 6:30pm (Cabin John Rink)
🍦 Celebrate the Start of School at Carmen’s — Sept. 1!
Join NBMS families at Carmen’s in Kensington on Sept. 1 from 3–9 PM for a sweet back-to-school celebration and one last hurrah of summer! Mention NBMS at checkout, and 10% of sales will benefit the NBMS PTSA and support our school community.
A Message From Our Career Advising Coach
Hello North Bethesda!
My name is Mrs. Afram, and I am your Career Advising Coach! I’m excited for another great year of career exploration, discovering student's strengths and interests, and connecting students with exciting career opportunities. Please click here.
Outdoor Education for Sixth Grade Families
Greetings 6th Grade Families,
We are so excited to share that our preparations for the NBMS Outdoor Education program have begun. Students will receive an information packet regarding the details of the trip during the first week of school. Below you will find the session dates. Students have been assigned their session based on the first letter of their LAST name.
SESSION ONE (October 5-7) - A E H K Q T W Z
SESSION TWO (October 7-9) - D G J M P S V Y
SESSION THREE (October 12-14) - B C F I L N O R U X & All ARS Students
We have two information meetings coming up in September.
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT - Wednesday, September 2 at 7:00 PM (Zoom)
This is for all caregivers to attend for an overview of the program.
PARENT CHAPERONE MEETING - Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 PM at NBMS (in cafeteria)
This is for caregivers interested in chaperoning the trip to review responsibilities of the role and requirements to ensure eligibility.
We need 16-20 parent chaperones per session! If you are interested in chaperoning, please first complete the interest form. The interest form also includes important information regarding the three major requirements parents must complete in order to attend. Once you have completed the requirements, you will then need to apply to show proof of completion. As our trip is very early in the school year, the sooner you begin this process, the greater likelihood that you can join us. We cannot do this without you - thank you so much for considering!
This is one of the most memorable events in 6th grade! We are so grateful for all of your support.
Sincerely,
Chris Pichola
Christopher_M_Pichola@mcpsmd.org
Outdoor Education Organizer
