NAMS Soar & Achieve Newsletter
January 6, 2025
Happy New Year and Welcome to 2025!
Dear NAMS Parents,
I hope this message finds you well and that you and your loved ones had a wonderful winter break. As we welcome the new year, we are excited to continue building on the successes of the first semester and working together to make this a great year for our students.
As we look ahead, it’s important to note that we have only 54 instructional days remaining before state testing begins in April. Every day counts, and we need your partnership to ensure our students are fully prepared to show what they’ve learned this year. Here are a few reminders to help set your child up for success as we approach this critical time of the year:
Daily Attendance Matters: Make sure your student attends school every day unless they are ill. Each day of learning builds on the last, and consistent attendance is key.
Encourage Focused Learning: Talk to your student about staying focused in class, participating in discussions, and giving their best effort on every assignment.
Stay Engaged at Home: Help your child establish a routine for completing homework, reviewing notes, and staying on top of assignments.
Practice Reading and Vocabulary Skills: Encourage your student to read nightly and stay consistent with their MEMBEAM practices to strengthen their literacy and comprehension skills.
Focus on Math Mastery: Ensure your student is practicing their math skills each night by completing homework and working in the ALEKS program. Consistent practice helps build confidence and skills.
Participate Fully in School and House Activities: Encourage your student to actively engage in our newly established house system. Every student is a member of a house, and this initiative is designed to strengthen their sense of belonging, provide leadership opportunities, and help build meaningful relationships with peers and staff. Participation in house events and activities is a great way for your child to feel connected and take pride in their school community. Additionally, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities offer opportunities to grow skills, have fun, and develop as well-rounded individuals.
Your support at home makes a tremendous difference in your student’s success at school. Thank you for working alongside us to help your child achieve their best.
We’re looking forward to a great year ahead! If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or our school office.
Warm regards,
Mr. Kevin L. Freeman Sr.
Principal
Celebrating the Success of House Selection Days!
We are thrilled to share the excitement and energy of our recent House Selection Days, held on December 19 and 20, 2024! Over 700 students participated in this high-energy event, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our school community.
Now that students have been welcomed into their houses, our focus shifts to fostering strong connections and building a strong sense of community. Within these houses, students will form positive relationships with peers and staff, creating a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
The fun doesn’t stop there! House competitions are kicking off, giving students the opportunity to earn house points by demonstrating extraordinary qualities such as:
• Responding above the line
• Being intentional
• Prioritizing and promoting safety
• Embracing kindness, dignity, and respect (KDR)
• Engaging in school activities
• Excelling in academics
• Maintaining strong attendance
• Displaying positive behavior
For students who were absent during House Selection Days, don’t worry! Over the next few school days, they will be called to the office to make their house selections. We want every student to feel part of this exciting initiative and to experience the joy and pride that comes with being part of a house.
We are excited to see our students shine as they embody these values and contribute to a positive school culture. Let’s make this year one to remember as we celebrate teamwork, achievement, and lots of fun through our house system! Special thanks to all of our parent volunteers that came out to support our event.
Study Center Reset
We are making adjustments to study center assignments for 7th graders for the second semester. These changes are being made to provide specific academic support to some students and to even out the study center class enrollments. The changes will be reflected on your student’s schedule by January 6, 2024.
College Credit Plus (CCP) Information Night
Mark your calendars for January 22nd at 6:30 pm. Local colleges will be available on the virtual meeting to answer questions regarding College Credit Plus. The link to join this meeting and more information will follow as we get closer to the date.
Registration Night for Rising 9th Graders (Current 8th Grade Students)
We invite you to attend New Albany High School’s Registration Night on Monday, January 27 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This is an event to support families as they navigate the scheduling process for the next school year. The evening includes presentations as well as a curriculum fair where our teachers will be available to answer questions about course offerings. A more detailed agenda for the event will be communicated in early January.
Important Dates
- January 6 - School Resumes
- January 10 - Semester 1 Grades for Q2 Posted
- January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
- January 21 - Teacher Professional Day - No School
- January 22 - College Credit Plus Information Night (Virtual Meeting)
- February 4 - MS Course Registration Meeting (Virtual Meeting)
Virtual Meeting for 6th & 7th Grade Families - 6:00 - 7:00 PM - February 5 - MS Course Registration Meeting
In Person Meeting for 6th & 7th Grade Families
Location: MS Cafeteria at 6:00 - 7:00 PM - February 6 - Parent Teacher Conference Night - Session One
- February 10 - MS Course Registration Daytime Parent Meeting
Location: MS Library 10:00 - 11:00 AM - February 11 - Parent Teacher Conference Night - Session Two
- February 14 - Teacher Professional Day - No School
- February 17 - Presidents Day
- February 18 - Teacher Work Day - No School
New Albany Middle School
Email: news@napls.us
Website: www.napls.us/ms
Location: 6600 Dublin Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
Phone: 614-413-8500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewAlbanyMS/