Phoenix Community Update

• Monday- Period Three Phoenix Time
• Tuesday- Period Four Phoenix Time
• Wednesday- Period Five Phoenix Time
• Thursday- Period Six Phoenix Time
• Friday- Period Seven Phoenix Time ** Last Day To Submit Late Assignments For Quarter One **Everyone wear PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness**

Dear Parents/Caregivers:

Montgomery County Public Schools is taking an active role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect through early prevention and intervention education.

Our Counselors will be presenting lessons on the topic of child abuse and neglect on October 26, 2026, during our Phoenix Time/Homeroom lesson time.

The lessons are known as Personal Body Safety Lessons (PBSL) and their purpose is to help students to:

• Develop knowledge, decision making skills, and behaviors which promote safe living in the home, school and community;

• Learn skills for self-protection and identifying child abuse and neglect;

• Learn skills for asking for help for self and others and practice reporting to a trusted adult; and

• Engage in positive and appropriate interactions with peers and adults.

If you have any questions or concerns about the topics that will be covered, please contact your child’s school counselor.

Hey Phoenixes! It's fall, so Fall in Love with a Book at the NBMS library media center! Here’s how it works:

Check out a book (any book you have NOT read before) from the NBMS library media center anytime between October 15th-November 13th.

Read the book and return it to the NBMS library media center .

Write a short book review (3-4 sentences) about what you LOVED about the book & why.

Turn in your book review to Ms. Woods or Ms. Kennedy in the Library Media Center by November 16th.

All students who participate will get a cupcake during their lunchtime on November 20th in the Library Media Center!

Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 23 is Digital Citizenship Week!

Students will have the opportunity to earn up to 5 SSL hours by following the directions provided here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF-CpSRwFIeYJUM-KJzS_QL5BvzG20-V_paLoJnTnj8sGvWw/closedform

Important Note: This link will not be active until Monday October 19th. Students must complete the 2026 Digital Citizenship Week SSL Form (link above) using their MCPS Gmail account no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026. Please contact the Library Media Specialist, Nicolette_K_Woods@mcpsmd.org with any questions.

November Career Exploration Events are coming! Interested in becoming a forensic scientist, makeup artist, or photographer? Want to learn about financial literacy? Join us to explore careers, try fun activities, and enjoy snacks! Attend the financial literacy workshop for a chance to win a $50 savings account! Sign up using the Google Form link. We hope to see you there!

https://forms.gle/QuywC4DGEksRGKsAA

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.

Families should have received an E-proof via email.

Please remember to check your spam.

For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: underclass@vosphoto.com

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.

Congratulations to the NBMS cross country for yet another fantastic meet at Pyle Middle School on Thursday. Our boys team won 22 to 33, continuing their undefeated season! Sam Fogg took 1st overall, with Asher Friedman finishing in 2nd close behind. Closing out the top 5 were Jack Williams, Bennett Shah and Noah Nicastro. Our girls squad was defeated by Pyle 20 to 37. Victoria Lever was our top finisher running a season best 10:06 for the 1.5 miles course. Teddy Engle, Stella Sorrentine, Eudora Deal and Beatrice Valdivia-Steinberg closed out our top five. Please come cheer on your Phoenix runners Wednesday as we face Frost Middle School on our home course.

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.

NBMS Basketball Interest Meetings

With winter sports registration opening Monday, October 26, NBMS will be hosting interest meetings for students interested in trying out for basketball this winter.

Girls Basketball: Wednesday, October 21 — Phoenix Time 5

Boys Basketball: Friday, October 23 — Phoenix Time 7

Location: NBMS Cafeteria

During the meetings, students will receive information about registration, tryouts, expectations, and the upcoming season.

Students must have a Phoenix Time pass to attend. Passes will be distributed at the front of the school on the morning of each meeting, with additional passes available outside the PE office.

If your student is unable to attend but is still interested in trying out, a Google Form will be shared the following week so they can express interest and receive the necessary registration information.

For questions regarding NBMS Athletics, please contact Jordan Baucom, Athletic Coordinator, at jordan.t.baucom@mcpsmd.net.

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

Our next SGA meeting will be Wednesday, October 21 during Phoenix Time period 5. Make sure to ask Ms. Warker for a pass before the transition time. Hope to see you there!

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!

The next French club meeting will be on Thursday, October 22nd. French Club meets once a month and is open to ANY student who is interested in French language and culture — you do not need to be currently taking French to participate!

Throughout the year, we will explore and celebrate cultures from across the French-speaking world through fun activities, games, food, music, traditions, and more.

Come join us and discover the Francophone world! 🌍🥐🎶

Hello Eco-Warriors - a friendly reminder that environmental club will resume after school on Tuesday, Oct. 20th in room A107. All *new members* are still welcome to join!

Students/Parents/Caregivers,

This is a reminder that P.E. classes will be utilizing the outdoor fields/court spaces whenever possible through the end of the calendar year. There are several things that you can do to prepare yourself for the weather conditions approaching the months of November/December. Typically, all units will be inside for the Winter season in mid-December. Here are some recommendations:

Wear several layers so in the event you are too warm, you can remove a layer.

Wear warm clothes such as hoodies, jackets, sweatpants, hats, gloves etc...

Wear bug spray (If spraying in the building/locker room, alert a teacher first)

BRING A WATER BOTTLE with you to P.E.

A.M. P.E. classes bring an extra pair of socks as the grass is wet from the dew prior to 10 a.m. or so.

Keep in mind, students are outside for activity for approx. 35 mins. during a normal class period. Students are in the locker rooms before and after each class and have access to bathrooms and water fountains at these times.

Remember, all these belongings can be left in your P.E. locker, so you do not have to bring it back and forth from home each day. We do recommend it gets taken home each week to wash if it is being used.

As always, make sure you also have proper sneakers for P.E.!

NBMS Happenings & PTSA Updates

🎃 8th Grade Fall Social — Oct. 30! Tickets on Sale!

Get ready for some spooky middle-school fun! The 8th Grade Social is Friday, Oct. 30, from 6–8 PM—a great chance for students to hang out with friends and celebrate the season!

Tickets are now available in the Phoenix Store, with discounted tickets for PTSA members! Not a member yet? There's still time to join the PTSA and save!

Parent volunteers needed! Help make the night a success by assisting with setup, activities, refreshments, or cleanup. Sign up to volunteer here.

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

Save the date! Our 7th Grade Fall Social is Friday, Nov. 13, from 6–8 PM! Get ready for a fun evening with a DJ, games, and plenty of time to hang out with friends.

Stay tuned for ticket information and opportunities for parents to help make the event a success!

Please note: November 13 is the correct date, correcting last week's announcement.

🚗 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!

📚 Missed the PTSA Meeting? Catch Up Here!

Couldn't make Tuesday's PTSA meeting? Ms. Watkins gave a terrific presentation on NBMS's new math curriculum and math pathways, and you can catch up on what you missed! The meeting recording and presentation slides are available on the PTSA website.

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.

Board Moves School Calendar Proposals Forward for Public Comment
The Board of Education received a presentation on Oct. 8 outlining proposed school calendars for 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 and moved the proposals forward for public comment and feedback. A key feature of the discussion was a two-year calendar approach, designed to give families and staff greater ability to plan ahead by establishing major calendar dates earlier.
Under the approach, the Board would adopt the next school year’s calendar while tentatively setting major dates, such as the first and last days of school and winter and spring breaks, for the following year. The community will now have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed calendars, with final adoption scheduled for Nov. 19.

See the video of the presentation here

See the slide deck here

Board of Education Receives Update on School Closure and Consolidation Study
On Thursday, Oct. 8, MCPS updated the Board of Education on the elementary and middle school closure and consolidation study, including why the work is necessary, how the process will unfold and how the community can participate.
Important: No schools have been selected for closure, no recommendations have been made and there is no predetermined outcome. Community engagement begins Oct. 19—months before the superintendent is expected to present recommendations to the Board.
Read the full story for engagement dates, what to expect, the decision-making timeline and the facts families should know.
See the project website here https://mcpsstudy.org
See the presentation video here
See the presentation slides here

Regional High School Center Programs: Fall Showcases Are Underway
MCPS is expanding access to specialized regional high school Center programs, giving 8th grade students more opportunities to pursue programs connected to their interests while continuing to offer rigorous programming at every local high school.
Center programs span five areas: Medical Science; International Baccalaureate, Humanities & Languages; Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM); Leadership & Public Service; and Visual & Performing Arts. Additional Middle College dual-enrollment opportunities are also being explored in partnership with Montgomery College.
Fall High School Showcases are happening now across all six MCPS regions. These events give 8th grade students and families an opportunity to visit schools, explore programs and courses, meet staff and learn more about the high school options available to them.
Showcases are being held throughout October in the Southern, Eastern, Central South, Central, Central North and Northern regions.
Get informed and explore your options:

• Watch the new Center Programs overview videos: English | Spanish

• Watch: Now You Know — Center Programs: The Basics

• See the full Fall High School Showcase schedule and find an upcoming event in your region.

Middle School Program Changes Delayed One Year
MCPS is delaying any changes to the middle school Program of Study until the next school year, allowing additional time for review, engagement and thoughtful implementation. The proposals under consideration include 60-minute core classes and more consistent elective offerings across middle schools. No changes will be implemented this school year.
Why it’s happening: After testing several scheduling scenarios, MCPS determined that implementing the changes next school year would present significant logistical and operational challenges, particularly across schools of different sizes. Current budget considerations are also a factor. Delaying implementation gives MCPS time to better understand final Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements, continue working through scheduling and staffing implications, and make a more informed decision before moving forward.
See the presentation video here.
See the presentation slides here.

Explore What Your Child Is Learning at MCPS Curriculum Day, Oct. 19

MCPS is hosting Curriculum Preview Day, an opportunity for families to explore instructional materials, learn more about what students are learning and discover resources available to support learning at home. This event is open to K–12 families for all MCPS courses. Join us for our drop-in sessions, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. in the Carver Educational Services Center cafeteria on Monday, Oct. 19. Families can connect with MCPS instructional specialists, ask questions, explore curriculum materials and receive support accessing digital learning resources.

Getting the Most from ParentVue
Are you getting the most out of ParentVUE? It’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected to your student’s school experience. Families can monitor grades and assignments, check attendance, find bus information, access report cards and assessment results, complete online registrations and communicate directly with teachers.
Be sure to download the new ParentVUE app, customize your Gradebook and favorite shortcuts, and check ParentVUE regularly. You can even schedule parent-teacher conferences directly through the app. And remember: each parent or guardian should use their own ParentVUE account and password.
Learn more: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

Now You Know — Stay Connected
Want to make sure you don’t miss important information from MCPS?
Sign up for ParentSquare, the district’s mass communication and direct messaging platform for parents, high school students and staff. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and log in with the phone number or personal email on file with MCPS. You can also follow MCPS on Facebook, Instagram and X, or visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org.
Learn more: English | Spanish | Amharic | Chinese | French | Korean | Portuguese | Vietnamese

Center Programs 101: Get the Details on EdTalk

On the newest episode of EdTalk, join host Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven and guests Anjali Wells, coordinator in the Department of Academic Programs, and Jeannie Franklin, director in the Department of Consortia and Application Program Services, as they discuss the new MCPS Center Programs. Learn how 8th grade families can apply to a variety of four-year academic high school Center Programs in their region. Watch.

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.

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!

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.

***Please note this is not a school-sponsored trip***

There are still some spots left for the upcoming spring break trip to Costa Rica! We're holding a final interest meeting on Tuesday, 10/6 via Zoom.

This meeting is for families who couldn’t attend last semester’s meeting, still have questions, or have not yet enrolled. This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and a global perspective.

Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/b96tjch

Why attend?

- Learn how to save $200 with early enrollment.

- Get first access to limited spots.

- Learn about what we’ll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more.

Questions? Email Ms. Cwerner at caylacwerner@gmail.com

PSAT 8/9 Administration -- October 14th

Dear 8th-Grade NBMS Students & Families,

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, all MCPS students in Grade 8 will take the PSAT 8/9 exam during the instructional day and at no cost to them / their families. The PSAT 8/9 exam:

• Provides students with early access to College Board college and career planning resources,
• Establishes an early academic benchmark to support instructional planning and high-school course planning,
• Establishes longitudinal baselines for measuring student reading, writing, and math growth throughout high school,
• Acts as a national and external common academic measure that may be considered (alongside other measures / indicators) as part of the comprehensive review process for MCPS criteria-based regional academic programs

Prior to taking the exam, students in Grade 8 will participate in a “Digital Readiness Check.” During this check, basic student information (student name, school, state, grade, date of birth, etc.) will be provided to College Board, the provider of the PSAT. Also, during this check and with prior consent from a parent/guardian, students may complete an optional College Board Student Survey. Information collected through this survey is used for group reporting, research to ensure the assessment is fair for all student groups, and more.

Things to Know

• One sheeter
• PSAT 8/9 Student Guide
• PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

• 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.