NORTH NEWS

"If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse."

Students who would like to follow bus call in real time can click the button below to view live bus updates as they are announced. This easy-to-use viewer helps everyone stay informed and makes dismissal run more smoothly.

We still have MANY North Middle families who have NOT completed the online Parent Contact Annual Update Form. DEADLINE: September 30

If your family’s information has not been updated by the end of September, your student will lose iPad privileges until the form is completed. Even if your information has not changed, you still need to complete the form for EACH CHILD in your family. Please take a moment to complete the form today! Help us keep your family’s contact information accurate and ensure your student maintains access to their iPad."

Report cards will be issued on October 20th. This is a great opportunity to celebrate successes, recognize growth, and set goals for the remainder of the grading period. Families are encouraged to review report cards together and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns. Keep up the great work, Blue Devils!

Berkeley County Schools is continuing to implement the BCS Bullying Prevention Program in each of our PreK-12 schools. The program is designed to help prevent bullying and other negative behaviors within the school environment and ensure our schools continue to provide a safe and caring environment for students.

As part of the program, students in grades K-12 will participate in a developmentally appropriate annual survey. The survey will help BCS gather reliable information about bullying behaviors and attitudes in the school setting. The results will also provide important information for planning bullying prevention efforts and measuring progress in addressing and reducing bullying over time.

• The survey is completely voluntary.
• No student names are collected.
• The survey will be administered by the third week of November 2026.
• If you prefer that your child not participate, please notify your child's school in writing by Friday, October 30, 2026.

Parents and guardians may review a sample of the survey appropriate for their child's grade level. If you are unable to access the sample online survey, please contact your child's school office to review its contents.

Thank you for your support of the BCS Bullying Prevention Program.

If you prefer that your child not participate, please notify your child's school in writing by Friday, October 30, 2026.

Parents and guardians are invited to join us for our upcoming Learning Lunches at North Middle School! These special events provide an opportunity to learn more about middle school, hear important school updates, participate in our annual Title I meeting, learn about the Local School Improvement Council (LSIC), discuss the Parent and Family Engagement Policy and School/Parent Compact, and share feedback during an open forum focused on parent needs.

After the meeting, enjoy a free lunch with your student and connect with other North Middle families. Learning Lunch dates are October 12 for 8th grade families, October 19 for 7th grade families, and October 23 for 6th grade families. Be sure to RSVP by the listed deadlines. We look forward to partnering with you as we continue supporting the success of our Blue Devils!

North Middle School will host Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 28, from 5:00–7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to connect with your child's teachers, discuss academic progress, and ask questions about how to support your student's success.

Ready to Sign Up?

Use the sign-up link below to schedule your conference. Please read these important instructions before completing the form:

• Select “ANYONE” (the dropdown box), then choose the specific teacher you want to meet with. If you do not select a teacher, you may be assigned a random teacher who may not know your child and we will have to call to reschedule the conference.

• Double-check that you have selected the correct teacher from the dropdown menu.

• Complete all required contact information so we can communicate with you if needed.

Conferences will be scheduled in 15-minute increments between 5:00 and 7:00 PM.

Stop by Our Schoology & Technology Information Session!

After your conference, visit the cafeteria for a Schoology and Technology Information Session with Technology Specialist Ms. Deavers! Sessions will run every 15 minutes throughout the conference evening.

Stop in to learn more about:

• Using Schoology and technology tools to monitor your child's academic progress

• Remote learning expectations and resources for winter snow days

• Internet safety and helping your child stay safe online

• Other helpful technology tips for families

We look forward to seeing you on October 28! Thank you for partnering with us to support your child's success at North Middle School.

We know how incredibly talented our students are, so why not give them a space to showcase what they can do?

Students are invited to submit any school-appropriate talent or creative work: including artwork, music, writing, special skills, performances, and more. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the unique talents and creativity within our school community!

Submissions Deadline: Wednesdays @ 3:00pm - The student selected will be posted in the newsletter on the following week.

submission deadline will be October 7th @ 3:00pm

shoutout will be posted in the October 12th newsletter!

**You must have a parental consent form submitted before submitting anything**

We can’t wait to see what our talented students have to share!

A huge thank you to all of the talented students who submitted entries for North's Got Talent this week! We are continually amazed by the courage, creativity, and dedication our students display when sharing their unique gifts with the school community.

This week's lucky featured performer is Melina Thompson! Melina will be showcasing her vocal talents with the iconic holiday hit, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey. Way to go, Melina, and thank you for sharing!

Thank you, Melina, for sharing your wonderful talent with us and for inspiring others to step outside their comfort zones and shine. We can't wait to see more incredible submissions from our talented North students in the weeks ahead!

The votes are in, and we officially have a winner for this year’s North Middle School Yearbook Cover Contest!

Congratulations to Kira Kincaid for creating the winning design!

Your creativity and hard work stood out, and we are excited to feature your design as the 2026–2027 North Middle School Yearbook Cover!

A huge thank-you to everyone who submitted a design and to everyone who took the time to vote. We had some amazing entries, and choosing a winner was not easy!

Please help us congratulate Kira on this awesome accomplishment!

We can’t wait to see the finished yearbook—and your design on the cover!

Kharma Richards was chosen because she participates well in class, has a great sense of humor, is helpful to all around her, and is an all-around pleasant student.

Blanden Trail is a good citizen, is helpful in the classroom, and tries his best. and that extends after school to cross country! Keep up the great work, Blanden!

Sawyer Pierce has adjusted well to this school year. Sawyer is always participating in class and is loving gym class this year. Sawyer is a great listener to our staff and follows his daily routine with ease. We are so proud of him.

Hans Adounsa was selected as student of the month for consistently demonstrating respect towards staff and classmates, as well as his desire to learn and help others. He shows respect to himself and teachers by arriving to class prepared; he displays patience when assisting other classmates, and participates extensively in class, regardless of the task. His positive attitude and character make him a great example of a Blue Devil for others to look to.

Courtney Perales is an amazing student to have in class! She is hardworking, respectful, and always comes to class ready to learn. Courtney consistently puts forth her best effort and takes pride in completing her work. She follows directions, stays focused, and is willing to ask questions when she needs help. She has a positive attitude and is a pleasure to have in the classroom. Courtney is kind to her classmates and contributes to a positive classroom environment. I truly appreciate her effort, responsibility, and dedication to her work.

Jachai Bullet is a polite, hardworking, and caring student who takes pride in doing his best. He is always pleasant to work with and brings a positive attitude to the classroom. Jachai also has a passion for drawing and is working toward entering this year’s yearbook cover competition. We are proud of his creativity, dedication, and commitment to success!

Hung Tran is a hardworking student who takes pride in his learning and excels in math. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys reading manga and watching anime, bringing his unique interests and personality to our school community. We are proud of Hung’s dedication, talents, and continued success!

Miracle Cole shows patience, kindness, and understanding toward all of the students in our classroom, cheering them on whether they are accomplishing something big or small. Her positive attitude and encouragement help make our classroom a welcoming and supportive place for everyone. Miracle goes above and beyond each and every day, helping wherever she is needed. She contributes to every aspect of our classroom, from serving as one of our student technology assistants to helping keep our classroom clean and organized. Miracle is an excellent example of what it means to be a supportive classmate and a valued member of our school community. Way to go, Miracle! We are so proud of you!

Ky'Asia Young is helpful, kind, motivated, caring, and determined. She has a beautiful voice, and ALWAYS participates during our classes! She exceeds any expectation she sets for herself and has added joyful noise & light to our choir! Even last year, before she was my student, she made it a point to talk to me during lunches and ask me how my day was going. She always showed me her INCREDIBLE stories and now shows me her AMAZING drawings! She's multi-faceted, multi-talented, and a fantastic student. Way to go, Ky'Asia!!! 💗 Ms. Pleva

North Middle School's Student-Led Renaissance Team is hosting a Trunk or Treat on October 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Families are invited to join the fun for an evening of treats, creative costumes, and community spirit. Parking spots for participating vehicles are free, but donations and candy contributions are welcome. Be sure to RSVP with Mrs. Alissa Adams or Mr. Jermaine Jackson to reserve a spot, and don't forget to wear your best costume!

The holiday season is a time for giving, and our Martinsburg North Elves are busy spreading cheer throughout the community! We invite families, staff, and community members to help make the season brighter for local children and families in need.

There are several ways to support this effort:

• Make a monetary donation by clicking the link below
• Sponsor a child or family
• Donate wrapping paper, stocking stuffers, and/or self-care items

Donations will be accepted through December 14, and gifts will be distributed to families by December 17. Every contribution, big or small, helps bring joy to someone this holiday season. Thank you for helping our North family make a difference!

For more information, feel free to reach out to the following:

EMILY.R.DUNCAN@K12.WV.US

TORY.BAGENT@K12.WV.US

NICHEL.GRIFFIN@K12.WV.US

JESSICA.WOLFGANG@K12.WV.US

Martinsburg North Middle School was buzzing with excitement as students, families, staff, and community members came together for an incredible Hispanic Heritage Night hosted by our Renaissance Team! The event saw an amazing turnout and provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture through music, food, games, and activities.

Attendees enjoyed playing Lotería (Bingo), creating crafts, coloring flags, participating in a scavenger hunt, and receiving temporary tattoos. The evening was filled with laughter, learning, and community spirit as everyone explored and appreciated the rich traditions and contributions of Hispanic cultures.

A special thank you to Mrs. Long and her cooking classes, who worked hard to prepare and serve delicious food for the event. Their contributions helped create an authentic and welcoming experience for everyone in attendance. We would also like to thank our Renaissance Team, student volunteers, and all who attended and helped make the evening such a memorable celebration.

We were thrilled to see so many members of the North community come together for an evening of fun, connection, and cultural appreciation. Events like Hispanic Heritage Night showcase the diversity, talent, and school spirit that make Martinsburg North Middle School such a special place!

Sixth grade students who consistently demonstrate positive behavior are invited to participate in an exciting off-site learning opportunity this fall. Students will get the chance to travel to Shanksville, PA, on November 2 to experience the powerful Flight 93 National Memorial.

Afterschool Tutoring will begin October 5 and will be held in Mrs. Landerkin’s classroom on the 7th-grade hall. Tutoring will take place from 3:15–4:15 p.m., beginning immediately after the last bus leaves.

Before attending, parents must complete the Afterschool Tutoring Form, and students must complete and return the Behavior Contract. Both forms must be turned in before a student can begin tutoring. At 4:15 p.m., parents should pick up students in the parking lot by the side double doors near the bike rack. We look forward to providing students with extra support and a great place to learn after school!

Martinsburg North Middle School is officially on TikTok! Follow our new page to stay connected and catch highlights from around our school, including special events, activities, celebrations, school spirit, and all the great things happening at North. Be sure to follow along, show your Blue Devil pride, and see what’s happening at NMS!

Mr. Barclay

Department: Unified Arts - Life Skills

Why this Blue Devil deserves to be recognized: Mr. Barclay is one of the hardest-working people around. His day starts at North long before many of us arrive, as he directs traffic every morning to help ensure our students can safely cross to school—whether they’re catching a bus to the high schools or starting their day here at North. And when the school day ends, Mr. Barclay’s work certainly doesn’t! He also runs his own business, keeping him busy after school and on weekends.

This year at North, Mr. Barclay has taken on several brand-new, hands-on classes. You may have noticed his classroom looks a little different this year—with high tables, cabinets full of materials, and plenty of hands-on learning. He has jumped headfirst into STEM, helping students learn to think critically, use technology, and solve problems.

He teaches three different classes every day, while many teachers teach the same class multiple times. And whenever there’s a special event, testing, or something special happening around our school, Mr. Barclay is there behind the scenes, making sure everyone gets where they need to be.

He truly is part of the quiet glue that helps hold North Middle School together. He’s always willing to try something new, collaborate with others, and lend a hand wherever it’s needed.

And at this time of year, we also want to take a moment to thank Mr. Barclay not only for his service to North Middle School, but for his service to our nation through the Armed Forces.

Mr. Barclay, we appreciate your talents, your incredible work ethic, your willingness to serve, and the example you set for our students every day.

Congratulations, Mr. Barclay, on being this week's Staffulty Superstar!

Students in Mrs. French’s class received a special surprise this week when Mr. Popp stopped by with Happy Grams! These thoughtful notes of encouragement recognized students for their hard work, positive attitudes, and daily accomplishments. The smiles and excitement throughout the classroom were a wonderful reminder that small acts of kindness and recognition can make a big difference. Thank you, Mr. Popp, for helping celebrate our students and making their day extra special!

Students interested in making a difference, serving the community, and helping with school events are invited to join Student Council. Members will have opportunities to participate in event planning, community service projects, holiday activities, and special school programs throughout the year. It's a great way to develop leadership skills, build friendships, and give back to the school and local community. Additional second-semester activities will be announced later!

Upcoming Student Council Dates:

• October 19 & November 9 – Veterans Day Program Practice
• October 26 – Halloween Dance Decorating
• November 10 – In-School Veterans Day Program
• November 14, 9:00 a.m. – Kidz Power Pack Packing (Foxcroft Ave.)
• November 30 & December 7 – Crafts for Nursing Home Residents
• December 11, 6:00 p.m. – Christmas Caroling at Harmony Nursing Home

Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities during the second semester!

North Middle School is proud to honor the men and women who have served our country. We invite all veterans to join us on Tuesday, November 10 at 8:00 AM for a special Veterans Day program recognizing their service and sacrifice. Following the program, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch. Veterans who would like to share their experiences with students are welcome to participate. To help us celebrate, families may also submit a photo of a veteran to be featured in our newsletter and social media. Thank you to all who have served!

Date: Tuesday, November 10

Time: 8:00 AM

Location: North Middle School

Photo Submissions: mupdike@k12.wv.us

North Middle School's 8th grade students are hard at work preparing for the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival Apple Pie Baking Competition! From perfecting lattice crusts to carefully preparing fillings, students are putting their culinary skills, creativity, and teamwork to the test. Their dedication and enthusiasm have been on full display as they practice and refine their recipes. We are proud of their commitment and can't wait to see them represent NMS in the competition. Good luck, bakers!

The sewing machines have been busy in 7th Grade FCS! Students are making great progress on their pajama pants and are beginning to see their hard work come together. From selecting fun fabrics to learning new sewing techniques, students are gaining valuable skills while creating a project they can be proud to wear.

Get ready for a spook-tacular reading adventure at the NMS School Library! The Books a Million Book Fair will be taking place October 26-30, featuring plenty of great books for every reader. Families are encouraged to stop by, browse the selection, and help foster a love of reading while supporting our school library.

🎃 Special Reminder: Our Family Night will be held on October 28th during Parent-Teacher Conferences, making it the perfect opportunity for families to visit the book fair while attending conferences. We hope to see you there for a fun evening of books, literacy, and school community!

Calling all aspiring Lady Blue Devils! Students interested in girls' basketball are invited to attend the Basketball Skills & Drills sessions throughout October. Open gym opportunities will be held from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on various dates, giving players a chance to sharpen their fundamentals, build confidence, and prepare for the upcoming season. Participants should bring water, wear appropriate basketball attire, arrive on time, and be ready to work hard. Tryouts will be held November 2-3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A completed BCS physical form is required with no exceptions. Let's get ready for an exciting Lady Blue Devils basketball season

UPCOMING DATES

Our North cheerleaders were excited to represent NMS and show their school spirit this week! Dressed in their blue cheer jerseys and ready for the day, these students proudly demonstrated what it means to be part of the North family. We love seeing our students shine both in and out of the classroom while supporting their school with pride!

Good attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Berkeley County Schools encourages families to help students build healthy attendance habits by ensuring they are present, engaged, and ready to learn each day. Students who miss 10% or more of the school year, whether absences are excused or unexcused, are considered chronically absent and may miss valuable learning opportunities. Be sure to review attendance guidelines, submit absence notes promptly, and work with the school when attendance concerns arise. Together, we can help every student stay on track and achieve tomorrow's success!

Berkeley County Schools is looking for volunteers to become mentors through the P.A.S.S. Program!

A mentor can make a meaningful difference in a student’s life by offering encouragement, support, and a positive connection. The program is available to all students from Pre-K through 12th grade.

If you’re interested in giving your time and making a difference, volunteer today! Apply online through the link below if you are interested!

Parents and guardians can receive a weekly Schoology email digestwith information about their child’s current grades, assignments, attendance, overdue work, and recent Schoology activity. Follow these steps to turn on the weekly email report:

1. Go to Schoology on the web.

Open a web browser such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge and go to app.schoology.com. Use your parent account to log in. Do not use the Schoology app for these settings.

2. Select your child.

At the top of Schoology, click your name and select your child’s account.

3. Open Settings.

Once you are viewing your child’s account, click your child’s name at the top and then select Settings.

4. Click Notifications.

In the Settings menu, select the Notifications tab.

5. Turn on Email Digest.

Under Parent Email Digest, turn Email Summary to On.

6. Choose Weekly.

Select Weekly for the frequency, then choose the day of the week on which you would like to receive the email.

7. Save your changes.

Click Save Changes.

8. You’re all set!

You will now receive a weekly email with your child’s current grades, attendance, overdue work, and recent Schoology activity.

Optional: Parents can also turn on Overdue Submissions Email if they would like to receive an alert when their child misses a due date.

Remember:

• You must use a web browser, not the Schoology app.
• Make sure you select your child’s account before going to Settings.
• You can turn on Overdue Submissions Email if you want an alert when your child misses a due date.

Families experiencing difficulty connecting to Schoology can access the resources available on the Schoology webpage. Teachers can also connect families with their school-based SYSOP or zone TSS for assistance. If your families would benefit from an in-person Schoology support session, please contact Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Travis Williams

(travis.williams@k12.wv.us)