Phoenix Community Update

💚November 9-14th is MCPS Mental Health Awareness Week! The theme for this year is “Mental Health Matters: Connect. Support. Thrive. Creating connected , supportive school communities where every student and family can thrive.” During this week, MCPS hosts events in person and virtually for families focusing on the importance of mental health, breaking down stigma, and seeking help. There will be events offered through the week where families can hear from mental health professionals as well as a resource fair and panel on Saturday, November 14th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Blake High School. This event is FREE and open to students, families and staff!

Check out our plans for NBMS for the week of the 9th!

• Monday- Period One Phoenix Time
• Tuesday- Period Two Phoenix Time
• Wednesday- Veterans' Day & Open House at NBMS for Parents and Caregivers & Report Card Distribution in Homeroom
• Thursday- Period Three Phoenix Time
• Friday- Period Four Phoenix Time and Coffee with Counselors Session via Zoom at 9:00 a.m.

If you have not completed the High School Possibilities Process, please go into ParentVue to complete the process by November 13th. 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

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 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!

The Signs of Suicide (SOS) Lessons and Parent Coffee

The NBMS Counselors are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.

SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.

Through the program, students learn:

• that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help

• how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend

• who they can turn to at school for help

Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend.

We encourage you to visit www.mindwise.org/parents for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn. We are including an Infographic for you to reinforce the ACT message at home.

Our counseling team will hold a special virtual parent training on the signs of suicide during our Coffee with the Counselors on Friday, November 13th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

Meeting Details:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/81358701855?pwd=5VFOTFXva7XQgcgyVD7WVEBk7MUFOb.1

Meeting ID: 813 5870 1855

Passcode: NBMS

The SOS program will be implemented through your students PE and Health classes on December 1th for 6th graders, December 3rd for 7th graders and December 8th for 8th graders.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program, please contact your child’s school counselors at 240-740-2110.

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.

✨ 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.

Congratulations to our Mathletes who participated in the Thomas Jefferson Intermediate Math Open on October 17! We are proud of all seven students who represented our school:

• Maxwell Alipui

• Aiden Atif

• Maahira Chander

• Pippin Gottesman

• Doyun (Audrey) Lee

• Hyunwoo (James) Lee

• Bodie Wessel

A special congratulations to our individual award winners:

• James Lee: First place in the Pre-Algebra Individual Round

• Aiden Atif: Second place in the Pre-Algebra Individual Round

• Maahira Chander: Second place in the Algebra Individual Round

• Bodie Wessel: First place in Simple Loop, second place in Minesweeper, and third place in Fillomino, all in the Puzzle Rounds

We also celebrate these outstanding team accomplishments:

• Maxwell Alipui’s team: First place in the Power Round, first place in the Guts Round, and first place overall

• Bodie Wessel’s team: Tied for first place in the Team Round, third place in the Guts Round, and third place overall

Special thanks to Monica Atif and Lucy Liuxuan Zhang for supporting our students through chaperoning, coaching, and parent guidance. We appreciate your time and encouragement!

Check out the presentation to see our teams and celebrate the awards they brought home!

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1i8GB_ppW7CFh5Omju7Ikmro_M2kV9udYAbUUHYSYX-4/edit?usp=sharing

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.

Do you enjoy writing? Expressing yourself through poetry or creating stories? Do you have an interest in reporting news? Then come join the Writers Club, where we will be completing fun writing activities and creating articles for our school newspaper, Polaris! We will meet every Wednesday starting this week, November 11th, in room B205. If you have any questions, please email Mr. Perlson for more details

***

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!

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

Are you interested in participating in the Berkeley Online Math competition? Complete this interest form by November 14th.

https://forms.gle/gSTi1taYZnvCgAUP8

The online tournament will consist of an asynchronous Power Round on November 28–29, 2026, as well as the live event, including the Guts and Focus/General rounds, on December 5, 2026.

More info here:

https://berkeley.mt/events/bmt-2026-online/

NBMS Happenings & PTSA Updates📅 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.

We're pleased to welcome back Dr. Rebecca Resnick, who will join us for a conversation about parenting during the teen years and teen mental health. We'll also hear from our Student Government Association (SGA) and get the latest school updates from Principal Snead.

Join us in person or virtually! Find the Zoom link on the PTSA calendar.

🎓 8th Grade Families: High School Center Program Application Deadline Extended!

MCPS has extended the application deadline for Regional High School Center Programs to Friday, November 13. Families now have additional time to explore programs and complete their applications through ParentVUE. Students who have already submitted applications can make changes until the new deadline.

Need help applying? MCPS has posted a video tutorial and step-by-step instructions, and families can also contact their school counselor for assistance.

Explore programs, application resources, and FAQs on the MCPS website.

🎉 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!

🍬 Extra Halloween Candy? The CARE Store Wants It!

Have leftover Halloween candy? Donate it to the CARE Store! With high demand at every opening, we're always looking for candy, snacks, and other fun items to keep our shelves stocked. Drop off donations at the NBMS office labeled “CARE Store” or shop our updated Amazon Wish List.

More volunteer spots are now open through the end of the year! The CARE Store runs entirely on parent volunteers, and we'd love your help. Sign up to volunteer here!

Thank you for keeping the CARE Store going!

📣 MCCPTA Advocacy Priorities — Coming Soon!

The Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA) is developing its advocacy priorities for the school year, with proposed areas including high-quality curriculum, enrichment and acceleration, middle school electives, responsible technology use, and improvements to regional programs.

Draft priorities will be shared later this month, with opportunities for parent feedback before a final vote in December. Stay tuned for more information on how NBMS families can weigh in!

Learn more about MCCPTA and its advocacy work.

ICYMI: Winter Weather Is Coming! Are You Ready?
Snow days, delays and early dismissals—oh my! Winter weather is just around the corner, and MCPS wants families to be ready. In case you missed it, MCPS shared important information about its weather-related color codes, how decisions are made and where to find the latest school operating status updates. Be sure to review the winter weather message and make your family's winter weather plan now.

And for a little fun, grab some popcorn and enjoy the world premiere of our Snow Day Trailer! Winter is coming, and we're ready!
English /español /中文 /français /Português /한국어 /tiếng Việt /አማርኛ

MCPS Invites Multilingual Families to Special Events
MCPS is bringing families together for a series of six Regional Family Engagement Events designed for Emerging Multilingual Learners (EMLs) and their families.
These free events are an opportunity for families to connect with school staff, learn about MCPS programs and community resources, ask questions and meet other families. Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, there's something for everyone!
All families of Emerging Multilingual Learners are welcome! Each event celebrates the languages, cultures and experiences that make our school communities special.
To make participation easier, materials will be available in eight languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Amharic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Free childcare will also be provided at every event.

Upcoming Events:

• (Previously) Wednesday, Nov. 4: Paint Branch High School, 5–8 p.m.

• Wednesday, Nov. 11: Gaithersburg High School, 5–8 p.m.

• Monday, Nov. 16: Seneca Valley High School, 5–8 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 17: Wheaton High School, 5–8 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 21: Montgomery Blair High School, 9 a.m.–noon

• Wednesday, Dec. 2: Richard Montgomery High School, 5–8 p.m.

Families are welcome to attend one or more events, regardless of which school their children attend.
Come connect, learn and celebrate with us! We look forward to welcoming you and helping every family feel connected, supported and empowered to help their children thrive.
View Event Flyers and Details

Deadline Extended: MCPS 8th Grade Center Programs & Middle School Magnet Consortium Applications
We know choosing the right path for high school is a big decision for your family! To give you extra time to explore options, dig into specific offerings and complete your application, the deadline to submit applications for 8th Grade Center Programs — and the Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) process — has been extended.
New Deadline: Friday, November 13

Learn more on the Center Programs website, your central place to explore how regional and thematic programs are structured across MCPS, access resources to dive deeper into specialized career paths and get your questions answered with the FAQs. Families interested in the Middle School Magnet Consortium can find details on the MSMC website

• Need help? Contact your middle school counselor or send an email

• What's a Center Program? (English | Spanish)

The Hard Truth Video Series Continues: 75% of Older MCPS Schools Need Repair
The numbers tell a story we can't ignore. Many MCPS school buildings are aging, and the cost of maintaining and repairing them continues to grow. In the latest installment of The Hard Truth, MCPS takes a closer look at the challenges facing our school facilities, why these repairs matter and what it will take to provide safe, modern learning environments for every student.
The hard truth? Our schools need attention, and the needs are real. Watch the video, learn about the challenges and join the conversation about the future of our schools.
Watch The Hard Truth: 75% of Older Schools Need Repair
Watch the Video Series

Firearm Safety Starts at Home
MCPS reminds families that secure firearm storage can save lives. Firearms should always be unloaded, locked and stored separately from ammunition. Families should also ask about firearm storage in homes their children visit.
Please talk with your children about firearm safety, remind them that weapons are prohibited at school and encourage them to “See Something, Say Something” if they become aware of a weapon or threat.

• Learn more: Parent's Guide to Firearm Storage.

• Read the community message sent to families this week

Learn More about the Amplify Desmos Math Curriculum at Nov. 9 Zoom Webinar
Interested in learning more about your student’s new Amplify Desmos Math curriculum? MCPS is hosting a webinar for elementary school families from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9 via Zoom.
The webinar will explore the daily lesson structure, including access to enrichment as well as Caregiver Hub resources for families, and homework. The webinar will be available in English, with live interpretation available in Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese, Portuguese and American Sign Language.
Can’t make it? A recording will be posted on the MCPS website after the event.

Join Us for the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Nov. 14
Be sure to join us for the Mental Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at James Hubert Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road in Silver Spring. Free and open to staff, students and families, this event will feature workshops, a student-led forum and community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness. Participating students can earn four Student Service Learning hours.

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.