Northern Middle Newsletter
Weekly Update 5/12/24
Principal's Update
Bobcat Nation:
Happy Mother’s Day to each of the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, guardians, and mentors who are supporting a child in our community. Your hard work over the years has provided us with great kids at Northern Middle School. We appreciate all that you do to support your student(s) at school and at home! Your help is a perfect example of our theme – “We Rise by Lifting Others!”
Thank you to our 8th grade students, staff, and families for their support during last week's state Social Studies assessments.
Tuesday, May 14th - CCPS schools will have a Virtual Asynchronous Day for students. See below for additional information and specifics for NMS students.
Fourth marking period interim reports were distributed in HAC on May 8th. If you have any questions about a particular class, please contact the teacher. This will allow them to provide you with suggestions on how to provide the best supports to help your child improve their performance. It may also be valuable to work with your child to set goals for the remainder of the marking period.
This past week, we celebrated our staff at Northern Middle School. Our teachers and support staff do amazing work preparing our students for high school, college, and beyond. We are very grateful to have them working at NMS on a daily basis. Thank you to our PTO for organizing and facilitating a number of events this past week to recognize our staff. Each day, a special lunch and treats were provided. Thank you to each family who made a donation to help put these lunches together.
Have a great week!
Information for Bobcat Families
Update from CCPS - Virtual Day Information - May 14
Calvert County Public Schools has a Virtual Asynchronous Day scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024. For specific information about the schedule and format of the day, please use the link below which can also be found on our Calvertnet website.
CCPS Virtual Day Information
Schedule and Responsibilities for Northern Middle School Students
- See below and attached with information for NMS students and families for the Virtual Asynchronous Day.
- Students and families who do not have internet access at home can request a hotspot from the CCPS IT Department. To submit this request, please contact our School-Based Technology Coordinator, Ms. Elgesem, at elgesem2@calvertnet.k12.md.us no later than Wednesday, May 8th.
- If students experience a concern with their CCPS device on May 14th, please contact the IT department by emailing helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us or by visiting the Help Desk at https://calvertnet.zendesk.com/hc/en-us.
NMS Spring Music Performances
Congratulations to the NMS Band and Chorus groups! They had outstanding performances last week at their spring concerts.
The NMS Music Department also took their show on the road last Friday to Hershey, PA. Wonderful performances by our Symphonic Winds, Advanced Orchestra, and 8th grade Chorus! They then celebrated by spending some time at Hershey Park. Thank you to Mr. Hautmann, Ms. Larsen, Ms. Sigmon, and our parent chaperones for facilitating this experience for the students.
We would like to invite the NMS school community to attend our upcoming Orchestra concert on Tuesday, May 21st in the Mary Harrison Center at 8:00 pm.
State Testing Update for Parents - MCAP Assessments
Throughout the month of May, Northern Middle School will be completing the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments. The assessments are online and students will complete them using their school laptop. In middle school, these assessments will provide information to students, educators, and parents, on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland state content standards.
Tentative Testing Dates for MCAP Assessments
Math – 5/21, 5/22
Please encourage your child to being their own plug-in headphones (wireless headphones are not permitted for testing). This will increase their comfort with the headphones, as well as reduce items that need to be shared.
Due to the importance of these assessments, we are asking parents for their support. If possible, please avoid making any appointments on the dates assessments are scheduled if possible. It is important for the students to be in school on time during the assessments. We are also asking families to make sure that each student gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast prior to taking the assessments. While we do not want any students or families to stress over the MCAP assessments, they are an important part of the school year. We want to make sure that every student is able to perform to the best of their abilities.
Further information regarding the transition to the MCAP assessments is available online at https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/index.aspx.
NMS Book Fair - May 13th - 17th
Our spring Scholastic Book Fair is scheduled for the week of May 13 - May 17, 2024.
Students are invited to shop the Scholastic Book Fair with their ELA classes during the week. With summer approaching, what better way to promote summer reading than finding a good title at the book fair! All purchases benefit our school library and connect kids with new books, favorite characters, complete series, and more.
A new feature of the book fair allows you to say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet — your student’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.
Also, online shopping at the book fair is available. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Every online purchase will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/northernmiddleschool4
The PTO has created a link to help secure volunteers for this event. If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044DACAA22A46-49618089-book.
2024 CCPS End of Year Survey
CCPS Parents and Guardians - Your feedback matters! Please take the time to complete the 2024 CCPS End of the Year Survey. This survey allows you to provide feedback as a parent about your experience with the climate and culture of our schools. Both district and school staff will review this survey Information to inform our policies and procedures in creating a positive learning environment for all students.
If you have children at multiple schools, please complete this survey as many times as needed so that you complete one survey per school. For example, if you have three children who attend two schools, please complete this survey twice, one time for each school. Please do your best to isolate your responses by only thinking about your experiences with one school as you complete the survey the first time. When you return, focus your responses on your experiences at the other school.
Parent survey link
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFWV5FZ
NMS Wellness Club - Service Project for Charlotte Hall Veteran's Home
Dr. Dempster and the students in the Wellness Club recently completed a service project through which they created decorative planters for service veterans at the Charlotte Hall Veteran's Home! Great job Bobcats! We Rise by Lifting Others!
Incoming 6th Grade Night at NMS
If you know any current 5th grade students who will be attending NMS in the fall, please let them know about our Incoming 6th Grade Night which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15th.
Staff vs Students Basketball Game - Friday 5/17
Join us on Friday, May 17th at 6:00 pm for the annual Staff vs Students Basketball Game. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life and FBLA.
The PTO has created a link to help secure volunteers for this event. If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044DACAA22A46-49568889-relay.
Save the Dates – 8th Grade End of Year Activities
We are excited to share dates that have been scheduled for 8th grade end-of-year activities. We wanted to give 8th grade families a heads up for your calendars. More information and details to come as we get closer.
- 8th Grade Dance sponsored by the NMS PTO – Friday, June 7th – 6:00 – 8:00 pm
- 8th Grade Picnic sponsored by the NMS PTO – Monday, June 10th – last two hours of the school day
- 8th Grade Awards Assembly – Monday, June 10th – 6:00 pm at the Mary Harrison Center
8th Grade Families - Request from Ms. Martus - 8th Grade Slideshow
For the past 5-6 years I have put together the 8th grade slideshow that gets shown at the 8th grade awards assembly at the end of the year. I am looking for pictures on the first day of 6th and 8th grade, as well as any field trips, dances, festivals, school related activities over the past 3 years of their middle school career that your student has been a part of. I love individual pictures, but group shots are even better, the more the merrier. Please send pictures to martusc@calvertnet.k12.md.us. I appreciate all your support and can't wait to see what you send me.
Please get your pictures to me no later than Friday, May 17th. This will give me enough time to finalize and double check I have every student in the slideshow.
After-School Tutoring
Hello, my name is Rachel Van Vliet and I'm the Lead Teacher for Tutoring for the 2023-2024 School Year. This year, tutoring is available on Thursdays from 3:20 to 4:30pm. Students may bring their own snack, if desired. Please complete the digital permission slip below permitting your child to stay after school. Students must be signed out by a parent/guardian at 4:30pm inside the Media Center.
Permission Slip: https://forms.office.com/r/SRUjYDZvSm
We look forward to helping your child strive to improve their academic achievement!
NMS Yearbook 23-24 - On Sale Now
Be sure to order your 2023-24 NMS Yearbook! Yearbooks are sold online at:
https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/NMS2023-24
Yearbooks are currently on sale for $35.00.
If you have any yearbook questions, please contact Mrs. McGuire at mcguireta@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
NMS Extracurricular Opportunities
NMS Spring Sports Update
Congratulations to our Unified Bocce team on their successful season! They participated with other CCPS middle schools at a combined last week at CHS! Great job Bobcats!
Congratulations to the NMS Softball team on their 1st round playoff win! They are off to the semifinals this week.
Playoff Schedule Update
- Baseball - Semifinal vs CMS - Monday 5/13 - Ward Farm Park - 4:00
- Softball - Semifinal TBD
- Boys and Girls Track - Championship Meet - Monday 5/20 - CHS - 4:00
NMS Field Hockey Club
Dr. Dempster will be running a Field Hockey club after school on Thursdays for a month. Please fill out the Google Form below if you are interested or stop by to see her in Room 19.
Northern Middle School PTO
PTO Update
PTO is a great way to be involved in supporting our students, staff, and school! Click the link to join! https://my.cheddarup.com/c/pto-membership-2023-2024
Our PTO meeting will take place May 14 at 5:30pm. Unable to attend in person, here is the link to attend virtually:
Spirit Wear! NMS Bobcats Socks are now available, in 2 designs! Striped or Solid! Place your order on the links below, socks will be delivered to students during advisory. Cash or check made payable to NMS PTO.
- Striped: https://nms-bobcats-socks.cheddarup.com
- Solid: https://nms-striped-bobcats-socks-copy.cheddarup.com
May 17 NMS PTO Blue Crabs Spirit Night - Purchase your tickets to the Blue Crabs game and a portion of the ticket sale will go back to the PTO! Play ball!
Resources, Opportunities, and Flyers
Calvert County Community Events & Activities
For information about family events and youth activities taking place in our community, visit calvertnet.k12.md.us/flyers.
Please note: These events and activities are not sponsored by the Calvert County Board of Education or Calvert County Public Schools. We provide equal opportunities to outside agencies to distribute materials that offer opportunities to students and/or their parents, but that permission should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district.
CCPS Summer Arts Academy
CCPS Summer Arts Academy registration is now open! Summer Arts Academy is a weeklong day camp for the Fine and Performing Arts for students completing Grades 3-8 in the 23-24 school year. The camp runs from June 24-28 from 9am to 3pm at Huntingtown High School. Student work is featured at our end of camp showcase at 2:00 p.m. on the final day. For information on class offerings, registration, and payment, please visit https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/saa. Registration is open as space is available or until May 15, 2024.
Juneteenth Community Day Talent Show
Share your talents at the Juneteenth Community Day Talent Show on June 15 at the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard, Maryland! The event will be held from 11am to 5pm, and is sponsored by sponsored by NAACP of Calvert County and Community Partners. Sign up directly at https://form.jotform.com/240866392358164. Cash prizes for each age group ranging from $150-500!
School Bus Drivers Needed - Free Training
Contractors are paid $24.04 an hour/8 hours per day for a brand-new bus driver. There are increases for those individuals with more verified school bus driving experience starting at year 4, 9, 14, 19 and 24. Drivers work for independent school bus contractors throughout Calvert County. The contractors hire drivers to work on daily bus routes, or as substitutes, or to drive field trips and sports teams.
The Transportation Department provides training, free of charge, for qualified candidates to become school bus drivers. This is a terrific opportunity to work close to home and to serve the children and schools in our community.
For more information about raining, requirements, and an application, go to the CCPS Transportation page at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation.
Please contact Chuck Baker, Driver Instructor, @ 443-550-8778 or bakerc@calvertnet.k12.md.us for details on the free training process or with questions. Classes are typically held twice a month at the Career & Technology Academy, 331 Dorsey Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Recurring Resources
CCPS Reopening Plan
Attendance Notes
In addition to hard copy notes, parents can send notes for student absences to Ms. Contee in the counseling office via email at conteeb@calvertnet.k12.md.us.
Reminder for AM Car Riders
It is important for students to arrive at school between 7:50 and 8:00 AM. Car-riders that arrive after 8:00 AM are considered tardy and have to sign-in at the main office before going to 1st period.
Tardy to School Process for NMS
It is important for students to arrive at school between 7:50 and 8:00 AM. Car-riders that arrive after 8:00 AM are considered tardy. The following steps are in place when a student arrives repeatedly late to school:
- 4 days tardy in one marking period, the NMS Attendance Team will talk to the student about the need to be at school on time and discuss solutions with the student.
- 6 days tardy in one marking period, the NMS Attendance Team will call the parents or guardians to discuss solutions.
- 8 days tardy in one marking period, the student will have lunch detention each day they arrive after 8 AM.
If tardiness is something your child is struggling with in the morning, here are some suggestions to help them get to school on time:
- Pack lunch (if necessary), lay out outfit for the morning and pack book bag before going to bed at night.
- Talk to the student about they need to do in the morning (take shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, drive time, etc.), and how long each activity will take, then have them set their alarm for enough time to get all activities completed to get to school before 8 AM.
- Students can be dropped off at 7:50, so aim for 7:50 instead of 8 AM as your arrival time.
- If tardiness continues, have student take their assigned bus to school instead of being a car-rider.
CCPS SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS
NEW ONLINE MEAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
To provide parents/guardians with a better user experience, the CCPS Child Nutrition Program has transitioned from www.MySchoolBucks.com to https://LinqConnect.com for its online meal management system.
Student purchases and account balances may be monitored by signing up online for a LINQ Connect account at https://LinqConnect.com. There is no fee to sign up for an account. From this one site, parents/guardians will be able to apply for meal benefits (no registration required) and to register their student(s) if they wish to monitor Café purchases, view balances, set low balance reminders and make deposits. In addition, parents/guardians will also now have the ability to transfer funds between their student accounts and may choose to place spending limits/purchasing maximums on these accounts. Online deposits will still incur a fee of $1.60, but that fee will now include all deposits made during a single transaction.
Please note that all previous account balances automatically transferred into the new system, however, any special notes regarding snack/á la carte purchases and limits did not and will need to be re-entered vis https://LinqConnect.com or by contacting the Child Nutrition Office at 443.550.8680.
FREE/REDUCED PRICE MEAL BENEFIT APPLICATION
It’s not too late! Apply today for free and reduced-price meal benefits!
Some students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. A new application must be submitted each school year. Eligibility is typically determined by household size and income. To see if your household qualifies, please complete, and submit one meal benefit application per household. Applications may be completed online at https://LinqConnect.com. Applications are available in many languages on the LinqConnect site but are also available on the USDA’s website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/translated-applications.
More information is also available on the CCPS website at Departments – Child Nutrition or at https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/child-nutrition.
Student Laptops
Student have been provided with a laptop and charger by Calvert County Public Schools. 8th graders will continue to utilize the laptop this school year that has been previously issued to them and was taken home over the summer. 6th grade and 7th grade students have received new laptops.
It is important for students to charge their laptops overnight and bring them to school each day. It is also important that students take care of their device and charger. While normal wear and tear is acceptable and expected, intentional damage or damage caused by neglect is not covered under the accidental warranty. These types of damages require an investigation by school administration and may result in a student obligation for the repair costs. We would like to avoid parents being responsible for these costs, as they could hundreds of dollars depending on the damage. Due to an increase in devices needing repair, we are running low on loaner laptops. Loaner laptops will not be available for those who leave them at home so it is important that students remember to bring them charged and ready for the school day.
Technology Expectations
Learning Expectations with Devices
- CCPS/CHS device brought to school every day – fully charged before school begins.
- Used as the official electronic device in all classrooms
- Use CCPS Office 365 account to save assignments, projects, notes
Device Safety:
- Accounts, usernames and/or passwords are never to be shared with another student/individual
- Laptop devices should never be loaned to another student/individual
- Personal, identifiable information should never be posted on the internet
- Never leave devices unattended
Device Care:
- No decorations, stickers, drawing or writing on the device
- No eating or drinking near the device
- Do not expose the device to extreme heat, cold or rain
- Clean with a dry soft cloth only
- Do not drop or slam the device on any surface
- Do not places papers or other objects between the keyboard and screen and close shut/use as a folder
PARENT ACCOUNTS IN SCHOOLOGY
Schoology accounts for parents are view only accounts. They were created for parents who have an email address in Home Access Center (HAC). For more information about how to access your Schoology parent account click: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/instruction/programs/digital-learning/schoology-for-parents
Technology Support
If students have questions about their device (laptop/computer), they can get help from a member of the CCPS IT team at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us or call 443-550-8146. Students needing assistance can also drop off their laptop in the main office and fill out a paper Help Desk ticket.
Supports are available on the CCPS website using the Technology Support link below. This resource provides links to submit help desk tickets, frequently asked questions, and other resources that can be used to solve issues.
Here Comes the Bus - A School Bus Tracking App for Parents
Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) is an app with tracking features for the bus(es) your child(ren) is assigned to ride. They include
- Showing the real-time location of your child's bus on a map
- Scheduled and actual arrival times at home and school for bus routes
- Push and email notifications when the bus is near
Click this link for more information on getting the app - https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/transportation/bus-status/here-comes-the-bus
To create an account, you will need to know your child's ID number and the school district activation code 87557.
Become a Volunteer
Calvert County Public Schools uses Raptor for visitors and volunteers to sign in and sign out. Volunteers must apply annually to be an approved volunteer. All volunteers will need to review the volunteer handbook and watch the volunteer training video before completing and Online Volunteer Application. Volunteers must be approved before they may begin service as a volunteer in any school buildings.
CCPS Online Volunteer Application & Process: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/human-resources/become-a-volunteer