Lions in the Middle

Lion Families,

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is officially underway! We’ve partnered with Believe Kids Fundraising with an ambitious goal to raise $20,000 to directly support our students' class funds.

Every dollar raised will go to support each grades trip to Mackinac Island when they are in 8th grade! From historic bike rides around the island to making lifelong memories with classmates, this tradition is a cornerstone of the Newaygo Middle School experience. But we need your help to get them there!

We want to make this as fun and impactful as possible for our kids, and we need your help to make it a massive success. This year, we’re keeping it simple and focusing heavily on online sharing rather than door-to-door sales.

The Quick-Start Checklist:

REGISTER TONIGHT: Head over to www.ShopFund.com (Make sure to use Group Code: MV78M). You can also register for the event at www.FundPrizes.com.

BUILD YOUR LIST: Think of at least 5 to 10 family members, friends, or neighbors nationwide who would love to support our Lions. Online payment, text-to-pay, and direct ship-to-home options make supporting us super easy!

SHARE & WIN: Share your student's custom support link via Facebook, Instagram, Email, Text, and more. Sharing earns coins and chances to win over 1,000 awesome prizes!

Special Event Alert: The Silly String Showdown!

Want to see your student take part in the ultimate epic event?

• The Challenge: Register and share with at least 10 people by Friday, September 25th to unlock an exclusive entry for your student to participate in our epic Silly String Showdown assembly!

• The Vibe: Think epic music, a controlled explosion of color streaming through the air, filled with a hissing symphony of dozens of pressurized cans unleashed simultaneously!

#TOGETHERWEROAR

At Newaygo Middle School, we are dedicated to fostering well-rounded leaders. Each month, we will spotlight a key Leadworthy character trait, striving to nurture not only our students' minds but also their ability to lead with compassion and empathy.

Our goal is to empower students to grow not just individually, but as part of a community, growing together and growing as leaders. We hope our students will learn to lead with their hearts and make a meaningful impact in their world.

Each month, we’ll introduce a new Leadworthy trait to focus on as a school. Thank you, Lion Families, for your ongoing support!

Attached below is this months Leadworthy Newsletter, highlighting Empathy.

What is Empathy?

Empathy is the ability to be aware of, understand, and be sensitive to another person’s feelings. Instead of focusing on how these feelings impact ourselves, empathy motivates us to focus on others and respond with care and compassion.

Why Focus on Empathy?

• Empathy builds a positive classroom culture. Empathy empowers students to learn to understand each other to build trust and safety in the classroom.
• Empathy strengthens community. Empathy helps students strengthen their relationships with classmates, other students and adults at school, and at home.
• Empathy prepares your students to be leaders in their community. The best leaders understand the people they lead and are able to show they care.

Empathy in Action:

• Take a different perspective. When you take a different perspective, you put aside your own feelings and reactions to see the situation through another’s eyes.
• Put aside judgment. Take a pause, and rather than express conclusions about a situation based on what you see, step back and consider other things you may still need to know or understand.
• Communicate that you understand. Instead of giving advice, respond with reflective phrases like, “It sounds like you...” or “I hear that you...” to express that you understand and care.

#TogetherWeRoar

We want to remind all families in our district about a powerful, free, and confidential mental health resource available to you: ParentGuidance.org. Developed by licensed therapists, this specialized website provides trusted support, professional guidance, and a safe community to help you navigate the joys and challenges of raising your children.

The Power of Parent Coaching

While the website offers a wealth of information, we want to especially highlight and encourage you to utilize the Parent Coaching service, provided free of charge to our families.

Parent Coaching is a confidential service designed to give you, the parent, extra support and personalized guidance from a licensed professional.

How the coaching works:

• Regular Sessions: A coach can meet with you as often as weekly for a 30-minute session to discuss your specific concerns and needs.

• Ongoing Access: You can message your coach confidentially if other questions or challenges arise between your scheduled meetings.

How to get started: To connect with this invaluable, one-on-one service, simply go to ParentGuidance.org, select "Parent Coaching," and then click "Register for Coaching."

In addition to Parent Coaching, ParentGuidance.org provides a deep library of resources to help you form stronger bonds with your children.

Newaygo Middle School Families,

As we launch into the 2026–2027 school year, we want to make sure morning drop-offs are safe, smooth, and stress-free for everyone. To keep the line moving and get students into the building on time, we are continuing with our two distinct arrival zones.

Please take a moment to review how each lane works so you can choose the best option for your morning routine!

1. The Student Express Drop-Off Lane

The Goal: Quick, efficient, and seamless. Keep the line moving!

• Pull All the Way Forward: Always pull up as far as you can behind the car in front of you. Please resist the urge to perform "princess parking" (stopping right at the main front doors when there is open space ahead of you).

• Be Ready to Roll: Students should have backpacks zipped, gear in hand, and be ready to exit the vehicle immediately once the car comes to a safe stop.

• Keep It Snappy: This lane is not for finishing breakfast, deep-diving under the seats for a lost phone, or grabbing gear out of the trunk.

• Quick Goodbyes: Save the long embraces and deep talks for home. A quick fist bump, a simple "Have a great day—see you this afternoon!", and out the door they go!

2. The "Park & Chill" Zone

The Goal: Stress-free, unhurried, and safe.

Need a little extra time in the morning? That is completely fine—we’ve got you covered!

Head to our designated Park & Chill area if you need to:

• Step out of the car or grab items from the trunk.

• Have a longer morning chat, complete first-day photo ops, or give extended hugs.

• Finish up a last-minute breakfast or organize school supplies.

A Quick Recap for Success:

• Express Lane: Stop -- Fist bump --Exit.

• Park & Chill: Park -- Take your time -- Walk over.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation, patience, and grace as we work together to keep our students safe and our morning traffic flowing smoothly. Let’s make it a fantastic school year!

In accordance with Michigan’s statewide legislation restricting personal electronics during instructional time, Newaygo Middle School has established clear expectations regarding student electronic devices for the upcoming school year. These guidelines are designed to minimize classroom distractions, protect instructional time, and support student focus and well-being.

What Parents Need to Know

• Classrooms are Device-Free Zones: All personal electronic devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, Meta glasses (or similar smart eyewear), tablets, and Bluetooth earbuds/headphones—are strictly prohibited in classrooms during class time.

• Locker-to-Locker Rule: Upon arriving at school, all personal electronic devices must be turned off or silenced and stored securely inside the student's assigned locker for the duration of the instructional day.

• Lunchtime Use: Students retain the privilege of using their personal devices during their designated lunch period only. Once lunch concludes, devices must be returned to their lockers before heading to afternoon classes.

• Reaching Your Student: If you need to send an urgent message or reach your child during class time, please contact the Main Office directly. Our office staff will deliver messages promptly without interrupting instruction.

We are thrilled to recognize Amanda Wood as our Lion Pride Award winner for the month of September!

Amanda goes above and beyond each and every day. She shows what it means to lead with heart. Often the first smiling face our students, families, and visitors see, she sets a welcoming and supportive tone the moment anyone walks through our doors. No matter how busy the day gets, Amanda approaches every interaction with patience and kindness. From greeting our school community with warmth and patience to stepping in wherever help is needed, she ensures that every student, parent, and staff member feels welcomed and valued.

Her positive attitude and dependability make our school a better place to learn and work. We are incredibly grateful for the compassion, energy, and dedication she pours into our school community every day.

Amanda, thank you for being someone we can always count on and for making a lasting difference in our school family. We appreciate you!

Attention all Newaygo County students and families!

Are you thinking about life after graduation or curious about exciting future paths? The annual College & Career Night Out (CCNO) is right around the corner!

• Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

• Location: Fremont High School

• Admission: FREE (Plus FREE pizza!)

Who should attend?

CCNO is open to ALL middle and high school students across Newaygo County—not just seniors! It’s never too early to start exploring your options.

What you’ll find:

• Meet face-to-face with college, university, and career representatives from across the state.

• Explore trade schools, career programs, and Career Tech.

• Learn about military pathways.

• Discover Early College opportunities.

• Get vital information on scholarships and Financial Aid.

• Learn how to take advantage of the Newaygo County Promise Zone!

Bring your family, grab some free pizza, and take the next step toward your future. We look forward to seeing you there!

On September 18th, Newaygo Middle School officially wrapped up Picture Day! Our halls were full of great smiles, and our students took part in that classic, foundational school tradition: capturing their official 2026–2027 school photo.

Along with their photo, each student will receive their official NMS Student ID card. Beyond showing off their smiling face, this card is their key to school spirit and athletic savings throughout the year.

Athletic Event Admission Guidelines:

• Home Middle School Athletic Events: FREE for all NMS students with their ID card.

• Home High School Athletic Events: Discounted entry of $2.00 when they present their ID card.

• General Student Admission: $5.00 for anyone attending without their student ID card.

Note: The student ID card must be presented at the gate to receive free or discounted admission!

If your child was absent or if their photo turned out a little more comical than planned, don’t worry. Picture retakes will be scheduled later this fall, so please stay tuned for upcoming date announcements.

Thank you for helping us make Picture Day a success!

Keeping our students and staff safe starts with clear communication. All schools across Newaygo County utilize the same Standardized Response Terminology; starting with the 2026–2027 school year, these exact terms are now standard across the entire State of Michigan.

By using a single, shared vocabulary, our students, educators, families, and emergency first responders all understand the exact same action the exact same way. Whether your child is in an elementary classroom, attending an away game in another district, or visiting a facility in another city, the instructions and safety expectations remain completely consistent.

Review the five standard actions below to understand what each response means, where students are, and what parents and guardians should do in each scenario:

• Secure (Potential External Threat) : Used when there is potential activity or an external concern outside the building in the neighborhood or community. Exterior doors are locked, while teaching and learning continue as normal inside. There is no outside activities permitted. No parent action is needed unless directed; Expect increased security and security escorts for any mid-day student pick-up or drop-off.

• HOLD (Clear the Hallways): Used when students must remain in a specific room to allow full hallway access for medical or internal situations. No hallway movement occurs, but classroom instruction continues. Please do not come to the school, and do not expect any mid-day student pick-up or drop-off during this time.

• LOCKDOWN (Active Threat): Used for an active or existing threat inside or at the school building, requiring maximum security, immediate life-saving response (RUN, HIDE, FIGHT!), and a full public safety response. All interior and exterior doors are locked, and access to the school will be blocked by public safety. PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE SCHOOL. Monitor official notifications and NIXLE for instructions on where to go for student pick-up.

• EVACUATE (Relocate Outside): Used when students and staff need to quickly leave an unsafe building. Everyone moves to a designated safe area outside and must not re-enter until cleared by public safety. Please do not come to the school; monitor official notifications.

• SHELTER (Environmental Hazard): Used when conditions outside (such as severe weather) make it safer to stay inside. Everyone moves to designated safe interior shelter areas, and building entrance/exit is restricted. Please do not come to the school; monitor official updates.

Stay Informed: Sign Up for NIXLE Alerts:

• Text NewaygoES to 888777

• FREE, takes less than a minute, and connects you directly with the Newaygo County Public Safety Team.

During any incident, official instructions and updates are broadcast directly through NIXLE, the fastest way to get accurate information and avoid rumors or social media misinformation.

This week, students will be sent home with their official Parent/Guardian Reports for last spring’s Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP).

What is the M-STEP?

The M-STEP is Michigan’s annual summative assessment administered each spring to measure student learning against state academic standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies (depending on grade level). It provides a baseline to ensure students are progressing toward grade-level benchmarks.

Understanding Your Student's Report

Guide to Parent Reports

M-STEP Web Page

Your student's report highlights key indicators of academic performance:

• Performance Levels: Shows whether a student is performing at an Advanced, Proficient, Partially Proficient, or Not Proficient level in each tested subject.

• Skill Breakdown (Claims): Details specific subcategories to highlight areas of strength as well as concepts where additional practice or classroom support may be beneficial.

Keeping Perspective

Standardized test scores represent a single snapshot of learning from one point in the year. A complete view of your child’s academic growth comes from their daily engagement, classroom projects, teacher observations, and regular coursework throughout the school year.

Please watch for these reports coming home this week. If you have questions about the report or want to discuss your student’s progress, please reach out to their classroom teachers or the main office.

Do you ever wish there was a place for your student to hang out after school that's not... well, the couch? A place where they can have a blast with friends, tackle that tough math homework, and maybe even learn to be a future world leader?

Look no further! Our After-School Program Beyond our Bell (BOB) is the place to be!

What's Happening in BOB?

From 3:20 to 5:00 PM (2:20 to 5:00 PM on Early Release Days), our halls are filled with energy and opportunity. BOB is a vibrant, fun, and engaging place where students can:

• Connect with Peers: Play games, hang out, and build friendships.
• Get a Snack: Fuel up after a long day of learning.
• Level Up in School: Get one-on-one help from teachers in core subjects like math, reading, and science.
• Join a Club: Explore new interests and develop new skills.
• Become a Leader: Work on leadership skills and participate in awesome service-learning projects that benefit our community.

This is more than just a place to wait for a ride home—it's a chance for your student to grow, learn, and have a ton of fun with their peers and our amazing staff.

A Few Quick Reminders

• After-school bussing is available to select stops.
• We kindly ask that you pick up your student by 5:00 PM sharp. Our dedicated staff can't wait to spend the day with your kids, but they also have families who can't wait to see them!

Don't let this incredible opportunity pass you by! Encourage your student to join the fun. We can't wait to see them there.

Our start time is 8:09 a.m.! We need your help getting students here on time! Any students arriving 15 minutes after class starts without a medical note from a Doctor/Dentist/Court/Bereavement will be marked unexcused for the class (not a tardy). Upon arrival at school a parent/guardian will need to sign in and or sign out the child at the front desk.

Please call the school If a student has a change in transportation. Please call the school office before 2:50 p.m. so that we have ample time to get the student the message. We need to limit interruptions into the classroom.

If your student will be gone for any part of the day, please call and or email the school secretary: Attendance Line 231-652-1285 Email: awood@newaygo.net or lsanchez@newaygo.net . Please refer to the following link to what your student misses when they arrive late to school. Link:On Time Everyday

Is your student nervous about opening their lockers? Please watch the following video to help them open their lockers. Video Link: How To Open A Combination Lock

Hi, I’m your middle schooler’s classroom desk.

Even though Chromebooks stay right here at school, I see it all. Today during science class, I’m holding a open textbook, a water bottle with a questionable cap, and your student's district device. Someone bumped into me, the water tipped, and whoops!!! a full drink just took a swim across the keyboard.

Or maybe a Chromebook gets shoved onto a crowded hallway cart, dropped straight onto the hard tile floor, or crushed under a heavy textbook in a locker.

Even inside the building, accidents happen, and repair bills can stack up fast.

With our Accidental Damage Plan, your child is covered for all the bumps, spills, cracked screens, and drops that happen throughout the school day. It keeps your student connected and saves you from unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Protect your student's device from everyday school-day Mayhem ... Like me.

Enroll in the Accidental Damage Plan Today!

Coverage is available now for all student Chromebooks.10 Dollars per student *a maximum of $30 per family. Sign up today through the middle school office to keep your student covered all school year! (We do not accept debit/credit cards)

Details of Accidental Damage Protection attached below

September 15th - October 15th - National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 22nd - First day of Fall

September 25th - Student Grade Checks

September 28th - Parent Teacher Conferences

September 28th - National Good Neighbor Day

October 1st - Parent Teacher Conferences

Extracurriculars:

Sept. 21: Golf (Girls Varsity) - CSAA Championship (A)

Sept. 21: Soccer (Boys Varsity) - Montague High School (A)

Sept. 22: Volleyball (Girls Middle School) - Big Rapids High School (A)

Sept. 22: Cross Country (Coed MS) - Central Montcalm High School (A)

Sept. 22: Volleyball (Girls Junior Varsity) - Big Rapids High School (A)

Sept. 22: Volleyball (Girls Varsity) - Big Rapids High School (A)

Sept. 23: Golf (Girls Varsity) - Chippewa Hills 2 Person Scramble (A)

Sept. 23: Soccer (Boys Varsity) - Reed City High School (A)

Sept. 24: Volleyball (Girls Middle School) - Chippewa Hills High School (A)

Sept. 24: Volleyball (Girls Junior Varsity) - Chippewa Hills High School (A)

Sept. 24: Football (Boys JV) - Grant High School (A)

Sept. 24: Volleyball (Girls Varsity) - Chippewa Hills High School (A)

Sept. 25: Soccer (Boys Varsity) - Fremont High School (A)

Sept. 25: Football (Boys Varsity) - Grant High School HOME

Sept. 29: Volleyball (Girls Middle School) - Reed City High School HOME

Sept. 29: Cross Country (Coed MS) - Tri County Senior High School (A)

Sept. 29: Volleyball (Girls Junior Varsity) - Reed City High School HOME

Sept. 29: Volleyball (Girls Varsity) - Reed City High School HOME

Oct. 1: Volleyball (Girls Middle School) - White Cloud High School HOME

Oct. 1: Football (Boys JV) - Reed City High School HOME

Oct. 2: Football (Boys Varsity) - Reed City High School (A)

Oct. 3: Volleyball (Girls Varsity) - Kent City Dig Pink Invitational (A)

Oct. 3: Cross Country (Coed V) - Shepherd Bluejay Invitational (A)