Novi Middle School News

Dear Wildcat families-

We hope you have enjoyed this amazing weather this week - We were excited to watch our Wildcats really dig into their learning - bending metal in STEM class, practicing yoga and mindfulness in PE, debating the loyalist and separatist arguments leading to the American revolution and discussing the power of yet in A-20! We hope you had a great week as well!

Next week, students will take the NWEA test in Math and English classes on October 5th and October 7th. These individualized assessments allow us to track student learning progress over time. The NWEA test is taken electronically using a student's district-issued Chromebook. In order to load the program needed for testing, we ask that all students restart their district issued devices over the weekend. This is the only step needed to allow the program to automatically load on their device. If your student needs a district issued device to complete testing, please have them notify their A20 teacher on Monday. As NWEA assesses student growth over time, there is no need to study or prepare for this test; we simply ask that students try their best on these two subject assessments.

Today, during our NOVI POWER time in A20, students explored what it means to have perseverance and how this can help you reach new goals. Students took turns sharing about something they want to be able to do but can't. After sharing, students viewed a short video about shifting your mindset from "I can't do that" to "I can't do that YET". This mindset change helps to put things in a positive light and encourages you to continue learning and growing each day. To conclude class, students practiced this by sharing out the thing they can't do but adding the word yet to change their mindset. NMS strives to cultivate a love for learning and growing in all Wildcats.

We would ask your support reminding students of our school expectation that cell phones be out of sight while school is in session (8:30 - 3:11) - including lunch time. We have been reminding students of this expectation and thank you for helping to reinforce this!

Thank you to all of the families who have already helped to support the NMS PTO cash drive these past few weeks. Our drive will conclude on Monday so if you have check donations, please send them in to A-20 teachers on Monday or donate on-line (details below). Thanks again for your support!

Tonight there are two fun community events to help conclude homecoming week at Novi High School. NMS students and families are encouraged to watch the homecoming parade at 5 PM (down Taft Road from 11 Mile Road to 10 Mile Road) and/or cheer for the NHS football team at their 7 pm game.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Principal Baker and AP Dinkelmann

HOW TO DONATE:

Donate online using this link:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=VE4A887W72DX2

------ OR ------

A check payable to Novi Middle School PTO

If paying by check, please send it to school in an envelope marked “PTO Cash Drive”.
Your student should turn it into their A20 teacher (the office will take them too).

• If you would like to purchase school pictures, please go to the School Pictures Website at www.schoolpictures.com and use the access code WZ6LR5U8. Additional information is included here.

Novi Middle School is a place of professional learning, students should strive to dress in a professional manner. Students should not wear clothing that includes explicit language or images, promotes illegal behavior, poses a safety risk, or allows undergarments or midrifts to be seen. Students may wear hats but for security purposes we ask that they do not wear hoods. Thank you for supporting us in maintaining a professional learning environment for all.

This week, we feature Ms. Jillian Black:

I graduated from Hope College in 2014 and received my BA in Special Education with a focus in Learning Disabilities. Go Dutch! While this will be my 8th year teaching, this is my first year teaching in Novi. I’ve taught a self contained classroom, elementary resource and middle school resource in Livonia. This year I will be teaching an A20 section, Integrated Studies and co-teaching in both 8th grade science and history.

I'm newly engaged and can't wait to get married next fall! In addition, I’m very family oriented and love traveling! When I’m not teaching, you can find me adventuring somewhere outdoors, either hiking, kayaking or bike riding.

I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the Wildcat community!

Important Information for the November 2021 8th Grade DC Trip

1) Mandatory Parent Meeting on Tuesday, October 19 at 7pm at the middle school to distribute materials, share important trip details, and complete necessary health forms.

• Only ONE adult from your family should attend the meeting. Please do not bring any children.
• Masks are required.
• Bring your health insurance card (or health insurance information).
• If your child has been vaccinated, bring a copy of their vaccination card.
• The meeting will last roughly one hour.

2) COVID Protocols: Please click here to read the COVID protocols for the trip. These are subject to change as we get closer to the departure date.

OCTOBER

01 Novi Homecoming Parade 5:oopm Game 7:00 pm NHS

05-07 NWEA Testing

11 No School - Grades 7-12

19 DC Trip Mandatory Parent Meeting 7-8 pm

23 Athletic Boosters Craft Show 10-4 pm NHS

28 Fall Choir Concert 7:00pm MS Auditorium

NOVEMBER

02 Election Day - No School

02 Departure to Washington DC (8th Grade Attendees)

05 Return from Washington DC (8th Grade Attendees)

05 End of 1st (9 week) Marking Period

08 Beginning of 2nd (9 week) Marking Period

10 1/2 Day Students Dismissal at 11:45am

10 & 11 Parent Teacher Conferences 5:00 - 7:30pm

16 Fall Band Concert 7:00pm @ NHS

18 Fall Orchestra Concert 7:00pm @ NHS

24-26 Thanksgiving Break - No School

29 Classes Resume

If a student needs to see their counselor, there are three easy ways to track them down!

1. Pop into the counseling office anytime to see if they are available. If they are not available, Mrs. Lemieux will take down their name to let them know a student was looking for them.

2. Email-

at leslie.condon@novik12.org or amy.kilgore@novik12.org to request to meet with them or just ask a question over email.

3. Ask their teacher to call them at 1610 (Ms. Condon) or 1615 (Mrs. Kilgore) to see if they can send your student down to the counseling office.

Ms. Condon has students with last names that start with A-K

Mrs. Kilgore has students with last names that start with L-Z

If you need to check out a district device or are having issues with your district issued device, please contact the Oakland Schools Service Desk (see attached for directions).

· All K-6 students needing to know their password should consult their teacher

· All 7-12 students enrolled in the Oakland Schools Self-Service Password Reset (https://password.oakland.k12.mi.us), can reset their password through this portal. If 7-12 in-person students are not enrolled in the Self-Service Password Reset Portal, they can see their media center staff for assistance in resetting their password.

· 7-12 Novi Virtual School students can complete the Novi Request to Reset Student Password Google Form.

If you have been or are planning on driving your student to school, we want to remind you that there are 2 drop-off loops in the parking lot on the west side of the building. Please see the picture below. Either loop can be accessed from the 11 mile entrance, and loop 2 can be accessed by the Wixom road entrance. Parents - please pull all the way forward when dropping off students. Students - Please be ready to exit your vehicle at the curb. Please do not park and drop off students - this can create dangerous situations and slow down the dropoff line.

Please drive with caution in the parking lot as both students and staff members walk in the lot on the way into school.

If you need to pick up your student from school between the hours of 8:35 AM and 3:11 PM, please use the new Visitor Entrance and the following procedure:

-Call the attendance line at 248-449-1601 (NMS staff will call your student to the attendance office)

-Park in the 11 mile lot and proceed to the new Visitor Entrance Please park in a parking spot , not along the curb.

-Check out your student from the NMS staff - in the Main Office (you will need to present your photo ID)

Note: Students may not exit the building without an adult present to sign them out.

Please reference the picture below

For middle school parent and student Schoology directions, technology assistance, and information about our middle schoool library services, please review our NMS Library Media Center, Schoology & Technology Services Link.

We know how inmportant it is to get books in the hands of our students in order to help them grow as readers. Because of that, our Media Specialist, Kim Wesner, is offering curbside service for our virtual students. Information regarding our curbside service is located in the above link as well. If you have any questions , please reach out to kimberly.wesner@novik12.org. You can find out more information about our media center services by going to our library media center webpage.

Dropping off an item at school

If you need to drop off an item to your student during school, we can help with that. When you arrive at the school, use the 11 Mile daytime entrance (see map above), park in a parking spot not along the curb, and ring the buzzer at the entrance. Let our secretary know that you wish to leave an item for your student. You may enter the vestibule, write your student's name on a sticky note, attach it to the item and leave it on the table and exit from there. We will have someone come collect the item and deliver it to your student.

As a district we have moved from MiStar to PowerSchool as our Student Information System (Replacing MiStar). We are continuing the use of Schoology to enhance teaching and learning and serve as our active grade book for each class.

PowerSchool: This system is used for attendance, medical documentation, demographics, locker and schedule information, student contacts and other data that is saved each year. Parents can use this system to check their student's daily attendance, manage their student's lunch accounts, and access end of term report cards.

Schoology: This system is used to house curriculum and resources related to your student's classes. Students will use this platform to access class work, take quizzes and assessments, and to track their grades throughout the quarter. Parents will access Schoology to track their student's grades throughout the year.

Some safety reminders: As mandated by the Oakland County Health Department, students must wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose and parents/guardians need to monitor the health of their student(s). We will continue to have sanitizer for hands and wipes for desks each hour. We have created as much spacing as possible within classrooms and common areas.

Attendance Reminder: Please report absences directly to the Attendance Office by calling the Attendance Line at 248-449-1601.

If your student does need to miss a day of school, please have them log into Schoology to review the agenda of learning and any missed assignments. If the absence needs to be extended, please feel free to reach out via email to your student's teachers to see if anything additional to Schoology access is needed.

We are all back together at NMS, and its going to be a wonderful and memorable year! Don't miss out on the memories! Yearbooks can be purchased online at: http://yearbookforever.com for $35. Yearbooks were not sold at registration; this is your first chance to order a 2021-2022 yearbook. Be sure to order soon, the price will increase later this year.

Practice Schedule

Football - Monday -Friday 4:00pm - 6:15pm Location: Football Stadium

If have any questions please contact Coach Danny Taylor at Danny.Taylor@novik12.org

Pom - Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00- 8:00pm Location: Aux Gym

Soccer - Monday - Friday 3:30 - 5:00pm. Location: Soccer Field

Volleyball - Monday -Thursday 3:30 - 5:00pm Location: Main Gym

Cross Country - Monday-Thursday 3:30 - 4:45pm 200 Location: Hallway in front of Room 218

Upcoming Home Game Schedule

Cross Country ~

Wed. Oct 6th 4:00pm

Wed. Oct.13th 4:00pm

Football ~

Wed Oct 6th 4:00 pm

Wed. Oct. 13th 4:00pm

Soccer ~

Wed Oct.4th 4:00pm

Wed Oct 20th. 4:00pm

Volleyball ~

Mon Oct.4th.

7th Grade White 4:00pm

8th Grade White 5:30pm

Wed Oct 6th

7th Grade white 4:00 pm

8th Grade White 5:30 pm

**Registration and payment for participation in a sport is done here. **

Information regarding middle school athletics can be found here.

CLUBS

A variety of clubs are available to NMS students after school. Look for announcements and posters specifying meeting days and times.

Art Club

Chamber Music Club

Dance Club

Game Club

Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Club

Golf Club

Interact Club

Jazz Band

Math Club

Paw Print Newspaper

Robotics Club

Science Olympiad

Ski Club

Student Council

Yearbook Photography Club

To Join our clubs in Schoology follow the instructions below. The group Access Code will be listed with the group description.

Click Groups at the top of Schoology

Select My Groups

Click Join Group on the right

Enter the Group Access Code: See Below

Click Join

Art Club ~ Please join us on Thursday October 7th at 3:15 to learn about joining the Art Club! We will meet in room 314 Questions Contact Brooke.Leiberman@novik12.org

The Art Club Access Code: 3JT7-DWFZ-6JB9B

Golf Club ~ Information will be coming March 2022

GSA Club ~ See flyer https://share.peachjar.com/flyers/2125517/districts/35518

Our first meeting will be held October 7th. - Questions? Please contact Debbie Jodoin at debra.jodoin@novik12.org

The GSA Access Code: CM4X-KCVZ4-5BR9

Paw Print ~ Join The Paw Print to write, edit, and publish news articles that will help the middle school's students and staff learn about the latest happenings at NMS, in Novi and around the world. The Paw Print will begin in October. The exact date will be communicated through the weekly Parent Smore and WNMS, Student Video announcements. In order to be part of The Paw Print, Please join the Paw Print Schoology Group. For More information contact Mr. Fenchel at kenneth.fenchel@novik12.org.or visit him in room 128.

The Paw Print Access Code: RTHM-PZDQ-Z5WCZ

Yearbook Photography Club:~ Are you creative? Do you love photography? The Yearbook Photography Club is the club for you! Responsibilities include meeting occasionally during A20 (once or twice a month) and taking photos of school events, sports, clubs, and classes by assigned deadline. To join the club visit: http://tinyurl.com/NMSyearbookapp

to complete your application by Friday October 1st! Any Questions?

Contact Mrs. Jensen at mailto:katelyn.jensen@novik12.org

We are pleased to inform you that Novi Community School District will be participating in the Seamless Summer Option as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the School Year 2021-2022.

The GREAT NEWS is that ALL students enrolled at our school can receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at NO CHARGE to your household each day.

We still need your household to fill out and sign the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application. This information is critical in determining the amount of money that our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs like: Title I A, At-risk (31a), Title II A, E-Rate, etc. These supplemental programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students including, but not limited to:

• Instructional supports (staff, supplies & materials, etc.)
• Non-instructional services (counseling, social work, health services, etc.)
• Professional Learning for staff
• Parent and Community engagement supplies and activities
• Technology
• Pandemic-EBT

We are asking that you please complete and submit it as soon as possible to ensure that additional funding for our school is available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the application submitted is confidential.
Without your assistance in completing and returning the attached application, our school cannot maximize the use of available State and Federal funds.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact us at 248-449-1225.
Back to School Letter

For more information, Please see the attached document.
Back to School Information

The NCSD Food Service Department will resume meal distribution on September 9th.This distribution will cover 5 days of breakfast and lunch for our virtual families. Per the MDE, we are limited to supplying meals to virtual students only on the days that they would be in the classroom, at school.

Distribution will be located at Novi High School every Thursday from 1:30-2:30 PM.

Welcome to peachjar! Peachjar is a digital flyer management system that makes it easy for school districts to deploy and manage eflyers. We encourage you to take a moment each week to look at the flyers located in the attached website for opportunities and information within the Novi Community School District. Please note the new flyer detailing a hotline you can use with Covid-related questions.

https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/all/schools/90199

In order to maintain as safe of an environment as possible we are not allowing outside visitors into the building during school hours at this time.

New Schedule for 2021-2022 School Year

Regular Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:11 p.m.

Half Day Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Due to the later start for Novi Middle School, NCSD has arranged to offer before school CARE for middle school students from 7 am - 8:20 am at NMS. Registration for before school CARE can be found here.

Daily schedule:

Academic 20: 8:30 - 8:50

First hour: 8:55 - 9:46

Second hour: 9:51 - 10:42

Third hour: 10:47 - 11:38

Fourth hour:

A Lunch

Lunch: 11:38 - 12:08

Class: 12:13 - 1:18

B Lunch

Class: 11:43 - 12:13

Lunch: 12:13 - 12:43

Class: 12:48 - 1:18

C Lunch

Class: 11:43 - 12:48

Lunch: 12:48 - 1:18

Fifth hour: 1:23 - 2:14

Sixth hour: 2:19 - 3:11

Please note that students will find out their lunch periods on the first day of school!

Here is the link to the Virtual Curriculum Night Presentation.

1. What time can my student get into the building?

-The doors to the school unlock at 8:10 AM for student access. Classes begin at 8:30 AM.

2. My student forgot their password. What should I do?

-Click this link and fill out the form to reset a password

3. What do I do if my student is not feeling well while at school?

-You will need to promptly pick-up your student. In order to do so, you must present a government issued ID and be on the student's emergency contact list. You will not be allowed in the building, but one of our staff members will direct you of where to go when you ring the bell at the front door of the building.

4. What is Academic 20?

Academic 20 is a time during each school day where students can review their academic day, plan for work for the following day, seek clarification on homework concerns, and obtain assistance with regard to any issue pertaining to the school day. All Academic 20 sessions will meet at the same time, allowing students to seek help from any of their teachers. Students should obtain a pass ahead of the class period in order to visit a teacher for support. Academic 20 is also used to build community and give students voice through the use of regular class meetings.

5. How does my student get a work permit?

Applications for work permits may be obtained by students who are 14 years of age or older in the Main Office between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students must pick up an application, have it completed by the employer and then return to the Main Office at the middle school for a final signature.

6. How does the school notify parents/guardians of a student's absence?

As a means of communicating attendance, the following methods will be utilized:

1.School Messenger will contact parents/guardians via phone or e-mail each day there is an unverified absence.

2.Students and parents may access Schoology directly, period by period.

3. Report cards may show attendance every nine weeks.

4.Parents will be notified after a student reaches ten (10) and/or twenty (20) absences of any kind. Parents and students will be responsible for checking Power School to see the details regarding the student’s absences.

7. How do I notify the school of a prearranged absence?

If it is known that a student will need to be absent, please notify the Attendance Office prior to that absence. A “Notification of Prearranged Absence” form is available from the attendance secretary that can be used to make the school aware of a prearranged absence of at least 3 to no more than 10 days. This form should be submitted at least one week before such an absence is expected to occur so that appropriate arrangements with the faculty can take place. A student with a prearranged absence will be able to complete assignments missed and receive credit for them during the marking period affected. Although group discussions and some activities cannot be duplicated outside of class, teachers provide as much assistance as possible.

Make-up work that is provided for a prearranged absence is due upon the student’s return with arrangements to be made for any assessments given during the student’s absence.

**Please note: according to district policy, students absent for more than ten (10) consecutive school days will be dropped and will require re-enrollment in the district prior to the student’s return.

8. Does my student need a Student Identification Card?

Student identification cards will be issued at the beginning of the school year. These IDs must be carried by the student at all times. All students are asked to wear their IDs in a visible location every day so staff can ensure the safety and identity of all of our students and to create a supportive school community. Lost IDs can be replaced in the Counseling Office for a $5.00 replacement fee. These cards will be used to check out materials from the library as well as for student identification when needed. I.D. cards may be required for entry to athletic games and activity afternoon events. If a school employee asks a student to present his/her I.D. card, the student must comply or they will be deemed in violation of the Code of Conduct.

9. How do I pay athletic fees?

Athletic fees are paid in a timely manner: Middle School Pay to Participate fee is $75.00. Registration and payment can be completed here.

• For cut sports, fees are due three days after tryouts.

• For non-cut sports, fees are due at registration.

• For students eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch, please contact the Novi High School Athletic Office at 248-449-5500 for information about reduced or waived participation fees.

10. Can my student use a backpack during the school day?

Yes. We are allowing students to bring their backpacks with them from class to class. Students with musical instruments may use the music lockers to store their instruments so that they do not need to carry those with them throughout the day.

Please check out Novi Middle School Twitter Account - @Novi_MS

Novi Middle School Counseling Department- @NoviMScounselor

Novi Middle School prides itself on its great staff, the many opportunities available to students, its supportive community, and its wonderful resources. Students will hear the term Novi Power throughout the year. Novi Power sessions happen during Academic 20 on Fridays and support students with a variety of strategies related to speaking up, maintaining a safe digital presence, building empathy for others, and creating a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone. We also believe that our Wildcats can demonstrate their POWER each and every day by:

showing Perseverance

taking Ownership

being Welcoming

being Empathetic &

being Respectful

We are excited to see you all very soon and to make this school year one full of growth, learning, fun, and excitement. Please consider stepping out of your comfort zone this year! Meet some new friends, try out for the play, join a club or four, join a sports team! Make the most of your time at NMS!

Principal: Robert Baker - 8th Grade Liaison

Asst. Principal: Katy Dinkelmann- 7th Grade Liaison

Counselor: Leslie Condon - Last names - A-K

Counselor: Amy Kilgore - Last names L-Z

Email: Robert.Baker@novik12.org
Website: http://www.novi.k12.mi.us/ms/
Location: 49000 West 11 Mile Road, Novi, MI, USA
Phone: 248-449-1600
Twitter: @novi_ms