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Early October greetings as we have arrived into this second month of our school year. Given that we are completing the our sixth week, we have settled into a needed rhythm of teaching and learning across our campus. Our fall diagnostic testing was completed in early September which has allowed us to remain consistent in terms of schedules and expectations across this past month. Many classes are now nearing their first unit exams and yes, homework and projects are in full swing for applicable classes.
For the past two weeks, we have utilized our Monday advisory block (referred to as STAR) to work towards better organizational habits. Our students have several tools in this regard including our daily practice of using a pen/paper organizer and the new StudentVUE application. Students are able to use these tools to both organize and prioritize their efforts, and track their progress. Many families have been utilizing ParentVUE for the same purpose and we are grateful for partnership and collaborative efforts. Our students may/may not immediately recognize the value of these daily check-ins but these will go along way towards helping our STARs stay on top of daily and weekly responsibilities.
Below are a variety of updates for the month of October. Thank you for taking the time to read through these are you proceed through this second month of our school year.
With Gratitude,
Holly, Drew, *Shaun, & Tyler
North Middle School
hsullivan@everettsd.org - smonaghan@everettsd.org - tream@everettsd.org
Phone: 425-385-4800
*Please Note: Shaun Monaghan is currently serving in the administrative role of Drew Bae Williams who is away on leave through mid-December.
October Student Survey Schedule:
- 10/2: Fall Student SEL Survey
- 10/9: Fall Student SEL Survey (makeups)
- 10/16: Healthy Youth Survey (6th/8th graders only)
- 10/23: EPS Strategic Plan Survey
10/30: Equal Opportunity Schools, Student Perceptions Survey
Fall Student SEL Survey (10/2): Each fall, our students join others across our Everett Public Schools in participating in a student survey specific to social/emotional needs. The data this surveys yields will help inform/guide our schoolwide efforts to improve the learning and social environments of North. This year, the Panorama Social and Emotional Learning survey is scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd and will take place during our normal STAR advisory block. Most students will complete their survey in a single, 20-minute setting. For more on our Fall Student SEL Survey, please CLICK HERE.
Washington Healthy Youth Survey (10/16): Our school is participating in the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey on Thursday, October 16. The survey will be given to students in Grades 6 and 8 only. The Healthy Youth Survey includes questions related to physical activity, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, interpersonal relationships, school experiences, risk and protective factors, and access to school-based services. Survey results are used by schools, communities, and State agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks. Participation in the survey is voluntary and steps are taken to ensure student privacy. There are no names or codes used to link a survey back to a student. Please read the below/attached Information for Parents/Guardians and Youth Letter for more information about the Healthy Youth Survey.
Everett Public Schools, Strategic Planning Survey (10/23): As a district, our efforts are guided by our EPS Strategic Plan. This plan spans the current school year but as we plan forward, we are working to gather the thoughts and opinions of stakeholders across our community. Feedback from our students is an important aspect of this process and on Thursday, October 23rd, we are asking our students to participate in a brief Strategic Planning Survey to help guide our forthcoming efforts.
Equal Opportunity Schools, Student Perceptions Survey (10/30): We are thrilled to begin our second year of partnership with the education non-profit organization, Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS). Our partnership with EOS provides our North team with an opportunity to better examine the learning culture within our school and increase student participation in challenging coursework. We began this partnership last year and as we did last fall, our students will participate in a brief related survey on Thursday, 10/30, during our normal STAR block.
EOS Survey questions will ask students about their career aspirations, educational goals, which school staff they are most likely to seek support from, their subject area interests, and give an opportunity to share in their own words what they want the school to know about them. Survey responses will inform the creation of student-specific “insight cards” that will assist our team in better connecting each student with opportunities and support structures across this year (and beyond).
Our North PTA is planning and preparing for a forthcoming North favorite, the Scarecrow Social. This annual, pre-Halloween event is purposefully family-friendly and open to our entire North Everett community. This year's event is planned for the evening of Friday, October 24th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, here on our North campus. Students and families are encouraged to break out their favorite Halloween costumes as part of the festivities. Planned for this year's Scarecrow Social is our Trunk & Treat, a Chili Cookoff, and other family-friendly activities. This is a stop-in-whenever event so please mark Friday, October 24th on your family calendar.
Please see the below needs associated with helping our PTA host this event. If you can volunteer and/or donate in any regard, please contact our PTA at northmspta@gmail.com. Thank you and see you on Friday, October 24th!
Interested in Hosting a Trunk or Tent?
Volunteers Needed / Please Help
Chili Chef? Join our 2025 Cookoff Challenge
PTA Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that encourages students in grades K-12 to create original works of art in six categories - visual arts, photography, literature, music composition, dance choreography, and film production - inspired by a student-selected theme. The program is multi-leveled, with local PTAs recognizing student winners who can then advance to council, district, state, and potentially national levels for additional recognition and awards. North Middle is once again participating in Reflections and encouraging any/all of our North STARs to consider submitting an entry.
How does it work?
Each year, students create artwork in one or more of the six arts categories based on an annual theme chosen by the National PTA through a student-submitted theme search contest. The 2025/26 theme is “I Belong!” Students submit original works of art, including an artist statement to explain their interpretation of the theme, in categories such as: Visual Arts, Literature, Photography, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, or Film Production.
Entries are submitted to our EPA District PTA and will have the opportunity to advance through our council, district, and state PTA programs to be judged at the national level for awards and recognition.
How to participate?
To participate, students simply need to submit their work by Wednesday, November 5th. Our North PTA will be hosting lunchtime information and work sessions for any/all students who are interested in participating.
Additional program details and category-specific student entry guidelines may be found here : https://www.wastatepta.org/events-programs/reflections/
Student Entries are due to North Middle School PTA on November 5, 2025.
For more information, contact the North Middle School PTA Reflections Chair, Anna Ganje, at northMSPTAreflections@gmail.com
Helpful links:
North Middle School's fall fundraiser is off and running, and we need your help. Our goal is to raise $20,000 for student enrichment activities and athletics and as of today, we are nearly halfway towards reaching this goal. Many of you are already involved but if you are not and want to help, participation is as simple as 1, 2, 3.
- Sell our World’s Finest Chocolate - Fill out the chocolate checkout form so your student can participate. This is our in-hand, in-town portion of the fundraiser.
- Share our online store with all your friends and family (in-town and out-of-town). Hundreds of gift items, wrapping paper, magazines, etc. All online orders are delivered directly to the customer. Register and follow the steps at www.fundprizes.com. Every 3 items ordered online counts as a box of chocolate sold toward prizes.
- Check out the prize sheet and set a goal. Students can earn prizes including our amazing field trip to Arena Sports in Mill Creek at only 4 boxes sold. Bowling, arcades, mini golf, indoor soccer and more!
Thank you all for your efforts in helping North raise funds to enhance our student enrichment activities and athletics (clubs & sports). Every cent raised goes right back to our students and we appreciate your ongoing support.
Across our district, two specific days each fall are designated as non-school days, dedicated to Family/Teacher Conferences. This year, those two days are Monday, November 3rd, and Tuesday, November 4th. School will not be in session on those days as we hold both for needed opportunities to connect with our families. School will resume for our students that Wednesday, November 5th and will conclude that week, on Friday, November 7th, with a 12:20pm dismissal day.
Our format for Fall Conferences is an intentional mix of in-person and scheduled options. We will offer open windows to provide families with opportunities to meet with each of their child's teachers. Additionally, teachers will be able to schedule in-person or online conferences to discuss specific needs. Additional information is forthcoming but for now, please see the below schedule for open and schedule windows on 11/3 and 11/4.
Our North PTA has already made a significant, positive impact on our school this year and we would be honored if you/family would consider joining this valued group of parents, family members, staff, and volunteers.
Our PTA supports numerous efforts across our campus including classroom-based efforts and grants, and school and/or community events. Regular opportunities include our open, monthly meetings led by our elected PTA leaders including this year's Co-Presidents Jeannette Clarke and Stacy Gay. All are welcome and provide meaningful opportunities to connect and support our students and school.
Sign-up is simple (please CLICK HERE for access) and memberships cost only $15 for the year. Thank you for your time, consideration, and support.
We’re excited to share the Natural Leaders program, a unique family engagement program that uplifts and empowers families from multicultural backgrounds. This program supports families in navigating the education system and helps address inequalities through a strengths-based approach. Our first Natural Leaders meeting of this school year is fast-approaching, scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd at 4:00pm (North Office/Conference Room).
By joining our North Natural Leaders, you will gain valuable tools, strategies, and knowledge to build strong relationships within our school community, and your voice will be heard. Natural Leaders are at the heart of building bridges between families and schools—helping all children thrive.
If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please reach out to Mrs. Kolleen Allen (kallen2@everettsd.org) or join us at our upcoming events to connect and learn more!
To learn more about the Natural Leaders program, visit https://www.everettsd.org/Page/38935.
Upcoming District Natural Leaders Events:
Natural Leaders Kick-Off (In-Person)
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: 3900 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203
Natural Leaders Parent Academy 4 Part Series (In-Person & Virtual),
Dates: Thursdays, October 30, 2025, November 6, 2025, November 13, 2025, November 20, 2025
Time 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Location: 3900 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203
Our school picture retake day is scheduled for Thursday, October 23rd. Below are reasons why a student might want/need to retake their school picture.
- Students that were absent on the original picture day
- Students who are new and were not yet able to take their picture
- Students wanting to retake their photo - If your student/family ordered a package and would like a new photo, please return the original package to the Dorian photographer on our 10/23 retake day.
Please see the below retake information flier and related order link. Families can order school pictures online at mydorian.com before picture day and up to two (2) days afterward.
The October edition of our district's newsletter is avaliable and full of needed information ahead of this new month of October. Please CLICK HERE to access our EPS October newsletter.
