NORTH NEWS

May 25th - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

May 26th - 8th Grade HersheyPark Field Trip

May 26th - 6th Grade JayDee's Field Trip

May 27th - Award Assemblies for Each Grade

May 27th - 7th Grade Adventure Park USA Field Trip

May 28th - Last Day of School for Students

As graduation season fills Berkeley County with celebration and excitement, North Middle School was honored to welcome back members of the Class of 2026 from Spring Mills High School and Martinsburg High School this week for a special cap-and-gown walk through the halls of NMS. We also look forward to welcoming our former students from Hedgesville High School on Tuesday.

It was a joyful and emotional experience for both students and staff as former Blue Devils returned to visit the teachers and classrooms that helped shape them during their middle school years. Smiles, hugs, high-fives, and proud tears filled the hallways as graduates reconnected with the educators who encouraged and supported them along the way. Teachers were equally excited to see how much their former students have grown and accomplished.

North Middle School holds a unique place in Berkeley County Schools, as NMS students move on to three of the county’s four high schools. Even after students leave our halls, they continue to carry the spirit and pride of North Middle with them. It’s why so many proudly say, “Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil.”

At NMS, we are more than a school — we are a family. Our caring educators work hard to ensure students feel supported, valued, and loved each day they walk through our doors. Seeing these graduates return reminded us all that the relationships built at North Middle last far beyond middle school and continue to make a lasting impact for years to come.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Your Blue Devil family is proud of you and cheering you on as you begin your next chapter.

The 8th Grade Dance on May 20th was a wonderful evening filled with fun, laughter, and memories as we celebrated our soon-to-be high school students. As our 8th graders prepare to head off to three different high schools this fall, the dance provided a special opportunity to say farewell and enjoy one last big celebration together at North Middle School. A huge thank you goes to Ms. Dusing and the entire 8th grade team for organizing such a memorable event, as well as Ms. Long for coordinating all of the delicious food for the evening. Most of all, we want to thank our amazing 8th graders, who have officially entered their final week as NMS students. We have loved spending the past three years with you and are so proud of all you have accomplished. We hope to see you back in a few years walking our halls once again — this time in your caps and gowns! Good luck in high school!

North Middle School’s music students recently showcased their incredible talent during a series of outstanding spring performances! On May 14th, the NMS Choir and “Northern Lights” Show Choir delighted audiences with an entertaining and impressive concert. We were also thrilled to welcome the choir from Eagle School Intermediate, whose students joined in the evening’s musical celebration.

Then on May 18th, our Band and Strings Orchestra students took the stage at Hedgesville High School alongside several other school instrumental programs for a wonderful combined performance. We are so proud of all of our student musicians for their hard work, dedication, and growth throughout the year. A special thank you goes to our music directors, Ms. Pleva, Mr. Blom, & Mr. Walton for their continued support of the arts at NMS. Congratulations on a fantastic concert season!

Despite the rainy weather, North Middle School’s Relay For Life event on Thursday, May 21st was filled with fun, laughter, and school spirit! While the rain kept activities indoors, it certainly could not dampen our enthusiasm for supporting such an important cause. Carnival games were set up throughout the cafeteria, libray, and gym, giving students plenty of opportunities to enjoy friendly competition and exciting activities. Students also took time to create thoughtful cards and messages for cancer patients, spreading encouragement and kindness to those currently battling cancer. An inflatable obstacle course added even more excitement to the day! While we are still tallying the total amount raised, we are incredibly proud of our students for spending the year helping raise both awareness and funds for Relay For Life. A big thank you goes to Ms. Adams and Ms. Pleva, who chair the Relay For Life committee, for their hard work and dedication in organizing this meaningful event. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported such a worthy cause!

This week is your last chance to purchase the 2025-2026 Yearbook! Take $30 to the main office to purchase yours!

6th graders who have returned their permission slips & money are reminded to bring a towel, school appropriate bathing suit, and money for the arcade/ concessions to the trip on May 26th to JayDee's!

Our 8th grade trip to Hersheypark on May 26th is quickly approaching! Please review the important reminders below to help students have a fun and successful day at the park:

• The trip is rain or shine — students should dress appropriately for the weather.
• Hersheypark is CASHLESS. Any cash brought to the park will need to be converted into a Hersheypark gift card.
• Students must arrive to school ON TIME Tuesday morning.
• Students should bring a refillable water bottle.
• It is recommended that students bring a minimum of $25 for food, drinks, or souvenirs.
• Students may not walk home after the trip, as we will not return until approximately 9:00 PM. Please make transportation arrangements ahead of time.

7th graders will be traveling to Adventure Park USA on May 27th! Bring your concessions/ arcade money as well. We look forward to celebrating the end of the school year with our students!

Award assemblies for each grade will take place on May 27th. Seventh grade's assembly will be during 1st period, followed by their field trip to Adventure Park USA. The award assembly for 6th grade will take place during 2nd period, while the eighth grade assembly will be during 3rd period and part of 4th. We hope to see many parents join us to celebrate our students!

If you are interested in a fall sport OR ATTENDING CONDITIONING, it's time to start thinking about getting a sports physical! Check out the link below for the official physical form that must be filled out by a doctor. The form has changed for the 2026-2027 school year.

**PLEASE NOTE: Only physicals after May 1, 2026 can county for the 2026-2027 school year!

Students planning to participate in athletics or fine arts during the 2026–2027 school year are encouraged to take advantage of the FREE Sports Physicals & Health Fest hosted by WVU Medicine on June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th from 5:30–8:00 PM at the WVU Health Sciences Center on the Berkeley Medical Center campus. Registration begins at 5:00 PM each evening. Please note that forms must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian prior to registration, and middle school students must have a guardian present in order to receive a physical. Thursday night is designated for middle school students, Berkeley County affiliated high schools, and make-up appointments. Please see the attached flyer for additional details.

It's time to think about Cross Country! Interested students must have a completed physical dated after May 1st turned in by the first practice. Other details include:

• Must have a 2.0 GPA
• Practices typically run Monday-Thursday.
• Meets are typically Wednesday or Thursday.
• Free physicals are held on June 4th 5:30-7:30 PM at the WVU Health Sciences Center.
• Season ends mid October.
• Students need running shoes and a water bottle daily.
• Contact Coach Malcolm with any questions skmalcolm@k12.wv.us.

Thank you to Coach Natalie Jones for her years of hard work and dedication to the NMS Cheer program! Under her leadership, the cheer program grew at NMS and created it's own unique stomp, shake and cheer style!

North Middle athletics would like to give a big welcome to our new Head Cheer Coach, Coach EJ! Congratulations! We are excited to see how the program with continue to evolve and grow! Check out the information below about June conditioning!

Attention rising 6th-8th grade girls considering cheerleading! After FREE sports physicals on June 4th, we will begin Cheer Conditioning Flex Dates! Come ready to condition, build strength, learn teamwork, and see if cheerleading is the right fit for you!

Conditioning Dates:

June 15, 17, 22, 24

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Bring plenty of water, wear athletic clothes and tennis shoes. Wear your hair up and away from your face and make sure you don't have nails or jewelry on. Be prepared to work hard and have fun! This is a great opportunity to meet the coach, improve fitness, and get a feel for the upcoming cheer season. We can’t wait to see you there! Contact enjoli.dellinger@k12.wv.us for questions.

If your child has medication at school, please plan to pick up it up from the nurse on the last day of school, May 28th OR from 8am-11am on Friday, May 29th. If you do not pick up your child's medication, it will be discarded.

Ms. Heck's students really got into their end of the year Headbanz game! It was an EPIC science throw down!

Thanks to the 8th grade Family & Consumer Science students for making the food for the 8th grade dance last week!