NMS Parent Update
February 7, 2025
Check out what is happening at NMS!!
Report cards have been mailed home!!
Honor Roll - Quarter 2
Next week we will recognize our middle school honor roll students. We are so proud of their hard work, and dedication to their studies.
71% of our 6th grade students are on honor roll, 60% of our 7th graders made honor roll, and 51% of our 8th grade students made honor roll.
Keep up the good work!!
Attention 8th Grade Students and Caregivers
We are past the midpoint of the year - that means it is time for us to really start thinking about High School!! In our work to prepare students for this upcoming change, we have designed experiences that will help them get ready for next year.
In late January, our 8th grade students went to the HS for a half day exploratory adventure, meeting teachers and learning about the HS programs. Next Thursday and Friday, our HS counselors will be meeting with all 8th grade students during their Middle School Mindset class. After the winter break, the HS counselors will be setting up meetings with students and caregivers to further discuss schedule and future plans.
Please click THIS LINK for more information about the upcoming programs to help your 8th grade student's transition to high school.
Update to the NCSD App - Check it out!!
Get Ready, Get Set, Get Prepped! Top 10 Tips for NYS Assessment Success
The New York State Assessments are just around the corner, and we know you want your child to be fully prepared. While these tests are important, remember that they are just one snapshot of your child's academic progress. With the right support and encouragement, your child can approach these assessments with confidence! Here are our top 10 tips to help your child succeed:
1. Talk to the Teachers: Open communication with your child's teachers is key. They can provide specific insights into your child's strengths and areas for improvement, and offer tailored advice on how to best support their learning.
2. Focus on the Fundamentals: Ensure your child has a strong grasp of the basic concepts in ELA, math, and science. Review foundational skills, like reading comprehension, grammar, multiplication facts, and the scientific method.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Utilize practice tests and sample questions available online or from your child's teacher. This helps familiarize your child with the format and types of questions they'll encounter.
4. Make Time for Reading: Encourage your child to read a variety of texts, including books, articles, and online resources. Reading regularly improves comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills essential for ELA success.
5. Problem-Solve Together: Incorporate math into everyday activities. Cook together, work on a budget, or play games that involve problem-solving and logical thinking.
6. Explore the World Around You: Foster a love for science by exploring nature, conducting simple experiments at home, or visiting museums and science centers.
7. Create a daily Study Schedule: Help your child create a realistic study plan that includes regular breaks and time for other activities. Consistency is key!
8. Ensure a Good Night's Sleep: Adequate rest is crucial for optimal focus and performance. Encourage your child to establish a regular sleep routine, especially in the days leading up to the assessments.
9. Provide a Nutritious Diet: Fuel your child's brain with healthy meals and snacks. A balanced diet supports concentration and overall well-being.
10. Stay Positive and Supportive: Above all, create a positive and encouraging environment. Let your child know that you believe in them and that their effort is what matters most.
Remember: The goal is not to ace the test, but to foster a love of learning that will last a lifetime. By working together, we can help our Norwich Middle School students approach the NYS Assessments with confidence and achieve their full potential!
Character Strong Corner
Each Family CharacterDare offers families the opportunity to engage in challenges designed to increase connection and conversation at home. These CharacterDare challenges also provide students with more opportunities to practice habits discussed in class.
Ace the Math Assessment! Resources for Students and Parents
Use Available Math Resources:
Review your math resources, class notes, and any handouts from your teacher.
- Explore online resources or visit your local library for extra practice.
- Ask your teacher for additional materials or strategies to strengthen your understanding.
Practice Math Every Day:
- Work on a mix of basic and challenging problems to build confidence.
- Basic problems help reinforce key skills like simplifying fractions, working with decimals, and understanding ratios.
- Challenging problems may require multiple steps and combining different skills, such as solving equations, using proportions, and applying statistics.
Approach Test Questions Strategically:
- Show all your work and double-check your answers when time allows.
- Stay positive and remember that practice helps improve your math skills over time!
Additional Resources can be found at: (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/testing/how-to-prepare-for-the-specialized-high-schools-admissions-test/how-to-prepare-for-the-math-section)
Attendance Matters!!
Dates to Remember
February 2025
12 - 8th Grade BOCES Visitation
17-21 - No School - Winter Recess
March 2025
7-9 - HS Musical - Newsies (7-12th Grades)
14 - No School - Professional Development
25 - Open House
28 - 1/2 Day - Professional Development
April 2025
11 - End of Quarter 3
18-25 - Spring Break
30-May 1 - NYS ELA Assessment
Norwich Middle School
Email: tdevine@norwichcsd.org
Website: www.norwichcsd.org
Location: 89 Midland Drive, Norwich, NY, USA
Phone: 607-344-1600