January 2026

On Thursday, December 4, North Middle School hosted the annual Winter Chorus Concert . The concert theme was "Home for the Holidays" and featured over 160 North Middle School students! Thank you to all of the parents, families, friends, and teachers that came out to support these young singers.

On Tuesday, December 9, North Orchestra and Band students performed for their families. The Winter Concert began at 7:00 PM with Mrs. Gibboney and her String Ensemble then transitioned to the Vivaldi Orchestra. Mr. Vollberg took the stage next with his Concert Band. The performances wrapped up with the Symphonic Band performance. It was an awesome night of holiday tunes! Thank you to all that attended.

North staff had the opportunity to share in the holiday spirit as they participated in challenges throughout the month. Each morning the adults began their day by spinning the "wheel" in the main office and selecting their challenge. Challenges ranged from making snowflakes to decorate the main office to adding lights to a colleagues desk to finding a student that inspires them to come to work every day and sharing that with the student.

As we got closer to Winter Break, the teachers participated in school-wide challenges -- Jingle Bell Rock and Do You Have a Peppermint in Your Pocket? quests that had their competitive spirits going! In the end, there was something for everyone!

Thank you to all of the families that donated gift cards for prizes for the games and challenges. It was truly appreciated!

The PHS German Club sponsored an ornament making activity that was attended by some of our North German 1 students. They made over 150 ornaments which will all be donated to Grand View Hospital for the patients who are in the hospital over the holidays.

The German 1 students learned about the traditional German Christmas markets in class and then had the opportunity to travel to Bethlehem's Christkindlemarkt to experience a similar tradition. A great time was had by all students. The German department looks forward to making this an annual event for the middle school German one students.

2025 ended with another All-School Lip Sync Battle. Various teams of students prepared short routines to some of their favorite tunes! There were costumes! There was choreography! Stars were born! The show wrapped up with the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade teachers getting in on the action and performing for a full house!

Each month the teachers look to recognize students that exemplify various character traits. In December we honored students that exemplified Empathy. The students also nominated a teacher for December. The honorees were .

• Andre Heredia

• Elise Lezoche

• Lexi Reichenbach

• Emmitt Simmons

• Guadalupe Solano

• Blake Cowper

The students chose to honor Mrs. Smith, our Exploring Language Connections teacher.

1/5 -- First day of the New Year!

1/12 -- NCN Meeting, 5:30 PM, Teachers' Lounge

1/19 -- School Closed

1/22 -- End of Quarter 2/Semester 1

1/23 -- No School for Students/Teacher In-Service

1/26-- Quarter 3/Semester 2 begins ...

1/29 -- Student of the Quarter Breakfast (Invitation Only)

As we begin the new year, our school is excited to launch a 12-Week Wellness Challenge that includes both students and staff.

Each week, students and teachers will focus on a shared wellness theme, such as hydration, movement, rest, mindfulness, and positive connections. The goal is to promote healthy habits that support focus, emotional well-being, and academic success.

This initiative emphasizes:

• Simple, manageable habits

• Whole-school participation

• Progress over perfection

By participating together, we hope to model the importance of wellness as a lifelong skill. Families are encouraged to talk with students about the weekly themes and join in when possible.

We’re excited to start the new year with a positive, healthy focus for our entire school community!

Dear 6th grade parents,

We still need many completed 6th grade physical exams. Please have the physical form completed by your student’s doctor as soon as possible. The following immunizations must be completed before your child can be admitted to 7th grade next school year and can be handed into school this school year if completed at their 6th grade physical exam appointment. Children attending 7th grade need the following immunizations:

• 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) (if 5 years has elapsed since last tetanus immunization)
• 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)

Medical or religious exceptions to this requirement can be explained by the school nurse and require a parent/guardian signature.

Link for PDE physical exam : https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/school-health/PHYSICAL%20EXAM%20form%202012.pdf

Dear 7th grade parents ,

We still need many completed 7th grade dental exams. School dental exams are mandated by PA state for school entry and 7th grade. Parents are urged to have dental examinations completed by their family dentist and submitted prior to September 30 of the year that they are due. A completed exam dated no earlier than September, one year prior to the required grade, is acceptable.

• Link for PDE dental exam: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/school-health/Private%20Dentist%20Report.docx

If you have already provided these forms to the health office, please disregard. If you have not done so, please provide a copy of these exams at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the health office at PNMS!

Thank You,

Barbara Curtin CSN

An exciting time is approaching for 8th graders! In the new year we will be preparing them for High School course selection. Keep an eye out for important dates and information that will be shared. One important date to put on your calendar now is Wednesday, February 4th at 6:30pm. This is the 8th grade Parent Night at Pennridge High School. This is an important night for parents and students to attend and learn more about Pennridge High School and the selection of 9th grade courses.

Sixth graders completed a Smart Futures activity based on learning styles. Have your student share with you what their learning style they discovered they are!

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the IST Room! Come prepared to work! Make sure you have secured transportation from a parent or signed up for a bus!