NUMS September Update

This year, North Union Middle School is introducing "The Wildcat Way," our new PBIS program designed to teach students positive behaviors and expectations across our school. Over the first few weeks, we’ve discussed what each quality means and how students can put it into practice. A copy of the program poster is attached for your reference.

These core qualities tie directly into our new behavior points system within the school app. As students demonstrate what it means to be a Wildcat, they earn points that can be redeemed for rewards and special privileges.

Each month, we’ll feature a specific theme—our focus for September is "Work Hard," emphasizing effort and dedication both in the classroom and in daily life. Please take a moment to discuss these values with your student at home to help reinforce the Wildcat Way outside of school!

We hope that you are all enjoying the Fair Break!!! Good luck to all of our students and their families that are participating in the fair this year. We will resume school on Tuesday Sep. 8th following Labor Day. Please read through these updates and reminders for September.

1. NUMS Picture Day for this fall will be on Sep. 22nd. Please plan accordingly.
2. Our first round of Little Caesar's fundraising will begin soon. Information will be delivered to students next week. Reminder that all proceeds will go to 6th grade camp or the Washington DC Trip.
3. Reminder to any 8th graders that have still yet to sign up for the DC trip, the final day to register is Sep 25th. Please contact Mr. Withrow with any questions.
4. The Homecoming Snake Dance will take place on Wednesday, September 16th. There will be more information coming soon as there may be some changes due to road construction downtown.
5. If you are dropping MS students off in the morning, you may begin using the main entrance after 7:35am. This will hopefully save you some time and remove some traffic from the loop. We just ask that you keep a close eye on nay busses coming through and allow them ability to drop off first. Please DO NOT drop elementary students at the MS. You may drop MS students first and then drop elementary students in the loop as usual.

• Please complete your returning student's OneView Registration before Open House/First Day. Students will not receive their schedules at Open House until this is complete.
• Parents/guardians can access their child's class schedule in ProgressBook. Please contact the MS Office if you have any questions.
• Parents/guardians may pay for your student's school lunches and fees and/or complete a Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application by accessing the PaySchool site.
• ALL students arriving after 7:40am must check in to the main office to sign in, side doors will be locked.
• If you are picking your child up early from the MS, you will need to come into the Main Office to sign them out. You MUST have a State ID to be able to sign them out.

Dear North Union MS School Families,

We want to share an important update regarding changes to Ohio’s school attendance laws that went into effect this year. Under Ohio House Bill 96, the state has shifted its focus toward early intervention for chronic absenteeism.

Key changes you should know:

• All Hours Count: The law now counts all missed time—including excused, medical, and unexcused absences—toward a student's total hours for the year.
• Chronic Absenteeism Threshold: A student is now considered "chronically absent" if they miss 10% or more of the school year (roughly 2–3 days per month) for any reason.
• Family Notification: Schools are now required to notify families in writing once a student has missed just 5% of the required school hours.

Why Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is the foundation for academic success. Students who attend school consistently develop stronger work habits and are significantly more likely to reach critical benchmarks, such as reading proficiency and graduation.

We Are Here to Help
We understand that life happens and some absences are unavoidable. Our goal is to partner with you to ensure your student has the support they need to stay in class and succeed.

If you have questions about these new regulations or need assistance with barriers to your student's attendance, please reach out to Ms. Hake, Assistant Principal, at the North Union Middle School office at 740-943-2369.

Sep 2-4: Richwood Independent Fair Break- NO SCHOOL

Sep 7: Labor Day - NO SCHOOL

Sep 14: Wildcat Power Hour - 2 Hr Delay

Sep 16: Homecoming Snake Dance

Sep 18: Homecoming Game vs. Urbana

Sep 22: NUMS School Picture Day

MS 7th Grade Football Schedule

MS 8th Grade Football Schedule

MS 7th Grade Volleyball Schedule

MS 8th Grade Volleyball Schedule

MS Girls Cross Country Schedule

MS Boys Cross Country Schedule

Please see the attached image of our daily schedule. Full schedule, including delays can be viewed using a link below. This is the same schedule we followed last school year.

• We value all students and their well being. If there are issues that are occurring at school where you suspect potential harassment/bullying or concern for a students welfare there is a system to process this. Please report this to our Public Works system.
• The online reporting system and the 1-866-listen2me phone system are for staff, students and parents to report concerns which may affect the peace of mind of students or jeopardize the safety of people or school facilities. Concerns may include, but are not limited to, bullying, abuse, bomb threats, cyber crimes, discrimination, drugs, health concerns, suspicious behavior, vandalism, fighting, & weapons. Helpline information helps us maintain school environments that are safe and conducive for learning.
  
• The ability to report Bullying and Harassment can be found on our website at the top right corner indicated by the blue hand (see graphic above).
• Once a student, parent, or staff member reports an issue it goes directly to the principal of the building for investigation.
• Administration will coordinate the appropriate investigation and communicate findings and outcomes to those involved.
• Administration will document the investigation and outcome in Public School Works.