NBMS Peek at The Week

January

5: Students Return to School

8: Weaver Team Field Trip to NC Arboretum

10: All District Band Auditions, Tuscola High

13: Soar Team Field Trip to NC Arboretum

14: Talons Team Field Trip to NC Arboretum

15: ELA MAP Testing

16: Math MAP Testing

19: MLK, Jr. Holiday - No School

20: Workday for Staff, School Closed for Students

21: 2nd Semester Begins (2nd semester exploratory classes)

We are excited to welcome Emily Mitchell to NBMS as our new school social worker.

Emily is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University and recently completed her social work internship at Mission Hospital. She is replacing Ami Greene, who has taken a promotion within our central office student services department. We are excited to join Ms. Mitchell to our school family.

Directions for Setting Up Your Parent Portal in Infinite Campus

January is an important time for students to reset routines and refocus on learning. Strong organization, completing assignments on time, and staying engaged in class all make a significant difference as academic expectations continue to grow. Families can support this focus by helping students establish consistent homework routines, checking grades and assignments regularly, and encouraging students to ask for help when needed. When students, families, and teachers work together, students are better prepared to grow academically and finish the year strong.

Regular attendance and active engagement are essential to student success, especially as we return from winter break. Each school day provides valuable instruction, discussions, and opportunities to build relationships that cannot be fully replicated when students are absent or arrive late. We encourage families to prioritize daily attendance, on-time arrival, and full participation in classes and school activities. Consistent attendance helps students stay connected, confident, and on track, and it sets a strong foundation for learning throughout the semester.

Can you believe it's time to be thinking about high school for your 8th grader? You will be hearing, and receiving, lots of information over the next couple of months regarding high school options and important dates. High school options for students at North Buncombe Middle School include:

In January and February, students will begin hearing from each school with presentations during the school day. Most schools will also have curriculum nights and open houses for parents. Those dates will be shared soon. All 8th graders will tour North Buncombe High School and Nesbitt Discovery Academy. Students who have an interest and/or are selected will tour the other schools.

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, America’s Field Trip is expanding with more exciting field trips, and more opportunities for students to win. A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize.

Please see the links below for more information (the second link is the printable flyer)!

America’s Field Trip - America250

And here is a link to the printable flyer...

America's Field Trip 2025-2026 Contest Flyer

Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET.

★ Eligibility: Any student in grades 3–12 who is a legal resident of any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the five U.S. territories is eligible to enter. First- and second-prize awardees from the previous two America’s Field Trip contests are not eligible to enter or win.

★ Submission Requirements: Students at each grade level may create artwork, including physical artwork submitted through a high-res photo, a digital drawing, or a written response.

★ Judging Criteria: A panel of current and former educators will evaluate submissions based on Student Voice (50%), Clarity of Idea (25%), and Presentation (25%).

★ Prizes: NEW! 125 first-place awardees and their designated chaperone will receive travel and lodging for a three-day, two-night trip to a select historical or cultural site in July and August 2026. 125 second-place awardees will receive $500 cash awards and three educators will each earn $1,000. Award recipients will be notified in late April 2026.

As part of federal and North Carolina accountability requirements, schools are required to notify families when certain student subgroups are identified based on testing data patterns.

You will find an attached letter that explains our school’s current federal and state designations and what they mean. These designations are based on subgroup performance trends and help guide additional supports, resources, and improvement efforts to better serve our students.

Please know that we take this information seriously and are committed to continuous growth for every child. If you have any questions after reviewing the letter, feel free to contact me at the school. We value our partnership with families as we work together to support student success.

Click here for the letter.

As you may know, the need for healthcare professionals in our region is significant, and supporting students who are interested in this field is more important than ever.

MAHEC’s Passport Program is available to students in grades 8–12. This program provides a wide range of meaningful experiences for students exploring healthcare careers, including field trips, simulation labs, and various professional development activities. The program is completely free, and students apply with parent consent and a teacher recommendation.

Events are offered throughout the year on both weekdays and weekends, giving students flexible opportunities to engage.

Passport website