Principal's Connect Ed Messages

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend. We begin this week with a very important reminder to all 7th grade families. Immunizations are due for all 7th graders. Any student who has not submitted updated/required immunizations by the 30th day of school will be required to remain at home until records are turned in/updated. Please see the attached documents as a reminder. Please bring your updated records to the school this week.

As we begin this week we want to remind everyone that this past Friday was the 14th day of the school year. As of Friday, students who have missed 1 or more days of school are considered chronically absent. Remember - attendance matters - strive to be at school each day - on time - and ready to learn. We also want to remind students to have their One Card prepared for Monday morning - is it packed and ready with your belongings? Please remember to not bring umbrellas to school and to limit the amount of metal in your bookbags because metal binders combined with Chromebooks cause the scan stations to go off when students walk through.

Below is a message from the NWMS Theatre Booster:

Break a leg on auditions! It will be a competitive process and we know there is so much talent in the NW Community. We wish everyone an audition that provides growth and learning.

Audition Dates:

September 19th - Middle School Auditions at NW Guilford High School

September 20th OR 21st - High School Auditions at NW Guilford High School

September 22nd - Call Backs 4:45 pm - 8:00 pm

Schedule for Auditions:

4:45 - Arrive at HS and register. Just like rehearsals, there will be no after school study hall. Please arrange for your student to be picked up from the middle school and dropped off at the high school.

5:00 - Vocal Warm Ups

5:15 - Auditions Begin

Vocal Auditions in small groups
waiting and time to change if needed

While small groups are auditioning, others will wait in the HS Cafeteria. Have them bring homework, snacks, water bottle, clothes to dance in and something to keep them busy. The Cafeteria will be a quiet space

Choreo Auditions in small groups

after choreography auditions, your student can text you for a ride home

There will be no special requests for audition slots / times. They will be randomly assigned as students register.

What Happens Next

Call Backs will be emailed to individuals via the email provided on the audition form. If you don't get a call back, it does not mean that you aren't casted. Cast list will be sent individually Friday with more instructions and info about the first rehearsal. Rehearsals will start at 4:45 and will be the responsibility of individual parents to arrange for their child to be there on time.

How you can support your child:

Preparation - students were given everything they needed for auditions during the musical review (music and tracks). A shared google folder was also sent out.
Well rested and hydrated! Water really helps those vocal cords!
Tell them they are amazing!
Remind them of future opportunities. Crew Opportunities will be announced post auditions and Community Theatre Auditions are posted in the FaceBook group.

Upcoming Events:

ITS Meetings (NWMS) on September 18th to elect officers and then the first Monday of each month

MJ at DPAC - October 21st

Grinch Photo Shoot Fundraiser - November 2nd - 4th

More Information Here

Below is a message from the NWMS PTO:

Please consider donating to our Vikings Cash Crusade fundraiser. We will now be accepting donations through September 30th. After the new year we will be accepting mini-grant applications from teachers and we want to be able to help as many teachers as possible with supplies for their classrooms that will directly impact our students! Viking Cash Crusade funds make this possible! Thank you to families that have already donated! We are excited to raffle off some amazing prizes in October!! Donate online under the Viking Cash Crusade tab on our website nwmsptso.org. Thank you!Also parents, please mark your calendars for Friday, September 22nd when our students can enjoy the first of this years SkyZone glow nights! From 3-10pm on September 22nd, anyone who attends and mentions that they are with NWMS, we will receive 30% of all fees paid!! So come out and have a fun evening of jumping and support our school!!!!

Below is a message from the NW Area Odyssey of the Mind Team:

It’s that time of the year again! We are recruiting for new OM teams this year, for students in grade K-12! Students must be from Guilford County and can attend GCS, charter, private or homeschools. All brand new memebers’ parent or guardian MUST attend an online interest meeting before registering. Available spaces are dependent on number of participants and the ability to find team coaches.

An online interest meeting will be September 23rd from 2-3pm. Registration closes on September 24th. Please email K8harding@yahoo.com if you have any questions or need additional information.

Below are weekly dates and information:

Monday, 9/18

Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball at Jamestown - please remember the GCS Clear Bag Policy.
Student Council after school - Mrs. C Williams's Room
Gamer's Unite - all grade levels - after school - Media Center
Math Club - after school - Mrs. McMillan's Room
Chess Club - after school - Mrs. Bock's Room
ITS Club - after school - in Mr. Luck's Room

Tuesday, 9/19

7:30-8:00 - FBLA Club - Media Center
7:30-8:00 - Chess Club - Mrs. Bock's room
Fall Pictures - all students will have their pictures made for our School Yearbook!
Into the Woods auditions begin at NWHS - students go home as normal and have a ride bring them back to auditions. See the blurb above for more information.

Wednesday, 9/20

7:30-8:00 - Spanish Club in Mrs. Scott's room
7:15-8:00 - Run/Walk Club at HS Track with Mrs. Swayze, Mr. Shuping, and Mrs. Hopkins
Art Club - after school in Mrs. Z's room
Ketchup Club - after school in Mrs. Bock's room
Football @ Kernodle. Please remember the GCS Clear Bag Policy.

Thursday, 9/21

7:30 - 8:00 - FBLA Club in Mrs. Johnson's room
7:30 - 8:00 - Impact Club in Mrs. Matherlee's room
Choir Club after school in Mr. Yngsdal's room

Friday, 9/22

PTO Skyzone Night - until 10:00 pm - see more information above in the PTO blurb.

Upcoming:

9/25 Workday - no school for students
9/27 NWEA ELA Map Assessment
10/1 Big Serve with Summit Church
10/2 NWEA Math Map Assessment
10/3 Interim Progress Reports emailed to all parents
10/9-13 Food Drive Competition with NWHS
10/9-13 Spirit Week
10/10 8th Grade Curriculum and Walk the Schedule Night 6:00-7:30
10/13 NWHS Homecoming Game
10/17 Fall Yearbook Picture Make Up/Retake Day
10/18 8th Grade to State Fair
10/18 7th Grade Curriculum and Walk the Schedule Night
10/20 Theatre Field Trip
10/24 6th Grade Curriculum and Walk the Schedule Night
10/30 Sports Team Pictures made after school
10/31 Happy Halloween
11/1 End of 1st Quarter
11/2 Workday - no school for students
11/3 Workday - no school for students

We want to thank our PTO for generously supporting our staff this past Friday with amazing treats to celebrate that NWMS Exceeded Growth last school year! We are very proud of this accomplishment! Thank a NWMS teacher this week for their diligent work and be sure to congratulate all our students! It is a Great Day to be a Viking!

Attachments:
messages/attachments/7e7958b7a6ed400f54cd9e2166dbb972/GCS_Health_Services_Requirements_6.6.23.pdf (1243.0 KB)
messages/attachments/9d6ed29f59d3ce7d817a3155d13d8fa0/North_Carolina_Back_to_School_VAX_requirements_6.27.23.pdf (800.5 KB)
messages/attachments/d4437316ef210460cdb8acbfde46bec6/The_Shot_Clock_6.27.23.pdf (268.5 KB)

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We are ready to begin Week 3 of the 23-24 school year! The most important message for this week is for 7th grade parents. As a reminder we must have on file your updated Vaccine Record. Any student that has not submitted their required vaccines by the 30th day of school will be required to be suspended. Please bring a hard copy of your child's vaccines to school if you have not already done so.

A few additional reminders:

1. Please remember to wear your One Card to school each day. For new students, we have taken all pictures and are in the process of ordering your cards - you should have them soon.

2. Please note that bookbags that have metal binders are causing the Scan Stations to go off each morning. Please look through your student's bookbag and encourage them to use a different type of binder if the metal one they are using is causing the Scan Station to go off in the morning. Please also do not send umbrella's to school - wear a rain jacket instead. Student's Chromebooks - when they are not combined with other types of metal in a bookbag - do not cause the Scan Stations to go off but if a student has any other type of metal in the bag we are finding that the student has to remove the Chromebook and walk through while holding it out in front of them. Please assist with this by making sure there is no additional metal in the bookbag to combine with a Chromebook.

3. Thank you for remembering to send in notes with your student if you plan to pick them up early from school. Also remember that we limit pickups after 3:00 to emergencies only.

4. Clubs begin this week. Please see below for specific club dates and there is also a document attached to this email that outlines more specifics about each club. Not all clubs are starting this week but the ones listed below are open to all students. A student did not have to sign up in advance to attend one of the clubs - just show up and start having fun! Look for more clubs to begin over the course of the next several weeks.

5. Parents when you attend home or away sporting events please remember the following:

All middle schools charge for all sporting events. $5 for adults and $3 for students.
All middle schools follow the GCS clear bag policy. Please leave bags that are not clear in your car. Staff members collecting money at the gate will be required to ask you to return any non-clear bags to your car.
Middle Schools are cash only and do not take credit cards.

6. We have now conducted our first Fire Drill and Tornado Drill for the 23-24 school year. In the coming week we will also conduct our first Lockdown Drill.

7. As many of you are aware, we started the school year without a Data Manager. This has been very hard on all of us. We are happy to report that our new Data Manager, Lalitha Ramana, will start at NWMS this Wednesday, 9/13.

This past week we celebrated a huge success when we learned that NWMS Exceeded Growth on last year's EOG Assessments! We are proud of our students and staff and want to thank all of our parents for your continued support!

News from our PTSO:

A flyer for Viking Cash Crusade was sent home this week. We will now be accepting donations through September 30th. We are really hoping to successfully complete this fundraiser goal! After the new year, we will be accepting mini-grant applications from teachers and we want to be able to help as many teachers as possible with supplies for their classrooms that will directly impact our students! Viking Cash Crusade funds make this possible! Thank you to families that have already donated! We are excited to raffle off some amazing prizes in October!! Donate online on the NWMS PTO Website under the Viking Cash Crusade tab. Thank you!

Also parents, please mark your calendars for Friday, September 22nd when our students can enjoy the first of this years SkyZone glow nights! >From 3-10pm on September 22nd, anyone who attends and mentions that they are with NWMS, we will receive 30% of all fees paid!! So come out and have a fun evening of jumping and support our school!!!!

Weekly Information

Monday, 9/11

Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball at Home - Davis admin coverage
3:45-5:00 - TSA Club with Mr. Reeves and Mrs. Apple - for 7th and 8th Grade Students only
3:30-4:15 Math Club in Mrs. McMillan's Room.
3:45-5:00 Gamer's Unite with Mr. McNicholas for 6th Grade Students only. 7th and 8th graders will have their first meeting starting on 9/18.
3:30-4:15 Chess Club with Mrs. Bock

Tuesday, 9/12

7:30 am FBLA with Ms. Johnson and Ms. Minner
7:30 am Chess Club with Mrs. Bock
3:45-4:45 Choir Club with Mr. Yngsdal

Wednesday, 9/13

Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball @ Eastern Middle
7:15-8:00 - Run/Walk Club with Mrs. Hopkins, Mr. Shuping and Mrs. Swayze
7:15-8:00 - Spanish Club with Mrs. Scott
3:30-4:15 - Ketchup Club with Mrs. Bock

Thursday, 9/14

7:30-8:00 - Impact Club with Mrs. Matherlee
7:30-8:00 - FLBA with Mrs. Johnson and Ms. Minner
3:45-4:45 - Choir Club with Mr. Yngsdal

Upcoming:

9/19 Fall Yearbook Pictures
9/19-9/21 Into the Woods Auditions
9/22 Skyzone Night with PTO
9/25 Workday - no school for students
9/27 NWEA ELA Map Assessment
10/1 Big Serve with Summit Church
10/2 NWEA Math Map Assessment
10/3 Interim Progress Reports emailed to all parents
10/9-13 Food Drive Competition with NWHS
10/10 8th Grade Curriculum and Walk the Schedule Night 6:00-7:30
10/13 NWHS Homecoming Game
10/17 Fall Yearbook Picture Make Up/Retake Day
10/18 8th Grade to State Fair
10/18 7th Grade Curriculum and Walk the Schedule Night
10/20 Theatre Field Trip
10/24 6th Grade Curriculum and Walk the Schedule Night
10/30 Sports Team Pictures made after school
10/31 Happy Halloween
11/1 End of 1st Quarter
11/2 Workday - no school for students
11/3 Workday - no school for students

Attachments:
messages/attachments/beeddf170d3bd307ccd2216fb33c8165/2023_2024_Club_Schedule_by_day.docx (23.3 KB)

Monday, September 4, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We hope everyone had a great 1st week of school and a great Labor Day Weekend!

Students, please locate your One Card this evening and place it with your belongings so that you remember to wear it to school tomorrow morning. Also - be sure you charge your Chromebook tonight and follow all the directions below with regards to your device.

Below are important updates and reminders:

Monday, 9/4

Holiday - school closed

Tuesday, 9/5

SEL Tuesday Schedule (bell times are changed as we have an extended Homeroom Period each Tuesday for a Social Emotional Learning lesson)
Club Fair during all lunches - check out the Clubs being offered this year and sign up for the clubs you want to join!

Wednesday, 9/6

We will practice our mandatory Tornado Drill procedures on this day

Thursday, 9/7

4:45 Girls Volleyball and Boys Soccer @ Kernodle

Upcoming:

9/19 - Fall Yearbook Pictures (staff individual pictures too)
9/19-21 - Into the Woods Auditions at NWHS Auditorium
9/21 - Girls Volleyball and Boys Soccer Team Pictures
9/25 - Staff Workday - no school for students
9/27 - ELA NWEA Map Assessment
10/1 - Big Serve Volunteer Event with The Summit Church
10/2 - Math NWEA Map Assessment
10/3 - Interim Reports emailed to all parents
10/9-10/30 - CTE Fundraiser - Attractions Books
10/19 - Football and Cheerleading Team Pictures
10/30 - Girls Soccer and Boys Volleyball Team Pictures

Reminders:

We distributed Chromebooks and chargers to our students on Friday. Please make sure students keep their chargers at home until the end of the school year. We have a few extra chargers in every classroom if a student needs to re-charge their device during the school day. This weekend, please help determine where your student charging station will be at home every night. Please keep the device in the same place every evening and make sure it is charging for use at school the next day. We will begin using devices in our classrooms on Tuesday morning. This weekend, we ask that you have students turn on their device at home and connect to your home WIFI. The device will pull software updates and will help our device registration process go smoother and faster on Tuesday morning.
If you do not have wifi access at home, please contact our Media Specialist or our School Counselors at school and we will do our best to secure a WiFi hotspot for your student to use with their Chromebook when they are at home.
We strongly encourage all parents to download and use GoGuardian on all student issued Chromebooks. The GoGuardian Parent App Letter is linked on the Media Center page on the school website under Chromebooks and here is a direct link for more information: GoGuardian Parent App
Summer Reading Minutes are due in Beanstack by September 8th. Beanstack is linked in CLEVER on student devices. Students MUST enroll in the GCS Summer Break Challenge and enter their Summer Reading Minutes there to receive their Kersey Valley gift certificate. Additional information regarding our Summer Reading Challenge is available on our Media Center landing page on our school website (linked here). GCS Summer Reading Challenge Beanstack Link
Throughout the months of September and October, our speech therapist will conduct hearing screenings for all 6th grade students during the school day. Parents will be notified if their child does not pass the screening protocol.
We have a new school Treasurer/Secretary - please join me in welcoming Alicia Nelson to our front office! Mrs. Nelson started working this past Friday.
We also have a new Data Manager that will be starting the week of Sept. 11th. Please welcome Lalitha Ramana to this role!
Additional Staff Changes include:

Mrs. Holt will be leaving NWMS and GCS to become a School Counselor in another district. Mrs. Williams who is our current 7th Grade EC Inclusion Teacher will be moving into the EC Resource Classroom to replace Mrs. Holt. Mrs. Kirwan, who is a current EC Teacher Assistant in our Adapted Classroom, will be taking over the 7th Grade EC Inclusion position. These changes will begin to take place over the course of the next few weeks.

Important Message about Attendance:

Attendance is important and we need our students in school each day! Friday marked the 5th day of the school year. As of Friday, students who have missed 1 or more days are considered Chronically Absent. Remember - attendance matters - strive to be here each day - on time - and ready to learn!

Have a great week and thank you for your continued support,

Mrs. Francisco

Monday, August 28, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

This is Mrs. Francisco calling/emailing with an update on how our 1st day went and a few reminders to help all of us for the remainder of the week. We had a marvelous 1st day of school. Students were incredible and we have the best of the best staff! Thanks to everyone for making it a great first day!

Today students received their new One Cards. These cards are now Tap-n-Go cards so students will tap them at a new tap reader instead of scanning them like they did last year. For this reason it is very important that the cards not be defaced in anyway with hole punches, stickers, or markers. The Tap Stations are very sensitive and will not read cards that have been damaged or altered. It is important that old One Cards be destroyed as they will not work at our new stations.

Every student at NWMS is required to wear their One Card around their neck with their lanyard each day. Everyone was provided a lanyard and a plastic sleeve to protect their new One Card. The only students who will manually enter a number into the Tap Stations tomorrow are new students who do not yet have a One Card. NWMS students are expected to always have their One Cards on throughout the day. This is a safety measure that allows us to quickly identify everyone on our campus and alerts us if someone is walking on campus without a valid picture ID card. Please talk to your students about the importance of School Safety and why it is so important that we always be able to quickly identify who each student is.

It is also important that all car rider students know/have memorized their Car Tag number and that they come to their assigned table in the cafe when their number is entered into the Teams Chat each afternoon. This afternoon, we had numerous students who did not come to the cafe when their number was entered and we had to re-enter and call for some students multiple times. Please remember that all students need to be picked up no later than 3:50. Again, we plead with you to please sign up and use the school buses if at all possible to allow our car rider line to be shorter and more manageable. Please visit the GCS Transportation Website to sign up for a bus.

The morning arrival process was very smooth and we thank you for all you did this morning to help us maintain a safe arrival. A few items that caused the Scan Stations to go off were metal pencil boxes that we asked students to not bring back to school. We look forward to seeing all students tomorrow. Thanks again and have a great night.

Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

This is Mrs. Francisco calling with your weekly updates. We are so excited to welcome students back to school tomorrow morning! The 23-24 school year will be the best yet!

We enjoyed seeing everyone at Open House. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as Open House was our very first day with new Scan Stations being turned on. We learned a great deal that night and we feel prepared to start using them tomorrow morning as students enter. Here are a few reminders to help us have a smooth start:

We will begin the unloading of buses and car riders at 8:00 am. Students are not allowed to be dropped off from any location other than our official car rider line or a school bus. Students are not allowed to be dropped off prior to 8:00 am. A staff member at our Car Rider Line will begin the unloading process promptly at 8:00 am. Please do not unload your car until you see that staff member indicate that the line has started.
For Car Riders: If you are one of the approximately first 15 cars in line you will unload at 8:00 to begin our line movement. We unload the entire area alongside the covered walkway and down to the crosswalk at the Mobiles. If you are in this section of the Car Rider Line it is imperative that you exit your car and walk up the sidewalk to the front doors of the school. Then the next car (right behind the crosswalk lines at the mobiles) will drive all the way up to the #1/top spot and begin the second group to unload (and so on until the entire line is empty). Please follow the directions of our staff members that are out on duty and unload your car at the correct time. Do not stay in your car if you are in the unload area in hopes of getting let off closer to the top of the line. This will cause everyone behind you to get off track. If it is raining heavily we may alter this plan and only unload the first 9 spots that are beside the covered walkway. Please pay attention and be on the lookout for the staff member giving directions if it is raining heavily.
As students enter the front doors of the school they will walk through (one at a time) the Scan Station. A nice way to remember items that are typically setting off the detectors is "BLUE". B = binders (metal), L = laptops (but not our student Chromebooks - whew!), U = umbrellas, and E = eyeglass cases. Students do not need to take items out of their bags in anticipation of an item setting off the scanners. They just need to keep their bag intact and walk through the scan station. If something is detected we will send them to a table to have their bag checked.
Please remember that NWMS does not allow smoking or vaping of any type of device and if these items are located during the morning Scan Stations they will be confiscated and disciplinary consequences implemented immediately with parents being contacted to come to the school. DO NOT bring any type of Vape to or on our campus. No exceptions!
Students are allowed to bring a cell phone to school but it should always be in their bookbag and silenced unless given permission by a teacher to use it during a class activity. There should be no cell phones out or in student hands as they enter the school and go through the scan stations. Phones are not allowed to be taken to the bathroom or to lunch. Phones will be confiscated and parents will be required to come to school to pick a confiscated phone up as needed.
All paperwork for sports try outs should be turned into Ms. Thomas in the gym by 8:30 or as soon as you get to school on Monday. If your previous physical is over 395 days old you will need a new one. All students trying out for a sport will need a new concussion form. You must meet all eligibility requirements to try out and tryouts begin Monday/tomorrow immediately after school. Please make sure you have a ride home after tryouts.
Attached is our Student/Family Handbook. Please review for all policies.
A reminder to all 7th graders that you must have your updated vaccines and this documentation must be submitted by the 30th day of school. Attached is information about this requirement.
Each teacher's grading policy is included in their Course Syllabus. You should have received a copy of this at Open House and/or you will get a copy on the first day of school and it will also be covered at an upcoming Walk the Schedule Night (date TBD). Please make sure you have secured your PowerParent Account so that you are able to check grades weekly in PowerSchool. Please note that grades in PowerSchool are the official grades (not Canvas).
We will be giving students their Chromebook Devices this Friday.
Please read the section of our Family Handbook regarding attendance and late arrivals/early dismissals.

We are looking forward to an amazing year and we look forward to serving each student and family! Northwest is an amazing school community and we are all fortunate to be Vikings!

Please contact us via email or phone if you have any questions or need additional support.

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/49d4c510b17707bf53c1dd88a3d56ec5/NWMS_Family_Handbook_2023_2024.docx (667.2 KB)
messages/attachments/7e7958b7a6ed400f54cd9e2166dbb972/GCS_Health_Services_Requirements_6.6.23.pdf (1243.0 KB)
messages/attachments/9d6ed29f59d3ce7d817a3155d13d8fa0/North_Carolina_Back_to_School_VAX_requirements_6.27.23.pdf (800.5 KB)
messages/attachments/87308d1bc9604728fc67342efe220c60/PowerSchool_Flyer_1.27.23.pdf (412.7 KB)
messages/attachments/d4437316ef210460cdb8acbfde46bec6/The_Shot_Clock_6.27.23.pdf (268.5 KB)
messages/attachments/30c99cc6199972a792ba3b6cad0ed295/ECollect_Flyer_7.11.23.pdf (1375.7 KB)

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Parents,

This afternoon at Open House from 3:00 - 7:00 our new Scan Stations will be running at the front entrance doors of our school.

This is the first day that these will be operational for us and we ask for your patience and cooperation tonight as you enter our school and pass through the Scan Stations. We will be asking parents and students to enter one at a time and again - because this is our first day - this will take longer than usual. Please be patient with us - we want tonight to be a fun and great kickoff to our great school year!

As a reminder - this is a school campus and no weapons of any type are allowed on our campus. We ask parents to please limit the number of bags you bring into the school and please only have your student bring their bookbag if they want to run it through the scan stations. We ask parents to use the Clear Bag policy if you wish to bring in your own personal purse or bag. This will help speed up our process. Leaving all bags (except student backpacks that you want to test) in your locked trunk will be the best practice for adults as they enter the school.

Thank you for your help this afternoon.

Mrs. Francisco

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We are looking forward to seeing you at Open House tomorrow between the hours of 3:00-7:00 pm. At Open House you will find tables for our PTO and we ask that you please consider joining our PTO tomorrow night. They will also be selling Spirit Wear and sharing information about the Fall Viking Cash Crusade Fundraiser.

In addition to PTO we will have tables set up with representatives from Transportation and other community agencies in and around our Cafeteria. In the Media Center you will be able to find our Counselors and our Data Manager should you have any questions about schedules or registration. If you need a hard copy of your child's schedule you will also be able to pick it up in the Media Center tomorrow afternoon.

In our Main Office please stop by to register and receive your Car Tag number if you will use our Car Rider Line this school year. Any student who gets picked up in the afternoon via our Car Rider Line will need to have a Car Tag and the student will need to know/memorize their number for the 1st day of school next Monday. If your child takes medication at school you can also bring the Medical Authorization Form and the Medicine to Open House in our Main Office.

Our new Scan Stations at the front doors of the school are now set up. If you want to test the contents of your bookbag you can bring the bookbag to Open House with you. We look forward to seeing everyone - Open House is floating and you are welcome to join anytime between 3:007:00 pm.

Mrs. Francisco

Monday, July 31, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Viking Families,

If you are receiving this email - that is awesome - it means we have a correct email in our system for your NWMS Viking Student! Please check with friends and families of other NWMS students to make sure they also received this important communication. If they did not - they need to provide us with an email address by calling 336-605-3333 and speak with our Data Manager, Signe Lee, to have a valid email address entered into our system.

Welcome to the 23-24 School Year! We are ready to make this the best year yet for our Vikings and we are incredibly excited to kick-off the school year! We will be emailing all parents Student Schedules on Monday, August 14th. We will also have paper copies available at Open House. Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, August 23rd. It is a floating event from 3:00-7:00 pm. For updated information please use our School Website - it contains important information to help you have a successful year.

This year our students will travel through Scan Stations at the front entrance of the building. Because of this, we are asking that you please limit the amount of heavy metal (think metal water bottles for example) from your student's backpack. Please attempt to pack plastic items that will be less likely to set off the Scan Alarm on a daily basis. We hope that the scan stations will be in place in advance of Open House so that you can bring items packed in your backpack to have a test/trial walk through. I will notify you just as soon as we are ready/able for you to stop by and test your belongings in your bookbag. Grade Level Supply Lists are located on our Website.

Also this year, we will return our cafeteria to pre-Covid processes and students will not have access to a microwave in the cafeteria. Please plan accordingly for students to eat packed meals from home that do not require microwave preparation. Hot lunch/food is available to be purchased from our cafeteria each day.

Attached to this email are several documents that we are asking you to review. Below is a bulleted list of the items that are attached. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Family Handbook - this handbook has critical information that will assist you throughout the school year.
Flyer for ECollect - this allows you to update your contact information directly into PowerSchool - please review this and update your information if it changes.
PowerSchool Flyer - this provides a QR code for setting up your PowerParent/PowerSchool account. You will use the frequently in middle school and we strongly urge you to set this up.
Peachjar Flyer - this provides you information about the Peachjar App that GCS uses to push out GCS Information and School Flyers.
Lunch Application - in English and Spanish. Please complete as soon as possible. More information about this below as well.
Virtual Helpline Flyer - use this throughout the year for access to free tutoring and academic support.

In addition please visit the GCS Transportation Department by clicking here to gain information about Bus Routes/Transportation.

Finally, the federal waivers that allowed districts to provide free meals to all students have expired, so the district will resume its pre-pandemic meal prices, which are $1 for breakfast and $2.85 for lunch. We are asking all parents to fill out the meal benefits application at www.lunchapplication.com. Even if you don’t think you qualify for benefits, the information you provide will help our district qualify for federal grants and other funding that will benefit all children. You can find more information online at www.gcsnc.com/backtoschool23.

I typically send a NWMS Weekly Update message out each Sunday afternoon. Sometimes I do this via phone and other times via email only. Thank you for taking the time to read our Parent/Family Handbook and for all you are doing to prepare for the 23-24 school year! It will be a great year to be a NWMS Viking!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/49d4c510b17707bf53c1dd88a3d56ec5/NWMS_Family_Handbook_2023_2024.docx (667.2 KB)
messages/attachments/30c99cc6199972a792ba3b6cad0ed295/ECollect_Flyer_7.11.23.pdf (1375.7 KB)
messages/attachments/87308d1bc9604728fc67342efe220c60/PowerSchool_Flyer_1.27.23.pdf (412.7 KB)
messages/attachments/27aa818095ee7797d08f40013f91a979/GCS-peachjar-flyer_BT.pdf (389.1 KB)
messages/attachments/da622c61bca1a016d8447807d66f3c0b/Lunch_app_2023-24.pdf (1563.8 KB)
messages/attachments/8785b1d577a6be7048db23da517905a3/Lunch_app_v2-Spa.pdf (4.5 MB)
messages/attachments/337a3936bb68cc1b987e0d274fc69f28/Virtual_Helpline_4.5.23_QR_code.pdf (786.5 KB)

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Happy Last Week of School NWMS Vikings!

We have a couple of messages from our Media Center:

Students who read for 900 minutes this summer will receive a Kersey Valley attraction certificate in the fall when we return to school! Students should register for the GCS Summer Reading Challenge and track their reading minutes in the Beanstack app that we use throughout our district now. Details about the Summer Reading Challenge and how to use Beanstack over the summer are on the Media Center page of our school website.
ALL library books were due back to the Media Center on May 26^th. Please make sure you have returned all library books as soon as possible! Students may continue to read ebooks in both our school Destiny catalog and through the North Carolina Digital Library this summer.

Also - this past week students took their ELA and Math EOGs. Scores have been provided to ELA and Math teachers who are able to communicate with you your child's scores. We will send official score reports home when we mail report cards on June 21st. Also - if your child was not proficient on the test last week they will have another opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency during the week of June 13-16th. A letter was sent home on Thursday or Friday with any student who was not proficient on the Reading/ELA or Math EOG. Please let your child's teacher know if your child will or will not be able to attend the remediation and retest week. We should get Science scores back on Monday and will communicate the results of those scores and invite anyone who was not proficient on the Science test to remediation and retest week as well.

This will be a fun week of End of the Year celebrations. All grade levels have something fun planned to celebrate and then we end the week with the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony on Friday at 9:30 am in the Northwest High Gym.

We want to thank you for your continued partnership this entire school year. We hope you have a safe and fun Summer Break. Open House for next year is scheduled for August 23rd from 3:00-7:00 pm.

Information for this Week:

Monday, 6/5

Make Up EOG Testing
Gamer's Unite and TSA End of the Year Celebration Party

Tuesday, 6/6

Make Up EOG Testing
6th Grade End of the Year Celebration at Triad Park

Wednesday, 6/7

8th Grade Field Day and Promotion Ceremony practice
Make Up End of Grade Testing

Thursday, 6/8

Make Up End of Grade Testing
7th Grade End of the Year Celebration
8th Grade Promotion practice
Impact Club End of the Year Party 7:30
8th Grade Dance

Friday, 6/9

Last Day of School!
Make Up End of Grade Testing
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at NWHS 9:30

Upcoming:

6/13-16 - Remediation and Retests for EOG Week
6/21 - Report Cards mailed to parents

Thanks for a great year,

Mrs. Francisco

Monday, May 29, 2023

Happy Memorial Day! We hope you had a restful and special holiday with family and friends.

We will complete EOC and EOG Testing this week - see calendar below. Our teachers, staff and students have been preparing all year for this week and we know our students are going to shine as they take their EOG assessments. We ask that everyone get plenty of rest this week and wake up early, eat a good breakfast, and get to school ready to do your very best! During testing this week, it is very important that students are on time to school (everyone should be in homeroom by 8:30). Testing will begin each day by 8:45. If students arrive after that time, they cannot enter a testing room. Because all available staff is being utilized for testing, we will not be able to accommodate a supervised space for late students to wait until testing is over. Please be on time each day this week.

• Reminder to parents and students that Chromebooks should be charged for EOG testing this week and that students should bring their chargers to school for use during testing.

• Reminder that ALL library books were due on Friday, May 26th. Please return all library books as soon as possible.

• Students who wish to participate in the GCS Summer Reading Challenge should log their minutes on the Beanstack app. Currently, students access Beanstack on their Chromebooks but in the summer, there is an app for that! Mrs. Stringer will be providing information about our Summer Reading Challenge and how to access the Beanstack app on the Media Center page of our school website. Students who read for 900 minutes this summer will receive a certificate to Kersey Valley next fall!

Summer School for NWMS will be held this summer at Northern Middle School. Any student with a final grade of F in a core class (ELA/Math/Science/SS) will be invited and expected to attend Summer School. There are additional data points being used to invite students to Summer School and some letters have already been sent out inviting students. If you have received one of these letters please follow the directions to register for Summer School. Final Grades will be reviewed in the next couple of weeks and additional letters will be mailed to families with information about Summer School.

Students who do not show proficiency (passing score) on their EOG tests this week will be invited to a remediation/enrichment and retest week June 13-16th. We will communicate with you just as soon as scores are reported from testing this week if your child needs to attend this remediation/enrichment/retest week.

Important Dates and Information:

Tuesday, 5/30

Math 1 EOC

Wednesday, 5/31

Spanish Club 7:30
6/7/8 Math EOG Tests

Thursday, 6/1

6/7/8 ELA EOG Tests
Orchestra Parent Meeting 6:00 in Front Commons
Spanish Club Dinner at Rio Grande

Friday, 6/2

8th Grade Science EOG

Upcoming:

6/5-6/8 - EOG Make Ups
6/6 - 6th Grade End of Year Celebration at Triad Park
6/7 - 8th Grade End of Year Field Day, lunch, and Promotion Ceremony Practice
6/8 - 8th Grade Practice for Promotion Ceremony
6/8 - 7th Grade End of Year Field Day
6/8 - 8th Grade Dance
6/9 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Northwest High School 9:30 am
6/9 - Last Day of school
6/13-16 - Remediation/Enrichment and Retests for EOG Week
6/21 - Report Cards mailed to parents

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

I hope you have enjoyed this beautiful weekend.

As we complete these final three week's of the school year and near the dates for End of Grade Tests, please remind your child that our school expectations remain in full effect all the way to the final day. Recently, we have had increased use of negative language and instances where students are using racial based comments that are inappropriate and hurtful. We will not tolerate bullying in our school and the use of targeted comments that are hurtful and hateful will be addressed with parent involvement and the use of our Student Code of Conduct. I am asking for your support with our school seeing improvement in this area for the remainder of the school year and moving forward for next year as well.

We are in need of a few additional proctors (parent volunteers) for EOG testing on May 30th, 31, and June 1st. Proctors assist in monitoring testing sites and need to be available from 8:30-1:30 on these days. If you are willing and able to help, please email our testing coordinator, Heather Lenard at lenardh@gcsnc.com.

A special message will be sent to 8th grade parents from our PTSO and the 8th grade parents who are putting together a very special dance on June 8th for our 8th graders.

Here is information for the week and dates through June 9th:

Monday, 5/22

Battle Bus in Bus Parking Lot after school
Chorus Concert 6:00 pm at NWHS

Tuesday, 5/23

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Spotlight Breakfast 8:45 am
Choir Club - after school
6th-8th Grade Spring Orchestra Concert

Wednesday, 5/24

Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school

Thursday, 5/25

Impact - 7:30
Choir Club - after school

Friday, 5/26

Spanish 1 Final Exam
Extend 1 EOG Testing
Backpack Cleanout during Core 1

Upcoming:

5/29 - Holiday - Memorial Day - school closed
5/30 - Math 1 EOC Exam
5/31 - 6-8 Math EOG and Math 2 Final Exam
6/1 - 6-8 ELA EOG
6/2 - 8th Grade Science EOG
6/5-6/8 - EOG Make Ups
6/6 - 6th Grade End of Year Celebration at Triad Park
6/7 - 8th Grade End of Year Field Day, lunch, and Promotion Ceremony Practice
6/8 - 8th Grade Practice for Promotion Ceremony
6/8 - 7th Grade End of Year Field Day
6/8 - 8th Grade Dance - more info to be released soon
6/9 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Northwest High School 9:30 am
6/9 - Last Day of school
6/13-16 - Remediation and Retests for EOG Week
6/21 - Report Cards mailed to parents

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! We hope you enjoyed this special day.

This afternoon I want to begin with a huge shout our to our students who performed this past Friday under the leadership of Mr. Luck and Mr. Yngsdal. The students performed Thank You for the Music and it was phenomenal! Congratulations to all and great job!

Join the Gamer's Unite and TSA Club at the Battle Bus which will be parked in the bus parking lot on May 22 from 3:30-5:30. Come ask about our competitive eSports club and our robotics club!

The Viking Market will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week. This will be the last week! All food items will be discounted 25%.

Jazz Band will have an additional rehearsal on Tuesday morning. The Spring Band Concert will be Tuesday, May 16 in the Middle School Gym. 6th Grade performs at 6:00, 7th Grade performs at 6:30, Jazz Band performs at 6:50, and 8th Grade performs at 7:10.

Dates and importation information:

Monday, 5/15

Viking Market Open
Student Council (last one) - after school
Baseball and Softball @ Northern - last game of the season!

Tuesday, 5/16

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Jazz Band Rehearsal 7:30 am
Choir Club - after school
SBLT Meeting 4:00 in Media Center
6th-8th Grade Spring Band Concert 6:00-7:30

Wednesday, 5/17

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
7th and 8th Grade Asian Culture Club - after school

Thursday, 5/18

Impact - 7:30
FBLA - 7:30
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school

Friday, 5/19

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25 - this will be the last Viking Market this school year!
Poetry Club - after school

Upcoming:

5/22 - Battle Bus in the school parking lot
5/23 - Spotlight Breakfast
5/23 - 6th-8th Grade Orchestra Concert
5/26 - Back Pack Clean Out Day
5/26 - EOG Testing Window Opens - Extend 1 Testing and Spanish 1 Final Exam
5/29 - Holiday - Memorial Day - school closed
5/30 - Math 1 EOC Exam
5/31 - 6-8 Math EOG and Math 2 Final Exam
6/1 - 6-8 ELA EOG
6/2 - 8th Grade Science EOG
6/5-6/8 - EOG Make Ups
6/6 - 6th Grade End of Year Celebration at Triad Park
6/7 - 8th Grade End of Year Field Day, lunch, and Promotion Ceremony Practice
6/8 - 8th Grade Practice for Promotion Ceremony
6/8 - 7th Grade End of Year Field Day
6/8 - 8th Grade Dance
6/9 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Northwest High School 9:30 am
6/9 - Last Day of school
6/13-16 - Remediation and Retests for EOG Week
6/21 - Report Cards emailed to parents

Sunday, May 7, 2023

We want to thank all our parents for the support you showed our staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. We are so thankful for Jessica Clements and Erin Travland and the team of parents that assisted them with coordinating all the treats and special events/gifts this past week. Also this past week we had an amazing Book Fair and I want to thank Book Fair Chair, Paige Riordon, and all the parent volunteers (many who were there every single day) who made the entire week totally fantastic!

Parents, did your child purchase Slime last week at the Book Fair? If so, we are asking that you please require that they keep the Slime at home the remainder of the school year. Also, recently students have been squirting other students with their water bottles. We cannot have students creating wet/dangerous floors and getting other students wet during the school day. Please speak with your student about this inappropriate behavior. Also - please remind them to bring their One Cards to school every day. It is taking a large amount of time each morning manually entering students into the scan station because they forgot or have lost their One Card.

Also a reminder that May 9th is Interim Report Day. Reports will be emailed to all parents. Please communicate with your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns about the Interim Progress Report. We ask the parents of any student with a D or an F in any course to communicate and/or have a conference with your child's teacher.

We have a very important announcement from our CF and AP - Testing Coordinators: We are looking for volunteers to proctor for our EOG tests during testing on May 31 and June 1. Proctors must be at least 18 years old and be available during the hours of 8:00 and 1:00. Please email Heather Lenard: lenardh@gcsnc.com Please provide your name, date of availability, and phone number.

This Friday, 5/12, join the fun for the International Thespian Society - Northwest Little Theatre performance of Thank You For The Music from 7:00-8:30 at the Summit Church in Oak Ridge! If you have seen Grease, Our Town, or Footloose you know these kids and Mr. Luck are beyond amazing! You won't want to miss it as they perform songs from all their performances and celebrate this amazing school year!

Monday, 5/8

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Pretty Cool Book Club after school
Student Council - after school
Baseball and Softball @ Jamestown

Tuesday, 5/9

Interim Progress Reports Emailed to Parents
Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
ITS Rehearsals after school
Choir Club - after school

Wednesday, 5/10

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
6th Grade Math Parent Meeting (rising 7th grade parents) 7:45-8:00 am in Media Center
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
6th Grade Asian Culture Club - after school
Track Meet at Home vs. Southeast
Baseball and Softball away @ Southeast

Thursday, 5/11

Select Band Students on Field Trip
Impact - 7:30
FBLA - 7:30
Choir Club - after school
ITS Rehearsals - after school
FCCLA - after school
Rising 6th Grade Parent Night 6:00-7:30

Friday, 5/12

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Select Band Students on Field Trip
Poetry Club - after school
ITS Performance at Summit Church

Upcoming:

5/16 - 6th-8th Grade Band Concert
5/17 - Part 2 of Test Training during Grade Level/Planning Period - Encore too
5/22 - Chorus Concert
5/23 - Spotlight Breakfast
5/23 - 6th-8th Grade Orchestra Concert
5/26 - Back Pack Clean Out Day
5/26 - EOG Testing Window Opens - Extend 1 Testing and Spanish 1 Final Exam
5/29 - Holiday - Memorial Day - school closed
5/30 - Math 1 EOC Exam
5/31 - 6-8 Math EOG and Math 2 Final Exam
6/1 - 6-8 ELA EOG
6/2 - 8th Grade Science EOG
6/5-6/8 - EOG Make Ups
6/6 - 6th Grade End of Year Celebration at Triad Park
6/7 - 8th Grade End of Year Field Day, lunch, and Promotion Ceremony Practice
6/8 - 8th Grade Practice for Promotion Ceremony
6/8 - 7th Grade End of Year Field Day
6/8 - 8th Grade Dance - more info to be released soon
6/9 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Northwest High School 9:30 am
6/9 - Last Day of school
6/13-16 - Remediation and Retests for EOG Week
6/21 - Report Cards emailed to parents

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

What an exciting week this will be around NWMS! We celebrate our entire staff with Teacher Appreciation Week and it is also the Spring Book Fair! Please see attached a flyer about Teacher Appreciation Week and also attached to this week's email is information about a special performance by the Northwest Little Theatre on Friday, May 12th.

Here is important information about the Book Fair:

Our Bedford Falls Book Fair Fiesta this week includes some fun and exciting events. Our Book Fair Fiesta is a great chance to purchase some amazing reads for your students Summer Reading! Lots of great books available!

Monday is Double Raffle Day. Students will receive 2 raffle tickets for every book purchase and may enter to win our great raffle prizes! Also, Monday night from 4 pm until 8 pm is our Family Night! We will have 2 very special raffle prizes available that evening and food trucks will be on site for your family dinner.
On Tuesday, students will receive an opportunity to win slime with every book purchase in addition to the regular raffle ticket.
On Wednesday, students have a Chance to win a book of their choice with every book purchase in addition to the regular raffle ticket.
On Thursday, students have a chance to win a Special Raffle Prize: a Pinata filled with candy.
Friday is our Pajama Day. Student must pay $2 to wear their pajamas on Friday. All proceeds from pajama day help to cover our special drawings and student gift certificates.

Save the date and join the fun for the International Thespian Society - Northwest Little Theatre performance of Thank You For The Music on Friday, May 12th from 7:00-8:30 at the Summit Church in Oak Ridge! If you have seen Grease, Our Town, or Footloose you know these kids and Mr. Luck are beyond amazing! You won't want to miss it as they perform songs from all their performances and celebrate this amazing school year!

Additional Dates and Information:

Monday, 5/1

Spring Book Fair - open all week - see more information above
Coffee, Tea and Donuts in the Media Center for Teacher Appreciation Week
Viking Market Open
Math Club After School
Gamers Unite and TSA Club after school
Student Council - after school
Baseball and Softball after school
Family Night at the Book Fair 4:00-8:00

Tuesday, 5/2

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Thankful Snacks in the Staff Lounge for Teacher Appreciation Week
ITS Rehearsals after school
Choir Club - after school
Golf @ Cardinal

Wednesday, 5/3

Massage Chair for Teacher Appreciation Week in the Staff Lounge
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
Track Meet at Northern
Baseball and Softball at Home

Thursday, 5/4

Catered Lunch for Teacher Appreciation Week in the Media Center
Anyone who pre-ordered Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will be able to pick the Doughnuts up on 5/4. If you did not pre-order - there will be doughnuts for sale for $12.00/dozen.
Impact - 7:30
FBLA - 7:30
Choir Club - after school
ITS Rehearsals - after school
FCCLA - after school

Friday, 5/5

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Poetry Club 7:30
Pajama Day for the Book Fair - pay $2.00 in Homeroom to wear your Pajamas to school!
To the Moon and Back Ice Cream for Teacher Appreciation Week

Upcoming:

5/9 - Interim Progress Reports emailed to parents
5/10 - Rising 7th Grade Math Parent Meeting 7:45 am in Media Center
5/11 - Rising 6th grade Parent Night 6:00-7:30
5/12 - Northwest Little Theatre presents Thank You for the Music 7:00 at The Summit Church in Oak Ridge
5/11-12 - Select Band Students at Piedmont Honor Band
5/16 - 6th-8th Grade Band Concert
5/23 - Spotlight Breakfast
5/23 - 6th-8th Grade Orchestra Concert
5/26 - Back Pack Clean Out Day
5/26 - EOG Testing Window Opens - Extend 1 Testing and Spanish 1 Final Exam
5/29 - Holiday - Memorial Day - school closed
5/30 - Math 1 EOC Exam
5/31 - 6-8 Math EOG and Math 2 Final Exam
6/1 - 6-8 ELA EOG
6/2 - 8th Grade Science EOG
6/5-6/8 - EOG Make Ups
6/6 - 6th Grade End of Year Celebration at Triad Park
6/7 - 8th Grade End of Year Field Day, lunch, and Promotion Ceremony Practice
6/8 - 8th Grade Practice for Promotion Ceremony
6/8 - 7th Grade End of Year Field Day
6/9 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Northwest High School 9:30 am
6/9 - Last Day of school
6/13-16 - Remediation and Retests for EOG Week
6/21 - Report Cards emailed to parents

Thank you for your continued support!

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/291af6d8fe89747079dd07910d323f45/Teacher_and_Staff_Appreciation_Week_flyer_for_Parents.jpg (117.4 KB)
messages/attachments/227f9afb23264c65c62d8f4b294567ac/Thank_you_for_the_Music.jpg (22.8 KB)

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

Please remember to charge your Chromebook tonight and bring it to school tomorrow with your individual ear pods for the Math NWEA Assessment. All students will take this test during the morning hours.

This coming Wednesday is Administrative Professionals Day! Please help me shower our front office staff with appreciation this Wednesday. We are so thankful for Vickie Oakley, School Treasurer; Morgan Watson, Front Office Support; Shawna Phelps, Front Office Support and Counseling Support; and Signe Lee, Data Manager! They keep our school running efficiently and assist with so many tasks each day - we are very thankful for ALL they do!

A huge thanks this week to Mrs. Williams and our Student Council for hosting a Career Fair on Tuesday. There are several other special events happening this week including the Book Fair Preview for the Book Fair that will open the next week. Don't forget to mark your calendars for Monday, May 1st - that will be Family Night at the Book Fair! See below for other important dates and information for this week:

Monday, 4/24

Viking Market Open
NWEA Math Map Tests
Math Club After School
Student Council - after school

Tuesday, 4/25

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
College and Career Fair hosted by Student Council during Encore Classes
Spotlight Breakfast 8:45 in Cafeteria
Choir Club - after school
Golf @ Cardinal
Baseball and Softball @ home versus Northern

Wednesday, 4/26

6th Grade to Greensboro Grasshopper's Game
Book Fair Preview Begins
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school

Thursday, 4/27

7th Grade to Carowinds
Book Fair Preview
Impact - 7:30
FBLA - 7:30
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school

Friday, 4/28

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Poetry Club 7:30
Back Pack Clean Out Day during Homeroom/Core 1
Book Fair Preview
Select Orchestra Students to Orchestra Trip

Upcoming:

5/1 - Book Fair Opens - Book Fair Open all week 5/1-5/5
5/1 - Family Night at the Book Fair
5/1-5/5 - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
5/10 - Rising 7th Grade Parent Meeting for Math Course Information 7:45 am in Media Center
5/11 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Night 6:00 pm
5/12 - Piedmont Honor Band at Glenn High School
5/16 - 6th-8th Band Concert
5/23 - Spotlight Breakfast
5/23 - 6th-8th Orchestra Concert
5/26-6/9 - EOG Testing 10 Day Window
5/26 - Back Pack Clean Out Day
6/9 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony 9:30 am - NWHS Gym
6/9 - Last day of School

Thanks for your continued support,

Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, April 14, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

Welcome back from what we hope was a wonderful Spring Break.

With a heavy heart, this week we begin by sending our heartfelt sympathy to one of our own Vikings, the Harrington Family, as we all mourn the passing of parent, Deanna Harrington. We send all our love and support to this family during this time.

This will be a very busy week around NWMS as we prepare for Footloose on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We hope everyone will come out and see one (or more) of the shows! Footloose will be performed at NW High in the Auditorium. The showtime is 7:00 pm each night and tickets will be sold beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10.00 at the door. Please see the attached flyer for additional information.

Also this week, our students will take the Spring NWEA Map Assessment for ELA on Tuesday. It is very important that every student fully charge their Chromebook on Monday night and bring their device with individual headphones to school on Tuesday for this assessment. Please see the attached letter for additional information.

On Tuesday night please join the PTSO for NWMS Spirit Night at Dairi-O in Kernersville from 5:00-8:00 - a portion of all sales will be donated back to the PTSO! Come out and grab dinner or dessert and support our school!

FBLA will be pre-selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts for a club fundraiser. Doughnuts can be purchased in the front commons 4/17-4/25 or see an FBLA member or Mrs. Johnson. A dozen is $12.00 and BOGO Free Cards are $20.00 for 10 coupons. Doughnuts will be delivered on Thursday, May 4th.

We are still collecting donated items to spruce up the adult bathrooms around school. Do you have any items you would like to donate to our Staff Bathroom Blitz? Drop off items in the main office or direct them to Mrs. Lenard's room.

Mark your calendars for a fun night at NWMS on Monday, May 1st! Please join the entire school community for Family Night at the Book Fair! There are also Baseball and Softball games that night at home so it will be a great afternoon around school!

Here is your Weekly Information:

Monday, 4/17

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
PTSO Board Meeting in PTSO Mobile 11:30-12:30
Math Club After School
TSA/Gamers Unite - after school
Pretty Cool Book Club - after school
Student Council - after school

Tuesday, 4/18

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
NWEA ELA Assessments
Choir Club - after school
SBLT Meeting 4:00 in Media Center
PTSO NWMS Spirit Night at Dairi-O in Kernersville 5:00-8:00 - a portion of all sales will be donated back to the PTSO - come out and grab dinner or dessert and support our school!
Golf @ Cardinal
Baseball and Softball @ Southwest Middle

Wednesday, 4/19

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
Golf @ Greensboro National
Track Meet at Home vs. Jamestown
Baseball and Softball @ home vs. Jamestown

Thursday, 4/20

Impact - 7:30
FBLA - 7:30
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school
Footloose 7:00 pm @ NW High School Auditorium

Friday, 4/21

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Poetry Club 7:30
Footloose 7:00 pm @ NW High School Auditorium

Upcoming:

4/22 - Footloose 7:00 pm @ NW High School Auditorium
4/24 - Math NWEA Map Tests
4/25 - College and Career Fair
4/25 - Spotlight Breakfast
4/26 - 6th Grade to Grasshoppers Game
4/26-4/28 - Book Fair Preview
4/27 - 7th Grade to Carowinds
4/28 - Back Pack Clean Out Day
4/28 - Select Orchestra Students to Junior Western Region Orchestra Clinic - in the evening

Attachments:
messages/attachments/570ede8fe402dff8e459085e47ba02dd/Footloose_Flyer.png (877.0 KB)
messages/attachments/ce7fdb9c7de242bc3df8dc58d57776ba/NWEA_Parent_Letter_Spring_Administration.docx (20.9 KB)

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Students and Parents,

Please find attached important information about Spring NWEA Map Tests/Assessments that will begin the week we return from Spring Break.

Have a great break and stay safe! We will see everyone when we return on Monday, 4/17.

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/ce7fdb9c7de242bc3df8dc58d57776ba/NWEA_Parent_Letter_Spring_Administration.docx (20.9 KB)

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We begin this week by asking everyone to continue keeping precious kindergarten student, Jaxson Franklin, from Stokesdale close to your hearts. The Stokesdale PTO has set up a Go Fund Me and I am including the link below.

Go Fund Me Jaxson Franklin

April will be a busy month and there are several dates/reminders included below. Please remember that Report Cards will be emailed to all parents this Thursday. If you do not receive your child's report card on Thursday please reach out to our data manager, Mrs. Lee, to update your email address in PowerSchool.

This evening as you are preparing for school tomorrow - locate your One Card and be sure to wear it to school tomorrow. If you need to purchase a new One Card bring $5.00 to the main office in the morning.

School Dance Information

Monday is the final day to purchase your School Dance Ticket for Tuesday afternoon. Tickets cost $5.00 and you should purchase your ticket from your homeroom teacher. Please remember the following information regarding the dance:

The Dance is casual and students will not change clothes prior to going to the dance.
All students attending the dance should plan to stay after school and they will be dismissed to go to the dance at the end of the day.
All bookbags and cell phones will be stored in the cafeteria while students are at the dance in the gym.
There will be glow sticks and concessions for sale so bring cash money if you plan to purchase.
The PTSO will have a Photo Booth and will provide access to the pictures taken.
Dismissal from the Dance will run just like our normal Car Rider Line - just enter the car rider line and give the staff member on duty your car tag number or last name and your child will be sent out to your car at the overhang area. Please do not park or ask your child to come out to your car in another area. The dance will end at 6:00 and we will begin the car rider line at 6:00 or shortly after. Students will go get their bookbag and belongings in the cafeteria when their number or last name is called. If you are carpooling just give the staff member all the names of the students you are picking up.
Thanks to our Student Council, Mrs. C. Williams, and the PTSO volunteers for all the work that has gone into decorating and planning the Dance - it will be a blast!

Lost and Found

Lost and Found will be out in the Cafe/Front Commons on Monday. We have MANY items - please check Lost and Found for any items that you can claim. Unclaimed items will be donated.

Staff Bathroom Update

The Hospitality Committee is sprucing up the adult bathrooms around campus. They are asking for donations of household/bathroom items that you are planning to discard that the team could use to decorate/update our staff bathrooms. Items such as small tables, pictures, decorative bathroom items, etc. would be appreciated. You can drop items off in Mrs. Lenard's office or in the Main Office.

Thank You Summit Church

We want to send a HUGE Thank You to the Summit Church. Over the past several weeks the Summit has donated new Scan Stations in Front and Lower Commons. They also put together treat bags for our staff and fed our staff a delicious breakfast. We are so grateful for their ongoing support of the NW Community and our school!

Important Dates and Information

Monday, 4/3

LAST day Dance Tickets are on sale
Viking Market Open
8th Grade Science Interim Assessments
Math Club After School
TSA/Gamers Unite - after school
ITS - after school
Student Council - after school
ELA Materials Review 5:30-8:00 @ Smith High - all staff and parents are invited to review possible curriculum resources for next year
Baseball and Softball at home vs. Mendenhall
Golf @ Gillespie
Track @ Southwest

Tuesday, 4/4

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
8th Grade ELA Interim Assessments
Choir Club - after school
School Dance - after school 4:00-6:00
ELA Materials Review 5:30-8:00 at High Point Central High - all staff and parents are invited to review possible curriculum resources for next year

Wednesday, 4/5

7th Grade ELA Interim Assessments
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
Golf Match @ Grandover

Thursday, 4/6

Report Cards Emailed to Parents
Impact - 7:30
FBLA - 7:30
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school
Baseball and Softball @ Southwest
Track @ home

Friday, 4/7

Holiday -school closed

Upcoming:

4/10-4/14 - Spring Break
4/18 - ELA NWEA Map Tests
4/19 - PTSO Dario Night
4/20-4/22 - Footloose
4/24 - Math NWEA Map Tests
4/25 - College and Career Fair
4/25 - Spotlight Breakfast
4/26 - 6th Grade to Grasshoppers Game
4/27 - 7th Grade to Carowinds
4/28 - Back Pack Clean Out Day
4/28 - Select Orchestra Students to Junior Western Region Orchestra Clinic - in the evening

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

Congratulations to Shubhi Gupta and Pihoo Agarwal. These two students participated in the NC State Science Fair event this Saturday and were awarded 3rd Place in the Junior Division Category of Earth & Environmental Science. Their project also received an award for "Advancing Equity Through Innovation" presented by "ThermoFisher SCIENTIFIC" in recognition to promote an equitable society that is healthier, cleaner and safer for all.

Congratulations also to our school's FBLA Team. This past Thursday and Friday they attended the NC State Leadership Conference. The following are the results:

Largest Chapter Membership of Triad Region – Middle School
Recognition Testing Proficiency – Principles of Business – Aidan Mather, Shreya Gandlur; Computer Science – Avery Reece

Achieved Proficiency (Top 10)

Business Etiquette - Jameson Atwell
Critical Thinking – Aidan Heaney, Robert Lowe
Elevator Speech – Naman Kulkarni
Computer Science – Hannan Rapaka
FBLA Pledge & Mission – Morgan Jackson
Impromptu Speaking – Shreya Gandlur
Public Speaking – Steele Kolrczyka

Qualify for the FBLA National Conference in June:

Annual Chapter Activities Presentation – Riya Talati, Steele Kolrczyka (2^nd Place)
Elevator Speech – Phoebe Kramer
Community Service Project – Ella Hahn, Chloe Lee, Aimee Velez

Congratulations to the FBLA and special thanks to club sponsor, Heather Johnson!

Important Updates:

We want to remind rising 7^th graders that they need to have their TDap and Meningitis vaccinations for the beginning of their 7th grade school year.
Reminder to all 7th grade parents that payment for Carowinds is due this Thursday, March 30th. Payments should be done on K12 Payment Center if possible.
There will be no Math Club this week. Math Club will meet again the following week on April 3rd.
Spanish Club will meet on Tuesday this week instead of Wednesday
8^th grade is going to the zoo on Monday. Please remember to bring a water bottle and money if you would like to purchase food at the zoo. You can also bring a packed lunch. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket. Please meet in the cafeteria by 8:25 am.
7th and 8th grade Band and Orchestra Students will travel to Carowinds on Thursday. Students should arrive at NWMS at 6:45 am and will return to school around 7 pm.
Our school's Hospitality Committee is having a Bathroom Blitz! They are going to be working on refreshing the adult bathrooms around the school and are in need of donated items. As you are spring cleaning or just trying to clear out some space, please consider donating items such as small tables or shelves, baskets, pictures, wall decals, mirrors to help us with the refresh. You may bring or send items to our CF, Mrs. Lenard at any time during the school week. We appreciate your support of our efforts to bring some brightness to our staff.
The last Friday of each month our students participate with Back Pack Clean Out - we are doing this to help reduce the weight of the book bags and remind students to only bring essential items to school in their book bags. Your student should have participated this past Friday. Please remind your child to only carry items that are necessary to and from school each day.
We want to thank you for your continued support of reminding students to bring their One Card to school each day. We are seeing improvements! Please remember to wear/bring your One Card to school every day.
On April 4th we are hosting a School Dance immediately after school. Here are a few reminders about the event:

This is a Pre-Sale event only - students will not be able to purchase tickets at the door. If you want to buy a ticket to the dance make sure you purchase it from your homeroom teacher prior to Apr. 4th.
This is an informal dance. Students will not change clothes prior to attending. Students will stay after school and go straight to the dance. They will not go home and then return to the dance. Book bags will be stored in the cafeteria and cell phones will be left in book bags.
Concessions will be sold at the dance.
Glow Sticks will be sold at the dance and the PTSO is providing a Photo Booth and Black Lights for decorations.
Pick Up from the dance will operate just like our afternoon car rider line. Please have your car tag number and/or last name ready to provide to the staff in the car rider line. We will call students out to cars at the overhang just like we do every afternoon for car rider dismissal. If you are carpooling and picking up other students just provide the staff member those students' names/car tag numbers.
This will be a fun way for our students to socialize, dance and have some fun! There will be many staff members on hand to supervise and all school expectations will remain in place. Students who do not follow the expectations at the dance will be asked to call their parent to leave early.

Important Dates and Information:

Monday, 3/27

Viking Market Open
8th Grade to Zoo - Field Trip. 8th Graders will leave from the cafeteria by 8:25 am.
ITS - after school
Student Council - after school

Tuesday, 3/28

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Spanish Club 7:30 am (moved from Wed. this week to Tues.)
Club Pictures made in Auxiliary Gym
Spotlight Breakfast 8:45 in Cafeteria
Choir Club - after school
Track Meet @ Home vs. Allen

Wednesday, 3/29

6th Grade Math Interim Assessments
7th and 8th Grade Math 1 Interim Assessments
Math 8 Interim Assessments
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Art Club - after school
Golf Match @ Greensboro National
Baseball and Softball @ Home vs. Kernodle

Thursday, 3/30

Impact - 7:30
FBLA - 7:30
7th and 8th Grade Band and Orchestra to Carowinds Festival of Music. Students arrive on campus at 6:45 am and will return to campus around 7:00 pm.
End of 3rd Quarter Grading Period
7th Grade payment due for Carowinds Trip
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school

Friday, 3/24

Staff Workday - no school for students

Upcoming:

4/3 - 8th Grade Science Interim Assessments
4/4 - School Dance 4:00-6:00 (see information above)
4/4 - 7th and 8th ELA Interim Assessments
4/6 - Report Cards Emailed to Parents
4/7 - Holiday - school closed
4/10-4/14 - Spring Break
4/18 - ELA NWEA Map Tests
4/20-4/22 - Footloose
4/24 - Math NWEA Map Tests
4/25 - College and Career Fair
4/25 - Spotlight Breakfast
4/26 - 6th Grade to Grasshoppers Game
4/27 - 7th Grade to Carowinds
4/28 - Back Pack Clean Out Day
4/28 - Select Orchestra Students to Junior Western Region Orchestra Clinic - in the evening

Thanks for your attention to this information,

Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

Please see below for important information for the coming week.

Please remember to bring your One Card to school each day! Replacement cards can be purchased for $5.00 in the Main Office.

There are two weeks (9 school days) left in the 3rd Quarter. Parents, please check PowerParent/PowerSchool to review current grades. If you need assistance creating your PowerParent Account you can find directions under the Parent Tab on our School Website.

Monday, 3/20

Viking Market Open
PTSO Board Meeting 11:30 in PTSO Mobile
Math Club - after school
Gamer's Unite and TSA Club - after school
Student Council - after school
Baseball and Softball vs. Allen Jay at home

Tuesday, 3/21

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Math 7 and Acc. 7 Interim Assessments
Choir Club - after school
School Based Leadership Team Meeting after school
Golf Match at Cardinal

Wednesday, 3/22

6th Grade ELA Interim Assessments
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
Track Meet @ Allen Jay (High Point Complex)

Thursday, 3/23

FBLA travels to State Conference
Impact - 7:30
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school
Baseball and Softball @ Allen

Friday, 3/24

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Poetry Club 7:30 am
FBLA travels to State Conference
Back Pack Clean Out Day during Homeroom/Core 1
Pretty Cool Book Club Movie Afternoon 3:45-5:15 in Media Center

Upcoming:

3/27 - 8th Grade Zoo Field Trip
3/28 - 6th Grade Math Interim Assessments
3/28 - Club Picture Day
3/28 - Spotlight Breakfast
3/29 - 7th and 8th Grade Math 1 Interim Assessment
3/29 - Math 8 Interim Assessment
3/30 - End of 3rd Quarter
3/30 - Band and Orchestra to Carowinds
3/31 - Staff Workday
4/4 - School Dance after school

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

Congratulations to all Vikings who are joining a Spring Sports Team.

Spring sports begin this week with away matches for Track, Baseball, and Softball on Wednesday and away matches for Baseball and Softball on Thursday. The first home Baseball and Softball games are Mon., March 20. The first home Track Meet is March 28. The first Golf Match is Tues., March 21 at The Cardinal.

Please remind your student to wear their One Card to school each day. If a student needs a new One Card all that is needed is for the student to bring $5.00 to the main office and we can make a new card the same week. Students have to scan their One Card on the bus each day, as they enter the building each day, for lunch, and in the Media Center so it is very important that everyone have their card. Please purchase a new one if they have lost their card. When students don't have their One Card they have to stand in line each morning while someone manually enters them into the Scan Station. This takes a great deal of time from a staff member and we would greatly appreciate not having to do this for so many students each day. Please find and bring your One Card to school each day.

We want to continue to remind everyone that we have a no cell phone policy at NWMS. Students are not allowed to have their phones out during the school day. They are required to keep cell phones in their book bags at all times. If you need to contact your student during the day please call our main office versus texting your child.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mrs. Francisco

Monday, 3/13

Viking Market Open
Math Club - after school
ITS Club - after school
Pretty Cool Book Club - after school
Student Council - after school

Tuesday, 3/14

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
7th and 8th Grade Band Students off campus
Choir Club - after school

Wednesday, 3/15

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
Track vs. Kernodle @ Western Middle
Baseball and Softball @ Allen Jay

Thursday, 3/16

8th Grade Field Trip to Civil Rights Museum
FBLA - 7:30
Impact - 7:30
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school
Baseball and Softball away @ Kernodle

Friday, 3/17

Happy St. Patrick's Day
8th Grade Field Trip to Civil Rights Museum
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Poetry Club 7:30 am

Upcoming:

3/23-25 - FBLA State Conference
3/28 - Club Picture Day
3/28 - Spotlight Breakfast
3/30 - Band and Orchestra to Carowinds
3/31 - Staff Workday

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We wish our Battle of the Books team the best of luck at tomorrow's competition!

Announcements for this week include:

Family Life preview sessions for any parents interested in previewing the material will be Tuesday in the media center with Mrs. Hailey.
All students trying out for a spring sport should have paperwork in to Ms. Thomas by Monday morning at 8:30am in the gym. Those trying out for golf must have a ride after school to NC Golf Academy on highway 68 and $10 to try out.
Rising 7^th graders are reminded to get their MCV (meningitis) and TDAP boosters before the start of the 23-24 school year.
NWEA reports were sent home on Friday
Last week there was a mistake in our Weekly Update regarding a band/orchestra concert. To correct this, we want to make sure everyone knows there is not a band or orchestra concert for middle school students this week.
8^th grade band students will have an MPA Morning rehearsal before school on Wednesday, March 8 with Mr. McMath. Students should arrive at 7:15 and be ready to begin rehearsal at 7:30.
7^th grade parents are reminded that the deadline for paying for Carowinds is quickly approaching! Payment is due March 30th and we request parents to please use the K-12 Payment Center if possible.
Information for rising 9th graders High School Cheerleading Tryouts is available in our Front Office.

Monday, 3/6

BOB Competition at UNC-G - students participating will leave NWMS around 9:00 am - Good Luck to our Team!
Viking Market Open
Math Club - after school
Gamer's Unite - after school
Student Council - after school
Spring Sports Tryouts - after school

Tuesday, 3/7

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Family Life Parent Preview Sessions in Media Center
Choir Club - after school

Wednesday, 3/8

8th grade band students - MPA Morning rehearsal before school with Mr. McMath at NWHS. Students should arrive at 7:15 and be ready to begin rehearsal at 7:30
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school

Thursday, 3/9

FBLA - 7:30
Impact - 7:30
Winter Sports Banquet (students and coaches only) 8:45 am in cafeteria
Battle of the Books - after school
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school

Friday, 3/10

Spring Picture Day
World Kindness Day with Poster Gallery
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Poetry Club 7:30 am
7th Grade Field Trip to Symphony

Upcoming:

3/16-17 - 8th Grade Field Trip Days to Civil Rights Museum
3/23-25 - FBLA State Conference
3/28 - Club Picture Day
3/28 - Spotlight Breakfast
3/30 - Band and Orchestra to Carowinds
3/31 - Workday - no school for students

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

This week we begin by wishing Mrs. Craven the very best as she enters Retirement. Congratulations, Mrs. Craven - you will be missed! Mrs. Craven's FCCLA students recently made two Honor Quilts for two of Northwest’s own Veterans, Mr. Mike Shaw and Mr. Kevin Stewart. The club honored the two staff members at a ceremony on 2/23 when they presented the completed quilts. The students did an amazing job and were thrilled to share their work with two deserving veterans. Many thanks are in order for the adults who helped make the day happen: Mrs. Kirwan, Coach Thomas, Mrs. Francisco, Mrs. Lance, and members of the DAR – Marty Smith and Sally Smith.

The Family Life parent preview sessions will be Tuesday, March 7^th in the Media Center. Interested parents can preview the family life curriculum and meet with our Family Life instructor, Mrs. Hailey as follows – 6^th grade parents 9:30am to 11:30am, 7^thand 8^th grade parents and 6^th grade parents who missed the morning session 1pm to 4pm. The parent letter is attached to this message.

Professionals in every field are needed to showcase their chosen careers with our students by giving a simple presentation or having a display! Volunteer opportunities can happen for a half or full day slots. Please share your interest to present by signing up below! Our Career Fair will be this April 25th. We look to forward to getting to know our community!

https://forms.office.com/r/5127SwjcJv

8^th grade parents - Wednesday March 1^st is the final day to pay for the 8^th grade class trip to the zoo using the k12 Payment Center. We are going to the zoo on Monday, March 27th. If there are any parents that would like to chaperone, please send Mrs. Swayze an email.

NWEA/MAP Assessment Parent Reports will be sent home with all students later this week. For questions about the NWEA/MAP Assessments or the reports please contact our Curriculum Facilitator, Heather Lenard.

Counselors continue to meet with and work with students prior to the Registration Window opening later this week. A separate message will be sent on Monday with specific information about Registration from our Counseling Department. For questions about Registration please reach out to Mrs. Thompson or Ms. Martin in our Counseling Department.

Below is additional information for this week and the remainder of March.

Monday, 2/27

Picture Order Forms sent home with Homeroom Students. Spring Picture Day is March 10th.
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Math Club - after school
ITS - after school

Tuesday, 2/28

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Interim Progress Reports emailed to all parents
6th Grade Black History Assembly - 8:45-10:00
7th and 8th Grade Black History Assembly - 10:15-11:30
Choir Club - after school

Wednesday, 3/1

Welcome Mrs. Lance to NWMS in our CTE Family and Consumer Science classroom
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school

Thursday, 3/2

Adapted Classroom on Field Trip to Women's ACC Tournament
FBLA - 7:30
Impact - 7:30
Battle of the Books - after school
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school

Friday, 3/3

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25

Upcoming:

3/3-12 - Registration Open for 23-24 school year
3/6 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin
3/7 - Family Life Parent Preview Sessions in NWMS Media Center - see attached letter
3/7 - 6th-8th Grade Orchestra Concert
3/10 - 7th grade to Symphony
3/10 - Spring Picture Day
3/23-25 - FBLA State Conference
3/27 - 8th Grade to Zoo
3/28 - Spotlight Student Breakfast
3/30 - Band and Orchestra Students to Carowinds
3/31 - Staff Workday - no school for students

Attachments:
messages/attachments/0670e3c01a6b9dfa75a80e93d4d8c431/Reproductive_Health_and_Safety_Education_Parent_Preview_Letter.docx (231.7 KB)

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

This week we celebrate our amazing Counseling Department with National School Counseling Week! We are so thankful for both Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Martin for the work they do for all our students and staff. We also want to recognize the support this department receives from Mrs. Phelps as the Guidance Office Support! We have a great team at NWMS - let them know how much you appreciate them this week!

We complete NWEA Map Assessments this week with Math on Monday. Please be sure to change your device this evening and bring it to school tomorrow.

We recently did a reprint of One Cards and all students should now have a One Card. It is required to be worn to school each day. Please remind your student to wear it each morning as they leave for school.

Below you will find important information for this week:

Monday, 2/6

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Math NWEA Map Assessments
TSA/Gamer's Unite Club - after school
Math Club - after school
Student Council - after school
Basketball - away at Jamestown
Wrestling - home vs. Jamestown

Tuesday, 2/7

Report Cards emailed to all parents
Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Battle of the Books Preliminary Competition in Media Center
Choir Club after school
Wrestling at Home vs. Allen - Martin Admin Coverage

Wednesday, 2/8

NWEA Make Up Testing
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
GCS hosts a Virtual Parent Meeting for Rising 9th grade students

Thursday, 2/9

FBLA - 7:30
Impact - 7:30
7th and 8th Grade Orchestra students to NWHS for the GCS Orchestra Festival
Battle of the Books - after school
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school
GCS hosts a Virtual Parent Meeting for Rising 6th Grade students

Friday, 2/10

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Poetry Club 7:30

Upcoming:

2/15 - 6th Grade Math Interim Assessment
2/16 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting for Registration at NWMS
2/20 - Vactaion Day

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Good afternoon,

Attached to this Weekly Update are two important documents. The first is a letter about the upcoming NWEA Map Assessments. We begin assessing NWEA Reading tomorrow so please read over this letter this evening and make sure you bring your charged laptop to school ready for testing. The second document is for 8th grade parents.

We begin 3rd Quarter this week and we are excited for the second half of this school year. We want to thank our parents for your continued support. Please remember that PowerSchool (not Canvas) is the direct link for checking grades and attendance. Report Cards will be emailed home to all parents on 2/7. Students who have a D or an F in any class should have parent/teacher communication about how to improve student performance for the remainder of the school year.

Also, as we enter 3rd Quarter we want to remind everyone of our no cell phone policy. We do not allow students to have their cell phones out in class or in the hallway. We greatly appreciate the support we receive from parents as we continue this expectation the remainder of the year.

Below are the important events for the week. Have a wonderful week!

Monday, 1/30

1st Day of 3rd Quarter!
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Reading NWEA Map Assessments
TSA/Gamer's Unite Club - after school
Math Club - after school
Student Council - after school
Basketball - away at Southeast
Wrestling - home vs. Southeast

Tuesday, 1/31

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Spotlight Breakfast 8:45 in Cafeteria

Wednesday, 2/1

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school

Thursday, 2/2

FBLA - 7:30
Impact - 7:30
Select Band, Orchestra, and Chorus students to elementary feeder pattern schools
Battle of the Books - after school
Choir Club - after school
FCCLA - after school
Basketball at Home vs. Southwest - Davis admin coverage
Wrestling @ Southwest

Friday, 2/3

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Poetry Club 7:30

Upcoming:

2/6 - MOY NWEA MAP Assessment - Math
2/7 - Report Cards Emailed to Parents
2/8 - Virtual Parent Meeting for Rising 9th Graders
2/9 - Virtual Parent Meeting for Rising 6th Graders
2/14 - Content Meetings - Math and Social Studies
2/15 - 6th Grade Math Interim Assessment
2/16 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting for Registration at NWMS
2/20 - Vacation Day

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/ec832a67745ba933d6831e7940840d23/NWEA_Parent_Letter_Winter_Administration.docx (20.9 KB)
messages/attachments/4358fb3d4c981a1a810fa1686eb546f5/Eighth_Grade_Transition_to_High_School_2023.docx (23.5 KB)

Sunday, January 29, 2023

NWMS Viking Parents,

We are creating a Staff Wellness Gym for our dedicated teachers and staff and we are looking to our community for donations of quality/gently used equipment to create this workout and wellness space. If you have any items that would work well in our Staff Wellness Gym will you please reach out to Assistant Principal, Greta Martin, to make arrangements for the donation.

You can reach Ms. Martin by calling our main office at 336-605-3333 or by emailing her at marting@gcsnc.com.

Thank you for your consideration,

Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

This week is the final week of the 2nd Quarter! Friday is a workday so Thursday, 1/26 is the final day of the marking period. We have two announcements from our PTSO this week and then see below for additional dates and information. This week's information is only being sent out via email (no phone call this week).

From our PTSO: please plan to celebrate the end of the 2nd quarter with your student this Thursday at Crumbl cookie on Battleground. NW will be having a spirit night at their newest location in the Trader Joe’s plaza from 5-7pm. Orders placed on the app will NOT be credited so please go into the store to order! Don’t forget to mention your students homeroom because the homeroom with the most participation will win a Crumbl cookie party!!!

Mark your calendars for Friday, February 3rd for a fun family NWMS night at the Greensboro Swarm! More information will be coming home this week with your student about purchasing tickets for a fun night of basketball!

Please note one change to our Club Schedule for the week - Math Club will meet on Wednesday this week instead of Monday.

Monday, 1/23

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
PTSO Board Meeting 11:00
TSA/Gamer's Unite Club - after school
Student Council - after school

Tuesday, 1/124

Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
SBLT in Media after school
Choir Club - after school - Mr. Yngsdal's room

Wednesday, 1/25

8th Grade Math Interim Assessment
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school
Math Club - after school (note - this meeting is on Wed. this week instead of Monday)

Thursday, 1/26

7th and 8th Grade Math 1 Interim Assessments
End of 2nd Quarter
FBLA - 7:30
Impact - 7:30
Battle of the Books - after school
Poetry Club - after school
Choir Club - after school
Basketball at Northern
Wrestling @ Home vs. Northern
Crumbl Cookie Night at the Battleground location in the Trader Joe Plaza.

Friday, 1/27

Optional Workday - no school for students on this day

Upcoming:

1/30 - MOY NWEA MAP Assessment - ELA
1/31 - Spotlight Breakfast
2/3 - NWMS Night at the Swarm Game
2/6 - MOY NWEA MAP Assessment - Math
2/7 - Report Cards Emailed to Parents
2/8 - Virtual Parent Meeting for Rising 9th Graders
2/9 - Virtual Parent Meeting for Rising 6th Graders
2/15 - 6th Grade Math Interim Assessment
2/16 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting for Registration at NWMS
2/20 - Vacation Day - no school for students on this day

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Good morning Vikings,

Please see the attached reminder from our PTSO regarding Chick-fil-A Night at the Guilford College location on Thursday.

We also want to remind all students and families about our Viking Expectations at all Sporting Events. All students are expected to exhibit excellent sportsmanship during all games. Parents we ask that you please speak with your students about our behavior expectations at basketball games in particular. While we certainly appreciate cheering and support for our players, it should not come in the form of taunting or being mean toward the visiting team and spectators. This type of behavior will not be tolerated and students will be dismissed from the game and asked to be picked up by a parent. Students who do not follow our school wide expectations at sporting events might also not be allowed to attend remaining games this school year. We thank you for your support. We have an SRO officer on site at basketball home games and two administrators (Mr. Davis and Ms. Martin) will be on site at tomorrow's game. Please speak with the SRO or an administrator tomorrow night if you have any concerns.

Finally - thank you for remembering the Clear Bag Policy for all sporting events. There are posters down in Lower Commons for you to reference regarding the types of bags that are allowed. Thank you again for your continued partnership and support.

Have a great rest of the day,

Mrs. Francisco

messages/attachments/f09b379711bc577ce6012ba4db314d46/Chick_Fil_A_Night.jpg (92.8 KB)

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We begin this week with a special staff update. Mrs. Craven has announced that she will retire at the end of February. While teaching at NWMS Mrs. Craven has built a very strong Family and Consumer Science Program as part of our Career and Technical Education classes. We wish Mrs. Craven the very best in her retirement and thank her for the many years spent teaching and supporting the students at NWMS! The message below is from Mrs. Craven:

I will be retiring March 1 so Feb. 28 will be my last day at Northwest. I am going to miss my students and the wonderful staff. I want to thank everyone I have worked with who made this a fun place to spend our days. There are so many talented, dedicated and hard working colleagues who make this a great place. Retirement will be busy as my husband and I prepare to move to Virginia to be closer to family, especially grandchildren. I am not good with good-bye. Thank you for your support over the years. - Mrs. Craven

NWMS has been provided with a small number of at home COVID tests. If you find that you are in need of a test and would like to obtain a test from our school they will be available until we run out of tests. Please call our main office at 336-605-3333 to make sure we have a test available. When you arrive to pick it up just ring the doorbell and someone will bring it to you at the front door of the school.

A new Book Club will begin meeting with Mrs. Stringer in the Media Center the second Monday of every month beginning Monday, January 9th. Any student is welcome to attend. Students must have a ride home by 4:45 pm. The Pretty Cool Book Club is for students who love to read and want to meet and discuss their favorite books and what they are reading with other like-minded students. Bring your favorite book and an open mind to other genres!

Don't forget that Thursday night is NWMS Chick-Fil-A night at the Guilford College location. Just mention you are with NWMS and enjoy your chicken!

Monday, 1/9

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Math Club - after school
TSA/Gamers Unite - after school
Student Council - after school
Pretty Cool Book Club - new club - all interested readers invited - after school
Basketball Games - away at Allan Jay
Wrestling at home

Tuesday, 1/10

6th Grade ELA Interim Assessment
Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA Club 7:30 am
Choir Club - after school
International Thespian Society - after school

Wednesday, 1/11

7th Grade ELA Interim Assessment
Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school

Thursday, 1/12

Home Basketball Game
Wrestling - away at Western Guilford Middle
Chick-Fil-A Family Night - Guilford College location
FBLA - 7:30
Impact - 7:30
Battle of the Books - after school
Poetry Club - after school
FCCLA - after school
Choir Club - after school

Friday, 1/13

Viking Market Open 8:00-8:25
7th Grade Math Interim Assessment

Upcoming:

1/16 - Holiday
1/18 - 8th Grade ELA Interim Assessment
1/19 - 8th Grade Science Interim Assessment
1/25 - 8th Grade Math Interim Assessment
1/26 - Math 1 (7th and 8th grade) Interim Assessment
1/26 - End of 2nd Quarter
1/27 - Workday
1/30 - MOY NWEA MAP Assessment - ELA
2/6 - MOY NWEA MAP Assessment - Math
2/7 - Report Cards Emailed to Parents
2/15 - 6th Grade Math Interim Assessment

Thank you for your time this afternoon,

Mrs. Francisco

Monday, January 2, 2023

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings. This is Mrs. Francisco calling with your Weekly Updates. We hope that everyone had a wonderful break and a Happy New Year! As a reminder, tomorrow is a Staff Workday. We look forward to seeing all students back in school on Wednesday, January 4th.

Our PTSO would like to invite all families to Chick-Fil-A family night at the Guilford College location next week on Thursday, January 12th! Go ahead and mark your calendars to join us and check dinner off the list! Chicken, pickles and supporting NWMS? Yes please!

Tuesday, 1/3/23

Workday - no school for students

Wednesday, 1/4/23

Run Walk Club 7:15
Spanish Club 7:30
Art Club - after school

Thursday, 1/5/23

FBLA - 7:30
Impact - 7:30
Battle of the Books - after school
Poetry Club - after school
FCCLA - after school

Upcoming:

1/10 - 6th Grade ELA Interim Assessment Benchmark
1/11 - 7th Grade ELA Interim Assessment Benchmark
1/12 - Family Night at Chick-Fil-A - Guilford College
1/13 - 7th Grade Math Interim Assessment Benchmark
1/16 - Holiday
1/18 - 8th Grade ELA Interim Assessment Benchmark
1/19 - 8th Grade Science Interim Assessment Benchmark
1/25 - 8th Grade Math Interim Assessment Benchmark
1/26 - 7th and 8th Grade Math 1 Interim Assessment Benchmark
1/26 - End of 2nd Quarter
1/27 - Workday
1/30 - MOY NWEA MAP Assessment - ELA
2/6 - MOY NWEA MAP Assessment - Math

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We are excited to kick off the beginning of the winter sports season this coming week with wrestling and basketball! We want to remind all spectators of the GCS Clear Bag Policy. There are posters down in lower commons that you can refer to as you near the ticket area. Thank you for your cooperation in following this district policy. You can view the flyer that explains permitted and prohibited bags in the attached document.

FBLA Clubs throughout our Region are hosting a Book Drive . Donate new or gently used books. Donation bins will be in the front commons starting on Monday, Dec. 5th.

The Viking Market is now open. Students may shop on Mondays and Fridays until break. Students should go to Homeroom and ask for a pass from their Homeroom teacher. The Market is open at 8:00 AM and is Cash Only at this time. Items for purchase are school supplies, snacks, and miscellaneous items.

Please help your student to remember to bring his/her One Card to school each day. We require the students to scan in each morning and everyone who does not have a One Card is having to be manually entered. This is taking a considerable amount of time and creating long lines each morning as students arrive. If you child has lost his/her One Card please send $5.00 so that he/she can purchase a new one. They will receive their new card within a day or two.

To assist parents and students with afternoon appointments and early dismissals we are moving the allowed time for Early Dismissals to 3:00. Please help us by avoiding pick ups between 3:00 and 3:30 unless it is an emergency. Please also remember that our car rider line ends each day at 3:50 and all parents should have picked their child up each day by 3:50. We have many parents who are arriving just after 3:50 and close to 4:00 or 4:15 and this causing staff to not be able to attend to after school meetings and other requirements.

Monday, 12/05

School Store Open during morning arrival
Math Club after school
TSA/Gamers Unite Club - after school
Student Council - after school
Wrestling Home Match 4:45
Basketball Games at Kernodle 4:45

Tuesday, 12/06

FBLA Club 7:30 AM
Chess Club 7:30 AM
Spanish Club 7:30-8:30 (moved to Tuesday for just this week)
Choir Concert 6:00 pm in Main Gym

Wednesday, 12/07

Run/Walk Club 7:15-8:00 am
Interim Reports Emailed Home
Art Club after school
Asian Culture Club for 6th Grade Students - after school

Thursday, 12/08

FBLA Club 7:30
Impact Club 7:30
Battle of the Books 3:30-5:00
Poetry Club 3:30-4:15
FCCLA - after school
Basketball Game - Home vs. Allen Jay - Martin Admin Coverage - 4:45
Wrestling @ Allen Jay

Friday, 12/09

Sky Zone night for PTSO

Upcoming:

12/13 - 6th Grade Band and Orchestra Concert
12/14 - School Wide Spelling Bee
12/19 - Teacher Workday
1/3/2023 - Teacher Workday
1/16 - Holiday
1/26 - End of 2nd Quarter
1/27 - Teacher Workday

Thanks and have a great week,

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/7fc29de48d6911db1e0565d75aacabd0/clear_bag_procedure.PNG (135.2 KB)

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving later this week.

Thank you to all students and families who came out last week to see Our Town! All three performances were remarkable!

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Signe Lee as our new Data Manager. Mrs. Lee brings a great deal of experience to our front office team. If you have any questions or need assistance from our Data Manager please call 336-605-3333.

This Weekly Update will cover this short week and the next week - I will not send a newsletter next Sunday. When we return after Thanksgiving Break we will have a fun week supporting The United Way with A Dollar A Day for United Way! Assistant Principal, Mr. Davis, has created a short video that will be shown to students this week outlining the expectations for each day. Participation is voluntary :)

Weekly Information

Monday, 11/21
Math Club after school
TSA/Gamers Unite Club after school

Tuesday, 11/22
FBLA Club 7:30 AM
Chess Club 7:30 AM

Wednesday, 11/23
Workday - no school for students

Thursday-Friday 11/24-25
Happy Thanksgiving - no school for students

Monday, 11/28
A $ A Day for United Way - Bring a Stuffed Animal to School
7th and 8th Grade All County Band
Math Club after school
Student Council after school

Tuesday, 11/29
FBLA Club 7:30 AM
Chess Club 7:30 AM
A $ A Day for United Way - College or Career Day
7th and 8th Grade All County Band
Spotlight Breakfast 8:45 AM

Wednesday, 11/30
Run/Walk Club 7:15-8:00 am
Spanish Club 7:30-8:30 am
A $ A Day for United Way - Anything But a Backpack Day
Art Club after school

Thursday, 12/1
FBLA Club 7:30
Impact Club 7:30
A $ A Day for United Way - Twin Day
FCCLA Field Trip
Battle of the Books 3:30-5:00
Poetry Club 3:30-4:15

Friday, 12/2
A $ A Day for United Way - Photo Booth Friday
Fall Sports Breakfast Banquet

Upcoming:
12/5 - Winter Sports Season - Basketball and Wrestling begins
12/7 - Interim Reports emailed
12/13 - 6th Grade Band and Orchestra Concert
12/19 - Workday - no school for students
1/3/2023 - Workday - no school for students
1/16 - Holiday
1/26 - End of 2nd Quarter
1/27 - Workday - no school for students

Thanks for your time and have a wonderful week and holiday,

Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

Please come out and support the production of Our Town on Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday! Mr. Luck and all the students in the production have worked so hard and it will be a great show! The play will be held at Northwest High School and tickets are $10.00 at the door.

We want to congratulate the Fall Sports teams and coaches! Fall was particularly good to NWMS - girls and boys soccer and volleyball, football and cheerleading. Hard work paid off as football and boys soccer are conference champions and the remaining sports - girls soccer and girls and boys volleyball, had winning or successful seasons with our cheerleaders being a great, spirited squad! Winter sports tryouts begin this Wednesday! Thank you to Athletic Director - Cindy Thomas for the excellent job leading the sports program at NWMS!

And with more great news - congratulations to our music department - NWMS had 14 students selected for All County Band (23% of the auditioned seats), and 18 students selected for All County Orchestra (24% of the auditioned seats). This is the most students of any school in Guilford County. In order to be selected, students had to perform scales and a solo for judges.

Club News - FBLA and FCCLA

FBLA will be bringing awareness to March of Dimes. The club asks that everyone wear purple on Friday to help bring awareness to this cause. The March of Dimes supports mothers and their premature babies. They have supported over 50,000 families in the NICU. Thank you for participating this Friday.

The FCCLA continues to collect $10.00 gift cards for "Thanksgifting". Drop off boxes will be in the upper and lower commons in the mornings from 8:00-8:30. We will continue to collect through Nov. 18th. Thank you for your support.

Additional Information for this week:

Monday, 11/14
Math Club after school
Student Council after school

Tuesday, 11/15
FBLA Club 7:30 AM
Chess Club 7:30 AM
Gamer's Club Field Trip to UNC-Greensboro

Wednesday, 11/16
All County Orchestra
Run/Walk Club 7:15-8:00 am
Spanish Club 7:30-8:30 am
Art Club after school
Winter Sports Tryouts Begin

Thursday, 11/17
All County Orchestra
FBLA Club 7:30
Impact Club 7:30
FCCLA 3:45
Battle of the Books 3:30-5:00
Poetry Club 3:30-4:15
Our Town 7:00-9:00 @ NWHS Auditorium

Friday, 11/18
Wear Purple to support FBLA - March of Dimes
All County Orchestra
Our Town 7:00-9:00 @ NHWS Auditorium

Saturday, 11/19

Our Town 7:00-9:00 @ NWHS Auditorium

Upcoming:
11/23 - Optional Workday
11/24-25 - Thanksgiving Holiday - school closed

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs. Francisco

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Good morning parents,

Report cards were not sent out electronically as planned yesterday due to a problem with the document delivery system. We are hoping to send these out electronically as soon as the problem with document delivery has been rectified.

We will continue to communicate with you to let you know when the problem has been solved and when Report Cards are sent.

We apologize for the delay. This is an issue across the district and not directly related just to Northwest Middle School.

In the mean time, we encourage you to log into PowerParent where you are able to view final grades. Teachers will be contacting the parents of any student with an F on the Quarter 1 report card to communicate with you any concerns and a plan for improvement. We appreciate your cooperation and support in working to improve grades. If you need directions for how to access PowerParent and view your child's grades you can find directions on our website under the Parent Tab.

Thank you and have a great rest of the day,
Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings. Our normal Weekly Update (Connect Ed call and email) will go out tomorrow as part of the Teacher Workday.

This afternoon I am sharing a letter from GCS that informs families about the GCS District Improvement Plan. Please review the attached letter and let me know if you have any questions.

Also, please remember that tomorrow is a Workday and there is no school for students tomorrow.

Thank you for your time this afternoon,

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/e823a3f68b61dcb8000c47b140d5ad8d/District_Improvement_Letter_Non_State_Designated.pdf (196.2 KB)

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

NWMS Viking Community - we have a special message from our PTSO this afternoon.

Thank you to all of our families that have supported our only annual fundraiser, the Viking Cash Crusade. We are currently at just over 60% of our goal of $20,000. We would love to finish strong so that we can support our school with classroom stipends and teacher mini-grants along with other projects!

Our Viking Cash Crusade will end this Friday and we will be drawing for our amazing raffle prizes next week. If you haven’t already, please donate under the Viking Cash Crusade tab on our website nwmsptso.org.

Again we would love to give a special shout-out to local realtor Maureena Shepherd and Associates for sponsoring our fundraiser!

Thank you for your time and consideration,
NWMS PTSO

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings.

This week we celebrate our Book Fair and everyone is invited to the school on Tuesday afternoon/night for Family Night and Walk the Schedule Night. We hope you will all join! Food for parents and students to purchase will be available starting at 5:00 pm and you will be able to take your purchased food inside and eat in our cafeteria. The Book Fair will be open from 5:00-8:00 and the Walk the Schedule portion of the night will take place between 6:00-8:00. See your grade level individual schedule on the attachment below. A copy of your child's schedule will be available in their Homeroom/Core 1 class so please start your walk in that room.

Also, next week is Spirit Week and there is an attached document that explains what each day represents. There will be some mysterious fun taking place all week that supports Spirit Week and the Book Fair!

Other important information for the week includes:

Monday, Oct. 24

Hawaiian Day for Spirit Week
Math Club - after school
TSA Gamers Unite Club - after school
Student Council - after school
Boys Volleyball and Girls Soccer away at Allen

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Decades Day for Spirit Week
Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA 7:30 am
Spotlight Breakfast 8:45-9:45
Boys Volleyball at home versus Kernodle
Family Night and Walk the Schedule Night - see schedule below

Wednesday, Oct. 26

7th Grade Math Interim Assessments
Country Western Day for Spirit Week
Running/Walking Club 7:15 am
Spanish Club 7:30 am
Art Club - after school
Boys Volleyball and Girls Soccer at home versus Southwest Middle

Thursday, Oct. 27

Character Costume Day - bring $2.00 to participate
End of 1st Quarter Grading Period
FBLA 7:30 am
Impact Club 7:30 am
Battle of the Books - after school
Poetry Club - after school
FCCLA - after school

Friday, Oct. 28

Workday - no school for students

Upcoming:

10/31 - Workday - no school for students
11/1 - Dominoes Night for PTSO
11/3 - 7th and 8th Grade Band and Orchestra Concert
11/7 - Report Cards Emailed to Parents
11/8 - Workday - no school for students
11/11 - Holiday - no school for students
11/17-11/19 - Our Town Drama Production 6:00-8:00 each night
11/23-11/25 - Thanksgiving Break - no school for students

Attachments:
messages/attachments/42b5712f42cc44503862d8035e851aa0/Boooooook_Fair_Spirit_Week.png (404.2 KB)
messages/attachments/9cc4f5d1c5cd30af3c83a5180abcb99b/Book_Fair_and_Parent_Night_Oct_25.docx (23.3 KB)

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We are preparing for a fun Family Night on Tuesday, Oct. 25th. The Book Fair will be open, there will be food trucks, and parents will be able to walk their child's schedule to visit all classrooms and learn more from each teacher. Attached to this email is the schedule for the night.

This week we have home sporting events (see details below) and at the Wednesday games the PTSO will be selling Viking Spirit Wear!

Lifetouch Fall Pictures were sent home this past week and make up and retake day is this Tuesday.

Vikings, please join us in celebrating National Unity Day on Wednesday, October 19th. Please wear Orange on Wednesday to share kindness, promote acceptance, encourage inclusion, and do you part in bullying prevention.

FBLA is hosting "Socktober" during the month of October. Bring a new pair of adult socks - bins are located in the front commons. All donated socks will be given to local shelters.

Monday, 10/17

Student Council Meeting after school
Math Club after school
Girls Soccer Home Game versus Kernodle

Tuesday, 10/18

FBLA Club 7:30 AM
Chess Club 7:30 AM
8th Grade ELA Interim Assessment Benchmark
Fall Picture Make up and retakes
School Based Leadership Team Meeting 4:00-4:45

Wednesday, 10/19

Run/Walk Club 7:15-8:00 am
Unity Day - wear Orange
7th Grade on Field Trip (half of the grade level)
8th Grade Science Interim Assessment Benchmark
Art Club after school
Football, Boys Volleyball and Girls Soccer all play at home. PTSO will be on site selling Viking Spirit Wear

Thursday, 10/20

FBLA Club 7:30
Impact Club 7:30
7th Grade Field Trip (half the grade level)
8th Grade Field Trip
FCCLA 3:45
Battle of the Books 3:30-5:00

Friday, 10/21

Viking Spirt Week Begins (continues next week M-Th) - Wear Viking Spirit Wear today
Astronomy Night at Oak Ridge Town Park

Upcoming:

10/24-27 - Book Fair
10/21 and 10/24-27 - Spirit Week
10/25 Spotlight Breakfast
10/25 - Family Night - Book Fair Open, Food Trucks, Walk the Schedule
10/27 - End of 1st Quarter
10/28 - Workday - no school for students
10/31 - Workday - no school for students
11/3 - 7th and 8th Grade Band and Orchestra Concert
11/8 - Workday - no school for students
11/11 - Holiday - school closed
11/17-19 - Our Town Play
11/23 - Workday - no school for students
11/24-25 - Thanksgiving Holiday - school closed

Attachments:
messages/attachments/9cc4f5d1c5cd30af3c83a5180abcb99b/Book_Fair_and_Parent_Night_Oct_25.docx (23.3 KB)

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings. This is Mrs. Francisco with your Weekly Updates.

We want to begin this week by sending a heartfelt thank you to the Summit Church and the many volunteers that spent time this Saturday making significant upgrades to our school and the campus. See the attached pictures and thank you Summit Church for your on-going and dedicated partnership - we are incredibly grateful for your continued support!

We have now completed our first NWEA Map Assessments for this school year. Students will take this assessment again in the Winter and then again in the Spring. These very important assessments help our teachers and staff track the progress our students are making. You will receive a Parent Letter that shares your child's scores and an explanation of these scores in the next couple of weeks. If you have any questions about the NWEA Assessments please contact our school's Curriculum Facilitator or speak to your child's ELA or Math teacher.

At the bottom of this email is a list of club and sporting events taking place this week at NWMS. One important item to highlight - on October 25th we will hold a Family Night. On this night you will have the opportunity to walk your child's schedule. We will also have Food Trucks and an Open Night at the Book Fair. We hope to see all Vikings on 10/25!

By now you should have received your child's fall pictures from Lifetouch. We will have a make-up/retake picture day on Oct. 18th. If you are not happy with your original picture please bring your Picture Order Packet back on that day to have the picture taken again. If you missed the original picture day you can have your picture taken on Oct. 18th.

We have a couple of special announcements this week from our PTSO:

Families, we are extending our deadline for the Viking Cash Crusade. We will now be accepting donations through October 28th. Unfortunately we are currently only about 60% to our goal of $20,000. We are really hoping to complete this fundraiser! After the new year we will be accepting mini-grant applications from teachers and we want to be able to help as many teachers as possible with supplies for their classrooms that will directly impact our students! Viking Cash Crusade funds make this possible! Thank you to families that have already donated! And special thanks to Maureena Shepherd and Associates for sponsoring our Viking Cash Crusade this year! We are excited to raffle off some amazing prizes at the end of the month!!! Donate online under the Viking Cash Crusade tab on our website nwmsptso.org or by printing off the flyer attached to this email and returning to your child’s homeroom teacher.

Also parents, please mark your calendars for this coming Friday when our students can enjoy the first of this years SkyZone nights! From 3-10pm on October 14th. For anyone who attends and mentions that they are with NWMS, we will receive 30% of all fees paid! So come out and have a fun evening of jumping and support our school!

Monday, Oct. 10

Sports Tryouts for Girls Soccer and Boys Volleyball - after school
TSA/Gamers Unite Club - after school
Student Council Meeting - after school
Math Club - after school

Tuesday, Oct. 11

FBLA 7:30 am
Chess Club 7:30 am
6th graders take their ELA Interim Assessment Benchmark

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Run/Walk Club 7:15 am
Art Club - after school
Asian Culture Club - after school
Football at Southwest Middle

Thursday, Oct. 13

FBLA 7:30 am
Impact Club 7:30 am
Battle of the Books - after school
FCCLA Club - after school
Poetry Club - after school

Friday, Oct. 14

7th Graders take their ELA Interim Assessment Benchmark
PTSO Skyzone Event 3:00-10:00 pm

Coming Soon

10/18 - Fall Picture Make-ups or Retakes
10/19 - Unity Day - wear Orange
10/19 and 10/20 - 7th Grade Field Trip
10/20 - 8th Grade Field Trip
10/25 - Family Night
10/27 - End of 1st Quarter (report cards emailed on 11/7)
10/28 - Workday - no school for students
10/31 - Workday - no school for students
11/8 - Workday - no school for students
11/11 - Holiday - no school for students
11/23-25 - Holiday - no school for students

Thanks for your time this afternoon and have a great week,

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/de714521683139353404dca3f3492fd3/Viking_Cash_Crusade.docx (1254.0 KB)
messages/attachments/0dd5a6df02f4899e18c5e526f9107129/Summit_Church_Big_Serve_1.jpg (75.4 KB)
messages/attachments/e2182ae2074d1b80a9b64c6b4762bccc/Summit_Church_Big_Serve_2_final.jpg (64.9 KB)

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

We begin this week with a special message from our PTSO. We are entering into the final days to support the PTSOs annual fundraiser, the Viking Cash Crusade. We are still quite a bit from our goal of $20,000. Please support our staff and students by donating and put yourself in the running for some amazing raffle prizes! We need your support! You can donate by using the link on our website nwmsptso.org. Help us finish strong!

We have a busy week this week. Please see below for specifics for each day:

Monday, 10/3

NWEA Math Assessment
PTSO General Meeting 6:00-7:00
Math Club - after school
Student Council - after school
Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball at Home after school versus SEMS

Tuesday, 10/4

CTE Attractions Fundraiser ends
Chess Club 7:30 am
FBLA 7:30 am

Wednesday, 10/5

Staff Workday - no school for students

Thursday, 10/6

FBLA 7:30 am
Impact 7:30 am
Battle of the Books - 3:30-5:00 (see BOB Website on our School's Website for more information)
Poetry Club 3:30-4:15
FCCLA - 3:45
Football plays at Allen (game at Smith High Stadium)

Mark your calendars for our Parent Night and Family Night at the Book Fair on 10/25. More details about times to visit your child's classroom will be released soon.

Thanks for your time this afternoon and have a great week,
Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings this is Mrs. Francisco with your weekly updates.

Starting Monday we will be collecting food for our local Guilford BackPack Ministry. The BackPack Ministry has provided services to our school for over 10 years and is a 100% volunteer based organization. Please join us in our annual food drive campaign to help fight hunger and beat our competition. We are competing with Northwest High school to see which school can donate the most food so please plan to have your student drop off canned or boxed foods in the Commons area starting Monday morning. For a list of the most needed items please check out the attached flyer. Donations will be accepted all week. And if your family is struggling or in need of assistance from the BackPack Ministry, please reach out to your student's guidance counselor to sign up for services available.

NWEA-MAP Reading test will be taking place school-wide this coming Monday, Sep.26. It is pertinent to the testing process that students arrive to school on time and bring his/her fully charged device that day. The same will be true for the following Monday, October 3 when students will be taking the NWEA-MAP Math test.

Please remember to send a note to school with your child if you are requesting an Early Dismissal. Please also remember that Early Dismissals should not occur routinely and not in the final hour of the school day. We also want to remind you to please send a note within three days of an absence. For Educational Opportunities to be counted as an excused absence the note should be sent in for approval in advance of the trip. Please direct all attendance type notes to our Data Manager, Monica Bennett.

We are excited to hold our first Spotlight Breakfast this Tuesday, 9/27. Congratulations to all students selected for Student Spotlight for the month of September. The character trait we are recognizing is responsibility!

7th grade students are reminded that field trip payments are due by Monday, 9/26.

We are almost halfway to our goal of $20,000 for our only PTSO fundraiser, the Viking Cash Crusade. We are hopeful to meet our goal so that we can offer our teachers mini-grants for class activities, stipends for classroom supplies and technology for the classrooms. Thank you to all of the families that have already donated and a special thank you to Maureena Shepherd and Associates for being this year's Viking Cash Crusade sponsor!! You can donate online under the Viking Cash Crusade tab on our website nwmsptso.org

Club Reminders for this week:

Student Council will hold its first meeting on Monday at 3:45. All students interested in joining Student Council are invited.

Gamers Unite Club will meet on Monday after school.

Chess Club will meet on Tuesday at 7:30 am.

FBLA Club will meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 am.

Spanish Club will hold an interest meeting on Wed. 9/28 at 7:30 am.

The Run/Walk Club will hold an interest meeting on Wed. 9/28 from 3:30-4:00.

The Poetry Club will have its first meeting on Thurs. 9/29 from 3:30-4:15.

Sporting events for this week include:

Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball will play on Thursday at Northern Middle School.
Football will play at home on Thursday against Allen Jay.
We want to remind parents and visitors of the new Clear Bag Policy for all GCS Middle and High School Sporting Events.

Thank you and have a great week,

Mrs. Francisco

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Good evening, parents. This is Mrs. Francisco, principal at Northwest Middle School, with an important reminder about athletic events in all GCS Middle and High Schools. Starting on Friday, Sept. 23, purses, backpacks and other traditional bags will not be allowed at sporting events on our campus or any GCS Middle or High School. Attached to this email is a flyer from GCS with more information.

Acceptable bags must be made of clear plastic or vinyl, including gallon-sized or smaller zip storage bags. Small clutch bags, diaper bags and bags used for medical supplies will be allowed but will be subject to inspection. More information about this process can be found on our website at www.gcsnc.com/athletics.

This policy does include when our middle school students attend high school events. We ask that you also please notify any grandparents or friends who may be coming to a game because they will also be required to only use clear bags when attending a home or away game. If you do happen to enter the school with a bag that is not clear, the staff members at the ticketing table will simply ask you to return the bag to your car/trunk before purchasing your ticket. We understand that it is going to take us a while to get accustomed to this new policy and we appreciate your support in working with us as we implement this new procedure.

Students who are staying for Study Hall and will have their school bookbags from the school day with them will be allowed to continue having their bags with them. This policy also does not apply to actual players who are staying after school or traveling on an activity bus for an away match.

We thank you for your assistance in keeping our venues safe and welcoming for all guests. Have a great evening.

Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings. This is Mrs. Francisco calling with your Weekly Updates.

We have an exciting week coming up with a Club Fair happening during lunch Wed.-Fri. Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of clubs and decide if there are clubs they are interested in joining. We host our first home football game on Tuesday afternoon. We also have a home Girls Volleyball and Boys Soccer game on Wednesday afternoon. Come out and support our Vikings.

Our September Spotlight Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, September 27. Please consider donating to this great event for our students. You can sign up to donate breakfast items through our PTSO at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d45afaa2fa7fb6-sept1

Also from our PTSO, we are making progress on our fundraising goal for our Viking Cash Crusade! Thank you to our families that have donated already! There is still plenty of time to help as our only fundraiser runs through October 5th. And don’t forget about the amazing prizes that we are raffling off!! Your student will receive one ticket to enter for each $10 that your family donates. Prizes include a $250 Lululemon gift card, AirPod Pros, and an escape at Breakout for up to 8 people! We are so excited to support our amazing staff and students with the funds we raise! You can easily donate under the Viking Cash Crusade tab on our website nwmsptso.org. Any donation is appreciated! Again we would love to thank this years Viking Cash Crusade sponsor, Maureena Shepherd and Associates!

We are gearing up for our annual food drive campaign that starts on Monday September 26th.We are competing with Northwest High School to see which school can donate the most food to support our local Guilford Backpack Ministry so please plan to drop off a canned or boxed food the week of September 26th! Your generous donations make a big difference to our Northwest community!

Spanish Club will hold an interest meeting on September 28th at 7:30 am. Students should be dropped off at the front entrance beginning at 7:20 am.
All grades welcome and a donut breakfast will be provided. Students should bring their own drink.

Yearbook orders are only available online until January 31, 2022. We are not accepting cash or check orders at this time. The link to order a Yearbook can be found on our School Website.

Picture day is this Tuesday, September 20th. Please remember to submit your photo orders through online or use the picture day form sent home by your homeroom teacher. Fall Sports and Cheerleading Team Pictures will be taken on Thursday after school.

Parents of students in 7th and 8th grade who are paying for upcoming field trips.
You can pay for the 7th Grade Whitewater field trip & 8th grade State Fair field trip online using the K-12 Payment Center. To access K-12 Payment Center use the link on our School Website.

Please remember to send a note with your child on days they need an early dismissal. To assist our front office a note is easier than a phone call. Please also remember that early dismissals need to not occur during the final hour of the school day so please try to make all early dismissals prior to 2:30 unless it is an emergency.

If a student is absent due to illness or other reason please send a note within 3 days of the student returning. Again, please send a note versus calling the main office for attendance excuses. We process the notes through our Data Manager's office so the hard copy notes ensure that your child's absence gets coded correctly in PowerSchool.

Finally this afternoon, we want to remind all parents of the phone number to call if you have questions or concerns about bus transportation. The number is 1-888-511-4427.

Thanks for your time this afternoon,
Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings. This is Mrs. Francisco with your weekly update.

We begin this week with a message from our PTSO. Parents, we are slowly making our way to our Viking cash crusade fundraising goal of $20,000. Thank you to the families that have already contributed. This fundraiser will run through October 5 so there is still time to donate and show your support. You can send your donation with your student to their homeroom teacher or easily donate online on our website nwmsptso.org. We are excited to raffle off amazing prizes at the conclusion of the fundraiser. Students will receive a raffle ticket for each $10 that your family donates. We would like to thank our amazing sponsor of the Viking Cash Crusade, Maureena Shepard and associates, local realtor and Northwest middle school parent.

We have had to change the date of our Parent Night. We are moving it from Thurs. Oct. 6th to Tuesday, Oct. 25.

8th Grade Students and Parents, Permission Slips and an information letter were sent home Friday regarding the 8th grade field trip to the State Fair in Raleigh on October 20th. We would love to have many parent chaperones! The deadline to pay for this trip is Tuesday, October 4th. We will begin taking payments this Tuesday.

This Thursday Theatre and Chorus students are going on a Field Trip to the Durham Performing Arts Center. They will leave NW at 9 AM and return that afternoon between 5:30 and 6:00 pm.

Students are reminded to charge your Chromebook each night and bring your charged Chromebook to school each day. It is also necessary for students to have a set of personal earbuds to use with their Chromebook.

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) will be having its Kickoff Meeting Tuesday, September 13 @ 7:30 AM. If you are interested in learning more, please see Mrs. Johnson or attend the first meeting. We will be meeting in the Media Center. Drop off will start at 7:20 AM at the front doors of the school.

CTE (Career and Technical Education) Attractions Fundraiser will be begin this week. Each CTE student is encouraged to try and sell one book for $25. Prizes will be awarded for most sales. Proceeds of this fundraiser help to support the CTE programs and to buy instructional materials for each classroom. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Craven.

This week we have Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball away at Allen Jay on Monday and at home on Wednesday against Allen. Come out and support our Vikings at the first home game! The football team will play in a Football Jamboree on Saturday, 9/17 in Reidsville.

Finally, please remember that Fall Yearbook Pictures will be made for all students on Tuesday, 9/20.

Thanks, for your time this evening,

Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings,

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Please remember - the school is closed tomorrow, Monday, September 5th for the Labor Day Holiday. We look forward to seeing students return Tuesday, 9/6.

Congratulations to all our students playing fall sports. We have our first fall sporting event this coming week. Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball teams play at Kernodle this Thursday, 9/8 at 4:45. Join us at Kernodle to support our Vikings! As a reminder, you can see our Fall Sports Schedules on the Team Pages under the Athletics Tab on our School Website.

This past week we celebrated our achievements from last school year. Northwest Middle saw over a 7% increase in our overall proficiency and we Met Growth on last year's EOG Tests. NWMS was featured in last week's GCS Press Release. Way to go, Vikings!

Parents, our PTSO would like you to be on the lookout for a pink flyer that your child should have received this past week. It includes detailed information about the PTSO's only fundraiser, the Viking Cash Crusade! Please help us reach our goal of $20,000. We are excited to be able to support our amazing staff and students with the funds we raise! Special thanks to our wonderful sponsor Maureena Shepherd and Associates, local real estate group and NWMS parent!!
Parents, please also note that you can return this pink slip with your child or, as always, find information about donating, joining our PTSO and special events on our website nwmsptso.org.

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:
Fall Yearbook Pictures will be made on 9/20
Parent/Curriculum/Walk the Schedule Night will be on Thursday, 10/6

We want to thank our students and parents for the wonderful first week of school. Our students did a great job remembering that all cell phones and Air Pods must remain in bookbags during the school day. We also want to thank everyone for remembering and following our school Dress Code. Thank you for continuing to remind your student about the Dress Code. Let's keep it going during Week Two!

Thank you for your time this afternoon and enjoy the Labor Day Holiday.

Mrs. Francisco

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Vikings. This is Mrs. Francisco calling with your weekly update. I want to begin by welcoming everyone to the 2022-2023 school year!

The teachers and staff have been working very hard to prepare for the opening of school and we have high expectations that our first day is going to be excellent!

Please take a few minutes this evening to review our Family Handbook that is attached to this email. We want to remind everyone that we have a Dress Code that we must follow - please review this and make sure you are dressed for school in alignment with our School Dress Code. Also, please remember that students are not allowed to have their cell phones or Air Pods out during the school day. All cell phones and ear buds must remain in bookbags at all times.

Fall Sports and Cheerleading Tryouts begin tomorrow after school. If you are planning to try out, you must have all required paperwork turned in to Ms. Thomas in the morning. For more specific information about any sports team and to see the team schedules please visit the Athletics tab on our school website.

We will open our doors for students at 8:00 am and would like to remind all car riders that students are not allowed to be dropped off anywhere other than from the car rider line and not before our staff is on duty beginning at 8:00 am.

We definitely hope that all buses run smoothly tomorrow. If you have questions about your bus route or need bus assistance tomorrow please call (888) 511-4427. We do encourage students to be at the bus stop 10 minutes early the first few days until routes become more routine. You can learn more about the Here Comes the Bus App on the Transportation Department page on the GCS Website.

Tomorrow is going to be a Great Day to be a Viking and we look forward to seeing everyone for the start of a wonderful school year! Rest well tonight and thank you for your time this afternoon.

Mrs. Francisco

Attachments:
messages/attachments/d08dcfa3bd505de41addf1a8d910f1de/NWMS_Family_Handbook_2022_2023.pdf (1036.3 KB)

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Good afternoon NWMS Parents and Students,

If you attended Remediation Week and took an EOG Retest last week we have your new score reports here in the main office. Parents can stop by the school the remainder of this week between the hours of 8:00 and 4:00. The school will be closed next Monday 6/20 and next Friday 6/24 but next week you can stop by Tuesday 6/21, Wednesday 6/22, or Thursday 6/23 between 8:00 and 4:00. We will be closed the week of July 4th as well.

We also want to share that Open House for next school year has been set for Tuesday, August 23 from 3:00-7:00 pm.

Finally, if you have not received your report card it is possible that you owe the school fees or have items that were not turned in. Please bring the fees owed or outstanding items to the school and we will provide you with your final reports.

We hope you are having a great summer,

Mrs. Francisco