January 1-3: Ending Days of Winter Break (School Resumes January 6th)

January 15: NWMS PTA Meeting 4pm

January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)

January 23: Vision and Hearing Screening (7th Grade)

***Did you know that you can find report cards, test scores, attendance information, student fees and lunch balances on Skyward?

Once there you can se up auto emails to get grades and low lunch balances on your schedule.

Pre-arranged or Extended Absences

In the case that a family knows of an absence ahead of time (travel, family celebration, etc.) that exceeds 2 school days and does not meet the criteria for an excused absence, parents can seek prior approval for an absence. Please be sure to send a note or email to the office at least 3 days before the absence to arrange for a contract. The principal reserves the right to not excuse an absence that will have a serious adverse effect on the student's educational progress. In the event of such an absence, teachers will gather assignments to be completed or communicate via google classroom, students are responsible for making up work missed during the absence.

Excused or Unexcused Absences

Parents must request that an absence be excused within 2 school days by calling, writing a note or sending an email (nwmsattendance@ohsd.net). The request must be a valid reason and must include a date of absence. Parents can also call 360-279-5503.

Please make sure to update your students Emergency contact information. This includes adding or removing people from their contact, as well as making sure phone numbers are updated.

NWMS students are thinking about the future with Xello, a career and college exploration tool. Accessible anytime through Clever, Xello is not just a tool but a key part of your child's high school and beyond plan, a requirement for graduation.

Middle school is the perfect time for students to start thinking about their future paths. Early college and career exploration helps students to identify their interests and passions, helping them make informed decisions about their educational journey. Learning about post high school pathways early on can help students be motivated to succeed and to take steps towards their goals.

Starting in February, advisory classes will complete weekly Xello lessons together, delving into topics such as Time Management, Learning Styles, and Decision Making. These lessons are not only valuable for academic success but also for personal growth.

Xello provides an interactive space for students to explore a variety of careers and colleges tailored to their unique interests and skills. We encourage students to use Xello anytime, and encourage families to talk with their students about what they have learned and are interested in pursuing!

The College Bound Scholarship is a cool opportunity for students who might need help paying for college. Students who receive free or reduced lunch in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, or are part of state foster care are automatically enrolled. Students have to complete the College Bound Pledge by finishing high school, being a good citizen with no felony convictions, getting accepted to a participating college or university, and applying for financial aid in your senior year.

If you and your student qualify, you will receive a certificate in the mail from College Bound! If you have questions, please see the College Bound website or talk with your school counselor.

Ms. Butler: 8th Grade Counselor jbutler@ohsd.net

Ms. Codi: Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC)

Ms. Deprey: 7th Grade Counselor jdeprey@ohsd.net

Ms. Vester: Child Mental Health Counselor

Ms. Sandie: Substance Use Prevention/Intervention Counselor

Ms. Codi

The MFLC program supports service members (Active duty, Reserve, & National Guard), their families, and survivors with confidential non-medical counseling. The MFLC offers individual and group support. The group is typically 6-7 weeks and is held during school hours. This is a WONDERFUL opportunity for military students to meet and talk with others about deployment, get support and learn ways to deal with deployment. If you think your student would be interested in meeting with Ms. Codi, please feel free to stop by the front office or have your student stop by for a parental consent form.

Ms. Sandie

My Title is Student Assistant Professional (SAP)

What I do:

*support students, families, and the community in making healthy life choices that are proven to prevent and decrease substance use. 

*identify and reduce mental health contributors to substance use. 

*help students learn life skills that will improve their school performance, relationships, and general well being.

*I facilitate school-wide, small groups, and one to one education, awareness, and prevention activities.

*If parents would like me to meet with their child my contact is below.

sbelli@ohsd.net

360.279.5544

If your student has a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea they must be un-medicated and symptom free for 24 hours to return to school. Thank you for helping to prevent the spread of the YUK!!

Girls Volleyball is in full swing!!

***Parents please note a change to the January volleyball schedule IS team, Jan 7th and Jan 23rd****

February 3 - March 25

Girl's Basketball

Co-Ed Wrestling

Please check and make sure your student is up to date on ALL the things!!

Yearbook sales can be done online or in the office during the dates listed below.

 During winter break, one of our NWMS Cougars, Millie Ritz, will be attending an invite only Olympic development academy in Arizona for the sport of rugby to train at a high intensity with players from across the nation! Millie is the youngest female athlete to be invited to this prestigious opportunity. If selected for the travel team, Millie will represent the USA in international competition. When not playing rugby, you can find Millie competing on the NWMS Varsity Volleyball and Wrestling teams.