Volume 8, Issue 2
Sept., 2008, Page 2
The Eagle Watch
A Newsletter from Newport Middle School to Parents/Guardians
Newport P.R.I.D.E. : Giving NMS
Students a Chance to Show Theirs!
All NMS students have a unique opportunity this year to demonstrate their personal and school pride by taking part in Newport P.R.I.D.E. Each nine weeks, students can obtain a NMS P.R.I.D.E. application from their homeroom teacher. They will achieve as many or all categories that spell out P.R.I.D.E., record the accomplishment, and have a teacher or parent initial the form to verify it.
· P—Personal Achievement. If at any time throughout the quarter a student receives recognition in or out of school.
· R—Respect. If a student has no office or bus referrals or teacher assigned detentions.
· I—Involvement. If a student participates in an extra-curricular activity (sports, clubs, community service).
· D— Dedication (homework/attendance). For completing all homework assignments throughout the quarter or if the student has had no more than two absences or tardies that quarter.
· E— Excellence. If a student receives an A or B in every class or one letter grade better than the previous grade.
Students will be recognized each nine weeks with certificates, shirts with the P.R.I.D.E. emblem, P.R.I.D.E. pins and an end of the year P.R.I.D.E. celebration for students and parents.
Student/Parent Opportunity
Odyssey of the Mind; A Newport Middle
Odyssey of the Mind provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students. Kids apply their creativity to solve problems ranging from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, and state levels! The competitive element in OM encourages kids to be the best that they can be. It's all about creativity. Kids are rewarded more for how they apply their knowledge, skills and talents, than for coming up with the right answer. In fact, in OM problems, there isn't one right answer, ever. In OM, students learn skills that will last a lifetime. Working in teams, they learn cooperation and respect for the ideas of others. They evaluate ideas and make decisions on their own, gaining greater self-confidence and increased self-esteem. They see that there is often more than one way to solve a problem, and that sometimes, the process is more important than the end result. Schools form teams of up to 7 students. Each team chooses 1 of 5 problems to solve. The problems appeal to a wide range of interests; some are technical, while others are artistic or performance-oriented. Under the guidance of an adult coach, teams work on their solutions during the school year and present them in competitions in the spring.
Interested parents are encouraged to attend a team formation meeting on Monday, 9/22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center. If you are interested ,but cannot attend the meeting, contact Kathryn Lowrie, AIG Specialist, at NMS or at:
kathryn.lowrie@carteretk12.org
Student Community Service Projects Return to NMS Social Studies Classes in 2008-2009
Again this school year, NMS students will be offered the opportunity to explore their own interests, contribute to their community, and earn points towards their quarterly social studies grade through the Community Service Project program. Students will volunteer a minimum of five hours in their community and write a reflection on the experience. Some examples of successful past projects include: visiting and reading to the elderly in nursing homes, walking animals at the humane society, creating posters for Officer Willis’ GREAT program, caring for children in the church nursery. Students are also encouraged to create their own project and review it with their social studies teacher before they begin
Nurturing Parenting Classes
The ACORN Family Center in Morehead City is once again offering the Nurturing Parenting classes in the community. The program is a scientifically based program with written instruction books as well as evaluation tools. The class will run for 15 weeks and last 2.5 hours each week. It is a free class in which families are served dinner and then separate into parent and child classes for instruction and activities. If interested contact Becky Frenia a (252) 727-0440.
Eagle Outdoor Classroom Almost Complete; Financial Support Needed for Important Items
NMS will soon have an area where students and teachers can spend time outside. The NMS Outdoor Classroom project began last school year and is nearing completion. However, we are still in need of additional funding to complete this project. If you are interested in helping to make this project a reality, please contact Tanya Scott, 6th grade science teacher. The NMS Outdoor Classroom will include a shade shelter, gardens, bird houses, and many other exciting learning features. The students and staff of NMS thank you for your support of our new Outdoor Classroom.
Immunization Requirement Date is October 3
Parents of all sixth grade students are reminded that if they have not already done so, they have just three weeks to comply with the immunization requirement for all rising 6th grade students. The booster dose of the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine can be provided by your health care provider or local health department. Proof of immunization must be presented to the NMS Health Office and/or School Nurse, Holly Briggs. Failure to do so will result in the student not being able to attend school until the requirement is met.
Eagles: Soaring to new heights in 08-09!
