September 17, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Here are the weekly updates from the middle school:
Second Week of School: There has definitely been a change in atmosphere this week. The teachers have noticed how the students are becoming more adept at opening their lockers. They are also becoming more familiar with the building and can find their classes with little or no problem. We look forward to seeing their continued growth as we move forward with the start of the school year.
Meet the Teachers: In the place of our traditional Back to School Night, we are holding a virtual “Meet the Teachers.” In next week’s parent message, look for a link to the video presentations for all of the teachers. The presentations will include a course overview, as well as expectations for the class, just as you would in a typical back to school night event. It comes with the added benefit that it can be viewed at a time that is convenient for you, and if you have multiple students in the middle school, you do not need to choose which teachers to see, you can see them all. Of course, it also eliminates any concerns about the large crowds indoors the event might draw during a pandemic.
Again, look for the links to the different prestations in next week’s parent message. If there are any questions about a class, please contact the teacher.
Parent conferences will be in November and those will be a choice of in person or by video conference.
Activity Fair: The middle school has been holding its activity fair display and it will remain up through September 22. During passing time, students are invited to check out the displays of the different clubs and activities available. Students should listen to the announcements daily (and posted in PowerSchool) for information on first meetings for the various clubs and activities.
Homecoming Carnival: The high school Homecoming Carnival and game are scheduled for Saturday, October 9. The carnival will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm with the football game to follow. This is open to the entire community. Please see this FLIER for more information on the carnival.
Fall Sports: Welcome to the Fall Season! On September 8th, 2021 students had the opportunity to attend their choice of a fall sports team meeting and on September 13th, 2021, parents had access to that information via in-person sports meetings. Please reach out to the coaches via your son/daughter’s Google classroom for Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Field Hockey, Cross Country, or the website’s “Athletic Contact Coaches” list to ask for any specifics in time/location. Best of luck to our teams!
Winter Sports: We are now accepting Physical Packets for winter sports. Please submit them to MiddleSchoolAthletics@nburlington.com at your earliest convenience.
School Lunches: Now that we have the indoor procedures established for the cafetorium, we are offering outdoor seating as an option, provided the weather cooperates. This will include the grassy area outside our cafeteria, Students are invited to bring a towel or something similar to use to sit on the grass if they wish. The teachers supervising the cafetorium will explain to students how they will be dismissed to eat outside if they choose.
Clinical Corner Spotlight:
Back to School Anxiety: How to help kids manage worries and have a successful start to the school year by: Caroline Miller - Going back to school is exciting for some kids, but others have trouble with anxiety heading into the new school year. This is especially true of kids who are starting at a new school or are already anxious about being away from parents. This anxiety fades for most kids as the school year goes on, but parents can help them get off to a good start. Please click the link for the full article: Back to School Anxiety
Group Counseling for Students: NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL SESSIONS. Northern Burlington School District has collaborated with First Children Services (FCS) to provide therapeutic mental health services in-person to our students via group counseling. This is a free 8-week group in-person support group for students to engage with a licensed clinician and their peers to discuss various topics in a safe space setting. The main topics will include anxiety/stress management, emotional regulation, gaining self-awareness, self-esteem, friendship and relationship issues, communication skills, and the upcoming transition back to in-person school. If you are interested in having your child participate or have questions about the group, please contact your child’s School Counselor. Limited spaces available, deadline is October 1st Transportation is available.
High School – every Tuesday October 5th – November 23rd after school
Middle School – every Wednesday, October 6th – November 24th after school
Managing Your Child’s Behavior: A Virtual Workshop for Parents: Need Help Managing Your Child's Behavior? This 7 week parent workshop was developed by the Child Psychologists at Children’s Specialized Hospital to help parents of children of all ages learn how to manage their behavior. The course will cover:
Causes of misbehavior
Setting limits and dealing with tantrums
Managing sibling conflicts
Developing and implementing behavioral systems
Parent stress management, self-care, and support system
Participants should attend all of the classes in the cycle to get the most out of this program. This program is free, but registration is required. You will be provided the workshop link once you’ve registered.
Event Date: Oct 13, 2021 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Click to register online: https://www.rwjbh.org/events/event/?event=22676
High School Construction Project: Please view our construction updates on the website at this link: https://nbreferendum.com/quarterly-update/
Important Dates:
September 23: Meet the Teachers: Virtual Event
October 11: No School for Students/Staff Development Day
October 13: Early Dismissal of Students/Staff Development
October 14: Early Dismissal of Students/Staff Development
October 15: Early Dismissal of Students/Staff Development
October 19: Middle School Student Picture Day: NEW DATE: Details to follow.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kearns, Ed.D.
Principal