Embedded Files
(Site is best viewed on a computer/ipad)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 6-7 (7:00PM) Tiger Tales Willy Wonka (see flyer below)
March 10 (6:00pm) 8th Grade Parent Night (Letter Home via Skyward)
March 11 End of 3rd Grading Period
March 20 Key Club Fish Fry (see below for more details)
March 25 Social Media Safety Convo
March 30 - April 3 Spring Break (Please complete pre-arrange absent forms a week prior if needing an extra day)
April 3 Good Friday (No School)
April 15th 6th Grade I-Learn Science
April 21-22 I-Learn Math Testing
April 28-29 I-Learn L.A. Testing
May 4-8 Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (please contact us if you'd like to partner in supporting staff)
For All Athletic Events please visit the Northwestern Eventlink Page or click here for schedules.
NMS Student NEws
NMS Student NEws
I'm sharing with you our student produced and student created school news broadcast. These students plan and make these in Mr. Wise's class and other students get to watch during homeroom. One of my favorite parts is how the students have innovated each episode. Follow the channel for past/future broadcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@NMSNEWSTIGERS
Dear Parents and Students,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. It truly takes a village to educate a child, and as we share our school comparison data, I want to begin by thanking you for the support you consistently show our teachers and staff. Your partnership makes a difference every single day.
In this edition, you’ll read about many positive things happening at NMS. Mr. Ward explains how attendance will factor into school accountability grades next year, and Mrs. Eckelbarger is preparing for 8th Grade Parent Night as students begin scheduling for high school.
To our 8th grade families — it’s hard to believe we have just one grading period left of middle school. It has been a joy to watch your students grow during their time here, and we look forward to cheering them on as they take their next steps.
To our 6th and 7th grade families — thank you as well. Whether this is your child’s first year navigating the transition to middle school or another year of growing independence, we know this stage brings new routines, responsibilities, and challenges. We appreciate the support, encouragement, and flexibility you’ve shown as your students adjust, mature, and find their place at NMS. Watching their confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding.
In April, students will take the ILEARN summative exams. These assessments are an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned this year. We ask that you please make every effort to ensure your student is present, arrives on time, and is well-rested on the following dates. If possible, please schedule appointments for the afternoon on testing days.
Testing Dates:
April 15 6th Grade Science
April 21–22 – All Grades Math
April 28–29 – All Grades Language Arts
Thank you again for your continued support and for the important role you play in your child’s education. We are grateful to partner with you.
Warm regards,
James Bishir
Principal
N.M.S.
Spring Dance May 15th
Spring Dance May 15th
Student Council Sponsored: Spring Dance 5:00-7:00 PM. MS GYM
Tickets $10 if you pre-purchase. $15 at the door. We would like student to pre-purchase so we know how many snacks/refreshments to buy. Thanks!
Album with last dance photos:
Online Safety Convo
Online Safety Convo
Police Officer Drew Wallsmith and Former Judge Brant Parry will be speaking on Social Media and Internet Safety to our students the morning of March 25th in the Auditorium. We started this presentation last year and both men shared extremely valuable information our students needed to hear about online threats. A recent tragedy involving a student at Fisher's High School has started a movement to make this type of education mandatory. Click here for more info information about that movement: Additionally, Mr Wise is planning on hosting and emailing a google meet via skyward if you'd like to watch.
Detective Sgt. Drew J. Wallsmith is an 18-year veteran with the Kokomo Police Department. Sergeant Wallsmith has served as a Patrolman, Field Training Officer, D.A.R.E. Instructor, and D.A.R.E. Mentor. Sergeant Wallsmith is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Section and works in the Digital Crimes Unit. Sergeant Wallsmith is a Certified Digital Forensics Examiner. Sergeant Wallsmith also works on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and has investigated and resolved numerous child solicitation and exploitation cases. Sergeant Wallsmith frequently partners with state and federal law enforcement agencies across the country to solve complex computer/digital crimes and crimes against children.
Student Services:
Student Services:
Hello Parents!
Hello Parents!
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, it's the perfect time to help our students build momentum and end on a high note. Here are some practical tips to keep students motivated and organized through the finish line:
Stay Organized
Encourage students to use a planner to keep track of assignments, tests, and other deadlines. Breaking larger projects into smaller tasks makes them feel less overwhelming.
Check the NMS homework website daily. Also check for missing assignments in Google Classroom.
Give Tutoring a Try
Our high school National Honor Society offers free tutoring after school until 3:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays in HS room 311. No sign-up needed, just show up!
Ask Rose is a free math and science tutoring service. They are available Sunday through Thursday from 5:00-10:00 pm. Call 1-877-ASK-ROSE or visit AskRose.org for more info.
Take Care of Yourself
A strong finish requires a strong foundation: adequate sleep, healthy eating, and time for activities they enjoy. A balanced routine helps students stay focused and resilient.
I recommend putting a screen time limit on your student's phone, ending their screen time 30 minutes before they go to bed.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge effort and progress, not just grades. Every improvement matters!
All-School March Madness Bracket Challenge
All-School March Madness Bracket Challenge
We're thrilled to announce our upcoming All-School March Madness Bracket Competition. Students and staff are invited to participate in a friendly bracket competition as we celebrate this exciting time of year.
Whether your student is a basketball expert or just here for the excitement, this is a great way for them to engage with our school community. More details about how to enter, deadlines, and prizes coming soon!
Questions or concerns? Feel free to reach out anytime.
Go Tigers!
Ericka Echelbarger
Director of Student Services
Corporation Test Coordinator
Northwestern School Corporation
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org
Message from Assistant Principal Mr. Ward:
Next year, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will resume issuing school report cards. Many of you may remember when schools received an A–F rating from the state. Those ratings were paused for several years as accountability requirements were revised, and they will now return in an updated format.
I want to share this information not to focus on grades or percentages, but because attendance will be an important part of how schools are evaluated moving forward. More importantly, consistent attendance plays a critical role in a child’s learning, relationships, and overall experience at school.
As Mr. Bishir shared in the recent data, about 70% of our students currently miss fewer than 10 days of school per year. That reflects a strong commitment from many of our families, and we truly appreciate that partnership.
At the same time, we understand that life happens. Illness, family circumstances, appointments, and other challenges can make regular attendance difficult at times. Our goal is never to reduce students to a number or a statistic. Each day a child is here matters because of the connections they build, the confidence they gain, and the learning that takes place.
If possible, we simply ask that you continue to prioritize school attendance and make every effort to have your child here when they are healthy and able. When challenges arise, please reach out — we want to work alongside you to support your child.
Thank you for all you do to support your student and our school community.
Warm regards,
Ryan Ward
Assistant Principal
N.M.S.
Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions or concerns involving your child. I can be reached at ryan.ward@nwsc.k12.in.us or my ext.3104.
Grade Level Leaders:
If you have specific questions about general grade level topics. Grades academics/grades/etc. please contact the team leader for that grade. This year we have the following Team Leaders:
pamela.miller@nwsc.k12.in.us (8th Grade)
marissa.shrock@nwsc.k12.in.us (7th Grade)
lindsay.holt@nwsc.k12.in.us (6th Grade)
America 250 Announcements
1. Thank you to all parents who donated to the America 250 Homeroom Cupcake Celebration in January.
2. February - Homerooms participated in a patriotic door decorating contest.
Mrs. Smalley - 1st place
Mrs. Sparling - 2nd place
Mrs. Temme - 3rd place
3. March - America 250 Dress Up Week
Monday, 3/23 - Favorite American Sports Day - Wear your sports gear OR dress like your favorite sports player!
Tuesday, 3/24 - Hollywood, Broadway, or American Music Icon Day - Dress as an American actor, tv/movie character, or singer!
Wednesday, 3/25 - Campus Spirit - Wear colors/merch from U.S. colleges/universities!
Thursday, 3/26 - Decades Day - Dress in a popular U.S. Style for your favorite decade!
Friday, 3/27 - Show your patriotic spirit by wearing Red, White, and Blue!
6th grade = wear red tops
7th grade = wear white tops
8th grade = wear blue tops
**We will participate in a school wide photo!
Stay tuned for April and May celebrations!
2026 Washington, D.C. Trip
Thank you to all who have signed up for the trip. Trip is full, but we are still accepting people on the waitlist who register:
Elder Tree
Elder Tree
Your support this year for Elder Tree was OVERWHELMING! The difference you made in the lives of those who are often overlooked during the holidays cannot be overstated. It also helps teach our students what the holiday season is about. We have included some pictures for you to see of our delivery to the Brickyard Nursing facility. VIEW ELDER TREE DONATION PICTURES HERE
Check Assignments & homework the easy way
Check Assignments & homework the easy way
Please check your student's iPad for an assignment button. Teacher have posted assignments and HR in ONE place for you to follow/check. Please click and read this first if you have questions. Thanks!
8th Grade Lady Tigers WIN
8th Grade Lady Tigers WIN
8th Grade Lady Tigers defended their Twin Lakes Tourney victory with another win this past weekend. ALL NMS Girls wrap up their seasons this week. 7th and 8th Grade will have their last home game and first game of the conference tourney this Thursday at home, and 6th grade girls will play in the Howard Co. Tourney this weekend. Each team has had a good season of growth. Tiger Superfan and Parent Mr. Dubbels started a youtube channel to follow the lady Tigers: Click to view:
Yearbooks on sale NOW
Yearbooks on sale NOW
Order Before March 20th to be guarenteed a yearbook. After the 20th, a limited number may be avalible for $25.
After School Swim Lessons
After School Swim Lessons
Lessons will be: April 20-24 and May 11-15th.
Signup Forms will be coming home soon.
Also, I will hold a Lifeguarding Recertification course on April 25th.
Contact Mrs. Walters for more information. Donita.walters@nwsc.k12.in.us
Swim Lesson 2026 Dates.pdfFOllow Tiger NMS Sports
FOllow Tiger NMS Sports
Ms. Holt has started a Instagram/TikTok page for pictures from our sporting events. To view: Follow @ nms.Tigers
Distance Learning/Elearning
Distance Learning/Elearning
UPDATE: Northwestern will now FIRST utilize E-Learning Days in the event of weather delays. Please familiarize yourself with the difference by clicking below.
Just in case: Please review our distance learning page for more information in case of school closure.
Kingston Michael-JolLiff
Kingston Michael-JolLiff
March Student of the Month
Alaina Gasaway
Alaina Gasaway
February Student of the Month
Lydia Dubbels
Lydia Dubbels
January Student of the Month
Berklee Beaver
Berklee Beaver
Berklee participated in the 2026 Art off the Square Art Show this past weekend. She received a 1st and 2nd place ribbon, certificate and monetary award.
Rala Coroa
Rala Coroa
Rala received a 3rd place ribbon in the Art off the Square Art Show, a certificate, and a monetary award.
Alejandro Resto
Alejandro Resto
Alejandro Resto won the National Title for his Weight class in the National Silver Gloves Championship put on by USA Boxing. Alejandro is a 6th grade at N.M.S.
Lids for KaRALEE
Lids for KaRALEE
Please bring in any recycled plastic lids you save. We're collecting them for a bench to honor our special education teacher Karalee Graves. Karalee passed away from Cancer this year. She loved her job and students. She is missed by all.
Spain 2027 trip, now Paris, the Basque Country, and Barcelona
Spain 2027 trip, now Paris, the Basque Country, and Barcelona
Eighth grade students and parent chaperones are invited to travel to Paris, the Basque Country, and Barcelona over Spring Break 2027. Please note that we will be traveling with Explorica, owned by Worldstrides, visiting Northern Spain and Paris. High school credit is included, the cost is significantly less than the original itinerary to Central and Southern Spain, and this trip includes Barcelona and Paris! Contact Mrs. Dubbels. Heather.Dubbels@nwsc.k12.in.us for more information.
Tiger Tales Flyer
Fish Fry Flyer
Please plan to have dinner with the Northwestern KEY CLUB FISH FRY: March 20 4:30pm-7:30pm. See flyer for more details:
The Nurse's Station
The Nurse's Station
Reminder
Students in all grades by law are required to meet the minimum immunization requirements before the start of school unless the school has received annually either a religious or medical exemption.
All documentation must be provided before the October 7,2025 exclusion deadline.
There are several students still missing required immunizations, especially sixth graders missing the required sixth grade immunizations Tdap and MCV4.
Contact our School Nurses if you have questions, immunization updates, medication to drop off: ext: 2320
jodi.galbraith@nwsc.k12.in.us ; elizabeth.smith@nwsc.k12.in.us or call the school.
TEXTING HOME SICK
TEXTING HOME SICK
We ask that if your child is not feeling well at school they should ask to see our school nurse. We've had multiple incidents where a parent has come to check out a student for illness and no one has known they weren't feeling well. Students who go home and are not sick will be unexcused. We appreciate your support and understanding.
Since implementing the restriction on student cell phones, we have noticed an increase in some students misusing their school-issued devices. While the vast majority of our students continue to use technology responsibly and with good judgment, we do need to address the instances where it is not being used appropriately.
We will be reinforcing our expectations and intervening when necessary to ensure that school devices remain tools for learning. We appreciate the many students who consistently demonstrate responsible use, and we value your partnership as we continue to promote a focused and respectful learning environment for all
Old Lobby
Old Lobby
Look how far we've come.
Old Exterior
Old Exterior
Construction pictures from last year.
Old Cafeteria
Old Cafeteria
Cafeteria During Construction
Students at HS Games
Students at HS Games
First, we absolutely LOVE this! NMS students showing up, supporting one another, and taking pride in our teams is exactly what public school is all about. The energy and school spirit have been fantastic to see.
I do have one favor to ask. Please take a moment to have a supportive conversation with your child about being their very best at school events. A key part of “The Northwestern Way” is caring for our school, our teams, and one another. Recently, we’ve had a few situations involving significant messes and behavior that has gone a bit beyond our expectations.
We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing what it means to represent NMS with pride. Thank you for helping us continue to build a positive and respectful game-day atmosphere for everyone.
Master Calendar
Master Calendar
Northwestern School Corporation/ Chartwells has transitioned to Meal Magic for their food service point of sale system. Meal Magic will be utilized for all your food service payments. To access lunch account balances and to make online payments please visit:
https://northwesternsc.familyportal.cloud
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH THE 'Meal Magic' PORTAL
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
Check your account balance
See your child's purchase history
Freeze 'extra items' such as chips/cookies/ice cream from purchase.
Pay Online with credit/debit card.
There are automatic restrictions once your child's lunch balance is $-5.00. They will still receive a lunch.
Breakfast $2.00 Lunch $3.25
After-School Tutoring will be Tuesdays and Thursdays
2:45-3:30 ROOM S-10
Students who stay for tutoring must stay until 3:30 and be picked up at the HS
Sports
Sports
Check out our Athletics Page for more information about sports, schedules, etc. Make sure you and your athlete are registered on 'Final Forms' and have a physical submitted before your season starts. You can also select sports you're interested in on 'Final Forms' to be notified of try-outs etc..
Additionally: All Northwestern Teams are communicating team info via the SportsYou App.
Questions? Please contact the athletic office secretary:
Questions? Please contact the athletic office secretary:
Christina Kidwell
Christina Kidwell
CHRISTINA.KIDWELL@NWSC.K12.IN.US
(765) 457-8101 EXT. 2600
Need FREE homework help or tutoring in math and science classes? Ask Rose! Check out this short video to see how it works:
Website: https://askrose.org/
Page updated
Report abuse