FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Often times, not only are our children trying to navigate and find answers in the brand new world of middle school and secondary education, but we parents are as well. We are in the building less often and our children no longer speak to us as freely as before and with so many teachers to keep track of, we find ourselves with many questions and don't know where to begin to get the answers. These are some of the most regularly asked questions that the PTO is asked to answer by parents.

1) What are the attendance policies of NMS?

• North Middle School Hours: 8:20am - 2:50pm. Students are expected to be in classrooms during these times. Drop off should be earlier (by 8:10am) to ensure they're in homeroom on time. Click here for attendance information.

2) Where do I drop off my child for school? Where do I do pick up?

• Students are encouraged to be dropped off by 8:10a.m. All vehicle drop-offs will be on the NMS side of Polo Road.

• Students are dismissed at 2:50. All vehicle pick-ups will be on the NMS side of Polo Road.

• Click here for detailed drop off and pick up procedures (also found on the NMS Parent Information page)

3) Where can I get contact information for a teacher, administrator, staff member, etc?

Everything is on the NMS Webpage. You should follow the chain of command on the communication guide as your first step. The following are the links for the school directory and communication guide:

• Communication Guide

• Staff Directory

• Also check Department and Team Pages on the NMS webpage.

4) I would like to know how my child is doing in class. How can I find out?

• You can check the Parent Portal for up to date information on assignments and tests.

• You can also check your child's Google Classroom and check for missing assignments, completed work with grades, and more.

• You can also email or call your child’s teacher directly. Check the directory, department or team pages for teacher contact information.

5) Can I call my child on their cell phone during the day?

Your child is required to keep their cell phone off during the school day and in their locker. If he/she is caught using their phone during class, the phone will be confiscated and the matter reported to the dean. If you need to get in touch with your child, please call the main office. They will help you get in touch with him/her. (See the Parent Handbook for more information on this.)

6) What clubs are there at school? When do clubs meet?

NMS offers a wide variety of clubs and activities after school, as well as intramurals before school. Club listings, advisors, and meeting dates/times are all listed on the Clubs and Activities webpage.

7) How do I find out if an after school activity is cancelled?

Your child will be notified of cancelled events, but in the case of inclement weather, parents will be notified via Parent Link (email, text, phone calls) if late busses are cancelled.

8) My child needs help with study skills. How can I help? Is there a resource?

Starting in grade 6, team teachers integrate study skills in class, targeting specific strategies and skills throughout the year. Additionally, there is a Study Skills Handbook created by the faculty and administration of NMS that details many methods of study skills. It can be found on the homepage or at the following:

• GET SMART: Winning Strategies for Success

9) When can my child go to extra help?

A child is welcome to extra help if they have questions regarding homework, classwork or in preparation for an exam. Obviously, the day before an exam, extra help is usually quite busy. It is a better plan to go to extra help right away when your child has questions, rather than to wait for everything to be addressed the day before a test at the busiest extra help session.

Please note that a child can always request an appointment for extra help should he not be able to make the regularly scheduled time. Click here to view the extra help and testing schedule for this school year.

10) When are the after school buses and what are the stops?

• All students who stay after school may ride home on the late buses at 3:45 PM, 4:30 PM, or 5:20 PM.

• Click here for Late Bus Information

The late bus schedule is posted on the NMS website under "schedules" then go to bus schedule and find the information you're looking for. You can access the stops each bus makes based on the different bus times.

Note that the late buses are not like the regular AM/PM buses. Your child must find the stop closest to their house, which may be farther away than their regular bus. A bus pass is not needed to take a late bus.

11) What do the Deans do?

The Deans are Mr. Reilly and Ms. Booth. The Deans are a resource for the children and the parents. They handle student conflicts and disciplinary matters including bullying and issues with social media.

12) What does the guidance and counseling department do?

The North Middle Guidance Department is committed to helping students attain their full academic potential, develop responsible independence and form a sense of self-worth through supportive counseling relationships and collaborative partnerships with parents, teachers, and administrators.

One school counselor is assigned per grade and will follow students from grade 6 through grade 8. Click here for the department page.

13) When do progress reports and grades come out?

Progress reports are no longer issued since NMS moved to live grading on the Parent Portal. Report cards are released on Infinite Campus via the Parent Portal once every 10 weeks (if you cannot access the Parent Portal, please click the help button to get more information on how to access your account.) Please note, it is imperative that you check your child’s report cards so that you can partner with the school if your child needs academic help. Check the NMS calendar for the exact dates of availability and quarter ends. The school also sends an email notifying when these reports are accessible on Infinite Campus.

14) My child is being bullied/harassed on social media, how do I get help?

• Please check the guide on Cyber Bullying in the Parent Handbook or scroll down on the NMS Parent Information page for things you can do to protect your child. There are tech tutorials, including information on Cyberbullying on this page.

• Contact the Deans for help.

15) What day is it - A or B? Is it on a calendar? How long does each period run and at what time?

The NMS Calendar is on the NMS webpage. If you click on "calendars" you'll also see a link to the Daily A/B day rotation.

The homepage also has a tab marked 'Calendar' that outlines all the activities taking place at NMS such as concerts, meetings, etc.

The class bell schedule can be found on the school homepage under "Schedules".

16) Where can I get information on the iPads and apps my children are using?

All iPad and tech tutorials are posted on the NMS Parent Information Page. Periodically, Mr. Vigliotti will offer in person or virtual tutorial sessions for parents as well.

17) Where can I find information on health forms due to the Nurse?

Please visit the Nurse's webpage on the NMS Website.

18) Where can I find information about Summer Reading Assignments due and School Supplies that are needed?

The homepage of the NMS website will be updated each summer to include this information along with other back to school important updates. Please check it often, especially in the last two weeks of August when more information will be readily available.

19) Does NMS or the PTO have a Facebook page?

Yes both do! Click here for the NMS Facebook page and click here for the NMS PTO Facebook page.