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Dear Parents & Guardians,

Attached is our Weekly Sunday Update, which can be found at the link or text below.

Thank you.

Mr. Mayes & Mr. Horlick

2019_8_25_Parent Weekly Email

This Week’s Major Headlines

 

  • The first day of school is Monday, August 26, 2019 (8:05 am for 6th graders, 11:05 am for 7th/8th).
  • 8th Grade parents & guardians can meet with Dr. Mayes about the new BASDEmpower Laptop program this Wednesday, August 28 @ 7pm in the Auditorium.
  • Please update your phone & email information on the Registration Gateway before the window closes on September 30! This is the way you complete all of the “start of year” paperwork & update your contact information!

 

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Starting the first day of school is always an exciting time for students and parents. I hope that you and your child are as excited for tomorrow as we are! Please take your time, ask questions, and use our resources to make sure that your child has all of the opportunities to grow this year. The 2019-2020 school year is going to be a great year of learning, growing, and exploring for your child as we live our school motto, “Work Hard, Play Hard!”

Sincerely,

Dr. Mayes, Principal

Parent & Student Weekly Email

Nitschmann Middle School Weekly Update, Home of the Nitschmann Nation!

Sunday, August 25, 2019, to Sunday, September 1, 2019

All of this information can be viewed at our

Nitschmann Middle School Website  under Weekly Announcements (Click Here!)

 

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Attachments to Review

None

 

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Upcoming Dates to Be Proactive!

All dates are listed from our NMS Website, BASD Event Calendar, & BASD Academic Calendar 

8/26 First Day of School (6th grade @ 8:05am, 7th/8th @ 11:05am); 8/28 8th Grade BASD Empower Chromebook Presentation 7pm 9/2 Labor Day/No School; 9/16 NMS Back to School Night 6pm; 9/19 School Photo Day; 9/23 11:30 Dismissal/Teacher In-Service; 10/9 Yom Kippur/No School; 10/14 Teacher In-Service/No School; 10/15-18 BASD Education Week 10/29 11:30 Dismissal/Teacher In-Service; 10/30 End of 1st Quarter/School Photo Make-Up Day; 11/3 Daylight Savings Time Ends; 11/5 Election Day/Teacher In-Service/No School; 11/18 11:30 Dismissal Student Conferences; 11/11 Veteran’s Day; 11/19 11:30 Dismissal Student Conferences; 11/27-12/2 Thanksgiving Holiday/No School; 12/23-1/3/20 Christmas/Winter Break/No School; 1/20 MLK Day/No School; 1/23 End of 2nd Quarter; 2/14 Teacher In-Service/No School; 2/17 Presidents’ Day/No School; 3/8 Daylight Savings Time Begins; 3/11 11:30 Dismissal/Teacher In-Service; 3/27 End of 3rd Quarter; 4/7 11:30 Dismissal/Teacher In-Service; 4/8 11:30 Dismissal/Teacher In-Service;4/9-4/13 Easter/Spring Break/No School; 5/TBA Primary Election Day/No School 5/25 Memorial Day/No School; 5/29 8th Grade Dance 6pm @ Ice House; 6/4 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony 6pm; 6/8 8th Grade HersheyPark Trip; 6/9 Last Day of School/End of 4th Quarter 

 

Weekly Schedule & Highlights

Monday, 8/26/19 Day 1 Adapted Schedule (6th Grade @ 8:05 am; 7th & 8th Grades @ 11:05 am); 1st Day of School

Tuesday, 8/27/19 Day 2 

Wednesday, 8/28/19 Day 3 BASDEmpower 8th Grade Parent Meeting 7:00 pm Auditorium

Thursday, 8/29/19 Day 4

Friday, 8/30/19 Day 5 8th Grade BASDEmpower Laptop Distribution to 8th Grade students, First day for changing for PE

Saturday, 8/31/19 

Sunday, 9/1/19 

 

Next Week Weekly Schedule & Highlights

Monday, 9/2/19 No School Labor Day

Tuesday, 9/3/19 Day 6 

Wednesday, 9/4/19 Day 1 

Thursday, 9/5/19 Day 2

Friday, 9/6/19 Day 3 

Saturday, 9/7/19 

Sunday, 9/8/19 

 

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Important Links

BASD Dining Services Menu & Website 

NMS Staff Email Directory

BASD Volunteer Information

 

Recent Nitschmann News! (Always posted on our Social Media sites too!)

Twitter @NitschmannMS; Facebook @NitschmannMiddleSchool; Instagram@BASDNitschmannMS; NMS School Website; YouTube

 

Is your child sick?  You can submit your child’s sick note by email to ni-attendance@basdschools.org, as long as the email on your child’s account matches the email address. Please note: If you are submitting a written or doctor’s note do not submit an email.  It should be one or the other. Please email Mrs. Falcone at mfalcone@basdschools.org with any questions or concerns. Please note that this is ONLY for sick notes, not for early release or any other questions!

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School-wide Announcements

 

BASD E-News (Dr. Roy)  The first edition of the 2019-2020 BASD e-News can be viewed here.

 

PE/Health Schedule (Villani, Long, Weinert)- All students will spend the first few cycles in the gym. Be prepared to change into gym clothes beginning Friday Aug. 30th.

 

First Day of School (Mayes) The 2019-2020 school year begins on Monday, August 26, 2019. 6th graders will report at 8:05 am for orientation. 7th & 8th graders will report at 11:05 am (busses will be 3 hours delayed for 7th & 8th!)

 

Arrival & Dismissal (Mayes) Please follow directions and cones during arrival and dismissal. The main parking lot and off-street parking on the south side of W Union Blvd is the BEST place to drop off and pick up your child. Officer Joneic will be enforcing all city & school parking rules. 

 

Registration Gateway (Mayes) Please complete the Registration Gateway to update phone and email information before the system closes on September 30, 2019. Use your Home Access Center password at https://www.beth.k12.pa.us/ParentsStudents/ 

 

Bus Transportation (Mayes) Any issues with bus transportation should be directed to the BASD Transportation Department at 610-861-0360.

 

Welcome to New Faculty & Staff (Mayes) Please welcome the new additions to our faculty & staff:

 

Mrs. Falcone Student Services Secretary, Attendance & Front Desk

Mrs. Stewart, 6th Grade Guidance

Mrs. Pouge, English, Team ESU

Mrs. Sofka, German & Literacy Development

Mrs. Woodring, FCS

Mr. Sukanics, Seminar

Officer Joneic, Bethlehem Police Department

 

Seminar (Mayes) We welcome Mr. Sukanics, who will be serving for Mrs. Mendez during her sabbatical this year. Seminar student parents will be receiving an introduction letter from Mr. Sukanics this week when Seminar begins on Thursday. You can email him directly at psukanick@basdschools.org 

 

8th Grade BASD Empower Chomebook Presentation (Mayes) Parents & Guardians of 8th grade students! Please come and meet with Dr. Mayes about our new 1:1 laptop initiative for all 8th grade students. We will talk about the purpose of the program, plans for rollout, logistics for students, and answer all of your questions! Facebook Event Page  

 

8th Chromebook Distribution (Mayes) 8th Graders will receive their BASDEmpower Chromebooks this Friday, August 30. Chromebooks should go home each night for student use & to be charged. More information is posted here. 

 

8th Chromebook Optional Insurance (Mayes) Parents/Guardians, please be aware that your child/children in Grades 08-10 will be receiving a Chromebook, Chromebook carrying bag, and Chromebook charger during the school day this week.  If you want to purchase optional insurance it is critical parents/guardians purchase it within 30 days of your child/children receiving it.  After 30 days you will be unable to purchase it. More information is posted here.  Dr. Mayes will be reviewing this information on Wednesday at his presentation @ 7pm. 

 

6th & 7th Chromebook Distribution (Mayes) 6th & 7th graders will receive their Chromebooks this week. 6th & 7th grade students may not take them home at night & must remain in school. 

 

Go-Guardian (Mayes) A reminder for all students & families that your child’s BASD account is monitored for usage and should only be used for appropriate use, as per our BASD policy. 

 

Crash Course for Parents Nitschmann Technology 101(Mayes) Parents & Guardians! Want to learn how to keep an eye on your child’s grades & assignments? Want to learn how all of your child’s tech systems work together? Dr. Mayes will be reviewing Schoology, eSchool, our NMS Website, Social Media, BASD App, and more! Come in to the Auditorium on Wednesday, 9/11 at 1pm or 7pm to learn how to stay ahead of your Lion! Facebook Event Page 

 

Back to School Night (Mayes) Back to School Night will be held on Monday, September 16, 2019 at 6pm. Please join us to learn about our new school year & programs, help your child sign up for activities, and learn about supports for you and your family.

 

School Supply List (Mayes) The 2019-2020 school supply list has been posted on our NMS website at http://basdwpweb.beth.k12.pa.us/nitschmann/parent-resources/

 

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Counseling Corner (Stewart, Kehler, Hipp) 

Contact your child’s counselor by email: 6th Grade Mrs. Stewart; 7th Grade Mr. Kehler; 8th Grade Mrs. Hipp

 

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Natalie Stewart to Nitschmann. Mrs. Stewart was a school counselor at Liberty High School for 20 years, and will be serving as our 6th grade school counselor.  

 

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Student Services Updates (Mr. Horlick) 

Contact Members of the Student Services Team by email: Mr. Horlick, Assistant Principal; Mrs. Scott, SSC Guidance Secretary; Mrs. Falcone, SSC Attendance Secretary

 

Cell Phones (Horlick) A reminder for all students & families students are permitted to have cell phones. We strongly recommend that cell phones be stored in your child’s locker. With the new Chromebook initiative, there is very little reason for students to have them throughout the day. If a cell phone is seen by a staff member or a child is found to have used it without permission throughout the day, the cell phone will be confiscated & Mr. Horlick will contact you directly. 

 

Dress Code (Horlick) Please review the NMS dress code on our website. This will be enforced from the first day of school. The one thing we often help students with immediately is slides/sandals. Make sure your child has on the correct footwear for school. The 2019-2020 NMS dress code has been posted at http://basdwpweb.beth.k12.pa.us/nitschmann/parent-resources/

 

**************************************************************************** Nitschmann Parent Group (NPG) (Twitter!@NitschmannPG)

nitschmannparentgroup@gmail.com

Executive Committee

PAC Representatives

 

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Academic Team Updates

 

Team Lafayette (6th) (Twitter @NMSLafayette Team Leader Mrs. Hackman) We look forward to your child starting school this week!

 

Team Lehigh (6th) (Twitter @NMSTeamLehigh Team Leader Mrs. Oliver)  Welcome to Nitschmann Middle School!!! We are looking forward to an exciting new year and achievements and challenges that go with it.  The schools theme for the year is “Work Hard Play Hard” Prior to the first day of school, it would be a good idea to sit down with your child to come up with a consistent schedule for both homework and play. We suggest an hour be blocked for both work and play each evening along with a consistent bedtime. We like our students to not only be both well rounded and well rested .To help you get prepared, do not forget to check out the school supplies list above. They have some really good sales out there. Not to promote any individual store but, Staples (and I think Walmart) has single subject spiral notebooks for 25 cents and folders for 15 cents (I think Target has this price as well).  For math students will definitely need a calculator early on so take advantage of the sales on them as well. You should be able to find one for about $10. On Monday evening, your child will be bringing home some papers to be signed. We would appreciate them back as soon as possible. We look forward to meeting your child on Monday morning!!

 

Team Moravian (6th) – (Twitter @NMSTeam Moravian/Facebook@NMSTeamMoravian Team Leader Mrs. Roufakis) We look forward to your child starting school this week!

 

Team Kutztown (7th) (Twitter @TeamKutztown Team Leader Mr. Hess) Welcome to the 2019 – 2020 school year! We are looking forward to meeting our new 7th graders on Monday and having a fun and exciting school year! Please check this email weekly for updates, news, and announcements from the team.

 

Team Penn State (7th) (Twitter @NMSPennState/Facebook @NMSTeamPennState/ Instagram pennstatenms Team Leader Mrs. Miller) We are looking forward to an exciting year with your children! Please check this email weekly for Team Penn State news and curriculum updates. Please make sure that all students have earbuds/headphones to carry with them during the school day. 

 

Team East Stroudsburg (8th) (Twitter @NMSTeamESU Team Leader Mr. Amen)  We look forward to your child starting school this week!

 

Team Northampton (8th) (Twitter @TeamSpartanNMS Team Leader Mrs. Hood) With all class textbooks online this year, it is ESSENTIAL that your child has a pair or two of earbuds with them daily!  Students will be able to use the text to speech feature, be able to watch videos as part of the curriculum, and create their own WeVideo projects.  Earbuds are sold at the school store if needed. We look forward to our students taking ownership of their learning and seeking out leadership opportunities! Go Spartans! 

 

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Extracurricular Activities

Is your child interested in an after-school club or activity? Email the advisor for more information!

 

AM Basketball Open Field/ Gym (TBA) None at this time.

 

Anime Club (Advisors Ms. Fehr/Mrs. Wallach)  None at this time.

 

Art Club (Advisors Mrs. Kozero/Mrs. Lund) None at this time.

  

Artsmart @ Banana Factory (Advisor Mrs. Lare)  None at this time.

  

Dance Team (Advisor Ms. Sierra) WELCOME BACK!!!  Returning dancers are to email me or stop by my room this week to talk about back to school night which is Sep. 16.  

 

German Club (Advisor Ms. Schwartz) None at this time

 

Heart & Sole Club (Advisor TBA) None at this time.

 

Fitness Club ( Advisor Mrs. Oliver)  None at this time.

 

FCS/DIY Club (Advisor Mrs. Hoffman) None at this time.

 

French Club (Advisor Mrs. Lare)  None at this time.

 

Intramurals (Advisor Mr. Ortwein) None at this time

 

Leadership Council (Advisor Mrs. Ellis) None at this time.

 

Lion Service Club (Advisor Mrs. McLaughlin) None at this time.

 

Lion’s Pride (online school newspaper)  (Advisor Ms. Bouhana) None at this time.

 

Mathcounts (Advisor Ms. Novatnak) None at this time.

 

National Junior Honor Society  (Advisors Mrs. Wallach/Mrs. Druckenmiller) (Twitter-@Njhs_Nitschmann; Instagram- @Njhs_Nistchmann ) We look forward to another great year! Please listen for updates via announcements and Schoology. Our first meeting will take place after Labor Day.

 

Nitschmann Dramatics (Advisor Mrs. HriniakSign up here to join Nitschmann Dramatics! https://forms.gle/Q4UfswXNQBnsPbkW8 This year’s show is Alice in Wonderland Jr.  Check Mrs. Hriniak’s website for updates, calendar, and information.  Mark your calendar for a MOVIE AFTERNOON in the auditorium Wednesday 8/28 after school until 4:30 and our FIRST INFORMATIONAL MEETING in the auditorium Friday 8/30 after school until 4:30.

 

Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) (Advisor Mr. Amen)   None at this time.

 

Reading Olympics (Advisor – Mrs. Nonnemacher) None at this time.

 

Riding for Focus (Advisors Mr. Miller & Mr. Hess) None at this time.

 

The Lion’s Den School Store  (Advisors Ms. Roufakis & Mrs. Evancho

Online order form….click here.  Orders will not be processed until payment is received!

 

Ski Club (Advisors Mr. Downey)  None at this time.

 

Spanish Club (Advisor Ms. Bouhana) None at this time.

 

Step Team (Advisor Ms. Sierra)  WELCOME BACK!!!  Returning steppers are to email me or stop by my room this week to talk about back to school night which is Sep. 16.  

 

Strategy Club (Advisor Mr. Kehler) Welcome Back!! Get your Game On!  Strategy Club will resume on Mondays and Tuesdays again for this year beginning on Monday Sept 16th.  Hours will be extended on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 so plan accordingly and make necessary travel arrangements.  Tuesday’s Strategy Club will remain from 3:00 to 4:00. Yes, I’m still working on making an e-Sports type league thing happen… more to follow.

 

Yearbook (Advisor Mrs. Ellis) None at this time.

 

Nitschmann Middle School Performing Arts Department Updates

 

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Nitschmann Middle School Instrumental Music Website (Click Here!)

Mr. Dan Zettlemoyer, Instrumental Music 

 

Rehearsal Schedule:

8/26 MONDAY No early morning band

8/27 TUESDAY No early morning orchestra / STUDENT OFFICER MEETING 7:15am

8/28 WEDNESDAY Early Morning Jazz band 7:15am (doors open at 7 am)

8/29 THURSDAY Early Morning Band 7:15am (doors open at 7am)

8/30 FRIDAY Early Morning Orchestra 7:15a, (doors open at 7 am)

 

Instrumental Music Lessons

Instrumental music lessons will begin on Wednesday, September 4 once we have completed 1 full 6 day cycle.  LEssons schedules and calendars will be distributed next week.

 

Student Drop Off

Drop off procedures will be the same as they were during summer music camp.  When you drop off your child in the morning please keep the line moving, drop your child off and have them walk down the sidewalk of the parking lot and then cross the driveway, there should be no traffic in the driveway next to the school, and enter through the auditorium entrance.  The auditorium entrance will be open and monitored by a staff member at 7 am. Parents should not enter the building, unless you have a prearranged meeting with Mr. Zettlemoyer.

 

News of Note

  • Take a look at all the fundraising opportunities we currently have going to HERE
  • Stay up to date on the latest by following the instrumental music groups on Twitter.  @NMSBandOrch
  • Don’t forget to check the Instrumental Music Website for everything dealing with instrumental music. www.nmsim.org
  • The Nitschmann Instrumental Music Association is now part of the Amazon Smile program.  Now you can shop at Amazon, get great deals and support the Nitschmann Instrumental Music Association all at the same time.   Please share this with your friends and family.  Go here for more information.

 

Color Guard: No rehearsal Monday.  Early morning rehearsal Thursday at 7:15am.

 

It’s not too late to join Color Guard!  We are still looking for students to join Honor Guard to march with the band and color guard and carry honor equipment like the American flag, Pennsylvania flag, City of Bethlehem flag, and Nitschmann Banner.  Contact Mrs. Hriniak for more information shriniak@basdschools.org

 

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Choral Music (Twitter @ldevriesmusic)

Mrs. Linda de Vries, Choral Music Director 

Mrs. Jody Parris, Choral Music Director

   

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Lions/Lady Lions Athletics Updates (Twitter @NMS_Athletics)

Mr. Jon Ortwein, NMS Athletic Director

 

Year-long

Cheerleading (Head Coach Mrs. Long kllong@basdschools.org)

 

Fall

Boys Football (Head Coach Mr. Villiani mvillani@basdschools.org)

 

Co-Ed Cross Country (Head Coach Miss Schwartz lschwartz@basdschools.org)

 

Girls Volleyball (Head Coach Mrs. Hinkel ahinkel@basdschools.org)

 

Girls Field Hockey (Mr. Burzynski bburzynski@basdschools.org)

 

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Nitschmann Middle School

A LEAD School, partnering with The Leader in Me

“Lions Lead the Way!”

 

Our Collective Vision Nitschmann Middle School is committed to cultivating a respectful community of innovative learners who are socially competent citizens ready to meet the challenges of their future.

 

Twitter @NitschmannMS

Facebook @NitschmannMiddleSchool

Instagram @BASDNitschmannMS,

Web http://basdwpweb.beth.k12.pa.us/nitschmann/

 

1002 West Union Blvd

Bethlehem, Pa 18018

Main Office (610) 866-5781

Fax (610) 866-1435

 

IMPORTANT/CONFIDENTIAL: This communication is intended solely for the confidential use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and the privileges are not waived by virtue of this having been sent by electronic mail.  If the reader of this email is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify me immediately & permanently delete this message including all attachments.  Thank you.