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BRRRR.....

12/3/2024

 
​As the winter chill settles in early, we hope this message finds you warm and well. The Lower Academy is bustling with learning and excitement. Our teachers and staff are working hard to ensure that every child's needs are met every day.


When you are out and about, please visit our NCS tree at the Johnston Medical Mall. You may see a face or two of a smiling staff or student you know! We would also love you to visit the website and vote for our tree for "Best in Show." https://www.johnstonhealthfoundation.org/home/events-campaigns/festival-of-trees/#:~:text=DECEMBER%201%20%2D%2031,fundraiser%20of%20Johnston%20Health%20Foundation.




Over the next few weeks, students will take their MAP tests in reading and math. Please make sure your student is present on their designated day of testing and has a charged computer and headphones.


Students will have the opportunity to attend the NCS Booster Bazaar this Friday. If you plan to attend and shop with your student, please see the scheduled times for each grade level and ensure you check in at the front office.




Booster Bazaar Schedule
K and 12th Grades: 8:45-9:15
1st Grade: 9:15-9:45
2nd Grade: 9:45-10:15
3rd Grade: 10:15-10:45
4th Grade: 10:45-11:15
5th Grade: 11:15-11:45
6th Grade: 12:00-12:30
7th Grade: 12:30-1:00
8th Grade: 1:00-1:30
9th Grade: 1:30-2:00
10th and 11th Grade: 2:00-2:30


Students in K-3 are invited to attend a free event hosted by the NCS National Honor Society. Please see the invite below:


We are excited to announce a Free Movie Night for students in grades K-3, hosted by the National Honor Society! This fun, fterschool event will be a great opportunity for your child to enjoy a movie with friends in a safe and supervised environment.
Event Details:
  • Date: Tuesday, December 17th
  • Time: After carpool
  • Pickup Time: 4:30 PM at the carpool line closest to the Aux Gym
  • Movie: Prep and Landing (possibly 2 of them since they are short)
  • Cost: FREE
  • Each student will receive a drink and a snack.
Movie Overview:Prep and Landing is a heartwarming animated holiday special that follows two high-tech elves, Wayne and Lanny, as they work together to prepare homes for Santa's arrival. It feature  themes of teamwork, holiday spirit, and the importance of helping others. The movie s rated TV-G, making it appropriate for children in grades K-3.
Important Information:
  • Please ensure that your child has permission to attend by completing the attached permission slip by Thursday, December 12th.
  • Students should be picked up promptly at 4:30 PM.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
We look forward to seeing your child there for a fun-filled afternoon!

Greetings from ncs lower academy

11/19/2024

 
​
Hello NCS families,


Thank you for stopping by and reading the Lower Academy Blog. I hope you find something inspiring and helpful here today!


Congratulations to the following students who received the Character Trait Award Empathy for October:


Kindergarten: Kennedit Greene
1st Grade: Shiloh Steward
2nd Grade: Gregory Nelson
3rd Grade: Christian Fisher
4th Grade: Anna Claire Bradner
5th Grade: Heberi Castro


The Character Trait for November is Gratitude. As we teach and model gratitude for our students, I challenge you to watch this short video and complete this exercise. Our NCS staff is always welcoming of thank yous! https://youtu.be/7DlMMih-QTA?si=RjJE6REFZ0xIi48d




Students in 4th and 5th grade will participate in the Sandy Hook Promises Say Something training on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Teachers will help deliver the training and engage your students in a brief video to reinforce and grow the “Say Something” message. There are three prominent themes addressed in this:
Say Something training module:
1. The identification of warning signs.
2. The identification of Trusted Adults in the school community.
3. The celebratory message of being an upstander in the school community.


When students return from the break, Map testing will begin. It is imperative that your student be present on the day the test is given. Please make sure your student is well-rested and has a charged device.
Map Test Schedule:
  • Kindergarten: 12/2 Reading ,12/3 Math
  • 1st & 2nd: 12/4 Reading, 12/5 Math
  • 3rd & 4th: 12/6 Reading, 12/9 Math
  • 5th : 12/10 Reading, 12/11 Math


The NCS Booster Bazaar is an NCS tradition that allows students to shop from various vendors. If you plan to attend and shop with your student, please see the scheduled times for each grade level and ensure you check in at the front office.


Booster Bazaar Schedule
K and 12th Grades: 8:45-9:15
1st Grade: 9:15-9:45
2nd Grade: 9:45-10:15
3rd Grade: 10:15-10:45
4th Grade: 10:45-11:15
5th Grade: 11:15-11:45
6th Grade: 12:00-12:30
7th Grade: 12:30-1:00
8th Grade: 1:00-1:30
9th Grade: 1:30-2:00
10th and 11th Grade: 2:00-2:30

Students will be out of school the week of November 25th-29th.

If you would like to volunteer please sign up on the NCS website! 


Have a wonderful week! ​

Weekly update

11/13/2024

 
I hope this weekly update finds you well!


Did you know that VOLUNTEERING in your student's school can:
  • Enhance student learning
  • Build stronger school communities
  • Provide resources and support
  • Mentorship and role modeling
  • Bridge gaps in education
  • Promotes civic responsibility
  • Improves student well-being

We would love to have VOLUNTEERS on our campus! If you would like to volunteer please fill out this form!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVxGVtkHrJjAmWH7LoTKmjGLpheNTfM-mrd0TZGgiQrRdOQw/viewform


Students will not be in school the week of 11/25-11/29.


We are so thankful for our students and families. If you are a thankful Neuse parent/family please let us know! You can share your sentiments here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLJEnGKoiv0cr64htZtJSBMF5q31nH9yar_n8bhd_7YCIe2Q/viewform?usp=pp_url


Helpful TIP of the week!
When your student gets home from school each day ask these questions to connect!
  • What made you laugh today?
  • Which subject was your favorite today?
  • What was the best part of your day?
  • What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
  • What was the hardest thing you did today? 

Gratitude

11/4/2024

 
Welcome to a brand new week, full of fresh opportunities and possibilities! Let’s embrace the challenges ahead and make the most of every moment we have together.


We have so much to be thankful for!


To show our gratitude and thanks for NCS I am asking that each family fill out the Google Form and let us know what you are thankful for here at our wonderful school! We will share these over the next couple of weeks and spread an attitude of gratitude.


Last week, we had the amazing opportunity to participate in an Anti-Bullying Assembly! During grade-level enhancements, Mrs. Michael shared the importance of being an Upstander and an awesome human being. Thank you so much, Mrs. Michael, for your hard work and for creating this event! In the words of Kid President, "If it doesn't make the world better, don't do it!"


Thank you Smithfield Fire Department for taking the time to teach our Kindergartners about fire safety! Your efforts help equip them with essential knowledge and skills that will keep them safe. We truly appreciate your dedication to our children's well-being!


Thank you so much to everyone who donated items to our Treats for Staff! It was a huge success and everyone enjoyed their treats!




Check out this awesome resource from the Office of Early Learning.
https://www.dpi.nc.gov/students-families/parents-corner/literacy-home-digital-childrens-reading-initiative This resource provides at-home literacy support for students in grades K-5.


Monday, November 11 is the Veterans Day holiday and students will not be in school. Thank you so much to all Veterans for their bravery, sacrifice, and service. 

HELLO

10/28/2024

 

I hope this message finds you well! Our campus was buzzing with pumpkins, characters, and excitement on Friday! It was wonderful to see everyone together enjoying our school community. My heart is always full when we come together to support our students!
​
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated items for the Treats for Staff event taking place on October 31, 2024. If you haven't had a chance to donate and would like to, please check the Sign Up Genius link: [http://TreatsforStaff]. Additionally, if there's something not on the list that you wish to contribute, please feel free! We truly appreciate your support; our school could not thrive without you!

Please ensure that your student arrives at school on time each day. Tardiness and absences can disrupt everyone's day and significantly impact learning. According to healthychildren.org, "Missing just two days a month of school—for any reason—can make life harder. Children who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are less likely to read on grade level by third grade. For older students, chronic absenteeism is strongly associated with school failure—more so than low grades or test scores. When absences accumulate, these students are also more likely to be suspended and drop out of high school."

I am excited to share an amazing at-home literacy resource from the NC Office of Early Learning. You'll find a variety of activities and ideas to support your reader: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/students-families/parents-corner/literacy-home-digital-childrens-reading-initiative
Friday, November 1st is a TEACHER WORKDAY(:  


Thank you all so much for your support and for choosing NCS! 

Character Parade & Fall festival

10/22/2024

 

We are so excited about the events taking place in the Lower Academy this week! 

Students in grades 3-5 will be participating in the Pumpkin Book Report. If your student needs assistance decorating a pumpkin for the report please let me know. 

Students in grades K-2 will participate in the Character Parade. Families and guests are invited to line up on the sidewalk by 2:00 p.m. between the high school, front office area, and aux gym. The parade will start at 2:15 p.m. Once the parade is over, students will be in a designated area for parents to sign them out if they choose. Each teacher will have a QR code for you to scan to sign your student out. There is no need to go to the Front Office to sign out your K-5 student.

**Designated Signout Areas for Each Grade Level:**

**Kindergarten:** Parents/Guardians will go to the back door of the student's classroom, which is located within the playground fence.

 **1st Grade:** 
  - Shelter area by the 1st-grade modular
  - Mrs. Bursiweicz - Picnic Table 1
  - Mrs. Fisher - Picnic Table 2
  - Mrs. Kepley - Picnic Table 3

 **1-2 Combo:** 
  - Mrs. Whitley - Shed beside the Picnic tables

 **2nd Grade:** 
  - Shelter area by the playground
  - Mrs. Lester - Picnic Table 1
  - Mrs. Revels - Picnic Table 2
  - Mrs. Hargrove - Picnic Table 3

 **3rd-5th Grades:** If you have an older sibling/student in grades 3-5 that you would like to sign out, please check out your student at the back door of the Aux gym. A table will be set up for you to scan a QR code with a sign-out link.

 **6th-12th Grades:** If you would like to sign out a sibling/student in grades 6-12, please go to the front office. Your student will be called from their classroom to meet you.

Please remember that all students in grades K-5 staying for the Fall Festival must be picked up in person after the Character Parade OR in the normal carpool line. All students in K-5 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the Fall Festival.

Thank you all so much for all you do for your student and for choosing NCS! 

It takes a village

10/11/2024

 
​I love this weather! The mornings are crisp and the afternoon sunshine is splendid! 

Thank you so much to all who participated in a parent-teacher conference. I saw and heard so many wonderful conversations happening between teachers and families. It takes a village to raise a child and NCS is honored to be a member of your village. 

We congratulate the following students for receiving the Character Trait Award Communication for September: 
Kindergarten-Eli Stafford 
First Grade-Jackson Spain 
Second Grade-Eden West 
Third Grade- Dawson Richardson 
Fourth Grade- Grace Gonzalez 
Fifth Grade- Presley Glover 

If you did not have a chance to read last week's blog entry please do! Lots of important information is shared! 

Please see the 1st edition of NCS Upper Academy Cougar Insights: NCS Newsletter First Edition

Please see Dr. Blackwells Q1 Superintendent Message:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1trPCuwRJbyyGUxThdfiTsWWBPpRVYwhaI4n5GnnYymA/edit?usp=sharing


Thank you all again for all you do and your support! 

busy...busy...busy

10/7/2024

 
I hope this message finds you well! The Lower Academy has been a phenomenal place to be! Students are engaged, learning, and growing. October is a busy month and many things are taking place. 

We look forward to meeting with each of you this week during parent teacher conferences and sharing all of the wonderful things that have taken place so far! 

The month of October is extremely important as we celebrate National Bullying Prevention. On October 31st students will be participating in a grade level specific assembly to raise awareness and discuss bullying. Everyone is encouraged to wear ORANGE (pajamas) on this day! 

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, students will have individual fall pictures. You will be receiving more information soon! 

On Friday, October 25, 2024 students in grades K-2 will participate in the K-2 Character Parade. More information about this will come from your child's teacher. 
Students in grades 3-5 will participate in the Pumpkin Book Report and Pumpkin Decorating Contest. More information about this will come from your child's teacher. 

After the Character Parade please join us for the NCS Booster Fall Festival! 

The Upper Academy is celebrating Red-Ribbon Week (SAY NO TO DRUGS) the week of October 28-31 and the Lower Academy is invited to participate! 


You will find more information about these events attached! 

Thank you for all you do and choosing NCS! 

​
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September 29th, 2024

9/29/2024

 
​Can you believe the first quarter of the 2024/2025 school year is almost complete? It's hard to believe that time is moving so fast! So much learning has taken place! The official end of the quarter is Wednesday, October 9th, 2024. On Thursday, October 10th, and Friday, October 11th, NCS will be holding Fall Conferences. Please be on the lookout for more information about Fall Conferences from your student's teacher.

We once again have student Chromebooks available for checkout in the front office. Parents must fill out the form on the school’s website and come to the school to pick up the device. They will not be given directly to the students. 

On Wednesday, October 16th, we will have individual Fall pictures. More information is to come. 

Friday, October 25th is a big day at NCS. At 2:15, K-2 students will participate in the annual NCS Character Parade. All families are invited to be spectators. Everyone is asked to line up around the sidewalk area between the elementary gym and the high school building. Students in grades 3-5 will participate in the annual Pumpkin Book Report and pumpkin decorating contest. From 3-6 that afternoon, the NCS booster club will hold the annual Fall Booster Festival. More detailed information will be provided. 

If you would like to be considered to become a classroom volunteer, we would love to have you. Anyone interested must fill out the Volunteer Application on the NCS website! 

Thank you again for your support and for choosing NCS!

WEekly update

9/20/2024

 
Greeting NCS families,


We appreciate your support in bringing your child to school and entrusting us with their education. I want to update you on an important aspect that has a significant impact on your child's learning. Our teachers have about 7.5 hours each day to teach and guide your child academically, socially, and emotionally, while also ensuring they have time for lunch, snack, recess, and restroom breaks.


While teachers are instructing and working with students, they are not always able to check email, messages, and respond to them due to teaching and delivering quality instruction. NCS policy states that staff have 48 business hours to respond to an email or message. Each teacher has a planning period that allows them the time to prepare, grade, check emails, and messages. Please make sure you are aware of what time your child's teacher has planning as this is the best time to expect correspondence with them. In the event of an emergency or urgent transportation change, you can call the front office, and they will relay your message to the classroom.


Starting this Monday, students in grades 1-5 will be participating in Opportunity Zone. This is a dedicated time for each grade level to provide additional support in Reading and Math based on students' specific needs. Students will be grouped according to their skill levels and will switch classrooms during this time. Please keep an eye out for an introduction from your student's Opportunity Zone teacher.


This week students are encouraged to participate in Start with Hello Week. If you are not familiar with Start With Hello I highly encourage you to read this (SWH)!  

​

​


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