Highlights from this past week:

This week was Don't Hate Communicate Week, which is a week centered around healthy communication, acceptance and the effort to stop bullying. Tuesday was "super hero" day, Wednesday was "Red, White & Blue Day" with the theme of being a hero and stopping bullying, Thursday was Team Up Against Bullying Day where students wore their favorite sports team attire, and Friday was wear tie dye to keep the peace! Students also had the opportunity at lunch to take pictures of their faces in cut outs of superheroes and post it with appropriate hashtags to promote healthy cyber communication verses unhealthy. On Friday, students saw a 3 screens production on topics that include Social Media Sanity, Drug Abuse, Drunk and Distracted Driving and Bully-Prevention.

 8th Grade 

On Thursday of this week, the 8^th grade students went to S.V. from 1:30-2:30 to hear about the elective classes they have to choose from for next year! They will be picking their elective classes February 1^st and 2^nd. *See more information below!

This week, students participated in an anti-bullying lesson through social studies class, centered around name calling, the long term affects it may have on people and how by-standers can be heroes in the fight to end bullying!

 Upcoming Events- what's going on in 8^th grade!

January 30^th - February 9^th - Students will have the opportunity to send lolligrams to their friends and teachers on Valentine's Day. Sales will be going on in all lunches and proceeds benefit PBIS! Lolligrams are 50 cents or 3 for a $1.

 January 31^st - *Dr. James, the 9^th grade counselor at Sun Valley, will be coming to NMS to talk to the 8^th grade about the scheduling process and how to pick their elective classes. Each student should be bringing home a paper of all the classes they can choose from! Make sure to look it over with them!

February 1^st and 2^nd - Dr. James and a few other Sun Valley administrators and counselors will come to NMS and meet with each student individually and schedule their elective classes only. Core classes are recommended by teachers! Don't worry- changes can be made if needed after February 2^nd.

PBiS ( Positive  Behavior i ntervention  S upport) 

The new year is always a time to start fresh! During our first week back from break, students and staff reviewed all areas of the Viking Vision and expectations that go along with them. One area that we are emphasizing this month is the use of backpacks. Students are expected to follow these behaviors when it comes to their backpacks:

Be Respectful-

* Place in designated area

* Pack backpack when teacher dismisses class

Be Responsible-

* Keep only necessary items in your backpack

* Keep hands to yourself and backpack on back (avoid touching others' backpacks)
Be Ready-

* Keep only necessary items in your backpack

* Keep hands to yourself and backpack on back (avoid touching others' backpacks)

By following the three R's for backpacks, students can earn extra punches on their new bookmarks! That means earning those positive rewards even sooner!