Northley Middle School

Weekly Newsletter

May 1st, 2026

Northley Families,


We made it to May, and you can feel the difference in the building. Things pick up, the calendar fills fast, and there’s a lot going on. Trips, concerts, assemblies, and end-of-year events all start stacking up. It’s a busy stretch, no question, but it’s also one of the best parts of the year. This is what everything has been building toward. Our students have put in the work, and now they get the chance to show it in a lot of different ways.


Half Day Reminder – Friday, May 8

A quick reminder that Friday, May 8th is a half day for students, with dismissal beginning at 10:48 AM. Please plan accordingly for transportation and afternoon arrangements.


Penn Relays Celebration

We kicked off the week by celebrating Royce, Tru, Josiah, and Warren with a clap-out after their victory in the 4x100 at the Penn Relays. That was a proud moment for our entire school community.


PSSA Wrap-Up & BMX Assembly

We’ve officially wrapped up PSSA testing. Our students showed up, stayed focused, and gave strong effort each day. That’s exactly what we want to see. We picked our raffle winners for effort and they are pictured below! We cannot thank our PTL enough for donating baskets as well!



We’re excited to celebrate that effort with a BMX assembly on Tuesday, May 5th. It’s a great way to recognize their hard work while reinforcing positive messages.


Student of the Month – Leadership in Action

Each month, we recognize students who demonstrate the values of Leader in Me, based on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits.



April’s focus was Leadership in Action. These students lead by example, demonstrate multiple habits, and positively influence those around them.


Kiera S., Morgan D. Anyelina C. Isabel S. Abdullah K.

Cora W. Julianna H. Jemma V. Auraiya G.


ATTENTION ALL SPRING SPORTS ATHLETES

Wednesday May 6th will be your team and individual Spring Sports photos. Please come in your uniform or have it ready to change into for the picture. Flyers will be in your lunch today and I am also including the links here. Photos will be taken 8:30 to 10:30am. 

Reminders: No changing in the gym and passes back to class will be given.



8th Grade End-of-Year Planning

As we get closer to the end of the 8th grade year, we’re beginning to plan the events and activities that will celebrate everything this group has accomplished.


The 8th grade parent committee is asking for your help with a few important details so we can make these events meaningful for every student.

All information should be submitted by May 1st to allow time for planning and preparation.


If you would like to donate to help offset costs, you can do so via Venmo @Northley-PTL. Any support is appreciated.


Band & Chorus Concerts

Our 6th grade band and chorus concert sounded great. The growth from the beginning of the year to now is clear, and the students should be proud of their performance. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Hazlett for their work.


Next Tuesday, May 5th, our 7th and 8th grade students will take the stage. We hope you can come out and support them.


Teacher Appreciation Week

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. We’re fortunate to have an outstanding staff here at Northley who show up every day for our students.

If you get a chance, a quick note or message of thanks goes a long way. Our PTL also has a great week planned to recognize them.


Bus Driver Appreciation

We took time this week to recognize our bus drivers. Students made cards, and we delivered donuts as a small thank you. We appreciate everything they do for our students each day.


Fire Drill Success

We held a fire drill this week and had our best time yet. Students exited quickly, stayed quiet, and followed expectations from start to finish, allowing us to account for all students efficiently.


Steelpan Ensemble – Sounds of Summer

Our Steelpan Ensemble will be performing at the Aston Community Center Amphitheater on June 3 at 7:00 PM. This is always a great event and a chance to see our students showcase their talent in a fun, relaxed setting.

Free admission. All ages are welcome. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.


Student Spotlight

This past weekend, Nico Scarpato won a bronze medal at the 2026 Men’s Eastern National Championships in West Palm Beach, Florida. Nico finished 3rd out of a field of roughly 150 gymnasts from across the country.


This comes right after earning a gold medal at the Region 6 Championships in Hackensack last month. Great accomplishment. We’re proud of you, Nico.


Save the Date – Strike Out Cancer Classic

Please mark your calendars for our 1st Annual “Strike Out Cancer Classic” on Monday, May 18th. Come out to support our baseball and softball teams, grab some dinner, and help raise money for pediatric cancer research through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.


Sun Valley Ice Hockey Club

If your child has any interest in hockey, this is a great opportunity to get involved. The Sun Valley Ice Hockey Club is open to boys and girls of all skill levels and focuses on building skills, teamwork, and confidence in a supportive environment. It’s a chance to try something new, meet other students, and be part of a team. You can learn more and sign up using the QR code on the flyer.


8th Grade Spring Formal

Our 8th Grade Spring Formal will be held on Friday, May 15 from 6:30–9:00 p.m. at the Ballroom at the Phoenix in Boothwyn.


This event, organized by our PTL, will include dinner and dancing for our 8th grade students. The cost is $25 per student, and permission slips with payment are due by May 8.


Students must be present in school the day of the event to attend, and all school rules will apply. Please also note that late ticket orders will not be accepted.


Summer Enrichment Opportunities

Registration for Penn-Delco’s 2026 Summer Enrichment Program is officially open! Students are invited to create, move, learn, and perform this summer through a wide variety of engaging courses offered in both half-day and full-day options. Session dates include June 22–25, July 6–9, July 13–16, and July 20–23. The registration deadline is May 31. Visit www.pdsd.org/enrich for course details and sign-up information.


Your Voice Matters: Leader in Me Family Survey

We are continuing our work with the Leader in Me program, which focuses on building leadership and life skills in our students. As part of this process, we are asking families to complete a short, anonymous survey to help us understand what is working well and where we can continue to improve. The survey takes about 12 minutes and we encourage one response per household.


Family Survey: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/northley-middle-school/families


Students will also complete the survey next month. If you prefer that your child does not participate, please complete the Leader in Me Survey Opt Out.


Yearbooks

Yearbook sale flyers went home with students this week. Yearbooks are $20 and must be purchased online by May 15. In-person cash purchases will only be available on the last day of school. If you have questions, please reach out to Mrs. Blaisse at dblaisse@pdsd.org.



You can purchase at this link: https://www.barksdalestorefront.com/shop/


Please save your receipt from Barksdale in case there are any questions.


Free YMCA Membership for 7th Graders

Great news for our 7th grade families. Local YMCA locations are offering free memberships for all 7th grade students for the entire year. This is a great opportunity for students to stay active, get involved in positive activities, and connect with their community. Signing up is simple. Students can bring their 7th grade roster, report card, or student ID along with a parent or guardian to any participating YMCA location to register.


Northley PTL Discount Card Fundraiser

Once again, Northley Middle School is selling discount cards valid April 2026 through March 2027.Our discount card program helps you save money while supporting local businesses and our school. Order one for yourself, family, or friends. Each card is $20, and 100% of the proceeds support Northley Middle School.

 

8th Grade Hershey Park Field Trip Reminder:

Permission slips have been distributed in class! Please return the signed slip and payment no later than Friday, May 1st. For full trip details, including itinerary and pricing, please visit the "Class of" Schoology page.


7th Grade Field Trip - Arrowhead

7th Grade will be attending Arrowhead Day Camp on Thursday, May 28th. Permission slips were given out on Thursday, March 19th and was due back by April 7th. The cost of the trip is $26.


6th Grade Field Trip – Treehouse World

Our 6th graders are heading to Treehouse World this June. Blue Team will attend on June 3, and Gold Team on June 4. The cost is $30. Permission slips were sent home February 27 and was due March 20. More details are available on the Class of 2032 page.


After-School Activities

We’ve updated our list of current clubs and activities happening after school. Northley offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved and explore new interests. For this dates of meeting please click here: Activity Schedule 

 

After-School Academic Support

This program offers students additional help with assignments, challenging concepts, and key skills in a supportive environment. Teachers and counselors will identify students who would benefit and contact families directly. If you have any concerns, please check with your grade level counselor

  

Safe2Say Something

The Safe2Say Something program remains an essential tool for maintaining school safety. It allows students to confidentially report concerns or seek help for others. Please remind your child that using Safe2Say shows leadership and care for their peers. [Safe2Say Link]


May always flies by, but it’s one of the most meaningful times of the year. There’s a lot still ahead, and we’re looking forward to finishing strong while celebrating all the growth our students have made.


Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Northley.


Justin Shivone

Principal

Northley Middle School 

Attendance Matters

We all want our kids to feel confident in school, and one of the biggest ways to help is simply making sure they’re here each day. Middle school moves quickly. When students miss class, even a day or two a month, they start to fall behind without realizing it.


Research shows that missing more than 10 percent of the school year (about two days a month) can lead to lower grades, gaps in learning, and a tougher transition into high school. Kids learn best when they’re in the room, hearing the lesson, asking questions, and staying connected with their classmates.


Regular attendance also helps with confidence. When students are here every day, they settle into routines, keep up with their work, and feel more comfortable walking into each class.


We know life happens. Kids get sick, families have appointments, and things pop up that can’t be avoided. All we ask is that, whenever possible, you help your child be in school every day. It really does make a difference.



If your family ever needs support with attendance, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Leader In Me

Leader in Me at Northley


Northley is proud to be a Leader in Me school—a program that helps students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and learn how to make a difference in their community. It’s not just about what happens in the classroom; it’s about shaping responsible, capable young leaders who understand that every choice they make matters.


Our staff continues to weave the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into daily routines, lessons, and conversations. Whether it’s being proactive, setting goals, or working together, these habits are helping students take ownership of their learning and their behavior.


The 7 Habits and What They Look Like in Students

  1. Be Proactive: takes responsibility for actions, stays positive, and makes good choices without being told
  2. Begin with the End in Mind :Sets goals, plans ahead, and follows through.
  3. Put First Things First: Focuses on what’s most important and manages time  wisely.
  4. Think Win-Win: Looks for solutions where everyone benefits and treats others fairly.
  5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Listens carefully to others and communicates respectfully.
  6. Synergize: Works well in groups, values others’ strengths, and contributes to team  success.
  7. Sharpen the Saw: Balances work and well-being by taking care of body, mind, and heart.


Student Lighthouse Team

We’re proud to announce the members of Northley’s Student Lighthouse Team for the 2025–2026 school year. These students were selected for showing leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to improving our school community.


The team will meet throughout the year to share student perspectives, help plan schoolwide events, and support initiatives that strengthen our Viking Vision of being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible.


Congratulations to the following students:

Jolie Z., Kierra S., Jimmy W., Emily M., Nick L., Victoria G., Annika D., Madison H., Paislee K., Abby A., Connor S., Dominic P., Eryk W., Josiah J., Katie M., Peyton F., and Vincent V.


We’re excited to see their leadership in action this year!

PTL Updates

Our PTL continues to do an outstanding job supporting school events, activities, and staff appreciation efforts. This month, they’re hard at work planning several exciting upcoming events, including the 8th Grade Winter Formal, the 8th Grade Breakfast in December, Bingo Night, and the Spring Formal later this year.


If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please email northleymsptl@gmail.com and follow Northley PTL on Facebook (@Northley PTL) for updates, reminders, and volunteer opportunities.


8th Grade Events

  • The Spring Formal will be held on May 15 at The Phoenix Ballroom.
  • The 8th Grade Hershey Park Field Trip will take place on June 2. Permission slips have been distributed in class. All forms and payments are due by Friday, May 1.
  • On June 11, students will attend the 8th Grade Breakfast at The Phoenix Ballroom.
  • Later that day, we will introduce a new tradition, the 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony at Sun Valley Auditorium. This ceremony will include our traditional student awards and will recognize and celebrate every 8th grader. Students will walk from Northley Middle School to Sun Valley, symbolizing their transition from middle to high school.
  • Ceremony begins promptly at 1:00 PM. Doors open at 12:30 PM
  • Each family will receive two ticket. Seating is not assigned
  • Families of students receiving awards will also receive two additional tickets and will be notified as the event gets closer
  • The ceremony will conclude by approximately 2:30 PM, and students will be dismissed to parents or guardians
  • For June 11, students should wear dress-up or semi-formal attire for both the breakfast and the ceremony, such as collared shirts, dresses, or similar attire.

Noteworthy Dates

  • Tuesday May 5th - BMX Assembly
  • Tuesday May 5th - 7/8 Grade Concert
  • Wednesday May 6th - PTL Meeting
  • Friday May 8th - Half Day
  • Monday May 11th - NHJS Ceremony
  • Tuesday May 12th - 5th Grade Transition Day
  • Friday May 15th - Student of the Month Breakfast
  • Friday May 15th - 8th Grade Formal
  • Friday May 22nd - Half Day
  • Friday May 22nd - Field Day
  • Monday May 25th - No School
  • Thursday May 28th - 7th Grade Feild Trip - Arrowhead
  • Tuesday June 2nd - 8th Grade Field Trip - Hershey
  • Wednesday June 3rd - 6th Grade Blue Field Trip - Treehouse World
  • Wednesday June 3rd - Sounds of Summer Steel Pan Concert
  • Thursday June 4th - 6th Grade Gold Field Trip - Treehouse World
  • Thursday June 11th - 8th Grade Breakfast @ the Phoenix
  • Thursday June 11th - 8th Grade Move Up Ceromony
  • Friday June 12th - Last day of school!

School Counselors

Join Team Penn-Delco

We Want YOU to Join Team Penn-Delco! The school district is hiring paraprofessionals (new rates!), bus drivers, bus aides, and more. Positions are listed on our job board by location.


Don't miss this opportunity to make a different in the lives of our students while enjoying competitive compensation.

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