Northley Middle School

Weekly Newsletter

March 27th, 2026

Northley families,


This was a really strong week at Northley. We had a lot going on, and our students showed up in a great way. From Career Day to Reading Olympics, there was a lot to be proud of, and it was great to see students engaged, asking questions, and taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them.


Spring Break!

Students are off March 30 through April 6, with school resuming April 7. We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break filled with rest, relaxation, and time with family and friends. We can’t wait to welcome students back refreshed and ready to finish the year strong.


Career Day

Our students had an outstanding Career Day that truly brought learning to life.


Our 6th grade students stayed in the building and rotated through a series of career presentations in the auditorium, gym, library, band, and chorus rooms. They heard from professionals including VoTech DCTS (Ms. Matthews), Delco Rips Cards (Mr. Linn), PSU Athletic Director Bobbi Caprice, TAFF Treats (Mr. Malenich), Tech2Go (Mr. Childs), and Manbrosos (Mr. Mancinelli). Students also attended a featured presentation from the Brookhaven Fire Company and EMS, giving them a closer look at careers in emergency services.


Our 7th grade students took learning beyond the classroom, traveling to a wide range of local sites. Students visited Venus Beauty Academy, Union Stadium, the Pennsylvania State Police, SouthCo, Selling Delco, PAC Fitness Center, MR Dance Studio, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Delaware County Community College, Aston Presbyterian Learning Center, the Aston Fire Department, and the 911 Call Center. These visits gave students a real-world look at careers in public safety, health and wellness, education, business, and the arts.


Our 8th grade students visited the high school, where they connected with current students and learned about what to expect next year. They participated in a Freshman Panel, Senior Panel, Technical School presentation, and a TAFF Treats presentation, helping them better understand both academic and career pathways available to them.


A big thank you to our school counselors for organizing such a meaningful day, and to all of our presenters and community partners who made this experience possible. It was an incredible experience for our students and a powerful opportunity to connect learning to real-world pathways.


End of Marking Period Reminder

The end of the marking period is March 27. This is an important time for students to make sure all assignments are completed and submitted, and to check in with teachers if they need any additional support. Report cards will be available online April 10.


Reading Olympics

Our Northley Middle School Reading Olympics team proudly represented our school at the annual competition at Springton Lake Middle School. Reading Olympics is a team-based competition where students read books from a curated list and work together to answer questions. Our students showed strong teamwork, effort, and pride throughout the event. We are proud of how they represented Northley!


SeaPerch Robotics

Our SeaPerch Robotics team wrapped up their season today with their team-designed ROV. We’re proud of the time, effort, and persistence they put in all season. It was a great day by the water, with plenty of fun and some real lessons learned that will carry into next year.


Spring Spirit Wear Sale

The Northley Middle School Spring Spirit Wear Sale is now open. Grab your NMS gear and show your Viking pride. Northley Middle School apparel is available for purchase online through the MVP Sports Webstore. The sale will run from Friday, March 20, 2026 at 6:00 AM through Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:56 PM. Payment must be made by credit card at the time of purchase. Orders will be completed around Friday, May 8, 2026. Orders are only available for a limited time, so don’t miss out. Please view the store flyer for more information.


MVP Sports Webstores 


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.

 

Spring Sports Ahead

Spring sports are right around the corner. Students should be on the lookout for upcoming information sessions hosted by coaches. If you have questions, please reach out to our Athletic Director, Mrs. Genovese, for details.


Readers Are Leaders. Schoolwide Reading Reset

We are seeing the effects of increased screen time on student focus, stamina, and reading fluency. When reading time decreases, it impacts learning across all subject areas, not just English Language Arts.

 

Beginning February 9, we are resetting expectations around reading across the building.

 

  • Students will read during homeroom as a daily routine.
  • Reading will be the expectation when students finish classwork early.
  • Staff may use quick, informal “Book Up in the Air” checks to reinforce habits.
  • Short Stop, Drop, and Read moments will be built into the week.
  • Light incentives will support engagement, including
  • Bingo Bookmarks and small rewards for completed books.

 

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 - More info to follow!

7th Grade will be attending Arrowhead Day Camp on Thursday, May 28th. Permission slips were given out on Thursday, March 19th and are 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 are 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

 

Student Drop-Off Reminder

Forgotten items can be dropped off on the table in the vestibule. Please make sure everything is clearly labeled with your child’s name so we can get items to them quickly without interrupting classes.

 

Nutrition at NMS

Every student at Northley has access to free breakfast each school day, except on half days. A good breakfast helps students stay focused and ready to learn. If you believe your family may qualify for free or reduced lunch and haven’t yet applied, please visit the Food Services page on our district website. Directions for how to apply can be found there. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to your child’s grade-level counselor for support.

 

Positive Office Referrals

Our students continue to impress us with their respect, responsibility, and kindness. Through Positive Office Referrals, we recognize students for choices that reflect true Northley pride. Every positive action helps build the culture we’re proud of.

 

Walking to School Reminder

Safety always comes first. Please remind your child to use crosswalks and sidewalks when walking to and from school. Students from Brookhaven and Parkside should not walk or bike due to limited sidewalks. Thank you for helping us keep every student safe.

 

Lost& Found

Our cafeteria lost and found is filling up quickly with jackets, water bottles, and sweatshirts. Please remind your child to check it soon before items are donated.

 

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]

 

As we head into spring break, it’s a good time to step back and recognize the progress our students are making. We appreciate your continued support in that. Enjoy the break, and we’ll see everyone back on April 7 ready to finish the year strong.


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

  • Bingo Night is scheduled for March 13.
  • The Spring Formal will be held on May 15 at The Phoenix Ballroom.
  • The 8th Grade Breakfast is scheduled for June 11 at The Phoenix Ballroom.
  • Details regarding the Moving Up Ceremony will be shared as plans are finalized, but save the date of June 11 at 1pm.

Looking Ahead

  • 5th Grade Parent Night: March 26
  • April: Administrative Day and School Bus Drivers Day
  • May: School Principal Day, Cafeteria Workers Day, School Nurse Day, and Teacher Appreciation Week


Next Meeting in School Library – 4/8/25 – 2nd Wednesday due to Spring break!


Noteworthy Dates

  • Monday March 30th - April 6th - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday April 7th - Return from Spring Break
  • Friday, April 10th - Report Cards Published
  • Tuesday April 21st - ELA PSSA
  • Wednesday April 22nd - ELA PSSA
  • Thursday April 23rd - ELA PSSA
  • Tuesday April 28th - MATH PSSA
  • Wednesday April 29th - MATH PSSA
  • Thursday April 30th - SCIENCE PSSA (8TH ONLY)
  • Friday May 1st - SCIENCE PSSA (8TH ONLY)

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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