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Northley families,
It’s been another busy and positive stretch here at Northley. As we move closer to the end of the marking period, I wanted to take a moment to share some updates, celebrations, and reminders from around the building. From Read Across America Week and our Spring Book Fair to student leadership initiatives and upcoming events, there are a lot of great things happening with our students and staff.
Below are some important updates and highlights from the past week, along with a few things to keep on your radar as we head into the spring months.
PTL Cash Bingo Fundraiser
Northley PTL is hosting its Cash Bingo Fundraiser on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Brookhaven Community Center. Doors open at 6:00 PM and games begin at 7:00 PM. We’ll play 10 rounds of bingo, plus there will be raffle baskets and a 50/50.
Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door if seats are still available. Tables seat 8 people, and you can reserve a full table for $280. A limited number of VIP tables are also available for $500.
This event sells out every year, and all proceeds benefit the Northley Class of 2026. More details, including payment information and registration, can be found on the flyer
End of Marking Period Approaching
The end of the marking period is quickly approaching. The final day of the marking period is March 27. Please take time to check Skyward and Schoology to review your child’s academic progress. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your child’s teacher.
Arrival and Dismissal Safety Reminder
Please continue to follow posted signs and watch the cones during drop off and pick up. Most importantly, listen to staff members who are assisting students crossing the parking lot so we can keep everyone safe.
Grade Level Assemblies
This week we held grade level assemblies to reset expectations as we head into the spring months. These meetings focused on reinforcing our school expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, and Ready, and helping students finish the marking period strong.
Read Across America Week
This week we celebrated Read Across America Week at Northley. Students and staff participated in themed spirit days throughout the week. We also shared literacy facts during morning announcements and posted short reading slides in homeroom to keep the focus on reading. If students were spotted reading in the cafeteria or during homeroom after finishing classwork, staff could submit their names. Winners will be randomly selected for a pizza party.It was a fun way to keep reading front and center in the building.
Spring Book Fair
Our Spring Book Fair ran from February 27 through March 6. Students had the opportunity to explore new books, build their personal libraries, and strengthen their connection to reading. Thank you to everyone who supported the fair and helped encourage a love of reading.
Northley Café
The Northley Café opened on Friday, March 6, with Mrs. Kikut and Mrs. Roche’s classes running the café outside Room 225. Students took on different job roles to prepare, organize, and sell items to staff members throughout the morning.
The menu included breakfast muffins such as banana nut, chocolate chunk, blueberry, and cinnamon streusel, along with iced tea, coffee, and candy. The café gives students the opportunity to practice real-world skills like teamwork, customer service, and responsibility while running a small school business. Staff support throughout the morning helped make the event a great success for our students.
PBIS Rewards
Students continued earning rewards through our PBIS program this week.
- 6th and 7th grade students used their PBIS stamp cards to visit the school store.
- 8th grade students were rewarded with hot chocolate from the reward cart.
Admin Appreciation Automobile
The Northley administrative team rolled out the Admin Appreciation Automobile this week to celebrate our teachers and show appreciation for all the work they do for our students every day.
Student Lighthouse Team
Our Student Lighthouse Team met this week and discussed several topics that impact our school community. Students shared their thoughts on the potential for statewide cell phone policies and also offered helpful insight on what administrators should discuss during the upcoming 5th Grade Parent Night. Their perspective continues to be incredibly valuable as we plan for our students and our school.
March Madness Homeroom Competition
Later this month, Northley will kick off our March Madness Homeroom Competition to build school spirit and encourage teamwork across grade levels.
Key Dates
- March 16 – Reveal Day
- Each homeroom will learn which NCAA tournament team they represent.
- March 17 – Door Decorating and Bracket Activities
- Students will return to homeroom during block period to decorate their classroom door and create tournament brackets.
- March 18 – April 6 – March Madness Competition
- As teams advance through the NCAA tournament, homerooms representing those teams will continue in the competition. A whole-school bracket will be displayed so students can track the progress.
The last homeroom still standing will be crowned the winner.
Kindness Counts Initiative
Student Council is launching a “Kindness Counts” initiative throughout the month of March.
Teachers will receive envelopes filled with kindness hearts. When a student is caught doing something kind, they will receive a heart to write their name and grade on. Hearts will be collected each week.
Each Friday during lunch, Student Council members will draw kindness hearts and award small prizes. At the end of the month, the boy and girl from each grade with the most kindness hearts will receive a prize.
The goal is simple: continue encouraging kindness, positive behavior, and strong community throughout the building.
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.
You can purchase at this link: https://www.barksdalestorefront.com/shop/
Please save your receipt from Barksdale in case there are any questions.
If you have questions, please reach out to Mrs. Blaisse at dblaisse@pdsd.org.
STEM Competition Success
One of Northley’s STEM teams recently earned 3rd place in the middle school division at the Keystone STEM Competition.
Congratulations to Aubrey, Alina, Ritika, and Brielle for their outstanding work and project submission. We’re proud of the creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving they demonstrated throughout the competition.
Environmental Club
Members of the Environmental Club are already thinking about spring. Students recently began planting seeds indoors to get an early start on the growing season. It’s a great hands-on way for students to learn about sustainability, responsibility, and the science behind plant growth.
Happiness Club
Students in Happiness Club recently created cat toys to donate to local animal shelters. It was a simple but meaningful project that allowed students to give back to the community while helping animals in need.
World Down Syndrome Day
Penn Delco School District will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on Friday, March 20 by rocking our crazy, mismatched socks. Wearing bold and colorful socks is a fun way to spark conversations and raise awareness about Down syndrome. Socks were chosen because they resemble chromosomes, and on 3/21 we recognize the three copies of the 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome have.
To help raise awareness and show our support, Down syndrome themed items will be on sale during all lunches from March 16 through March 20. Proceeds will go toward supporting the local Delaware County Down Syndrome Interest Group (www.DelcoDSIG.org).
We also encourage our families and community members to keep the celebration going by wearing crazy socks again on Saturday, March 21, the official World Down Syndrome Day.
Thank you for helping us spread awareness, promote inclusion, and celebrate the abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome.
February Student of the Month – Synergize
Our February Leader in Me focus was Synergize. It’s about teamwork. Listening. Respecting different strengths. Understanding that we’re better together than we are alone. These students live that out. They work well in groups. They step in to help classmates. They bring positive energy to their teams.
Congratulations to:
Sophia K., Damian S., Julianna P., Caroline B. Paislee K.,
Dylan P., Cheryl E., Alex P., Ritika R.
We’re proud of you. You make our school better.
5th Grade Parent Information Night
Families of incoming 6th graders are invited to join us for 5th Grade Parent Information Night on Thursday, March 26 from 6:00–7:00 PM at Northley Middle School.
This evening is designed to help families learn more about the transition to middle school. We’ll walk through what students can expect academically, explain schedules and grading, and share information about supports, activities, and opportunities available at Northley.
It’s also a great chance to see the building, hear directly from the administrative team, and ask any questions you may have as your child prepares to start middle school.
We look forward to welcoming our future Vikings and their families.
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!
The 7th grade will be taking a field trip on Thursday, May 28th. More information will follow. Be on the lookout for a permission slip which will be sent home soon!
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 always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. The success of our school truly depends on the strong connection between our students, staff, and families, and we appreciate everything you do to support Northley.
Please continue to reach out if you have questions or need support. We are looking forward to a strong finish to the marking period and a great spring ahead for our students.
Justin Shivone
Principal
Northley Middle School
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