Northley Middle School

Weekly Newsletter

October 24th, 2025

Dear Families,


It’s been a busy and exciting stretch at Northley. From student assemblies and spirit days to field trips and seasonal celebrations, our students and staff have shown incredible energy and pride in our school community.


Lockdown Drill – Monday, October 27

Northley Middle School will conduct a lockdown drill on Monday, October 27, as part of our ongoing commitment to student safety. These drills help students and staff practice how to respond quickly and calmly in an emergency. Please remind your child to stay quiet, out of sight, and follow directions during the drill.

 

Kick Cancer Classic

The Northley Soccer and Cheerleading teams invite everyone to the second annual Kick Cancer Classic on October 27 at Sun Valley Stadium.

Games vs. Ridley Middle School:

·       7th Grade Boys – 5:00 PM

·       7/8th Grade Girls – 6:00 PM

·       8th Grade Boys – 7:00 PM

 

This event is more than just a night of great soccer—it’s about purpose. Our goal is to raise over $3,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, supporting pediatric cancer research. Enjoy food vendors, grab a cup of lemonade from our cheerleaders, and show your Penn-Delco pride as we come together for an incredible cause.


Save the Date: Sun Valley Information Night

8th grade parents are invited to Sun Valley High School on Thursday, November 20, from 6:30–7:30 PM. Learn about academic programs, athletic opportunities, activities, and the arts. Hear from current students about the Sun Valley experience and take a guided tour of the school and its facilities.


Holcomb Assemblies

Students attended assemblies presented by Holcomb Behavioral Health focused on the dangers of vaping and its impact on the developing brain. The presentations were informative and gave students important insight into how nicotine affects focus, mood, and overall health.


Red Ribbon Week

Northley kicked off Red Ribbon Week with a “Wear Red” spirit day to promote healthy, drug-free choices. Students and staff showed their support for the message and participated in activities that encouraged positive decision-making.


Blue Ribbon Celebration

Our staff proudly wore blue to celebrate Parkside Elementary’s Blue Ribbon recognition. It was an exciting moment for our district and a great reminder of what’s possible through hard work, teamwork, and dedication.


Costume Fun - October 31st

We’re bringing a little fun to Northley on October 31st and can’t wait to see the creativity, costumes, and school spirit our students bring to the day. It’s always a great opportunity for students and staff to show their personality and enjoy a little festive energy around the building. Students are welcome to wear costumes or fall-themed attire. Outfits must be school appropriate and may not include masks, weapons, or anything with excessive gore or violent imagery. If you have to stop and wonder whether something is okay for school, it’s best to save it for after hours. Students should be able to sit comfortably in class and walk safely through the hallways. Faces must remain uncovered while inside the building.


Gardening and Environmental Club

Members of the Gardening and Environmental Club took part in a fall hayride trip to Linvilla Orchards. Students enjoyed time to socialize and create memorable middle school experiences.


Student Events

Last week was full of fun activities for our students, including the Haunted Hayride, Haunted Hallway, and Halloween Dance. These events gave students a chance to connect with classmates, enjoy time together, and build school pride.

 

Thursday, October 30 – Pink Out Day

Join us in wearing pink on Thursday, October 30, for our districtwide Pink Out Day. This day supports breast cancer awareness and honors those impacted. Let’s come together as a school community to show care, compassion, and unity.

 

Flu Clinic

The Springfield Pharmacy flu shot team will return to Northley on Monday, October 28, to provide flu shots for students and staff. Staying healthy keeps our classrooms strong and our students in school where they belong—learning and growing. Please complete the required online form in advance: Flu Clinic Form

 

Parent Training Opportunity

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) is hosting a virtual parent training on Understanding Executive Function on November 13 from 6–8 PM. The session will focus on helping children improve focus, organization, and self-control at home and in school. Parents can register at https://www.dciu.org/learn/family-community-engagement#fs-panel-11514

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Conferences will be held on November 24 and 25, with evening conferences on November 25. This is one of the most important times of the year for families, students, and teachers to come together to discuss learning and growth.

Northley’s student-led conference model allows students to share their academic progress, goals, and reflections. Teachers will also schedule traditional conferences where needed. Whether student-led or teacher-led, these conversations strengthen our partnership to support every child’s success.

 

After-School Academic Support

Northley’s After-School Academic Support Program will begin in the coming weeks. 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.

 

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.

 

Check Grades

We’re halfway through the marking period—now is a great time to check your child’s progress in Skyward. If you have questions, please reach out to teachers directly. Early communication supports strong outcomes.

 

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.

 

Fall Sports

Our fall sports teams are in full swing, and the energy has been incredible. Whether on the field, court, or sidelines, our student-athletes continue to show heart, teamwork, and dedication. We encourage families to come out, support our teams, and cheer respectfully—your energy makes a difference.

 

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 move deeper into the school year, thank you for your continued support and partnership. The excitement in our classrooms, hallways, and fields is contagious. Together, we’ll continue building a school community where every student feels valued, supported, and proud to be a Viking.


As we head into November, we’re proud of how our students continue to grow, learn, and lead each day. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support—it truly makes a difference in the success of our school community.


Justin Shivone

Principal, Northley Middle School


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.


Leader in Me Parent Survey

Your feedback matters. As part of the Leader in Me process, we’re asking families to take a short, anonymous survey to share their perspective on Northley’s growth and culture. The parent survey takes about 12 minutes and gives us valuable insight into how we can continue building a school where students feel seen, supported, and motivated to lead.

We ask that one parent or guardian per household participate, focusing on your oldest child’s experience if you have more than one student at Northley.


Leader in Me Parent Survey


Leader in Me Student Survey

Next week, all Northley students will take part in the Leader in Me Student Survey. This survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts about school life—what’s going well and what we can continue to improve.


Student voice is a vital part of our growth as a school. The survey helps us understand how students feel about leadership, belonging, and their overall school experience. It’s completely confidential, and there are no right or wrong answers—just honest feedback that helps us make Northley even stronger.

We’re proud of how our students lead every day, and this is another opportunity for them to shape the culture and future of our school.


Student Lighthouse Team

We are going to launch our Student Lighthouse Team, a group of students who will serve as leaders and role models in our school. These students will help promote the 7 Habits, plan schoolwide activities, and share ideas on how we can continue to strengthen our culture of leadership.

The goal is to empower students to take ownership of their school and make a real impact on daily life at Northley. Leadership is not a title. It is a mindset, and our Student Lighthouse Team will help shine that light throughout the building.

Noteworthy Dates

  • Monday, October 27 Lockdown Drill
  • Monday, October 27 Kick Cancer Classic
  • Tuesday, October 28 Flu Clinic
  • Thursday October 30 Wear Pink for Pink Out Day
  • Monday, November 3 Teacher In Service Day
  • Tuesday, November 4 Teacher In Service Day
  • Friday, November 7 Marking Period 1 Ends
  • Monday, November 10 Marking Period 2 Begins
  • Monday, November 24 Teacher In Service Half Day
  • Tuesday, November 25 Teacher In Service Half Day
  • Wednesday, November 26 No School
  • Thurdsay, November 26 District Holiday
  • Friday, November 27 District Holiday

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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