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Dear Families,
It’s been a busy and exciting time at Northley! Our students and staff have been learning, celebrating, and showing incredible school spirit. Below are a few highlights and updates from around the building.
Student of the Month Breakfast Celebration
Congratulations to our September honorees: Molly M., Maddux W., Savannah R., Aubrey B., Annika D., Madison H., Josiah J., Abigail A., and Rylie P. We enjoyed celebrating their leadership, effort, and positive example at our monthly breakfast. Thank you to the families who joined us and continue to support our students’ success.
8th Grade Trip to Bates Motel
Our 8th grade trip to Bates Motel was an amazing event! Students had a great time, and everything ran smoothly thanks to our parent volunteers and chaperones. We appreciate your time, support, and enthusiasm in making this experience possible.
8th Grade Reward Cart
The 8th Grade Reward Cart rolled out this week! Any student who had three or fewer technology violations during the first two weeks of school earned a special treat from Mrs. Scharrer. This new incentive is a fun way to celebrate positive behavior, responsibility, and good digital citizenship among our 8th graders.
6th Grade Haunted Hallway
Our 6th graders are invited to join us tonight from 5:45–7:00 p.m. for Northley’s annual Haunted Hallway! This is not a drop-off event—parents or guardians must stay on-site. Families can walk through together and enjoy the spooky fun. Please remember, no costumes are allowed, and only students who turned in a signed permission slip by the deadline may attend.
7th Grade Haunted Hallway & Dance
The 7th Grade Haunted Hallway and Dance is happening tonight from 7:15–9:00 p.m.! Students will walk through the Haunted Hallway, then enjoy the dance with music, friends, and snacks. No costumes are allowed, and only students who submitted both the permission slip and $5 payment by the deadline may attend. Please follow all parking lot signs to ensure everyone’s safety during drop-off and pickup.
Friday, October 17 – Staff In-Service
During today’s in-service, our teachers were excited to dive into The Leader in Me and explore ways to bring its principles into classrooms and advisory lessons. The focus was on how we can use this framework to enhance what’s already happening at Northley and continue building a culture of leadership, respect, and responsibility.
Building School Pride
You may notice some new Northley decals around the building! These additions highlight our Viking pride and reinforce our core values throughout the hallways. Students have already shared positive feedback, and the updates add a great sense of identity and spirit to our school. See below for some images!
Holcomb Drug Awareness Presentation – Wednesday, October 22
Students will participate in a Drug Awareness Presentation led by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems on Wednesday, October 22. The session will provide age-appropriate information to help students make healthy decisions and understand the effects of substances like nicotine and THC on the developing brain. Families who prefer their child not participate can contact their grade-level counselor, and alternate activities will be provided. This important program supports our ongoing efforts to keep students informed, safe, and healthy.
Thursday, October 23 – Wear Red Spirit Day
In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, students and staff are encouraged to wear red this Thursday, October 23, to show their commitment to making healthy and safe choices. Let’s fill the building with red to support the message of living drug-free.
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.
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.
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-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.
Justin Shivone
Principal, Northley Middle School
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