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Dear Families,
This past week at Northley was packed with spirit, gratitude, and community. From Homecoming celebrations to special recognitions, our students and staff reminded us what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. The pride in our building was felt in every hallway, classroom, and event.
Homecoming Week
Homecoming Week was one for the books. Our school was filled with energy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness that’s hard to put into words. Each day brought a theme, and our students made the most of it: sneakers and sweats for Moving Monday, Hawaiian shirts for Tropical Tuesday, mismatched outfits on Wacky Wednesday, jerseys for Jersday Thursday, and a wave of blue and gold for Friday Night Lights. The level of participation was incredible, and the joy it brought to the building set the tone for a memorable week.
Homecoming Parade
Northley will also be proudly represented in the Sun Valley Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 3, 2025. The parade begins at 6:00 PM at the Aston Community Center (3270 Concord Road) and ends at Sun Valley High School (2881 Pancoast Avenue). Our group will stage at Spot 2, and all students should arrive no later than 5:15 PM to line up. Staff will be present, but parents are asked to help reinforce expectations for respectful behavior throughout the event. Every student walking in the parade will receive a free ticket to the football game immediately following, and students should use the stadium entrance by the tennis courts. Adults must purchase tickets at the main booth. Please note that no bags, balls, or outside food or drinks are allowed inside. Due to construction, parking at the Community Center will be closed to the public beginning at 4:00 PM, so allow extra time for traffic and staging. We encourage as many students and staff to join as possible and show their Northley pride.
PBIS Walk-A-Thon
On Monday, September 29, students and staff joined together for the PBIS Walk-A-Thon. From the sneakers pounding the track to the friendly cheers of support, the event brought us together in more ways than one. Our Blue vs. Gold challenge raised more than $900, and the teamwork and spirit behind it were just as impressive as the total. It was a reminder of what our community can do when we rally behind a good cause.
Positive Office Referrals
Every day, students at Northley show kindness, respect, and leadership in big and small ways. Through positive office referrals, we are recognizing and celebrating those moments. We know these actions make our school stronger, and we look forward to highlighting more students as the year goes on.
Terrific Teacher Tuesdays
We also launched Terrific Teacher Tuesdays, a way to spotlight our amazing staff. Each week, teachers are nominated for the ways they go above and beyond. Some of the comments this week included:
- “She is the most creative and talented person. Her ideas and the work students produce are beyond amazing.”
- “He brings humor to our team meetings and is always willing to help.”
- “Her positive energy and commitment to making math engaging truly make a difference.”
Dozens of staff members were recognized for their creativity, kindness, and teamwork. It’s proof that Northley is not just a school—it’s a family of educators working together for students.
National Custodial Day
This week we proudly celebrated our custodial team, and they deserve every bit of appreciation. The PBIS team decorated with posters and provided treats, and the PTL generously donated Wawa gift cards to thank them. Our custodians are the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep Northley clean, safe, and welcoming every single day, and we are grateful for their hard work.
PTL Meeting & Upcoming Events
Our monthly PTL meeting was held this week, and the excitement is building for the events ahead:
- 8th Grade Hayride: Information went home with students. Please review and return permission slips so no one misses this long-standing tradition.
- 7th Grade Haunted Hallway & Dance: Friday, October 17, 7:15–9:00 PM. Admission is $5 per student. Permission slips and payment are due Friday, October 10. Students will walk the Haunted Hallway and then head to the dance in the cafeteria. Casual dress only—no costumes.
- 6th Grade Haunted Hallway: Friday, October 17, 5:45–7:00 PM. This is a family event—parents/guardians must stay with their child. Permission slips are due Monday, October 13.
These events are highlights of the fall, and we thank our PTL for making them possible.
Bus Drills
We also took time to focus on safety. Our first bus evacuation drills gave students the chance to practice exiting from the back of the bus quickly and calmly. These drills are important for ensuring everyone knows what to do in an emergency, and our students handled them with maturity and focus.
Walking to School Reminder
Please remind your child to always use crosswalks when walking to or from school. Safety must come first. Students from Brookhaven and Parkside are not permitted to walk or ride bikes due to the lack of sidewalks in those areas.
Lost & Found
Our cafeteria lost and found is filling quickly with water bottles, jackets, and sweatshirts. Please remind your child to check for missing items so they don’t pile up.
Fall Sports
The fall sports season is in full swing, and our student-athletes are giving their best every time they take the field or court. The energy in the stands makes a huge difference. We encourage you to come out, cheer loudly, and show your Northley pride. Positive, respectful support keeps the experience fun for everyone.
Flu Clinic Update
The flu clinic originally scheduled will not be held this year. Please plan ahead and schedule a flu shot for your child with your healthcare provider or local pharmacy.
Safe2Say Something
The Safe2Say Something program remains one of our most important safety tools. It allows students to confidentially report concerns or let us know when a classmate might need help. Please remind your child that using this program is a positive way to keep themselves and others safe. [Safe2Say Link]
Upcoming Schedule Reminder
Please note that Wednesday, October 8 will be a Half Day with dismissal at 10:48 AM.
From spirit week fun to recognizing the people who make our school shine, this was a week to be proud of. Thank you for supporting your children and our staff. Together, we’re building a community where pride and purpose go hand in hand.
Justin Shivone
Principal, Northley Middle School
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