Weekly Update

October 9, 2026

A Message from the Principal

Dear Northley Families,

There was a lot to enjoy at Northley this week. Homecoming Spirit Week brought excitement to the building, and our PBIS Walk-a-Thon gave students time to have fun together, including playing with our high school football players. We celebrated our September Students of the Month at breakfast and were proud of the respect our 8th graders showed during their visit to The Wall That Heals.

As we move into the second half of the first marking period, please take some time to look at your child’s grades and missing assignments together. The quarter ends November 6, so there is still time to address concerns and build stronger habits. If something needs attention, reach out to your child’s teachers so we can work together.

Next week, we will hold a lockdown drill on Tuesday, October 13, as part of our regular safety practice. Students will remain in their classrooms and stay silent while staff ensure classroom doors are locked. The drill will last no longer than 10 minutes. Please talk with your child about taking the drill seriously and following their teacher’s directions so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Please also remember that Wednesday, October 14, is a half day, with dismissal at 10:48 a.m. During advisory that morning, students will think about their future and how their choices today connect to their goals. This is a good opportunity to ask your child what they hope to accomplish and what steps they are taking to get there.

The weeks ahead include more opportunities for students and families to get involved. Our PTL is preparing for the 8th Grade Haunted Hayride and the upcoming 6th and 7th grade events. We also look forward to the Kick Cancer Classic and hope families will consider supporting the event or contributing a raffle basket. You’ll find details below, along with reminders about picture retakes and our upcoming school activities.

We will also begin sharing information about November conferences soon. At Northley, students lead these conversations by sharing their progress and reflecting on their learning. We look forward to having families hear directly from their children about how the year is going.

Thank you for staying connected and supporting the work happening at Northley. I hope you enjoy seeing what our students have been doing this week.

Warmly,

Justin Shivone

Principal, Northley Middle School

This Week's Schedule

Upcoming Events

• Tuesday, October 13: NMS Lockdown Drill
• Wednesday, October 14: Advisory
• Wednesday, October 14: NMS Half Day with dismissal @ 10:48
• Thursday, October 15: NMS 8th Grade Trip to Bates Motel
• Friday, October 16: Picture Retakes
• Wednesday, October 21: Fall Activity Pictures
• Wednesday, October 21: Unity Day - Wear Orange
• Thursday, October 22: Flu Clinic
• Friday, October 23: NMS Haunted Hallway (6th Grade) & Dance (7th Grade)
• Friday, October 23: Breast Cancer Awareness Day - Wear Pink
• Monday, October 26: Red Ribbon Week Begins
• Tuesday, October 27: Advisory
• Wednesday, October 28: Kick Cancer Classic
• Friday, October 30: Fall Sports End
• Tuesday, November 3: No School
• Wednesday, November 4: PTL Meeting at 6:30
• Wednesday, November 4: ELA Firefly
• Thursday, November 5: Math Firefly
• Friday, November 6: Science CDT
• Friday, November 6: Marking Period 1 Ends

Need to Do

6th Grade Haunted Hallway 👻

A spooky night is coming to Northley! Our PTL will host the 6th Grade Haunted Hallway on Friday, October 23, from 5:45–7:00 p.m. Students can walk through with friends or invite their parent or guardian to join the fun! A parent or guardian must stay at the event with their child. Students should wear casual clothes, with no costumes. Permission slips will be distributed Monday morning, October 5, so be on the lookout! Please return the signed slip by Friday, October 16.

7th Grade Haunted Hallway and Dance 🎃

Our 7th graders are getting a night of scares and dancing! Join Northley PTL on Friday, October 23, from 7:15–9:00 p.m. Students will walk through the Haunted Hallway before heading to the cafeteria for the dance. Complimentary water and pretzels will be available. Admission is $5 per student. Pay through Venmo (@Northley-PTL) or send cash with the signed permission slip in an envelope marked “Northley PTL – Haunted Hallway/Dance.” Payment is due Friday, October 16, and a signed permission slip is required to attend. Slips will be distributed Monday morning, October 5, so be on the lookout! Casual clothes only, with no costumes. Please plan for pickup at 9:00 p.m., as students may not leave early.

8th Grade Bates Motel Trip

Our 8th grade trip to Arasapha Farms/Bates Motel is Thursday, October 15, from 5:30–8:30 p.m.! Students attending will enjoy the Haunted Hayride, Bates Motel, and the Maze. Please arrive at Northley by 5:15 p.m. to board the buses. All students must ride the bus back to Northley, with parent pickup no later than 8:30 p.m. Students cannot be picked up at Arasapha Farms. Students must attend the full school day to participate. We’re looking forward to a fun night with our 8th graders!

Picture Retakes

Northley’s make-up and retake picture day is Friday, October 16. Students who missed the original picture day can have their photos taken. For a free retake, your child must return the entire original picture package to the photographer that day.

No paper flyers will be sent home. Click the button below to order online using code 01047AR. The code expires 24 hours after picture day.

Fall Sports Pictures

Northley’s fall sports picture day is Wednesday, October 21! Paper order forms will be available soon.

Click the button below to order online using code 01047SP. Payment is due on picture day, and the online order code expires 24 hours afterward.

Skyward Family Access

Penn-Delco School District uses Skyward Family Access to keep families informed about their child’s progress. Parents and guardians should log in regularly to review grades, attendance, report cards, and other important student information. Staying current helps you recognize progress and address concerns before your child falls behind.

Need to Know

Red Ribbon Week at Northley!

Northley will celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 26–30 with spirit days that encourage students to make healthy choices and stay drug-free. This year’s theme is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.”

Monday, October 26: Wear red!

Tuesday, October 27: Wear a sports jersey or team shirt.

Wednesday, October 28: Wear neon or bold colors.

Thursday, October 29: Wear your favorite outfit, color, or hobby shirt.

Friday, October 30: Wear a costume! No masks or props that promote violence.

Participation is optional, and students should use clothes they already own. All outfits must follow the school dress code. Please take time that week to talk with your child about handling peer pressure and making choices that protect their health and future.

Lockdown Drill: October 13

Northley will hold a lockdown drill on Tuesday, October 13, as part of our regular safety practice. Students will remain in their classrooms and stay silent while staff check that classroom doors are locked. The drill will last no longer than 10 minutes.

Please take a moment to talk with your child about taking drills seriously and following their teacher’s directions. These practices help students and staff know what to do in an emergency. Thank you for supporting our efforts to keep Northley safe.

Attendance Cup

Our Attendance Cup is giving students another reason to cheer each other on! Each week, we recognize the homeroom in each grade with the strongest attendance. September’s daily absence average was 13.9% lower than last September’s, an encouraging start as we make attendance a schoolwide priority.

Congratulations to this week’s winners: Mrs. Ventura’s sixth-grade homeroom, Mr. Cappella’s seventh-grade homeroom, and our eighth-grade co-winners, Mrs. Amicone’s and Ms. Blaisse’s homerooms! Thank you to our families for helping students get to school each day.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Throughout the month, we’ll share daily announcements and information in homeroom to help students recognize bullying, respond to it, and know where to turn for help.

We’ll also take part in Unity Day on Wednesday, October 21. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange that day as a visible show of support for kindness.

Kick Cancer Classic

Join us at Sun Valley Stadium on Wednesday, October 28, as Northley’s boys’ and girls’ soccer teams take on Ridley Middle School, with our Viking cheerleaders there to cheer them on!

Over the past two years, Northley families and the Delco community have raised $10,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. That support has helped fund more than 200 hours of pediatric cancer research, including work at the Nemours Center for Cancer Research.

Come cheer on our students and grab dinner or dessert from the food trucks. Raffle baskets will also be part of the fun! We’re proud of what our community has accomplished and look forward to another great evening together.

Kick Cancer Classic: Raffle Basket Donations Needed

The Kick Cancer Classic has raised more than $10,000 over the last two events to support the fight against cancer. Families and community members have contributed through donations, raffle baskets, KCC T-shirt purchases and personalized scoreboard messages.

We are still looking for raffle baskets! If you have a connection with a local business willing to donate a gift card, product, service or basket, please reach out to the KCC Committee. See the attached flyer for event details and ways to participate. Thank you for helping make this event a success!

Wear Pink on October 23

Northley students and staff are encouraged to wear pink on Friday, October 23, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join us as Penn-Delco schools come together to raise awareness and show support for those affected by breast cancer.

Costume Day: October 30

We look forward to seeing students’ creativity on Costume Day, Friday, October 30! Students are welcome to wear a costume that allows them to move safely through the hallways and on stairs and sit comfortably in classroom and cafeteria seats.

Please leave masks at home and check that costumes and accessories follow our student handbook expectations, including rules regarding drugs, alcohol and weapons. Thank you for helping your child choose a costume that works for a school day!

November Student-Led Conferences

Northley’s conferences will take place on November 23 and 24, with evening conferences available on November 23. Sign-up information will be shared closer to the dates.

At Northley, we use a student-led conference model. Your child will share their academic progress, discuss their goals and reflect on their learning with you. Teachers will also schedule traditional conferences where needed. These conversations help us work together to support your child’s progress.

Readers are Leaders

We want every Northley student to carry a book they enjoy reading. Students will have time to read during homeroom, and we’ll encourage them to pick up their book when they finish classwork early. A few minutes here and there add up, especially when reading becomes part of the school day.

Please help your child choose a book they want to read and remind them to bring it to school each day. If they’re having trouble finding one, their teacher or our library staff can help.

Positive Office Referrals

Teachers began submitting Positive Office Referrals to recognize the great things students were doing throughout the school day. We then contacted families to share the good news and celebrate those students at home. These messages were a great way to highlight the effort, kindness, leadership, and positive choices happening across Northley.

Veterans Day Essay Contest

Northley students are invited to enter the 2026 Middle School Veterans Day Essay Contest! This year’s theme is “Honoring 250 Years of Service & Sacrifice.” Students can research our nation’s history or speak with a veteran or a veteran’s family member to help tell their story.

Essays must be typed and no more than 200 words. Include a separate cover sheet with the student’s name, grade, phone number, email address, and school, along with the teacher’s name and email address. One entry is allowed per student.

Email submissions to VeteransDay@dciu.org by October 28 at 4:00 p.m. First, second, and third-place winners will receive cash prizes and be invited to read their essays at the November 11 Veterans Day Ceremony in Media. Winners will be notified by November 5.

We’d love to see Northley students share their writing and help honor those who served!

Bring History to Life: Student Video Contest

Northley students are invited to enter the Daughters of the American Revolution’s 2026–2027 video contest!

The middle school topic asks students to imagine hearing the Declaration of Independence read in their community in 1776. How would they react? Who would they tell, and what would they do next? Students should explore how the news would affect their lives in a video lasting no more than three minutes.

The deadline is December 4, 2026. For contest details, contact Jane Schurman at schurmanjane@gmail.com or 610-529-6925.

We’d love to see our students use their creativity to bring this moment in history to life!

Explore Great Britain and Ireland - Summer 2028

Current Northley 8th graders have an exciting opportunity to travel to Great Britain and Ireland with Ms. Di Pietro in summer 2028!

Interested families are invited to an information meeting on October 13 to learn more about the trip.

Students must currently be in 8th grade to participate in the 2028 tour.

Safe2Say Something

Students should tell a trusted adult when they experience or become aware of an issue involving themselves or someone else. This includes bullying, threats, concerning behavior, or anything that does not feel right. Speaking up allows adults to respond and provide support. If a student does not feel comfortable talking with someone directly, Safe2Say Something offers an anonymous way to report the concern through its website, mobile app, or by calling 1-844-SAF2SAY.

District Announcements

Department Updates

Leader in Me

Northley is proud to be a Leader in Me school. Throughout the year, students will practice the 7 Habits in their classrooms and apply them in their daily choices:

1. Be Proactive
2. Begin With the End in Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win-Win
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw

Each student will develop a leadership portfolio to track goals, progress, and personal growth. We will also recognize students each month who demonstrate the 7 Habits through their actions and leadership. Our goal is to make these habits part of how we learn, work together, and lead at Northley every day.

Meet our Student Lighthouse Team

I’m excited to introduce our Student Lighthouse Team! These students will meet with me periodically to share what’s working at Northley and where we need to improve. They’ll represent their peers and work with us to turn ideas into action.

Through Leader in Me, we want students to take an active role in improving their school. This team will give them opportunities to speak honestly and take responsibility for projects that matter to them.

Congratulations to our team members!

London H., Eric K., Olivia B., Dylan A., Ethan C., Robbie V., Toomy M., Maeve L., Cooper S., Mason A-W., Madison H., Paislee K., Annika D., Victoria G., Josiah D., Skylar T., Nick L., Olivia A., Jolie Z., Emily M., Jimmy W., Riley B., Alexandra D., Hope G., Julian H., Ryan M., Scarlett T., Benjamin H., Nolan E., Gabriel W., Charlotte E., and Zaylee M.

Leader in Me Student Leadership Portfolios

Next week, on October 14, students will explore Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind during advisory. They will rank what matters most to them for their future and consider how today’s choices connect to the life they want to build. Students will complete the “Vision for My Future” page in their Leadership Portfolio and identify one action to take that week.

After Wednesday’s lesson, please talk with your child about what they chose and why it matters to them. Ask, “What future are you working toward, and what is one thing you can do now to move toward it?”

Club, Committee and Class Announcements

Find Something That Interests You

Northley offers many ways for students to get involved outside of the classroom. Students can choose from seasonal sports and a wide range of clubs and activities. Getting involved allows students to meet new people and explore their interests. It also helps them feel more connected to Northley. Encourage your child to review the options below and find something they would like to try this year.

Northley Sports Schoology Page

Students and families can visit the Northley Sports Schoology page for schedules, announcements, and other important information about Northley athletics. Please check the page regularly for the latest updates from our coaches and athletic program.

Northley Clubs Schoology Page

Students can join the Northley Clubs Schoology page to find information and updates about clubs and activities offered at Northley. Use join code BXDW-X96F-FXTSZ to access the page.

Late Bus Information

A late bus is available for students who stay after school for approved clubs, athletics, or extra help. Late bus routes use designated stops and may differ from a student’s regular route. Current stops are posted on the district website below. Students should tell the driver their usual stop when boarding so they can be dropped off in that general area.

Weekly Activities Calendar

Looking for a quick overview of what is happening at Northley? Check our Weekly Activities Calendar below for an at-a-glance look at each week’s activities, events, and important dates.

PTL News

Get Involved with the Northley PTL

The PTL helps create events and experiences that make your child’s time at Northley even better. We would love to have more families involved this year. You can attend a monthly meeting, volunteer at an event, or help when your schedule allows. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to all Northley families.

The PTL will host the 8th Grade Haunted Hayride next Thursday, October 15, followed by the 6th Grade Haunted Hallway and 7th Grade Dance on Friday, October 23. If you would like to help with any of these events, please reach out to the PTL. We appreciate any time you can give.

Our next PTL meeting is Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the NMS Library. All Northley families are welcome to attend.

The Fall Book Fair will take place during the week of November 16. Please watch for a volunteer sign-up with opportunities to help throughout the week.

Community News

Recently at Northley

In case you missed it

Review the 2026-2027 Northley Handbook

Please take a few minutes to review the Northley Handbook. It includes important policies, procedures, and expectations for students and families.

Northley Earns Statewide PBIS Recognition

Northley Middle School has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Network for implementing School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports with fidelity during the 2025–2026 school year. Northley earned recognition for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 and will be honored at the 2026 PAPBS and MTSS Integrated Implementers’ Forum in November. This recognition reflects the work of our staff and students to maintain clear expectations while providing additional support when students need it.

Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

Arrival

• Main Office along Concord Road is dedicated for buses only.  
• All students enter through the Main Office Lobby.  
• Parent drop off is in the main parking lot using two lines: 
• Enter via Pancoast and exit onto Pancoast
• Enter via Concord and exit onto Concord 

Dismissal

• All walkers and car riders dismiss from the rear G Wing doors. We ask that all parents wait in their cars for their students. Teachers are on duty to ensure safe crossing patterns.
• All bus riders are dismissed out the 8th grade hallway exit. 

Bus Assignments

Bus assignments were mailed home and are available on the Penn-Delco Transportation webpage.

Universal Free Breakfast

Breakfast is available to all students daily. Students who would like breakfast should report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival, whether arriving by bus, car, or on foot.

Car riders and walkers: Please plan to arrive early enough to allow time for breakfast before the school day begins.