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Weekly Update
October 16, 2026
| | A Message from the Principal | |
Dear Northley Families,
It’s been a good week at Northley, and I’m glad to share a look at what our students have been doing. There’s been plenty of learning alongside opportunities to spend time with friends and meet students from other schools.
On Monday, a group of our students attended the Girls Spark Summit, where they explored ways to build confidence and navigate friendships. Our 8th graders wrapped up Thursday with a night at Bates Motel. Thank you to the PTL and chaperones who made that trip possible!
In science, 8th graders put their learning about speed and motion into practice by timing different ways of moving. Running, skipping and walking backward gave them results to compare as they calculated their speeds. We also completed our lockdown drill this week. Students took it seriously and followed staff directions, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing why we practice.
Our attendance progress is another bright spot. So far this October, we’re averaging 16% fewer absences per school day than last October! The Attendance Cup competition is going strong, with several homerooms tied this week. Students are also competing for the chance to throw water balloons at me if their homeroom earns the best attendance this month. Thank you for helping students get to school and keeping this progress going.
As we look ahead, please encourage your child to wear orange for Unity Day on Wednesday, October 21, and pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Friday, October 23. Red Ribbon Week begins October 26, giving us more opportunities to talk with students about healthy choices.
The first marking period ends November 6, and that date is approaching quickly. Please review grades and missing assignments with your child now. If something needs attention, reach out to their teachers so we have time to work together before the quarter closes. Please also help your child get into the habit of charging their Chromebook each night and bringing it to school fully charged. It makes a difference when students arrive ready to participate without having to find a place to charge their device.
Thank you for the support you give at home and for staying in touch with us. I enjoy seeing our students take part in all that Northley offers, and I appreciate everyone who helps make these experiences possible. Have a great weekend!
Warmly,
Justin Shivone
Principal, Northley Middle School
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Wednesday, October 21: Fall Activity Pictures
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Wednesday, October 21: Unity Day - Wear Orange
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Thursday, October 22: Flu Clinic
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Friday, October 23: NMS Haunted Hallway (6th Grade) & Dance (7th Grade)
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Friday, October 23: Breast Cancer Awareness Day - Wear Pink
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Monday, October 26: Red Ribbon Week Begins
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Tuesday, October 27: Advisory
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Wednesday, October 28: Kick Cancer Classic
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Friday, October 30: Fall Sports End
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Tuesday, November 3: No School
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Wednesday, November 4: PTL Meeting at 6:30
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Wednesday, November 4: ELA Firefly
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Thursday, November 5: Math Firefly
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Friday, November 6: Science CDT
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Friday, November 6: Marking Period 1 Ends
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Help Bring the Book Fair to Life!
Northley’s Fall Book Fair is coming the week of November 16, and we would love your help! Volunteering is a fun way to spend time at school and help students find books they’re excited to read. You’ll get to share in the excitement as students browse and discover new favorites.
Click the button below to sign up for a time that works for you. We look forward to having you join us!
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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 were due Friday, October 16, and are no longer being accepted. Only students who submitted a signed permission slip by the deadline may attend.
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7th Grade Haunted Hallway and Dance 🎃
Our 7th graders are getting a night of scares and dancing! Northley PTL will host the Haunted Hallway and Dance 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.
Permission slips and the $5 admission payment were due Friday, October 16, and are no longer being accepted. Only students who submitted both by the deadline may attend.
Students should wear casual clothes, with no costumes. Please plan for pickup at 9:00 p.m., as students may not leave early.
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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.
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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.
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End of Quarter Approaching
The first marking period ends Friday, November 6. Please take some time to review your child’s grades and missing assignments together. Ask what is going well and where they need support, then help them make a plan to finish the quarter strong. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to their teachers now so we have time to work together before grades close.
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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.
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Attendance Cup: Ties, Trophies and Water Balloons!
The Attendance Cup competition is heating up! We have several ties this week, so we may need to work out a trophy-sharing schedule. Congratulations to our winning homerooms:
- 6th Grade: Mrs. Ventura
- 7th Grade: Mrs. Ragan, Mr. Cappella and Ms. Weir
- 8th Grade: Mrs. Place
So far this October, we’re averaging 16% fewer absences per school day than last October.
Thank you, families, for helping students get to school and keeping this progress going!
There’s also a little extra motivation this month: the homeroom with the best attendance will get to throw water balloons at me! Please encourage your child to keep up the great work while I prepare to get soaked.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Missing a day here and there may not seem like much, but those days add up. Regular attendance helps students stay connected to learning and make the most of every school day. | | | |
2026 Flu Clinic Provided by Springfield Pharmacy, October 22 | Springfield Pharmacy will provide flu vaccinations for students and staff. An online consent form is required. | | | |
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Students are assigned to their counselors based on their grade. School counselors remain with their respective class of students for all three years.
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Class of 2033 (6th Grade): Mrs. Julia Sullivan
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Class of 2032 (7th Grade): Mrs. Jennifer Sterling
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Class of 2031 (8th Grade): Mrs. Gina Crowley
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Students should bring their district-issued Chromebook fully charged daily. Please help your child keep it secure, use it only for schoolwork, and report damage or technical problems right away. Students should never share Chromebooks or District accounts. These devices remain District property and must be returned with the charger when requested. Activity on District devices, accounts, and networks may be monitored under Board Policy.
Stay updated with Schoology
Schoology allows parents to receive notifications when assignments become overdue, along with a weekly summary of their child’s activity. These updates make it easier to identify missing work early and help your child stay on track. Watch this short video to learn how to set up both features.
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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:
- Be Proactive
- Begin With the End in Mind
- Put First Things First
- Think Win-Win
- Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
- Synergize
- 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.
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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.
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Student Voice in Action: Lighthouse Team Training
Our Student Lighthouse Team will work with our Leader in Me trainer to learn how to bring student ideas into school decisions and put them into action. During training, students will develop action plans with clear steps and responsibilities. They will also learn how to follow through on their commitments and check their progress. This training will help them take an active role in making Northley a better place for their classmates.
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Leader in Me Student Leadership Portfolios
During advisory on October 14, students explored Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind. They ranked what matters most to them for their future and considered how their choices today connect to the life they want to build. Students completed the “Vision for My Future” page in their Leadership Portfolio and identified one action to take that week.
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?”
At our next advisory on October 27, students will develop their Wildly Important Goals, or WIGs. This will help them turn their reflections into specific goals they can work toward and track in their Leadership Portfolios.
| | 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Penn-Delco is committed to working in partnership with the surrounding community. Visit the Community Bulletin Board on pdsd.org to view upcoming programs, events, etc. offered by our approved community partners. | | | |
8th Grade Bates Motel
Our 8th graders enjoyed a night of scares and time with friends at Arasapha Farms and Bates Motel on October 15! Students explored the haunted hayride, Bates Motel and maze together. Thank you to our PTL for organizing the trip and to the chaperones who spent their evening with our students. We appreciate everyone who helped make this a fun night for our 8th grade!
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Eighth-Grade Science: Speed and Motion in Action
Who’s the fastest in the class? Our eighth-grade students recently put their knowledge of speed and motion to the test during a hands-on science lab. Students traveled a set distance by walking backward, skipping, and running. They recorded their times, calculated their speed, and compared results to see how different types of movement affected their speed. It was a fun way to take what they learned in the classroom and apply it through a hands-on activity!
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Girls Speak
A group of Northley students joined 72 middle school girls from across the region at the first DCIU & Girls Spark Middle School Summit on October 12. Workshops focused on navigating friendship challenges and bullying, building self-confidence and managing emotions. Students also explored setting boundaries in friendships and participated in activities such as self-defense, yoga and art therapy. The day gave our students opportunities to connect with peers from other schools and practice strategies they can use in their everyday lives. Thank you to Girls Spark and DCIU for creating this experience for our students!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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