Dear Northley Families,

As we move through the winter months, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. This newsletter includes important updates, upcoming dates, and highlights of the great work happening across our school. Please take a few moments to review the information and reach out if you have any questions along the way.

End of Quarter

The end of the marking period is January 23rd. Families are encouraged to check Skyward for current grades. Please remind students to turn in any missing assignments and reach out to teachers with questions or concerns.

Report Cards

Report cards for the current marking period will be available in Skyward on Friday, January 30. Families are encouraged to review grades together and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns.

Student of the Month Breakfast

We recently held our Student of the Month Breakfast to recognize our December Students of the Month. These students were honored for demonstrating the Leader in Me habit Think Win-Win by playing fair, respecting others, and working toward positive solutions in their classrooms and throughout the school community. It was great to welcome families into the building and celebrate students together.

Congratulations to Brian S., Jolie Z., Jack M., Antonio D., Callie H., Chris G., Isaiah M., Katie M., and Tru C. We are proud of these students for setting a strong example for their peers and helping make Northley Middle School a positive and supportive place for everyone.

Fire Drill Practice

A scheduled fire drill was conducted as part of our ongoing safety planning. Students and staff practiced evacuation procedures and followed directions appropriately. These drills are important in helping everyone feel prepared and confident should an emergency occur.

IXL Benchmark Assessments

Math and ELA IXL benchmark assessments have been completed. Teachers will spend time reviewing the data to identify strengths, areas for growth, and patterns across grade levels. This information will help guide instructional decisions and ensure students receive the support they need moving forward.

Sun Valley Elective Assembly for our 8^th Grade

The Sun Valley Elective Assembly for 8th grade students will take place on January 23. During the assembly, students will learn more about elective options and what to expect as they transition to high school, helping them make informed choices for next year.

Winter Sports Pictures

Winter sports team photos will be taken on February 4. Student athletes should come prepared and follow any directions provided by their coaches.

8th Grade Panoramic Pictures

8th grade panoramic pictures will be taken on February 4. Paper flyers will be mailed to the school and sent home with students prior to picture day.

Families will also be able to order online using the school-specific access code. A web banner with the embedded access code will be posted on the school website to make ordering easy. The link is also below:

Link to purchase

8th Grade Move Up Ceremony Save the Date

8th grade families are asked to save the date for our Move Up Ceremony on June 10 at 1:00 PM. This event will celebrate our 8th graders as they prepare for the next chapter. More details will be shared as the date approaches.

8th Grade Health Screenings

grade health screenings will be conducted on January 20 during the school day. These screenings are part of routine school health services, and families will be contacted if any follow-up is needed.

School Play

The school play will take place on February 5th and February 6th at 7:00 PM, and on February 7th at both 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. All tickets are $8 regardless of seating. We encourage families and community members to attend and support our students. Ticket purchase information is available at this link

Spelling Bee Information

We’re excited for students to participate in this year’s Spelling Bee. It’s a great opportunity for students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and celebrate strong spelling skills.

·        January 22: Building-wide Spelling Bee

·       February: Our school winner will represent Northley alongside other county schools

We’re proud of our students for taking on this challenge, and we look forward to celebrating their effort and growth. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Verna at cverna@pdsd.org.

Winter Sports Season

Winter athletics are about to begin. Please remind student athletes to keep their grades steady, meet deadlines, and communicate with teachers if they fall behind. Academic eligibility connects directly to participation.

For spectators, we ask for the same expectations we hold during the school day. Be respectful, stay positive, and remember that our gym represents our community. Good sportsmanship matters on both sides of the bleachers.

In School Dental Program

Penn-Delco is partnering with The Smile Program: My School Dentist to offer in-school dental care on February 19, 2026, here at Northley Middle School.

Pennsylvania requires dental exams for students in grades K/1, 3, and 7. This option is available to any student in those grades who has not submitted proof of a dental exam within the past year. If a student in another grade needs an exam, they may participate as well.

The program provides:

·       Comprehensive exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants

·        Restorative care, such as fillings when needed

·        Services at little or no cost (all insurance accepted, including Medicaid and CHIP, with low-cost self-pay available)

Regular dental care helps reduce the risk of early tooth loss, gum issues, heart disease, and speech development concerns.

Students from all elementary schools will be transported to Northley for their appointments. Parents are welcome to attend and may bring their child themselves if they prefer.

Pre-registration is required. Families may register online or complete the paper form and return it to school by January 31.

After-School Activities

We’ve updated our list of current clubs and activities happening after school. Northley offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved and explore new interests. For this dates of meeting please click here: Activity Schedule 

After-School Academic Support

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. If you have any concerns, please check with your grade level counselor

Student Drop-Off Reminder

Forgotten items can be dropped off on the table in the vestibule. Please make sure everything is clearly labeled with your child’s name so we can get items to them quickly without interrupting classes.

Nutrition at NMS

Every student at Northley has access to free breakfast each school day, except on half days. A good breakfast helps students stay focused and ready to learn. If you believe your family may

qualify for free or reduced lunch and haven’t yet applied, please visit the Food Services page on our district website. Directions for how to apply can be found there. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to your child’s grade-level counselor for support.

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.

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.

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]

Thank you for your ongoing support of Northley Middle School. When families, staff, and students work together, it makes a real difference in both learning and school culture. We appreciate your involvement and look forward to the weeks ahead. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

Justin Shivone

Northley Middle School

Principal

We all want our kids to feel confident in school, and one of the biggest ways to help is simply making sure they’re here each day. Middle school moves quickly. When students miss class, even a day or two a month, they start to fall behind without realizing it.

Research shows that missing more than 10 percent of the school year (about two days a month) can lead to lower grades, gaps in learning, and a tougher transition into high school. Kids learn best when they’re in the room, hearing the lesson, asking questions, and staying connected with their classmates.

Regular attendance also helps with confidence. When students are here every day, they settle into routines, keep up with their work, and feel more comfortable walking into each class.

We know life happens. Kids get sick, families have appointments, and things pop up that can’t be avoided. All we ask is that, whenever possible, you help your child be in school every day. It really does make a difference.



If your family ever needs support with attendance, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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.

Student Lighthouse Team

We’re proud to announce the members of Northley’s Student Lighthouse Team for the 2025–2026 school year. These students were selected for showing leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to improving our school community.

The team will meet throughout the year to share student perspectives, help plan schoolwide events, and support initiatives that strengthen our Viking Vision of being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible.

Congratulations to the following students:

Jolie Z., Kierra S., Jimmy W., Emily M., Nick L., Victoria G., Annika D., Madison H., Paislee K., Abby A., Connor S., Dominic P., Eryk W., Josiah J., Katie M., Peyton F., and Vincent V.

We’re excited to see their leadership in action this year!

Our PTL continues to do an outstanding job supporting school events, activities, and staff appreciation efforts. This month, they’re hard at work planning several exciting upcoming events, including the 8th Grade Winter Formal, the 8th Grade Breakfast in December, Bingo Night, and the Spring Formal later this year.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please email northleymsptl@gmail.com and follow Northley PTL on Facebook (@Northley PTL) for updates, reminders, and volunteer opportunities.

PTL Meeting

The next PTL meeting will take place on February 2nd and will be held via Zoom. Families interested in getting involved or learning more about upcoming events are encouraged to attend.

Bingo Night

PTL will be hosting Bingo Night on March 13, 2026. This event is always a fun night for families and students, and more details will be shared as the date approaches.

8th Grade Spring Formal

The 8th Grade Spring Formal will be held on May 15, 2026 at The Phoenix. Additional information regarding tickets, attire, and expectations will be communicated closer to the event.

• Thursday, January 22 - Spelling Bee
• Friday, January 23 - End of 2nd Quarter
• Friday, January 30 - Report Cards Available
• Thursday, February 5 - NMS School Play at 7:00 PM
• Friday, February 6 - NMS School Play at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, February 7 - NMS School Play at 2:00 PM
• Saturday, February 7 - NMS School Play at 7:00 PM
• Thursday, February 19 - Smile Dental Program @ NMS

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.