Dear Northley Families,

As we move toward Thanksgiving, I want to pause and acknowledge the strength of our school community. The care you show for our students, for each other, and for this building creates a place where kids feel supported and families feel connected. That sense of community is something I don’t take for granted.

American Education Week

We celebrated our teachers with shout-outs from families and a word cloud created from parent responses. We also recognized our support professionals and substitute teachers. Northley is fortunate to have such a committed team supporting students every day.

Next Week’s Schedule

• Monday, November 24: Half day for students. Afternoon conferences.
• Tuesday, November 25: Half day for students. Afternoon and evening conferences.
• Wednesday, November 26: No school.
• Thursday, November 27: No School.
• Friday November 28: No School.

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.

Northey’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.

Report Cards

Report cards are now live. They include academic performance and attendance. Attendance plays a major role in student success, so we want families to have a clear view of both.

Honor Roll Results

• 159 students earned Distinguished Honors
• 277 students earned Honor Roll
• 436 certificates were awarded in total.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Our Thanksgiving Food Drive was an incredible success. Student Council collected, sorted, and packed far beyond our original goal of supporting 10 families.

Thanks to the generosity of our Northley community, we collected 855 food items.

Top Homerooms:

• Mrs. Roche & Mrs. Kikut

• Mrs. Perry

• Mrs. Mathewson

• Mrs. Porter

This year’s winning homeroom: Mrs. Mathewson (7th grade)

Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your kindness will make a real difference for families this holiday.

Pep Rally

Our pep rally this week captured everything we want Northley to feel like. The gym was loud, proud, and full of positive energy. Students cheered for one another, showed real school pride, and celebrated the accomplishments of their peers.

We recognized achievements across athletics, perfect attendance, honor roll, distinguished honor roll, and Student of the Month. Watching our students lift each other up and celebrate as a community was a highlight of the week.

8^th Grade Winter Formal

Northley PTL is excited to host the 8th Grade Winter Formal. The cafeteria will be transformed into a winter wonderland, and complimentary treats will be available.

• Students may be dropped off at 6:45 p.m. at the main entrance.
• Dress Code: Dresses/skirts or a dress shirt and tie. No jeans or shorts.
•  Cost: $10 per student, cash only, sent in with a signed permission slip in an envelope labeled “Northley PTL – 8th Grade Formal.”
• Permission Slips: Accepted from 11/17 through 12/3 during homeroom.
• Late orders cannot be accepted.
• A full permission slip was sent home with all 8th grade todays on November 14th 2025.
• Questions can be directed to Teresa Mai at Antmai08@gmail.com.

Fire Drill

Our fire drill went smoothly. Students followed directions and moved with purpose, which allowed us to account for everyone quickly. Great job to our staff and students.

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

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

Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair was a huge success. Thank you to every family who participated and to the PTL and NJHS volunteers who helped run it.

If you still want to purchase books, the online store is open through November 30. All orders benefit Northley, and purchases over $35 ship free.

Future Ready at Northley

Our 7th and 8th grade counselors, Mrs. Crowley and Ms. Gantz, introduced the first round of career readiness lessons using SchooLinks. Students explored careers and college majors that match their strengths and personalities. They even saw which well-known figures share similar traits. 6th grade will begin their onboarding the first week of December with Ms. Sterling. Ask your child which careers matched their profile. It sparks good conversation.

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.

Nurse Health Screenings

Routine height, weight, and vision screenings were completed this week. These checks help us monitor student health and catch concerns early.

Weber's warriors Online Shirt Sale

One of the most special things about Aston is the way we always come together as a

community. When someone we love is in need, we show up every single time — and

this moment is no different. Ms. Weber, a much loved 5th grade teacher at Aston Elementary for 26 years, is about to begin a battle against cancer, and she needs all of our love,

strength, and support.

The Aston Elementary PTL is selling #WebersWarriors T-shirts and sweatshirts in her

honor, with all profits donated directly to Ms. Weber to ensure she has everything she needs throughout this fight. 

Place your orders using this link.  The shop will be open until December 1st.

https://preview.chipply.com/store.aspx?eid=452010

We stand behind Ms. Weber with everything we have. And if cancer thinks it knows who it’s messing with…it clearly hasn’t met the Aston community — and it definitely hasn’t met Susan

Weber.

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]

As we head into the holiday, I’m thankful for this community. Northley is at its best when we work together, support one another, and keep our focus on helping students grow. Wishing you a safe, restful, and meaningful Thanksgiving surrounded by the people you care about most.

Justin Shivone

Principal, Northley Middle School

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.

A big thank-you to everyone who attended the recent PTL meeting and to all the volunteers who continue to give their time and energy to make these events possible. The next PTL meeting will be held on December 3, 2025.

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 Events and Dates

• Staff Dinner During Conferences – November 25, 2025
• Next PTL Meeting – December 3, 2025
• 8th Grade Winter Formal – December 5, 2025, at Northley Middle School (7–9 PM). Flyers coming soon.
• 8th Grade Breakfast – December 23, 2025
• Bingo Fundraiser – March 13, 2026
• 8th Grade Spring Formal – May 15, 2026, at the Phoenix Ballroom

• Monday, November 17 to November 21 - NMS Book Fair
• Friday, November 21st - Spirit Day & Pep Rally
• Monday, November 24 Half Day - Conferences
• Tuesday, November 25 Half Day - Conferences
• Wednesday, November 26 - NO SCHOOL
• Thursday, November 26 District Holiday- NO SCHOOL
• Friday, November 27 District Holiday - NO SCHOOL

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.