Northley Middle School

Weekly Newsletter

November 7th, 2025

Dear Northley Families,

 

November is here, and it’s been a stretch full of energy and pride at Northley. From the Kick Cancer Classic to our Red Ribbon Week and Halloween celebrations, our students have shown school spirit in every way. The first quarter has officially wrapped up, and as we shift into the next part of the year, we’re continuing to focus on learning, connection, and community. There’s a lot happening this month, and I want to keep you in the loop on what’s ahead.

 

End of Quarter Update

Today marks the end of the first quarter. Report cards will be available next Friday, November 14, through Skyward. Please take some time to review your child’s progress once grades are posted.


End of Quarter Related Arts Volleyball Tournament

To wrap up the first quarter, students took part in a fun Related Arts Volleyball Tournament during their class periods. There was great teamwork and school spirit and some teachers even played against the students!


Students and staff brought plenty of energy to the gym and showed what it means to be Ready, Respectful, and Responsible!. It was an exciting way to end the quarter and celebrate our Viking pride.

 

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.


Northley Fall Pep Rally & Spirit Challenge!

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Fall Pep Rally on Friday, November 21! During the event, we’ll recognize our fall sports teams, Students of the Month, perfect attendance, and honor roll recipients. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our students’ hard work and Viking pride.

Leading up to the pep rally, we’re kicking off a two-week Viking Vision Challenge!


Students can earn tickets for demonstrating that they are Ready, Respectful, and Responsible. Staff will hand out tickets throughout the next two weeks, and students can drop them into their grade-level bins in the cafeteria during lunch for a chance to participate in pep rally games and win prizes.


Pep Rally Spirit Colors:

  • 8th Grade – Blue
  • 7th Grade – White
  • 6th Grade – Gold

Students are encouraged to wear their grade’s color on pep rally day!


During lunch that day, each grade will also select 25 students to take part in fun events like Musical Chairs, a Turkey Relay, Box Stacking, and a Pie Eating Contest. We’re looking forward to a fun day celebrating school spirit and our amazing Vikings!


NMS Book Fair

Get ready NMS students! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! Find bestselling series and characters that you love from more than 100 publishers. Plus every purchase benefits our school. We hope you can join us the for Best. Week. Ever! 


To get ready, check out these links:


PTL Update

Our PTL has been doing great work supporting school events, fundraisers, and student activities. Starting this month, there will be a designated PTL section in each newsletter to keep families updated on upcoming events and ways to get involved. We’re grateful for their partnership and support of our students and staff.


Northley Middle School Fall Book Fair Volunteers Needed!

Our Fall Book Fair is coming up, and we need your help to make it a success! We’re looking for parent volunteers to assist with setup, sales, and cleanup throughout the week of 11/17/25-11/21/25.


If you’re available to lend a hand, please sign up using the link below. ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST HAVE CLEARANCES ON FILE.


Your time and support help make events like this possible for our students — thank you for being part of our Northley community! Sign Up Here


Thanksgiving Food Drive

Our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is officially underway! Each homeroom is collecting Thanksgiving-themed food items, and the homeroom that donates the most items will win a homeroom breakfast.


We’re looking for items like canned vegetables, fruits, gravy, cranberries, yams, and boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing.


The food drive runs through Tuesday, November 19. Thank you for helping us support families in need this holiday season!


Congratulations to our October Students of the Month!

This month, students were recognized for demonstrating the Leader in Me habit “Begin with the End in Mind.” They set goals, plan ahead, and follow through—showing the kind of focus and responsibility that leads to success.


October Honorees

Charlotte, Brady, Josephine, Luke, Joseph, Olivia, Gavin, Addison, and Alina.


Their commitment to doing their best each day reflects the heart of our school’s mission: Every Mind Focused. Every Action Accountable.


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!


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

 

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. Free or Reduced-Price School Meals

 

Save the Date: Sun Valley Information Night

8th grade parents are invited to Sun Valley High School on Thursday, November 20, from 6:30–7:30 PM. Learn about academic programs, athletic opportunities, activities, and the arts. Hear from current students about the Sun Valley experience and take a guided tour of the school and its facilities.

 

Parent Training Opportunity

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) is hosting a virtual parent training on Understanding Executive Function on November 13 from 6–8 PM. The session will focus on helping children improve focus, organization, and self-control at home and in school. Parents can register at Parent Night

 

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 deeper into fall, I’m reminded every day how special this community is. The energy in our classrooms, the dedication of our staff, and the support from our families make Northley a place where students grow not just academically, but as people. Thank you for your continued partnership, for showing up, and for believing in our work together.

 

Justin Shivone

Principal, Northley Middle School


Leader In Me

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 are going to launch our Student Lighthouse Team, a group of students who will serve as leaders and role models in our school. These students will help promote the 7 Habits, plan schoolwide activities, and share ideas on how we can continue to strengthen our culture of leadership.

The goal is to empower students to take ownership of their school and make a real impact on daily life at Northley. Leadership is not a title. It is a mindset, and our Student Lighthouse Team will help shine that light throughout the building.

PTL Updates

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.


Our Fall Book Fair is coming up, and we need your help to make it a success! We’re looking for parent volunteers to assist with setup, sales, and cleanup throughout the week of 11/17/25-11/21/25.


If you’re available to lend a hand, please sign up using the link below. ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST HAVE CLEARANCES ON FILE.


Your time and support help make events like this possible for our students — thank you for being part of our Northley community! Sign Up Here


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

  • Book Fair Volunteer Sign-Ups – November 17–21, 2025
  • 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

Noteworthy Dates

  • Friday, November 7 Marking Period 1 Ends
  • Monday, November 10 Marking Period 2 Begins
  • Monday, November 17 to November 21 NMS Book Fair
  • 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

School Counselors

Join Team Penn-Delco

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.

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