Hello Parents, Students, and Families of Northampton Middle School! We are excited to begin our 2024-2025 school year. The purpose of this letter is to discuss some updates to Northampton Middle School and our standards and student expectations for students. The “Top 5 Things to Know” are below. First and foremost, we are excited to welcome Ms. Hannah Cagle as the new Assistant Principal here at the Middle School. She will be a great asset and advocate for the students of Northampton Middle School. As always, please ensure that you review the full student handbook with your student for the full list of standards and expectations we have for everyone at Northampton Middle School. 1. The NCPS Cell Phone policy was updated this past May and will go into effect at the start of the school year. It will be expected that all Personal Communication Devices will be stored in student backpacks and lockers during the day. Devices will be confiscated if seen and only returned to Parents / Guardians this year. This includes phones, smartwatches, and other wearable technology such as Earbuds and Headphones. Bluetooth audio devices are not permitted during instructional hours. This includes AirPods, Beats headphones, and other wireless audio devices. Wireless headphones/earbuds will not be permitted for use in classrooms with Chromebooks. Students who need to contact home can do so from the nurse's office or the front office. Parents who need to contact their child should call the main office during school hours. Northampton Middle School is not responsible for lost/damaged/stolen items including any personal communication devices. 2. This year will require flexibility and patience due to the renovation process on our campus. Please be mindful of any changes that may occur due to Construction and be patient with us as we navigate the months and years ahead during this process. 3. Parents are encouraged to ensure they have signed up for and receive ClassTag messages. ClassTag is used regularly by School Administration and Staff to announce important information. The best way to stay informed is to stay connected. Due to construction on our campus in the next few years, it will be vital to everyone's safety and success that you are as informed as possible. This includes ensuring that our PowerSchool system has your most up-to-date contact information. If you have to change phone numbers during the year, please contact us to make the change in our system. 4. Please make sure you are familiar with the school dress code that is posted around the building and online. Students will be given a chance to “make it right” through either the clothes closet or making a phone call to bring new clothes that adhere to the policy. 5. Monitor your child's Social Media and “Group Chats” Safety is the school's main priority and this starts at home with monitoring these accounts and informing the school of potential issues. The School is not responsible for your child making a bad decision and the accompanying consequence because of something that arose the night before in a “group chat” or on Social Media. We look forward to another successful year here at Northampton, where we will be “Better Together.” Please contact the School Administration via phone or email if you have any questions or concerns with the above information. -Mr. Wheeler & Ms. Cagle - Northampton Middle School Administration