Monday, August 21, 2017

Back to School 2017-18

    Back to School Information
    It always sneaks up on us.. Welcome back to the 1st (and possibly longest) edition of the Weekly Roundup for the 2017-18 School year.  As always, we are looking forward to another exciting and rewarding school year for our students and staff.  I want to bring some information to your attention to help make things as smooth as possible.

    On behalf of the staff at New Berlin Junior High School, I am so happy to welcome you to the 2017-18 school year! We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential.  We recognize that in order to be successful in school, our children need support from both home and school.  We know a strong partnership with you will make a huge difference in your child’s education.  As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities.

    REGISTRATION
    • Online Registration for 17-18 is now available.  It is required for all returning students.  Please login to Family Access in Skyward as soon as possible to complete the registration process for returning students.

    WEEKLY ROUNDUP
    • Once the school year begins you will hear from me weekly through the Weekly Roundup!  I sent this out via email and links can be found in multiple places on the website.  I encourage you to bookmark the page.
    • I have updated the important dates section in the Weekly Roundup!  Check out the upcoming events for the School district by checking back frequently.
    • In the meantime, please browse the website  (www.pretzelpride.com) and the JH links to familiarize yourself with all of the information that is available to you.

    GOOGLE DRIVE FAMILIES FOLDER
    • Families Google Folder - What's this?  I have created a folder in Google Drive that will house important documents for the school year.  The folder already contains important information (calendar, school supply list, pre-arranged absence form, how to get missing work when you miss school, etc.).  
      • We hope you find this folder valuable.  There will be links all over the website to help guide you to this information.

    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    • I would like to invite our parents -indeed, urge them- to volunteer at the school. There are many tasks that volunteers can perform, including sharing your expertise with our students.  If you are interesting in helping out, please call Mrs. Owens to see what type of volunteer opportunities are available.

    SOCIAL MEDIA
    • Have you liked our new page on Facebook?  Like "New Berlin Community Schools" to be a part of what's going on within our district.
    • Follow us on Twitter (@newberlinjh) and (@nbpretzelpride)

    ZAP (Zeros are not Permitted)
    • One obstacle to academic success is the failure to complete assigned homework. Without a student’s completion of homework, teachers are left with little choice but to assume the child does not understand the concepts from class. The goal of the ZAP program is to provide support for students, promote responsibility and good study habits, reinforce the value of hard work and effort, and foster good communication between home and school. With this in mind, students who choose not to turn in work will immediately be placed into the ZAP program (*More information in the Google Folder)


    COMMUNICATION
    • Communication is extremely important to us.  We communicate in several different ways and I want to make sure you are aware so you are able to access all relevant information about New Berlin Junior High.  Because technology provides us with a quick way to deliver information to a large audience, most of the information will be in digital format. Examples of digital communication include:
      • Daily Announcements – These are posted to the Daily Announcements page on the website.  These are updated every morning and emailed to the students.
      • Daily Assignments – Assignments are posted on the Daily Assignments page on the website.  Teachers update their lesson plans frequently.  You will have access to homework, upcoming projects/tests, and the agenda/objective for each day.
      • Skyward – You can see your child’s grades in real time by logging into Skyward.  If you don’t have access, email Mrs. Owens  - lowens@pretzelpride.com) to gain access.
      • Weekly Roundup – Sent via School Reach and posted to the Weekly Roundup page on the website.  This goes out every Thursday and contains announcements, important dates, etc.
      • Pretzel PressJr. – This publication is published by our 8th grade students under the guidance of Mrs. Tom.  The link can be found on the website as well.  
      • Discipline – All discipline notifications will be automatically sent via email as soon as they are entered.
      • Social Media - Facebook (New Berlin Community Schools) and Twitter Account (@NewBerlinJH) will be used to announce Character Counts! weekly nominees, important announcements, and other fun happenings at the JH.  Please like us to stay up to date.
      • Athletics – New Berlin Athletics maintains both a Facebook page (Pretzel Athletics) and a Twitter account (@nbpretzelpride).  Announcements, cancellations, and scores are posted regularly to these accounts.
    • Only a few types of communication will come via postal mail.  Examples of written communication include:
      • Report Cards
      • Athletic Eligibility Reports
      • Discipline – In addition to receiving an email notification, you will also receive notification via mail (with the exception of lunch detention)
    CHARACTER COUNTS
    • Our Character of the months of August/September is Responsibility.  A person of character meets the demands on duty, is accountable, pursues excellence, and exercises self-control.


    OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • Students and families of students interested in Literary Team next year should subscribe to text reminders to stay up-to-date on open practices and script nights. Text @nbliterary to 81010
    • NEW 7th Grade Students and Families should subscribe to Mrs. Tom’s ELA class to receive text reminders. Text @tom7ela to 81010
    • If you don't have FAMILY ACCESS please contact Mrs. Owens to get setup - this is an invaluable resource!