May 17th, 2018

• All library books are due (5/14).  Please return prior to 5/14 to avoid late fee charges.  
• 7th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/17) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• 8th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/18) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• A Night Under the Stars dance for junior high is Friday, (5/18) immediately following the 8th Grade Send-off dinner from 6:30 - 8:30. Drop off is in the high school parking lot. Admission is 1 canned food item for the Loami food pantry. $1.00 concession stand.
• Don't miss out on this year's memories!  Order your yearbook now at ybpay.lifetouch.com.  Our school code is 1523118.  The last day to purchase is (5/25).
• No School (5/28) - Memorial Day
• 8th Grade Promotion practice will be (5/29) from 12-1PM.  It is required for 8th grade students to attend.
• The 4th Qtr. Party will be (5/31).  NBJH Students will go to Knight’s Action Park on Thursday, May 31, 2018 for their 4th Quarter Reward Trip. The cost for students is $15 and includes lunch. Fourth Quarter eligibility requirements are listed in the handbook. Permission slips will go home next week and are due with $15 by May 25, 2018. Financial assistance is available. Email jtom@pretzelpride.com with questions. 
• The last day of school is (5/31) with a 221 Dismissal.
• 8th Grade Promotion is (5/31) at 7PM in the Pretzel Dome. Doors will open at 6PM.
• Our Character of the month of April  is TRUSTWORTHINESS.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: TBA.

May 10th, 2018

• All library books are due (5/14).  Please return prior to 5/14 to avoid late fee charges.  
• Invitations for the 8th Grade Student Send-Off dinner were sent via email to students today. The dinner is May 18th from 5:30 - 6:30 with an all school dance immediately following the dinner. The cost for the dinner is $5.00 per student. RSVP and money are due Monday, May 14th
• The 6-12 Combined Band Concert will be (5/15) at 7PM at NBE.
• HELP! Junior High Student Council needs 4-5 themed gift baskets for raffle during the 8th Grade Send-off dinner. Possible themes include Sports, Summer Fun, Spa Day, Art Club, Summer Reading, Fun in the Sun, Top Chef, Dinner and a Movie, or other. Typical gift basket value $40 - $60. Baskets should be delivered to Mrs. Tom in the junior high by Wednesday, May 16th. Email Mrs. Tom at jtom@pretzelpride.com with questions. THANK YOU!
• 6th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/16) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• 7th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/17) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• 8th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/18) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• A Night Under the Stars dance for junior high is Friday, May 18th immediately following the 8th Grade Send-off dinner from 6:30 - 8:30. Drop off is in the high school parking lot. Admission is 1 can food item for the Loami food pantry. $1.00 concession stand.
• No School (5/28) - Memorial Day
• 8th Grade Promotion practice will be (5/29) from 12-1PM.  It is required for 8th grade students to attend.
• Don't miss out on this year's memories!  Order your yearbook now at ybpay.lifetouch.com.  Our school code is 1523118.  The last day to purchase is (5/31).
• The 4th Qtr. Party will be (5/31).  NBJH Students will go to Knight’s Action Park on Thursday, May 31, 2018 for their 4th Quarter Reward Trip. The cost for students is $15 and includes lunch. Fourth Quarter eligibility requirements are listed in the handbook. Permission slips will go home next week and are due with $15 by May 25, 2018. Financial assistance is available. Email jtom@pretzelpride.com with questions. 
• The last day of school is (5/31) with a 221 Dismissal.
• 8th Grade Promotion is (5/31) at 7PM in the Pretzel Dome. Doors will open at 6PM.
• Our Character of the month of April  is TRUSTWORTHINESS.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: TBA.

April 26th, 2018

• JH Band Trip to Six Flags Music Festival (4/27).
• Countdown to the last days of school..
• (4/30) - Dance Party Day in PE
• (5/1)- Elvis Day - Play Elvis favorites during pass periods.. Everything eighties / Eighties Hand Bands, etc.
• (5/2) - Farmer Day - Dress like a farmer!
• (5/3) - Game Day - Bring your favorite board game to play in Study Skills/Electives.
• (5/4) - May the Fourth be with you.  Star Wars Day!
• Mr. Gosnell will be hosting an Open Choir Rehearsal for all students interested in joining choir next year.  Choir will be offered for both 7th and 8th students in 2018-19. Choir rehearsal will be held 3rd hour (5/2).
• The Sangamon County Schoolmasters Association is hosting its annual ACE Awards (5/3).  The staff will select 5 8th grade students to attend based on Academics-Citizenship-Extracurriculars.
• All library books are due (5/14).  Please return prior to 5/14 to avoid late fee charges.  
• The 6-12 Combined Band Concert will be (5/15) at 7PM at NBE.
• 6th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/16) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• 7th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/17) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• 8th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/18) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• No School (5/28) - Memorial Day
• 8th Grade Promotion practice will be (5/29) from 12-1PM.  It is required for 8th grade students to attend.
• Don't miss out on this year's memories!  Order your yearbook now at ybpay.lifetouch.com.  Our school code is 1523118.  The last day to purchase is (5/31).
• The 4th Qtr. Party will be (5/31).  Details TBA
• The last day of school is (5/31) with a 221 Dismissal.
• 8th Grade Promotion is (5/31) at 7PM in the Pretzel Dome. Doors will open at 6PM.
• Our Character of the month of April  is TRUSTWORTHINESS.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: Tanner Schnirring and Will Crain.
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April 19th, 2018

• 4th Qtr. Mid-Term is (4/20).
• 8th Grade Career Day Trip (4/23) - Details sent to 8th Grade Parents
• Fundraiser reward trip for 6th and 7th graders to Skyzone (4/25).
• Fundraiser reward trip for 8th graders to St. Louis Cards game (4/26).
• The Illinois Principals Association Student Recognition Breakfast will be held (4/26) in Springfield.  Congratulations to Maria Olson for earning this honor for the 8th grade class!
• JH Band Trip to Six Flags Music Festival (4/27).
• Mr. Gosnell will be hosting an Open Choir Rehearsal for all students interested in joining choir next year.  Choir will be offered for both 7th and 8th students in 2018-19. Choir rehearsal will be held 3rd hour (5/2).
• The Sangamon County Schoolmasters Association is hosting its annual ACE Awards (5/3).  The staff will select 5 8th grade students to attend based on Academics-Citizenship-Extracurriculars.  
• The 6-12 Combined Band Concert will be (5/15) at 7PM at NBE.
• 6th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/16) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• 7th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/17) at
  2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• 8th Grade Awards Ceremony will be (5/18) at 2:40PM.  Parents are welcome to attend.
• No School (5/28) - Memorial Day
• 8th Grade Promotion practice will be (5/29) from 12-1PM.  It is required for 8th grade students to attend.
• The 4th Qtr. Party will be (5/31).  Details TBA
• The last day of school is (5/31) with a 221 Dismissal.
• 8th Grade Promotion is (5/31) at 7PM in the Pretzel Dome. Doors will open at 6PM.
• Our Character of the month of April  is TRUSTWORTHINESS.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: Carter Tomlin, Ella Rogers, Lainey Brewer, Grace Brosi, and Cody Clair.
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April 12th, 2018

• PARCC testing begins (4/11) and will run through (4/20).
• The Crayon Initiative is a program that collects used crayons, recycles them into NEW Crayons to be distributed to Children’s Hospitals across the Nation.The New Berlin FFA is taking donations. Please bring in all your old crayons and place them in the bucket outside the JH Office. 
• 4th Qtr. Mid-Term is (4/20).
• 8th Grade Career Day Trip (4/23) - Details TBA
• Fundraiser reward trip for 6th and 7th graders to Skyzone (4/25).
• Fundraiser reward trip for 8th graders to St. Louis Cards game (4/26).
• The Illinois Principals Association Student Recognition Breakfast will be held (4/26) in Springfield.  Congratulations to Maria Olson for earning this honor for the 8th grade class!
• JH Band Trip to Six Flags Music Festival (4/27)
• The Sangamon County Schoolmasters Association is hosting its annual ACE Awards (5/3).  The staff will select 5 8th grade students to attend based on Academics-Citizenship-Extracurriculars.  
• Our Character of the month of February is RESPECT.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: TBA.

March 22nd, 2018

• The Crayon Initiative is a program that collects used crayons, recycles them into NEW Crayons to be distributed to Children’s Hospitals across the Nation.The New Berlin FFA is taking donations. Please bring in all your old crayons and place them in the bucket outside the JH Office.
• There will be a quick meeting on (3/26) at the end of 8th hour in the cafeteria for anyone interested in trying out for football or competitive cheerleading for next year.  If you are unable to attend, please stop by Coach Killion’s office to pick up the paperwork.
• Fundraiser items will be delivered (3/27).  Students with large orders should arrange for pickup after school.
• Early (2:21) Dismissal to begin SPRING BREAK (3/29).  Spring Break runs (3/30) through (4/8). 
• 8th grade students will be participating in Welcome to the Real World in Jacksonville hosted by the University of Illinois extension office (4/10).  
• PARCC testing begins (4/11) and will run through (4/20).
• 4th Qtr. Mid-Term is (4/20).
• 8th Grade Career Day Trip (4/23) - Details TBA
• Fundraiser reward trip for 6th and 7th graders to Skyzone (4/25).
• Fundraiser reward trip for 8th graders to St. Louis Cards game (4/26).
• The Illinois Principals Association Student Recognition Breakfast will be held (4/26) in Springfield.  Congratulations to Maria Olson for earning this honor for the 8th grade class!
• JH Band Trip to Six Flags Music Festival (4/27)
• The Sangamon County Schoolmasters Association is hosting its annual ACE Awards (5/3).  The staff will select 5 8th grade students to attend based on Academics-Citizenship-Extracurriculars.  
• Our Character of the month of February is RESPECT.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: Mason Campbell, Connor Sheley, and Nick Babbs.
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March 9th, 2018

• MAP Testing will be the week of March 12 (3/12).  How can you help? Make sure your child eats a nutritious breakfast along with getting plenty of sleep.
• The end of the 3rd quarter is (3/13).
• 8th Grade Agriculture Night (3/14).  Contact Ms. Dinges (kdinges@pretzelpride.com) with questions.
• The New Berlin FFA is sponsoring an FFA Chapter Bowling Night for current FFA members and 8^th graders who are interested in agriculture, engineering, horticulture, plant sciences, animal sciences, and the FFA.
• Who:  New Berlin FFA Members and NBJHS 8^th graders
• Where:  Showtime Lanes Cafe & Steakhouse in Virden, IL
• When:  March 14, 2018 from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
• What:  An evening of bowling fun and laser tag.
• Why:  A fun activity for current FFA members and a chance to meet 8^th grade students who may be interested in agriculture and engineering.
• Cost:  $10 per students – includes bowling, 1 game of laser tag, & dinner
• How:   Sign up by Friday March 9, 2018.
• The 3rd Qtr. Party will be (3/16) (details TBA).  School will dismiss at 1145 for SIP.
• Early (2:21) Dismissal to begin SPRING BREAK (3/29).  Spring Break runs (3/30) through (4/8). 
• Our Character of the month of February is RESPECT.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: TBA

February 22nd, 2018

• Come out and support Pretzel Basketball as they battle Routt tomorrow (2/23) at ROUTT for the Regional Championship.  Game time is 7PM.  Wear Orange & Blue!
• Our Fundraiser will begin (2/20).  The variety of product has really improved this year! The prizes are enticing!  
• Information
• Prize Information
• The SEMA Solo & Ensemble contest will be held (2/24) at Tri-City.
• JH Track practice begins (2/26).  If you haven't already, pick up information in the JH office.
• 2nd Trimester electives end (3/2).
• The end of the 3rd quarter is (3/9).  This will also be Spring Picture Day!
• MAP Testing will be the week of March 12 (3/12).  How can you help? Make sure your child eats a nutritious breakfast along with getting plenty of sleep.
• The 3rd Qtr. Party will be (3/16) (details TBA).  School will dismiss at 1145 for SIP.
• Our Character of the month of February is RESPECT.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: Skylar Hackwith, Marissa Heironimus, Whittney Williams, Joey Meiseman, and Hayden Surratt.
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February 8th, 2018

• Tomorrow (2/9) is an 1145 Dismissal for School Improvement and the 3rd quarter mid-term.  The cheerleaders are having a chicken dinner at the basketball game for anyone interested.  Limited extra tickets at the door.
• New Berlin Community Schools is hosting a Family Movie Night (2/14) from 6-8PM in the Pretzel Dome.  The event is open to all CUSD16 families.  Wonder is appropriate/applicable to ALL students ages 8+.  Let us know you're going on Facebook. We've created an event on the New Berlin Community Schools Facebook page.  Interested in volunteering at this event?  Sign up here.
• There will be NO SCHOOL (2/19) - President's Day
• Our Fundraiser will begin (2/20).  The variety of product is really improved this year! The prizes are enticing!
• The Sangamon County Spelling Bee is (2/21) at Pawnee.  Congratulations to the following students!
• 6th Grade - Jacob Gordon and Landon Hagerman
• 7th Grade - Kadon Stone and Connor Sheley (not pictured)
• 8th Grade - Taylor Darr and Kayla Fenton
  
  
• Band students will be participating in the Sangamon County Solo & Ensemble Contest (2/24) at Tri-City.
• 2nd trimester electives will end (3/2).
• We are currently building our Makerspace library.  Check out this list for possible items: click here.  If you are interested in donating to our Makerspace, please bring items to the JH office.
• All fees (lunch and registration) are due in order to participate in promotion ceremonies.
• Stay up to date!
• Text updates - Send a text to 81010 with the message @nbjh1
• Facebook - Like "New Berlin Community Schools" 
• Twitter (@newberlinjh) and (@nbpretzelpride)
• Families Folder - Link on main website
• If you don't have FAMILY ACCESS please contact Mrs. Owens to get setup - this is an invaluable resource!
• Our Character of the month of February is RESPECT.  A person of character values all persons, lives by the Golden Rule, respects the dignity, privacy, and freedom of others, is courteous and polite to all, and is tolerant and accepting of differences.  Congrats to our Students of Character for the week: Alexis Patterson, Alex Stone, and Katie Kapinus (not pictured).
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February 1st, 2018

• NBJH is hosting a Kindness Challenge Week February 5th-9th.
• Monday - Wear Yellow.  Shine bright.  Be the reason someone smiles today. Greet others with a friendly smile.  Begin kindness chain.  How far can our acts of kindness go?
• Tuesday - Tip your hat day (wear one, too).  Let's show appreciation to those that may not normally hear it.  Students will write notes of appreciation.
• Wednesday - Wear Red or Pink.  You are loved.    
• Thursday - Kindness Rocks.  Mini talent show at lunch!
• Friday-Wear your "Choose Kind" shirt
• New Berlin Community Schools is hosting a Family Movie Night (2/14) from 6-8PM in the Pretzel Dome.  The event is open to all CUSD16 families.  The movie is appropriate/applicable to ALL students ages 8+.  Let us know you're going on Facebook. We've created an event on the New Berlin Community Schools Facebook page.  Interested in volunteering at this event?  Sign up here.
• We are currently building our Makerspace library.  Check out this list for possible items: click here.  If you are interested in donating to our Makerspace, please bring items to the JH office.
• All fees (lunch and registration) are due in order to participate in promotion ceremonies.
• Stay up to date!
• Text updates - Send a text to 81010 with the message @nbjh1
• Facebook - Like "New Berlin Community Schools" 
• Twitter (@newberlinjh) and (@nbpretzelpride)
• Families Folder - Link on main website
• If you don't have FAMILY ACCESS please contact Mrs. Owens to get setup - this is an invaluable resource!
• Our Character of the month of December is FAIRNESS.  A person of character is fair and just, is impartial, listens, and is open to differing viewpoints.  Congratulations to our Students of Character for the week: Katie Long, Maria Olson, and Reece Butcher.
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January 25th, 2018

• NBJH is hosting a Kindness Challenge the week of February 5th.  Optional t-shirts are available for purchase for $6 ($8.50 for 2XL+).  Orders and money due January 30th, no exceptions.  Shirts will be worn February 9th.  Let's promote kindness within our school and community!
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• The Sports Boosters Mostaccioli dinner is (1/26) from 4:30-7:00.  Text ticket order to 217-638-0629.
• Congratulations to our Students of the Month for December (Caring): Tyler Moore (6th), Tim Tolliver (7th), and Gabe Spann (8th).
• We are so excited to announce that on (1/29) we are hosting a Makerspace open house!  This will give parents and students the opportunity to explore our Makerspace and see what it's all about!  Let us know you're coming on Facebook!  We've created a FB event.
• Jostens Promotion information was sent home with 8th graders yesterday.  NBJH does not require the purchase of any 8th grad promotion items (including a tassel-our students do not wear caps).  All items are optional purchases for our families.
• We are currently building our Makerspace library.  Check out this list for possible items: click here.  If you are interested in donating to our Makerspace, please bring items to the JH office.
• All fees (lunch and registration) are due in order to participate in promotion ceremonies.
• Stay up to date!
• Text updates - Send a text to 81010 with the message @nbjh1
• Facebook - Like "New Berlin Community Schools" 
• Twitter (@newberlinjh) and (@nbpretzelpride)
• Families Folder - Link on main website
• If you don't have FAMILY ACCESS please contact Mrs. Owens to get setup - this is an invaluable resource!
• Our Character of the month of December is FAIRNESS.  A person of character is fair and just, is impartial, listens, and is open to differing viewpoints.  Congratulations to our Students of Character for the week: Mason Oschwald, Amanda Hutte, Alexis McGuire, and Dylan Cook.

January 18th, 2018

• The Music Boosters Chili Supper is this Saturday (1/20) from 4:30-6:30.  Contact agosnell@pretzelpride.com for ticket information.
• Jostens will be here (1/22) to measure 8th graders for promotion gowns and to pass out 8th grade promotion materials.
• The Sports Boosters Mostaccioli dinner is (1/26) from 4:30-7:00.  Text ticket order to 217-638-0629.
• We are so excited to announce that on (1/29) we are hosting a Makerspace open house!  This will give parents and students the opportunity to explore our Makerspace and see what it's all about!  Let us know you're coming on Facebook!  We've created a FB event.
• We are currently building our Makerspace library.  Check out this list for possible items: click here.  If you are interested in donating to our Makerspace, please bring items to the JH office.
• Stay up to date!
• Text updates - Send a text to 81010 with the message @nbjh1
• Facebook - Like "New Berlin Community Schools" 
• Twitter (@newberlinjh) and (@nbpretzelpride)
• Families Folder - Link on main website
• If you don't have FAMILY ACCESS please contact Mrs. Owens to get setup - this is an invaluable resource!
• Our Character of the month of December is FAIRNESS.  A person of character is fair and just, is impartial, listens, and is open to differing viewpoints.  Congratulations to our Students of Character for the week: Whittney Williams, Jadyn Perry, and Collin Featherston.

January 11th, 2018

• 1st Semester report cards will be mailed Friday, (1/12).
• Winter Dance: Ice Ice Baby is tonight from 6 - 8 p.m. in the cafeteria. One canned food item to get in. $1 concessions
• Dress Code: Please review the dress code in the student handbook.  Students not in compliance will be asked to put on their PE clothes.  We will make every attempt not to call home.
• There will be no school (1/15) in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• The Illinois Youth Survey will be administered to 8th grade students (1/16) during PE classes.  Click here for more information about IYS.
• Jostens will be here (1/22) to measure 8th graders for promotion gowns and to pass out 8th grade promotion materials.
• We are so excited to announce that on (1/29) we are hosting a Makerspace open house!  This will give parents and students the opportunity to explore our Makerspace and see what it's all about!
• We are currently building our Makerspace library.  Check out this list for possible items: click here.  If you are interested in donating to our Makerspace, please bring items to the JH office.
• Stay up to date!
• Text updates - Send a text to 81010 with the message @nbjh1
• Facebook - Like "New Berlin Community Schools" 
• Twitter (@newberlinjh) and (@nbpretzelpride)
• Families Folder - Link on main website
• If you don't have FAMILY ACCESS please contact Mrs. Owens to get setup - this is an invaluable resource!
• Our Character of the month of December is FAIRNESS.  A person of character is fair and just, is impartial, listens, and is open to differing viewpoints.  Congratulations to our Students of Character for the week: TBD