Nettle News 4/5/26
Nettle News
Nettle Middle School… Home of the Knights
April 5, 2026 
Important Dates
Tuesday, April 7: Volleyball game vs
Sacred Hearts at Nettle. Boys play first.
Wednesday, April 8: Early Release at 11:05
Washington, D.C. Update: Any 8th-grade student registered for DC must come to 203 to pick up a roommate preference form for DC. They are due on Friday, 4/10. Final payments are due Monday, March 30th!
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We are happy to announce that our students in grades 5–8 have officially completed the ELA MCAS!
The students worked hard throughout the test, and we were so impressed by the valiant effort they put into it.
Looking Ahead:
Next week, our focus will shift to MCAS makeup sessions for any students who were absent during the regularly scheduled testing days. If your child completed their tests this week, they will return to their normal classroom routine.
A big thank you to all of you for your continued support and for helping prepare your children for a successful testing week.
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The HHS Boys Tennis team has recently received a waiver that allows 8th graders at district middle schools to participate this season. The team meets Monday - Friday for practices and matches at 3:15. Practices are currently at HHS, but will shift to the Winnekenni tennis courts once the weather improves. This will also be the site of most of our home matches. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from HHS/Winnekenni. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please reach out to the head boys' tennis coach, Zach Eldridge, at zeldridge@haverhill-ps.org.
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Hi Families,
We are getting ready for Multicultural Night on May 5th, and we need your help to make it a success!
If you’d like to host a table, share a dish, or help with the event, please sign up using the link below:
https://forms.gle/XbkobebKFu9MAADp7
Thank you for helping us celebrate the diverse cultures in our community!
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8th Grade Parents:
The Attitudes and Behaviors survey is scheduled to be administered to Grades 7 & 8 on Wednesday, April 15th at 1 pm. This is a district-wide survey, and an opt-out form has been sent to families. If you have any questions, please let Mrs.Crowley know at mcrowley@haverhill-ps.org
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On behalf of the YMCA After School Program, they warmly invite you to a special event they’re hosting—Mad Science Night (see attached flyers). On April 16th, students and families will participate in hands-on STEM activities, enjoy snacks and refreshments, and have an opportunity to learn more about our exciting 2026 CAMP offerings!
This exciting evening will showcase hands-on experiments and interactive science activities led by our Curriculum Specialist, MaryAnn DePolo, and our after-school staff team. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate curiosity, creativity, and learning in a fun, engaging environment.
In addition, they are excited to celebrate our YMCA After School staff during School Age Staff Appreciation Week (April 20th-24th). This is a special time for us to recognize the hard work, dedication, and positive impact our after-school team members have on students every day. If your school would like to join us in celebrating them—through notes or shoutouts—it would mean a great deal to our staff.
They are also hosting our annual Healthy Kids Day (April 11th), and partnering with Hunking School for a Springtime Egg Hunt (April 2nd). These free, family-friendly events inspire kids and families to stay active, engaged, and connected through fun activities that promote healthy lifestyles (see attached flyers).
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Hello Families,
Thanks to your efforts, we have seen great improvement. However, we still have many students arriving at school without their bus badges, and we need your help to keep strengthening this routine.
The bus badge is essential for student safety. It allows us to confirm when a student boards the bus and provides critical information if they do not arrive at school in the morning or home in the afternoon. This helps us respond quickly and ensure the safety of each child.
Please continue to talk with your child and check each morning to make sure they have their bus badge before leaving for school. Your partnership truly makes a difference.
Please also remember that bus badges are costly to replace. If a badge is misplaced, please make every effort to find it. If it cannot be located, stop by the office, and we will assist you in ordering a new one.
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Please take a moment and inspect your child’s Chromebook—you may already notice the everyday wear and tear, or it's been lost. With daily use, accidental drops, spills, or damage are almost inevitable. Unfortunately, replacing or repairing a school-issued Chromebook can cost hundreds of dollars.
To protect families from these unexpected costs, Haverhill Public Schools offers the Device Waiver Fee:
✅ Just $20 for the entire 2025–2026 school year
✅ Covers all parts and damage
✅ Protection for loss* and theft*
✅ Unlimited claims and zero deductibles
This small fee provides valuable protection for your family, helping you avoid unexpected repair or replacement bills that could amount to several hundred dollars.
*In cases of loss or theft, a police report is required within 5 days.
Sign up today at: haverhill-ps.org/technology/device-insurance/
Don’t wait until it’s too late—a $20 investment now could save you hundreds later.
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Hello Nettle Families,
My name is Nimcy Guerra, and I’m the Community School Coordinator here at Nettle Middle School. My role is to help connect students, families, and our school with community resources and programs that support learning, well-being, and family engagement.
If you or your family ever need any resources or support, please don’t hesitate to text me at (978) 219-4197 — I’m happy to help!
Note:
Additionally, at the building entrance, some winter wear is available. Your child may grab any items they need without asking anyone.
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Nettle School extends heartfelt thanks to our incredible community partners for their ongoing support. From food and supplies to services, your generosity helps our students thrive. We are truly grateful to have you as part of the Nettle family!
United Way of Massachusetts Bay, 411 CARES, Gourmet Specialty Foods, Fantini Bakery, Boston Backpack Project, Boys and Girls Club, Firehouse Center for the Arts, HEA (Haverhill Education Association), Ruth's House, The Barber Academy, Bloom by Nancy, Anna Jaques Hospital, McKenney Vento, MakeIT Haverhill, CAI (Community Action, Inc), YMCA, Eliot, Riverside Church, to many families and the anonymous donors who constantly support us.