Dear Nettle Middle School Students, Families, and Caregivers,

As we head into our first full week of fall, I want to thank our students and families for helping make Nettle a positive place to learn and grow each day. Your partnership continues to make a difference, and we appreciate your ongoing support.

Important Reminders

Wednesday, September 30 – Half Day for Students

Wednesday, September 30, is a half day for students. Attendance is especially important, as we will be celebrating all students who had birthdays in July, August, and September. We look forward to recognizing our students and celebrating together before dismissal.

Lockers and Backpack Expectations

Students have now been assigned lockers. Please make sure your student brings their own lock to secure their belongings.

Beginning Monday, October 5, backpacks will no longer be permitted to be carried from class to class. Students should use their lockers to store backpacks and other items.

First Progress Reports Are Approaching

We are approaching the halfway point of the first trimester, and our first Progress Reports will be available during the week of October 14.

Now is a great time to encourage your student to:

• Complete assignments on time.

• Put forth their best effort on all classwork and homework.

• Ask teachers for help when they need it.

Families can also monitor academic progress throughout the year by logging into SchoolBrains, where grades and assignments can be reviewed regularly.

Attendance Matters

Attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Every day of instruction matters, and being present every day, on time, and for the entire school day helps students stay connected to learning, build positive routines, and reach their full potential.

Thank you for partnering with us to make attendance a priority.

Wishing everyone a fabulous first full week of fall!

With appreciation,

Mrs. Salach

Classroom News:

Art - Students are kicking off Art class with Mrs. Pietrasik by creating their entries for the “Hillies: Stand Up, Speak Up” Logo Design Contest, part of the new HPS anti-bullying campaign. Students are using their creativity and design skills to help spread an important message of kindness, inclusion, and support for each other. 

Parents/Guardians of 8th Graders: I have met with all 8th grade classes to discuss high school options and 8th graders have joined my Google Classroom where I will be posting all high school information, open houses, updates, and deadlines. It is important for students to check this Google Classroom frequently throughout the school year.  

Haverhill High’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Program and Classical Academy are currently accepting applications!

HHS CTE Application     

Classical Academy Application

Whittier Tech and Essex Tech will begin accepting applications online on November 1st. 

If your child is planning on applying to private high schools, please email me directly at mcrowley@haverhill-ps.org as soon as possible to ensure the application deadlines are adhered to. For any high schools/programs you and your child are considering, be sure to look at the websites for specific admissions requirements and timelines. Please let me know if you have any questions.

PTO NEWS:

The Popcorn Fundraiser has concluded and the PTO requests the retun of all paper orders and funds.  They will be around to collect on Monday.

The PTO has also got the school store OPEN for business.  Students will be able to visit and purchase school supplies, school logo items and snacks on Friday.  Item list and prices will be displayed for preplanning.

NEWS FROM OUR NURSES:  

Students are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle to school each day.  There are bottle fillers available around the school.

ATHLETIC NEWS: 

CLUB NEWS:

YEARBOOK 2027

Health Letter Home to Parents:

Please find below links to the notifications home for Health for families by grade levels:
6- 8 Sexual Health Family Notification English

6-8 Sexual Health Family Notification Spanish

6-8 Sexual Health Family Notification Portuguese

5th Grade English Family Notification

5th Grade Spanish Notification

5th Grade Portuguese Notification

STUDENT LOCKS 

All students have been assigned lockers and can bring their own locks or rent one from the school for $5.  All students will be expected to keep all belongings in their assigned lockers by October 5,2026 at which time, backpacks will no longer be allowed to be carried all day.  Students travel to multiple classes throughout the day and carrying a backpack from class to class and to lunch and recess is a burden and might get lost in the shuffle.  Students are responsible for their own personal belongings.

SCHOOL POLICIES: 

Food

In order to keep our school ready for learning, all food from the cafeteria or brought from home for lunch must be consumed entirely within the school cafeteria No food or open drink containers are permitted to be taken out of the cafeteria.  Only water will be permitted in classrooms.

Chromebooks

In order to keep all of our students safe, please remind your child that chromebook use is tracked and recorded  by Haverhill Public School Department, even at home. Students who are found to be using chromebooks inappropriately will receive a warning. Any further inappropriate usage may result in loss of chromebook privileges.