2026-27 Back to School NMS Newsletter

Greetings, Titan Families!

A new school year is almost here, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome our Titans back to Northshore Middle School! Our halls will soon be buzzing again as we dive into a year full of learning, growth, and connection. Behind the scenes, our staff is already busy setting up classrooms, fine-tuning programs, and making sure every student walks in feeling safe, supported, and set up for success.

This message is packed with details, and we know that can feel like a lot to take in—especially if you're new to our community. We're always looking for better ways to share this information, so if you have ideas on how we could organize or present it differently going forward, we'd genuinely love to hear them. As always, you'll also find a PDF version posted on our website once the year kicks off.

Thank you for being our partners in education. We can't wait to see everything our Titans will accomplish this year!

Warm regards,

Kristi Saitz, Principal

Assistant Principal’s Message

Welcome back, Titans! I hope you had a wonderful summer filled with fun, family, friends, and time to recharge. As we begin a new school year, I am excited to welcome each of you back to our school community. A new year brings new opportunities, new challenges, and new possibilities. Whether you are returning to our school or joining the Titan community for the first time, remember that you are an important part of what makes our school special.

Middle school is a time to learn, grow, discover new interests, make memories, and become the best version of yourself. Let’s make this year one filled with kindness, courage, curiosity, and connection. 

Thank you,

Tina Neil, Assistant Principal

 

 L.E.A.D

At Northshore, our motto is Titans LEAD, which encompasses the four pillars we use to teach positive behaviors for the classroom and good citizenship at school and beyond. These schoolwide common expectations apply to every area of the school, and we regularly teach and refer to them to ensure our students know and understand the expectations of our Titan community. In order to reinforce these positive behaviors, students are recognized and rewarded for exemplifying our LEAD pillars. In addition to the academic and critical thinking skills students learn to prepare them for high school and beyond, we strive to also teach students the soft skills and character traits that will empower students to be successful, productive citizens in the future. Here is how we define each of our pillars:

• Lead Positively: Empower others to do their best, set an example, speak up against hate, be an upstander.
• Engage Fully: Do your best, pay attention, work hard, work with others.
• Accept Readily: Create an inclusive environment for all genders, cultures, races, abilities; be kind; reach out.
• Decide Responsibly: Follow directions, make safe choices, report unsafe behaviors.

 

E-Bikes on Campus

Bike, E-Bike, Scooter & Skateboard Safety Reminder

As more of our students ride bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and skateboards to and from school, we want to remind families about the importance of safe and responsible riding. Any student who rides a bike, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard to school will be required to sign a Bike, E-Bike, Scooter & Skateboard Contract outlining our safety expectations and responsibilities. Students can stop by the school office to pick up a contract. If a student chooses to ride an e-bike to school, the e-bike must have pedals. Please talk with your student about following traffic laws, wearing a properly fitted helmet, staying alert, and using extra caution around pedestrians, cars, and other riders.

Our goal is to help every Titan arrive at school safely and return home safely each day. Thank you for partnering with us to reinforce safe riding habits and responsible choices. Safety first, Titans!

E-bike parent permission form

 

Jump Start Day (Pictures, Lockers, Purchases: ASB, Yearbook, PE Uniforms)

Wednesday, August 19, 2025

6th Grade - 4:00 - 5:00 PM
7th Grade - 5:00 - 6:00 PM
8th Grade - 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Student Pictures

• Student Pictures

• All students must be photographed for school purposes regardless of ASB card purchase.
• Online ordering is available right now at mydorian.com. You may only order pictures for up to 2 days after picture day. Pictures can also be ordered by filling out a paper order form to give to the photographer on Jump Start Day. Order forms will be available on Jump Start Day only.
• Please note: we cannot take picture orders at school, they must be ordered online at the Dorian website or given directly to the photographer on Jump Start Day.
• Picture make-ups are on Tuesday, September 15, if you are unable to attend Jump Start Day.
• Picture retake day is on Tuesday, October 13.

Items Available for Purchase at Jump Start Day and online

• ASB Card - $40
• Yearbook - $35
• PE Shirt - $10
• PE Short - $15

ASB Cards - The money collected from the purchase of the ASB cards helps to support our clubs, after school activities and sports. All NMS students participating in music courses and extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports, etc. are required to purchase an ASB card. ASB funds pay for all non-instructional activities.

Yearbooks - Yearbooks are available for purchase only 3 times a year due to state selling requirements. We recommend that you purchase your Yearbook at the beginning of the year to guarantee that you can get a book. Yearbooks can be purchased starting on Aug 18 online at Touchbase.

• Sale #1 - August 18 - September 8
• Sale #2 - November 2 - November 23  (order by Nov 23 to guarantee your book)
• Sale #3 - May 27 - June 17 (first come first serve till we run out for books ordered in sale #3)

PE Uniforms - Uniforms are available for purchase on Jump Start day and throughout the year.  Please bring your receipt if you purchase your PE uniform online so you can pick up your PE uniform on Jump Start Day. After Jump Start day, PE Uniforms can be paid for online or in the main office and picked up in the office. The office will take cash, check or card with a $2.95 charge for credit.

If students choose not to purchase a uniform, the following are suitable substitutes:

• Solid grey crew-neck t-shirt with no designs/logos
• Solid navy blue/black basketball style shorts
• Athletic shoes with non-marking soles
• Sweats for cold weather
• Students who already own PE uniforms do not need to purchase new ones.

Payment options:

• Avoid the line and purchase online with credit card - You can use your credit card to pay for items starting August 10 (Yearbooks on Aug 18) by going to https://wa-northshore.intouchreceipting.com You will need to bring your receipt to pick up PE Uniforms and ASB card on August 19th.
• You can purchase items in the Main Office using cash, check and credit card (there is a $2.95 charge for credit card payments)

Lockers

Students are required to use their lockers and will not be able to take their bags to classes.  Students must use their own lockers and will not share lockers with others. Students will receive their locker assignment on Jump Start day. If they are not able to attend, they will receive their locker assignment on the first day of school printed on their schedule. Reminder to students:  Do not share your locker combination with others. Students should not decorate the outside or inside of their locker or friends lockers with items that have adhesive on them.

Student Spiritwear

• Titan spiritwear is available for purchase online only (link below).  Items ordered will be shipped to home. Purchases are optional.   SPIRIT WEAR ORDER LINK

 

WEB Leader Training:

8th grade students who were selected to be WEB leaders must attend training on Monday, August 31, from 8:00 am-3:00 pm in the gym. Wear comfortable clothing/shoes, bring a water bottle. and your own lunch.

 

First day of school for 6th grade/WEB Day - Tuesday - 9/1/26

 

First day of school for 7th & 8th graders - Wednesday - 9/2/26 - Full Day (6th grade also attends)

 

WEB Day (Where Everyone Belongs)

WEB Day, an induction program for our incoming 6th graders led by trained 8th grade WEB leaders, is on Tuesday, September 1, from 8:00-2:35. Students will get to experience a high-energy and fun day getting to know their new school and classmates and will get to see their schedule and briefly meet their teachers. 

Students should wear comfortable clothing suitable for sitting on the floor. Do not bring a bag or backpack. No school supplies are needed on this day.  School lunch is available for purchase or students may bring lunch. 

7th/8th Grade New Student Orientation

New to NMS 7th/8th grade students are invited to attend a 90-minute welcome program on Tuesday, September 1, from 9:30-11:00 in the NMS library. Students will have an opportunity to tour the school, meet the counselors, meet other students, see their schedules and ask questions.

Curriculum Night

Northshore’s Curriculum Night will be on Wednesday, September 16, at 6:00 pm. More details will be shared soon. 

School Supplies list

Please select the link for the list - School Supplies List

 

Backpacks for Kids

Backpacks containing school supplies are available for students with need.  Just let your student’s counselor know.

Block Schedule

NMS runs on a block schedule, which has enormous educational benefits for kids. Some of these include fewer transitions during the day, depth not breadth in the subject matter, more time for active learning, and time for intervention and enrichment activities. Our schedule also includes Advisory and Titan Time. Advisory is a time to build community, participate in social-emotional learning, learn study skills and get academic support. Titan Time is a brief break from academics to enjoy a snack, social time, and movement.  

Northshore Middle School Bell Schedule

 

Lunches

NMS has three lunches (see Bell Schedule above). Lunch assignments are based on 2nd period classes on Mon./Thurs,  5th period classes on Tues./Fri., 5th period classes on Wednesdays. Teachers will review which lunch assignments students have each day in advisory for the first two weeks.  Students eat lunch in the cafeteria during their scheduled lunch period.

Lunch prices:

• Breakfast $3.00 
• Lunch $5.00
• Ala carte item prices vary. 

Fee Waiver Opt-In

Families who qualify for free and reduced lunch can also waive school fees for your student(s). Receiving the waiver requires action on your part by filling out this “opt-in” waiver form. This form is available in multiple languages on the NSD website. Note: USDA guidelines are very specific, in order to receive the fee waiver, the parent/guardian must complete the fee waiver form every school year. If you opt-in to waive school fees for last school year, please remember to fill out again in September for the 2026-27 school year.

Before School

Our cafeteria doors open 30 minutes prior to school starting at 7:30. Students arriving between 7:30 - 7:45 are able to go to the cafeteria or courtyard. For supervision purposes, students may not go beyond these areas unless they have a pre-arranged appointment with a staff member and a pass from that staff member. Hallways open to students at 7:45.

After School Activities and Athletics

Research shows that when students are connected to school, they improve their academic achievement and enjoyment of school. NMS offers many ways for students to get involved and get connected to school. 

• ASB/Clubs

Detailed club information will be shared through announcements during the school year. All students must have a way to get home after clubs. The district does not provide any transportation home. 

 

• Athletics: Season 1 Sports at NMS 

Cross Country – Boys & Girls – All Grades - Non Cut

7^th & 8^th Grade Girls Volleyball – Cut

6^th Grade Girls Soccer – Cut

7th & 8th Grade Girls Soccer – Cut

Register for sports online at Final Forms: https://northshore-wa.finalforms.com 

All students must have a current sports physical and parent/guardian signed permission forms, electronically in Final Forms before they can participate or try out for a sport. NOTE: Sports physicals are good for two years from the date of your physical exam 

Sports tryouts and practice start on Wednesday, September 2.  Please come prepared with water and gear.  Practice/tryouts are from 2:40 - 4:10 PM. All students must have a way to get home after practice. The district does not provide any transportation home. 

• Sports/ Clubs Participation Fees

All students participating in a middle school sport or club must purchase an ASB card for $40.  These funds directly support the year-to-year cost of the athletic programs.

There is a $200 fee for each sport. Once tryouts are complete and team rosters have been finalized then sports payments will be due starting on Sept 9th. All Sport participation fees must be paid before the first game/meet and can be paid online at https://wa-northshore.intouchreceipting.com   

Per HB 1660, students whose family’s income fall within the specified guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture qualify for a fee waiver for extracurricular activities.  If you would like to receive a fee waiver, apply for free and reduced meals here and submit the Fee Waiver Consent Form, available on the same page. ASB and Sports Participation Fees will be waived for qualifying students.

 

Who to Contact

• Main office: (425) 408-6700 - General information, athletics, clubs 
• Attendance office: - Attendance - (425) 408-6710, Registrar (Enrollment, etc.) - (425) 408-6718, Nurse - (425) 408-6706
• Teacher - Specific questions about student progress or course expectations. 
  • Start by encouraging and empowering your child to talk to their teacher about questions they have first.
  • Our teachers value partnering with parents for student success. They will respond within two school days. Please remember they have over 150 students. 
  • Counselor - academic questions, social-emotional support, concerns about a student, course selection, etc.
• Administration - All other questions or concerns. 
• Preguntas en español, favor de llamar (425) 408-6035.

PTSA

Partnering with parents is important for ensuring both individual student achievements as well as the overall success of the school as a whole. Northshore Middle School is fortunate to have a very supportive PTSA that has an enormous positive impact on our Titan community. Our generous PTSA enhances our school in numerous ways, such as providing classroom grants for teachers, parent partners for lunch supervision, maintaining our emergency supplies, supporting students with financial need, and recognizing our excellent staff (to name just a few). There are many ways to get involved. More information on becoming a member and getting involved can be found on the web at http://nms-ptsa.org/

Counseling

Our counselors work with students and families to address academic and social/emotional needs. You should contact your student’s counselor if there are issues with appropriate level placement, relationships with friends/family members, harassment/bullying/intimidation, financial assistance for school supplies and activities, study or organizational skills or other concerns that may impact student success at school. Counselors encourage student advocacy by having them schedule their own appointments by either filling out a form in the counseling office or sending an email.

Students are assigned to counselors based on the alphabet:

For more information regarding school counselors, please refer to the student handbook or the NMS website.

Financial Assistance

Families in need of financial assistance must complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application each year. Applications are available in the Attendance Office or at the following NSD website:  Free and Reduced Meals.  Please contact your student’s counselor, if you need assistance with school supplies or an ASB card.