Northampton Area Middle School is currently holding a fundraiser of soft, warm and comfy Northampton blankets measuring 60 inches by 70 inches. All proceeds go toward student rewards and activities.

Each blanket costs $30 (cash only). Your order will not be placed until payment is made.

Send your cash to Mrs. Cowitch at the school’s main office.

***

NAMS is excited to announce the opportunity for students, parents and staff to nominate an outstanding teacher or staff member for the 540 Award. If you know a teacher or staff member who has the spirit of the 540 motto, take a moment to share your experience and nominate them.

Let’s celebrate the extraordinary efforts of the teachers and staff who make the school a better place every day!

***

NAMS’ monthly PTA meeting will be held 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 in the cafeteria at the school.

***

The Northampton Area School District security committee will next meet in a public session 6-7 p.m. Oct. 16 in the library conference room at NAHS. Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend.

***

On Oct. 20, the NASD facilities committee will meet in a public session 6-7 p.m. in the library conference room at Northampton Area High School. Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend.

***

Fall picture retake days are underway. This is for students and teachers who missed the original fall picture day.

• Moore Elementary School: Oct. 21

• Lehigh Elementary School: Oct. 30

***

Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School is hosting an open house 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22. Come check out 30-plus programs offered and meet the instructors. There will also be children’s activities, refreshments, chances to win prizes, carved pumpkin voting and tricky tray baskets.

***

The end of the first marking period will be Oct. 28 for secondary students. Report cards will be available on Sapphire beginning Nov. 7.

***

Hit the slopes this winter with the Ski Club. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a first-time snowboarder or just looking for a fun family activity, now is the perfect time to grab your passes, lessons and rentals at Blue Mountain. Don’t miss out on a season full of adventure, learning and unforgettable memories on the slopes. Passes, lessons and rentals are available for you, your child and the whole family. Ticket sales close Oct. 31.

If you have questions, email northamptonskiboard@gmail.com. You can also visit the club’s website, which is linked on the NASD website.

***

Nov. 18 is the end of the first trimester for elementary students.

***

Join the Lunch Bunch at NAMS! Lunch Bunch is a great way to meet new people and have lunch with friends. During Lunch Bunch, students have the opportunity to focus on friendship skills, conflict resolution, managing emotions and coping skills. The group meets once a week during its lunch period.

If you have questions, email or call NAMS.

***

Are you in need of food to help you prepare nutritious meals? The NAMS Food Pantry is open during the school year to provide assistance to families, and items are now available.

The group is also collecting food items. Please consider donating to the school’s pantry to help continue its mission.

***

If you are an administrator, teacher, coach, club adviser, student, PTA member, etc., who would like to share school district news, email me at JMBNews@hotmail.com with Northampton Area School District news in the subject line. Allow two weeks before an event to be included in this column.

You can also send me pictures and information on great things happening in your classrooms.

Weekly columns are completed the weekend before going to press Wednesdays.