Dear NDMS Families,

As we head into the week, we are approaching the final stretch of LEAP testing, with our last testing days on Monday and Tuesday. We are so proud of the effort our students have shown, and now it’s time to finish strong! Please help us by ensuring your child is present, arrives on time, and comes prepared to stay focused and give their very best effort. These last two days matter, and we want every student to feel confident in the work they’ve done.

We are also going to be honoring our teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. The title of “teacher” is one of the most challenging and meaningful roles there is. Each day, our teachers carry not only the responsibility of our students’ academic growth, but also their well-being, encouragement, and development as individuals. They pour into our students in ways that often go unseen, and their impact reaches far beyond the classroom. 

At NDMS, our teachers model our core values of leading, learning, and serving in everything they do. We encourage all of our families to join us in showing honor and gratitude for the incredible teachers who invest so much into your children each day.

Here are three simple ways families can show appreciation:

-Write a heartfelt note sharing with the teacher how they have made a difference in your child’s life.

-Encourage your child to personally thank their teachers- sometimes we all need reminders! 

-Email a "staff shout-out" to renee.catlin@desotopsb.com for us to share on social media this week 

Thank you for your continued support as we wrap up testing and celebrate the heart of our school, our teachers. Together, we will finish strong and continue to build a community that leads, learns, and serves.

~Mrs. Rhoads

Save the Date: 

25-26 LEAP testing schedule -

Monday, May 4 - science session 1, social studies session 1

NDMS 4-H field trip permission slips are due Tuesday, May 5 (turn in to Yelverton or Groven)

Tuesday, May 5 -  social studies sessions 2 & 3

Make ups will be Wednesday, May 6 - Friday, May 8

Wednesday, May 6, NDMS NJHS ice cream fundraiser, $2 each

Thursday, May 7, PTO fundraiser, joggers and spirit shirts for $5

Thursday, May 7, Community Night of Prayer, 6:00 PM, @ NDMS

Friday, May 8, NDMS 4-H field trip

Friday, May 22, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

NDMS NEWS:

Middle Griffin parents: reminder that NEEDOHS are not allowed at NDMS.

Helpful hints for each day after testing: 

*Encourage students to wind down by going outside to get fresh air  

*Possible activities students can do to release stress and tension are: riding a bike, taking a walk, or sitting outside 

*Provide a nutritious after school snack and dinner 

Preparation and Routine Before Each Day of Testing:

*Establish a Routine - Maintain normal routines and encourage students to get at least 8 hours of sleep 

*Provide a high protein breakfast each morning and try to avoid  very sugary food that will result in energy crashes

*Encourage students to study in short, consistent sessions instead of “cramming”

*Encourage students to lay out clothing, charger/chromebook and snacks the night before to reduce morning anxiety and stress

Current 6th or 7th grade Middle Lady Griffins interested in applying to become our NDMS cheerleading manager, pick up an informational packet from the office. Applications are due Tuesday, May 5.

 4-H members...field trip permission slips are due TOMORROW, May 5. 

National Junior Honor Society ice cream fundraiser, Wednesday, May 6, $2

Save the date, Middle Griffins: Thursday, May 7, is a PTO fundraiser. Middle Griffins paying $5 are allowed to wear school approved joggers (SOLID COLORS, NO WORDS or SYMBOLS) with a spirit shirt. Cash will be collected in the gym during morning assembly. As proof of payment, students will be given a wristband to wear during the day.

Mark your calendars: Community Night of Prayer at NDMS, 6:00 PM

Parents, stay connected with your child’s success—anytime, anywhere!

DeSoto Parish Schools encourages all families to download the free JCampus Student app for quick, easy access to important student information .

Simply scan the QR code or visit www.edgear.com/app to get started

Staying informed has never been easier—download today and stay connected all year long!

The app is available for download in the App Store and Google Play Store.

Our NDMS 2025-2026 yearbooks are available to preorder. Use the QR code along with the school ID code to order yours today. #yearbookmemorieslastforever #GriffinPride #GriffinStrong #GriffinFamily #NDMSGriffinsAreBest

Shout out to April 20th's NDMS High Flyers! These students demonstrate hard work and follow school rules. They make good decisions, manage priorities, are kind to others, and exemplify what it means to be a true Griffin! Way to go, Griffins! April's Griffins have the quality of being resilient;  they have the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties. Representing 6th grade are Avery and Denim. 7th grade representatives are Luke and Jayeda while 8th grade is being represented by Addison and Cody. Congratulations to each of you! You are proof we are #winningtogether!

#EveryDayCounts #AttendanceMatters #FinishStrong

Did you know that 1 in 6 students in grades K–12 nationwide are chronically absent?

At DeSoto Parish Schools, we are committed to finishing the school year strong—and student attendance plays a critical role in that success. Every day in class matters for learning, growth, and achievement.

We appreciate your partnership in this effort. If you need support with attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school. Together, we can ensure every student is present, on time, and ready to learn each day.

Let’s work together to #FinishStrong and make every day count!

#AttendanceMatters