COUNTDOWN TO SPRING RECESS!
Don't forget Spring Recess is from Monday, April 11th to Monday, April 18th! Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 19th. Wishing everyone a SAFE and enjoyable time off.
The Pennsylvania State System of School Assessment (PSSA) Update:
The PSSA in English Language Arts and Mathematics will be administered to students in grades 3 through 8 on the dates listed below. Please note, there is no school on Tuesday, May 3rd.
PSSA in English Language Arts will be administered to students over 3 days:
- Tuesday, April 26, 2022
- Wednesday, April 27, 2022
- Thursday, April 28, 2022
PSSA in Mathematics will be administered to students over 2 days:
Friday, April 29, 2022
Monday, May 2, 2022
PSSA in Science will be administered to students over 2 days, for students in grades 4 and 8 only:
- Wednesday, May 4, 2022
- Thursday, May 5, 2022
It is imperative that your child attends school ON TIME during these testing periods. Students who report to school late will not be permitted to enter their classroom until the testing window is over. Classes with perfect attendance throughout the testing window will receive a prize!
Please note that whenever possible, students should bring in their own calculator as directed from Northwood Academy’s student supply list. Devices that have a primary purpose other than functioning as a calculator (i.e., smartwatches or other pocket organizers) are not permitted. We look forward to seeing your child’s academic progress from this school year.
Ramadan 2022
Ramadan began last Friday and continues through May 1. Today, the 2nd-4th grade will be joined virtually by guest author, Reem Faruqi for a Ramdam program.
Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, which marks important holidays and events for Muslims (people who practice Islam). During Ramadan people fast, or refrain from eating and drinking, while it’s light outside. Once the sun sets, families meet for big meals that may include stew, rice, dates, lentils, and more. For millions of Muslims around the world who observe Ramadan, the month is a time to focus on their faith and also perform generous acts
Interested in books discussing Ramadan? Try the below read alouds!
Ages 3-12:
Layla and Zayd Learn About Ramadan: A Children’s Book Introducing Ramadan By The Sincere Seeker Collection (Author)
Ages 4-8:The Gift of Ramadan Paperback – March 1, 2021, by Rabiah York Lumbard
Ages 6-8:
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
Ages 4-8:
Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman
VOLUNTEER POLICY INFORMATION
Important Volunteer/ Chaperone Information In order to volunteer in any capacity (including chaperoning trips) you must fulfill the following directives which are part of the Child Protective Law: The law requires all school employees, contractors, and volunteers to have direct contact with children to obtain clearances (child abuse history clearance and state and federal criminal history checks).
- For PA Criminal Background checks (no charge): https://epatch.state.pa.us
- For Child Abuse Clearance (no charge): https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
- For FBI fingerprinting (charge): https://uenroll.identogo.com or call #1-844-321-2101. The service code you will need is 1KG6Q9.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- Clearances submitted within 48 hours of an impending trip will not be processed in time for that individual to chaperone that particular trip. While we encourage everyone to complete clearances, we cannot honor last-minute requests.
- ALL required documents must be submitted together at one time. We will not hold your documents until they are all complete and accounted for.
- Copies of the required clearances must be printed and handed in to the front school office or classroom teacher. We can not accept clearances forwarded to us via email. Thank you for your support of our program, safety as always is a priority for all our students and their families.
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3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade |
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
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6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade |
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
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District-Wide Survey
Northwood parents that participate in the parent survey will be entered into a raffle to receive a gift card and NACS swag. Please note: Once you start the survey you must complete it all at once.
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Family Field Trip: Nourishment, Gardening, and Food at ESP, 4/10!
Sunday, April 10, 11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Included with standard admission, subject to availability.
Join Eastern State's education team for a journey through the history of creativity at the penitentiary. This month, explore Eastern State's historic greenhouse (built in the 1930s) and talk about the role of food and nourishment at Eastern State and in prisons today. Then, learn how to build your own sustainable garden and take home a packet of seeds to get started!
Family Field Trips are designed with children ages 8-13 and their caregivers in mind. This program is included with standard admission to the historic site, subject to availability. Daytime tour tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior, and ask a staff member to direct you to the meeting point. LEARN MORE HERE.
You're invited: Replenish and Keep Growing! For Youth and Families:
“Replenish and Keep Growing!” continues THIS Wednesday, April 6, 6 - 7 p.m. This VIRTUAL series is a unique opportunity for our students and their families.
Why attend?
• Help support your well-being and personal growth
• Build connections among peers with similar life experiences
• Develop interpersonal skills for preparation in school and life
• Engage in fun sessions!
Register for one or register for all sessions!
There is no fee to attend.
This series is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Program as part of the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Program.
Wednesday, 4/6, 6 PM-7 PM
Find your Balance! Understanding and Managing Stress:
There are multiple types and causes of stress, and we all handle stress and stressors (small and big) in different ways. The compounding effects of stress can impact our mind, body, and spirit. Some stress is fleeting (can come and go), and other types of stress can linger. This workshop will illuminate how to recognize stress(ors) and provide healthy coping strategies for youth and families to deal with stress buildup, as well as the pressures of everyday life.
Autism Awareness Month:
In 1970, the Autism Society launched an ongoing nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that all affected by autism are able to achieve the highest quality of life possible. In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into Autism Acceptance Month (AAM). This April, the efforts to spread awareness, promote acceptance and ignite change continue.
See below for all upcoming Autism Awareness Month Activities via SPIN:
Fire & Life Safety Education
Monday, April 17 – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
SPIN’s Autism Center for Excellence, 10541 Drummond Rd, Philadelphia, PA
For families with children with autism & intellectual disability, Lt. Andrew Brown with the Philadelphia Fire Department will share emergency and fire safety tips. Free pizza! First come, first serve. RSVP by April 14 at noon: Family Resource Coordinator: ibasketbill@spininc.org or 215.432.2937
Philadelphia Phillies – Autism Awareness Night Game
Saturday, April 22 – 7:05 pm
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves
Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148
SPIN has received tickets to send children and adults with autism and their families to the Phillies’ Autism Awareness Night themed game against the Braves. Limited tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Must have a child or adult family member with autism who receives SPIN services. Please include your name, your child’s name and age, and the number of tickets requested. Maximum ticket request: 4 per family.
RSVP by April 14 by 5 pm: SpinIncMarketing@gmail.com
Children’s Services Autism Acceptance Apparel:
SPIN’s Children’s Services has teamed up with Red Dog apparel to design a special line of “Autism Acceptance” shirts, tanks, sweatshirts, and beach bag. Anyone can access this website for the entire month of April to place their orders. All proceeds benefit SPIN.
Visit: https://red-dog-apparel.myshopify.com/collections/autism-acceptance
SPIN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1970 to provide the highest quality services to people of all ages with autism and intellectual/developmental disability. SPIN is also a leading provider of inclusive, early childhood education.
HEALTHY KIDS DAY: 4/27, 10am-1pm
When? Saturday, April 27th, 10 am-1 pm
Where? 11088 Knights Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
*FREE* classes are in session in person and virtually
Parents are best prepared for the challenges and triumphs ahead when equipped with the right tools and support. Interested in enrolling? CLICK HERE
- Custodial and noncustodial parents (Dad/Uncle/Son, Mom, etc), regardless of gender, are welcome to all classes.
- They have a virtual option available for the same dates and times listed on the flyer; parents must still be enrolled via the link or QR code provided first. Virtual class information will be provided to them once they are registered.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact jrobinson@schoolofparentedu.org.
Family Art Night at Portside Arts Center
Enjoy a fun and creative night out with the entire family every first Friday of the month with Family Art Night 6:30 pm-8:00 pm! During this 1.5 hour long workshop at the Cherry Street Pier on Friday nights, parents and kids will collaborate on art projects and work together to create something everyone can be proud of. This class allows for some quality family bonding time and is a great kick-off to the weekend!
Remaining 2022 Classes:
April 1st (program full, waitlist available)
May 6th
June 3rd
Located at Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd. Philadelphia PA 19106
Cost: $25 per family
What you need to know about the Philadelphia plastic bag ban:
Check out the below blog post that addresses how the City of Philadelphia will begin to enforce the plastic bag ordinance prohibiting businesses from using single-use plastic bags as of last Friday, April 1, 2022.
>> What you need to know about the Philadelphia plastic bag ban <<
Tarken Ice Rink & Rec. Center: FREE PROGRAM
Join them every Thursday from 6:30-8:00 PM for their brand new teen activities program. Activities include community service projects, teen building exercises, mentorship, 2K tournaments, and more! See the above flyer for more details!
**NO SIGN-UPS NECESSARY**
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What is Safe2Say Something?Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies. | Here’s how it works:
| Safe2Say Something PA: Remember, Northwood students can always report important information to parents or Northwood staff at any time. Submit an anonymous tip here: |
What is Safe2Say Something?
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
Here’s how it works:
- Submit an anonymous tip report through the Safe2SaySomething system
- The crisis center reviews and processes all submissions
- The crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement for intervention
- If needed, the crisis center may contact the tipster anonymously through the app
Safe2Say Something PA:
Submit an anonymous tip here:
MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT: NORTHWOOD IS HERE TO HELP
If you believe you may be eligible, contact Lower School Counselor (K-4) Ms. Lozandieu at mlozandieu@northwoodcs.org or Upper School Counselor (5-8) Mr. Whitlatch at awhitlatch@northwoodcs.org to find out what services and supports may be available!
CLICK HERE to watch a video (created by Kevin Lofton) for families in Philadelphia to understand their rights under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for students experiencing homelessness. Check it out now!
If you or a family member are in need of housing, food, health, and safety services, please check out these resources from Project HOME: Where To Turn Guide.
