With the fresh start of the year adding a sense of rejuvenation to our spirits, we have been thinking about the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions. Though rather than placing a focus on doing or being better, we like to think of it as a chance to set positive intentions, and to be more mindful of setting goals that excite us!

With this in mind, this month we want to know:

What is one positive intention your child is embracing for 2021?

Do they want to try out a new hobby (perhaps they already signed up for a new club or elective to do so!)? Or maybe they want to help mom and dad out with cooking dinner one night a week? Send their answer and a photo of their smiling face (feel free to get creative here to incorporate the theme) to Mrs. Smith at jsmith@northwoodcs.org. The most stand-out submissions will be featured in the Bulldog Blast sent out during the last week in January.

• The day begins 15 minutes earlier at 8:15am

• Reading and math blocks are longer in K-3 (45 mins rather than 30 mins)

• The school-wide lunch period was shifted to 12:00-12:30. This allows K-3 teachers to pull a small group before lunch. We hope that this increases participation in small groups for students who have not been logging back on after lunch and specials.

• Specialists will see one grade at-a-time rather than two

The full schedule for each grade can be viewed at the following link:

Updated Remote Learning Schedule

We know everyone is still getting settled into the New Year, so if you missed the opportunity to sign your child up for clubs or electives last month, we are offering one last chance for them to get involved in our virtual offerings. This Friday will be the final day teachers are accepting new registrations, but don't wait - sign up today!

The following are the after-school clubs that still have openings:

• Salsa Club: Grades 3-4 (recently added/guest instructor! If there are not enough students signed up by Friday, this offering will be removed)
• Hip Hop Club: Grades 5-6 (recently added/guest instructor! If there are not enough students signed up by Friday, this offering will be removed)
• Dungeons and Dragons Club: Grades 5-8
• Sewing Club: Grades 5-8
• Mixed Media Explorations / Fine Arts Club: Grade 6
• Step Club: Grades 6-8
• Book Club: Grades 7-8
• Cooking Club: Grade 8

The following are the Friday morning electives that still have openings:

• Fitness: Grades K-2
• Yoga: Grades K-2
• Sing-Along: Grades K-2
• Fitness: Grades 3-5
• Choir: Grades 3-8
• Fitness: Grades 6-8
• Painting: Grade 6-8
• Graffiti Art: Grades 6-8
• 3D Printing: Grades 7-8
• Chat with Coach Lark: Grades 7-8

Northwood is using a platform called FamilyID for club registration. Upon clicking on the registration links below, if you don't already have a FamilyID account, you will be prompted to set one up (this only takes a minute).

• CLICK HERE to sign up for After-School Clubs

• CLICK HERE to sign up for Friday Electives

• CLICK HERE to go to Northwood's Landing Page

Note: Prior to signing up for multiple clubs and electives, please check the meeting times to ensure that the days and times do not overlap.

We are continuing to give out frozen meals that last up to a month in the freezer, so extra meals can be stocked and saved for the weekends or a much later date! 🍽️🥪🥣

Pickup for multiple meals takes place at our cafeteria (Adams Ave. entrance) on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

We hope families continue to take advantage of this cost-saving and nutritional convenience.

For those who were not able to come by the school during last month's pickup windows, you may stop by and check-in at the front desk on Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00am and 2:00pm to do so.

To ensure that your child does not fall behind on class lessons and assignments, you are encouraged to pickup materials by tomorrow, Thursday, January 7th.

Please wear a mask and practice social distancing as you wait. All items will be prepared in advance and ready to go in a Northwood canvas bag.

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Chromebooks are also still available for pickup during these days/times.

*Please note*: This is only for students who have not yet received a school-issued Chromebook or if your school-issued Chromebook is not working. If your child has received an iPad from us, exchanges must be made in order to receive your Chromebook. If you are planning to swap a device, you must also bring the charger in order to do the exchange.

Are you a family with more than one child? Does your second child not yet attend Northwood, but you would like to enroll them in our school? If the answer to both of these questions is YES then you must fill out an application for this sibling.

Just go to applyphillycharter.org, create an account and fill out your family profile, check the box next to our school, and then submit the application.

Do you know someone else who wants their child to attend our school? Tell them to go to applyphillycharter.org to apply today for the 2021-22 school year!