It's surprising to me how quickly the month of August has gone, as we've turned our calendars to September. I know that families are looking forward to travel, rest, or a combination of the two as we enjoy the long weekend ahead. The campus will be closed both Monday the 5th and Tuesday the 6th. Monday is the Labor Day holiday, and Tuesday is a remote day for students and a remote professional development day for staff. We can't wait to see everyone back on campus Wednesday morning.

A portion of the professional development the staff will be engaging in on Tuesday is continuing our LETRS coursework. LETRS stands for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. The district wide professional development has been and will continue to be beneficial to all who work with our students in the area of language development. The new ELA resources were chosen to align with LETRS with instruction focusing on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing and language. I have appreciated seeing the work in action as I visit classrooms and watch the students engage in the lessons.

Enjoy the long weekend. Thank you for your continued support of Northwood.

With gratitude,

Heather Rucker

Principal

Fourth grade students are hard at work learning about the American Revolution. We are focusing on forming good study habits early. Students are learning how to study with a partner, annotate their workbooks, and make flashcards. During our study of the Sons of Liberty, the students completed a creative problem-solving task. Using limited time and materials, students devised a creative solution to a challenge faced by the colonists. This STEM activity really challenged students to collaborate and problem solve.

One of our favorite mentorship reading programs, Kinder Buddies, started last week! Kindergartners were excited to meet and get to know their 5th grade buddies. The 5th graders have stepped up to the plate and demonstrated what being an Explorer is all about. Throughout the year, we plan to inspire a love for reading through friendships, hands-on activities, and character building.

Northwood is excited to offer Explorers several morning and afternoon clubs for their enrichment and enjoyment.

Participants are expected to adhere to Northwood PBIS behavior expectations both during the school day and during club activities. We want your child's participation in school clubs to be a great experience of learning and interaction with other students. Our three Northwood expectations “Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Engaged” will continue to be taught during all club activities. Club advisors will use Northwood’s Reflect and Refocus forms to teach positive behavior and “stop and think” strategies. Club participation is dependent on students following these PBIS procedures.

Below are Northwood Club application links with more details about deadlines and start dates.

Eco Team Application 2022-2023.docx

Art Club Application Fall 2022.docx

Newspaper Club Application.docx

Chorus Application 2022-2023.docx

Northwood 2022 All Grades Get Fit Morning Fitness - Permission Form.docx

Each year Fulton County Schools asks families and students to read and discuss the Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Handbook; and then sign off that you have read it. Please follow the steps below to access the handbook, and then sign off electronically in your Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal Account.

• Please read and review the Code of Conduct with your student(s). There are also paper copies available for your convenience in the office. fultonschools.org/codeofconduct

• Please take a moment to complete the Acknowledgement of Receipt Form. This link provides directions on the sign off process. How to sign Acknowledgement of Receipt.pdf

Your child will be recognized at school on his/her birthday, with an announcement on Explorervision and a special birthday pencil. Please do not send cake, cupcakes, balloons, party favors, or party invitations to school as these will not be distributed. If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school you may purchase ice cream from our cafeteria for your child’s class.

• Please email your Explorer’s teacher to find out how many students are in their class.
• Email our Cafeteria Manger Kara Flood at FloodK@fultonschools.org to place your order at least ONE FULL WEEK IN ADVANCE of your Explorer’s birthday.
• Ice cream is still $1 each for birthdays. The simplest way to handle the cost is to have money on your Explorers account via the MyPaymentsPlus app.

Please note, this year ice cream will only be available for students to purchase during lunch (except for preplanned birthday celebrations) on Fridays. The new cost is $1.25.

Get your yearbook like, now! Use the QR code or click here to order.

Young artists get involved through their local PTA or PTSA. A student may submit an entry in any of six arts areas. Only original works of art are accepted. The six art areas are: Visual Arts Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, and Film Production.

That's why the Reflections Program provides an excellent opportunity for students of all ages to:

• Unleash their creative talents and be inspired
• Express themselves imaginatively in their artwork
• Experience the joy and fun of making art
• Tap into critical thinking skills to create art inspired by the annual theme
• Receive positive recognition for their original works of art

Call for entries! Entries due October 19th. Email Reflections@northwoodpta.com for more information!