Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, March 16th, 2022
This week & Looking ahead:
✏️ TODAY, 8th Grade Pictures will be taking place in the school gym on Wednesday, March 16th. Please see below for more information. Picture Day ID: EVT2THRG9
✏️ Report Card Conferences have shifted down to Wednesday, 3/30, and Thursday, 3/31. More information will be shared from your child's teacher closer to mid-March, thank you.
✏️ If you have not done so already please take a moment to read the enclosed letter from our Interim Principal, Mrs. Henry.
Principal's Corner:
Please read the below reminders and updates from Principal Henry:
Report Card Conferences - March 30 and 31
We would like you to join your child’s teacher to discuss his/her progress for this reporting period. You will receive an electronic copy of your child’s report card at this conference. We believe that it is vital for teachers and parents to work together as a team to discuss student progress at Northwood Academy. We are expecting 100% participation from our families.
Conferences will take place on Wednesday, March 30, from 12:00 to 5:45 pm, and Thursday, March 31, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Conferences will be 15 minutes in duration. All report card conferences will be held on these two days.
Report card conferences will be held on an as-needed basis only (parent or teacher request). Conferences will be held in a virtual format via Zoom OR in-person (this is up to the parent). You will receive a Zoom link from your child’s teacher. Please be prompt so that you and all families have an equal opportunity to discuss their child’s progress.
If you are interested in meeting with a specialist teacher, please email them individually to set up a conference. Thank you for your ongoing support of our program!
Ukraine Fundraiser update XYZ
We are happy to announce we were able to raise $635.25 for Ukraine! Thank you to all who participated. The money raised will be donated to Nova Ukraine.
NOVA Ukraine: Nova Ukraine is a 501(c)3 registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about Ukraine in the US and throughout the world and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. novaukraine.org
In-school event: 4th Grade College Day, 3/18
To promote college and career readiness, our 4th graders will participate in College Day at Northwood on Friday, March 18th.
Through fun competition, guest presentations, and video highlights, students will learn from staff and current college students how to get into college, the opportunities offered at college, and how to be successful in college. Students are encouraged to dress down and wear a college-themed shirt on College Day. Questions? Please email, mlozandieu@northwoodcs.org
Holi: Festival of Colors, 3/18/22
🌈 WHAT IS HOLI?
Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the end of winter (white), the beginning of spring (colorful), and the victory of good over evil. It's a great opportunity to play, laugh, forgive and repair relationships. People all over India get together to throw colored powder on each other in the streets to celebrate.
🌈 Holi is only one day a year and is celebrated on the last full moon of the lunar month. The night before Holi is celebrated with bonfires and friends. Holi is celebrated by Hindus mainly in India. This year, Holi will be observed on Friday, March 18, 2022.
🌈 Celebrate Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, at the Please Touch Museum with special workshops and programs all weekend long!
Schedule includes:
Colorful Powder Workshop: 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm
Colorful Expressions Open Studio: 1-4pm
Storytime: 11am and 2pm
Age: 8 and under Price: $19-$22 depending on the day
Location: Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
National Breakfast Week Raffle Winners

Parent Corner:
District-Wide Survey

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.
COMMUNITY CORNER
Thursday, March 17th:

Please stop by to get your personally signed copy of my newly released book, You Are Special, and if you've purchased a book already, come by so she can sign it! This is a family-friendly event. Children (with a guardian) are welcome to attend.
BOOK DETAILS:
You Are Special - Written by Dawn Chavous and Illustrated by Donna-Marie Duncan
Event Address: 2000 Belmont Mansion Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Play-A-Palooza: Sat Mar 26, 2022
As “spring fever” spreads, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse celebrates Play-A-Palooza, its seasonal playground grand-opening party.
Saturday, 3/26, 12 pm-4 pm families can enjoy a lineup that includes music and dance, a bookmobile, games, relay races, science experiments, an obstacle course, food trucks, and unstructured nature-based play across Smith's 6.5 acres. Play-A-Palooza 2022 will also host an on-site vaccine clinic. **The rain date is March 27th**
For ages 12 and under
Price: Children $10; Free for Smith members and ACCESS cardholders
Location: Smith Memorial Playground 3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121
TTF Watershed Partnership Upcoming Events:
'Ya Fav Trashman' Cleanup in Tacony Creek Park:
Join TTFWP (Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed) for a Tacony Creek Park Cleanup with our new best friend forever, Ya Fav Trashman! Let’s show our love for this special green space and Circuit trail.
WHEN? Saturday, March 19, 10am-12pm
Whitaker Ave & Loudon St., Philadelphia 19120
* Register here *
* Learn more here *

Keeping Your Child Healthy
Did you know there are vaccine-preventable diseases you can protect your young child? You may have almost forgotten about diseases like Diphtheria, Chickenpox, Mumps, Whooping Cough (Pertussis), and others because of vaccines. It's still important for your child to have vaccines though! While these diseases are preventable, they can still exist and infect those who are not vaccinated. Vaccines can help keep your child healthy, and vaccines may be required for your child to attend a school or an early learning program. Find out which vaccines your child should receive and when.
For children without insurance, PA CHIP may be able to help. CHIP is short for the Children's Health Insurance Program, Pennsylvania's program to provide health insurance to uninsured children who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. Regardless of the reasons your children might not have health insurance, CHIP may be able to help you.
Visit www.chipcoverspakids.com.


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**
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:
CALLING ALL BULLDOGS: BULLDOG SPOTLIGHT!
We love receiving photos of our Bulldogs with big smiles and having fun! If you have more pictures to share that highlight a fun part of your child's day, whether it is participating in an activity or enjoying the outdoors, send them over to curbano@northwoodcs.org to be featured in our next Bulldog Blast 📰
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.

Important Dates on the Horizon
Wednesday, March 16th, 8th grade pictures
Wednesday, March 16th, Board Meeting
Thursday, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day
Friday, March 18th, Holi 2022
Wednesday, March 30th, and Thursday, March 31st, Report Card Conferences
Monday, April 11th- Monday, April 18th, Spring Recess
World Autism Awareness Month
Wednesday, April 20th, Board Meeting
Friday, April 22nd, Earth Day
Tuesday, May 3rd, School Closed in observance of Eid-al-Fitr
Monday, May 30th, School is closed in observance of Memorial Day
This is on Northwood''s home page and includes an Instructional, Technology, and Community Hub. The Student/Parent Technology Help Desk is located within the Technology Hub.
