Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, March 30th 2022
What you need to know this week:
🍎 Please take a moment to read the enclosed letter from Principal Henry regarding today's evacuation. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aaTxCr_5EHjOD608CPLtMZQTcwu5VUEMGkZcaFH1SA8/edit?usp=sharing
🍎 Conferences will take place today from 12:00 to 5:45 pm, and Tomorrow, 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.
🍎 After-School Clubs:
Northwood's after-school clubs for the third trimester are continuing to be held in person. There are 8 sessions for each activity. More details on meeting days, times, and grades served for each can be found in the individual club listings on Family ID. Prior to signing up for multiple clubs and electives, please check the meeting times to ensure that the days and times do not overlap. Thank you!
🍎 The Pennsylvania State System of School Assessment (PSSA) in English Language Arts and Mathematics will be administered to students next week, for students in grades 3 through 8. Please take a moment to read the enclosed PSSA Parent Letter, thank you!
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.
Bulldog Spotlight: Donovan Dickerson
CALLING ALL BULLDOGS: We love receiving photos of our Bulldogs with big smiles and having fun! If you have 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 Ms. Urbano, curbano@northwoodcs.org to be featured in our next Bulldog Blast đź“°
Emmaneil and Mr. Nelson are twinning today! :)
Upper School BETA DAY 2022, 3/25
Parent Corner:
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 10 minutes to complete.
COMMUNITY CORNER
Celebrate Trails Day: 4/24
Mark your calendars for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s annual spring celebration of the pathways we all love!
This year, Celebrate Trails Day (formerly Opening Day for Trails) falls on Saturday, April 24. Visit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) for ideas and more fun ways for you to enjoy the amazing trails you love while being able to #RecreateResponsibly—so that everyone can celebrate trails, safely.
RSVP to share that you’ll be by visiting a local trail – such as Tacony Creek Park – on Celebrate Trails Day! By doing so, you’ll help show that you value the trails in your community—plus, you’ll have a chance to win an RTC t-shirt!
When? April 24, 2021 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Autism Awareness Day & Community Resource Fair, April 2nd!
Want to learn more about Autism Rec's social skills group or maybe you just want to see if it’s a safe space for your child? Well, come join Autism Rec on April 2nd for #AutismAwarenessDay!
Questions? jamila@autismrec.com
HEALTHY KIDS DAY: Saturday, April 27th 10am-1pm
When? Saturday, April 27th 10am-1pm
Where? 11088 Knights Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
The Father's Club is here for you and ready to support your family
*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. Here's what you can do Right Now-
1. Interested in enrolling? CLICK HERE
2. SPREAD THE WORD: To sign up, all you have to do is scan the QR code on the flyer with your phone (or click the link above) and enter your information.
Important to note:
- The School of Parent Education (SPE) is a nonprofit subsidiary of Daddy University Inc., which uses researched and evidence-based curricula of The National Fatherhood Institute®. You can find more information on SPE Parent Sessions here and Daddy University here.
- Parent Sessions through SPE are of no cost to the parent
- 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.
Naturepalooza: FREE- A Family Earth Day Celebration, Saturday, 4/23
Saturday, 4/23 the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education will host Naturepalooza in celebration of Earth Day, featuring live music, activity tables, nature hikes, food trucks, and more, centered around the theme of restoration. The Billy Jonas Band will perform on recycled and found objects. Families can engage in a collaborative art project and help unveil the new Restoration Station Loop, a self-guided hike on the trails. Registration is required; the rain date is Sunday, April 24.
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Phone: 215-482-7300Enrollment for YBM, Inc. summer programming opens April 2022!
Taller Puertorriqueño: Registration is currently open
Taller Puertorriqueño’s bilingual (English and Spanish) summer camp is designed for kids 6 to 15 years old. Registration is currently open with space for 60 kids. Activities include music, art, dance, theater, sports, and field trips.
Dates: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July 5 to Aug. 12. Additionally, Taller has a free post-camp daycare program from 4 to 6 p.m.
Cost: The first 30 kids to sign up will have access to the summer camp for free. After that, the cost will be on a sliding scale depending on the parent or guardian’s income, but through the Early Learning Resource Center your child might still qualify to attend for free. Taller will serve Puerto Rican-style lunch for free.
Requirements: Bring your child’s physical examination form and a report card. Their grades do not impact their likelihood of being accepted into the camp but are instead used to track improvement after the summer camp.
How to register: Registration is open; call 215-426-3311 to register.
Location: 2600 N. Fifth St., tallerpr.org
GALAEI: FREE 2 week bilingual (English and Spanish) summer camp for QTBIPOC
GALAEI hosts a two-week bilingual (English and Spanish) summer camp for queer, transgender, Black, and Indigenous people, and people of color (QTBIPOC). It will be divided into two sessions. The first is for 8- to 12-year-olds and the second for 13- to 18-year-olds. Activities include swimming, rock climbing, music, field trips, arts and crafts, drag queen storytime, and daily activities at Norris Square Park.
Dates: The camp has not confirmed 2022 dates, but you can expect the camp to run the last two weeks of July for ages 8 to 12, and the first two weeks of August for campers ages 13 to 18.
Requirements: Although allies are welcome at other GALAEI programs and events, this camp is intended for QTBIPOC children or children of QTBIPOC folks.
How to register: The camp has not yet confirmed when registration will open, but it should be in April. Once it opens, you will be able to register online.
Location: 118 Fontain St. Questions? info@galai.org
Dorsey Playground Day Camp: 6-12 years old
This Parks and Recreation camp option offers arts and crafts, sports, games, educational activities, and field trips for 6- to 12-year-olds. Registration is open and applications will be processed as they come.
Dates: July 5 to Aug. 12, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $30 per week, plus a $10-$20 enrollment fee. Daily breakfast and lunch are included.
How to register: Call 215-685-8734. Location: 6501 Hegerman St, Philadelphia, PA 19135
Summer Art Camps for kids ages 4-15:
🎨Allens Lane Art Center, 601 West Allens Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19119:
With classes for children ages 5-13, Allens Lane Art Center offers both physical and virtual camps this summer. Campers can expect classes in ceramics, crafts, and theater as well as time outdoors for sports and play. Space is limited to due capacity restrictions. https://allenslane.org/
🎨Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts - Art Camp, 128 N. Broad Street, Historic Landmark Building, Philadelphia, PA 19102: PAFA’s Summer Art Camp is for budding young artists ages 6 to 14. This year's award-winning camp is offered virtually with a combination of live zoom and off-screen hands-on activities. Registration and weekly schedules are coming soon. For more information visit pafa.org/camp, email artcamp@pafa.org, or call 215-972-2054. https://www.pafa.org/museum/education/family
🎨Portside Arts Center - Summer Arts Camp, 2531 E. Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125: Campers 4-13 can expect weekly sessions such as Murals and Public Art, Nature and Mindfulness, The Art of Music, Theater Arts, Art Around the World, and The Basics of Sculpture. Siblings discounts, payment plans, and scholarships are available. https://www.portsideartscenter.org/
🎨Power of Paint Art Academy, 4919 Pentridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143: Geared to kids ages 5-15, Camp P.O.P allows campers to explore art and wellness through a variety of fun activities. Tweens and teens can participate in Senior Camp while Junior Camp is designed for kids from 5-10. https://popartacademy.org/
Simpson Rec. Center Summer Camp
Questions? (215) 685-1223
Location: 1010 Arrott St, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Jardel Recreation Center Summer Camp
See the above flyer for additional details.
Questions? Please contact the Rec Center at 215-685-0596 or Ashley.Shimp@phila.gov
Location: 1400 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111
Tarken Summer Camp
Registration is officially open for Tarken’s Summer Day Camp 2022! They will be offering Before and After Care services this summer. For more information or to register stop by their office Monday-Friday from 4-8 PM! Don’t wait, space is limited!
Location: 6250 Frontenac Street
Philadelphia, PA 19111
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 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**
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.
Important Dates on the Horizon
Wednesday, March 30th, and Thursday, March 31st- Report Card Conferences
Friday, April 1st- Sunday, May 1st- Ramadan 2022
Monday, April 11th- Monday, April 18th- Spring Recess
Wednesday, April 6th- Middle School Connect Four Tournament
Wednesday, April 20th- Board Meeting
Friday, April 22nd- Earth Day
Monday, May 2nd- Friday, May 6th- Staff Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 3rd- School Closed in observance of Eid-al-Fitr
Wednesday, May 11th, Kindergarten Muffins with Mom Event
Wednesday, May 25th, 2nd Grade Donuts with Dads Event
Monday, May 30th- School is closed in observance of Memorial Day
Connect with Northwood
Website: northwoodcs.org
Location: 4621 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 289-5606
Facebook: facebook.com/Northwood-Academy-Charter-School-153041454730750/
Twitter: @northwoodcs