Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022
In light of current events in Europe, as a school community, we are especially mindful of any families who have ties to Ukraine and Russia – some of whom are concerned for loved ones overseas. We are here to offer whatever help we can for our families and students during this troubling time.
As the situation in Ukraine intensifies so too does the humanitarian crisis and the need for assistance. On Friday, March 11th we will be having an optional dress-down day at school to support Ukraine. If interested please send your child a donation of a $1.00 and dressed in blue or yellow for the colors of the Ukrainian National Flag.
All proceeds will be sent to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
This week & Looking ahead:
✏️ Read Across America: Across the nation, teachers, teenagers, librarians, politicians, athletes, parents, grandparents, and others develop Read Across America activities to bring reading excitement to children of all ages. This week Northwood Academy will be celebrating Read Across America! Make sure to check out our school Instagram page (@NACSlife) for videos and activity fun posted daily.
✏️ Wednesday, March 9th NACS will be celebrating Hoodie Day. Please reach out to your child's teacher for more information. Thank you!
✏️ 8th Grade Pictures will be taking place in the school gym on Wednesday, March 16th. Please see below for more information.
✏️ 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.
✏️ Women's History Month (WHM): A celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. WHM 2022 will take place from Tuesday, March 1-Thursday, March 31, 2022.
✏️ Keep a lookout for flyers outside the cafeteria regarding baseball and softball tryouts.
✏️ Friendly reminder, if you have any questions related to the Bulldog Blast please email our Community Coordinator Ms. Urbano, curbano@northwoodcs.org.
Principal's Corner:
Please read the below reminders and updates from Principal Henry:
Next week, the school’s administrative team will share a video in this Blast with information regarding some updated Safety procedures. In the weeks ahead, we will continue to practice routine safety drills and procedures so students are prepared in the event of an emergency. To that end, we would like all families to familiarize themselves with the terms and information below.
Contact Information - Keep your child's emergency contact information up to date. Inform your child's school immediately if your phone number, address, or email address changes. You may be called and emailed during an emergency. Additionally, children will only be released to adults listed on the emergency information form.
Facts and terms every parent should know:
Lockout:
During a lockout, all school exterior doors are locked because of a threat or potential threat in the general area of the school but not on the school campus. Outside activities are returned to the safety of the school. Students and staff may move throughout the building as needed. Entry and exit to the building are controlled and granted on an as-needed basis.
Lockdown:
During a lockdown, all school exterior and interior doors are locked, and students are confined to their classrooms because of a threat or potential threat inside the building or on the school campus. No entry or exit of the school is allowed.
Shelter-In-Place:
Shelter-In-Place means that children are moved to small interior rooms in the school with few or no windows. Shelter-In-Place is used when there may be the potential for harm from hazardous materials that may have been released into the atmosphere, and it is determined that an evacuation or dismissal could place students at risk. A Shelter-In-Place may also occur during an extreme weather event.
Evacuation:
Evacuation means that students and staff must leave the school building and move to a safe location. In the event of an evacuation, parents will be notified. Children will be released to their parents only after proper ID has been verified.
Safe 2 Say Something:
If you see something, say something. To report a concern for student safety, contact 1-844-SAF2SAY
Women's History Month
March is National Women’s History Month! Schools and communities all over the country celebrate and commemorate the amazing things that women have accomplished all over the world! Each morning during announcements we will be highlighting different women in politics, arts, sports, and science!
📚Check out the below books for the next trip to your local library📚
- She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton (ages 4-8)
- Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life by Laurie Wallmark (ages 5+)
- Make Trouble by Cecile Richards (ages 10+)
- Becoming RGB: Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s Journey to Justice by Debbie Levy (ages 10+)
- If You Lived When Women Won Their Rights by Anne Kamma (ages 7-10)
Parent Corner:
8TH GRADE PICTURES: 3/16/22
8th Grade Pictures will be taking place in the school gym on Wednesday, March 16th.
Please note the following:
- Gowns are provided by Lifetouch Studios. Caps are not worn in graduation pictures.
- Pictures will be available for purchase.
- Picture Day ID: EVTBSFBTM
*Please note, there is not an 8th-grade picture retake day available at this time.
NACS uniform exchange program is up and running again!
How the Uniform Exchange Program Works:
Do you have any GOOD quality unwanted, outgrown school uniforms?
If the answer is yes, please donate them to Northwood Academy’s Uniform Exchange.
The uniform exchange is a free program open to all NACS students' families. The NACS uniform exchange motto is, take what you need and give when you can. Any Northwood family in need of a uniform can have one as long as we have the size needed. All donated items are checked for quality and sorted by style and size.
The program only works if uniforms are donated so please consider giving clean uniforms you no longer need. If you are able to donate, please make sure that the clothes are in a reusable condition. The size of the item should be identifiable. If it is not, please indicate the size of the item with indelible ink. Please remember, you do not have to donate clothes in order to take from the uniform exchange. All items can be dropped off during school hours at the front school office.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Urbano, curbano@northwoodcs.org
March is also National Nutrition Month.
ChopChop Family is the non-profit publisher of the award-winning ChopChop: The Fun Cooking Magazine for Families and Eatable Alphabet. ChopChop Family‘s mission is to inspire families to cook and eat real food together. To learn more about ChopChop’s mission, and to check out our educational products, please visit www.chopchopfamily.org or @chopchopkids
Solid Starts is the leading platform for introducing real food to babies and is led by a team of pediatric food + feeding experts, doctors, dietitians, and infant swallowing specialists. Learn more about the world’s First Foods® database for babies at www.solidstarts.com and @solidstarts
Bedroom Safety for Children of All Ages:
A child's bedroom can be a multi-purpose room, used for sleeping, homework time, or play. The bedroom should also be a safe place for your child. Take time to ensure that your child's safety won't stop at the bedroom door.
Visit Pennsylvania's Promise for Children for a few tips to get you started.
Buddy Reading for Read Across America Week!
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
Father's Club: FREE Programming
*FREE* WEST philly ymca
To sign up, all you have to do is scan the QR code on the flyer with your phone and enter your information or visit this link, https://airtable.com/shrDAoz0Op5bY1bkU.
*FREE* Join Anytime!
Locations:
West Philly YMCA:
Classes are the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month
North Philly YMCA:
Classes are the 1st and 2nd Thursday of every month
SPREAD THE WORD by sharing the flyers above in the community, professional, personal and social networks for the widest reach - this partnership with JEVS and the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity.
To sign up, all you have to do is scan the QR code on the flyer with your phone and enter your information or visit this link, https://airtable.com/shrDAoz0Op5bY1bkU.
*FREE* North Philly YMCA
To sign up, all you have to do is scan the QR code on the flyer with your phone and enter your information or visit this link, https://airtable.com/shrDAoz0Op5bY1bkU.
**Please note, custodial and noncustodial parents (Mom/Dad/Uncle/Son), regardless of gender, are welcome to all classes***
CALLING ALL GIRL SCOUTS! 3/12 11am-3pm
Girl Scout History at Betsy Ross House:
In this historical reenactment, Girl Scouts’ founder Juliette Low shares the story of how the organization came to be, more than 100 years ago. Learn how the Girl Scouts have impacted the lives of women nationally, and join two West Philly-based troops for crafts and activities. And yes, you can buy cookies, too.
**This is a FREE event**
When? March 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 239 Arch St., historicphiladelphia.org
“Meet Elizabeth Freeman” Film: Saturdays and Sundays in March
This film features a first-person performance on the life of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who sued for her freedom and won. You can also stream the film online at any time. WHEN? Saturdays and Sundays in March, 11:15 a.m. & 2:15 p.m.
WHERE? The Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St., amrevmuseum.org
Project Elijah Empowering Autism teamed with Spectrum Success 911 and Philly Youth Basketball.
Together they will host fun interactive family support services and basketball clinics for families with autism in a judgment-free, safe and nurturing environment.
Space is limited so register ASAP. You must register for every session. No same-day registration or walk-ups.
For more info and to register contact Eric 267.258.8687, elijah@peea.org, visit www.peea.org or reference the flyer below, thank you.
Opportunity for female Northwood alum currently enrolled in HS:
Do you know a female looking to continue her career in the STEM Field?
Attend Widener Engineering Mini-Camp for HS Girls!
Date: March 19th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Limited capacity so register today! Please see the attached flyer below for all other details.
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
Family Field Trip at Eastern State: THEME this month is Music, Creativity, and Protest
Join the Eastern State Penitentiary the second SUNDAY of every month for this cool new program!
Educators engage families in explorations of music, creativity, and protest at Eastern State and in prisons today. Make a musical instrument, listen to songs written by people incarcerated at Eastern State, and discover the role of music in the civil rights movement, along with the power of the podcast as a form of protest today. Family Field Trips occur on the second Sunday of every month at 11:30 am and are designed for kids ages 8-13 but are open to all. An adult must accompany children. The program is 45-minutes and is included with admission.
Age: 8-13 Price: Adults $17; Children (7-12) $13; Under 7 free
Location: Eastern State Penitentiary 22nd Street, Fairmount, Philadelphia, 19130
>> More information 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.
Spring Football Registration Open Now! Practice Monday thru Friday 6-8PM
2022 SPRING BASEBALL
UYKQ Germantown Baseball Program is a Community League which teaches the fundamental skills and techniques used to help elevate young athletes in the game of baseball. Beginning at the age of 4 through 14.
Join UYKQ this Spring for Tee Ball (ages 4 - 6) on Saturdays and Rookie Ball (ages 7 - 9) on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning in April. Players will learn the fundamentals of baseball through practice and game play throughout the season.
Registration is open now for interested families. Tee-Ball ($50) and Rookie Ball ($100). https://www.urbanyouthkq.com/ Please note, families whom have children in Foster Care, WIC or SNAP benefits, to help offset the majority of the cost for the program can apply here www.everykidssports.org.
AAMP Family Fun Days
On the second Saturday of every month, gather up the youth in your life and bring them to The African American Museum Philadelphia for an assortment of hands-on activities, interactive music and movement workshops, storytellers, historical re-enactors, and more! A Family Fun Day may focus on a particular theme, or may simply celebrate the breadth and depth of the African Diaspora. Visit their calendar for details of upcoming days.
Where? 701 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
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:
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
Monday, February 28th- Friday, March 4th, Read Across America
Wednesday, March 9th, Hoodie Day
Sunday, March 13th, Daylight Saving Time
Wednesday, March 16th, Board Meeting
Thursday, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day
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
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