Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, May 11th 2022
This week & Looking ahead:
📖 NACS Field Day t-shirt forms have been distributed to all classroom teachers. All orders are due THIS FRIDAY, May 13th at 3:00 pm. 2022 Field Day will be held Monday, June 6th with June 7th as the rain date.
📖 PSSAs: Please note, that Keystone Exams for 8th-grade Algebra students will take place on May 17 & 18. You can help your children prepare for the assessments by encouraging them to get plenty of rest the night before testing and have a good breakfast on the mornings of the test. Encourage your child to have a confident and positive attitude toward the assessments. Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions about the test or its administration, please do not hesitate to contact our testing coordinator, Mrs. Herschberger. Please see below in the Bulldog Blast for more information.
📖 Please note, that there will be NO YouthCOR services NEXT TUESDAY 5/17. We apologize for the inconvenience.
ASIAN-PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
May Is Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the U.S.
All month long we will be exploring creative ways to Celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with your kids!
Here is an idea-
Read a children’s book featuring Asian characters, written by Asian authors, or illustrated by Asian artists.
There are lots of great book lists out there: In addition to your friendly local librarian, PBS.org has a list of recommendations, and so do the School Library Journal and Reading Rockets. Social Justice Books breaks down categories for early childhood, upper elementary, young adult and adult readers. You can check most of them out from the library. (Note: Many libraries are offering curbside pick-up during COVID-19 still.)
Curated Lists of AAPI Books:
Social Justice Books: Curated list of Asian American literature sorted by grade band and includes links about Asian American literature in the classroom on the bottom. Pre-K - 12
Recommended Asian American Children’s Literature. Created by Dr. Noreen Naseem Rodríguez, University of Colorado Boulder. Well curated, but not updated to include the latest literature K-5
A curated list of Asian American Literature for adults from New York Public Library Adults.
'F' for Fancy day!
Kindergarten Playground Fun!
Parent Corner:
Uniform Exchange Program: Request for donations
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 NACS uniform exchange motto is, to take what you need and give when you can. New uniforms are expensive and children often outgrow them before they wear them out. Why buy new when there are perfectly good items in the uniform exchange available. Any Northwood family in need of a uniform can have one as long as we have the size needed. At this time, our uniform stock is extremely low.
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
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.
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 15 minutes to complete.
https://webapps1.philasd.org/parentsurvey/
**WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE RAFFLE THE WEEK OF MAY 23RD**
COMMUNITY CORNER
Neshaminy Mall Carnival May 12 – May 22, 2022
Experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of the electrifying midway with exciting rides and games for all ages and deep-fried treats, sweets and other tasty carnival eats. Event admission and parking are free.
Visit Neshaminy Mall Carnival for coupon savings: $5 off regular-price ride wristbands, $5 off a 50-ticket Super Saver Family Pack, and $2 off a $10 food purchase.
Midway hours: 4-10 pm Monday - Thursday, 4-11 pm Friday, noon-11 pm Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday.
Parent/guardian supervision is required for ages 17 and younger. Please check the website for updates, including daily hours, before attending the event. For more information CLICK HERE.
Friends of Northwood Park: Thursday, May 12th
🌳📚🌻🗑🪴
Friends of Northwood Park is a community-based Park Friends Group affiliated with the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation. We exist to support and advocate for Northwood Park to be a safe, clean and welcoming green space in our Neighborhood.
Where? Castor Ave and Foulkrod St Philadelphia, PA 19124
Fish Fest with Riverfront North Partnership!
When? Saturday, May 14th, 12-3pm
Where? 5501 Tacony St, Phila 19137
Riverfront North Partnership and TTF invite you to a fun afternoon of all things fish (and all things FREE) at the Frankford Boat Launch. They will teach you to fish with all equipment provided. Make fish prints and enjoy other nature-based fun activities. Food and Refreshments. TTF will bring our Creekmobile! Learn more
AAMP Family Fun Days
Dates: 5/14, 6/11, 7/09
Time: 10 am - 5 pm 9:30 am ‐ 5:00 pm
Location: 701 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA, 19106
Children's Saturday Classes - Portside Arts Center:
Give your child a fun and creative Saturday! Children will explore a variety of age-appropriate art techniques learning basic 2D and 3D art skills. Every Saturday, children will participate in a new art project. Enroll your child in 4 classes and get $5 off your purchase. Portside believes strongly that receiving a high-quality arts education will help your child build a stronger foundation for success in their future educational and career endeavors.
Dates: 5/14 and 5/21
Time: 11:30am - 1pm
Location: 2531 E. Lehigh Avenue Philadelphia, PA, 19125
Play It Safe Philly
Connecting children, teens, and families with summer activities and information. https://www.phila.gov/programs/playitsafephl/
The City of Philadelphia and its partners are committed to providing fun, safe, and enriching activities for children and families throughout the year. PlayItSafePHL is your guide to year-round activities and events.
Related Categories: After School Programs | After School/Camps/Mentoring | Camps
You can sign up to receive email updates from the City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families.
OST PROGRAM LOCATOR: Sign up for fun!
Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time that a child or youth spends in after-school or summer programming. OST programs are provided for young people in grades pre-K through 12.
Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for the little ones!
We are very fortunate that the Philadelphia area is home to so many exciting tactile experiences for families. From farm animals to insects—preschoolers, toddlers, and school-age kids are sure to enjoy these animal farms and petting zoos near Philly
Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philly:
Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion —Philadelphia
This facility has over 130 species just waiting for human interaction. The Insectarium’s philosophy is that no child is too young to engage, and highly trained caretakers provide structured experiences to ensure that happens (be sure to get a “tarantula high five”).
Sandy Hill Farm – Plymouth Meeting
This little farm is home to pigs, bunnies, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, and ponies and specializes in riding lessons. Please note: Sandy Hill hosts some public hours but mainly operates by appointment only.
Adventure Aquarium — Camden, NJ
Adventure Aquarium is kicking off its 30th-year celebration, and guests can visit for free on their birthday throughout 2022. The Stingray Beach Club allows guests to touch and feed the rays, and at “Touch a Shark”, visitors can do just that. Hippo, sea turtle, penguin, and in-water shark and ray encounters are available for an extra fee for the truly adventurous.
KidZooU at the Philadelphia Zoo — Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Zoo's interactive wildlife academy is a nice break for younger kids who might feel overwhelmed with the enormity of the zoo. Indoor and outdoor facilities provide opportunities to interact with ducks, goats, sheep, and chickens.
Elmwood Park Zoo — Norristown
A local family favorite, this small but mighty Montgomery County zoo is a manageable size for families with young kids, who'll enjoy feeding big animals like giraffes or giving handfuls of grain to smaller barnyard animals like goats, birds, and sheep.
Little Libraries 📚 📖
TTF (Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership) has partnered with Tiny WPA and Read 2 Succeed to install three new little libraries in Tacony Creek Park! These are in addition to the little library at I & Ramona installed last summer by WHYY.
The three new libraries can be found at these gateways: Tabor & Olney, Whitaker & Loudon, and Bingham & Ashdale! Do you have an idea for a Tacony Creek Park location for a little library? Contact Malcolm@ttfwatershed.org.
Rolling Thunder Skating Center
free at-home COVID-19 tests:
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
Sunday, May 1st- Tuesday, May 31st- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Friday, May 13th, Kindergarten Field Trip- Elmwood Park Zoo
Tuesday, May 17th, 4th Grade Career Day
Wednesday, May 25th, 2nd Grade Donuts with Grownups Event
Friday, May 27th- Monday, May 30th, School is closed in observance of Memorial Day
Friday, June 3rd, 8th Grade Dance @ Romano’s
Monday, June 6th (June 7th = Rain Date), Field Day
Thursday, 9th, 8th Grade Graduation
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