Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, February 9th, 2022
This week & Looking ahead:
✏️ 2022-2023 NACS Lottery: Due to ongoing COVID-19 regulations, Northwood Academy will be holding our 2022-2023 lottery via ZOOM. The lottery will be held TODAY, Wednesday, February 9th, at 1:30 pm. Please CLICK HERE for the link. More information can be found HERE.
✏️Please continue to keep your child home if he or she is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Please email CovidResponseTeam@northwoodcs.org with any updates such as positive test results or vaccination status.
✏️Be advised that virtual learning is only available for COVID-related illness and quarantine. You will be given directives from the Northwood Covid Response Team if quarantine and virtual learning are necessary. Students are not eligible for virtual learning under any other circumstances - i.e, illness that is not Covid-related, family travel, etc. Our usual attendance policies will remain in place for these circumstances.
✏️Coming soon.: TWOsday happening on 2/22/2022! NACS is celebrating TWOSday! Northwood students and staff can dress up as Twins! Link up with a classmate or teacher to get together your most creative matching outfits! Prizes for those who are TWINNING the most**
✏️ We will be holding our follow-up vaccination clinic on Thursday, February 24th. Please see the flyer below for all additional details. Thank you!
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
In celebration of Black History Month, our NACS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee have developed an engaging mix of activities and assemblies for every grade to take part in. There will be lessons around notable historical and current figures, as well as a special virtual game show at the end of the month to review everything we have learned.
Our NACS teachers are excited to bring conversations around civil rights and social justice into the classrooms.
Some of our NACS students celebrating 100 days of school!
Parent Corner:
Gloves and Winter Coat Collection:
We are continuing to collect clean, gently-used gloves and winter coats of all sizes for students in need. If you have gloves and winter coats you would like to donate, please send them in with your child.
Black History Month Books For Teens and Young Adults
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas- Thomas' blockbuster debut novel (subsequently made into a movie) follows Starr, a 16-year-old Black girl who witnesses the police killing of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, and its aftermath. Starr is forced to grow up quickly and—along with readers—confront the inequities of the system that works against her.
March: Book One, Book Two, Book Three by John Lewis with Andrew Aydin- From Congressman John Lewis, this trio of books details his life as a civil rights leader, working to end segregation. Told in graphic novel form, it offers a poignant look at the "good trouble" Lewis was known for.
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin- The Harlem, New York-born and bred writer's first entree into the literary world is this 1953 classic, which is said to be semi-autobiographical. Another Baldwin bestseller, If Beale Street Could Talk, is also a worthy addition.
Looking for Excellent “Diverse” Books for Children? Start Here!
Children’s book sites and blogs recommended by EmbraceRace:
- Anansesem - The Caribbean Children's Literature Ezine
- The Brown Bookshelf
- CrazyQuiltEdi
- De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children
- Diverse Futures
- Hijabi Librarians
- I'm Your Neighbor Books (featuring New Arrivals and New Americans)
- Indigo’s Bookshelf: Voices of Native Youth
- Kids Like Us
- Kitaab World
- Latinxs in Kid Lit
- Oyate | Reviews
- Reading While White
- Rich in Color
- Vamos a Leer
- We Are Kid Lit Collective
COMMUNITY CORNER
Leaders and Legends at Smith Playground
Kick-off Black History Month celebrating Leaders and Legends at Smith Memorial Playground. This second annual front-lawn exhibition features images of African American hometown heroes along with educational displays about each individual's life and community contributions.
Leaders and Legends are on view through Feb 28.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse:
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
This February The African American Museum of Philadelphia Will Be Offering Free Screenings of “Harriet” & “13th”
The African American Museum of Philadelphia is ramping up its Black History Month programming which includes readings, live speakers, demonstrations as well as movies. As part of their movie programming, AAMP will be screening 13th. Moviegoers will be able to see the films either in-person or remotely. In partnership with The School District of Philadelphia. both movie screenings are free and open to the public with suggested donations. The zoom link for the virtual program will be emailed to attendees 30 minutes prior to, and at the start of each program.
See the remaining movie dates and times below:
13th: February 10th | 5-8 pm
CLICK HERE for information.
The 30th Annual African American Children's Book Fair
The 30th Annual African American Children's Book Fair – LIVE IN PERSON - will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th Arch Street on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 1:00 to 4 p.m. EST. Hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project, the book fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children's books in the country! For more information call (215) 878-2665.
African American Historical Sites Near Philly:
African American Museum of Bucks County — Langhorne: Exhibitions, events, and educational programs at the African American Museum of Bucks County share the history of the Black experience through the stories of African Americans from the Philadelphia region and beyond. Visitors to the museum can discover art and artifacts.
Octavius V. Catto Memorial — City Hall: As a free Black man living in Philadelphia in the 19th century, Octavius Catto was a teacher and scholar, accomplished athlete, and civil rights, activist. A Quest for Parity is the name of the 12-foot bronze statue representing Catto at City Hall.
Johnson House Historic Site — Germantown: This former home of the Quaker abolitionists was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Johnson family worked with other abolitionists in Philadelphia during the 19th century to secure freedom for enslaved people by offering them safe passage during their attempts to escape. The house is intact and open for tours.
Coming soon... TWOsday happening on 2/22/2022
Tuesday, 2/22/2022 NACS is celebrating TWOSday!
Northwood students and staff can dress up as Twins! Link up with a classmate or teacher to get together your most creative matching outfits!
**Prizes for those who are TWINNING the most**
Mental Health School Supplies with crisistextline.org
Parents, students, and educators are stretched thin. School is stressful any year but this year can spark a special kind of anxiety-inducing spiral. As students, caregivers, and educators, it’s essential to keep mental health at the forefront of your school planning. In a world of managing to-do lists, relationships, and post-COVID stress, Crisis Text Line is here to help you keep your mental health top of mind. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 mental health support to anyone in crisis. VISIT HERE for free mental health resources for students, parents, and educators.
Anyone in crisis can text SCHOOL to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
Upcoming events at Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed (TTFWP):
WeWalk PHL: FREE!
Saturdays | Sábados 9:30am – 10:30am
Whitaker Ave & E Loudon St. Philadelphia 19120
Let’s take a healthy stroll in the park together! Join your neighbors every Saturday morning for a healthy and empowering stroll on the Tacony Creek Park trail as a part of We Walk PHL. More info here.
Attendees can just show up to participate or email doryan@ttfwatershed.org.
Virtual Yoga with Jenna: FREE! ¡GRATIS!
Sundays | Domingos
10:00am - 10:45am
Join our yoga sessions online via Zoom through March. Hatha yoga emphasizes physical health and relaxation of your mind. We’ll focus on posture alignment, strengthening, and flexibility. All levels are welcome. Yoga mats are recommended!
>> Register here<<
>> More info here <<
Run With Me: Free! ¡Gratis!
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5am – 7:30am
Saturdays: 7:30 am
Saturday Family Trail Time & Kids Run: 4 pm
Join your neighbors for fun, rejuvenating, and healthy fitness runs on the paved Tacony Creek Park Trail, part of the Circuit Trails Network! Run or ride your bike on the trail with us.
>> Learn more here <<
RSVP for location to:
tcptrotters@gmail.com or 215-744-1853
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 📰
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:
Covid-19 Corner:
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 14th, Valentine's Day
Wednesday, February 16th, Board Meeting
Monday, February 21st, Presidents 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