Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
What you need to know this week:
📓 Friendly reminder, Monday, October 18th school will be CLOSED. Classes will resume Tuesday, 10/19.
📓 RUVNA Health Screening 😷 Please remember, parents/ guardians of students MUST continue to fill out the RUVNA screening every morning. Thank you for your support on this! CLICK HERE to read the RUVNA FACTS & REMINDERS.
📓 Our Fall 2021 weekday after-school clubs begin this week! Northwood will be continuing to use the platform called FamilyID for club registration. If you don't already have a FamilyID account, you will be prompted to set one up (this only takes a minute). Links to all clubs can be found on Northwood's FamilyID landing page at the following link: CLICK HERE to go to Northwood's Landing Page Clubs include All About Animals, Fun and Games Club, Magic Club, Robotics Club, and more! 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️
📓 Friday, October 29th is the Harvest Dance for students in grades 5-8. This is an invitation-only event for students who have shown hard work and great behavior so far this year. Invitations will be distributed on Wednesday, October 20th. Students have permission to wear costumes or dress down. Refreshments will also be sold.
Team Northwood breast cancer awareness shirts for sale!
Northwood will be participating in a "Pink Out Day" for Breast Cancer Awareness on Wednesday, October 20th. Students may pay $1 and wear a pink shirt and jeans on that day, with the proceeds going to breast cancer research and awareness. Students can also pay an additional $1 to be included in raffles to win prizes.
Additional shirt for purchase: (pictured above)
- Shirts are $10 each - sizes 2XL and higher are $15
- Please send the money in with your child or drop at the front office
- All shirt orders and money are due Friday, October 22 - no late orders will be processed
- Shirts will be distributed in November
- We will be wearing the shirts together as a community at a date to be announced later
Use this link to place your order: Team Northwood Shirt Order Form
Ways to Continue Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
Each week during this month we have been sharing a different idea on how to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Here is an idea:
Pick a country or region, and try out some new recipes.
This is an excellent way to get your child involved in the kitchen. Together, work on researching, planning, and preparing a local dish – from empanadas to arepas to simple guacamole.
Mindfulness/Meditation Resources
Additional Resources:
Roots2Rise Yoga/Meditation: Provides access to yoga and mindfulness in various locations for $5 or less.
NAMI Teens and Young Adults: Information on this website includes how to recognize the signs of mental illness, how to help a friend, how to manage mental health while in college, and how to take charge of your mental health.
Girl’s Health.Gov: The “Your Feelings” section offers support and information to teenage girls about mental health and emotional well-being, recognizing when to get help, and who to turn to for support.
Center for Young Women’s Health: An online resource for young women providing information about mental, physical, and emotional health. Here you can find answers to questions, health guides, and more.
Youth Matters Philly: Find What You Need When You Need It: A web app designed to help vulnerable Philly youth locate & rate community resources.
Text “Brave” to 741-741 which connects to a Crisis Text Line, or Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you feel you are in crisis and need to talk NOW.
🍁Fall Fun Fest🍁
Northwood Academy invites all K-4 students to join us as we celebrate the season!
We are so excited to introduce Fall Fun Fest this school year. This event will take place on Friday, October 29, 2021, and include a variety of fun activities for all of our K-4 grade students. Unfortunately, we will be unable to hold our traditional parade due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, students may come to school dressed in character costumes or dressed down. We are also excited to introduce our first-ever Scarecrow Contest!
Each K-4 classroom will be responsible for creating a unique scarecrow to display outside of their classroom on October 29th. Northwood families are encouraged to donate supplies to help your child's classroom scarecrow. The donation list will be provided by your child's classroom teacher.
All scarecrows will be judged by a team of Upper School student volunteers. We will finish the day with classroom walkthroughs so the students can view all of the amazing scarecrows displayed in the building.
Parent Corner:
Reading with children in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade
Goals at this age include developing the basic building blocks of reading like letters and words, as well as increasing reading confidence and comprehension.
📕Keep reading to your child. Even when they have started to read on their own, it’s important to maintain a daily practice. Use opportunities in everyday life. Build vocabulary and listening skills by talking through what you’re seeing and doing while cooking, driving, or visiting new places.
📚Take turns reading out loud. Don’t interrupt your child to correct mistakes that don’t change the meaning of the story. Talk about the main components of stories. Discuss the plot and characters.
📘Develop comparison skills. Ask how characters or subjects in one book are similar to or different from those in others your child has read. Ask your child to name the stories they like best and why.
📖At the end of a book, ask your child to name anything they learned or enjoyed. Ask about the author’s intention: “How did she want us to feel?” or “Did she teach us anything new?”
Mobile Covid Testing Units and Free Covid Testing 😷
Free Testing Locations from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
COVID-19 tests are available at no cost nationwide at health centers and select pharmacies. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act ensures that COVID-19 testing is free to anyone in the U.S., including the uninsured.
- Rite Aid
- Walgreens
- Independent Pharmacies
- CVS
- Walmart in Partnership with Quest Diagnostics
- Find a Health Center Near You
Philadelphia Department of Health:
When you go to a COVID-19 testing site, you will be asked for identification. You may also be asked for health insurance information. If you don’t have identification or health insurance, you can still get a test.
Some sites may also:
- Limit testing to people who meet certain criteria.
- Require an appointment.
- Require a referral from your doctor.
Ask you to stay in your car (for drive-thru sites).
- Mobile Testing Units
- No out-of-pocket costs
- No appointments required
- Walk-up testing with on-site registration
- Rapid testing available
- Map of Testing Locations
- You won’t have to pay out-of-pocket to get a test. However, some sites may bill your insurance for a visit fee.
Northwood's Lottery Application
Northwood's Lottery Application is officially OPEN!
Spread the word! The lottery application window for the 2022 school year has begun. If you have a child who will be an incoming kindergartner (Age 5 by September 1, 2022) or another child, who is a sibling (one common parent) and does not currently attend Northwood, you will need to apply to our lottery now for potential enrollment for next school year.
Please note that grades 1-8 will ultimately enroll on seat availability.
Visit ApplyPhillyCharter.org to apply for your child.
Questions? kdugan@northwoodcs.org
Mrs. Martello's 5th Grade Class enjoying some Science fun!
Lower and Upper School STEAM Fun!
Parents as Teachers (PAT)- Calling all Oxford circle parents
For parents with children newborns to 5 years old who live in the Oxford Circle area, the PAT program offers instruction for parents on how to teach their child the skills to be successful in preschool and kindergarten. All of our visits are currently being held virtually due to Covid-19. If you are interested in the PAT Program, please contact us at 215-288-8508 or rhonda@occcda.org to get more information.
COMMUNITY CORNER
VIRTUAL Mighty Writers
At Mighty Writers (MW), they teach kids to think clearly so they can write with clarity. As always, all workshops are free. Check out the Fall 2021 Mighty Writers at Home Workshops below- please note, these workshops are being held remotely.
__________________________________________
Mindful Meetup for Kids (Ages 7 - 10)
Tuesdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm (10/5- 12/21)
Join MW for a popular interactive mindfulness workshop especially designed for kids! In this workshop, you will participate in games, arts & crafts, and learn kid-friendly meditations. ENROLL HERE
__________________________________________
Family Cook Night with teacher Maurice Williams
Wednesdays, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm (10/6 - 12/22) MW will take a deep dive into Black culture by cooking meals that acknowledge and celebrate Black Life. From history to the present day, this MW workshop will celebrate Blackness through cooking, games, and much more! ENROLL HERE
__________________________________________
Mighty Brotherhood (Ages 8 - 12)
Wednesdays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (10/6 - 12/22) In this workshop you will discuss all things on how to be the best young man that we can be. From learning how to tie a tie to discussions on conflict resolution and leadership, nothing is off the table. You and the other kids will grow as young men together in this workshop.
**PLEASE NOTE, ALL WORKSHOPS ARE STILL ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS**
Questions? rloeper@mightywriters.org
Young Readers Book Festival- Saturday, October 16th, 10 am-1 pm
The Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is excited to invite you to celebrate with them at their Young Readers Book Festival! Join the fun from 10 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Northeast High School (1601 Cottman Avenue) for a day of family fun and activities. Families can also receive Philadelphia-centric posters, board games, and books (while supplies last) and will be able to enjoy them together in socially distanced pods.
Other activities will include:
Book read alouds
Community Vendors
Family Activities
Face painting and balloon making
Winter Coat Distribution
Takeaway snacks
Even more family fun!
The entrance to this event is on Glendale Avenue and street parking is available. Want more information or have questions? Visit www.philasd.org/FACE
Register today and join the fun this Sunday, October 17th!
Join 'You're Beautifully Made, Inc.' and community partners for the 2nd annual Autism event. This event is a FREE event for the whole family. The event will be held at the Garsed Center, 4704 Leiper St, Philadelphia, Pa. 19124 on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at 1:00 pm (until 4:00 pm)!
Attendees will engage in:
- Sensory
- Activities
- Resources
- Meet Authors
- Giveaways
For more information, ybmphilly@gmail.com.
STUDENT CORNER
Internet Safety: How To Stay Safe Online (Grades 5-8th) VIRTUAL EVENT MONDAY, 10/18
Join 'TechGirlz' on Monday, October 18th!
Internet Safety: How To Stay Safe Online
You’ve been online a lot! Do you know the ins and outs of staying safe? Let’s go over some of the rules and some ideas to help you. Learn how to be a good digital citizen as well as a cautious one on various forms of social media. Learn how to recognize and respond to cyberbullying, phishing, and suspicious behavior, as well as how to set up passwords and privacy settings to keep your data, your identity, and your family and friends safe.
The virtual course runs 4:30-6:30 pm.
Students will need access to a computer (Chromebooks OK!) and the internet. During this course, students will be going through the privacy and security settings on applications like Gmail, Facebook, and Instagram.
>>SIGN UP HERE<<
Please send an email to erica.k.good@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Thank you!
AfroComicCon 2021 VIRTUAL
October 23rd 10 am - 8 pm (PDT)
October 24th 10 am - 5 pm (PDT)
FREE Event streaming at AfroComicCon.org
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the annual event started in 2017 by the Oakland Technology & Education Center (OTEC) will be held virtually and free to the public via the AfrocomicCon website. AfroComicCon will be two days full of exciting panels, screenings of the AFCC International Film Festival winners, entertainment, gaming, cosplay, and special guests, as well as a virtual marketplace!
Programming
Panels are scheduled across multiple interests including Comics, Writing, Animation, Fitness, Community, and Writing.
AfroComicCon’s goal will be to provide a welcoming and safe virtual space for underrepresented nerds of color. Regardless of age, gender identity, sexual preference, religious beliefs, or special needs, all are invited to celebrate science-fiction, fantasy, comic books, gaming, and more in this special virtual event.
More Special Guests to be Announced Soon!
Interested in Library cards for your family?
Who Can Get a Card?
A Free Library card is available at no cost to anyone who lives, works, pays taxes, or goes to school in the City of Philadelphia. In addition, anyone who lives in the state of Pennsylvania can obtain a Free Library card without charge.
How to Get a Card?
For your convenience, there are three different ways to apply for a library card. You may choose to do so online, in person, or by mail in your application.
- Online – Sign up and get access instantly!
- In-Person – Visit any free library location and apply in person.
- Paper Application – Download the paper application and return it to any neighborhood library.
What Can I Do with My Card?
Your Free Library card gives you access to:
- Borrow items from our libraries.
- Electronic Resource (databases of articles and citations).
- Downloadable eBooks, Audiobooks, and Magazines.
- Streaming Videos and Music.
- Digital Learning Resources.
- Our public computers and Wi-Fi at our neighborhood libraries.
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!
Important Dates on the Horizon
Monday, October 18th, School Closed, classes will resume 10/19
Wednesday, October 20th, Board Meeting
Friday, October 29th, Fall Fun Fest
November, Native American Heritage Month
Monday, November 1st, Dia de Los Muertos
Thursday, November 4th, Diwali
Tuesday, November 9th, Miss Chocolate Fundraiser school delivery date
Thursday, November 11th, School Closed in observance of Veteran's Day
Friday, November 12th, School PICTURE DAY
Monday, November 15th- 19th, American Education Week
Wednesday, November 18th, Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 18th, Battle of Vertieres
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