Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
This week & Looking ahead:
✏️ Tomorrow, Thursday, March 110h, come support Northwood Academy at the Book Fair at Barnes & Noble Store at the Neshaminy Mall (300 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020). The event starts at 4:00 pm. A percentage of the proceeds from the event will benefit Northwood. You are also welcome to shop online the day of your book fair through 5 days after the instore bookfair and enter the unique book fair number on the payment page to make sure NACS receives credit. Book Fair Code: 12625000
✏️ 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.
✏️ 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.
✏️ If you have not done so already please take a moment to read the enclosed letter from our Interim Principal, Mrs. Henry.
Principal's Corner:
Please read the below reminders and updates from Principal Henry:
Starting March 9th, students and staff can choose whether or not they want to wear a mask in school and on school buses. Some will continue to wear them while others will not. Our administrative team will work together so that all are prepared to talk with students about respecting family choices related to masking. Please thoughtfully consider your personal situation and family circumstances, and do what is best for you or your child – and respect everyone else’s right to do the same, even if their choice differs from yours. Masks are not required, but those who have symptoms or are exposed to someone with COVID should wear a mask. Please note, we will continue to have masks for students who request them while supplies last.
Drop Off
Reminder Regarding Drop Off - Students can be dropped off at the blacktop starting at 7:10 am. There is no staff present to supervise students before this time. Please have your child exit your vehicle in a timely manner so traffic can keep moving on Adam’s Ave at drop-off.
Early Dismissals
Students will not be called down from their classrooms for dismissal until a parent/authorized adult arrives to pick them up.
Late Students
ALL entry doors will be closed promptly at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving after that time must be escorted to the Castor Avenue main entrance and receive a late note.
Bus Dismissal
All students, K-8 are dismissed by 3:00 pm (12:00 pm on half days). Buses pull off at 3:10 pm.
Meetings with Administration
Many families come up to the school building requesting an immediate meeting with the school administration. As much as we would like to accommodate these, schedules often do not permit us to do so. Please email pchirinos@northwoodcs.org if you would like to schedule meetings with the school administration.
'Hear the Pennsylvania Crunch!'
This year, the “Hear the Pennsylvania Crunch!” campaign is focused on ensuring kids have enough to eat year-round – and that starts with extending child nutrition flexibilities. Right now, schools and community meal sites can safely feed kids thanks to flexible policies that started during the pandemic. But for some schools, those policies are about to expire. Feeding PA needs our help to tell Congress to extend those policies and make sure kids get the nutrition they need – no matter whether the school is in session or not. #HearPACrunch
Upcoming in-school event: 4th Grade College Day, 3/18
To promote college and career readiness, our 4th graders will participate in College Day at Northwood on Friday, March 18th.
Through fun competition, guest presentations, and video highlights, students will learn from staff and current college students how to get into college, the opportunities offered at college, and how to be successful in college. Students are encouraged to dress down and wear a college-themed shirt on College Day. Questions? Please email, mlozandieu@northwoodcs.org
Holi: Festival of Colors, 3/18/22
🌈 WHAT IS HOLI?
Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the end of winter (white), the beginning of spring (colorful), and the victory of good over evil. It's a great opportunity to play, laugh, forgive and repair relationships. People all over India get together to throw colored powder on each other in the streets to celebrate.
🌈 Holi is only one day a year and is celebrated on the last full moon of the lunar month. The night before Holi is celebrated with bonfires and friends. Holi is celebrated by Hindus mainly in India. This year, Holi will be observed on Friday, March 18, 2022.
🌈 Celebrate Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, at the Please Touch Museum with special workshops and programs all weekend long!
Schedule includes:
Colorful Powder Workshop: 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm
Colorful Expressions Open Studio: 1-4pm
Storytime: 11am and 2pm
Age: 8 and under Price: $19-$22 depending on the day
Location: Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Check out some Kindergarteners in Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Sandoval's class celebrating International Women's Day on Tuesday, 3/8!
Parent Corner:
8TH GRADE PICTURES: 3/16/22
8th Grade Pictures will be taking place in the school gym next 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.
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
Women's History Month 2022
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!
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
Wawa Community Day Honoring Women’s History Month
Admission to the National Constitution Center will be free thanks to the generosity of Wawa.
>> RESERVE TICKETS HERE <<
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
TTF Watershed Partnership Upcoming Events:
Maple Sugaring: From Tree to Table Tacony Creek Park
Saturday, March 12th from 1pm-2:30p join TTFWP in Tacony Creek Park! Learn about the Native American legends about how maple sugaring started and enjoy a hands-on maple sugar-making demonstration. Enjoy a delicious waffle with syrup, too!
Where? I Street and Ramona Ave. Philadelphia 19124
**Register here**
FREE family program for all ages
'Ya Fav Trashman' Cleanup in Tacony Creek Park:
Join TTFWP (Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed) for a Tacony Creek Park Cleanup with our new best friend forever, Ya Fav Trashman! Let’s show our love for this special green space and Circuit trail.
WHEN? Saturday, March 19, 10am-12pm
Whitaker Ave & Loudon St., Philadelphia 19120
* Register here *
* Learn more 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.
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
Wednesday, March 9th, Hoodie Day
Sunday, March 13th, Daylight Saving Time
Wednesday, March 16th, Board Meeting
Thursday, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day
Friday, March 18th, Holi 2022
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