April 21, 2023

CALENDAR DATES

April 24th-28th - Literati Spring Book Fair

April 28 - PTA Blooming Mornings

May 3-5, 9-11 - GA Milestone Assessments

May 12 - Field Day

May 18 - Talent Show

May 19 - Artist Day

May 25 - Last Day of School/5th Grade Promotion Day

KEY NEWS FOR EXPLORER FAMILIES

I loved seeing the cafeteria full for the last All Pro Dads meeting / PTA meeting this morning. I'm thankful we have staff members who love the program and it's message who continue to lead it monthly. It's also supported beautifully by our PTA as well. Thank you to all who plan for, lead, support, or attend the meetings. Thank you also for the PTA parents that are ready to move to or keep leadership positions for next school year.

Enjoy the sunshine today and family time this weekend.

With gratitude,

Heather Rucker

Principal

TAG

On March 6th, the 5th grade TAG class finally made the trek down to Tybee Island. Tybee is off the coast of Savannah, GA, which is about 4 hours away. Students have been preparing for this trip for the past 2 months. They have studied many of the facets of Tybee Island including the importance of barrier islands, the value and history of lighthouses throughout history, and about the flora and fauna of the area and region. Students took a trip into the middle of the marsh, and we hunted mollusks! We trekked to the beautiful beach to search for some sea dwellers, and even got to dissect a squid! Speaking of history, students got a firsthand tour of Fort Pulaski, built in 1829 to protect the port of Savannah and a major part in the American Civil War.

Artist Day Treats and Volunteers Needed

We are so excited to host our second Artist Day at Northwood on Friday, May 19. Please support our day by sending in some treats or by volunteering some of your time. You can sign up for either or both via the links below. If you have questions about volunteering with artists that day, please contact andreavandervort@gmail.com. Please make sure that you are a FCS registered volunteer!

Volunteer for Artist Day

Items for Artist Day

Is Your Child Leaving Northwood Elementary?

Please help us prepare for the 2023-24 school year by letting us know if your current Kindergarten through 4th grade student will not return to Northwood Elementary in August. The withdrawal process is easy. Simply email the completed withdrawal form that is attached at the bottom of this newsletter to Mary Lou Fleming flemingml@fultonschools.org.

There is no need to re-register returning students.

Georgia Milestones Promotion Information for 3rd and 5th Grades

Northwood would like parents of 3rd and 5th graders to have information about the Georgia Milestones promotion requirements. Please see the attached letter below from Fulton County Schools.

Get Ready for Georgia Milestones

What can I do to help my child prepare?

Be certain your child gets plenty of sleep and has a healthy breakfast.
Be certain your student is at school on time, so they are not worried about being late.

Remind students that cell phones and smart watches will be collected and stored in the secure testing room during test administration times. It’s best for students to leave them at home if possible.
Please have students bring their fully charged device every day.
Get information and practice using this link: Georgia Milestones Resources (gadoe.org)
Experience the online testing session using this link: http://www.gaexperienceonline.com/

What happens if my child is absent?

There will be rolling make-ups throughout the testing window. Please do not send your child in if they are sick.

Can visitors be in the building?

During GMAS testing, we will not be allowing visitors in the building before 11:30 am, and there will also be no lunch visitors these days.

MISSING SOMETHING?

Parents, please encourage your students to check regularly for lost items in the Lost and Found. Please mark all student belongings clearly with the child’s name so that it can be identified. Unclaimed items are donated to local charities after the last school day of every month. April’s date is Friday, April 28th.