It is with great sadness that we announce that we have learned of Lasonia Queen’s passing. Nurse Queen transitioned on Friday afternoon at Jefferson Hospital. We have learned that her family was by her side the entire time.
Mr. Queen, Nurse Queen’s husband, has asked for privacy as he manages the situation. He has informed us that he would contact Northwood once the family has finalized the final arrangements.
Northwood Academy is working to coordinate grief support for our students and staff this week as we grieve the death of our beloved Nurse Queen.
Sorrowfully submitted on behalf of the entire Administrative team,
Principal Riley
Bounce Back Philly: Nutrition Tips
CLICK HERE for a booklet covering four tips for healthy eating that can be practiced in isolation or quarantine.
Food Banks & Other Resources:
Next to the map, you will find a list of addresses, food pick-up times, phone numbers, and requirements for each food bank.
Community Hanukkah Celebration: 12/21, 6pm
Welcome in the fourth night of Hanukkah with your Northeast Jewish community! Bring your family and friends for an evening of candle lighting, live music by Ken Ulansey, latkes and donuts – and, of course, schmoozing and all of the Hanukkah fun. Nosh will be provided by the House of Kosher.
Wednesday, December 21 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
House of Kosher, 9806 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19115
Register here: jewishphilly.org/northeast-hanukkah
For more information or questions, email Carrie at northeast@jewishphilly.org
HANUKKAH 2022:
Hanukkah 2022 will begin on the evening of Sunday, December 18th, and ends on the evening of Monday, December 26th. "Hanukkah" means dedication in Hebrew, and the Jewish holiday, also known as The Festival of Lights, represents joy. It's punctuated by an eight-night display of dancing flames atop candles held in intricate menorahs, conveying warmth, comfort, and in Hanukkah's case, a miracle.
Check out these Hanukkah videos and read-alouds for kids:
Find activities, recipes, gift guides, and more on PJ Library's Hanukkah page.
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)
- For Child Abuse Clearance (no charge)
- For FBI fingerprinting (charge): or call #1-844-321-2101 The service code you will need is 1KG6Q9.
What You Should Know about RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
You’ve probably heard cases of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are rapidly increasing in Pennsylvania and nationwide. In fact, levels of RSV are higher than usual for this time of year so families need to know about RSV because some children can get very sick and need hospitalization.
RSV is a virus that usually causes common cold symptoms in most children and adults. Both children and adults can get it and there’s no vaccination available for RSV. While it usually causes mild illness, it is important to know that younger children are at much higher risk for serious complications requiring urgent treatment and in some cases hospitalization.
Factors increasing children’s risk for severe RSV infections include:
- 3 months of age or younger (due to difficulty clearing mucus from smaller airways)
- Being around other children in a school, childcare setting, or at home
- Living in crowded housing situations
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Children with a history of weakened immune systems, preterm birth, or heart or lung problems
It is particularly concerning right now because the spread of RSV and other seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu has started earlier than usual this year. We know that COVID-19 is still circulating, too. Strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19, like strict hand washing and sanitation practices, along with masking, can limit the spread of all respiratory and viral illnesses, such as RSV and the flu.
The PA Department of Health strongly recommends flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination to help protect persons 6 months and older, especially individuals with a high risk for complications of respiratory infections.
Learn about Signs and Symptoms Here: https://youtu.be/9X1AQo7TEls
Additional Resources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at aap.org and www.HealthyChildren.org
- RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold (Updated October 24, 2022)
- RSV in Infants and Young Children (CDC.gov)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth
Fire safety tips for a festive and safe holiday season
Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) Captain Derek Bowmer recently stated he encourages all residents to remember to call 311 for smoke alarms and to have an escape plan.
The holiday season is here and with it comes decorations and chilly weather! This season, take a few minutes to review these fire safety tips so you and your loved ones can stay safe while staying warm and celebrating the holidays.
Make sure your smoke alarms work! The PFD recommends having one smoke alarm on each floor of your home, including the basement.
• They should be 10-year smoke alarms, with sealed lithium-ion batteries.
• Test each alarm in your house.
• Check the date on your alarms.
• If they are more than 10 years old, they need to be replaced.
• If you don’t have smoke alarms, you can request them for free
through 311. https://iframe.publicstuff.com/...
Learn more tips at: https://www.phila.gov/2022-12-02-five-fire-safety-tips-for-a-festive-and-safe-holiday-season/?fbclid=IwAR3NypKjzcHu5zbDSo5q3RBsXcubm0k9mBaM_5n0Z6d-Dde-CWfd_0cY238
Dasher’s Lightshow @ Philadelphia Mills Mall
Northwood Academy Charter School Child Find Policy and Procedures (Annual Notice)
Hello Northwood Families,
You will find a copy of our Annual Child Find Notice here outlining the procedures and protocols for Northwood's monitoring of all of our students and identification of students with special needs. This will also be able to be referenced on our website, via social media, and in local news publications. For further information, please contact the Director of Special Education, Kate Crossett at 215-289-5606.
************************************
The Child Find Policy (Annual Notice) Policy and Procedures for Students with Disabilities at Northwood Academy Charter School aim to ensure that all students with disabilities who are eligible to enroll in the school will have available to them a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. CLICK HERE for the complete policy.
FAMILIES IN TRANSITION: NORTHWOOD IS HERE TO HELP
If you and your family lack fixed, regular, or adequate housing (for example, living in a shelter, transitional home, or even doubled-up with other people) due to loss of housing or economic hardship, you may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which ensures educational stability for students experiencing homelessness.
To learn more about the rights of eligible families, click here for a brief video.
If you qualify for rights under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, contact Lower School Counselor and Northwood's Homelessness Liaison Ms. Lozandieu at mlozandieu@northwoodcs.org for more information.
Are you or someone you know in need of housing, food, health, and safety services? Please check out these resources from Project HOME: Where To Turn Guide.
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.
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