Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, October 12th, 2022
This week & Looking ahead:
βοΈ Join us Thursday, October 13th for a Meet and Greet with our NACS administrative team. Please find all details below.
βοΈ October is Bullying Prevention Month. And, we are excited to host another school-wide Unity Day on Wednesday, October 19th! Students and staff in schools across the country wear orange on Unity Day to show kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying. More details are below.
βοΈ Looking ahead...K-3 Book Character Day Parade will be held on Wednesday, October 26th. More details to follow from your child's classroom teacher.
βοΈ Board of Director Interest: We are currently seeking NACS parent representation on our school Board of Directors. If you are interested in learning more information please reach out to Ms. Urbano, curbano@northwoodcs.org.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH KIDS
From September 15th to October 15th, the U.S. celebrates the cultures and contributions of Americans who identify as Hispanic or Latinx. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to teach your kids about the histories and traditions behind these cultures, try new traditions, and reflect on the important role they play in our nation today. Each week during this month we will be 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 β from empanadas to arepas to simple guacamole.
Parent Corner:
HIGH SCHOOL FAIR THIS WEEKEND
Attend the Philly High School Fair
WHEN? Friday, October 14th (4-7pm) & Saturday, October 15th (10am-3pm)
PA Convention Center: 12th and Arch Streets
Attendance is free to the public, but registration is required.
CHECK OUT A VIDEO HERE OF MR. WHIT TALKING ABOUT THE UPCOMING FAIR.
https://youtu.be/2apDKI3wrZQMiss Chocolate School Fundraiser
NACS is sponsoring a Fall fundraiser with Miss Chocolate/ Ashley Farms. Currently, we are at 2,814 in online sales- keep up the great work, Northwood! Please note literature was sent home with your child but family and friends can shop online at Miss Chocolate.com.
Northwood's Organizational ID#605108
Quick Facts:
The fundraiser ends on Friday, October 14th
**ONLINE SALES WILL RUN UNTIL 10/19**
School delivery will be: Monday, November 7th (details to follow)
Checks or money orders payable to: Northwood Academy Charter School
Unity Day Orange Shirt Design Contest
We are excited to host a school-wide Unity Day, a national day of bullying education and prevention, on Wednesday, October 19th. Students and staff in schools across the country wear orange on Unity Day to show kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. At our school, we will recognize Unity Day with in-class activities and an assembly.
Also, we are having a Unity Day Orange Shirt Design Contest to promote family engagement.
Participation in the contest is optional. Here are the contest details:
Parents/guardians and their child(ren) can work together to create a customized, homemade/handmade, anti-bullying-related design on an orange shirt. The design must promote kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and anti-bullying using slogans/phrases, decorations, and/or drawings on an orange shirt. Feel free to use embroidery, rhinestones, glitter, buttons, etc. Be creative and enjoy the process!
On Tuesday, 10/18 (the day before Unity Day), send an email including: (1) your childβs full name and (2) a clear and up-close picture of your childβs anti-bullying design on an orange shirt to: Ms. Lozandieu (Grades K-4) at mlozandieu@northwoodcs.org or Mr. Whitlatch (Grades 5-8) at awhitlatch@northwoodcs.org.
On Wednesday, 10/19, students will wear the customized orange shirt to school.
The top 2 winners from Lower School and the top 2 winners from Upper School will each receive a $50 Target gift card. Winners will be selected on Thursday, 10/20.
REMINDER: The deadline for contest submissions is Tuesday, 10/18 via email.
Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Inc. offering free field trips!
Field Trips to Independence Seaport Museum
TTF is excited to provide FREE field trips to the Independence Seaport Museum River Alive! Exhibit as part of our Learning Trail programs on the following Sundays:
October 16th, November 6th, and December 18th
The trip schedule is below:
- 1:45 pm - Meet at the Learning Trail
- 4:30 pm - Arrive back at Juniata Park
BULLDOG SPOTLIGHT: We want to hear from you!
If you have something you would like to share with our NACS community, or would like to nominate your child for our Bulldog Spotlight, please email curbano@northwoodcs.org.
Photos must be submitted no later than noon on Tuesday to be shared in the upcoming Wednesday issue.
DINE & DONATE WITH NORTHWOOD AT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL!
Join EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL along with Northwood Academy Charter School at a 'Dine & Donate' Fundraiser!
When? Wednesday, October 19th from 5 pm-8 pm
Where? 2539 CASTOR AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19134
What is a Dine & Donate event? Wednesday, 10/19 from 5 pm-8 pm Northwood Academy will receive 15% of the sales from all Northwood friends & families that came in to dine at the Castor Avenue East Coast and Wings & Grill. Make sure to mention Northwood Academy when you order! Help us reach our goal of $300!
Not only can kids eat for $1.99 (with an adult entree) on Wednesday nights but they will be playing movies in the restaurant for your entertainment! We hope to see you there!
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.
Grieving/Youth Violence Resources:
Dozens of organizations across Philadelphia are dedicated to helping those affected by gun violence. Find a few below:
- Up The Block Resources for those Affected by Gun Violence. Click here if you have been affected by gun violence or are looking for resources for violence prevention and healing
- PHILLY TRUCE APP The PHILLY TRUCE APP puts Philadelphians with knowledge of potentially violent conflicts in direct contact 24/7 with trained mediators. Click here to download.
- Cease Fire Philadelphia Call Cease Fire to stop violence from happening 215-913-6917. Go to www.philaceasefire.com to learn more.
- Final Farewell: Final Farewell provides financial assistance, advice and guidance to grieving families from all religions and backgrounds so they may provide an affordable and decent funeral for their loved child. Call 215 870-8110 or go to www.finalfarewell.org
- Bereavement Support Services Through the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, offers bereavement counseling and/or referrals to appropriate resources for parents who have experienced a late fetal loss or the death of an infant or child. Call 215-685-7411 for help. http://www.phila.gov/health/medicalexaminer/BereavementSupport.html
Community Corner:
Saturdays (sΓ‘bados), Oct 8 - Oct. 29th 1pm - 4pm Ferko Playground - 1101 E Cayuga St, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Great Awakenings Cafe Presents:
For those interested: Harrowgate Civic Association's 2nd Annual Fall Festival will be on October 15th in Harrowgate Park from 12pm until 3pm! πππ
give sight day 2022: 10/15
No insurance is required. But you must register and make an appointment for your young person β ages 6 to 17. Go to willseye.org/give-kids-sight-day and register today. Or call 215-928-3420.
The free eye exams and eyeglass fittings will take place from 8 AM to 1 PM at Wills Eye Hospital, located at 840 Walnut Street.
TONIGHT!
Boo at the Philadelphia Zoo: Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 15- Oct. 30
The Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating Halloween this October with the return of Boo at the Zoo on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 15 through Oct. 30. Dress in your favorite costume and go trick-or-treating through the 42-acre zoo campus. Visit the Zoo's extinction graveyard, where people can find out what animals the Zoo is trying to save from extinction.
The annual not-so-scary extinction graveyard will provide educational opportunities for children and families, showcasing and exhibiting animals the Zoo is trying to save from extinction. Fall food and drink offerings include hot apple cider, and plenty of sweets and treats, including those for people with food allergies. Tickets are free with general admission. Tickets are included in the price of admission, which is $24 for adults, or $19 for kids up to 12 years old.
Philadelphia Zoo: 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia PA 19104
Join the Eastern State for some fall-themed family fun!
Family Fall Festival: Sunday, October 30, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Free for kids in costume and their families. No reservations are necessary. Trick-or-treat inside the penitentiary, then explore Eastern State's history and legacy with the help of a special scavenger hunt designed with children ages 8-13 and their caregivers in mind. Plus, enjoy art activities, music, games, relay races, and more!
(215) 236-3300
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.
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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.
Important Dates on the Horizon
Thursday, September 15th- Saturday, October 15th- National Hispanic Heritage Month
Thursday, October 13th, Meet & Greet with Admin. Team
Friday, October 14th, Miss Chocolate fundraiser ends (ONLINE SALES WILL RUN UNTIL 10/19)
Monday, October 17th, Kindergarten Field Trip to Linvilla Orchards (Media, PA)
Tuesday, October 18th, First Grade Field Trip to Linvilla Orchards (Media, PA)
Wednesday, October 19th- Dine & Donate Night @ East Coast Wings + Grill (Castor Ave.)
Wednesday, October 19th- UNITY DAY
Tuesday, October 25th, Second Grade Field Trip to Johnson's Corner Farm (Medford, NJ)
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 βsay somethingβ BEFORE it is too late. With 'Safe2Say Something', itβs easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
Hereβs 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