Bulldog Blast

Spring Break is upon us! It is hard to believe that we have only a few months left in the 2022-23 school year. Whether you are off next week or not, we hope that all of you have the opportunity to pause and enjoy family and friends. Northwood will be closed Monday, April 3rd – Monday, April 10th, classes will resume on Tuesday, April 11th.

✏️ SAVE THE DATE: NACS' April Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 19th at 5:30 pm. All public Board meetings are held virtually. MORE INFORMATION

✏️ Mark your calendars: We were informed today that school will be closed on April 21st in observance of Eid-Al-Fitr.

Friendly reminder, if you have any questions related to the Bulldog Blast please email our Community Coordinator Ms. Urbano, curbano@northwoodcs.org.

Dear Northwood Families,

The City of Philadelphia Officials just provided an update that tap water is safe through 11:59 PM Wednesday, 3/29/2023. At this time Northwood Academy will remain open during normal hours, and we will keep all water fountains on until further notice. We will continue to provide updates concerning this matter.

Michael Kell joins us from snowy Vermont. He spent his first 20 years in Pennsylvania as a school counselor, athletic director and assistant principal. His administrative experience includes the principal of two underachieving high schools in Vermont and NJ. He has also served as an Education Director of a K-12 School that served students with IEP and DSM-V diagnosis or dual diagnosis. He has been a high school and college football coach as well as basketball, baseball and track and field.

As a Major in the US Army Reserve, he retired in 2006.

Michael is married, has three adult children and one grandchild. He and Mrs. Kell enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, boating and horseback riding.

He holds a BA from Geneseo State College, an MS from the University of Rochester and a CAGS from Shippensburg University.

Dear Northwood Academy Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to inform you that students in grades 3-8 will be participating in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) between April 24 and May 5, 2023. The PSSA is an important tool that provides critical information about the academic progress of your student(s). Individual student scores help teachers identify a child’s strengths and areas for growth, which in turn allows teachers to personalize a child’s instruction to best support their growth.

The PSSA is state-mandated, and participation by all students in grades 3-8 is required by federal law. During the assessment period, it is very important for students to attend school daily.

Parents may help their children prepare for the assessments by encouraging them to get plenty of sleep the nights before and providing them with a good breakfast on the mornings of the assessments. Parents can also reassure their children that these assessments will give students an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and to help teachers plan for the best possible means of instruction moving forward. Please review the information for parents and guardians that was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You can find that information included in the weekly Bulldog Blast. Take the time to read all of the included information, so that you will fully understand the state testing program.

Lastly, please read the below schedule carefully as we are adopting a noon dismissal format this year for testing.

PSSA testing will occur at NACS on the following dates:

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: Grades 3-8

**The below dates will observe a school-wide NOON dismissal**

Monday, April 24

Tuesday, April 25

Wednesday, April 26

Thursday, April 27

Friday, April 28

MATH & MAKEUPS: Grades 3-8

Monday, May 1 (FULL INSTRUCTIONAL DAY)

**The below dates will observe a school-wide NOON dismissal**

Tuesday, May 2

Wednesday, May 3

Thursday, May 4 (Science 4th & 8th grade only)

Friday, May 5 (Science 4th & 8th grade only)

For additional Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) information, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website. If you have general questions please reach out to Principal Riley, at ariley@northwoodcs.org.

For transportation-related questions please contact our Director of Operations, Mr. Brown, at abrown@northwoodcs.org.

For Special Education-related questions please contact Ms. Abellard, at dabellard@northwoodcs.org.

Thank you!

The PSSAs, which stands for Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, are given each spring to students from grades 3 to 8 in Pennsylvania to test areas of mathematics and English language arts. Students in grades 4 and 8 take an additional assessment in the sciences.

For the English language arts areas, students will be examined in their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. One of the most daunting sections for students can be the mathematics areas, which tests on numbers and operations, geometry and algebraic concepts, and more. Science sections include topics in natural and physical sciences, earth sciences, and biological sciences.

These tests are administered for teachers to identify which concepts and skills are more difficult for students so they can improve their engagement with those areas.

These exams are part of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s core standards which offer a set of rigorous, high-quality academic expectations in English Language Arts and Mathematics that all students should master by the end of each grade level. The core standards are robust and relevant to the real world and reflect the knowledge and skills our young people need to succeed in life after high school.

Generally, these tests can last three to four hours, depending on the subject and grade level, but timing can be flexible if a student needs more time to test.

Overall, there are three types of questions that students will come across in the PSSAs:

multiple choice, open-ended, and selected responses. Multiple choice questions provide a prompt and then have a student choose one answer. Open-ended questions ask the student to answer the prompt and explain their answer in their own words. Sometimes students will be asked “why” in their prompt to support their answer. Selected-response questions have multiple parts for just one question, so students need to use context clues to answer the questions about the passage they just read.

Thank you to Planned Parenthood for facilitating lessons for Grade 4 students throughout the month of March. The lessons focused on hygiene and puberty, body image, and personal boundaries. The program was a success!

Thank you to Danielle Moore, Education and Outreach Specialist from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, for presenting to our K-4 students about being responsible digital citizens and staying safe online.

Parents and guardians, you can review our school's bullying policy here: NACS Bullying Policy.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, WaWa and the National Constitution Center are teaming up to offer visitors a free WaWa Community Day Honoring Women’s History Month. The Center recognizes extraordinary American women throughout the nation’s history.

Admission will be free, thanks to the generosity of WaWa

Location: National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106

Recommended for ages 5 and up

Help Mighty Writers connect to teens 14-18 for a PAID summer internship experience!

Required training: July 6-7

Internship: July 10-Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (30-minute lunch break)

Where: A Mighty Writers site near you!

(MW North, MW West, MW El Futuro, MW Germantown, MW Kennett)

Pay: $12/hour

Interns will work with our food distribution teams and summer camp staff. Please share the application with a teen you know! Short essay required.

Contact: gbernicker@mightywriters.org

Mighty Writers is a non-profit organization established in 2009. One hundred percent of the programs they offer are free. They serve communities in and around Philadelphia, PA, as well as in Camden, Newark and Atlantic City, NJ.

Last Friday 26 selected 7th and 8th graders headed with Ms. Hamilton, Ms. Urbano, and Ms. Santillo-Hebert to UPenn's School of Engineering and Applied Science!

Students were given the opportunity to work side-by-side with UPenn students on 3 experiments and tour 2 local science labs on campus. We had a great day!

Northwood Academy no longer has additional Chromebook chargers to provide to students outside of the ones they received when they were given Chromebooks. If your student needs a charger you can purchase one from Amazon for $10 that is compatible HERE.

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 📰

Northwood Academy is hosting a free parent workshop on what constitutes bullying and the effects of bullying. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend.

Please complete this survey, so we can better serve you and your needs.

**Please be advised, this is a separate event from the Bully Policy Meeting during our monthly Community Check-In**

Check out this great opportunity for middle schoolers to attend a FREE camp that will engage their minds and have fun at the same time!

July 5th – July 28th Monday-Friday

9:00-2:00 pm at Drexel University.

The deadline to apply is April 14th, but don’t delay – they are accepting first come, first served!

https://tinyurl.com/ULPSummer2023

If YOU ARE 12-24 YEARS OLD AND LOOKING TO GET PAID UP TO $1,000+ FOR A SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE, CHECK OUT WORKREADY.

WorkReady is a program in July-August providing paid work experiences for youth living in Philadelphia. Work experiences take place 5 days/week at a designated worksite. WorkReady is for young people looking to explore different career paths, get paid while learning valuable skills, and prepare for their future!

*Applying to WorkReady Summer does not guarantee placement in a program.

NEED HELP? Contact the WorkReady Hotline by emailing workreadyhelp@pyninc.org or calling 267.502.3900.

Come on out Saturday, April 1st from 10 am-12 pm as they kick off the spring season by cleaning and beautifying our neighborhood through the Philly Spring Cleanup.

This Department of Streets event takes place at hundreds of locations across the city.

Register as a volunteer using the link below.

** You have to log in to register** https://www.phillyspringcleanup.com/9/volunteerProject/3408

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is partnering with the Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs to offer a free membership to all 7th graders.

To register, 7th graders should bring their current roster or report card, along with a parent or guardian, to their local YMCA location.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia is proud to present Digital Experiences For Youth (D.E.F.Y) Club. This online virtual club programming is 5 days a week/ Mon-Friday. There is no cost associated with the sessions.

Please contact lescalleetl@bcgphila.org for more information or on how to get started!

Be part of the holiday fun! The YMCA is hosting an egg hunt, crafts, coloring, outdoor games, music, dancing, and more! This event is open to members only. The egg hunt is open to members ages 1 - 14 and registration is required for this part of the event.

Where: Join the NE YMCA at the pavilion and outdoor fields for some EASTER Family Fun!

When: From 1:30 - 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Egg Hunt Schedule:

1:30 PM — Ages 1 - 5

2:00 PM — Ages 6 - 7

2:30 PM — Ages 8 - 14

How to register:

Please click the appropriate link below, log in, and complete the prompts to register.

AGES 1 - 2

AGES 3 - 5

AGES 6 - 7

AGES 8 - 14

Are you interested in joining the Y? Learn more: Join the Y

Classes made for children from 18 months to 5 years old with age-appropriate and fun-filled activities that will let them discover the joy of soccer!

Sign up for a free trial today! https://bit.ly/3ZZAX2T

Give Kids a Smile is hosting a special event for all children 16 years and younger in the Philadelphia area on Monday, April 3, 2023, from 9 am-3 pm at 3223 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19140. (Dental Clinic at North Broad and Allegheny) Dental Care includes cleanings and exams plus fun activities and more. Pre-registration is required by calling 215-707-2863.

**NOTE, THIS IS DURING OUR SPRING BREAK**

Text "ReadyPhila" to 888-777 to receive free text updates about excessive cold advisories from the City, including info on public safety and municipal services.

More tips on how to #StayWarmPHL https://bit.ly/2NsDP8a

Clear. Blue, or Green... It doesn't matter. Plastic bags NEVER, ever, ever GO inside or should hold items in your RECYCLING BIN. A sturdy container holds recyclables just fine.

Learn more recycling tips at www.phila.gov/recycling.

Philadelphia-area summer fun that doesn't break the bank! See below for various themed camps offered this summer.

Arts & Culture Day Camps:

Rock to the Future: Rock to the Future is free day camp for young people living in Philadelphia to learn how to play instruments, write original music, and perform in bands.

Fleisher Arts Memorial: This arts center offers immersive visual arts day camps for young people ages 5-18. There is tuition assistance available.

Yes! And… Collaborative Arts: This performing arts organization has four summer camp options for kids of all ages who want to get on stage. One is completely free, and the others offer sliding scale rates starting at $5. Full scholarships are also available.

Taller Puertorriqueño: This Philadelphia organization that preserves and promotes Puerto Rican arts and culture hosts an arts and culture day camp for kids ages 6-14. Tuition is based on income and a sliding scale. There are also 25 full scholarships available and the program accepts Pennsylvania Child Care Works/Early Learning Resource Center subsidy payments.

The Clay Studio: Tuition assistance is available for the Clay Studio’s summer clay camps for young people entering 1st-12th grades.

Al-Bustan Arab Arts & Culture: This Arab arts and culture camp held at Bartram’s Garden offers a need-based scholarship.

Active Day Camps:

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: The city’s Parks & Recreation department hosts more than 100-day camps at parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds. Some camps are low-cost and there are fee waivers available.

Starfinder: The full cost of this indoor soccer camp is $100 a week, but families are invited to pay less if they are unable to meet the full cost. Financial assistance is available.

Philadelphia City Rowing: Kids in grades 7-12 and enrolled in a Philadelphia public or charter school can learn how to row at this completely free summer program.

**** If you have followed the above instructions and are still having difficulties or not receiving NACS information please reach out to the Remind Help Desk for further assistance https://remind.ada.support/chat/ ****

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.

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.

Please review Northwood's Homeless Students Policy here: McKinney-Vento Policy.

March- National Women’s History Month

The evening of Wednesday, March 22nd - Evening of Friday, Apr 21st- Ramadan

April- National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM)

April- National Autism Awareness Month

Monday, April 3rd – Monday, April 10th- School Closed - Spring Recess

Sunday, April 9th- Easter 2023

Evening of Wednesday, April 5th - Evening of Thursday, April 13th- Passover

Wednesday, April 19th- April Board Meeting

Friday, April 21st- School Closed- Eid al-Fitr

​Monday, April 24-Friday, April 28th- PSSA ​English Language Arts (ELA) Grades 3-8 (Please note, there is a noon dismissal each day of testing)

May- Asian/Pacific Heritage Month

Tuesday, ​May 2- Friday, May 5th- Mathematics & Make-ups Grades 3-8

Monday, May 8th- Friday, May 12th- PSSA Science & Makeups Grades 4 & 8

Wednesday, May 10th- TENTATIVE Muffins in the Morning (Kindergarten Event)

Friday, May 12th- TENTATIVE Mother's Day Morning Coffee and Pastries (grades 1-8)

Monday, May 29th- School Closed - Memorial Day

Website: northwoodcs.org
Location: 4621 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 289-5606
Facebook: facebook.com/Northwood-Academy-Charter-School-153041454730750/
Twitter: @northwoodcs