THE BEST

October 26 - PTA Fall Mornings Out - Last Name A-M (7:10 - 7:40 AM)

October 27 - PTA Fall Mornings Out - Last Name N-Z (7:10 - 7:40 AM)

October 31 - Character Parade (student only event)

November 7 - Remote Day (Details TBD)

November 8 - Hearing Screening - Grades 1, 3, 5 Only

November 13 - Fall Picture Retake Day

November 15 - Thanksgiving Feast - Grades K, 1, 3, AU (More Info to Come)

November 16 - Thanksgiving Feast - Grades 2, 4, 5 (More Info to Come)

November 20-24 -Thanksgiving Holiday Break

There are times when it’s impossible to find just the right words to express when the broader world is in chaos. I know not everyone is on social media, but FCS did share a reflection on their social media sites last evening to respond to events in the Middle East, I’ve shared it below as well. Elementary students are young, with young minds not ready for the pain that comes with age. If you notice that your child needs someone to talk to at school, we have the support of our school counselor. Please reach out to her if needed; she has a way of talking through tough topics with elementary age students. As adults, we can model ways of support and be there for family, friends, neighbors. Through all life gives us, I know that our Northwood community will remain a bright and positive light; together we shine.

With gratitude,

Heather Rucker, Principal

Dear Fulton County Schools Community,

There is no easy way to express the grief and heartache we feel over the loss of lives over the past week in the Middle East and the violence and trauma that continues to play out daily. Even though war is raging far away, we cannot ignore how intimately it affects us here at home. People you know who live here, work here, and send children to school here in our community have been impacted by the war. They are grieving, but they do not need to grieve alone. Although it may be hard to understand the unimaginable sorrow families and friends may be feeling at this time, we can extend sympathy and be present for one another.

One of the best qualities of Fulton County Schools (FCS) is our diverse community, one that can put aside our differences and come together during times of tragedy. Whether at school or at home, we want our children to feel safe. It may be hard for students to understand the scope of what is happening in the world, but when they come to school, we want them to know they are seen, heard, and loved.

We want to assure you we have resources available to help anyone who may be struggling with their emotions. Counseling services are open to all students and provide a safe and confidential space to discuss concerns or seek support. We are also working with our safety and security team to ensure a safe learning environment on Friday. We are aware of and monitoring issues on social media but currently, we have no credible information regarding specific threats in our community.

While we are not here to persuade or persecute, we are here to provide a tolerant environment where your student can learn and grow. They are always welcome, and they will always belong.

Northwood artists have been working on their artwork for our Art to Remember fundraiser. Kindergarteners made hearts, first graders made flower gardens, second graders made flowers, third graders made sun/moon designs, fourth graders made animals and fifth graders made succulent pots.

You will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of products featuring your child’s artwork like magnets, mugs, keychains, and more! There are over 60 products and many are less than $15. These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school. Be on the lookout for an order form sent home with your child within the next couple of weeks or click on this link to search for your child's artwork.

Our Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the Media Center November 9-17 - mark your calendars! Book Fair is the major fundraiser for our Media Center. It is also a wonderful opportunity to purchase books as holiday gifts for your children and family, or perhaps something special for your child's teacher!

Book Fair Volunteer Opportunities- Click Here to sign up to help during preview and shopping days. Be on the lookout for our child’s preview and shopping times in the weekly blasts from homeroom teachers.

Please be sure you are an FCS registered volunteer:

https://www.fultonschools.org/volunteer

It was such a big hit last year, we're doing it again! During carpool and bus drop off next Friday, October 20th, our Northwood Explorers will be greeted by members of the Centennial Knights football and cheerleading teams. We're excited to welcome them to campus as a way to show our support for our feeder high school! Staff and students are encouraged to wear Centennial gear or colors (royal blue, black, white) that day. The Knights will play North Springs High School at Centennial the evening of the 20th.

We all share a common and critical goal for our children to be safe and protected from all things harmful. In support of this goal, elementary students in Fulton County Schools will soon receive annual lessons designed to increase their personal safety & protection.

The Think First & Stay Safe™ program is a research-based program that teaches specific personal safety education by way of interactive classroom lessons, classroom posters, role-plays and corresponding activities. Think First & Stay Safe™ enables students to take an active and necessary role in protecting themselves from harassment, abduction, bullying, exploitation, and various forms of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional). The Health Advisory Committee reviewed and approved this program and selected components will be implemented as part of the elementary curriculum.

Due to the importance and sensitivity of this topic, you are being informed that this material will be presented to your child's class during November and December of the 2023-2024 school year. For more details, please click the link below. You can contact your child's School Counselor, Jennifer Weeks at 470-254-6390 or weeksj@fultonschools.org if you have any questions. Think First & Stay Safe™ prevention lessons will be implemented for all Fulton County Schools K-5 students, unless an opt-out form is returned.

Think First & Stay Safe Program Letter

Fall Picture Retake Day is November 13th. If you are not happy with your Explorer's portraits simply have your student return their original picture package to the photographer on retake day and they will replace the set at no additional cost.

Don't forget to tell them to Smile!

The Infinite Campus Parent Portal provides quick and easy access to information for all enrolled students in their household. Find grades, attendance, assignments, schedules, ID numbers, school announcements and more. If you haven't already joined, please do so today as Fulton County Schools is transitioning to managing everything via the portal.

For more information, access the Parent Portal Booklet for Infinite Campus here.

Each year Fulton County Schools asks families and students to read and discuss the Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Handbook; and then sign off that you have read it. Please follow the steps below to access the handbook, and then sign off electronically in your Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal Account.

• Please read and review the Code of Conduct with your student(s). fultonschools.org/codeofconduct

• Please take a moment to complete the Acknowledgement of Receipt Form. This link provides directions on the sign off process. How to sign Acknowledgement of Receipt.pdf

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. October’s date is Tuesday, October 31st.

Do you know what is being served in your child’s school café? Fulton County School Nutrition menus feature healthier options, more fruits and veggies, locally-sourced produce, chef-inspired recipes, and more choices for kids! To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, Fulton County Schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week from October 16-20, 2023. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Level Up with School Lunch,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. Throughout the week, Fulton County School cafes will have special guest servers, prize giveaways, limited time only specials, and a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE at the end of the week!

• You can pre-order for $38 at https://www.balfour.com/.../northwood-elementary-school. The price goes up January 1st and we highly recommend you pre-order because we SOLD OUT last year!
• Also, the yearbook committee would like your child to share their SWEETEST memory (this doesn't have to be a Northwood specific memory). As a bonus, we would love them to share a sweet themed joke. https://forms.gle/4yGSyp5H6RZRU5fk9
• Fifth Graders - don't forget to buy a 5th Grade Dedication AD ($20) by January 20th! One AD per student and must be designed by February 1st.

Heather Q. Rucker, Principal

Michelle Levine, Assistant Principal

Together We SHINE!

Email: NorthwoodAttendance@fultonschools.org
Website: https://www.fultonschools.org/northwoodes
Location: 10200 Wooten Road, Roswell, GA, USA
Phone: 470-254-6390
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwoodElementaryPTA/
Twitter: @FCS_NWES