Bulldog Blast
Wednesday, April 26th 2023
This Week & Looking ahead:
đź““ After-School Clubs and PSSAs: Kindly take note that there will be half days during the week of April 24th-28th and the week of May 2nd-May 5th due to PSSAs in grades 3-8. This will result in a noon dismissal for all grade levels (K-8). Accordingly, there will be a modified schedule for After School Clubs, which will be from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM. For further inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact the club instructor.
✏️ CAREER DAYS FOR GRADES 3&4
Ms. Lozandieu (Lower School Counselor) is hosting Career Days for Grades 3 and 4. Parents/guardians, you are invited to present your career to students! If you are interested in being a presenter on Career Day, please let Ms. Lozandieu know at mlozandieu@northwoodcs.org by Friday, April 28.
Here are the logistics for Career Days:
Grade 3: Friday, May 19 at 8:45 am-10:45 am at Northwood Academy Charter School
Grade 4: Thursday, May 18 at 8:45 am-10:45 am at Northwood Academy Charter School
đź““ New Email Contact: For all transportation-related inquiries please email our new Executive Assistant to COO, Ms. Mohamad, amohamad@northwoodcs.org.
✏️Monday, May 22nd- Grades 5 & 6 Career Day: Please see below for more details.
đź““ SAVE THE DATE: Our May COMMUNITY CHECK-IN will be held on May 24th from 12:15-12:45 via Zoom. Zoom details and the agenda will be shared closer to the event.
Friendly reminder, if you have any questions related to the Bulldog Blast please email our Community Coordinator Ms. Urbano, curbano@northwoodcs.org.
NORTHWOOD PARENT ASSOCIATION CORE:
Are you eager to stay in the know about all the exciting events happening at your child's school? Do you want to lend a helping hand and get involved in the school community as a parent volunteer? Look no further! Our Parent Association is here to help you stay informed and engaged.
By filling out our simple form, you'll be sure to receive all the latest updates on school events, volunteer opportunities, and more. Join our community of dedicated parents who are committed to supporting our students and enhancing their educational experience.
Don't miss out on any of the action - sign up today and stay in the loop with our Parent Association!
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: Scholastic Book Fair
Hello, all you book lovers out there!
Are you ready for some excitement? We're thrilled to announce that our upcoming Book Fair is fast approaching, and we need your help to make it a huge success!
If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference, we'd love to have you on board as a volunteer during the week of May 22nd to May 26th. If you can donate a few hours on any of those days to help out, please don't hesitate to reach out to Ms. Urbano, at curbano@northwoodcs.org.
Let's show our love for books and reading by coming together and making this Book Fair a truly unforgettable event!
Upper School Career Day: Request for volunteer presenters
Dear Parent/Guardian/Alumni/Community Stakeholder:
Northwood Academy will be hosting Career Day for 5th and 6th-grade students on Monday, May 22nd. and for 7th and 8th grade students on Tuesday, May 23rd. The purpose of Career Day is to expose students to a variety of careers in order to jumpstart their thinking about the future. By preparing early, students will be more likely to be college and career ready after high school and we invite you to participate!
We are requesting volunteers to speak in small groups to students for four 15-minute sessions about their careers. Volunteers may participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Career Day activities will occur between 9:00 am-10:00 am. If you and/or someone you know is interested in volunteering to speak about your career, please email the information listed below to Mrs. Harris no later than Monday, May 8th.
Volunteer selection will be on a first-come basis. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our school social worker at DominiqueHarris@northwoodcs.org. With your help, we look forward to having a wonderful Career Day!
PSSA Updates & Reminders:
Dear Northwood Academy Parents and Guardians,
Congratulations to our 3rd-8th graders for successfully completing 2 days of PSSA testing. Please read the below schedule for all dates and reminders.
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**
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 Special Education-related questions please contact Ms. Abellard, at dabellard@northwoodcs.org.
Thank you!
Electronic Devices Policy (from PDE):
Parent Corner:
District-Wide Survey
The 2022-23 Parent/Guardian Philly School Experience Survey, the annual survey for all public school parents in Philly is open!
CLICK HERE to access the survey.
The survey FAQ page is now updated for 2022-23. You can find lots of helpful information there, including an explanation of how parents will indicate which school their child attends.
The survey will close on May 31st.
Questions can be directed to the Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) at schoolsurveys@philasd.org or 215-400-6565. ORE staff will also hold office hours on Fridays from 9-10 AM, which you can access here.
Out-of-School Time (OST) Update:
Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time that a child or youth spends in after-school or summer programming. In Philadelphia, OST programs are provided for young people in grades pre-K through 12.
OST is important because it:
- Supports working parents and caregivers.
- Benefits a child’s academic, social, and personal development.
- Helps children stay safe and avoid high-risk behaviors.
Programs are available throughout the city with a variety of activities to choose from, including:
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Athletics and Health
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Finding an OST program:
1. To look for a program, use the After School and Summer Program Locator.
OST programs are offered for children and youth in grades pre-K through 12. Using the locator, you can search for programs that suit a specific age range. You can also narrow your results by ZIP code, keyword, price, and other factors.
2. When you're ready to apply, contact the programs directly.
Space is limited, so you’re encouraged to sign up early.
Families who are receiving services from the Department of Human Services (DHS) are given priority for DHS-funded OST programs. Contact your case manager or email DHSOST@phila.gov for information on how to sign up. Questions? dhsost@phila.gov Phone:(215) 683-5638
Chromebook charger Update:
WorkReady:
If your student is 12-24 YEARS OLD and looking to get paid up to $1,000+ for a summer work experience, check out more information below!
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.
Community Corner:
Community Sports Updates:
2nd week of Tee Ball is in the books. Still room for more kids! Come join Simpson Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6:30pm!
Registration for 2022 Summer Learning Programs is open now! Learn more at: https://bit.ly/36Xf4Lw
Save the Date: Virtual Middle School Summer Camp
Save the Date: Virtual Middle School Summer Camp
WHEN? August 7-11, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
ECYEH’s Build Your Best School Year! virtual summer camp is designed to provide the skills and self-confidence middle school students will need to start the 2023 school year on a high note.
Students entering grades 6-8 in fall 2023 who reside in Pennsylvania may attend. Priority is given to students experiencing homelessness. Each camper will receive a Welcome to Camp kit including a free Amazon Fire 7 tablet, supplies for camp activities, school supplies, and a special surprise to kick off the start of camp!
Registration and more information about the camp are coming soon!
>> Notify me when registration opens! <<
Contact Melissa Turnpaugh for questions, at 717-763-1661, ext. 120.
NORTHWOOD BULLYING POLICY (2022-2023)
Parents and guardians, you can review our school's bullying policy here: NACS Bullying Policy.
Stay Connected Sign up to get essential weekly alerts from us via the Remind app
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.
Please review Northwood's Homeless Students Policy here: McKinney-Vento Policy.
Important Dates on the Horizon
​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- Grades K-8: Autism Acceptance Week
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)
Friday, May 12th- Grade 5: Ballroom Dancing Showcase
Thursday, May 18th- Grade 4 Career Day (8:45 am-10:45 am at NACS)
Friday, May 19th- Grade 3 Career Day (8:45 am-10:45 am at NACS)
Friday, May 19th- First Grade Field Trip (LEGOLAND)
Friday, May 19th- TENTATIVE Upper School Dance
Monday, May 22nd- Grades 5 & 6 Career Day
Monday, May 22nd - Friday, May 26th- Book Fair (details to come)
Monday, May 22nd- Kindergarten Field Trip (Elmwood Park Zoo)
Tuesday, May 23rd- Grades 7th & 8th Career Day
Wednesday, May 24th- COMMUNITY CHECK-IN (Via ZOOM)
Friday, May 26th- Grade 8: Dance at Romano’s
Monday, May 29th- School Closed - Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 30th- 8th Grade Trip (Baltimore, Maryland)
June 2nd- Grades 3-8: “The Wiz” Musical
June 3rd- Grades 3-8: “The Wiz” Musical
Tuesday, June 6th- Field Day (details to come)
Thursday, June 8th- Grade 8: Graduation (1:00- 3:00)
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