IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING LOCKDOWN DRILLS AND PROCEDURES:
Dear Northwood Families.
We are writing to you today to inform you of our lockdown drill that will take place next week with students. The purpose of this drill is to prepare students and staff with protocols and procedures they are to follow in the event of an emergency.
During a lockdown, staff members will keep students indoors (inside the classroom) for a period of time. The drill will be timed to ensure it causes the least possible disruption to instruction, whilst providing a test of the lockdown procedures.
It is essential we carry out this drill, so that in the case of a real emergency situation, staff are fully rehearsed in their responsibilities and duties, and in order to identify any potential areas for improvement.
Staff members will be instructed to remain calm at all times, so that students do not get distressed. The drill process will be explained to students beforehand. We hope the lockdown procedure will never have to be used, but need to ensure we are fully prepared for all situations.
Emergency Lockdown Procedures
If an emergency situation occurring in the vicinity of Northwood Academy Charter School threatens student or staff member safety, the school may be placed under “lockdown” or “shelter in place”. I encourage you to carefully review the following information regarding the types of notification codes, safety procedures, and notification process implemented should an emergency and/or potential threat or crisis occur in the vicinity of Northwood Academy Charter School which may endanger the safety of the students and staff.
What does the term “lockdown” mean?
A lockdown protects students and staff members from internal or external threats. Classroom and exterior doors are secure, and movement within the building is restricted.
Why is it necessary for schools to activate a lockdown?
If an emergency situation occurring in the vicinity of a school endangers student safety, the school may be placed under lockdown. Whenever a threat arises, schools are the focus of heightened attention for Police and local authorities. Although such measures may seem extreme, they have proven effective to make sure students and staff members are safe.
What happens when lockdown procedures are activated?
All doors, windows, classrooms, and administrative offices are locked. Students and staff must remain in their classrooms or offices. No one, with the exception of law enforcement personnel, will be allowed to exit or enter the school until authorities give the “all clear” message.
When a lockdown is activated, what should parents do?
If a lockdown were to be implemented, parents should:
Remain calm as school and local authorities manage the situation.
Northwood Academy Charter School will send a message via REMIND to keep parents informed.
If a lockdown lasts for an extended period of time, or goes beyond dismissal time, students will not be allowed to leave until recommended by the appropriate authorities. School staff will attempt to notify parents by phone.
Once it is determined safe, parents may be required to pick up children from school or another designated staging area.
The location for reuniting with the students will be given to parents over the phone, if possible, and will always be publicized to the media.
School officials will work with the transportation department regarding bus transport.
Students and parents are reminded that during an emergency situation, cellular sites may be overwhelmed due to a high volume of calls. It is critical that text messaging and cell phone use be kept to a minimum so that emergency services have priority to assist the students and staff on the site.
What does the term “shelter in place” mean?
This refers to protecting students, faculty and staff within the building(s). This option is useful for students and staff members to remain in their classrooms/designated areas due to weather situations, a disturbance that occurred on campus, or other such type of situation.
Are routine drills conducted at Northwood Academy Charter School?
Northwood Academy Charter School conducts drills, such as lockdown drills and fire drills.
How can I ensure I am receiving important messages?
Please update contact information with your child’s school. You should also sign up for our Remind App.
Maintaining Control of Rumors
During a school crisis/threat, please DO NOT ACCEPT AS TRUE “rumors” that you may hear via social media. Northwood Academy Charter School will keep parents updated with the REMIND messaging system, via the district’s website, Facebook page and/or local media stations.
An Important Reminder to Parents
Please remind your children about the importance of being alert, avoiding strangers, and reporting suspicious behavior, activities or rumors to adults.. Your cooperation is extremely critical, especially during a crisis.
Thank you in advance for your partnership in ensuring the safety and welfare of our students and staff.
Black History Month Dress Down Day - Celebrating Heritage Colors: FLAG DAY
Dear NACS Parents,
We hope this message finds you well. This Friday marks the beginning of our Black History Month dress down days. This Friday, 2/2 we will be encouraging everyone to celebrate their heritage by wearing the colors of their flag.
We're excited to embrace the rich tapestry of diversity within our NACS community and have some fun together. However, please remember that participation is entirely optional, and there's no need to make any additional purchases. If you choose not to join in the festivities, please have your student wear their Northwood uniform. Let's make this a colorful and memorable celebration of our unique backgrounds!
Parent Meeting Request Form:
In our effort to continue NACS parent/guardian engagement with the Administrative Team, we have added another way for parents/guardians to schedule a meeting with an Administrative Team member.
You can schedule a meeting by clicking this link or scanning the QR code, to complete the Google form.
Once your request has been received, you will receive a follow-up email with confirmation of your request. An additional phone call and/or email will be sent to confirm your scheduled meeting date and time.
Settlement Music House: After-School Club Sign-Ups Available Now
We are so excited to announce we will be partnering with local community organization, Settlement Music House to offer our students grades 3-8th drum lessons free of charge!
Northwood's after-school drumming clubs presented by Settlement Music House are held in person. More details on meeting days, times, and grades served for each can be found in the individual club listings on our FamilyID Platform (Arbiter Sports). You will need to create a FamilyID account to register for the club, this takes about 5 minutes. To learn more about SMH please visit them at, https://settlementmusic.org/
Upper School Drumming (Grades 6th-8th)
**5 slots remaining**
When? Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Start Date: Tuesday, February 13th
This event is on a first come first serve basis.
Lower School Drumming (Grades 3rd-5th)
F U L L
When? Thursdays, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Start Date: Thursday, February 15th
This event is on a first come first serve basis.
Additional Contact:
Teacher Cody Messersmith, M.Ed. (he/they) Lower School Music Specialist, cmessersmith@northwoodcs.org
Settlement Music House Onsite Instructor: Dr. Barudin, jeffrey.barudin@settlementmusic.org
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Northwood will be hosting its annual Career Day on Wednesday, March 20th! 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 or career ready. Students in grades K-8 will participate in Career Day. However, we can’t do it without you!
We are currently seeking up to 12 volunteers for our lower school portion. Career Day Presentations will run from 8:00-10:00 am. Please CLICK HERE to learn more. This is a great opportunity for you to get involved at NACS and make an impact on the student’s future!
ITSY BITSY SPIDERS BEGINNERS BASKETBALL LEAGUE for girls & boys ages 4-7 yrs old:
Starting Friday February 2nd, 6:00PM it’s the ITSY BITSY SPIDERS BEGINNERS BASKETBALL LEAGUE for girls & boys ages 4-7 years old @ SIMPSON RECREATION CENTER.
You can come that night to register.
Please call Simpson with any questions and ask for Coach Ryan. 215-685-1223
Where? 1010 Arrott St, Philadelphia, PA
African American Children’s Book Fair at the Pennsylvania Convention Center: Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 1-4 p.m.
The 32nd Annual African American Children’s Book Fair — one of the oldest and largest events for African American children’s books in the country — returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in early February. The free event features nationally recognized authors and illustrators, enriching children’s books, and literacy activities that promote the power and joy of reading.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street
When? Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 1-4 p.m.
Black History Celebration at the Please Touch Museum (PTM) Saturday, February 3rd
As the kick off to Black History Month, Saturday, February 3rd PTM will highlight and celebrate Black history makers and milestones through programming, activities, and special guests!
VIEW SCHEDULE
RESERVE TICKETS FOR 2/3
Where? Please Touch Museum: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
When? 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The Black Journey: African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia:
Experience the sights, monuments and stories that make up Philly’s Black history during The Black Journey guided tours. Led by subject matter experts, the 2 tour options — one of historic Old City and one of the old 7th Ward — guide guests past iconic Philly landmarks, highlight early Philadelphia’s most transformative events and tell the often untold accounts of some of America’s most prominent Black figures. The guided tours run up to two hours and tickets are required.
Black History Month Events at the Free Library of Philadelphia:
The Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates Black History Month with free events at libraries throughout the city all month long (no library card needed). Included among the Free Library’s dozens of Black History Month talks, concerts, food programs, film screenings and more:
- Soul Food Superstars at Northeast Regional Library: This tasty (and nutritious) all-ages food program highlights the iconic dishes and ingredients from African American cuisine, including sweet potatoes, collard greens and black-eyed peas. The event is free and open to the public (February 5, 2024).
- Inaugurating the Year of James Baldwin: God’s Revolutionary Voice at Parkway Central Library: The Free Library marks the start of Philly’s year-long 100th birthday for the late author James Baldwin with a big kickoff event. On the docket: speakers, documentary screenings, and cultural performances in honor of Baldwin’s life and ideas for a new America. Refreshments will be served and RSVPs are recommended (February 17, 2024).
- Community Archaeology as Black History at Parkway Central Library: What secrets can we uncover through urban archaeology? This panel discussion with Heritage West, the West Philly archaeology project, highlights artifacts and features excavated from Philadelphia’s long-gone Black Bottom neighborhood — along with the humanity and destruction of the community that once lived there (February 20, 2024).
Where: Various libraries around Philly including Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Black History Month at The Franklin Institute: Saturday, February 3rd, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join The Franklin Institute and other local organizations for this Black History Month celebration, exploring the accomplishments of Black scientists and workers in STEM fields. The afternoon also sees traditional African and hip-hop performances from the Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble.
Black History Month events are included with general admission tickets to the Parkway attraction.
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
When? Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Bushrod Branch Library: Free Library of Philadelphia:
The Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) offers K-12 out-of-school programming in Neighborhood Libraries. This programming fosters an inclusive, informal learning environment for children, teens, and families, with accessible learning activities that build on life skills, Maker philosophies, and wellness concepts.
Dance and Computer Coding for Girls:
West Park Cultural Center is accepting new registrations for its danceLogic program, combining dance and computer coding for girls aged 10 through teens. The program runs throughout the school year. The flyer is attached.
Questions? Ms. Betty Lindley Executive Director, West Park Cultural Center 215-473-7810
We are very excited for the newest line up from our community partner, Unique Dreams, Inc CERC.
The Brandon Consulting Advocate Group and You're Beautifully Made, Inc will be joining Unique Dreams, Inc CERC to provide Youth development workshops, touching on a variety of topics
If you live in any of the following Police Districts:
2nd, 7th, 8th, 15th and have a child between the ages of 10-17 they are eligible to attend.
This program provides a safe haven for male & female youth between the ages of 10-17, Mon-Sun between the hours of 6PM-9PM *youth can arrive as early as 4:30PM*
To schedule a tour or meeting to discuss the program, call our CERC Hotline after 3:30PM at 267-325-9119 or text our cell at 267-235-2115.
Visit their website for more information about the organization and other programs & services at www.uniquedreamsinc.com
REMIND APP SIGN-UP
If you have not done so already, please consider signing up to get essential weekly alerts from us via the school Remind app
Remind is a free, safe messaging app that keeps Northwood Academy families up to date with what’s happening in the classroom and school. Additionally, our weekly Bulldog Blast is sent out via Remind, along with other timely announcements throughout each week. Please sign up for our Remind notifications to stay on top of important updates from teachers and receive school-wide updates in real time.
Create a Remind account to receive Northwood's schoolwide alerts!
- Go to remind.com/join/nacsnews (or download the free iOS or Android app)
- Click Sign Up
- Provide a full name, email address, and password
- Choose your role
- Follow the instructions to start using Remind
To sign up and receive alerts via text message, text @nacsnews to the number 81010 and select the appropriate role.
Note: Each teacher has a different class code for their individual classes. Please contact your child's teacher to receive this information. Take note, not all teachers have a separate Remind classroom.
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/
What is Safe2Say Something?
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.
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 our school social worker at dominiqueharris@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.
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