Northwoods News

Northwoods Families,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! After having a very short week last week, we are ready to get back into our rhythm and routines. As always, please take a few minutes to read through the information and updates below.

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday, January 28th--Report Cards Go Home
• Monday, February 3rd - Friday, February 7th--School Counselor Appreciation Week
• Wednesday, February 5th--Class Picture Day
• Monday, February 10th - Friday, February 14th--National School Bus Driver Appreciation Week
• Tuesday, February 11th--Spirit Night at Chipotle
• Friday, February 14th--Valentine's Day

Excellence in teaching – we know it when we see it. It can be the teacher who spends extra time with the students who need it most, or the teacher who is creative enough to inspire a real love of learning in a student. Perhaps it’s a teacher who cares enough to be involved with their students beyond the classroom. Whatever their methods, certain teachers make a real impact on students and their learning abilities.

We would like to recognize one such teacher and we need your help. The Cary Chamber of Commerce has been a leader in supporting education in our community through numerous programs and activities. One of the most critical needs of Wake County schools is that of attracting and retaining the best classroom teachers. With the Cary Chamber of Commerce's Honor a Teacher Program we hope to help our school system in meeting that challenge.

Building on the success of the Discovery Award first sponsored by the Ashworth family in 1991, followed by the Clara Knoll Award in 2000 by Barry and DJ Mitsch, the Cary Chamber has secured sponsors to develop a teaching awards program for all schools in the Cary Area.

We are asking our community to nominate teachers for this award. Included with your nomination, please describe why you feel this particular teacher deserves this award. Nominations must be submitted no later than Monday, February 3 at 5:00pm. These nominations will then be narrowed down to finalists that will be interviewed by a designated committee.

Fifth Grade End of Year Celebration News!

5th grade families - it's not too soon to start thinking about the end of year celebration for our soon to be graduates! We need your help!

First, the 5th grade planning committee is collecting photos for the end of year slideshow shown at graduation. Every student will be featured in the slideshow with their 5th grade school picture. We also hope to include a picture of your child starting elementary school (or around that time frame). Please send an email to northwoods5th@gmail.com with the following information:

• Student Name
• Homeroom Teacher
• Age of student in photo
• Photo of your student around age 5.

Please send no later than January 30th!

Second, the 5th grade planning committee is coordinating with the school to create a memorable celebration at the end of the year. Northwoods PTA is generously contributing to the cost of this celebration, and we are starting to fundraise for the remaining amount.Families can contribute towards the fund by scanning the QR code above or by clicking on the "5th Grade Activities Donation" button below.

Class Picture Day:

Mark your calendars! Class Picture Day is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th. Order forms will be sent home in the coming days.

Scholastic Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair returns to Northwoods March 3-7! All sales directly benefit the Northwoods Media Center, providing funds for new books and supplies. Volunteers are needed! Sign-up here for a date/time to assist. More information and details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Club Photos for Yearbook:

Students participating in one or more school clubs (First in Fitness, Safety Patrol, Run Club, etc.) will have their photos taken on Monday, February 10th. Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer make-up photos for anyone who may be absent that day.

Curriculum Night at West Cary Middle School:

Do you have a rising West Cary Middle School 6th grader for the 25-26 school year or know someone who does? Join us on the evening of February 12th to learn more about WCMS and Middle School life. Future students are encouraged to attend with a family member to the event. For more information, click here.

AIG Information:

This week, we will finish screening 3rd graders for possible placement into our gifted program. Students who qualify will have the opportunity to receive enrichment in math, reading, or both.

Towards the end of QTR 3, we will also screen all of our 2nd graders. This additional screening is new for us at Northwoods this year. 🙂

Please browse our AIG website for additional information and resources regarding Explorers, AIG, SSA, and enrichment activities for home. If you still have questions after reviewing the information, you may reach out to Brandy Sanders. Her contact information is provided on the site.

2025-2026 Kindergarten Registration:

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open! To qualify for kindergarten enrollment, children must turn 5 years old on/before August 31, 2025. To register your child, please visit https://www.wcpss.net/kindergarten. School tours for new/prospective families will be available through the winter. To sign up for a tour, please visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D44AAA822A4FF2-45216498-northwoods?useFullSite=true#/

Spirit Night at Chipotle:

Join us for Spirit Night at Chipotle (Park West Location) on Tuesday, February 11th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. 25% of sales will be donated back to our school!