page background

Bulldog Blast

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

Bulldog BlastWednesday, September 6th, 2023

Please see the following important reminders:

  • SAVE THE DATE: Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 14th, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. Doors will open at 4:30 pm. Keep a lookout for additional details.


  • EACH WEDNESDAY we will be dismissing students at 12:00 noon.


  • High School Selection The Philly High School Fair will be held on Friday, October 13th (3-6 p.m.) & Saturday, October 14th (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) at the PA Convention Center: 12th and Arch Streets. The District’s High School Selection Process will open on September 15, 2023 at 4:00 PM. The application must be submitted online, where students can list up to five schools. The application deadline is October 27, 2023 at 11:59 PM.

    Students may apply to charter schools at Apply Philly Charter. The application for 2024-2025 will open on September 22, 2023. The deadline is January 22, 2024. Questions? Ms. Frazier, cfrazier@northwoodcs.org


Similar to our Northwood school website, and our weekly Bulldog Blast e-newsletter, we will continue to provide weekly updates and announcements for our K-8 communities. We will also be continuing to highlight our bulldogs in our 'Bulldog Spotlight' section below so please feel free to start sending your pictures to Ms. Urbano, curbano@northwoodcs.org.


To stay informed between issues of our newsletter, make sure to follow us on Instagram (@nacslife) for additional news and updates throughout the week!

Please read the below announcement:

Parent Corner:

🚌 Bus Information

Buses arrive at Northwood between 6:50 am and 7:45 am.

Buses depart Northwood between 3:00 pm and 3:10 pm.

Parents will be notified via REMIND app. if a bus is a no-show or

running late.


🚌 School Bus Behavior

In an effort to assure the safety of your child(ren), the following rules must

be observed by all riders. Failure to follow the rules of school transportation will result in disciplinary action:

  • Sit in your assigned seat at all times.

  • No eating or drinking on the bus.

  • Be respectful; use quiet voices and kind words.

  • Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself at all times.


POLICY & PROCEDURE: If you have not done so already please take a moment to read and review our Northwood Academy School Bus Protocol and Procedure.


🏫 Arrival/Dismissal Procedures

Students are to be dropped off on Adams Avenue at the rear of the building between 7:15 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. There is no supervision prior to 7:15 a.m. Students walk up the blacktop and enter the building through the Adams Avenue doors. ALL entry doors will be closed promptly at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving after that time must be escorted to the Castor Avenue main entrance. Please note, that parents and guardians are not permitted to walk their child to the classroom.


🏫 At dismissal time, kindergarten and grade 1 children are to be picked up in the playground on the Orthodox Street side of the building, grade 2 on the catwalk by the rear cafeteria doors and grades 3-8 on the Adams Ave. blacktop area. Parents must wait in the specific area for their child(ren).


🚌 For all transportation inquiries please reach out to Ms. Mohamad at amohamad@northwoodcs.org.

Looking Ahead...

September

  • Thursday, 9/14/2023 - Back to School Night (DETAILS TO COME)
  • Friday, 9/15 - Rosh Hashanah- No School
  • Monday, 9/25 - Yom Kippur- No School

curbano@northwoodcs.org

zoom_out_map

NORTHWOOD PARENT ASSOCIATION:

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!


>> CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE OUR FORM. <<

Great Job with the first few days of school, Bulldogs!

zoom_out_map

REMIND APP SIGN-UP

Sign 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 schoolwide updates in real-time.


Create a Remind account to receive Northwood's schoolwide alerts!

  1. Go to remind.com/join/nacsnews (or download the free iOS or Android app)
  2. Click Sign Up
  3. Provide a full name, email address, and password
  4. Choose your role
  5. 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.

zoom_out_map

Bulldog Spotlight: Briella starting 6th grade!

We love receiving photos of our Bulldogs with big smiles and having fun! If you have pictures to share that highlight a fun part of your child's day, whether it is participating in a school activity or enjoying the outdoors, send them over to our Community Coordinator, curbano@northwoodcs.org to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Bulldog Blast📰

Way to go, 4th graders! Team Tower Challenge: Each card needed to have 1 thing that the whole group had in common.

zoom_out_map

Annual Child Find Notice

Hello Northwood Families,


You will find a copy of our Annual Child Find Notice below 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 school website.


For further information, please contact the Director of Special Education, Ms. Barbara Guillory at bguillory@northwoodcs.org.

zoom_out_map

Volunteer Policy Information

Important Volunteer/ Chaperone Information In order to volunteer in any capacity (including chaperoning trips) you must fulfill the following directives which are part of the Child Protective Law: The law requires all school employees, contractors, and volunteers to have direct contact with children to obtain clearances (child abuse history clearance and state and federal criminal history checks).

zoom_out_map

Quick Guide to Focus Parent Portal-

Northwood's Focus Parent Portal is a tool designed to enhance communication and involvement for you in your child's education.


This portal will allow you to monitor your child's progress in school by providing timely access to both assignments and grades that are entered by the teacher throughout the grading period. This communication tool will improve your ability to assist your child and to communicate with the teacher if necessary.


CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to set up or log in to your Focus Parent Portal account.


Questions? Please reach out to our Compliance Coordinator, Ms. Carmen at csantiago@northwoodcs.org.

zoom_out_map

DINE & DONATE WITH NORTHWOOD AT EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL!

Join EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL along with Northwood Academy Charter School at a 'Dine & Donate' Fundraiser!


When? Wednesday, October 4th from 4:45 pm-8:00 pm

Where? 2539 CASTOR AVE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19134


What is a Dine & Donate event? Wednesday, 10/4 from 4:45 pm-8:00 pm Northwood Academy will receive 15% of the sales from all Northwood friends & families that came in to dine at the Castor Avenue East Coast and Wings & Grill. Make sure to mention Northwood Academy when you order! Help us reach our goal of $300!


Not only can kids eat for $1.99 (with an adult entree) on Wednesday nights but they will be playing movies in the restaurant for your entertainment! We hope to see you there!

Community Corner:

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Frankford Pause Park FREE Movie Nights: Select Fridays, 7 PM - 10 PM

Monthly Movie Nights @ Frankford Pause Park Join us this season for a wide variety of crowd-pleasing blockbusters!


Location: Frankford Pause Park 4673 Paul Street Philadelphia, PA 19124

Bring your own blanket. Snacks will be available for purchase.

  • Friday, October 20th - Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
zoom_out_map

CALLING ALL ATHLETES!

Do you currently play for any of the below teams or participate with a neighborhood team that is not listed? Let us know!


Simpson Angels Softball, Frankford Chargers, Oxford Circle Raiders, North Philadelphia Aztecs, Juniata Thundercats, Olney Eagles, Bustleton Bengals, Lawncrest Lions Youth Athletic Organization.

Beating the "Back to School Blues"

Our friends at Children First are hosting a series of Beating the "Back to School Blues" interactive sessions with local parents and guardians along with Kate Fox, Behavioral Health Policy Coordinator at Children First. Multiple sessions are available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Click here to REGISTER TODAY.


Need more information or have questions? Email Kate Fox at behavioralhealth@childrenfirstpa.org and she'll be happy to answer them.


Enjoy the rest of your summer! Let's hit the ground running and be in good mental health as we welcome another school year this September.

Looking to connect with CORA Services? Email caring@coraservices.org or visit www.coraservices.org

CHECK IT OUT: Bulldog Blast Translation Feature

  • While viewing the newsletter on your phone, select "Translate Newsletter" at the top of the screen and select the language you wish to read it in.
  • If you are viewing the newsletter on your laptop, look at the top right side of the newsletter at the Accessibility Bar and click on the "Translate Newsletter" option.
zoom_out_map

Looking Ahead: Hispanic Heritage Month, Sat, Sep 16th, 12 - 4pm

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the rich culture and diversity of the American Latino community and the contributions of those who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South and Central America.


Produced in partnership with El Concilio; join The Franklin Institute on Saturday, September 16 for a special day of programming that highlights the contributions of some of the amazing Philadelphia locals and organizations that help educate and nourish our Latino community.

All programming is included in your museum admission and takes place from 12:00 – 4:00 pm.

zoom_out_map

The 5th Latin American Book Fair at Taller Puertorriqueño: 10/14

The fifth annual Latin Book Fair at Taller Puertorriqueño connects Latino authors, illustrators and designers to Spanish-speaking readers of all ages throughout the city. The event — which traditionally features book launches, live storytelling, and musical performances — is a daylong celebration of language, heritage, and culture.

Where: Taller Puertorriqueno, Inc, 2600 N. 5th Street

When? Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

open_in_new zoom_out_map

What is Safe2Say Something?

Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of the 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.
open_in_new zoom_out_map

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
open_in_new zoom_out_map

Safe2Say Something PA:

Remember, Northwood students can always report important information to parents or Northwood staff at any time.


Submit an anonymous tip here.

zoom_out_map

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.

Important Dates on the Horizon

  • Monday, 9/11- CORA (After-school Care) will begin
  • Thursday, 9/14 - Back to School Night (DETAILS TO COME)
  • Friday, 9/15 - Rosh Hashanah- No School
  • Friday, 9/15- Sunday, 10/15- National Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Saturday, 9/23- Fall Equinox 2023
  • Monday, 9/25 - Yom Kippur- No School
  • Wednesday, 10/4- Dine and Donate Event (Castor Avenue East Coast and Wings & Grill)
  • Thursday, 10/12- Kindergarten Field Trip (Shady Brook Farm)
  • Tuesday, 10/17- VIRTUAL Family Tech Talk, 7 pm (ZOOM details to follow)

Public Meeting Schedule 2023-2024

Below is a list of the Board meeting dates for the Northwood Academy Charter School for the 2022-2023 school year. Meetings are held bi-monthly on the third Wednesday at 5:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) at 4621 Castor Ave and via Zoom: Join this Month’s Board Meeting. All meetings are open to the public.

You can find upcoming meeting agendas HERE.

  • Wednesday, October 20, 2023
  • Wednesday, December 20, 2023
  • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
  • Wednesday, April 17, 2024
  • Wednesday, June 19, 2024


There will also be subcommittee meetings at 5:00 p.m. on the first and last Wednesday of each month as necessary. Any alteration of any of these dates will be reflected on the monthly calendar.


How to Join Meetings:

All Board meetings are held virtually. Should you wish to make a public comment, please refer to the protocols in the Northwood Student Parent Handbook:

Join this month's Board meeting >

Join a Subcommittee meeting >


Register for Public Comment: Northwood Academy Public Comment at Board Meetings Policy

Adopted: November 17, 2014 Revised: January 10, 2020

The Northwood Academy Charter School Board of Directors recognizes the value, to school governance, of public comment on matters facing the school.

In order to permit fair and orderly expression of such comment, the Board will provide up to a thirty (30) minute period for public participation on each of its public meeting agendas. Public comment may be on any topic related to the operation of the charter school. Please note, to be placed on the public section of the agenda, a written request must be addressed to the Board of Directors and hand-delivered to the front office or sent via U.S. Mail to 4621 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 or emailed to publiccomment@northwoodcs.org. Requests must be received at least three (3) working days prior to the scheduled meeting.


  • The request must include all of the following information or it will be denied:
  • The speaker’s name
  • What, if any, group or persons the speaker represents
  • What, if any, relation the speaker or represented group has with Northwood
  • The topic or matter that will be addressed


Time allotted to individuals will be limited to three (3) minutes. However, additional written information may be presented to and considered by the Board.

Should you miss your designated place on the agenda, you will need to resubmit your request for a future meeting. No one may make the presentation on your behalf. Board members and administrators will not respond to public comments during the comment period.