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Bulldog Blast

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

Bulldog BlastWednesday, August 23rd, 2023

🎉Welcome Northwood Academy Families and Students🎉

The school year is fast approaching, and we hope you are as excited as we are about the new school year! If you have not done so already please take a moment to read the Welcome Back Northwood parent letter that was posted on the school website. Please note, that our teachers will be sending class rosters (class lists) out by Thursday of this week. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we gear up for the new school year.



Important Dates


  • Back to School Principal Play date (Thursday, August 24, 2023, 3:00 - 5:00 pm)
  • First Day of School Grades 1-8 (Monday, August 28, 2023)
  • Kindergarten Orientation (Monday, August 28, 2023 ... 9 AM - 12 PM - Last Names A-L)
  • Kindergarten Orientation (Monday, August 29, 2023 ... 9 AM - 12 PM - Last Names M-Z)
  • Kindergarten Parent Orientation (Thursday, August 31, 2023 ... 9 AM - 10 AM - Last Names A-L)
  • Kindergarten Parent Orientation (Friday, September 1, 2023 ... 9 AM- 10 AM - Last Names M-Z)
  • First Day of School for Kindergarten (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)


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!

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.


🏫 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.

Sports Update: Soccer and Cross Country

Soccer and Cross Country are our fall sports for grades 5-8 so for this year. Remember, if you want to play a sport, tryouts will be happening the week of August 28th and September 4th. Students can check outside the cafeteria for sign-ups and updates.


Soccer tryouts will be on Thursday, August 31st after school for grades 5-8. We will meet at the base of the grand staircase at dismissal. Please remember a change of clothes and a water bottle.


Soccer questions? bsandoval@northwoodcs.org

Cross Country questions? eparico@northwoodcs.org

Looking Ahead...

September

  • Monday, 9/4 - Labor Day- No School
  • 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
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REMIND APP SIGN-UP

If you have not done so already please sign up for our NACS Remind App: the best way to stay in the know on all school updates and happenings in real-time. Parents will receive Wednesday Reminders and school-wide information via this platform.


  • The simplest way to sign-up is via text message through the following method:

    • Text @nacsnews to the number 81010

    • You will either be prompted to log in as normal, or you will receive a message that you are already signed up. This is not an error; it means that the user already has an active account in another class (for students).

  • If students have already signed up for a class on Remind they will automatically receive the school-wide Remind messages.

*Important Note: You must select the PARENT role when joining the App. If you select the wrong role, you will NOT receive schoolwide messages.


Helpful video: https://youtu.be/W3_UQAC9hro

Additional Information: August 28th - Kindergarten Orientation

Student Orientation Days

Students will come to school in small groups to finish readiness testing, engage in play, review routines/procedures, and take a tour of the school.


  • Monday, August 28 - Students with last names A-L come to school 9:00am - 12:00pm.

  • Tuesday, August 29 - Students with last names M-Z come to school 9:00am - 12:00pm.


Children bring a snack to orientation as lunch will not be provided.


Parent Orientation Days

Parents will come to the school to meet their child’s teacher, drop off supplies, and get to know the ins and outs of being a kindergarten student at Northwood.

  • Thursday, August 31 - Parents of students with last names A-L come to school 9:00am - 10:00am.

  • Friday, September 1 - Parents of students with last names M-Z come to school 9:00am - 10:00am.

No School for Kindergarten Students on Wednesday August 30th

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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.

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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).

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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.

Helpful Contact Information:

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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. <<

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BULLDOG SPOTLIGHT

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 Blastđź“°

Community Corner:

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.

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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, September 1 - Vivo
  • Friday, October 20 - Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

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.
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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.
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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
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Safe2Say Something PA:

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


Submit an anonymous tip here.

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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

  • Thursday, 8/24- Back to School Principal Playdate (3:00 - 5:00 pm)
  • Monday, 8/28- First Day of School Grades 1-8
  • Monday, 8/28, 9 AM - 12 PM - Last Names A-L Kindergarten Orientation
  • Monday, 8/29, 9 AM - 12 PM - Last Names M-Z Kindergarten Orientation
  • Thursday, 8/31- 9 AM - 10 AM - Last Names A-L Kindergarten Parent Orientation
  • Friday, 9/1- 9 AM- 10 AM - Last Names M-Z- Kindergarten Parent Orientation
  • Monday, 9/4 - Labor Day- No School
  • Tuesday, 9/5- First Day of School for Kindergarten
  • 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
  • Monday, 9/25 - Yom Kippur- No School

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, August 16, 2023
  • 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.