Northwoods News

Northwoods Families,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Signs of spring are beginning to emerge, and we are moving steadily into the most crucial time of the school year! We have a lot happening in the next few weeks, including our annual Book Fair and Spirit Week, so please take time to review the information and updates below.

Upcoming Events:

• Friday, February 28th--Ramadan Begins
• Monday, March 3rd - Friday, March 7th--Scholastic Book Fair
• Monday, March 3rd - Friday, March 7th--Spirit Week
• Monday, March 3rd - Wednesday, March 5th--2nd Grade CogAT Testing
• Wednesday, March 5th--Severe Weather Drill
• Sunday, March 9th--Daylight Savings Time Begins
• Thursday, March 13th--First in Fitness Competition
• Monday, March 17th--St. Patrick's Day

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.

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. A copy of the Book Fair Flyer will be sent home on Friday, and check our Book Fair Website anytime for updates. We need volunteers throughout the entire event - please sign-up for a date/time to assist!

Book Fair Family Night:

Thursday, March 6, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Families can come shop with their students, sit in for storytime from special guest readers, hear the latest PTA news, and enjoy the book fair together! Wear your pajamas for a Shop ‘Til You Sleep evening!

March 3rd - 7th is Severe Weather Preparedness Week:

All WCPSS schools will participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week. On Wednesday, March 5th, we will conduct a brief severe weather drill. During the drill, all students will move inside to the main building, and practice seeking selter in a safe location. The drill should only last approximately 10 minutes. We will send out a Talking Points message to let parents know when we have finished.

Daylight Savings Time:

As a reminder, Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 9th. Don't forget to "Spring Forward" and set your clocks ahead one hour.

(K-5) SSA Test Request Window: March 10th-28th:

The window to request Single Subject Acceleration testing is March 10th - 28th. This is a VERY strict window. Requests will not be accepted before it opens or after it closes for any reason. You can find additional information here.

2nd Grade CogAT Information:

This year, all 2nd grade students will be administered the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). This test is used to help determine a child's potential eligibility for Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) services. Parent letters were sent home last week. The letter is also linked below for your convenience.

• 2nd Grade CogAT Parent Letter

Recess in the Garden:

Recess in the Garden resumes March 3rd! K-1 on Mondays, 2-4th on Wednesdays. Unfortunately we have no leader for 5th grade this year. During Recess in the Garden approximately 10 children are led through typical gardening activities like weeding, planting, watering, and harvesting. This program is entirely run by volunteers and funded by the PTA. We are looking for additional volunteers so more children are served and our garden is bountiful. Please sign up for a volunteer slot here.

Questions? Contact Carol Clark, Gardening Coordinator at caroljean921@gmail.com