Autism Acceptance: Everyone Can Foster Inclusion #CelebrateDifferences
April is Autism Acceptance Month. During Autism Acceptance Month, we focus on sharing positive, respectful, and accurate information about autism and by celebrating our differences.
Tuesday, April 2 is World Autism Acceptance Day! Northwood is excited to #CelebrateDifferences by wearing the colors red and gold or Autism Acceptance t-shirts! T-shirts can also be worn on Fridays in April, or any day.
Check out these great resources:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
On Monday, April 8, 2024, we will have the rare opportunity to view a total solar eclipse from just outside the path of totality. The eclipse will be occurring towards the end of our school day and beyond (for more information please see the Eclipse 2024 ). At Northwood we would like to provide a memorable learning experience for kids around this event. Our teachers are excited to experience the eclipse with the kids in a safe and meaningful way. As you may already know there are safety concerns with viewing the eclipse with the naked eye. Because of these safety concerns, our PTA will be providing eclipse safe viewers for students and we will be asking for parents/guardians to give their students permission to participate in the class viewing from 3:00-3:15 pm. Permission slips were sent home this week. Please return them to your child's teacher as soon as possible and before April 3rd. For anyone without permission, or who does not have a signed permission slip, an alternative indoor activity will be provided. For more information on viewing the eclipse safely to prevent eye damage, please visit the NASA website https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/
The city will resurface Crooks Road from N. Main Street to 13 Mile Road starting the week of April 15th. Traffic impacts include:
- One lane will remain open in each direction for traffic on Crooks Road.
- Left turns will not be allowed for northbound and southbound traffic at 12 Mile Road, Webster Road, and 13 Mile Road.
- The project is expected to be completed by October 2024.
Partial water main replacement is included as part of the project, then the road will be resurfaced and restriped as a 4-lane roadway (no changes to current layout).
To learn more about road construction projects in the city, visit: www.romi.gov/currentprojects
The 5th grade class is working with Belle Isle to install a bench made of recycled plastic outside of the aquarium. They need 200lbs of colored plastic by Earth Day. Families can help the 5th graders by collecting colored plastic caps. Examples of these caps are: pop bottles, peanut butter, orange juice containers, milk, apple sauce twist tops, and 1000s of others. Please make sure the caps are clean and drop them in the container located in the front office vestibule. Clear plastic containers can also be used IF they are stamped with a recycle mark of 1, 2, or 3 and are cleaned out. Thank you in advance for your help with this amazing project!
Northwood News By Students For Students: NBS
Our Northwood Student Senate will be fundraising throughout this year for Love, Team Tessa. Love, Team Tessa’s purpose is to create a peaceful place for children fighting cancer to call their own. We want to provide all the tools necessary to help support these kids on their road to recovery. Our team of design experts will come in, meet with you and discuss all of your child’s wants and needs in the transformation of their new bedrooms. We will then provide any requirements that wish to be met such as, new beds, furniture, paint, carpeting, linens and decor.
If your child is coming for Breakfast Club any time this year, they should arrive between 7:55-8:05AM (8:55-9:05AM on late start Wednesdays) and enter through the Main doors only. If a family member needs to enter the school to walk their child down to breakfast, the adult will need to sign into the office to enter the building and sign back out when leaving. Thanks so much!
Northwood Talent Show
Friday, April 5th at 6:00 PM
Mandatory dress rehearsal Wednesday, April 3rd
Contact kristiannakelly77@gmail.com with questions
Back-to-School Supplies for Next Year!
It's hard to believe, but it's already that time of year again! You can now order your child's school supplies for next year by simply clicking the link below. Kits will be delivered to the school and distributed to teachers, so your child will be set before they even walk in on the first day!
Any questions please email Erin Rice at erice0630@gmail.com
Northwood Nighthawks head to Detroit Tigers - May 14
Northwood is going to Comerica to cheer on the Tigers! Come join us!!
DETROIT TIGERS VS MIAMI MARLINS
Tuesday, May 14th at 6:40pm
PAVILLION SEATS BEHIND LEFT FIELD FOR ONLY $24 A TICKET!!
We have a late start the following day as well! Please purchase your tickets by May 8th. See you at the BallPark by clicking the link below:
DCFC Game - Note the change of date to June 15
Northwood is heading back to Keyworth Stadium this Spring!
Saturday, June 15th at 4:00 PM
Click the link below for tickets!!
PTA Newsletter
Stay up - to - date with Northwood PTA Activities! Every Monday a PTA newsletter is sent out to Northwood families containing important school announcements, volunteer opportunities, save the date info, ways to connect with the Northwood community on social media, along with how to support Northwood when shopping at local stores.
We would love for this communication to reach as many Northwood families as possible! You do not have to join the PTA to receive, however you do need to sign up!
To receive the newsletter, either:
(1) Join the PTA here OR (2) Sign up here without joining the PTA
Please contact Crystal DeLeon @ cmdeleon78@gmail.com with questions.
Northwood PBIS Program - Positive Behavior & Character Traits
Our Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) program at Northwood uses the acronym of O.A.K.S to promote positive behavior throughout our building. Our O.A.K.S. program serves as a reminder to our students that they are to be:
- Outstanding Learners
- Always Respectful
- Kindness Counts
- Safety First
The children go outside for fresh air and robust active play every day for lunchtime recess. At times there will be extreme weather or extremely cold conditions that prohibit children from being outdoors for recess. As a general rule, when the "feels like" temperature approaches 12 degrees we consider keeping students in, however this guideline is subject to the administrators discretion. Some other factors considered include, but are not limited to, the presence of sunshine and the strength of the wind.
It is very helpful when kids come to school prepared to dress for all possible weather, and it's important that students come to school daily with appropriate outdoor gear. In the winter, that includes coats, hats & gloves, snow pants, and boots. If it is below 50 degrees, coats are required. One of our rules is there is no throwing of snow or snowballs at school, which pertains to arrival and dismissal as well. Once the snow starts, we ask that students wear snow pants and boots to play on the field, in order to avoid wet, cold pants and shoes. If your family needs help providing outdoor gear, please reach out to the school. Thank you for your support keeping our students warm and protected during outdoor play!
Electronic Devices
If your student is bringing an electronic communication device to school (ex. smartwatch, phone), please make sure they know that they cannot text, call, watch videos, etc. on their device during the school day. It's important that everyone is aware of the school policy, which can be found in our Northwood Student Handbook on page 9:
"Students are allowed to possess electronic communication devices on school property; however, such devices shall not be used during the school day or in a manner that disrupts school activities or events. Any device found to be used for any illegal purpose or in a manner that violates the Student Code of Conduct may be confiscated pending a parent conference. Where appropriate, police authorities may be contacted. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices."
Thank you so much for your support with this important issue!
Allergy Awareness & School Food Policy
Classrooms: Do not send snacks containing peanuts or tree nuts.
Lunch Room: There is a separate table for any students with nut allergies.
Class Parties: If party donations are requested, do not send items that have peanuts or tree nuts.
- Halloween - If you send in goodies to be sent home, do not include any food items.
- Valentine's Day - If you send in goodies to be sent home, do not include any food items.
Birthdays: Do not send food or beverages as birthday treats.
The Schools of Choice application window is now open for students entering Developmental Kindergarten/Kindergarten to 8th grade in Fall 2024. Apply from March 1 to March 29, 2024. This opportunity is available to Oakland County residents outside our district boundaries. Join us in fostering a community of excellence!
Positive & Effective Parenting Information
Click for:
- Positive Parenting Tips for children of all ages
- Child Development Basics & Effective Parenting Practices
Studies have consistently shown that many girls and young women struggle with feelings of low self-confidence. This unfortunate trend seems to persist across various aspects of life, including academics, body image, and career aspirations.
In the realm of academics, girls often exhibit lower levels of confidence compared to their male counterparts. They may doubt their abilities and hesitate to take on challenging subjects or leadership roles. This lack of confidence can impact their performance and limit their academic achievements.
Body image is another area where girls often feel inadequate. Unrealistic media portrayals of beauty standards, combined with societal pressures, can lead to body dissatisfaction and a decrease in self-confidence. This can have long-lasting effects on mental and emotional well-being.
Furthermore, many girls struggle with confidence when it comes to career aspirations. They may underestimate their skills and downplay their ambitions, leading to a smaller presence in traditionally male-dominated fields. This self-doubt can hinder their pursuit of fulfilling careers and limit their potential for success.
It is crucial to address these issues and foster an environment that empowers girls to believe in themselves. By promoting self-acceptance, resilience, and a growth mindset, we can help girls develop the confidence they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Click on the link below for the first-ever, large-scale national 2023 survey designed to develop a deeper understanding of the thoughts, experiences, behaviors and attitudes of teen girls throughout the U.S:
The 2023 Girls’ Index Executive Overview
Social Media Posting
At Northwood we take pride in making sure we have a kind, caring, environment. Our parents & families play a large role in helping us to achieve this goal. Before posting to social media or any other venue, please consider the feelings of all our community members. Before you post, remember to T.H.I.N.K.
Molly Bascom-Keller, Ed.S.
Northwood Elementary Principal