Northwood Notes
Together we soar!
Northwood Elementary: 10/25/24
Principal Note
Dear Northwood Family,
Happy Friday! One of the schoolwide Fun Run fundraising prizes was for me to wear an inflatable costume at school. See below for some silly photos of me visiting all of our students and classrooms with Gertrude the chicken. Thank you, PTA!
Tonight is our annual PTA Trunk or Treat from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Northwood parking lot! See the section below for more information.
Next week Wednesday, 10/30, is a Late Start Wednesday where staff will be engaging with professional learning. The first bell for students will be at 9:20am. Next week Thursday, 10/31, is Halloween. Please see the Halloween section below for important costume guidelines and information on our parade at 11:45am (weather permitting). It is also a half day with 12:15pm dismissal.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
Molly Bascom-Keller, Ed.S.
Northwood Elementary Principal
Northwood Calendar
October 25: PTA Trunk or Treat 6:30-7:30 pm
October 30: Late Start First Bell 9:20 am
October 31: 11:45 Halloween Parade / Half Day - Student Dismissal 12:15 pm
Late Start Wednesdays
- On Late Start Wednesdays, professional learning is taking place for staff.
First bell for students is at 9:20 AM, second bell 9:25 AM.
Homework Club: 8:20-9:20 AM, only for students who are signed up. Students enter through the main office. Homework Club Form
- Breakfast Club: Student can be dropped off anytime from 8:55-9:10 AM - free and no sign up necessary. Students enter through the main office.
- 2024-25 Late Starts: September 11, 18, 25; October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 13, 20; December 11, 18; January 29; February 5, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 23, 30; May 7, 14
Non-Late Start Wednesdays: Northwood Nests
- On many non-late start Wednesdays, we have our Northwood Nests meetings!
- Students are in multi-aged groups led by a staff member to work on our OAKS positive behavior expectations and character traits.
- See our PBIS section below for more information.
Trunk or Treat Tonight 10/25
Northwood's PTA Trunk or Treat event is tonight, Friday, October 25th from 6:30-7:30 pm, in the school's north and middle parking lots. Wear your favorite costume to celebrate Halloween with all of your fellow Northwood friends! This event is only open to current Northwood families.
Admission to this event is one LARGE bag of candy per each trick or treating child you bring to the event. We ask that only NUT-FREE candy is donated so that all trick or treating kids can have a safe and fun evening. Please drop off the candy when you arrive. PTA tables will be set up on both ends of the parking lots to collect candy donations
The north and middle parking lots are reserved for those who are decorating their trunks. Decorating begins at 6:00pm. Parking for everyone else will be available in the south lot and on the neighborhood streets. Contact Rosemary Remick chimientir@gmail.com, Kristy Bristol kristybristol@gmail.com, or Cheryl Jennings cheryl_r_w@hotmail.com with questions. We are looking forward to seeing you all there!
Halloween Fun at School on 10/31
Halloween Parade
Our Halloween Parade is scheduled for 10/31 at 11:45 AM, weather permitting. Classes will walk behind their teachers in grade order, starting with DK/K and ending with 5th grade.
- Parade route: All classes will exit the North playground doors, walk around to the front of the building, walk south on the sidewalk in front of the building, and end at the South playground doors, where they will enter and go back to class.
- Families are welcome to watch!
- Please stay off the sidewalks from the north playground to the south playground so there is a clear route for the parade.
- Please do not pull your child out of line, as they will be following their teacher and we need to keep classes together. Safety first!
- Students are still in class during the parade, and cannot leave the parade to go home with you. If you want to check your child out early, you can do that when the parade is over by going into the office , signing the student check-out sheet, and our secretary will call the classroom to have your child come down. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe!
- 10/31 is a half day with dismissal at 12:15pm
Costume Guidelines
If your child would like to wear a costume on Halloween, please bring them to school in their costume. Costume guidelines:
- No masks or facepaint
- No costumes that promote violence
- Nothing blood or gore, or anything too scary. Remember there are little ones in the school.
- No toy weapons or props
- May not demean any ethnic group, race, religion, nationality, disability or gender
Classroom Parties
Classroom teachers will communicate information about their classroom parties. Just a reminder that due to food allergies & sensitivities, if classroom party food donations are requested, do not send items that have peanuts or tree nuts. If you send in goodies to be sent home, do not include any food items.
Introducing Baby Villarreal!
We are excited to announce that Mrs. Villarreal had her baby and everyone is doing well! Elena Maria Villarreal was born on Monday 10/22 weighing 8lbs 14 ounces and 21.5 inches. Welcome to the Northwood family, baby Elena!
i-Ready Diagnostics
We have completed our first i-Ready reading and math diagnostic assessments of the year, and the results reports for your student(s) have been uploaded into the MiStar Parent Portal under "Student Documents".
Because this is a new assessment, please read the "Understanding your Student's i-Ready Diagnostic Report" document below. It includes helpful information as you review your child(ren)'s reports.
To access the parent portal, go to royaloakschools.org, click on "Parents/Guardians" on the menu bar, and then click on "MISTAR Parent Portal." Please use the login assistance links if you need help logging in.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a partner in your child’s learning! You can also learn more about i-Ready by visiting i-ReadyCentral.com/FamilyCenter.
Report Cards
With our first marking period ending on November 1, our teachers will be providing progress reports to families through report cards. Report cards will be available to view through the Mistar Parent Portal starting Monday, November 11. Please see the Mistar Parent Portal webpage for information and a link for assistance if needed.
Collecting Caps & Lids
Last year, Mrs. Guthrie headed up an initiative to collect over 200 lbs of colored plastic and worked with Belle Isle to have it turned into a bench. She is hoping to do it again!
Families can help by collecting colored plastic caps & lids and sending them in. Please make sure they are clean and drop them in the container located in the front office vestibule. Some examples are caps and lids from Tide, peanut butter, Gatorade, pop, milk, etc. Please see the list for all acceptable plastics. Thank you in advance for your help with this amazing project!
Staff Thank You
Our staff works so hard everyday focusing on our students and school community. If you would like to say thank you to any staff member, please fill out and submit the form linked below. I will be sure they get your messages, which I know will make their day!
Northwood Arrival and Dismissal Information
Arrival and dismissal are very busy times for everyone. It’s critical that we all follow the rules to keep everyone safe and to keep traffic flowing. If you would like to volunteer from 8:15-8:30 AM and/or 3:15-3:30 PM to help with arrival/dismissal, please let the office know. Please share the following important information with anyone who will be driving your child to or from school. Thank you for working together with us as a school family to keep all of our students safe!
Arrival, Dismissal & Parking - Important!
Arrival: 1st bell 8:20 AM, 2nd/tardy bell 8:25 AM
Late Starts: 1st bell 9:20 AM, 2nd/tardy bell 9:25 AM
Dismissal: 3:30 PM
DROP OFF / PICK UP LANE
Kiss & Go Lane (along the front of the building - See photo): For quick drop-off of students who can walk independently to their doors, please pull into the Kiss & Go lane along the curb in front of the building. This is a moving lane for drop-off and pick-up (no parking). If there is a line, we appreciate your patience. Thank you for your cooperation!
- Pull all the way forward, allow your child to exit on the passenger side of the vehicle, and move forward to exit. Your child will walk to their class door.
- For pickup, your child will exit their class door and come to the lane to look for your vehicle. Please do not pull in front of your child's class door to wait, as this impedes the line and causes a backup.
- If you need to exit your vehicle, please find a parking spot. This will keep things moving, which is safest and most efficient for everyone.
- Please do not let your child exit your vehicle in the driveway or thru lane and try to walk between moving cars. The children’s safety is the priority.
PARKING
Parking: If you need to leave your car for any reason, please find a parking spot.
- We have 2 visitor lots you can use: front lot and north lot.
- You may park and walk your students to and from their class door.
- If you would like to park on the street, please consider parking on a side street other than McDonald, due to traffic.
- Please do not pick up or drop off in the south lot. This lot is for staff parking and a bus lane only. Thank you for your understanding.
WALKING & BIKING
- These are great options and decrease traffic.
- Adults and students should remain on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks only.
- Students must wear a helmet.
- All bikes must be walked on school property.
- Please do not stand or park bikes in the Kiss & Go lane.
- New Crosswalk! We have a new crosswalk from the front of the building to McDonald on the north side of the driveway. By pedestrians using that crosswalk, vehicles will now be able to turn left and exit the lot more efficiently, which should alleviate the line.
- Dogs are not allowed.
WHEN STUDENTS ARRIVE
As students arrive, they are expected to join their class line and wait patiently for the bell to ring at 8:20 AM (9:20 on late start Wednesdays) when classes enter the building. Students are not supervised by staff outside before school begins, so shouldn't be dropped off early without supervision. On school grounds, students should always be following school rules and expectations, including safety, respect, and kindness.
OPTIONS TO AVOID TRAFFIC
- Carpool
- Walk/bike (students must wear helmets and walk bikes on school property)
- Breakfast: Drop your child off early at the main office doors for free breakfast anytime between 7:55-8:10 AM (8:55-9:10 on Late Starts)
- Drop your child where there are adult crossing guards at either the Crooks or 12 Mile Rd Crosswalks
- Drop your 3rd-5th grader off at W. Houstonia/McDonald or W. Houstonia/Vinsetta. Safety patrol students are at the W. Houstonia/McDonald crosswalk.
ARRIVING LATE AFTER 8:25 AM
If your child is arriving after 8:25 AM (9:25 AM on Late Starts), please park in a parking spot (not along the curb) and walk your child in. You will sign your child in on the clipboard in the vestibule. Your child will enter the office to get a late pass from the office and head to class.
Crooks Road Construction
The city is resurfacing Crooks Road from N. Main Street to 13 Mile Road. 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. To learn more about road construction projects in the city, visit: www.romi.gov/currentprojects
Reporting Absences
All absences should be called in to the Safety Check number. Absences that are not reported are considered unexcused.
Safety Check number: 248-541-0229 option #1
Dropping Off Forgotten Items
If your child forgets items at home, we ask that only essential items be brought up to school. Please do not drop off nonessential items. We do not want to interrupt teaching and student learning, unless it is essential. If you need to drop off an essential forgotten item for your child, please enter the main doors, put it on the table, and leave a note with your child’s name and teacher. The office staff will check the table periodically and let the class teacher know there is something for the child in the office. If you are dropping off something for the office, like medication, a form, or other important information, please proceed to the office door and our office staff is happy to help.
Essential item examples - OK to drop off
Backpack
Lunch
Medication - Take into office secretary
Note: Students can get a hot lunch if a lunch is forgotten, and water fountains are available throughout the school if a water bottle is forgotten.
Nonessential item examples - Please do NOT drop off
Homework - Turn in next school day
Library Books - Turn in next school day
Recess Items
Theme items for special days (pajamas, tiaras & hats, stuffed animals, other): While it is disappointing when items are forgotten on special theme days, it happens. Fortunately, there are many special days and more opportunities to remember to bring or wear special items. We do not want to interrupt instruction during the school day, unless it is necessary. Thank you so much for understanding!
Visitors & Volunteers
In our efforts to continue to keep our school community safe, anyone visiting the school will need to check in with office staff from the vestibule. Any parent, caregiver, or adult entering into the school for any reason, including PTA and classroom volunteering, will need to sign in at the office and get a visitor’s badge. Visitors who would like to meet with a staff member will need to have a scheduled appointment. Thank you!
Lost & Found
Our Lost & Found is located in the office vestibule, just inside the main entrance. Please label your child's items so we can help get them back to students. Please check our lost & found regularly, as it builds up quickly. Thank you!
Northwood Breakfast & Lunch
Thanks to the Michigan School Meals Program, a state-funded program that allows all students to receive meals at no cost for the 2024-2025 school year, breakfast and lunch will be free to all students. Second meals are not free and will be considered ala carte. Elementary school second lunches will be charged $2.60.
Although all students can receive meals at no cost, it is still vital that eligible families fill out a free/reduced meal application: A school’s eligibility for federal Child Nutrition Programs such as Summer Food Service Program and others is based on free and reduced-price eligibility. Students and families may qualify for other program fee reductions based on their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. Federal and state education finding uses free and reduced-price eligibility.
Please complete the 2024-2025 online application on our website under Free and Reduced Meals Information. Paper applications will be sent out this month and available at the district office and in all schools in August.
Breakfast Club
If your child is coming for Breakfast Club any time this year, they should arrive between 7:55-8:10 AM (8:55-9:10 AM 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!
Lunch Menu
Blessings in a Backpack
“Blessings in a Backpack” is a program designed to provide students on the free and reduced lunch program with enough food for three meals a day during the weekends. If you agree to take part in this program during the school year, your child will receive a bag filled with food for the weekend. A bag of food will be put in your child's locker for take home on Fridays. The simple meals may include food like macaroni and cheese, beef ravioli, canned fruit, granola bars, soups, juice and other items. Students will receive a bag every week.
If you would like to have your child participate in this program, fill out the form below.. Please be sure to indicate on the form if you child has any food allergies. If your child has a food allergy, you as the parent are responsible for checking all food labels when the food arrives home. Royal Oak Schools, as well as Blessings in a Backpack, will not be held responsible for any accidental food allergen exposure.
NBS
Northwood News By Students For Students: NBS
Check out our student news broadcasts: NBS Broadcast!
Specials News
PTA Corner
PTA Newsletter
PTA Newsletter
The Northwood PTA sends out a weekly newsletter to keep families informed about important school announcements, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to connect with our community on social media. We also share how you can support Northwood when shopping locally. Our goal is to reach as many Northwood families as possible, so please help us spread the word!
There are two ways to receive the newsletter:
1. Join the PTA and automatically receive the newsletter: northwood.givebacks.com/store
2. Sign up without joining the PTA: northwood.givebacks.com/join/cecb14
Questions? Contact Kristen Borchardt-Mazur (kristen.borchardt@gmail.com)
PTA on Facebook
Join the Northwood Elementary Official PTA Facebook group to stay up-to-date on PTA events and see what's happening at Northwood.
Grade-level groups: This is your place to connect with other families or ask grade-specific questions.
- Northwood Kindergarten 2024-2025
- Northwood First Grade 2024-2025
- Northwood Second Grade 2024-2025
- Northwood Third Grade 2024-2025
- Northwood Fourth Grade 2024-2025
- Northwood Fifth Grade 2024-2025
To join our groups, all membership questions must be answered. You will be added to the group once your information is approved with the district.
Kroger Community Rewards
Help the Northwood PTA fundraise by linking your Kroger Shopper's Card to our organization! It's easy to do & it's free. Just follow the directions below & the PTA will earn extra funding. Thanks so much!
1. Create or sign in to your digital account
2. Link your Card to an organization: Select: Northwood PTA and click "Save"
Box Tops
Collecting Box Tops is a great way for Northwood to earn money. Northwood earns 10¢ for every box top collected. Download the app and start scanning your receipts to earn money for Northwood!
Friday Noon Walkers is Back - Volunteers Needed
A student-favorite lunchtime activity is back, and we need volunteers to help make it happen! Please sign up here to support Noon Walkers. Volunteers will help facilitate and celebrate students as they check off laps on the playground. Volunteers MUST be approved by the district. If you haven't already, please complete the Volunteer Request Form (takes up to 2 weeks for processing). Please email lindsay.irrer@barre3.com or jamie.rudnycky@gmail.com with any questions.
Northwood Spiritwear Orders
Northwood spirit wear orders are ready!
If you placed an order through the online store, your order is on the table in the vestibule outside of the main office. Each bag is labeled with the name of the person who placed the order. Please pick up your orders ASAP so we can get our Lost & Found table back. Thanks again to all who ordered, we can't wait to see you rocking your new Northwood gear!
If you weren't able to get your order in this round, have no fear because the online store will reopen in early November! If you have any questions, please reach out to Jessica Mazzola (jessicamazzola1@gmail.com)
Special Education News
Please click the link for special education news and information. Check it often as it is being updated regularly. Special Education Program
ROPAC
Royal Oak Parent Advocacy Committee
The Royal Oak Parent Advocacy Committee (ROPAC) is our school district's Parent Advisory Committee - a group made up of parents/caregivers of students with IEPs or 504 Plans, those that want to learn more, those that think their student may benefit from special education services. ROPAC sincerely welcomes any parent or caregiver with a student(s) in Royal Oak schools to join us in our mission to make this a destination for students receiving special education services. Learn more about the ROPAC here: ROPAC Info Flyer
To join our mailing list for meeting reminders and other updates, complete this quick form: ROPAC Email List
PBIS: Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
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
Following is our Northwood Behavior Expectations & Character Traits Matrix, which focuses on expectations for all of the areas of our school. Teachers and staff emphasize this daily and we also have monthly "Nest" meetings to work on OAKS expectations and being role models and leaders at school. One of the tools we may use if a student has a behavior challenge is a "Think Time Sheet", which allows the student to think about their behavior, consider how it relates to OAKS expectations, and most importantly reflect on how they can grow from the experience and make better choices in the future. These forms go home to communicate with families and foster positive conversations about our OAKS expectations for positive behavior. Thank you so much for your support at home to reinforce these important expectations and traits!
Young Oaks Latchkey
If you have students currently enrolled in the program you will be contacted directly by the Young Oaks Coordinator. Any families interested in the program can use the link below for information about the program.
Salvation Army After-School Program
Support Resources
Positive & Effective Parenting Information
- Positive Parenting Tips for children of all ages
- Child Development Basics & Effective Parenting Practices
Supporting Children's Mental Wellness: Tips for Families and Caregivers
Parents, family members, and caregivers can encourage mental wellness and promote social,
emotional, and academic success. Good mental health is not simply the absence of illness, but also
includes skills necessary to cope with life’s challenges.
Oakland County Health Network Resources:
- OCHN’s non-emergency behavioral health access department is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. at 248-464-6363.
- OCHN’s Mental Health School Navigators (MHSN) connect youth and families to behavioral health and substance use supports, as well as financial assistance. For more information about the School Mental Health Navigator Program please call 248-462-6294 or email SchoolNavigator@oaklandchn.org
- Call 988 for Crisis and Emergency Support
- Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at oaklandchn.org
Speech and Language Resources
Important School Procedures & Information
School Health Guidelines
In consideration of your own child and others, please do not send a child who is ill to school. As a guideline, a child should not be sent to school if the child:
- has a temperature (a child MUST be fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication)
- is vomiting (24 hours since last episode) or has diarrhea
- has green or yellow discharge from the nose
- has any contagious disease
Electronic Devices - Important!
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. If brought to school, these items should be left in the student’s locker. This includes but is not limited to the following: smart phones, smart watches, bluetooth earbuds, tablets, etc. Any device found to be used for any illegal purpose or used 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.
Northwood Student Handbook, page 9
If your student needs to bring an electronic communication device to school please make certain they understand that it must be kept in their locker and they may not text, call, watch videos, etc. on their device during the school day.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.
Outdoor Gear & Recess
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!
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.
Family Tech Support
If you need information or technology support for your student's district-issued Chromebook, click the link below.
District News You Can Use
Royal Oak Schools App
Stay in touch with Royal Oak Schools by downloading our new mobile app! Download on your mobile device today and select 'yes' to receive push notifications with the latest news and updates from the District. Use this link for more download information.
Northwood's Mission Statement
Northwood Elementary School will provide higher-level learning opportunities for all students to maximize their potential in a safe, nurturing, respectful, and diverse environment.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that Northwood is a Michigan Green School at the Evergreen level? We not only recycle, but our students compost our food, trays, napkins, and milk cartons every day!