K-3rd Grade Dean, Ms. Shadayia Jones
Shadayia Jones’ life work has been dedicated to empowering families, and in particular students. Over the past 20 years, Ms. Jones has serviced clients in both school and home settings across Philadelphia. Understanding the power and impact of mentoring in her own life, Ms. Jones believes that it is important to give students the skills they need to successfully navigate an ever changing world. In her work as a licensed behavior specialist, she has successfully created strategies for youth to help them better communicate, develop strong social skills, and problem solve. As a dean of students, Ms. Jones has been responsible for creating and managing school systems that ensure students' success and safety. She has received multiple awards and accolades for her service. She is a graduate of Springfield College where she received her Master’s in Counseling. In her personal time, Ms. Jones enjoys spending time with family, cooking, reading, and traveling.
7th & 8th Grade Dean of Students: Mr. Jason Lewis
Jason Lewis has dedicated his life to empowering youth and creating safe spaces for them to grow and develop. Growing up in Queens, New York, Mr. Lewis experienced first hand the impact of school systems that did not foster youth development. Prior to working with charter turnaround schools, he worked in law enforcement for 4 1/2 years where he realized that there was a need for prevention. That passion to see change motivated him to develop behavior management systems that foster positive youth development. Mr. Lewis has led the charge in creating and managing high level school culture models in three nationally recognized charter school networks known for turning around low performing schools here in the great city of Philadelphia, New Jersey. He was a part of the founding leadership team for Scholar Academies, as well as being in multiple leadership spaces in Mastery Charter Schools. In both instances, Mr. Lewis created positive culture models that reduced violent incidents by 98%. Mr. Lewis has touched countless lives, helped youth to see themselves as leaders/change agents, and has created safe spaces in schools. Jason graduated from Delaware State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science while minoring in Law and working on his MBA from Wilmington University.
Looking Ahead:
Monday, 12/4, The Franklin Institute- Grade 3
Thursday, 12/7, Academy of Natural Science- Grade 6
Friday, 12/8, Constitution Center- Grade 8
Friday, 2/9, Please Touch Museum- Grade 1
Stay tuned for more trips in the coming weeks!
For PA Criminal Background checks (no charge): https://epatch.state.pa.us
For Child Abuse Clearance (no charge): https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
For FBI fingerprinting (charge): https://uenroll.identogo.com or call #1-844-321-2101. The service code you will need is 1KG6Q9.
All 3 clearances must be obtained and are valid for 5 years.
REMINDERS:
ALL required documents must be submitted together at one time. We will not hold your documents until they are all complete and accounted for.
Copies of the required clearances must be printed and handed to the front school office or classroom teacher. We can not accept clearances forwarded to us via email. Thank you for your support of our program, safety as always is a priority for all our students and their families.
Clearances submitted within 48 hours of an impending trip will not be processed in time for that individual to chaperone that particular trip. While we encourage everyone to complete clearances, we cannot honor last-minute requests.
Reach out to Ms. Urbano for a step-by-step guide for completing your clearances, at curbano@northwoodcs.org.
Picture retakes are scheduled for Tuesday, December 12th:
Please note, that though we have not received the original picture day photos, guardians can go online and view the student picture proof and determine if they would like their child to participate in retakes. Parents/guardians will need the child's student ID # and the new Picture Day Code (EVTSM6RW3).
Updates & Reminders:
- Our Picture Day ID is EVTGWPTDX.
- All students who were absent on Picture Day will have their pictures taken.
- All students were asked to be photographed on the original picture day regardless of ordering a package due to student IDs and the school yearbook.
- Students will need to be dressed in their Northwood uniform polo.
NACS COAT DRIVE: Monday, 11/13- Friday, 12/8
While it’s been a rather mild fall, winter temps are surely upon us. We are seeking gently used, clean gloves and winter coats of all sizes to keep internally for Northwood students in need.
Students can bring gloves and winter coat donations to school Monday, 11/13- Friday, 12/8. Again, donations will be stored in our school building for Northwood families in need.
While participation is appreciated, it is not mandatory.
Questions? Email Curbano@northwoodcs.org
REMIND APP SIGN-UP
If you have not done so already, 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!
- Go to remind.com/join/nacsnews (or download the free iOS or Android app)
- Click Sign Up
- Provide a full name, email address, and password
- Choose your role
- 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. Take note, not all teachers have a separate Remind classroom.
If you have followed the above instructions and are still having difficulties or not receiving NACS information please reach out to the Remind Help Desk for further assistance https://remind.ada.support/chat/
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. **Please note, if you completed this form last year you do not need to complete it again**
Don't miss out on any of the action - sign up today and stay in the loop with our Parent Association!
What is Safe2Say Something?
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
Safe2Say Something PA:
Submit an anonymous tip here.
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.
Connect with Northwood
Website: northwoodcs.org
Location: 4621 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 289-5606
Facebook: facebook.com/Northwood-Academy-Charter-School-153041454730750/
Twitter: @northwoodcs