Northwood School Laker
January 21, 2022
Masking Update
Northwood School will remain in Phase 4b next week. Masks will continue to be required indoors. Outside masking when engaged in close contact activities or when returning after isolation or quarantine continues to be recommended but is no longer required.
Homework Helps!
With the holidays behind us, students are participating in their mid-year NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) assessments to help provide insight to the learning paths of their academic journeys. As such, parents often ask how they can assist their children in both growth and consistency when it comes to learning new concepts and reinforcing ideas that have already been introduced. One critical way, as research has shown, is to be actively involved in encouraging and assisting in the homework completion process while children are at home. The benefits of homework permeate many areas of development and go well beyond just academics and student growth! In fact, consistent homework has been known to teach skills ranging from time management to increased self-esteem and confidence. Check out this short, but fabulous article on more benefits and how you can help support your child and their growth!

~ Mr. Ling, Curriculum Director
News from the Library
The fifth grade students are beginning a new project in Library/Info tech class.

The Shoe Project is a biography unit in which students choose one woman in history to focus on. They read about her, engage in research, and make a Google Slides presentation. In addition, they also use their creative talents to decorate a real shoe (mostly old high heels) based on the woman they researched.

The library is collecting donations of women's and girls' shoes (including specialty shoes like cleats/ballet slippers, etc.) that can be painted and collaged, so they can be displayed in March for Women's History Month.
Sixth Grade News
Ms. Witt’s sixth grade scientists were exploring sound waves and how they interact with different materials. Students identified materials that absorb or reflect sound waves. They also determined the medium through which the sound waves were traveling. The students chose a material that they thought would be good to line the walls of a sound recording studio. 
News from the Art Room
First graders created a wintery windy snowman showing movement.
Eighth graders created self portraits.
Fifth graders created animals showing texture and clay sculptures of food.
Kindergarten News
This week in kindergarten we are working on pronouns. Pronouns are words that take the place of a noun, making it so much easier for us to write in our journals. We even made a memory game to help us read and spell some of the ones we use a lot.

We are continuing to learn nursery rhymes in January. This week we each made a big Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole crowns, and Jack Be Nimble finger puppets!
Meals Information
School & Community News
Deliberative Session
The School Deliberative Session will be held in the gymnasium on Thursday, February 10, beginning at 6:00PM. Free child care will be offered!
From the Northwood Recreation Department
The "Be Kind" Writing Contest

Kindness and thoughtfulness for others are values that are often prevalent in our schools and our students, but can sometimes be overlooked. Today’s students have a unique opportunity to ignite the power of kindness in the classrooms simply by acknowledging it and reinforcing actions and thinking that lead to a high respect level for kindness in our society.

Students will be asked to write a grade-appropriate essay on the following topic: “How a Minute of Kindness Can Change a Day.”

Students are encouraged to consider observations and experiences of kindness in all parts of their lives including: Kindness in the Classroom, Kindness in the Community, Kindness in the Home, Kindness with Friends, Kindness in the World, etc. Of special interest will be how kindness can affect students whether as an anti-bullying technique, as an opening for effective communication, a bridge to culture differences, or other issues facing today’s youth.

Essays will be judged by the Northwood Recreation Committee, and one winner from each grade level will be selected. The students will receive a prize and recognition from the Northwood Recreation Committee. Public recognition and publishing of the winning essays will include acknowledgement on the Town of Northwood website and social media outlets.

For grades 1st-2nd,the work must consist of a picture or picture series accompanied by 1-5 sentences relating to the contest topic.
For grades 3rd-12th, the essay must be no more than 2 pages, typed using double-space or printed legibly. Students may select from any topic surrounding the writing contest essay theme and write about any fictitious or real story. Essays will be judged on the following criteria: Essay is focused and relevant to the indicated topic, and uses interesting details to support the topic. Essay is easy to follow and ideas flow throughout essay. Essay demonstrates a sense of connection with the topic, and personal/emotional connection is evident. Essay conveys vivid imagery through appropriate word choice. Appropriate sentence structure and grammar are used to support ideas.

** All entries must be from Northwood Residents**

All entries are due no later than February 4th, 2022. Winners will be notified the week of February 7th 2022
Entries can be returned via email to sblewitt@town.northwood.nh.us, returned to Northwood Town Hall or mailed to Northwood Recreation Dept 818 First NH Turnpike, Northwood, NH 03261.
Important Dates
January 26 - School Board meeting, 6:30
February 10 - School Board meeting, 5:30
February 10 - School Deliberative Session, 6:00
February 21 - 25 - February vacation