Northwood School Laker

February 9, 2024

The Importance of Reading with Children

Although we are still in the throes of the chill of February, the month of March will be upon us in no time. Why is this important to note?  Well, not only will spring be right around the corner, but March is the time during which the National Reading Month is celebrated.  Of course, we never need to wait until March to read, or celebrate reading with our children. As you know, reading has significant benefits that will continue to pay off in the future, in areas even beyond literacy, as indicated in this article from the Child Mind Institute. Reading is one of the best habits to develop; it strengthens the mental muscles, helps to improve comprehension and analytical abilities, and increases imagination and boosts memory.  The truth is that it’s never too late to get started.  In fact, research shows that the more parents read with their children, and to their children, the greater the payoff throughout their formative school years.  According to the National Literacy Project, this scientific study showed that children who are read to, at least three times a week, by a family member are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading.  This is compared to children who have these experiences less than 3 times a week.  So, let’s not wait until March, find a book over February break, settle down with your child(ren), and let the adventure (and learning) begin! Have a great weekend!

~Mr. Ling

2024 Literary Magazine

Students are invited to submit original writing to the literary magazine, which will be published at the end of the year. Students may email their poems, stories, plays, or essays to their classroom teacher or to Ms. Carloni.

Northwood School Olympics Week

February 19 - 23

News from the Library!

If you know anything about the school librarian, Ms. Mawn, you know that she loves dollhouses, and if you got your photo taken in the life-size Barbie box at Open House, you could probably see this coming!

Students in K-3rd grades are exploring biographies now, and we recently read a picture book biography of Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie. There were also some vintage Barbie houses on hand, as well as a few 'weird Barbies', and playing with them was a fun way to end the class.

Students in 5th grade are wrapping up a unit on Westward Expansion. We have learned about the pioneers, including Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Native Americans' experiences, the Chinese immigrants working on the Transcontinental Railroad and more.

Students practiced writing Inquiry Questions, which are open-ended questions intended to promote conversation and initiate research.

A few examples from students are:

"Why did immigrants from China and Ireland come to the US?"

"How did the Gold Rush begin?"

"Why did so many buffalo die during this time?"

After we wrote inquiry questions, we got to have some fun and play the (vintage) computer game Oregon Trail, and practice our problem-solving skills. Should we ford the river, or take a ferry across? What if our food supplies are running low? What if the wagon needs a spare part and we don't have any?

News from Kindergarten

We celebrated the 100th day of kindergarten this week! Lots of counting, fun activities, and fancy new glasses! 

School & Community Information

Guest Teachers Needed

If you are interested in being a guest teacher (also known as a substitute teacher), please apply at this link. The pay is $100 a day and you get to work with wonderful kids and great staff! Please contact Ms. Roy or Ms. Young with any questions.

Important Dates

February 13 - Kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Show, 9:30 - 10:30

February 16 - 6-8 Dance, 6:30 - 8:30

February 21 - School Board meeting, 6:30

February 26 - March 1 - February vacation

Please check the Athletics Calendar for information on games and meets.