Northwood School Laker

September 9, 2022

Learning Loss Survey

The U.S. Department of Education awarded ESSER III funds to New Hampshire school districts to respond to the pandemic and address student learning loss as a result of COVID-19. Feedback from all district stakeholders is imperative in the creation of a district-wide plan that will target our needs. 

We invite you to fill out this short survey if you haven't already done so to provide suggestions on how the funds should be used.   You may also have your student(s) complete the survey to share their input.  

The survey will close on Wednesday, September 21.  

Northwood School Welcomes a Therapy Dog! 

We have a new member joining our Laker Team: Meet Nova! Nova is a certified therapy dog team with our third grade teacher, Ms. Bilodeau. Nova and Ms. Bilodeau spent 8 months training with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs company which allows her to be insured and able to go into schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Research shows that the inclusion of therapy dog teams in classroom settings has a beneficial effect on student learning, increasing positive emotions, promoting engagement in learning activities, how to approach dogs, and so much more. Students will see her in the hallways throughout our school and she will be making visits to their classrooms. No one will be forced to approach Nova, they may even find her calmness as a dog helps the to face their fear of animals.

Ms. Bilodeau and Nova have been in communication with the nurse in regards to students who have allergies and will continue to do so.

Read this article to learn all about the amazing work she did at her last elementary school in Mechanic Falls, ME.  

If parents or guardians have any questions or concerns about your child interacting with Nova (e.g., allergies or anxiety), please contact Ms. Young. 

Handbook Highlights

Hello Families,

Our Student and Family Handbook can be viewed here and is also posted on the school's website. Please review it with your child(ren) when you have a chance.  A  few things to note: 

• Dress code: The following apparel is not to be worn during the school day: caps, hats, and other headgear (not including hoods, which are included providing the student’s face is visible/not obstructed and the student is able to hear instruction); tank tops; clothing with offensive, vulgar, or racist language or pictures; tops that do not completely cover the mid-section; clothing that glorifies, encourages or promotes the use of alcohol or drugs, violence and weapons.
• Electronic devices: Students are not permitted to use radios, cameras, tape recorders, CD players, iPods, MP-3 players, handheld video games, cell phones, or similar electronic/communication devices without adult approval. Students may wear a SmartWatch for the sole purpose of identifying the time (not texting or making calls).  Faculty and staff may approve use of student-owned electronic devices only for educational purposes in school. For students in grades K-5, cell phones must be turned off and in students’ backpacks during the school day unless approved by an adult. For students in grades 6-8, teachers may develop and communicate procedures for students to carry their cell phones between classes to use for educational purposes during class.  In the absence of a teacher-developed procedure, students at these grade levels should keep their phones in their backpack or locker.  Students are not to check their messages during the day or use their phones for social media.  Students who use their phones without permission despite reminders form staff will have their devices held in the office for the duration of the school day.   If you need to contact your child during school hours, please call the main office (603-942-5488). 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Jocelyn

Open House

We will be holding an Open House on Tuesday, September 20, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Grades K-4 will visit classrooms from 5:00 to 6:00 and then are invited to come to the softball field for a cookout. Grades 5-8 will enjoy the cookout between 5:00 - 6:00 and then will visit classrooms between 6:00 and 7:00

Back to School Homework Tips for Families

Dear Northwood Families,

It is with great pleasure that I say welcome back to school with the hopes that your time away has been enjoyable, renewing, adventurous, and filled with fun and relaxation.  As we settle into these first few weeks of school, both teachers and students are already hard at work building relationships, creating healthy learning routines, and establishing expectations for success.  

Parents and guardians, you can also help to make this a fantastic school year by making sure your children are in the classroom, focused on learning, and displaying a commitment to the work effort needed for growth.  As expected, this means that students will probably be assigned homework and/or assignments that can help enhance and reinforce their learning and growth.  No doubt, these homework expectations can sometimes create high stress experiences for children and families from time to time.  As such, I would encourage you to read this short article related to navigating these interactions with a positive and calm approach. I think you might find it helpful!

However, should you need some assistance, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor, or one of the administrators for help!  I am sure you would agree that when our students succeed, we all succeed because of the contributions young minds can make to society and the communities in which they live.  We look forward to working with you all this coming school year! 

~Mr. Ling (Director of Curriculum)

School & Community Information

Menus

NH Thunder 2022 Cross Country Program

Now accepting registrations for the 2022 Season of NH Thunder Cross Country. The program this year will again be held at Coe Brown Northwood Academy. Kids will participate in running games such as scavenger hunts, relay races, and obstacle courses while they learn the fun of running on the trails, being active, and making healthy choices. 

Participants will also receive a t-shirt to keep.  We will be having a small xc race in conjunction with the Div. II JV State meet held at Coe Brown at the end of the season. 

For more information please contact:

Karyn Fisher at 5fishers@metrocast.net.  

You can register on-line at:

http://nhthunder.com/xc-registration-form/

Cost: $35.00 

Grades:  K-4th

When: Wednesdays beginning September 14th through October 19th

Time: 5:30-6:30 pm

Location: Coe Brown Northwood Academy up near the track

Important Dates

September 13 - No school

September 20 - Open House, 5:00 - 7:00 

September 21 - School Board meeting, 6:30 

September 28 - Picture Day

September 30 - No school

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