|
ISSUE:12 |
|
December 2, 2008 |
WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Any reference to "sign-up forms" stated anywhere in the Backwood's News refers to forms located in the printed copy of this newsletter and not to the electronic copy you are now reading. Forms found in the hard printed copy can be filled out and sent to Northwood or you can volunteer by calling the office at 338-4900 or sending an email to this website. It will be forwarded to the appropriate person. When sending an email, please state "volunteer" in the subject line. You may email by clicking HERE.
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRINCIPAL.....
As I sat down to write for this edition of the Warhawk Times I looked back at last years November 30th edition to see what was happening and pertinent at this time last year. In reading my PrincipalâÄôs section from last year I really felt that it hit the mark right on the head with the reality of the times during the holiday season. Therefore, I decided I would once again share the same comments from last year as it is always a good reminder to hear them again and for those parents with new students at Northwood it would be worth hearing for the first time. Thanksgiving break has come and gone, winter break is a mere three weeks away and before we know it we will be starting a new year (2009). With this fast pace time of year comes many great moments; spending time with family, attending parties and celebrations, putting up decorations, and shopping for the holidays, just to name a few. However, it also makes for hectic schedules, time away from routines and difficulty shuffling priorities. As a result of all the excitement, I have historically seen that some students struggle to get their homework completed and keep their grades up over the next 6-8 weeks and I would hate to see this happen to your child. How can you help avoid this problem? Here are just a few tips to help you stay on top of your child's progress during this holiday season. Be sure to check their grades using the HOME ACCESS program that is available on the District Website. Although it may be difficult try and keep daily routines as much as possible, including a homework time. Be sure to check their homework regularly for completeness, as well as quality. Finally, donâÄôt hesitate to contact their teachers should you have questions or concerns. Remember, ItâÄôs Never Too Late To Get Involved! If you've never or rarely taken a very active role in your childâÄôs education, you may wonder if you are too late. It's never too late for you to become more involved in your child's education. When schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but throughout life,âÄù says Anne Henderson, who spent more than 30 years studying parent involvement in education. The Middle School years are an important time to become involved because parental guidance is a key to developing a successful student. Many years of research shows that Parent Involvement Produces 1. Higher Grades and Test Scores 2. Better Attendance & Greater Homework Completion Rates 3. More Positive Attitudes Toward School 4. Better Behavior 5. Higher Graduation Rates 6. Increased Enrollment in Education after Get involved and make a difference in your childâÄôs education. They need your support and help in order to reach their full potential and be as successful as possible.
Educationally Your
Jake Wakitsch
P.T.O. Corner
The next PTO meeting is scheduled for December 8th, at 7pm in the Northwood library. WE NEED YOU! We will be forming committees to plan the 8th grade Graduation Dance and will be discussing how to spend the money that has been raised already this year. Please join us, we need your input! The PTO needs more parent involvement! Three of the current board members have 8th graders graduating this June. That means there will be three open board positions next fall. If you're thinking, "I don't have time" or "I'm really more of a 'worker-bee' not a leader or someone can hold a board position", believe me, I understand. I stepped into the roll of being PTO president with no prior experience and never having served on a PTO board in the past. All of us that are currently serving in board positions have full time jobs or full time responsibilities outside of our PTO rolls. We understand being busy and stepping out of our comfort zones but our kids need us. They need us to step up to keep the PTO functioning so field trips can continue, 8th Grade dances can planned and paid for, teacher grants can be made and outstanding students can be honored as student of the month. We need your help - Please come December 8th and lend a hand. Spirit Wear Winter Collection New styles and designs of Northwood Spirit Wear is being offered for the winter season. Styles include flannel pants, âÄòbaseballâÄô shirts and pink sweats. Flyers are available in the office and can be downloaded off the website under the PTO corner Orders received prior to December 4th will be delivered before winter break.
Pom Pon Clinic for D200 3rd - 6th Graders
The Northwood Middle School Pom Pom team will be sponsoring a clinic for students in grade 3rd through 6th that attend a District 200 school on Saturday, December 20th from 9am-12pm with a performance for parents at 11:40am. The cost is $25 per student. Each participant will receive a T-Shirt and Poms. Proceeds from the clinic will go to support the NWMS Pom Pon program. Registration forms are available in the school office or you can contact Coach Malo at (815) 337-5200 ext 5256 if you have any questions. All registrations must be postmarked by December 10th.
Holiday Break
I would like to remind all parents that the last day of student attendance before winter break will be on Friday, December 19th and classes will resume on Monday, January 5th. The Northwood Middle School building and office will be closed throughout the entire winter break with the exception being for any athletic practices that may be scheduled in the gymnasium. Individual coaches will give specific dates and times regarding any practices they may schedule over the winter break to their players.
Student Council Dance
The student council will be sponsoring a winter/holiday dance next Friday, December 12th from 4-6pm. All students in grades 6th through 8th grade are invited to attend. The cost is $4.00 per student. We would like to remind all parents to please make sure that you are at school by 6pm to pick up your child from the dance.
Congratulations Students of the Month
This year Northwood Middle School has started a Student of the Month Program where students are nominated by their teachers for student of the month recognition for their excellent effort, hard work, dedication, and good grades. The students are announced to the whole school over the PA system and each winner receives a certificate and a $5 gift certificate to a local business. The September and October winners received certificates to the Woodstock theatre. I would like to congratulate the following students for their recognition during September and October. SEPTEMBER WINNERS Exploratory Classes/PE/Health
HOMEWORK HOTLINE NUMERS & TEAM LEADERS
6th Grade - (815) 337-3257 & (815) 337-3258 - RRivera@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us
7th Grade - (815) 337-3259 - PKohley@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us
8th Grade - (815) 337-3261 - MWesley@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us
Exploratories - (815) 338-4900 - LLudwigsen@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us
PE / Health - (815) 338-4900 (x117) - DCannata@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us
