THE WARHAWK TIMES

ISSUE: 3

October 17, 2007

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.....

In some of my readings over the years I have seen some great articles that have given some wonderful advice about dealing with teenagers. Although, much of this information is not new or rocket science I feel it is still important information to share with parents to remind them of some basic ideas to help them in raising their children. As many of you may know I have two teenage stepsons myself so I understand what parents go through on a regular basis in dealing with teenagers. Below you will find 10 Ways to Communicate with your Teen that I have found useful in these trying times of dealing with a teenager:

  • Make yourself available for talks and try to have them each day. At the same time, be respectful of your teenâÄôs need for silence.
  • Offer praise when deserved and remember to express your love, even if your teen acts like it doesnâÄôt matter. IT DOES.
  • Show that you're paying attention: use good eye contact and ask for clarification if needed.
  • Be positive and encouraging, and choose words and concepts that teens understand.
  • Rather than jump to conclusions, give your teen a chance to explain thoughts and actions.
  • Ban communication-stoppers such as guilt, commands, ultimatums, preaching, judging, or words like â"never" or "always".
  • Be brief. Most teens tune out nagging and retain shorter messages longer.
  • Practice win-win communication. A healthy compromise with both parties feeling like winners helps teen learn negotiation skills.
  • When the consequence of a conflict won't harm your teen, give him or her the opportunity to disagree without being accused of "talking back.." Your teen will gain self-respect.
  • Don't feel you have to know everything. It's OK to say, "I don't know, but let's find out together."

Educationally Your

Jake Wakitsch

CERFIFIED STAFF BIO......

In this edition the staff bio section focuses on the new administration.....

Jenny Cellucci

Position: School Social Worker

Resides: Woodstock, Illinois

# Years in Education: 4

Spouses Name: Ray Cellucci

Children: Danny

Graduated From / Degrees:

Western Illinois University - (BSW) Bachelor's in Social Work

Aurora University - (MSW) Master's in Social Work

Favorite Sports Teams & Players: Mrs. Cellucci loves watching tennis.

Interesting Tidbits: I love to shop, scrapbook and spend time with my family and friends. I also like going to plays and musicals.

Gail Vanderpoel

Position: Cross Categorical Special Education

Resides: Fox River Grove, Illinois

# Years in Education: 17 in public school

Spouse's Name: Tom Vanderpoel

Children: Cassidy - 25, Cooper - 21, Brinley - 4 (Granddaughter)

Pets: Rudy the Airedale

Graduated From / Degrees:

University of Oregon - Bachelor of Science

St. Xavier University - Masters of Arts

Favorite Sports Teams & Players: Oregon Ducks, University of Wyoming Cowboys and the Chicago Cubs

Interesting Tidbits: I rode my bike from Oregon to Wyoming one summer after college (1000 miles). I taught for three years on the Crow Indian Reservation in Wyola, Montana. I do conservation work with my husband in Lake County on prairies, savannas and wetlands.

PICTURE RE-TAKE DAY

Picture Re-Take Day is scheduled for Thursday, October 25th. If you have not yet returned your picture order and you plan to order pictures please do so ASAP

NEW GYMNASIUM FOOD/DRINK POLICY

This year Northwood Middle School has adopted a policy that does not allow any students, parents or guests to eat or drink in either gymnasium. If you purchase something at the concession stand there is a table available in the hallway for you to eat or drink at before returning to the gym.The only exception to this policy is the actual athletes participating in the event are allowed water bottles on the bench.Your support of this policy is greatly appreciated

PICKING UP STUDENTS & ATHLETES AFTER EVENTS & GAMES

We ask that parents please pick up students and athletes after all games, practices and events within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the game. We do not want students standing around the outside of the buildings unsupervised as this type of situation only leads to potential problems.

WARHAWK TIMES ON THE WEB

Just in case your child accidentally forgets to bring you home a copy of the Warhawk Times or you misplace a copy you want to refer to, you can now checkout all copies of the Times on the NWMS website.

THE PTO NEEDS YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Currently, the Northwood PTO is non-existent for the 07-08 school year because we need people to help out and fill our vacant Board positions.The PTO does not have a President or a Secretary at this time.Without these vital positions the PTO will not function.Please consider stepping up to help as you can see from this list, the PTO does a ton of things for the students and school and without your help in filling these positions these extras will not happenâ family fun night,

  • putting on the entire 8th grade dance,
  • providing the reception for families after 8th grade graduation,
  • as well as providing a fund raiser to raise funds for things such as: Challenge Corps,
    • Mentoring program,
    • archery equipment for PE, bike helmets for PE,
    • supports the Pumpkin Run,
    • baby manikins for 8th grade health unit,
    • board games used in the classrooms for vocabulary, spelling, and phonics,
    • clay for art classes,
    • 1/2 the cost of assignment notebooks, books for literature circle,
    • the rolling computer lab as well as 5 Dell computers televisions, and projectors purchased last year for classroom use,
    • poms for the pompon squad.

These are just some of the things the PTO has provided over the last few years! If you would like to become a part of the PTO and help keep these wonderful extras happening for our students please contact Laura Brokaw at 815-337-9601 or Mr. Wakitsch at the school.

FANNIE MAY FUNDRAISER

The PTO is running a Fanny May candy fundraiser that came home with students on Monday or Tuesday of this week. Your support in this event is greatly appreciated. Remember, all PTO proceeds go back to the students. The fundraiser turn-in deadline is Monday, October 29th. The top three sellers will win gift certificates.

PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES

On Friday, October 12th we sent home Parent/Teacher conference forms with our students for our upcoming parent/teacher conferences on Wednesday, November 7th (5-9pm) and Thursday, November 8th (8am-9pm). We ask that all parents please return this completed form to school by this Friday, October 19th so our teachers can set up their conference schedule. We will send home conference confirmation forms with times and dates on Friday October 26th. Remember, conferences are extremely important to help keep home and school communication open and highly encourage all of our parents to schedule a conference to discuss the progress of their child. We will also be handing out first quarter report cards, as well as last yearâÄôs student ISAT, IMAGE and IAA test results at conferences.

CONGRATULATIONS MRS. STOCK

Mrs. Stock (6th grade teacher) was recognized last week as the Star 105.5 & Home State Bank Teacher of the Month (September) for McHenry County. Congratulations to Mrs. Stock, what an awesome recognition!!!!

A GLIMPSE AHEAD

Thursday

October 18, 2007

Volleyball @ Creekside

Bus Evacuations

Cheerleading Practice

Boys Basketball - 7 Try outs

Saturday

October 20, 2007

8th Grade Conference Volleyball Tournament

Saturday Detention

Monday

October 22, 2007

Cheerleading Practice

Boys Basketball Practice

Tuesday

October 23, 2007

Cheerleading Practice

Boys Basketball Practice

Wednesday

October 24, 2007

Cheerleading Practice

Boys Basketball Practice

Thursday

October 25, 2007

Pommies Practice

Boys Basketball Practice

Football Awards Program - 7 PM

Friday

October 26, 2007

7th grade Field Trip - Extreme Wheels

Pommies Practice

Boys Basketball Practice

PEP Assembly - 2:45 - 3:30 pm

Monday

October 29, 2007

Cheerleading Practice

Boys Basketball Practice

Pommies Practice

Tuesday

October 30, 2007

Cheerleading Practice

Boys Basketball Practice

Wednesday

October 31, 2007

End of 1st Quarter

Boys Basketball Practice

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

REMINDER: No costumes, face painting or hair coloring allowed @ NWMS on Halloween

HOMEWORK HOTLINE NUMERS & TEAM LEADERS

6th Grade - (815) 337-3257 & (815) 337-3258 - Rrivera@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us

7th Grade - (815) 337-3259 - TSchubring@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us

8th Grade - (815) 337-3261 - MWesley@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us

 

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