Northwestern School District • 100 Harthan Way, Albion PA 16401 • 814.756.9400
Home of the Wildcats • Mr. John Hansen, Superintendent
Northwestern High School • Northwestern Middle School • Northwestern Elementary • Springfield Elementary
IMPORTANT SCHOOL CALENDAR CHANGE (updated 11/24/2020)
Monday, November 23 - NO SCHOOL (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
**Tuesday, November 24 - NO SCHOOL (Act 80 Day)**
Wednesday, November 25 - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, November 26 - NO SCHOOL - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Friday, November 27 - NO SCHOOL
Monday, November 30 - NO SCHOOL
***Tuesday, December 1 - Friday, December 4--ALL Students will receive 100% Remote Instruction***
Parents check out this helpful resource to utilize during remote instruction schedules, Parent and Family Resources for Remote Education
Monday, December 7 - Students and Staff will return to the Hybrid Schedule
Elementary schools resume the daily half-day schedule (AM/PM)
Middle & High School resume the BABAC schedule
WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE AS OF 11.24.2020
2020-21 Winter sports schedule.pdfCOVID-19 Screening Tool for Families (updated 11/6/2020)
COVID Screening Tool Updated Nov2020.pdfWe are pleased to share some wonderful news. Mrs. McKenna, Northwestern Middle School Sixth Grade teacher, received the Golden Apple Award today. She was nominated by one of her former students, Lauren Thorpe. Way to go Mrs. McKenna!
COVID-19 UPDATE--11/16/20
This message is to inform the NWSD staff and community that, between the evening of 11/15/20 and 11/16/20, we have two new COVID-positive cases among our students. We have one additional student at the middle school, and one additional student at Springfield Elementary. NWSD continues to follow the protocols outlined in our health and safety plan, and due to our social distancing and our other safety procedures, our contact tracing was kept to a minimum. The Erie County Health Department, as well as the state health department has been notified of both cases. We have communicated with all close contacts for both cases, and they will self-quarantine for the minimum of 14 days.
Thank you,
John Hansen, Superintendent
~11/4/2020~
CHANGES TO MEAL DISTRIBUTION EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!
Beginning Monday, November 2, we will no longer be providing meals for PICK UP to our students who are attending school on a daily basis or hybrid schedule. Instead, FREE meals will be sent home with your child at dismissal time. NO PRE-ORDER IS REQUIRED FOR MEALS BEING SENT HOME WITH STUDENTS. If you DO NOT want your child to receive these meals, you must opt-out by completing the Meal Opt-Out Form. The form is also at the bottom of this post.
**Meal pick up WILL continue to be provided only for FULLY REMOTE students or any children 18 and under in your household who DO NOT attend school.
**Beginning Friday, November 6th, there will be TWO pick up days each week: MONDAY-you will receive 5 days' worth of meals (weekly pack) and FRIDAY-you will receive 2 days' worth of meals (weekend pack).
**Pick up locations for each day (Mondays & Fridays) will be at NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL from 12pm-1:00pm OR at SPRINGFIELD ELEMENTARY from 11:45am-12:45pm.
The meal order form for eligible students will be available on Thursdays, 9AM-9PM (for the weekend pack), and then again on Sundays, 9AM-9PM (for the weekly pack). PRE-ORDERS ARE ONLY FOR REMOTE STUDENTS and children who DO NOT attend school at least two (2) days per week. By participating in this FREE meal program, you are helping the district obtain funding to maintain the cafeteria breakfast and lunch program.
~~If you are unable to pick up your meals, please make arrangements for someone else to pick them up for you.~~
These meal distributions are available by pre-order only for fully remote students and all family members ages 18 and under who do not attend in-person instruction.
WEEKEND MEAL ORDER FORM FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - ONLY for fully remote students and children (18 and under) who do not attend school at least two (2) days per week. Form will open at 9am on Thursday.
10.25.2020~Please take a moment to read the important message from Mr. Hansen, Superintendent, regarding a positive COVID case within our district, Remind Alerts .
Do you have a student who is struggling with virtual learning?
Check out these helpful tips!
Routine Tips (2).pdf
Per PDE's requirements, you can review the district's Health and Safety Plan regarding the return to school for the 2020-21 school year HERE. The plan was board approved on July 20, 2020 and then revised and approved on October 19, 2020.
NWSD Resocialization of Sports Plan (approved June 22, 2020)
Information about Free School Meals
School Meals Graphic.pdf
Registration information regarding the Mercyhurst Early Learning Innovation Adademy (MELIA) Remote Learning Program can be found at the link below. Program begins October 19th.
Kindergarten students from Northwestern Elementary enjoyed a "virtual field trip" to the Edinboro University planetarium on Friday, October 2nd. Many thanks to Mrs. Verga and Mr. Hurd for organizing this fun learning experience.
9.17.2020~HYBRID SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
Info graphic- Cyber day change.pdf9.15.2020 ~ REVISED FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
REVISED 2020 Fall Sports Schedule COVID .pdfInformation regarding the recent update on the mandatory mask order as it pertains to schools. Please click on the following link for answers to some frequently asked questions, FAQ: Universal Face Coverings Order
Elementary Parents--Get Connected to Class Dojo
ClassDojo Instructions.pdfThe NWSD is pleased to share the following information from Camp Fitch regarding camp program options for school-age children for the 2020-2021 school year. Interested families should complete this SURVEY as the first step.
Return to School Update as of 8.6.2020
After a thorough review of parent and staff feedback, along with careful consideration of the best possible choice regarding safety AND education, the NWSD Board of Directors and administration are pleased to share the following information regarding the hybrid schedules for the start of the 2020-2021SY (First student day will be Tuesday, August 25th).
Please remember that the district may be forced to adjust these plans before or during the school year as conditions change surrounding COVID-19. Families and staff will continue to be updated in a timely manner.
What is Synchronous Learning?
Synchronous learning is the kind of learning that happens in real time. This means that the student, the classmates, and the instructor interact in a specific virtual place, through a specific online medium, at a specific time. In other words, it’s not exactly anywhere, anyhow, anytime. Methods of synchronous online learning include video conferencing, teleconferencing, live chatting, and live-streaming lectures.
What is Asynchronous Learning?
Asynchronous learning happens on the students schedule. While the course of study (instructor) will provide materials for reading, lectures for viewing, assignments for completing, and exams for evaluation, the student has the ability to access and satisfy these requirements within a flexible time frame. Methods of asynchronous online learning include self-guided lesson modules, streaming video content, virtual libraries, posted lecture notes, and exchanges across discussion boards or social media platforms.
To obtain enrollment information for NWSD Remote Learning, please contact Chris Haskins at chaskins@nwsd.org.
To obtain enrollment information for Full-Time Cyber (WVLI), please click on this link .
The Northwestern School District Board of Directors approved a revised calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.
2020-2021 Calendar-REVISED.pdfWildcat Virtual Learning Institute (WVLI) is an extension of Northwestern School District. WVLI is open to all Northwestern students and offers accommodations and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for special education students. Virtual Learning follows an instructional model that is similar to homeschooling. Students are required to log attendance every day, submit assignments, attend online lessons, and complete the state mandatory testings. The curriculum is developed to suit individual student learning styles and varying academic levels while meeting PA State Standards. Upon acceptance into WVLI, students will be provided with all of the materials needed to succeed including a laptop, books, workbooks, and other necessary resources. In addition, students will have access to tutoring, access to district teachers, and NW clubs/activities.
All of our classes are designed to help prepare students for the next chapter of their lives, whether it be higher education, trade school, military service, or joining the workforce. If you are thinking of choosing a cyber option, Northwestern would like to partner with your family this year to provide the very best education possible.
If you are interested in more information, please contact Mr. Christopher Haskins, Northwestern School District Cyber School Liaison at CHaskins@nwsd.org.
outdoor facilities reopen Updated.pdfCheck out the latest Facebook post from NWSD
The 2020-2021 preliminary budget for Northwestern School District was approved by the Board of Directors on May 11, 2020. The document is below for public review.
Proposed 20-21 Budget.pdfNWSD Continuity of Education Plan
CoE Plan 4-15-20.pdfPSP Bulletin Mobile Apps.pdfParents, please read...
The attached bulletin is full of important information regarding mobile apps that are available to your children. Please read and take the opportunity to discuss them with your children.
Sharing again as a point of reference - school cancellations and delays
NW School District Guidelines for School Cancellations and Delays.pdfThe Northwestern School District's proposed Comprehensive Plan is currently available for public review at NWSD Comprehensive Plan 9.5.2019.
Certified Day-to-Day Teacher and Emergency Certified Substitutes
If you are interested in working as a substitute teacher for Northwestern School District, please contact Kelly Educational Staffing, at (814) 350-2192. For more information on Kelly Educational Staffing, please see the link below to their website.
The Northwestern School District utilizes substitute teachers in all certification areas from candidates with a Pennsylvania teaching certificate. If you do not have a teaching certificate but have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, you may be eligible to be an emergency certified substitute teacher. You will need proof of a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university.
Superintendent Evaluation
The Northwestern School District Board of Directors completed the 2019-2020 performance assessment on June 15, 2020.
Mr. John B. Hansen met the agreed upon objective performance standards at a proficient level.
ALiCE Parent Letter.pdfPlease take a moment to read about the updated safety initiative at Northwestern School District.
Career Street Outreach letter to parents.pdfWhat is Career Street? Hopefully your middle school or high school student has talked about this career exploration opportunity. This is your chance to...
Be a part of education
Be a part of workforce development
Be a part of Career Street
The attached letter explains how you or your employer can become involved.
Volunteers play a vital role in our district. As a reminder, our district requires certain clearances from our community members in order to remain in compliance with current laws and regulations. As a general rule, clearances are valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance. Please visit the links listed under Parent Info, Information for School Volunteers, to update your clearances. Feel free to contact the building office or the administration office with any questions or to check on the status of your clearances.
NEW ONLINE SUBMISSION LINK - Transportation Change Form
Recruitment position details.pdfKeystone Smiles CLC-AMERICORPS is currently accepting applications! Positions are available for the 2018-2019 school year at Northwestern Elementary and Springfield Elementary. Click on the brochure (PDF) on the left for details about the program.
Visit the link above to apply.
Annual Notifications of Policies 4.5.2019.pdfCHILD FIND-FERPA Annual.pdfFERPA-Notification of Rights.pdfMission
The Northwestern School District, in partnership with its parents, seeks to instill in its students, high standards for academic scholarship, integrity, leadership, and responsible citizenship.
Vision
Northwestern School District, in partnership with parents and community, will empower students to be successful, responsible citizens whose work ethic and academic skills will prepare them for a continually changing global society.
Shared Values
We believe
...all students can learn, given the appropriate amount of time and instruction.
...a safe and secure environment must be provided for our students and staff.
...lifelong learning is crucial for success.
...students, parents, community, and staff are partners in the educational process.
...students benefit from diverse learning opportunities.
...the Northwestern School District is a community of learners that values every individual.
...utilizing current technology is fundamental and an integral part of learning.
...a comprehensive curriculum is vital for meeting the needs of all students.
...students learn best when they are actively engaged in learning.
...open communication between all members of the Northwestern community is essential.