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
Board Agendas & Public Participation
Click on Daily Case Count Breakdown and Zone Map Data once in the above link to see area comparisons.
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Essential Elements of Safe K-12 School In-Person Instruction
Last updated: Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 4:00pm
Calendars • Cafeteria Info • Sports Calendars • HS Grades • MS Grades • NWE Grades • SE Grades • Clever Portal • Weather Station •
What a way to end the week and the month of February! Springfield Elementary raised $1,694.50 with a school wide Change War to benefit the Unified Sports Track & Field team. Fantastic job Wildcats, super proud of your efforts for this year's Polar Pop!
Polar Pop (1).mp4
The Northwestern School District Board of Directors will hold the following meetings in March.
March 1, 2021-Policy/Personnel/Finance Committee Meeting at 10:00am at the District Office
March 1, 2021-Building/Grounds Committee Meeting at 6:00pm at the District Office
March 8, 2021-Study Session at 7:00pm at the District Office
March 15, 2021-Board Voting Meeting at the District Office
If you are a member of the public wishing to address the Board in person as a scheduled visitor at the Board Voting Meeting, please contact the Superintendent's office at 814-756-9400x4254 by 1:30pm on the day of the meeting for further instruction or visit the link in the header portion of the website (Board Agendas and Public Participation highlighted in bright green).
Calling all incoming kindergarten students...it's time for registration!
2021-2022 Kindergarten Registration.pdfHAPPY VALENTINES DAY FROM NORTHWESTERN ELEMENTARY
Valentine's Day looks a little different at NWE than previous years. However, we are still showing LOVE the Wildcat Way. Check out this link to our school video, to see how we are LOVING our community on this Valentines Day.
NWE Valentines Day 2021.mp4Students in Mrs. Johnson's class celebrated the 100th day of school on Monday. Students counted 100 Cheerios for snack, wrote 100 words, made a 100th Day crown, brought in a collection of 100 things, and then wrote about what they would do when they were 100 years old. They also used an app that aged them for fun! It was a great day to be a first grader at Springfield Elementary!
100_DAYS_AT_SPRINGFIELD.mp4Congratulations and best wishes to the following Wildcats...
Anthony Valletta - 1st Chair Oboe 1
Owen Niedzielski - 2nd Chair Cornet 1
Kyle Johnson - 2nd Chair Alto 1
They will be advancing to audition for PMEA All-State later this month. Awesome job!!!
Congratulations to these fine Wildcats who are advancing to Regional Chorus:
Anthony Valletta earned 4th chair (Bass 1)
Trevor Eggert earned 6th chair (Tenor 1)
Nathan Johnson 10th chair (Tenor 2)
The sixth grade teachers would like to recognize the January students of the month, Alexander Beers and Apryl Wright. Both Alexander and Apryl go the extra mile every day, whether they are learning in the classroom or at home, and they continually model our four pillars of Follow the Pride. Congratulations Alexander and Apryl!
1.31.2021
Seventh grade students participated in a "Dressed for Success" event last week to encourage healthy habits and knowledge as part of the Follow the Pride program. Students received Pride Tickets and special prizes for their best dressed efforts. These 7th graders look like nothing will get in the way of their success!
Lifetime Activities
Our high school students, under the guidance of HPE teacher, Mr. Richards, braved the cold temperatures this week to learn how to cross country ski and use snowshoes! Thanks to Mr. Richards for offering this lesson.
The Great Kindness Challenge
Students in Mrs. Pavolko's class are participating in the Great Kindness Challenge by making Valentine cards for nursing home residents. The cards will go to one of our local radio stations, WCTL, and will be distributed by their staff and volunteers. The program through WCTL is called "Healing Hearts Valentines". What a thoughtful way to spread some Wildcat kindness!
Second graders at Northwestern Elementary received their winter-themed STEM kits last Friday. Mrs. Bennett, Miss Bowen, Mrs. Nuber and Ms. Tramontana created fun and engaging STEM related activities for students to enjoy with their families at home. Students will receive a new, seasonal kit every quarter. This Winter STEM bag included a book, pillow making kit, picture frame kit, and snow paint materials. Check out some of the STEM fun our second graders had with their kits!
We are pleased to share information regarding the Rising K Program operated by Mercyhurst University at both Northwestern and Springfield Elementary. The full day program with limited enrollment will begin February 17 for students entering kindergarten in the Fall of 2021.
Interested families can complete the registration via the link below and will then receive an email with necessary documentation to drop off at the school office.
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)
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In an effort to keep the students and staff as safe and healthy as possible, please remember that it is crucial to report any COVID-related illness in your household to either of the pandemic coordinators.
Mr. John Hansen at jhansen@nwsd.org or call 814-756-9400x4220
Mrs. Christina Costello at ccostello@nwsd.org or call 814-756-9400x4351
The Northwestern School District Board of Directors approved a revised calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.
2020-2021 Calendar-REVISED.pdfGuidelines for Determining Instruction Model/Building Closures during Moderate & Substantial Levels of Community Transmission
Level of Community Transmission All Schools.pdf2020-2021 Flexible Instruction Days
Flexible Instruction Days.pdf12.8.2020-IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT SHIFT TO REMOTE LEARNING
Regardless of how hard we have worked to keep our students in some face-to-face education, we have reached a level of community, and school transmission which no longer allows us to remain in our hybrid model. We currently have 11 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 among our students and staff. Additionally, we are awaiting test results on approximately 30 other students and staff who are symptomatic, and currently being quarantined. In the last week alone, the district has 102 students and staff currently being quarantined.
Based on the PA Department of Education's new guidelines, beginning tomorrow, 12/9/2020, and continuing through 12/22/2020, we will be moving our educational model to fully remote. As of today, we plan to return to our hybrid model on Monday, January 4, 2021.
During the next few weeks, we will continue to monitor all of our cases, and will continue to inform all of our stakeholders of any changes. Please continue to reach out to myself at (814) 756-9400, ext. 4220, or Christina Costello at (814) 756-9400, ext. 4351, with any information regarding possible COVID-positive cases within your family. Please continue to wear masks, socially distance, and avoid any large gatherings. Our hope is to reduce the spread of COVD-19 over the next few weeks, so that we can safely return in January, and continue with our hybrid model.
Thank you,
John Hansen and Christina Costello
NWSD Pandemic Coordinators
COVID-19 Screening Tool for Families (updated 11/6/2020)
COVID Screening Tool Updated Nov2020.pdfDo you have a student who is struggling with virtual learning?
Check out these helpful tips!
Routine Tips (2).pdfInformation about Free School Meals
School Meals Graphic.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 .
Wildcat 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.