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
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For more information on COVID, please click on the COVID Information tab above.
What to Expect for the 2021-2022 School Year
The NWSD is excited to announce that in-person instruction will resume on August 31st!
Please review the document below for details on what we know as of July 20, 2021.
BACK TO SCHOOL 2021-2022.pdf
Health and Safety Plan
The NWSD Board of Directors approved the ARP/ESSER Health and Safety Plan on July 19, 2021.
ARP-ESSER Health and Safety Plan 7.19.2021.pdf
Board Meeting Attendance/Participation
The Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Requiring Universal Face Coverings was lifted on June 28, 2021. In response to this latest action, the Northwestern School District Board of Directors will resume face-to-face, in person meetings effective July 19, 2021. The live YouTube feed will not be available going forward.
The Board invites any member of the public to attend these meetings. The next meeting will be held in the District Office conference room beginning at 7pm on Monday, August 16, 2021. We ask that any attendees who are not fully vaccinated please wear a mask during the meetings. Thank you.
Upcoming NWSD Board Meetings
The Northwestern School District Board of Directors will hold the following meetings in August.
-August 2, 2021 @ 10am-Policy/Personnel/Finance Committee Meeting at the District Office
-The Building/Grounds Committee Meeting has been CANCELLED for August
-August 9, 2021 @ 7pm-Board Study Session Meeting at the District Office
-August 16, 2021 @ 7pm-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, so your name can be added to the agenda.
RECENT PARENT COMMUNICATION
Act 66-Student Grade Level Retainment
The General Assembly recently passed legislation that will allow parents and students new options concerning the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.
All parents have the option of an additional year of school during the 2021-2022 school year. Parents of students with disabilities who attained age 21 during the 2020-2021 school term or who will attain age 21 during this summer can also elect an additional year of education during 2021-2022.
Parents of all students, and students themselves if they are 18, can elect retention during the 2021-2022 school term at the grade level they were in during the 2020-2021 school term.
Forms for making either of these elections are available by clicking here, Student Grade Level Retainment Notification Form. The form does not need to be completed if your child failed the grade they were in for 2020-2021SY. Additional information on the recent legislation can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website at https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/SchoolReopeningGuidance/ReopeningPreKto12/Pages/Student-Grade-Level-Retainment-(Act-66).aspx.
Forms must be downloaded, completed, and submitted to Tammie Clinger in the District Administration Office by 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, July 15, 2021.
Home Technology Access Survey
Northwestern families can help the community by completing our “Home Technology Access Survey”!
Congress authorized the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) as a means to help schools provide the tools and services that COMMUNITIES need for success on homework and remote learning. The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) can provide technology to help close the Homework Gap for students who lack quality INTERNET access, or who lack the devices they need, to connect to classrooms.
You can help NWSD secure an Emergency Connectivity Fund grant by completing the very short “Home Technology Access Survey” linked below. The survey will not require your name, nor ask for any personal information. Just provide a house number, street name, city or town and zip code to show district residence, and then answer a couple questions regarding technology resources available at your residence.
We need you to complete the survey in order to demonstrate the “unmet needs” experienced in the Albion and the Springfield areas.
The Emergency Connectivity Fund can be used to cover reasonable costs of laptop and tablet computers; Wi-Fi hotspots; modems; routers; and broadband connectivity purchases for on and off-campus use by students, but the District needs your help, and we are asking you to complete the “Home Technology Survey.”
Thank you for helping us secure much needed federal funding.
Summer Hours 2021.pdf
Superintendent Evaluation
The Northwestern School District Board of Directors completed the 2020-2021 performance assessment on June 21, 2021.
Mr. John B. Hansen met the agreed upon objective performance standards at a proficient level.
We are sending out a giant CONGRATULATIONS to this year's retirees, Mrs. Pavolko, Mrs. Severo and Mrs. Ingro. Between the three ladies, they have served our district for a total of 74 years. Many thanks to each of you for your commitment to NWSD and always going above and beyond for our Wildcats!
We are pleased to present a short video highlighting the various scholarships received by the Class of 2021 graduates. Please note the video may not contain all scholarships and awards, we are sharing the information that was provided to our guidance office prior to the end of the school year. Join us in honoring these fine graduates of 2021!
2021_Awards-Scholarships_1080p(3).mp4Congratulations to Mrs. McKenna! She was recently notified that she is among the Top 5 finalists for the Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Award.
Middle School Chorus
MS Chorus 2020-2021.MOVMiddle School chorus students faced the challenges of a pandemic with perseverance and enthusiasm this year. Even with mask wearing and social distancing, the power of music was felt by everyone. We hope you enjoy this small sample of our accomplishments this year!
Northwestern Elementary Ag Day
NWE_Ag_Day_328082960_1080x1080_F30.mp4High School teachers and FFA Advisors, Anthony Honeycutt and Julie Schmidt, organized an Ag Day for the elementary students. It was a nice way for them to have a break from the classroom and enjoy some hands-on learning!
High School Choral Dept Highlights
HS Choral Department 2020-2021.MOVCongratulations to students in the high school vocal department on a successful year of music-making! We are proud of our student musicians!
Springfield Elementary second and third grade students recently took part in a virtual field trip to the Erie Zoo!
Video_1.movVideo.movClick on this link to find out more about the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT), will help families cover the cost of breakfasts and lunches their children would have been eligible to receive for free or at reduced price through the National School Lunch Program. the P-EBT program was re-authorized last year to cover the entire 2020-21 school year. A new P-EBT has been approved for Pennsylvania by the USDA FNS.
2021 Weekend with the Arts
On behalf of Ms. Chase, NHS Art teacher, it is our pleasure to present the link to the 2021 Virtual Weekend with the Arts. Please take a moment to view this year's projects and witness the creative and artistic abilities of our talented Wildcats. ENJOY!
Do you currently have a Kindergarten, 1st Grade or 2nd Grade student? Would they benefit from a summer program? Check out the opportunity provided by MELIA (Mercyhurst Early Learning Innovation Academy. They are accepting participants via this registration link, https://melia.elab.space/
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.
Check out the latest Facebook post from NWSD
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.
Mission
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.