Northwood

The Northwood staff has identified literacy as the focus area for continual program improvement. The staff is working to ensure that all students are reading by the end of third grade and meeting the district math standards. Northwood has a highly skilled teaching and support staff with a wealth of experience. They collaborate to promote new ideas that enhance a positive learning environment. Each staff member acknowledges that they are responsible for all of our kids. Northwood students are respectful, cooperative and work with teachers. Our fifth graders serve as cross-age tutors in our primary classrooms and with our special needs students.

Northwood offers classes for children in preschool through fifth grade. Northwood is home to a State Preschool, a Child Development Center and a Preschool Transdisciplanary Assessment Team (a preschool program for children with special needs).

A full range of special education services is available to qualified students at all grade levels. A school psychologist is assigned to Northwood two days each week to conduct student assessment and offer consultation services to students, parents, and staff.

Programs available to assist in the development of English for non-English speakers is provided through English Language Development instruction, English as a Second Language instruction, and Primary Language Assistance tutors.

Through the use of standards and improved assessment techniques (student work portfolios, performance tasks in reading and math, literacy assessment for all students in grades K-3, and examination of student work at all grade levels), the staff is kept abreast of student skills and knowledge, thus maintaining the ability to modify teaching methods as needed.

 Several after school programs are available to Northwood students:

• Homework Club: for students needing a quiet, teacher supported place to study and complete assignments.
• Si Se Puede: an organization sponsored by the City of San Jose which supports the school’s academic program, provides student leadership training, and performs community service.
• Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) classes
• School chorus
• Parent Teacher Association sponsored enrichment classes
• English Language Learners

Parent participation is an integral part of Alternative Education classes, which are available at Northwood and open to students throughout the district in grades K-S.

Northwood prides itself on strong home/school communication via a weekly newsletter and frequent parent/teacher contacts. Parent conferences are held on a school-wide basis twice a year. An active PTA and School Site Council support the close partnership and sense of belonging with students, staff and community.

Staff members strive to recognize student achievements through a variety of recognition activities that include citizenship and achievement awards, assemblies, and the Reader’s Hall of Fame program.

An active Student Council promotes a variety of student activities that develop student leadership and school spirit.