August 25, 2008 -- Dear Students, Parents and Community Members,

Welcome to Northwood Junior High! As we begin the 2008-2009 school year, I would like to take the opportunity to share with you my excitement regarding our school.

Northwood is one of the two junior high schools in the Elyria City School District that houses grades seven and eight. Furthermore, we utilize grade level teams for the purpose of implementing the ideology that is most essential for adolescents. Students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum and a host of elective classes better known as ENCORE. Teachers at Northwood utilize curriculum maps that incorporate the Ohio Standards and enthusiastically prepare students for our Ohio Achievement Tests that are administered in the spring of each year and for their upcoming high school experience.

Some of the unique characteristics of Northwood include our morning SSR program, our student managed courtyard and our school-wide afternoon study tables. Moreover, Northwood has a host of student centered activities that range from student council to interscholastic sports.

The staff of Northwood is excited about the effective schools designation for the 2007-2008 school year as well as the 6 of 8 indicators that were met on the school report card. It is our goal to continually increase expectations for our students and to provide instruction and guidance that will enable each and every student to meet the mark.

As the principal, I encourage all parents and community members to visit Northwood events and activities and to volunteer for field trips. Northwood is a student centered environment- focused on the academic, social and emotional growth of adolescents. It is our mission to prepare our students for a successful experience at the high school and subsequently adulthood. Please look forward to receiving correspondence from our guidance, administrative and teaching staff regarding how you can assist us in this mission.

Again, to a great school year at Northwood! We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Jomill N. Wiley, Principal