MAY
Cheers to a Great Year!
Celebrating Growth & Looking Ahead
As we wrap up another incredible school year, we are so proud of all our students and the growth, achievements, and resilience they have shown. From academic milestones to personal successes, this year has been filled with moments worth celebrating. We encourage all of our families to enjoy a safe, relaxing, and fun-filled summer, making time for rest and meaningful moments together. To our 8th grade students, we wish you the very best as you take the next step into high school—your future is bright, and we know you will do amazing things. We look forward to welcoming many of our students back next year, refreshed and ready for new opportunities!
MAY (FINAL) EDITION: WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Dates to Remember
- School Contacts / Clinic - Medical Forms
- Field Trip Central
- PBIS - BASKET RAFFLE
- 8th grade CLAP OUT
- Summer Changes/Back-to-School Update
- Year End Awards
- ALTHLETE CONNECTION
- SPIRIT WEEK
- LEVEL UP - Over the Summer
- While Out Walking
- Student Drop off / Entry Map
- Stay Connected! - Download the REMIND app
- Student Activities
- Quick Links
- Help Guide / Questions-Concerns
DATES TO REMEMBER
MAY 2026
- May 1st - 8th grade Dance
- May 7th - Year End Awards - Invitation Only -
- May 13th or 15th - Firelands Scout Reservation Field Trip
- May 18 - COSI Field Trip
- May 20th-22nd - Washington DC Field Trip
- May 21st - Yearbook Delivery
- May 25th - SCHOOLS CLOSED - Memorial Day
- May 26th - LOCKER CLEANOUT - LOCK TURN IN
- May 27th - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS
- May 28th - RECORDS DAY
Looking Ahead 2026-2027
Staggered Start TBD
August 12th & 13th - WEB Leader Training - 8am-11am
August 24th First Day of SchoolSeptember 7th - Labor Day - SCHOOLS CLOSED
September 17th - Picture Day
October 9th - NEOEA Day - SCHOOLS CLOSED
October 26th - Records Day - No school for Students
October 28th - Picture Retake Day
November 23-27th - Fall Break
December 21- January 1st - Winter Break
February 15th - Presidents Day - SCHOOLS CLOSED
March 26th - April 2nd - Spring Break
April 5th - Records Day - No School for Students
May 31st - Memorial Day - SCHOOLS CLOSED
June 4th - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS
SCHOOL CONTACTS
MAIN OFFICE - phone: 440-284-8016 fax: 440-284-1546
For Attendance and General School related inquiries.
- Secretary - Mrs. Jennifer Roy - royjennifer@elyriaschools.org
- Receptionist - Ms. Alena Valles - vallesalena@elyriaschools.org
- Assistant Principal - Mrs. Elizabeth Andrachik - andrachikelizabeth@elyriaschools.org
- 5/6 Principal - Mr. Michael Basinski - basinskimichael@elyriaschools.org
- 7/8 Principal - Mr. Jean Capacetti - capacettijean@elyriaschools.org
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Mrs. Jill Marzec-marzecjill@elyriaschools.org
For schedule changes, or inquires. 504’s, College Credit Plus, JVS and Ohio State Testing.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER - 440-284-8235
Chantille Jackson, MSW, LSW - JacksonChantille@elyriaschools.org
CLINIC - 440-284-8169
Nurse - Mrs. Tara DiFranco - difrancotara@elyriaschools.org
Health Aide - Ms. Megan Altheide - altheidemegan@elyriaschools.org
CLICK HERE for School Nurse Notes - Medical Forms
REGISTRATION/RECORDS - 440-284-8220 / 440-284-8225
For Central Registration questions or concerns.
TRANSPORTATION: GGC BUS of Elyria - 440-284-8030
For any School Bus transportation questions or concerns.
ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT - 440-284-8260
For any student athlete questions or needs.
END-OF-YEAR FIELD TRIP CENTRAL
It’s that exciting time of year again—field trip season!
This is your go-to spot for all the details about our grade-level end-of-year trips. Each grade has its own special destination and trip advisor, who will be your main point of contact for any questions.
5th - Firelands Scout Reservation - CAMP 5/13 OR 5/15
FORMS DUE 3/12 - Advisors- Mrs.Duffner - Ms. Meyer
6th - COSI - TRIP - 5/18
FORMS/FEE DUE 4/24 - Advisor - Mr.Basinski
7th - Henry Ford/Greenfield Village - TRIP 4/30
FEES DUE 2/18 - Advisor - Mr. Capacetti
8th - Washington DC - TRIP 5/20-5/22
FEES DUE 3/20 - Advisors - Mr. Black - Mr. McGeehen - Mrs. Yearley
PBIS RAFFLE BASKET
8th GRADE CLAP OUT
Summer Changes - Back-to-School Update
As we head into summer, we encourage families to plan ahead for a smooth start to the next school year. If your address changes at any point over the summer, it is best practice to begin the update process as soon as possible by contacting Central Registration at 440-284-8220
Additionally, please be sure to check your email in early August for important Back-to-School Update notifications. This update must be completed each year for all returning students to ensure that we have the most accurate and up-to-date medical and emergency contact information on file.
YEAR END AWARDS
ATHLETE CONNECTION
Stay connected with Middle School age athletic opportunities during the summer.
For the most up to date content - Download the SportsYou app.
Join the Team/Group code - FGFG2WVV
Keep Sports Physicals updated - PRINT A COPY HERE
Every Parent and Student must have completed FINAL FORMS
ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT - 440-284-8260
For any student athlete questions or needs.
END OF THE YEAR - SPIRIT WEEK
MAY 18th - MAY 22nd
MON 18th: Dress For Your Future Career
TUES 19th: Outta This World!: Space Theme
WED 20th: POD Wars!: Wear Your POD Colors
THURS 21st: Monochromatic Day- Wear the came color from top to bottom!.
FRI 22nd: Back to the future!: Throwback Day!
*Please remember that all Spirit Week attire needs to be school appropriate and within the dress code guidelines.
LEVEL UP - Over the Summer
🌞 Level Up Your Brain This Summer! 🌞
School may be out, but learning doesn’t have to stop! Keep your mind sharp and ready for next year by trying these fun, easy ideas all summer long.
🧠 Stay in Practice Mode
Just like sports or gaming, your brain needs practice!
👉 Spend 10–15 minutes a day reading, writing, or doing math.
📚 Read What YOU Love
Comics, graphic novels, sports stories, mysteries—anything counts!
👉 If you enjoy it, you’ll keep doing it!
✍️ Start a Summer Journal
Write about your day, your thoughts, or create your own stories.
👉 Make it funny, creative, or totally random!
🧩 Play Smart Games
Puzzles, board games, trivia, and word games all boost brainpower.
👉 Learning + fun = WIN!
🎥 Watch and Learn
Love videos? Turn screen time into brain time!
👉 Try documentaries, “how-to” videos, or educational channels.
🍳 Learn a Life Skill
Cooking, organizing, building, or helping at home all use real-life skills.
👉 You’re learning more than you think!
🎯 Set Weekly Goals
Challenge yourself each week!
✔ Read a book
✔ Learn new words
✔ Practice math facts
👉 Small goals = BIG success!
👯 Learn with a Friend
Quiz each other, read together, or play learning games.
👉 Everything is more fun with friends!
🌍 Explore & Be Curious
Visit parks, take walks, or explore your community.
👉 Ask questions. Notice new things. Stay curious!
📱 Use Tech Wisely
Educational apps and games can keep your brain active.
👉 Make your screen time count!
💡 Ask “WHY?”
Curious minds grow stronger!
👉 The more you ask, the more you learn.
😴 Recharge Your Brain
Sleep, relax, and enjoy your summer.
👉 A healthy brain is a strong brain!
🎉 LEVEL UP CHALLENGE!
Create your own tracker and see how many activities you can complete each week.
Can you beat your high score? 🕹️
❤️🖤 Northwood Middle School – Let’s Level Up Together! 🖤❤️
WHILE OUT WALKING
We love capturing the excitement of learning each day at Northwood! Here are a few snapshots of our students hard at work, collaborating with classmates, and engaging in their classrooms.
SCHOOL SAFETY
Please follow the ONE WAY traffic flow at Arrival and Dismissal
ONLY BUSSES may park in front of the Middle School Entrance
Stay Connected! - Download the REMIND app
At Northwood Middle, we do our best to ensure that important information is shared with families through as many channels as possible. To help us maintain clear and consistent communication, we ask all parents and guardians to:
- Download the Remind app and join the grade-specific class for your student using the code provided below. This code will follow your student throughout their time at Northwood.
8th-(NMS Class of 2030) Code: @d93c97
7th-(NMS Class of 2031) Code: @278kfcd
6th-(NMS Class of 2032) Code: @bbg7c9
5th-(NMS Class of 2033) Code: @a2e6hdd
Follow us on Facebook
Sign up for text message updates for district school closures and urgent announcements. Send a text message saying "Yes" or "Y" to 67587.
Keep your phone numbers and email addresses up to date in our system.
We understand that papers can get lost in backpacks or buried on kitchen counters, and emails can easily be missed. By using multiple platforms and encouraging families to opt in, we hope to minimize the chances of missing important updates about field trips, fundraisers, after-school activities, spirit weeks, and more.
Clubs, Activities and Sports
Northwood offers a variety of clubs, extracurricular activities, and athletic opportunities throughout the school year! Be on the lookout for emails with sign-up dates, meeting times, and advisor contact information. Please note: Students must have their Back-to-School Update completed in order to participate in any club, sport or activity.
Clubs & Activities:
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Academic Challenge – Advisor: Mrs. VK
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Elyria Robotics – Advisor: Mrs. Chachko
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Spelling Bee – Advisors: Mrs. VK & Mrs. Kothe
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Student Council – Advisor: Mrs. Kothe
Digital Skills Society - Advisor: Mrs. Kothe
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Tech E Club – Advisors: Mrs. Chachko & Mrs. Brillhart
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Theater/Play – Advisor: Mrs. Brown
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A-Capella – Advisor: Mrs. Brown
WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) – Advisors: Ms. Geschke & Ms. Repas
Athletics (Grades 7 & 8 Only):
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Fall: Volleyball, Football, Cheerleading, Cross Country
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Winter: Boys & Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Cheerleading
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Spring: Track
For athletic-related questions, please contact our Middle School Athletic Director,
Matt Siwierka SiwierkaMathew@elyriaschools.org