JANUARY

As we welcome a brand-new year, we’re excited to offer our middle school families and students a fresh opportunity to reset, refocus, and start strong in 2026. The new year brings a clean slate—a chance to build new habits, set meaningful goals, and step confidently into the second half of the school year. Together, let’s embrace this moment of renewal and support our students as they work toward growth, responsibility, and continued success.

Dates to Remember
School Contacts / Clinic - Medical Forms
Cold Weather Conduct
LCCC Early College Information
Attendance Raffle Baskets
Field Trip Central - SIGN UP NOW FOR END OF THE YEAR TRIPS!
School Safety
Student Drop off / Entry Map
PBIS Focus
While Out Walking
Stay Connected! - Download the REMIND app
Student Activities
Quick Links
Help Guide / Questions-Concerns

JANUARY 2026

1/5 - School Resumes
1/12 - Tech E Club
1/13 & 1/15 - 8th Grade goes to JVS
1/19 - MLK DAY - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
1/20 - Marcos Fundraiser
1/20 - Semester 1 Awards - Invitation only - more info TBA
1/28 - Student Council Meeting
1/30 - No School for Students - Professional Day
Every Wednesday - Acapella - 2:15-4:00pm

Looking Ahead

February 3rd - LCCC Early College Visits NMS
February 16th - SCHOOLS CLOSED - President's Day
February 19th - Parent / Teacher Conferences : 2:30 - 6:00pm
March 9th - EHS Scheduling - more information TBA
April 3rd - 10th - SPRING BREAK
OS Testing Dates - (ELA 3/24 & 3/25) - (Math 4/21 & 4/22) - (Science 4/28 & 4/29)

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

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.

CLICK for all Staff Emails

We want to provide a friendly reminder to families about our expectations for middle school students who remain on campus after dismissal—whether they are waiting for a younger sibling or have a later pickup time.

To ensure a safe, respectful, and orderly environment for all, please review the following guidelines:

Students waiting for an Elementary sibling must remain on the middle school side of campus until 3:05 p.m.
Warm weather: Students will wait outside the middle school doors until 3:05 p.m., then may walk over to meet their sibling or wait for pickup. They must leave campus promptly afterward.
Cold weather: Students will wait inside the middle school foyer only. They are not permitted to re-enter the school building for any reason.

At all times, students are expected to behave respectfully, use appropriate language, and avoid any disruptive or unsafe behavior.

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in the student losing the privilege to remain on school property after dismissal.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and positive school environment for all Northwood students.

Early College High School offers a unique opportunity for students entering high school to earn their high school diploma while also working toward an Associate’s degree. Click HERE for more information from LCCC Early College, including details about Parent Nights, frequently asked questions, and contact information for additional support. This outstanding program is offered in partnership with Elyria City Schools.

REGISTER YOUR STUDENT NOW FOR THESE TRIPS. SPACE MAY BE LIMITED.

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.

Below, you’ll find each grade’s trip information (as we get it), advisor contact details, and PDF attachments with all the important info. We’re looking forward to another great year of learning, laughter, and adventure on these annual trips!

5th - Firelands Scout Reservation -More info TBA - Advisors- Mrs.Duffner - Ms. Meyer

6th - COSI - more info TBA - Advisor - Mr.Basinski

7th - Henry Ford/Greenfield Village - Advisor - Mr. Capacetti

8th - Washington DC - Advisors - Mr. Black - Mr. McGeehen - Mrs. Yearley

Morning Traffic Safety

Please help us maintain a safe and orderly traffic pattern during morning drop-off. We have nine buses that arrive daily, and they may be delayed for a variety of reasons. For this reason, it is essential that families do not drop students off in front of the middle school entrance or near the stop sign.

Last year, a student was nearly pinned between two cars during morning drop-off. To help prevent incidents like this, Mr. Basinski is outside each morning to safely cross students at the crosswalk. Thank you for following the traffic pattern—your cooperation helps keep everyone safe.

Student Interactions and Verbal Safety

We also ask that you speak with your child about the importance of choosing their words carefully. Any threat—no matter the intent—must be taken very seriously. Students sometimes explain inappropriate comments by saying they were “just joking,” but in today’s society, we cannot and will not overlook any statement that could be interpreted as a threat toward another student.

Please remind your child to communicate respectfully and responsibly, and to seek help from an adult if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Thank you for your continued support and vigilance. When families and school staff work together, we create the safe, welcoming environment every student deserves.

Congrats to Northwood Middle School! Earning a Silver recognition

PBIS Award! This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, students and families in building positive, supportive school environments.

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.

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.

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: