Nord News

September 18, 2022

Principal's Message

Dear Nord Families,

We have lots of events happening over the next couple of weeks. Remember, there is no school on Monday, September 19th for students. This is a Professional Development day for Amherst Schools and our staff will be participating in a full-scale drill in collaboration with the Amherst Police Department. Student safety is our number one priority at Nord and I am grateful for the partnership we have with the Amherst Police Department.

Our math teachers will be hosting a Math Information Night for Parents on Wednesday, September 21st starting at 5:00 pm. This hour-long event will focus on empowering parents to help their child with math. We will review a few key components of the Bridges math curriculum and then give parents an opportunity to meet with their child's math teacher. Each math teacher will review ways that parents can support their child at home. Because this event is geared toward parents and due to the limited space in classrooms, we ask that students do not attend. All information will be made available to parents after the meeting in case anyone is unable to attend.

Camp Fitch for our fifth-grade class is Wednesday, September 28th - Friday, September 30th. Your child's homeroom teacher is the point of contact for the trip and has been communicating all the details. You may also see below for some information. Those fifth graders not attending Camp Fitch will enjoy three days of Camp Nord at school. Our staff has been working hard to make both experiences memorable for our students.

Finally, the Amherst School's Homecoming Parade is Friday, September 30th at 5:00 pm. Walter G. Nord School will be walking in the parade again this year. I hope to have many students joining Mr. Doehr and me for the parade. We will line up on Forest Street at 4:45 and any student walking should dress in green or gold for Amherst. Your child may bring candy to pass out if they wish, but are not required to. The parade begins at 5:00 pm and goes west down Park Avenue. The best spot to watch the parade would be along Park Avenue. We will turn at five points and head back via Cleveland Avenue. Families may meet us back at Forest Street as soon as the parade is over to pick up their child.

Please do not hesitate to contact your child's teachers or me with any questions, comments, or concerns. My direct phone number is 440-988-1637 and my email is ashley_harigan@amherstk12.org.

Go Comets,

Mrs. Harigan

Nord Grading Policy

Walter G. Nord School utilizes a weighted grading scale building-wide. Assessments are weighted at 70% of the total grade and classwork is weighted at 30% of the total grade. A common weighting system among all classes ensures that all students, regardless of the teacher, have an equal opportunity of earning a grade that reflects their academic performance, knowledge, and application of skills rather than participation or simple completion of assignments.

Cell Phones and Smart Watches

At Walter G. Nord School, we require that students keep their cell phones silenced and in their locker during the school day. We also ask that smartwatches be kept in student lockers as they have become a distraction during class.

If any family member needs to get an emergency message to their child during the school day, please call the main office at 440-988-4441. Thank you for your support in limiting distractions to the educational environment.

Camp Fitch

The 5th grade will be going to Camp Fitch from Wednesday, September 28th through Friday, September 30th. Any fifth graders not attending Camp Fitch will be participating in Camp Nord at school on those three days.

Please review the packing list for Camp Fitch. If your child will be taking medication while at camp, this medication form must be filled out and returned the morning of September 28th.

Busses will leave around 9:00 am on Wednesday, September 28th and will return at approximately 1:30 in the afternoon on Friday, September 30th. Parents/guardians will be required to transport their child and their luggage to and from school on these days. More details will be coming home from your child's homeroom teacher.

Nord School Pre-Planned Absence Form

Nord School Student and Parent Handbook

September Lunch Menu

NORD PTO

Next Meeting

The next Nord PTO meeting is Monday, October 10th at 9:00 am at Nord School. If you are unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom at https://bit.ly/3QX2bBQ.

Membership Drive

Nord PTO has launched its membership drive and hopes you consider joining to help support Nord students and staff throughout the school year! Membership is $5.00 per family. The homeroom with the highest membership participation by October 7th will be rewarded with a donut party.

Paper copies of the membership form were sent home with your child or you can join online at this CheddarUp website. Thank you in advance for your support!

Scholastic Book Fair

The Nord PTO is excited to be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair from October 3rd - October 7th. Students will have the opportunity to shop at the book fair during their library time. We will also be hosting two evening shopping opportunities on Wednesday, October 5th and Thursday, October 6th from 4:00- 8:00 pm.

All book fair purchases benefit our school, so we thank you in advance for your support! More details will be shared about eWallet and the online book fair store as the event gets closer.

Marco's Pizza Night

Our first Marco's Pizza Night Fundraiser will be Tuesday, October 4th. We will then have them every first Tuesday of the month! Your child will be bringing home a flyer with coupons before each pizza night. The homeroom with the most orders wins its own pizza party each month!