Tiger Pride News Spring News from Northwestern Lehigh School District

Happy Spring!

District Video

The Best Kept Secret

We are excited to share a special video that highlights everything that makes our school district amazing! From dedicated teachers and hardworking students to innovative programs and a strong, supportive community, this video captures the heart of our schools.

We invite you to watch and celebrate the dedication, achievements, and spirit of our students, staff, and families. Your support is what makes our district thrive!

Let's continue working together to make our schools the best they can be!

#TigerPride

Grading Scale Parent Survey

Seeking Your Feedback: Proposed Change to Grading Scale

At Northwestern Lehigh, we are committed to continually reviewing our practices to ensure they best support student learning, academic growth, and alignment with college and career readiness standards. As part of this commitment, the district is currently evaluating a possible adjustment to our grading scale.

The Northwestern Lehigh School District is considering a change to the grading scale used for students in Grades 4–12. Specifically, the district is exploring a shift from the current 93–100 scale for an "A" grade to the 90–100 scale.

As part of this review, we are gathering input from all key stakeholders—students, teachers, and parents—to ensure we consider a broad range of perspectives before making any decision.

We value your feedback as parents and partners in education. Your insight will help guide our decision-making process as we strive to create a grading system that is reflective of student learning.

Please take a few moments to complete the parent survey linked below:

👉 Click here to complete the survey

The survey will remain open until May 9, 2025. Thank you for your time, your feedback, and your continued support of Northwestern Lehigh students.

10 Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health This Summer

by Center for Child Counseling

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and adventure! However, it can also be a period of transition and uncertainty for children. Supporting your child's mental health during this season is crucial for their overall well-being. Here are ten ways you can help:

1. Encourage Open Communication

Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and thoughts. Regularly check in with them and listen without judgment. This helps build trust and shows that you value their emotions. For younger children, these feelings are often expressed through their play.

2. Maintain a Routine

While summer often means a break from the usual schedule, keeping a consistent routine provides a sense of stability. As much as possible, set regular times for meals, activities, and bedtime to help your child feel safe and secure. This is particularly important for very young children, especially before the age of 5. Children thrive on structure and consistency - and it also helps parents by creating a predictable environment that helps children grow emotionally, cognitively, and socially.

3. Promote Physical Activity and PLAY!

Encourage your child to stay active through sports, dance, or even simple outdoor play. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood, and reduce anxiety. Play is essential because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development and well-being of your child. Play also offers a great opportunity for you, as a parent or caregiver, to positively engage and interact with your child. We love this resource from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Children. The handout series provides suggestions games and play-based activities based on your child’s age.

4. Limit Screen Time

While it's tempting to rely on screens for entertainment, excessive screen time can negatively impact mental health. Set boundaries and encourage other activities like reading, games, arts and crafts, or outdoor exploration. Have a Nature Scavenger Hunt by making a list of items found in nature, such as leaves, rocks, or flowers. Or conduct simple science experiments such as baking soda and vinegar volcanoes or making a rainbow in a jar. These are fun and educational activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends minimizing or eliminating media exposure, other than video chatting, for children under the age of 18 months.

5. Foster Social Connections

Arrange playdates, group activities, or a trip to the park to help your child stay connected with friends and peers. Social interactions are vital for emotional health and can help reduce feelings of loneliness.

6. Provide Healthy Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can positively affect mood and energy levels. Involve your child in meal planning and preparation to make healthy eating fun. We love these ideas:

Plant a garden with your child and watch it grow! Not only is play in the dirt fun, but your child is more likely to try foods they have grown. Tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and peppers are a good place to start.

Make cooking a family activity! Talk about your family's food traditions and teach them a favorite recipe.

Take a field trip to a farmer's market or local farm to learn more about other types of vegetables and fruits that may not be available at your grocery store.

7. Encourage Mindfulness and Relaxation

Teach your child simple mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga. These practices can help them manage stress and stay calm.

8. Support Their Interests

Whether it's a hobby, sport, or artistic pursuit, encouraging your child to engage in activities they love can boost their self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.

9. Be a Role Model

Children often mirror the behavior of their parents. Demonstrate healthy coping strategies, positive thinking, and emotional regulation. Showing that you take care of your own mental health sets a powerful example and sets the foundation for lifelong health!

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you notice persistent changes in your child's behavior or mood, don't hesitate to seek professional support. Supporting your child's mental health this summer doesn't have to be complicated. By incorporating simple strategies into your daily routine, you can help ensure that your child enjoys a happy and healthy summer season.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. If you need additional resources or support, don't hesitate to reach out to us or a mental health professional. If you have questions or need additional support, please contact a professional.

National Alliance on Mental Illness - Lehigh Valley

988 Lifeline

Project AWARE

Registration for the NWLEF Tiger Run & Fun Walk is now open! Please join us on Sunday, June 1st at Ontelaunee Park as we race to support educational programs for all students of the Northwestern Lehigh School District. You can choose 10K, 5K or 1-mile walk. NEW THIS YEAR - Pups in the Park! Register your dog for the 1-mile walk and join Baxter, the NWLSD support dog. Baxter is always excited to meet and greet in our community! To register, visit https://nwlef.org/tigerrun.

Join NWLEF and our Tiger community for monthly Tiger Takeovers at local businesses! It’s a great way to connect, support local favorites, and enjoy some great food and company. Proceeds support our mission of education and projects of NWLEF. Check out https://nwlef.org/events for upcoming dates and locations!

Join our tiger team!

We are hiring for a number of positions including instructional assistants, bus & van drivers, and substitutes.

Complete an application online today!