February 22, 2018
Norwalk Public Schools News & Information
State Report Card Shows Significant Growth for Norwalk Public Schools

In a report detailing the overall success of all school districts in the state, Norwalk Public Schools has shown significant growth as measured across a broad set of indicators. The recently released 2016-17 Connecticut Next Generation Accountability Report shows a 56 point growth in Norwalk’s accountability index score, putting the district ahead of the state index.  NPS received an accountability index score of 76.9 percent, compared to a State index of 73.2 percent. To read more click here .

Fifteen schools improved results over last year, while four schools led the way in delivering exceptional gains.
Staying Healthy This Winter

NPS does everything possible to ensure the health and safety of our students, including taking precautions to sanitize schools according to state mandates, and supporting school staff who work daily to ensure that students are healthy and ready to learn. Still, we know from the national news that this flu season has been a challenging one. Although there have been reports of students and staff with flu in our schools, we are fortunate that it has not been widespread in Norwalk.
With some time still to go in this winter’s cold and flu season, click here for answers to frequently asked questions, as well as helpful tips for staying healthy.
School Safety Update

As our students returned to school this week following the news out of Parkland, Florida, we all keenly understand the importance of school safety and security here in Norwalk. Our emergency policies and procedures are reviewed regularly throughout the year, and safety drills are performed monthly at all schools. While we don’t communicate details about these, for obvious reasons, they have become part of the routine for students over the years. Particularly in the years since Sandy Hook, students in Norwalk have been practicing Lockout, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter-in-Place at all grade levels. For additional information on school safety practices click here .
Public Hearing Tonight: Operating Budget

A public hearing will take place tonight in the City Hall Concert Hall at 6:30pm. Members of the Common Council Finance Committee will discuss the citywide operating budget including the proposed Board of Education budget. Last month the BOE voted unanimously to approve the full year 2018-2019 operating budget, which had been recommended by the Superintendent. Those interested in making public comments should sign up at the start of the meeting. For details on the approved BOE budget please click here .
We Want To Hear From You: Survey Reminder
The Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) survey is available now through March 23. This survey measures a variety of factors, which contribute to school climate including safety, relationships, teaching and learning, and environment. If you have not already received a link to the survey, please contact your individual school. All students, parents, teachers and staff members are encouraged to fill out surveys. Surveys are completely anonymous.
NPS Celebrates School Breakfast Week
Busy weekday mornings often make it a challenge for many families to find time for a healthy breakfast. However, US Department of Agriculture data show that more and more students are starting their day with a nutritious breakfast at school. To encourage more families to take advantage of the NPS school breakfast program, the district will celebrate National School Breakfast Week, themed “I Heart School Breakfast”, during March 5-9. During this week, NPS Superintendent Dr. Steven Adamowski will join elementary school students and parents for breakfast. NPS food service provider Whitsons Culinary Group will run a “lucky bag day” on throughout the week where elementary school students who receive breakfast from the school will be entered to win a creative drawing tablet. Four creative drawing tablets per school will be provided to lucky winners. For more information on National Breakfast Week click here .
SAT Prep Class for Juniors
The Norwalk Education Foundation (NEF) is offering an SAT prep class for juniors on March 10 from10am to 2:30pm at Norwalk High School. Click here to register for the free program.
Students who sign up and fail to attend will be charged $25. Space is limited.
Learning Commons Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Fox Run on the completion of their new Leaning Commons! The school’s traditional library was transformed into a modern space for collaboration as well as active, creative, and independent leaning. The library now has an area named after longtime Fox Run educator Dr. Elisa Nelson to host seminars and professional development. Thank you to all of the school administrators, teachers and the PTA leaders who spearheaded the project, and to the district facilities staff, local businesses and all others who supported the initiative.
Painting For Success At Tracey

The halls of Tracey Elementary School received a fresh coat of paint last week as part of Professional Development day activities. Educators, staff and parents joined representatives from the local Sherwin-Williams for two hours in the morning to help brighten the building’s décor to match the positive school morale. We sincerely thank Sherwin-Williams for donating their time, and many of the materials.
BMHS Recognized As "Hurricane Hero"

Congrats to BMHS on recently being honored by The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and the Brother’s Brother Organization for their contribution to the “Hurricane Heroes Relief Fund.”
 
On November 5, 22 Brien McMahon High School students ran a fundraiser for hurricane relief. Though the weather was not on their side, that did not stop the students from participating enthusiastically by walking, checking patrons in, selling food, face painting, and encouraging walkers, all for a great cause. More than $1600 was raised. BMHS English teacher Sarah Molinelli facilitated the project, but it was the students in her Culture in Conflict class who planned and oversaw the fundraising. In so doing, the students demonstrated an understanding of the vital roles they play in positively impacting the local community and the world as a whole. We are so proud of them!
 
The fund provides school leaders in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, St. Croix and the Virgin Islands with monetary support.
NPS Spotlight DTP and MLK Essay Contest Winners Honored

The Norwalk Board of Education recently honored Brien McMahon senior Sharod Blackwell for his determination and perseverance in completing the Developing Tomorrow’s Professionals Program known as DTP. Brien McMahon High School Housemaster Qadir Abdus-Salaam was also recognized for his tireless commitment to the DTP program. To read more click here
Brien McMahon High School student Latrel Stewart and Roton Middle School student Kristopher Flores were recognized by the Norwalk Board of Education for being selected as winners of Senator Chris Murphy’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day essay challenge. Click here for more details.
Free Screening of Anxiety Focused Documentary "Angst"

A Free screening of “Angst,” a documentary for parents and students about anxiety, will be shown at Norwalk High School March 13 and 20 at 6:30pm. “Angst” is a 56-minute film and virtual reality experience that explores anxiety, its causes, effects and what we can do about it. The filmmakers’ goal is to have a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety. “Angst” features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, as well help resources and tools. It’s suitable for children 10 years and older.
NEF "Shark Tank" Applications Due March 9

Applications for the 4 th annual Norwalk Education Foundation (NEF) “Shark Tank” competition are due March 9. An NEF committee will review proposals and select finalists to present Shark Tank style to a group of community, education and business leaders on March 28. For more details visit the NEF website .

Monday, February 26 , Facilities Committee Meeting, 6:30-8pm, Room A300

Friday, March 2, Read Across America Day

Tuesday, March 6, Policy Committee Meeting, 5:45-7pm, Room 333

Tuesday, March 6, Board Workshop, 7-9pm, Norwalk High School 

Thursday, March 8, Finance Committee Meeting, 6-7pm, Room 333


Norwalk Public Schools
125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06852
Phone: 203-854-4000
This newsletter is compiled & published by the NPS Communications Department.
Have a question about our school district or an item to share?
Contact Brenda Wilcox Williams, Chief Communications Officer, williams@norwalkps.org , or call 203-854-4003.