Norwalk Public Schools News & Information
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NPS Students Shine at Invention Convention Regionals
Congratulations to all Norwalk Public School inventors! Last weekend, 57 NPS students from schools throughout the district presented their unique inventions to judges at the Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC) regionals in Hamden. Invention ideas ranged from an ice cream cone crate to a “vacuum snake” used to help clean baseboard heaters. Thirty-one NPS students, including Ponus Ridge Middle School 7th Grader Alejandro Maya, at left, were selected to move on to compete at the CIC finals. Finals will take place Saturday, April 28 at Gampel Pavilion located on the UCONN Storrs campus.
The CIC is an award winning, internationally recognized, 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational program designed to develop and enhance critical thinking skills in children in grades K-12 through invention, innovation and entrepreneurship, while encouraging their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
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2nd Annual Districtwide STEM Expo is Saturday!
There will be fun and excitement available for all ages this Saturday, March 24 at the annual citywide
STEM Expo
! Attendees will be awed by live demos such as egg drops, DNA fruit extractions and alternative energy racers. Community organizations such as the Maritime Aquarium will present interactive exhibits for all to try. Check out the 3D goggles being presented by the Walk Bridge Program!
Themed “Innovation,” the event will take place at Brien McMahon High School, 300 Highland Ave. Doors open to the public at 10am. Admission is free and all families and members of the community are encouraged to attend. For a full list of the day’s events
click here
.
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Digital Media Pathway Applications Available
The lottery application for the Norwalk High School Digital Media & Communications Academy (DMCA) at the new Innovation Center is now live. The DMCA program will accept 50 rising grade 9 students for the upcoming school year. New to the program this year, 10 students will be chosen via the lottery system from across the district. Cross-district students will be enrolled as full time Norwalk High School students and will graduate with a Norwalk High School diploma as long as they remain in the program.
Entrance into the program is through a lottery application process. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 25. To apply, please go to the Norwalk High School
homepage
and click on the
DMCA
logo to complete the online application. For additional information
click here
.
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NPS Supports House Bill on Dyslexia Instruction
With the opening of the Norwalk Center for Specialized Learning in Literacy, Norwalk is being recognized as a leader in the state for comprehensive dyslexia training and intervention. As a result of this expertise, Chief of Specialized Learning and Support Services Yvette Goorevich was invited to submit written testimony to support House Bill 5372. House Bill 5372 is an Act concerning dyslexia instruction offered in teacher preparation programs in the state.
This bill ensures that teacher training programs in higher education will prepare staff trained in Structured Literacy. To read Ms. Goorevich’s statement of support
click here
.
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National Autism Awareness Month
To bring awareness to the issues surrounding Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Norwalk Board of Education recognized April as National Autism Awareness Month during the Tuesday, March 20 meeting. To help support autism awareness, NPS leaders will participate in Norwalk's "Light It Up Blue" observance on Thursday, April 5 at 6pm at the Gazebo on the Norwalk Green. All are welcome! To read the proclamation
click here
.
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RBT Certifications For Special Education Paraprofessionals
Congratulations to the five NPS paraprofessionals who have received their Registered Behavior Technician Certification this year! Providing Norwalk Public School staff with professional development opportunities is an important part of achieving our goals under the Strategic Operating Plan in the area of special education.
The Department of Specialized Services has made a priority to build capacity within the district to provide excellence in special education services to our students with disabilities, including children with autism. A first step was to examine the ABA or Applied Behavior Analysis services being provided by paraprofessionals, those paras who are employees of the school district as well as those services provided by contractors.
During the latest Board of Education meeting, the paraprofessionals were recognized for their leadership and commitment to earning the RBT certification. To read the full spotlight
click here
.
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Reminder: New Student Registration Is Now Live Online
Registration of Kindergarten and other new students is now live online through PowerSchool Registration. This platform allows parents to easily and securely enter their child's information and upload appropriate registration documentation. Instructions on how to access the system is available on individual school websites or on the district
website
.
Parents with incoming kindergarteners who have questions, or would like to register in person, can attend registration forums over the next several weeks.
Click here
for event locations, dates and times.
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Annie Jr. Production Tonight And This Weekend
Musical season has started in Norwalk! This evening at 7pm is the first performance of “Annie Jr.” presented by the West Rocks Drama Club. There will also be shows on Friday, March 23
at 7pm, and Saturday, March 24 at 2pm. All tickets are $10 and can be purchased at
www.brownpapertickets.com
.
There is no dress code, but the cast reminds you that you are “never fully dressed without a smile.” For additional information
click here
.
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PF Camp Sign Ups To Be Available April 2
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From arts and crafts to archery, kite building, cooking, computers and more, the Personal Fulfillment program is designed to provide small group instruction with an emphasis on allowing elementary and middle school-age children to choose activities that interest them. All PF counselors are certified teachers in Norwalk. Registration will be available online through the
TEAM Summer Portal
beginning April 2 for sessions taking place June 25 - July 27.
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Saturday, March 24,
STEM Expo, 10am-3pm, Brien McMahon HS Gymnasium
Monday, March 26
, Facilities Committee Meeting, 6-8pm, Room A300
Tuesday, March 27
, NPS College Fair, 6-8pm, Brien McMahon HS
Wednesday, March 28
, Operating Budget Public Forum, 6:30pm, Concert Hall at Norwalk City Hall
Friday, March 30
, Holiday - Good Friday
Tuesday, April 3
, Policy Committee Meeting, 5:45-7pm, Roton Middle School
Tuesday, April 3
, Board Workshop, 7-9pm, Roton Middle School
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Norwalk Public Schools
125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06852
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This newsletter is compiled & published by the NPS Communications Department.
Have a question about our school district or an item to share?
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