Norwalk Public Schools News & Information
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Parent Portal Access For Grade 6 Students
Student attendance, performance data, and recordkeeping are maintained on our comprehensive K-12 data management system, PowerSchool. Those whose children entered middle school for the first time this year should have received an email with access information needed to create an account, or to add on another child to an existing account. If you have not yet received this information via email, please contact your school administrator directly. In early fall, families with elementary school students will also be able to access the Parent Portal. Parents with both elementary and secondary students will be able to access multiple accounts through one log-in.
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NPS International Baccalaureate Program
To meet student needs and interests, NPS offers a wide range of school and program choices that promote diversity and broaden achievement. At the September 4 Board of Education meeting, former Brien McMahon Principal Suzanne Koroshetz talked about the steps needed to create an International Baccalaureate elementary school in Norwalk. The
International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program
(PYP) for children aged 3 - 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Through its inquiry-led, transdisciplinary framework, the PYP challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.
Prior to offering a PYP IB program, NPS must complete an extensive authorization process. The IB Primary Years Program would potentially launch for the 2023-2024 school year as part of a new magnet school housed in the current Columbus School building on Concord Street. Under the NPS "Modern Schools for a Growing City" school building plan, the Progressive model Bank Street program at Columbus Magnet School will be re-located into the K-8 facility to be constructed at the former Ely school site.
Norwalk already offers high school students the opportunity to participate in an IB program. In 2017, Brien McMahon High School was authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The International Baccalaureate program, leading to an IB diploma, is a rigorous and comprehensive two-year pre-university course of study based on curriculum used in schools around the world. IB diplomas often have a positive impact on college acceptance rates. In coming years, students will have the opportunity to graduate with IB diplomas.
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Digital Citizenship Lessons Empower NPS Students To Safely Navigate Media Landscape
Norwalk Public School grade 3-5 students across the district are learning to think critically, behave safely and participate responsibly in a digital world through ongoing interactive Digital Citizenship curriculum. Designed and developed by
Common Sense Media
in partnership with Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, each Digital Citizenship lesson takes on real challenges and digital dilemmas that students may face on a daily basis. Common Sense Media is a leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. For the full story
click here
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NEF Provides Trauma Informed Care Training For Staff
Norwalk Education Foundation, in conjunction with the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center, will provide Trauma Informed Care Training (TICT) to staff at both high schools beginning this fall. TICT is a strengths-based framework grounded in an understanding of responsiveness to the impact of trauma that emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety for both providers and survivors. This training has already begun in six elementary schools in the district. NEF will be working closely with the high schools to roll-out this important program.
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College Information Night
Navigating the college application process can be stressful and tricky. Join NEF for a college info night on October 18 at the Norwalk Public Library. The session runs from 6-8pm and is open to all high school students and parents. Learn about the Common Application, College Planning and Financial Aid. For more information
click here
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NPS School Open Houses
All NPS schools will hold individual open houses in the month of September for families to see their child’s classroom, meet their teacher and learn more about everything from curriculum to homework and the school community. Principals will be reaching out with dates, meeting time information and additional details. If you have any questions, please contact your school directly.
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Be Informed: Board Of Education Meetings Streamed
NPS appreciates community involvement and invites all who are interested to attend the Norwalk Board of Education meetings throughout the year. There are two types of meetings held each month. Workshop meetings are the first meeting of each month and provide an in depth look at a specific strategy or topic. Public comments or questions on workshop topics are welcome at the end of the meeting. Business meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Public comment at business meetings take place at the beginning of the meeting. Board of Education meetings are live streamed and video recorded. Videos of recorded meetings are available on Channel 78 (Cablevision) approximately 48 hours after the conclusion of each meeting. All meetings are streamed live on the Norwalk Public Schools YouTube channel. To watch available meetings,
click here.
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NPS Hosts First Annual Transition Fair for Post-Secondary Students
The Norwalk Public Schools Specialized Learning and Student Services Department will host its first annual Transition Fair on Thursday, October 4 from 6pm to 8:30pm at City Hall in the Community Room. Parents and students are invited to attend the complimentary event to learn more about available programs, supports and services for students who will transition to post-secondary working, living and learning. Additional resources and information will be available to attendees during the event regarding social, personal, vocational or academic training or assistance.
Eye to Eye Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer David Flink will be the keynote speaker with breakout sessions offered from the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Norwalk Probate Court, Department of Developmental Services and Disability Rights, CT. Food and refreshments will be served. Various prizes will be raffled off for students. For additional information
click here
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Thursday, September 13
, Finance Committee Meeting, 5-6pm, Room 333
Wednesday, September 19
, Yom Kippur, All Schools Closed
Thursday, September 20
, Ad-Hoc SPED Committee Meeting, 7-9pm, Room 322
Monday, September 24
, Facilities Committee Meeting, 6-8pm, Room A300
Tuesday, September 25
, Board of Education Business Meeting, 7-9pm, Common Council Chambers
Tuesday, September 25
, Curriculum Committee Meeting, 5:30-7pm, Room 322
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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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