Norwalk Public Schools News & Information
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NPS Earns Top Ranks On State Report Card
Congrats to NPS students, educators and staff! The district once again surpassed the state and ranked first in its district reference comparison group (DRG) according to the newly released state Accountability Report.
NPS achieved an accountability index score of 76.8%. The statewide index was 74.9%. Additionally, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) recognized four Norwalk schools as Schools of Distinction.
“We’re continuing to see tangible results from the investment that Norwalk is making in its schools,” said Dr. Steven Adamowski, Superintendent, Norwalk Public Schools. “It’s gratifying to see the hard work of our teachers, staff and students reflected and recognized in these results. While there is always more work to be done, the progress we are seeing under the Board of Education’s Strategic Operating Plan has Norwalk achieving its goal of becoming the most successful city school system in Connecticut.”
Kendall, Jefferson, Rowayton and Tracey elementary schools have been recognized this year as Schools of Distinction. Schools of Distinction are recognized by the CSDE for high overall performance, high academic growth, and/or improvement in overall performance. Jefferson, Marvin and Wolfpit maintained category 2 status from last year's report.
A full breakout of the Accountability Report was presented at the Board of Education Workshop Meeting on March 5.
Click below to watch the YouTube video.
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Keynote Speaker On Japanese Internment Camps, Sam Mihara, Visits CGS
Award winning lecturer Sam Mihara spoke to Center for Global Studies (CGS) students at Brien McMahon this week about his life during World War II. Seventy-five years ago, Mr. Mihara and his family were forced to move from their home in San Francisco to a prison camp for people of Japanese ancestry in desolate northern Wyoming. He is one of the few survivors speaking nationally about his experience.
In preparation of Mr. Mihara's visit, all CGS students read a chapter from his book,
The Life and Times of Sam Mihara
, to learn more about Japanese internment camps during WWII. After his visit, CGS seniors hosted a lunchtime seminar to talk about how the issues we faced as a country in WWII might be relevant in our world today. To read the full press release
click here
.
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McMahon Healthcare Academy Lottery Application Deadline Extended
The lottery application for The McMahon Medical Healthcare Academy at Brien McMahon has been extended through March 15.
Click here
to access the application.
The Healthcare Academy offers students the ability to earn health certifications through a partnership with Norwalk Community College (NCC) and Norwalk Hospital. These certifications enable students to secure jobs after graduation as Emergency Medical Technicians, Phlebotomy Assistants and Patient Care Technicians.
The Academy is an approved school for the Biomedical Science pathway. Students will take the three-course sequence as part of their experience in the program with the opportunity to earn college credit in these areas. They will also gain membership in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), a national organization of future healthcare professionals. For more information
click here
.
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Brien McMahon Marine Science Academy Application Available Now
The Marine Science Academy at Brien McMahon High School will launch during the 2019-2020 school year. The new pathway will provide students with access to techniques and technology that are current and relevant in the diverse Marine Science field. Incoming 9
th
graders from across the district can
apply online
now through March 15.
Through partnerships with local and regional industries in the field, students will gain hands on field experiences, internships and apprenticeships. Concurrently with STEM courses, students will follow a 4-course sequence of Marine Studies.
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Imagine traveling to various locations on Earth and Space via Jet Pack. This technology may be available sooner than you think, especially with the expert team of NPS students on the case. Join us to explore challenges and solutions such as this at the upcoming Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM) Expo on March 16 at Brien McMahon High School
. See the shift in science education in Norwalk with your own eyes!
NEW this year: a Maker Space area presented by Library Media Specialists. Students and parents will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on engineering and computer science tasks utilizing Legos, game-based and coding applications.
Local businesses and student-led high school teams, such as First Robotics and The Walk Bridge Project, will be returning to the event this year. Attendees will get the opportunity to engage with robots and virtual reality experiences.
All ages are welcome.
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Former NPS Principal Celebrates 100
th
Birthday
NPS wishes Mr. Ben Isenberg a very happy 100th birthday, which he celebrated on March 5! The former NPS principal began at Nathan Hale Elementary School in 1959. He spent seven years as assistant principal and eight years as principal before moving on to Roton Middle School, eventually becoming an assistant to the NPS superintendent.
To help Mr. Isenberg celebrate his special day, Nathan Hale students in Ms. Richello’s art class crafted a painting using the pointillism technique. The entire school also signed a birthday card for the former principal.
Mr. Isenberg lived within walking distance of Nathan Hale for many years. Even after he retired, he would walk to Nathan Hale to pick up his copy of
The New York Times,
and to visit "his" school.
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John Cross Named New Athletic Director Of Brien McMahon High School
Congrats to longtime NPS baseball coach, teacher and Brien McMahon alum John Cross on been named athletic director at Brien McMahon High School. Cross will begin his position following the retirement of current Athletic Director Joe Madaffari this coming June.
The veteran science teacher and class advisor started at Brien McMahon in 1998. He has been varsity baseball coach since 2002. While in this position, he has worked to bring support to the BMHS sports program through a variety of undertakings.
Additionally, Coach Cross has helped lead the varsity baseball team through many state and FCIAC tournaments and state finals. There have been 18 players who have gone on to collegiate sports careers while under his guidance. Cross is also FCIAC Baseball Chairperson and a part of CIAC Baseball Rules Committee. To read the full press release
click here
.
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A Summer Camp Preview
Summer camp provides children with the opportunity to gain self-confidence, create bonds through friendship, and learn important life skills. Norwalk Public Schools will once again offer a variety of summer programs for students including PF Camp and Music Camp.
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Online Registration for PF Camp Coming Soon!
Personal Fulfillment Program (PF Camp) will run July 8 through August 9 this summer at Nathan Hale for ages 5-12 and West Rocks for ages 11-14 (depending on grade completed).
From arts and crafts to archery, kite building, cooking and more, PF Camp is designed to provide small group instruction with an emphasis on allowing elementary and middle school-age children to choose activities that interest them.
The camps' STEM-based offerings range from science exploration, computer applications and digital video production/editing. Individual dance and instrumental performances, mini reproductions of Broadway musicals, and the ever-popular camp version of "PF Idol" are the hallmarks of our theater arts division.
PF Camp is one of the longest running summer programs in Norwalk. All counselors are certified teachers in Norwalk.
Camp registration will open on March 21. There will also be an informational session that evening. Please see the
flyer for details
.
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May 1 Early Bird Special For NPS Music Program
The Norwalk Public Schools Music Department is again offering a Summer Music Instrumental Program for grades 3 through 12. Private (one-on-one) instruction by our highly qualified music faculty will be given on all orchestral and band instruments. The summer program is designed to start new students, as well as continue the musical growth of those who are already in the school program. Those who sign up by May 1 will receive an early bird special discount.
Lessons will be offered at West Rocks Middle School, Roton Middle School, Cranbury Elementary School, Naramake Elementary School, and Columbus Magnet School. Five lessons are given, one per week, between July 8th and August 9th. Lesson options include 30-minute, 45-minute, and 1-hour time slots (fees vary by option chosen), and are arranged directly with the instructor to help fit your schedule.
For all questions, including registration, fees and discounts, please contact either your school’s band or orchestra teacher, or the Program Coordinator Mr. Skelton at
skeltonj@norwalkps.org
.
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After The Summer Bell Registration Available March 21
NPS After The Summer Bell provides fun activities from yoga to coding to gym games for Norwalk Summer Academy participants in grades K-4. The 5-week program will take place at Kendall Elementary School and Brookside Elementary School this year.
Students will be divided into individual groups based on grade. There will be a block rotation of various activities to keep your child happy, entertained and learning. Check back for registration information in the March 21 district newsletter. For pricing and schedule information
click here
.
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Read Across America Day
What a wonderful day we had last Friday as our schools celebrated reading as part of Read Across America! Guest readers included Mayor Harry Rilling, members of the Board of Education and Common Council, members of the Norwalk Police and Fire Departments, family and community members, school and district leaders, and high school students. Thanks to all who took the time to participate and inspire NPS students to read.
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Brien McMahon Presents Mamma Mia!
Help support our talented Brien McMahon students, while watching a musical that will have you dancing in your seats. Join the Brien McMahon cast of Mamma Mia! on March 8, 9, 15 and 16 as they portray the story of Sophie, a bride-to-be, searching for her real father. On this journey through her mother’s past, Sophie finds herself to be more like her mother than she ever even realized.
To purchase tickets and for more information about show times
click here
.
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Share Your Opinion: NPS School Climate Survey
The Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) survey will be available to all students, parents, teachers and staff members in the coming weeks. Each school will share the survey information prior to March 28. Please contact your school administrator directly if you have questions.
This survey measures a variety of factors, which contribute to school climate including safety, relationships, teaching and learning, and environment. Surveys are completely anonymous. Feedback from NPS staff is greatly appreciated! Please take the time to fill out a survey before the deadline.
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2019-20 Kindergarten Registration Coming March 14
In the coming weeks, parents of incoming Kindergarteners and other new students will have the ability to register their child for school online through PowerSchool Registration. PowerSchool Registration allows parents to easily and securely enter their child’s information.
A link will be available on the NPS website on March 14. Additionally, each school will have a Chromebook available for those who need access.
The ELL Welcome Center
is also available by appointment to assist with the online registration process for those that need language assistance.
For questions on materials needed to register a student at NPS, please contact your specific school.
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Did you know that there is an auditory program that all NPS students have access to called Snap & Read? This program can help your child with reading, vocabulary development study, note taking skills and more. This is one of several exciting literacy focused technologies available to your student.
Join Assistive Technology Specialists Leah Zilich and Angela Rinaldi to learn more about Extensions such as Snap & Read, Co:Writer and WordBank.
Family Literacy Night will take place on March 18 at City Hall at 6pm. All parents and students are welcome to attend this free event! Please bring your computer if you have access to one. Those without computers can still participate.
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Join us for a creative, fun, and engaging presentation by Rae Suba OTR/L, an experienced occupational therapist who has specialized in this area for over 24 years.
You'll leave this presentation empowered with a broader understanding of sensory processing, and with strategies to begin helping support your child with sensory processing challenges.
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Thursday, March 14
, 90-Minute Early Dismissal, All Schools
Thursday, March 14
, Kindergarten Registration Starts
Thursday, March 14
, Finance Committee Meeting, 6-8pm, Room 333
Tuesday, March 19
, Curriculum Committee Meeting, 5:30-7pm, Room 322
Tuesday, March 19
, Board Business Meeting, 7-9pm, Common Council Chambers
Thursday, March 21,
90-Minute Early Dismissal, All Schools
Thursday, March 21
, Ad-Hoc SPED Committee Meeting, 7-9pm, 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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