NOTE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT |
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World Class Schools for Our Students:
UNITY for the Norwalk CSD
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Welcome back Warriors to another year of Growing Learners and Leaders in the Norwalk CSD! Our district started a new tradition three years ago when the NCSD Student School Board Representative was asked to come up with the district’s theme for the school year. Kennedy Burch, NHS 12th grader, is currently serving as the Student School Board Representative and has chosen UNITY as the theme for the 2021-2022 school year. I am excited about the theme Kennedy has put forward as there is no doubt in my mind we can all use a good dose of UNITY after going through a challenging school year last year.
The NCSD Board of Directors has also been hard at work this summer developing the district’s next strategic plan, including setting goals for the next three years. The Board has set five goals that are a reflection of the district’s ongoing needs and are informed by the long-range needs assessment the district conducted during the 20-21 school year. Here are the strategic goals for 2021-2024:
Goal #1
Goal #2
Ensure academic success for students by sustaining district financial stability, effectively deploying district resources, and improving overall operations of the district including Master Facility Planning.
Goal #3
Ensure academic success for students by enhancing district climate and culture through recruiting and retaining effective employees.
Goal #4
Ensure each student is prepared for success in life through leadership education and increasing social, emotional and behavior competencies.
Goal #5
Ensure the ongoing success of the district by collaborating and communicating with our stakeholders.
Warrior students, staff members, families, and community members will notice a lot of construction activity by the current NHS gym between now and the Fall of 2022 as progress continues on the Norwalk Physical Education and Competition Center and Classroom Addition project. Look for construction updates in district social media feeds and on the district website.
The NCSD is also excited to announce a new branding effort. This project will take several years to fully implement as various signs and uniforms will gradually be transitioned to the new trademarked images.
Every two years (years ending in an even number) school board elections are held in Iowa. Norwalk will have three seats open for the November school board elections, two of the vacancies will be four (4) year terms and one vacancy will be a two (2) year term. Anyone interested in running should review the Iowa Secretary of State’s School Elections website and contact NCSD Board of Directors Secretary, Kate Baldwin, at kbaldwin@norwalk.k12.ia.us or (515) 981-0676. Board President Maribeth Wright, Director Justin Fletcher, and Director Brian Rausch all have terms expiring and may seek reelection.
Once again, welcome back Warriors, let’s have a great school year!
Yours in service,
D.T. Magee
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NPECC Construction Progress |
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2021-2022
Back to School Information
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2021-2022 Norwalk School Registration
by Kate Baldwin, Executive Director of Admin Services
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An annual registration must be completed for ALL students (returning and new). Parents can register students www.norwalkschools.org by clicking on “Menu” at the top right of the district homepage and selecting "Parent Portal" at the bottom of the page under "Quick Links" to log into their Parent Portal account.
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Parents should register all students that will be returning in 21-22 by logging into their Parent Portal account. After completing the registration, go to the online fees payment link under “Quick Links” and select “RevTrak”. The District will accept debit or credit card payments with no transaction fees.
MOVING
If you are moving and your student will be attending another school district this Fall, please email registrar@norwalk.k12.ia.us. This notification will help both Norwalk Schools and the new district of residence of your student’s pending enrollment. If you are moving within the Norwalk School District please make sure to update your new address within the online registration.
NOTICE FOR PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Parents enrolling a preschool or kindergarten student(s) should click on the "Add New Student" button on the "Student" tab for each PK or K student to enroll. Online registration does not recognize students as returning students until they have completed Kindergarten.
TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS, INCLUDING PAY-FOR-RIDE
Parents request transportation through online registration. Pay-for-Ride students will be processed first on a first-come-first serve basis. Fees will be applied in Parent Portal as requests are processed. Transportation requests received after 08-01-21 may not be placed on a bus route until 09-09-21. Bus passes are scheduled to be mailed on 08-15-21. All students are required to have a bus pass to board the bus.
All student registration fees for the household must be paid in full before parents are eligible to purchase optional school services such as Pay-for-Ride Transportation or Student and Family Activity Passes.
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Secondary Campus Reorganizes
Dr. Jody Ratigan, Director of Secondary Education
We are excited for the 2021-22 school year! The Norwalk secondary school campus will operate as two attendance centers instead of three beginning this year. Norwalk Middle School will serve students in grades 6-8 and Norwalk High School will serve students in grades 9-12. The secondary campus (formerly Eastview) cafeteria and former Eastview building classrooms are still a vital part of our secondary campus. The upper level of the former Eastview building will house high school classes, while the lower level of the former Eastview building will serve middle school students.
As part of the reorganization, the 8th grade English and math teachers previously at Eastview have moved to rooms at the Middle School. Eighth grade history and science classes will continue to be taught in the lower level of the former Eastview building. Ninth grade English, math, science and social studies teachers have relocated to the High School. Teachers in the Modern Language department have moved to classrooms in the upper level of the former Eastview building.
Student parking will be at the high school. Any student needing a parking permit should contact Kelly Allman at the Norwalk High School office kallman@norwalk.k12.ia.us.
We look forward to serving our students and families in a more strategically aligned system.
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Transportation Change Request Form
Add/Drop/Change of Address - DEADLINE IS TODAY, AUGUST 1, 2021
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Don't forget that all transportation registrations and requests are due today, August 1, 2021 to guarantee busing on the first day of school! |
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Warriors,
If you are interested in purchasing activity passes for interscholastic athletic & activity events MS & HS for the 2021-22 school year, please click the link below and purchase online. Passes will be printed and mailed to your home address BEGINNING AUGUST 16, 2021.
Family Activity Pass: Two Adults and Children grades K-5 - $225
Single Adult Activity Pass - $100
All student passes must be purchased through online registration or in the activities office once school begins. Students in grades 6-12 will need a student pass or will have to pay the admissions fee.
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The Nutrition Department is ready to go back to school- old school, that is.
DeeAnna Serres, Nutrition Program Director
We are happy to announce that our favorite customers will once again be able to select from a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits as they Build a Meal. The USDA has extended the opportunity for school nutrition programs to participate in a nationwide waiver that provides every student in grades K-12 in Norwalk Community School District a free breakfast meal and free lunch meal each school day in the cafeteria. Only the complete meal (which must meet USDA School Meal Regulations) will be free. This is an average yearly lunch money savings to parents of $500 per student. Meals are available to all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination during meal service. If your student brings a meal from home, and only wants a carton of milk, that will be available for purchase. Please make sure there are funds added to each of your student’s accounts for this reason. Elementary students must get the complete meal when building their lunch tray. You may make online lunch payments at norwalk.revtrak.net. Breakfast is also offered each morning in the cafeterias.
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Kindergarten Parents
Parents of 2021-22 kindergarten students - the Iowa Immunization Law requires that immunizations be on file with the school before your child enters school on Monday, August 23, 2021. If you have not already done so, please bring this to the District Office dropbox (right outside the front door) as soon as possible OR upload the immunization through the online registration process.
Student Immunization Records Required This School Year
Per the Iowa Department of Public Health, each student attending school in Iowa must obtain all the State required vaccinations and provide records before starting school.
Norwalk CSD will enforce this law this coming school year. Therefore, if immunization records are not completed and submitted to your child’s school nurse, your child will NOT be allowed to attend school until such records are provided.
The only exceptions are if a parent/guardian provides one of the following:
- a medical exemption form
- a religious exemption form
- documentation that their child has received at least one dose of the required vaccines but has not completed all the required immunizations. A provisional certificate may be written by the school nurse. (Note: This provisional enrollment only lasts up to 60 calendar days, after which exclusion would still occur if no records are received.)
Remember, this must be done by the time school starts (August 23) otherwise your child will not be allowed to start school until the required immunization forms, exemption forms, or provisional forms are completed and received by the school nurse.
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The NCSD Para Interview Day will be hosted again this summer at Orchard Hills Elementary! The last interview day will be held on August 3rd. If you love working with children and enjoy education, consider being a paraeducator and making a difference in a child’s life!
Tuesday, June 29 & Tuesday, Aug. 3
Interview Times: 10 AM – 1 PM
Walk-Ins Welcome! 2-6 PM
Orchard Hills Elementary School
1130 W. North Ave., Norwalk, IA 50211
For questions: Please contact Tiffany Patterson, HR Generalist
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District Notices and Policies |
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Corporal Punishment, Restraint, and Physical Confinement
Iowa Law (IAC 281 - 103.7) has established rules preventing school districts from using corporal punishment. Additionally, these rules establish parameters by which students can be restrained or confined - namely to prevent imminent harm to persons (oneself or others)
or property.
In the rare instance a student needs to be restrained or confined, the law limits why, how, where, and for how long a school employee may restrain or confine and detain a child. Additionally, the district must maintain documentation of such events as well as attempt to
provide notice to the child’s parents the same day and provide documentation within three school days.
If you have questions about this state law, please contact Eric Neessen, Director of Student Services at the district office: (515) 981-0676 or eneessen@norwalk.k12.ia.us
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The School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) has been one of the great leadership opportunities for parents and citizens in the Norwalk School District. Many avenues exist to look at our programs and suggest improvements through SIAC.
SIAC is composed of over 120 citizens and staff. Most of the “big picture” changes in Norwalk come from recommendations from these groups. There are two major meetings each year for the entire group and several smaller meetings for subcommittees.
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It is the policy of the Norwalk Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Dr. Jody Ratigan, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, jratigan@norwalk.k12.ia.us.
Title IX BP106
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Norwalk Community School District prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment as defined by the regulations implementing Title IX against any individual participating in any education program or activity of the District. This prohibition on discrimination applies to and protects students, employees, and applicants for employment. BP106.
*All school board policies can be found by clicking on “District” then “School Board” then “Board Policies.”
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Norwalk Community School District Non-Discrimination Policy
The Norwalk Community Schools provides equal education and employment opportunities and will not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Norwalk Community Schools shall take affirmative
action in recruitment of women and men, minorities and the disabled. Norwalk Community School District is committed to providing a pluralistic education culture, which promotes mutual respect and acceptance among people, and in which all people are allowed to reach
his/her fullest potential. In addition, Norwalk Community School District is committed to providing equal opportunity to all people without unlawful harassment or discrimination because of age, race, gender, ethnic origin, effectual orientation, or other perceived
differences. Any form of unlawful harassment or discrimination is inappropriate, offensive, illegal, and will not be tolerated. MCNS Coordinator should be contacted if anyone feels they have been discriminated against. She/he will then investigate and handle the
complaint according to the Affirmative Action guidelines. No one who complains about improper conduct will be retaliated against in any way. Any concerns or complaints, regarding potential employment discrimination issues should first be directed to the District Equality
Coordinator, Jody Ratigan, jratigan@norwalk.k12.ia.us. If the issue is not resolved the complaint should be forwarded to the superintendent of schools. If the issue is still not resolved the individual may file a formal complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 211 E Maple 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309 or the US Office of Civil Rights, US Dept of Ed. Region VII, 10220 N Executive Hill Blvd, 8th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64153. Any other harassment/discrimination complaints should be reported using the flowchart provided below:
How to File a Harassment/Discrimination Complaint:
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*The Norwalk CSD will follow all Title IX regulations. For questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Jody Ratigan, Director of Secondary Education at jratigan@norwalk.k12.ia.us
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The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.
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Physical or sexual abuse of students, including inappropriate and intentional sexual behavior, by employees will not be tolerated. The definition of “employees” for the purpose of this policy includes not only those who work for pay but also those who are volunteers of the school district under the direction and control of the school district. Employees found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. The school district will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school district employees by investigating or arranging for the investigation of an allegation. The processing of a complaint or allegation will be handled confidentially to the maximum extent possible. Employees are required to assist in the investigation when requested to provide information and to maintain the confidentiality of the reporting and investigation process. The school district has appointed a Level I investigator and alternate Level I investigator. The school district has also arranged for a trained, experienced professional to serve as the Level II investigator. The Level I investigator will be provided training in the conducting of an investigation at the expense of the school district. The names and telephone numbers of the investigators shall be listed in the student handbook, published annually in the local newspaper and posted in all school facilities.
If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Eric Neessen, Director of Student Services at 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, eneessen@norwalk.k12.ia.us or Dr. Jody Ratigan, Director of Secondary Education at jratigan@norwalk.k12.ia.us.
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Bullying Information
“Bullying” is a term that is often used in today’s society to describe many situations. As a parent, or a student, it is difficult to know what bullying is and whether or not it is occurring in the social interactions your child is experiencing.
Norwalk CSD has developed a bullying webpage to help students and parents better understand what bullying and harassment are and what to do if either is happening. Concerns about bullying or harassment are taken seriously and will be dealt with in a timely manner.
It is vital that parents and students work together with school staff to help resolve these concerns.
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Students In Extreme Living Situations
Do you know of a child or family who lives in any of the following situations:
- Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or financial hardship
- In a shelter
- In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative option
- In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
If so, the school-age child may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Please contact Eric Neessen, Director of Student Services at 981-0676 x 4011 at the district office for more information and help.
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Questions about FERPA or the PPRA should be direct to the Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education at (202) 260-3887 or FERPA@ED.Gov.
Model Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA):
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Norwalk Schools Pest Management Spraying Notification
The Norwalk Schools implements an integrated pest management program for all school owned green space. This program includes aerating, dethatching, mowing trimming, mulching and spraying for pests. Spraying for pests includes fertilization, pre-emergent crabgrass
control, post & pre-emergent weed control, and weed control along all fence lines and buildings. Any resident that has property that is adjacent to school property and wishes to be notified 24 hours in advance of any pest control should contact Karin Stewart, Buildings and Grounds Administrative Assistant at kstewart@norwalk.k12.ia.us or Richard Sleeth, Buildings and Grounds Director at rsleeth@norwalk.k12.ia.us. All individuals or groups that might use school grounds for any function should watch for “keep off chemically treated” signs. These signs are placed on treated green space for 24 hours after treatment.
If you see these signs you should stay off that particular green space until the signs are removed. We take this task seriously and have a commitment to keep our environment safe. The district has two licensed pest treatment employees. Pest treatment is always our last line of defense and we use it sparingly in our integrated pest management program.
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Only a Certified Medication Administrator or the School Nurse will administer prescribed medicine to students.
1. Some chronic health conditions, allergies, and illnesses may require students to take medicine at school. In such cases, the nurse will need written notification signed by the family physician or prescription label and note from parents.
2. Medication must be brought in the original container labeled with the child’s name, name of medication, dosage, time to be administered, and route of administration.
3. The child should bring only the prescribed amount of medicine for that illness. Over the counter medications will be given only with written permission from parents.
4. Forms for giving medicine at school, including non-prescribed medication, may be picked up at any building or copied from the district website www.norwalkschools.org under the “Parent” and “School Nurse Information” tabs, or contact the school nurse directly in your child’s school building.
Parents will need to be responsible for bringing, and picking up medication to and from the nurse’s office/school office. Please do not assume that the student will bring medication to the office. If you choose to send medication to school with your student, please notify
the school nurse before sending. Before sending medication to school, please check the label; If ordered three times a day - please give before school, after school, and at bedtime.
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Employee & Family Resources’ Student
Assistance Program
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Employee & Family Resources’ (EFR) Student Assistance Program (SAP) remains open and accessible to students and families through these unprecedented times.
Phone support is available 24/7/365 at 515-244-6090. Assessment, referral and brief counseling sessions are also still available, but will be available by Zoom or telephone only as of March 18, 2020.
The uncertainty of COVID-19 pandemic can increase feelings of anxiety and stress, which is a normal response under such circumstances. Please don’t forget to look to EFR to help you navigate these feelings in the coming days and weeks. EFR is prepared to continue serving our clients. Do not hesitate to reach out.
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Child Care Resource and Referral of Central Iowa |
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During this time of uncertainty, we know that many families and staff in your district may have questions about and be looking for child care options for the upcoming fall semester. We understand as you make plans to resume school this fall, however that may look for your district, you may have teachers, staff, and families with child care questions and concerns. We can help!
CCR&R is your resource for all things child care. Our free and confidential Parent Referral Team can assist families in trying to find a child care provider that meets their individual needs and schedules. Families can also access free educational materials to aid in their child care search such as sample interview questions to ask, health and safety things to look for in programs and information on quality initiatives for child care programs. We also work with child care home programs, Department of Education Preschool programs and DHS licensed centers and school age programs and may be able to help answer questions about opening or expanding child care options. Parent Referral services can be accessed at 855-244-5301.
Our website www.iowaccrr.org can also provide more information about all the services we provide to parents, child care programs and communities.
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Warrior Softball and Baseball: Congratulations to our Warrior softball and baseball programs on a successful season!
photos by: Lynda Downs
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