NPS Schools And Offices Will Be Closed On
November 25 and 26 In Observance of Thanksgiving
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A Thanksgiving Message From
NPS Superintendent Dr. Estrella
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As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to take this time to express gratitude to NPS staff, students, families and Board members for making our district such a unique and special place to learn and work.
Over the past months, our staff has continued to show perseverance, dedication, care and commitment to ensuring that all students are future ready. We are also thankful for your children, who inspire us with their ideas and kindness each day, and for the support of our families and members of the community.
We wish all NPS families a safe and relaxing holiday and long weekend.
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National Native American Heritage Month |
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Earlier this month, the Norwalk Board of Education recognized November as National Native American Heritage Month.
National Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories of indigenous or First Nation people. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges they have faced.
Also, in case you missed it, this month's Superintendent Book Club book is "Turtle Island, the Story of North America's First People" by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger. Dr. Estrella chose this book for November to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. This beautifully illustrated book provides insight into the historical events that took place enabling First Nations people to settle and create a life for themselves. Click here to hear Dr. Estrella read an excerpt from this book.
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NPS Budget Planning Is Underway For
The 2022-23 School Year
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The proposed operating budget for the 2022-23 school year will be presented at a Board of Education workshop meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, December 14 at beginning at 7 pm, Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave.
On Tuesday, November 30, the workshop meeting will focus on the district's work in supporting students with disabilities. That meeting will take place at Fox Run Elementary School at 7pm.
All Board of Ed business and workshop meetings are also streamed live on Zoom and YouTube. For information and additional details, check the Norwalk Public Schools website.
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NPS Offers Students Across The District Access To Visual & Performing Arts Opportunities |
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Norwalk is a leading district in the state for arts access, providing students with a wide array of visual and performing arts opportunities including theatre, visual arts, music, dance and media arts. We are committed to providing all students with a quality arts education through quality instruction.
Check out this video featuring NPS students across the district participating in a variety of visual and performing arts activities.
Each week, NPS focuses on one initiative that helps support our students and provide them with the tools needed for future success. Click the links below to view any past videos that you may have missed.
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The Parent Guidebook covers a variety of questions that we know families may have regarding health and safety in our schools. As CDC and state guidelines shift, content within the Family Guidebook is updated to reflect the latest information.
Recently, guidelines were updated to reflect new state protocols regarding wind instruments, musical performances, theatre productions and chorus.
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A Message From NPS Assistant Superintendent Of Digital Learning And Innovation Ralph Valenzisi |
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Over the past year, Norwalk Public Schools has moved to a digital learning model for our students. Students use technology to access information, open doors to resources not available to them in the past and learn technology skills to be future ready. This does not mean that students will be using their computers all day, but it does mean that they need them every day so that when appropriate, they can be used in the classroom as well as for work outside of the classroom. Norwalk Public Schools has provided each student with either a laptop, Chromebook or iPad for this purpose.
It is important that students treat the devices responsibly and with care. Principals will be emailing a message to families reminding everyone of our procedures regarding negligence of school property, including an estimate of costs related to replacement of damaged items.
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Students Sample Pomegranate Power At
Kendall College & Career Academy
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Kendall students tasted pomegranates this week as part of a fresh fruits and veggies government grant program run by NPS food service partner Chartwells.
Each Tuesday and Thursday students are given the opportunity to try a new fruit or vegetable ranging from asparagus to fresh figs, parsnips, fennel, clementines and more!
Kendall FoodCorps Service Member Liz introduces students to these healthy foods, while providing fun facts and activities surrounding the experience.
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Brien McMahon High School College Application Week |
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During the week of November 13, Brien McMahon High School hosted a College Application Week to provide grade 12 students with access to diverse colleges and programs, and free applications for Connecticut state universities and colleges.
School counselors assisted students with submitting applications to schools across the state at no cost. Each student was encouraged to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which was required for participation.
Norwalk Community College's financial aid and admissions offices provided students with information about NCC course offerings, including the English as a second language program. Southern Connecticut State University's admissions department provided students with decision of acceptance on the spot. Nine students received letters of acceptance and a gift to commemorate this accomplishment. Gateway Community College was also on site and shared information about its automotive program.
The culminating celebration was "Why Apply Day," which was held during lunch shifts. Students wrote testimonials around their decision to apply to college, took selfies with classmates and received a lanyard with #BMHSWHYAPPLY.
College Application Week was so successful that Brien McMahon High School is planning to implement a round two during the week of December 13.
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Tracey Students Decorate Local Shelter
For Thanksgiving
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Tracey Cubs created Thanksgiving and Fall décor for the Open Door Shelter's Thanksgiving dinner. Students were really excited and did a great job connecting the school’s PRINT values (Problem Solvers, Respectful, having Integrity, being Neighborly and Taking Responsibility) to the needs of community members.
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NPS School Choice Lottery Applications Are Open |
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NPS high school programs offer a wide variety of opportunities from hands-on industry experience to earning a college degree and health certifications, and engaging with counterparts globally. High School lottery Applications are now available!
Note: if the system indicates that you already have an account associated with the email address you provided, please log in using your existing credentials from your PowerSchool Enrollment Account. Please use the “Forgot Password” feature to reset your password. Make sure to click back into the Lottery Application link above to begin your process.
Stay tuned for information about our Elementary School Choice Fair and lottery applications in the coming weeks.
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NPS is now on Instagram! Follow us @Norwalkps_CT to hear the latest NPS news and check out pictures and videos showcasing all of the amazing learning students are participating in across the district.
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Covid Vaccine Clinics For NPS Students - Next Clinic Will Be Held On Friday, November 26. |
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Our first two Covid vaccine clinics took place this week in partnership with Griffin Health. Thanks to all of the health care professionals, parents and students for helping to make these clinics successful! The next Covid vaccine clinics will be held at Brookside, Cranbury and Silvermine on Friday, November 26.
Vaccines will be provided to eligible students with parental consent. Please bring a completed consent form and pre-vaccination checklist to the clinic. After receiving the vaccine, students will be observed by a nurse for 15-30 minutes. Limited quantities are available. No appointment necessary. No cost. Click here for more information and forms.
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Full Board of Ed workshop and business meetings, as well as committee meetings, will be Live Streamed on the NPS YouTube channel at the times listed below. More information on the process for public comments for Board meetings will be available on our website.
Wednesday, November 24, Two-Hour Early Dismissal
Thursday, November 25, All Schools & Offices Are Closed
Friday, November 26, All Schools & Offices Are Closed
Tuesday, November 30, Board Workshop, 7pm – 10pm
Meetings also will be recorded and available
on YouTube within 24 hours of the meeting time listed below.
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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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