Update from Norwin School District
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Taylor
November 13, 2020
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Dear Norwin Families,
The Norwin School District has observed a trend of increased student enrollment over the past ten years. This increase demonstrates that our District is a desirable community in which families can raise their children. However, the increased enrollment has caused an inequitable balance of students in each of our four K-4 schools. Some of our K-4 schools are quickly approaching their capacities for classroom and support spaces for students while others have extra spaces available. Therefore, we are in the beginning phase of planning for redistricting for the 2021-2022 school year. School redistricting is the process of redrawing elementary school boundaries to produce an equitable distribution of students among different schools.
The most recent redistricting was implemented during the 2012-2013 school year with the intention that the results would last approximately five years. Over the past several years, there have been many new housing plans constructed in Norwin. We also know that over the next several years, the number of new housing plans will continue to increase.
Therefore, we must take a proactive approach to redistricting our K-4 schools. One of the primary goals of the upcoming redistricting is to develop a scenario that is sustainable and will work well into the future.
On Monday, November 19, 2020, I will share a presentation at the public meeting of the Norwin Board of School Directors meeting where I will provide additional details about the redistricting process.
I would like to invite all parents/guardians who are interested in learning more about the redistricting process to attend our virtual board meeting. You can find information about how to attend our virtual board meeting at: http://bit.do/norwinboardmeetings.
Best regards,
Dr. Jeff Taylor,
Superintendent
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New Six-Day Cycle Calendar Available |
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There have been changes to the Blue-Gold schedule for November and December.
Please click the button below to see updated Six-Day Cycle Calendar.
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Norwin Students Celebrate Local Veterans |
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Norwin students did not let the global pandemic stop them from honoring our Veterans.
On November 11, the Norwin Combined Choirs from Norwin High School and Norwin Middle School released a video tribute titled, "A Salute to Veterans."
Hillcrest Intermediate School students also prepared songs for a virtual Veterans Day slideshow program in cooperation with Hillcrest PTA.
The Norwin K-4 Elementary Schools held several activities to honor Veterans.
Links to the video slideshows and more details can be found by clicking the button below.
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Update from Dr. Heather Newell, Norwin Pandemic Coordinator |
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Below you will find information that addresses the questions that I have been asked this week.
For any additional questions about COVID-19 (including quarantines, school closures, contact tracing, etc), I can be reached at hnewell@norwinsd.org. Thank you.
Managing Symptoms of Illness Among Students
The Norwin School District follows Department of Health guidance for managing potential COVID-19 cases in the school setting. Knowing the reason for why a student does not feel well is a particular challenge given concerns about COVID-19. Therefore, Norwin School District Health Services utilizes Department of Health guidance such as this FAQ link for school healthcare personnel. The information here is especially relevant to us as we enter the time of the year when symptoms of a variety of illnesses are observed at school. Another resource that supports our efforts to manage symptoms of illness is found here on the CDC website.
Resources:
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Four Additional COVID-19 Cases Confirmed |
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The School District has learned today that two High School students, one Middle School student, and a Sheridan Terrace staff member have tested positive for COVID-19.
All positive individuals will not return to school until they have completed isolation procedures for COVID-19.
Individuals who need to quarantine are those who have been or will be personally contacted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the school nurse, or a District administrator.
Sanitization of the school will be completed before students and staff return on Monday.
Due to the circumstances of this case, there is no need to close any school(s).
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Student Short Films Featured at Norwin Theatre Club “Drive-In Show” Nov. 18 -21 |
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The Norwin community is invited to experience the magic of the theater this month with student-written, student-directed, and student-produced movie "shorts."
The Norwin Theatre Company is pleased to present a "drive-in"-style show featuring student-created films on four nights Wednesday, November 18, through Saturday, November 21. The short films will be shown on a movie screen at the Norwin High School band practice lot.
All nine short films will be shown each evening. The features begin at 7:00 p.m. each night, and will last approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
Students worked together in nine groups to create these short films. From dancing through the decades to a murder mystery, the wide array of genres will allow everyone to connect with a film and be impressed by the students' skills.
Tickets are $40 per vehicle and are on sale now. Please note that there are limited parking spots available each night (36 per night).
Please click the button below to learn more and reserve your ticket.
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Norwin High School Recognized As “Blood Drive Hero”
Community Can Help with Virtual Blood Drives beginning Nov. 20th
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We are #NorwinProud of our High School students for being named Blood Drive Heroes by Vitalant (formerly Central Blood Bank).
During the past two years, nearly 500 units of blood have been donated by High School students and staff. In the photo are Senior Class Officers Austin Saunders, Mara Polczynski, Cullen Shipley, and Conor McCutcheon with the Norwin High School Blood Drive Hero Award.
The High School asks the community to help with more donations because there is great demand for blood during the holidays. Due to the current pandemic, the High School is unable to host blood drives in school. However, the Norwin community can donate during one of two virtual blood drives.
The virtual blood drives are scheduled from November 20 – December 5 and December 19 – January 2. There is also a special local opportunity to donate at Norwin Christian Church on December 4. Please visit www.vitalant.org to schedule an appointment and use our high school code HS010156 when registering/donating.
Please click the button below for all the details.
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K-12 Student Holiday Card Art Contest |
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Digital Submissions Requested; Contest Deadline Wednesday, November 18
The Norwin School District is sponsoring a holiday card art contest open to any K-12 student.
One student’s artwork will be selected to be featured on this year’s district holiday card and will have the student's name, grade, school and art teacher’s name recognized on the card. The District’s holiday card will be sent to every Norwin employee and many community partners.
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Meal Delivery Service Ending, but Curbside Pickup Remains Available Wednesdays at all Schools |
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Norwin School District would like to thank all of our volunteers and Cafeteria staff for their hard work implementing the meal delivery program for families in the Norwin School District.
Unfortunately, with inclement weather approaching, the District has decided to suspend this service. The last day of meal delivery will be on Tuesday, November 17th.
The District will continue to provide curbside pick-up of meals on Wednesdays from 11am-12pm at the front entrance of each school.
Thank you again to all of the volunteers!!!
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Upcoming Events
Monday, November 16, 2020
- Board of School Directors: Legislative Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 26 – Monday, November 30
- Thanksgiving Vacation - No School for Students and Teachers
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Norwin School District
281 McMahon Drive
North Huntingdon, PA 15642
724.861.3000
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