Connecticut's #1 City School District! |
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Norwalk Public Schools Presents
New Strategic Plan Framework
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The framework for the new NPS Strategic Plan was presented during the May 18 Board of Education meeting. Over the past several months, NPS has focused on the future needs and priorities of our district. Connecticut Center for School Change's Executive Director Dr. Richard Lemons provided findings from the strategic plan task force and input from students, teachers, staff, parents and community members. Dr. Lemons touched on the process of gathering these findings, which incorporates input from the district’s review of equity and disproportionality, facilities and special education, as well as last year’s capacity and coherence review.
In order to become future ready for all NPS students, the task force developed a new mission statement: Norwalk Public Schools provides an excellent and equitable education so ALL students graduate future ready as civically responsible, globally engaged and positive contributors to an ever changing and diverse world.
The framework also focused on 10 core values, leading with student potential, equity, excellence, diversity and inclusion, and relationships. Our people, integrity, creativity and innovation, coordinated services and continuous improvement completed the core values.
Strategic priorities were also outlined, including the following:
FUTURE READINESS. Prepare all students so they are ready for further
education, career opportunities and globally engaged leadership.
EQUITY. Ensure equitable opportunities, facilities, experiences and
outcomes for all students.
EXCELLENCE. Achieve excellence in all aspects of our organization through
effective systems, modern learning environments and continuous
improvement processes.
ENGAGEMENT. Ensure all children, families, team members and the
community are informed, involved and feel welcome in our schools.
HIGH-QUALITY INSTRUCTION & SUPPORT. Foster relevant and
intellectually stimulating learning with targeted supports that produce
social, emotional and academic growth
In addition to the Strategic Plan framework, Dr. Estrella discussed changes to the district table of organization, which has been redesigned to support the new strategic priorities for the years ahead. Several organizational shifts will be made to the structure at Central Office, to help fulfill the vision of the strategic plan.
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K-8 Summer Academy Letters to Go Home This Week
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Students who qualify for NPS summer learning will receive notification from their schools this Friday, May 21.
Those entering Grades 1 through 7 who qualify for the Summer Academy are required to attend.
Students entering Grades 8 and 9 who meet criteria for Summer Academy are strongly encouraged to attend.
Parents or guardians must reply before the May 28 deadline.
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End-Of-Year Ceremony Schedule |
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As we plan for end-of-year graduation and promotion ceremonies, we have been monitoring changes to Covid guidance from national, state and local health authorities.
With the most recent updates in mind, our schools have now finalized times and outdoor locations for Grade 8 promotions and graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021.
Schools will be in touch with additional details!
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Graduating Students To Earn The Seal Of Biliteracy
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This honor, established by the State Board of Education, acknowledges that a student has demonstrated mastery of two or more languages. The State Seal of Biliteracy also provides recognition to Multilingual learners for the great value of developing English and maintaining their primary language. Each year, over 100 students earn the State Seal of Biliteracy for languages including French, German, Latin, Polish, Russian and Portuguese on their diploma.
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Vaccine Clinics For 12-15-Year-Old Children |
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Norwalk Public Schools is working with the Norwalk Community Health Center and Griffin Hospital to offer vaccination clinics for students 12 years of age and older in Norwalk. Over 144 vaccines for students and parents have already been administered in just a couple of days!
NPS CLINICS THROUGH GRIFFIN HOSPITAL
Please note: Griffin Hospital Clinics require a different consent form than our currently running Norwalk Community Health Center Clinics do.
Friday, May 21, Nathan Hale Middle School, 1:00-7:00pm
(Second dose administered June 11 for the Nathan Hale clinic)
Tuesday, May 25, Brien McMahon High School, 1:00-7:00pm
(Second dose administered June 15 for the Brien McMahon clinic)
Tuesday, May 25, Norwalk High School, 1:00-7:00pm
(Second dose administered June 15 for the Norwalk High clinic)
*Eligible students from other schools may attend any of the clinics after school hours
NPS CLINICS THROUGH NORWALK COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
Please note: Norwalk Community Health Center Clinics require a different consent form than our newly added Griffin Hospital Clinics do.
Wednesday, May 19, Ponus Ridge Middle School, 1:00-6pm
(Second dose administered June 9 for the Ponus clinic)
Thursday, May 20, West Rocks Middle School, 1:00-6pm
(Second dose administered June 10 for the West Rocks clinic)
Friday, May 21, Roton Middle School, 1:00-6pm
(Second dose administered June 11 for the Roton clinic)
*Eligible students from other schools may attend any of the clinics after school hours
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McMahon Healthcare Academy Students Prep For State EMT Exam |
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A year-long collaboration with Norwalk Hospital EMS Education service and McMahon Healthcare Academy, students tested out their practical work to become eligible for the state EMT exam. On May 23, students will travel to Easton EMS to qualify for a license in the state of CT. In Easton they repeat five practical stations and then the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician written Test.
After successfully completing these steps, students can begin working as an EMT this summer!
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NPS School Shout Out – P-TECH Norwalk |
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Special congratulations to 23 members of the P-TECH Norwalk class of 2021! These students are being awarded their Associate's Degrees today from Norwalk Community College.
Each "NPS Shout Out" highlights the fantastic learning and hard work that is taking place in our schools each day! Videos are shared in the district newsletter as well as on the NPS YouTube page, and social media.
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Brien McMahon High School Freshman Vanessa Michel and Senior Lisbeth Peguero were recognized with an honorable mention and second place for their artwork in the annual Donate Life Erica Grossman High School Visual Arts Contest.
The Donate Life CT organization brings awareness and educates the public on the importance of becoming an organ donor.
Congratulations to Vanessa and Lisbeth! Thank you for sharing this important message through your artwork.
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Good Books Come To Those While They Wait – NHS Launches Little Library |
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Those walking by or waiting for the bus on the corner of Strawberry Hill and Calvin Murphy Drive can now grab a book to read from the brand-new Norwalk High School Little Free Library. The NHS English Department invited students and guests on May 10 to kick off the grand opening of the Little Free Library with a ribbon cutting.
Art students dedicated time to decorate the library with meaningful artwork: Autumn Anderson, "LGBTQ Love,” Samantha Philipp, "Bears Read” and Alexis Fazzino "Sunflowers." Seniors Emma Costa and Will Valdez were chosen to help cut the ribbon to celebrate their noteworthy success in English.
Thank you to the members of the NHS English Department and Department Chair Lisa Strom for leading this project to fruition!
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NPS Inventors Move On To National Competition |
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Congratulations to all of the NPS students who advanced to the virtual National Invention Convention held earlier this month.
Winners will be announced during an online awards ceremony hosted on the Invention Convention Worldwide and The Henry Ford’s social channels on June 24. Good luck to all of our student inventors!
Charles Kopcsay, Rowayton Elementary School, Grade 3, The Cool Wipe
Skye Martin, Columbus Magnet School, Grade 4, Pump and Twist
Katie Dunne, Fox Run Elementary School, Grade 4, Magic Hands
Anay Mundra, Roton Middle School, Grade 7, The Pak Mask
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Annie Jr. And Winnie The Pooh To Livestream Friday |
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Students Showcase Shoe Design Skills In National VANS Competition |
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The shoe was on the other foot as Brien McMahon High School art students took on the role of footwear designers in the recent virtual VANS Custom Culture design competition. Twelfth Grader Allison Jimenez and Eleventh Grader Keira Henry brought designs to life by painting their ideas on a pair of VAN sneaker. We are so proud of these students who showcased their creativity and represented NPS in this competition! |
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NPS Students Celebrate National Screen Free Week |
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During the week of May 3 NPS students across the district celebrated National Screen Free week. Students were asked to turn their computers off for two hours a day. Students went outside to play games, spent time with nature and created amazing art projects and music together. The week culminated with an outdoor field day.
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NPS Students To Play Ball At MLB Yankees Camp |
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For the 7th year, the Brien McMahon High School Athletics department has collaborated with the Major League Baseball Scholarship program to provide a group of NPS elementary school students with free access to its summer Yankees Camp. The week-long camp is taught by college and high school baseball coaches and players. Campers will receive a uniform, as well as an autographed photo from a Yankees player. At the end of the week, students will have the opportunity to meet virtually with a Yankees player.
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Roton Middle School Campus Clean-up |
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Roton Middle School held a campus wide clean-up as part of an Earth Day/greener spaces initiative. Over 40 volunteers of staff, students, and parents helped clean up trash and debris around the Roton campus including the creek and in the back of the building.
During physical education and health classes, students spent time cleaning, pruning, and planting in the center courtyard.
These activities aligned with Roton's Student Council's push for outdoor classroom spaces this year.
Thank you to everyone who is helping Roton be a greener place!
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Thank You FoodCorps Service Members |
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Brookside FoodCorps Service Member Ally Staab and Tracey FoodCorps Service Member Meghan Hadley will be completing their two-year service at NPS in early July. We wish Ally and Meghan the best as they move on to new adventures! We are excited to welcome back FoodCorps Service Member Liz Wimpfheimer to her second year at Kendall College & Career Academy.
Each of our FoodCorps service members has left their individual impact on the schools they have served. Last spring, they pivoted to create engaging food and garden education lessons, virtual field trips and newsletter content. Upon returning to their schools in-person, they have taught nutrition education, STEM lessons and planted school gardens, while supporting and nurturing students.
In partnership with FoodCorps, and financial support from Campbell Soup, Norwalk Grows has provided consistent and supportive site supervision of Norwalk Public Schools Service Members for six years.
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P-TECH Norwalk and Norwalk High School Virtual Talent Show |
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From saxophone trios to guitar solos, carefully executed piano pieces and vocal performances, students from P-TECH Norwalk and Norwalk High School showcased their talent through a virtual talent show.
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Norwalk High School Music Department Presents Clue Via Livestream May 22-23 |
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Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects.
Join the Norwalk High School Music Department for three very special livestreaming performances May 22-23. Click here for tickets.
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Annual NPS Citywide Art Show To Kickoff Tonight |
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Board of Ed meetings will be held by videoconference until further notice.
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.
Tuesday, May 25, New Schools in South Norwalk - Parent Forum, 6:30pm
Wednesday, May 26, Facilities Committee, 6pm
Monday, May 31, Memorial Day
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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