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*Early Preschool and Kindergarten registration will close on April 25th and then reopen on May 1st.
Online Registration for new K-12 students and Annual Update for existing K-12 students will open May 1st!
All students K-12 MUST complete the online registration (annual update). The annual update (OLR) through Parent Portal includes transportation requests and student release agreements. Kindergarten students who registered during the PK-K registration period, must complete the annual update (OLR) through the Parent Portal.
*The District will provide more information to parents and families this month before registration opens on May 1st.
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Welcoming Our 2025 Student Board Representative: Carson Menke
The Norwalk Community School District is proud to have a student representative serve on the Board of Education each year. This position, created several years ago, gives students a chance to share their thoughts and ideas directly with board members. While the student representative does not have a vote, their input plays a key role in helping the board understand how decisions impact students. This position is a great example of Norwalk CSD living its mission statement of "Growing Learners and Leaders."
Each fall, a new student is selected to serve a one-year term, representing their peers and providing feedback on school-related topics. This year, we are excited to welcome Carson Menke as the 2025 student board representative. Carson is currently a junior at Norwalk High School and is heavily involved in academics, activities, and leadership roles, making him a great fit for this position.
Carson stays busy with band, cross country, tennis, student council, and National Honor Society while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He has earned All-State Band/Orchestra honors, serves as the Public Relations Officer on the Student Council Executive Board, and has been recognized for his leadership in cross country and marching band.
When asked why he wanted to serve on the school board, Carson said, "I’ve always wanted to make a difference in our school and help ensure that students' voices are heard. Being involved in student council has taught me a lot about leadership, and I’m excited to expand on that by working with the board. I think my perspective as a student can help make positive changes, and I’m thankful for this opportunity."
Carson’s voice will be especially valuable as the district continues to focus on school safety, communication, and student success. His involvement in a wide range of activities and leadership experiences will give the board a clear understanding of how policies affect students.
We also want to take a moment to thank Henry Groos, our 2024 student representative, for the impact he made over the past year. Henry provided valuable input during discussions about grade configuration board conversations. His thoughts helped guide board decisions, and we are grateful for his leadership and commitment to representing his classmates.
As Carson begins his term, we look forward to hearing his ideas and working with him to continue making Norwalk a great place for all students. The student representative position is a reminder of how important it is to listen to student voices when making decisions. Thank you, Carson, for stepping up to lead.
Shawn Holloway,
NCSD Superintendent
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Spring is here, bringing warmer weather, fresh air, and the perfect backdrop for an exciting season of activities! Whether you're catching a tennis match, cheering on the soccer team, watching runners fly around the track, or hitting the greens for golf, there’s no better time to get outside and support our Warriors!
*Spring team photos and posters will be shared in late April!
| | Girls Basketball Wraps Up Season in State Semi-Finals | | Warriors dropped their semi-final game at state vs Xavier 60-70. An incredible run for an incredible group of student athletes! Warriors finish their season with a record of 23-2. Congrats ladies and coaches on this outstanding season! | | BOUND Online Ticketing Announcement | | |
The Norwalk Athletic and Activity Department has recently transitioned to Bound as our new online ticketing provider. Starting next week with home high school soccer games, all tickets must be purchased through Bound. You will still be able to use badges/passes. This is only if you need to purchase a ticket.
Bound is already the ticketing provider for many Des Moines area schools and postseason IGHSAU events, and we believe this change will make purchasing tickets easier and more convenient for Norwalk event attendees.
To purchase tickets, visit the Norwalk Bound page at https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/norwalk. Once there, click on the Tickets tab, select your event, and complete your purchase using a credit card. You can also create a Bound account for faster future purchases. Please note that this applies to Norwalk home events only.
At the event, you will be scanned in using the QR code sent to you after purchase. A card reader will also be available at each event for added convenience.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Activities Department. We appreciate your support and look forward to providing a smoother ticketing experience with Bound.
– Norwalk Activities Department
| | NHS Dance Marathon Crushes Fundraising Goal | | |
GOAL CRUSHED! Norwalk High School Dance Marathon raised $35,160.67 this year for kids fighting cancer! Norwalk High School students have raised an incredible $200,000 over the past eight years for the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital!
This year, under the leadership of Presidents Andie Davitt and Laikyn Popken, Norwalk students exceeded their $25,000 goal by over $10,000—an achievement that speaks to their dedication and heart! Balancing academics, activities, and work, these students continue to step up in the fight against pediatric cancer, proving just how remarkable they are. Congrats to these students!
| | We Are Hiring! Your Next Opportunity Awaits! | | As we wind down the 2024-2025 school year and begin to prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, the Norwalk Community School District has a variety of openings, including teaching, paraprofessional and coaching positions. For an up-to-date list of positions available, please visit www.norwalkschools.org or scan the QR code below. We'd love to have you join our team! | | NCSD Names Rob Arnold as Middle School Principal | | |
The Norwalk Community School District is excited to announce Rob Arnold as the next Middle School Principal, pending formal board approval on March 10th. Arnold brings over 25 years of experience in education, including extensive leadership experience as a building administrator with a focus on student engagement and support.
With more than two decades in education, Arnold has worked as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Most recently, he served as principal at Benton Community High School. He has also been a middle school principal, assistant high school principal, and activities director at Benton Community and Independence Community Schools. His leadership is centered on building strong relationships and improving schools through teamwork and student-focused efforts.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Norwalk Middle School team and be part of a district that prioritizes student success and belonging,” Arnold said. “Middle school is such an important time in a student’s journey. I’m committed to fostering a supportive, student-centered environment where every learner feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow.”
Superintendent Shawn Holloway expressed his excitement about Arnold joining the team, praising his leadership skills and passion for middle school education. “Rob has a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to middle school education that will be an asset to our district. His focus on students, staff, and the community matches Norwalk’s values, and we are excited to welcome him to our leadership team,” said Holloway.
Throughout his career, Arnold has successfully led schools through important changes, including restructuring, implementing PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), and creating support systems for students and staff. His experience in crisis management and commitment to building a positive school culture make him well-prepared to lead Norwalk Middle School.
Interview teams highlighted Arnold’s strengths in student-centered leadership, communication, and crisis management. He focuses on student well-being, builds strong relationships, and is skilled in managing school operations and resources. Arnold’s data-driven approach to instruction and commitment to supporting teachers will help ensure Norwalk Middle School continues Growing Learners and Leaders.
Arnold will officially take on the role of Norwalk Middle School Principal on July 1st. Please join us in welcoming Rob to the Norwalk community!
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2025 Transition Resource Fair
Date: Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Norwalk High School - Secondary Campus Cafeteria
This event is designed for students with IEPs, 504 plans, or disabilities to connect with local organizations that provide transition services and post-graduation support. Families can explore valuable resources to help students prepare for life after high school.
While anyone is welcome to attend, this fair is best suited for those who may benefit from these services.
Presented by Indianola & Norwalk TAP. For more information, contact:
Alivia Nelson: alivia.nelson@indianola.k12.ia.us
Lindsey Scott: lindsey.scott@norwalkschools.org
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Important Dates:
May 1: Online School Registration & Annual Enrollment
Open for all K-12 Students
May 22: Senior Scholarship Night
May 25: NHS Commencement
May 26: Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
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Congratulations on a fantastic postseason, Lady Warriors!
Photo Credits: NHS Photo 2 alum, Jackson Z.
| | NHS Jazz to Perform at NOCE on April 9 | | | | |
