August | 2020
World Class Schools for Our Students

ONE... One Family, One District, One Community
The Norwalk Community School District created a new student leadership role during the 2018-2019 school year by creating the NCSD Student School Board Representative. One of the responsibilities the student representative has is to create the district theme for the upcoming school year. The 2019 student representative, Eva Newland, chose Connect as the theme for the 2019-2020 school year. Patrick Foster is the 2020 student representative, and when I asked him to pick a theme for the year, he was very passionate about his selection - ONE... One Family, One District, One Community.  There is no doubt that 2020 has been filled with challenges for families, our district, and the communities that make up the Norwalk CSD. However, Patrick is showing his leadership abilities by focusing on a fundamental truth of what will see our families, our district, and our community through these tough times - the truth that if we all come together as ONE, we can successfully navigate through these challenging times. Here are some ideas that have been previously shared on how we can rally behind ONE goal - getting all NCSD students back to school sooner rather than later:

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
  • Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
  • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Practice social distancing  
  • Buy groceries and medicine, go to the doctor, and complete banking activities online when possible.
  • If you must go in person, try to stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch.
  • Get deliveries and takeout, and limit in-person contact as much as possible.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick 
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
  • Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home.

I want to thank Patrick for his leadership and for choosing the theme for this school year as we are all better off when we are ONE... One Family, One District, One Community.

Yours in service,
D.T. Magee, Superintendent
NCSD Return to Learn Plan Draft & Building Implementation Plans for the 2020-2021 School Year
NCSD Building Implementation Plans:
Norwalk CSD Parent Request for Required Remote Learning Form - DEADLINE AUGUST 1, 2020
Register for Required Remote Learning Here:
Transportation Change Request Form
Add/Drop/Change of Address - DEADLINE AUGUST 1, 2020
Fill out Busing Change Requests (deadline is Aug. 1, 2020) Here:
2020-2021 Norwalk School Registration
by Kate Baldwin, Executive Director of Admin Services
An annual registration must be completed for ALL students (returning and new). Parents can register students www.norwalkschools.org by clicking under “Parents” and logging into Parent Portal account. Parents should register all students that will be returning in 20-21 by logging into their Parent Portal account. After completing the registration, go to the online fees payment link under “Parents”, “Revtrak Online Payments”. 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 [email protected]. 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 08-01-20 may not be placed on a bus route until 09-09-20. Bus passes are scheduled to be mailed on 08-15-20. 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.






2020-2021 Kindergarten Registration Presentation & Information

Kindergarten registration information is also available. Listen to Amy Gage, Oviatt Elementary Principal share important information about the 20-21 Kindergarten School Year!

District Notices and Policies:
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.

A complete text of the law and additional information is available on the Iowa Dept. of Education website: http://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/learner-supports/timeout-seclusion-restraint

If you have questions about this state law, please contact Eric Neessen, Director of Student Services at the district office: (515) 981-0676 or [email protected]
SIAC Committee
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.

If interested, please contact Superintendent D.T. Magee at (515) 981-0676 or [email protected]
The Norwalk Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

  • Applied Science, Technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing
  • Arts, Communication, and Information Systems
  • Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management
  • Human Services
  • Health Services
  • Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

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 Alison Cornwell, Director of Human Resources at 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, [email protected].

Please find our Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination policy, along with our Continuous Notice of Non-discrimination policy and Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Investigation Procedures policy on our website. Please follow the link provided herein http://www.norwalkschools.org .

*All school board policies can be found by clicking on “District” then “School Board” then “Board Policies.”
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, Alison Cornwell, [email protected]. 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:
*The Norwalk CSD will follow all Title IX regulations. For questions or concerns, please contact Alison Cornwell, District Equality Coordinator at [email protected]

**For a complete list of our School Board Policies, please go to our website**
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.

**For a complete list of our School Board Policies, please go to our website**
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, [email protected] or Dr. Jody Ratigan, Eastview Principal at [email protected].

**For a complete list of our School Board Policies, please go to our website**
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.

Please visit the following webpage for more information: https://www.norwalkschools.org/anti-bullyingharassment/
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.






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 [email protected].

Model notification of rights under FERPA (to be sent to families of elementary and secondary students): http;//www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/pdf/ferparights.pdf

Model Notification of Directory Information under FERPA: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/pdf/directoryinfo.pdf

Model Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA):
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 Sue Sarnecki, Buildings and Grounds Administrative Assistant at [email protected] or Richard Sleeth, Buildings and Grounds Director at [email protected]. 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.
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.

**For a complete list of our School Board Policies, please go to our website**
Nutrition & Wellness
Nutrition News

The Nutrition Department is proud of the meals we serve. We will continue to offer more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthier entrees in our school cafeterias to promote life-long healthy eating habits. We strive to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables daily, while reducing the level of sodium in meals, setting calorie limits and providing a vast amount of whole grains each day to meet the dietary guidelines. Students must have at least either ½ cup of fruit or vegetable on their tray for it to qualify as a meal purchase . There are five food items in a meal-protein, grain, fruit, vegetable and milk. The minimum food requirement for a meal is that a student takes at least three food items-of which one must be a fruit or vegetable. Any tray with less than the minimum food requirements will be charged as a la carte purchases. It is a better value for students to build a meal. We offer a variety of fruit and vegetable selections daily to encourage meal purchases.
School Nurse News

Kindergarten Parents
Parents of 2020-21 kindergarten students - the Iowa Immunization Law requires that immunizations be on file with the school before your child enters school on Monday, August 24, 2020. If you have not already done so, please bring this to the District Office as soon as
possible between the hours of 8:00AM - 4:00PM daily 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:
  1. a medical exemption form
  2. a religious exemption form
  3. 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 24th) 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.

If you need more information, please visit the NCSD school nurse webpage, contact your child’s school nurse, or contact Eric Neessen, Director of Student Services at [email protected] at the district office.
Get the Facts
About Coronavirus
The number one priority of the Norwalk CSD is to keep our students safe. As we learn more about  COVID-19  and  MIS-C , we will follow the guidance of the  Iowa Dept. of Public Health , Warren County Health Services, and the  Center for Disease Control  to do our best to keep our students and staff safe and healthy.

Symptoms
According to CDC, COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:  
  • Cough  
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 

Or at least two of these symptoms:  
  • Fever  
  • Chills  
  • Repeated shaking with chills  
  • Muscle pain  
  • Headache  
  • Sore throat  
  • New loss of taste or smell

Face Covering Information
Students, staff and visitors will be asked to wear face coverings this school year to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Norwalk Schools Building Updates
Welcome back students! We can't wait to see all of your smiling faces in our hallways again! We have missed you so much and as we anxiously await this upcoming school year, we'd like to fill you in on some important updates.
See you Monday, August 24!


Wifi Access Available for Chromebooks

The Norwalk Community School District is offering free wifi availability for school Chromebooks only, in the NHS west parking lot, stadium, and Middle School parking lot. Wifi access is also available in the McAninch parking lot, the Norwalk Easter Public Library parking lot, Billy O. Phillips Park, and the public swimming pool.
Employee & Family Resources’ Student
Assistance Program
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.
Child Care Resource & Referral of Central Iowa
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.
2020-2021 NCSD Calendar
Upcoming Events & Activities
District Calendar

View Upcoming Student Programs:

Family & Community Resources:

First Day of School:
Monday, August 24, 2020
Early Dismissal 1:30/2:00

Congratulations to the following Warrior Softball and Baseball Little Hawkeye All-Conference selections in 2020.
Little Hawkeye Conference All-Conference Softball Selections
 
1st Team
Haley Downe, Jr., Pitcher
Emily Ellis, Sr., Infield
Jayden Lammers, Jr., OF
Katie Heaverlo, Sr., Utility
 
Honorable Mention
Lexie Heim, Sr.
Zadie Wadle, Fr.
 
Little Hawkeye Conference All-Conference Baseball Selections
 
1st Team
Tucker Christensen, Sr., Pitcher
Evan Borst, Jr., Infield
Jake Fees, Sr., Utility
 
Honorable Mention
Nate Lane, Sr.
Tanner Foltz, Sr

CONGRATS Warriors!

Baseball
After their first round win over Carlisle the Warriors hosted the Grinnell Tigers in the semi-final District Tournament game in a matchup of Little Hawkeye Conference teams. Junior Evan Borst was dominate over six innings in not allowing a run and striking out nine in the 3-1 win over the Tigers advancing the Warriors to the sub-state game at home against the Centerville Big Red. Senior Tucker Christensen was on the bump and allowed only one run while striking out seven. Borst was the offensive catalyst with three hits and two RBI’s in the Warriors 4-1 state clinching victory. Norwalk advances to the state tournament with an overall record of 17-5 after starting the season 4-4. For state tournament information and ticket purchasing please click on the following link:  https://t.co/x1aS1F02BF?amp=1

Softball
After an exciting extra inning 2-0 win over ADM in a regional semi-final win the Warriors hoped to use that momentum to make their first state tournament appearance since 2014 in hosting the Winterset Huskies in the regional final game with the winner advancing to the state softball tournament. That momentum however did not yield itself as the Warriors found themselves down 5-0 after two innings of play and would eventually end their season with a 10-1 loss. Norwalk finished the season with a #6 ranking and an overall record of 17-7. Congratulations to the players and coaches on a great season.

Baseball Photos courtesy of Lynda Dunn Downs
Softball Photos courtesy of Meilen Grant
Norwalk Community School District | norwalkschools.org