August 2, 2018
Norwalk Public Schools News & Information
Summer Literacy Pilot Inspires Family Learning

Jefferson and Kendall students are sitting side-by-side with members of their families this summer to learn lessons in literacy. From reading books together such as the “The Mouse And The Motorcycle” to asking questions about the text and learning to implement tips to inspire reading at home, the Springboard Collaborative pilot program has been a great success. This six-week free program encourages parent engagement through incentives, and helps close the literacy gap among students. Family members engaged in the pilot typically stay at the workshop for an hour each week. Instructors first teach them a certain literacy teaching skill, and then have them work to apply this skill with their child. 
Tracey Teacher Named Norwalk Teacher Of The Year

Tracey Elementary School Teacher Rosemary Holomakoff has been selected as Norwalk’s Teacher of the Year. Holomakoff will represent Norwalk Public School teachers in Connecticut’s 2019 Teacher of the Year program, which celebrates excellence in public education.  

A teacher in Norwalk for 34 years, she was nominated for bringing positive change to the entire school and district, beyond just her own students. As a self-contained special education teacher, Holomakoff creates an environment of trust and embraces a growth mindset that allows students to take academic risks, persevere, and practice problem-solving skills. Holomakoff has also been a leader at Tracey in developing the school’s character education program, which aims to integrate character education into all aspects of school environment. For the full story click here .
NPS Names New Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School Principal

Norwalk Public Schools is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Chahine has been selected as the next principal of Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School. In her new role, Chahine will continue to implement a unique opportunity for students to realize the benefits of being bilingual, biliterate and bicultural through a robust dual language program. Additionally, she will further support the school’s mission to empower students with the skills they need to be of strong moral and ethical character, while providing a high quality academic program that challenges students to reach their full potential.
 
Please join us in congratulating her on new role at Norwalk Public Schools!  To read the full press release click here
New Chief Academic Officer To Join Norwalk Public Schools

Dr. Brenda W. Myers has been selected as chief academic officer for Norwalk Public Schools. In her new role, Dr. Myers will cultivate, implement and manage Norwalk’s PreK -12 core curriculum and educational programs and services, including course work, instruction, staff evaluations and professional development. An experienced leader with a deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction best practices, Dr. Myers has served as a superintendent and deputy superintendent for instruction, as well as a researcher, executive coach and consultant. Dr. Myers joins Norwalk Public Schools from Valhalla Union Free School District in Valhalla, NY, where she served as superintendent of schools for seven years. Prior to Valhalla, she served as superintendent of schools in Groton, NY. Dr. Myers's also experience includes more than 13 years of instructional leadership roles at Broome-Tioga BOCES. Part of the New York state system established to help public schools provide quality programs by sharing services, Broome-Tioga BOCES serves 15 school districts and nearly 35,000 students in grades K-12 and adult programs. Welcome Dr. Myers!  
To read the full press release, click here .
New Chief Talent Officer To Join Norwalk Public Schools

Javier Padilla has been named chief talent officer for Norwalk Public Schools. In his new role, Padilla will continue to improve employee and labor relations, and implement effective strategies to support human resource needs throughout a diverse and growing district.
 
An experienced human resources leader with expertise in implementing key strategic HR practices including growth, employee engagement and performance management, Padilla joins the district from Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. We welcome Mr. Padilla to Norwalk Public Schools! To read the full press release click here
McMahon's Madaffari Named National Athletic Director Of The Year

Brien McMahon Athletic Coach Joe Madaffari was named the National Athletic Director of the Year in June. The National High School Athletic Coaches Association chose Madaffari based on service to high school athletics, honors, championship years and winning percentage. Madafarri has been a part of the Brien McMahon athletic program for 23 years, and has coached and taught in Norwalk for a total of 37 years. Growing up in Norwalk, Madaffari developed a passion for sports and coaching from an early age. During his time as a student-athlete, he learned from Norwalk legends, including Ralph King, Jack Casagrande, John Kuczo and Sam Testa. Congratulations to Coach Madaffari! His commitment to the success of student-athletes and passion for coaching has made him an invaluable member of the NPS team both at Brien McMahon and throughout the city. 
Water Safety Poster Winners Announced

To create awareness for National Water Safety Month in May, NPS students in grades K through 8 were invited to create a poster centered around the theme of “Always Swim with an Adult.” Contest winners will be honored at Calf Pasture Beach on August 4 at 7:15pm prior to the outdoor screening of the movie Moana.Their posters will be displayed in the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department, the Norwalk High School Pool facility and the booth at Calf Pasture. Congrats to all winners and thanks to all who entered the contest!
 

Daniela Garcia, 3rd Grade, Kendall, First Place
Alyson Romero, 5th Grade, Silvermine, Honorable Mention
Samantha Corona and Julie Simeon, 7th Grade, Ponus Ridge, Honorable Mention
Wednesday, August 29, 2018, First Day of School
Norwalk Public Schools
125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06852
Phone: 203-854-4000
This newsletter is compiled & published by the NPS Communications Department.
Have a question about our school district or an item to share?
Contact Brenda Wilcox Williams, Chief Communications Officer, williams@norwalkps.org , or call 203-854-4003.