Norwalk Public Schools News & Information
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2018-19 Budget Process Begins
The 2018-19 Norwalk Public Schools budget process has started! A preliminary operating budget proposal was discussed at the Board of Education’s December Finance Committee meeting. In alignment with the goals of the Strategic Operating Plan, the initial budget proposal
also plans for the phase in of 30 additional minutes to the elementary school instructional day. The draft budget includes the addition of a “specials” teacher at approximately half the elementary schools to implement the contract agreement for the extended school day.
The proposal also includes the addition of high school teachers to eliminate high school study halls, support for intra-district magnet programs, and the addition of one school day to the calendar. The budget for a potential elementary school music pilot was also discussed, along with incremental funding to meet arts-related needs at the high schools.
The Facilities Committee of the Board of Education met this week to discuss recommended Capital Improvement requests. Proposals reviewed by the Committee included work outlined in the School Facilities Master Plan, including the hiring of an architect for preliminary design work on the Jefferson Elementary and the “renovate as new” school project at 46 Concord Street. The committee also discussed funding requests for high priority maintenance work and parking lot paving, the purchase of textbooks and curriculum materials, the replacement of old uniforms for the Norwalk High Marching Band, and the implementation of energy conservation recommendations at both high schools.
The Board of Education is scheduled to discuss the 2018-19 budget in a workshop meeting on Tuesday, January 9 at 7 pm in the Common Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall.
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Music Curriculum Presentation Hits The Right Notes At BOE Meeting
At Tuesday night’s workshop meeting at Brookside Elementary, the Board of Education discussed a proposal for a comprehensive new music curriculum for Norwalk. Interim Chief Academic Officer Craig Creller and Fox Run Elementary School music teacher Margaret Kelly presented the draft curriculum, which provides all students with the opportunity to become musically literate, well-rounded individuals.
The curriculum presented to the Board was adopted from the National Center for Music Education. It includes nationally recognized instructional standards that are aligned across every grade, PreK-12. The proposed curriculum covers general music, choral music, strings and orchestra, band, and extra-curricular activities. A pilot program to begin band instruments at Grade 4 is also under consideration.
The work to draft the new curriculum began in 2015, with a team of music educators working on it year round. The music curriculum writing team included teachers Frank Arcari, Scott Benson, Jennifer Burkhalter, Sara Golding, Kimberly Lemak, Margaret Kelly, David Metzger, Angela Nida, Susan Pettibone, Chris Rivera, Ron Secchi, Joan Skloot and Gregory Stan. We thank them for all their hard work!
Norwalk’s music programs, including our award-winning marching bands, jazz and percussion ensembles, musical theatre performances, and distinctive choral events are a hallmark of the district.
The final draft will go before the Board for approval in the new year.
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Silvermine Dual Language Lottery Application Now Open
The Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School lottery application for 2018-2019 is now available online. Applications are also available in the school’s main office. Parent tours will be held on the following dates: January 19, 26 and February 2. All tours will begin at 9:30am in the main office. Those interested, should call the school prior to attending. Silvermine will hold its annual information night on January 18 at 6:30pm.
Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School was expanded in response to the need for more choices for student with diverse needs and interests. The program strives to develop high levels of proficiency in both English and Spanish, develop academic performance that is at or above grade level in both languages and promotes cross-cultural competence. For more information
click here.
Information about the Columbus Magnet School lottery will be available in early January. Please note, students may only apply for one magnet school program. Duplicate applications will not be eligible for participation in either lottery.
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Middle School Encore Programs Engage Students
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Lego robotics, ballroom dancing, journalism and gardening are just a sample of over 100 different Encore programs now offered to all NPS middle school students. As part of the Phase II Middle School Redesign, students in grades 6, 7 and 8 have the opportunity to participate in one or two Encore programs per week. Encore course offerings are taught by teachers with the goal of establishing relationships outside of standard classes to build student engagement. Each course provides enrichment, exploration and application of the core curriculum, particularly in math where the greatest achievement gap exists. The Encore program was successfully piloted at Roton and Ponus Middle Schools in grade 6 last year.
The Encore program continues to expand as NPS introduces new experiences with outside organizations. This January, an Encore program in partnership with the Norwalk Fire Department will be piloted at Roton Middle School. Students will climb aboard fire trucks and test out real-world firefighting gear.
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The Norwalk Early Childhood Center (NECC)
website is now live! NECC is a newly renovated, state-of-the art facility, located on 11 Allen Road. This innovative Pre-K program is for both typical and special needs children. Certified staff work to promote early literacy, communication, social/emotional, and Kindergarten readiness skills in a safe and nurturing environment. To inquire about enrolling your child, or to schedule a visit and tour of the facility, call
203-945-0320 or email
broadbentl@norwalkps.org
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School's Out For Winter Break
All Norwalk Public Schools will have a two-hour dismissal tomorrow, Friday, December 22. There will be no school December 26 through January 1. School will be back in session on January 2. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!
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NPS Students To Problem Solve Through Invention
Rubber bands, straws, cotton balls, marbles and balloons served as invention materials for 25 NPS educators during a recent training session. The purpose of the meeting was to kick-off preparation for The Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC).
The CIC program is open to all K-8 students statewide, and is designed to develop, encourage, and enhance creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills through invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. NPS Students will have the opportunity to work on inventions over a 12-week period during after school programs facilitated by educators. Thanks to a grant, selected winners from each school will attend the regional CIC convention in Hamden in February to share their prototype inventions.
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Making The Holidays Sing
Audiences enjoyed the sounds of the season at the “Poinsettia” and “Candlelight” concerts presented by the Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk High School Music Departments. An annual tradition, choir students and members of the band, jazz ensemble, and orchestra performed holiday favorites for an enthusiastic audience.
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Friday, December 22,
2-Hour Early Dismissal, All Schools
Monday, December 25 - Monday, January 1, 2018,
All Schools Closed for Winter Break
Tuesday, January 9, 2018,
7-9pm, Board of Education Workshop Meeting, Common Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall
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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.
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