Welcome back Warriors to a new year of Growing Learners and Leaders in the Norwalk CSD! Our district continues the tradition, started four years ago, of having the NCSD Student School Board Representative determine the district’s theme for the school year. Claire Boswell, NHS 12th grader, is currently serving as the Student School Board Representative and has chosen Listen - Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood as the theme for the 2022-2023 school year. This theme is fully in line with The Leader in Me program’s Habit #5 and sends a positive message to our learning community about being curious and learning from others, especially those people who may have different thoughts than our own.

The NCSD is finishing off our final large construction project that is part of the District’s Master Plan for Facility Projects. The Norwalk PE and Competition Center (NPECC) and Classroom Addition project will be completed in phases starting in August and going through the first semester of the 2022-2023 school year. Watch for information about a late September NPECC ribbon cutting and open house event. Thank you to everyone who has supported this exciting project and for helping our District accomplish our facility upgrades over the past 10+ years.  

The NCSD Board of Directors will continue planning for future growth by discussing future grade level configurations and reviving the NCSD Facilities School Improvement Advisory Subcommittee. The Board has received recommendations from the Grade Level Configuration SIAC Subcommittee and will be discussing those recommendations with the subcommittee at a 5 pm Board meeting work session on August 8th at the District Office. The grade level work is being conducted to inform the next school building planning process. If you have interest in serving on the Facilities SIAC Subcommittee, please contact me at dt.magee@norwalkschools.org.

The first semester of the 22-23 school year will see the departure of two long-term NCSD staff members. Kate Baldwin and Al Lammers are retiring (Kate in December and Al in September) after agreeing to stay on and help our District complete the NPECC project and help transition new staff members into their business office and activities department roles. Thank you Kate and Al for your years of dedicated service to the NCSD and for being great Warriors!

Once again, welcome back Warriors, let’s have a great school year!

Yours in service,

D.T. Magee

NPECC Construction Updates

Top: Main NPECC Entrance

Bottom: (Left) Future Warrior Shop and Activities Offices (Right) Concessions

Top: Warrior Gym and Future Indoor Track

Bottom: 2nd Floor Speed and Agility Room 

An annual registration must be completed for ALL students (returning and new). Parents can register students www.norwalkschools.org by clicking on “Menu” at the top right of the district homepage and selecting "Parent Portal" at the bottom of the page under "Quick Links" to log into their Parent Portal account.

Parents should register all students that will be returning in 22-23 by logging into their Parent Portal account. After completing the registration, go to the online fees payment link under “Quick Links” and select “RevTrak”. 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 registrar@norwalk.k12.ia.us. 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 08-01-22 may not be placed on a bus route until 09-09-22. Bus passes are scheduled to be mailed on or around 08-15-22. 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.

Click here to view student fees: 2022-2023 Student Fees

Click here to pay student fees and registration.

Revtrak Student Fee Payment System

Revtrak's student fee payment system is now online. Below are the instructions to access and pay your student fees. There is also a video demo to walk you through the steps visually. 

Step 1) Go to https://norwalk.revtrak.net to access the Norwalk portal. 

Step 2) Login using your current Revtrak account. Create an account if you're a new user.

Step 3) Select the "Student Fee Payments" box. 

Step 4) On the left side toolbar select "Add student" NOTE: this step is only applicable for your first login. Once a student has been added to your account, you will skip this step. 

Step 5) Enter "Student ID" - To find a student ID number; go to the parent portal (from the Norwalk homepage), click on "Today" tab, student ID number will display immediately to the right of your student's picture at the top of the screen. 

Step 6) Enter "PIN". This will be the same number as your student ID. 

Step 7) Add fees to cart. 

Step 8) Make payment. 

To access the video walkthrough, click this link.  

After your student is linked to your account you will receive an email any time a new fee is added to your account. 

Any outstanding balances from Infinite Campus fees will be loaded into your Revtrak account as a lump sum. This process may take some time. You will be notified by email when fees post to your student's account if they are not loaded at the initial link. 

Thank you for your understanding and patience as the district moves to this new software. If you have any questions or concerns please email revtrak@norwalk.k12.ia.us

Transportation Change Request Form

Add/Drop/Location Changes Due August 1, 2022 to Guarantee Busing on the First Day of School 

Don't forget that all transportation registrations and requests are due August 1, 2022 to guarantee busing on the first day of school!

Warriors,

If your student(s) plan to participate in student athletics or activities, please complete the athletic registration on the Norwalk Athletic Registration website.

Activity passes for adults, family and students can be purchased through RevTrak. For more information, please see the Norwalk Athletics & Activities website.

Family Activity Pass: Two Adults and Children grades K-5 - $225

Single Adult Activity Pass - $100

Single Student Activity Pass (Grade 6-12) - $50

Congratulations to our Warrior softball and baseball teams on outstanding seasons! 

Photo Credits: Lynda Downs and Norwalk Parents

Nutrition Department News for 2022-2023

IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, the USDA waiver that allowed all students to receive a free breakfast meal and a free lunch meal during the school day for the last two school years has NOT been extended for 2022-2023 at this time. If you would like to see if your students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, your family must complete an income application. You may apply online at www.schoolcafe.com (Be sure to check the fee waiver box if interested.) or you may complete a paper application and return it to the Nutrition Department. If your family received an approval notification letter from the Nutrition Department notifying you that your student has been automatically qualified based upon information we received directly from DHS, you do NOT need to complete the meal application, but you will need to complete the Fee Waiver Form to qualify for free or reduced school fees. Please give the fee waiver form to the Nutrition Department prior to September 30, 2022.

The Nutrition Department would love to hire smiling, positive and upbeat employees to join our Nutrition team. Currently, our open positions are listed on our district website: https://www.applitrack.com/norwalkcsd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Nutrition+Services

Minimum starting pay is $16.00 per hour, or more depending on experience. Full-time positions include benefits. Hours are great for parents/grandparents/guardians of school-aged children. No experience is necessary. Please apply online. Both full and part-time openings are available. If you have any questions, please contact: DeeAnna Serres, Nutrition Department Director at dserres@norwalk.k12.ia.us or via telephone at (515) 981-9876. 

Our local Wellness Committee is also seeking interested students/parents/community members to participate on our School Improvement Advisory Committee/Wellness. If you are interested, please reach out to Wellness Committee Co-Chairs, Kara Greenlee (kgreenlee@norwalk.k12.ia.us) or DeeAnna Serres (dserres@norwalk.k12.ia.us) for more information.

Kindergarten Parents

Parents of 2022-23 kindergarten students - the Iowa Immunization Law requires that immunizations be on file with the school before your child enters school on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. If you have not already done so, please bring this to the District Office dropbox (right outside the front door) as soon as possible 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 23) 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 eric.neessen@norwalkschools.org at the district office.

PARA INTERVIEW DAY is Aug. 5th

The NCSD Para Interview Day will be hosted again this summer at Orchard Hills Elementary on Friday, August 5th! If you love working with children and enjoy education, consider being a paraeducator and making a difference in a child’s life!

When: Friday, August 5th 9 AM-4PM. Please RSVP for an appointment, but walk-ins are accepted. 

Where: Orchard Hills Elementary School, 1130 W. North Avenue, Norwalk, IA 50211

Pay Range: $14.50-$16.00 (based on experience) Benefits offered to full-time employees.

Apply online at www.norwalkschools.org 

Questions: Tiffany Yacovazzi, HR Generalist

tiffany.yacovazzi@norwalkschools.org

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 eric.neessen@norwalkschools.org

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

dt.magee@norwalkschools.org

Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

BP102.E1

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 Dr. Jody Ratigan, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, jody.ratigan@norwalkschools.org

Title IX BP106

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Norwalk Community School District prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment as defined by the regulations implementing Title IX against any individual participating in any education program or activity of the District. This prohibition on discrimination applies to and protects students, employees, and applicants for employment. BP106.

*All school board policies can be found by clicking on “District” then “School Board” then “Board Policies.”

Norwalk Community School District Equal Education Opportunity Policy

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.  In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.

The Norwalk Community School District does 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.  The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Dr. Jody Ratigan, Norwalk Community School District, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, jody.ratigan@norwalkschools.org.

How to File a Harassment/Discrimination Complaint:

*The Norwalk CSD will follow all Title IX regulations. For questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Jody Ratigan, Human Resources,  jody.ratigan@norwalkschools.org

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

Release of Student Records

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. More information about the release of students records may be found here:

Board Policy 506.01 EDUCATION RECORDS ACCESS

Board Policy 506.01E8 ANNUAL NOTICE

Board Policy 506.02 RELEASE OF STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Abuse of Students Notice

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, eric.neessen@norwalkschools.org or Dr. Jody Ratigan, Human Resources at jody.ratigan@norwalkschools.org.

**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/

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 FERPA@ED.Gov.

Model notification of rights under FERPA (to be sent to families of elementary and secondary students): https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources/ferpa-model-notification-rights-elementary-secondary-schools

Model Notification of Directory Information under FERPA: https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources/model-notice-directory-information

Model Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA):

https://www.paramus.k12.nj.us/accnt_308692/site_308693/Documents/PPRA-Protection-of-Pupil-Rights-Amendment.pdf

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 Karin Stewart, Buildings and Grounds Administrative Assistant at karin.stewart@norwalkschools.org or Richard Sleeth, Buildings and Grounds Director at richard.sleeth@norwalkschools.org. 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.

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.

Back to School Movie Night hosted by the Norwalk High School Dance team!

Use this link to register: https://norwalk.revtrak.net/2022-dt-bts-movie-night.../