NOTES FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | | |
World Class Schools for Our Students: JOURNEY
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Norwalk Community, Parents, and Students:
We are excited to announce our theme for the 2025-2026 school year: Journey – Your Path, Your Growth, Your Adventure. This theme was introduced by our 2025 student representative on the school board, Carson Menke.
Journey reflects the lifelong path of growth as learners and leaders—one that shapes each of us in unique ways. While each journey is different, these paths often bring us together as a community with shared aspirations. As a district, our goal is to support every student in making meaningful progress each day through education, experiences, and opportunities. This year’s theme celebrates that ongoing journey—one that defines who we are and who we strive to become.
As we begin this new school year, we embrace Journey as more than a theme—it’s a reminder of the lifelong path of growth we take together as learners and leaders. Each student’s journey is unique, yet together we share the common goal of building a stronger, more connected community. With a focus on education, meaningful experiences, and opportunities, we look forward to supporting every student in making progress each day. Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and continuing the journey that defines who we are and who we aspire to be.
| | Learning Without Distractions: What to Know About Device Use | | |
As we welcome students back to school, I want to share a key update aimed at promoting stronger in person connections and focused learning across our classrooms. Beginning this school year, Norwalk CSD will implement a consistent approach to the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time.
This change is aligned with Iowa House File 782, signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds, which restricts student access to electronic devices during instructional time in K-12 schools. The new law mandates that all Iowa public school districts adopt policies that prohibit the use of cell phones and other personal devices during class time, including lunch, recess, and passing periods. The legislation took effect immediately upon enactment and includes expectations for parental communication procedures, device storage protocols, and consequences for violations.
To best support student learning and development, students may not use personal devices such as cell phones, earbuds, or smartwatches with notifications during instructional time. However, students will continue to have access to district-issued devices as appropriate for instructional needs.
Why the change? While technology can enhance learning, it’s just as important that students have daily opportunities to build relationships and collaborate face-to-face. These moments are central to our mission of Growing Learners and Leaders and align with our Portrait of a Learner framework, which highlights the importance of being self aware, socially aware, and connected.
To help maintain a respectful and distraction free learning environment, students will be expected to keep personal devices powered off and out of sight during instructional time. Devices must be stored in student backpacks or other designated spaces as directed by teachers. Additional details about how this policy will be implemented will be shared by each building with their students and families.
Thank you for your continued support in creating learning environments where students can thrive academically and socially.
Respectfully,
Shawn Holloway
Norwalk CSD Superintendent
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2025-2026
Back to School Information
| | Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27
are also early dismissal days. | | |
2025-2026 Norwalk School Registration
by Jake Loll, Director of Business Services
| | An annual update (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 must register all students that will be returning in 25-26 by logging into their Parent Portal account. After completing the registration, go to the online fees payment link under “Quick Links” on norwalkschools.org 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 enrollment@norwalkschools.org. 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) not previously pre-registered, 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 must request transportation through online registration. Pay-for-Ride students will be processed first on a first-come-first serve basis. Transportation fees will be applied in Revtrak’s fee management system by August 1, 2025. Transportation requests received after 08-01-25 may not be placed on a bus route until 09-08-25. Bus passes are scheduled to be mailed on or around 08-15-25. 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: 2025-2026 Student Fees
Click here to pay student fees and registration.
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Revtrak Student Fee Payment System
Revtrak’s student fee payment system is 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), Students will display upon logging into the portal, with ID numbers located under the student’s picture to display their ID number.
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. If you have any questions or concerns please email revtrak@norwalkschools.org.
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Transportation Change Request Form
Add/Drop/Location Changes Due August 1, 2025 to Guarantee Busing on the First Day of School
| | Parents must request transportation through online registration. Pay-for-Ride students will be processed first on a first-come-first serve basis. Transportation fees will be applied in Revtrak’s fee management system by August 1, 2025. Transportation requests received after 08-01-25 may not be placed on a bus route until 09-08-25. Bus passes are scheduled to be mailed on or around 08-15-25. All students are required to have a bus pass to board the bus. | | NCSD School News & Supply Lists | | |
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION
*New Student Orientation times are for new Norwalk families only. This would be students that are new to the district.
*6th Grade Orientation is for ALL incoming 6th graders.
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Adult and Family Pass Information
2025-26 Norwalk Activity passes are now available through the Norwalk Athletic Booster Club, NABC, at www.be-a-warrior.com. You can get your pass today through one of two options.
- First, we encourage you to join the Norwalk Athletics by becoming a NABC Member. With a donation at the Purple, Gold and Warrior tiers, Activity Passes can be included in your membership.
- Second, you can choose to simply buy Single ($110), Family ($250), and Grandparent ($100) passes.
NORWALK ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB provided over $220k in support for Norwalk high school and middle school athletic programs during the 2024-25 school year.
Here are a few things NABC contributed last year:
- Fan Support like Live streaming, pep buses and playoff streaming fees
- Team uniforms, awards and coaches apparel
- Team equipment needs
- Facility investments
High School Student Pass Information
It's time to purchase passes for your high school student! Use the link below to purchase a student pass.
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/norwalk/tickets
We are using a new process for student passes this year. Passes will be electronic for HS students. QR codes will be sent to the email provided. The QR code will be scanned at the gate at MS & HS Events. QR codes can only be scanned once per day! If you have multiple HS students, please separately purchase each of those passes so they each have their own code.
Please use your student's name when purchasing the pass. You may use their email as well so they receive the QR code. If your student doesn't have a cellular device, they will need to print the QR code and have that with them at each event.
If you do not want to purchase an activities pass, admission will need to be purchased at each event.
Please call the activities office with any questions or email Kaiti Flatness.
| | Congrats to our Warrior softball team for being quarter-finalists at state this year and ending the season with a record of 34 - 8! | |
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Where can I find the menus? Lunch menus can be located on the district website. Look for the “menu” quick link. However, due to supply chain disruptions, Nutri-Slice will contain the most up to date menu options.
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What is Nutri-Slice? Nutri-Slice is a district related app that shows common food allergens and specific nutrient information for the food we serve. Look for more detailed information under the Nutrition tab of the website or download the Nutri-Slice App for Norwalk. We try to provide the most up-to-date information possible, but some changes are beyond our control and menus are subject to change.
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How do I make meal payments? Online credit card or debit card meal account payments are made at norwalk.revtrak.net. You will click Cyber-Soft Food Service Payments on the left-hand side of the screen. Each student has their own meal account. Cash or check payments can also be made in the cafeterias for grades 6-12 during meal service and at each elementary school office. (Please be sure to include the student’s name/lunch money on the outside of the envelope.)
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What is School Café? School Café is a tool that allows parents to apply for meal assistance benefits, set meal account restrictions, register for low balance email alerts, and monitor your student’s transaction history. Middle School students will be located under Norwalk High School when adding your student to your School Café account due to the shared cafeteria.
- K-12 Student Breakfast Meal: $2.35
- Reduced Priced Breakfast Meal: K-12 $.30
- Adult Breakfast Meal: $2.85
- K-5 Elementary Lunch Meal: $3.30
- Grades 6-12 Lunch Meal: $3.40
- Reduced-Priced Lunch Meal: K-12 $.40
- Adult Lunch Meal: $5.10
- 8 oz. Carton of Milk: $.50 (included with every meal for no additional charge)
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Ala Carte Items are sold at the Secondary Campus Cafeteria each day in addition to the meal option. Students must have a positive meal account balance or must have cash. (No change is given back in the cafeteria but is applied to the student’s meal account balance.)
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Is there assistance to help pay for school meals? Meal assistance is available to families who meet the criteria. When approved for free or reduced-price meals, you may also qualify for free or reduced school fees.
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Is breakfast offered at each cafeteria? Yes, breakfast begins at each elementary school at 7:30 in the cafeteria until the first bell. Breakfast begins at the Secondary Campus Cafeteria at 7:45 each morning until the first bell.
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Will my student get a lunch card? Yes. Lunch cards will be issued on the first day of school in the classroom. Students in grades K-5 will keep their lunch cards at school. Students in grades 6-12 are responsible for retaining their lunch card and bringing it with them to lunch (and breakfast) each day. Replacement lunch cards are available to purchase if your student loses their lunch card.
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Are there diet modifications possible if my child has a food allergy? If your student has a food allergy that is a disability according to a licensed physician, diet modifications are available if the school nurse AND the Nutrition Department has a current, signed diet modification form on file. Please reach out to your child’s school nurse with questions.
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How do I reach the Nutrition Department? Our direct telephone number is 515-981-9876. The Nutrition Department also has opportunities for community members, students, and parents to join our Wellness Committee. Please reach out to DeeAnna Serres at 515-981-9876 or via email if you would like more information on the Wellness Committee. We appreciate your feedback and want the students’ time in the cafeteria to be the best part of their day! We look forward to serving you.
| | The 2025-2026 Income Application for Meal Assistance opened on Friday, July 18 at www.schoolcafe.com. If you need a paper application, you will be able to find that on the District website under the Nutrition tab. If you receive an email notification from the Nutrition Department prior to completing the income application that your household has automatically qualified through information received from the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services, please check that notification email and ensure all enrolled students in Grades K-12th living in your household are on the notification. If some of your students are missing, please contact DeeAnna Serres and/or Michelle Stockwell. Remember if your family is approved for Free or Reduced Price Meals for 2025/2026, your family MAY also qualify for free or reduced school fees (Pay to Ride Transportation, textbook fees, etc.) if a fee waiver is submitted to the Nutrition Department prior to Tuesday, September 30, 2025. For questions, please email DeeAnna Serres at deeanna.serres@norwalkschools.org. | | |
Kindergarten Parents
Parents of 2025-26 kindergarten students - the Iowa Immunization Law requires that immunizations be on file with the school before your child enters school on Monday, August 25, 2025. If you have not already done so, please bring this to the District Office dropbox as soon as possible OR upload the immunization through the online registration process.
7th Grade Parents
Required Immunizations: TDAP & Meningococcal
Senior Parents
Required Immunizations: Meningococcal
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:
- a medical exemption form
- a religious exemption form
- 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 25) 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 Aimee Rhode, Director of Student Services at aimee.rhode@norwalkschools.org at the district office.
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We're Hiring! If you have a passion for supporting students and making a difference, we have opportunities for you. Join our team and help us ensure every student’s day at school is safe and positive! Apply Today!
Subs Needed:
- Transportation Bus and Van Drivers
- Special Education Paraeducators
- Nutrition Services
- Teachers
- Nurses
- Custodian - Grounds Help 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
| | 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: https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/learner-supports/seclusion-and-restraint
If you have questions about this state law, please contact Aimee Rhode, Director of Student Services at the district office: (515) 981-0676 or aimee.rhode@norwalkschools.org
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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 Shawn Holloway at (515) 981-0676 or
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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 discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, 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 Jen Sigrist, Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, jen.sigrist@norwalkschools.org.
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*The Norwalk CSD will follow all Title IX regulations. For questions or concerns, please contact Jen Sigrist, Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, 380 Wright Road, Norwalk, IA 50211, (515) 981-0676, jen.sigrist@norwalkschools.org.
**For a complete list of our School Board Policies, please go to our website**
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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/
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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 Aimee Rhode, Director of Student Services at 981-0676 x 4011 at the district office for more information and help.
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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 and 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.
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Medication in School Policy
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. Before bringing 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**
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Employee & Family Resources’ Student
Assistance Program
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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.
| | Child Care Resource and 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.
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