Principal Message
August, 2024
Dear Norwalk High Families:
Welcome to the new school year!
I am very excited about the 2024-25 school year, and I look forward to a fantastic school year. We have an excellent administrative team comprised of four Assistant Principals, (Kyle Heaslip, Job Fernandez, Daniel Sullivan, and Renee Torres) and one Dean of Students, (Larry Anastasia). It is our responsibility, along with the teaching staff, clerical, para-educators, security, cafeteria and custodial workers, to operate a high school in which all students will meet with success. As your principal, I will work diligently to continue our traditions and to improve our academic rankings and school culture. We do need your involvement, input, and support.
In this memorandum, I want to highlight a few important items. You will receive a bulletin from me each Thursday with updates.
When is the first day of School?
Monday, August 26 is the first day of school. It is a regular school day from 7:30am to 2:15pm.
Verizon, VILS
We are now a Verizon Innovative Learning School. All students will receive a new 5G chrome-book through Verizon. As a part of the work with Verizon, we have hired a tech coach, Daniel Kreiness, who will work with staff, students, and parents to facilitate effective use of technology. Through VILS, we will provide learning opportunities for students, staff, and families. NHS will have a student tech team.
Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 will continue to bring their Dell computers to school until we swap the Dells for chrome-books. Students in grade 9 will receive their chrome-book on the first two days of school. The beauty of the 5G network is that it allows all students to access wi-fi wherever they are.
Our Freshmen
During the summer, the assistant principals held individual meetings with their freshmen students and parents. The meetings consisted of a brief tour, a review of their high school schedule, a discussion about student expectations using the student handbook, and establishing the mantra for student success. On August 19, the freshmen will attend an orientation from 8-10am. I want to thank you in advance for being certain that your child participates in the orientation. Students will receive a free t-shirt. Parents are not required to attend but may do so if they wish. Please enter through the front doors of the school.
RISE Network
We are proud to be a part of a national network called, RISE. RISE is a network of schools across our country. Our goal through RISE is to support selected freshmen students to be successful in their academics and school attendance. Through RISE, we follow the ABC’s, Attendance, Behavior, Credits. Attend school every day, go to classes on time, follow the behavior expectations, and earn the number of credits each year to graduate on time. You will hear about the ABC’s very often as they are the keys to success at Norwalk High.
Our Seniors
All seniors are expected to complete a Capstone Project to meet graduation requirements as required by the State of CT. Our Capstone staff advisors will be certain that all seniors complete this requirement. Seniors must earn a minimum of 25 credits to graduate, which includes the Capstone Project.
Attendance
Many students demonstrated good attendance during the previous school year with an average daily attendance between 90% to 100%. Attendance, however, continues to be an area where we must improve. Too many students fell below the 90% expectation and were listed as truant by the standards of the State of CT. It is important to be at school every day and to be in class on time. The State of CT has established a standard of 90% attendance meaning that students cannot be absent for more than 10 days.
Student Handbook
All students will receive a printed copy of the NHS/PTECH Student Handbook on August 26 in their Advisory period. Students will review the Handbook with their Advisory teacher and will view a presentation from the NHS administrators as a welcome to Bear Country and to set expectations for success. Students will be asked to sign a form acknowledging that they have received the Handbook.
Please review the Handbook with your child. Our goal is to clearly state the expectations and create an environment in which our students recognize: (1) That each student has a right to learn and be safe, (2) That every student must take responsibility to follow school protocols, (3) That we must all demonstrate respect in our interactions with peers and adults. We are BEARS. We behave. We are engaged in community service, and we support others. We care about our academics. We demonstrate respect. We must always behave in a safe manner. Paws up, Bears!
Cell Phones and Headphones/Earbuds
Students cannot use their cell phone in the classroom. Phones must be stored in their bag or in the teacher’s phone holder. Students cannot wear headphones nor earbuds during the class period. Students must be engaged in their curriculum and not on phones.
Food Deliveries
We cannot allow food deliveries to NHS. Students have been allowed to order food in the past with deliveries being left at the security desk. This has now become a distraction since students ask to leave class to get their food order and return to class eating their food items.
Student Schedules
Students will be able to access their schedules on Thursday, August 22 through Power-School.
Transportation
The bus routes will be published on the NPS Transportation page accessible on the NPS website.
Start Time and Traffic
Again, the first day of school for students is Monday, August 26. The high schools start at 7:30am and end at 2:15pm. School begins promptly at 7:30. Students are expected to be in class at 7:30am.
Many parents now drive their children to school. Please be reminded that we must all follow the construction drop-off plan. Families, please plan to leave for NHS at least 30 minutes prior to 7:30 so that your student will be in class on time. Again, please follow the construction drop-off plan. There is no student drop-off at the front door.
In addition, please follow the directions of our security staff who manage traffic each morning for safe arrivals.
Student Parking
Seniors cannot park on campus but can park at Andrew’s Field. Students must register their vehicle with our security officer, John Migliaro. The signature of a parent or guardian is required along with a $15 registration fee. The proceeds will go to the Senior Class Fund. Again, parking is only available at Andrew’s Field. Students walk from Andrew’s Field to Norwalk High School. It is a rather long walk to Norwalk High.
What to Bring on Day 1?
You will need a backpack/bag, pencils, pens, a binder, and your charged computer. Grade 9 students will receive their computer on the first two days of school.
School Calendars
Please visit the NHS website to view/print the district/school calendars including the A/B days.
School and Student Schedules
The schedules for the first three days of school are posted on the website. Again, the first three days are full days of school. We have also posted the regular block daily schedule as well as the Advisory, 2-hour early dismissal, 90-minute early dismissal, and the delayed opening schedules.
Students’ schedules will be available on PowerSchool on August 22.
Breakfast and Lunch Meals
Breakfast begins at 7:00am and ends at 7:25. There are three lunch waves. All students can receive a free breakfast and lunch under the Community Eligibility Provision. Household income applications are no longer required to determine eligibility. Some items such as chips, cookies, bottled water, and a second lunch are not free. Money must be placed on your child’s “My School Bucks” account to pay for non-free items since the cafeteria now operates as “cashless.”
Closing
In closing, on behalf of the entire Norwalk High School staff, I want to extend our best wishes to every student and family for a successful school year. Let’s GO BEARS! Paws Up Bears! Let’s represent NHS with pride as demonstrated in our everyday actions. More than anything, we want an environment in which 2,000 students can interact positively, stay on track for graduation, recognize the importance of attending classes every day, and an environment in which, as staff, we are meeting the academic and social emotional needs of our students. Please do not hesitate to contact me at moorel@norwalkps.org
Sincerely,
Dr. Lynne Moore
Principal