Principal Welcome Back Letter

August 18, 2023

Dear Norwalk High Families:

Welcome to the New School year!

I am again looking forward to a great 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 will need your 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 28 is the first day of school.  It is a regular school day from 7:30am to 2:15pm.

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 providing each freshman with a computer.  On August 22, the freshmen will attend an open house which is being scheduled through Sign-up Genius.  The sign-up process has been very successful, and we are proud to say that more than 80% of our freshmen have signed up for this second session. 

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, those thought to be at risk to be successful in their first year of high school based upon their performance in grade 8.  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.  We are continuing to work with Skills 21 and our Capstone staff advisors to be certain that all seniors complete this requirement. Seniors must earn a minimum of 25 credits to graduate which includes the Capstone Project.

Open House

This year’s Open House, where parents/guardians will meet their child’s teachers while following the student’s schedule, will be held on September 12^th at 6:00 PM.

Attendance

More than 1,000 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 for students to be at school every day and to be in class on time.

Student Handbook

All students will receive a printed copy of the NHS/PTECH Student Handbook on August 28 in their Advisory period (7:30-8:15am).  Students will review the Handbook with their Advisory teacher and will view a presentation from the NHS administrators regarding 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 during their class periods. 

Student Schedules

Students will be able to access their schedules on Friday, August 25 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 28.  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.  Students are also drivers, meaning that the school drop-off locations and the parking lots are often jammed with vehicles. Please plan to leave for NHS at least 30 minutes prior to 7:30 so that your student will be in class on time.

In addition, please follow the directions of our security staff who manage traffic each morning for safe arrivals.  Please, NO parking at Naramake School.

Student Parking

Seniors can park on campus but must register their vehicle with security staff, 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.  Student parking is only available for the first semester since our new building project will begin in January of 2024.

What to Bring on Day 1?

You will need a backpack/bag, pencils, pens, and a binder.

School Calendars

Please visit the NHS website to view/print the district/school calendars including the A/B days.

School Schedules

The schedule for the first week of school is posted on the website.  Click here to view schedule.  Again, the first five days are all 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.

Breakfast and Lunch Meals

Breakfast begins at 7:00am.  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, 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 Remarks

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