Norwalk Public Schools’ Post

Superintendent Dr. Estrella recently shared her bold, strategic vision for tackling new and existing challenges in our school communities this year, alongside another forward-thinking member of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools.   Some topics they discuss include providing real-world learning opportunities, preparing students for a changing workforce, addressing student mental health and trauma, and more.    In Digital Promise's latest blog post, Dr. Estrella and Dr. Jeremy Tucker, superintendent of Liberty Public Schools in Missouri, share how the League plays a role in helping to make this vision a reality. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/esJueu58

Congratulations to Reisli Maldonado Quintero of Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School who is featured on the cover of Scholastic News - Edition 3! Scholastic News highlighted Reisli’s national award-winning essay, “My Superpower,” about her being bilingual and her family’s move to the United States from Venezuela. The magazine also featured information about Reisli’s home country and the United States’ celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Click here to learn more about Reisli’s award-winning essay: https://bit.ly/3UnmAW4 Watch our celebration for Reisli last year: https://lnkd.in/e9kDSeGn

We were proud to celebrate National Arts in Education week by showcasing our incredible team of visual and performing arts teachers. In the Norwalk Public Schools, the arts are a cornerstone of a well-rounded education, offering students vital opportunities for creative expression and personal growth. Some of our arts teachers shared with the community why arts programs in school are so vital to students' educational experience. https://bit.ly/4geAe6v On Sept. 10, our arts educators were honored by the Board of Education including the 2024 NPS Teacher of the Year, Nicole Jean, who is the band director for West Rocks Middle School.

South Norwalk Elementary School is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled elementary school art teacher to inspire creativity, foster artistic development, and create a positive learning environment for students. Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/dvgFD8WT The South Norwalk art teacher will instruct students in art, fostering skills that enhance their learning experiences and contribute to their overall development. This role also involves creating a conducive classroom environment, communicating with parents, and actively participating in professional learning to meet high educational expectations. For any questions, please email HRTEAM@norwalkps.org.

Norwalk Public Schools is seeking an outstanding administrator in Human Resources to be a major player in providing leadership to the district. The HR Director will provide leadership, direction, and guidance for the strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations of Human Resources. Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/djTC4Hid   The HR Director leads the overall mission to find and retain great talent for all positions in the organization in order to meet the mission of high student achievement. The director develops and implements strategic goals in recruitment, selection, induction, deployment, performance management and professional development for all employees with a strong focus on teacher and principal effectiveness. For any questions, please email HRTEAM@norwalkps.org.

What a great looking team at Marvin Elementary School! Have a great year!

Superintendent Dr. Estrella traveled around Norwalk on Monday, welcoming students back at many of our schools for the First Day of School. She’s filled with excitement and optimism for the new year, her fifth as the superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools.

Our teachers from Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School and the Norwalk Early Childhood Center spent the first day back for teachers building connections, collaborating, communicating and critically thinking, which will be a major focus for our scholars this year as the district implements its new Portrait of a Graduate initiative. Teacher teams were given one package of balloons (not inflated), one roll of masking tape, and 20 minutes to build the tallest tower they could. Team members had to strategize a plan, communicate effectively and work together to win. Congratulations to the Yellow Team who built the tallest, free-standing structure that stayed up!

Our teachers absolutely rocked their school spirit at Convocation 2024 on Wednesday! Mother Nature treated us to a gorgeous morning to celebrate the start of the new year with teachers from all 22 schools and programs, principals, district leaders, state and local dignitaries, community partners and our stellar cast of school mascots. We were thrilled to announce and recognize our outstanding Teacher of the Year – West Rocks Middle School’s band director Nicole Jean. With a stirring introduction from her principal Dr. Adam Reynolds, Jean paid tribute to the educators who inspired her growing up and led her to pursue a career in music education. Jean is in contention for the Connecticut Teacher of the Year and we wish her the best of luck! Students played a big role in hyping up their teachers including the Brien McMahon High School drumline, color guard and cheerleaders as well as Senior Class President Rodelin Constant. Superintendent Dr. Estrella also invited three students -- BMHS senior Cameron Rice, Nathan Hale Middle School eighth grader Sophia Pogany, and Silvermine Dual Language School third grader Grace Alejos -- to join her on stage and share what they most appreciate about their teachers. Thank you to our state and local leaders who joined us and offered motivating messages to our teachers. We appreciate your support! Thank you as well to our wonderful keynote speaker Thomas Murray, who shared a message of authenticity with our teachers and encouraged them to create personal connections with their students.

Roton Middle School celebrated its distribution of new Chromebooks to students on Tuesday with a Rams Family Day. After collecting their new devices, students and their families enjoyed a beautiful day outside, testing their strength, speed and agility on obstacle courses from The Grit Ninja then eating pizza, popcorn and cotton candy. Roton is one of five schools in the district to become a Verizon Innovative Learning Schools this school year alongside Brien McMahon High School, the Center for Global Studies, Norwalk High School and P-TECH Norwalk. Thank you to Mayor Harry Rilling, Sen. Bob Duff, CT Senate Majority Leader, State Rep. Lucy Dathan, Norwalk Common Council Member Greg Burnett, and Norwalk Board of Education Mary Ellen Flaherty-Ludwig for taking part in the celebration. We also want to thank the representatives from Verizon and Digital Promise who joined the fun. We appreciate your partnership! In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to get internet-connected devices into the hands of students and to enhance how teachers use technology in the classroom. Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/3IKt76b