superintendent's Message: Dr. Alexandra Estrella

JULY 1, 2020

It is an honor and privilege for me to serve as your  Superintendent of Schools. I am humbled that the Norwalk Board of Education chose me to lead the District. It is my goal to make a positive contribution to Norwalk Public Schools, its students, staff and  community. I am happy and excited to have the opportunity to work with such a culturally and linguistically diverse learning community, one that is enriched by the knowledge and experiences learners and their families bring with them to school each day. In our work together, we will build on the foundation of success that has been established by the Board of Ed, my predecessor, district staff, and community leaders. I am looking forward to learning from you and the community at large. 

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Klike la a pou wè mesaj sa a nan Hatian kreyòl

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself and my family. My husband Geoffry and I have three children. Our daughter will start college this coming September and our twin sons will begin school in Norwalk. I have learned a great deal from my children; motherhood has shaped me as an educator, advocate and leader. 

I realize that I am taking on leadership of Norwalk Public Schools at an extraordinary moment in history. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the experience of school for students and their families, as well as many aspects of our day-to-day lives. In recent weeks, our nation has also mourned the appalling murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arber and Breonna Taylor. Like the disproportionate impact of COVID on communities of color, these deaths have a profound impact on the fabric of our community, as they are situated within acts of systematic discrimination and racism that have led to and allowed these deaths to happen. We stand in solidarity with our Black and Brown families and affirm the absolute value of their lives. We stand ready to listen, to speak against injustice, to join you in civic action, and to support you in all forms of healing and restorative work. Even during these times of distance learning, we must remain closely connected. No member of our beloved community, especially our students, must process these intense feelings alone.

By reflecting upon the lessons we have learned throughout these trials, we will move forward together to ensure that the upcoming school year is the best we have ever had for students, parents and staff. Every move forward will be focused on learning and continuous improvement. We will provide the best education possible to every child, and we will care for one another, our colleagues and our families as we weather the next phase of recovery from COVID-19, and undertake our collective work toward creating a more just society.   

Together, we will accelerate student achievement, ensure equity and excellence for all, and engage the entire community in the success of Norwalk Public Schools students. 

I look forward to setting time for us to meet to discuss how we can collaborate for the betterment of the district at large.

Thank you.

In partnership,

Dr. Alexandra Estrella