Board Update: Dec 13, 2024

Testing & Accountability 

An overview of 2024 Next Generation Accountability results was presented to Principals and Assistant Principals at their districtwide December meeting. School leaders had the opportunity to delve into their school’s 3-year accountability trends and plan to use results as a tool to guide improvement. School level results are being presented at faculty meetings and Instructional Leadership meetings. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of the twelve indicators that contribute to our accountability index, the percentage of points earned across the indicators. The district is continuously monitoring the performance and participation of all students and high needs students (MLL, special education and free and reduced lunch).   

School Quality Review (SQR)  

Norwalk Public Schools is in the fourth year of a process called a School Quality Review (SQR), that produces additional data points for school improvement. There will be 13 schools receiving a School Quality Review for 2024-25. To date, four schools have undergone the School Quality Review: West Rocks Middle School, Concord Magnet School, Center for Global Studies, and Kendall College and Career Magnet. Their reports are in the quality assurance process and drafts. The next school receiving an SQR will be Marvin Elementary School on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16, 2025.   

Research & Analytics  

Data leads from elementary and middle schools gathered this week for the first of three sessions this school year. Data leads serve as data champions at their schools and come together to share best practices, to learn from and with each other, and to provide feedback to central office on data needs at their schools.  

This week’s session focused on the State Accountability system. Specifically, Data Leads: 

• Deepened their understanding of accountability metrics and school category assignment 

• Gained skills in using EdSight to access and analyze state accountability data 

Student Information System 

6th Grade Middle School Lottery will be run on Friday (12/13/24).  Results will be emailed out by end of day Dec. 16.  There were 132 applications submitted. 

9th Grade High School Lottery opened on Dec. 4 and will run until Jan. 13, 2025. As of Dec. 10, there were 92 applications submitted. 

Coaching

The coaches meeting this week was a collaborative session with our math and literacy coaches. They participated in activities that had them reflect on their school’s progress as it relates to their cycles of improvement and SIP goals. They worked together to determine action steps around that work and discussed ways to measure critical thinking in the classrooms as it relates to our Portrait of a Graduate.  Some of our secondary literacy coaches also engaged with their first on-site visit with our partners at TNTP. That full day shadowing event was the kick-off to the work that will happen more frequently once we return from the break. 

Food Services 

Norwalk Public Schools is happy to begin the Supper Program this week at three of our schools. 

Kendall, Marvin and Fox Run will run a supper program to feed our after-school students. Moving forward, we hope to add many more schools to the Supper Program. 

Chartwells has brought back the Revolution Noodle in the high schools. This program gives students a choice to top their whole-grain soba noodle dish with many options like Edamame, mushrooms and other delicious vegetables. 

The Elementary Calendar Menus have a new look to assist parents in seeing our vegan and vegetarian options for our students. These Elementary calendar menus are sent out to families monthly via parent square. 

Facilities 

HVAC-The City is spearheading the HVAC projects at the six schools that were awarded the grant. The plan is to close four of these schools during the summer of 2025 to complete first phase tasks such as asbestos abatements and boiler replacements.  

Tracey Air Conditioning – The design team will have construction documents available by year end and this project will be scheduled to be completed during the summer of 2025.  

Tracey and Brookside Underground Storage Tanks and Fox Run Abatement – The Department of Administrative Services provided necessary approvals. These projects will soon be bid on and complete during the summer of 2025. 

Middle School Lockers – A contract was awarded to Hertz for Roton Middle School’s lockers and steps are in place to install during the summer of 2025. Pricing was lower than expected and planning is in place to include another middle school next summer. 

School Safety 

In coordination with the Norwalk Police Department, Norwalk Combined Dispatch and MutuaLink, NPS began end-to-end testing of the MutuaLink Emergency Management Communication System at each of the NPS properties. MutuaLink provides a digital interface for each NPS location’s Raptor Notification System, floor plans, radio transmissions, and camera views to support the NPS Command Post and Combined Dispatch in managing an emergency incident. 

Transportation 

Durham School Services is actively hiring for new drivers, please click the link for contact information We are hiring! 

Norwalk Public Schools, like many districts nationwide, is still working through driver shortage challenges.  We work closely with our contracted vendors to provide coverage services where necessary. Please click the link to see the effected schools and routes that we are currently working to assign a permanent driver, Current Routes with Sub Drivers. 

Our new Transportation Website is now available, New and Improved!  Here you will find up to date information regarding Transportation services for the public schools, including bus routes, resource tools to locate bus stops, forms and safety tips/videos! 

Health Services 

On Nov. 14, in an effort to identify students at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, 60 middle and high school students received voluntary cardiac screenings at no cost by In a Heartbeat at Brien McMahon High School. 

During the month of November: 

• The Robert E. Appleby School-Based Health Center/Human Services Council had 176 patient encounters with students attending West Rocks Middle School, Norwalk High School, and P-tech. 

• The Norwalk Community Health Center had 374 patient encounters with students attending Ponus STEAM Academy, Concord Magnet School, Brien McMahon High School, and the Center for Global Studies. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Norwalk Community Health Center Health and Wellness Center, located at the Family Center, will be scheduled in January to include local dignitaries. 

On December 4 SHS participated in a meeting as part of the Norwalk/Danbury Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Area Advisory Committee, discussing immunization needs, statistics, and resources within the community. 

On December 4 SHS participated in the high school choice fair at BMHS, sharing health information, resources, and requirements with incoming high school families. 

A substitute nurse has been hired to assist in meeting the staffing needs of the district. 

Humanities

The Humanities team presented two stations at the leadership meetings last week.  One station was on inquiry in social studies and the other was on making thinking visible.  We continue to build inquiries for the new social studies curriculum grades K-8.  We are working on a plan to roll out the new SS Standards in high school in the spring.  We have also been supporting teacher development by planning alongside teachers.  In addition, a writing cycle just concluded at one of the elementary schools. We also participated in Equity team visits throughout the district and are supporting a school with additional leadership support. Finally, we continue to develop literacy assessments and finalize the spring literacy units.  

Mathematics/STEM 

Last week the STEM team presented a station on Critical thinking in Mathematics to Principals and Assistant Principals. Focus was on weaving 8 Effective Mathematical Teaching Practices (NCTM, 2014) into daily instruction using Building Thinking Classrooms structures. This, along with additional focused learning, will be presented to the coaches in a full day coach professional learning session on Dec. 12.  Additionally, the department has been working to support schools with new courses they are creating for Program of Studies (‘25-’26) consideration.  In this process, school representatives meet with STEM Central Office staff to discuss course offerings, revisions, and needs of students as well as discuss possible new courses to consider.  

The Marine Studies classes at Brien McMahon High School recently completed the construction of two underwater ROVs. Students will test their builds and piloting skills in a series of trials in the Norwalk High School swimming pool. Once they have passed the sea trials, these ROVs will be used to record data and conduct experiments in Long Island Sound. This initiative is being supported by the Tri-State Blue Schools Grant.

Multilingual Learners

The Multilingual Learner department is excited for the Multilingual Learner Subcommittee presentation scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.  Additionally, we have been providing ongoing professional learning opportunities for seven schools which is part of a cycle of support to increase student achievement with English language proficiency. We are continuing to support schools with strategies to increase Oral and Literacy development by providing research-based strategies and practices while modeling for teachers.

The Family Center has been busy preparing for the Holiday Read-Aloud event with Superintendent Dr. Estrella!  This event is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16 at the Family Center. We are thrilled that we have exceeded our expectations for our 2024 toy drive and were able to sponsor 118 scholars this holiday season.  The event will kick off with a read aloud hosted by the Superintendent and then scholars and their families will take a picture with Santa and visit the Toy Shop.  

School Counseling/Workforce Development

The RISE Freshman Focus Event was hosted at Brien McMahon High School, where RISE school districts came together to share best practices for scholar success. The District Attendance Team meets consistently to support the schools’ attendance teams and is using data to help drive school-based support for the IA procedure. “Norwalk Helps” has been created as a one-stop shop for mental health and wellness resources for all our stakeholders, including other communities, as it is a free and open website resource. School Counselors in our five middle schools met with their 6^th Grade Scholars to select their Career Pathway. 

Juniors and Seniors at BMHS & CGS signed up to attend Workforce Development Workshops if interested, that focus on apprenticeships, trades, training, capstone experience ideas, and post-secondary planning. NAOP scholars also participated in a Workforce Development Workshop in school, which was focused on apprenticeships, training, and post-secondary planning.

A Workforce Development workshop was hosted at the family center, and the focus was on our NPS families who are 18+ and their job placement and training needs. The NPS Internship Application is Now Available for NPS Scholars in Grades 10 – 12 who have earned a 2.0+ GPA and are 16+ years old. The CT State Norwalk partnership meets weekly to review potential courses in Spring 2025 and support scholars’ needs for Fall 2024.

The Red Fashion School is now accepting applications for a free class experience in Costume and Fashion Design. “Are You In, Or Are You Out?”

For all NPS Workforce Development Opportunities and more, visit www.norwalkps.org/careertraining. Please be sure to bookmark the site and check back regularly for new and exciting opportunities!

Specialized Learning

New Teacher Academy is coming up on Tuesday December 17 where the team will give more updates on CT SEDS. 

Last week Norwalk Next Steps partnered with O’Neills to host a Toys for Tots Dine and Donate. Many toys were donated and a percentage of the proceeds from the evening was also donated.  Communications, in partnership with the SoNo Collection, featured one of the Next Steps Students in their Game Changer Series, linked here. Joseph Baynes and Veronica Lenzen participated in the HIgh School Choice Fair last week as well.

SRBI

The team has been working on starting CT-SED for SEL/behavior. We are working on consistency with progress monitoring for this and making sure it is aligned with the CASEL framework.  

The first round of observations are wrapping up with visits and post-observations.

Enterprise Software/Data

We collaborated with the Human Resources team to explore strategies for digitizing the onboarding process for new staff, aiming to reduce the time spent on in-person orientation. Our discussions generated productive ideas that point toward a promising solution, which will require further research and testing.

We have been working closely with the vendor, Elevate, to complete the setup steps for the January launch at Tracey Elementary. The Department of Specialized Learning has been incredibly supportive in assisting with information that helped get the necessary Student Data Privacy Agreements for iSPIRE Reading in place, as required for the new software at Tracey.

Infrastructure/Operations

We have submitted our Category 1 and Category 2 E-Rate funding requests to our E-Rate consultant for posting on the bidding platform. These requests include plans to secure funding for a significant network upgrade at Brien McMahon High School (BMHS), wireless infrastructure upgrades at three schools, and the renewal of our internet and Wide Area Network (WAN) connections. Once these requests are posted, vendors will have a 28-day window to review the projects and submit their proposals for consideration.

Digital Learning

The first huddle of all VILS schools was held Dec. 11. It was a robust hour of collaboration. Ponus and Roton VILS team were off to NYC for an exclusive tour of BarbieStream House on Dec. 12.

Library Media

The Library Media Specialists will engage in their second district PD this week. Some of the highlights will include bibliotherapy, where they will learn how literature can positively impact SEL. Ashley Waring, a Children’s Librarian at Reading Public Library, will be doing a segment on meeting the classroom needs of students with autism and other special needs. Alex Canas, from WeVideo, will be conducting a session where librarians will learn how to use classroom tools to incorporate video creation into media projects in the area of science and social studies. 
 

FRP-Twilight

Virtual – students are hard at work on the academic portfolios – looking forward to sharing one when they are completed.

Enterprise Software/Data

We collaborated with the Human Resources team to explore strategies for digitizing the onboarding process for new staff, with the goal of reducing the time spent on in-person orientation. Our discussions have generated several productive ideas that indicate a promising solution, which will require additional research and testing.

Additionally, we have been working closely with the vendor, Elevate, to finalize the setup for the January launch at Tracey Elementary. The Department of Specialized Learning has provided exceptional support by supplying key information necessary for establishing the required Student Data Privacy Agreements for iSPIRE Reading. These agreements are critical for compliance with new software implementation requirements at Tracey Elementary.

Infrastructure/Operations

The Human Resources team partnered with us to evaluate digital onboarding processes aimed at streamlining orientation for new staff. The initiative seeks to significantly reduce the time spent on in-person sessions while maintaining effectiveness. Early brainstorming sessions yielded promising concepts, which are being evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness.

Our collaboration with Elevate continues to progress as we prepare for the software’s January rollout at Tracey Elementary. A significant milestone achieved this period was securing the Student Data Privacy Agreements for iSPIRE Reading, a task greatly facilitated by the Department of Specialized Learning.

Digital Learning

On December 11, we held the inaugural Huddle for all Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS), which fostered a robust hour of collaboration among participants. This event offered an opportunity for educators to share best practices, discuss innovative approaches, and strengthen professional networks.

The Ponus and Roton VILS teams had the unique opportunity to travel to New York City on December 12 for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the BarbieStream House. This experience provided a fresh perspective on digital storytelling and media creation.

Looking ahead, we aim to amplify digital engagement across classrooms by introducing targeted workshops and training sessions, ensuring that both students and educators are equipped to navigate the evolving digital landscape effectively.

Library Media

The Library Media Specialists will participate in their second district-wide professional development session this week. Key highlights of the training include:

• Bibliotherapy: Participants will explore how literature can positively impact social-emotional learning (SEL).
• Specialized Needs: Ashley Waring, a Children's Librarian at Reading Public Library, will conduct a session focusing on strategies to meet the educational needs of students with autism and other special needs.
• Media Integration: Alex Canas from WeVideo will lead a workshop on using classroom tools to incorporate video creation into media projects, emphasizing applications in science and social studies.

These sessions are designed to empower librarians with innovative tools and techniques to enhance student learning outcomes.

FRP - Twilight

Students participating in the virtual FRP-Twilight program are making significant progress on their academic portfolios. These portfolios showcase their dedication and hard work, and we eagerly anticipate sharing the completed projects once finalized.

Payroll/Benefits

FSA Enrollment for 2025: The enrollment period for the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2025 is currently open and will close on Dec. 14, 2024. Employees are encouraged to complete their enrollment before the deadline.

UKG Implementation: Progress continues on the implementation of the UKG payroll system, which aims to streamline payroll processes and improve efficiency.

Retiree Communication: Retirees have been notified about the premium increase for the Aetna Medicare Advantage retiree plan. Further details regarding the increase have been shared to ensure clarity and transparency.

Budget Management

Central Office Requests: The team finalized central office department requests, reductions, and adjustments to meet the established budget target.

Analysis and Infographics: Extensive analysis on staffing, cost drivers, and program changes was conducted. This included an infographic on Student-Based Budgeting (SBB), which illustrates the calculation of the per-pupil cost at an elementary school, providing stakeholders with a clear understanding of funding allocation.

District Needs Presentation: A presentation highlighting district needs for the upcoming school year was developed and shared with the city finance team for review and further discussion.

Board Workshop: A Board Workshop was held to review the Superintendent’s 2025-26 Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets. Members of the Board of Education, BET, and Common Council participated in a discussion and Q&A session.

Board Workshop Details

  Date & Time: Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 7 to 10 p.m.
  Location: Jefferson Elementary School, 75 Van Buren Ave, Norwalk, CT
  Link to Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/V2LJZDwETIc?si=vnqZhg9-cp-66N94

Year-End Audit: The FY 2023-24 year-end audit is nearing completion. Final adjustments are being made to the city’s financial statements. As part of the external review, the State of Connecticut has issued a desk audit to refine the district’s per-pupil funding for 2023-24, enabling comparisons across districts statewide.

Preliminary 2023-24 Per-Pupil Funding:

• Net Current Expenditures per Pupil (NCEP) for Norwalk Public Schools is \$21,615, an increase of \$1,301 over the previous year.
• The special education placement threshold has increased to \$97,269, reflecting an increase of \$5,843 from the previous year.

Purchasing/Accounts Payable

Prevailing Wage Requirements: The team is gathering prevailing wage requirements from the State of Connecticut for the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new walk-in refrigerator at the Central Kitchen. Plans and permits for this project have been approved, and the RFP will be posted once wage guidance from the state is received.

Coral Reef Tanks for Science Curriculum: The team is partnering with Marine Science curricula to procure and install three coral reef tanks for BMHS, West Rocks, and Jefferson. Efforts are focused on identifying a reliable vendor to supply, install, and provide ongoing maintenance for the tanks.

Capital

Norwalk High School Construction: The third progress payment request, totaling $12,213,121.08, has been submitted to the Office of Grants Administration for the construction of the new Norwalk High School.

Project Accounting: General Ledger (GL) summaries for the New SONO and Norwalk High School construction projects have been prepared, and updates have been provided to project managers to ensure alignment and transparency.

Grants 

Budget Reconciliation: The Grants team completed the reconciliation of next year's budget, ensuring accuracy by cross-checking data with multiple departments. This process supported the alignment of the budget with district priorities.

Board Workshop Presentation: Collaborated with the Deputy Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer, and Assistant Superintendent of Digital Learning and Innovation to prepare the Grants presentation for the Board Workshop. The presentation was successfully delivered during the Board Workshop on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Fund Requests: Several fund requests were submitted through the Education Grants Management System (EGMS) to support district initiatives and priorities.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Budget Planning: Collaborated with the IB Coordinator for the district to map out the budget for the upcoming year, ensuring alignment with the district's goals and strategic objectives.

These updates reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to financial stewardship, transparency, and effective resource management.

Recruitment/ Retention
Human Resources has finalized their contract with LinkedIn and they look forward to working with them collaboratively on recruitment.

Human Resources News
Human Resources is currently searching for a Labor Relations Specialist to join their team. The job is currently posted on the NPS website and candidates can also apply through LinkedIn.

Data/Analytics
Human Resources is continuing to streamline their processes.