Board Update: Feb 6, 2026

Testing & Accountability

DIBELS 8, an early literacy assessment, is administered three times per year for students in Grades K–3 and is required and approved by the State of Connecticut. The goal is for students to perform at or above benchmark levels. A three-year comparison of winter results shows a positive trend, with an increased percentage of students meeting benchmarks and a decline in the number of students in the below and well-below benchmark categories.

The NWEA MAP winter testing window is currently open. Students in Grades K–8 participate in math assessments, and students in Grades 3–8 also complete reading assessments. As of Feb. 3, more than 3,800 students have completed math testing, and nearly 2,400 students have completed reading. The window will close on Feb. 12. The Testing Office continues to monitor progress and works closely with school staff to support special populations and address testing irregularities.

Data is also being collected for the mid-year Alliance Grant review, including fall and winter DIBELS results, fall NWEA results, fall College Board PSAT data, and winter high school Progress Learning results. District leaders will meet with CSDE representatives to review outcomes, celebrate gains, and discuss strategies for continued improvement.

Research & Analytics

The Research and Analytics team supported professional learning for school leaders during this month’s Principal and Assistant Principal meetings, with the Portrait of a Graduate serving as a central focus. This session highlighted work from Tracey and Norwalk High School centered on engaging students in the Portrait of a Graduate and supporting the development of strengths-based personal narratives. Similar work has taken place at three additional schools over the past several months. Leaders also provided feedback on the rollout to date and identified considerations to inform the sequencing and focus of the next competency.

Attendance and chronic absenteeism were also addressed, with Fox Run and Ponus sharing strategies aimed at improving attendance through increased student engagement and a stronger sense of belonging.

Student Information System

The Elementary Lottery opened on Jan. 29 and approximately 150 applications have already been submitted for students in Grades PK–5. In addition, the 2026–27 New Student Enrollment form is now live, allowing families to register students for the upcoming school year.

School Spotlight

We’re excited to share that Brookside 5th graders were featured in a News Channel 12 segment highlighting the Valentine’s for Vets program they hosted on Jan. 29.  A huge shoutout to our 5th grade teachers for thoughtfully organizing the event and managing all of the logistics. Your dedication ensured our students were ready and confident.

During the program, students asked thoughtful questions and had meaningful interactions with the veterans, Congressman Himes, and Norwalk’s new mayor, Barbara Smyth. It was a wonderful opportunity for our school community to honor and learn from those who have served.

Watch the full clip here:
https://connecticut.news12.com/elementary-school-students-participate-in-valentines-for-vets-program

February Leadership Meetings

On Feb. 3 and 4, we hosted our monthly leadership meeting. During our time together, we continued our work around the Portrait of a Graduate, the PK-12 Literacy Vision and cultivating a sense of belonging for all students. Additionally, we worked with school leaders to review the expectations for the Mid Year Conferences and how to leverage these check ins as an opportunity for coaching and school improvement.  Special thank you to the following schools for sharing some of their impactful leadership practices: Tracey Elementary, Fox Run Elementary, Ponus Middle School and Norwalk High School.

Food Services

Beginning in February, Norwalk Public Schools and Chartwells are excited to introduce a new high school dining concept, Better in a Bowl. This program will be piloted at Norwalk High School beginning Monday, Feb. 2, and will roll out at Brien McMahon High School following February Break. Students will have the opportunity to build a custom bowl made to order and fully compliant with all state meal requirements. Options include a base of rice or lentils, a protein choice of chicken or hummus, and a variety of fresh or pickled vegetables. Board members are invited to stop by and give it a try.

On Feb. 26, in celebration of Black History Month, secondary school menus will feature a special meal of roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. Also beginning in February at the elementary level—by popular request—Chartwells and NPS will introduce an additional hot breakfast option: scrambled eggs. Eggs will be served with tater tots, turkey bacon, or sausage, providing students with more hearty ways to start their day. Lucky Tray Day also returns on Feb. 27 at elementary schools, giving students a chance to win a prize when they find the lucky tray at lunch.

Facilities

At Ponus Ridge and Nathan Hale, locker colors and quantities have been selected by each school leader in preparation for installation during the summer of 2026. At Wolfpit, the engineer for the temporary air conditioning project has been selected and is currently working toward a design so that a bid package can be issued for contractor solicitation during the summer of 2026. For 46 Concord and Nathan Hale, an application for state grant reimbursement will be processed prior to Feb. 10 for the Underground Storage Tank removal project at 46 Concord and the asbestos abatement project at West Rocks Middle School, both scheduled for summer 2026.

School Safety

In coordination with the Technology Department, security desktop stations at all school guard stations have been upgraded. These devices play a critical role in monitoring over 1,000 security cameras, receiving and managing Ambient AI alerts, checking students in and out, and operating the RAPTOR Visitor Management system, which screens all visitors before entering school buildings. This modernization has resulted in faster, more reliable, and more effective safety systems, contributing to a safer school environment for all. We are grateful for the collaboration and hard work of our colleagues in the Technology Department in completing this important initiative.

Transportation

Despite the cold winter weather, a dedicated team of drivers arrives as early as 5 a.m. each morning to start buses so they are warm and ready for students when routes begin. Families who are not currently using the Parent Tracking App are encouraged to register using their student’s ID number,  please click here to register. During colder days, families may be parked at bus stops, and we ask that they remain visible to drivers to avoid missed pickups. Families may also contact Durham School Services dispatch at 203-428-4192 or the Transportation Office at 203-854-4074 for assistance with bus location questions.

Health Services

During the month of December, the Human Services Council and Dr. Robert E. Appleby School-Based Health Centers located at Norwalk High School/P-TECH, West Rocks Middle School, and Nathan Hale Middle School provided 239 medical and behavioral health appointments to students. During the same period, the Norwalk Community Health Center school-based health centers located at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy/Concord Magnet School, Brien McMahon High School/Center for Global Studies, and The Family Center Health and Wellness Center provided 583 medical and behavioral health appointments to NPS students.

School Health Services also attended the Elementary School Choice Fair on Jan. 29, meeting with families to answer questions related to immunizations, health, and wellness. In addition, our partner, Positive Directions/The Hub, will provide a refresher Narcan training for school nurses on April 27, and the district’s Narcan supply will be replenished prior to expiration.

Grants

Work is nearing completion on the Perkins Grant, with collaborative efforts from Central Office leaders, building administrators, and the Assistant Superintendent of Digital Learning and Innovation. The grant is scheduled for submission this week, and CTE-certified staff have submitted all required supply lists, technology requests, and professional development plans aligned to their programs of study.

LEAP funding under ARPA must be fully liquidated by June 30. The Request for Proposals for the new LEAP grant is currently in development, and additional clarity on criteria, requirements, timelines, and eGMS opening dates will be shared with the district in the coming weeks. All fund requests must be submitted to CSDE by June 15, 2026.

Preparation is underway for the Alliance Grant Mid-Year check-in, with qualitative and quantitative data currently being collected. Materials will be compiled into a formal presentation, with submissions due Feb. 13. The meeting with Alliance representatives is scheduled for Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Brien McMahon High School.

The P-TECH Robotics Mini Grant, submitted on Jan. 12, 2026, will support student participation in the FIRST Robotics Competition. We extend our sincere thanks to Beth Ann Karlehag, former parent and volunteer, for organizing this collaborative opportunity. Grant funds will support robot construction supplies, competition registration, and transportation.

The Mary L. Fitch Trust Grant supports professional development opportunities for educators in Fairfield County. This funding enables access to on-site and off-site learning experiences that may otherwise be unavailable. The next submission deadline is June 1.

  Humanities

In K-5 literacy, teachers are gearing up for grade level meetings that will take place throughout the month of February. The focus will be on deepening their understanding using text dependent questions as a means of students showing what they know about the text.  Revisions on the literacy units continue.  Schools continue to ask for professional development to support identified areas of need aligned to their SIP. On Monday, Feb. 2, teachers at CMS leaned into afterschool learning on discourse through QTEL strategies.  

Middle and high school grade-band meetings were held to prepare staff for Unit 3. Middle schools are currently taking the NWEA in Reading and those results will help to determine next steps for professional learning and data-driven instruction. Our high schools are using the data from the Winter Progress Learning SAT assessment to determine areas of focus in Grades 9-11 for the Spring administration of the PSATs and SATS. The literacy coaches joined the principals and assistant principals at the February leadership meeting this month to support the implementation of the literacy vision. 

STEM Update

District educators recently participated in Advancing Science Teaching in CT, a state-level workshop at Cooperative Educational Services (CES) focused on improving science instruction across Connecticut. This training provided the team with practical tools to evaluate classroom materials and ensure they meet the highest standards for student learning. Participants collaborated on strategies to move toward more hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that challenge students to think like scientists and engineers.

This initiative is part of a statewide effort to strengthen science teaching and learning, supported by the Connecticut State Science Leadership Team. By investing in these proven, research-based methods, the district ensures that our staff are prepared to deliver a rigorous science program. This training empowers teachers to create classroom environments where students develop the critical thinking and effective communication skills necessary for success in college and future careers.

Additionally, a few NPS staff members attended the Connecticut Council of Leaders of Mathematics (CCLM) Winter Event.  Participants heard from other districts on systems that are supporting student growth and achievement and engaged in round table discussions about different topics that mathematics educators and leaders are facing across Connecticut.  

Marine Science

In our Marine Science classrooms, students are participating in the Trout in the Classroom project, where they are currently observing the successful hatching of alevins (juvenile trout). These young fish are easily identified by the large yolk sacs that provide their nutrients. Students have taken an active role in this process by monitoring the eggs daily and maintaining the tank environment. This hands-on responsibility allows them to track biological changes in real time and gain a practical understanding of our local ecosystems.

MLL Update

The Multilingual Learner Department has been actively supporting schools throughout the administration of the annual LAS Links assessment, which is used to measure students’ English language proficiency. Staff provided guidance and assistance to ensure consistent and accurate implementation across schools. The data collected through this assessment will help inform instructional planning, monitor student progress, and support continued compliance with state and federal requirements for multilingual learners.

Specialized Learning 

The Department of Specialized Learning presented to the Board on Tuesday highlighting some of the efforts towards our “grow our own” program for teachers and paraeducators.

School Counseling and Workforce Development 

​It is National School Counselor Week, and this year's theme is "School Counselors Amplify Student Success". Be sure to stop by our NPS Facebook Page to engage in our daily celebrations and connect with your School Counselor.

In February, the District Attendance Team presented at the Principals and Assistant Principals Leadership Meeting and shared attendance stories, resources, supports, and school celebrations. Did you know a scholar's attendance can predict how successful they will be in school and beyond? By 6^th grade, chronic absenteeism is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school and not graduating. We love to see our scholars in school every day, as #AttendanceMatters. The College & Career Specialists are working with scholars to support ​​scholarships, NPS Internships, and are planning a districtwide trade day for March, to name a few. NPS Families PreK - 14th attended The NPS School Counselor Series Workshop: ​Raising Resilient Children Workshop on ​Feb. 5 at the Family Center.​ NPS also showed ScreenAgers on Feb. 5 at Brien McMahon High School.

The CT State Norwalk Certification Program has started its advising and registration sessions. The Middle School Career Pathway Data is Here! Be sure to check out our scholars' interests and passions for this year in middle school. There is an exciting new program in a Healthcare Career Pathway for Ages 18 to 25. This program is open to our scholars and their families who may be interested in pursuing a career ​as an Administrative Medical Assistant. Save the Date for the NPS Trade Series: A Day in the Life of ​an HVAC Technician​ & Plumber on March 26 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ​Coming Soon: The Red Fashion School and Pathways to Construction Free Class Application.

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!

Early Childhood Education

The district’s literacy vision effectively translates high-level standards into the Pre-Kindergarten environment by prioritizing oral language development, playful print engagement, and culturally responsive, and knowledge-building read-alouds. By centering on the Science of Reading specifically the balance between foundational skills and language comprehension, this approach aligns seamlessly with the CT ELDS. This framework ensures that early literacy is rooted in speaking, listening, and joyful exploration, establishing the necessary precursors for formal reading within a developmentally appropriate context.  

Enterprise Software

The Digital Learning Department  launched the i-Ready Math pilot, integrated with ClassLink for all K–8 Math Coaches. We continue to manage and maintain essential instructional platform accounts (WeVideo, NWEA, Learning A–Z, ExploreLearning, etc.) and support alumni data submissions by managing graduate student Naviance accounts and ensuring timely College Board data.

Screenagers

  This past Thursday, the Digital Learning Department, in collaboration with partners including the Family Center, the Norwalk Education Foundation, Norwalk Acts, Positive Directions, the PTOC, and OK to Delay, hosted a public screening of the documentary Screenagers at Brien McMahon High School. This event served as a vital resource for engaging with our community and assisting parents in navigating the complexities of raising children in the digital age.

Following the film, Ashley RK Smith, Managing Editor of NancyOnNorwalk and an experienced multimedia producer, moderated an in-depth panel discussion. The panel featured a diverse group of experts and community members:

• Dr. Alexandra Estrella: As the Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, she is a visionary leader focused on promoting equitable access and achievement for all students. She has overseen the expansion of comprehensive mental health supports and the thoughtful integration of AI technologies within the district.
• Sergeant Brian Hamm: The supervisor for Norwalk’s School Resource Officers, Sergeant Hamm has 21 years of experience as a sworn police officer. As a parent of two school-aged children, he brings a personal and professional perspective to the challenges of digital safety.
• Stephanie Peckham: The Dean of Students at Nathan Hale Middle School, she focuses on creating a positive school climate to support student growth. She previously worked as a Health Educator, gaining deep experience in social-emotional learning and adolescent development.
• Yubleiska Gutierrez: A senior at Brien McMahon High School, Yubleiska is a student leader with a strong interest in education policy and social equity. She plans to pursue a career in education to create meaningful change in her community.
• Emily Longo, LMFT: The Director of Family Therapy at Silver Hill Hospital, Emily is a Norwalk resident who specializes in trauma-informed and systems-based care. She is dedicated to strengthening family connections and supporting long-term mental well-being.
• Nick Jarema: A Norwalk resident and parent of two elementary students, Nick leads professional teams in analytics, digital product strategy, and AI. He offers a unique perspective on how technology is designed to capture attention and shape human behavior.  

Digital Learning

Kendall 4th graders are bringing the Northeast regions to life through technology. Through a collaboration between Patricia King (Kendall, 4th grade) and Stefanie Barry, students are learning to use Google Vids to design creative, culminating projects for their social studies unit.

Stefanie Barry partnered with building administrators to film and edit a promotional video representing Fox Run Elementary School for the district's School Choice Night event.

Digital Learning Coaches have planned and co-taught introductory AI lessons with students at Naramake and Cranbury, emphasizing clarity of communication as well as the SMART framework for AI use.

Payroll and Benefits

Payroll and benefits operations continued as scheduled this week. No new initiatives or changes were reported during this period.

Budget

The Budget team continued routine fiscal management and monitoring activities. This work included updating and distributing the 2025-26 General Ledger summaries for schools and central office departments. Meetings were held with schools and departments to review remaining 2025-26 expenditures and to discuss spending plans through the end of the fiscal year.

The team also reviewed the 2026-27 budget rosters to identify and resolve any discrepancies within Munis. Ongoing responsibilities included processing special education invoices, as well as completing districtwide journal entries and budget transfers to support accurate financial reporting.

The Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and BOE CFO met with the Mayor, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, and the City CFO to continue advocating for the BOE budget. In addition, the Governor released his budget recommendations, and the BOE Finance team is currently reviewing them to assess any potential impact on the BOE budget.

Grants

During this reporting period, the Grants Department met with several schools to review Title I General Ledger summaries and discuss grant related matters. Meetings were held with Brookside, Jefferson, Silvermine, and Naramake and focused on reviewing current expenditures, confirming alignment with grant requirements, and addressing budgeting and compliance questions.

Additional meetings were conducted with schools receiving smaller School Based Budget level grants, including Jefferson, Wolfpit, and CMS. These discussions focused on reviewing the use of funds, providing guidance on allowable expenses, and supporting ongoing grant administration needs.

The Grants team also submitted multiple payment requests this week and began preparing additional requests to be completed in the coming week to ensure timely processing and reimbursement of grant funded expenses.

Purchasing and Accounts Payable

Routine purchasing and accounts payable activities continued in support of district operations. No additional updates were reported during this period.

Capital

Capital related work this week focused on preparing two construction grant applications for the 46 Concord Oil Tank Project and the Nathan Hale Abatement Project. This included reviewing available funding sources and gathering required supporting documentation, such as letters from the City Clerk.

In addition, meetings were held with the project managers for the South Norwalk and Norwalk High School projects. General Ledger accounts were reviewed, and preparation began on several payment requests related to ongoing project expenses.