Board Update: Oct 31, 2025

Testing & Accountability 

2024-25 Next Generation Accountability reporting will be released next week. It is a framework designed to measure and improve the performance of schools and districts in Connecticut. It includes a set of 12 indicators that assess various aspects of student preparation for success in college and career readiness. Performance, Indicator #1, and Growth, Indicator #2, were reported earlier this fall. The results were favorable. For the first time, Norwalk's overall growth exceeded that of the state for both ELA and math. In addition, improvements in graduation rates and a decline in chronic absenteeism will favorably impact Norwalk's 2024-25 Next Generation Accountability outcome.  

Research & Analytics 

Work has centered on finalizing the preparation of key data systems for use throughout the year. The Otus assessment platform has been tweaked to better support consistent use of formative and summative assessments across schools. Collaboration with state partners on the MTSS platform also occurred to help ensure SRBI data is accurately captured to inform and measure the impact of student support. School improvement goals for the high schools are also being updated based on fall PSAT results, focusing on both increasing benchmark attainment and supporting growth among the lowest-performing students.  

Early Career Principal PLC

On October 21, we held our first Early Career Principal PLC.  Principals in their first 3-4 years gathered for a session facilitated by Dr. Damon Lewis and Jane Wilkins.  During our time together, principals engaged in a reflective discussion focused on leadership, building coherence across a school community, and shared promising practices.  It was a great session and we would like to thank Damon and Jane for their thoughtful preparation and facilitation!

Early Career Assistant Principal PLC

This year, we launched the Early Career AP PLC for the first time based on the success of the Principal PLC last year.  Partnering with LaShante' James, Evan Byron and Jennifer Scanlon, we are excited to provide this support to our APs in their first 3-4 years.  The session focused on leadership, promoting a culture of belonging, and collaborative problem solving.  The feedback was very positive and we would like to thank LaShante', Evan and Jen for their enthusiasm and dedication to supporting their colleagues!

Food Services 

This week our FFVP schools will be Learning & Tasting: Zucchini and Learning & Tasting: Cantaloupe 

Handouts are distributed to students to share. 

Congratulations to our Apple CRUNCH contest winners! 

Naramake Mrs. Salteri's 2nd grade class and Ms. Grande’s 3rd grade class, Brookside Mrs. Kolthay’s kindergarten class, and Silvermine Mrs Gallego’s Kindergarten class will each receive an Apple pie for the fun Apple Crunch contest. 

Chartwells and Norwalk Public Schools have created a 5-day Halal Menu for families that request it. As always, vegan options are also available daily. Like our gluten-free menu, families can reach out to the food service director, Angela Valentine, to order the Halal meal from the menu each day. 

Facilities 

Planning is currently underway for the Summer 2026 capital projects, which will include several facility improvements. At 46 Concord, the project will involve the removal of the underground storage tank (UST). At Nathan Hale, work will focus on asbestos abatement and replacement flooring, while both Nathan Hale and Ponus are scheduled to have new student lockers installed. Additionally, Wolfpit will receive temporary air conditioning to improve comfort during the warmer months. 

School Safety 

Ambient AI has been installed into select camera streams in all NPS schools. Testing and data gathering are currently underway to fine-tune the system for individual school needs. Training for building leaders and security personnel will take place in the coming weeks.  

All School Safety Plans are complete and will be submitted to the state this week with our District Safety Plan. Our next District Safety Team Meeting will be on November 12th. RAPTOR Emergency Management platform, Safe School Climate Plans, and the new language in the bullying law will be reviewed and discussed.  

Transportation 

During the week of October 20 – 24, the NPS Transportation Office celebrated National School Bus Safety Week.  Working in cooperation with the Norwalk Police Department, Operation Safe Stop was conducted throughout the city in several key areas along major routes.  NPD’s Traffic Unit focused on traffic enforcement during morning and afternoon arrivals.  Over 20 traffic stops for motorists illegally passing stopped school buses were issued.  Thank you to the NPD Traffic Unit for supporting our efforts in keeping students safe.  

On Friday, October 24, we celebrated the Cranbury Elementary School's Bike/Walk event (previously scheduled for 10/17).  It was a brisk morning with students arriving on scooters and bicycles, with parents also participating in the event.  

Health Services 

The Neffy epinephrine nasal spray is now permitted for use in Connecticut schools. Epipen autoinjectors are currently available in all schools as an emergency medication. School Health Services is in the process of ordering the Neffy nasal spray, at no cost, to be kept in schools in case of an emergency involving anaphylaxis. For more information about Neffy, click here. 

During the month of September, the Human Services Council, 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 244 medical and behavioral health appointments to students at these schools.     

During the same time, 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 565 medical and behavioral health appointments to NPS students. 

Grants

Federal & State Grants: The Grants Team, consisting of Lynn Payton and Nina Laria, has begun data collection for the Title I grant. The Title III English Learner (EL) grant has been submitted and is pending approval from the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). The Title IV grant has also been submitted and is awaiting CSDE approval. The Bilingual Grant is pending approval following the addition of a new contact, and the Alliance and Priority School Grant is currently waiting for the Tracker to proceed.

Competitive Grants: The ESSA School Improvement Grant (SIG) is awaiting approval following recent edits. Additionally, Sandra, Lynn, and Kristin attended the Learner’s Engagement Attendance Program (LEAP) Coordinators District Check-In Meeting to discuss goals, reflections, updates, and best practices. A key discussion point focused on streamlining the three separate portals currently used by school-level Coordinators to log home visit information. The team has reached out to IT to explore potential integration with PowerSchool to simplify this process.

Professional Development Opportunities: The CSDE will host a Student Seminar Series session on November 20, titled “Strengthening School Climate to Support Student Well-Being” from 9:00–10:30 a.m. Registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/ycxwmf5s.

Additionally, the ARPA-LEAP 101 Home Visit Training will take place on November 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with registration available at https://tinyurl.com/3duxu4u6.

Humanities

Assistant Principals participated in professional learning sessions that focused on the literacy vision and curriculum resources as a way to support staff with implementation. 

K-8 Literacy

School visits and walkthroughs continue to take place on a weekly basis. Teachers are growing in their knowledge of direct instruction while using the Fundations program.  They continue to work with students on keeping text at the center of all of the work.  Professional learning support will be taking place at individual schools as scheduled.  Coaches received training from TNTP and West Ed on October 21st as they continue to develop their skill set on quality instruction.  

Secondary Literacy

Families gathered for an engaging “Evening with StudySync” at Ponus on October 22nd to learn how this high-quality, standards-based program supports Norwalk’s Core Beliefs and Literacy Vision. The session highlighted how StudySync integrates reading and writing through evidence-based practices that promote access, equity, and student achievement. The Ponus and Concord staff led families in a rotation through interactive stations that mirrored the types of learning experiences their students engage in each day. The event emphasized how StudySync’s diverse texts and culturally responsive design help all students see themselves and others in what they read, while empowering families to support literacy learning at home.

Professional learning for coaches took place on October 29th to prepare for Quarter 2’s Units of Study across grades 6-11. 

STEM

Job-embedded professional learning for math coaches this year began in October.  Each math coach is getting 1:1 time to discuss areas of focus for their school community as well as feedback around the coaching movies they are making to ensure student growth and achievement as well as high quality tier 1 instruction.  This type of professional learning also allows for more opportunities for coherence across schools and to develop stronger curriculum enhancements as well as finding foci for collaborative professional learning days.

MLL 

The Multilingual Learner department hosted a professional learning session for our elementary dual language teachers who teach in grades 2 and 3.  The professional development was focused on a new dual language resource, Lunita.  Lunita supports skill development in vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. It incorporates multiple learning modalities and is designed to complement any core curriculum, ensuring students maintain or exceed grade-level reading proficiency.  This resource equips our teachers with effective tools and strategies to support Spanish-language learners in becoming confident, successful readers.

Specialized Learning 

Specialized Learning provided training for new teachers this week(10/28) during New Teacher Academy. Jackie Wible presented professional learning on writing Standards-aligned IEP goals and objectives. Feedback received is helping us shape future professional development at the middle and high school level to improve attainability of goals and objectives and implementation of IEP services; also general procedures and CTSEDS use at all levels. 

Our First Parent Advisory Group of the 2025-2026 school year will be held on Wednesday November 5, 2025 at the Family Center second floor conference room from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm.  All parents and guardians are welcome!  

Early Childhood

One way that the eight prekindergarten classrooms across the district maintain alignment is through a Prekindergarten "Look-Fors' document. The document contains observable behaviors or indicators that define effective teaching and learning. Its purpose is to create clear expectations and provide a framework for improvement for teachers, administrators, and coaches.These documents guide instruction, support professional development, and allow for consistent evaluation and feedback by outlining specific skills and outcomes that educators should strive for in areas like lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement.The Prekindergarten Look-Fors align with the Connecticut Early Learning Development Standards.

School Counseling and Workforce Development

The district attendance team meets to review district attendance data in support of the schools. In October, for the Developmental Guidance Classroom Lessons, School Counselors are delivering Lesson #11 in Social-Emotional Learning for grades 6th - 8th grade. High School Counselors have begun training on the RISE Graduation Tool, which will support their efforts to ensure their scholars are on track for graduation. The RISE grade nine and post-secondary planning work continues in partnership with the high schools. For the week of October 27th, School Counselors have received their curated bi-monthly Newsletters called The Guidance Gazette 9 - 12 and The School Counseling Corner K - 8. 

A School Counselor Series: Digital Wellness & Screen Time will be hosted by our CGS School Counselor, Lilli Murillo, for our NPS families, Grades PreK - 12. This workshop will be an engaging session on helping children and teens build healthy technology habits. Learn practical tips to balance screen time, support focus, and promote digital well-being at home. Seats are limited and registration is required to attend; please register today! Our College & Career Specialists in October have been assisting scholars with the Common Application, providing college essay support, and coordinating college and university admission days, to name a few.

The NPS Internship Program is still accepting applications, as this program runs from September to June. In October, for the Developmental Guidance Classroom Lessons, School Counselors are delivering Lesson #11 in Workforce Development for Grades K - 3. Middle School Counselors are refining their 7th and 8th-grade Career Pathways for scholars, and 6th-grade school Counselors will be talking about Career Pathways selections, when meeting with their 6th-grade scholars. In November, a Workforce Development Workshop will be hosted for Juniors and Seniors at Norwalk High School, P-TECH Norwalk, Brien McMahon High School, and The Center for Global Studies, in the Career Center. In these workshops for upperclassmen, we will be discussing Apprenticeships, Trades & Training, and Internship & Job Opportunities. Seats are limited and registration is required to attend; please register today! 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!

Enterprise Software

The AWS outage affected our ClassLink end users for approximately 15 hours, 8 of which were out-of-school time hours.

Unfortunately all digital products rostered through ClassLink, and set as a single sign on log in, were unavailable. The majority of end users understood this was nothing that NPS could have prevented.  Thankfully, all digital products were accessible and up and running before the start of the following school day.

We are working on a new digital app implementation - i-Ready for the MLL department.

Digital Learning

Digital Learning coaches worked with Cranbury specials teachers this week to update them on features of the Viewsonic and the related MyViewBoard software to customize instruction for their classes, and create activities that are engaging and interactive. More training was requested.

This week, Norwalk Public Schools (NPS) leaders Ralph Valenzisi and Kimberly Erickson presented at the FullScale Symposium in New Orleans, leading a well-received collaborative roundtable session on “What is AI Competency?” and How it Aligns to Future Ready Skills Through the PoG.

In partnership with Digital Promise, the session showcased NPS's innovative work in integrating AI literacy with our Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) competencies. The presentation detailed how AI literacy practices, such as Data Analysis & Inference, directly align with PoG skills like Critical Thinker.

A core takeaway was that integrating AI is less about mastering new tools and more about cultivating the essential mindsets and habits of mind within the PoG. This approach ensures our students and staff use AI thoughtfully, ethically, and creatively, preparing them to be successful Effective Communicators and Self-Directed Learners in a rapidly changing world.

Huge thanks to Audra Good and Renee Zeiger, two of our incredible Library Media Specialists (LMS’s), for presenting the first draft of three new policies on library media services to the Board! Their hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated. Feedback from the policy meeting will be shared with all LMS’s this upcoming week during their professional learning day, and a revised version of the policies will be brought back for further review.

Budget

The Budget team continues to support district operations and planning for the current and upcoming fiscal years. This week’s focus included preparing the Food Services budget projection and processing salary, transfer, and account adjustments across both the live and operating budgets. Corrections were made to previous payroll account entries, and benefit data has been updated in the operating budget.

Work has also continued on developing the 2026–2027 budget projection. The team is finalizing key assumptions that will impact the upcoming year, including contractual salary increases, rising health insurance costs, and expanding grade levels, such as the addition of 4th grade at the South Norwalk School. Stipends have been increased by 2% in accordance with current contracts. Ongoing collaboration with schools is helping ensure employee rosters are accurate and all funding lines are validated.

In collaboration with CLA, our external auditors, the team is supporting the financial review for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. This includes analysis of GASB compliance, excess cost filings, and preparation of the State Single Audit and ACFR. Planning continues for the December 1 submission of the Excess Cost report.

The team is also advancing work on ClearGov, the district’s upcoming public-facing financial transparency platform. Once launched, this tool will provide accessible, interactive data visualizations for all community stakeholders.

Finally, general ledger summaries for 2025–2026 are being updated and shared with schools and central office teams. Special education invoices, SBB ESS journal entries, budget transfers, and other financial transactions are being processed to ensure operational accuracy and efficiency.

Grants

The Grants team finalized the Title I budget for the 2025–2026 school year for submission to the State. Work is also underway on budgeting for both the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school years. This includes providing essential financial data to departments to ensure timely planning and allocation.

Purchasing & Accounts Payable

The Purchasing and Accounts Payable team continues to support ongoing procurement and payment operations. More updates will be shared as processes related to year-end closeout and ongoing capital needs progress.

Capital

This week, the Capital team worked with the State to finalize audits for both the Ponus and Jefferson projects. Additionally, a planning meeting was held with the Director of Facilities to coordinate filing for upcoming construction projects. These new projects will be submitted as non-priority Capital projects in order to qualify for reimbursement from the State.