April '25 Message from the Superintendent

Dear NPS Community,

It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached Spring Break — the school year is flying by! I want to take a moment to wish each of you a safe and relaxing week to rest and recharge. When we return, we’ll be in the home stretch, ready to finish the year strong together.

As you enjoy the break, I encourage you to take full advantage of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Norwalk so special. From savoring dishes from around the world at our many locally owned restaurants, to experiencing the vibrant creativity of local artists at The Norwalk Art Space, to simply connecting with neighbors in our beautiful parks — our city is a celebration of cultures, traditions, and community spirit. There’s no better time to explore and appreciate the diversity that makes Norwalk truly unique.

While we’re focused on closing out the year with energy and purpose, we’re also looking ahead to the future. If you have a child entering kindergarten next fall — or know a family joining our amazing NPS community — now is the perfect time to begin the registration process. You can get started online through our Student Registration website, or visit our NPS Family Center for in-person support. We can’t wait to welcome our newest learners!

This month, I’m proud to recognize and celebrate several of our outstanding staff members. In early April, we celebrated Paraeducator Week — a special time to thank the dedicated professionals who play such a critical role in our classrooms, supporting both students and teachers every day. We are so grateful for their tireless efforts.

April is also National School Library Month, and we’re shining a spotlight on our library media specialists. These educators do so much more than manage our libraries — they help students navigate research, build essential digital literacy skills, and collaborate with teachers to enhance learning across every subject. They really help bring our schools to life.

And speaking of literacy — I can’t wait to see you at First Book 2025 on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brien McMahon High School! We’ll be giving away tens of thousands of free books, and the day will be filled with fun for the whole family — from food trucks to games and activities. Let’s all hope for a day of beautiful weather as we come together to celebrate reading and community.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who showed up and spoke out at the recent public meetings to support the Norwalk Board of Education budget for FY 2025-26. Your voices made a difference in helping us maintain a 4% increase over last year’s budget. Your advocacy reminded everyone that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community — and that investing in our students is investing in Norwalk’s future.

Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing you after the break!

Yours in partnership,

Dr. Alexandra Estrella
Superintendent, Norwalk Public Schools