March '25 Message from the Superintendent

Dear NPS Community,

Spring is just around the corner, and with the warmer weather, I look forward to seeing our students enjoying time outside—playing on the playgrounds, running on the ball fields, and taking a well-deserved break from classroom routines.

March is a busy month, with school in session nearly every day, but the hard work is paying off. Our scholars continue to show impressive growth, with many schools seeing positive gains in their recent assessments. It’s inspiring to witness the progress our students make from fall to winter. Let’s keep up the momentum!

We’re also excited to introduce the next competency of our Portrait of a Graduate initiative. Our teachers have done an outstanding job embedding critical thinking into daily lessons, and students are demonstrating those skills not only in the classroom but in real-world applications. Next, we’re focusing on effective communication—helping students articulate their thought processes and decisions with confidence.

As students grow as effective communicators, they can actively listen, tailor their communication to different audiences and purposes, and clearly and persuasively articulate their ideas. To help support your child in becoming an effective communicator, you can start by encouraging active listening, teaching them how to adjust their communication style based on who they’re talking to, and practicing with them how to express their ideas clearly and support their arguments with evidence.

For our high school seniors, this is an exciting time as college acceptance letters begin arriving. Congratulations to all of you—I hope you receive good news from your top-choice schools! Your dedication has brought you to this moment, and I encourage you to finish the year strong.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s Black History & Heritage Festival a tremendous success. From the powerful performances and presentations by our students to the Black Wall Street showcase featuring local Black-owned businesses, it was truly a celebration of culture, history, and achievement.

Looking ahead, I encourage our community to continue advocating for our schools. The Board of Estimate and Taxation public hearing on March 26 is a critical opportunity to voice your support for funding that ensures our students receive the resources they need. As we navigate difficult budget decisions, every voice matters.

I hope you all take some time to step outside, enjoy the fresh air, and recharge as we enter the final stretch of the school year. Let’s continue working together to make these months both productive and rewarding for our students.

Yours in Partnership,
Dr. Alexandra Estrella
Superintendent, Norwalk Public Schools