What's Happening at Norris?
Another school year has come to a close—and what an incredible year it’s been for the Norris School District!
This year, we continued expanding our community-based learning ecosystem with the addition of our Learn MKE learning hubs. We’re especially excited to announce the opening of our third learning hub, Learn EBC, located at El Bethel Church, 5401 Good Hope Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53223. We’re eager to build a strong presence in this community! Learn EBC will offer learners a variety of opportunities, including volunteering at the church’s established food pantry, participating in community service projects, and fully engaging in their education by exploring all the unique resources the area has to offer.
On Tuesday, May 27th, we proudly celebrated five graduating seniors—two from Norris Academy and three from our virtual school, NAVS. Graduation is always a beautiful reminder of the determination, resilience, and drive our learners demonstrate as they work toward their goals. They can now proudly check "high school diploma" off their list!
We wish each of them a happy, successful future and hope they never forget that they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. With the skills and passion they've gained, they are more than ready to reach their "next best place!"
As we head into Summer Session, learners have been diving into their hobbies and interests—swimming, preparing for the upcoming Soap Box Derby, strawberry picking with plans to make homemade jam, enrolling in off-campus externships, and so much more. Last week, learners and staff brought their creativity (and appetites) to the Side Dish Derby, a Team Pursuit engagement competition where teams battled it out for the title of Best Side Dish. The event was a huge success, full of fun, teamwork, and plenty of delicious food to sample!
Summer is also the perfect time for learners to focus on earning core competencies in subjects that may need a little extra attention. It’s a great opportunity to try something new and check off competencies that may have been set aside during the busy school year.
Stay tuned later this summer for our Summer Edition of the Norris News to see all the exciting things we’ve been up to!
Wishing everyone a fantastic summer—and remember, we’re here year-round, ready to support our Norris community whenever you need us!
June's Journal
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Districts,
As we wrap up this school year, our attention turns to preparing for the next. We remain committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for all learners. One area of particular focus is addressing the growing concern of teen vaping.
To help combat this issue, our district will implement a new protocol beginning this fall. This will include more thorough searches when there is reasonable suspicion of vape possession, as well as required educational modules for learners found in violation. Learners who choose not to participate in these interventions will be required to attend a meeting with their parents/guardianship and district officials.
We ask for your partnership in helping to prevent vaping devices from being brought to school. Please talk with your learners about the risks and dangers of vaping, and encourage them to make positive, healthy choices.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to promote accountability and student well-being. Together, we can make a difference.
Please see the following article from the CDC on the dangers of teen vaping: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/pdfs/osh-e-cigarettes-and-youth-what-parents-need-to-know-508.pdf
Lab Gab
ELA
During the month of May in ELA, learners focused on wrapping up ongoing projects and completing end-of-year reading and math diagnostic assessments.
Group 1 learners (grades 5–7) explored plot diagrams and put their creativity to work by giving The Three Little Pigs a new twist. They rewrote the story as The Big Bad Pig and The Three Wolves. In their version, the pig was a mischievous rocker who defeated the wolves' dad using the powerful vibrations of his keytar. As it turned out, the wolves’ dad was also a rocker, and by the end of the story, they all became friends and formed a band together—a fun and imaginative spin on the classic tale!
Group 2 & 3 learners (grades 8–12) sharpened their critical thinking skills by analyzing "Dumb Criminal" short stories. Through these, they practiced identifying themes, figurative language, new vocabulary, summarizing key ideas, and recalling details from auditory sources.
Please encourage your learners to continue reading over the summer!
Mathematics
We finished the year strong, with many learners earning competencies and credits in various math courses. Some have even completed their required high school math journey and are now focusing on other subjects to meet their graduation requirements.
This summer, we’ll be collaborating with other subjects on project-based learning activities such as building bridges, investigating invasive species and food webs, and constructing soapbox derby cars—to name just a few! Learners will also complete computer simulations on these topics to build the knowledge and skills needed for success. Many of these projects incorporate more math than learners may realize—math really is all around us!
Science
Science Learners ended the academic year on a strong note and worked on lots of exciting projects to wrap up the term. We explored the greenhouse effect before researching, designing, and constructing model greenhouses. Learners then tested their greenhouses by tracking temperature changes outdoors on a sunny day. We also investigated water quality by collecting numerous water samples from different sources and testing for different chemicals. Learners then designed and constructed water filters in an attempt to make the collected water samples drinkable. Additionally: learners continued to explore various animal care projects including taking care of our classroom Corn Snake named Elote, feeding our three Goldfish (Sharkbait, Mary Poppins, and Tony), and learning about the anatomy/physiology and natural history of the goat. Learners did a great job bottle feeding and caring for our three visiting goats (Stan, Pope, and Iorek) on two different occasions. I am very proud of what our learners accomplished in Science this year and am excited for continuing adventures during the summer term.
Social Studies
The Social Studies Lab at Norris has been busy with a variety of activities as we wrapped up Trimester 3.
Learners delivered independent presentations exploring the cultural and historical impact of rap and grunge music, highlighting how these genres influenced and reflected shifts in society.
To close out the year, we rotated through several geography stations to reinforce core map skills and review the different types of maps students encountered throughout the year.
As we transition into the summer session, our focus has shifted to the theme of "Bridges"—both literal and metaphorical. In Social Studies, this includes:
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Identifying and exploring the six main types of bridges
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Investigating how bridges have historically connected cities and communities
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Discussing the role of bridges in driving economic development
We’re also kicking off our first summer Pursuit Project with an introduction to the Soap Box Derby, tied to a brief historical overview of the Great Depression. This unit encourages learners to reflect on innovation and resilience during times of hardship.
I’m looking forward to a fun and engaging summer ahead!
Orientation
We had a full house right up to the end of the academic year! We’re so proud of our learners for diving into their individual interests and reflecting on who they’ve been, who they are now, and who they want to become. It’s challenging, vulnerable work—and it’s a lifelong journey. We hope our learners recognize the incredible growth they’ve set themselves up for by engaging in this process.
Orientation is truly a team effort as we help learners build meaningful relationships throughout the building. A huge thank you to everyone who supported our learners along the way this year!
As we kick off our summer session, Orientation will look a little different—but at its core, it’s still all about self-exploration and discovering the impact each learner wants to make in the world.
Library
"What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see." - Lin-Manuel Miranda
This lyric from Hamilton has echoed with me all year, as it speaks to the work we do with our learners. I am so proud to be part of a team that centers a vision of all people as curious, capable, individuals worthy of our time and talent. Thank you for your commitment to building a place where all learners feel welcome, seen, and valued.
Part of that work is supported by our district library. I am also proud of getting my library media license in the middle of this year, so that I can now officially say that I am the district librarian.
It's a wild ride. I'm so glad we're on it together. See you in September and be sure to check out our library catalog and digital resources on Destiny Discover!
IBL
Wow. It happened. We made it to the end of the regular school year. Our learners had a lot of engaging experiences throughout the year, and they learned a lot from those experiences. We implemented our Learner Showcases this year, increased our number of externships in the community, and pushed learning outside of the usual lab spaces whenever possible. I'm proud of the growth our learners showed, and I am excited to see all the continued learning over the summer and next year.
The Navigator's Corner
Wow, what a year it’s been!
We grew tons of arugula and flowers in the hydroponic farm, planted white pines provided by the DNR, and enjoyed a whole bunch of learner-created music. Now, we’re getting ready to plant our vegetable garden and are excited to kick off the summer session.
There’s a lot to look forward to—archery, ropes course adventures, swimming, fishing, food competitions, gardening, a soap box derby race, a cardboard boat regatta, and so much more. We can’t wait!
Learn MKE & NAVS
The last month of the school year was a busy one at NAVS/Learn MKE! Learners worked hard to complete competencies and diagnostic assessments. Overall, they did a fantastic job pushing through to ensure credits were earned—kudos to all on a job well done!
With summer break now officially here, we’ve already begun planning for the upcoming school year. We’re excited to announce the addition of a third learning hub, Learn EBC located within El Bethel Church on Milwaukee’s north side. We look forward to welcoming new learners at this site as well as at our existing hubs.
Other exciting updates include new partnerships with the Urban Ecology Center, Mitchell Street Library, and the Pabst Mansion. These connections will offer plenty of off-campus learning excursions and opportunities for collaboration. We’re also hoping to increase engagement between our NAVS learners and in-person learners to build a stronger, more connected community.
Enjoy your summer—and don’t forget to take pictures and keep track of the fun and meaningful things you do over the break! These experiences will provide evidence that may help us backmap and award competencies toward credit when we return in the fall.
Artventure
May – Wrapping Up with Color, Rolling Into Summer
May was a bustling and creative month as we wrapped up the school year with a flurry of activity, art, and celebration. Learners poured their energy into preparing for two exciting events, the Trimester 3 Learner Showcase and the Spring Art Gala, while also enjoying hands-on experiences that made the final weeks truly memorable.
Artful Celebrations & Showcases
In preparation for the end-of-year events, learners filled the Artventure space with creativity and color. Projects ranged from ceramic works and paintings to our school wide favorite, tie-dyeing! During the second to last week of school, learners participated in Tie-Dye Week, designing their own shirts to show off on Spirit Day.
That same week, we held our T3 Learner Showcase, where learners proudly presented their hard work and creativity across all content areas. The showcase included everything from thoughtful research to imaginative creations.
Spring Art Gala at the Library
To close out the month, learners selected their favorite pieces to display at the Spring Art Gala hosted at the Mukwonago Community Library. The exhibit wowed library patrons with a wide variety of interdisciplinary work:
Greenhouses built in Science
Ukuleles assembled and painted in Art
Pop Art projects created in collaboration with ELA
And the colorful, creatively engineered Derby Cars from our Science Derby Bracket
The gala was a perfect sendoff, celebrating a year full of learning, creating, and meaningful collaboration.
Onward to Summer Adventures
As we roll into June, learners are kicking off the summer with Team Pursuit, where they’ll be working together to build a Soap Box Derby car. We’re excited to keep the creativity and teamwork going all summer long!
Thank you for another amazing year of imagination, innovation, and inspiration.
Bakari
During the 2024–2025 school year, Bakari had six youth successfully complete the program and departure. Of these six, four were able to continue their education with the Norris School District. Some learners chose to be transported to Norris Academy for in-person learning, while others enrolled at one of the Learn MKE learning hubs.
Throughout their time at Bakari, Norris school staff and county partners collaborated to explore options for continuing each learner’s education within the Norris ecosystem. It is always a pleasure to continue supporting these learners and helping them stay on their individual pathways to success.
Mindful Minute
Mindful Tip for Viewers: Turn Screen Time into Mindfulness Time
Instead of just passively watching a screen, try to be present and engage your senses.
Here's how:
- Notice the urge: Pay attention when you feel the pull to pick up your phone or turn on the TV.
- Be intentional: Consciously choose whether to engage with the screen and for what purpose.
- Engage your senses: While watching, pay attention to the colors, shapes, sounds, and textures on the screen.
- Observe your body: Notice the sensations in your body and pay attention to your breath.
- Notice thoughts and emotions: Observe any thoughts or feelings that arise without judgment.
- Refocus when distracted: If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the screen.
By making screen time a more mindful experience, you can potentially reduce stress, improve your focus, and enjoy the content more deeply. You might also find yourself more aware of your habits and have an easier time setting limits on your screen time.
Resources
Milwaukee's online guide to everything for kids, teens, & families!
Norris Cares
Norris Academy is introducing a new program called, Norris Cares. Norris Cares will accept monetary and physical donations in support of those of our learners who may be experiencing food, housing, or other basic need insecurities. We have noticed a great need within our community that we would like to help support but we cannot do it alone. All donations to Norris Cares will be used only for this purpose and delivered equitably on a needs determined basis.
Please contact Amber Ehrmann, the Community Liaison at aehrmann@norrisacademywi.org for questions or donations.
Thank you.
Reminders
As the new school year begins, we want to remind families about items that should not be brought to school. Including items such as pillows, blankets, open beverage containers, money, and backpacks. These items can be distracting and potentially harmful, so they will not be allowed in school. For more details on our policies, please visit our website at https://norrisacademywi.org/.
Online Absence Form
Click Here: https://tinyurl.com/onlineabsenceform
Norris School District
Email: hello@norrisacademywi.org
Website: https://norrisacademywi.org/
Location: W247 S10395 Center Drive Mukwonago, WI 53149
Phone: (262) 662-5911
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norrisacademywi/
Twitter: @NorrisAcademyWi