Norris Newsletter

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It is hard to believe we are already to October and all that it brings. Mid-quarter grades have already been completed, and you’ve had your first formal look at how the year has started academically. We have also increased our communication to students and their families around tardies, failing grades, and students who have all A’s and B’s. We also continue to emphasize the importance of attendance. In just a few weeks, we will have our Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 22nd from 8:30 am to 7 pm. We will not only discuss grades at conferences, but partner with you on goal setting for the remainder of the year. Student success is a direct result of the work parents and schools do. When it is done together, the kids win.

I continue to be impressed by our kids and our staff. Whether it is on the football field, the cross-country path, or the volleyball court, our kids and coaches have accomplished so much already. Our clubs and activities are also off to a great start. Keeping students engaged beyond the classroom is another avenue to improving student success over the long-term. We strive to offer a wide variety of options for our students, and we hope you will encourage them to join as much as possible.

As always, thank you for trusting us with your students!

Dr. Sturgeon

Friday, October 2 — NO SCHOOL

Monday, October 19 — Girls Swimming and Boys Basketball begin

Thursday, October 22 — Conferences 8:30am - 7:00pm — NO SCHOOL

Friday, October 23 — NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, October 27 — LATE START (School begins at 9:40am)

Thursday, October 29 — Picture Retakes

Looking to support our staff during conferences. Please CLICK HERE to contribute.

Each month, we’ll share our attendance progress so our Norris families can see how we’re doing and how close we are to our schoolwide goal. Consistent attendance protects valuable learning time, and every day makes a difference. Together, through strong attendance, thoughtful scheduling, and communication when absences are unavoidable, we can help more Redbirds stay connected, on track, and ready to learn.

Help Protect Learning Time
When possible, please be selective when scheduling appointments during the school day. Consider using non-school days, breaks, or times outside of school hours for appointments when those options are available. We understand this isn’t always possible! When a student does need to miss school, having them email their teachers about the absence and any missed learning or assignments is a great way to stay connected and caught up.

Reporting an Absence
If your child is absent, every absence must be reported by calling the Attendance Secretary at 531-299-2508. This helps us keep students safe and our attendance records accurate.

Keep Your Contact Information Updated & Stay Connected
It is very important that we can reach you. Please notify the school whenever your phone number, address, or emergency contacts change. We also encourage families to save Norris Middle School numbers and make sure calls or messages from the school are able to come through on your phone. Norris uses phone calls and messages for attendance, school updates, important information, and at times time-sensitive or emergency communication. Staying connected helps ensure you don’t miss something important.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Redbirds here, connected, and learning!

Congratulations to Mr. Escobar's, Ms. Cantu Mendez's, Mr. Patrick's, and Ms. Blumel's classes for having the highest attendance. A cookie party is making its way to you!

The Norris library has hosted all students for their initial orientation visit for the 26-27 school year. Students were all given the opportunity to check out books and enjoy the library space. The Norris library supports the building goal that all Norris students carry a physical book with them to have access to reading throughout their school day as time allows.

We encourage families to incorporate reading time into their evenings to support the importance of literacy for all. If you have a suggestion/request for any book titles you wish for our library to order, please email the school librarian at: camille.wakefield@ops.org.

All Reading Skills students are encouraged to use the Read 180 app at home for 15 minutes every night. This is a new at-home support to help students continue to improve their reading abilities and approach reading on grade level.

Get ready for something sweet! Our World’s Finest Chocolate fundraiser is coming October 14–30. Stay tuned for more information about how students and families can participate!

Season 2 Athletics (Girls Swimming and Boys Basketball) begin on Monday, October 19, 2026. Students that are interested should visit the Athletics Office.

For all October sports and events, click HERE.

OPS provides free health screenings for students in designated grade levels throughout the school year. Screenings help identify potential concerns related to hearing, vision, dental health, height, and weight so families can follow up when needed. Click here to learn more about health screenings, parent/guardian options, and what to expect.

Want to get more connected and help make Norris even better? Join our PTO! It’s a great way to support our students and staff, meet other Norris families, and be part of what’s happening in our school community. Every family is welcome, and every level of involvement helps!

Please join us for the next Norris PTO meeting on November 10, 2026 at 3:15 in the band room. If you can't make it, Norris PTO meetings will be held every second Tuesday of the month at 3:15.

Join PTO by clicking here.

Donate to the PTO by clicking here.

Please be sure to have access and update your Campus Parent account. This allows you live updates for your student's grades, attendance, schedule, teachers and more. Click the image below to download the specific app.

For assistance, email Tatum.Thielen@ops.org or call (531) 299-2500.

• All personal electronic devices are to remain out of sight during school hours. Devices that are confiscated from students will be in the office for parent/guardian pick up.
• Each student has an individual locker assigned to them. Students are responsible for any items in their assigned locker (i.e. Do not store other's items in their lockers).
• Students riding district-provided transportation are required to dismiss from designated doors.

Expectations Matrix

Electronic Device Notice

Water Bottles