Norwood School New
What's Happening at Norwood School 9/15-9/19
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
I hope this message finds you and your families well. My name is Dawn Manchester, and I am incredibly honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Norwood School.
It is with great excitement and a deep sense of responsibility that I join this wonderful school community. From everything I’ve learned so far, it’s clear that Norwood is a place where students are supported, families are involved, and staff are dedicated to helping every child grow and thrive. I feel truly fortunate to become a part of such a special school. I know I have very big shoes to fill, as Dr. Antonelli and her team have built so many amazing programs. Together we will work closely towards a seamless transition for the community.
Let me share a little about myself. This is my 29th year in education, having served in many roles and capacities, both in and out of Warwick Public Schools. The majority of my classroom experience was mainly in 4th, 5th & 6th grade. I also held the role of Coordinator of K-12 Math curriculum, during my tenure in Warwick. When I stepped away from Warwick, I developed my instructional coaching skills at Highlander Institute and was the Supervisor of Learning & Teaching at Nowell Academy. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family. I have a 5 year old son, Jackson, who just started Kindergarten at Hoxsie School, here in Warwick. While I am starting a new job adventure, my wife is finishing her 39th year as an educator here in Warwick. She is a Math teacher at Vets MS and is on her farewell tour! We love to play outside, travel to New Hampshire during the summer and spend time with family & friends.
I am passionate about fostering a school culture where collaboration, innovation, and student success are at the center of everything we do. I believe in open communication, shared leadership, and creating strong relationships—with students, staff, and families alike.
As I begin the school year, I look forward to getting to know your children, connecting with your family, and supporting the great work already happening at Norwood. Please know that my door is always open—whether you have a question, a concern, or simply want to say hello.
I’m excited for the year ahead and all the learning, growth, and joy it will bring.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,Dawn Manchester
dawn.manchester@warwickschools.org
SCHOOL UPDATES
Safety Team
🦺Safety Updates: The Safety Team met last week to review the safety policy and shifted the late arrival and early release times.
🚗 Morning Drop-Off (Arrival) - please see the attached map.
Drop-Off Time: 8:40 for students having breakfast and 8:50 for regular arrival.
Location: Students will line up with their classroom in the blacktop area. Parents/Guardians will stay on the other side of the fence area.
Staff will be present to assist students and ensure they safely enter the building beginning at 8:50. Please do not leave students unattended.
Parents must stay in their vehicles during curbside drop-off. If you need to walk your child in or get out of your car for any reason, please park in a designated visitor parking area.
- 🆕 Late Arrivals: If students arrive at school after 8:55 they are considered late. The front doors will be closed to late arrivals between 8:55-9:10. During this time, students are passing through the halls and as a community, we want to ensure the safety of all.
🚸 Afternoon Pick-Up (Dismissal)
Pick-Up Time: Begins at 3:10
Location: Kindergarten , Grades 1-2 students are released at the drop off door. 3rd and 4th grade students are released from the back door near the playground and 5th grade students are released near the 5th grade classroom doors.
Each student will be released only to approved adults listed on their emergency contact form.
If your child walks home, you must submit a Walk Permission Form to the front office.
- 🆕 Early Dismissal: We know life happens and sometimes students need to be picked up from school early. However, if you are picking your child up before the dismissal time of 3:10, you must pick them up before 2:50. Early release will not be allowed between 2:50-3:05.
Absences
Student Absences Students will be marked absent, no matter the reason, if they are not in school. If the absence is due to illness please supply a doctor's note to have the absence labeled as an excused absence.
STUDENT ABSENCE CALL-IN PROCEDURE In accordance with Rhode Island State Law #16-19-10, Notification of Pupil Absence, the Warwick School Department requires that all parents/guardians call their child’s elementary school on the day that he/she will not be in attendance. We would like to receive all calls by 9:15 in the morning. If you are aware of a pending absence, feel free to call at any time prior to the day of the absence. In the event we do not hear from you, an automated call will be sent at 10:00 a.m. to inform you that your child did not arrive at school.
ASPEN Family Portal It is important that the Aspen Family Portal is updated with correct address and contact information. Students can only be released to emergency contacts listed in the Family Portal so please make sure this is updated. You can find more information about the Family Portal on the district website here. Using the WPS Family Portal (PDF) WPS Family Portal (direct link)
Open House
Come meet your child(ren)'s teachers and work samples on September 25 @ Norwood from 6:00-7:00 PM.
The All Purpose Room will be filled with various community partners that support the Norwood Community to thrive.
Beginning of the Year Assessments
Students have been working hard on their iReady Math Diagnostics. This week students will be working on iReady Reading Diagnostics. The assessment window closes on September 30th.
Hearing Screening
September 30th
No School
Spetember 23rd
October 2nd
October 13th
PTA EVENTS
Back to School Bash
Thank you to everyone who came on Friday night! What a great gathering of the Norwood community.
Spooky Run
Attention knights! We will be holding our first Spooky Sprint on October 5th from 12-2 at the Boys and Girls Club field! Please use the link below to sign up! We will have activities, music and of course the color run itself!
We have prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd earners for the school! 1st place will pick and then 2nd and 3rd. Prizes are: a signed Taylor Swift item, an authentic Macaron Labubu and a family 4 pack of passes to Urban Air!
We also have incentives you earn by raising different dollar amounts! Just for signing up you will receive a book mark from Urban Air for buy one get one passes and a shirt to run in!
Here is the link to register: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/norwoodspookyrun2025/addme
Here is the link to the main fundraising page: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/norwoodspookyrun2025?home_v2=true
Can’t wait to get spooky and raise some funds for some fun!!
If you have any questions please reach out to norwoodpta266@gmail.com
Book Fair
Book fair will be held at Norwood from 10/15-10/17
The last night, 10/17, it will be open during the 5th Grade's Trunk or Treat
PTA School of Excellence Designation
Norwood is proud to receive the 2022-2024 National PTA School of Excellence designation! Congratulations on earning this prestigious designation, which recognizes your incredible work as national leaders in developing strong family-school partnerships
It’s never too late to join the PTA! Signing up for the PTA does not mean you are required to participate. It just means that you are supporting our PTA.
Let Me Run: Boys Grades 4 & 5 Regestration is now open!
Lunch Menu
Norwood & Warwick Public Schools Website
Community Flyers on Norwood's Website
To access community flyers please utilize our existing website, with a new 'Community Updates' page.
Once a week, midweek, WPS will send a push notification to all school families regarding new flyers added to the Community Update page, along with a note to check frequently for up to date updates.
Please check here for all flyers, sports sign-ups, clubs and community events
Past Newsletters
Norwood School
Ms. Dawn Manchester
Principal Norwood School
Cell: 401- 439-5553
Fax: 401-734-3528
Email: dawn.manchester@warwickschools.org
Website: https://norwood.warwickschools.org/o/nee/
Location: 266 Norwood Avenue, Warwick, RI, USA
Phone: 401-734-3525
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpsnorwoodknights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norwood.knight/