May 2024 Newsletter

Norfolk Public Schools thanked over 2,400 teachers throughout National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10, 2024, for all they do to make a difference in the lives of the children whom we serve. We hope you took the time to thank a teacher! If you still would like to do something special for teachers and their classrooms, contact your child’s (ren’s) school(s).

A week is not enough to celebrate our teachers, so we honor them each month with our Rock Star Teacher Award! This award recognizes those educators who have reached 95 percent student completion on their STAR assessments or teachers who have perfect attendance and/or show creativity and accountability towards the division’s attendance goals.

Congratulations to this month’s round of Rock Star Teachers! Visit www.npsk12.com/images for the picture gallery of recipients. You may also find other images from division events throughout the school year. Photos are free and available for download.

Students throughout Norfolk Public Schools are currently participating in Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments and end-of-course exams. Students have worked hard all year to prepare for success! You can help our students to perform their best by considering and encouraging these few tips and ideas:

• Limit time spent watching television and on electronics to provide plenty of time for study and sleep.
• Encourage wearing comfortable clothes on test/exam days.
• Eating a healthy breakfast at home or at school will give a working brain necessary fuel!
• Make sure your child wears their glasses, if needed.
• Encourage your child to follow directions, read questions fully, and to check for complete responses to questions.

The Virginia Department of Education provides a variety of testing resources online, including sample exams. For your child’s (ren’s) testing schedule, please reach out to your child’s (ren’s) school(s) or your child’s (ren’s) teacher(s).

High school graduation ceremonies are just around the corner! Rehearsal times and the graduation schedule are below and can also be found on the Academic Calendar webpage.

High School Graduation Rehearsal Times
Rehearsals will take place at Old Dominion University’s Chartway Arena located at 4320 Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk on Friday, May 31, 2024. Students are to report 30 minutes before their rehearsal time starts. Parking is in the 43rd Street Parking Garage on the day of rehearsal.

• Lake Taylor HS: 8:45 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
• Maury HS: 10:30 a.m.-Noon
• Norview HS: 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m.
• Booker T. Washington HS: 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Granby HS: 3:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

High School Graduation Ceremonies

High School Graduations are scheduled for June 3, 2024, and June 4, 2024, at Old Dominion University’s Chartway Arena located at 4320 Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk, VA.

• Lake Taylor HS: June 3, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
• Maury HS: June 3, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
• Norview HS: June 4, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
• Booker T. Washington HS: June 4, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
• Granby HS: June 4, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

May is Get Caught Reading Month, and May 6-12, 2024, is Children’s Book Week. It is the perfect opportunity to help our students discover their next favorite book or learn more about topics that interest them. Since Norfolk Public Schools promotes and celebrates literacy throughout the year, it should be easy to catch readers in action this month. Students who read an additional 14.2 minutes a day encounter more than a million words in a year! That is at least a million reasons to get caught reading! Visit Every Child a Reader for more information and resources.

Visit the Norfolk Community of Readers and Writers page on NPS’ literacy website to learn more about our efforts to build a community of readers and ensure all students and their families have access to relevant, high-interest, and diverse literary and informational texts.

Friends of the Norfolk Public Library and Norfolk Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. have partnered with Norfolk Public Schools to donate two new Little Free Library Units. Partnering with Tidewater Tech, Norfolk Public Schools’ vocational students in the Carpentry Department built and installed the two units at Ingleside Elementary School and Chesterfield Academy.

Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open! Students entering kindergarten must turn 5 on or before September 30, 2024. Visit Student Support Services/ Kindergarten (npsk12.com) for a map of school attendance zones, registration packets, and other pertinent information.

Online registration will be available at the end of June. However, you can still register in person at the school your child will be attending.

Norfolk Public Schools’, commitment to Equity and Excellence for ALL continues as the cornerstone for providing proactive, high-quality instructional interventions and supports tailored for individual students’ learning needs. Data indicates that though students’ learning in reading and math has progressed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, students across the Commonwealth of Virginia, including students in NPS, continue to exhibit significant gaps in learning, especially in reading and math. To effectively close students’ learning gaps and accelerate learning, Norfolk Public Schools has developed an instructional support and tutoring plan in alignment with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) All-In Tutoring Plan. In addition, schools are offering tutoring outside of regular school hours.

To read more about the ALL In VA Tutoring Plan for providing high intensity tutoring to qualifying students during the school day, please visit https://www.npsk12.com/Page/21924. Additionally, please visit your child’s school website to find their off-school hours tutoring schedule. To visit your school’s homepage, please visit https://www.npsk12.com/Page/1, click on “Schools” in the upper right corner, then select your child’s school.

During this last month of school, your child's daily, on-time attendance remains critical in helping close learning gaps to support your child’s progression to the next academic level. #AttendanceCountsAtNPS!

Each month, as part of the School-to-School Attendance Challenge, Norfolk Public Schools recognizes the schools that are leading the way in combatting chronic absenteeism.

Congratulations to the following schools for having the Best Attendance and earning the Most Improved Attendance for March 2024!

Best Attendance rate for March:

95.1% Sherwood Forest Elementary School (Grades K-5)

95.5% Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (Grades K-8)

91.0% Academy of International Studies at Rosemont (Grades 6-8)

79.5% Booker T. Washington High School (Grades 9-12)

Most Improved Attendance rate for March:

Richard Bowling Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Crossroads School (Grades K-8)

Azalea Gardens Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Granby High School (Grades 9-12)

Congratulations to these schools and their students!

Whether you’re a student, a family with children, or a senior citizen needing meal support, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is here to help! No one should have to go hungry, and SNAP is a vital resource that can make a real difference in people’s lives. Applying is easier than you think, visit Norfolk Public Schools’ Department of School Nutrition’s webpage at https://www.npsk12.com/Page/20050.

Exciting things are happening at Booker T. Washington High School in preparation for the launch of the schoolwide STEAM initiative. To assist rising freshman, identify which career pathway best aligns with their career goals, BTW held a STEAM career fair on April 24, 2024. Students were able to learn about aerospace, hospitality, environmental engineering, multimedia parts, and cybersecurity.

During the Annual Battle of the Books tournament, elementary and middle school students demonstrated their remarkable knowledge of books. The middle school students from the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont emerged as the winners of the middle school tournaments after reading a collective total of seven novels and participating in multiple rigorous rounds of questioning. While this competition aimed to enhance students' abilities to comprehend and grasp the information, all of them had a lot of fun just participating in the competition. One week later, fourth and fifth grade students took part in their own segment of the Battle of the Books. Ultimately, the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood emerged victorious in the 4th grade competition, while Larchmont Elementary School claimed the 5th grade championship. Congratulations to all the participants in the Battle of the Books, and a special acknowledgment to all the teams, coaches, district staff, and parents for their unwavering commitment and diligent efforts!

Adaptive athletes of Norview High School got the chance to participate in an inning of baseball on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The challenger inning was played before the Pilots took on the Comets of Granby High School. Norview students with physical and intellectual disabilities were given a chance to take the mound for a baseball inning.

The USS George H. W. Bush partnered with Norfolk Public Schools for a Thousand Points of Light Community Service Day. In honor of the late President George H.W. Bush's 100th birthday, the sailors have committed to engage in acts of volunteerism every week of the year. On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the sailors provided a day of service to Norfolk Public Schools. The sailors helped with general work projects and participated in literacy events and athletic events. Thank you to the sailors from the USS George H. W. Bush for including Norfolk Public Schools in your community service endeavors!

Norfolk Public Schools welcomes positive, collaborative, meaningful partnerships between our schools and our communities to enhance student academic learning and success. For more information on community engagement, contact LaEunice Brown, Community Engagement Coordinator, Office of Communications & Community Engagement, 757-628-3459.

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, students from Ruffner Middle School, Lake Taylor School, and Lindenwood Elementary School participated in the 2nd Annual Invention Convention at the Chrysler Hall. The Invention Convention provides all learners with the opportunity to identify a problem and brainstorm various solutions. Students shared prototypes of their solutions that were tested and tweaked before the event. Eighteen groups of students pitched their inventions to 20 judges. Congratulations to Lake Taylor School’s Derrius Jones and Kai’Ree Heyward, who won the competition!

The local Virginia Tech Alumni Chapter partnered with Norfolk Public Schools for the Hokies’ The Big Event, an annual tradition of giving back. Alumni packed 350 meal kits filled with various food items for families in the area. In addition to food, families also received books courtesy of the United Way of South Hampton Roads, which donated more than 700 books to NPS. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of food security and literacy.

Thank you to everyone who made this special tradition possible!

The Parent Resource Center would like to highlight a resource for families of students with disabilities. PEATC (Parent Education Advocacy and Training Center) builds positive futures for Virginia’s children by working collaboratively with families, schools, and communities to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life. Their special focus is children with disabilities. PEATC offers a robust workshop calendar with a variety of topics for families.

Take a look at PEATC's workshop offerings and other special education related information.

How do I contact the Parent Resource Center?

Ms. Kamil Donawa, PRC Educator

Phone: 757-274-5997 (cell)

757-825-4674 X 3089 (office)

Email: parentresourcecenter@nps.k12.va.us

This month, we have the honor of celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week, a time devoted to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our educators. Our teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds and the futures of our students and their dedication, passion, and hard work deserve our utmost gratitude. Whether inside or outside the classroom, their impact and influence extend far beyond academics, touching the lives of students and families alike. Thank you to all our teachers for everything you do!

Throughout American history, Asian and Pacific Islanders have made significant impacts in various fields, from art and literature to science, technology, politics, and beyond. This month provides an opportunity for us to learn, reflect, and celebrate the countless contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to our nation's history and culture. It is a time to highlight their resilience, strength, and enduring spirit in the face of challenges and adversity.

Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing awareness, promoting understanding, and reducing the stigma associated with conversations surrounding mental health. In our community, we recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being, especially in the lives of our students, families, and staff. Throughout this month, we encourage open conversations about mental health, providing education, support, and more resources. We recognize that mental health affects each of us differently and that everyone's journey is unique. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental health.

National School Principals’ Day was observed on May 1, 2024, to recognize and appreciate the extraordinary leadership, commitment, and effort of our school principals. Principals of Norfolk Public Schools are instrumental in fostering a conducive learning environment, helping students, families, and staff, and steering our school community towards achievement. Their dedication is genuinely praiseworthy and merits acknowledgment. On behalf of the entire Norfolk Public Schools’ division, we would like to wish our principals a sincere appreciation for everything they do!

On May 3, 2024, we celebrated National School Lunch Hero Day, a special occasion to honor and recognize the incredible contributions of our school lunch staff who work tirelessly to nourish our students' minds and bodies. Our school lunch heroes play a vital role in ensuring that our students have access to nutritious meals that stimulate their learning and growth. With kindness, dedication, and a warm smile, they make a difference in the lives of our students every day. We extend our sincere appreciation to our school lunch heroes for their hard work, dedication, and consistent commitment to serving our students with excellence. Thank you for your outstanding service and for being true champions of our school division!

In keeping with the overarching theme of "Nurses Make the Difference" observed during National Nurses Week, our school nurses embody a higher calling than traditional healthcare providers. They serve as passionate advocates for the welfare of our students, trustworthy allies, and compassionate caretakers. School nurses serve as the backbone of the health services within our division, contributing their knowledge, commitment, and concern for the well-being and security of our students. Our school nurses work diligently with smiles on their faces. We could not accomplish the important work we do as a division without our amazing school nurses. Thank you for protecting and strengthening our children’s lives and enhancing their learning environment.

Our school communicators work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that important information, updates, and announcements are effectively communicated to students, families, staff, and the wider community. On May 10, 2024, we honor and recognize our school communicators and express our appreciation for their efforts in keeping our community informed, connected, and engaged. Thank you for being the voices of your schools and being instrumental in all that you do!

On Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, 2024, we pause to honor and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to uphold peace and protect our communities. Peace Officers Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the bravery, dedication, and selflessness exhibited by law enforcement officers. Norfolk Public Schools continues to honor their memory and express our gratitude for their service and sacrifice.