NPS NOW NEWSLETTER

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

Congratulations to the following schools for having the Best Attendance and for earning the Most Improved Attendance for the months of October and November!

96.2% Camp Allen Elementary School (Grades K-5)

95.1% Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (Grades K-8)

94.3% Academy of International Studies at Rosemont (Grades 6-8)

84.0% Maury High School (Grades 9-12)

Camp Allen Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (Grades K-8)

Blair Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Granby High School (Grades 9-12)

95.4% Camp Allen Elementary School (Grades K-5)

93.5% Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (Grades K-8)

89.4% Academy of International Studies at Rosemont (Grades 6-8)

81.4% Maury High School (Grades 9-12)

Norview Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Lake Taylor School (Grades K-8)

Northside Middle School (Grades 6-8)

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

Congratulations to these schools and their students!

Please stay connected by following us on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and the division website to learn more about Norfolk Public Schools’ attendance campaign activities and incentives throughout the school year!

As we step into the New Year, let’s embrace the joys and opportunities reading brings to our lives. Winter Break is a perfect time to cozy up with a good book and create lasting memories through shared reading.

Research shows that reading just 14.2 additional minutes each day exposes students to more than one million additional words in a year, boosting vocabulary, comprehension, and academic success. Norfolk Public Schools invites families to join the Read 14.2 Initiative and participate in the NPS Reading Race! This winter, dedicate extra time to reading and capture the moments that matter. Snap photos of your reading adventures and share them on social media using the following dedicated hashtags: #Read14Point2NPS, #LiteracyRocksAtNPS, #NPSLovesLiteracy, and #LearnToReadReadToLearn.

Make literacy a priority this year by visiting your school library or the Norfolk Public Library to discover exciting new titles. Adult readers can even join in-person or online Book Clubs and students can Have Fun while visiting Norfolk Libraries! Let’s make 2025 a year filled with stories, growth, and shared reading moments! For more information, take some time to review the NPS Literacy Plan.

Congratulations to the newest members of the Granby High School Computer Science Honor Society!

We are so proud to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these outstanding students who have been inducted into this prestigious honor society. Their commitment to excellence in computer science sets them apart, and they are paving the way for a bright future in the field.

Join us in congratulating the newest inductees:

• Anthony Jacob Angeles

• Devinn Burrus

• Brianna Carrasco

• Bryant Duckett

• Mycah Eccles

• Tadesse Fekadesilassie

• Dijon Justice

• Connor Smith

• Edlan Veloco

Keep up the great work!

Booker T. Washington High School's Theater Team had an outstanding showing at the Class 3A Regional Theater Festival held at Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, VA. The talented group of students delivered a stellar performance of the one-act play "Someone to Remember" by Ash Cresfeldt, showcasing their incredible skill and dedication to the craft.

A special shoutout to Mr. Jalen Lott, their remarkable theater teacher, who guided these students to this achievement. Although this is his first year at Booker T. Washington High School, Mr. Lott’s passion and expertise in theater—honed through his own experiences at Indian River High School (Chesapeake, VA) and Norfolk State University—are already making a profound impact. His vision for expanding the Fine and Performing Arts Academy is inspiring students to discover and cultivate their artistic talents.

Held on November 4, 2024, Larchmont Elementary School's Career Day offered students the opportunity to explore diverse vocations through interactive activities and inspiring presentations from professionals.

2024 Norview High School graduate Jordan Lee was among those elected to serve as a student representative on the Freshman Class Council of the Morehouse College Howard Thurman Honors Program. The Morehouse College Honors Program is a four-year comprehensive program providing special learning opportunities for students of outstanding intellectual ability, high motivation, and broad interests.

A political science major on the pre-law track, Lee brings a wealth of potential and passion to the role. He exemplifies the leadership and promise that the program and Morehouse College value in their members. Lee’s election is a testament to the commitment and potential of Norfolk Public Schools’ alumni nationwide.

Before attending Morehouse College, Lee was a member of the 2024 Beautillion Leadership, Mentorship, and Scholarship Militaire Program, sponsored by the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Congratulations, Jordan!

AOS Female Athlete of the Month: Sophia Sadr of Maury High School

AOS Male Athlete of the Month: Deshon Brown of Norview High School

AOS Female Athlete of the Month: Sophie Baker of Maury High School

AOS Male Athlete of the Month: AJ Angeles of Granby High School

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Association of Educational Office Professionals of Norfolk (AEOPN) once again made the season brighter for local children in need. On December 6, 2024, AEOPN members delivered 200 stuffed stockings to the Salvation Army on Raby Road for distribution to local families. This annual tradition reflects the commitment of Norfolk Public Schools employees to giving back and ensuring that children in the community experience the joy and warmth of the holidays.

The Grandy Village Learning Center became a beacon of hope and joy this holiday season as the Norfolk Public Schools Department of Early Learning and Title I hosted its heartwarming “Gifts of Joy” drive-thru event. Over two days, the center transformed into a distribution hub, bringing smiles to families and students across the community.

On December 18, 2024, the event kicked off with a special session dedicated to McKinney-Vento (MKV) families. They received the invaluable gift of books, ensuring that every child had something special to cherish during the holiday season. The spirit of giving continued as MKV families returned in the morning and early afternoon to collect their carefully prepared packages. Later that evening, the event opened its doors to all Norfolk Public Schools families, who received free books for children from preschool through 12th grade.

The drive-thru format allowed for a safe, efficient, and joyful distribution of holiday cheer. Staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that each family received their gifts and books with warmth and care, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.

Learn more about the MKV Program and the NPS Department of Early Learning and Title I on their website.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Mental Health Portal provides a range of free resources and services to support mental health for Virginia residents. Learn more at www.vdh.virginia.gov/norfolk/mental-health/.

Did you know that there are a host of FREE resources for your child(ren) to succeed this school year?

NPS’ students in grades 3 through 12 can receive tutoring in math, science, social studies and English language arts. Norfolk Public Schools and FEV Tutor are providing students with free, high-quality, live, one-to-one virtual tutoring and homework help. Schedule a session, or access live tutors around the clock for last-minute homework help and coursework support.

Virtual tutoring sessions can be scheduled in advance or requested on-demand. Simply visit www.fevtutor.com and login with Clever. If you have any questions, you can contact FEV Tutor directly at NPS@fevtutor.com or 855-763-2607. FEV Tutor's Support Team is happy to answer any questions and work with you to create a personalized tutoring experience that best suits each student. For additional student learning resources, please visit Norfolk Public Schools’ Learning Resources page.

To support families with home languages other than English, Norfolk Public Schools offers translation services through The Language Group. This on-demand translation service helps to eliminate communication barriers between our families of English Language Learners and school division staff. Find more information on The Language Group here.

Norfolk Public Schools also offers translation for its website, www.npsk12.com. Click the “Translate” option under the “division Home | Schools” blue button on the top right side of the home page.

Additionally, Norfolk Public Schools offers this newsletter each month in Spanish, along with a Spanish-language Facebook page, Norfolk Public Schools en Espanol.

Be on the lookout for information pertaining to the opening of the Norfolk Public Schools International Welcome Center in January! The new facility will be located at Rosemont Center.

Norfolk Public Schools continues to collaborate with childcare providers throughout the City to ensure parents/guardians have access to before and after care programs for their child(ren) during the 2024-2025 school year.

These programs are hosted in various school buildings and the City of Norfolk's recreation centers to support parents/guardians who work before and after school hours.

Please be aware that most programs do not include before care options. Providers and site locations will be continually updated throughout the school year.

For a listing of the 2024-2025 Elementary Schools Before and After Care Programs, click here.

Check your child’s(ren’s) school website or call the school(s) for more specific program information.

Envision, Lead, Grow, located at The Mustard Seed Place, 340 High Street in Portsmouth, is a women and girls’ entrepreneurial pipeline that consists of four programs: You Go Girl, Boss Up, The Blossom Network, and The Womanhood Initiative. This four-pronged approach offers women and girls an opportunity to engage in one-on-one mentoring and training designed to guide them along the path of entrepreneurship. Once middle school girls join the You Go Girl program, they can continue growing with Envision, Lead, Grow. All programs are free! Thank you Envision, Lead, Grow for supporting our Norfolk Public School students.

Norfolk Public Schools welcomes positive, collaborative, and meaningful partnerships between our schools and our communities to enhance student academic learning and success. For more information on community engagement, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Mrs. LaEunice Featherston at 757-628-3459 or lfeatherston@nps.k12.va.us.

As we come together to celebrate Kwanzaa, we honor the rich traditions, culture, and values that bring our communities closer. From December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025, Kwanzaa celebrates the seven principles of Nguzo Saba, emphasizing unity, purpose, and collective strength.

May this special time inspire joy, reflection, and a deeper connection to family, community, and heritage.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and joyful Kwanzaa!

Save the Date: All Norfolk Public Schools will be cell phone-free starting on January 1, 2025

During their December 18, 2024, Business Meeting, the City of Norfolk School Board approved the Personal Electronic Communication Device/Cell Phone Policy JXXZ, which will go into effect on January 1, 2025. This policy is designed to promote a healthier, distraction-free learning environment by limiting the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day. Under the policy, students must turn off their devices before entering the school building and store them in their backpacks throughout the instructional day. Any emergency communication for students must occur through the school’s main office.

There are allowable exemptions for cell phones and personal electronic communication devices. These exemptions must be documented in a student’s 504 Plan (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or Individualized Health Care Plan. For students with medical needs, a medical exemption must be included in one of these plans to meet their unique requirements. If a student with a disability or an English learner has a documented accommodation, such as text-to-speech or translation services, and requires technology to ensure a free and appropriate public education, the IEP, Limited English Proficiency plan, or 504 teams will work together to identify and implement appropriate school-based assistive technology such as communication devices or tablets) to meet the student’s unique needs. For students requiring assistive technology, the IEP team or 504 committee will evaluate the features and characteristics of potential tools to identify the most suitable options. During this process, teams will also consider compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), ensuring that decisions do not draw unnecessary attention to the students involved.

We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work to create a focused and positive learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or need to discuss possible exemptions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school principal for assistance.

NPS Unplugged Episode 2: "No Cell From Bell To Bell"

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children has redesignated the following Norfolk Public Schools as Purple Star Schools:

• Bayview Elementary School (3rd award)

• Tarrallton Elementary School (2nd award)

• Willard Model Elementary School (2nd award)

The Purple Star designation honors schools that demonstrate exceptional support for military-connected students and families. This year marks the seventh annual awards since the VDOE and The Council began designating Virginia schools in 2018. Schools receive a certificate and a Purple Star, maintaining the designation for three years before reapplying.

Norfolk Public Schools and VectorSolutions provide students, parents/guardians, and staff a safe way to report bullying and student-related matters any time, any where, on any device. Through the Vector Alert Tip Reporting System, you can text us, call us, e-mail us, or report using the website or the mobile app, while remaining anonymous. Every tip is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

For complete details about the tip reporting system, click on the video embedded with this story and visit nps-va.safeschoolsalert.com.

PURPOSE: Norfolk Public Schools’ Strategic Plan & School Board Goals guide the Division’s work to ensure more equitable learning outcomes for all students. Towards that end, the Equity and Excellence Learning Centers (EELCs)–located at Jacox Elementary School; P.B. Young, Sr. Elementary School; Ruffner (3–8) School; and Booker T. Washington High School–are structured around the four pillars of effective community schools:

1. Extended & Enrichment Learning Opportunities

2. Distributed Leadership and Practices

3. Family and Community Engagement

4. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

We are excited to announce and celebrate our exceptional educators for November and December—our Teachers of the Month at our four Equity and Excellence Learning Centers!

NOVEMBER

• Cynthia Morris - Compass Academy at Ruffner

• Lisa Wright - P. B. Young, Sr. Elementary School

• Bonnie Doster - Jacox Elementary School

• Zecoi Gumbs - Booker T. Washington High School

DECEMBER

• Danielle Scott - Compass Academy at Ruffner

• Eric Clark - P. B. Young, Sr. Elementary School

• Geneva Malik - Jacox Elementary School

• Darius Whitehurst - Booker T. Washington High School

• November 13: IMOMs event held at Booker T. High School was an opportunity to help mothers love and lead their families by creating an opportunity (breakfast/dinner) for them to share time and space with their children as well as receive guidance and support on parenting and family life through topical discussions, interactive activities and guest speakers.

• November 16: Jacox Elementary School students had the opportunity of a lifetime as they attended the Norfolk State University football game against Delaware State! The students got a taste of the rich HBCU culture, actively participating with the band and the crowd throughout the game.The EELCs talented enrichment dance class also showed off their moves, marching to the band’s music and bringing even more energy to the stadium! The students enjoyed the game, the food, the fellowship, and the fun, while parents and teachers were right there with them, joining in the crowd participation and making memories together.

• November 20: Jacox Elementary School hosted its very first Parent Connection Meeting, and it was a wonderful success! Parents learned about the Comer Model, filled out surveys to share their needs and ideas, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast together.

NPS Unplugged serves as an exciting and dynamic communication platform, designed to foster open and meaningful discussions about the policies, programs, and initiatives shaping Norfolk Public Schools. Each episode provides a fresh perspective, offering valuable insights into the work happening across the division. From innovative classroom strategies to equity initiatives and budget priorities, the podcast creates space for authentic conversations that matter to our community.

What makes NPS Unplugged truly special is its ability to connect listeners with the heart of Norfolk Public Schools in a refreshingly candid way. It’s more than just a podcast, it’s a bridge for dialogue, transparency, and collaboration. Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and engaged as we explore the stories and voices that define our educational journey.

Check out Episode #2: No Cell From Bell to Bell at npsk12.com/podcast.

Stay connected and up-to-date on all things Norfolk Public Schools by subscribing to this, our nationally award-winning newsletter, NPS Now! Like us on Facebook, follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, e-mail us at TellUs@npsk12.com, or call us at 757-670-3945!

Our platforms offer a listening ear and a view into daily life at Norfolk Public Schools while supporting the division as it works to strengthen relationships, build partnerships, and inform students, parents/guardians, and community members about how they can affect public education in Norfolk.

Additionally, please ensure that your family’s contact information is current with your child(ren’s) school(s). That helps us contact you with important information such as school closings for inclement weather or division-wide announcements.

We look forward to connecting with you!

In September 2022, the City of Norfolk School Board approved the implementation of a five-year strategic plan for Norfolk Public Schools. The plan, Continuing the Drive: Equity and Excellence for All, was developed over the course of a full year and included input from students, families, staff, and community members about their goals and desires for the future of Norfolk Public Schools.

The plan outlines the steps Norfolk Public Schools will take to build on success and continue to improve. We know that although the path forward will be challenging, it is necessary to support each student and all stakeholders. We also know that in partnership with our community, we can accomplish the goals set forth before us.

The entire Strategic Plan with links to objectives and measurement tables is located online at www.npsk12.com/npsstrategicplan. Please read the plan and follow along as Norfolk Public Schools continues the drive toward Equity and Excellence for All.