2023-2024 Back to School Newsletter

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We will be so excited to see everyone on the first day of school, August 28th, ready to achieve and succeed “No Matter What!”

Norfolk Public Schools remains committed to providing innovative, rigorous, creative, and equitable opportunities for all students, NO MATTER WHAT, as outlined in our strategic plan, Continuing the Drive – Equity and Excellence for All. This strategic plan guides the work of the school division and focuses our time and attention toward providing safe and secure learning environments that are conducive to successful outcomes for each student. The goals of the strategic plan are as follows:

1. Student Excellence -- We will create authentic and culturally relevant learning experiences so that each student will be a creative, collaborative, civic-minded, critical thinker with effective communications skills.
2. Workforce -- We will attract, develop, and retain a highly effective workforce.
3. Resources -- We will ensure equitable allocation of human, fiscal, and material resources to support equity and excellence for all.
4. Community -- We will establish, strengthen, and sustain community partnerships to support students’ engagement, success, and opportunities.
5. Safety and Climate -- We will cultivate a safe and welcoming environment whereby the physical and social-emotional needs of each student and member of the NPS workforce are valued.

Please visit the NPS website to review our strategic plan at www.npsk12.com/npsstrategicplan. We will continue to update you and the School Board on our progress towards achieving these goals each month during the 2023-2024 school year.

As always, your continued partnership remains significant to our students’ success. We invite you to volunteer with us. Visit our Volunteers’ webpage at www.npsk12.com/volunteers to find out how to do so. Please connect with us!

Norfolk Public Schools provides information to our families and community in multiple ways including our website and social media pages on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Throughout the school year, our families receive important information via email, text message or telephone call, and our NPS NOW Newsletter. If your child has grandparents, aunts, uncles, or friends who want to know about all the wonderful things happening in Norfolk Public Schools then they can subscribe here!

And please, stay in touch! You may reach out to us through our social media channels. Call us at 757-670-3945 or email us at tellus@npsk12.com.

Again, we are excited to welcome our students back one week early on August 28th ... No Matter What! Last, but certainly not least – have a wonderful, productive school year.

To stay up to date on events and information for your child’s school, find individual school web pages under the Schools + tab in the top right corner at www.npsk12.com, or simply type the school’s name into the search bar. Each school’s page offers the latest school announcements and information, as well as important dates to mark on your calendar such as Open House! Bookmark the full 2023-2024 NPS Academic Calendar that includes teacher work days, early release days, holidays, and end of quarter dates.

The ParentVue online portal allows parents and guardians to see real-time information about their child, including calendars, attendance, schedules, grades, report cards, and emergency contacts. Login to Parent Vue and find additional resources here.

Additional information for parents and guardians of students with disabilities can be found at www.npsk12.com/ls.

Norfolk Public Schools offers language translation services through Voiance. This on-demand translation service helps to eliminate communication barriers between families who need this service and division level staff. Find more information on Voiance here. Norfolk Public Schools also offers translation for its website, www.npsk12.com (click the “Translate” option under the “District Home | Schools” blue button on the top right side of the home page). Additionally, the school division offers this newsletter each month in Spanish, along with a Spanish-language Facebook page, Norfolk Public Schools en Espanol.

Norfolk Public Schools will continue to collaborate with childcare providers throughout Norfolk to ensure parents/guardians have access to before and after care programs for their child(ren) during the 2023-2024 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 updated throughout the school year.

Review your child’s school website or call the school for specific program information.

The 2023-2024 NPS Operating Budget includes significant funding to enhance safety and security within Norfolk Public Schools. This summer, the division's Department of Public Safety began to hire for the 18 additional safety and security officer positions supported by this budget along with five new security supervisors. Additionally, equipment improvements have been made to include security camera upgrades at our high schools with plans to update surveillance systems at other schools throughout the division over the next five years.

Weapon detection systems have been installed at every school within the division, which will automatically screen people, backpacks, and bags for weapons. These weapon detection systems will be in operation on school days from students’ arrival until the dismissal of students and may also be used at other times such as after-school or during athletic events.

Finally, the school division’s Director of Public Safety provided a report to the School Board in July on the work of the School Board’s Safe and Secure Schools Task Force. Find the full report online here and watch his presentation to the board here.

School attendance is critical to students’ success!

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we need the support of our families to ensure that their children attend school on a regular basis.

Here are a few reasons school attendance is so important:

• Poor attendance can influence whether children are proficient readers by the end of third grade.
• By 6th grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
• When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.
• Research shows that missing as little as two (2) days every month or 10 percent of the school year can have a significant impact on students and their ability to learn.

You can promote student attendance and show your support by making sure your child(ren) arrive(s) at school on time, every day.

Please keep the lines of communication open by letting us know if there is something standing in the way of getting your child(ren) to school. We want to help so that we can continue to build on our promising growth in academic achievement in the coming year, as well as strive toward equity and excellence for all … no matter what!

Be sure to communicate with your child's/children's school on a regular basis and to schedule non-school appointments outside school hours as much as possible. Stay connected by following NPS on Facebook, X, Instagram, and the division’s website to learn more about attendance campaign activities and incentives throughout the school year!

NPS has partnered with VectorSolutions to provide students, parents/guardians, and staff a safe way to report bullying and student-related matters anytime, anywhere, on any device through the Vector Alert Tip Reporting System application.

Text us, call us, e-mail us, or report it through the website, while remaining anonymous. As always, every tip is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

Download the app to your device today! Use “SafeSchools Alert” at the Apple Store and “Vector Alert” in Google Play.

To learn more about the Vector Alert Tip Reporting System, please visit nps-va.safeschoolsalert.com. The division’s code is 2110.

Please mark your calendars: October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. We look forward to wearing orange with you to unite and stand against bullying this Unity Day, October 18, 2023!

Servicing Our Schools is a partnership with the military to provide direct support to schools and teachers to prepare for the start of the school year. Enlisted military members donate time on a designated day before our schools open to help with tasks such as moving desks and books, working on bulletin boards, cleaning, and sprucing up gardens to get our schools ready for the upcoming school year.

This year, 13 schools welcomed military volunteers on August 17 to assist with preparations to receive students on August 28, 2023. More than 100 military volunteers assisted the schools with assembling and moving classroom equipment and textbooks, preparing courtyards and playgrounds, and assisting in setting up the media centers and cafeterias.

The Navy has a strong interest in giving back to local communities and devoting a day to supporting school divisions. Servicing Our Schools Day shows our teachers and students they care.

Norfolk Public Schools joined MacArthur Center and the City of Norfolk to present Unity In The Community Back 2 School Celebration. The event, held at MacArthur Center on Saturday, August 19, hosted more than 2,000 families to provide back-to-school supplies, health screening information, helpful resources, food, and entertainment.

Families enjoyed listening to the sounds of the Mosaic Steel Orchestra, the Booker T. Washington High School Choir, and Lake Taylor High School’s marching band. Faith-based organizations provided fun activities such as face painting, a scavenger hunt, and a bounce house.

Following greetings from Norfolk’s Mayor Dr. Kenneth C. Alexander and Dr. Doreatha White, Norfolk Public Schools’ Chief Strategy, Innovation, and Community Engagement Officer, the Norfolk State University Cheerleaders performed acrobatic stunts and cheers. The NSU cheerleaders ended their performance with a special cheer that reminded students and families that August 28, 2023, is the first day of school.

Norfolk Public Schools values the support we receive from community partners and volunteers. We look forward to your return for the 2023-2024 school year. As part of your preparation in assisting us with reading programs, tutoring, coaching, and mentoring, please be reminded that you must register and receive an email clearance from Raptor. Your clearance email will provide you with information on how to set-up your portal to track your volunteer hours, monitor the schools you have selected, and receive emails on different volunteer opportunities.

Raptor allows the division to conduct a criminal background check on everyone who volunteers in our schools to ensure that all within NPS adhere to the division's safety and security protocols. When completing the application, you will be able to select the school(s) in which you wish to volunteer and the types of volunteer opportunities.

Once registered and cleared, volunteers are approved for two years. All volunteers must adhere to the Code of Conduct and Volunteer Duties Acknowledgement, which are found in the application and on the Raptor Frequently Asked Questions page at https://www.npsk12.com/Page/18597.

All volunteers and visitors must check in to Raptor at the school’s front office to ensure the safety and security of all children in NPS’ care. This also allows school staff to know who is physically in the school in the event of an emergency.

For more information, visit the Community Engagement website, https://www.npsk12.com/volunteer. Apply today!

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.

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

Norfolk Public Schools and FEV Tutor provide students with free, high-quality, live, one-to-one virtual tutoring and homework help.

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.

Also, remember the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)! All NPS families qualify for this program. It's easy to apply for this subsidy to lower your Internet service bill! If you do not have an Internet provider, then you can secure it through this program. Click here to apply: https://acpbenefit.org/.

For additional student learning resources, please visit https://www.npsk12.com/learningresources.

Norfolk Public Schools’ administrators gathered at Norview High School in early August for the annual Summer Leadership Institute. This year, administrators participated in activities and professional development focused on literacy, attendance, and accountability. One of the keynote speakers, author Natalie Wexler, discussed the importance of building students’ world knowledge and vocabulary to enhance reading and writing capabilities. She also addressed how writing instruction can revolutionize education. Another keynote speaker, educator and author Dr. Steve Perry, provided an inspirational message: “It’s not where you start that matters, it’s the difference you make along the way.”

Breakout sessions included presentations on reading and writing strategies, data review and analysis, content updates in multiple instructional areas and the division’s coaching model, along with maintaining a proactive approach to self-care.

More than 400 new full-time and long-term substitute teachers gathered at Norview High School for the 2023 Norfolk Public Schools’ three-day New Teacher Institute! These educators met fellow NPS teachers and staff and participated in informative workshops. The motivating keynote address from teacher, author, and educational consultant Robert Jackson reminded teachers that the energy they bring to the classroom is contagious. Jackson encouraged teachers to not "judge kids where they are,” but to inspire them to achieve at higher levels.

Professional learning opportunities are planned throughout the school year for new and veteran teachers.

We welcome our new teachers to NPS and to #TeamNoMatterWhat!

Norfolk Public Schools’ 2023 Connecting for Students Community Summit was a TREMENDOUS success!

Hundreds of staff, parents/guardians, and community organizations gathered at Lake Taylor School for a full day of learning, sharing, and networking on August 3.

The summit provided an engaging, supportive experience that promoted learning without limits for students and embodied NPS’ efforts toward the goals described in its strategic plan, Continuing the Drive | Equity and Excellence for All.

The Department of Learning Support-Special Education Services organized the event to strengthen the connection between the community and our schools. Each group acquired invaluable tools and information to support an inclusive and equitable learning environment in which all students can thrive.

Thanks to everyone who attended, presented, and provided an exhibit. We are already looking forward to next year!

Hot days brought cool learning and fun for students in NPS’ summer programs! More than 5,500 students in the Summer Stars Program participated in STEM activities, arts, music, and extended school year classes. Rising sixth and ninth graders also visited their new schools and met their new classmates and teachers during Sixth and Ninth Grade Transition Programs.

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 administration of Norfolk Public Schools will report on progress throughout the 2023-2024 school year during School Board meetings, which are live streamed on Swag-It or on YouTube. Cox Cable subscribers may tune in to WNPS Channel 47.

The entire strategic plan with links to objectives and measurement tables is located online at www.npsk12.com/npsstrategicplan. Please review the plan and follow along as Norfolk Public Schools continues the drive toward equity and excellence for all.

The Department of School Nutrition is pleased to announce that for the 2023-2024 school year, Norfolk Public Schools will once again implement an option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP allows eligible schools participating in the USDA National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program to provide meals at no cost to all students without meal applications. This option will be utilized division-wide, in every Norfolk Public School.

All enrolled students attending Norfolk Public Schools are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each instructional day of the 2023-2024 school year. No further action is required of parents/guardians. Students will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.

If you have questions or need help, please contact the staff at the Department of School Nutrition by emailing schoolnutrition@nps.kl2.va.us or by calling (757) 628-2760.

The 2023-2024 athletic season is underway for both high school and middle school fall sports. In order to participate, student athletes must meet the following requirements:

• have a valid physical, dated after May 1, 2023; review the NPS athletic website for a complete schedule;
• participate in the annual concussion education training for parents and athletes;

• have a completed Sudden Cardiac Form signed by a parent/guardian; and
• be eligible for participation. All first-time 9th graders are eligible. All first-time 6th graders are eligible. High school student athletes must have passed a minimum of 5 year-long courses and have a GPA of at least 2.0 (from previous school year or cumulative GPA); middle school students must have passed 5 of the 8 courses (from the previous school year or cumulative GPA), and have a GPA of at least a 2.0 from the previous school year.

This information can be reviewed on the NPS Athletics webpage. Student athletes should contact their school’s athletic director for additional information pertaining to the school in which they attend.

Norfolk Public Schools’ athletes programs are ready for the 2023-24 kickoff! As we gear up for another successful season, athletic programs across the city are focusing on positive sportsmanship for all involved, including coaches, student athletes, and fans. Each of these individuals plays a critical role in displaying positive sportsmanship during athletic events.

Superintendent Byrdsong, building principals, athletic directors, and members of the Norfolk School Board expect all participants to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner during athletic contests.

• Coaches: Model integrity, fair play, and respect to officials.
• Student Athletes: Practice self-control, have a positive attitude, and be supportive in all situations.
• Fans: Cheer in a supportive manner for your team and maintain self-control. Acknowledge outstanding effort from both teams.

We all play a part in ensuring a positive experience for our student athletes.

The NPS Department of Athletics encourages everyone to get involved and to stay involved. Join a team, volunteer with your school’s athletic department, and attend an athletic event. Check out the NPS and individual school’s athletic web pages for all schedules, team information, and ticket purchases for athletic events.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS DURING THE 2023-2024 YEAR!

Looking for part-time or full-time employment? Norfolk Public Schools is hiring!

Starting July 1, bus drivers and substitute bus drivers, bus driver assistants and substitutes, bus dispatchers, and auto technicians received pay raises. For bus drivers and substitute bus drivers, the pay rate is now $22.75. The division will also pay for drivers to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, and new drivers will receive a $250 signing bonus!

School nutrition staff, who play an integral part in providing each student with delicious and nutritious meals, also received pay raises starting July 1. A variety of work assignments are available, Monday to Friday, with shifts generally from two to five hours per day. Additional hours are available, along with opportunities for higher pay and advancement, and one free meal per shift. No experience is necessary; so all who are interested, including students, are encouraged to apply!

Norfolk Public Schools’ Human Resources Team spent the summer hiring through in-person and online job fairs. Employment incentives are still available! Teachers who are hired to work at Lindenwood Elementary will receive an extra $5,000 after withholdings through the IGNITE at Lindenwood program.

Interested in joining the team? Visit https://www.npsk12.com/hr for all open positions, because #YOUBelongWithNPS!

In May 2023, the School Board of the City of Norfolk designated Booker T. Washington High School as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) high school. The School Board directed the administration to develop comprehensive curricula and programs within that framework. The board’s resolution states that the framework includes, but is not limited to, the educational specifications and programming that offers enhanced Performance, Visual and Multimedia Arts, A/V (Audio/Visual) and Communications Technology, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, and Hospitality commencing in phases beginning in 2024.

To begin its work, members of Norfolk Public Schools’ administration team held a community input meeting at Booker T. Washington High School. NPS continues to seek input on the program including offerings and operations. Click here for more information and to take the survey!

The new Compass Academy at Ruffner welcomes its first students for the 2023-2024 school year!

Ruffner School now serves students in grades 3 through 8. The Compass Academy offers career and college pathways programs, with academic communities that provide rigorous instruction in engineering and sciences, fine and performing arts, technology, and service and leadership. Each path helps to prepare students for the division’s high school specialty programs. The Compass Academy is open to students across the school division. The application process for the 2024-2025 school year will begin in November. More information about specialty programs can be found here.

Welcome to all students attending Norfolk Public Schools’ newest specialty program!

Stay connected and up to date on all things NPS by subscribing to this, our national-award-winning newsletter, NPS Now! Like us on Facebook, follow us on 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, families, 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 vital information such as school closings for inclement weather or division-wide announcements.

We look forward to connecting with you!