NPS NOW NEWSLETTER
February 2025
Dear Norfolk Public Schools’ Families:
As February kicks off, there is an electrifying energy in the air, filled with excitement and endless possibilities for what is to come. Even with the winter chill outside, our schools are radiating with the warmth of learning, growth, and meaningful connections. This month has a special way of infusing our hallways with an infectious energy, perhaps it is the thrill of reaching the halfway point of the academic year, or the joy of witnessing students and staff alike embrace the spirit of kindness, compassion, and friendship. Whether it is through acts of generosity, moments of creativity, or simply the shared sense of community, February reminds us of the heartwarming connections that define our journey together. In classrooms across our division, I have had the joy of witnessing countless moments of discovery, collaboration, and achievement. Our students continue to impress me with their curiosity and resilience, while our dedicated teachers create engaging learning environments that inspire growth and creativity. It is truly a privilege to be part of such a vibrant, dynamic community where learning is celebrated every day.
February gives us so many exciting opportunities to celebrate together. From the thrill of learning about the incredible triumphs and achievements of African Americans in our community and national history through engaging classroom activities, to the heartwarming joy of sharing kind words and appreciation for one another, this month truly brings us closer as a community. Our schools are embracing these moments, weaving them into daily lessons and special projects that help our students grow not just academically, but as caring members of our community.
As we navigate through these winter weeks, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a supportive school community. The partnership between our families, staff, and students continues to be the foundation of our success. Your commitment to education and your trust in our schools make every day special.
Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism about what we will accomplish together in the months to come. The enthusiasm I see in our students' faces and the dedication I witness from our staff tell me that our best days are still ahead.
Together, we are creating an educational environment where every student can thrive, dream, and achieve.
Wishing you peaceful moments and bright spirits.
Maury High School Senior Claire Giglio Awarded Prestigious Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award
Norfolk Public Schools is proud to announce that Maury High School Senior Claire Giglio has been named the recipient of the esteemed Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award for 2025. Claire has been recognized for her outstanding academic achievements and exemplary leadership qualities, both within the school and in the community.
The award, established by the late Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., honors students who excel academically and demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities. The selection committee was highly impressed with Claire's record of accomplishments and her commitment to making a positive impact.
Claire was formally recognized at an in-person awards ceremony on February 5, 2025, at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond, Virginia.
We congratulate Claire on this well-deserved recognition and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.
Maury High School Honors Future Medical Professionals at 16th Annual White Shirt Ceremony
Maury High School’s Medical and Health Specialties Program (MHSP) held its 16th Annual White Shirt Ceremony for the Class of 2025 in December. This uplifting event, recognizing the hard work of students, is a spin-off from universities’ White Coat Ceremony to give MHSP’s Seniors a taste of the significance of their hard work and dedication to the medical and health field.
Congratulations to these amazing scholars, their families, and the educators who believe in them!
Coleman Place Elementary Celebrates Historic 100th Anniversary
Coleman Place Elementary School marked its 100th anniversary on January 31, 2024, with a special celebration themed A Legacy of Learning: 100 Years Strong—Rooted in Tradition, Soaring into Tomorrow. The event featured performances by the school's steel pan drum ensemble in collaboration with the Virginia Arts Festival’s Rhythm Project, along with a presentation on the school's history, reflections, and recognitions of past and present staff members. Community and religious partners were also honored during the ceremony. The keynote address, “A Century of Commitment,” was delivered by Mr. Fredrick D. Walker, Norfolk Public Schools Director of Communications. The celebration featured a vibrant Cougar Spirit Tunnel where students, faculty, and staff cheered while one of Norfolk's premier high school bands led a procession through the hallways. Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a lunch mixer where they shared memories and celebrated the school's lasting impact on the community.
Teacher of the Year 2026 Ceremony
On January 16, 2025, Norfolk Public Schools leaders from across the division gathered to honor our outstanding educators during the 2026 Teachers of the Year Ceremony. Hosted by the DoubleTree Norfolk Airport Hotel, the event featured inspiring remarks, heartfelt recognition, a Presentation of the Colors by the Maury High School NJROTC Color Guard and engaging musical performances by the Maury High School Student Chorus, and the NPS Strolling Strings. The event was emceed by Ms. Melissa Hales, the NPS 2025 City-Wide Teacher of the Year and Superintendent Dr. Sharon I. Byrdsong along with School Board members, including Chair Sarah DiCalogero and Vice Chair Alfreda Thomas, joined in recognizing the All City Teaching Team, the Top 12 Teachers of the Year, and the Top 3 Teachers of the Year: Ebonie Campbell (Maury High School), Lauren Grant (Norview Middle School), and Catherine Flanigan (Camp Allen Elementary School).
A special congratulations to Catherine Flanigan, named the 2026 All City Teacher of the Year, for her exceptional dedication, innovative teaching methods, and lasting impact on students and the community!
Principals Appreciation Week Provides an Opportunity to Say ‘Thank You’
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared January 12-18, 2025, as Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week, honoring the leadership and dedication of school principals throughout the Commonwealth. Norfolk Public Schools’ principals are instrumental in shaping school cultures, promoting collaboration, and creating positive learning environments where all of our students are able to thrive. Thank you, NPS principals, for your unwavering commitment to your teachers, staff, and students!
Support for English Language Learners and Their Families
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.
Before and After School Care
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.
Hearts of Christmas
During the 2024 holiday season, the year Hearts of Christmas Foundation sponsored 12 students from Norfolk Public Schools who participate in the Mckinney-Vento Program. Hearts of Christmas Foundation is designed to provide necessities and gifts to students ages 13 and older without a permanent home. The foundation partnered with Norfolk Public Schools in December 2021. They receive donations of various items from the community that are then sorted and distributed directly to various school systems. Thank you to Hearts of Christmas for supporting our Norfolk Public School students!
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 Featherston , Community Engagement Coordinator, Office of Communications & Community Engagement, (757) 628-3459.
Volunteer Opportunities with Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk Public Schools values its partnerships with families and community stakeholders. The division welcomes volunteers to assist with educating students in a variety of ways. Volunteers can serve as mentors, tutors, chaperones, and more. If you are interested in volunteering with us, visit the Community Engagement webpage and apply today!
We’re Celebrating . . .
Black History Month
This month, we celebrate the African Americans who have shaped our society and continue to inspire future generations. From influential leaders and trailblazing innovators to groundbreaking artists and educators, Black History Month reminds us of the vital contributions made throughout history.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD)
On February 5, 2025, we celebrated the 39th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This year, we honored the achievements of girls and women in sports and recognized the confidence, strength, and leadership sports participation inspires. Powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation, NGWSD continues to "Lead Her Forward," acknowledging the transformative power of sports to unlock limitless potential. Join us in celebrating this vibrant movement and advocating for gender equity in sports!
School Board Appreciation Month February 2025 is School Board Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the dedication of over 800 school board members across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This year’s theme–Champions of Opportunity, Advocates for Excellence–highlights their commitment to fostering student achievement and innovation. Join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions to our schools and communities!
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:
Extended & Enrichment Learning Opportunities
Distributed Leadership and Practices
Family and Community Engagement
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Geneva Malik-December
I love being a part of the EELC program because I can make a big difference in the students’ lives.
Rolanda Alexcee-January
My experience with EELC has been amazing. My thoughts on Art with nature and food have been challenging but have been extremely fun. The students love all the ideas that are presented to them, especially when they are creating art involving food that can be duplicated at home. I have so many ideas for the following months to come. Thank you for the opportunity. This is a program that our students will never forget.
Darius Whitehurst-December
I am grateful to have the opportunity to pour back into the kids through the EELC programs. It is a blessing to be a blessing to the kids. I am grateful to see the fruit manifest whether it is through grades, kids attitudes or attendance. I take pride in what they are doing, and they are moving and increasing throughout their lives. I am looking forward to continuing my work here. It has been impactful and powerful for me as well.
Deidre Sanderlin-January
EELC has been a “Passport” for the implementation of the Mentoring Her in Minutes for Girls enrichment program. It has afforded students the opportunity to explore and transport their dreams to new heights. I am excited and ready for the next exploration and outing!
Eric Clark-December
I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to be able to teach these wonderful kids about photography. Thank you for my gift, I cannot wait to open it.
Ciara Holloway -January
Equity and excellence are two critical principles that profoundly affect children's learning experiences, outcomes and overall development and I am proud to be a part of this lasting impact. Being a part of the Junior Chef Team has brought me great joy. The students not only get to experience hands on learning but skills to apply to everyday life. Hearing their stories about how they tried the same recipes at home with their families along with great interest in what we will be doing next lets me know that we are headed in the right direction. I believe every school should have innovative programs such as EELC!
Danielle Scott-December
I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with students to contribute to the growth and development of their educational and social needs.
Sharonda Epps-January
I have enjoyed participating in the EELC program. It has been a pleasure giving the students a place to retreat to after a long school day. I believe meditation, stretching, and journaling have given the students’ an outlet they would not normally take advantage of. It has also helped me relax at the end of the day.
