March 2024 Newsletter
February 2024 Newsletter
Greetings, Norfolk Public Schools’ Families:
As we continue on our productive journey through the remainder of this school year, I am excited to connect with you through this monthly newsletter, which aims to keep you informed of and engaged in the events of our school division. In this edition, we emphasize the pivotal role that consistent attendance plays in our students' academic journeys. Your child's(ren’s) regular presence in school over the coming months will greatly contribute to closing learning gaps and ensuring his/her/their progress to the next academic level. Moreover, we are excited to announce that applications for preschool enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year are now being accepted. Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, and we encourage families to explore this opportunity for their young learners.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, I want to make you aware of highlights from my most recent budget presentation to the School Board of the City of Norfolk. Please review this information in the newsletter. Your support and understanding are crucial as we work to allocate resources effectively and enhance the overall educational experience for our students.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and partnership in our shared commitment to the success of Norfolk Public Schools. By working together, we can create an environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth for each of our students.
Superintendent Dr. Sharon I. Byrdsong’s proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 was presented to the School Board on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. It includes initiatives related to employee compensation; employee recruitment and retention; right-sizing the school division; safety, security, and building maintenance and repairs; and instructional and social-emotional learning resources for schools and students. A public hearing regarding the budget took place on March 6, 2024, to gain citizen input. The School Board is slated to adopt its proposed operating budget on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. This budget will then be submitted to the Norfolk City Council by no later than April 1, 2024. By city charter, the City Council must adopt a municipal budget, which includes school funding in May 2024. Depending upon the City Council’s action, the School Board may have to address differences in its proposal and then act on a revised budget.
Mr. Kurt Straub, athletic director of Blair Middle School, was given the Outstanding Service in Middle School Athletics award by the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (VIAAA)! The award is given each year to someone who has made significant contributions to the athletic administration. In his award letter, the organization stated, “it is an award you richly deserve.” He will be honored at the 2024 VIAAA Conference luncheon in April in Short Pump, Virginia. Mr. Straub, who has been with Norfolk Public Schools and Blair Middle School for the past eight years, said he was honored to know his Norfolk Public Schools and VIAAA peers see the hard work he is putting into the programs.
“I think it’s important to know that our kids perform well both academically and, on the field,” Mr. Straub said. “I know how important it is to prepare students for their futures, whether that’s continuing athletics in high school or college or heading into the workforce, and we do that by focusing on developing character as our number one priority. We take students into the community, so they understand the value of giving back. I’m always looking to maximize our student athletes’ full potential on the field or off the field.” Congratulations, Mr. Straub!
School Social Workers Week
As we celebrate and honor School Social Work Week, we want to highlight the impact of our incredible school social workers who have been supporting students and families since the early 20th century. From humble beginnings addressing truancy to providing vital emotional support, school social workers have evolved into champions of students' well-being and their dedication has shaped the history of education. We would like to thank all of our school social workers who strive and advocate to make a positive difference in the lives of our youth!
Women’s History Month
Happy National Women's History Month! Women's History Month is a celebration of history, culture, and society, dedicated to reflecting on the often-overlooked contributions of women to U.S. history. The theme for 2024 celebrates "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," which recognizes the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity. We honor all of the women this month who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices, and legislation reflecting these values.
Youth Art Month
Youth Art Month is a celebration of the visual arts in our schools. March honors Youth Art Month to encourage support for quality school art programs, direct attention to the value of art education, recognize art as a necessity for the full development of a better quality of life for all, and provide additional opportunities for individuals of all grade levels to participate in creative art learning.
Music in Our Schools Month
This is the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools and communities nationwide. March is also Music In Our Schools Month, and we continue raising awareness of the importance of music education for all our children. It is also an incredible opportunity to display the value that music brings and highlight the benefits of high-quality music programs.
School Social Worker of the Year
Ms. Frances Martinez has been selected by her peers as the 2023-2024 School Social Worker of the Year for Norfolk Public Schools! Ms. Martinez’s many accomplishments include developing the first Spanish Resource Guide for Norfolk Public Schools’ families, serving as the liaison for Spanish-speaking students and families through the Department of Student Wellness, providing social-emotional learning support and crisis intervention to numerous students, mentoring new staff, and providing support to her colleagues who need additional assistance with providing school social work services to their families who speak Spanish. When she was a student at Norfolk State University, Ms. Martinez interned with Norfolk Public Schools and after obtaining her Master of Social Work degree in 2022, she joined the department full-time!
Ms. Martinez currently serves as the school social worker at Lake Taylor High School and Jacox Elementary School where she is well respected by her team members. Ms. Martinez is often described by her colleagues as being supportive of others as well as professional in her demeanor in any given situation. She is also willing to go above and beyond to get the job done, exemplifying "No Matter What"!
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Norview High School held a Family Engagement Night. The evening event was a celebration of the many cultures of students that attend the school and to provide families with information on the available resources in the city and to receive academic support, attendance, and graduation information. Norview High’s supportive community partnerships were evident with over 45 vendors in attendance. Informational resources were provided by graduation coaches, military counselors, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and many more. Families enjoyed tasting food from different countries, engaging with teachers, dancing, and playing soccer!
