NPS NOW NEWSLETTER
November 2024
Dear Norfolk Public Schools’ Families:
I want to take a moment to reflect upon our journey during this school year. It has been inspiring to witness the dedication and resilience of our entire school division throughout the fall semester. Together, we have accomplished so much, from engaging classroom activities to successful extracurricular programs that enrich our students' experiences.
November brings not only the transition into a new season but also the opportunity to pause and express gratitude. This month, we celebrate the hard work and commitment of our families, teachers, and staff who strive each day to create a positive and productive learning environment. I encourage everyone to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of those in your life who make this a season of thanks.
Our recent parent-teacher conferences were an incredible opportunity to foster open communication between home and school, and we encourage all families to keep this dialogue going with our teachers and school leadership. These conversations are essential in understanding students’ progress and developing effective strategies that support their success. Our teachers are energized and eager to partner with you regarding our students’ learning journey, and together, we can create the best path forward to achieve their educational goals.
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I invite everyone to take a moment to give back to our community in ways that are meaningful to you. This season is also a time to reflect upon the diverse traditions and celebrations that make our community so special. By embracing and respecting our differences, we create a richer learning environment and foster an atmosphere of warmth, inclusion, and understanding. I am truly proud of our commitment to diversity and the wonderful ways we celebrate it, both in our classrooms and throughout our community.
Let's continue through this school year with a focus on achieving academic excellence and fostering personal growth. I encourage families to engage with their children in discussions about their learning experiences and to find out more about how you can be involved in their learning journey. This collaboration between home and school is vital for fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in nurturing our students’ potential. Your involvement makes a significant difference in their lives and our school community as a whole.
Wishing you a warm and joyful November!
Norfolk Public Schools Recognizes Schools With the Best Attendance for August/September
Norfolk Public Schools will continue recognizing the schools with Best and Most Improved Attendance rates each month as part of the division’s focus on improving on-time, daily attendance.
The division would like to congratulate the top schools that achieved the Best Attendance rate from August 19, 2024-September 27, 2024:
92.0% Sherwood Forest Elementary School (Grades K-5)
91.3% Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (Grades K-8)
93.2% Academy of International Studies at Rosemont (Grades 6-8)
82.7% Maury High School (Grades 9-12)
Note: Norfolk Public Schools will begin recognizing schools in the Most Improved Attendance rate category in November, when the division finalizes its October attendance numbers.
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!
Literacy Focus: All Norfolk Reads
While Norfolk Public Schools champions literacy achievement throughout the year, the month of November, National Family Literacy Month, is the perfect time to remind all NPS stakeholders of the importance of shared reading and writing experiences.
Family literacy is crucial since it creates a strong foundation for every child’s educational development and support for lifelong learning. When families engage in meaningful reading, speaking, and writing activities together, they foster a love of learning, improve language skills, and strengthen emotional bonds. These meaningful interactions help family members model positive reading habits, support children’s academic progress, and build confidence in their learning abilities.
It’s impossible to celebrate literacy without a good book! Students and caregivers have wonderful reading options at their fingertips. Visit NPS Media Services to see what Norfolk’s school libraries and public libraries have to offer. Once the perfect books are selected, visit the National Center for Families Learning and the Norfolk Public Library for unique, fun ways to celebrate family literacy, learning, and togetherness this month and throughout the year!
Norfolk Public Schools is a school division that prides itself on being the cornerstone of a proudly diverse community and Crossroads School is a fantastic example of embracing such variety within our school communities.
On October 10, 2024, the Dolphins’ hosted their Second Annual Latino Festival. The event gave families a break from focusing on core subjects and brought everyone together in a social setting to celebrate and learn about a growing culture within their community.
“Over the past few years, the population of Spanish speaking students has grown rapidly at Crossroads. Due to language and cultural barriers, it was difficult to connect with our parents/guardians and families within the community,” said Crossroads’ Principal Dr. Kristen Nichols. “When Julie Ulsh came to me with the idea of hosting events in celebration of Hispanic Heritage, culminating with a Latino festival, I jumped at the idea. This was the perfect opportunity to open our doors to families in a fun and culturally relevant way.”
Julie Ulsh, the English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Crossroads, said the Latino Festival was an idea that had been brewing in her soul for a while.
“The year before we started it, I read a book to a second-grade class, titled Pepe and the Parade. It emphasized the importance of celebrating where you are from. The characters marched in a parade with flags from their respective countries,” said Ulsh, who herself is an immigrant and English Learner. “The students loved it and wanted to learn more about Latin American countries and the Spanish language. That was the inspiration and lightbulb moment.”
Ulsh is extremely passionate about her role as an ESL teacher and said that the enthusiasm, support, and collaboration she received from her colleagues, students, families, and community partners was very uplifting.
“The festival is more than an event. [In] the four weeks leading up to it, all students explored, experienced, and celebrated a variety of Latin American music, art, dance, and literacy/language,” said Ulsh. “When we educate everyone, then we empower everyone. The whole school was able to really get to know their Latin American peers, where they are from, the languages they speak, traditions, and other cultural phenomena. From the inception of this process, one of my goals was for this entire celebration to be centered around them, created by them, and led by them.”
Principal Dr. Nichols said, “The teachers that work with our students, including Mrs. Ulsh, help our students to understand that their differences are what make them special. They encourage students to be independent and take pride in their differences. They also encourage all students to respect what other students can bring to the table because of their differences. The diversity that is within the Crossroads School community is what makes Crossroads an amazing school for all students.”
Out of nearly 800 students at Crossroads, 110 students qualify for ESL services and 159 students have special needs. Crossroads is also diverse in the socio-economic makeup of our community. Approximately 65 percent of the student population is considered low socio-economic status.
Plans are already in the making to have a third Latino festival next fall.
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 “District 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 November! The new facility will be located at Rosemont Center.
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.
November is Native American Heritage Month!
Join us in celebrating the rich history, diverse cultures, and countless contributions of Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous communities. Throughout the month, we honor their heritage, resilience, and the unique traditions passed down through generations. From art and storytelling to political and social leadership, Native Americans continue to shape our nation in meaningful ways.
It’s Epilepsy Awareness Month!
This month, we shine a light on epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide. Epilepsy Awareness Month aims to raise understanding, support those living with epilepsy, and break down the stigma surrounding the condition.
Join us in wearing purple and spreading awareness about seizure first aid, treatment advancements, and the challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy. Together, we can help improve lives and advocate for more research and resources. For information/resources from the Epilepsy Foundation, visit https://www.epilepsy.com/.
November 11-15, 2024, is National School Psychology Week!
This week, we celebrate the crucial work of school psychologists in helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The 2024 theme, “Spark Discovery,” recognizes the work that school psychologists do to help their communities seek out new ideas, effect change, and expand horizons for children and youth.
School psychologists provide invaluable support by promoting mental health, creating safe learning environments, and addressing students' diverse needs. Join us in recognizing their contributions and learning how we can all contribute to the well-being and growth of our students.
Happy Thanksgiving!
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it's a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Whether you're sharing a meal with family, friends, or your community, this holiday is about gratitude, togetherness, and giving thanks for the people and moments that bring us joy.
Let’s also take a moment to consider how we can give back and support those in need during this season of generosity. However you celebrate, we wish you a warm and Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and gratitude!
On July 9, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 to help bring cell phone-free education to Virginia schools. Starting on January 1, 2025, all Virginia Schools will be cell phone-free “from bell-to-bell.” Learn more about the executive order and what it means for Virginia Schools on the Virginia Department of Education’s website. Follow Norfolk Public Schools on Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay informed about the latest developments regarding the implementation of Executive Order 33 throughout the school division.
Save the Date: All Norfolk Public Schools will be cell phone-free starting on January 1, 2025
