2/15/2024

Dear Norfolk Families:

Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas. Links to our school’s report cards are available on our website (NPS Website Link) or on the Massachusetts Department of Education website at:
Freeman Kennedy 2023 School Report Card
H. Olive Day 2023 School Report Card
This is a link to a Quick Facts and Glossary information flier. You can also access our report card or any other school’s report cards through this link: reportcards.doe.mass.edu.

About the Report Card: The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more. 

Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our school. Please note that our report cards have some fields that are blank because we do not service Middle and High School students.

A new measure called Overall Classification has been introduced to the Accountability section of the report cards. An accountability system brings together a set of measures in order to provide clear, actionable information about district and school performance. In Massachusetts, accountability outcomes are determined by factors such as student performance on state tests, chronic absenteeism, high school graduation rates, and completion of advanced coursework. The Overall Classification portion of this Accountability section measures a district's progress toward targets set by the state. The districts are then placed into two categories: requiring assistance or intervention or not requiring assistance or intervention. As the chart indicates, Norfolk is making “substantial progress toward targets” and therefore does not require assistance or intervention from the state. 

Digital Literacy Curriculum: I do want to bring to your attention that if you click on the tab that states “What academic opportunities are available to our students,” you will notice that the graphs under Digital Literacy and Computer Science are blank. Please know that we do teach digital literacy to students. It is not currently represented under the Course Offering tab because, unlike middle and high schools, our digital curriculum is not a stand-alone course. Starting in Kindergarten, we integrate digital literacy lessons into our curriculum. Our Integration Specialists partner with teachers on projects in the classroom and students are taught various computer science skills, like coding, during “tech time” in their classrooms. Students in grades 3 to 6 also have lessons in the makerspace where they get opportunities to use various tools to collaborate, create and innovate on projects as well.  At the elementary level, the most effective way for students to use technology is to incorporate it thoughtfully into their current learning objectives. This model allows students to become creators and critical thinkers, not just consumers of technology. 

Highlights of 2023/2024 school year action steps taken by the Norfolk Public Schools: 

1. Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS):

   1. Implemented a tiered approach to provide varying levels of support based on student needs.

   2. This includes specialized plans for students in special education.

2. Universally Designed Lessons:

   1. Ensure lessons are designed to be accessible to all learners.

   2. Promote equal access to education.

3. Norfolk Educational Support Team (NEST) Process:

   1. Enhancing the process to address supports for students promptly and consistently.

4. Grade Level Monthly Data Meetings:

   1. Using data meetings to create action plans for students requiring Tier 2 supports.

5. Continued to administer Screeners and District Assessments to Inform Instruction

   1. Acadience Literacy Screener 

   2. Math Screener

   3. Mini DESSA - Social Emotional Screener

6. Support for Educators:

   1. Allocating additional time for addressing curriculum needs through committees and meetings.

   2. Providing resources and training to support educators.

   3. Starting a math review to address gaps in mathematical understanding.

   4. Curriculum meetings and coaching are focusing on supporting teachers with addressing grammar, spelling, convention, and writing.

   5. Professional development sessions focused on the Science of Reading to enhance literacy instruction.

7. ELA Program Selection:

   1. Identify and select an English Language Arts (ELA) program that addresses gaps in resources and aligns with the specific needs of our students, especially those in special education.

8. Math Review (spring 2024)

We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and we are grateful for your continued support.

If you have questions about our school’s report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact Victoria Saldana, Assistant Superintendent.  This letter will be sent to you via your child’s backpack and as a ConnectEd. 

Sincerely,
Victoria M. Saldana
Assistant Superintendent 

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Norfolk Public Schools
508-528-1225 ext. 1815
vsaldana@norfolk.k12.ma.us