Goals
Overview
In accordance with our mission statement, Board of Education decisions will be based on what is best for all students in the Norwood-Norfolk Central School District.
Goal 1: The Norwood-Norfolk School Board of Education will promote the continual improvement of instructional program to raise the quality of educational services and student achievement.
NNCS will implement a research-based approach to literacy instruction, aligning curriculum Pre-K through 12.
Action/Strategy: Utilize the age-appropriate writing process and essential vocabulary to increase literacy in all subject areas.
Implementation Steps:
1. Revise vocabulary lists and instructional practices to align with the NYS Literacy Briefs and grade-level curriculum standards
- Elementary Essential Vocabulary
- Middle School Essential Vocabulary
- Academic Vocabulary Schedule: 2023-24
- High School Essential Vocabulary
2. Update the writing goals and instructional practices to align with NYS Literacy Briefs and grade-level curriculum standards
- Grade-Level Writing Goals
Action/Strategy: Implement the Science of Reading
Implementation Steps:
1. Utilize teacher leadership to support the implementation of this approach, ensuring alignment with NYS Literacy Briefs in Pre-K through grade 12.
2. Continue to develop writing processes within the parameters of the Science of Reading.
3. Evaluate curriculum to purchase a grade 6-8 ELA core program that encompasses all aspects of the Science of Reading.
4. Increased focus on non-fiction literature within our curriculum.
Action/Strategy: Utilize the age-appropriate writing process and essential vocabulary to increase literacy in all subject areas.
Implementation Steps:
1. Revise vocabulary lists and instructional practices to align with the NYS Literacy Briefs and grade-level curriculum standards
- Elementary Essential Vocabulary
- Middle School Essential Vocabulary
- Academic Vocabulary Schedule: 2023-24
- High School Essential Vocabulary
2. Update the writing goals and instructional practices to align with NYS Literacy Briefs and grade-level curriculum standards
- Grade-Level Writing Goals
Action/Strategy: Implement the Science of Reading
Implementation Steps:
1. Utilize teacher leadership to support the implementation of this approach, ensuring alignment with NYS Literacy Briefs in Pre-K through grade 12.
2. Continue to develop writing processes within the parameters of the Science of Reading.
3. Evaluate curriculum to purchase a grade 6-8 ELA core program that encompasses all aspects of the Science of Reading.
4. Increased focus on non-fiction literature within our curriculum.
NNCS will empower teachers to embrace curricular improvements to meet the NYS standards and assessments.
Action/Strategy: Analyze past and current state and local assessment data to drive instruction.
Implementation Steps:
1. Review assessment data with PLC's, grade-level teams, and departments to identify best practices within the curriculum.
2. Identify areas needing improvement, set measurable goals, and implement targeted strategies in instruction.
3. Align student questioning/practice with prioritized skills based on student data.
4. Students will continue to be exposed to state test questions and testing format.
5. Use assessment data to support and drive groupings in our tiered system.
Action/Strategy: Support APL Effective Teaching
Implementation Steps:
1. In observations focusing on:
- Learning Objectives
- Bell Ringer
- Interaction Sequence (Think, Pair, Share)
- Check for Understanding
- Closure and Feedback
2. Model effective teaching at faculty meetings and assemblies.
3. Align the Marazono rubric with effective teaching "look-for's"
Action/Strategy: Analyze past and current state and local assessment data to drive instruction.
Implementation Steps:
1. Review assessment data with PLC's, grade-level teams, and departments to identify best practices within the curriculum.
2. Identify areas needing improvement, set measurable goals, and implement targeted strategies in instruction.
3. Align student questioning/practice with prioritized skills based on student data.
4. Students will continue to be exposed to state test questions and testing format.
5. Use assessment data to support and drive groupings in our tiered system.
Action/Strategy: Support APL Effective Teaching
Implementation Steps:
1. In observations focusing on:
- Learning Objectives
- Bell Ringer
- Interaction Sequence (Think, Pair, Share)
- Check for Understanding
- Closure and Feedback
2. Model effective teaching at faculty meetings and assemblies.
3. Align the Marazono rubric with effective teaching "look-for's"
Technology will be used as a tool to enhance collaboration, communication, and performance among teachers, parents, students, and the community.
Action/Strategy: Teachers will empower students to achieve their full potential as creative, purposeful lifelong learners who strive for academic success, responsible citizenship and well-being in a collaborative, diverse, and dynamic learning community.
Implementation:
1. Tech plan implementation steps (accountability):
Embed digital citizenship into existing curriculum.
Students in grades K-12 will have exposure to Common Sense Education's "Digital Citizenship Curriculum." This curriculum includes the following six topics:
- Media Balance & Well-Being
- Privacy & Security
- Digital Footprint & Identity
- Relationships & Communication
- Cyber Bullying, Digital Drama, & Hate Speech
- News & Media Literacy
Implement the NYS Computer Science & Digital Fluency Standards.
Fully implement the NYS Computer Science & Digital Fluency Standards into our K-12 curriculum, following the "Timeline for Rollout and Implementation" provided by the NYS Education Department.
Continue to move instruction along the SAMR continuum.
Classroom instruction will move from "Enhancement" to "Transformation" on the SAMR model. Technology infusion in lessons will be focused on Modification and Redefinition types of integration.
2. Continue to provide professional development for teachers to review and/or learn Google Apps and other technological tools.
3. Create protocol to use AI as an instructional tool.
4. Identify best practice for student use of AI and create guidelines to build vertical alignment.
Action/Strategy: Teachers will empower students to achieve their full potential as creative, purposeful lifelong learners who strive for academic success, responsible citizenship and well-being in a collaborative, diverse, and dynamic learning community.
Implementation:
1. Tech plan implementation steps (accountability):
Embed digital citizenship into existing curriculum.
Students in grades K-12 will have exposure to Common Sense Education's "Digital Citizenship Curriculum." This curriculum includes the following six topics:
- Media Balance & Well-Being
- Privacy & Security
- Digital Footprint & Identity
- Relationships & Communication
- Cyber Bullying, Digital Drama, & Hate Speech
- News & Media Literacy
Implement the NYS Computer Science & Digital Fluency Standards.
Fully implement the NYS Computer Science & Digital Fluency Standards into our K-12 curriculum, following the "Timeline for Rollout and Implementation" provided by the NYS Education Department.
Continue to move instruction along the SAMR continuum.
Classroom instruction will move from "Enhancement" to "Transformation" on the SAMR model. Technology infusion in lessons will be focused on Modification and Redefinition types of integration.
2. Continue to provide professional development for teachers to review and/or learn Google Apps and other technological tools.
3. Create protocol to use AI as an instructional tool.
4. Identify best practice for student use of AI and create guidelines to build vertical alignment.
Goal 2: The Norwood Norfolk Central School Board of Education will provide a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment.
NNCS will provide a positive environment for students, teachers, staff and community by promoting student-centered learning, implementing skill-building strategies, and continuing to create opportunities for access.
Action/Strategy: Increase student attendance and engagement with the school community.
Implementation:
1. Continue to review and analyze results from the climate survey.
- Review positive factors as well as areas to improve.
- Develop action plans with faculty to address deficiencies, quarterly.
2. The district will support Flyer Pride through planned social events.
3. Increase student participation in clubs, activities and athletics.
- Peer recruitment day
- Back2School 2025
- Orientations
- Information on Website
- ParentSquare Advertisements
4. Increase student voice and choice within the school through collaboration with student council members.
5. Monitor and evaluate student attendance and discipline to improve student engagement.
Action/Strategy: Involve parents and guardians in the school community.
Implementation:
1. Establish accessible and relevant resources on the website
- Teams, clubs, soft skills, academic support, where to find support, etc.
2. Continue to utilize ParentSquare to support families
3. Prior to events, use Students (SOM) to advertise - google slideshows, recorded videos, public speaking, QR codes to promote healthy habits.
4. Provide opportunities for parent volunteers.
5. Increase family participation and engagement in CSE/504 Process
- Case managers will call home within the first month of school to make introductions and answer questions about IEP/504 plans if needed
- Case managers will call home prior to any scheduled meeting to confirm date/time and encourage family participation; discuss meeting ideas and possible changes to plan
- Parent surveys will be sent after CSE/504 meetings to gather feedback from students and families and provide information for improved practices.
- Review and revise CSE/504 paperwork to ensure it is family-friendly while meeting regulatory guidelines.
- CSE department will track family participation in meetings, look at patterns of data, and set targets for increased participation
6. ICU Database
- Teachers utilize the database to track and implement parent notification for missed homework
Action/Strategy: Increase student attendance and engagement with the school community.
Implementation:
1. Continue to review and analyze results from the climate survey.
- Review positive factors as well as areas to improve.
- Develop action plans with faculty to address deficiencies, quarterly.
2. The district will support Flyer Pride through planned social events.
3. Increase student participation in clubs, activities and athletics.
- Peer recruitment day
- Back2School 2025
- Orientations
- Information on Website
- ParentSquare Advertisements
4. Increase student voice and choice within the school through collaboration with student council members.
5. Monitor and evaluate student attendance and discipline to improve student engagement.
Action/Strategy: Involve parents and guardians in the school community.
Implementation:
1. Establish accessible and relevant resources on the website
- Teams, clubs, soft skills, academic support, where to find support, etc.
2. Continue to utilize ParentSquare to support families
3. Prior to events, use Students (SOM) to advertise - google slideshows, recorded videos, public speaking, QR codes to promote healthy habits.
4. Provide opportunities for parent volunteers.
5. Increase family participation and engagement in CSE/504 Process
- Case managers will call home within the first month of school to make introductions and answer questions about IEP/504 plans if needed
- Case managers will call home prior to any scheduled meeting to confirm date/time and encourage family participation; discuss meeting ideas and possible changes to plan
- Parent surveys will be sent after CSE/504 meetings to gather feedback from students and families and provide information for improved practices.
- Review and revise CSE/504 paperwork to ensure it is family-friendly while meeting regulatory guidelines.
- CSE department will track family participation in meetings, look at patterns of data, and set targets for increased participation
6. ICU Database
- Teachers utilize the database to track and implement parent notification for missed homework
NNCS will provide individualized support through a multi-tiered system to monitor and evaluate student needs and goals to promote engagement.
Action/Strategy: Reduce classroom distractions and increase the amount of time students are engaged with instruction during class
Implementation:
1. Incorporate the IST process to promote inclusion within the classroom to improve school community by exploring panorama.
2. Continue to use a multi-tiered system of student support (MTSS - Folder), we can identify lacking skills, antecedents to behavior, and increase proactive measures; ultimately, reducing discipline referrals and time out of the classroom.
- Training in de-escalation strategies
- Training in additional tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 behavioral strategies and interventions.
- Expand upon connections to community resources to support students in need.
Action/Strategy: Reduce classroom distractions and increase the amount of time students are engaged with instruction during class
Implementation:
1. Incorporate the IST process to promote inclusion within the classroom to improve school community by exploring panorama.
2. Continue to use a multi-tiered system of student support (MTSS - Folder), we can identify lacking skills, antecedents to behavior, and increase proactive measures; ultimately, reducing discipline referrals and time out of the classroom.
- Training in de-escalation strategies
- Training in additional tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 behavioral strategies and interventions.
- Expand upon connections to community resources to support students in need.
Goal 3: The Norwood-Norfolk School Board of Education will support the continued development and enhancement of academic and systemic programming.
NNCS will be responsive to the academic and developmental needs of our students.
Action/Strategy: Promote a culture of shared ownership, inclusive classroom environments, and high expectations for all students.
Implementation:
1. Ensure that all students are educated in their least restrictive environment.
- Support professional development and provide relevant resources for areas of need, including understanding challenging student behavior and developing and monitoring tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 behavior support plans.
- Provide time for teachers and support staff to collaborate, reflect, and goal-set throughout the school year.
- Utilize Panorama to monitor the IST process and provide multi-tiered support for students who may need alternative strategies to access the general curriculum with success.
- Special Education teachers will receive targeted professional development in the area of literacy and will use a structured literacy intervention program within their ELA classrooms.
2. Collaborate with staff to continue to build a "Special Education Handbook," to include information on the role and responsibilities of a case manager, expectations for communication with service providers and support staff, best practices for IEPs, etc.
Action/Strategy: Continue to support the evolution of ancillary programs at NNCS.
Implementation:
1. Enhance and build existing and new partnerships within & outside the district.
Students in the create program will; (a.) have authentic opportunities for self-reflection, to acquire job readiness skills, and to explore career fields of interest; (b.) Create a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) portfolio and present it to their home districts; and (c.) Work alongside instructors as part of the SPARK program to establish healthy lifestyle choices, build upon social and life skills, and prepare students for success post-graduation.
2. Continue to develop the partnership with Education and Human Services.
House this program within our district and continue to provide opportunities for students to explore a career in education.
Action/Strategy: Recognize that middle school education and learning is transitional, yet systemic.
Implementation:
1. Continue leadership meetings to build our middle school identity.
2. The Middle School will continue to study Essential Elements of Standards-Focused Middle School Level Schools and Programs.
- Resources & Self-Study Rating Rubric
Action/Strategy: Address the Compliance Assurance Plan (CAP) in regards to the Suspension Discrepancy Review.
Implementation:
1. The district will meet the timelines for the CAP, specifically September 29, October 27, and November 24.
2. Administrative team will receive individualized training from the NYSED Special Education Regional Associate to review and improve procedures and processes for disciplining students with disabilities.
3. Administration and staff will consistently incorporate discipline procedures, compliant with the IDEA and NYSED regulations, for students with disabilities.
Action/Strategy: Middle School Address the School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP)
Implementation:
1. Administration and staff will collaborate with BOCES to create a SCEP.
2. Administration will provide year-long professional development and coaching to support teachers in implementing the plan.
3. The SCEP we will implement in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school year.
NNCS will observe all intended policies, plans, and regulations and look for efficiency in all aspects of management.
Action/Strategy: Promote a culture of shared ownership, inclusive classroom environments, and high expectations for all students.
Implementation:
1. Ensure that all students are educated in their least restrictive environment.
- Support professional development and provide relevant resources for areas of need, including understanding challenging student behavior and developing and monitoring tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 behavior support plans.
- Provide time for teachers and support staff to collaborate, reflect, and goal-set throughout the school year.
- Utilize Panorama to monitor the IST process and provide multi-tiered support for students who may need alternative strategies to access the general curriculum with success.
- Special Education teachers will receive targeted professional development in the area of literacy and will use a structured literacy intervention program within their ELA classrooms.
2. Collaborate with staff to continue to build a "Special Education Handbook," to include information on the role and responsibilities of a case manager, expectations for communication with service providers and support staff, best practices for IEPs, etc.
Action/Strategy: Continue to support the evolution of ancillary programs at NNCS.
Implementation:
1. Enhance and build existing and new partnerships within & outside the district.
Students in the create program will; (a.) have authentic opportunities for self-reflection, to acquire job readiness skills, and to explore career fields of interest; (b.) Create a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) portfolio and present it to their home districts; and (c.) Work alongside instructors as part of the SPARK program to establish healthy lifestyle choices, build upon social and life skills, and prepare students for success post-graduation.
2. Continue to develop the partnership with Education and Human Services.
House this program within our district and continue to provide opportunities for students to explore a career in education.
Action/Strategy: Recognize that middle school education and learning is transitional, yet systemic.
Implementation:
1. Continue leadership meetings to build our middle school identity.
2. The Middle School will continue to study Essential Elements of Standards-Focused Middle School Level Schools and Programs.
- Resources & Self-Study Rating Rubric
Action/Strategy: Address the Compliance Assurance Plan (CAP) in regards to the Suspension Discrepancy Review.
Implementation:
1. The district will meet the timelines for the CAP, specifically September 29, October 27, and November 24.
2. Administrative team will receive individualized training from the NYSED Special Education Regional Associate to review and improve procedures and processes for disciplining students with disabilities.
3. Administration and staff will consistently incorporate discipline procedures, compliant with the IDEA and NYSED regulations, for students with disabilities.
Action/Strategy: Middle School Address the School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP)
Implementation:
1. Administration and staff will collaborate with BOCES to create a SCEP.
2. Administration will provide year-long professional development and coaching to support teachers in implementing the plan.
3. The SCEP we will implement in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school year.
NNCS will observe all intended policies, plans, and regulations and look for efficiency in all aspects of management.
Action/Strategy: Continually evolve the Board Policies.
Implementation:
Create and implement a systemic process for updating existing policies.
Action/Strategy: Organize flow and distribution of policies to improve accessibility.
Implementation:
Work collaboratively with Erie 1 BOCES and Board Docs to link the Policy Manual to the district website.
Action/Strategy:
Leverage the Smart Schools Bond Act to provide a lifecycle for Chromebooks.
Implementation:
Work with the Finance Committee to discuss and schedule costs & reimbursements for technology purchases during the 2025-26 school year.
Action/Strategy: Update the district-wide Technology Plan.
Implementation:
Create and implement a systemic process for updating existing policies.
Action/Strategy: Organize flow and distribution of policies to improve accessibility.
Implementation:
Work collaboratively with Erie 1 BOCES and Board Docs to link the Policy Manual to the district website.
Action/Strategy:
Leverage the Smart Schools Bond Act to provide a lifecycle for Chromebooks.
Implementation:
Work with the Finance Committee to discuss and schedule costs & reimbursements for technology purchases during the 2025-26 school year.
Action/Strategy: Update the district-wide Technology Plan.
Implementation:
Work collaboratively with DIG, Model Schools Tech Coaches, and staff to update the district-wide Technology Plan for 2026-29.
NNCS will continue to expand and improve upon communication to education community stakeholders.
Action/Strategy: Continue to improve the lines of communication between all constituency groups/
Implementation:
1. Teach staff how to use the facilities scheduler app for in daily procedures for building use.
2. Support Parent/Student participation with the portal on SchoolTool and with ParentSquare.
- Tables at Open Houses and Orientations with tech support for parents.
3. Teachers will continue to call/contact home early in the year as a greeting as well as call/contact about any major changes.
4. Use of the Good News postcards for beginning of the year and exit tickets at staff meetings.
Action/Strategy: Continue to improve the lines of communication between all constituency groups/
Implementation:
1. Teach staff how to use the facilities scheduler app for in daily procedures for building use.
2. Support Parent/Student participation with the portal on SchoolTool and with ParentSquare.
- Tables at Open Houses and Orientations with tech support for parents.
3. Teachers will continue to call/contact home early in the year as a greeting as well as call/contact about any major changes.
4. Use of the Good News postcards for beginning of the year and exit tickets at staff meetings.
5. Utilize the communications CoSer to improve our messaging and the sharing of information.
6. Improve our website to be a well-organized, easy-to-find repository of information using our communications CoSer.
Action/Strategy: Create a process to build a schedule for all three buildings.
Implementation:
1. Admin will create a timeline for the system to be built throughout the year.
2. Admin will plan meeting times for CSE Chair, ES, MS, and HS principals to meet starting in January.
Action/Strategy: Create a process to build a schedule for all three buildings.
Implementation:
1. Admin will create a timeline for the system to be built throughout the year.
2. Admin will plan meeting times for CSE Chair, ES, MS, and HS principals to meet starting in January.
3. Admin will create clarity and timeframe for counselors to do their portion of the schedule.