The Tennessee Department of Education released the annual Report Card and Norwood earned A’s in value added for all subjects tested.  Value added is a measure of how much progress a student makes in a year.  “This reflects the hard work of all our students and teachers every school day,” said Principal Beth Lackey.  For Norwood to maintain all A’s in value added is a major accomplishment given that significant changes have been made in the calculation of value added and achievement scores.  You can access http://knoxschools.org for more information concerning the Tennessee Report Card and the changes for this year.

Norwood’s After-School program began last Wednesday with 165 students participating and a waiting list!  The students participate in 2 activities on alternating days (Monday/Wednesday & Tuesday/Thursday), and their afternoon includes a snack and time for homework.  Parents are reminded that the program dismisses at 5:15 and car riders need to pick up their child in the back of the school.    Also, please write a note when any dismissal changes need to be made.  All questions regarding the LEAP’s program need to be directed to Liz Capparelli (687-0149).

1)  We do not allow parents to check out students after 2:15 (12:45 for Kindergarten).
            2)  Parents are welcome to eat with their child in our school cafeteria, but we ask that parents not bring lunch from a fast food restaurant as a treat for the child.  We appreciate your adherence to this policy.
            3)  Parents need to send a note (doctor or parent) with your child when returning to school due to illness.  The absence will be excused with a parent note.  However, students are only allowed to be absent 10 days a year with a parent note.

      The Education Consumers Foundation, an independent, non-profit organization providing education research and policy analysis to the public, has ranked Norwood Elementary 16^th out of 760 Tennessee elementary schools based on their TCAP Value Added scores.  Only two other Knox County Schools ranked higher.  Value Added is a measure of the amount of academic growth a child makes from one year to the next.  The recognition is a tribute to all of the hard work of students and staff every day in the classroom.  For a look at the complete ranking of Tennessee schools, check out ECF’s website at www.education-consumers.org.