Norris School District
Changing Lives Through the Power of Learning
Check out what’s been happening in the Norris School District in this month’s newsletter!
Norris News: October 2026
https://app.smore.com/n/1fqpd
Norris News: October 2026
https://app.smore.com/n/1fqpd
Have you been hoping to get your hands on some new Norris swag? Well… here is your chance! 🎉
Our Norris School District Spirit Shop is OPEN! You can shop anytime between now and Monday, October 5. Please note that late orders cannot be accepted, so be sure to get your order in before the shop closes!
Once the shop closes, items will arrive approximately 2–3 weeks later. We’ve added new designs and new items to the shop for our Fall Sale, so we're sure you’ll find something you love!
All orders will be distributed at Norris Academy upon arrival unless you choose to have your order delivered directly to your home. Please note that home delivery will be at your own cost for shipping.
Shop HERE!
🎣 Learning Outdoors at Norris!
This morning, our staff and learners took learning outdoors and enjoyed the beautiful day with some handline fishing! Learners harvested their own bait from under a log before heading out to fish.
It was a great opportunity to explore, get hands-on, and learn from the environment around us. Learning happens anytime and anywhere!
This morning, our staff and learners took learning outdoors and enjoyed the beautiful day with some handline fishing! Learners harvested their own bait from under a log before heading out to fish.
It was a great opportunity to explore, get hands-on, and learn from the environment around us. Learning happens anytime and anywhere!
Welcome back, Learners and Families! 🎉
Stay up to date on all things Norris School District by checking out our monthly Norris News publication!
Here is this month's edition: Norris News: September 2026
https://app.smore.com/n/s46av
Stay up to date on all things Norris School District by checking out our monthly Norris News publication!
Here is this month's edition: Norris News: September 2026
https://app.smore.com/n/s46av
🎉 Welcome Back, Learners and Families! 🎉
Today, we welcome back all of our learners! We are looking forward to a great school year filled with opportunities to celebrate our learners’ success, growth, and achievements.
Be sure to follow along for updates, celebrations, and highlights throughout the year! 📚✨
🌼 Creativity was in full bloom during one of our Summer Exploratory opportunities!
Learners created their own garden stones using cement and colorful jewels. Each one was unique, and it was fun to see everyone's creativity shine through!
Learners created their own garden stones using cement and colorful jewels. Each one was unique, and it was fun to see everyone's creativity shine through!
🏁 Ready... Set... Race!
Our learners put their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to the test by designing, building, and racing their very own soapbox cars! From the workshop to the finish line, they demonstrated perseverance, innovation, and sportsmanship every step of the way.
Congratulations to all of our racers—and a special shoutout to our first-place finisher, D and A! 🏆
Cooking up some fun math lessons this morning! 🧁📚 Learners are learning about fractions in a creative, hands-on way by measuring ingredients and making delicious zucchini muffins. Who knew math could be this tasty? 😋
The adventures of our summer intersession continue! ☀️ Learners spent a beautiful afternoon exploring the art of kayaking, enjoying the sunshine, being active, and making memories along the way. What a perfect way to spend a summer day! 💦
When it rains... it pours—curiosity! 🌧️💧
This summer at Norris School District, learning is flowing in more ways than one. Learner Dennis, with the help of our staff, built a sturdy stand to support our brand-new rain barrel. We're now proud owners of our very own rain barrel, which will help us conserve water while providing even more hands-on learning opportunities.
This summer at Norris School District, learning is flowing in more ways than one. Learner Dennis, with the help of our staff, built a sturdy stand to support our brand-new rain barrel. We're now proud owners of our very own rain barrel, which will help us conserve water while providing even more hands-on learning opportunities.
It’s hard to believe we’re already more than halfway through summer! ☀️ Our learners have been busy exploring, creating, and learning through hands-on experiences like castle building, adventure education, fishing, swimming, strawberry picking, and so much more.
Now they’re putting their creativity and teamwork to the test as they build their Soapbox Derby cars for one of our favorite annual traditions. We can’t wait to see who takes home this year’s championship! 🏁🚗
Now they’re putting their creativity and teamwork to the test as they build their Soapbox Derby cars for one of our favorite annual traditions. We can’t wait to see who takes home this year’s championship! 🏁🚗
History came to life at Norris! 🥣🍞🍰
Our learners stepped back into the Great Depression with a hands-on experience led by our Social Studies Specialist, Ashley. After learning about the hardships of the era, the Dust Bowl, Soap Box Derbies, and FDR's Fireside Chats, learners visited our very own Norris Soup Kitchen to sample foods from the time.
The menu featured navy bean soup, cornbread pancakes, eggless chocolate cake (because eggs were a luxury many families couldn't afford), and other resourceful recipes that highlighted the resilience and creativity of the era.
Our learners stepped back into the Great Depression with a hands-on experience led by our Social Studies Specialist, Ashley. After learning about the hardships of the era, the Dust Bowl, Soap Box Derbies, and FDR's Fireside Chats, learners visited our very own Norris Soup Kitchen to sample foods from the time.
The menu featured navy bean soup, cornbread pancakes, eggless chocolate cake (because eggs were a luxury many families couldn't afford), and other resourceful recipes that highlighted the resilience and creativity of the era.
🎨 Yesterday, our learners ventured to Milwaukee to explore Black Cat Alley, a vibrant arts destination known for its incredible collection of street art murals.
Learning has no walls when we begin with learners' interests and areas of wonder. Experiences like these spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and connect learning to the world around us.
At Norris, we believe some of the best learning happens beyond the classroom—and yesterday was a perfect example!
Learning has no walls when we begin with learners' interests and areas of wonder. Experiences like these spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and connect learning to the world around us.
At Norris, we believe some of the best learning happens beyond the classroom—and yesterday was a perfect example!
🍓 A little rain couldn't stop these learners!
Despite the wet afternoon, our learners headed to Thompson Farm for their scheduled Experiential Learning Opportunity, where they picked fresh strawberries to make homemade jam. Hands-on learning, new experiences, and a little adventure made for a berry sweet day! 🌧️🍓
Way to embrace the weather and make the most of every learning opportunity!
Despite the wet afternoon, our learners headed to Thompson Farm for their scheduled Experiential Learning Opportunity, where they picked fresh strawberries to make homemade jam. Hands-on learning, new experiences, and a little adventure made for a berry sweet day! 🌧️🍓
Way to embrace the weather and make the most of every learning opportunity!
Our Summer Intersession is officially underway! ☀️
Learners are diving into new experiences and exploring areas of interest through hands-on learning opportunities. From fishing and smoothie making to gardening, planting flowers, and growing vegetables, there is no shortage of curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
We are excited to see where their learning journeys take them this summer!
Learners are diving into new experiences and exploring areas of interest through hands-on learning opportunities. From fishing and smoothie making to gardening, planting flowers, and growing vegetables, there is no shortage of curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
We are excited to see where their learning journeys take them this summer!
While the library is closed for the summer, our learners have plenty to celebrate. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to and some of the exciting learning experiences that wrapped up our school year.
Learner-Centered Possibility: Connecting Young People to an Ecosystem of Opportunities through Norris Academy Virtual School.
Learning happens far beyond the four walls of a classroom, and the team at Norris School District is bringing that reality to life for learners across southern Wisconsin! The Norris Academy Virtual School is a no-fee public school where learners are empowered to reach goals and competencies in the dimensions of academics, employability, citizenship, and wellness. With the guidance of a Digital Learning Liaison and Learning Design Specialists, young people can receive an education at their own pace and engage with local and global communities in ways that align with their interests, goals, and current circumstances.
Check it out: https://tinyurl.com/LMKEEdRe
Learn more about Norris School District here: https://www.norrisacademywi.org/
Learn more about Education Reimagined here: https://education-reimagined.org/
Learning happens far beyond the four walls of a classroom, and the team at Norris School District is bringing that reality to life for learners across southern Wisconsin! The Norris Academy Virtual School is a no-fee public school where learners are empowered to reach goals and competencies in the dimensions of academics, employability, citizenship, and wellness. With the guidance of a Digital Learning Liaison and Learning Design Specialists, young people can receive an education at their own pace and engage with local and global communities in ways that align with their interests, goals, and current circumstances.
Check it out: https://tinyurl.com/LMKEEdRe
Learn more about Norris School District here: https://www.norrisacademywi.org/
Learn more about Education Reimagined here: https://education-reimagined.org/
Learners enjoyed the beautiful weather above the clouds while zipping through the air on our high ropes course zipline. It is always amazing to watch learners overcome their fears, take risks, and challenge themselves—or love the experience so much that they never miss an opportunity to participate.
Experiences like these continue to build confidence, resilience, and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones while creating memories along the way.
Experiences like these continue to build confidence, resilience, and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones while creating memories along the way.
Last night, we celebrated our Class of 2026! Congratulations to our five graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.
Today, staff and learners worked together in teams to create an award-winning sandwich in our 13th Annual Ungathered Protein Sandwich Competition (it’s not actually our 13th, but it sounded catchy 😄).
After sampling all of the sandwiches, staff and learners cast their votes for their favorite creations. It was a close finish, but ultimately Ashley’s team brought home the win with their Sloppy Jose’s—a Mexican-style twist on the classic sloppy joe!
A little friendly competition, creativity, and collaboration made for a fun and delicious day at Norris!
After sampling all of the sandwiches, staff and learners cast their votes for their favorite creations. It was a close finish, but ultimately Ashley’s team brought home the win with their Sloppy Jose’s—a Mexican-style twist on the classic sloppy joe!
A little friendly competition, creativity, and collaboration made for a fun and delicious day at Norris!
