It’s hard to believe school starts Tuesday! We can’t wait to see all our learners. After a summer of preparation, we’re ready to kick off the 2025–26 school year with exciting opportunities to explore our learners’ hobbies, talents, and interests.

Welcome Jack to our learning team!

Looking to join an amazing team and serve youth ages 10-17 in a personalized learning environment? We are hiring Learning Support Coaches for the 2025–26 school year! Check out our website, https://www.norrisacademywi.org/ to learn more about the impactful work we’re doing to support learners on their educational journey to their next best place! APPLY TODAY!!!!

Bon Appétit! 🍴 Learners wrapped up their social studies unit on foreign cultures by preparing authentic dishes from the culture of their choice. Check out these creations:
Japan: Karinto – fried dough cookies
Native American: Pumpkin chili
Hungary: Hungarian chocolate cake
United Kingdom: Cheesy cauliflower side dish
Who knew learning could be so delicious? 😋
Japan: Karinto – fried dough cookies
Native American: Pumpkin chili
Hungary: Hungarian chocolate cake
United Kingdom: Cheesy cauliflower side dish
Who knew learning could be so delicious? 😋



Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo? Well, our learners and staff got creative today by trying out ink-stamping tattoos! A fun (and washable!) way to explore self-expression.




Fishing Friday was a reel success down by the pond! 🎣 Check out some of the awesome catches from this morning!


We’re always introducing learners to new experiences they may not have had before — and today, it was kayaking! We officially have a “Yak Pack!” This was their second outing, and we’ll be hosting a third run tomorrow. Many learners tried kayaking for the first time and can’t wait to do it again!




Learners kicked off a new activity by constructing their own rocket pencil cases. Now, they’re moving on to the decorating phase—and we can’t wait to see their creativity shine! 🚀


Today, learners participated in an ELO (Experiential Learning Opportunity) at the Milwaukee Art Museum, where they took part in an exhibit scavenger hunt. They explored the museum while searching for specific exhibits they’ve been discussing in class.
Learner T shared, "I couldn’t believe how big the wings are on the outside of the building—and I had never been in a glass elevator before. It was a cool!"
Learner T shared, "I couldn’t believe how big the wings are on the outside of the building—and I had never been in a glass elevator before. It was a cool!"




Meet the newest member of the Norris family—Liz, our 3-year-old bearded dragon!
Learners and staff are thrilled to welcome her to the team!
Learners and staff are thrilled to welcome her to the team!

☔ Rainy days can’t dampen our learners’ spirits!
Today, they brought the energy with Minute to Win It challenges like Swish Swish, Tilt-a-Cup, Marshmallow Toss, M&M Straw Count, and Cookie Catch!
Today, they brought the energy with Minute to Win It challenges like Swish Swish, Tilt-a-Cup, Marshmallow Toss, M&M Straw Count, and Cookie Catch!

Our annual Cardboard Boat Regatta was a HUGE success!
Teams of 3–4 learners and a staff member built boats using just cardboard and one roll of duct tape to see who could stay afloat!
🏆 Congrats to T and his team for bringing home the W!
Teams of 3–4 learners and a staff member built boats using just cardboard and one roll of duct tape to see who could stay afloat!
🏆 Congrats to T and his team for bringing home the W!



KP was cookin’ up something special today! 👨🍳🔥
During an exploratory culinary experience, he whipped up some delicious rice krispie treats—and even shared them with our lucky staff! 🍪👏
During an exploratory culinary experience, he whipped up some delicious rice krispie treats—and even shared them with our lucky staff! 🍪👏


There are youth in our community who need safe, loving homes. YOU can help—simply by placing a yard sign in your yard, or even in a friend’s or local business’s lawn.

What if schools were designed around the learner, not the system? What if education didn’t start with a curriculum, but with curiosity? Across the country, a growing number of educators and communities are answering these questions by embracing a learner-centered approach—one that prioritizes trust, relevance, and agency. Education Reimagined offers five essential elements that shape this vision: learner agency; socially-embedded; personalized, relevant, and contextualized; open-walled; and competency-based.
Read more HERE: https://aurora-institute.org/cw_post/how-schools-are-infusing-trust-autonomy-and-relevance-into-learning/

Yes — another Norris shoutout! 🎉 We're excited to share that the Norris School District has been featured in Getting Smart, a nationally recognized platform with a wide readership. This spotlight highlights the innovative work happening in our district and the incredible efforts of our learners, staff, and community. Check out the article and see how Norris continues to lead the way in personalized, learner-driven education!
Read it HERE: https://www.gettingsmart.com/2025/06/12/how-do-you-build-a-learner-centered-ecosystem/

Our Summer Intersession is kicking off with some exploratory visits! First stop: Thomas' Greenhouse & Gardens in Mukwonago, where learners selected plants for our landscaping project starting next week.



Norris School District's Annual Library Report 2024-25

🎓 Congratulations to our 2025 Graduates! 🎉
We are so proud of each of you and excited for all that’s ahead. This year, we celebrate two day learners from Norris Academy and two virtual learners from NAVS — each one with a unique journey and bright future.
Here’s to your next chapter!


