THE LION'S ROAR!
August 11, 2023
FROM OUR PRIDE LEADER
Dear Norris Lion Community,
As we wrap up November this week, we head into one of our busiest months of the year- December! Here are a few highlights to note and mark your calendar for in the coming weeks!
- MAP Testing begins! We are focused on GROWTH for all students in Reading and Math, and helping students not only meet...but EXCEED their individual goals!
- PTO Holiday Shop! Students will shop on December 7th-8th for their families or friends in our PTO Holiday Store!
- Norris Giving Tree! Our Giving Tree will close for donations on December 11th. Thank you to all who have donated money to the Stuff the Turkey Drive, Snack Sales, or the purchase of individual items. There are still items in need of donation on our list- every purchase is greatly appreciated!
As you may already know, I am expecting a baby girl of my own right around Winter Break! I am excited to introduce you to the two wonderful administrators who will be serving as Interim Principal in my absence. Please help me welcome Mr. Greg Wunderlich and our very own Mrs. Melissa Croom into this role. Both are highly qualified, eager to jump into this position, and ready to serve students and families. I plan to return to Norris during the second week in March. I am confident that you are in the best hands, and know that Mr. Wunderlich and Mrs. Croom will do an amazing job leading our Lion Community during this time!
Until then, let's rock this busy and important month of December! Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Dolezal, Principal
Please welcome our Co-Interim Principals!
Hello Norris Community!
My name is Greg Wunderlich and I will be at Norris filling in as an Interim Principal while Mrs. Dolezal is on maternity leave. We are so happy for the Dolezal family as they welcome their new little one to the world soon!
I am currently the Administrative Intern at Wheeler Elementary in Millard and prior to that, I began my career as a teacher at Upchurch Elementary in Millard. I have had the chance to walk through the Norris halls and spend some time with both Mrs. Dolezal as well as Mrs. Croom, and I could not be more excited to be with the Norris community during Mrs. Dolezal's leave. There are so many fantastic things happening at Norris, and I cannot wait to be part of it.
When I take my work hat off at the end of each day, I immediately and happily put on my Girl Dad hat at home with Shay (3) and Quinn (1). My wife Brittany and I have our buckets filled every day with our little girls.
I am looking forward to getting to know your Norris Lion students, as well as you all as the parent/guardian in their life. I am always happy to visit with you if there is ever a question or concern, so never hesitate.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Dear Norris Community,
My name is Missy Croom. I am excited to continue my work at Norris as your Interim Principal while Mrs. Dolezal is on Maternity leave.
For the past two years as the Administrative Intern, I have worked at creating a safe and fun learning environment for staff and students.
I look forward to working alongside Mr. Wunderlich as we take on this position together. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Stuff the Turkey Results
Thank-you to all the students and staff who brought in their change & dollars for our Stuff the Turkey Fundraiser. These funds helped us to purchase the following gifts for our Norris Giving Tree:
10 Sets of Winter Hats and Gloves
9 pairs of Tennis Shoes
8 Winter Coats
3 Pair of Snow Boots
2 Backpacks
1 Hoodie
1 6 pack of Men's Socks
1 Blanket
*And a partridge in a pear tree! - Just kidding! :)
Wowzers!! That is amazing!!
There are still items that are available to sign up for on our Giving Tree Link!! Check it out below!
Norris Giving Tree
Norris Elementary is coordinating a GIVING TREE for our families in need
during this holiday season.
We would love and appreciate your help!
Click the link to sign up for gift(s) you would like to purchase and donate to a Norris family.
Deliver your unwrapped gifts to Norris Elementary no later than December 11th.
Thank you for your support!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FADA728A0FA7-46275761-norris#/
MAP Testing Begins!
COLD WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT
The weather is turning colder outside, so PLEASE have your child dress accordingly and bring a heavy coat. We will go outside EVERYDAY as long as the temperature with the windchill is above zero degrees and it is not heavily raining or snowing.
CONGRATS TO THIS WEEK'S ROAR TICKET WINNERS!
CONGRATS - NOVEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
12/4/23 - SAVE - 4:45 - 6:15 PM
12/6/23 - Mane Event Practice - 7:40 AM
12/7 & 12/8 - Holiday Store for Students (Sign-Up below to volunteer)
12/7/23 - PTO Meeting - 6:00 PM
12/7/23 - Elementary Montessori New Parent Meeting @ Montclair - 6:00 PM
12/18/23 - Raising Cane's Night - 4:00 - 7:00 PM
12/18/23 - Mane Event Performances - 2:30 and 7:00 PM
12/21/23 - 1/3/24 - No School - Winter Break
Looking Ahead -
1/4/23 - Welcome Back! Second semester begins!
1/20/24 - Norris Night at the Lancers (Tickets available, see below)
Click HERE for the NORRIS 2023/2024 Calendar.
Click HERE for the MPS 2023/2024 Calendar.
MAP Testing Schedule - Week of 12/4 - 12/8
Please help your student do their very best for state testing by getting a good night's sleep, eating breakfast and being at school on their testing day.
Monday, 12/4
- 10:00 AM - Upper Elementary Montessori Reading
- 10:30 AM - 5th Grade Reading
- 1:00 PM - 4th Grade Reading
Tuesday, 12/5
- 9:00 AM - Kindergarten Reading
- 9:00 AM - 3rd Grade Reading
- 9:30 AM - Lower Elementary Montessori Reading
Thursday, 12/7
- 9:00 AM - 1st Grade Reading
- 9:30 AM - Kindergarten Math
Friday, 12/8
- 9:00 AM - 1st Grade Math
- 10:25 AM - 4th Grade Math
SAFETY PATROL
WEEK OF DECEMBER 4TH - DECEMBER 8TH
MILES JOHNSON
TAYLAR VERBY
KILEY KESSLER
LUNCH MENU - DECEMBER
ROAR Skill of the Week
November 27: Staying On Task
CAREER FAIR - Volunteers needed!
HOLIDAY STORE - DECEMBER 7TH & 8TH
CLICK on the picture below to sign-up for the Holiday Store. We are needing items donated and volunteers to help run the store both days!
HOLIDAY SPIRIT WEAR SALE
CLICK on the picture below to order! Orders must be placed by December 8th to arrive in time for Christmas.
MANE EVENT SINGERS - SAVE THESE DATES!
TIME TO ORDER YEARBOOKS!
2023/2024 Yearbooks are now available to order on-line through Josten's.
CLICK HERE to order or SCAN the barcode below!
UPCOMING PTO EVENTS
Click here PTO Website or scan the QR code for the latest PTO information!
NORRIS NIGHT WITH THE LANCERS - JANUARY 20TH
CLICK on the picture below to buy your tickets!!
2023/2024 PTO Board
Vice President: Vanessa Huxhold
Secretary: Heather Doyle
Treasurer: Tim Malm
Volunteer Coordinator: Anna Pectol
PTO Email: pto.norris@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norrispto
COUNSELING NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER
MILLARD ACTIVITIES
ELF JR. @ North Middle School - December 8th & 9th
WATCH D.O.G.S.
Openings still available for 2024!
If you are interested in joining WATCH D.O.G.S., please visit: http://norris.mpsomaha.org/ to sign-up.
Thank-you to our WATCH D.O.G.S. Volunteers!!
Mr. Storm
Father of Tyler & Porter
Mr. Gregory
Father of Prairie & Mya
Mr. Jensen
Father of Gavin & Andrew
SPARK SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM
Spark is our before and after school program at all 25 Millard Elementary schools.
We provide a safe and fun environment for all students to participate in academic, leisure and recreational activities outside of the traditional school day. There are several benefits to your child joining a before and after school program.
Studies have shown that students in before and after school programs are more
likely to have increased academic performance, improved attendance and are
excited to learn and achieve.
Students participate in a variety of extended learning activities to help them discover their interests as well as hands on enrichment activities that encourages kids to explore, unstructured time, outside play, a homework hangout and more!
NORRIS ADMINISTRATION
Kristin Dolezal, Principal
Melissa Croom, Admin. Intern
Julie Grothe, Admin. Assistant
NORRIS ELEMENTARY
Click HERE for the Norris Staff Directory.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:15 pm
Location: 12424 Weir Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: (402)715-8340
Fax #: 402-715-6119
Website: norris.mpsomaha.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorrisElem
Twitter: @NorrisElem
School Hours
Wednesdays - 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Early out EVERY Wednesday)
Mission Statement: Norris Elementary guarantees each child a world-class education in a safe and diverse learning environment where students demonstrate academic excellence, responsible citizenship, and self-worth. Through innovative practices, Norris empowers its educational community to actively pursue personal goals and ROAR with pride!
2023 MPS BOARD MEMBERS
- Dr. John Schwartz - Superintendent
- Amanda McGill Johnson - President
- Linda Poole - Vice President
- Mike Kennedy - Secretary
- Mike Pate - Treasurer
- Stacy Jolley - Board Member
- Lisa Schoenberger - Board Member