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Norfolk Public Schools spotlights Black History Month, literacy initiatives and student events
Summary
Norfolk Public Schools highlighted Black History Month activities, inclusive athletics, an attendance challenge, Read Across America and partnerships with MEAC and Townpoint Bank during a district update. The district also noted a state track title and promoted literacy resources and community partnerships.
Norfolk Public Schools reported a slate of student and community events spanning Black History Month tributes, inclusive athletic meets, an attendance challenge and literacy programs during a district update.
District leaders said students across the division marked Black History Month in February by personifying historically significant figures, from athlete Serena Williams to inventor Lonnie Johnson, and decorating classroom doors to honor those individuals.
The announcement noted recent inclusive athletic events — described as “Little Feet Meet” and “Big Feet Meet” — where middle school peer buddies participated alongside students with and without disabilities. District staff said the meets encourage peer support and showcased competitive performances across age groups.
Officials also described an ongoing school-to-school attendance challenge intended to combat chronic absenteeism; the district said the challenge runs through April 11. Schools recognized for strong attendance in February included Lake Taylor School and Blair Middle School, and the district named winners for best and most-improved attendance for the month.
Norfolk Public Schools highlighted winter-season athletics, including Maury High School’s girls 4-by-200-meter relay team winning first place in the Class 5 state track and field championships. The district asked the public to view video highlights of student athletes on its channels.
Several enrichment and cultural events were summarized: Jaycox Elementary held a work-vehicle career day with hands-on demonstrations; Youngs (Young Senior) Elementary and Ruffner Middle hosted a Ghana cultural program at the Attucks Theater featuring drumming, arts and crafts, storytelling, a fashion show and dance performances.
The district outlined March literacy activities tied to Read Across America and the All Norfolk Reads initiative, calling March “literacy month” and saying the efforts are intended to raise community awareness about reading. Riptide, the Norfolk Tides mascot, assisted with book distribution at several schools, and Dr. Birdsong (role not specified) read the first chapter of Little Rhino during an All Norfolk Reads kickoff. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Townpoint Bank partnered with the district for the Read With MEAC program; the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont received a monetary donation for winning the Read With MEAC competition and MEAC-sponsored activities included a college fair for seniors.
Ocean Air Elementary School reading specialist Faith Florence was identified as a district staff member who discussed one-on-one reading instruction and its impact in an interview with local television.
The district closed the update by directing audiences to its website, YouTube channel, Facebook page, Instagram, newsletter and podcast “NPS Unplugged” for full video stories and additional division-wide information.
