Norwood Avenue Ignite presentation spotlights CKLA, SPARK and student clubs

Dr. Genovese presented an Ignite overview of student life at Norwood Avenue School, highlighting curriculum, clubs, performances and community partnerships.

"Everything we do is grounded in our profile of a graduate conceptual framework," Dr. Genovese said, describing the district goal of producing problem solvers, effective communicators and global citizens and noting that work begins in kindergarten. She described the district’s transition to CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts), a knowledge‑building curriculum with an increased emphasis on phonics, and introduced a new 10‑week SPARK rotation at each grade level that includes STEM, programming, AI, robotics and keyboarding.

Genovese also described Responsive Classroom practices being used to build social skills and belonging, and highlighted co‑curricular offerings supported by the PTA. Examples cited included intramurals, gardening, leadership and library clubs, fourth‑grade chorus and band/orchestra instrument selection; special events include grade‑level theme nights, fall festivals and community service days with the high school. She noted PTA partnerships that bring authors to the school and student opportunities to participate in local events.

Several fourth‑grade students spoke about their experiences. One student described a Books & Cooks club where students read a book and made a related recipe: "The monkey bread was so good." Other student remarks highlighted intramurals, art projects hung in hallways and beginning flute lessons; a student said she looks forward to the spring concert and hopes to participate in the marching band someday.

The presentation included photos of classroom work, a student recording program and community partnerships such as a planned fire‑safety visit from the Northport Fire Department. Dr. Genovese invited questions and the board offered thanks for the presentation.