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Norristown Area School District
Happy February, NASD! ❤️✨
In this edition of the District Dispatch, you'll find important updates on upcoming events, resources for families, highlights from around the district, and more.
As we move through the second half of the school year, we continue to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and community. Stay warm and stay connected!
News
District Response to Federal Procedure Change
On January 21, 2025, the federal agency directive titled “Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas,” which prohibited immigration agents from carrying out enforcement actions, including arrests and searches of undocumented immigrants in schools, was rescinded. This action has caused a great deal of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty with members of our community. The district has been intentional in thoroughly researching the implications of this change and in seeking legal guidance on the impact this will have on district operations.
Norristown Area School District is proud to reaffirm that our schools are and will remain dedicated to the safety, respect, and inclusion of all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. As outlined in our recently adopted Welcoming Schools Resolution, our schools are places where each and every child is valued, affirmed, and respected. Please know that the Norristown Area School District is committed to ensuring our schools are safe spaces where each and every student can focus on learning and growing, free from discrimination or harassment based on ancestry, national origin, language, or immigration status.
To assist our students, families, staff, and community members, we are publishing the following information to provide clarity in how we will operate and handle certain situations, should they arise related to the change in federal agency directive. Each section is organized by main topic, followed by a concise legal description, and concludes with the main point emphasized in italics for clarity.
View the entire statement on our here on our district website.
Community Resources for Students and Families
We are excited to introduce a new Community Resource Page on our district website! We created this page to ensure our families have access to reliable information and helpful resources all in one place. Here, you’ll find direct links to materials and information to support your family's needs in areas such as mental health resources, immigration resources, emergency hotlines, and more.
While this page provides valuable information, we also encourage families to visit our Community Partners Page to connect with local organizations offering services throughout our area and our Community Bulletin Board to get involved in community events, programs, and activities.
NASD Named Great Pennsylvania School
We are proud to be named a Great Pennsylvania School and to share this distinction with the public schools around the commonwealth! 📘🍎✏️🩵 The Great Pennsylvania Schools (GPS) designation recognizes Pennsylvania public schools that provide students with access to rigorous programming, are community-centric, demonstrate financial well-being and display resilience.
Learn more about the GPS designation at www.GreatPASchools.com.
Joint Statement from NASD and EANA
The Norristown Area School District (NASD) Administration and the Education Associations of Norristown Area (EANA) are united in our commitment to serve and support the students, families, staff members, and community members of this great district. In partnership, the District Administration and EANA are proud to reaffirm that our schools are and will remain dedicated to the safety, respect, and inclusion of all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. We jointly commit to operate our schools as places where each and every child and each and every staff member is valued, affirmed, and respected. NASD and EANA will work together to ensure our schools are safe spaces where each and every student and each and every staff member can live, work, learn and grow, free from discrimination or harassment based on ancestry, national origin, language, or immigration status.
Christopher Dormer
Superintendent of Schools
Lee Speers
President, EANA
Inclement Weather Plan Reminder
NASD is approved to use Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs) during inclement weather or other issues to ensure learning continues. Students and staff should bring Chromebooks home daily to be prepared for virtual instruction through Google Meet, Schoology, and other platforms.
Our default plan is a Virtual Instruction Day, with live instruction in the morning and independent work in the afternoon.
In cases of severe weather or power outages, a Full Asynchronous Day may be implemented, where students complete offline assignments. Work completed within three days will count for attendance but will not be graded. Teachers and principals will communicate more to you and your student(s).
Check our website, social media, and local news channels for Flexible Instructional Day (FID) updates. Families will also receive notifications via call, email, and text.
We Are Hiring
Are you ready to be #NASDproud? You can visit the NASD Human Resources page to learn more about our open positions and apply now!
If you're ready to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation, we want to hear from you! 🍎📚🧑🏫
Follow NASD on social media or check out our
Live Feed on the District Website to see even more!
Future Cities Competition
Blockson Middle School’s talented 7th-grade gifted seminar students participated in the Future Cities Competition at Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, PA! 🏙️✨ Their innovative city, Aeolia, impressed a panel of professional engineers and special judges, earning the prestigious "Soaring Dragon Award" from Drexel University College of Engineering for innovation and design. 🎉 Congratulations to these incredible students for their hard work, creativity, and dedication!
District Leadership Spotlight - Ms. Stephanie Cole
In addition to her incredible work at NASD, Ms. Stephanie Cole has spent nearly 30 years volunteering with Camp Can Do, a camp for children who have faced cancer diagnoses. Through her work with the camp, Ms. Cole helps create a safe and empowering space where children can connect with others who understand their journey, all while enjoying classic camp activities like canoeing, arts and crafts, and campfires. Her dedication to supporting children, both in and outside of the classroom, is truly inspiring!
TLC Connections Podcast
Our very own Superintendent, Mr. Christopher Dormer, is featured on the latest episode of The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth’s Podcast, TLC Connections! 🌟 Tune in as Mr. Dormer shares his journey to education and his commitment to empowering our students, our families, and our communities. 💙
Watch the episode here.
District Leadership Spotlight - Mrs. Tiarra Thomas
Visit the News page on the NASD website to read the District Leadership Spotlight on Mrs. Tiarra Thomas, our new Assistant Director of Food Services! 💙
Events
February 2025
Early Dismissal (Grades K-12): Friday, February 14, 2025
Schools and Offices Closed (Presidents' Day): Monday, February 17, 2025
Ramadan Begins: Friday, February 28, 2025 (Please be mindful of students and staff who may be participating in Ramadan during this time.)
Looking to get involved in activities, programs, and more? Visit our online Community Bulletin Board!
The NASD Community Bulletin Board is a place to promote and see community events, programs and activities in Norristown, West Norriton, East Norriton, and surrounding areas that may be of interest to the greater NASD community.
The NASD Community Bulletin Board is your go-to place for events in the community. Be sure to check back often to see events, programs, and more!
Looking to submit your flyer on the Community Bulletin Board? Complete the form found on the top of the webpage and your flyer will be submitted for approval.
Resources
Community Resources for Students and Families
We are excited to introduce a new Community Resource Page on our district website! We created this page to ensure our families have access to reliable information and helpful resources all in one place. Here, you’ll find direct links to materials and information to support your family's needs in areas such as mental health resources, immigration resources, emergency hotlines, and more.
While this page provides valuable information, we also encourage families to visit our Community Partners Page to connect with local organizations offering services throughout our area and our Community Bulletin Board to get involved in community events, programs, and activities.
Infinite Campus
The Infinite Campus Parent Portal is how you can monitor your child’s progress, submit attendance notes online, complete important forms, update your information, and more. If you are still not registered, visit the Infinite Campus Page on our website for more information and resources for navigating. 🏫📊
Rooms
Rooms is a two way communication platform for teachers and families. Rooms is designed to make staying in touch with your student’s teachers and receiving important school updates easier than ever. 💬🏫🎒Visit the Rooms Page on our website for more information and resources for navigating.
1. Start by downloading the NASD app. Download here for iPhone or here for Android.
2. After opening the NASD app, look for the toggle on the bottom right corner and select Rooms.
3. Toggle to the phone icon in the upper right corner and enter your cell phone number to receive a code.
4. Enter the authentication code in the provided field.
5. Select My Notifications to see your newest Messages and Announcements!
Care Solace
NASD has partnered with Care Solace to connect students, staff, and families with mental health and substance use support. Services are free, confidential, and available for all insurance types.
You can access Care Solace services in three ways:
Call 888-515-0595 at any time. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365. A dedicated Care Companion will help you every step of the way to research options, secure appointments, and follow up to make sure it is a good fit.
Search anonymously to get matched with an extensive list of care providers at caresolace.com/nasd
Contact your school health professional, and they will submit a referral on your behalf.
No matter what you're experiencing, there is hope and help. We are confident that our new partnership with Care Solace will help us build a healthier, more vibrant school community.
If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 or The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. Care Solace is not an emergency response service or mental health services provider.
School Board Information
Meet the NASD Board of School Directors
All meetings take place in the NASD Administration Building in the Board Room. Special meetings and committee meetings are called on an "as needed" basis and are usually held on Monday night. Public notice of all additional or changed School Board meetings is published in The Times Herald. For more information, please contact Kathy DiMaio.
Work Sessions will be held the 3rd Monday of each month, unless there is a district holiday. Regular Voting Meetings will be held the 4th Monday of each month, unless there is district holiday.
There will be no meeting in July 2025 or December 2025, except for the legally required Reorganization Meeting, scheduled for December 1, 2025.
Stay Connected
Mission
The mission of the Norristown Area School District is to educate and inspire each and every student to become a life-long learner, to strive for continued growth and personal excellence, and to demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed for success in a diverse, global society.