NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Norwin Rises in Rankings Among Nation ’ s Best High Schools
Norwin High School has once again ranked among the nation ’ s best according to US News & World Report ’ s Best High School Rankings for 2024 , rising in rankings for the second consecutive year to No . 16 out of 122 high schools in the Pittsburgh metro area , No . 54 out of 750 high schools in Pennsylvania , and No . 1,532 in the nation .
The U . S . News Best High Schools rankings include data on more than 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia .
Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked this year on six indicators of school quality . Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests , graduation , and how well they prepare students for college .
Superintendent Dr . Natalie McCracken congratulated Norwin students , families , teachers , and staff for their continued commitment to excellence , emphasizing that this well-deserved recognition was made possible by the collective contributions of all Norwin employees .
“ Being recognized as one of the ‘ Best High Schools for 2024 ’ by U . S . News & World Report is an incredible honor for Norwin School District and our entire community ,” Dr . McCracken shared . “ This achievement reflects what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared commitment to educational excellence . It ’ s a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our students , teachers , staff , and the entire school community , reaffirming our unwavering commitment to offering a world-class education and creating a space where every student can thrive .”
Dr . Michael Choby , Norwin High School Principal , said the ranking among the Nation ’ s Best High Schools validates the faculty ’ s dedication to student learning and the community ’ s support of academic excellence .
“ We take seriously the calling to prepare students for their futures and appreciate the recognition for this humbling award ,” Dr . Choby said .
For more information on the U . S . News Public High School Rankings please visit : https :// www . usnews . com / education / besthigh-schools orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
MIDDLE SCHOOL ART
Norwin Middle School 8th Grade Art Teacher , Mr . Weimer , shared with parents at open house his initiative incorporating STEAM ( A = ART ) principles in his classroom curriculum . “ I was able to provide a foundation for the historical significance of mankind ’ s utilitarian use of clay pottery to significantly advance humanity from the Prehistoric to Renaissance Period with students .”
Later this semester , 8th grade students will create their own clay pottery utilizing coil and slab building techniques while solving problems on the go such as how to balance the form of the pot and joining pieces of clay shapes without it collapsing . “ Our ancient ancestors solved numerous problems with the use of the creative traits we all possess in our brains , from creating the tools needed to hunt and gather food to storing it in clay pots ,” said Mr . Weimer . “ Mankind had to learn how to create and control fire before they discovered the advantages of clay , but both of these discoveries became the essential discoveries that allowed our species to be so successful .”
NORWIN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS NOW HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY
Norwin High School is now providing students with the opportunity to be a part of the National Art Honor Society chapter . For more than 40 years the National Art Honor Society programs have provided national recognition and opportunities for students who exhibit outstanding scholarship in the visual arts . Participation in NAHS provides members with valuable benefits including artistic recognition , leadership opportunities , college and career preparation , and more .
High School students and teachers have been busy planning their inaugural year as a NAHS chapter . We will be working at the Homecoming Carnival , you will see us providing the community with Spirit Painting at the Carnival before the football game , we will be painting the cafeteria windows to help decorate for the Homecoming Dance . We have a trip planned to Frank Lloyd Wright ’ s Falling Water and Kentuck Knob to provide students with the opportunity to see and be inspired by those who have made a great career in Art and Art Related fields . We are in the process of planning a community service project as well as some other opportunities for the Spring Semester . The most exciting opportunity for this upcoming school year will be painting a large outdoor mural at the VFW on Billot Ave . for the Don Katic Pavilion .
Applications to join Norwin High School NAHS will be collected in the spring for the following school year . Membership is based on scholarship , service , and character along with a minimum of 2 art courses .
In other news , two seniors participated in the annual Juried Art Show held at Pitt Greensburg . The show invites artists throughout Westmoreland County to participate with artwork displayed throughout Millstein Library September 23 – October 4 , 2024 . During last year ’ s show , two students from the class of 2023 place second and third .
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