Building Stronger Leaders
Building Stronger Leaders
On August 11, Norwin Class Officers and Student Council Officers came together for a one-day leadership retreat at Ligonier Camp and Conference Center. Throughout the day, students participated in activities designed to strengthen the teamwork, communication and collaboration skills needed to be effective leaders.
Each activity presented a unique challenge and encouraged students to think creatively and work together. In one activity, students were tasked with completing a puzzle, but half of the participants were not permitted to speak. The challenge emphasized the importance of finding creative ways to communicate and listening to the ideas of others.
“ My biggest takeaway from this activity was how important it is to build trust with my teammates while in a challenging situation,” said Ella Zavatsky, Junior Class Social Media Coordinator.“ Allowing other people you’ re working with to share ideas is important so everyone’ s contributions can get the job done.”
Another activity used playing cards to demonstrate the value of every individual’ s role within a team. Students learned that even a small contribution can play an important part in helping a group reach a common goal.
Communication was also at the center of an activity in which students worked together to create a shape using a rope while blindfolded. With everyone working toward the same objective, the activity demonstrated how strong communication and collaboration are essential to accomplishing a shared goal— skills that students can carry with them as they plan and lead events throughout the school year.
“ I learned how to work with other leaders from my school and I was able to apply what I learned there to my own leadership as president of Student Council— all while having fun!” said Gabbie McAdams, Norwin Student Council President.
The retreat gave Norwin’ s student leaders an opportunity to learn from one another, recognize their individual strengths and areas for growth, and build relationships that will support them throughout the school year. Most importantly, students left with a better understanding of how teamwork, communication and collaboration can help them become stronger leaders and create successful experiences for their school community.
Annual Notices orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
26 NORWIN
Norwin Students Explore Spain
In June, thirteen Norwin students in Spanish 3 and 4 traveled on an educational trip to Spain to improve their Spanish skills, learn more about the history and architecture, and engage in a variety of activities to help them learn more about the culture of this country through firsthand experience. They discovered that many of the people of this country prioritize family, camaraderie, and staying connected with their history. Throughout the journey, they were accompanied by Mr. Ryan Caldwell from Norwin High School and an expert tour guide named Sonia Beck who has spent decades leading educational tours for students in Spain as well as other European countries.
During the ten-day trip, these students tried a variety of authentic foods, watched a flamenco show after learning some moves themselves, enjoyed a bike ride through Seville, toured several historical and religious landmarks, and much more. In addition to Seville, they also got to tour Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Granada, and finished their journey at the beach in Costa del Sol. From this opportunity, these students gained new insight on the value of travel and interacting with people who have various perspectives.
Norwin School District publishes its Annual Notices on the School District website at www. norwinsd. org under the“ About Us” tab. Additionally, each August Norwin School District publishes annual public notices of special education services and programs, services for gifted students, and services for protected handicapped students in the Tribune- Review, Valley News Dispatch, Penn-Trafford Star, Norwin Star, Murrysville Star, and Lower Burrell Pennysaver. The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit coordinates this listing and publication on behalf of its member school districts.
Anyone who does not have access to the Internet and wishes to view the Annual Public Notices is asked to contact the Norwin Administration Building at 724- 861-3000.