Norwin Middle School: Focus on the Future orwin
Norwin Middle School: Focus on the Future orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
January ushers in the thrill of fresh starts, marking both a new calendar year and the beginning of a new semester for our Norwin students. Additionally, it kickstarts the scheduling process for our secondary students, emphasizing our continuous dedication to equipping them for college and career readiness. Eighth grade students at Norwin Middle School have been participating in various opportunities to help them become future-ready. Before selecting their high school courses for the next school year, students participated in guidance assemblies, listened to a panel of current high school students, and had the opportunity to attend a scheduling fair with their parents designed to help them plan for a bright and successful future.
Norwin Middle School highlights the significance of goal-setting as a means for students to uncover their passions and develop their talents. This encourages learners to reflect on their journeys and foster innovation through organized goal-setting. Eighth graders are inspired to set short-term goals, laying a strong groundwork for determining longerterm aspirations, including their future career choices.
Establishing short-term goals is an important step leading to longterm success. For example, committing to diligent study habits can result in a strong academic performance in 8th grade, creating a solid foundation. Moreover, displaying positive character traits not only fosters personal growth but also helps cultivate a supportive and encouraging school atmosphere.
One notable resource to assist students in goal setting is the XELLO platform, which middle school students utilize in their Communications class. This platform allows students to reflect on their past accomplishments while also strategizing to achieve their desired goals. By engaging with XELLO, students gain valuable insights that help them plan their academic and career trajectories effectively. The XELLO program is utilized district-wide, thus students have a strong portfolio of artifacts to reference as they make scheduling decisions.
Norwin Middle School’ s“ Focus on the Future” initiative is to instill in students a solid work ethic, strong academic performance, responsible citizenship, regular attendance, and effective communication skills as these attributes contribute significantly to future success regardless of the decision to enroll in higher education, pursue a trade, or enter the workforce. Teachers Ms. Julie Benson and Mrs. Laura Swick are currently participating in the Teacher in the Workforce program, sponsored by Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board to gain a firsthand experience of real-world career paths and the skills necessary for success in various fields. According to Benson,“ The Teacher in the Workforce program provided invaluable experience visiting employers and stakeholders. I learned how Technology and Manufacturing is thriving in Western Pennsylvania. Insight from these on-site visits helps me to prepare our students to be poised to meet the workforce needs of our local community.” Swick also praised the program stating“ It has been very interesting seeing the unique needs and opportunities for students within the business, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and trade industries in our community. I appreciate being able to bring first-hand, authentic information back to our students to help them set goals and build a strong foundation as they work towards their future aspirations.”
Advice from the High School
A panel of a dozen high school students moderated by middle school principal, Mr. Robert Suman and high school principal, Dr. Michael Choby, shared valuable insights to 8th graders in preparation for the scheduling process. Students began by discussing the core subject areas of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies detailing the progression as they move through the next four years.
The panel then provided an overview of advanced courses, explaining the differences between Honors, AP, and College in High School options.
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Electives were emphasized as an essential part of the high school experience, with students sharing experiences in business, computer science, tech education, and the arts, along with insights into world language options like German, French, and Spanish. Panelists discussed physical education, highlighting a swimming unit and various PE opportunities at the high school. The importance of adequate study time was also stressed, with discussions about the role of study halls. Each panelist concluded by offering their top advice on scheduling, helping middle school attendees make informed decisions about their future high school courses.
Opportunities at Norwin
Norwin Middle School offers students many opportunities to discover their interests and talents. In addition to core courses, students participate in Art, Communications, Computer Apps, Computer Science, Family & Consumer Science, Health / Physical Education, Library Science and Media, and Music. Clubs like Video Production, eSports, Girls who Code, Newspaper, Art, Reading, Yearbook and Robotics provide students with additional experiences to strengthen their skills in an area of interest.
As students transition into high school, they are presented with a wealth of opportunities to explore. The Course of Studies features 14 different departments and nearly 50 elective options open to freshman, with 115 school-wide, that cater to various passions and skills. Furthermore, students can expand their horizons by participating in 20 specialized programs available at the Central Westmoreland Career and Technical Center( CWCTC), which provides practical, hands-on experiences in various fields. In addition to these choices, high school students have access to advanced learning opportunities, including over 40 college-level courses offered through the College in the High School program. The school boasts an array of extracurricular activities to extend academics, so there is something for everyone’ s interest. This combination of activities not only enriches their educational experience but also empowers them to make informed decisions about their future paths.
Students at Norwin are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities available to actively engage in setting and achieving their personal and academic goals. The future is bright for Norwin students.