2nd Graders Join Statewide STEM Challenge to Build Salamander Safe Crossings
Norwin Middle School Science Olympiad Advances to State Competition
2nd Graders Join Statewide STEM Challenge to Build Salamander Safe Crossings
Earlier this spring, Mrs. Amanda Brunetto’ s 2nd grade class took part in Remake Learning’ s DiscoveryED Day, an exciting event connecting students across Pennsylvania. Partnering with another classroom via Google Meet, her students collaborated on a STEM design challenge: to create a bridge or tunnel that would help salamanders safely cross roads during their migration, preventing them from getting hit by cars.
Through this project, the children discovered the fascinating world of Wildlife Crossings and learned how ecologists and engineers work hand-in-hand to protect animals during their journeys. It was an inspiring experience for all involved!
In total, more than 16,000 students across Pennsylvania participated in this innovative event, making it a truly remarkable day of learning and collaboration.
Preparing for Kindergarten: Norwin’ s Young Knights Program
It’ s never too early to start thinking about kindergarten! Norwin School District’ s Young Knights program is designed to support families as they transition from preschool to kindergarten, making that important first step a smooth and successful one.
Partnering with local preschools, Young Knights offers three evening sessions throughout the school year. Each session highlights different school-readiness skills— giving parents and caregivers practical tools and insights to prepare their children for kindergarten success. Families are encouraged to attend all three sessions to gain the full benefit of the program.
For the 2025 – 2026 school year, sessions will be held on:
• Thursday, November 13, 2025
• Wednesday, February 11, 2026
• Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Registration is required and will be available on the district website approximately six weeks prior to each event. To be eligible, students must be 5 years of age before September 1, 2026.
To learn more, visit the registration tab at www. norwinsd. org.
Questions? Contact Transition Coordinators Susan Seymour at seymour. susan @ norwinsd. org or Kim Tarris at tarris. kim @ norwinsd. org. orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
32 NORWIN
Norwin Middle School Science Olympiad Advances to State Competition
The Middle School Science Olympiad team competed at the Regional competition on March 29th, earning 3rd place overall and qualifying for the state tournament. Science Olympiad challenges students with 23 events spanning Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and Engineering. Among these are seven construction events, where students design and build projects ahead of time— such as Balsa Wood Helicopters, Towers, and Mission Possible Rube Goldberg Devices.
On April 26th, the team competed at Penn State Altoona against the top 36 middle schools in Pennsylvania, finishing 21st overall. Team members include Austin Bobby, Caroline Divelbiss, David Ekiss, Elias Byers, Elliot Fraser, Brody Heckman, Charlie Keefer, Kellen Laney, Sylvia Lin, Norah Mikolaj, Maren Moenssens, Michael Shaffer, Jack Sherman, Sahana Sthuthi, and Jocelin Wagner.