Norwin Financial
Young Knights
Norwin Financial
The Norwin Financial Reality Fair, held at the High School on Thursday, November 20, 2025, provided Money Matters students with an engaging, real-world simulation of financial decisionmaking. Participating students were assigned a salary based on their chosen career and life scenario, then visited a series of booths to make decisions related to housing, transportation, food, clothing, entertainment, and other everyday expenses while working to balance their budgets. Volunteers and financial professionals guided them throughout the process, helping students understand how daily choices affect their long-term financial stability.
The event was sponsored by the Norwin Teachers Federal Credit Union, Norwin Chamber of Commerce, the PAA Credit Union Foundation, Westmoreland Community Federal Credit Union, and Lesco Federal Credit Union, and was made possible through the leadership of Mrs. Amy Lichwa, CEO of Norwin Teachers Federal Credit Union.
Before the fair, students completed a research survey to identify a career of interest and determine the required education level, tuition costs, and typical salary ranges. Using this information, monthly budget worksheets were generated, outlining annual and pre-tax monthly salaries, as well as deductions for federal and state income taxes, Social Security,
RealityFair
Medicare, health insurance premiums, and retirement contributions. Students were also assigned a hypothetical credit score of 655, which was discussed and explained in class.
During the Reality Fair, students visited as many financial stations as possible, staffed by credit union representatives and community volunteers who offered suggestions and guidance for completing their budgets. Stations included deposit accounts( checking and savings), loan accounts, credit card expenses, onetime purchases( such as furniture or appliances), and everyday living costs like rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Students also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with volunteer“ Loan Officers” to review their completed budgets, discuss whether they were meeting their financial goals, and receive advice on developing effective savings and loan plans. By the end of the fair, students had gained a clearer understanding of budgeting, saving, and responsible spending— essential skills for achieving financial independence after graduation.
The success of the Norwin Reality Fair was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors and the dedication of Norwin teachers and volunteers. Their leadership, guidance, and commitment to providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences ensured that students gained valuable skills and insights that will serve them well beyond the classroom. orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Norwin Schools Recognized Among Pennsylvania’ s Best in 2026 U. S. News Rankings
26 NORWIN
Norwin School District is proud to announce that all seven schools earned high placement in the 2026 U. S. News Best Elementary and Middle Schools Rankings and the 2025 – 2026 Best High Schools Rankings. These outcomes highlight Norwin’ s strong academic foundation, student growth, and instructional excellence.
All Norwin elementary schools ranked in the top 10 % of more than 3,200 schools statewide. Sunset Valley Elementary led the way at # 20 in Pennsylvania with top reading and math proficiency, while Hahntown and Sheridan Terrace were rated“ well above expectations.” Stewartsville Elementary also earned recognition for strong math growth.
Norwin’ s intermediate and secondary schools continued this strong performance. Hillcrest Intermediate ranked # 16 statewide, posting one of Pennsylvania’ s highest math proficiency scores. Norwin Middle School ranked # 31 with“ well above expectations” math performance. At the high school level, Norwin Senior High ranked # 86 in Pennsylvania and # 21 in the Pittsburgh Metro Area, with a 96 % graduation rate and strong proficiency in core subjects.
“ Our success is truly a community effort,” said Dr. McCracken, Superintendent.“ Norwin’ s continued presence among Pennsylvania’ s best reflects not only the dedication of our students but also the efforts of our parents, teachers, administrators, staff, school board, and community.”
These achievements demonstrate Norwin’ s commitment to ensuring every student has the support and opportunities needed to thrive.
Young Knights
Norwin’ s four elementary schools hosted the first of three Young Knights preschool transition sessions in November for children entering kindergarten in the 2026 – 2027 school year. More than 170 families visited their home school on November 14 to learn about kindergarten readiness and participate in activities focused on fine motor skill development. Families also received take-home materials to continue practicing these skills at home.
The Young Knights preschool transition program supports families as they prepare for a smooth, confident entry into kindergarten. Two additional sessions are planned for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Registration is required for each event and can be completed by scanning the QR code or visiting norwinsd. org and clicking on the registration tab. Registration for the February session will close at 4 p. m. on Wednesday, February 4. If you have any questions, please contact the District transition coordinators Susan Seymour at seymour. susan @ norwinsd. org or Kim Tarris at tarris. kim @ norwinsd. org.
To register for the February 11, 2026, session of Young Knights, scan the QR code: