Norwich students eliminate school uniforms as students return to school
Aug. 31—NORWICH — The first day of school in Norwich looked more colorful Wednesday morning, as the district traded its strict blue and khaki uniforms for a lenient dress code.
No pajamas, no obscene slogans, no wheels
The Board of Education approved the new dress code in spring after a survey showed students overwhelmingly opposed the uniforms and parents were split on whether they were working as intended to reduce bullying, lower costs for parents and ease peer pressure.
"We're hoping to see the voice and the personality of our students on the first day of school," Superintendent Kristen Stringfellow said.
The code allows expressive T-shirts, but no offensive language and no references to drugs or alcohol allowed. No slippers and no shoes with wheels are allowed. Tank tops, shorts and skirts are allowed, but no see-through clothing or overly revealing clothing. Stringfellow stressed, however, that "we're not playing the measuring game with shorts."
Hopes and Dreams week
The first three days of school for Norwich Public Schools this week will be half days, as Norwich tries a new theme for the start of school, "Hopes and Dreams Week." Stringfellow said instead of having parent conferences after several weeks of school, parents are being invited to meet with their teachers this week to share their own expectations and direction they would like for their children.
Stringfellow related her own experience as an example of how it could work. When her son was young, he already was reading at a high level by first grade, so she asked his teachers to make sure he got involved in social activities, sports or celebrations.
Global Studies middle school to connect with students across the world
One classroom in the Teachers' Memorial Global Studies Magnet Middle School was transformed two years ago into a language lab, but COVID-19 restrictions shuttered it. Now, under the direction of language arts teacher Darren Mansfield, students will join the Pen Pal Global League to connect with students all over the world working on similar school science, history or other academic projects. Language software will help translate correspondence.
Norwich Free Academy campus has fresh look
At Norwich Free Academy, where school started Tuesday for all students, it's the campus that has a bit of a new look. The $1.7 million slate roof replacement at Slater Museum is underway, with the tower dome completed and its restored historic weathervane reinstalled. The full slate roof restoration is on scheduled and expected to be completed in November, NFA spokesman Michael O'Farrell said.
Students also found new flooring in Shattuck Building classrooms, refinished wood floors in Tirrell classrooms, new decking and a complete paint job on Allis House and a resurfaced gym floor and a new HVAC system in the marine sciences classrooms. Outside, the Osgood Fountain has been refurbished, thanks to the donor.
New hockey team takes the ice Sept. 18.
The newly formed Norwich Hockey Club at NFA will take the ice for the first time this year. The first home game is scheduled for Sept. 18 at the Norwich ice rink. The Norwich Hockey Club is not governed by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, CIAC. The team plans a 40-game schedule against other elite New England hockey teams. The program has led to an increase of 17 private tuition-paying students at NFA, with the majority from Canada, O'Farrell said.
