What’s New Wednesday

Next week is Spirit Week, organized by the eighth grade class to fundraise for their trip to Washington D.C. in the spring.  Students and staff that would like to participate should bring $2 per day or $8 for the week.  Each day there will be a different theme.  Please see the attached flyer for the schedule.  Thanks for your support.

The SSPT (Student School Planning Team) is organizing a food drive for Person to Person.  Please see the attached flyer for more details. 

Norwalk Reads, a literacy non-profit, is giving away free books for all Norwalk children this Saturday, December 16 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at both library branches.  Please see the flyer attached for additional details. 

The Norwalk Transportation, Mobility, & Parking (TMP) is proposing street conversions that will affect our immediate school neighborhood.  There is an informational meeting scheduled for Monday, December 18 at 6:00 P.M. during which residents are welcome to share feedback about this proposal.  Please see the attached flyer for specifics. 

It is time to shop, compare and enroll in a qualified health plan and/or a stand-alone dental plan in CT.  Open enrollment for the 2024 plan year is November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024.  To start the year with health coverage customers must enroll by December 15, 2023.  Please use the link below to get answers to all your questions about eligibility and options.https://www.accesshealthct.com/article/open-enrollment-is-here-what-you-need-to-to-know/

Horizons at Norwalk Community College is accepting lottery applications for summer 2024 for students in Pre-K who are entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024.  Please visit their website at https://www.horizonsncc.org/apply-1/new-students/  for eligibility, application, and program information.  Applications are due March 1, 2024.

Horizons, hosted at New Canaan Country School, is now accepting on-line applications for new students until December 14.  There are lottery openings for students who reside in Norwalk and Stamford and are in grades Kindergarten, second, and fourth.  Students in grades 1, 3, and 5-8 may apply for their wait list.  Please visit their website for more information and the online application process or call 203-972-7005.https://www.horizonskids.org/apply/dates-deadlines/

The Norwalk High School Choice Lottery is now open for registration.  The lottery closes Friday, January 12 and the lottery drawing will be Friday, January 19.

The Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year.  The link to the application is:  AITE Application 2024-2025. 

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing.  Contact Bea Abreu at extension 146 for additional ESL resources and links.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet service.  Please see the flyer attached for important details. 

There will be an all school meeting on Friday, December 22 at 2:30 P.M.  All are encouraged to attend.

Side by Side will close for the holiday recess on Friday, December 22 through Monday, January 1.  December 22 is a regular dismissal day. 

The SSPT (Student School Planning Team) is organizing a food drive for Person to Person.  Please see the attached flyer for more details. 

The Norwalk Transportation, Mobility, & Parking (TMP) is proposing street conversions that will affect our immediate school neighborhood.  There is an informational meeting scheduled for Monday, December 18 at 6:00 P.M. during which residents are welcome to share feedback about this proposal.  Please see the attached flyer for specifics. 

It is time to shop, compare and enroll in a qualified health plan and/or a stand-alone dental plan in CT.  Open enrollment for the 2024 plan year is November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024.  To start the year with health coverage customers must enroll by December 15, 2023.  Please use the link below to get answers to all your questions about eligibility and options.

https://www.accesshealthct.com/article/open-enrollment-is-here-what-you-need-to-to-know/

Horizons at Norwalk Community College is accepting lottery applications for Summer 2024 for students in Pre-K who are entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2024.  Please visit their website at https://www.horizonsncc.org/apply-1/new-students/  for eligibility, application, and program information.  Applications are due March 1, 2024.

Horizons, hosted at New Canaan Country School, is now accepting on-line applications for new students until December 14.  There are lottery openings for students who reside in Norwalk and Stamford and are in grades Kindergarten, 2, and 4.  Students in grades 1, 3, and 5-8 may apply for their wait list.  Please visit their website for more information and the online application process or call 203-972-7005.

https://www.horizonskids.org/apply/dates-deadlines/

The Norwalk High School Choice Lottery is now open for registration.  The lottery closes Friday, January 12 and the lottery drawing will be Friday, January 19.

The Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year.  The link to the application is:  AITE Application 2024-2025.  They will host a second open house tomorrow December 7 at 6:00 P.M.  Please see the attached flyers for more information.

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing.  Contact Bea Abreu at extension 146 for additional ESL resources and links.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet service.  Please see the flyer attached for important details. 

There will be an all school meeting on Friday, December 22 at 2:30 P.M.  All are encouraged to attend.

Side by Side will close for the holiday recess on Friday, December 22 through Monday, January 1.  December 22 is a regular dismissal day. 

It is time to shop, compare and enroll in a qualified health plan and/or a stand-alone dental plan in CT.  Open enrollment for the 2024 plan year is November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024.  To start the year with health coverage customers must enroll by December 15, 2023.  Please use the link below to get answers to all your questions about eligibility and options. 

https://www.accesshealthct.com/article/open-enrollment-is-here-what-you-need-to-to-know/

The Norwalk High School Choice Lottery is now open for registration.  The lottery closes Friday, January 12 and the lottery drawing will be Friday, January 19.

The Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year.  The link to the application is:  AITE Application 2024-2025.  They will host a second open house tomorrow December 7 at 6:00 P.M.  Please see the attached flyers for more information.

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing.  Contact Bea Abreu at extension 146 for additional ESL resources and links.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet service.  Please see the flyer attached for important details. 

The city of Norwalk is hosting a community listening session tomorrow at City Hall at 6:30 P.M. concerning housing in Norwalk.  Please see the attached flyer, available in both English and Spanish for more details. 

Tomorrow, Thursday, November 16, students will dismiss at 2:10 P.M. for parent teacher conferences.

Friday, November 17 is the last day of the first marking period.

School will close for the Thanksgiving Recess from Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24.

It is time to shop, compare and enroll in a qualified health plan and/or a stand-alone dental plan in CT.  Open enrollment for the 2024 plan year is November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024.  To start the year with health coverage customers must enroll by December 15, 2023.  Please use the link below to get answers to all your questions about eligibility and options. 

https://www.accesshealthct.com/article/open-enrollment-is-here-what-you-need-to-to-know/

School portrait packages came home in backpacks today.  If you are not completely satisfied with your child’s portrait, please see the attached flyer to contact Coffee Pond about any concerns or to request a re-take.  Please return the original portrait package to your child’s teacher but remember to keep the class picture.  Portrait re-takes will take place on Thursday, November 30.

There will be a SBS Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, November 28 at 5:15 P.M.

There will be an all school meeting on Thursday, November 30 at 2:30 P.M.  Parents are always welcome to attend.

Friday, December 1 is a dress down day for students and staff.   

The Norwalk High School Choice Lottery is now open for registration.  The lottery closes Friday, January 12 and the lottery drawing will be Friday, January 19.

The Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year.  The link to the application is:  AITE Application 2024-2025.  They will host a second open house on Thursday, December 7 at 6:00 P.M.

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing.  Contact Bea Abreu at extension 146 for additional ESL resources and links.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet service.  Please see the flyer attached for important details. 

It is time to shop, compare and enroll in a qualified health plan and/or a stand-alone dental plan in CT.  Open enrollment for the 2024 plan year is November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024.  To start the year with health coverage customers must enroll by December 15, 2023.  Please use the link below to get answers to all your questions about eligibility and options. https://www.accesshealthct.com/article/open-enrollment-is-here-what-you-need-to-to-know/

There will be two early dismissal days in November for teacher conferences.  Tomorrow, November 9 and Thursday, November 16, students will dismiss at 2:10 P.M.  Please remember to sign up for a conference time with your child’s teacher.

Friday, November 10, school will close in observance of Veteran’s Day. 

Friday, November 17 is the last day of the first marking period.

School will close for the Thanksgiving Recess from Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24.

A Coffee Pond photographer will be here for school portrait re-takes on Thursday, November 30 to take portraits of any student that was absent on picture day. 

The Norwalk High School Choice Lottery is now open for registration.  The lottery closes Friday, January 12 and the lottery drawing will be Friday, January 19.

The Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year.  The link to the application is:  AITE Application 2024-2025.  They will host a second open house on Thursday, December 7 at 6:00 P.M.

Please see the attached flyer for information about a Covid-19 Housing Relief Assistance Program available for eligible Norwalk residents. 

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing. Please see the flyer attached for more information.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet service.  Please see the flyer attached for important details. 

There will be a SBS Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, November 28 at 5:15 P.M.

Fairfield Preparatory, a private, college preparatory high school for boys, will host an open house on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9:00-10:00 A.M.  The admission test for Fairfield Prep, Kolbe Cathedral, Notre Dame and St. Joseph’s are all on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 8:15 A.M. 

The first All School Meeting of the school year will be on Friday, September 29 at 2:30 P.M.  Parents are always welcome to attend.

The SBS administration intends to reward the students in grades 4-8 for their growth and achievement on the SBAC exam last year.  This Friday, September 29, all 4-8 grade students will have lunch in the gym at 12:10.  Please see the attached flyer.

Monday, October 9, school will close in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  The following day, Tuesday, October 10 is a professional day.  School will close for students that day as well.  

School picture day is on Thursday, October 12.  Look for order forms in your child’s backpack next week.  You can also place your order online at coffeepond.com.  Students may wear an outfit of their choice.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet service.  Please see the flyer attached for important details. 

There will be a parent forum on Thursday, October 12 from 6-7:30 for the parents of our eighth grade students.  Ms. Newbery will answer questions about the transition to high school and the application process for Norwalk Public Choice and other regional high schools. 

Updated student health forms are due September 29.  Please return newly completed emergency forms, transportation forms and upper school code of conduct agreements to the main office.   

J. M. Wright Technical High School announce their fall open house date for interested incoming high school students.  Please see the flyer attached. 

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing. Please see the flyer attached for more information.

2023-24 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take place in person at the Side by Side Upper School)

• Tuesday, October 24, 2023
• Tuesday, November 28, 2023
• December 26, 2023 TBD
• Tuesday, January 23, 2024
• Tuesday, February 27, 2024
• Tuesday, March 26, 2024
• Tuesday, April 23, 2024
• Tuesday, May 28, 2024
• June 2024 TBD

Cheers for Beers is this Friday, November 3 from 6-8:00 P.M. at Spacecat Brewing Company in South
Norwalk. This is a fall fundraiser for our school hosted by members of the Board of Directors. All
parents, staff and friends of SBS are encouraged to come out and support our school. Please see the
flyer attached, in both English and Spanish for details.

Friday, November 3 is a dress down day for students and staff.

Tuesday, November 7 is Election Day. There is no school for students. Teachers will meet for
professional development.

There will be two early dismissal days in November for teacher conferences. Thursday, November 9 and
Thursday, November 16, students will dismiss at 2:10 P.M. Please remember to sign up for a conference
time with your child’s teacher.

Friday, November 10, school will close in observance of Veteran’s Day.

A Coffee Pond photographer will be here for school portrait re-takes on Thursday, November 30 to take
portraits of any student that was absent on picture day.

Please find attached a copy of the breakfast and lunch menus for the month of November.

Please see the attached flyer for information about a Covid-19 Housing Relief Assistance Program
available for eligible Norwalk residents.

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing. Please see the flyer attached for more information.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet
service. Please see the flyer attached for important details.

2023-24 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take place in person at
the Side by Side Upper School)
 Tuesday, November 28, 2023
 December 26, 2023 TBD
 Tuesday, January 23, 2024
 Tuesday, February 27, 2024
 Tuesday, March 26, 2024
 Tuesday, April 23, 2024
 Tuesday, May 28, 2024

School picture day is tomorrow, Thursday, October 12. Students may wear an outfit of their choice; wearing the school uniform is optional tomorrow. Please remember to complete the
portrait order form and return it with payment enclosed to your child’s teacher. You may choose to
place your order online at www.coffeepond.com or scan the QR code on the attached notice. Please
inform the office if you would like to have a sibling portrait taken and kindly indicate this on your order
form.

There will be a parent forum on Thursday, October 12 from 6-7:30 for the parents of our eighth grade
students. Ms. Newbery will answer questions about the transition to high school and the application
process for Norwalk Public Choice and other regional high schools.

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing. Please see the flyer attached for more information.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet
service. Please see the flyer attached for important details.

The third grade class will have a playground playdate on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4-4:30 P.M.

The kindergarten class will be touring the firehouse on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9:45 to noon.

The first grade class will have a playground playdate on Friday, Oct. 20 from 4-4:30 P.M.

The SBS Board of Directors will host a fall fundraiser at Spacecat Brewing Company on Friday, November
3rd from 6-8:00 P.M. Please see the flyer attached, in both English and Spanish for details. We are
requesting donations of goods and services for a raffle.

P-Tech will host a fall open house on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 6:30-8:30 P.M. for incoming high school
students. Please see the flyer attached.

A representative from J.M. Wright Technical School will make a brief presentation to Side by Side eighth
grade students on Monday, October 16 from 2:00-3:00 P.M.

2023-24 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take place in person at
the Side by Side Upper School)
 Tuesday, October 24, 2023
 Tuesday, November 28, 2023
 December 26, 2023 TBD
 Tuesday, January 23, 2024
 Tuesday, February 27, 2024
 Tuesday, March 26, 2024
 Tuesday, April 23, 2024
 Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Please see the October breakfast and school lunch menu attached for your convenience.

Monday, October 9, school will close in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The
following day, Tuesday, October 10 is a professional day. School will close for students that day as well.

School picture day is on Thursday, October 12. The teachers placed order forms in student backpacks
today. Students may wear an outfit of their choice on picture day. Please see the reminder notice
attached to this email for online order instructions.

There will be a parent forum on Thursday, October 12 from 6-7:30 for the parents of our eighth grade
students. Ms. Newbery will answer questions about the transition to high school and the application
process for Norwalk Public Choice and other regional high schools.

Friday, October 13 is a dress down day for students and staff.

Free ESL classes for SBS parents are ongoing. Please see the flyer attached for more information.

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet
service. Please see the flyer attached for important details.

The SBS Board of Directors will host a fall fundraiser at Spacecat Brewing Company on Friday, November
3rd from 6-8:00 P.M. Please see the flyer attached, in both English and Spanish for details. We are
requesting donations of goods and services for a raffle.

J. M. Wright Technical High School will host a fall open house on November 9 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. for
incoming high school students. Please see the flyer attached.

A representative from the school will make a brief presentation at Side by Side on Monday, October 16 from 2:00-3:00 P.M.

2023-24 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take place in person at
the Side by Side Upper School)
 Tuesday, October 24, 2023
 Tuesday, November 28, 2023
 December 26, 2023 TBD
 Tuesday, January 23, 2024
 Tuesday, February 27, 2024
 Tuesday, March 26, 2024
 Tuesday, April 23, 2024
 Tuesday, May 28, 2024
 June 2024 TBD

The Lower School Back to School night is tonight from 6-8 P.M.   Childcare is not available for this meeting. 

Optimum is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program to help qualifying households pay for internet service.  Please see the flyer attached for important details. 

The FRC Extended Day Program still has openings for soccer, Yoga, fashion class and drumming.  Applications are available online and in the main office.      

Please note that the start date for the upper school Carver Program has changed and will now begin on Monday, September 18, 2023 and end on Thursday, June 4, 2024.

There will be no school on Monday, September 25 in observance of Yom Kippur. 

The first All School Meeting of the school year will be on Friday, September 29 at 2:30 P.M. 

Monday, October 9, school will close in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  The following day, Tuesday, October 10 is a professional day.  School will close for students that day as well.   

There will be a parent forum on Thursday, October 12 from 6-7:30 for the parents of our eighth grade students.  Ms. Newbery will answer questions about the transition to high school and the application process for Norwalk Public Choice and other regional high schools. 

Please find attached a memo with important end of marking period and parent conference (early dismissal) dates for both lower and upper school students. 

Updated student health forms are due September 29.  Likewise, newly completed emergency forms, transportation forms and upper school code of conduct agreements must be returned to them main office at the beginning of each school year.  Blank forms are available in the main office or upon request.  It is imperative that current forms are on file for each enrolled student. 

School picture day is on Thursday, October 12. 

The SBS Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, September 26 at 5:15 P.M.  The meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions, and the first fifteen minutes of each meeting are reserved for public comment.  During this time, any member of the public, parent or student community is free to attend and provide public comment.  SBS posts minutes of each monthly board meeting on the SBS website under the “Board of Directors” tab. 

J. M. Wright Technical High School announce their fall open house date for interested incoming high school students.  Please see the flyer attached.