What’s New Wednesday

Tonight is the virtual Back to School Night for Upper school (Gr. 6-8.)  Parents will receive a link to attend the google meeting which begins promptly at 6:00 P.M.  The lower school (PK-5) meeting will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 P.M. 

Please find attached a flyer with a registration QR code and details about a virtual domestic violence workshop series that begins tonight at 7PM.

Please remember to send your student with a clean, close fitting mask each school day for the protection of everyone in our community.

The Family Resource Center playgroup meets in Ryan Park (southwest of the Raymond St. and Day St. intersection) each Wednesday morning, weather permitting, from 9:30 to 11:00 am.  Caregivers and their children ages birth to four years old are welcome to join in the fun.

The deadline for free and reduced priced school lunch applications, which submit annually, is October 14.  If your family met the eligibility requirements in the past, please go to www.myschoolapps.com or click here  HERE to complete an application online.  Although school lunch is available to every student free of charge this school year, a determination of eligibility based on family income and size may help families obtain camp scholarships and other entitlements and additionally, means our school may be eligible for federal grants and educational programs.

Parents interested in joining a conversation group for English language learners should contact Beatriz Abreu at ext. 146 or by email, babreu@sbscharter.org or Evelyn at ext. 130 or equigley@sbscharter.org.  

There will be a two hour early dismissal (1:30pm) on Monday, October 25 for professional development.  There is no extended day or Carver program on early dismissal days. 

Tuesday, November 2 is Election Day.  There is no school for students on that day.  Teachers will convene for professional development. 

School picture day is Friday, Oct 1.  Order forms went home last week in student backpacks.  Please complete the order form, and return the envelope with payment enclosed to your child’s teacher.  You may also place your portrait package order online at www.coffeepond.com.  This date coincides with a dress down day for students and staff. 

Please be reminded that your student’s updated medical forms must be submitted to the school nurse no later than Friday, Oct. 1. 

Monday, October 4 is a professional development day for teachers.  No school for students.

The Norwalk Board of Education recently approved a return to the original 7:30 am high school start time effective October 4.  This change will affect current school bus routes and bus stop arrival times for the entire district, including Side by Side.  Please see the new bus number and arrival times on the Norwalk Public Schools website, norwalkps.org posted in the transportation section of the website.  I have also attached the amended list to this email.    

Nikki Gwinn, will return to the Extended Day program to offer the Beyond Fashion class in person on Thursdays, beginning Thursday, September 30.   

Please remember to send your student with a clean, close fitting mask each school day for the protection of everyone in our community.

The Family Resource Center playgroup meets in Ryan Park (southwest of the Raymond St. and Day St. intersection) each Wednesday morning, weather permitting, from 9:30 to 11:00 am.  Caregivers and their children ages birth to four years old are welcome to join in the fun.

Side by Side families that may be eligible for free and reduced price school lunch should submit an online application before the deadline for applications on October 14, 2021.  Although school lunch is available to every student free of charge this school year, a determination of eligibility based on family income and size may help families obtain camp scholarships and other entitlements.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QGjv2TF5wmekYpo-NdizNwi5S8-j2Isi/view

Virtual Back to School Nights will take place in October.  Upper school (Gr. 6-8) parents will receive a link to attend the google meeting on Wednesday. October 6 at 6:00 P.M.  The lower school (PK-5) meeting will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 P.M. 

Parents interested in joining a conversation group for English language learners should contact Beatriz Abreu at ext. 146 or by email, babreu@sbscharter.org or Evelyn at ext. 130 or equigley@sbscharter.org.  

The Norwalk Board of Education recently approved a return to the original 7:30 am high school start time effective October 4.  This change will affect current school bus routes and bus stop arrival times for the entire district, including Side by Side.  Please see the new bus number and arrival times on the Norwalk Public Schools website, norwalkps.org posted in the transportation section of the website.  I have also attached the amended list to this email.    

Monday, September 27 is a two-hour (1:30 pm) early dismissal day for professional development.  There is no extended day or Carver program on this early dismissal day or subsequent ED days on the school calendar (10/25, 1/24, 3/28, 4/25 and 5/16.)

Nikki Gwinn, will return to the Extended Day program to offer the Beyond Fashion class in person on Thursdays, however the start date is now September 30. 

Please be reminded that your student’s updated medical forms must be submitted to the school nurse no later than Friday, Oct. 1.

School picture day is Friday, Oct 1.  Order forms will be sent home in student backpacks today.  Please complete the order form, and return the envelope with payment enclosed to your child’s teacher.  You may place your portrait package order online at www.coffeepond.com.

Monday, October 4 is a professional development day for teachers.  No school for students.

Virtual Back to School Nights will take place in October.  Upper school (Gr. 6-8) parents will receive a link to attend the google meeting on Wed. October 6 at 6:00 P.M.  The lower school (PK-5) meeting will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 P.M. 

There will be a board of directors meeting on Tuesday, September 28 at 5:15 P.M.

This year the Carver Program for the upper school, (Monday through Thursday) will start on Monday September 13, 2021 and end on Thursday May 26, 2022. The after school program takes place at Side by Side and runs from the end of the school day (3:40) until 5:40 PM. The program is designed to help support your child(ren) academically as well as introduce them to new and exciting enrichment opportunities.  The link to register is app.schooldoc.com/register/carverafterschool

The Carver Foundation of Norwalk offers after school programs and much more at their site on Academy Street in Norwalk.  Please see the attached flyer with a registration link and a QR code for more details about the Carver Foundation and their programs. 

Parents interested in joining a conversation group for English language learners should contact Beatriz Abreu at ext. 146 or by email, babreu@sbscharter.org or Evelyn at ext. 130 or equigley@sbscharter.org  

There will be no school tomorrow, Thursday, September 16 in observance of Yom Kippur.  

The Norwalk Board of Education recently approved a return to the original 7:30 am high school start time effective October 4.  This change will impact current school bus routes and schedules for the entire district, including Side by Side.  We will share this information with families once new routes, times and bus numbers are available.  Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Nikki Gwinn, will return to the Extended Day program to offer the Beyond Fashion class in person on Thursdays, starting September 23.  

Monday, September 27 is a two-hour (1:30 pm) early dismissal day for professional development.  There is no extended day or Carver program on this early dismissal day or subsequent ED days on the school calendar (10/25, 1/24, 3/28, 4/25 and 5/16.)

Please be reminded that your student’s updated medical forms must be submitted to the school nurse no later than Friday, Oct. 1.

School picture day is Friday, Oct 1.  Order forms will be sent home in student backpacks next week.  Please complete the order form, and return the envelope with payment enclosed to your child’s teacher.  You may place your portrait package order online at www.coffeepond.com.

Monday, October 4 is a professional development day for teachers.  No school for students.

Virtual Back to School Nights will take place in October.  Upper school (Gr. 6-8) parents will receive a link to attend the google meeting on Wed. October 6 at 6:00 P.M.  The lower school (PK-5) meeting will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 P.M. 

This year the Carver Program for the upper school, (Monday through Thursday) will start on Monday September 13, 2021 and end on Thursday May 26, 2022. The after school program takes place at Side by Side and runs from the end of the school day (3:40) until 5:40 PM. The program is designed to help support your child(ren) academically as well as introduce them to new and exciting enrichment opportunities.  The link to register is app.schooldoc.com/register/carverafterschool

The Carver Foundation of Norwalk offers after school programs and much more at their site on Academy Street in Norwalk.  Please see the attached flyer with a registration link and a QR code for more details about the Carver Foundation and their programs. 

Parents interested in joining a conversation group for English language learners should contact Beatriz Abreu at ext. 146 or by email, babreu@sbscharter.org or Evelyn at ext. 130 or equigley@sbscharter.org  

Tomorrow, Friday, September 10, is a bonus dress down day.  Typically, dress down days occur on the first Friday of each month (10/1, 11/5, 12/3, 1/7, 2/4, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6, and 6/3.)  Students may choose to wear clothing that is not part of the school uniform only on dress down days.

Please return updated medical forms to the school nurse no later than Friday, October 1.

Please see the attached flyer for information about an upcoming NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) zoom meeting (and support group for Spanish speakers with family members who are struggling with mental health challenges.  The Zoom link for the September 15th meeting and the meeting ID number is provided on the flyer.  Registration in advance is required. 

There will be no school on Thursday, September 16 in observance of Yom Kippur.  

Monday, September 27 is a two-hour (1:30 pm) early dismissal day for professional development.  There is no extended day or Carver program on this early dismissal day or subsequent ED days on the school calendar (10/25, 1/24, 3/28, 4/25 and 5/16.)

School picture day is Friday, Oct 1.  Order forms will be sent home in student backpacks as the date nears.  Please complete the order form, and return the envelope with payment enclosed to your child’s teacher.  You may place your portrait package order online at www.coffeepond.com.

Monday, October 4 is a professional development day for teachers.  No school for students.

Please remember to complete and return emergency forms and bus transportation forms to the main office.  If you have questions or concerns about your child’s bus, please contact Durham School Services directly at 203-428-4192.

This year the Carver Program for the upper school, (Monday through Thursday) will start on Monday September 13, 2021 and end on Thursday May 26, 2022. The after school program takes place at Side by Side and runs from the end of the school day (3:40) until 5:40 PM. The program is designed to help support your child(ren) academically as well as introduce them to new and exciting enrichment opportunities.  The link to register is app.schooldoc.com/register/carverafterschool

The Carver Foundation of Norwalk offers after school programs and much more at their site on Academy Street in Norwalk.  Please see the attached flyer with a registration link and a QR code for more details about the Carver Foundation and their programs. 

There will be no school on Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day.  School will also close on Tuesday, September 7 in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

Wednesday, September 8, school will be in session.  This is also the first day of the Extended Day program for students in grades PK through Grade 5.  Enrollment forms may be found in the FRC packet, which is attached to this email. 

Please remember to complete and return emergency forms, bus transportation forms, and health forms to the main office. 

This year the Carver Program for the upper school (Monday through Thursday) will start on Monday September 13, 2021 and end on Thursday May 26, 2022. The after school program takes place at Side by Side and runs from the end of the school day (3:40) until 5:40 PM. The program is designed to help support your child(ren) academically as well as introduce them to new and exciting enrichment opportunities.

The link to register is app.schooldoc.com/register/carverafterschool

The Carver Foundation of Norwalk offers after school programs and much more at their site on Academy Street in Norwalk. Please see the attached flyer with a registration link and a QR code for more details about the Carver Foundation and their programs. 

The last day to submit a video for the talent show is next Wednesday, March 31.

Monday, March 29 is the return to full time in person learning at SBS.  We look forward to having everyone back in the classroom.  Please remember to send your student in with a clean mask that completely covers your child’s mouth and nose.  Visitors are not allowed into the school building at this time. 

Weekly English conversation for non-native speakers will resume on Thursday, April 8 at 9:30 am in the St. Joseph convent for anyone who wants to practice speaking English in a friendly, informal setting.  Please call Evelyn, at extension 130 if you would like to join the group, or just drop in.  All are welcome.

The extended day program has a limited number of openings for a virtual Zumba class for children in grades K-5, Wednesday afternoons from 4:10-5:10 pm beginning April 7.  The deadline to register, first come first served, is on Wednesday, March 31.

Applications for fall 2021 enrollment to Side by Side are online at sbscharter.org.  The public may view a short presentation about our school on our home page, sbscharter.org and complete the application, available in English or Spanish, electronically.  Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, April 5 at 4:00 P.M.  The virtual lottery will take place on Wednesday, April 28 at 5:00 P.M.   

UniteCT, an emergency rental assistance program supporting CT residents, is currently accepting applications.  Please see the attached flyer to learn more and see if you qualify.

Please see attached a list of immediate childcare openings for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Norwalk.

The Norwalk Fire Department is recruiting new firefighters.  Please see the attached flyer for information about how to register for the upcoming test on May 22. The test registration period is from March 8 – May 10.

FAVOR, the learning and leadership academy is offering a virtual training workshop on Tuesday, April 6 from 6-8 pm via ZOOM, about how to be your child’s best advocate.  Please see the flyer attached to this email.

The CT State Dept. of Education is offering a virtual professional support series for parents and families on supporting children’s learning during Covid-19.  The last presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 6.  Please see the attached flyer for more details. 

Please see the flyer for summer job opportunities for undergraduate students in CT, in partnership with No Kid Hungry. 

·       Mayor’s Town Hall Addressing COVID-19 Concerns within the Hispanic Community 3-17-2021

Mayor’s Town Hall Addressing COVID-19 Concerns within the Hispanic Community 3-17-2021 | Norwalk, CT – Official Website

CITY OF NORWALK – JOB OPPORTUNITIES

 Resource Specialist (Part-time)

Part-Time – $20.00 Hourly: Category: Community and Social Services; Department: Community Services

Community Resource Specialist (Part-time) | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)

    CITY OF NORWALK – JOB OPPORTUNITIES

 Community Resource Specialist (Part-time)

Part-Time – $20.00 Hourly: Category: Community and Social Services; Department: Community Services

Community Resource Specialist (Part-time) | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)

Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program

Summer Youth Employment Program, administered by the Mayor’s Office provides jobs for the young people, ages 14-18, so they can learn to navigate in a business environment, contribute to the community, gain life skills, explore a specific profession and earn money.

For more information, contact Darlene Young at dyoung@norwalkct.org

Applications will be accepted from March 19 – April 09, 2021 11:59 P.M; Hourly Rate: $12

Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)

       WEEKLY MASS FOOD DISTRIBUTION INITIATIVE  

At CALF PASTURE BEACH in partnership with The Connecticut Food Bank

Every Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

To volunteer, please register online by visiting The Connecticut Food Bank registration page to select your Wednesday:

For additional support, you may also contact The Urban League of Southern CT & Open Door Shelter.                                                                     

The Urban League of Southern CT

Val V. Guilford, Vice President

137 Henry Street, Suite 220, Stamford, CT  06902

Work:    203.561.3993; vguilford@ulsc.org; Social Service Agency | Urban League of Southern Connecticut, Inc. (ulsc.org)

OPEN DOOR SHELTER

Maria T. Davis,Income Supports Specialist  

mdavis@OpenDoorShelter.org ; 203-866-1057 ext. 210

www.OpenDoorShelter.org  

       COMMUNITY INNOVATION GRANTS — SPRING 2021

Doing impactful work?  Apply for funding through April 2nd!

Our Impact Philanthropy Fund is seeking partners to help close the Opportunity Gap in Fairfield County.  Grants of approximately $15,000-$30,000 are awarded to organizations working to address issues of health, education, financial stability and race/gender equity.  Applicants must provide services in our 12-town footprint and hold a 501(c)(3) designation (or have a fiscal sponsor), and must not have already received a grant during our current fiscal year (2020-2021).

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County is passionate about innovation, authentic impact, and community engagement.  We are open to taking calculated risks on small and start-up programs.  True collaboration, learning, data sharing, and marketing are requisites.

Applications are due Friday, April 2, 20201 at 5:00 pm.  Finalists will have an interview with the Impact Philanthropy investment committee.

Questions? Please contact Michele Litt at:  mlitt@unitedwaycfc.org.

To review our RFP prior to submitting your application, click here. 

·       Cornerstone Community Church in partnership with Norwalk ACTS (Flyer Attached)

Community Resource Fair- Saturday – March 27, 11am-2 pm

At the Norwalk Public Library parking lot (1 Belden Ave).  

·       COVID-19 DAILY TESTING EVENTS – For more updates – COVID-19 Testing https://www.norwalkct.org/2312/COVID-19-Testing

Upcoming Pop-up Testing Events

The testing Provider for these upcoming events is Sema4.

For additional information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 testing by Sema4,

the Sema4 patient portal, and a timeline of receiving test results, please click here.

Additional Testing Events

COVID-19 testing is also available by appointment only at the Norwalk Community Health Center at Smilow Life Center.

No doctor’s note or symptoms required to obtain a test. A person does not have to be a Norwalk Community Health Center patient to be tested. 

To make an appointment, call (203) 851-1065.

There will be a 2:00 P.M. early dismissal for parent teacher conferences on Thursday, March 11.

School will close for spring recess from Monday, March 15 through Friday, March 19.

The extended day program has a limited number of openings for a virtual Zumba class for children in grades K-5 Wednesday afternoons from 4:10-5:10 pm beginning April 7.  The deadline to register, first come first served, ends on Wednesday, March 31. 

Applications for fall 2021 enrollment to Side by Side are online at sbscharter.org.  The public may view a short presentation about our school on our home page, sbscharter.org and complete the application, available in English or Spanish, electronically.  Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, April 5 at 4:00 P.M.  The virtual lottery will take place on Wednesday, April 28 at 5:00 P.M.   

Please see attached a list of immediate childcare openings for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Norwalk

An Internet Safety/Distant Learning presentation offered to parents and children (grouped by age) in both English and Spanish will take place on a selection of dates/times in March.  Please see the attached flyer for more details.  In addition, you will find a handy app guide for parents, in both English and Spanish, attached to this email. 

FAVOR, the learning and leadership academy is offering a Persuasive Storytelling workshop on Thursday, March 11 and a separate virtual training through ZOOM, about how to be your child’s best advocate, on April 6, from 6-8 pm.  Please see the respective flyers attached to this email.

The CT State Dept. of Education is offering a virtual professional support series for parents and families on supporting children’s learning during Covid-19.  Please see the attached flyer for details. 

Please see the flyer for summer job opportunities for undergraduate students in CT, in partnership with No Kid Hungry. 

Please see below for current Covid 19 vaccine information:

NORWALK HEALTH DEPARTMENT– 137 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851

Theresa Argondezzi, MPH, CHES – Health Educator – TArgondezzi@norwalkct.org

Norwalk’s Vaccine Info Page: www.norwalkct.org/vaccine

VAMS Help:

·       Online VAMS Enrollment (for Eligible Individuals) Online VAMS Enrollment (ct.gov)

      · Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: 877-918-2224

      · Tip Sheets in English and Spanish from the state (attached)

      · Town of Ridgefield video about VAMS (skip to 0:30 in the video): Ridgefield Covid Vaccine Tutorial – YouTube

      Some provider links for VACINES:

      Stamford Health: Sign-up online here, or call 203-276-7300

Yale New Haven Health: Sign up online here, or call 1-833-275-9644

Hartford Healthcare: Sign-up online here, or call 860-827-7690

CVS Health (Limited Locations): Sign up online here, or call 1-800-679-9691
Walgreens (Limited Locations): Sign up online here, or call 1-800-925-4733

Walmart (Limited Locations): Sign up online here

· Residents who wish to receive email or text updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine from the city

  may sign up at norwalkct.org/vaccineupdate.

· State Vaccine Rollout Plan: www.ct.gov/covidvaccine 

· Mayor’s Town Hall Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy 3-3-2021 – YouTube

Online VAMS Enrollment (for Eligible Individuals) Online VAMS Enrollment (ct.gov)

· The City of Norwalk, in partnership with the Norwalk Senior Center and Senior Services 

   Coordinating Council, has launched phone assistance lines for Norwalk seniors seeking information

   regarding COVID-19 vaccines.  Seniors may call the Norwalk Senior Center at (203) 847-3115

   (English) or (203) 299-1500 (Español), or Senior Services Coordinating Council at (203) 434-3085 or

   (203) 434-1876 for assistance.

Residents can enter their email address and/or cell phone number to be alerted of changing news, updates, and vaccine eligibility.

·      Scheduling Options for those 75+: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination—75-   and-older

·      Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines: Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC

The second marking period ends on Friday, February 26. Families can expect to receive a student report card by email or mailed to your home during the first week of March.

Dress down day for students in cohort “A” is on Tuesday, March 2.

There will be a 2:00 P.M. early dismissal for parent teacher conferences on Thursday, March 4.

Dress down day for students in cohort “B” is on Friday, March 5.

There will be a 2:00 P.M. early dismissal for parent teacher conferences on Thursday, March 11.

Please see the attached flyer with information about free family literacy (ESL) classes.  The final date to register is this evening from 5-7 P.M.   

Beyond Limits Academics continues to offer virtual tutoring for students in grades 4th, 5th and 6th.  Please see the flyer for additional information or use the link below.

https://www.peaceyouthct.org/beyondlimits

The SONO Branch Library, in partnership with VirtualVITA, is offering free tax return preparation.  Please see the attached flyer with information about how to book an appointment.

Eversource, the regional energy supplier, is offering a matching payment program for families in order to ensure year round heating service and potentially reduce past-due Eversource account balances.  Please see the attached flyer for plan details.   ​