💙 Autism Acceptance Spirit Week at Roosevelt Elementary School was a huge success! 💙

Last week, Autism Acceptance Spirit Week (AASW) was in full swing, and students and staff fully embraced every opportunity to learn, connect and grow together.

Throughout the week, students participated in themed spirit days while also gaining a deeper understanding of autism and neurodiversity. On Monday, NPS psychologist Brien Simms spoke with students about autism and how our brains are uniquely wired. Tuesday featured a powerful moment as one of our third-grade students shared their experience with ADHD.

Each day during Rendezvous, students learned ASL signs from our speech pathologist, Ms. Jennifer Morris, helping build awareness of how nonverbal individuals communicate. Our paraprofessionals also spent time in classrooms reading and leading Q&A discussions about autism and neurodiversity, creating meaningful conversations across campus.

Our 4th and 5th-grade Student Council members showed incredible leadership all week long; welcoming students at drop-off with messages of acceptance, leading our Change War efforts, and sharing about influential individuals with autism and other neurodivergent traits during morning meetings.

We also took time to celebrate our amazing paraprofessionals on Wednesday for Paraprofessional Appreciation Day with lunch and a small token of gratitude for all they do.

On Thursday, about 40 staff members participated in a powerful silent breakfast experience, using AAC devices, visual prompts and sign language to better understand the communication challenges some of our students face.

One of the biggest highlights of the week was our annual Change War, raising an incredible $2,373.95 to support improvements to Roosevelt’s sensory room!

We wrapped up the week on Friday with our “Let’s Root 4 Each Other” shirts, generously provided by community sponsors and designed by Roosevelt’s own Mr. Greg Dove, along with special performances from Sooner Theatre, featuring several Roosevelt alumni.

This week was a meaningful reminder of the importance of kindness, inclusion and celebrating the unique strengths of every student. 💙
5 minutes ago, NPS Communications
Various photos from Autism Acceptance Week.
Various photos from Autism Acceptance Week.
Various photos from Autism Acceptance Week.
Various photos from Autism Acceptance Week.
Various photos from Autism Acceptance Week.
Various photos from Autism Acceptance Week.
Various photos from Autism Acceptance Week.
Norman Public Schools is proud to celebrate two outstanding educators who were recognized as finalists for the Oklahoma School Counselor of the Year award.

Congratulations to Denise Massey of Truman Primary School and Allison Wheeler of Longfellow Middle School. Both go above and beyond each day to support students’ academic success, career readiness and social-emotional well-being.

Their dedication, leadership and passion make a lasting impact on their school communities and reflect the very best of NPS. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
6 days ago, NPS Communications
Denise Massey
Allison Wheeler
McKinley PTO kicked off the day with a Bike, Walk and Roll to School event on Friday, March 27!

Families gathered at Lions Park for donuts, juice, and coffee before heading to school together as a group, making for a fun and active start to the day.

A big thank you to the Norman Police Department Bike Patrol for helping keep everyone safe along the way!
6 days ago, NPS Communications
Various photos from McKinley PTO Bike, Walk and Roll to School Event
Various photos from McKinley PTO Bike, Walk and Roll to School Event
Various photos from McKinley PTO Bike, Walk and Roll to School Event
Various photos from McKinley PTO Bike, Walk and Roll to School Event
Various photos from McKinley PTO Bike, Walk and Roll to School Event
Storypalooza was a huge success!

Around 800 people joined us for our very first event, and together we gave away more than 2,500 books to kids and families across our community. The Norman Public Library distributed all 150 of its early literacy kits, and the Cleveland County Health Department even ran out of books and had to restock because of the incredible turnout.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made our inaugural Storypalooza so special!
7 days ago, NPS Communications
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Various photos from Storypalooza
Dr. Nick Migliorino made a special visit to Pre-K at the Center for Arts and Learning, and our young learners were ready to shine

Students are exploring the season of spring through hands-on, 3-D garden dioramas, an engaging project that blends art, science, reading, vocabulary, and fine motor skills. They proudly shared their work by identifying parts of a flower, explaining what plants need to grow, and introducing the pollinators that visit their gardens. From hummingbirds and beetles to gnomes and garden hoses, their creativity was on full display!

This is just a glimpse into the unique, arts-integrated learning happening every day at CAL, where students explore music, movement, visual arts, and more as part of their daily experience.

Now enrolling for Fall 2026! Openings are still available in this one-of-a-kind Pre-K program.

For more information or to enroll, contact the Early Childhood Office at 405-366-0531.

#PreK #EarlyChildhoodEducation #NormanPublicSchools #GoodThingsHappenHere #CreativeLearning #FutureReady #NormanOK
11 days ago, NPS Communications
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Various photos of Dr. Nick at the ELC.
Storypalooza continues to build excitement across local media!

Norman Rotary Club President Liz McKown and Norman Public Schools Director of Instructional Technology & Libraries Amanda Kordeliski recently visited KFOR to highlight what families can expect at this one-of-a-kind reading celebration.

Set for Saturday, March 28 at the Norman Public Schools Center for Arts & Learning, Storypalooza will turn reading into an interactive experience with author visits, live story times, creative arts activities, and opportunities for kids to engage with stories in new and exciting ways. Designed for school-age children of all reading levels, the event also includes resources for parents and caregivers, along with Spanish-language sessions.

This come-and-go event is completely free and open to the public, inviting families from across the community to discover, create, and connect through the power of storytelling.
12 days ago, NPS Communications
Storypalooza on KFOR
We continue to get the word out across the metro!

Norman Rotary Club President Liz McKown and Norman Public Schools Director of Instructional Technology & Libraries Amanda Kordeliski stopped by FOX 25 to talk about the upcoming Storypalooza reading festival and invite families to be part of this brand-new community event.

Storypalooza is a free, family-friendly literacy festival happening Saturday, March 28 at the Norman Public Schools Center for Arts & Learning. The event will feature guest readers, authors, illustrators, hands-on art activities, and interactive story experiences designed to make reading fun for students of all ages. Families can come and go throughout the day, explore different sessions, and even participate in activities focused on helping caregivers support reading at home. Spanish-language sessions will also be available.

Everyone is invited to attend this free community celebration of stories, creativity, and imagination.
13 days ago, NPS Communications
Fox 25 Interview
OAA students take part in hands-on STEM Aviation Experience in Enid

Students from Oklahoma Aviation Academy High School recently traveled to Enid to participate in a hands-on STEM aviation event hosted by the Commemorative Air Force Lady Liberty Squadron, giving students a real-world look at careers in aviation, engineering, and aerospace.

During the experience, students explored key aviation concepts including aerodynamics, aircraft engines, force and flight principles, and weight and balance through interactive learning sessions designed to connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.

One of the highlights of the day was a hands-on riveting workshop, where students learned how aircraft rivets are installed, a tribute to the legacy of Rosie the Riveter and the craftsmanship behind historic military aircraft.

Students also had the opportunity to interact with pilots from the 71st Flying Training Group at Vance Air Force Base, tour a T-1 Jayhawk aircraft, and try a T-6 Texan II flight simulator, giving them a firsthand look at modern Air Force pilot training.

Experiences like this help connect the history of aviation with the future of the aerospace workforce and give our students meaningful opportunities to see STEM careers in action.
13 days ago, NPS Communications
Various photos of OAA and Lady Liberty Squadron
Various photos of OAA and Lady Liberty Squadron
Various photos of OAA and Lady Liberty Squadron
Various photos of OAA and Lady Liberty Squadron
Various photos of OAA and Lady Liberty Squadron
Support your child’s mental health and wellness by joining us tomorrow at 7 p.m. for a free virtual event designed for parents and educators.

Hear from leading family therapists, ask your questions, and explore a free resource covering important topics like anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal ideation, child development, parenting strategies, and more.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and connect.
Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../WN_B9auQW2NRgWDxbjU7-5zYg...
14 days ago, NPS Communications
Ask a Therapist Event
Norman Rotary Club President Liz McKown joined Norman Public Schools Director of Instructional Technology & Libraries Amanda Kordeliski on News 9 (KWTV) to share details about the first-ever Storypalooza, a new community reading festival designed to get kids excited about books in a fun and interactive way.

The free event will be held Saturday, March 28 at the Norman Public Schools Center for Arts & Learning. Families can enjoy live story times, meet authors and illustrators, take part in creative activities, and experience a variety of hands-on stations built to make reading engaging for students of all ages. Sessions for parents and caregivers, along with Spanish-language opportunities, will also be offered.

Storypalooza is a come-and-go event, free to attend, and open to the entire community, with more activity details to be announced soon.
19 days ago, NPS Communications
News 9 Interview
STATE CHAMPIONS!

The Norman High boys basketball team captured the state championship with a thrilling 54–52 victory over Mustang, sealing the title on a last-second shot in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

This marks the program’s first state championship since 1999, making the win even more special for the Tigers, their coaches, and the Norman community.

Congratulations to the players, coaches, and everyone who supported this unforgettable run. What a finish. What a season. What a championship.
21 days ago, NPS Communications
Norman High basketball state champions
Norman High basketball state champions
Norman High basketball state champions
Norman Rotary Club President Liz McKown and Norman Public Schools Director of Instructional Technology & Libraries Amanda Kordeliski spoke with KOCO Channel 5 on Monday morning about the upcoming Storypalooza, a free, family-friendly reading festival coming to Norman later this month.

Storypalooza is designed to make stories come alive for children and families through hands-on activities, guest readers, authors, illustrators, and interactive experiences that encourage a lifelong love of reading. The event will take place Saturday, March 28 at the NPS Center for Arts & Learning and will feature come-and-go activities for readers of all ages, including sessions for parents and Spanish-language programming.

The event is free and open to the public, and families are invited to come explore, imagine, and celebrate the joy of reading together.
21 days ago, NPS Communications
Storypalooza on KOCO
Congratulations to Norman North Head Baseball Coach Brian Aylor on earning his 500th career win!

The Timberwolves' head coach reached the milestone Thursday with a 9-3 victory over Southmoore, making the moment a special one for Coach Aylor and the program.

Thank you, Coach Aylor, for your leadership, dedication, and the impact you continue to make on Norman North Baseball and our student-athletes.
24 days ago, NPS Communications
Picture of Norman North Head Baseball Coach Brian Aylor and team celebrating his 500th win
Whittier Middle School students found a fun way to wrap up their fundraiser for the City of Norman Animal Welfare, Tat the Teacher!

Students donated to place temporary tattoos on teachers during Parent-Teacher Conferences, and staff members were great sports while helping push the fundraiser closer to its record-breaking total. What started as a creative idea quickly became one of the most talked-about events of the quarter.

Thanks to the generosity of students, staff, and families, this year’s fundraiser is on track to be the most successful yet, all while supporting animals in our community.
25 days ago, NPS Communications
Several photos from Tat the Teacher at Whittier.
Several photos from Tat the Teacher at Whittier.
Several photos from Tat the Teacher at Whittier.
Several photos from Tat the Teacher at Whittier.
Several photos from Tat the Teacher at Whittier.
Norman Public Schools is excited to see continued investment in aerospace education across our community following the recent announcement that Boeing has awarded an $825,000 grant to support a new hands-on training lab at Moore Norman Technology Center. The lab will help prepare K-12 students, adult learners, and current professionals for high-demand careers in aviation and aerospace.

This work builds on the strong partnership our district has with Boeing through the Oklahoma Aviation Academy and other career-connected learning opportunities designed to prepare students for the future workforce. We are proud to collaborate with regional partners to grow Oklahoma’s aerospace pipeline and create opportunities for students right here in Norman.

We’re grateful to organizations like Boeing, Moore Norman Technology Center, and our education and industry partners for continuing to invest in the next generation of innovators.
25 days ago, NPS Communications
Several photos of OAA at Boeing
Several photos of OAA at Boeing
Several photos of OAA at Boeing
Several photos of OAA at Boeing
On Tuesday, Monroe Elementary School staff and students gave a heartfelt welcome back to 5th grader Amelia Chastain, who returned home after spending five months in the hospital.

Students and team members lined the front of the school to cheer as Amelia arrived with a police escort. After arriving, she greeted the many people who were excited to see her back in the Monroe family.

Amelia was hospitalized in September after suffering a brain hemorrhage that required emergency surgery, followed by a second surgery in November. Since then, she has shown incredible determination, working hard to relearn skills like speaking and walking.

Her return home marks an important milestone, and the Monroe Elementary community was proud to celebrate the strength, resilience, and fighting spirit she has shown throughout her recovery.

Welcome home, Amelia!
26 days ago, NPS Communications
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Multiple photos of Amelia Chastain's return home.
Congratulations to our talented student artists who were recognized at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art High School Juried Art Exhibit at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art!

We are proud to celebrate the many awards earned and the outstanding number of works selected for exhibition.

Award Winners (selected by juror Corey Fuller):
Best Ceramics / Sculpture – Elizabeth Nichols – “The Lantern Fish”
Best Acrylic / Painting – Jordan Finlay – “Rezamos por Ella”
Best Photography – Ares Hall – “Comfortable Silence”
Best Digital Print – Olivia Shearer – “Time = Life”
OBU $500 Scholarship – Jordan Finlay
Internship Offer – Jordan Finlay

Staff Choice Awards:
Quinn Holloway – “Apex Goose”
Liz Yue – “Sunday Gardening”
Oliver Naden – “The Punisher”
Vivienne Hines – “Le Tigre in the City”
Cameron Garnand – “Into the Forest”
Olivia Shearer – “The Pickings of Decay”

Student Works Selected for Exhibition at MGMOA:
Jocelyn Emerson – “Getting Up Early”
Ares Hall – “Comfortable Silence” & “In His Shadow”
Charley Witt – “Hummingbird”
Elizabeth Nichols – “The Marionette” & “The Lantern Fish”
Cameron Garnand – “Into The Forest”
Jordan Finlay – “Rezamos por Ella”
Olivia Shearer – “The Pickings of Decay” & “Time = Life”
Quinn Holloway – “Flamboyant Kaiju”
Vivienne Hines – “Le Tigre in the City” & “Stereotype A”
Shane Gabehart – “Untitled” & “Davey”
Kayla Mihalek – “Seizure Signals”
Liz Yue – “Sunday Gardening” & “Tweeeezing”
Saryn Fashimaur – “Lady Love” & “Where The Light Waits”
Stephen Teague – “Teague Two” & “Teague Three”
Oliver Naden – “The Punisher” & “Odin”
Kamilla Quiambao – “Beyond the Visible” & “School’s Cancelled”
Cali Beddo – “Ladybug”

We are incredibly proud of these students for representing our school at this prestigious regional exhibit!

Learn more about the show: https://www.mgmoa.org/high-school-juried-art-exhibit/
27 days ago, NPS Communications
Several photos from the MGMOA Art Winners
Several photos from the MGMOA Art Winners
Several photos from the MGMOA Art Winners
Several photos from the MGMOA Art Winners
Several photos from the MGMOA Art Winners
Several photos from the MGMOA Art Winners
Several photos from the MGMOA Art Winners
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Norman Public Schools Career Fair today!

We were thrilled to welcome 120 attendees, making it our highest turnout in the past five years. It was a great afternoon connecting with talented educators and professionals who are interested in joining One Team. One Mission.

If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry; there are still plenty of opportunities to join Norman Public Schools. We’re always looking for passionate people who want to make a difference in the lives of students.
about 1 month ago, NPS Communications
Thank you graphic
Rookie Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced!

The District Staff Development Committee is proud to announce the four finalists for the 2025–26 Norman Public Schools Rookie Teacher of the Year:

Krista Cater – Wilson Elementary School
Payton Hendrickson – Whittier Middle School
Ryan King – Norman High School
Samantha Wilkins – Monroe Elementary School

One of these outstanding educators will be named the Norman Public Schools District Rookie Teacher of the Year at the Celebration of Excellence on April 10, 2026.

Please join us in congratulating these exceptional rookie teachers who are already making a powerful impact in our classrooms!
about 1 month ago, NPS Communications
Ryan King Norman High
Samantha Wilkins Monroe Elementary
Krista Cater Wilson Elementary
Payton Hendrickson Whittier Middle School

Five state medalists. One outstanding weekend for Norman High School and Norman North High School.

Congratulations to our athletes who placed at the 6A State Wrestling Tournament hosted by the OSSAA:

🥉 Rylie Hillis – 3rd Place
🥈 Claire Lancaster – 2nd Place
🥉 Oakley Caruthers – 3rd Place
4️⃣ Daviann Morris – 4th Place
🥉 Kyler Lester – 3rd Place

As a team, Norman High’s girls finished 6th overall in the final state tournament standings.

Outstanding performances on the state stage; proud of the way our student-athletes represented Norman.

about 1 month ago, NPS Communications
Norman High wrestling state medalist.
Norman High wrestling state medalist.
Norman North wrestling state medalist.
Norman High wrestling state medalist.
Norman High wrestling state medalist.