MyNFA Parents

Student Success Plan (SSP)

11th Grade SSP info
10th grade ssp info

11th Grade SSP info

Your student should have received an email with a Google Meet Calendar Invitation from Mrs. Danieluk to join their virtual Student Success Plan (SSP) meeting with their School Counselor. These meetings are happening over the next couple of weeks. It is important that your student virtually attend their scheduled Google Meet because they will be provided with important information regarding courses, transcripts and future plans. If the meeting is scheduled during class time, absences will be excused to attend this meeting. Please encourage your student to check their email, locate this invitation and accept.

Also, 11th grade School Counselors will be holding a virtual Parent's Night on Tuesday, March 9, at 6 pm. This time will give you the opportunity to hear about some of the information that was covered with your student during their SSP and will also allow time for questions. To join our virtual Parent's Night Google Meet, click here.

You are also invited to view the 11th Grade SSP Video 11th Grade SSP Video which is a thorough overview of the information covered during SSP meetings. Students will be viewing this video in their Connections period, and it is also available on the School Counseling website within the NFA Student Portal.

Please contact your student's School Counselor if you have any questions.

10th grade ssp info

Also, 10th grade School Counselors will be holding a virtual Parent's Night on Monday, March 1, at 6 pm. This time will give you the opportunity to hear about some of the information that was covered with your student during their SSP and will also allow time for questions. To join our virtual Parent's Night Google Meet, click here.

You are also invited to view the 10th Grade SSP Video 10th Grade SSP Video which is a thorough overview of the information covered during SSP meetings. Students will be viewing this video in their Connections period, and it is also available on the School Counseling website within the NFA Student Portal.

Please contact your student's School Counselor if you have any questions.

CT SAT School Day

Parent Information

Parent Information

February 8, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Connecticut SAT School Day administration is March 24, 2021 for our school. These SAT scores are used by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) for school and district accountability purposes. The CSDE adheres to all federal and state data privacy laws and does not release student data to third parties, including colleges or universities.

Parents and students have control over the release of the score to colleges and universities from the Connecticut SAT School Day. If students and parents want a score from the Connecticut SAT School Day to be sent to colleges or universities, they must explicitly request a “score send” from College Board.

1. For the Connecticut SAT School Day exam, students will receive four free “score sends.” Students will be given the opportunity to enter their four free score sends on their answer sheet prior to or on test day.

2. In order to send additional scores on top of what was elected on the answer sheet, students must already have or create a College Board account at collegeboard.org/mysat and then select each college or university they want to receive scores.

Requests for “score sends” over the four free “score sends,” or requests submitted after test day are $12.00 each.

3. Students who have taken the SAT on multiple occasions (including the Connecticut SAT School Day exam) have the option of using Score Choice at https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-score-choice.

Score Choice allows students and parents to choose which SAT score (by test date) to send to colleges or universities.
It is up to students and parents to investigate college or university policies regarding admission procedures related to SAT scores to determine what scores are needed.

4. Students and parents can completely remove the score from the Connecticut SAT School Day from the student’s College Board record of SAT scores.

Students and parents must complete a Request to Cancel Score Form, which will be distributed on test day. Please fax your signed request to: 610-290-8978, or send by overnight mail to SAT Program, Score Cancellation, 1425 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ 08618.
The deadline to completely remove scores is the fourth week day after testing ends.
SAT scores from the Connecticut SAT School Day will still be used by the CSDE for school and district accountability purposes.

For more information about assessments, you may also visit the CSDE SAT web page at www.ct.gov/sde/sat, or read the Connecticut SAT School Day frequently asked questions document, found here.

Sincerely,

Jessica Vocatura

Director of School Counseling

Parent Resources

Free Food

Great news! Funding has been approved to provide free meals at school to all students 18 years of age or under. This includes meals in the main cafeteria, our Slater Auditorium cafeteria and our grab-and-go meal pick-up location for any students not on campus. Complete meals are free. It also includes daily snack served in the Atrium. Anything ordered a la carte will require payment.

A reminder for our grab and go meals: pick up is Monday through Friday between 12 and 1 pm in the Bradlaw lot (located at our East Gate off Joseph Perkins Road). These grab and go meals are available to any student 18 years of age and under and not on campus, which includes our fully remote learners. These meals are free to anyone 18 or under – not just NFA students. For those who can't easily get to the NFA campus, meals are also available at other sites in Norwich. Click here to learn more.

A guide to food assistance for families in New London County

Tech Help Desk

NFA's IT help desk is available to assist students and parents with technology issues. If you need assistance, please email studenthelpdesk@nfaschool.org or call (860) 425-5636. Our team is ready to help and available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm.

Using your own device -- how to get connected

Students are encouraged to bring in their own Chromebooks, laptops or tablets this year. Campus wifi access is available on these devices by following a few simple steps. Click here to learn more on how to get connected.

Who Should I Contact?

If you have specific questions about your student, here are the key people and numbers by grade level to contact. Dial the main number (860-887-2505) and use the appropriate extension.

12th grade -- Tirrell House

House Principal: Ross Sward, ext. 5790
House Secretary: Jean LaFreniere, ext. 5791
Attendance Secretary: Sonya Vennero, ext. 5792

11th grade -- Bradlaw House

House Principal: Tracey DeDonato, ext. 5760
House Secretary: Tami Bordeau, ext. 5761
Attendance Secretary: Nuffy Cagle, ext. 5762

10th grade -- Shattuck House

House Principal: Stephani Jones, ext. 5780
House Secretary: Heather Jakan, ext. 5781
Attendance Secretary: Sonya Perea, ext. 5782

9th grade -- Cranston House

House Principal: Bryant Sheldon, ext. 5770
House Secretary: Maryann Anderson, ext. 5771
Attendance Secretary: Janet Montalvo, ext. 5772

Sachem Campus

House Principal: Kathleen Cote, ext. 5763
House Secretary: Carol Morin, ext. 5764

Disciplinary Structure

Offense:	Minimum Consequence:
Alcohol - possession of	Recommendation for expulsion of 45 school days, possible arrest
Alcohol – sale/transfer/distribution of	Mandatory recommendation for one (1) calendar year expulsion, possible arrest
Alcohol – use of/under the influence of	Automatic 10-day out-of-school suspension, parent conference, possible arrest
Assault of another student (on or near school property or any school-sponsored event)	10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Assault, physical contact, or threat to NFA faculty or staff member	10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Attendance Violations	Conference; Possible loss of credit
Bullying	Conference with parent/guardian, 5-day out-of-school suspension
Computer violations	1-day in-school suspension, parent notification, loss of computer access and/or privileges, possible arrest
Disruptive behavior	Conference
Dress code violations	Parent notification & change of clothing 1st offense: Warning 2nd offense: House Detention 3rd offense: Extended Detention More than three(3) offenses: possible loss of privileges
Drugs - Paraphernalia possession, crafting of	3-day out-of-school suspension, parent notification, possible arrest
Drugs – Possession of controlled substance, illegal prescription drug, restricted drug, and/or hallucinogenic	1st offense: 10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest 2nd offense: Recommendation for 90-day expulsion, possible arrest
Drugs – Sale, delivery, distribution, possession with intent to sell of a controlled substance, illegal prescription drug, restricted drug, and/or hallucinogenic	Recommendation for expulsion of one (1) calendar year, possible arrest
Drugs – Soliciting the sale, delivery, distribution of controlled substance, illegal prescription drug, restricted drug, and/or hallucinogenic	5-day out-of-school suspension
Drugs – Suspicion of/Under the influence of controlled substance, illegal prescription drug, restricted drug, and/or hallucinogenic	Automatic 10-day out-of-school suspension, parent conference, possible arrest
Electronic Devices – Unauthorized use of	1st offense: Conference 2nd offense: House Detention 3rd offense: Extended Detention More than 3 offenses: Possible suspension
Electronic Devices – Taking/Distributing/Displaying/Sharing Unauthorized Photos/Audio/Video	3-day out-of-school suspension
Explosive materials – Possession/Use of	Recommendation for expulsion, possible arrest
False alarm – Blue Emergency Phone	1-day in-school suspension, possible arrest
False alarm – Fire Alarm	10-day out-of-school suspension, authorities notified, possible arrest
Fighting	10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Fighting, Aiding in a	3-day out-of-school suspension
Forgery	Conference, parent notification, loss of privileges
Gambling	Parent notification
Harassment (including Sexual)	3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Hazing	3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Incendiary (Inflammable) Devices – Reckless Use of	10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Incendiary (Inflammable) Devices – Intentional Use of	Recommendation for expulsion, possible arrest
Inciting Disruptive Behavior	3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Insubordination 1 – Untruthful, refusal to follow direction	Conference; parent notification
Insubordination 2 – Refusal to identify oneself, providing false identification, disrespectful toward faculty/staff	1-day in-school suspension
Insubordination 3 – Serious disrespect/abusive behavior toward faculty/staff	3-day out-of-school suspension
Intimidation	3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Loitering on school grounds while under out-of-school suspension or expulsion	Possible arrest
Mask Refusal	1st offense - Parent notification, if continued refusal, dismissal from school 2nd offense - Parent notification, dismissal from school, assigned to full remote learning,
Medical policy violation	Warning; parent notification
Off-campus, leaving school grounds	Warning; parent notification; possible loss of credit
Physical Contact, Inappropriate (including that of a sexual nature, while on campus or while attending a school-sponsored event)	2-day out-of-school suspension
Plagiarism, cheating	1st offense: No credit for assignment, parent & counselor notification, completion of learning packet
Slurs – discriminatory or sexual in nature, written or verbal	1st offense: 1-day in-school suspension, parent notification, completion of learning packet 2nd offense: 3-day out-of-school suspension
Social Behavior, inappropriate (including horseplay, roughhousing, insults, taunts, meanness, etc.)	Conference
Theft 1 – estimated value less than $50	1st offense: 1-day in-school suspension 2nd offense: 2-day in-school suspension
Theft 2 – estimated value $50 or more or 3rd or more offense of Theft 1	3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
Threat 1 – Low Level (on or off campus)	Conference
Threat 2 – Moderate Level (on or off campus)	1-day in-school suspension, possible risk assessment and/or behavior contract
Threat 3 – High Level (on or off campus)	10-day out-of-school suspension, parent conference, notification of authorities, risk assessment, possible expulsion
Tobacco/vaping — smoking or use of tobacco or possession or use of vaping device	1st offense: 1-day in-school suspension, parent notification 2nd offense: 5-day out-of-school suspension, parentl notification, and conference 3rd offense: 10-day out –of-school suspension, parent conference
Tobacco -- possession of products and/or paraphernalia	Conference Confiscation with return to parent/guardian
Traffic Violation – Erratic Driving	1st offense: Temporary loss of privileges, authorities may be notified 2nd offense: Permanent loss of privileges, authorities may be notified
Traffic Violation – Parking violation	Conference, possible loss of privileges
Traffic Violation – Pedestrian	Conference
Truancy	Parent notification, possible notification of authorities, possible loss of credit
Unauthorized area – Being present in	Conference
Vandalism, graffiti or willful destruction of school or personal property	Restitution required, parent notification, possible arrest
Vulgarity/Obscene Gestures, Language, Writing	Conference; Extended Detention
Weapons, Possession/Use of: a) Dangerous instrument or object which can be used to cause injury to others b) Dangerous/deadly weapon as defined in state and/or federal statutes, including but not limited to firearm or martial arts weapon	a) 10-day out-of-school suspension, possible expulsion, arrest and/or risk assessment b) Mandatory one (1) calendar year expulsion required by C.G.S., possible arrest and/or risk assessment

DEFINITIONS

Aiding in a Fight

Activities that aid, abet, or encourage fighting, including (but not limited to) acting as a lookout, recording the fight, failing to inform administration of the fight, attending a fight, or being a spectator at a fight

Assault

Verbal or physical attack by one person or a group of persons upon another who does not wish to engage in the conflict and who has not provoked the attack

Controlled Substance

Includes all substances classified as such under federal and/or state law. This also includes any substance inappropriate for use by age or in school.

Fighting

Aggressive, hostile bodily contact with peers

Hazing

Any activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers a person’s physical or emotional health for initiation or membership in or affiliation with any organization, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Slur

Any comment of a derogatory (negative) nature about race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability. Slurs often find expression as insults.

Truancy

Missing school without an acceptable reason for absences

Unacceptable Social Behavior

Includes, but is not limited to horseplay, roughhousing, insults, taunts, meanness, or continued willful maladaptive behavior,

Unauthorized Areas

Any area not under the direct supervision of an NFA faculty or staff member including some areas that are on campus.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Resources

Updates on our situation will be provided as needed through SchoolMessenger, email, the NFA website and our social media channels. We will do our best to communicate clearly and in a timely manner.

Decision Tree: Staff & Students w/ COVID-19 Symptoms

Our COVID-19 Decision Tree outlines guidance and protocols related to school-based scenarios. It has been developed with input from our partners at Uncas Health District. To see the entire two-page document, click on the PDF link. As we learn more about the virus, it is possible this could change. If changes are made, notations will be visible here to alert you.

2020-21 COVID-19 Decision Tree.pdf (printable)

NFA's 2020-21 COVID-19 decision tree - multilingual

Daily Symptom Checker

Norwich Free Academy asks that all employees use this guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Self-screen using the guidelines below before coming to work each day.

If answering yes to any of these questions, stay home, and follow up with your primary care provider.

● Fever of 100° or Above

● Sore Throat

● Headache

● Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

● New or Worsening Cough/Shortness of Breath

● Muscle Aches & Pains - not associated with physical activity

● Congestion/Runny Nose - not associated with seasonal allergies

● New Loss of Smell or Taste

● Contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

● Returned from a State on the Connecticut Quarantine List

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I choose to keep my student home?

Students will be enrolled in their regular academic courses where possible and fully supported by NFA faculty through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous lessons and support.

How do I switch my student from remote learning to hybrid learning?

Students can return to in person instruction upon communication with the student's house office with no less than one week’s notice (to re-assign the student to classroom rosters/schedules and/or re-assign to transportation if applicable and requested). Students cannot mix in-person and remote learning by the day or week or month.

What if someone on campus is sick and/or diagnosed with COVID-19?

Throughout this situation, NFA remains in regular contact with our medical advisor and public health officials. If a student or staff member becomes ill at school, they will be brought to an isolation room staffed by a registered nurse until they are able to leave campus. The room will be cleaned regularly and staff will maintain detailed records at all times of who is in the room.

Regular symptom monitoring from that point and communication with our medical center staff and advisor will determine conditions necessary for a safe return to school.

If a student or staff member tests positive, NFA will work closely with all health officials to determine the needs for contact tracing among staff and other students. In addition, we will rely on the guidance of public health officials to determine the need for any adjustments to our schedule.

If a member of our community tests positive, we will communicate that fact. However, we will not identify the person diagnosed because of privacy concerns. We will, at that time, also inform you of how the diagnosis would impact school operations.

What if I travel out of state? Can I participate in school-based activities if I test negative when I return? If you travel to a location that is part of the Connecticut travel advisory, our policy requires that you self-quarantine for 14 days before resuming any school-related activities.

https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel link that on Connecticut travel advisory

Is Slater Memorial Museum Open?
Slater Memorial Museum is currently closed to the public. Our faculty and students will have access to the Museum when school is in session. We will continue to monitor the best time for public access. Until then, there is a virtual tour option online at slatermuseum.org.

What about field trips?
At this time, no field trips will be allowed, at least through the first semester. A decision regarding second semester field trips will take place at a later date.

What if I need to visit campus?
Campus will remain closed to everyone except students, faculty and staff. Many parent meetings will take place virtually. If a meeting is required on campus, that will be arranged specifically with the parent and faculty or staff member.

Can my community group utilize the NFA campus?
Community groups will not be able to utilize NFA facilities until further notice. We apologize for this inconvenience, but it is our hope to focus our attention on providing the safest spot for our students, faculty and staff.

What about the track? Can I exercise there yet?
With campus being closed to the public, that includes the track. We know our neighbors have relied on this resource for some time, and we hope to be able to open it again for community use. We will make an announcement when we are able to do so.

My student will be starting ninth grade. Will there be an orientation?
We are working through this now and will share more information soon. Each family will be allowed to schedule a virtual meeting with a member of our ninth grade team prior to the start of school. You will receive that information shortly. Our traditional Wildcat Beginnings will not be held this year. However, we are working on another way to provide ninth grade students and families with important information before the start of the year.

What about water bottles and water fountains?
We encourage all students to carry a personal water bottle to help keep them hydrated throughout the day. Fountains on campus designed to refill water bottles will remain in operation. Traditional fountains where students take water directly into their mouth will be disengaged.