Principal's Message
Fall 2026/27 MESSAGE from Principal Kiwan
Fall 2026/27 MESSAGE from Principal Kiwan
Fall 2026/27 MESSAGE from Principal Kiwan
August 1, 2026
Dear Norwood Junior High School Families,
As principal of Norwood Junior High School, I am excited to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether your student is joining us for the first time or continuing their journey at Norwood, we are honored to have your family as part of our school community. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure every student feels welcomed, connected, and valued as part of our Noble family.
Our dedicated team of teachers and support staff is committed to providing students with engaging and meaningful learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. We continue to take pride in the strong academic and enrichment opportunities available to students, including electives such as AVID, Band, Spanish, and Career Technical Education Computer Science courses, as well as our sports opportunities, clubs and after-school program offerings.
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 18th, with the first bell ringing at 7:55 a.m.
Student success is built through strong partnerships between school and home. Parent involvement and support play an essential role in helping our students thrive. We encourage families to become involved through:
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School Site Council (SSC)
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English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
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Lunch with Nobles
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Coffee and Conversation meetings
These opportunities bring parents, students, teachers, and administrators together to strengthen collaboration and support the success of all students.
I value your partnership and welcome your input as we work together on behalf of our students. To stay informed about important school updates, events, and announcements, please ensure that your phone number and email address are current in Aeries and ParentSquare so you can receive school communications.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s educational journey. When we work together as a Norwood community, we create opportunities for a successful, rewarding, and memorable school year for every student.
Below you will find important information regarding the 2026–2027 school year. Please take a few moments to review the information provided.
Warmest Regards,
Leticia Kiwan, Ed.D.
Principal
Norwood Junior High
Twin Rivers Unified School District
Norwood Junior High New Student Information
Orientation Day- August 11
We are excited to welcome all incoming 7th grade students and new 8th grade students to Norwood Junior High for Orientation Day! This event is designed to help students feel comfortable, connected, and confident as they begin their journey at Norwood. Returning 8th grade students do not need to attend orientation.
To better serve students, we ask that you attend the orientation time scheduled by your student’s last name.
- If your last name begins with A–H: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- If your last name begins with I–P: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- If your last name begins with Q–Z: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
During Orientation, students will:
- Take a guided tour of the campus led by our Leadership students
- Meet new friends and ask questions about junior high life
- Learn about after-school programs, sports, and support opportunities like Expanded Learning and Improve Your Tomorrow
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend!
While students are on their tour, parents will attend a short presentation in the gym with the administration team. We’ll share important information about school expectations and how to support your student’s success.
While students are on their tour, parents will attend a short presentation in the gym with the administration team. We’ll share important information about school expectations and how to support your student’s success.
At Orientation, families can also:
- Tour the school
- Purchase P.E. uniforms
- Ask questions about the upcoming school year
- Ask about 8th grade promotion requirements
- Ask about Gold/ Silver Medal opportunities for 8th grade promotion
- Turn in required 7th grade documents (immunization records, parent data confirmation) Missing information will result in registration delay
- Meet the administration team
- Learn about After School Sports, Improve Your Tomorrow, and more programs!
We look forward to seeing you there and kicking off a great year at Norwood Junior High!
Schedules
Class schedules will be distributed to students on the first day of school in their first period class. Students will find their first period class posted in the quad on the first day of school. Postings are by last name. Student schedules may change due to classroom balancing.
Parents may not be on campus after the morning bell at 7:55 am. We are a closed campus and all gates must be secured.
Breakfast
The school gates open at 7:40. Norwood provides breakfast daily for all students from 7:40-8am.
Start Time
Our class start time is 8 a.m. The first bell rings at 7:55. Students will start school at the same time every day and will be released two hours early on Wednesdays (Early Release Wednesdays) for staff Professional Learning Time (PLT). Students are not permitted to wait outside of the school gates after 7:40 am.
Attendance
Daily Attendance is extremely important. Our teachers begin instruction immediately, so please make sure your child arrives on time and ready to learn. If you have questions regarding attendance, absences or lates, call (916) 566-2710. Please leave your name, number, and message. Our office will reopen on August 1st, and will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can also find information about our school on our website at:https://nwjhs.trusd.net
Aeries Parent Portal & Parent Data Confirmation
The Annual Parent Data Confirmation information is now available for you to complete online. This process ensures we have the most up-to-date information for your student- including emergency contacts and updated medical information. Parent Data confirmation is required by Twin Rivers Unified School District. You can complete it through the TRUSD Aeries Parent Portal. The Aeries Parent Portal helps you track your child’s grades, assignments, messages, and attendance. Visit the Parents and Family Corner on the TRUSD website.
Click HERE Aeries Parent Portal
Click HERE Parents and Family Corner
PE
Physical Education is a required course. Participation, including dressing up, is required for a passing grade. Students will be given a locker and a lock to be used for PE class. For security and safe keeping of items, all students must use the lockers. Norwood JH is not responsible for items not locked in the preassigned accessible lockers. PE clothes will be available for purchase at orientation. All PE information will be sent by the PE teachers.
Chromebooks/ Books
Returning students will continue to use their existing chromebooks from last year. New to Twin Rivers students will receive a chromebook on Orientation or during the first week of school. Textbooks will be given out during the first week of school. Students are expected to keep their chromebook and textbooks in good condition. Damaged or lost items may interfere with 8th grade promotion requirements.
Backpacks/School Supplies
School supplies are highly recommended to assist in your student’s success. We are not expecting our students to have all of their supplies by the first day of school. Since students in Jr. High schools have different schedules with different classes and teachers, there isn’t a “supply list.” Teachers will inform students of required supplies during the first week of school. A suggested school supply list is provided below. There are no school wide lockers available (except during PE) so students must keep their school items in their backpacks at all times. If your family needs assistance with school supplies or backpacks, please contact the office.
After School Program Sign Up
You can sign up your student now for the Expanding Learning Program (also known as the after school program) at Norwood JHS! The program runs daily when school is in session. This is a great program for parents who need to have their student in a safe place after school. This program also helps during sports season as practices often do not start until late afternoons. Reserve your student’s spot now! Click the link below and scroll down to find the Norwood Junior High School tab. Click the before or after school tab and fill out the interest form. The program director will contact you once you have completed the form linked here:
You can sign up your student now for the Expanding Learning Program (also known as the after school program) at Norwood JHS! The program runs daily when school is in session. This is a great program for parents who need to have their student in a safe place after school. This program also helps during sports season as practices often do not start until late afternoons. Reserve your student’s spot now! Click the link below and scroll down to find the Norwood Junior High School tab. Click the before or after school tab and fill out the interest form. The program director will contact you once you have completed the form linked here:
Click here → TR After School- Expanded Learning
Cafeteria & Nutrition Services
We are pleased to inform you that our district has implemented a new provision available to all students District-wide in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. All students are provided free breakfast and lunch options. Breakfast: 7:40-8:00 am
Please note: Doordash or any similar food delivery orders are not and will NOT be accepted. For safety reasons, the office will not accept food delivery orders and students are not allowed to take food from the side gates.
Cell Phones & Headphones
Norwood Jr High has a cell phone policy: our policy is “away for the day.” We believe in focused instruction. To minimize distractions, as soon as students walk on campus, phones should be turned off and put away until the end of the school day. If a student needs to contact home during the school day, they may make a call to their family from the office. Headphones are used in the classroom only. Students must put their headphones away in their backpacks until the teacher asks the students to use them (this includes Airpods and any in ear or over ear headphones).
Friday Success and WIN Academy (What I Need- Saturday School)
Academic success begins with attendance. When students are late to class or do not attend a period class session, they miss information vital to their learning. For students who have excessive tardiness or absences, students will be asked to sign up for WIN. For students requiring academic and or behavior support Friday Success will be assigned from 2:40-3:40.
Upcoming Dates
August 11 - Orientation
August 18 - First Day of School
September 17 - Back to School Night
September 17 - Back to School Night