On behalf of the Norfolk Public Schools  Technology Team, I want to share our vision for how digital tools are integrated into your child’s daily learning experience. We believe that technology is not a replacement for traditional instruction, but a powerful catalyst that allows students to question, collaborate, and extend their learning beyond the physical walls of the classroom. In our elementary schools, we focus on a "pedagogy-first" approach, ensuring that our educational goals drive the technology we use—not the other way around.
Our primary objective is to move students from being passive consumers of media to becoming active creators and storytellers. Whether your child is using a tablet to document a science experiment, coding a simple program, or creating an interactive book trailer, they are developing the "4Cs" of 21st-century success: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. We provide a balanced environment where "high-tech" tools like 3D printing and robotics live alongside "low-tech" options, ensuring a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Equity and access are at the heart of our delivery model. We understand that to thrive in a modern world, every student needs a reliable digital foundation regardless of their starting point.. In the early grades, we utilize shared device models to encourage social interaction and turn-taking, while gradually transitioning older elementary students toward individual devices to foster independence. This 1:1 device strategy ensures that by the time our students reach middle school, they are not only proficient with the hardware but are also responsible stewards of their digital workspaces.

Safety and Digital Citizenship remain our top priorities. As we introduce students to the vast resources, we do so with a robust framework of web filtering and guided instruction. We aren't just teaching children how to use a computer; we are teaching them how to be ethical, kind, and safe members of a global online community. We see ourselves as your partners in this journey, providing resources to help you navigate conversations about screen time, privacy, and media literacy at home.

Finally, we are deeply committed to the philosophy that the best life is a balanced life. While we embrace digital innovation, we believe it must coexist with the essential "no-tech" experiences that build healthy bodies and minds. Our goal is to help your children develop lifelong healthy habits, ensuring they grow up as well-rounded individuals who know when to plug in and, more importantly, when to unplug and enjoy the world around them.

Warmly,
Trish Kelley
Director of NPS Technology