Norman Public Schools -

Highlights from the August Live Q&A Session with District Leaders

What is #AskNPS?

This was our first live, district-wide Q&A event designed to keep families informed and engaged. The goal is to strengthen communication, listen to your feedback, and answer your questions.

More community engagement events will be scheduled in the future. If you missed the live session, a recording is available on the NPS YouTube channel.

When is the first day of school?

The first day for all students is Wednesday, August 13.

What other key dates should I know?

• Monday, August 11:

  • Elementary Meet the Teacher night

  • Oklahoma Aviation Academy Open House

• August 18: Dimensions Academy Open House

• August 26: Middle School Open House

• September 4: Open House for Norman High and Norman North

Your child’s school will also share campus-specific events.

👉 Check the district event calendar for a full list of events.

What is the Strategic Plan Survey?

The survey is open to families, staff, and the community.
Due by 11:59 p.m. on August 13.
Families should complete one survey per student.

Who are the new leaders at NPS?

• New principals at Lakeview and Roosevelt

• New assistant principals at several secondary sites

• New staff members at the Early Learning Academy, employee daycare, and Spanish Language Academy

• A new class of teachers — both new and experienced — has joined NPS

• 90% staff retention rate this year

How can I prepare for the school year?

Visit our Back to School Hub for info on:

• Bus routes and transportation

• School supply lists

• Meal prices and menus

• Start and end times

• Free/reduced lunch applications

How do I find my child’s bus route?

Bus information is available on our Transportation Page.
Families are encouraged to download the StopFinder app for live tracking and alerts.

What should I know about safety and security?

• ID Badges: All middle and high school students and staff must wear district-issued badges daily

• Secure Entry: All visitors must buzz in and show ID from the secure vestibule

• Event Guidelines:

  • Weapons detection systems are used at school events

  • Elementary and middle school students must attend events with an adult and remain seated

  • Revised clear bag and water bottle policies are posted at events and available here

For more safety information, visit the NPS Safety Page

Who gets free school meals this year?

Nineteen NPS sites qualify for the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), providing one free breakfast and one free lunch per day to students at those schools.

CEP Sites:
Adams, Dimensions, Irving, Jackson, Jefferson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Madison, Reagan, Wilson, Alcott, Cleveland, Eisenhower, Lakeview, Longfellow, Monroe, Truman Elementary, Truman Primary, Washington

Non-CEP Sites:
Norman High, Norman North, Whittier, McKinley, Roosevelt
Families at non-CEP sites are strongly encouraged to complete the Free/Reduced Meal Application.

Menus are available on the Nutrislice site.

What is the new cell phone policy?

Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, all personal electronic devices must be powered down and put away during the entire school day — from first bell to last bell, including lunch and passing periods.

Applies to: phones, tablets, smartwatches
Exceptions: medical needs or emergencies

Learn more at the Power Down to Power Up webpage.

What is Parent University?

This series will help families support students in becoming responsible digital citizens. Topics will include:

• Screen time

• Internet safety

• Artificial intelligence

• Mental health in the digital world

Watch for session dates to be shared soon.

How will I get updates from my child’s school?

• Make sure your contact information is current with your child’s school

• NPS is launching School Status Connect, a new tool for two-way texting between families and teachers

  • No app required

  • Works through regular SMS text messages

  • Allows families to reply directly to teachers or school staff

Is there a way to quickly find information online?

Yes! Meet Norm, the NPS Concierge Chatbot

• Available on every page of the NPS website

• Can answer questions about school start times, menus, cell phone policies, and more
  Just click the chat bubble in the lower right corner to ask Norm a question.

Still have questions?

If we didn’t get to your question during the live event, don’t worry.
All questions will be reviewed, and an updated FAQ will be posted on the NPS website.

Thank you for being part of our first #AskNPS session — we’re looking forward to an amazing school year!