Northwestern Regional 7 expands opportunities for students

By Virginia Coleman-Prisco

As students and staff return to Northwestern Regional School District No. 7 (NWR7) middle and high schools for the 2026-27 school year, district leaders say the focus will be on strengthening student opportunities, preparing young people for an evolving workforce and building an even stronger sense of Highlander pride. Norfolk is one of the four towns in NWR7, which also includes Colebrook, New Hartford and Barkhamsted.

According to NWR7 Board of Education Chair Molly Sexton Read, the board recently adopted a series of goals rooted in the district’s strategic plan, while continuing efforts to improve communication and collaboration with Norfolk and the district’s other towns. These include developing a system to measure “Vision of a Graduate” skills and competencies, establishing clear districtwide guidelines for artificial intelligence use, and expanding career pathway opportunities so students can explore a broader range of professions before graduation.

Vision of a Graduate is a framework that defines the competencies, skills and personal attributes students should develop during their years at NWR7 so they are prepared for college, careers and life in an increasingly digital world. Superintendent Steven LePage reports that the district’s new Career Pathways Coordinator Michael Portello will lead the expanded programming. High school Principal Gary Franklin explains how Portello will also work closely with the administrative team and school counselors to identify additional dual enrollment opportunities and course offerings for 2027-28. He further describes the goal of the project as being to build and “develop connections and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support extended learning opportunities and internships for our students in the coming years.”

Read said the district is also working closely with local elementary school districts, including Norfolk’s Botelle School, to strengthen educational alignment from kindergarten through high school. “Superintendent LePage and I have begun discussions with the superintendents and Board of Education chairs from all four towns with the goal of aligning curriculum K-12,” Read said. The effort aims to ensure students enter NWR7 in seventh grade with shared experience and a common foundation based on established grade-level standards.

Franklin said the district enters the new school year with strong momentum and encouraging academic results. Student achievement data at both the middle and high school levels. continues to trend positively, with NWR7 students posting gains on SAT assessments and Next Generation Science Standards exams. Franklin also noted that the high school saw record levels of Advanced Placement (AP) participation and success during the past five years, including the highest number of students taking AP courses, the most AP exams administered, and the district’s strongest AP pass rate. He explained how “These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and a school culture that continues to prioritize high expectations and student growth.”

At the middle school level, Principal Ryan Cornelius said educators spent the summer refining learning experiences and preparing students for high school and beyond. One of the most significant additions this year is a new seventh-grade College and Career Exploration course developed in partnership with EdAdvance and the Connecticut Department of Labor. The course is designed to help students begin thinking about future career options and understand the education and training pathways associated with different professions. Cornelius explains that “Our hope is that this helps students plan their high school courses, extracurricular activities, and leadership experiences to set them up for success in their chosen endeavor.”

The district has also revived its K-8 Curriculum Council and expanded collaborative efforts with feeder schools. Cornelius noted that instructional rounds conducted last year allowed educators across the region to observe classroom instruction and share ideas, particularly in mathematics.

Expanding support services for families is a strong initiative for the district. Beginning this year, every student will receive one free break-fast each school day through state funding, while students who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive one free lunch daily.

For Norfolk families, district officials encourage attendance at athletic events, concerts, theater productions, agricultural education events, veterans’ programs and other community activities that showcase student accomplishments throughout the year. Read described NWR7 as “a vibrant school community with a dedicated staff and administration” and emphasized the district’s commitment to public engagement.

Students themselves are looking forward to the year ahead. Norfolk Senior Kadynce Benoit said she plans to make the most of her last year at NWR7. “I’m excited to spend my final year of high school with my best friends, whether on the soccer field or the cheer mats, fully embracing every moment and making unforgettable memories,” she exclaimed. Eighth-grader Mia Heller has different goals. She is “excited to see my friends and talk to them and eat Bosco sticks… but I hate all the work!” Academic rigor might not be what all students look forward to the most, but school leaders hope the friendships, experiences, opportunities and accomplishments that come with a NWR7 education will make the hard work worthwhile. As another school year begins, district officials say their focus remains on helping every student grow into a confident, capable Highlander, both inside and outside the classroom.