Superintendent's Newsletter 6.6.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  June 6, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message As Superintendent, one of my top priorities is listening to and learning from the families we serve. Your perspectives are essential to helping me lead our district with purpose, clarity, and a deep understanding of what our students, staff, and community need to thrive. I’m asking you to take a few moments to complete a  short, anonymous survey . This survey will gather feedback on my performance, communication, district initiatives, and your overall experience as a family in our schools. Your input will help me: Reflect on what’s working well Identify areas where we can grow Set meaningful goals for the 2025–2026 school year The information you share will directly influence our district’s priorities and action plans moving forward. I truly value your honest feedback—it plays a vital role in shaping the future of our schools. Thank you for your time, trust, and continued partnership.   Norton High School Graduation Congratulations to the Norton High School Class of 2025! It was a privilege to celebrate this monumental milestone with them earlier this week.    DESE Civics Project Showcase Each spring, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education hosts four regional Civics Project Showcases. These events provide students with the opportunity to share their projects with local community advisors and peers, receive feedback on their work, and be recognized for their civic engagement. Norton High School students Kiley Faucher, Makenna Shea, Madison Chastenay, Krysma Robinson, and Charlotte Richmond represented NPS at the Showcase held at UMass Dartmouth on May 27th. Throughout the showcase, our students exemplified what it means to be thoughtful, engaged citizens. Their enthusiasm, commitment to meaningful causes, and thoughtful presentations made us incredibly proud. Congratulations to these students for being such wonderful representatives of Norton Public Schools!    Norton Middle School Time Capsule Last Friday, Norton Middle School held a special school-wide assembly to reveal the contents of the NMS Time Capsule, which had been buried back in the year 2000. It was a memorable event that offered a fascinating glimpse into the past, as students and staff explored what their predecessors chose to preserve 25 years ago. In addition to opening the 2000 capsule, the school also sealed a brand-new 2025 Time Capsule, set to be opened in the year 2050. Over the past several weeks, team leaders, staff, and students worked together to carefully curate items that captured the spirit and culture of NMS today. The event was made even more special by the presence of honored guests, including:  Stan Koss, former NMS Principal; Allison Nolan, 2000 NMS Student Council President; and  Peter Wiggins, a former Grade 7 student from the year 2000; and several former NMS staff members who returned for the event.   Norton Veterans Council Carnival and Founders Day Get ready for an exciting weekend of community celebration as the Norton Veterans Council and Norton Parks & Recreation team up to bring you a Carnival and Founder's Day festivities on the grounds of the Henri A. Yelle Elementary School.  The Norton Veterans Council Carnival will run from June 26th through June 29th with rides, games, food, and fun for all ages. Celebrate our community’s history and spirit at the Norton Parks & Recreation Founder's Day event on Saturday, June 28th—capped off with a fireworks display!    Important Information Regarding Youth Summer Jobs As summer approaches, many students are eager to join the workforce. All teens under 18 years of age must complete a work permit application and get a work permit before starting a new job. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office enforces the Massachusetts youth employment laws, including the work permit laws, and has provided a  letter  for parents and guardians with information regarding workplace safety and teens rights as employees. The work permit application is available on our website in the  Families  tab or in the Superintendent’s office. Students must bring their completed application  with all required signatures  to the superintendent’s office  with proof of age (birth certificate, passport, learner’s permit or driver’s license)  and  will need to be present to sign their permit.   UPCOMING EVENTS June 11th School Committee Meeting June 12th Last Day of School Little Lancers June 13th Last Day of School Kindergarten Early Release Norton High School - Final Exams June 16th Kindergarten Screening by appointment for incoming students Early Release Norton High School - Final Exams June 17th Last Day of School Grades 1-12+ - Districtwide Early Release    Virtual Backpack Explore here to find e-flyers on events, offerings and more in our community. To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us. 06.06.25

Friday, Jun 06 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 5.23.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  May 23, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message Today, I have had the privilege of attending Memorial Day programs in our schools with many of our local Veterans. Each of our Norton Schools recognized Memorial Day with a tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Thank you to our students and staff for preparing these respectful and educational events for our community. Thank you also to our Norton Veterans that attend these events and show our students what true patriotism looks like. We are grateful for your service.  I hope you all enjoy the long weekend - we are in the home stretch for summer vacation!     Celebrating Academic Excellence At the May 14th School Committee meeting, we had the pleasure of recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of the Norton High School Class of 2025. Valedictorian Jacob Berry and Salutatorians Nora Watras and Zoe Santos were honored during the meeting, joined by their proud families. This year, the number two class ranking is a statistical tie between Nora and Zoe - an impressive testament to their hard work and dedication.         Congratulations NMS Distinguished Students! Earlier this month, four Norton Middle School students were recognized as Distinguished Students by the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS). This program honors students who exemplify the promise of future leadership, academic excellence, and strong character. Congratulations to Sadie Britton, Lucas Delisle, Morgan Legendre, and Alex Payne on their well-deserved recognition!    Bus Transportation Registration for 2025–2026 School Year - Online Only | Opens May 30 – Closes July 13 All students in grades K–12 who plan to ride the bus must register online between  May 30 and July 13 . Pay-to-Ride Fees: Grades K–6 : $300 per student if living 1.99 miles or less from their assigned school Grades 7–12 : $300 per student, regardless of distance Free Transportation: Students in grades K–6  who live 2.0 miles or more from their assigned school Important: Registrations submitted after July 13 will incur a $50 late fee.        2025 Summer Enrichment Registration Closes May 30th Registration for the 2025 Summer Enrichment Program is now open. Please click to view this year's  Summer Enrichment Program Brochure . Registration ends on May 30, 2025. We are pleased to offer a variety of opportunities for students entering grades K-12 to take part in this summer. There are four different weeks offered from Monday, July 7th through Thursday, July 31st. Sessions will take place Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm. Any questions? Contact Kelly Allen, Summer Enrichment Coordinator,  kellyallen@norton.k12.ma .     UPCOMING EVENTS May 28th School Committee Meeting June 4th Class of 2025 Graduation June 11th School Committee Meeting June 12th Last Day of School Little Lancers June 13th Last Day of School Kindergarten Early Release Norton High School - Final Exams June 16th Kindergarten Screening by appointment for incoming students Early Release Norton High School - Final Exams June 17th Last Day of School Grades 1-12+ - Districtwide Early Release   Virtual Backpack NPS Summer Enrichment Program Summer Volleyball Clinic Everett Leonard Park Swimming Lessons 2025 Pool Season Passes Capron Park Summer Outdoor Adventures Camp Finberg 2025 and more! To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us. 05.23.25

Friday, May 23 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 5.9.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  May 9, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message This week, NPS celebrated both Teacher Appreciation Week and National School Nurses day. We are extremely fortunate to have such incredible educators and nurses working with our students to make school a fun and exciting place to learn and grow. Thank you to all of our staff for all that they do each and every day for our students, for making our schools safe and inviting spaces for families, and for making me look good! So often I hear from our families about the impact that our educators have on their child or their family- thank you for sharing these stories with me. I am so proud to have the opportunity to lead Norton Public Schools and our staff is what makes our school community so special. Happy Teacher & School Nurse Appreciation!    Global Education in Norton During the April break, I had the opportunity to travel with 57 Norton High School students to Greece for one of our Global Education tours and it was certainly a trip to remember!  Norton Public Schools began our Global Education program in 2017 and since then over 250 Norton students have traveled the world to a variety of locations including Portugal, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Italy, France, Spain, and the U.K. The Global Education program exposes students to language, culture, and service - broadening their horizons and giving them perspective on how others live and work in places around the world.  Additionally, Norton High School also offers a Global Citizenship Initiative Program (GCIP), which is open to all students at NHS. The GCIP promotes global competence and 21st century skill development.  The utilization of interdisciplinary study, community service, international travel and programming will increase global awareness, cultural understanding and the appreciation of diversity. Global travel opportunities are open to all Norton High School students. If you are interested in learning more about future travel, please reach out to the NHS Teachers below!  Ireland/Scotland (2026): Kim Bray  kbray@norton.k12.ma.us Paris/Barcelona (2027): Jennifer Tonelli  jtonelli@norton.k12.ma.us Service Learning in Peru (2027): Kim Birkett  kbirkett@norton.k12.ma.us     Alarming Chromebook TikTok Trend This week, Director of Instructional Technology, Mrs. Karen Winsper  alerted families  and staff to a concerning social media trend, particularly on TikTok, encouraging students to insert objects like pencil lead, paperclips, or push pins into the openings on their Chromebooks. While some challenges may seem harmless, this one poses serious risks, including electrical shock, fire hazards, and significant damage to school-issued devices. This damage may disrupt student learning and will result in a $250 replacement fee and disciplinary action as outlined in the student handbook. We urge families to speak with their children about the dangers of this trend and the importance of using technology safely and responsibly. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe.   NEED Spring Auction The 2025 NEED Spring Auction is underway and runs through May 16th! This is NEED's biggest fundraiser all year to raise money for the teacher grants awarded each fall. Please  click here  to check out the 177 packages included in the auction. Visit their website  to see the amazing grants NEED has been able to fund, directly impacting student learning. We are so grateful for all the work NEED does to support our school community!   UPCOMING EVENTS May 9th Norton High School Term IV Grades 9-11 Warning Notices May 14th School Committee Meeting May 19th Town Meeting May 28th School Committee Meeting June 4th Class of 2025 Graduation June 11th School Committee Meeting June 12th Last Day of School Little Lancers June 13th Last Day of School Kindergarten Early Release Norton High School - Final Exams June 16th Kindergarten Screening by appointment for incoming students Early Release Norton High School - Final Exams June 17th Last Day of School Grades 1-12+ - Districtwide Early Release   Virtual Backpack NPS Summer Enrichment Program Self Help Summer Enrichment NYS Golf Tournament South Shore Children's Chorus Summer 2025 Capron Park Summer Outdoor Adventures NFL Youth Football Camp To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us. 05.09.25

Friday, May 09 2025

Alarming Chromebook TikTok Trend

Dear Norton Community,  We want to inform you of a concerning trend circulating on social media, particularly  TikTok.  This new "challenge" encourages students to insert foreign objects (pencil lead, paperclips, or pushpins) into the openings on their Chromebooks.  We understand that social media challenges can sometimes seem harmless, but we are concerned about the safety implications caused by this particular challenge. Inserting a metal object into an electronic device can pose a serious risk of electrical shock or even start a fire. We want to ensure the safety of all our students and prevent any potential harm.  In addition, this particular act can also cause significant damage to the Chromebook, which may require extensive repairs and disrupt your child’s learning. This will result in your family paying $250 to replace the damaged device, as well as disciplinary consequences outlined in the school handbook.  We ask for your partnership in addressing this issue. Please take the time to talk to your child about the potential dangers of this challenge and the importance of using technology responsibly. We encourage you to reinforce the following:  ●  It is important to make responsible choices online and not participate in harmful social media trends.  ●  School-issued devices are to be used for educational purposes only.  ●  Tampering with electronic devices can lead to damage and safety hazards.  ●  Student code of conduct will be enforced with disciplinary consequences for damaging school equipment.  Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and ensuring that technology remains a valuable learning tool.  Sincerely,  Jennifer O’Neill, Superintendent Karen Winsper, Director of Instructional Technology

Wednesday, May 07 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 4.18.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  April 18, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message Dear Families,  It seems impossible that we are already at our April break. When we return on April 28th, the race to the end of the year is on for our staff, families, and students. While the end seems so close we can almost touch it- there is still much to be done in the remaining weeks of our school year.  As I have shared in previous communications, student attendance in school is incredibly important. Consistent attendance is one of the strongest indicators of academic success—and it sets the foundation for lifelong habits that support learning, growth, and achievement. Here’s why showing up matters: Learning builds day by day:  Missing just two days a month adds up to nearly a month of lost learning time each school year. Lessons, discussions, and classroom experiences can’t be fully made up at home. Connections matter:  Regular attendance helps students feel part of their school community. It builds stronger relationships with peers and teachers, which are key to feeling supported and engaged in learning. It sets up future success:  Good attendance habits in school carry over into college, careers, and beyond. Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track academically, graduate on time, and pursue their goals confidently. School is more than academics:  Each school day includes opportunities to grow socially, emotionally, and creatively through clubs, performances, athletics, and hands-on learning experiences. When students miss school, they miss out on the full picture of education. So while we all get a little bit of spring fever this time of year, please support regular attendance of your child. If you are having difficulty or need support, please reach out to your child’s school so we can help.  Enjoy the vacation!  Norton High School Principal Search Committee Recently Dr. Ethan Dolleman, principal of Norton High School, announced his resignation from his position, effective June 30th, 2025. Dr. Dolleman is taking an opportunity in his home community of Dedham where he will be closer to his four children and wife. I am thankful to Dr. Dolleman for his work here in Norton over the past six years and wish him the very best in this next adventure.  Over the break, I will be working on an updated job description and considering options for how best to move forward in finding a new principal for Norton High School. In order to help me with this, I am sharing a  quick link for families to answer two brief questions : What priorities are important to my student when considering the next principal of NHS? What do you hope a new principal will  continue ,  change , or  improve  at the school? Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me- this will be a benefit to our process. We will provide updates on this process as they are available.  Norton High School Art Show We are excited to announce the NHS Art Show on Thursday, May 1st from 5:30  to 7:30 pm. This event showcases the incredible talents of our students, and we invite everyone to come and enjoy the creative expressions on display. Thursday, May 1st - 5:30 - 7:30 pm Admission is free and all are welcome! Whether you're an artist or an art enthusiast, come celebrate creativity in all its forms! Norton Public Schools’ Summer Enrichment Program Registration for the 2025 Summer Enrichment Program is now open. Please click  here  to view this year's Summer Enrichment Program Brochure. Registration ends on May 30, 2025. We are pleased to offer a variety of opportunities for students entering grades K-12 to take part in this summer. There are four different weeks offered from Monday, July 7th through Thursday, July 31st. Sessions will take place Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm. Any questions? Contact Kelly Allen, Summer Enrichment Coordinator,   kellyallen@norton.k12.ma . Kindergarten Registration Reminder Kindergarten  registration  opened on March 10th for the 2025-2026 school year for children who will be five years old on or before August 31, 2025. All students who are entering Kindergarten must register, including those already enrolled in our Little Lancers Preschool program.  Kindergarten screening appointments will only be scheduled for students whose registration submissions are complete. Families of incoming kindergarten students will submit registration information through our  registration portal  in PowerSchool. A separate form must be completed for each child.  Once the pre-registration form has been submitted, it will be sent to a staff member for approval, and families will then receive an email with instructions to complete the registration process.     UPCOMING EVENTS April 18th Districtwide Early Release/Professional Development April 21st - 25th April Break - Schools Closed May 2nd Norton Middle School Term III Progress Reports Norton High School Term IV Grade 12 Warning Notices May 9th Norton High School Term IV Grades 9-11 Warning Notices May 14th School Committee Meeting May 19th Town Meeting May 28th School Committee Meeting June 4th Class of 2025 Graduation June 11th School Committee Meeting June 12th Last Day of School Little Lancers June 13th Last Day of School Kindergarten Early Release Norton High School - Final Exams June 16th Kindergarten Screening by appointment for incoming students Early Release Norton High School - Final Exams June 17th Last Day of School Grades 1-12+ - Districtwide Early Release      Virtual Backpack April Break Tennis Clinic NPS Summer Enrichment Program Easter Egg Hunt & Bake Sale Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit Self Help Summer Enrichment Program Open House Pop Up Thrift Store NHS Art Show Townwide Yard Sale NYS Golf Tournament NFL Youth Football Camp To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us. 04.18.25

Friday, Apr 18 2025

Kindergarten Registration Reminder

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT     Dear Families, This is a reminder that  Kindergarten  registration  opened on March 10th for the 2025-2026 school year for children who will be five years old on or before August 31, 2025. All students who are entering Kindergarten must register, including those already enrolled in our Little Lancers Preschool program.  Kindergarten screening appointments will only be scheduled for students whose registration submissions are complete. Families of incoming kindergarten students will submit registration information through our  registration portal  in PowerSchool. A separate form must be completed for each child.  Once the pre-registration form has been submitted, it will be sent to a staff member for approval, and families will then receive an email with instructions to complete the registration process. Dr. Jennifer O'Neill | Superintendent of Schools Norton Public Schools | 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766 Office: (508) 285-0100 | Fax: (508) 285-0199 | norton.k12.ma.us Our Mission: Promote individual talents and maximize each student’s potential. It is the policy of Norton Public Schools to provide a learning environment free from discrimination or harassment. All students, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or housing status, have equal access to all programs including athletics and other extracurricular activities.

Monday, Apr 14 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 4.04.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  April 4, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message   The spring is a busy time of year for our schools with field trips, MCAS testing, and fine arts performances, just to name a few! Additionally, this is the prime time for my office to be engaged in final planning around our budget for the upcoming school year. Most recently, I presented our requested budget of a 4.96% increase to the Norton Finance Committee on March 24th. This presentation can be viewed on the  Norton Cable Media youtube site  if you are interested. Additionally, our FY26 Budget Book is available for anyone in the community to review on our District website, under  Business Office .  As always, I am happy to answer any questions that you may have about our budget or budget process. Please feel free to email or call our office to discuss.  Parking Lot Safety Recently, we have had some issues with parent pick-up and drop-off at several of our schools. I know these times of the day can be very hectic for parents, as we rush around to get children from one place to another, trying not to be late for our commitments as well. I ask you all to please be careful and considerate when in the pick-up and drop-off lines. Please do not go around other cars that are dropping off students in the line as this can create a very dangerous situation for our students. Additionally, please be sure to pay attention to signage, one-way directionals, and the NPS staff as they assist in keeping our students safe and our car lines moving. Thank you for your cooperation! The Importance of Student Attendance One of the most important factors in a child's academic achievement is consistent school attendance. Every day in the classroom provides valuable learning experiences that help build the skills and knowledge students need to succeed, both now and in the future. When students miss school, they miss out on critical instruction, discussions, and hands-on activities that cannot be fully replicated. Even a few absences can add up, making it harder for students to keep up with their peers. Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher grades, develop positive social relationships, and graduate on time. We understand that occasional absences are unavoidable due to illness or emergencies. However, we encourage families to make school attendance a top priority and to communicate with teachers or administrators if challenges arise. Here in Norton, we are committed to partnering with you to remove any and all barriers to school attendance. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Thank you for your trust, partnership, and collaboration. Resources: Attendance Works Get Schooled! The Effects of Chronic Absenteeism Beth Blakeley Peer Impact Awards On Friday, March 28th, Norton Embracing Educational Development (NEED) honored one staff member from each school with this year's Beth Blakeley Peer Impact Award. This award was established in memory of Beth Blakeley, a dedicated volunteer at every school her children attended and a founding member of NEED. We are grateful to NEED for their continued support of our schools and staff. Nominations were open to staff from March 1st to March 15th, allowing peers to nominate those who go above and beyond for students at Norton Public Schools. Congratulations to the staff members listed below on their well-deserved recognition! JCS - Lisa Varney - Admin. Asst.  LGN - Janine Arduino - Building Substitute  HAY - Sarah Gomes - SPED teacher NMS - Jess Holicker - Math teacher  NHS - Nicole Shaughenssy - English teacher Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit We’re excited to announce the arrival of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit – a unique, traveling museum designed to bring together our local community, veterans, active-duty military, and their families. This interactive exhibit features powerful displays, short films, and personal stories that honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes. We invite all veterans, active-duty military, their families, and all community members to visit, explore the exhibit, and engage with Wreaths Across America representatives and volunteers. Saturday, April 19, 2025 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. Henri A. Yelle Elementary School 4th Annual Tommy Petersen Memorial Golf Tournament The 4th Annual Tommy Petersen Memorial Golf Tournament will take place on May 5, 2025, at Brookmeadow Country Club in Canton, MA. This event brings together local families, businesses, and individuals to honor the memory of Tommy Petersen and raise funds for charities that support the Norton community and surrounding area. In addition to the tournament itself, the C2 Foundation will be hosting a raffle to further benefit these causes and is collecting raffle items such as gift baskets, gift cards, merchandise, services and other items. Any donation you can provide will go a long way in supporting this great cause. All donors will be recognized at the event, and all donations are tax-deductible. Please click  here  for additional details about the event. If you’re interested in contributing, please contact the organization at info@thec2foundation.com or send your donation to: C2 Foundation P.O. Box 417 Norton, MA 02766 UPCOMING EVENTS April 4th Norton High School Term III Marks Close April 11th Norton High School Term III Report Cards April 16th School Committee Meeting April 18th Districtwide Early Release/Professional Development April 21st - 25th April Break - Schools Closed May 2nd Norton Middle School Term III Progress Reports Norton High School Term IV Grade 12 Warning Notices May 9th Norton High School Term IV Grades 9-11 Warning Notices May 14th School Committee Meeting May 19th Town Meeting May 28th School Committee Meeting Virtual Backpack Norton Clean Up Day Pack 61 Cupboard of Kindness Food Drive Be a Girls Scout Event for Grades PK and K NHS Business Honor Society Animal Shelter Drive SEPAC Spring Fling Dance Norton Parks & Recreation Egg Hunt Self Help Summer Enrichment Program Open House South Shore Children's Chorus Summer Program Townwide Yard Sale NFL Youth Football Camp Capron Park Zoo Summer Outdoor Adventures Camp Ramsbottom Registration Summer Science Academy Attleboro Arts Museum Summer Art Weeks & Classes College Gate/College Academy Summer S.T.E.M. Programs To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us. 04.04.25

Friday, Apr 04 2025

Strategic Planning Community Forum - March 27th

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT     Dear Families, This a reminder that on Thursday, March 27th, I will be hosting a community forum for all Norton Public Schools families to participate in the creation of our new strategic plan. During this one-hour virtual session, families will have the opportunity to share what they love about NPS and the areas in which they believe we should focus on over the next three years. Questions will focus on how we can improve teaching and learning for all students, what you believe we should include in our educational experiences, and what skills Norton graduates should have before they head off into the workforce. Please consider joining us for this very important conversation. Webinar: Strategic Planning 2025 March 27th 6:30 pm https://zoom.us/j/95026677556?pwd=bj9Wd5qpiNqjGIWYb431aZREW4aI2w.4wE4D7Zh2LP6RY4i To call in for audio only, please dial 646 558 8656 Webinar ID: 950 2667 7556 Dr. Jennifer O'Neill | Superintendent of Schools Norton Public Schools | 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766 Office: (508) 285-0100 | Fax: (508) 285-0199 | norton.k12.ma.us Our Mission: Promote individual talents and maximize each student’s potential. It is the policy of Norton Public Schools to provide a learning environment free from discrimination or harassment. All students, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or housing status, have equal access to all programs including athletics and other extracurricular activities.

Tuesday, Mar 25 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 3.21.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  March 21, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message At the March 12th meeting, the Norton School Committee approved a level service budget with an increase of 4.96%. This budget for the upcoming school year maintains a current level of staff and services, including the positions of NMS music and art, as well as the elementary interventionists that were added after fall Town Meeting. This budget will now be presented to the Finance Committee for their consideration. The district budget is not finalized until the Town Meeting, which will take place on Monday, May 19th.  Linked below, you will find the  School Committee approved budget as will be presented to the Finance Committee on Monday, March 24th.  Strategic Planning Community Forum On Thursday, March 27th, I will be hosting a community forum for all Norton Public Schools families to participate in the creation of our new strategic plan. During this one-hour virtual session, families will have the opportunity to share what they love about NPS and the areas in which they believe we should focus on over the next three years. Questions will focus on how we can improve teaching and learning for all students, what you believe we should include in our educational experiences, and what skills Norton graduates should have before they head off into the workforce. Please consider joining us for this very important conversation. Webinar: Strategic Planning 2025 March 27th, 6:30 pm https://zoom.us/j/95026677556?pwd=bj9Wd5qpiNqjGIWYb431aZREW4aI2w.4wE4D7Zh2LP6RY4i To call in for audio only, please dial 646 558 8656 Webinar ID: 950 2667 7556 Passcode: 206604 Food Services Universal Free Meals for Lunch and Breakfast is still available for all students. This program is extended to all families and each student is entitled to one free school breakfast and one free school lunch daily. Students must pay for any snacks or additional meals.  Recently, payment notices were sent to parents/guardians for students with unpaid balances. These balances are due for snacks, second meals, or prior years’ unpaid meals. Any questions can be answered by Mike Vaccaro at mvaccaro@norton.k12.ma.us or 508-285-0150. Finally, the Food Service Department is looking for part time assistance in the cafeterias, If you are interested in joining their team, please contact Mike Vaccaro at the email or phone number above. Spring Fling On April 11th, the Norton SEPAC will be hosting their annual Spring Fling! This incredible event is open to all Norton families in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Please join us for this fun event!  Norton Clean Up Day Norton’s Conservation, Highway, and Parks & Rec Departments are organizing a clean up day scheduled on Saturday, April 5th. Check in will be at 9 am at the Town Hall with cleanup to follow from 10 am to 1 pm. Volunteers will help collect trash from Norton’s streets. Please consider signing up to help keep our town beautiful! A FREE post cleanup BBQ is planned at Bog Iron Brewing for all participants. Click  here  for more information and registration. Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten registration opened on March 10th for the 2025-2026 school year for children who will be five years old on or before August 31, 2025. All students who are entering Kindergarten must register, including those already enrolled in our Little Lancers Preschool program. All materials are due by March 24, 2025. Families of incoming kindergarten students will submit registration information through our registration portal in PowerSchool. A separate form must be completed for each child. Once the pre-registration form has been submitted, it will be sent to a staff member for approval, and families will then receive an email with instructions to complete the registration process. UPCOMING EVENTS March 21st Norton Middle School Term II Report Cards March 26th School Committee Meeting March 27th Strategic Planning Community Forum April 4th Norton High School Term III Marks Close April 11th Norton High School Term III Report Cards April 16th School Committee Meeting April 18th Districtwide Early Release/Professional Development April 21st - 25th April Break - Schools Closed May 2nd Norton Middle School Term III Progress Reports Norton High School Term IV Grade 12 Warning Notices May 9th Norton High School Term IV Grades 9-11 Warning Notices May 14th School Committee Meeting May 19th Town Meeting May 28th School Committee Meeting Virtual Backpack Norton High School Business Honor Society Animal Shelter Drive Capron Park Zoo Fun Run Bridgewater State Greenlight for Girls Day Norton Clean Up Day Pack 61 Cupboard of Kindness Food Drive SEPAC Spring Fling Dance Norton Parks & Recreation Egg Hunt Townwide Yard Sale NFL Youth Football Camp Capron Park Zoo Summer Outdoor Adventures Camp Ramsbottom Registration Summer Science Academy Attleboro Arts Museum Summer Art Weeks & Classes College Gate/College Academy Summer S.T.E.M. Programs To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us. 03.21.25

Friday, Mar 21 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 3.7.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  March 7, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message -  FY26 Budget Budget season is upon us, and I know many of you are wondering what this year will bring after our devastating cuts last year. At this time, I am advocating for a level-service budget for the 2025-2026 school year. A level service budget allows us to retain the same levels of teaching and learning for all students in the upcoming school year. A level service budget is a financial increase from the previous year in order to maintain all programs. For Norton Public Schools, a level-service budget will be an increase of 4.96% or an increase of $1,762,630. Tomorrow, Saturday March 8th at 9am in the HAY Library, we will host our annual budget workshop with the School Committee. At this time, the NPS administrative team and the Norton School Committee go through the budget being proposed and engage in conversations about priorities. This is a public meeting and is open to anyone in the community. Additionally, on Wednesday, March 12th we will hold a public budget forum during our regular meeting. Again, this is an opportunity for community members to come together, hear about the budget, and to ask any questions that they may have. Please consider joining us at one of these events.  Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten registration will open March 10th for the 2025-2026 school year for children who will be five years old on or before August 31, 2025. All students who are entering Kindergarten must register, including those already enrolled in our Little Lancers Preschool program. All materials are due by March 24, 2025. Families of incoming kindergarten students will submit registration information through our registration portal in PowerSchool. A separate form must be completed for each child. Once the pre-registration form has been submitted, it will be sent to a staff member for approval, and families will then receive an email with instructions to complete the registration process. JCS and LGN will each host orientations for new Kindergarten parents/guardians on March 10th at 6:30 pm. Additional information including required documents for registration and links to the orientations is available on our website under Student Registration in the Families tab. Text-to-911 A friendly reminder to all families that it is now possible to text to 911 in the case of an emergency. Texting should only be used during an emergency when you are unable to make a voice call to 911.  Making a voice call is the most efficient way to get access to emergency services. How Do I Reach Text-to-911?   When using a texting app on a device, type the numbers “911” into the “To” or “Recipient” field.  What Information Should I Give Text-to-911?  You should make every effort to text the following: location including the address/location and town name; what is happening (nature of the incident); any additional details about the location you can provide such as landmarks, cross streets, nearby business names, apartment number, floor, room or suite numbers, or any details that may be helpful in locating you. Silent Call Procedure:  Once you've dialed 911 and an operator has answered, if you are unable to speak for any reason, you can press: 1 if you need police 2 if you need fire services 3 if you need an ambulance If you're asked a question during the call, you can press: 4 to respond yes 5 to respond no UPCOMING EVENTS March 8th School Committee Budget Workshop March 12th School Committee Meeting March 14th Districtwide Early Release/Professional Development Norton Middle School Term II Marks Close March 17th Elementary Term II Report Cards March 21st Norton Middle School Term II Report Cards March 26th School Committee Meeting April 4th Norton High School Term III Marks Close April 11th Norton High School Term III Report Cards April 16th School Committee Meeting April 18th Districtwide Early Release/Professional Development April 21st - 25th April Break - Schools Closed Virtual Backpack The Knight Club Music Fundraiser Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society Pizza Tyme Fundraiser Capron Park Zoo Fun Run Brockton Symphony Orchestra - American Discoveries Womens Over 25 Pick Up Basketball Men's Over 30 Basketball League NFL Youth Football Camp Capron Park Zoo Summer Outdoor Adventures Camp Ramsbottom Registration Summer Science Academy Attleboro Arts Museum Summer Art Weeks & Classes College Gate/College Academy Summer S.T.E.M. Programs To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us. 03.07.25

Friday, Mar 07 2025