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  • NPS Weekly News Brief: School Committee Student Reco...

    NPS WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF | FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023   Superintendent's Message In working to continuously improve, we are targeting school improvement by school, grade, and individual student outcomes and needs. This is based on utilizing the 31 Benefits of Accountability by John Tanner. I have mentioned this before. Student report cards, various local assessments, teacher input, and MCAS will go to the next level in Norton regardless of DESE MCAS ONLY driven practices. So what does this all mean? Tanner's Seven Pillars outlines student learning, student readiness, engaged students, well-being, effective adults, community connections, and effective systems as a new way to define the best road for student success. Over the course of the next few months we will begin the work to streamline a number of current practices into friendlier language and clearer parent communication and expectations.   We will also begin implementing the MyCAP or My Career and Academic Plan. A direct excerpt from DESE below provides you the overall plan: "My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) is a student-centered, holistic, multi-year planning tool designed to provide students with ongoing opportunities to plan for their academic, personal/social and career success in high school and beyond. Because MyCAP is student-driven with guidance from at least one identified caring adult in the school and including input from parents/guardians, students are empowered to seek out learning opportunities that align with their individual career interests and self-defined goals. Through identification of interests and goals along with an acknowledgement of any barriers to success and supports necessary to overcome those barriers, MyCAP maps the academic plan, personal/social skill attainment, and career development activities required for postsecondary success. As the student comes to own his/her choices and future planning, MyCAP may also improve student engagement. MyCAP implementation supports district and school goals such as: completion of MassCore (MA recommended program of high school study); increasing the number of students who take and pass Advanced Placement (AP) and college level academic courses; increasing student attendance and engagement; increasing high school graduation rates; and increasing the number of students enrolling, persisting and attaining a postsecondary credential." MyCAP is for ALL students starting as early as Grade 6. More information will be shared in the coming months and into the Fall of 2023. Joseph F. Baeta | 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 Norton School Committee Meeting Thursday, February 9, 2023 | 6 p.m. Norton Middle School Library View agenda and minutes here   Friday, February 17 is a Districtwide Early Release Day.  You can view the school early release times on the School Hours Page . February Vacation is February 20-24   DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS NHS Sculpture Class Presentation Students in grades 10-12 from Dr. Todd Kefor's Sculpture course completed proposals and designs for a Project-Based Learning (PBL) Unit entitled "Public Sculpture & Civic Responsibility." This PBL unit stems from the PBLWorks grant Norton High School received in 2022. The designs were presented to the Norton School Committee at the Thursday, January 26 meeting. Read more Recognition of All New England Band Festival Participants Music students from NHS, Maggie Baeta, Emilie Barrick, and Aeris Knouse, were recognized at last night's School Committee meeting for their participation in the All New England Band Festival that took place on November 21 at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Bay State Textiles Bay State Textiles partners with schools and communities in Massachusetts to create a process for diverting clothing donations, along with shoes and fabrics, away from the solid waste stream. Instead of being thrown away, textiles create a new source of revenue for communities. Check out their website for more information on what they do and don't accept. Bay State Textile donation bins can be found at the LGN, JCS, HAY, and NMS. ( Effective November 1, 2022 textiles are banned from disposal or transport of disposal in MA .) Virtual Backpack Check the NPS Virtual Backpack every week for flyers and information about upcoming local events and programs for students and families.  To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator, at ksallaway@norton.k12.ma.us . Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766

    Friday, Jan 27 2023

  • Beat the Winter Blues with Attleboro Norton YMCA Fre...

    ATTLEBORO NORTON YMCA   During the cold month of January, when winter blues are likely to set in, the Attleboro Norton YMCA is opening its doors for a day of fitness, fun, and friendship. Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, January 28, 2023, our free community open house offers an opportunity to tour the downtown YMCA branch, located at 63 North Main Street, and to learn about membership opportunities as well as to participate in a variety of fitness demonstrations and activities. The Y also will be conducting free swim assessments (from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and will offer a free community swim from 1 to 3 p.m. The Community Open House is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Community Open House Schedule Tours Downtown branch facility tours Child Development Center tours Childwatch tours Teen Center tours Aquatics Swim Assessments, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Community Swim, 1 - 3 p.m. Health & Wellness Tanita Body Scans (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.), Reilly Fitness Center Group Exercise Demo Classes 8 - 9 a.m. Active Together, Tappan Gym HIIT, Carpenter Gym Cycle, Cycle Studio 9 - 10 a.m. MOSSA Fight, Tappan Gym DEKA Small Group Training, Augat Gym 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Water in Motion, Sweet Pool 10 - 11 a.m. Pound, Kickboxing Studio Yoga Flow, Tappan Gym 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Strength Train Together, Tappan Gym 12 - 1 p.m. Balance & Flex Together, Tappan Gym Sports Youth Basketball Demonstration, 9 - 10 a.m. Youth Dance Demonstration, 9 - 10 a.m. Childcare & Camp Camp Finberg, Meet & Greet, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Augat Gym Storytime with Belle, 8 - 11 a.m., Childwatch Bounce House & Open Play Time, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Augat Gym Teens Mini Video Game Tournament, Ongoing Cricut Demonstration, Ongoing Jewelry Making Demonstration, Ongoing For questions or additional information, contact Andrea Champagne, Downtown Branch Executive Director by calling (508) 409-0766 or e-mailing achampagne@attleboroymca.org. About Attleboro Norton YMCA Serving the communities of Attleboro, Norton, and Rehoboth, the Attleboro Norton YMCA is committed to strengthening our community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more about our programs, visit attleboroymca.org . Follow us on social media [Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok].

    Tuesday, Jan 24 2023

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: School Safety

    NPS WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF | FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023   Superintendent's Message Thank you to the families that were able to make the January 19 School Safety Forum. The Forum video and PowerPoint information can be viewed below.  We heard back from families and want to provide you with what we are beginning to undertake in response to the constructive comments. Creation of a parent and staff key terms aligned to the drills and classroom practices that we do and will be doing with students and staff. This will help to reinforce connections by parents at home.  Creation of a mental health and substance abuse section within our website for better access to resources.  Clear communication with families prior to drills. This will help parents in communicating expectations and hopefully also support anxiety issues. Consideration of creating  a curriculum guide for teaching and learning.  We are also reviewing options for upgrading protocols for entering our school buildings. Once reviewed and completed they will be shared. As I noted at the Forum, we are and will not be perfect when it comes to school safety. I do assure you that collaboration, assessment, prevention, mitigation, and response are what the NPD, NFD, and NPS are fully aligned to completing on a daily basis. Joseph F. Baeta | 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 Norton School Committee Meeting Thursday, January 26, 2023 | 6 p.m. Norton Middle School Library View agenda and minutes here   Friday, January 27 is a Districtwide Early Release Day.  You can view the school early release times on the School Hours Page .   DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS School Safety Presentation 1/19/2023 Recording for the Thursday, January 19 School Safety Presentation. View the PowerPoint Presentation here on the NPS website. Virtual Backpack Check the NPS Virtual Backpack every week for flyers and information about upcoming local events and programs for students and families.  To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator, at ksallaway@norton.k12.ma.us . Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766

    Friday, Jan 20 2023

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: MLK Day | School Bus Expectat...

    NPS WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF | FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023   Superintendent's Message This coming Monday, January 16 we celebrate a national holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Within our NPS community we should strive to embrace the heartfelt message that MLK provided us during the struggle for equality and equity.   From MLK in 1966 in "Proud to be Maladjusted" he notes..."There are some things in our nation and the world for which I am proud to be maladjusted and wish all men of goodwill would be maladjusted until the good society is realized. I never intend to adjust myself to segregation and discrimination. I never intend to become adjusted to a religious bigotry. I never intend to adjust myself to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few, leaving millions of people smothering in an air-tight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society. I  never intend to adjust myself to the madness of militarism and the self-defeating effects of physical violence." As we celebrate MLK Day, we must look in the mirror and ask ourselves; What do I stand for? I hope it is for each other.   Joseph F. Baeta | 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 School Safety Presentation for Parents Thursday, January 19, 2023 | 6:30 p.m. Norton High School Auditorium Norton School Committee Meeting Thursday, January 26, 2023 | 6 p.m. Norton Middle School Library View agenda and minutes here   NO SCHOOL Monday, January 16. Friday, January 27 is a Districtwide Early Release Day.  You can view the school early release times on the School Hours Page .   DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS Note from Transportation Office Visit the Transportation Page on our website to view School Bus Expectations and an updated Late Bus Schedule for the middle school and high school. Please note that in order for students to ride the late bus they must have a pass from the school front office. Virtual Backpack Check the NPS Virtual Backpack every week for flyers and information about upcoming local events and programs for students and families.  To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator, at ksallaway@norton.k12.ma.us . Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766

    Friday, Jan 13 2023

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: School Safety Forum

    NPS WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF | FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023   Superintendent's Message Welcome Back and Happy New Year. The 2023 year is off to a great start. This week we returned to school to take up numerous issues, starting with the continuation of our Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Support for students needing behavioral, emotional and academic support. Each school has a well organized team of professionals working to address the needs of our students. This tiered intervention process is about working towards meeting the individual needs of students. As our team of professionals discuss individual student needs and support the classroom, we are driven by a simple goal - improving student outcomes. Within this system we will continuously strive to communicate with parents about what we are observing and what we are doing to support the child/student. On another note please join me on Thursday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. at NHS for a School Safety Forum. The Forum will include public safety professionals, our legal counsel, and numerous administrators and other guests. This should be an informative evening for all. Joseph F. Baeta | 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 School Safety Presentation for Parents Thursday, January 19, 2023 | 6:30 p.m. Norton High School Auditorium Norton School Committee Meeting Thursday, January 26, 2023 | 6 p.m. Norton Middle School Library View agenda and minutes here   DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS School Committee Meeting Recording for the Thursday, January 5 School Committee Meeting. Topics included Norton High School attendance policy and mid-year and final-exams, student handbooks update, and Fiscal Year 2024 budget process timeline. To view meeting dates, agendas, policies, and other school committee information, please visit the School Committee page on the Norton Public Schools Website. Virtual Backpack Check the NPS Virtual Backpack every week for flyers and information about upcoming local events and programs for students and families.  To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator, at ksallaway@norton.k12.ma.us . Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766

    Friday, Jan 06 2023

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: Happy Holiday Break | Letter ...

    NPS WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2022   Superintendent's Message As we enter the Holiday Break I want to thank NPS families, students, and my faculty and staff for a great first half of the academic year. With all that is going on in terms of sickness, mental health, and crisis situations the NPS TEAM of educators and support staff continues to place the health and well-being of every student at the forefront of our daily work. Please take the time during this Holiday Break to care for each other and those in need. See you on January 3, 2023.  Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays to those who celebrate!   Joseph F. Baeta | 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 Norton School Committee Meeting Thursday, January 5, 2023 | 6 p.m. (Postponed from December 22, 2022) Norton Middle School Library View agenda and minutes here. School Safety Presentation for Parents Thursday, January 19, 2023 | 6:30 p.m. Norton High School Auditorium   DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS Letter from DPH & AAP Please see  this letter  from the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.     Virtual Backpack Check the NPS Virtual Backpack every week for flyers and information about upcoming local events and programs for students and families.  To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator, at ksallaway@norton.k12.ma.us . Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766

    Friday, Dec 23 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: Learning Walks | Norton Schoo...

    NPS WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022   Superintendent's Message The building and central office administrators have been completing Learning Walks this week. Learning Walks (LW) are 10 minute classroom visits where we look for teaching and learning related to a topic. Our topic this week was "Student Engagement." In about 8 or so weeks I will share some data with our faculty and staff outlining what we observed. Keep in mind that each administrator (typically 5-7 of us) completes the LW form with their opinion of what they observed in the ten minute visits. The idea behind LW is to look at data regarding what students are doing AND to align administrators on what to look for. At the end of the LW time we then discuss what we observed. This opportunity to learn from each other, challenge norms, increase expectations and celebrate a job well done in the classrooms observed is a win-win for faculty, staff, students and administrators. Taking this critical time to learn about what a few minutes in a classroom looks like provides excellent feedback as long as it is utilized correctly. For example, if we are looking at "Student Engagement," we are looking for what students were doing during the visit. I can assure you after collecting over 75 pieces of information from at least 50 classrooms that we observed outstanding engagement, structure, student voice and choice, and various opportunities for student collaboration. We are well on our way and the students have been rock stars! Joseph F. Baeta | 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 Norton School Committee Meeting Thursday, January 5, 2023 | 6 p.m. (Postponed from December 22, 2022) Norton Middle School Library View agenda and minutes here. School Safety Presentation for Parents Thursday, January 19, 2023 | 6:30 p.m. Norton High School Auditorium   DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS School Committee Meeting Recording for the Thursday, December 8 School Committee Meeting. Topics included the vote and approval of the Vision 2026 Strategic Plan and presentation on the Athletic Complex.   To view meeting dates, agendas, policies, and other school committee information, please visit the School Committee page on the Norton Public Schools Website. Virtual Backpack Check the NPS Virtual Backpack every week for flyers and information about upcoming local events and programs for students and families.  To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator, at ksallaway@norton.k12.ma.us . Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766

    Friday, Dec 16 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: Approved Vision 2026 | Schola...

    NPS WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2022   Superintendent's Message The Norton School Committee voted 4-1 on 12/8/22 to accept the Vision 2026 Strategic Plan. The plan is here for your information. Please feel free to continue to provide input as we move forward. Joseph F. Baeta | 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 DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations John & Abigail Adams Scholarship Recipients! On Wednesday, December 7 the NHS John & Abigail Adams Scholarship recipients were recognized by Principal Dolleman and Dr. Baeta with a breakfast and presented with their scholarship letters. Congratulations November recipients of the SEPAC Heart of Gold Award! Miss Angelica Bianco Officer Marc Robichaud Miss Pam Romaine Miss Kerin Walsh This award is presented to an educator in Norton who inspires students to reach for their goals, who instills confidence beyond measure, and is a fearless advocate for the students with whom they work. Nominate someone for December here . Virtual Backpack Check the NPS Virtual Backpack every week for flyers and information about upcoming local events and programs for students and families.  To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator, at ksallaway@norton.k12.ma.us . Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766

    Friday, Dec 09 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: Vision 2026 Strategic Plan

    NPS WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022   Superintendent's Message This Thursday, December 8, 2022, the NPS School Committee will be provided the new Vision 2026 Strategic Plan. The new plan is grounded in goals and targets for the next 3+ years. As a plan (attached below) it considers and provides opportunities for students and educators PK-12. This will not only require further funding, but rethinking how we do business. Class sizes, more administrative supports, reviewing graduation requirements based on individual needs and not one size fits all, and articulating clear guidance for the future are the priorities of the district. This will be my last proposed plan for the district. Most importantly, this Vision 2026 targets ALL of our students.  We will move the district not only to the next level, but to consider and implement out of the box ways of doing business as we engage in becoming not only a high performing school system, but a district of choice in the region. Joseph F. Baeta | 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 DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS Coffee Hour with the Superintendent   Join Dr. Baeta for a coffee hour on Tuesday, December 6: 9 - 10 a.m. (Virtually | Click Here for Link to Join ) 6 - 7 p.m. in the NHS Library Virtual Backpack Virtual Backpack is the Norton Public Schools platform for distributing community flyers and information. Check here every week for information about upcoming local events and programs of interest for students and families. To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator, at ksallaway@norton.k12.ma.us . Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766

    Friday, Dec 02 2022

  • Reminder: Coffee Hour with the Superintendent

    NPS CENTRAL OFFICE     Coffee Hour with the Superintendent Join Dr. Baeta for a coffee hour on Tuesday, December 6: 9 - 10 a.m. (Virtually | Click Here for Link to Join ) 6 - 7 p.m. in the NHS Library CAFETERIA Norton Public Schools Central Office Norton Public Schools | 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766 Office: (508) 285-0100 | Fax: (508) 285-0199 | norton.k12.ma.us 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, Dec 6 at 8:27 AM] REMINDER: Join Dr. Baeta for a coffee hour today from 9-10 a.m. virtually or 6-7 p.m. in the NHS Library. [Tuesday, Dec 6 at 3:02 PM] Coffee Hour with Dr. Baeta tonight at 6 p.m. has been moved to the NHS Cafeteria.

    Wednesday, Nov 30 2022