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  • NPS Weekly News Brief: Mental Health Awareness Month...

    NPS  Weekly  News Brief from the Office of the Superintendent Friday, May 20, 2022   DISTRICT UPDATES Superintendent's Message   The Norton Public Schools would like to recognize that May is Mental Health Awareness month. NPS seeks to emphasize that mental health is a human experience. Symptoms and circumstances of mental health concerns come in nearly unlimited variation, but they are, above all, a normal part of being alive. We must care for not only our bodies, but also our emotions and thoughts.   NPS strives to support the mental health of our students and our staff on a daily basis and to break down the stigma often associated with mental health needs. If you or someone you know needs support, please do not hesitate to contact the counseling staff at any of our schools and they can assist you. On Monday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the NHS auditorium, NPS, in conjunction with the Norton SEPAC and Sarah’s Village, will be hosting a parent workshop titled “Self-Care and Improved Wellbeing for Children and Parents” with Dr. Richard Booth.  This workshop will entail an in-depth examination of the multiple spheres of life impacted by stress, anxiety, and trauma, (e.g., financial, environmental, emotional, physical, behavioral, educational, occupational, and spiritual). It will also cover the physiological mechanisms of trauma and stress and how active use of coping skills can decrease stress responses in the body. Parents will develop and practice tangible skills for identification, management, coping, and supporting themselves and others.   Dr. Booth is a licensed mental health counselor with a Doctor of Philosophy in Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/English. His experience includes working as a clinician at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Wediko Children’s Services, providing counseling services through his own private practice, and working as a psychotherapist for Brown University. Below are some links that might be of assistance as well: Awareness and General Information https://www.samhsa.gov/programs/mental-health-awareness-month https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month Support, Referral and Crisis Intervention Information https://interface.williamjames.edu/ https://afsp.org/ https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 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     NPS IN THE NEWS Norton Middle School resource officer receives Exceptional Service Award School Resource Officer for Norton Middle School (NMS) Marc Robichaud was recognized by the Massachusetts Juvenile Police Officers Association with the Exceptional Service Award at the 16h Annual New England School Safety Conference on May 10. ( Read more ) Read Sun Chronicle Story here . Norton High School students receive “Third Place” for their High Art 2022: Reflections installation Fifteen high schools in Massachusetts are displaying their art installations at the Attleboro Arts Museum’s annual “High Art” exhibition from May 17 to June 2. This year’s theme was “Reflections." ( Read more ) View an online version of High Art Reflections here .   UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT DATES NHS Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society Bottle & Can Drive Saturday, May 21 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Norton High School Bring your emptied plastic bottles & cans to Norton High School where the students in Mu Alpha Theta will be collecting and sorting them to be recycled. 100% of proceeds will benefit the club.   Norton Public Schools Summer Enrichment Program 2022 Registration for the 2022 Summer Enrichment Program ends on May 27. Please click to view this year's Summer Enrichment Program Brochure . We are pleased to offer a variety of opportunities for students entering grades K-9 to take part in this summer. There are four different weeks offered from Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 28. Sessions will take place Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (except the first week due to the July 4 holiday). Any questions? Contact Kelly Allen, Summer Enrichment Coordinator, kellyallen@norton.k12.ma.us     NMS Drama Club Proudly Presents Legally Blonder The Musical Jr. Thursday, June 9 | 7 p.m. Friday, June 10 | 7 p.m. Purchase tickets here: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/65000     Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766      

    Friday, May 20 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: Community Events

    NPS  Weekly  News Brief from the Office of the Superintendent Friday, May 13, 2022   DISTRICT UPDATES Superintendent's Message   This week has been a difficult week as we have had double digit faculty and staff out with positive COVID-19 situations. Every school has been impacted. This causes some real stress on the classroom. This past week I spent three hours covering a class at the LGN. I loved it!   Over the course of the next few weeks the Town FY23 Budget, including the school department budget, will be finalized. I expect to have to make some difficult decisions for the upcoming school year. I will keep you posted. 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     UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT DATES Spring Craft Fair Saturday, May 14 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Norton High School Parking Lot Sponsored by the NHS Science Honor Society NHS Track & Field Car Wash & Sneaker Drop Off Saturday, May 14 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Valentine Tool 171 W Main Street, Norton Have unwanted sneakers lying around the house? Bring them to the Car Wash. We are collecting GENTLY USED pairs of sneakers for recycling.   Join Pack 61 Norton, MA on a Hike Grades K-5 Saturday, May 21, 2022 2 p.m. Camp Edith Read 79 N. Worcester St, Norton, MA To RSVP, us the link below: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8Akbv6fM3MbASfgejcVNksJ3ZTaHK-ljFGqqX-mr-zxr9Yg/viewform   Friends of Norton SEPAC Present: Spring Fling Social Grades PreK-5 Friday, June 3, 2022 6 - 8 p.m. Norton Middle School Cost: $25/Couple of $30/Family | https://account.venmo.com/u/NortonSepac RSVP by Friday, May 27 Parent/Guardian Volunteer Form: https://forms.gle/AM4DAvM5Vbt1PS3q9     Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766      

    Friday, May 13 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: Athletic Complex Update | Cra...

    NPS  Weekly  News Brief from the Office of the Superintendent Friday, May 6, 2022   DISTRICT UPDATES Superintendent's Message   Over the course of the next few weeks, the Athletic Complex construction process will get under way. This will require some changes at Norton High School with student drop off and pick up. We will communicate as soon as we have specifics and a timeline. This is a very exciting time for NPS and we thank those who supported the project.   We are also entering the final stages of the budget process for Fiscal Year 2023. Currently, the percent increase being considered will require some serious cut-backs to non-mandated programs. Our number one priority will be retaining our staff, as the pool of highly trained professionals is extremely low. We are seeing this in the current year. Please stay up to date on what is happening. More details will be forthcoming. 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     UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT DATES Spring Craft Fair Saturday, May 14 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Norton High School Parking Lot Sponsored by the NHS Science Honor Society   Join Pack 61 Norton, MA on a Hike Grades K-5 Saturday, May 21, 2022 2 p.m. Camp Edith Read 79 N. Worcester St, Norton, MA To RSVP, us the link below: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8Akbv6fM3MbASfgejcVNksJ3ZTaHK-ljFGqqX-mr-zxr9Yg/viewform   Friends of Norton SEPAC Present: Spring Fling Social Grades PreK-5 Friday, June 3, 2022 6 - 8 p.m. Norton Middle School Cost: $25/Couple of $30/Family | https://account.venmo.com/u/NortonSepac RSVP by Friday, May 27 Parent/Guardian Volunteer Form: https://forms.gle/AM4DAvM5Vbt1PS3q9     Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766      

    Friday, May 06 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: ITAC Kathy Bailey Basketball ...

    NPS  Weekly  News Brief from the Office of the Superintendent Friday, April 29, 2022   DISTRICT UPDATES Superintendent's Message   The It Takes A Community-Norton fundraiser is back and I want to reach out and thank the wonderful community members involved with this event. On May 6 at NHS at 7 p.m. the Norton Teachers Association (NTA) will take on the Norton Police Department (NPD) in an all out effort to raise thousands for local community members in need. You can donate via venmo or by check: By Venmo: @ITACNORTON By Check: Please make check payable to It Takes A Community, Inc. and mail to: It Takes A Community, Inc. 48 Harvey St. Norton, MA 02766 I've been in Norton for the last nine (9) years as your Superintendent of Schools. This event is yet another reason why Norton, MA is such a special place to raise a family. In this day and age of constant attention to the political issues before us, please consider donating, going to the game by purchasing tickets, or simply putting this out via social media. It matters! 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     UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT DATES NHS Tennis Car Wash Valentine Tools 171 W Main St. Norton, MA Saturday, April 30 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Can't make it, but would like to donate? Use the VENMO link .   Friends of the Norton Library Spring Book Sale May 3-7 | View Sale Hours Here  The Friends of the Norton Public Library will be holding their annual Spring Book Sale. Browse gently used adult and children's books, movies, music, puzzles, and games. Proceeds support library programs for all ages!   19th Annual It Takes A Community Kathy Bailey Memorial Basketball Game Norton Police vs. Norton Teachers Friday, May 6 | 7 p.m. Norton High School Proceeds directly benefit Norton families dealing with serious illness, the loss of a parent or child, or struggling with difficult financial situations. If you would like to sponsor this event or have questions please email: ITACNorton@gmail.com $10 per person. To purchase: https://account.venmo.com/u/ITACNORTON   Spring Craft Fair Saturday, May 14 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Norton High School Parking Lot Sponsored by the NHS Science Honor Society   Friends of Norton SEPAC Present: Spring Fling Social Grades PreK-5 Friday, June 3, 2022 6 - 8 p.m. Norton Middle School Cost: $25/Couple of $30/Family | https://account.venmo.com/u/NortonSepac RSVP by Friday, May 27 Parent/Guardian Volunteer Form: https://forms.gle/AM4DAvM5Vbt1PS3q9     Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766      

    Friday, Apr 29 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: LGN Principal Announcement | ...

    NPS  Weekly  News Brief from the Office of the Superintendent Friday, April 15, 2022   DISTRICT UPDATES Superintendent's Message   Have a wonderful and safe Spring Break 2022! 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     NEWS & NOTEWORTHY Thomas Higgins named L.G. Nourse Elementary School Principal Dr. Joseph Baeta, Superintendent of Norton Public Schools, has selected Thomas Higgins as the next principal of the L.G. Nourse Elementary School (LGN). Mr. Higgins was formally introduced at the April 14 School Committee meeting. He will assume his new role at the LGN on July 1. ( Read more ) JCS Sea Turtle Fundraiser This year the students from JCS, under the guidance of new Principal, Dr. John Marcus, worked together to vote on a school mascot that they felt represented the school’s beliefs and values. ( Read more ) NHS Opportunities Fair  NHS hosted an Opportunities/Job Fair on April 14. We had over 20 businesses participate. NHS Students attended along with interested students from North Attleboro High School and Attleboro High School. ( Read more ) NHS eSports The Norton High School eSports Rocket League team finished the regular season 12th IN THE NATION!  Playoffs start the week of vacation. Wish them luck - Tyler Beyna, Matthew Cropley, Brennan Johnson, and Andrew McConnell. What about the Rainbow 6 Siege Team?  Look no further than 12th IN THE NATION TOO!!  This team has been playing together for 3 years and keeps improving in skill level and team communication. Wish them luck - Chris Boscombe, Dillon Gariepy, Tyler Lebel, David Pierce, Logan Wood, and Adam Wynne. UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT DATES Museum Passes April Vacation Week Fun! Norton Public Library offers several discounted or free passes to local museums, thanks to the Friends of the Library. Click here to see the complete list of museum passes you can reserve with your SAILS Network library card for maximum vacation week (and year-round) fun!   Cub Scout Pack 27 Invites you to our Lego Pinewood Derby Tuesday, April 19 | 2-4 p.m. Norton Library Community Room If you are ages 5-11 come experience some vacation week fun!   April Vacation at the Old Colony History Museum Always free admission for kids 12 & under The Old Colony History Museum will be holding their monthly Hands on History Week during April Vacation. Designed to be fun for all ages, these daily story times, crafts, and opportunities to get up close with objects are all free with Museum admission.   Norton Youth Baseball Softball Fundraiser Wednesday, April 20 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. NYBS will receive 25% of all sales from Sweet Stuff Bake Shop   Please Join Us For a Blood Drive Friday, April 29, 2022 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Norton High School To make an appointment please go to www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org and use sponsor code: NORTONHS For more information contact: Ted Donahue, teddonahue23@norton.k12.ma.us   19th Annual It Takes A Community Kathy Bailey Memorial Basketball Game Norton Police vs. Norton Teachers Friday, May 6 | 7 p.m. Norton High School Proceeds directly benefit Norton families dealing with serious illness, the loss of a parent or child, or struggling with difficult financial situations. If you would like to sponsor this event or have questions please email: ITACNorton@gmail.com $10 per person. To purchase: https://account.venmo.com/u/ITACNORTON     Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766      

    Friday, Apr 15 2022

  • Norton Narrative Winter 2022

    NORTON NARRATIVE   ISSUE 09   Winter 2022   A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS   OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT by Dr. Joseph Baeta, Superintendent of Schools On February 28 students and staff returned from the Winter Recess with the option of wearing masks on campus and on buses. The first thing I thought of was how on March 13, 2020 we closed schools for two weeks, followed by full closure until the fall of 2020. It has been a long road back to this new normal. The district continues to provide an Accelerated Tutoring program virtually for all students for either tutoring support or homework help. The programs run after school hours. You may reach out to Mia Correia at mcorreia@norton.k12.ma.us for further information and to sign your child up for either service. It is free to all families. Lastly, the Town of Norton/NPS Athletic Complex process is well underway with the contractual bidding process during the month of March and work starting soon thereafter. We will have information on our district webpage with weekly updates starting in April/May.   NEWS & NOTEWORTHY by Karina Sallaway, Communications & Media Coordinator Norton SEPAC Heart of Gold Award This year the Norton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) started presenting educators in the Norton Public Schools with a Heart of Gold award each month. A student and their family can nominate any active employee working for the Norton Public Schools. "Each nominee is someone who has consistently provided outstanding services to advance the success of a student or students receiving special education services, above and beyond the requirements of their job description, including but not limited to: Providing school leadership in developing or carrying out instructional or social practices to promote achievement and participation of students receiving special education services. Implementing exceptional teaching practices in the school community that enables achievement and participation of students receiving special education services." DECA 36 Norton High School Students competed at the State DECA in Boston on March 10-12. Congratulations to all those who competed! Out of the 36 who competed, five students qualified for the April National Competition in Atlanta.  Community Outreach Committee The Community Outreach Committee hosted a Valentine's fundraiser for Norton senior citizens. They raised $776.87 and were able to provide 71 bags full of blankets, scarves, word search books, hard candy, lotion, and other treats to add some sunshine to their winter days.  Read Across America Day On March 2, 70+ members of the NHS National Honor Society participated in Read Across America Day by visiting our elementary school classrooms and reading to students. Congratulations to NHS Social Studies teacher Eric Paulus who received the Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding Teacher of American History Award. Congratulations to the NHS seniors who received the Abigail Adams Scholarship for the spring. Mr. NHS 2022 MCAS Portfolio Showcase Students in Jen Sullivan's class celebrating their learning with a showcase of their MCAS portfolios.   BUSINESS OFFICE by Matthew Wells, School Business Administrator Budget FY2023 NPS has just completed the creation of a level services budget that will support student needs next year.  The School Committee has approved a total FY2023 budget of $33,831,510, which represents an increase of $1,560,926 or 4.84%.  The level service budget contains increases in mandatory education and standing contract agreements only, with the exception of adding a 0.5 FTE music teacher needed for scheduling purposes.  We look forward to the town's support of this budget. Dining Services Our partners at Chartwells Dining Services, who manage our food service operations at all schools, have shared with us that student participation at all schools has passed the 60% mark.  This is the highest participation rate we have seen in many years, and is a testament to the quality of food being served.  We hope that the participation continues at this level into the next year. Procurement activities have been bustling over the past months.  We have conducted the Invitation For Bids (IFB) for the Athletic Complex project, and are excited to see this project moving forward.  We have an aggressive timeline that could see our students on the fields in September.  We have also gone out with a Request For Proposals (RFP) for our Before and After School Care provider.  Procurements such as these help NPS to provide high quality services at the best price to the taxpayer.   BUILDINGS & GROUNDS by Wade Lizotte, Director of Facilities During the much-needed February break, the custodians continued to clean and perform small repairs to their buildings. Even with the COVID-19 numbers declining we are still adhering to our cleaning protocols for the remainder of this year. I would like to assure you that our professional custodian crew here at NPS has been working extra hard to keep our buildings clean and safe by disinfecting our buildings daily. We were also able to get several locations freshly painted throughout the district, giving the schools that fresh clean look. School facility management directly affects teaching and learning, student and staff health, day-to-day building operations, and the long-term fiscal health of the entire educational organization. Our facilities are the public’s view of the quality of our educational system and our ability to be good stewards for the taxpayer. We work extremely hard and take this task seriously. We are incredibly lucky to have such a hardworking, talented group of custodians taking care of our schools. I would like to thank them all for their dedication to our schools.   OFFICE OF TEACHING & LEARNING by Jennifer O'Neill, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Kindergarten Registration We have opened  Kindergarten registration for next year. Children who will be five years old on or before August 31, 2022, are eligible to enter Kindergarten in the fall of 2022. Registration forms are available online and should be submitted electronically with all required supporting documentation. Spring MCAS Dates         ELA Math STE  Grade 3 - JCS April 12 - 13 May 10 - 11    Grade 3 - LGN April 12 - 13 May 18 - 19    Grade 4 April 5 - 6 May 12 - 13    Grade 5 April 7 - 8 May 10 - 11 May 17  Grade 6 March 28 - 29 May 2 - 3    Grade 7 March 31 - April 1 May 5 - 6    Grade 8 April 5 - 6 May 10 - 11 April 26  Grade 9     June 7 - 8  Grade 10 March 22 - 23 May 17 - 18   L.G. Nourse Principal Search Earlier this year Mrs. Catherine Luke, Principal of the LGN, announced her retirement after 11 years of service to Norton Public Schools. Mrs. Luke has been a wonderful leader for LGN and will be missed by staff and families alike. In partnership with NESDEC, the district ran a search for the next principal of LGN. Staff and families had the opportunity to participate in community forums to discuss their priorities for the next LGN principal. A committee representative of the LGN community reviewed applications and conducted interviews of qualified candidates. A successful candidate will be named at the April 14 School Committee meeting and will start July 1. STUDENT SERVICES by Vincent Cerce, Director of Pupil Personnel Services & Cassandra Russo, Coordinator of Special Education Norton High School Guidance Events: Two free SAT Prep Workshops were held on 1/22 and 2/12 for Sophomores and Juniors to help them get ready for the spring SAT exams. On 2/18, the Junior class took part in the Credit for Life Financial Literacy Fair. This Junior class activity is run in conjunction with the Attleboro Area School to Career Partnership. The fair educated students on the real life salaries of different careers and is a simulation of what it would be like to work through a budget at the age of 25 based on their monthly net income. Special Education News A group of special education, general education staff, and parents are working with the Department of Education on the “Early Adopter - New IEP Process”. Norton was selected to be part of this group of districts that will be working with many different stakeholders to improve the IEP process for all involved. The Special Education is in the process of developing plans for Extended Year Services for those students that have this as part of their IEP. More information will be coming to parents over the next few weeks. Partnership Programs The Norton Special Education Department has partnered with Attleboro Enterprises and Wheaton College to run an afterschool transition program for High School students to help them develop the skills they will need to either attend college or the workforce after graduation. We are continuing to work with Epinoe Health and Wellness Center to offer counseling services to students and families at all grade levels. In addition, they will be running another “stress management” program during LLB at the High School. The High School has officially started the “IDecide” psychoeducational substance abuse program with Mass General Hospital. This is an alternative to suspension program.   TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT by Karen Winsper, Director of Instructional Technology New Chromebooks The technology department received funding for new chromebooks from the federal government’s emergency connectivity fund. These new devices will replace chromebooks that are at end of life. Our staff has been deploying the chromebooks to elementary classrooms. Students may bring home the original device and charger assigned to them at the beginning of this school year. This will prevent the need to carry devices back and forth in backpacks. At home chromebooks may be collected prior to the end of the school year.   Comcast Internet Programs Comcast offers low cost or subsidized internet access to families who qualify. Through the Internet Essentials Program, families can sign up for reduced cost internet. Through the Affordable Connectivity Program, families can receive $30 towards their internet bills. Visit Internet Essentials or Affordable Connectivity Program-Xfinity for more information. NPS continues to work with Comcast to provide sponsorships for those families who may not qualify for other programs. Reach out to Karen Winsper, Director of Instructional Technology if you have questions or need assistance with internet as we do have options available. kwinsper@norton.k12.ma.us or 508-285-0100 x6 STEAM Labs in Action Kindergarteners are coding their Bee-Bots to go to the letter that they pulled out of a bag. 3rd grade is doing an "Unplugged" coding activity where they are doing a relay race to create a code using a picture.  4th grade students using LEGO Spike to build and program a musical and light up helicopter. HAY Library Transformation Thanks to the efforts of elementary library media specialist Julie Durmis and the PTO, the HAY library is getting a makeover! The library is getting new books, furniture, and new coats of paint on the walls and shelves. The Harry Potter themed library is a work in progress but the new design is already exciting the students and staff of the Yelle school. We are grateful to Norton NEED, the HAY PTO, Mr. Geoghegan, Mr. Lizotte, Dr. Baeta, Dr. O’Neill, and Ms. Durmis for all of the effort and support to make this vision turn into reality! Before: In Progress: NMS Studio 21  Under the direction of club advisor Mike Kramer, students in the TV Media club meet to produce a weekly news show that is broadcast live to the NMS school community. Club members  have an opportunity to work in a TV Studio environment. As part of this team, members learn jobs that include producers, directors along with lighting tech, audio tech, and script writing. Each week members assemble a show that gets broadcast live to every classroom and posted to YouTube. This club has been creating weekly news shows for over 10 years! Check out the NMS Studio YouTube channel ! NHS eSports The Norton High eSports Team had a record breaking season this Fall for the most teams and most games played for our school to date. Gamers in grades 9 - 12 formed teams to play Rocket League, Overwatch, Rainbow 6 Siege, Call of Duty, Valorant and Minecraft.  For the Spring, the Slancers return for their 3rd year and 7th season of Rainbow 6 Siege and the talented Norton Plats Rocket League team who made it into the National Championship tournament last year.  If your NHS child is into gaming and wants to learn more, check out this site or contact Ms. Murphy for more information kerrimurphy@norton.k12.ma.us

    Thursday, Apr 14 2022

  • Reminder: Wear Purple Tomorrow for Autism Acceptance...

    NPS CENTRAL OFFICE     Autism Acceptance Month Individuals make up Lancer Nation. April is Autism Acceptance month. Wear purple on Friday, April 15. "The world needs minds of all kinds." Dr. Temple Grandin 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.

    Thursday, Apr 14 2022

  • Summer Enrichment Program 2022: Registration Now Open!

    NPS CENTRAL OFFICE     Welcome to the 2022 Norton Public Schools’ Summer Enrichment Program! Registration for the 2022 Summer Enrichment Program is now open. Please click to view this year's Summer Enrichment Program Brochure . We are pleased to offer a variety of opportunities for students entering grades K-9 to take part in this summer. There are four different weeks offered from Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 28. Sessions will take place Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (except the first week due to the July 4 holiday). Any questions? Contact Kelly Allen, Summer Enrichment Coordinator, kellyallen@norton.k12.ma.us   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.

    Monday, Apr 11 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: FY2023 Budget | Champions Enr...

    NPS  Weekly  News Brief from the Office of the Superintendent Friday, April 8, 2022   DISTRICT UPDATES Superintendent's Message   This coming Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. I will present the school budget for Fiscal 2023 to the Finance Committee. The meeting is virtual only and you can get information from the Town of Norton website (on the calendar). Our presentation requests a 4.84% Level Services budget (excluding 2.5 mandated positions and a 0.5 general education music position). Just like everything else the cost of doing business has gone up significantly. The following is my budget message within our budget proposal: Since March of 2020 we have attempted and succeeded in presenting solutions to the problems before us with attention to student academic progress and mental health issues. On behalf of the entire District we thank the families and community of Norton for supporting the work of the educators and support staff of the Norton Public Schools during this time period.    Before the pandemic hit we were already dealing with significant mental health issues and social emotional issues. An increase in behavioral issues, hospitalizations, and suicidal issues along with students not wanting to come to school was already on the rise. Today, that number has at least doubled, if not tripled. Again, this is a national issue.  How we address it is part of our budgetary request for your consideration.    The budget request includes, in no specific order:   1.0 FTE School Adjustment Counselors K-5 to support specialized programs and services AND provide the general education population access to more supports.  1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher for Norton High School. This will support inclusion practices at Norton High School.  0.5 FTE Transitional Specialist at Norton High School to support students in need of out of school transitions to further supports and the workforce.  0.5 FTE Music/Band Teacher for Yelle Elementary School. This supports moving to a 1.0 Band Teacher at Norton Middle School and enhances the NMS student schedule.    The budget request is significantly more than the four staff positions identified above. However, we have taken the approach that this budget is the minimal budget that can be considered at this time. Any savings from the summer will be utilized to support direct student services.    In the following pages we present to you a FY23 budget that seeks a 4.84% increase or $1,560,926 for a total budget request of $33,831,510.    The breakdown of the budget increases is being noted using three categories:   Mandated Educational Services at an increase of 2.33% or $751,919 General Education Services at an increase of 2.32% or $747,132 Transportation at an increase of 0.19% or $61,875   The following are the revenue sources from other fund lines including:   School Choice – $2,105,000 Revolving Accounts – $1,527,500 Grants – $1,751,500 Special Education Circuit Breaker – $1,476,000   Our families also pay fees for the following services and opportunities:   Transportation at $250 per student per year Athletics at $250 per student-athlete per season Activities at $50  The Little Lancers Preschool Program (see the various options and costs online on the JCS website)   We have also outlined in our budget book all line items based on FY21 Actual compared to FY22 current and FY23 proposed. Both the amount of the increase and percentage to each line and then department is noted for your information.    The Town of Norton and the School Department have worked together during this pandemic on a daily basis. I want to thank Town Manager Michael Yunits and his entire Municipal Government Team.  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     UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT DATES April 14, 2022 | Norton School Committee Meeting April 15, 2022 | Districtwide Early Release Day April 18-22, 2022 | April Vacation - No School SQUARE 1 ART   Want a great present for grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, the whole family? Your child's art is the cutest and makes everyone smile! Help out NEED & the elementary art departments while you’re at it! Deadline for orders is Wednesday, April 13! All orders are online! The proceeds from this fundraiser are split between NEED & the elementary art department! Order today: https://shop.square1art.com/shop/   Autism Acceptance Month Individuals make up Lancer Nation. April is Autism Acceptance month. Wear purple on Friday, April 15. "The world needs minds of all kinds." Dr. Temple Grandin   Museum Passes April Vacation Week Fun! Norton Public Library offers several discounted or free passes to local museums, thanks to the Friends of the Library. Click here to see the complete list of museum passes you can reserve with your SAILS Network library card for maximum vacation week (and year-round) fun!    Cub Scout Pack 27 Invites you to our Lego Pinewood Derby Tuesday, April 19 | 2-4 p.m. Norton Library Community Room If you are ages 5-11 come experience some vacation week fun!   Champions Is Enrolling For The 2022-2023 School Year Space is limited enroll today! https://www.discoverchampions.com/     Friends of the Norton Library Spring Book Sale May 3-7 | View Sale Hours Here  The Friends of the Norton Public Library will be holding their annual Spring Book Sale. Browse gently used adult and children's books, movies, music, puzzles, and games. Proceeds support library programs for all ages!   Norton Lancer Softball Boosters Golf Tournament Sunday, May 22, 2022 | MGA Links 8 a.m. Registration | 9 a.m. Tee Off (Shotgun start) 5 person teams / $85 per person ($425 team) Pay be check to NHS Softball Boosters or you can Venmo us at @NHSSoftball-Boosters. Please specify what team you are on in the "What's it for" box     Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766      

    Friday, Apr 08 2022

  • NPS Weekly News Brief: Autism Acceptance Month | Cra...

    NPS  Weekly  News Brief from the Office of the Superintendent Friday, April 1, 2022   DISTRICT UPDATES Superintendent's Message   As some of you noted last year, the acceptance and celebration of autism during the month of April has caused some controversy within school communities, including NPS. After much consultation we have decided that April is "Autism Acceptance Month" and we are wearing purple for two reasons. First, the controversy around the colors used by different organizations for autism is blue or red. Instead of choosing one of the colors that could cause further angst we are using the color purple (blue and red make purple). Second, the district's main color is purple. Our intent is simple- let's be accepting and 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     UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT DATES April 14, 2022 | Norton School Committee Meeting April 15, 2022 | Districtwide Early Release Day April 18-22, 2022 | April Vacation - No School Clothing Drive to Benefit Cradles to Crayons WHERE: All schools will be given drop boxes for each grade level to participate WHEN: The weeks of 3/28 and 4/4 WHY: To benefit Cradles to Crayons and assist the underserved of the Commonwealth with new and/or gently used clothing ages Newborn to Large Youth   Kindergarten Open House Night We invite parents and guardians to join us for a Kindergarten Open House on  Thursday, April 7, 2022, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  at your student’s school. The building principals will be available to answer your questions about our kindergarten program and offer you a tour of the school.       Norton High School Annual Art Show Thursday, April 28 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free Admission Refreshments   19th Annual It Takes A Community Kathy Bailey Memorial Basketball Game Norton Police vs. Norton Teachers Friday, May 6 | 7 p.m. Norton High School Proceeds directly benefit Norton families dealing with serious illness, the loss of a parent or child, or struggling with difficult financial situations. If you would like to sponsor this event or have questions please email: ITACNorton@gmail.com $10 per person. To purchase: https://account.venmo.com/u/ITACNORTON     Norton Public Schools 64 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766      

    Friday, Apr 01 2022