Superintendent's Newsletter 10.17.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  October 17, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message In my September 19th memo, I shared some information about school safety with our school community. As I mentioned then,  the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priority.  School safety is not something that myself or any of our administrators take lightly. Anytime that there is a report of a threat, a full investigation is completed to understand the facts of the situation. This may involve working collaboratively with the Norton Police Department or other community partners, interviewing students, staff, and parents, looking at communications via text message or social media, just to name a few. These investigations can be complicated and take time to ensure that we are working with factual information and doing our due diligence to ensure the safety of each and every student and staff member.  As with any investigation, it is important to remember that our students are children and are entitled to due process both by law and because it is the right thing to do. We approach every situation with fairness, care, and the understanding that each child deserves the same respect and consideration we would want for our own. In this process, we strive to provide the relevant information to families and staff in a timely and transparent manner. This is not typically a district-wide communication as the issue typically does not impact the entire district. I understand that some may believe that information should be shared with the entire school community; this will not be our approach as there is no need to spread unnecessary fear and concern when an issue is not relative to your child’s school. Our schools remain safe places to learn. Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership as we prioritize the well-being of our school community.   Partnership with William James College    During the 2024-2025 school year, Norton Public Schools was proud to partner with William James College to offer a graduate certificate program to staff in Leading Transformative Mental Health in Schools. During this program, which was grant funded, staff members took five graduate courses, engaged in research and learning with other districts, and developed projects that will impact our Norton students and schools.    I was proud to be invited to the graduation ceremony this week to watch our staff members receive their graduate certificates.   Pictured: Jessica Iozzi (NHS), Alexisse Clinger (LGN), Megan Feteira (LGN), Shannon Taylor (JCS). Not pictured: Paula Beisheim (NHS), Colleen Jenkins (NMS), Lauren McCally (Little Lancers) Jennifer Tonelli (NHS)   Fuel Assistance    Fuel Assistance is available   for the 2025-2026 heating season which runs from November 1st through April 30th. Call the Norton Senior Center at 508-285-0235 to make an appointment to apply or  apply directly on-line at  selfhelpinc.org . A list of required documentation can be found  here .      Wreath Fundraiser to Support Music & Performing Arts    Support the arts in Norton by purchasing a fresh wreath or centerpiece from  Sherwood Farms . All proceeds benefit our Music & Performing Arts programs, helping us provide enriching opportunities for students across the district. This event is made possible through the hard work of our dedicated  Music & Performing Arts Parent Board —thank you for your continued support! Order wreath or centerpieces online by November 4th. When checking out, you can choose Local Pick-Up or Direct Delivery—whichever is most convenient for you. Thank you for helping keep the arts thriving in Norton! Website Link: https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/nortonmusicandperformingarts      UPCOMING EVENTS October 20th Town Meeting October 22nd Elementary Conferences October 23rd Elementary Early Release / Conferences October 29th Districtwide Early Release / Professional Development School Committee Meeting October 31st Norton High School Term I Marks Close November 5th Norton Middle School Conferences November 6th Norton Middle School Early Release / Conferences November 7th Norton High School Term I Report Cards November 11th Schools Closed November 12th School Committee Meeting November 13th Norton High School Open House for Grade 8 Students and Families November 20th Norton High School Conferences November 26th Elementary, Norton Middle School Term I Marks Close Districtwide Early Release November 27th-28th Schools Closed    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. 10.17.25

Friday, Oct 17 2025

School Meals Report Card

Dining Services Dear Families and Staff, At Norton Public Schools, we’re always working to improve the meals we serve to students. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Chartwells K12 on the School Meals Report Card.  This nationwide survey gives students, parents, families, and staff the chance to share feedback on school meals.    The survey only takes a few minutes and is completely anonymous with no identifying information collected. It will be open from  October 13 to November 7 .      Take the survey now, and let’s work together to make school meals even better! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SMRC2025   Mike Vaccaro Director of Dining Services Norton Public Schools Chartwells K12 mvaccaro@norton.k12.ma.us 508.285.0150

Tuesday, Oct 14 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 10.03.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  October 3, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message September seemed to pass in the blink of an eye this year, and it has been truly wonderful to watch our students and staff settling into routines, learning side by side, and building community together.   One of my favorite traditions each fall is spending a full day in each of our schools as part of my residency visits. These days give me the opportunity to connect with each building early in the year and experience, firsthand, what daily life looks like for our students and staff. From watching the morning arrival bustle, to joining classroom lessons, to sharing time in the cafeteria and on the playground, these visits allow me to see and feel the heart of each school.   So far, I’ve had the privilege of spending residency days at both the H.A. Yelle Elementary School and Norton Middle School. I am so grateful to the principals, staff, and especially the students for welcoming me into their school communities, it is a joy to learn alongside you!    Norton High School Chorus Visit    This week, we were delighted to welcome the Norton High School Chorus for a special visit. They treated us to a beautiful song, and I can’t thank them enough for sharing their voices with us. They sounded fantastic, and it was such a great reminder of the talent and spirit we have here in our schools.      Cybersecurity Awareness Month October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a great reminder for all of us — students, families, and staff — about the importance of staying safe online. With more learning and communication happening digitally, it’s essential that we help our children build smart online habits.    A few quick tips for families: Use strong passwords  and encourage your child not to share them with friends. Think before you click  - be cautious with links or messages from unknown senders. Talk about online safety  - have regular conversations about what’s appropriate to share and what’s not. Update devices regularly  to keep software and apps secure.    By working together, we can help ensure that our students stay safe, responsible, and confident in the digital world.    As part of our participation in the Massachusetts Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant, KnowBe4 offers free online cybersecurity training. The training will teach you about common threats like phishing emails, social media scams, and mobile device security weaknesses. Learn how to spot suspicious activity, protect your passwords, and keep your family safe online. Topics included are: Identify what security awareness is and why it's essential to your online safety. Understand how cybercriminals use common tactics to mislead and manipulate you. Learn what you can do to protect yourself and those closest to you from cyber attacks.    Visit the following website and type in the password when prompted knowbe4.com/homecourse  Password: homecourse Food Services Substitutes The Food Service Department is looking for part time assistance in the Cafeteria. If you are interested, please contact Mike Vaccaro at  mvaccaro@norton.k12.ma.us or (508) 285-0150. UPCOMING EVENTS October 6th School Committee Joint Meeting with Finance Committee and Select Board October 8th School Committee Meeting October 13th Schools Closed October 14th Norton Middle School Term I Progress Reports October 20th Town Meeting October 22nd Elementary Conferences October 23rd Elementary Early Release / Conferences October 29th Districtwide Early Release / Professional Development School Committee Meeting October 31st Norton High School Term I Marks Close November 5th Norton Middle School Conferences November 6th Norton Middle School Early Release / Conferences November 7th Norton High School Term I Report Cards November 11th Schools Closed November 12th School Committee Meeting November 13th Norton High School Open House for Grade 8 Students and Families    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. 10.03.25

Friday, Oct 03 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 9.19.2025

      Family Newsletter   |  September 19, 2025           Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message For Norton Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priority. A safe school environment allows students to focus on what matters most, learning! We work very closely with Norton Police and Fire departments to maintain strong protocols, and regularly review our practices to ensure that our schools are secure. As part of our ongoing commitment to student and staff well-being, we are refreshing our safety procedures this year to strengthen preparedness across our schools. You may notice that all of our learning spaces now have updated Emergency Response Procedures posted in a visible location. These quick-reference guides are meant to support everyone in our schools—including substitutes, volunteers, and students—so that if an unusual situation arises, they know the appropriate steps to take. This is just one more way we are working to keep our schools safe, caring, and well-prepared learning environments. We are partnering with Wheaton College to ensure we have a safe and welcoming location available for families in the unlikely event that we would need to evacuate a school. While we hope never to use it, having this plan in place reflects our proactive approach and our strong community partnerships that keep student well-being at the center of all we do. We are working alongside our School Resource Officers to practice safety drills with students and staff. These drills are part of our regular safety routines and help everyone feel confident and prepared to respond calmly in the unlikely event of an emergency. Finally, we want to ensure that families, staff, and students share a common understanding of the safety terms we may use. Each protocol is designed to keep everyone calm and secure, depending on the situation: Stay in Place-  “In Your Room or Area”: This is used when hallways need to remain clear, often during a medical emergency or when additional privacy is needed for a student that may be dysregulated. Secure-  “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors”: While our exterior doors are ALWAYS locked, in this situation staff ensure exterior doors are closed and locked to keep the building secure. This may be used if there is an incident in the neighborhood, such as nearby police activity. Lockdown-  “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight”: This is used to secure classrooms and keep occupants safe and quiet inside. Evacuate:  May be followed by a specific location. This means moving students and staff to another place, either inside or outside the building, such as for a power outage or gas leak. Shelter:  Used for weather-related or environmental events. Staff will provide directions for group and self-protection based on the situation.   Families play an important role in this work as well, and we thank you for your partnership in fostering a culture of safety, care, and vigilance across our community.     Cell Phone Policy at NHS - Update from the NPS Communications Interns   At Norton High School, the new cell phone policy has been going very well. Last year it was generally up to each teacher to decide how phones were handled, but now that it’s a school-wide policy, every teacher is following the same system. At first, it was definitely an adjustment, but students have gotten used to placing their phones in the holders at the start of class. Many of us even forget our phones are there and find it easier to focus on what’s happening in the classroom. Phones are still allowed during passing periods, lunch, and LLB, so it doesn’t feel like we’re completely cut off. This isn’t an unfamiliar practice for students, but seeing every department and staff member on the same page is refreshing. Like any new change, it took time to get used to, but starting the year strong with this policy has helped create a more consistent learning environment for everyone. While the policy doesn’t leave phones as a choice during class time, if students were asked, most would admit they’d rather keep them, yet almost all agree that being without them helps them stay more focused and productive.   Family MCAS Portal - Available October 1st   The Department is pleased to announce that a new MCAS Family Portal is expected to be available on Wednesday, October 1. The MCAS Family Portal will provide families with online access to their child’s MCAS results and will enable families to track their child’s MCAS results over time. The MCAS Family Portal will be available in English, and a Spanish translation will be available within the application. Families will be able to access translated student report templates in additional languages later this fall.    ParentSquare Account Activation    Parents or guardians who have not activated their ParentSquare accounts will receive emails inviting them to confirm their email address and activate their account. ParentSquare is a communication and organization tool designed to keep you informed and involved in your school community. Through ParentSquare families will receive all school and district communication via email, text, or app notifications in your preferred language. Additionally, you can manage your communications settings to receive an email as messages are posted or as a once a day digest.    Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online   The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will be hosting a Webex Webinar  Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online:  A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents .  The webinar will take place on the evening of Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30 pm in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Digital Forensics/Child Exploitation/Cyber Crime Unit. The webinar will bring awareness to the dangers children face online today and will educate parents/caregivers how to keep children safe online. Please see the  registration flyer  for additional information. Advanced registration is required.    UPCOMING EVENTS September 24th Districtwide Early Release / Professional Development School Committee Meeting September 25th Norton Middle School Meet the Teachers Night October 3rd Norton High School Term I Warning Notices October 8th School Committee Meeting October 13th Schools Closed October 14th Norton Middle School Term I Progress Reports October 20th Town Meeting October 22nd Elementary Conferences October 23rd Elementary Early Release / Conferences October 29th Districtwide Early Release / Professional Development School Committee Meeting October 31st Norton High School Term I Marks Close    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. 09.19.25

Friday, Sep 19 2025

NPS Technology Update - September

IT Matters | NPS Technology Update for Families September 2025 Welcome Back Lancers! The Norton Technology Department is excited to welcome you back to the 2025–2026 school year! Over the summer, our dedicated tech team and talented student interns worked tirelessly to prepare classrooms, update systems, and ensure everything was ready for a smooth start. This “small but mighty” group tackled an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes work, and each intern brought unique skills that made a big difference in our readiness for the year ahead. We are truly grateful for their contributions and proud to highlight this year’s student interns:  Adam Ferreira, Jacob Berry, Benjamin  Yezukevich,    and  Cecelia Farrer   . What a fantastic group of hard workers! We’ve packed this newsletter with information, resources, and updates to kick off the year with confidence. Inside, you’ll find tips on keeping students safe online, the latest tech updates, and tools to support learning at home and in school. We’re here to help make technology a positive and seamless part of your child’s school year. Powerschool Accounts for NMS and NHS Students & Parents The Norton Public Schools is now in its second year using  Powerschool as our student information system (SIS). Powerschool provides easy access to class schedules, assignments, attendance, and grades so families and students can stay connected to academic progress. Students in grades 6–12 can log in using their NPS Google credentials. Parents/guardians of middle and high school students should have received an email with their Powerschool username and temporary password at the email address we have on file. Both students and parents/guardians can access Powerschool through the web portal on any computer, or by downloading the Powerschool mobile app (available for Apple and Android devices). If you did not receive your login details or need assistance, please contact the NPS Technology Department using the guest tech support ticketing system . School Issued Chromebooks All students in grades 6–12 have access to a district-issued Chromebook for daily learning, both in school and at home. Students are expected to bring their device to school fully charged each day and to handle it with care. The Chromebook is an important learning tool and should be treated responsibly. Families are responsible for the cost of repairs if a Chromebook is damaged, as well as the replacement cost of lost chargers. Please encourage your student to use their Chromebook carefully, store it safely in their backpack, and charge it nightly to avoid accidental damage. Please review the   repair costs in case your child damages their device.  All students in grade 6 and 9 should complete the NPS loan of technology agreement online now that they have received their device. Elementary Students and Devices Students at the LGN, JCS, and HAY Elementary Schools have access to devices within their classrooms under the direction of their teachers. Elementary devices stay within the schools inside classroom carts and are used by students to support learning when appropriate. Students in grades Pk-1 have access to iPads and students in grades 2-5 have access to chromebooks.   ParentSquare ParentSquare serves as a comprehensive communication hub, providing a seamless and efficient way for parents to stay connected with their child's school. Here are the key features and benefits of using ParentSquare: Announcements and Reminders:  Stay informed and up-to-date with important announcements and reminders from the school district, teachers and principals. ParentSquare ensures that you never miss out on crucial information, such as school events, schedule changes and upcoming deadlines. Multi-Language Support:  ParentSquare is designed to cater to the diverse needs of our school community. It offers multi-language support, enabling effective communication for non-English speaking parents. We strive to ensure that all parents can fully engage in their child's education. Privacy and Security:  We understand the importance of keeping your personal information secure. ParentSquare prioritizes privacy and provides a safe environment for communication. Rest assured that your data is protected, and only authorized individuals have access to relevant information. Getting started with ParentSquare is easy: Download the ParentSquare app from your app store or access it through our school district's website. Create your account using the email address registered with the school district. You should have received an email invitation to join.  Customize your settings to receive notifications and alerts based on your preferences.   Be sure to keep your contact information updated in Powerschool which syncs with ParentSquare, our communications platform for sharing the happenings of the Norton Public Schools. You'll want to stay informed and receive messages, alerts, and notifications especially when the winter weather arrives. If you have any questions, please reach out directly to your child's school. Join the NPS AI Task Force We’re launching a new AI Task Force to explore how artificial intelligence might shape the future of teaching, learning, and school operations in the Norton Public Schools. Our goal is to better understand both the opportunities and challenges AI presents, so we can make informed, thoughtful decisions as a district. We welcome staff, students, families, and community members with all levels of experience and curiosity. Interested in being part of this important conversation? Please c  omplete the  AI Task Force Interest Form  to get involved. Our first meeting will be held virtually on Monday, September 29th from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  via Zoom. The meeting link will be sent out a week before. If you signed up in the spring, you do not need to sign up again as you are already on the list to participate. Thank you! Below you'll find a collection of resources on topics ranging from online safety and digital citizenship to media literacy and affordable internet access. These resources can help you start conversations with your child, set healthy boundaries, and stay informed about the latest apps and trends. We encourage you to explore the links below and use them as a toolkit to keep your family safe, connected, and empowered online. Online Safety & Parental Controls Dangerous Apps for Kids: What Parents Need to Know - Stay aware of popular apps and potential risks. How to use Parental Controls to Keep Your Kids Safer Online - Step-by-step guidance for setting controls across devices. Chatting With Your Kids About Being Online    Downloadable guide to start important conversations. Protecting Kids Online  Federal Trade Commission hub on internet safety for families. How Websites and Apps Collect and Use Your Information   Understand how online data is gathered and used. Digital Citizenship & Wellness PBS Kids Online For Parents – Tips and activities for guiding young children’s online use. Boston Children’s Hospital Digital Wellness Lab Family Guide to Digital Citizenship - Practical tools to build healthy digital habits. The Joan Ganz Cooney Cente r - Research and resources on children’s learning in a media-rich world. Stay Safe Online – Practical tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Kids and Video Games – Information on ratings, parental controls, and setting boundaries around play. Bullying, Cyberbullying & Online Behavior LGBTQ cyberbullying: A guide for parents and educators MARC Resources for Parents/Guardians – Bullying and cyberbullying guides from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center. Affordable Internet Access FCC's Lifeline Program – Discounted phone and internet service for eligible families. Internet Essentials   (Xfinity) – $14.95/month internet access and $149.99 computer purchase for qualifying families. Certain restrictions apply. If you have any questions about these resources or need additional support with technology at home, please reach out to Karen Winsper by email kwinsper@norton.k12.ma.us or phone 508-285-0100 x2113. We’re here to partner with you in helping students stay safe, responsible, and successful in their digital learning.   Protecting Student Data Privacy Norton Public Schools takes student data privacy very seriously. To support this commitment, we are active members of the Massachusetts Student Privacy Alliance (MSPA) through The Education Cooperative (TEC) , which connects us to the national Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) . What is the MSPA? The MSPA is a collaboration of Massachusetts school districts that share common concerns about student privacy. Its goal is to set clear standards and expectations for how student information must be handled. How does it work? The first major outcome of the MSPA has been the adoption of a common Student Data Privacy Agreement. This standardized contract is used by all member schools when adopting any online application. It ensures that every vendor and every district enters the relationship with the same set of protections, without renegotiating terms each time. Why is this important? By participating in TEC, MSPA, and SDPC, Norton Public Schools: Benefits from vendor agreements negotiated on behalf of thousands of school districts nationwide. Gains stronger negotiating power by standing with other districts. Holds vendors accountable for best practices in data security and privacy. Protects student rights under CIPA, COPPA, FERPA, and PPRA . The MSPA’s website also lists the districts and vendors who have signed on, making it easier for schools to work with trusted partners and for families to know which resources meet these privacy standards. Families can explore the Digital Resources Database to view vetted educational tools and learn more about the protections in place.   Thank you to SRO Sergeant Jacob Dennett for sharing this upcoming online event: SAVE THE DATE!   October 22, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Login begins at 6:00 p.m.  Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood   Online  Presentation for Parents  Brought to you in collaboration by: The United States Attorney's Office & Homeland Security Investigations PRE Registration is required  REGISTRATION DETAILS  Event address for attendees (use Chrome Browser !):  https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r8215d6b4baa3c0ebff54f9844c45790b  Password: PSC1  Questions or difficulty registering?  Please contact: USAMA.PSCOutreach@usdoj.gov  Webex platform has a maximum capacity of 1000 attendees. If we have reached registration capacity, please email USAMA.PSCOutreach@usdoj.gov to be put on a waitlist for the next presentation. Topics:  Social Media 101/Digital Footprint  Sexting  Gaming  Victim Support  Protecting Against Online Predation  How to Keep Kids Safe Online Panelists: Luke Goldworm, Assistant United States Attorney  United States Attorney’s Office, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator  Andrew Kelleher, Special Agent  Homeland Security Investigations, Child Exploitation/Digital Forensics  Lauryn Mackey , Victim Witness Specialist  United States Attorney’s Office This presentation is for adults who wish to learn how to keep kids safe and secure online. Content is inappropriate for young children. Please be aware of who can see your screen and hear your audio!   Thank you for visiting the back-to-school edition of the Norton Public Schools Technology Department's  IT (Instructional Technology) Matters online newsletter. We hope you found it informative. Wishing you all a wonderful new school year!  Karen Winsper, Director of Instructional Technology Paul Driscoll, Network Administrator Nick Zelinski, Network Technician Ben Royce, Network Technician August, 28, 2023

Wednesday, Sep 10 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 9.05.2025

  Family Newsletter | September 5, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message Dear Norton Families, It is with great excitement that I welcome you to a new school year! The start of school always brings with it a sense of possibility, and this year we are especially energized by our district’s new Strategic Plan , a roadmap that will guide our work together over the next several years. Our plan focuses on four strategic priorities: Connected and Relevant Learning Experiences Enhancing Student Outcomes High-Quality Instructional Materials Interactive School & Community Partnerships This year, we will focus on several key priorities: Defining what future-ready learning looks like and ensuring students, staff, families, and the community have a voice in shaping these experiences. Completing an updated Portrait of a Graduate, reflecting the shared values and aspirations of our district. Building strong, school-based teams to address and reduce student absenteeism. Implementing a districtwide data protocol to strengthen how we support student achievement, attendance, and well-being. Developing a shared vision and core values statement through collaboration with students, staff, families, and community members. Expanding our presence in community spaces—like local news and cable—to better share our stories and celebrate the successes of our students and schools. I look forward to working together to bring this plan to life. With your partnership, we can ensure that every student in Norton has meaningful, challenging, and supportive learning opportunities. Here’s to a successful and inspiring school year!   The Importance of Attendance – Working Together for Student Success We hope you had a wonderful summer and are as excited as we are to welcome our students back for another great year of learning and growth! As we begin the school year, we want to share the important role that attendance plays in a child’s success—and how, by working together, we can help every student thrive. Research and our own experience show that: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve at higher levels. Consistent attendance helps build self-confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. Regular attendance is one of the best predictors of graduating on time and being prepared for future opportunities. Just as importantly, starting the school year with strong attendance habits in September helps set the tone for the rest of the year. We also know that the past few years have brought new challenges for families everywhere, and we’ve seen a decline in attendance both nationally and here in Norton. That’s why we’re committed to working closely with you to identify and remove barriers that may make it difficult for your child to be in school every day. If your family is facing challenges with attendance, we want to hear from you. Together, we can problem-solve and connect you with the right support so that your child has the best chance to succeed. Thank you for your partnership—we are stronger when we work together for our students.       E-Bikes Recently, there have been a number of students riding electric bikes around the school campuses. While I know that some of our students may be using e-bikes to get to and from school, I ask that parents have a conversation with their children about e-bike safety and appropriate use on school grounds.  In order to keep both students riding and those around them safe and our school grounds looking nice, we ask students to adhere to the following rules: Ride slowly once on school grounds, paying close attention to cars and pedestrians around you Look both ways before crossing any school entrance or roadway Wear a helmet at all times when riding your e-bike No riding of ANY electric vehicles on grass/turf fields, tennis courts, or playground area & equipment Thank you for your assistance in enforcing these guidelines with your children. Any students that are not able to follow these rules will not be allowed to bring their e-bikes to school. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school principal.      Wellness Policy & Classroom Celebrations  Each year, we share our  District Wellness Policy with our families to ensure that all are informed of our practices to promote student health and wellness each day. One component that we appreciate your support with is our policy on Celebrations. Please see the language below.  Food or beverages will not be used as rewards for good behavior or academic achievement unless it is part of a student’s Individual Educational Plan or directed by a medical professional. Physical activity may be used as a reward (i.e. extra recess). All classroom parties and school celebrations (e.g. holidays,) held during the official school day will be non-food events. Families that are interested in providing an approved snack for their child’s birthday can reach out to Chartwells Food Service by contacting Mike Vaccaro at  mvaccaro@norton.k12.ma.us .     Community Resources - Fuel Assistance The Norton Community Center offers support to families in applying for the Massachusetts home energy assistance program (HEAP), which  is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills. No matter what type of heating source you have, HEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance. The program is 100% free for those who qualify. If you are interested in learning more about this program, the Norton Community Center can work with you to apply, beginning on November 1, 2025. To prepare, stop into the Center at 120 Mansfield Ave to get a list of documents you will need for the application.  To learn more about the program, you can call Self-Help at 508-588-5440   UPCOMING EVENTS September 10th School Committee Meeting September 16th H. A. Yelle Elementary School Curriculum Night September 17th J. C. Solmonese and L. G. Nourse Elementary Schools Curriculum NIght September 18th Norton High School Meet the Teachers Night September 24th Districtwide Early Release / Professional Development School Committee Meeting September 25th Norton Middle School Meet the Teachers Night October 3rd Norton High School Term I Warning Notices October 8th School Committee Meeting October 14th Norton Middle School Term I Progress Reports    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. 09.05.25

Friday, Sep 05 2025

Superintendent's Newsletter 8.15.2025

  Family Newsletter   |  August 15, 2025   Dr. Jennifer O'Neill joneill@norton.k12.ma.us @joneill727  Superintendent’s Message Norton Families,  In just two short weeks, our hallways and classrooms will once again be filled with the energy, laughter, and curiosity of our students and we couldn’t be more excited! Our teachers, staff, and administrators have been working hard over the summer to prepare to welcome our students back to school.  This year, our work will be guided by our new Strategic Plan, which focuses on creating connected and relevant learning experiences, enhancing student outcomes, providing high-quality instructional materials, and strengthening school and community partnerships. These priorities will help ensure that every student engages in meaningful learning, receives the support they need to thrive, and benefits from strong connections between school, family, and community. As a reminder, the first days of school are:  Tuesday, September 2nd for students in Grades 1-12  Wednesday, September 3rd for Kindergarten Thursday, September 4th for Little Lancers One of the most exciting aspects of returning to school for so many of our students and families is receiving your teacher assignment for the upcoming school year. Elementary classroom placements will be sent to families on Friday, August 15th. Middle School team placements will be sent to families on Wednesday , August 27th.  The beginning of a new school year is always my favorite time of the year. I hope that your children are just as excited for the start of school and the possibilities that lay ahead!  I can’t wait to see our Lancers soon!      Fall Bus Routes Bus route information will be sent out the last week of August. Further information regarding transportation (registration, fees, routes, etc.) can be found on the  Transportation page   of the school website.      Universal Free Meals In Massachusetts, universal school meals are still free for all students in public schools for the FY2025-2026 year.  This means students can receive ONE free breakfast and ONE free lunch. Your students may qualify for reduced fees such as Athletics, Transportation or AP Testing.  If you have not received a notice of direct certification status for this school year from NPS by  Wednesday, August 27th  via email, we urge you to apply through  the  online application .  For the first 30 days of this school year direct certification status of families will carry over from where it was at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.  If you are new to the Norton Public Schools or did not have a free or reduced meal status at the end of last year and do not receive a letter of direct certification next week, you may complete an application.  If you have any questions, please contact Kristine Hadfield, School Business Administrator, at   khadfield@norton.k12.ma.us. Again, if you receive communication from the Norton Public Schools that your student(s) directly qualified via direct certification from the state,  please do not complete an application.              Combined Calendar This year, we are happy to share our   integrated calendar  for Norton Public Schools. This calendar, located at the bottom of our District website main page, brings in events from all five schools as well as district wide events so that families and staff can get a quick overview of what is happening. We hope that this integrated calendar will help us avoid booking multiple major events on the same date as well as draw in more families and community members to the great events that are happening across the district        Back to School Events JCS - August 27th PK AM/Full Day - 4:30-5:00 p.m. PreK PM - 5:00-5:30 p.m. K/Gr. 1 - 5:30-6:00 p.m. Gr 2 & 3 - 6:00-6:30 p.m.  LGN - August 27 Families A-L 5:00-5:30 p.m. Families M-Z 5:30-6:00 p.m. HAY - August 26 Grade 4 - 6:00-6:45 p.m. Grade 5 - 7:00-7:45 p.m. NMS Grade 6 Welcome Social – August 27th  5:00-6:00 p.m.  NHS Freshman/Transfer Orientation – August 27th , 5:00-6:00 p.m.         Updated DESE Special Education Webpages Please see the following updated shared by the Department of Education Office of Special Education Planning & Policy. We are excited to announce that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will launch an update to the Special Education webpages this Summer 2025!  This update has been carefully designed with families in mind, and reflects DESE’s strong commitment to accessibility, equity, and user-centered design. Whether you’re exploring resources for the first time or looking for specific guidance, the new layout will make it easier than ever to find the information and support you need.  What You’ll Find:  Family-friendly navigation to help you quickly locate topics like the IEP process, student rights, and available services  Clearer pathways to information about your rights, options, and ways to be an active partner in your child’s education  This update is part of DESE’s broader effort to ensure all families — regardless of background, language, or digital experience — have equal access to the tools and knowledge they need.   The launch is just the beginning. Your feedback will be essential to help us improve and grow these pages over time. We will share another notice once the update is published, and we encourage you to explore and complete a feedback form which will be shared at that time. This will help shape future updates to better serve all families.  Thank you for your continued partnership and support in building a more inclusive and accessible educational experience for every child.  Warm regards, The Office of Special Education Planning & Policy     UPCOMING EVENTS August 26th H. A. Yelle Elementary School Open House August 27th J. C. Solmonese and L. G. Nourse Elementary Schools Open House Norton Middle School Grade 6 Welcome Social Norton High School Freshman/Transfer Orientation September 2nd First Day of School Grades 1-12+ September 3rd First Day of School Kindergarten September 4th First Day of School Little Lancers September 10th School Committee Meeting September 16th H. A. Yelle Elementary School Curriculum Night September 17th J. C. Solmonese and L. G. Nourse Elementary Schools Curriculum NIght September 18th Norton High School Meet the Teachers Night September 24th Districtwide Early Release / Professional Development School Committee Meeting September 25th Norton Middle School Meet the Teachers Night       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. 08.15.25

Friday, Aug 15 2025

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