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Superintendent's Newsletter 10.04.2024

Posted Date: 10/04/24 (2:18 PM)
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Family Newsletter   |  October 4, 2024
 
Dr. Jennifer O'Neill
joneill@norton.k12.ma.us
@joneill727 

Superintendent's Message 

September seemed to have just flown by this year and it is so wonderful to see our students and staff settling into the year learning together. 


As part of our new school year, I will again be completing day long residencies at each of our schools. The goal of these residencies is for me to be able to get an accurate picture of the student experience. These days are some of my favorite of each year, seeing how students arrive in the morning, visiting classrooms, engaging with staff and students during lunch & recess and so much more. So far, I have had the pleasure of spending days at the H.A. Yelle and L.G. Nourse. Thank you to the principals, students, and staff and these schools for making me feel so welcome! 


Benson Chang, our intern for Social Media & Communications, has begun posting on our district social media again and the photos are incredible! Please be sure you are following us on Facebook at NortonPublicSchools and on Instagram at @norton_schools.


Finally, as we welcome the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, we send our best wishes for a year filled with peace, joy, and good health. This special time offers a moment for reflection, renewal, and hope for a better future. Whether you observe or simply wish to share in the spirit of the holiday, we wish you and your loved ones a sweet and meaningful year ahead.

Wellness Policy Reminders

A reminder to our families about important information in our district Wellness Policy. The most important aspects of this policy are included below. 

  • Celebrations and Rewards: 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.

  • Preventative Health Screenings: As a reminder, the Health Services Department will begin state mandated health screenings in October.  Grades 1,4,7, and 10 will have height and weight screenings. Grades PreK-5,7, and 10 will have vision screenings. Grades K-5, 7, and 10 will have hearing screenings. Grades 5-9 will have postural screenings.  Any abnormal results will be sent home to the parent/guardian for follow up with the student’s health care provider. Additional wellness screenings include SBIRT (grades 7 and 9) and the Youth Risk Behavior (grades 7-12). 

Norton Public Schools in the Media


Over the summer, Norton Public Schools’ Tasty Tidbit initiative was featured by Massachusetts School Wellness on their SWITCH website. During the 2023-2024 school year, the Norton Wellness Committee led by head nurse Doreen Browne and wellness teacher Nicole Nunes worked with our elementary schools to provide students with daily updates on healthy choices. The article is linked here for you to read!  Norton Schools Prioritize Nutrition with "Tasty Tidbits"

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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.

Meet author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka
October 8th at 6:00 pm in the Weber Theater at Wheaton College

Author/Illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka will share his story of growing up with substance use disorder in his family and how it shaped his award winning graphic novel, Hey Kiddo. This event is free and open to the public and is in connection with the ongoing Into the Light Project exhibition aimed at bringing attention to the thousands of lives lost to drug overdose and poisoning.

Please contact the Wheaton College Beard and Weil Galleries at 508.286.3364 with questions or for additional information.
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UPCOMING EVENTS


October 9th

School Committee Meeting - Norton Middle School Library

October 14th

Holiday - Schools Closed

October 15th

Progress Reports - Norton Middle School

October 16th

Elementary Conferences

October 17th

Elementary Early Release - Conferences

October 21st

Fall Town Meeting - Norton High School

October 23rd

School Committee Meeting - L. G. Nourse Cafeteria

October 25th

Districtwide Early Release - Professional Development
Virtual Backpack
This week's NPS Virtual Backpack flyers include: 
Norton Parks & Rec Halloween Costume Exchange - October 8th
Desfosses/Petersen Memorial Food Drive - October 19th
NEED Outdoor Movie Night, featuring Wonka - October 19th
Liberty & Union 250th Celebration - October 19th 
Poetry Workshop (Grades 6-12) - Tuesdays in October and November
YMCA Fall and Winter Youth Sports
Norton Parks & Rec Babysitting 101 Class - November 8th

To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us.
10.04.24