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