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NMS Summer Update
Dear NMS families,
I hope this message finds you all in good health and enjoying the warm days of summer. Our administrative team and staff are actively preparing for a successful return to school. We are committed to providing a safe, engaging and enriching learning experience for all our students. Our custodial staff is diligently ensuring that our facilities are clean and well-maintained.
The First Day of School for students is Tuesday, September 2nd.
Our start time is 8:30 a.m. dismissal is at 2:57 p.m. Students are allowed to enter the building starting at 8:20 a.m. During bad weather students can enter at 8:10 a.m.
Student 2025/2026 Team and Homeroom Assignments:
Student Team and Homeroom assignments for the 2025/2026 school year will be posted on or about August 26, 2025. Students should check their school email as the year approaches for directions on how to access schedules. All teams at Norton Middle school have the same expectations and share the identical goals of offering a quality education with creative and engaging instruction. Our school wide motto is “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow – Every Student Matters, Every Moment Counts”. We stress to children that “At NMS We do important things, You can do them and We will not give up on you”. We believe that this approach will improve student achievement and prepare them for the next steps in their education. So relax, enjoy the rest of the summer and know that we are looking forward to your child returning in September because we are all ONE team.
Learn more about Teaming at NMS
Questions or concerns about your child's schedule should be communicated to their grade level counselor prior to August 15, 2025.
Entering Grade 6 Mrs. Alison Tosches atosches@norton.k12.ma.us
Entering Grade 7 Mrs. Norma Fowler normafowler@norton.k12.ma.us
Entering Grade 8 Mr. Christopher Maloof christophermaloof@norton.k12.ma.us
Norton Middle School 2025/2026 Supply List:
NMS 2025/2026 Drop off and pick up map
Any student wishing to get breakfast should enter through the main doors regardless of bus or parent drop off.
Students arriving late after 8:35 will enter through the Main Entrance doors. Upon arrival students should report to their homerooms Once in homeroom students can read, draw, review classwork or independently study.
Lunch and Breakfast:
Massachusetts passed a universal free meals for all program.
Lifetouch Picture Day: Fall Picture Day is Monday September 8th. Flyers and information will be sent home with students.
Norton Middle School 2025/2026 Handbook: An additional email covering the key points and changes will follow soon.
Norton Middle School 2025/2026 Student Handbook
Grade 6 – 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Grade 7 – 6:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Grade 8 - 7:00 - 7:45 p.m.
Specials - 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
Course Offerings:
Lunchroom seating and routines
During the first few weeks of school most students experience stress and worry when it comes to finding a lunch seat or table. To alleviate this concern and foster a positive lunchtime experience, we have implemented a structured approach:
Homeroom-Based Seating: Initially, all students will be seated by their respective homerooms during lunchtime. This provides a familiar and comfortable environment for them to start the school year.
Transition to Team Seating: As students become more accustomed to cafeteria routines and demonstrate good behavior, they will progress to sitting with their teams. This gradual transition allows for a smoother adjustment to larger group settings.
Individual Choice Seating: The final phase will introduce individual choice seating, but only once daily cafeteria routines are firmly established across all grade levels. This approach ensures that our cafeteria remains orderly and calm.
For many years NMS successfully implemented these procedures, leading to reduced anxiety and a greater sense of belonging among students during lunchtime. Our ultimate goal is to make the cafeteria a positive and comfortable place for all students. How long this process takes can vary. The transition to individual choice seating typically happens within the first three weeks of school.
Clubs and Activities for 2025 / 2026: Clubs and activities start up late - September so do not worry. Kids and parents will get info during the first few weeks of school. We make numerous announcements. We place flyers out at lunch and we send home detailed and specific emails through Parent Square. NMS has many activity clubs and a morning Intramural program. I encourage everyone to consider getting involved. We are in the process of updating information on the Website and will be posting things as we get closer to the start and club specific information becomes available.
NMS Athletics: *** Very important for those interested, competitive teams and tryouts start up immediately and games begin the second week of school. ***
For select grade 8 students playing on NHS teams that date is even sooner. So be on the lookout for communications from The NHS Athletic Director Mr. Aaron Sumner.
Any student interested in trying out for a fall athletic team (Boys and Girls Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball) must first register through the Family id system. All students must pass a physical examination within one year before participating in any sport. A copy of your child’s physical must be on file with the school nurse prior to tryouts.
Sports Registration Link: https://www.familyid.com/norton-high-school-and-norton-middle-school
All Students Must register prior to tryouts. Only those that make the teams will then go on to pay the athletics fee.
NMS Lancers LEAD:
Be Kind – Be Respectful – Be Responsible – Be Better
Lead Excel Achieve Dream
Everyone here is committed to constant improvement and is preparing for a great 2025/2026 school year. We routinely reflect on what we have done well and on areas where we can make improvements.
Norton Middle School 2023 - 2026 School Improvement Plan
The first day of school is Tuesday September 2, 2025.
It is a pleasure and an honor working with your children and serving as Principal of Norton Middle School.
Enjoy the rest of the summer - Be Well!
Thank you for your continued support!
Vincent M. Hayward
Principal - Norton Middle School