NORTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Lancers LEAD Story
December 2025
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Principal’s Message
Greetings NMS Families,
This month has been filled with moments that remind us why schools matter beyond just our academics alone. It is a time that invites reflection, gratitude, and connection. From classrooms buzzing with curiosity and collaboration, to students supporting one another through challenges, to staff members going above and beyond for our kids, NMS remains a place where young people are encouraged to grow not only in knowledge, but in character. As we move through the final weeks of the calendar year we are encouraging everyone to show kindness in our interactions, responsibility in our choices, and a shared commitment to being better each day.
On behalf of the entire Norton Middle School staff, I wish you and your family a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and time well spent with those you hold close. May the coming weeks offer rest, renewal, and a renewed sense of purpose as we look ahead to 2026 together.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education.
 Norton Middle School Daily Announcements
Every morning, our school broadcasts important announcements through the PA system. These announcements commence with a respectful moment of silence followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. To enhance communication and keep parents well informed while ensuring students can access missed information, we have introduced an online link. The link can be found on our webpage about half you down using the icons in the purple bar.
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Norton Middle School
Student Support “Extra Help” and Office Hours |
Did you know that the teachers at NMS have scheduled Extra Help time?
Additional help and support individually or in a small group is a key intervention to increase understanding and improve student achievement.
Check = Times are mostly stable but can change so we advise checking the day prior if your child plans on staying. There is a link to the schedule below.
Plan = In order to make the most of the time it is beneficial and we strongly encourage that you email the teacher prior to staying. Prior notification can allow the teacher to review records, gather any needed materials and/or missing assignments. NMS STAFF email list 2025/2026
Please follow this link to see when your child's teachers are scheduled and available to offer additional help and support beyond the regular school day.
NMS Teachers' Student Support "Extra Help" and Office Hours
The link can also be found on our main webpage
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NMS Drama Program
After a wildly successful season last school year (with their staging of the production of “Annie”), the Norton Middle School Drama Program is overjoyed to have just kicked off their 2025-2026 campaign! NMS Drama Program directors Mrs. Holicker and Mr. Beard (who have cooperatively helmed this popular theatrical organization since 2012) profess that this year’s show will be bigger and more extravagant than ever before!
Enthusiastic, returning Drama Program members and potential, would-be stage performers alike attended an informational meeting in the NMS auditorium on December 10. There, Mrs. Holicker detailed the carefully planned schedule of rehearsal dates, production times, and program expectations, while Mr. Beard reinforced the unique philosophy of the NMS Drama Program and what makes theirs different than similar programs offered at other middle schools.
“Those of you that have been in this program before will remember that you’re not going to leave here today knowing what this year’s production is going to be,” explained Mrs. Holicker with a smile. “We will reveal that information during our start-up meeting, in this auditorium, on January 7.”
“If you are thinking of becoming a member of the NMS Drama Program based solely on what the play is,” added Mr. Beard, “then you are arguably joining for the wrong reasons. You should want to join for what this organization offers, regardless of what characters might appear on this stage next May.” Mr. Beard then noted that members of the NMS Drama Program “will make lifelong friends, unlock new skills, and be part of a cohesive, supportive team whose byproduct is putting on a theatrical production not unlike those seen on professional big-city stages.”
Both Mrs. Holicker and Mr. Beard then concluded the informational meeting by stressing how the NMS Drama Program is a safe, welcoming environment in which EVERYONE gets an opportunity to appear in the spotlight. “Nobody gets cut and all of you will earn an indispensable, in-front-of-the-curtain role in this season’s play,” clarified Mrs. Holicker.
For NMS students who missed the Drama Program’s informational meeting, it is not too late to join. Please see Mrs. Holicker or Mr. Beard, in person, for details and paperwork needed to join a program that many NMS alumni have called “the best part of my middle school years.”
The deadline to submit the membership fee and return all signed enrollment paperwork is Wednesday, January 7. An audition schedule will be posted soon thereafter with auditions taking place, after school, on January 20, 21, and 22.
NMS Rubik’s Cube Club
With weekly, after-school meetings in our cafeteria, the NMS Rubik’s Cube Club offers one of the most innovative ways for students to demonstrate their creativity and cerebral skill sets. “I am consistently blown away by what the members of this club can do,” says 7th Grade teacher and club organizer Mr. Beard. “Not only do they boast remarkable cube-solving abilities,” he adds, “but they all demonstrate such impressive, kindhearted collaboration. Their camaraderie in accomplishing collective, big-scale projects is truly amazing.”
Now on display in the NMS rotunda, the NMS Rubik’s Cube Club just revealed a 600-cube holiday mural of the iconic image from “Home Alone” where Kevin slaps his own face and screams. “It was so much fun to help create this mural,” says Emilyn C., a member of the club. “I can’t wait to start our next one.”
NMS Rubik’s Cubers recently unboxed a new shipment of several hundred cubes, enough to complete one more holiday-themed mural before December vacation.
| Norton Middle School Library |
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We are excited to share that earlier this month, the Norton Middle School Library officially reopened to students during their ICE blocks for book lending and research support. At this time, the library is open on Thursdays, and it has already been wonderful to see students reengaging with this important learning space.This reopening would not have been possible without the dedication of Mrs. Segaloff, a longtime NMS teacher who recently retired and has stepped into a new role supporting our library. Over the past several weeks, Mrs. Segaloff has been trained on the library software, carefully reshelved books, and worked tirelessly to prepare the space for students and staff. With a lifelong passion for reading and a career devoted to teaching literacy, she is thrilled to welcome students back to the library and help restore book lending at NMS.
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Manufacturing Field Trip
Recently our students had a great experience at 2 manufacturing facilities, AccuRounds and DCL. The students represented Norton High School and Norton MIddle School well!
AccuRounds is one of our Manufacturing Pathway Partners, and they did not disappoint. Their HR department started with a great interactive presentation on the importance of manufacturing in the United States, including advice on what to look for when searching for a great company and career. Then we split into 2 groups and got a tour of the whole process, from raw material to finished product. We also saw the engineering and QA departments, and saw some machines in action there. (And they gave us some swag!) AccuRounds makes parts for many companies and government entities, and we were not allowed to take pictures or give any trade secrets away!
Then we headed across the street to DCL. Right when you walk in, there are NFL helmets and Disney characters. Why? They make signs and other requests for Disney, NFL stadiums, companies like Biogen, and more! The students loved it! Their products are HUGE and take precision and planning to build. Almost everyone working there studied art and/or engineering. We took 4 of NHS best art students along to see the types of jobs in their field.
 
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 CharacterStrong is a PreK-12th grade digital program (no bulk printed materials) designed to build social and emotional competence, develop character, and cultivate strong educator-student relationships. The Secondary SEL Curricula (CharacterStrong) consists of 25 to 35 lessons per grade level 6-8 Each lesson is designed to be delivered with no prep and no supplies (besides pen/ paper), with a strong focus on student voice and choice and an average delivery time of 30 minutes. The Secondary SEL Curricula is designed around 3 outcomes (Well-Being, Belonging, Engagement) using 5 primary ingredients to get there (Emotion Understanding & Regulation, Empathy & Compassion, Values & Purpose, Goals & Habits, and Leadership & Teamwork). Each lesson features a warm welcome, a community-building activity, interactive content, a character challenge to apply learning in their real lives, and an optimistic closure.
Primary Ingredients
Emotion Understanding & Regulation: How We Feel & How We Act Empathy & Compassion: What We Understand & How We Care Values & Purpose: Who We Are & What We Do Goals & Habits: The Dreams We Have & The Actions To Get There Leadership & Teamwork: Developing Agency & Working Together Instructional Methods
Most frequently uses interactive games, activity-based learning, partner and full group discussion, writing, and skill practice
Unique Features
Student-driven lessons built in partnership with a 60-student advisory board Engaging videos featuring students and young adult role models Adolescent-specific content (mental health and well-being, values, sense of purpose, teamwork skills) Challenges that move away from “role-playing” and into practical application All content built for in-person or virtual settings
Curriculum Scope and Sequence
 📸 Smile! The 2025 Norton Middle School Yearbook is officially on sale! Be sure to order now so you don’t miss out on the photos, fun, and unforgettable moments from this school year.Order yours online at:
inter-state.com/order
Use order code: 0292NY
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Soft Cover Yearbook: $18.00
Hardback Yearbook: $23.00
Recognized by their teachers for being great examples of how Lancers LEAD!
  
Curriculum = Welcome to Middle School |
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 Congratulations to Norton Middle School students Addy Turner and Willa Britton played in the Home for the Holidays Tournament in Fitchburg, MA. They came in 1st place for the 13U Nationals team with Lockdown. They worked hard and had a blast!
 Erykah was the lone 8th grader to play on the JV soccer team this year for the high school. She finished the season with 5 goals and was awarded Rookie of the Year at the end of the season banquet !
Norton Middle School Basketball Teams are underway for the 2025 Seasons
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Both the boys and the girls teams are on two game win streaks as we enter into 2026!
Nice Job Mr. Brito and thanks to all the teachers that agreed to play in the Goldstein Cup Hockey Tournament.
NEWS FROM THE TEAMS
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Physical Education : IN THE GYM WE HAD A LOT OF FUN IN OUR OPENING OF THE ICE RINK…HAHAHA!
FLOOR HOCKEY IS SOMETHING MOST STUDENTS LIKE. IT’S A CHANCE TO PLAY SOMETHING OUT OF THE BOX. MR BRITO WILL BE RUNNING ANOTHER HOCKEY TOURNAMENT AFTER SCHOOL LOOK FOR THE RESULTS IN THE NMS NEWS.
THE BADMINTON NETS CAME OUT AS WELL A FAVORITE OF THE STUDENTS ANOTHER FAVORITE. MR BRITO WILL BE RUNNING AN AFTER SCHOOL TOURNAMENT FOR BADMINTON CLOSE TO FEBRUARY BREAK.
 IN THE ART ROOM THE KILN HAS BEEN FIRED UP AGAIN…THATS NICE TO SEE!
6TH GRADERS WORKED ON ART INSPIRED BY THE ARTIST “THANKYOUX” REPEATED DESIGNS AND DIMENSIONS
 ART CLUB ALSO JOINED IN ON THE CLAY EXTRAVAGANZA FOR THE LAST PROJECT OF ART CLUB 2025…..ALL READY FOR THE KILN
 LETS CHECK IN WITH BAND AND CHORUS…..
WE HEAR THE SOUNDS IMPROVING AS THEY PRACTICE THROUGHOUT THE DAY IT WONDERFUL TO HEAR!
HERE’S THIS MESSAGE FROM DR BIANCA and MS SPIEWAKOWSKI
Band and chorus students are working very hard as they prepare for their Spring Concert. We have spent a lot of time reviewing our fundamentals and getting to know one another. We are very excited to have our band and chorus programs back and look forward to showcasing the talent of our hardworking students. Dates for our upcoming performances will be announced in January! 
MR KRAMER AND THE 7 WHITE CREATIVE DESIGN CLASS HAVE BEEN HARD AT WORK FOR OUR ANNUAL BLACK LIGHT DANCE IN FEBRUARY.. EACH YEAR THE STUDENTS CREATE, DEVELOP PROTOTYPES OF GLOW IN THE DARK LANYARD TAGS. LATER THIS MONTH OUR STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM…”STUCAL” WILL CHOOSE FROM THE DESIGNS. THE WINNING TAG WILL BE GIVEN OUT WITH EACH TICKET SOLD. THE CREATOR OF THE DESIGN WILL WIN A FREE TICKET TO THE DANCE.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNS ….
Math - Mrs. Holicker |
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This month in math, students are learning about percents and measurement conversions. They’re practicing real-world percent skills—for example, finding 25% of a number to calculate a sale price or discount—and converting between units, such as figuring out how many inches are in 16 feet. These topics help build confidence with everyday math situations while strengthening number sense. After the new year, we’ll return to the Number System to explore integers and the coordinate plane, setting students up for even more hands-on problem-solving!
Folder Cleanout - Students can recycle any worksheets from previous units (fractions, decimals, division, ratios) except for their pink and green notes pages. 🙂 Students should keep any papers about percents and measurements.
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Science - Mr. Cummings |
| Science is ending 2025 by continuing through the Six Kingdoms of life! We are assessing our knowledge of protists and fungi this upcoming week and we will move onto plants to close out the year. We have at least one lab left before we leave for vacation in which we’ll examine the cell structure of an onion and we will have another Engineering Design day! Finally, look for your information about a Cell City project next week to round out December. Our young scientists are learning a lot about the biodiversity of the world these days and it means balancing a lot of information and assignments. Please engage with them and ask them about what they are learning in Science - it can help them process what they’re learning and any expertise or curiosity you have about these topics will help them even more! |
| ELA and MATH - Ms. Kelly |
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This month in ELA we said goodbye to Roald Dahl and hello to the yellow fever! Students have started the Mysteries and Investigations unit, where they will learn to “read like an investigator” and become literary detectives in both the scientific(yellow fever) and criminal (Sherlock Homes) realms. They continue to work on grammar and spelling through their weekly Caught Ya! slide shows, as well as writing skills in their weekly journal prompts.
In Math, students are learning about all things percent! They are using double number lines and tape diagrams to help find the percent of numbers, and converting back and forth between fractions, decimals and percents. Prior to percent, students were assessed on their understanding of ratios, rates, and unit rates.
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Social Studies - Mr. Fiore |
| This month in Social Studies, we learned about the dawn of human civilizations that began in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago. Students learned how politics, economics, religion, and geography shaped human civilization in the past and how they continue to shape our world in the present day. We also explored early achievements in Mesopotamia such as writing, laws, the wheel, and the lunar calendar. After much debate, we determined laws were the most important Mesopotamian achievement. This new understanding of law will come in handy when we discuss Hammurabi’s Code in our next unit on Mesopotamian empires. |
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ELA - Ms. Hartnett |
| English classes are wrapping up the year with our Mysteries & Investigations unit, stepping into the role of real literary detectives. Students are examining evidence from historical accounts of the yellow fever investigation to determine whether the doctors involved upheld the Hippocratic Oath. They’re also practicing close-reading skills to notice investigative strategies and form their own theories. To end the calendar year, we’ll apply these skills to classic Sherlock Holmes stories, breaking down deductive observations of crime scenes and reading closely to examine how Holmes unravels each case. Through these mysteries, students will strengthen their critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning. |
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Other 6 Purple News |
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This month, 6 Purple is focusing on social-emotional wellness and helping students find strategies to use to stay energized through the winter season. Sixth graders are enjoying regular movement breaks that give them a chance to reset and build valuable self-regulation skills throughout the school day. We’re also kicking off our “Let’s Beat the Winter Blues” challenge, where students can complete self-care tasks on a bingo board for a chance to win fun prizes. These activities are designed to build healthy habits, strengthen self-regulation skills, and support students’ overall well-being. Take a look at the bingo board at home and carve out a little time to try some of the activities together!
 
“Beat the Winter Blues” Challenge & Bingo Board
   
6 Purple students enjoy playing movement break games such as Cup Stack
 6 Purple students show off their disguised turkeys and compete in the Candy Cane Games
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Science
Students in 6W recently wrapped up our Bacteria and Virus unit with the Infectious Disease Project. They showcased their understanding through creative formats such as slideshows, posters, and videos.
We’ve also been continuing to build our interactive notebooks. These notebooks now include a variety of work samples—vocabulary webs, mini labs, data tables, and more—giving students a hands-on way to track and deepen their learning.
Most recently, we’ve been exploring the Fungi & Protist Kingdoms. Students have been identifying different types of fungi, including mushrooms, and discussing the many ways fungi can be both helpful and harmful. We even started a bread experiment to see if we can grow our own mold! Additionally, students have learned to identify different types of protists and ways that they can be similar to animals, plants, or fungi.
Next up…The Plant Kingdom!
Social Studies
In Social Studies we have been studying Ancient Mesopotamia and learning all about what life was like through the GRAPES (Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, and Society). Students showed off their artistic skills and knowledge by creating a “One Pager” to show what they learned about this fascinating ancient civilization.
We are now diving deeper into Mesopotamia to learn about their empires where we will look at the structures of the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Neo-Babylonian Empires.
 ELA
Throughout our Mysteries & Investigations unit, 6W students have been learning about yellow fever. Students recently used non-fiction text characteristics and features to preview newspaper articles and then analyzed key ideas after reading the articles. They looked carefully at each source to determine if it was reliable or unreliable. They also analyzed how the structure and features of the article identified the central idea and established the mood.
In addition, we have been continuing to build upon our writing skills. In a recent assignment, students wrote a letter from the point of view of Dr. Jesse Lazear, to his wife. They had to include evidence they had gathered to describe the events that were taking place when Dr. Lazear was investigating yellow fever. We are just now beginning our next exciting unit where students will become detectives as we dive into The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
 Math
We’ve been diving into our fractions unit, where students are working on converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions. They have also been learning how to multiply and divide fractions, including whole numbers and mixed numbers.
One of our favorite lessons in this unit is Mr. Mung’s Ice Cream, which gives students the chance to apply fraction division to real-world scenarios. Students especially loved collaborating with partners on the “green dot activity,” where they practiced solving authentic fraction division problems you might encounter in an ice cream shop. They also had fun playing an interactive dice game that challenged them to create—and solve—their own fraction division problems using whiteboards.
Pics from Mr. Hague from video game club and basketball announcing…
Grade 7 students Aidan and Evan announcing and filming the NMS basketball game.
Members of the video game club enjoying some gaming on Tuesday afternoons.
7 Purple
Social Studies
This month in Social Studies, students are continuing their in-depth studies of Ancient China. The week after Thanksgiving break kicked off with an engaging, two-day in-class debate. Students were assigned either Confucianism or Legalism and argued which philosophy was more beneficial for ancient China. Students had a full class period to prepare their arguments and the debate required students to provide counterarguments and rebuttals to defend their assigned philosophy. This exercise allowed students to step into different perspectives, gaining a deeper understanding of what made these belief systems effective—or ineffective—over 2,000 years ago. The remainder of the month will be dedicated to the study of the Qin and Han Dynasties. Before the Christmas break begins, students will apply their knowledge of the Han Dynasty in a creative social media project. In this assignment, students must produce a series of fictional "Snapchats" representing the daily lives and perspectives of various social classes within Han society. Science
In Science classes, students are currently wrapping up their physical science unit on Thermal Energy. Following the end-of-unit assessment, we will transition into our next major topic: Electricity and Magnetism. In the initial phase of the new unit, students will develop a foundational understanding of key electrical concepts: how electricity is generated and moves through a circuit and the critical roles of insulators and conductors. To facilitate hands-on learning, students will actively build and experiment with various circuit systems using the classroom's Electricity Snap Circuit Kits. Students will then move into the study of magnetism where they will discover the fundamental similarities and connections between magnetic forces and electricity. This segment of the unit will include several different hands-on laboratory activities and experiments using various types of magnets.Math
Algebra classes are currently wrapping up Chapter 1, which covers Expressions and Functions. Meanwhile, Middle School Math continues to build strong number sense by working with positive and negative numbers. Students applied these core concepts in a real-life context through the recent Elevation Project.
ELA
Students in English classes have commenced a new unit focused on the classic novel A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This curriculum is designed to enhance reading comprehension skills while simultaneously providing insights into the historical context of Victorian England. The class is exploring several rich themes within the text, including the central idea that change and redemption are possible for everyone. The entire unit will conclude with a major assessment: a five-paragraph essay assigned upon students' return from winter break. This essay requires students to conduct a thorough analysis of Ebenezer Scrooge's character arc and the significant transformations he undergoes throughout the narrative.
What an exciting time of year! On Monday 12/1 all 7 White students enjoyed their Peak Day! You can read about some of the activities they enjoyed in the class sections below. Following Winter Vacation we will begin our second novel study of the year. We will be reading I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab, a twisty mystery following seventh graders who all have costly secrets but are being blackmailed by a mysterious individual threatening to expose what they’re desperate to keep hidden. There’s nothing better than a mystery or thriller on a cold winter’s day!
We have an exciting field trip in the works, so please keep an eye out for a permission slip to make its way home on January 5th. This is a brand new trip for 7 White and the team thinks this one is a real home run! If you have any questions or concerns once information is sent home, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team leader, Kristine Gonet at kgonet@norton.k12.ma.us.
On Tuesday, December 23rd 7 White will be hosting their 4th annual White Elephant gift exchange. Students will be encouraged to bring in silly inexpensive gifts for this memorable holiday tradition. Keep an eye out for fun items around the house to wrap and bring in. If you opt to purchase a gift, please do not spend more than $5-10, and remember–the sillier the better!
Our “Word of the Week” activities are still bringing some giggles to our Monday Ice periods.
Our most recent vocab terms include:
Nov 24: Gobbledygook: A word that is meaningless Students created turkeys with examples of Gobbledygook words in each feather. This activity caused a bit of a kerfuffle! Dec 1: Humbug; Something that is frustrating or useless Students identified rules/laws/or expectations that made them say “Bah, Humbug!”
Dec 8: Caricatures: A picture/drawing of someone where certain features are exaggerated for comedic effect. Students had to identify each 7 White teacher in a caricature that was made at Six Flags in 2023. Mrs. Gonet’s inability to escape her caricature remains steady.
 Social Studies
We are finishing up our unit on Ancient China and students can expect a unit test on January 7. A study guide will be made available well in advance and we will take two class periods to review after Winter Vacation! Last week students participated in their first whole-class debate where students researched the eastern philosophies of Confucianism and Legalism. After being divided into four teams, they worked to defend one philosophy and prove that theirs was the correct philosophy for political leaders to follow. This debate will help students prepare for their upcoming test, as they will be asked to compare and contrast the two philosophies in an open response.
For PEAK DAY students learned about the significance of Tibetan Prayer flags, which are a common sight in Nepal and around the Himalayan region, including the summit of Everest. When creating a flag, individuals will think about their hopes, goals, and reflections- which makes this the time between Thanksgiving and New Years a perfect time for this activity. It is believed that when the wind moves the flags the words and symbols are sent into the universe. All students reflected on what they are thankful for, goals that they have for the future, messages to family and friends, and hopes they have for the world. Our team flags will be on display until the New Year.
 ELA
Students have begun reading the play A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley; some students have even utilized their best British accents in order to make the play more fun and exciting! They are maneuvering through the acts by looking up new vocabulary terms, many associated with “old” English. In addition, they are analyzing the different elements of drama while preparing for an essay, in which each student will determine which spirit they think had the greatest influence on Ebenezer Scrooge: the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future. Students were also able to make connections with one of the words of the week during the play…“humbug” to understand why Scrooge uses it so frequently.
Science
In Science, students are wrapping their learning on Thermal Energy. Students performed a multitude of lab experiments in which they observed changes in energy and temperature, and the various ways in which heat transfers to other places or materials. We spent an entire week working through a hands-on learning experience during which students planned, constructed, and tested an insulated bottle of their own. We will be rounding out our learning of energy with electricity and magnetism as we head into the new calendar year.
PEAK Day had students learning and practicing four different climbing knots that mountaineers would use. Students were able to use rope and carabiners just like true adventurers!
Math
As 2025 comes to a close, students in Mr. Beard’s Grade 7 Math class continue to master the various concepts in the MidSchool Math Program. Currently, their focus is on “The Number System” portion of the curriculum in which students keep learning how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide both positive and negative integers. “These are wildly important concepts,” proclaims Mr. Beard, “because students need to fully comprehend how to ‘combine like terms’ and ‘isolate variables’ to accurately solve multi-step algebraic equations.”
To prepare for an upcoming assessment on the ‘Ping Pong Ball Method’ (the unique-to-NMS, Grade 7 way of grouping and separating positive and negative numbers), students in Mr. Beard’s class recently played a game called “Keys to Success.” As part of this game, Mr. Beard presented nearly fifty review problems during each of his one-hour classes. If a student answered a math problem correctly, they would receive a small brass key. By the end of the class period, each student had earned several keys. Only one of these keys, however, would open the lock on a large wooden treasure chest sitting atop Mr. Beard’s desk. The student, in each period, who ultimately unlocked the treasure chest got to keep the prizes within.
“It’s an enjoyable, hopefully attention-grabbing way, to plow through as many review problems as possible before our big quiz,” notes Mr. Beard, who promises that the fun and learning will continue in Grade 7 Math when students return to NMS on January .
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Dear 8 Purple Families,
Students and staff are eagerly awaiting break, but we have lots of important work to do before we go on vacation! Term 2 is underway and positive energy fills the unit. For students who did well in term 1, we expect their effort, routines, and consistency to continue through term 2. For those looking for a fresh start, the beginning of term 2 provides a much needed clean slate. Teachers look forward to seeing all students grow this term!
As a matter of housekeeping, please ask your students to look through the lost and found on the unit. We have an abundance of clothing, bottles, lunch bags, and more that need to go home or they will eventually be donated.
 Thank you and have a wonderful winter break!
Math classes completed an assessment for the first part of their expressions and equations unit. Real world connections were abound in lessons such as, “Malaria Medicine” in which students had to determine how many times greater the number of malaria cells in a typical human is than an affected mouse in order to find the correct dose of medicine to cure a human.
Science
Students took their chemical reactions unit test on December 11th. Leading up to the test, students completed several hands-on labs to practice applying their knowledge. Perhaps their favorite lab (or least favorite!) involved beef liver to observe how catalysts work.
Social Studies
Civics students have been examining our Constitution in great detail. Students are gaining a better understanding of how the Constitution is organized and will be analyzing both the preamble and articles throughout the unit.
English Language Arts
English classes began their Liberty and Equality unit in Amplify. Now that students have a solid understanding of the Declaration of Independence, they will be challenged to think about what is meant by the phrase “all men are created equal”. Students will analyze the writings of both famous and lesser-known Americans who debated this notion back in the 1800s.
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Just before Thanksgiving Team 8 White had our first round of PBIS drawings. All through November students earned tickets for positive behaviors and chose which Piggy Bank Raffle they wanted to enter. November winners received four large prizes and multiple smaller prizes. Brand new prizes are available for December.
 English Language Arts:
Math: Some Math classes used m&m’s to investigate and model exponential functions. Data was collected and will be used to create graphs and equations. All classes will continue to explore connections between equations and graphs as we move into the new year.
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Vincent Hayward | Principal
Norton Middle School | 215 West Main Street | Norton, MA 02766
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LEARN | EXCEL | ACHIEVE | DREAM
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.
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