Norton Middle School students recently enjoyed our Smoothie Bike Event, and it was a huge hit! Students powered a bike-driven blender to create fresh fruit smoothies while learning about healthy food choices, the importance of staying active, and how movement fuels our bodies. This fun, hands-on experience was made possible through our partnership with Chartwells. All students were able to enjoy free smoothie samples during lunch, adding to the excitement. Smiles, smoothies, and lots of pedaling made for an engaging and memorable way to promote wellness at NMS!
In February Chartwells gave students samples of two different chill recipes. Students got to vote on which one would be served at NMS in the future.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Thanks to our Student Council for creating this bulletin board recognizing and celebrating Officer Robichaud and all Law Enforcement officers Nationwide
Celebrating Black History Month at NMS
This February, our school is proud to honor the rich legacy, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. Our halls and classrooms are highlighting activities designed to inspire our students and deepen their understanding of history.
Black History Month comes to life:
In the Library: We have curated a special "Brave Voices, Bold Stories" display near the library entrance. It features a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles that highlight Black excellence. We encourage students to stop by, browse, and check out a title of interest. Visual Inspiration: Keep an eye out for our new bulletin boards across the different units. These displays celebrate both historical icons and contemporary trailblazers, turning our hallways into a gallery of achievement. Morning Stories: We are starting each day with "Legacy Lessons" during our morning announcements. Students are hearing stories of influential Black Americans—from scientists to civil rights leaders and discussing the values of perseverance, courage, and innovation they represent. Integrated Learning: Our commitment goes beyond a single month. Teachers intentionally weave the contributions of Black Americans into their daily curriculum, ensuring that these vital perspectives are a natural part of our instruction.
Norton High School Students talk to NMS students about Bullying and ways to create a positive school culture
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Norton Middle School student Charlie Kennedy has taken his interests and talents and turned them into something really impressive. Charlie publishes a monthly local newsletter, The Norton Outdoorsman, which covers all things outdoors right here in Norton. This wasn’t an assignment or a class project. It was driven entirely by his own curiosity and initiative.
I was truly impressed by Charlie’s work and creativity and proud of the effort he put into bringing this idea to life. It’s a great example of what can happen when students follow their interests and take ownership of their learning.
You can check out The Norton Outdoorsman using the link below.
Norton Outdoorsman
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Recognized by their teachers for being great examples of how Lancers LEAD!
   
Curriculum = Welcome to Middle School |
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NMS Wrestling
We want to recognize the hard work, commitment, and grit shown by our Norton Middle School wrestling team this season. Wrestling is not an easy sport it demands discipline, toughness, and perseverance and this group shows up every day ready to put in the work.
Congratulations to Erykah Bratton, Finn Robles, Hunter Allen, Aidan Connors-Danforth, Trevor Cooper, Carter DeMartin, and Sophie O’Donnell. Whether on the mat, at practice, or supporting one another as teammates, you exemplified determination and resilience.
Way to go, Lancers!
 Student Spotlight – Perseverance on and off the Court
We want to recognize Nina Worthey and Jackson Rose, two grade 8 students who have been members of the NMS varsity basketball team for all three years of middle school. Earning a spot on a varsity team as a sixth grader is no easy feat, and sustaining that commitment year after year speaks volumes about their perseverance, work ethic, and consistency. Throughout their time at NMS, both Nina and Jackson have successfully balanced the demands of athletics and academics, something that deserves to be recognized and celebrated! We are proud of their dedication and the example they have set for others.
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NMS Boys Basketball (2025-2026) Record: 7-10
8th Graders: Josh Massih, Andrew Moore, Freddie Nowosielski, Chris Oakley, Drew Pendergast, Cam Perry, Jackson Rose, Noah Stark
The NMS Boys Basketball season this year can definitely be characterized by hard work and never giving up. The Lancers started the season by losing their first 4 games including a couple of tough losses against good opponents. From there the Lancers continued to work hard and play to the best of their ability. Their hard work was rewarded with 5 straight victories in which the Lancers played great team basketball. The team then lost a few more close games but again, they never gave up and were never truly out of a game until the final buzzer sounded. The standout moment of the season came late in the year against Case Middle School and it painted a perfect picture of the season as a whole. The Lancers trailed by 21 points at the half but once again never gave up and continued to believe in themselves and each other. By the start of the 4th quarter the team had cut the deficit to just 10 points and kept playing their hardest. With just 2 seconds left in the game the Lancers had a chance to win the game and Drew Pendergast banked in the game winning shot at the buzzer. The team was led by 8th graders; Josh Massih, Andrew Moore, Freddie Nowosielski, Chris Oakley, Drew Pendergast, Cam Perry, Jackson Rose, and Noah Stark.
NMS Girls Basketball - What a Great Season!
The NMS Girls Basketball Team finished the season with a record of 12 wins and 4 losses. The Lancers ended on a 5 game win streak to close out the season. Big wins over Bridgewater, Seekonk, Raynham, and Rehoboth rounded out the year for the Lancers. The team was comprised of 14 student athletes - five of which are 6th grade students (Payton O’Connell, Bella Fram, Leighton Collins, Madelyn Slattery, and Kinley Joshnson)., two 7th grade students (Kylie Irish and Nora Crossman), and seven 8th graders (Kaitlin Arduino, Lilly Castro, Luci Keaney, Gia Masone, Ellie McClellan, Meghan Tangney, and Nina Worthley). A special thank you and shout to that 8th grade group of players for another fantastic season and their continued hardwork on and off the court, as well as being great role models and peer mentors for our younger group of players. We look forward to them excelling at the next level. Thanks for a great season.
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Grade 8 Student-Athletes Competing at Norton High School
We’re proud to recognize several of our Grade 8 students who are already competing on Norton High School athletic teams this season.
Ice Hockey: Ashden Stokinger and Emma Homer Gymnastics: Ella Mirka, Emily Johansen, Gemma Croce, and Madison Karcher Swimming: Luke Kenney, Thomas Kenney, Isabella Banning, and Heather Dunk Wrestling: TJ McIntyre
We take great pride in these student-athletes and are excited to see them doing so well as they take advantage of this opportunity. Way to represent!
NMS Rubik’s Cube Club
From jack-o’-lanterns and Veteran’s Day soldiers to “Home Alone” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, the NMS Rubik’s Cube Club has created several awe-inspiring murals this school year. However, their latest creation might just earn this unique club worldwide attention!
Now on display in the NMS rotunda, the newest mural unveiled by the NMS Rubik’s Cube Club is of Coy Wire, anchorperson for CNN10 News. This 10-minute weekday broadcast – seen around the globe, including in NMS classrooms – is aimed at giving middle and high school students a daily dose of current events.
“Our plan is to send Coy Wire a picture of our mural of him,” explains NMS Rubik’s Cube Club member Evan F., “and then hopefully have him show it on the air and give Norton Middle School a big shout-out!”
Even if NMS is never mentioned by Coy Wire in a CNN10 broadcast, Rubik’s Cube Club members readily admit that they still had a fantastic time creating this extraordinary and challenging work of art.
Next up for the Rubik’s Cube Club? Not one, but two distinct 600-cube murals themed around the NMS Drama Program’s upcoming production of “Alice in Wonderland.”
 NMS Drama Program
The Norton Middle School Drama Program has been buzzing with activity as their preseason (script decisions as well as planning, informational, and kick-off meetings) recently concluded and the curtain has gone up on their exciting production season. During the third week of January, the extensive NMS Drama Program audition process took place over the course of three separate afternoons and early evenings.
Co-directors Mrs. Holicker and Mr. Beard (who have cooperatively helmed this popular theatrical organization since 2012), both admit that this process is intentionally thorough yet not meant to cause those trying-out any unnecessary stress. Auditions allow the NMS Drama Program directors to see a metaphoric snapshot of their would-be actors and how they perform up on the stage. Yet, with nearly one-hundred sixth, seventh, and eighth graders seeking a role in this season’s “Alice in Wonderland”, it’s impressive to note that Norton Middle School boasts a unique theatre program in which every member earns an on-stage role!
“The talent, dedication, and courage of our student performers never ceases to amaze me,” Mrs. Holicker noted, “as does the commitment from our high school volunteers – all NMS Drama Program alumni – who show up every season to help out.”
Following auditions, Mrs. Holicker and Mr. Beard gathered alongside longtime Choreography Director Mrs. Treannie for an intensive five-hour casting meeting, which, given the deep pool of talent witnessed during auditions, was no small task. Each role was carefully considered, with thoughtful discussion around vocal and acting strengths, character-to-character fit, and overall opportunities for student growth. “Our casting goal is always to create the strongest possible show while ensuring a meaningful experience for every performer involved,” explained Mr. Beard.
The official “Alice in Wonderland” Cast List was posted – outside of the NMS Library – before school on Monday, February 2, and the excitement in the halls was immediate. NMS Drama Program members handled the news with maturity and enthusiasm. “We are so incredibly proud of how they supported one another through this milestone moment,” acknowledged Mrs. Holicker. “We saw lots of students,” Mr. Beard added, “patting each other on the back and giving each other high-fives in the hallway. It was so awesome.”
In the week leading up to February vacation, the “Alice in Wonderland” cast officially met for a comprehensive table read, giving NMS Drama Program members their first opportunity to hear the script aloud as a full ensemble.
Once February vacation ends, actors and directors alike will hit the ground running as “Alice in Wonderland” starts to come to life. Rehearsals and blocking will begin immediately, and the pace will pick up – over the coming weeks and months – as NMS student performers start mastering step sequences, staging, movement, and scene work.
“Alice in Wonderland” will premiere in the NMS Theatre – for five afternoon and evening performances – in late May.
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C WING HIGHLIGHTS
FEBRUARY 2026
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SPECIALS HAVE HAS ENTERED THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR…WOW HOW TIME FLIES! 7 PURPLE WILL FINISH OFF THE YEAR WITH PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND CREATIVE DESIGN. WHILE 7 WHITE WILL GET ART, MUSIC AND TECH ED.
 WE HAVE HAD SOME EXCITING EVENTS IN THE GYM IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. PICKLE BALL AND MOST RECENTLY MR BRITO TAUGHT THEM ULTIMATE FOOTBALL. WE WITNESS SOME AMAZING TOUCH DOWN CATCHES AS WELL AS EXCELLENT DEFENSIVE PLAYS. WE LOVE SEEING THE STUDENTS ENGAGE IN NEW GAMES. MR BRITO IS PLANNING AN AFTER SCHOOL BADMINTON TOURNAMENT AFTER VACATION SO KEEP A LOOK OUT, THATS ALWAYS A GREAT TIME
6th Grade Art made winter themed watercolor resist paintings. Students learned different oil pastel techniques to shade a 3D snowman, giving it form. They learned to blend multiple colors together for the snowflakes. When finished, the student went over the entire oil pastel drawing with watercolor paint, realizing that oil and water do not mix.
TECH ED IS A HAPPENING PLACE FOR 8TH GRADE THIS SESSION
 With the additional days added to the 8th grade specials schedule this year, the Technology Education program now has the opportunity to combine basic woodworking with state-of-the-art laser technology. Students first learn the foundational skills needed to safely measure, cut, and assemble the parts required to create a phone stand. Once construction is complete, students then learn how to customize their projects using a 40-watt diode laser. They are introduced to importing vector graphics and designing within a limited workspace to produce detailed, creative engravings. Some examples are below.
We would like to thank Norton Media for providing the funding for the laser last year for the STEM program. Although NMS had to discontinue the STEM program, the laser has now been successfully incorporated into the Technology Education curriculum, allowing students to continue benefiting from this advanced technology.
LETS CHECK IN WITH BAND AND CHORUS…..
We enjoyed showing our skills during the holiday to our peers and teachers. It was a fun dress rehearsal for May. Since coming back from winter break, the chorus has been working incredibly hard on refining the pieces, and learning a new piece of music enhancing our learning and ultimately our audience's experience. Our seventh and eighth grade combined chorus is attempting a piece with 4-part harmony- which is no easy feat! We are getting amped up for our concert in May, and we hope to see you there!
 Please check out our latest NMS News Broadcast https://youtu.be/6HQWD9_RbWo
If your students are interested in hosting the news, it is open to all students; they just need to reach out to Mr Kramer….everything is pre recorded so the kids get plenty of practice before taping. It has been great seeing NEW faces in the broadcast booth!
Math - Mrs. Holicker |
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Since returning from December break, 6P math students have been working through the final strand of the Number System, focusing on integers and the coordinate plane. Students have learned how positive and negative numbers can represent real-world situations, how to find and plot points on the coordinate plane, and how to use opposites and absolute value to understand number relationships. We’ve also practiced comparing integers to strengthen number sense and reasoning skills.
After February break, we’ll build on this work by combining our understanding of the number system with a review of geometry. Students will apply these skills to find the area and perimeter of shapes on the coordinate plane, connecting algebraic thinking with geometric concepts in meaningful ways.
Folder Cleanout - Students can recycle any worksheets except for their pink and green notes pages. 🙂
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Science - Mr. Cummings |
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January and February are exciting and interesting days in Science! We came back from the winter break amidst our exploration of the Kingdoms of Life and spent some time learning about ourselves and the rest of the Animal Kingdom. We closed off this unit with an engaging project about animal adaptations: Adaptation Island! The students designed and created 3D models of imagined organisms with the combined adaptations of two real-world organisms. The students of 6P are so creative and inventive - our classroom is still crawling with Amoebic Yeti Crabs, Prickly Pear Horseshoe Crabs, Cacti Tortoises, and Thorned Rose Butterflies! I hope everyone enjoyed creating their creatures at home during our snowy weather last week!
Leading into February break, we will be transitioning to Body Systems. Students created a small study booklet this week covering the main systems of the human body and we will explore how the circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, and others work together to make our bodies function. Be sure to ask your children about the labs and models we use in class!
We are plugging along with our interactive notebooks! Check in with your child and ask them how they are managing and maintaining their notebooks. Some could use some extra TLC or a fresh start as we begin the back half of the year. If you are interested in supporting the notebooks more, we can always use extra glue sticks in the Science Lab!
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| ELA and MATH - Ms. Kelly |
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After the new year, students in ELA finished The Secret of the Yellow Death, where they uncovered how Walter Read and his team of doctors determined that mosquitos were the culprits behind the spread of the deadly yellow fever. Currently, we are nearing the end of The Speckled Band, a “whodunnit” story in the world of Sherlock Holmes. On the horizon, after February break, is a novel called The Giver by Lois Lowry.
In Math, students are in the Number System unit, and currently adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals. From there, students will dive into all things integer, exploring positive and negative numbers, as well graphing on 4 quadrant coordinate planes.
Students on our unit are allowed to have snacks during 2nd period to help sustain them until lunch time. Mrs. N and myself provide snacks for students that don’t bring one, or are extra hungry, and let’s just say, we have some EXTREMELY hungry caterpillars! Any snack donations - pretzels, goldfish, etc. - are always welcome, as well as tissues or sanitizing wipes to help minimize the spread of germs.
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Social Studies - Mr. Fiore |
As we approach the February break, we are officially "wrapping up" our deep dive into the land of the Pharaohs with the most anticipated event of the term: The Great Mummification Reveal. For the past several weeks, our 6th-grade "embalmers" have been testing the science of the ancient world. Groups mummified a fresh apple using our DIY "Natron" (a proprietary blend of salt and baking soda). After patiently waiting for two long weeks, the day has arrived and tomorrow our hard work will be uncovered!
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ELA - Ms. Hartnett |
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Since returning from the break, 6 Purple students have begun their first novel unit, The Giver by Lois Lowry, practicing active reading strategies to engage more deeply with the text. We are exploring the dystopian genre while analyzing character development, plot, and themes such as individuality, choice, and memory through lively class discussions. Students are just a few chapters away from finishing the novel. Next, they will begin a literary analysis essay, in which they will evaluate the most important qualities needed to be the Receiver of Memory. This essay will challenge students to form a clear claim, use strong text evidence, and explain their thinking in an organized and thoughtful way.
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Science
In Science, we have begun our study of the Animal Kingdom! Students created a brand-new organism by selecting two different species and combining them into one unique creature—and they look awesome! As part of this process, students practiced measurement skills by making homemade dough to build models of their organisms.
This work is part of our Adaptation Island Project, where the island will experience a series of natural disasters and environmental conditions. Students will determine whether their newly designed organisms can adapt and survive these challenges. Additionally, students read articles about different animals and completed a One Pager to summarize and display what they learned.
 
Social Studies
6-White students recently explored the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt, learning about topics such as mummification, powerful Egyptian pharaohs, the geography of Egypt, and much more! Students showcased their understanding through a fun and creative art project by designing their own pharaoh “trading cards.” Throughout the unit, a key focus was understanding the vital role of the Nile River and why it was so important to the success of Ancient Egyptian civilization.
 ELA
We are diving into our Greek Mythology unit in ELA, where students will explore three engaging sub-units: Prometheus, Odysseus, and Arachne. Throughout these lessons, students will read, discuss, and interpret a variety of myths while developing their analytical skills. They will also complete short writing assignments in which they defend their claims by citing strong text evidence.
In addition, students participated in an online interactive quest called Myth World, where they explored a wide range of Greek mythological characters and deepened their understanding through an engaging experience.
 Math
In math class, 6-White students have been learning about statistical data. Students can now find the mean, median, mode, and range of a given set of numbers, and they have also learned how to determine whether a question is statistical or not.
Recently, students participated in a fun movement-based activity where they worked together as a fictional “family,” using the ages of each family member as a data value. Through collaboration, students calculated measures of central tendency in an interactive and engaging way. Next, students will explore different ways to display data, including creating frequency tables and dot plots.
PBIS- Students continue to earn tickets for expected classroom and hallway behaviors. Here is a photo from our recent Friday Raffle! Lately, we are focusing on being responsible by coming to class prepared, being a positive participant, and keeping classroom and hallway spaces clean!
Students on 6W are celebrating Black History Month throughout February! During the week we return from break, students will come together in the library for a cross-curricular project that connects science and social studies.
English: In our English classes this month, students are making a fascinating transition from mastering the mechanics of comma rules to exploring the frontiers of Brain Science. Using John Fleischman’s Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science as their primary text from Amplify, students are investigating the famous 19th-century railroad accident that changed medicine forever. By analyzing Gage’s behavior before and after his injury, the class is bridging the gap between narrative storytelling and scientific inquiry. This unit challenges students to use evidence-based reasoning to support or challenge early theories on brain localization, strengthening their skills in analysis and explanatory writing. As we look toward the end of February, we will honor Black History Month by shifting our focus to thematic analysis, exploring the rich works of celebrated authors Langston Hughes and Walter Dean Myers.
Science: This month in Science, our students are becoming geological detectives as we kick off our exciting unit on Weathering and Erosion! We are exploring the powerful forces that have sculpted Earth’s landforms over millions of years through a series of hands-on investigations. Highlights include creating miniature glaciers to witness how moving ice carves into the Earth's surface and conducting labs to see firsthand how rocks break down over time. In addition to studying the landscape, students will learn to identify different rock types and uncover the unique stories of how they formed. It is wonderful to see the students’ curiosity ignite as they discover that the world beneath their feet is constantly changing!
Math: Our students are about to embark on an exciting multidisciplinary journey as they transition from their recent math units into a hands-on project: The Polynesian Adventure. Having just mastered Number Sense in Math and Linear Equations in Algebra, students will now apply these skills to a real-world challenge—designing an affordable and culturally immersive trip across the Polynesian Islands. This project bridges the gap between the classroom and the world, requiring students to use algebraic modeling to compare travel costs while diving deep into Social Studies to explore the geography, history, and traditions of the Pacific. We look forward to seeing our students become expert navigators as they balance their budgets and discover the rich heritage of this incredible region! Social Studies: This month, students are embarking on an expansive journey through both geography and history, beginning with a mini-unit on Oceania. They will explore the rich heritage of the Aboriginal peoples, the Māori, and the incredible navigation feats of Polynesian wayfinders, culminating in a cross-curricular project where they will design an informational travel journal and manage a travel budget for four different islands. In honor of Black History Month, our studies will also turn toward the American South and the fight for educational equity. By examining the courage of Barbara Johns and other pivotal African American leaders, students will learn how youth-led activism helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement, connecting global cultural appreciation with a deep understanding of the pursuit of justice closer to home
Team 7 White Updates
The second half of the school year is here! We have so many things to look forward to here on 7 White! Keep an eye out for ANOTHER surprise after February vacation!
Social Studies
In Social Studies we have moved on to our unit on Australia & Polynesia. The highlight of this mini unit is a cross curricular project that combines student’s math and social studies classes. For this award winning project, students will be planning a fictional vacation to at least three Polynesian islands. Students will write journal entries highlighting what they’ve learned about the history and culture of each individual island. What’s the catch? Like all responsible world travelers…they have to stick to a budget! Each student will win the “lottery” and be given a limit for this wonderful vacation–up to $50k! They have to account for all of their spending which includes travel arrangements, accommodations, food, and excursions. Mr. Beard and Mrs. Gonet apologize in advance for the abundance of travel themed advertisements that will be dominating everyone’s algorithm for the foreseeable future. Bon Voyage kids!
 Math
Despite the fact that the Norton-area temperatures have been cold outside in recent weeks, the learning is continuing to heat up in Mr. Beard’s Grade 7 Math class with the MidSchool Math Program.
Most recently, students completed a major assessment on The Number System, a unit that challenged them to apply their understanding of positive and negative integers, fractions, rational numbers, and real-world problem solving. After February vacation, the class will shift gears and begin the Equations and Expressions unit of study, where 7 White students will build on prior knowledge to write, simplify, and solve algebraic expressions and multi-step equations.
The week leading up to February vacation was especially memorable. The wall between Mr. Beard’s Math classroom and Mrs. Gonet’s Social Studies classroom was removed, creating a shared learning space for the Team 7 White students. Together, students worked on the Polynesian Travel Journal and Expenses Project, an interdisciplinary experience blending math, history, geography, and creativity. Students calculated travel costs, tracked expenses, and documented their journeys while learning about Polynesian exploration and culture. This innovative project has a strong legacy, earning Mr. Beard and Mrs. Gonet a creative-teaching award from the New England League of Middle Schools two years ago.
Throughout February thus far, Mr. Beard’s class has also been honoring Black History Month. Many classes begin with a short three-to-four-minute video biography highlighting notable figures such as John Urschel, Jackie Robinson, and Barack Obama. These moments encourage reflection, spark brief discussions, and connect learning in Mr. Beard’s Math class to perseverance, leadership, and real-world impact.
 ELA
7W ELA Poetry Unit is quickly coming to a close. Students have read and analyzed many different types of poems and learned to identify and analyze approximately twenty different poetic devices! They will be composing their own poems in a poetry project after vacation, and they will be applying various devices into their poems. After this unit, students will focus on a brain science unit in which they will learn about Phineas Gage on AMPLIFY before heading into the favorite The Outsiders unit later in March.Science
January was all about water in Science! Students revisited their working knowledge of the Water Cycle (and the Water Cycle Song!), linking their learning about thermal energy earlier this school year to the phase changes that are witnessed in its stages. There were a record number of hands-on lab activities for students to deepen their understanding of where on Earth water is found, in what quantities, and how it moves across and under ground. Students built their own “Aquifer in a Cup” to visualize how water can sit below Earth’s surface in large amounts, and in lieu of a standard test, students created their own creative diagram of the “Water Cycle 2.0” on posters. Next up: ROCKS! We will explore how the material that makes up our planet is shaped, changed, and moved.
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Dear 8 Purple families,
As February vacation approaches, we are all looking forward to a well deserved break! This time is also a good opportunity to remind students about the importance of consistent academic habits as we move toward the end of the term. Grades for Term 2 will officially close on March 12th. To ensure a strong finish, please encourage your 8th grader to maintain a routine of nightly review, make the most of ICE time, and attend extra help sessions when needed.
English: Our Liberty & Equality unit is concluding with "The Emancipation Project." This project aims to deepen students' understanding of the power of reading by approaching it in two significant ways:
As Detective Work: Students learn to analyze a text for existing clues and critically consider what information may have been omitted. As Liberation: Students explore how figures like Frederick Douglass viewed the ability to write and have their stories read as essential to freedom.
Through this work, students transform from passive readers into active witnesses, ensuring that important historical narratives are not forgotten. This unit ties directly into Black History Month by centering the narratives and intellectual contributions of key African American historical figures, emphasizing the transformative role of literacy in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Civics: Students recently wrapped up their study of the American Civil War. Students demonstrated strong analytical skills in examining the causes, key battles, and lasting impact of the conflict. Transitioning from the national historical perspective, we are now launching into an in-depth study of our Massachusetts state government. This new unit will focus on the structure and function of each branch of state government, highlight the roles of key leaders, and define citizens' responsibilities at the state level. To provide a real world perspective, we are excited to welcome a Massachusetts judge who will speak to the 8th grade to offer students unique insight into the inner workings of the court system.
Science: Our students are currently immersed in the study of DNA and genetics. As in many of our units, mastering the specialized vocabulary of DNA, such as nucleotides, nitrogenous bases, and helix, is proving to be a lot like learning a new language. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding connections to our heredity unit. Students recently completed a highly engaging lab where they extracted DNA from strawberries, which allowed them to physically view the complex genetic material under a microscope, offering a memorable, hands-on connection to the concepts they are studying.
Math: Students are continuing their Expressions and Equations unit. A review of prerequisite skills, particularly focusing on operations with fractions and decimals was beneficial. Currently, are learning strategies for solving equations and inequalities that feature more than one term in the numerator and/or negative coefficients. To succeed in this challenging material, it is imperative that students review their class notes and take advantage of additional practice problems. Simply completing the assigned homework, without continued review and analyzing mistakes, may not be sufficient to master the skills needed for the upcoming assessment.
PBIS Give Away Days
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Students in Ms. Jenkins’ civics class interviewed teachers and students around the building asking them "what does it mean to be an American?" Students got a variety of answers, positive and negative, and used those to consider their own identity as Americans. This will help students as we further dive into the rights and responsibilities of all people living in America. Huge thank you to all of the staff and students who participated!
 Math - Classes traveled through tropical islands for their recent project. They showcased linear graphing skills. There were many creative journal entries and visuals. Recently the focus has shifted to solving equations, a foundation skill for all levels of high school math.
 English classes will be concluding their work on Frankenstein soon. This has been the platform for many lessons and skills. The students enjoyed the recent debates in class and will be asked to answer the question, “Is the creature actually human?” Don’t forget, the second installment of Independent Reading Projects (IRPs) are due before February Vacation! 
Science - Students brushed the surface of macromolecules, their monomer parts, and their forms and functions. We discussed the connections between photosynthesis and cell respiration as they pertain to carbohydrates, specifically monosaccharides, like Glucose. A webquest highlighted the uses of macromolecules in everyday life or organisms. Together, we created a Mind Map relating concepts of the curriculum from chemistry to biology, and the students created foldables to assist in concept acquisition.
February marks the official shift into Biology. Students have read through their text, isolating academic vocabulary, and they began working on their Unit Projects by creating a Vocabulary Memory Tool of their choice. We then reviewed topics of structural components of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). Students isolated nucleotide monomers, linking appropriate nitrogenous bases to make a 2D model of a strand of DNA, focusing on how bases pair, what the parts of the nucleotides are, and the antiparallel structure of the DNA molecule.
After engaging in research on the structure and function of DNA, we used a variety of materials including texts, vetted websites, and AI tutoring bots, demonstrating not only how to properly utilize AI not to think for us, but to assist us in our own thought as well as their ability to find reliable, factual information on the internet. This research allowed the creation of a 3D model of a portion of DNA. Our models will be used to demonstrate replication in future activities.
8W Team News - The December “Pig Raffles” again gave students earning tickets for positive behaviors chances to win prizes. This month students won Target gift cards, bluetooth speakers, sketch books and “Mystery Bag” full of smaller prizes.
 In our ongoing CharacterStrong curriculum, students are focusing on respect this month. In our first lesson on the topic, students considered several quotes from historical and/ or influential people and collaborated in a thoughtful discussion of which quotes students resonated with most. “I’m not concerned with you liking or disliking me, all I ask is that you respect me as a human being,” a quote from legend Jackie Robinson, was an overwhelming favorite amongst students. In our next lesson, students will consider times in their school day that could be more unstructured or chaotic, and will analyze how they or others may be feeling in those moments. We will brainstorm how students can both initiate and respond with respect when certain scenarios present themselves, either expected, or not.
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
Norton Middle School Site Council Norton Middle School is seeking parents and guardians who are interested in learning more about, or joining, the Principal’s Site Council. The Site Council plays an important role in shaping the big-picture direction of NMS, with a primary focus on developing and refining our School Improvement Plan. This year, our work includes aligning that plan with the new District Strategic Plan.
The Site Council meets monthly, typically on the second Thursday of each month, immediately following the Parent Board Meeting (approximately 6:45 p.m.). Family perspectives are an important part of this work, and your voice would be a valuable addition to the conversation.
If you are interested in joining the Principal’s Site Council or would simply like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to me directly. vincenthayward@norton.k12.ma.us
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