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Norton Middle School

Learn. Grow. Achieve.

Superintendent's Newsletter 9.18.2026

Posted Date: 09/18/26 (01:36 PM)


Photographs of the front entrances of the five NPS school buildings.

Family Newsletter

September 18, 2026

Superintendent’s Message

It has been wonderful to see our schools come to life over the first few weeks of the year! Our Curriculum and Meet the Teacher Nights have been very well attended so far and have provided great opportunities to connect with families, welcome you into our schools, and share our continued focus on high-quality teaching and learning. I have also enjoyed visiting classrooms across the district and seeing our students engaged, learning, and settling into their routines.

This week, I began my annual school residencies at LGN. Each year, I spend a full day in each of our five schools so I can experience the school day alongside our students and staff. From morning arrival and classroom learning to lunch, recess, and everything in between, these days give me an opportunity to connect with students and staff and see firsthand the great work happening in our classrooms. As Superintendent, this helps me to better understand the day-to-day experiences in each of our schools. I look forward to continuing these visits throughout the fall!
____________________
Dr. Jennifer O'Neill  
joneill@norton.k12.ma.us
@joneill727 
Students playing on a playground swing.
Group of students posing in front of bulletin board about random acts of kindness.
 

Parking Lot Safety

As we settle into our school-year routines, I want to share an important reminder about safety during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. These are busy times at all of our schools, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as students, buses, and vehicles move through our campuses.

Please follow the established traffic patterns at your child’s school and the directions of staff members assisting with arrival and dismissal. Most importantly, please do not drive around or pass other vehicles that are stopped in the drop-off or pick-up line. A stopped vehicle may be allowing a student to enter or exit, and driving around it can create a serious safety risk for students and staff.

We know that arrival and dismissal can sometimes take a few extra minutes, particularly during the first weeks of school. Thank you for slowing down, remaining patient, and helping us keep everyone safe. A few extra minutes is always worth the safety of our students and staff.
 

MCAS Family Portal – Results Coming Soon

The MCAS Family Portal is now open, giving families online access to their child’s MCAS results. Final results from the Spring 2026 MCAS assessments are expected to be posted by the end of next week. Families can also view results from previous years (2023–2025), when available.

Families who have not yet created an account can visit the MCAS Family Portal. You will need your child’s registration code, which was provided in the letter sent home this summer, and your child’s date of birth to create an account.

Additional instructions and step-by-step guides are available on the DESE MCAS Family Portal webpage. If you need assistance accessing your child’s results, please reach out to your child’s school.
 

Upcoming Events

September 23rd 
  • School Committee Meeting
September 24th 
  • NMS Meet the Teachers Night
September 30th 
  • Districtwide Early Release/Professional Development
October 2nd
  • Norton High School Term I Warning Notices
October 7th
  • School Committee Meeting
October 12th
  • Schools Closed
October 16th
  • Norton Middle School Term I Progress Reports
October 19th
  • Fall Town Meeting
October 21st
  • Elementary Conferences
October 22nd
  • Elementary Early Release/Conferences
October 28th
  • Districtwide Early Release/Professional Development
  • School Committee Meeting
 

Virtual Backpack

Explore here to find e-flyers on events, offerings and more in our community. To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us.
 
Mission, vision, and core values statements with NPS logo. Mission: Prepare future-ready students with skills, confidence, and character. Vision: In partnership with families and the community, NPS will create a safe and supportive learning environment where every student is valued, challenged, and supported to reach their full potential. Core Value: Curiosity and Growth - We believe learning never stops. Students and staff ask questions, take risks, reflect, and grow every day. Value 2: High Expectations - We challenge ourselves and each other to do our best work. We listen, collaborate, and continuously improve. Value 3: Respect and Care - Every student and staff member is seen, heard, valued, and supported. We build respectful and caring schools where everyone matters.

09.18.2026