NMS Start of the New School Year

Dear NMS families, 

The First Day of School for students is Tuesday, September 3rd.

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 2024/2025 Team and Homeroom Assignments: Students can now access their schedule through the Google Login 

PowerSchool Information for NPS Students

PowerSchool is our new student information system where students in grades 6-12 will be able to check schedules, class assignments, and grades. This system replaces Schoolbrains and we feel it will provide a more robust platform that will better meet the needs of Norton’s students, staff, and families. 

The community portal is linked here. Please click "Student Sign In.” You will be prompted to sign in with your school Google account and then you will have access to view your schedule. If you are accessing from your school issued Chromebook, you will automatically be logged in but may be asked to authorize PowerSchool.

Mobile Apps are also available. Links are below as well as images that show you how to add the Mobile App to your personal cell phone. 

Download the Apple Mobile App         Download the Android Mobile App

District Code: NNWL

→If you do not remember your school Google username or password, you may request assistance from the NPS tech department or your school guidance counselor. If for whatever reason a student can not access their schedule upon arriving they should just go to the main office and we can direct them to their homeroom. 

NMS 2024/2025 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. 

Food Services Page - Menus

Lifetouch Picture Day: Fall Picture Day is Monday September 9th. Flyers and information will be sent home with students.

Norton Middle School 2024/2025 Handbook: An additional email covering the key points and changes will follow soon. 

Norton Middle School 2024/2025 Student Handbook 

Cell Phones at Norton Middle School - This has been the policy and practices for numerous years.  Please review this with your child - Thank you.

In our experience constant access to cell phones has a detrimental impact on teaching and learning. Therefore NMS students are required to keep their cell phones in their lockers. If you urgently need to contact your child please call the main office ( 508-285-0140). Please note there are exceptions being made for some students with documented diabetic/medical reasons cleared through the school nurse or guidance department. 

Under my direction and with my support the teacher has not only the authority, but the responsibility, to address student behaviors that interfere with their teaching or the learning of any child. All middle schools need behavior expectations to effectively run and foster an environment conducive to teaching and learning. Below is our policy as stated in the student handbook. 

Please review this with your child prior to the start of school so they are aware of this expectation. We acknowledge that initially and until they get their locker assignment students will have their phone on them. At that time we ask that it is off and out of sight / in their backpack. 

We understand that this is a vital communication tool for families with adolescent children.  After school has ended and at dismissal students are free to use their cell phones in the building. 

Thank you for your help and support. We really appreciate it and believe this will improve our school and outcomes for all of the kids.

Progressive discipline processes, shall be designed to create the expectation that the degree of discipline will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior leading to the discipline, that the previous discipline history of the student being disciplined and other relevant factors will be taken into account, and that all due process procedures required by federal and state law will be followed

* All consequences less than suspension are not appealable. The  Assistant Principal or  Dean of Students’ decisions are final.  

** Failure to serve a consequence or refusal by the student or parent will result in progressive discipline which may eventually lead to an in school suspension or social suspension through the following school term. 

Course Offerings and Schedule:

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 2024 / 2025: 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: I challenge students to LEAD 365 days a year.

Be Kind – Be Respectful – Be Responsible – Be Better 

Lead Excel Achieve Dream 

Follow the hashtag #NMSLancersLEAD  

Consider following me on Twitter https://twitter.com/NortonMiddle 

Everyone here is committed to constant improvement and we have already begun the process of preparing for the 2024/2025 school year. We will reflect on what we did 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 3, 2024. 

It is a pleasure and an honor working with your children and serving as Principal of Norton Middle School.

Thank you for your continued support! 

Vincent Hayward

Principal - Norton Middle School