“Turtle Talk” for the Week of September 14th

Posted Date: 9/14/25 (9:00 AM)

JCS "Turtle Talk"

Week of September 14th

Hello JCS families,

Thank you for two safe and successful weeks of school! As your child may have already shared with you, we had our first fire drill this week to make sure that all students know the safety routines and that our entire school is well prepared in the event of an emergency. We appreciate the partnership of the Norton Fire Department and Norton Police Department during these safety drills and helping to keep our students and staff safe each and every day. Because we have both AM and PM PreK programs, we are expecting that a second drill will be occurring in the afternoon in the near future.

Like an actual emergency, we do not know ahead of time when the drills are going to occur. The Norton Fire Department and Norton Police Department arrive at our school on whichever day and time works best for their teams and we work together from there!

International Dot Day, Monday September 15th

It is almost time for International Dot Day, when everyone is an artist! All you need to do is start with a mark, and see where it takes you 🎨🖌️

This year, we will be celebrating Dot Day on Monday September 15th. Students created their dots to be displayed in the lobby this week in art class. Mrs. Sala is encouraging everyone to wear their best art-ish, Peter Reynolds-ish, or polka dot-ish clothing on Monday to celebrate!

Curriculum Night, Wednesday September 17th

JCS is hosting a Curriculum Night for families on Wednesday, September 17th. We invite all parents/guardians to join us to hear from their child's teachers about what they will be learning and find out more about the resources and programs offered at our school. Here are the 45 minute time slots set aside for the different grade levels and programs:

5:00 - 5:45, Little Lancers

Families will visit their child’s classroom to meet with their child’s teacher and listen to specific information about what is being taught in their child’s classroom.

6:00 - 6:45, Kindergarten and 1st grade

Mr. Barrette will start in the cafeteria promptly at 6:00pm to present an overview of the JCS curriculum and programs to Kindergarten and 1st grade families. At 6:15pm, families will move to their child’s classroom to meet with their child’s teacher and listen to more specific details about what is being taught at their child’s grade level.

6:45 - 7:30, 2nd grade and 3rd grade

Mr. Barrette will start in the cafeteria promptly at 6:45pm to present an overview of the JCS curriculum and programs to 2nd and 3rd grade families (if you already attended this presentation at 6:00pm for your Kindergarten or 1st grade child, the information will be the same). At 7:00pm, families will move to their child’s classroom to meet with their child’s teacher and listen to more specific details about what is being taught at their child’s grade level.

6:30 - 7:15, BEST, GRIT, LBC, STEP, reading specialists, clinicians, and special curriculum areas set up in cafeteria to share about programming

We're very happy to share that Champions will be able to provide childcare to families during Curriculum Night! Champions staff will be providing childcare for children in the JCS gym. Families can drop-off and pick-up their child at the double doors of the gym in the main hallway. Champions cannot offer care for infants or toddlers who are not able to independently use the restroom. Champions also cannot offer care to children who require specific medical care for needs like diabetes or who require any administration of medication.

We're looking forward to seeing JCS families this Wednesday evening!

Monthly Trait, Respect

We are looking forward to focusing on Respect over the next month as part of the PurposeFull People program through Character Strong! One way to think about Respect is “seeing value in all people and things & treating them with care.”

Respect is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Kind. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.

Please see attached a school-wide Family Newsletter, as well as newsletters for each specific grade level.

Respect, Family Newsletter (PDF)

Respect, PreK (PDF)

Respect, Kindergarten (PDF)

Respect, 1st Grade (PDF)

Respect, 2nd Grade (PDF)

Respect, 3rd Grade (PDF)

Ice Cream Available During Lunch this Thursday, 9/18

Similar to past years, ice cream will be offered through Chartwells during some Thursday lunches. Chartwells will be offering ice cream during lunch this Thursday, 9/18. The district Wellness Committee is meeting to decide whether ice cream will be offered every Thursday or on an “every other” week basis. We will keep families informed of the decision.

Like last year, ice cream is optional and the cost will be $1 per child. Only cash will be accepted. Here are specific details from Chartwells:

Ice cream can be purchased for birthday celebrations but it will only be served on Thursdays.
One ice cream can be purchased per student.
Students cannot buy ice cream for other students.
Ice cream choices are Allergy friendly.

All questions or concerns about ice cream service should be directed to:

Michael Vacarro

DDS Norton Public Schools

Chartwell's

(508) 285-0150

mvaccaro@norton.k12.ma.us

SPO JCS Spirit Wear Store

The JCS Spirit Wear store is open! Pickup some sea turtle swag for your JCS student at https://login.commonsku.com/shop/7f3e96c5-e077-48e6-8c06-bad6768cd370. Thank you to our Joseph C. Solmonese SPO for getting this set up and available for all families!

NEED Night at Goat City, 9/15

Support NEED as they prepare for another great year! School is back! How about a night where you don’t need to plan dinner? Join NEED at GOAT City Pub located at 184 W Main St Norton on Monday, September 15th from 11am to closing. See the linked flyer for more information.

Upcoming Dates and Events

View and subscribe to the JCS Public Events Calendar at https://bit.ly/jcspubliceventscalendar. Click on the "Add to Google Calendar" button in the lower right corner to subscribe to the calendar using your own calendar app. Events from the JCS Public Events Calendar also appear on the JCS website.

International Dot Day, Monday September 15th

Curriculum Night, Wednesday September 17th

Little Lancers, 5:00pm - 5:45pm

Kindergarten and 1st grade, 6:00pm - 6:45pm

2nd grade and 3rd grade, 6:45pm - 7:30pm

Ice Cream during lunch, Thursday 9/18

Early Release Day, Wednesday September 24th

JCS Website