Superintendent's Newsletter 12.19.2025

Posted Date: 12/19/25 (03:45 PM)

Family Newsletter | December 19, 2025

Dr. Jennifer O'Neill
joneill@norton.k12.ma.us
@joneill727

Superintendent’s Message

As we head into the holiday break, I want to wish all of our Norton Public Schools families a time of rest, joy, and connection, no matter how or what you celebrate. I am deeply grateful for your continued partnership and support of our schools. Your involvement, trust, and collaboration make a meaningful difference for our students and our community.

May the coming days offer opportunities to recharge and reflect, and may the New Year bring health, happiness, and hope. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026 and continuing to learn, grow, and move forward together.

Happy New Year and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Spotlight on Student Leadership

On December 1, 2025, leaders of the Healey‑Driscoll Administration gathered at Dedham High School to roll out the Commonwealth’s new statewide high school graduation framework — a sweeping effort to set consistent, future-ready standards for every student in Massachusetts

We want to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Annabelle Griffith who served as a student representative on the Graduation Council and was the only student to speak at the press conference. Her voice and perspective helped shape a framework centered on equity, flexibility, and meaningful learning. As Annabelle said, this effort reflects a shared commitment: “ensuring every student, regardless of background or zip code, has a clear and equitable path to graduation.”

Annabelle’s involvement reminds us that students themselves are essential partners in shaping the future of education, and we are grateful for her leadership!

2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl

We’re proud to celebrate Norton High School Teacher, Robb McCoy, named a 2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll Program Finalist! He will be recognized during the Wasabi Fenway Bowl on Saturday, December 27 at 2:15 PM, New England’s only college football bowl game, televised nationally on ESPN and hosted at historic Fenway Park.

Join us in cheering on Robb and enjoying the excitement of Army vs. UConn as football returns to Fenway for the holidays! Tickets are available for anyone who wishes to attend the game. If purchased through this link, a portion of the ticket price will be donated back to the C2 foundation.

Bridgewater State University Winter Science Academy

The Winter Science Academy is designed for students currently in grades 6–8 and offers hands-on, engaging science experiences led by BSU faculty and staff. The program takes place on the Bridgewater campus.

Dates: February 17–20, 2026
Audience: Students in grades 6–8
Time: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM daily
Location: Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Mathematics Center, Bridgewater State University

Registration is now open. The program fee of $250 is due at the time of registration and covers all class expenses including lab supplies and materials. The fee does not include lunch or transportation.

Additional information about the program can be found on the BSU Science Academy website.

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 23rd

Districtwide Early Release

December 24th - January 2nd

Schools Closed

January 5th

Classes Resume

January 14th

School Committee Meeting

January 19th

Schools Closed

January 22nd

Norton Middle School Term II Progress Reports
Norton High School Early Release, Mid-Term Assessments

January 23rd

Norton High School Early Release, Mid-Term Assessments
Norton High School Term II Marks Close

January 28th

Districtwide Early Release, Professional Development
School Committee Meeting

January 30th

Norton High School Term II Report Cards

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.

12.19.25