Family Newsletter | April 3, 2026
Dr. Jennifer O'Neill
joneill@norton.k12.ma.us
@joneill727
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Superintendent’s Message
Dear Norton families,
This year, we took time to reflect on what matters most for our students and our schools. With input from staff, students, and families, we’ve updated our district’s mission, vision, and core values.
At the center of this work is a shared goal: to prepare students with the skills, confidence, and character they need for the future.
Our updated vision emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships with families and the community, and our core values highlight the learning, expectations, and care that guide our work each day.
You’ll notice that this language is simple and clear. That is intentional. We want this to be something all members of our community can understand and connect to.
In the coming weeks, we’ll continue to share how this comes to life in our classrooms and schools.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
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Norton Middle School Roof Project - Fact Sheet
We have created a fact sheet to provide our community with clear, transparent information about the proposed Norton Middle School roof replacement project, including background, timeline, estimated costs, and potential tax impact. We encourage all families to review this information to better understand the need for the project and the opportunity for significant state reimbursement. As a reminder, this project requires two votes: the town election on Saturday, April 11th and Town Meeting on Monday, May 18th.
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Curriculum Connection Over the last few years, Norton Public Schools has had the opportunity to upgrade many of our curriculum materials. This work has predominantly impacted Math, ELA, and SEL in Grades K-8. This year, Dr. Ackerman is working closely with the middle school and high school educators to continue our collaborative process to research Middle School Science Materials and High School Math (Algebra I, II, and Geometry- A/G/A).
Over the previous several months, the NHS Math Curriculum Council has met several times. They have developed a Vision Statement that drives our thinking around materials review. Recently, the team has reviewed presentations from four vendors: Amplify, Carnegie, Savvas, and McGraw-Hill. After some outstanding discussions, the team is moving forward with Amplify A/G/A and Savvas A/G/A for field testing (Piloting) during the months of March and April.
The NMS Science Curriculum Council has also met several times, following the format used by the NHS Math Curriculum Council. The team has heard presentations from Savvas and Lab Aids. The team recently visited Agawam Public Schools early to see Lab Aids “in action” for a school day. The science team will work with each of these programs over the next few months to find the best fit for our students.
More information will be available to families of students that are part of this field test throughout the process and as a final decision is made.
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Reminder Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration opened on February 23rd for the 2026-2027 school year for children who will be five years old on or before August 31, 2026. All students who are entering Kindergarten must register, including those already enrolled in our Little Lancers Preschool program.
Families of incoming kindergarten students will submit registration information through our registration portal in PowerSchool. A separate form must be completed for each child. Once the pre-registration form has been submitted, it will be sent to a staff member for approval, and families will then receive an email with instructions to complete the registration process.
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Beth Blakely Peer Impact Awards
We are excited to recognize this year’s recipients of the Beth Blakely Peer Impact Award, established in 2023 in memory of founding member Beth Blakely. Beth’s tenacious and energetic spirit helped shape N.E.E.D. into the impactful organization it is today, and her legacy continues to inspire this meaningful recognition. This award honors individuals who have a direct, positive impact on students each day. We also extend our sincere appreciation to N.E.E.D. for their ongoing partnership and for the invaluable support they provide to our schools and staff.
Beth Blakeley Peer Impact Award 2026 Recipients
J. C. Solmonese Elementary School - Amy Weber
L. G. Nourse Elementary School - Pam O’Donnell
H. A. Yelle Elementary School - Jill Kelly
Norton Middle School - Eric Beard
Norton High School - Bobby Portway
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Global Education Travel Opportunity for NHS Classes of 2028-2031
Norton students will have an exciting opportunity to travel abroad in April 2028, with a planned trip to Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. In partnership with EF Tours, this educational experience is designed to broaden students’ global perspectives, build confidence, and create meaningful, real-world learning connections.
Families are invited to attend an informational session on Monday, April 13th from 6:00–7:00 PM in the NHS Auditorium to learn more about the trip. During the session, organizers will share details about the itinerary, the educational benefits of student travel, opportunities to earn academic credit, and the measures in place to ensure the experience is both safe and affordable. Information on enrollment, including EF’s risk-free registration period, will also be provided.
Space on the trip is limited, and interested families are encouraged to register in advance for the information session.
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Foster MA
The Department of Children and Families is currently seeking compassionate individuals and families who are willing to open their homes—and their hearts—to children in need of foster care within our community. Foster parents play a critical role in providing stability, care, and support during times of uncertainty, helping children feel safe and valued.
If you have the patience, understanding, and commitment to make a difference in a child’s life, we encourage you to consider becoming a foster parent. For more information about this important opportunity, please contact Ilda Coelho-Turner at ilda.coelho-turner@mass.gov or 508-894-3741. |
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April 8th
Norton High School Term III Marks Close
April 11th
Norton Town Elections
April 15th
School Committee Meeting
April 17th
Norton High School Term III Report Cards
April 20th - 24th
Schools Closed
May 1st
Norton High School Term IV Warning Notices Grade 12
May 6th
School Committee Meeting
May 7th
Norton Middle School Term III Progress Reports
May 15th
Norton High School Term IV Warning Notices Grades 9-11
May 18th
Town Meeting
May 20th
Early Release/Professional Development
School Committee Meeting
May25th
Schools Closed
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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.
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