Family Newsletter | June 18, 2026
Dr. Jennifer O'Neill
joneill@norton.k12.ma.us
@joneill727
|
|
|
Superintendent’s Message
As we approach the end of the school year, I am seeking feedback from families as I reflect on the year and begin planning for the future. Your perspectives help shape my work as superintendent and provide valuable insight into what is working well and where we can continue to improve.
This anonymous survey includes questions about communication, leadership, district priorities, and your overall experience with Norton Public Schools. This year, we have continued important work around communication and engagement, strategic planning, the development of our Mission, Vision, and Core Values, and the introduction of the Lancer Way. Your feedback will help inform my goals and priorities for the coming year.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts and for your continued partnership in supporting our students, schools, and community.
https://forms.gle/DEoGqUurLZUruv1H8
|
|
|
|
|
|
Curriculum Corner - Norton Middle School Science |
|
At its June 3 meeting, the School Committee approved the adoption of a new middle school science curriculum, Lab-Aids, for students in grades 6–8 beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
This recommendation was the result of a comprehensive review process led by our middle school science teachers and curriculum leadership team. Throughout the spring, teachers conducted field tests of two programs, Savvas and Lab-Aids, allowing both staff and students to experience the materials firsthand. Feedback was gathered from teachers and students and carefully considered alongside factors such as curriculum quality, student engagement, alignment with the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Standards, and the level of support provided for diverse learners.
Based on the results of the field testing process, Lab-Aids was selected as the curriculum that best supports inquiry-based learning, scientific thinking, and student engagement. As a high-quality, three-dimensional, phenomena-driven science program, Lab-Aids encourages students to explore real-world questions and events while developing a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and practices. The curriculum is organized around meaningful "big ideas" that help students make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them, answering an important question for learners: Why does this matter?, by anchoring instruction in authentic phenomena and real-life applications, the program makes science relevant, engaging, and accessible for all students.
To ensure a successful implementation, teachers have participated in professional learning this June and will again in September as they prepare to launch the program in classrooms this fall.
We are grateful to our science teachers and district leaders for their thoughtful work throughout this process. Their commitment to identifying high-quality instructional materials will help provide students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lifelong appreciation for science.
|
|
|
|
|
Norton High School Graduation
Congratulations to the Norton High School Class of 2026! It was a privilege to celebrate this monumental milestone with them last week. 
|
|
DESE Civics Project Showcase
Norton High School students proudly represented our district May 29th at the Massachusetts State Civics Project Showcase. A special congratulations to juniors Kiley Faucher and Maddie Chastenay, who served as emcees for the event on behalf of DESE and Generation Citizen, confidently leading opening and closing remarks and facilitating a Q&A session before an audience of more than 500 attendees. Junior Makenna Shea also served as a host guide, helping support the event throughout the day.
In addition, four groups of Norton students represented Norton High School during the showcase rounds. Caroline Abreu, Mukti Arun, Lily Combs, Maleeha Duplessy, Sydney Lihzis, Drew McPartland, and Olivia Tenore presented impressive civics projects focused on community engagement, student mental health, school safety, and expanding athletic opportunities for girls.
The students' work made a strong impression throughout the day, including from DESE Deputy Commissioner Regina Robinson and State Representative Steven Howitt. Congratulations to these students for being such wonderful representatives of Norton Public Schools!
|
|
|
|
|
Norton Public Library Summer Activities
|
Families looking for enriching summer activities will find plenty to enjoy at the Norton Public Library’s SummerLife program. The library is offering a variety of events, including live entertainment, hands-on science activities, art programs, visits from special guests, LEGO challenges, scavenger hunts, and more. The program encourages creativity, learning, and community engagement throughout the summer.
Visit the Norton Public Library for details and registration information.
|
|
|
|
|
Important Information Regarding Youth Summer Jobs
As summer approaches, many students are eager to join the workforce. All teens under 18 years of age must complete a work permit application and get a work permit before starting a new job. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office enforces the Massachusetts youth employment laws, including the work permit laws, and information regarding workplace safety and teens rights as employees is available on their website. The work permit application is available on our website in the Families tab or in the Superintendent’s office. Students must bring their completed application with all required signatures to the superintendent’s office with proof of age (birth certificate, passport, learner’s permit or driver’s license) and will need to be present to sign their permit.
|
|
|
Important Dates for Fall 2026
September 2nd
First Day Grades 1-12
September 4th and 7th
Schools Closed
September 8th
First Day Kindergarten and Little Lancers
|
|
June 18th
Last Day Kindergarten
Early Release Norton High School (Exams)
June 19th
Schools Closed
June 22nd
Early Release Norton High School (Exams)
June 23rd
Early Release Districtwide
Last Day Grades 1-12+
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
