Family Newsletter | September 5, 2025
Dr. Jennifer O'Neill
joneill@norton.k12.ma.us
@joneill727
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Superintendent’s Message
Dear Norton Families,
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to a new school year! The start of school always brings with it a sense of possibility, and this year we are especially energized by our district’s new Strategic Plan, a roadmap that will guide our work together over the next several years.
Our plan focuses on four strategic priorities:
Connected and Relevant Learning Experiences Enhancing Student Outcomes High-Quality Instructional Materials Interactive School & Community Partnerships This year, we will focus on several key priorities:
- Defining what future-ready learning looks like and ensuring students, staff, families, and the community have a voice in shaping these experiences.
- Completing an updated Portrait of a Graduate, reflecting the shared values and aspirations of our district.
- Building strong, school-based teams to address and reduce student absenteeism.
- Implementing a districtwide data protocol to strengthen how we support student achievement, attendance, and well-being.
- Developing a shared vision and core values statement through collaboration with students, staff, families, and community members.
- Expanding our presence in community spaces—like local news and cable—to better share our stories and celebrate the successes of our students and schools.
I look forward to working together to bring this plan to life. With your partnership, we can ensure that every student in Norton has meaningful, challenging, and supportive learning opportunities.
Here’s to a successful and inspiring school year! |
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The Importance of Attendance – Working Together for Student Success
We hope you had a wonderful summer and are as excited as we are to welcome our students back for another great year of learning and growth! As we begin the school year, we want to share the important role that attendance plays in a child’s success—and how, by working together, we can help every student thrive.
Research and our own experience show that:
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve at higher levels. Consistent attendance helps build self-confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. Regular attendance is one of the best predictors of graduating on time and being prepared for future opportunities.
Just as importantly, starting the school year with strong attendance habits in September helps set the tone for the rest of the year.
We also know that the past few years have brought new challenges for families everywhere, and we’ve seen a decline in attendance both nationally and here in Norton. That’s why we’re committed to working closely with you to identify and remove barriers that may make it difficult for your child to be in school every day.
If your family is facing challenges with attendance, we want to hear from you. Together, we can problem-solve and connect you with the right support so that your child has the best chance to succeed.
Thank you for your partnership—we are stronger when we work together for our students.
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E-Bikes
Recently, there have been a number of students riding electric bikes around the school campuses. While I know that some of our students may be using e-bikes to get to and from school, I ask that parents have a conversation with their children about e-bike safety and appropriate use on school grounds.
In order to keep both students riding and those around them safe and our school grounds looking nice, we ask students to adhere to the following rules:
Ride slowly once on school grounds, paying close attention to cars and pedestrians around you Look both ways before crossing any school entrance or roadway Wear a helmet at all times when riding your e-bike No riding of ANY electric vehicles on grass/turf fields, tennis courts, or playground area & equipment
Thank you for your assistance in enforcing these guidelines with your children. Any students that are not able to follow these rules will not be allowed to bring their e-bikes to school. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school principal.
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Wellness Policy & Classroom Celebrations
Each year, we share our District Wellness Policy with our families to ensure that all are informed of our practices to promote student health and wellness each day. One component that we appreciate your support with is our policy on Celebrations. Please see the language below.
Food or beverages will not be used as rewards for good behavior or academic achievement unless it is part of a student’s Individual Educational Plan or directed by a medical professional. Physical activity may be used as a reward (i.e. extra recess). All classroom parties and school celebrations (e.g. holidays,) held during the official school day will be non-food events. Families that are interested in providing an approved snack for their child’s birthday can reach out to Chartwells Food Service by contacting Mike Vaccaro at mvaccaro@norton.k12.ma.us.
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Community Resources - Fuel Assistance
The Norton Community Center offers support to families in applying for the Massachusetts home energy assistance program (HEAP), which is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills. No matter what type of heating source you have, HEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance. The program is 100% free for those who qualify.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, the Norton Community Center can work with you to apply, beginning on November 1, 2025. To prepare, stop into the Center at 120 Mansfield Ave to get a list of documents you will need for the application.
To learn more about the program, you can call Self-Help at 508-588-5440
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September 10th
School Committee Meeting
September 16th
H. A. Yelle Elementary School Curriculum Night
September 17th
J. C. Solmonese and L. G. Nourse Elementary Schools Curriculum NIght
September 18th
Norton High School Meet the Teachers Night
September 24th
Districtwide Early Release / Professional Development
School Committee Meeting
September 25th
Norton Middle School Meet the Teachers Night
October 3rd
Norton High School Term I Warning Notices
October 8th
School Committee Meeting
October 14th
Norton Middle School Term I Progress Reports
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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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