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Norton Public Schools

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Superintendent's Newsletter 10.16.2026

Posted Date: 10/16/26 (03:45 PM)
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Photographs of the front entrances of the five NPS school buildings.

Family Newsletter | October 16, 2026

Superintendent’s Message

School Start Times 

As part of our ongoing work to strengthen teaching and learning across Norton Public Schools, we continue to explore opportunities to better align school start and end times, particularly across our three elementary schools. This work connects to our district's Strategic Plan and our commitment to creating consistent, high-quality learning experiences for all students.

Our goal is to bring our elementary schools onto a more consistent schedule, allowing for greater collaboration among educators, more aligned professional development opportunities, and better coordination of resources and services across schools. We also recognize that changes to school schedules impact students, families, and staff in different ways, and we want to be thoughtful in considering those impacts.

Over the next several weeks, we will be working closely with our transportation provider to explore possible schedules, bus routes, and associated costs. Once we have a better understanding of what is feasible, we will engage staff and families in conversations to gather feedback and help inform our recommendations. Our goal is to bring a recommendation to the School Committee by December 2026, with any approved changes potentially taking effect in September 2027.

There are several factors to consider, including transportation logistics, financial implications, and collective bargaining obligations. While we recognize that no single schedule will be ideal for everyone, we are committed to a transparent and collaborative process that considers the needs of our students, families, and staff.

School start times have been a topic of conversation in Norton for many years, and I am hopeful that we can work together to identify a solution that supports our schools and community. We will continue to share updates as this work progresses and, most importantly, provide opportunities for families to be part of the conversation before any final decisions are made.
____________________
Dr. Jennifer O'Neill  
joneill@norton.k12.ma.us
@joneill727 
 

Lancer Way Updates

Over the past two weeks, we have continued introducing students to the Lancer Way, focusing on COMMUNICATE and EMPOWER. Through these characteristics, students have been exploring the importance of sharing their ideas, listening to and learning from others, advocating for themselves, and using their strengths to make a positive difference. These are skills that extend well beyond the classroom, and I love seeing our students begin to recognize how they can put them into practice each day.

With five of our six Lancer Way characteristics now introduced, I hope families are beginning to hear more about the Lancer Way at home! I encourage you to ask your children what these characteristics mean to them and how they are demonstrating them at school and in their everyday lives. I've included links to our videos below to help continue those conversations.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of our schools. I look forward to seeing all the ways our students continue to learn, grow, and demonstrate what it means to be a Norton Lancer!

Lancer Way Videos
 

Norton Public Schools Takes on MassCUE

This week, staff and students attended the local MassCUE conference at Gillette Stadium. MassCUE (Massachusetts Computer Using Educators) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing teaching and learning through technology. The annual conference brings together teachers, school leaders, technology specialists, and students to explore innovative tools, share ideas, and discover new ways technology can enhance learning experiences in our schools.

Business and Technology students from Norton High School helped run the CUEKids Showcase at MassCUE. The CUEKids Showcase is a student-centered initiative that provides a platform for students to demonstrate innovative ways they integrate technology into their learning. Norton students assisted with logistics for student Ignite sessions, organizing the CUEKids area, documenting presentations, and ensuring the showcase ran smoothly.  Beyond their showcase management responsibilities, students explored the interactive exhibit floor to discover emerging trends and tools in educational technology. Student participation at MassCUE continues to be a stand-out experience for all involved.

Thank you to our Norton staff and students that shared their learning with others! 
NHS students and staff at Gillette Stadium for the MassCUE Conference.
Students pictured (L to R): Jacey Carvalho, Hannah McGarry, Brittany Castro, Dylan Ingersoll, Mason Bechet.

NHS students at Gillette Stadium for the MassCUE Conference.
Pictured (L to R): Jake Lucier, Jack Chirichiello, Jake Johansen, Drew McPartland, Jacey Carvalho, Brittany Castro.

 

Upcoming Events

October 28th
  • Districtwide Early Release/Professional Development
  • School Committee Meeting
October 16th
  • Norton Middle School Term I Progress Reports
October 19th
  • Fall Town Meeting
October 21st
  • Elementary Conferences
October 22nd
  • Elementary Early Release/Conferences
November 4th
  • Middle School Conferences
November 5th
  • Middle School Early Release/Conferences
November 6th
  • High School Term 1 Warning Notices
November 11th
  • Schools Closed
November 18th
  • School Committee Meeting
November 25th
  • Districtwide Early Release
November 26th and 27th
  • Schools Closed
 

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.
 
Mission, vision, and core values statements with NPS logo. Mission: Prepare future-ready students with skills, confidence, and character. Vision: In partnership with families and the community, NPS will create a safe and supportive learning environment where every student is valued, challenged, and supported to reach their full potential. Core Value: Curiosity and Growth - We believe learning never stops. Students and staff ask questions, take risks, reflect, and grow every day. Value 2: High Expectations - We challenge ourselves and each other to do our best work. We listen, collaborate, and continuously improve. Value 3: Respect and Care - Every student and staff member is seen, heard, valued, and supported. We build respectful and caring schools where everyone matters.

10.16.2026