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Superintendent's Newsletter 9.15.23

Posted Date: 9/15/23 (2:53 PM)
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Family Newsletter   |  September 14, 2023 
 

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

Superintendent's Entry Plan  

As part of my new role as Superintendent, I will complete a thorough review of Norton Public Schools as explained in the Superintendent's Entry Plan. Through this process, it is my intention to explore the school experience through the eyes of our students and better understand the current state of our system to identify areas of strength and potential for growth in the years ahead. Although I have spent the last twenty years as an educator in Norton, first as a classroom teacher and then in administration, it is important to enter into this role looking at our district through a new lens. This entry process will give me the opportunity to listen and learn from our broader school community, as well as allow for our Norton staff and families to get to know me in a different capacity.

Throughout each phase of the entry process, I will focus on the existing mission and vision of Norton Public Schools by examining three critical areas: 

  1. Our Students’ Experience: How do we provide all students with a quality education that fosters personal development and intellectual growth?

  2. Engagement of the School Community: How do we partner with families and the Norton community to provide our students with engaging learning experiences that help them to succeed as productive global citizens?

  3. Organizational Capacity of NPS: What are the perceived strengths and opportunities for growth within Norton Public Schools related to student learning, allocation of resources and efficiencies, leadership and student success?

I look forward to connecting with you throughout this process as well as sharing the results of my work this Spring.

Rosh Hashanah
I want to wish all that celebrate a Shanah tovah! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday celebrating with your families!
 



Celebrating International Dot Day! 

On Friday, September 15th our Norton students and staff celebrated International Dot Day! Dot Day is a celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration that is celebrated by students all over the world and inspired by the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. In the story, The Dot a doubting student is encouraged by their teacher to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark”. What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing. 

All across the district, students made their own mark and let their imaginations run wild! Most exciting was our LGN students in grades 1-3 that were personally invited by Peter Reynolds to be one of 3 schools to attend the live event at the Shubert Theatre in Boston! 

Join the Norton SEPAC!  

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to join the Norton SEPAC for their first meeting of the year. They are an incredible group of families that are passionate about inclusion and supporting the needs of all Norton students on an IEP or 504. Here is some additional information about what the Norton SEPAC is and how you can learn more! 

A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to establish a SEPAC. Massachusetts state law assigns both an advisory and participatory function to SEPACs.

A SEPAC is a public body which serves as an adviser to the School Committee on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities. In addition, the SEPAC has a duty to meet regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the district’s special education programs.

The SEPAC is a self-governing body (creates its own by-laws and operational procedures) and is open to all parents of children with disabilities and other interested parties.

A SEPAC is different from a PTA, PTO or School Council – it does not represent families from one school, but serves all families of children with special needs from the entire school district.

If you are interested in joining the Norton SEPAC or have questions regarding upcoming meetings/events please contact them at sepacnorton@gmail.com You can also visit their website https://www.nortonsepac.com
Please see the latest SEPAC Newsletter here!

UPCOMING EVENTS 

  • September 20th: JCS Curriculum Night

    • Little Lancers @ 5:00pm

    • Kindergarten/Grade 1 @ 6:00pm

    • Grades 2 & 3 @ 6:45pm 

  • September 20th: LGN Curriculum Night

    • Kindergarten/Grade 1 @ 6:00pm

    • Grades 2 & 3 @ 6:45pm 

  • September 21st: Norton High School Meet the Teachers Night, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

  • September 26th: Superintendent's Coffee Hour at the HAY Library, 4:00pm - 5:00pm 

  • September 28th: Norton Middle School Meet the Teachers Night

    • Grade 6: 5:45pm - 7:00pm

    • Grades 7 & 8: 6:45pm - 8:00pm 

  • September 29th: District Wide Early Release for Professional Development

Calling Lancer Nation!! 

Want to show your Lancer spirit? Support friends, neighbors and classmates? Come watch our Lancer athletic teams compete on our new fields! All Norton High School games and meets can be found by visiting Arbiter Sports and selecting "Norton High School" or by clicking the link here: https://arbiterlive.com/School/Calendar/16644

Our Lancers love to see fans in the stands, so get out there and cheer for the Purple & White! 


VIRTUAL BACKPACK

Virtual Backpack
This week's NPS Virtual Backpack flyers include: Attleboro Norton YMCA Youth Sports, Norton Outdoor Center Fall 2023,
Pack 61 Cub Scout Fall Hike, and Junior Friends of the Library volunteer opportunitites for grades 4-12.

To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us.

9.15.23