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Superintendent's Newsletter 11.01.2023

Posted Date: 11/01/23 (11:13 AM)
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Family Newsletter   |  November 1, 2023 
 

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

Superintendent’s Message

During the later part of October, I completed my school based residencies that were part of my Superintendent’s Entry Plan. These day-long visits to our schools have truly been the highlight of my fall. I have been continuously amazed by the dedication of our staff and the engagement of our students in their learning. On October 17th, I spent the day at the J. C. Solmonese School. Here are a few highlights from my day!

  • Attending a morning meeting with our Littlest Lancers where we sang songs and talked about colors, numbers, and shapes. 

  • Listened to Grade 2 students share their narrative writing and observed as they edited their work. 

  • Participated in Fundations lessons in Kindergarten where students were learning letter sounds and how to write letters. 

  • Saw our new math program Stepping Stones in action in so many classrooms!

While my residencies are over, I will continue to make the commitment to be in schools every week to visit students and see our amazing educators in action. During the month of November, I will be visiting classrooms with each of the school principals to discuss teaching and learning

Staff Recognition 

Our NPS staff is nothing short of amazing on a daily basis, and often their work is recognized outside the district as well! During the month of October, three Norton staff members were acknowledged for their incredible work with our students. We are so fortunate to have these talented educators working in Norton!


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2023 Fenway Bowl Honor Roll
Mr. David “Pops” Cuddington, TechEd teacher at Norton High School, was recently nominated and selected as one of 3 Fenway Bowl Honor Roll nominees! The Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll is a charitable program focused on recognizing and thanking educators who have gone above and beyond to support their students and respective communities. Pops is being recognized for this dedication and mentorship to the students of Norton. On Tuesday October 24th, the Boston Globe was at Norton High School to interview David and get some video footage of our school and his work.

MassCUE Pathfinder Award
At the annual MassCUE conference, Christina Scilingo and Ryan Robideaux were recognized as Pathfinders by the MassCUE board. The Pathfinder Award is presented to a Massachusetts Educator and leader whose efforts have enhanced the field of educational technology. This person has gone “above and beyond” in demonstrating leadership and providing inspiration to other educators. As our district’s Digital Learning Specialists, Ryan and Christina work with staff at all buildings to enhance their skills and meaningfully integrate technology into their classrooms to maximize student learning across all content areas.  Mr. Robidoux and Mrs. Scilingo join other Norton educators such as Mr. Geoghegan, Dr. Marcus, and Mrs. Winsper as Pathfinders! 
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NPS Budget Process
On November 1st, we begin the budgeting process for the 2024 - 2025 school year. Working closely with our Business Administrator, Kristine Hadfield, we will spend the remaining months of 2023 working closely with all building principals and district departments to set priorities. 
The school department will be focusing on a LEVEL SERVICES budget. This means that we will be putting forth a budget that allows us to retain the same levels of teaching and learning for all students in the upcoming school year. A level service budget is an increase from the previous year in order to maintain all programs. Over the next several months, you will hear a lot from the school department on the educational needs of our students and the costs associated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Mrs. Hadfield at khadfield@norton.k12.ma.us.

Substitute Teachers Needed! 

We are actively seeking parents, guardians, and family/community members to join us as substitute teachers. This opportunity, while also filling a district need, provides the chance for you to see all of the great things happening in our district.  Substitute teaching is highly flexible, allowing you to pick and choose the days you work, based upon your schedule. There is no obligation to work every day, just those days that fit into your busy lives, while also helping to support the district and maintain the established routines that benefit all of our students. You can even work a half-day in either the morning or the afternoon; it is up to you.

 For those community members currently enrolled in higher education, substitute teaching allows you to work around your class schedule, picking up some additional money to help offset the cost of tuition. For parents and guardians, substitute teaching is a great way to be in your child's school and closely aligns with the pick up and drop off hours.  

If you are a retiree and looking for a way to stay connected to the students of the Norton Community, substitute teaching is an opportune way to put your life experience to work for the benefit of our students and future citizens. If you are a retiree from Norton Public Schools, coming back is a great way to reconnect with colleagues and earn an enhanced rate of daily compensation.

The pay rate for subs is regionally competitive, and is as follows:
Daily Sub: $100 per day
Half-Day Sub (3.5 hours): $50
Retired NPS Educators: $175




UPCOMING EVENTS

  • November 2nd

    • Norton High School Grade 8 Open House

  • November 8th

    • Norton Middle School Parent Conferences

  • November 9th

    • Norton Middle School Early Release | Parent Conferences 

    • Norton High School Term I Marks Close

  • November 10th

    • No School - Veteran's Day Observance

  • November 17th

    • Norton High School Term I Report Cards

  • November 22nd

    • Districtwide Early Release 

  • November 23rd - 24th

    • Thanksgiving Break


Virtual Backpack
This week's NPS Virtual Backpack flyers include: 
Norton Youth Soccer Indoor Program | Personal Best Charity Food Drive
YMCA Youth Basketball League | Girl Scouts Troop #84491 | 
TCC Holiday Fair | Holiday Craft Fair Sponsored by the Class of 2024 
Norton Community Holiday Toy Drive

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


11.01.23