Superintendent Update

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Members of our School Communities,

As we wrap up this incredible school year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve as your Acting Superintendent. This year has been filled with wonderful memories, significant learning experiences, and the continued growth of the relationships that make our district so special.

We've witnessed our students achieve significant milestones, our teachers inspire and innovate, and our community unite to support one another. The dedication and passion within our schools have been truly remarkable, and it has been an honor to lead this district.

As I transition back to my role as Assistant Superintendent beginning July 1, I am thrilled to support Tim Luff as he steps in as our new Superintendent. I am confident that under his leadership, Norwood Public Schools will continue to thrive and reach new heights. Together, we will work to ensure that our district remains a nurturing and dynamic environment for all our students.

As we approach the summer, I encourage each and every one of you to take this time to recharge, to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation, and to reflect on the many positive experiences we've shared this year. I look forward to the 2024-25 school year and all the opportunities it will bring.

Thank you again for your support, dedication, and commitment to making Norwood Public Schools the best possible.

Go Mustangs!

Sincerely,

Dr. J.J. Muñoz

Acting Superintendent (Returning to Assistant Superintendent on July 1)

I want to acknowledge and thank all the staff members retiring this year with deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude. Your dedication and service have not only shaped the futures of our students but also enriched our entire school community. Each of you has left an indelible mark on Norwood Public Schools, and your contributions will be remembered for years to come.

This year, we have the honor of celebrating the careers of some truly remarkable individuals. Your hard work, passion, and commitment have not only been the foundation of our students' success but also the driving force behind our schools' vibrant and nurturing environment. As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, know that your legacy of excellence, which has deeply impacted our school community, will continue to inspire us all.

I want to extend a special shout-out to Jody Smith. Jody, you are Norwood. As a dedicated teacher and our esteemed union president, your unwavering commitment to both education and advocacy has been a beacon of strength and inspiration. Your tireless efforts to support your colleagues and champion the needs of our students, particularly in Special Education, have profoundly impacted our community. We are truly grateful for your service, leadership, and the countless lives you have touched. Your presence in Norwood Public Schools has been a true gift, and you will be greatly missed.

To all our retirees, thank you for your many years of hard work, dedication, and passion. You have been instrumental in creating a positive and enriching environment for our students and staff. Your contributions have helped shape the future of countless students, and your legacy will continue to inspire us.

As you transition into retirement, we wish you all the best. May this new chapter be filled with relaxation, joy, and new adventures. You have earned this time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and we hope you take this opportunity to recharge and savor the beautiful memories of your time at Norwood Public Schools. Below are a handful of photos of just some of our notable retirees.

Once a Mustang, always a Mustang!

• Create scenarios to optimize space at all elementary schools to enhance student experience
• Create scenarios to help balance demographics and potentially reduce transportation impacts
• Determine potential implementation timeline no sooner than the 2025-26 school year

• August 26 - New Teacher Orientation
• August 28 - Teachers Report Back to School
• September 4 - First Day of School

As we look forward to summer, we're excited to share our Summer Learning Plans. These resources are available on the Norwood website and are designed to keep our students engaged and learning over the break. Parents, visit the link below to access all the wonderful materials and keep those young minds sharp!

https://www.norwood.k12.ma.us/curriculum/nps-summer-learning-page

Bus Registrations opened on May 13, 2024 for the upcoming school year.

Changes for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:

• All Registrations will be Online. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

• Registration Period is from May 13 – June 30.

• Payment methods available are American Express, Mastercard, Discover and Electronic Check. (Visa is not accepted)

• Registration will Re-Open on October 1st (Space Available).

• Only guarantee of seats is for Grades K-6 living over 2 miles from school.

All others are space available.

• Bus passes will be available by the start of the school year.

• Bus passes can only be issued by the Transportation Office.

• Kindergarten registrations will made online using a separate Kindergarten Registration Link CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Kindergarten!

CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS | 781-440-5831 or transportation@norwood.k12.ma.us

Norwood Public Schools Adopts the New CDC & MA Department of Public Health Guidelines for Respiratory Illnesses

1. When you have ANY respiratory virus (Flu, COVID, RSV) - stay home and away from others while you have respiratory

virus symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
2. Return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, BOTH are true:

Your symptoms are getting better overall, AND
You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)
3. When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking
additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be
around other people indoors.

If you have questions or need COVID home test kits please reach out to your school nurse. For additional information

on these guideline changes follow this link