NPS Engage News

Friday, Nov. 1: Schools Closed - Diwali

Tuesday, Nov. 5: Schools Closed - NILS /Election Day

Monday, Nov. 11: Schools Closed - Veterans Day

Dear NPS Families and Caregivers,

As we approach the upcoming Presidential Election on November 5, I want to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a welcoming and respectful environment for all students.

Natick Public Schools is dedicated to fostering civic engagement and educating students about the electoral process in ways that are age-appropriate and respectful of diverse viewpoints. Earlier this week, on Monday, October 21, our Central Office issued a memo entitled “Guidance for Staff During the November Presidential Election Period.” In this memo, we reminded staff to maintain neutrality in classrooms to ensure a learning environment where all students feel safe and supported, regardless of their background or personal beliefs.

We understand that this election season may bring heightened emotions, and discussions about the election may come up in classrooms. Our educators are prepared to guide these conversations thoughtfully, emphasizing mutual respect, understanding, and our shared values of student safety, excellence in teaching, and growth for all learners.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Natick Public Schools.

-Dr. Melissa Spash

Natick Public School employees and invited guests were among the more than two million participants of Jumpstart's "Read for the Record Day" this week. PreK and Kindergarten classrooms welcomed visitors who read the featured book for the event, Piper Chen Sings, by Grammy winner and Tony-nominated actress Phillipa Soo & Maris Pasquale Doran (Illustrated by Qin Leng). It's a wonderful, beautifully illustrated story about a brave, talented young girl who overcomes her anxiety. Let this be a reminder for all--reading out loud to young children can really "jumpstart" excitement for reading. What are you going to read this weekend?

A sincere thank you to Rep. David Linsky; NPS School Committee Chair Dr. Shai Fuxman; School Committee Clerk Catherine Brunell; School Committee Member Matt Brand; Superintendent Dr. Melissa Spash; School Resource Officer Beth Heffler; Fire Chief Ferschke; Fire Captain Hampton; and our other fantastic NPS guest readers who made the day a success!

Natick Public Schools Principals - Front row: (L) Jodie Cohen, Kennedy Middle School, (R) Teresa Carney, Wilson Middle School. Back row (Starting from left): Josepha Blocker, Natick High School, MaryBeth Kinkead, Natick Preschool, Karen Ghilani, Bennett-Hemenway Elementary, Dr. Shelby Marscher, Lilja Elementary, Dr. Erica Cole Harms, Brown Elementary, and Troy Holding, Memorial Elementary.

During National School Bus Safety Week, we'd like to remind you of the School Bus Safety Guidance contained in the NPS Transportation Expectations Manual (which is mailed out to families several times a year).

This graphic outlines expectations for NPS bus riders:

* Never run to or from the school bus.

* Stand back from the curb.

* Remain seated at all times.

* Please use indoor voices.

* Always obey the driver’s instructions and be respectful.

* Keep your hands to yourself at all times and be kind.

* No throwing items on the bus.

* No bullying.

* No eating or drinking on the bus.

Please review this safety information periodically with students in your household who ride the bus.

Here are additional tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety.

Please follow the rules of the road. Thanks for your cooperation and attention.

On Thursday, Oct. 17, these NHS students attended the largest HBCU College Fair in Massachusetts, held at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

This event provided attendees with direct access to representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and featured a variety of opportunities, including HBCU info sessions, scholarship and internship programs, and networking opportunities. Students also had the chance to meet special guest speakers and learn about the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Boston.

They were accompanied by Natick METCO Director Audi Lynch (at right) and METCO Coordinator Christopher Cardoso (second from left, back row).

Students who participate in the METCO program are thriving from the elementary to high school grade levels. Natick became a partner METCO district in 1969. Learn about METCO's history.

We will update submissions for consideration in our community notices pages on a periodic basis. Due to space and other considerations, NPS will not always be including community partner updates in our newsletters, so please look at our community notices page periodically. Contact communitynotices@natickps.org to request publication. NPS Communications reserves the right to approve final publication.

Dispose of your unused & expired medications as part of the National Drug Take Back Initiative. Held locally on Saturday, October 26th from 10am - 2pm at the rear of the Natick Police Department Building.

• Introducing FlashVote
• A survey tool that makes it easy to give input directly to Town of Natick staff (as fast as 1min surveys!), ensure scalable results (via a registered panel that builds over time), and enables a representative sample (showing results by key demographics). This tool will absolutely provide key input to make key decisions in Natick!
• The panel will grow over time, please register now. And nudge your friends to sign up!
• The Town will start issuing surveys (~1/mo) starting this Fall '24

WHEN: Saturday, October 26th, from 12 noon – 3 p.m.
WHERE: Natick Town Common

Enjoy an afternoon of Fall and Halloween themed events on the Town Common including ballon twisting, temporary tattoos, crafts & more!

TRICK OR TREAT: You can Visit any of the participating downtown shops between 12:00-4:00pm for a treat or enjoy the festivities on the common at your own pace throughout the event. There will not be a designated trick-or-treat parade this year. A map of all participating businesses will be forthcoming.

Is someone in your household not receiving the Engage biweekly district newsletter or important notices related to bus transportation? Direct them to communications@natickps.org to let us know.

Smore.com newsletter HYPERLINK + FILE & ATTACHMENT notice

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5