Panther Pride Newsletter

Panther Nation,

Spring Break is quickly approaching! I hope everyone takes the opportunity to unplug and recharge as we head into the final stretch of the school year.

The end of the year is filled with exciting and important events for our students, including state testing, Kindergarten Graduation, promotion activities across several buildings, Prom, Graduation for the Class of 2025, and numerous Field Day's.

Thank you for a fantastic year, so far—let’s finish strong. Go Panthers!

Bryan Farson

Superintendent

Prior to graduation, a requirement for all students is to receive training in the use of AED's as well as learning the basics of CPR. Each year, in collaboration with the local fire department, all NHS sophomores receive this training in February so they can be prepared in a life saving situation. Eight members of the fire department assist our students in learning these tactics and they are extremely helpful and work really well with everyone. Special thanks to Nurse Tina Longworth and Fire Chief Papp for setting this up and also to all our students for their attention to learn a life skill!

In Mrs. Kozak’s class, students are making vocabulary come to life! To ensure they master key terms from each story in their reading series, they use an interactive Google Slides template to explore each word in depth. For five vocabulary words, students include the definition, a sentence, a question, synonyms, antonyms, and even an animated GIF to bring the word to life!

The class engages in lively brainstorming sessions, sharing ideas aloud before organizing their thoughts in a graphic organizer. If they need extra inspiration for synonyms and antonyms, they can turn to the WordHippo website for help. This creative and collaborative approach makes learning new words both effective and exciting!

Congratulations to the following students for their excellence inside and outside of the classroom as they have been chosen as our March Students of the Month. They truly exemplify what it means to be a Norton Panther. Panther Pride!

• Primary - Emilia Willyard
  
• Elementary - Rebekah Saunders

• Middle School - Kendra Russell
• High School - Mason Pardee
• HS Compact - Michael Blankenship

The NMS Drama Club recently captivated audiences with their production of "Choose Your Own Oz," a fresh and fast-paced retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic where the audience plays playwright, making pivotal decisions that influence Dorothy's journey through the Land of Oz . Our talented students showcased their versatility and dedication, delivering outstanding performances for their peers, Norton Elementary students, and the broader community. Their hard work and commitment to bringing this interactive experience to life were evident in every scene. A special thank you to Mr. Davis, the Drama Club director, whose guidance and passion were instrumental in the success of this unique production.

The NES Jump Rope Club, known as the Panther Jumpers, participated in the Cleveland Charge pre-game show during the fourth annual School Day Game on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. During this amazing opportunity, the Panther Jumpers performed single, pairs, long rope, and traveler skills in front of over 40 schools. In addition to enjoying the game, each student received a Charge drawstring bag packed with a School Day Physical Education & Fitness Workbook. The NES Jump Rope Club just completed its third year under the direction of Anita Gabel. Miss Hanson, a former Jammin’ Jumper, and NMS students Becca Tenney and Haley Pahlau were added to the junior coaching staff this year to help with the growing number of students interested in jump rope. Way to represent NES at the Cleveland Charge game, Panther Jumpers!

In conjunction with Dr. Seuss’ 121st Birthday, students at Norton Primary celebrated Right to Read Week! It included reading many wonderful stories, along with wearing Dr. Seuss themed daily attire, playing educational games during special classroom rotations, and learning new songs to promote the importance of reading. We wrapped up the week with an entertaining assembly by “Josh the Juggler” on March 7th. Thanks to all of our volunteers and staff who decorated the halls so beautifully to create a festive learning environment!

• March 3, 1931 - Star-Spangled Banner is officially recognized as U.S national anthem
• March 4, 1789 - First official day of the US Constitution
• March 15, 44 BCE - Julius Caesar was assassinated (Ides of March)
• March 17, 1737 - 1st organized St. Patrick's Day Celebration in the Thirteen Colonies

In the event that school is closed due to weather or other circumstances, information can be obtained in the following manner:

• 1st Priority (main methods of notification)
• School Messaging System - via text message
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nortoncityschoolsohio
  
• School website: https://www.nortonschools.org/
• 2nd Priority (may experience delays due to call volume)
  
• Television: Local Television Stations Channels 3, 5, 8
  
• School Messaging System - via phone
  

• March 31 - April 4 - Spring Break - No School
• April 7 - School Resumes
• April 18/21 - Easter Break - No School
• April 23 - Administrative Assistant Day
• May 3 - Panther Run
• May 5 - 9 Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 10 - Prom
• May 11 - Mother's Day
• May 18 - Graduation
• May 26 - Memorial Day - No School
• May 30 - Student Last Day

4128 S. Cleveland Massillon Road

Norton, OH 44203

Phone: 330.825.0863

Website: nortonschools.org

High School

Grades 9-12

330.825.7300

Middle School

Grades 5-8

330.825.5607

Elementary School

Grades 1-4

330.825.3828

Primary School

Pre-K thru Kindergarten

330.825.5133

Attendance Hotline

330.706.2760