News at NES

Brady Sackett - Principal

bsackett@nortonpanthers.org

Kim Hallock - Assistant Principal

khallock@nortonpanthers.org

Website: www.nortonschools.org
Location: 3390 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Norton, OH, USA
Phone: 330-825-3828

Norton Elementary School third and fourth graders will be taking the Ohio State Tests (OST) in the coming weeks. Students in third and fourth grade in Ohio are required to be tested in reading and math annually. I want to inform you of the dates for testing so that you can best prepare your child on test day. The Ohio State Reading Test is made up of two parts given over two days and lasts 90 minutes each day. The Ohio State Math Test is made up of two parts given over two days and lasts 75 minutes each day. All tests will be completed on computers and students are required to type all answers. Students can be provided accommodations if they are listed in a student’s IEP or 504 plan.

Testing results are used to evaluate students’ academic progress, guide classroom instructional decisions, and evaluate the effectiveness of the school curriculum. The results will also provide a basis for future educational planning and establish percentages on the building and district report cards. It is very important for your child to attend school during the dates below. Please notify the office if your child is unable to attend school due to illness and the student will be provided a makeup test upon returning to school.

Tuesday, April 15 3rd/4th Grade English Language Arts Part I

Wednesday, April 16 3rd/4th Grade English Language Arts Part II

Tuesday, April 29 3rd/4th Grade Math Part I

Wednesday, April 30 3rd/4th Grade Math Part II

NES saw a drop in attendance during Q3 (January 6 - March 13) as a number of families were fighting illnesses. Please help us reach our school goal of students attending school at least 90% of the time. Families received attendance letters with individual attendance percentages along with report cards. Please commit to great attendance during quarter 4!

School attendance by quarter:

Q1 95.4%

Q2 94.3%

Q3 92.1%

NES students have the opportunity to listen to the U. S. Air Force Band of Flight on Monday, April 14. Students will watch a 30 minute presentation in the gym. The United States Air Force Band of Flight, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is a 17-member organization and features 2 musical component groups. Flight One is the popular-music group and Wright Brass is a brass ensemble with a percussionist and vocalist. Periodically, these groups combine to form the expanded Band of Flight. NES will see the Wright Brass ensemble on April 14.

1:30 grades 1 and 2

2:30 grades 3 and 4

Each year, PAC sponsors field trips for our NES students through your generous donations. Our first graders attended the Nick-a-Jack farm in the fall. Students in grades 2, 3, and 4 will be taking field trips in May. Field trips in elementary school offer valuable experiential learning opportunities, enhancing academic understanding, fostering social skills, and broadening students' perspectives by connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences.

Students in second grade will be attending the Akron Zoo on May 28. Third graders will attend the McKinley museum on May 13 and our 4th graders will be taking a field trip and end of year celebration event at the North Canton Skating Rink and Entertainment Center on May 9.

NES students will have the opportunity to view a live theater production this spring. Students in first grade will be viewing the play Mercy Watson to the Rescue live at the Magical Theater on May 15. Students in grades 2-4 will view the musical Spongebob at NHS performed by Norton High School students on April 17.Exposing students to live theater fosters numerous benefits, including enhanced empathy, improved communication and confidence, and increased creativity and critical thinking skills, while also promoting cultural understanding and a sense of community.

Although we want students to attend school as much as possible, please keep students home when a fever or other signs of illness are present including undiagnosed rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea. Also, please remember to send any diagnosis or doctor's notes to the office so that the clinic is aware of any health concerns.

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!

During “Around the World Family Literacy Night,” the elementary school cafeteria was transformed into NES International Airport, offering exciting flights to Mexico, Italy, France, and various U.S. destinations. Our third-grade world travelers and their families embarked on a journey filled with engaging reading activities that earned them stamps in their passports. From reading to therapy dogs and conducting STEM experiments to exploring travel brochures, postcards, and even encountering mystery readers—there was something for everyone! Tasty snacks and other surprises added to the fun.

Thanks to the dedication of community leaders, sponsors, and volunteers, the night was an overwhelming success. Our young globetrotters left with more than just smiles and unforgettable memories; they carried home real-life learning experiences that will inspire them for years to come.

Click the link below to view the counselor's April newsletter.

Counselor's newsletter April 2025.

April 2025

4/7 School resumes

4/11 Panther Way Day - Persevere

4/14 AF Band at NES

4/15 - 4/16 Ohio State Tests in reading (grades 3 and 4)

4/17 grade 2-4 musical at NHS

4/18 No school - Good Friday

4/21 No school

4/22 4th grade panoramic picture

4/22 Board Meeting 7:00 pm

4/29 - 4/30 Ohio State Tests in math (grades 3 and 4)

May 2025

5/9 4th grade field trip/celebration

5/13 3rd grade trip to McKinley Museum

5/15 1st grade trip to Barberton theater

5/20 - 5/22 Tentative Field Day dates

5/28 2nd grade field trip to Akron Zoo

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, effective immediately, all individuals who volunteer in Norton City Schools are required to undergo a comprehensive background check. This process helps to ensure that we are providing the safest possible learning environment for our students. Background checks will be required for all volunteers, including those attending class parties, field trips, and working in the building. The district may not accept previous background checks or background checks provided by your employer and prefers background checks completed by the district itself. Please follow the process below to register as a volunteer.

To cover the cost associated with conducting these background checks, the district will charge volunteers a fee of $25, which is the actual cost incurred by Norton City Schools. Background checks are valid for five years. We appreciate the dedication of our volunteers and thank you for your understanding of this necessary procedure.

For more information or assistance with the background check please contact the Norton City Schools administration office.

If you/your child would like a yearbook to remember the 2024/2025 school year at NES, please place your orders online through Lifetouch! Go to ybpay.com and enter our Norton Elementary School code: 13465225. This year, Lifetouch is offering customized yearbook options. All yearbooks will arrive to the school in May and will be distributed to classrooms. The deadline for ordering is April 17th, 2025.