Superintendent Update
June 14th, 2024
Muรฑoz Minutes ๐
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Members of our School Communities,
We're down to the final stretch of the 2023-24 school yearโjust four days left! We know the excitement is building (and not just for the students!). I have information on summer learning and the 2024 Elementary Building Study in this week's update! See below!
The 2024 Elementary Building Study is underway, and we need your feedback. Check out the link below to access materials and complete surveys to share your thoughts. Your input is invaluable as we strive to improve our facilities and create the best learning environments for our students.
Important Dates to Remember:
- No School on Wednesday: We'll celebrate Juneteenth, a special day to honor freedom and community.
- Half-Day on Friday: That's right, On the last day of school, it will be a half-day, so start planning those early summer activities!
Juneteenth Celebration: Speaking of fun, remember Norwood's Juneteenth event happening this Saturday! It will be a fantastic celebration with music, food, and activities for the whole family. More details about the event are provided below, so check it out!
Let's make sure our students enjoy these last few days. A smile, a laugh, and a bit of fun can go a long way, so let's hang in there and end the school year on a high note.
Go Mustangs!
Sincerely,
Dr. J.J. Muรฑoz
Acting Superintendent of Schools, Norwood Public Schools
2024 Elementary Building Study ๐ซ
The Norwood Public School's Elementary Study Working Group has been working on an elementary school study that will look at what opportunities and challenges will come when our 5th grade students move up to the new middle school in the 2025/26 school year. We are looking for input from you, the community, on the work being done. The objectives of the project are to:
- 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
Please take some time to view the materials found on the 2024 Elementary Study page. After exploring the Story Maps of potential scenarios and FAQs, we hope that you will complete the community survey. The feedback collected will be used to inform our path forward as a school community.
If you're available, please join the Elementary Study Working Group and project partner, Sanborn Geospatial, for a Youtube webinar on Monday, June 17th from 7:00-8:00pm. There will be a presentation of the working group process, potential redistricting scenarios, exploration of interactive story maps and a question and answer period.
For those who cannot tune in live, the recording will be available on the NPS Elementary Study website page following the webinar. Translation options are available under settings for those viewing the recording. Additional opportunities for input can be found on our Elementary Study Community Outreach Timeline also located on the Elementary Study page.
Juneteenth Event
Please mark your calendar and set a reminder for the second annual Norwood Juneteenth Celebration! The family-friendly celebration will include entertainment and games for the entire family. Get ready for great music, food, drink, dance, and more. The celebration will also have some appearances by Norwood students. Come together and celebrate this holiday that celebrates freedom. The celebration is on Saturday, June 15th, from 12:30-3:30 pm at the Town Common. The celebration will take place at the town common.
Upcoming Events ๐๏ธ
- June 19: No School (Juneteenth Holiday)
Please note: Last day of school Friday, June 21, 2024
Early Release:
Willett School: 11:10
Elementary: 11:40
Coakley Middle: 12:30
High School: 12:00
Summer Learning Plans ๐
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
School Committee Update
We had our final school committee meeting of the year this week, and it was filled with valuable updates and reports. Here's a brief recap of the highlights:
Appearances:
- Mr. Quigley and Mr. Blood presented the Metrowest Behavioral Health Survey - Key Indicators Report. They shared essential findings from the survey that will help us better understand and support our students' mental health needs.
- Mr. Norris provided the Food Services Report, including details on the DESE audit and plans for summer meals. He assured us that nutritious meals will be available to students over the summer.
- Mr. Kerr delivered the Fine Arts Spring Report, showcasing our students' incredible talent and achievements in the arts this past spring.
- Mr. Longley gave the Athletics Spring Report, highlighting the successes and sportsmanship of our student-athletes during the spring season.
- Ms. Cimeno shared the Student Services Year-End Report and Projections for SY24-25, offering insights into this year's services and plans for the upcoming school year.
- Ms. Bourgeois presented the ELE Year-End Report and Projections for SY24-25, discussing the progress and future goals of our English Learner Education programs.
The school committee wishes everyone a wonderful and restful summer as we wrap up the school year. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our students' success.
For details and supporting materials, visit the School Committee page on Norwood Public School's website - Meeting Schedule & Supporting Documents.We encourage all stakeholders to join us for these important discussions as we work towards ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students and community.
Transportation Registration ๐
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 โ 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
Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
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