Something To Yelle About

WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE

WEEK IN #HAYNation!

Hello from the Yelle.

When I put together the Big Picture above, I try to go through the "big things" that happened this week; well, this week there were so many big things that I couldn't even put them all in the Big Picture above! It was an unbelievable week!

As I try to do each week, I use the big picture above to tell the story of the week in pictures for us here at the Yelle.

This week the Big Picture highlights again just some of the incredible things that happened during the week. We had our April Arithematic Absurdity ST Math Tournament Champions go to "The Dew." We had some donuts and Dew-Drops brought to classrooms for 2nd and 3rd Place classes. We had our truly sensational 5th Grade Band Concert; boy, was that incredible! Those students were amazing! Mr. Chu and Ms. Browne were both pied in the face for ST Math. Today, we had our HAY PTO Post-MCAS Celebration Bingo with so many tremendous prizes. And, most importantly, today, we had six 5th Grade Readers deliver readings on the importance of Memorial Day to connect to our #PositiveSignThursday message that We Remember why we have no school on Monday. A phenomenal week!

These and the other pictures below in and around the classrooms really do relay a story of the fantastic accomplishments our students and teachers achieved this week. Please check them out below and all over our Instagram feed to help to tell the tremendous story we are writing this year.

Please check out the rest of the Newsletter for some important information including ...

HAY PTO BOGO Book Fairs This Week

Memorial Day Monday

Field Trip Information

Important Information from NMS for 5th Grade Families

Other HAY PTO News

5th Grade Pictures Needed for the Yearbook

NPS Portrait of a Learner

NPS Summer Enrichment

Important Upcoming Calendar Events to Mark Your Own Calendar

Community Events

And much, much more ...

Please check it out.

Thanks; have a wonderful long, holiday weekend; be well,

Marty

Martin R. Geoghegan

Principal

Henri A. Yelle Elementary School

Friday, May 22 & Saturday, May 23 – NMS Drama Present Alice In Wonderland (see below)

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day -- No School

Tuesday, May 26 – HAY PTO 4th Grade In-School BOGO Scholastic Book Fair (see below)

Wednesday, May 27 – HAY PTO 5th Grade In-School BOGO Scholastic Book Fair (see below)

Wednesday, May 27 – 4th Grade Field Trip (see below)

Thursday, May 28 – 4th Grade Field Trip (see below)

Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 – HAY PTO Textile Drive (see below)

Tuesday, June 2 – 5th Grade Field Trip (see below)

Wednesday, June 3 – 5th Grade Field Trip (see below)

Wednesday, June 3 – NHS Class of 2026 Senior Walk 11:30 AM

Thursday, June 4 – 5th Grade Field Trip (see below)

Wednesday, June 10 – JCS & LGN 3rd Grade Move-Up Day to the Yelle

Friday, June 12 – Yelle 2026 Field Day (more details to follow)

Friday, June 19 – No School – Juneteenth

Tuesday, June 23 – Last Day of School 11:40 AM Dismissal

On Wednesdy, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, our 4th Grade Students will be heading to the Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, at Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island, for a Field Trip.

Ms. Browne, Mrs. Carline, Mr. Chu, and Ms. Fine: Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Benson, Ms. Mihajlovits, and Mrs. Rose: Thursday, May 28, 2026

Buses leave: 8:30 Return to HAY: 2:30

$20.00 (CASH or CHECK MADE OUT TO HAY PTO)

Venmo at: @HenriA-YellePTO

Students will attend an interactive space-themed show and participate in a hands-on workshop.

During the show, they will explore the solar system, learn about different planets, and discover what makes Earth unique, as well as observe features of our Milky Way galaxy.

In the workshop, students will learn about the International Space Station and what life is like for astronauts. They will take part in “astronaut training” activities and explore how astronauts live and work in space.

Students may choose to bring their own bag lunch OR they may get a lunch from school.

IF your child is planning to obtain a bag lunch from school, they will be given a MUFFIN FUN LUNCH.

On Tuesday June 2, Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4, our 5th Grade Students will be heading to the New Bedford Whaling Museum for a Field Trip.

On Tuesday, June 2 -- Mrs. Bruno, Mrs. Donahue, and Mrs. Hannon/Mrs. Winters

On Wednesday, June 3 -- Mrs. Gray and Ms. Horton

On Thursday, June 4 -- Ms. Cross and Mrs. Correira

Busses leave: 8:30 Return to HAY: 2:30

$20.00 (CASH or CHECK MADE OUT TO HAY PTO) or Venmo at: @HenriA-YellePTO

Students will participate in the “Whales Today” educational program. Through the use of real whale artifacts, hands-on teaching tools, and magnificent skeletons, students will learn about these amazing animals and discover how we can help protect whales today. Students will also view a 3D movie about whales.

Students will BRING their own lunch to the Whaling Museum. We will be provided a room in which students will enjoy their lunch. Students may choose to bring their own bag lunch OR they may get a lunch from school.

If your child is planning to obtain a bag lunch from school, they will be given a MUFFIN FUN LUNCH.

Superintendent’s Message

Earlier this week, students across Norton Public Schools watched a brief video introduction to our new Portrait of a Learner, also known as The Lancer Way.

The Lancer Way represents the skills, habits, and values we hope to foster in every student throughout their time in Norton Public Schools. It reflects not only academic growth, but also how students collaborate, solve problems, show empathy, communicate, and continue growing as learners and members of our community.

As part of this rollout, I will be visiting classrooms across the district over the coming weeks to talk with students about what the Lancer Way means to them. One of the most important parts of this work is ensuring that student voice is at the center of the process, and I am excited to hear their ideas, perspectives, and reflections.

We are also launching a district-wide Lancer Way Art Contest for students in grades PK–12. Students will be invited to create an original piece of artwork that represents what it means to be a Lancer. Selected artwork will help visually represent the Lancer Way across our schools and district communications moving forward.

Additional information about the contest, including timelines and submission details, will be shared by schools in the coming days.

This work is an important step in continuing to build a shared vision for learning and belonging across Norton Public Schools, and we are excited to partner with our students, staff, and families throughout the process.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Lancer Way Video

Hello Yelle Families:

The HAY Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) hopes all families are enjoying the school year. We are always trying to make this another senational experience for our students!

The PTO sponsors monthly meetings, which are usually held the third Thursday of each month from 6-7PM in the HAY Library. The meetings could be changed if there is a calendar conflict with a school vacation or holiday and are usually moved to the Wednesday before or after. You can view on the HAY Calendar on the NPS website.

We look forward to seeing returning parents along with new faces from our fourth grade families!

Come join the meetings to hear what’s happening in your child’s school, how you can help out by volunteering, or ways for you to share an idea!

Contact us at:

hayellepto@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/HAYPTO/

Our HAY PTO BOGO (Buy One Get One) Free Scholastic Book Fair Is THIS WEEK!

To kick off summer reading, our HAY PTO Buy One Get One Book Fair

will take place next week in school on Tuesday, May 26, for 4th Grade,

and Wednesday, May 27, for 5th Grade during school in the Yelle Library.

Please Keep In Mind:

Students will only have a chance to shop during the school day,

as there will be no after school shopping hours for this fair.

Fliers went home today!

CLICK HERE To set-up e-wallet!

Calling all 5th Grade families!! We are beginning to assemble the 5th Grade Yearbook and we need your student(s) photo!

https://forms.gle/9dqvi58YTq9JKhNH8

Don't throw away any of your textiles!

We have our Textile Drive happening later in the Spring after the Memorial Day Weekend on Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31.

So start planning that Spring Cleaning, as well as supporting our PTO!

More info coming soon ...

Dear Grade 5 Parents/Guardians,

In just a few short months, your child will be making the exciting transition from elementary school to Norton Middle School. To help ensure this change is as smooth and positive as possible, we’ve carefully begun implementing an orientation process.

On Thursday, May 14, Principal Hayward, Guidance Counselor Mr. Maloof, and several student representatives visited the Henri A. Yelle School. During our visit, we met with students in small group settings to introduce them to life at NMS and give them the opportunity to ask questions.

On Thursday, May 21, Grade 5 students will visit Norton Middle School during the school day. They’ll tour the building, meet several sixth-grade teachers, and enjoy a special performance of Alice in Wonderland by our NMS Drama Club.

As we approach the final days of the school year, congratulations on reaching this important milestone! While one chapter of your child’s educational journey is coming to a close, a new and exciting one is just beginning. To support our incoming sixth-grade students and their families, we’ve created a dedicated website for Norton Middle School. This site offers a glimpse into daily student life at NMS, with a variety of videos, helpful links, and resources. We encourage you to explore each section, as they provide valuable insight into what to expect. Information and updates will continue to be added throughout the summer.

NMS Welcome Class of 2033 = website created rising grade 6 Parents and Students

Summer visit to Norton Middle School:

We’re excited to host our Welcome Back Ice Cream Social in August, just before school begins. This event will give incoming grade 6 students a chance to reconnect with friends, tour the building, find their homeroom, enjoy music and games, and ease any first-day nerves with some ice cream, of course! Parents are welcome to join us for an open tour of the building and learning spaces. I’ll be working with the NMS Parent Board to finalize the date and time, and we’ll share details with families over the summer via ParentSquare.

Bonus Content 2026/ 2026 NMS Newsletters: The Lancers LEAD Story = May 2026 , The Lancers LEAD Story = March 2026 The Lancers LEAD Story = February 2026

Sincerely,

Vincent M. Hayward

Vincent M. Hayward | Principal - vincenthayward@norton.k12.ma.us

Norton Middle School Drama Program

After months of dedication, creativity, and tireless preparation, the talented members of the Norton Middle School Drama Program are proud to present their upcoming production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” later this month. Students have been fully immersed in the theatrical process, refining choreography, developing character-driven scene work, mastering blocking, and committing their scripts to memory with impressive focus and discipline. The vibrant costumes and whimsical set designs are ready to transport the audience straight into the heart of Wonderland. Evening performances for families and the community will take place at 7:00 PM on May 20, 21, and 22 in the Norton Middle School Auditorium. Tickets for evening performances can be purchased here.

Please see more great Pictures and what is happening in #HAYNation like these by going to Instagram at @HAYSchoolNorton -- Make sure you Follow Us and Tag Us in any Posts you want us to see!

Norton Public Schools

Summer Enrichment Program

2026

Registration ends on May 29, 2026

*Initial registration deadline is May 29, 2026. After this date, registrations will continue to be accepted on a space-available basis.

Week 1: July 6-July 9, 2026

Week 3: July 20-July 23, 2026

Week 4: July 27-July 30, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Norton Public Schools’ Summer Enrichment Program!

We are pleased to offer a variety of opportunities for students entering grades K-12 to take part in this summer. There are four different weeks offered from Monday, July 6th through Thursday, July 30th. Sessions will take place Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm.

Norton Middle School will be the host site of the Summer Enrichment Program. All students may be dropped off at NMS between 8:45am-8:55am. Each morning, a parent or family representative must bring the K-4 students to be checked into NMS. Students entering Grades 5 and up do not need a parent or family representative to check them in. Attendance will be taken each day at 9:00am. Once the day begins, your child may not leave without permission. Students must stay within school boundaries and remain in registered sessions until release at the end of each day. Pick-up is expected at the conclusion of the sessions at 12:00pm at Norton Middle School

Leaving the Summer Program: Only the people listed on the Registration Form will be allowed to pick up your child at the end of each day. Please inform the person picking up your child that a picture ID may be requested. Each child in Grades K-4 must be checked out each day.

**Also, please note that all students must be toilet trained.

Cost of the Summer Enrichment Program: $175 per week

Unfortunately, because we are a self-funded program, there are no scholarships or discounts available.

• All payments will be made through Unipay, search “Norton School Department” and then please select “Summer Enrichment” on the left. There will be no refunds issued unless the session is canceled. Click here to access Unipay.

• Registration is also completely digital this year! Click here to register your child for Summer Enrichment 2026!

✦ Registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis up to May 29th or until the maximum number of participants is reached for each session. Please be advised that each session needs to have a minimum number of students to operate. If a course you select does not have sufficient numbers of enrolled students to operate, the session will be canceled and you will receive a refund.

NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PAYMENT.

✦During the course of the Summer Enrichment Program, photos may be taken of the students for display in school, on the District website, on social media, or in the local newspaper. Please see the registration form to give permission for your child’s photograph to be taken.

Any questions? Contact Kelly Allen, Summer Enrichment Coordinator, kellyallen@norton.k12.ma.us

Descriptions for all courses are below!

Summer Enrichment Brochure 2026

Principal Martin R. Geoghegan

Past Newsletters can be found Here.

Website: https://www.norton.k12.ma.us/henri-a-yelle-elementary-school
Location: 64 West Main Street, Norton, MA, USA
Phone: 508-285-0190
Instagram: @HAYSchoolNorton