Cole Miners' Dig

What a wonderful year of learning it has been! Thanks to our incredible teachers and staff, supportive parents, and engaged community members, our students had every opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive. Our students are hardworking, curious, and amazing! As we head into summer, I encourage every family to keep those skills sharp: read together each day, jot down thoughts and adventures in a journal, and practice math facts a little at a time. Of course, there should be plenty of time for fun in the sun too—a balanced summer makes for a strong start in the fall!

Before we close out the year, I want to send heartfelt congratulations and well wishes to a few special members of our school family. Mrs. Tracey, Mrs. Higgins, Mrs. Sullivan, and Officer Phelps are all retiring this year, and we thank them for their years of dedicated service and the countless ways they've supported our students and staff. We also bid a fond farewell to Mrs. Benner, who is stepping into an exciting new chapter as principal of Foster School in Hingham — we are so proud of her and know she will be a wonderful leader there. Thank you all for making this such a memorable year, and here's to a happy, restful, and sun-filled summer!

Staffing Changes

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Emma Breen to Cole School as the long term substitute for Mrs. Sherburne for the 2026-2027 school year. Mrs. Sherburne is taking a one year leave of absence to care for her daughter, Lennon. Ms. Breen, a Norwell Schools' alum, is a recent graduate from Salve Regina University and earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education and special education. We are thrilled to have her join the Cole School first grade team! She will be here to meet her first grade class on Move Up Day on Monday.

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Maureen Coleman to Cole School as the new clerical/lunch and recess duty aide taking the place of Mrs. Higgins. Ms. Coleman will begin her role in September alongside our new secretary, Mrs. Festa.

Exciting news - we will be using the dismissal app Pick Up Patrol next year to manage all dismissals. PickUp Patrol is a secure web app that eliminates the need for you to send notes, write emails, or call the school to change your child’s dismissal plans. Enter plan changes days, weeks, or even months in advance from your smartphone or computer. PickUp Patrol is simple and convenient to use—but most importantly, it helps the school manage student arrival and departure information accurately and efficiently to help keep your children safe.

We will send you a registration email with instructions to sign up this summer. Every family will need to register for Pick Up Patrol as that is the only way we will be taking dismissal change information moving forward.

Class placements for the 2026-2027 school year are now finalized. Students will have the exciting opportunity to meet their new teacher and classmates during Move Up Day on Monday, June 22nd. To ensure a smooth start to the school year, no placement changes will be made after this date. We encourage families to prepare children for the possibility that they may have a different teacher or classroom friends than they expected. Each new school year brings wonderful opportunities to form new friendships, learn from different teaching styles, and grow as learners. This transition is an excellent chance to help your child develop resilience and flexibility—valuable life skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey.

The 2026-2027 School Calendar can be found below. Students in grades 1-5 begin on Tuesday, September 8th. Incoming kindergartners start on Wednesday, September 9th. We'll see you in September!

Student Government met for the final time this year to reflect on all they accomplished. Throughout the year, representatives worked hard to gather ideas from their classmates, spread kindness and positivity, and help make Cole School a cleaner, brighter place. We are so proud of their leadership, teamwork, and dedication to our school community. To celebrate the end of the year, representatives created posters wishing our 5th graders good luck as they begin their next adventure in middle school!

June

June 19 - No School

June 22 - Last Day of School, Move Up Day - Early Release (students dismissed at 12:20)

A Message from our "Chief of Dads"

Hi Norwell Dads,

As a parent of both a 2nd and 4th grader at Cole Elementary, I've noticed a real imbalance in involvement between moms and dads when it comes to PTO and related activities. After meeting with Claudine Schrock (INCOMING PTO PRESIDENT) and several other PTO LEADERSHIP members, we are excited to announce the formation of the "Dad Squad."

The concept is simple. Fill out the form below and raise your hand for the chance to chip in on all things PTO, including event setup and breakdown. Our goal is to have the group on call when extra hands are needed to help execute the events organized by the PTO.

In addition, we'll be planning one or two fundraising events focused on Norwell dads, and we want your input. Options for event types are included in the survey link below.

This is a relatively low individual commitment with full flexibility on how much you take on. Your involvement will make a real difference for the PTO and the broader Cole School community. We hope you'll consider joining!

IF YOU HAVE MORE TO OFFER, CONSIDER giving your name to Claudine, privately, as well as signing up for the Dad Squad. There are other possible leadership opportunities ranging in commitment you can throw your name into with PTO.

Sign up here: https://form.typeform.com/to/XjUDufux

Thanks,
Shea Coakley

Chief of Dads

Norwell Cultural Council Survey - Survey Link

Please take a few minutes to respond to this arts and culture survey from the Norwell Cultural Council. The Norwell Cultural Council grants state-allocated funding to local cultural programs and events that benefit and enrich the lives of Norwell residents. We hope to use the results to better represent our community members' interests and we will publish the results on various Town-related platforms. This survey was created by the council's Norwell High School senior intern. Thank you for your time and input to help further the Council's work. Please find the survey link here.

If you would like to learn more about the work and mission of the Mass Cultural Council and Norwell Cultural Council, please click here.