What's Happening @ NHS

Hello NHS Students and Families,

As we wrap up the first week, I want to thank students, staff, and families for all your positivity and energy that made this a fantastic start to the school year!

Students arrived early Tuesday in what appeared to be their carefully coordinated “fits” for picture day. In classrooms throughout the building, teachers welcomed students into their new classes and focused on getting to know them as people and helping them feel comfortable in their new settings. I’m always impressed with the importance our teachers place on creating a sense of belonging and developing strong relationships as the first step in paving the way to the learning that comes next.

One aspect of this first week that I’m really excited to share was our first-ever PeerLit summer reading discussions. This experience was the culmination of over a year of planning. The goal was to reinvigorate our summer reading program by placing a renewed focus on the joy of reading while also creating peer leadership opportunities. To accomplish this, we intentionally pulled back on grading and focused on learning together, and our students certainly exceeded all expectations.

It was honestly amazing to watch it come to life. You could see that students were genuinely excited coming into their discussion groups Wednesday morning. You could hear the passion in the students’ voices as they shared their thoughts about their books. They talked about characters they connected with, concepts they disagreed with, their annoyance when an author took the story in a direction they didn’t like, and how they wanted to make themselves, their team, or the world better based on what they learned. It was passionate, thoughtful, and sincerely exciting to hear.

Making this happen was an incredible effort led by Jessica Johnston, our English Department Coordinator, and Michelle Ready, our Librarian. Under their leadership, and with the guidance of the members of the English Department, this became a true community effort. Our entire staff and some of our coaches (shoutout to Coach Pithie!) played a role in making this exciting for students. It was great to see so many people across our school community come together around reading and meaningful conversations.

As with any new program, your feedback is essential in helping us make improvements for next year. If you could please take a few minutes to complete our parent feedback survey, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you to our entire school community for the role you played in making this learning experience come alive.

I can't wait for week two!!

Sincerely,

Marc Bender

Principal

Norwell High School

Here are a few additional highlights from our first week, along with some upcoming events:

Norwell High School’s Open House Night, Thursday, Sept. 17th - We’re looking forward to welcoming you back and introducing you to your student’s teachers and classes.

Please note the following:

Welcome address from Principal Bender: 6:00 pm
Period 1 begins: 6:40 pm.

Be sure to ask your student(s) for the schedule they will complete in Advisory on Wednesday, Sept. 16th, designed to assist you in easily finding your class locations at the appropriate times.
Here is the link to a blank copy of the class schedule for the evening. (Just in case you would like to plan in advance or your student forgets to share their completed copy).

September 11th - 25th Anniversary Remembrance - This morning, students took part in a moment of silence and remembrance activity during Advisory, reflecting on the lasting impact of the attacks of September 11th 25 years ago. They also reflected on the remarkable spirit of unity, patriotism, compassion, and service that followed. Students were encouraged to ask their teachers, trusted adults, and especially their parents to share their experiences. By listening to these stories, we can help keep alive the memory and lessons of September 11th.

Blue & Gold Spirit Day, Friday - Today, we kicked off the year with our first spirit day! It was great to see so much Clipper pride throughout the building as students and staff wore blue and gold and celebrated what it means to be part of the Clipper family.

Late Bus - The late bus is back and available for students interested in staying for extra help at Office Hours or co-curricular activities. Buses run Tues. Wed. & Thus., and leave the high school at 4:00 p.m.

Student Parking Permits

Student parking registration procedures have been reviewed with all juniors and seniors during class meetings on the first day of school.

Student parking on Norwell High School's campus is by permit only. Students that wish to park at NHS must complete all steps outlined below starting with the 2026-27 Student Parking Survey online form (Norwell Student Google Account is required to access) and then provide payment and the required paperwork (outlined below) when purchasing a permit. To participate in the parking lottery during the week of 9/14 the survey must be completed by the extended deadline of noon on Sunday, 9/13. Senior permit registration and lottery will take place on Tuesday, 9/15, at 2:45 PM, and junior registration and lottery will occur on Thursday, 9/17, at 2:45 PM.

Students that do not participate in the lottery may purchase a parking permit in the main office starting on Monday, 9/21. Lot spots may sell our during the lottery.

Once a permit is issued, students are required to park in their assigned parking spot or parking area only. Parking will not be allowed in any other location on campus. Students must also follow all rules of the road and the safe driving procedures of Norwell High School. All policies are outlined on the Student Parking Registration & Contract. Violations of these policies can result in loss of parking privileges and disciplinary consequences in accordance with the NHS Student-Parent Handbook. Thank you for your continued cooperation in making parking at NHS both safer and easier.

Obtaining Student Parking at Norwell High:

Complete the online parking survey - 2026-27 Student Parking Survey (student login required)
The student must submit a Student Parking Registration & Contract in order to purchase a parking permit. You may download the contract or obtain a paper copy in the main office.
When purchasing a parking permit students will provide
- Completed contract
- Copy of the student’s valid driver’s license
- Copy of the vehicle registration
- Payment or online payment receipt
The student will receive a parking permit from an office staff member to display on the car’s rear view mirror whenever the car is parked on campus.

Students Parking at Norwell High School Must:

Have a valid parking permit.
Follow all rules outlined in the handbook and in the student parking registration/contract.
Whenever the car is parked on campus, display the permit on the car’s rear view mirror facing out.

NHS Flow of Traffic

The NHS loop is ONE WAY! Drivers, for the safety of our community please follow traffic flow at all times on campus.

Please DO NOT drop off students in Lot A during morning arrival. The extra vehicles moving through this lot creates an unsafe situation for students and staff walking through the lot. Please continue to the smaller Lot B for drop off.

NHS Club Fair

On Tuesday, 9/15, the NHS Club Fair will take place during school. Students will have the opportunity to explore club opportunities at NHS.

Optional Tech Fee for iPad Protection

Norwell Public Schools will continue offering the iPad Technology Fee Option for the 2026–2027 school year. This program is available to families with students in grades 6–12 .

Technology Fee Details:

Cost: $50.00 per student
Coverage: Up to two (2) accidental damage incidents involving the student’s school-issued iPad
Additional Incidents: Beginning with the third incident, a $150.00 fee will be charged per occurrence
Intentional Damage: Any incident determined to be intentional will incur a full replacement charge , regardless of how many incidents have occurred

For more details, please visit the Norwell Public Schools website.

Payment Information:

Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 To avoid incurring repair costs, we encourage families to enroll early.
Online Payment: You can pay online through the Norwell Public Schools website by selecting the “Fees & Payment Options” or use the following direct link: https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx?Customerid=709
Payment by Check: Please make checks payable to “Town of Norwell”. Be sure to include your student’s full name and grade on the memo line mailed to or dropped off at Norwell Public Schools Central Office, 322 Main Street.

If you have any questions about the Technology Fee Program, please contact Warren MacCallum at warren.maccallum@norwellschools.org or 781-659-8800 x1030.

Important Dates for Your Calendar

September 14 - Norwell Arts Meeting @ 6:00 PM, NHS Community Room
September 15 - NHS Club Fair (during school)
September 15 - Boosters Meeting @ 7:00 PM, NHS Community Room
September 17 - NHS Open House @ 6:00 PM
September 22 - College Fair (during school)
September 22 - 9th Grade Student Government Elections
September 24 - Norwell Cares Day
October 16 & 17 - Homecoming Weekend
November 1 - Seniors Portraits Due
November 18 & 19 - Parent-Teacher Conferences
11/18, 12:30pm - 2:30pm & 5:00pm - 7:00pm
11/19, 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Links and Reminders

Norwell Schools 26-27 Calendar
Norwell Schools Important Dates
NHS Clubs
Need a Tutor? Request here for help from a peer tutor
Register here to be added to the peer tutor list
NHS Student Parking Permits
Report a Student Absence - email nhs.mainoffice@norwellschools.org
Request a Student Dismissal - email nhs.mainoffice@norwellschools.org
Food deliveries (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc) are prohibited from being delivered to NHS.

College Fair at NHS

On Tuesday, 9/22, NHS will host a college fair. Here is a list of colleges that plan to attend.

Financial Aid Webinar

MEFA’s Financial Aid 101 webinar series provides a helpful overview of the entire financial aid process, and includes information on financial aid applications and eligibility, types of financial aid, and how colleges determine the details of financial aid offers. Regular webinars will run through mid-December. Here is the link to sign up for a webinar.

Follow us @norwellhsguidance on Instagram or Facebook

Meet the NHS Parent Groups

Please take an extra moment to take a look at this fantastic one-page informational sheet explaining the parent-driven organizations here at NHS (PTO, NEF, Athletic Boosters, & Norwell Arts). This dream team of supporters has already taken the first steps to combine efforts and would greatly appreciate your assistance.

Boosters 2026-2027 Meeting Schedule

7:00 PM in the Community Room at NHS

Tuesday, September 15
Tuesday, October 13
Tuesday, November 10
Tuesday, December 8
Tuesday, January 12
Tuesday, February 9
Tuesday, March 9
Tuesday, April 13
Tuesday, May 11
Tuesday, June 8

Can’t make it in person? Join our Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 817 1144 3539
Passcode: GoClippers

Norwell Arts 2026-2027 Meeting Schedule

6:00 PM in the Community Room at NHS

Monday, September 14
Monday, October 5
Monday, November 9
Monday, January 11
Monday, February 8
Monday, March 8
Monday, April 12

What's Happening @ NHS