Wednesday's Words

Dear Families,
As we head into April vacation, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on all the progress our students have made so far this year - not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. As part of our commitment to a balanced school day, students across our schools learn simple strategies to support their well-being. These include breathing exercises, mindful movement, and building empathy and self-awareness through daily classroom routines. We encourage our students to take mindful moments throughout the day - whether it's a deep breath, a quiet pause, or a short walk - to help them feel calm, focused, and ready to learn.
Taking a few mindful moments each day - especially during busy or unstructured times like school vacation - can help children feel more centered, calm, and connected.
We encourage families to try a few of these practices at home over the break:
Take 3 Deep Breaths: Invite your child to pause, close their eyes, and take three slow, deep breaths to help reset and refocus.
Gratitude Journals: Start or end the day by writing (or drawing!) one thing you're grateful for.
Mindful Walks: Head outside and notice five things you can see, hear, or feel—it’s a great way to connect with nature and be present.
Screen-Free Quiet Time: Set aside 10–15 minutes for relaxing activities like coloring, reading, or listening to music.
Second Grade Students Engineer Solutions for a Greener World
Second-grade students have begun an exciting engineering unit using the Museum of Science's YES Engineering kits. PTO generously funded these kits to benefit our teachers and students. These standards-aligned K–5 units ignite curiosity by engaging students in real-world engineering challenges. Using the Engineering Design Process, students innovate, make connections across STEM fields, and refine solutions through hands-on investigation—building critical thinking and resilience. Our second graders are tackling a real-world problem by designing and building hand-held pumpkin pollinators. They are learning about the crucial role of bees in our ecosystem and how to support the environment through innovation.
This hands-on project allows students to step into the shoes of engineers, using the engineering design process to create solutions. They’ll be applying their creativity and problem-solving skills to address the challenge of pollination and food production. To extend the learning at home, families are encouraged to explore the resources found here, including reading books about where our food comes from, connecting with local farmers, and even creating pollinator-friendly spaces. You will be amazed by the ingenuity of our second-grade engineers!
Technology In Schools Survey
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are reaching out to you today to invite you to participate in shaping the future of technology in Norfolk Public Schools. For the past several months, the Technology Steering Committee has been working diligently on several key goals aimed at enhancing technology integration within our schools. These efforts include a comprehensive assessment of our current technology programs, exploring innovative approaches and best practices, evaluating and improving our communication strategies, and critically reviewing our current policies, particularly those concerning screen-time and the integration of emerging technologies like Ai.
Your perspectives as parents and guardians are essential in helping us develop a well-informed long-range vision for technology in our schools. We would greatly appreciate it if you would take a few moments to complete a brief survey, which will provide us with valuable feedback as we make decisions about how technology can best support your child's learning journey. Your input will help us ensure that our technology initiatives are effective, relevant, and aligned with the needs of our entire school community. Please complete survey by: April 24th
Thank you for your time and your commitment to our students' success.
With appreciation,
NPS Technology Steering Committee
Tri-Town ELPAC Family Meet-Up: Open to ALL Families!
Come to the playground for some fun!
Date: Tuesday, April 30th
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Playground at Wood School, 72 Messenger Street, Plainville
Join us for a fun and welcoming evening where families can meet, chat, and build connections. This is a great chance to get to know other multilingual families in the Tri-Town area,
share experiences, learn more about how ELPAC supports students.
Kids can play while parents and caregivers connect in a relaxed outdoor setting. Whether you’re new to the community or have been here for years, we’d love for you to join us and be part of this supportive and friendly gathering!
All tri-town families are welcome!
For more information, contact Victoria Saldana
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Anxious Generation - Book Club - 2nd Meeting
If you missed our first meeting - it is not too late join!
We are starting with the first 3 chapters on:
April 29th @ KP High School - Library
7:00- 8:15pm
SIGN UP HERE: Sign up form
For more information contact:
Book discussion description:
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Re-wiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Mental health concerns, social media and other related topics are on the minds of parents, educators, researchers and service providers. This New York Times Bestsellers is receiving a lot of attention in the tri-town communities and beyond. We will be hosting a book group for parent/caregivers in the tri-town communities. The next sessions are April 29, May 6 and May 20.
School Committee Meeting: 4-8-2025
CLICK HERE to find more School Committee information.
Library Reminders
- May 23 - All student books due
H. Olive Day
- May 23- All student books due
June 2 - June 6: Spring Book Fair!
Please click on Employment Opportunities to join our team!
CURRENT OPENINGS:
For more information contact Roxanne Verdeaux, Human Resources @ verdeaux@norfolk.k12.ma.us
- Extended Day Site Coordinator (SACC) - Grades 3-6
- Substitute Nurses (RN or LPN)
- Substitute Paraprofessionals
- Substitute Teachers
- Food Service Assistant
Calendar Reminders
- Friday, April 18 - NO SCHOOL
- Monday, April 21- Friday, April 25 - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
- Wednesday, May 6 - NOON DISMISSAL - PD Day
Norfolk Public Schools Calendar
Norfolk PTO
Next PTO Meeting: Wednesday, May 14 @ 7pm: Freeman-Kennedy Library
- Save the Date! Spring Book Fair: Monday, June 2 – Friday, June 6: HOD and FK Libraries
- April Yearbook Deadlines | Customize Pages Today!The deadlines to order a yearbook and customize pages for your student(s) is coming soon – April 18 for HOD and April 23 for Freeman-Kennedy. The cost is $22.50 per yearbook. CLICK HERE for more information on how to get started. Place your order soon!
- 6th Grade Neon Nights Dance - May 9Freeman-Kennedy 6th graders are invited to a Neon Nights Dance with DJ Mike on Friday, May 9 from 7-9pm in the FK Cafeteria. The students will enjoy games and prizes while dancing to the latest music at their very own LED black light dance party! Sign up by April 17: https://www.memberplanet.com/s/norfolkmapto/neonnights2025
- Get Spring Gear in the Norfolk PTO Merch Store | Open 24/7Check out our online shop which include t-shirts, sweatshirts, athletic shorts and pants and hats for adults and kids, as well as water bottles, bags and more! Customize the design on each item. Purchases are shipped directly to your home, and 15% of your order goes back to the Norfolk schools! Click here to shop: Norfolk Merch Store | Squadlocker
King Philip Music Association Fundraisers!
Clothing Drive
All of this rain is great for cleaning out closets and drawers!!
- April 28th - 30th - the KPMA is partnering with the Epilepsy Foundation to collect clothing/shoes/linens. Items will be sorted at the facility to either be donated or recycled - so just bring them in unsoiled (stains and mismatched items are allowed) and pack them in 13 gallon trash bags.
- The KPMA will receive funds for each pound collected and these funds will benefit the King Philip Jazz Ensemble's trip to NYC for the 30th Annual Essentially Ellington Festival and competition. The bags can be dropped off at 22 Ridge Rd. Norfolk, MA.
3 Pugs Ice Cream Fundraiser
Great way to kick off the first day of April vacation!!
- Friday, April 18th from 6p - 9p
- Just be sure to mention KP in order for a portion of each sale to be donated to the music program
Norfolk Recreation
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us
Website: norfolk.k12.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 528-1225