Something To Yelle About

THESE A-MAY-ZING STUDENTS ARE

IN ABUNDANCE IN #HAYNation!

Hello from the Yelle.

Our students have completed the incredibly hard-work that is entailed in doing the MCAS, and as of Tuesday, MCAS 2026 was completed! We could not be more proud of the effort all of our students put into these assessments!

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 our finishing up MCAS with our 5th Grade students starting their day with 1st Morning Recess and then Snack Time fun in the cafe. Then there are a couple of pictures from Music class where students were creating songs with cups and students in STEAM flying their paper airplanes. Our Unified Cornhole Team finished the season with a great match and received certificates for their incredible effort. Mr. Hayward also stopped into all of our 5th Grade classes to talk about the transition to the Norton Middle School. Then the final two middle pictures are from #PositiveSignThursday where I had a message that exclaimed How Our Students Are 'A-MAY-zing!, and I didn't know that each class would surprise me with their own #PositiveSignThursday for Principal Appreciation Day. It was a tremendous surprise and on the opposite side, I truly appreciated the thought. These kiddos are truly A-MAY-ZING!

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 ...

Half-Day Wednesday

Field Trip Information

NHS Mock Crash on Wednesday

HAY PTO News

5th Grade Pictures Needed for the Yearbook

NPS Portrait of a Learner

NEED Auction Ends Tonight

2026 MCAS Completed

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 weekend; be well,

Marty

Martin R. Geoghegan

Principal

Henri A. Yelle Elementary School

Monday, May 18 – NHS Seniors Day of Service (Class of '26 Supporting NPS

Doing Community Service here at the Yelle)

Tuesday, May 19 – Yelle 5th Grade Band Concert at 7 PM in Yelle Gym

Wednesday, May 20 – ½ Day District PD Day – 11:40AM Dismissal

Wednesday, May 20 – Mock Crash at NHS (see below)

Thursday, May 21 – 5th Grade Move-Up Day to NMS

Thursday, May 21 – HAY PTO Meeting – 6 PM in the Library

Thursday, May 21, Friday, May 22, & Saturday, May 23 – NMS Drama Present Alice In Wonderland (see below)

Friday, May 22 – Memorial Day Student Readings throughout the day

Friday, May 22 – Post-MCAS Congratulatory HAY PTO BINGO

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day -- No School

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

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

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

Thursday, May 28 – 4th Grade Field Trip (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

Just A Reminder:

This coming Wednesday, May 20th, is a Half-Day with an

11:40AM Early Dismissal for all Yelle students

for a districtwide PD Day.

Please Mark Your Calendars!

On Wednesday, May 20th, the Norton High School in cooperation with Norton Police and Fire Departments will engage in a "Mock Crash Demonstration" for the students at Norton High School.

Our SRO Sgt. Dennett wanted me to send a message to the Yelle families to alert them of this happening on Wednesday around 10 AM.

Our students might hear or see ambulances, helicopters, and other things around 10 AM, but we know exactly what it is – it is the Mock Crash at the high school.

Our students might come home saying that "someone said that something horrible happened at the high school or outside school." But please know that what “actually” happened at school is this Mock Crash presentation.

A high school mock crash is a live-action, scripted safety demonstration that visually replicates the immediate aftermath of a fatal automobile accident. These events aim to deter teenagers from driving under the influence or while distracted.

Any questions please let me know. Thank you!

Yelle Spring 2026 MCAS Completed!

We have finished our 2026 MCAS administration

for all of our students!

All I can tell you is how proud I am of all of our students' effort!

All we ask is for them to do their best and take their time, and I believe,

that is exactly what they did!

Our 4th Grade students did a great job working on ELA and then Math this past week.

And our 5th Grade students put in the effort as they completed Science,

Technology, and Engineering (STE) this week and we so appreciate it.

#WayToGo!

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/

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 ...

Our HAY PTO BOGO (Buy One Get One) Free Scholastic Book Fair Is Coming Soon!

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

will take place in a couple of weeks 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 coming soon to set-up e-wallet!

Our spring auction is the biggest fundraiser we do all year to raise money for our teacher grants we give out each fall. We can't do amazing things like large scale grants without successful fundraisers like this!

Our auction for 2026 ends Tonight, May 14, at 8 PM,and we hope you will join us for the fun! The auction will run from May 1-15 and has over 100 packages in it! That's not over 100 items....that's over 100 packages to bid on!

Click here to check out the auction and support the group that supports you! Happy Bidding!

Wondering what direct impact to student learning that money has? Check out our website and see the grants we've been able to fund with your help!

https://www.nortonneed.org/granting-wishes-for-nps.html

Much thanks,

NEED
www.nortonneed.org

Norton Embracing Educational Development (NEED), a 501(c)3 Organization

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 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.

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