Wednesday's Words

I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and longer days- it is a clear sign that Spring is just around the corner! It is hard to believe we are now entering the final term of the school year. It is a busy time of year, with many exciting things happening in our classrooms. In the next few weeks, students in grades 3-6 will participate in the state MCAS English Language Arts exams. We also have several field trips and special performances scheduled, as well as our iCare Disability Awareness Program, Immersion Experience and a Unified Schools event on the calendar.

Last week the Norfolk Public Schools held a public hearing on our preliminary fiscal 2026 school budget. The preliminary budget request allows the district to meet contractual obligations for salary increases, as well as absorb increases to the cost of transportation services. The current proposal also provides funding to support the district’s adoption of a new math curriculum, as our current program is outdated. Lastly, the proposed budget allows the district to maintain class sizes within the School Committee policy limit in most grades, with the exception of grade two. As you are aware, the HOD school is out of space and we consequently do not have an additional classroom available to house a ninth second grade. We anticipate class sizes of 21 and 22 in second grade next year.

Given the difficult economic climate and fiscal challenges facing the town of Norfolk, the district has made several reductions to expense lines, as well as some adjustments to staffing. For more information, click here to view the full public hearing presentation. The preliminary budget document can also be found on our website at https://www.norfolk.k12.ma.us. The final budget will be presented to the community at the annual spring town meeting on May 14, 2025 at 7:00.

If you have any questions concerning the school budget, please feel free to contact me directly at 508-528-1225 or by email at allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine and have a great week!

Sincerely,

Ingrid Allardi

Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools

Our very own music teacher, John Fouracre, was selected by the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association Executive Board as a 2025 co-recipient of the MICCA Paul Smith Hall of Fame Award, which will be presented to him during an event at the DCU Center in Worcester at 2:30pm on March 28th.

• To read the award announcement letter CLICK HERE!
• Mr. Fouracre was also interviewed by GBH's All Things Considered - CLICK HERE to listen!

Correction to 2024 MCAS District Comparison Data & Updated Reports - A correction has been made to the MCAS district comparison data for ELA and Math, accurately reflecting Norfolk’s recovery rates and performance; for more information and to see the updated data, please click on this tab: View Updated MCAS Reports

CLICK HERE to find more School Committee information.

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!

• At least 2 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required
• Please apply on SchoolSpring

Please click on Employment Opportunities to join our team!

CURRENT OPENINGS:

For more information contact Roxanne Verdeaux, Human Resources @ verdeaux@norfolk.k12.ma.us

• Human Resource Specialist
• Educational Support Personnel
• Extended Day Site Coordinator (SACC) - Grades 3-6
• Substitute Nurses (RN or LPN)
• Substitute Paraprofessionals
• Substitute Teachers
• Food Service Assistants

• Friday, March 21 - Report Cards Issued - Term 2
• Tuesday, March 25 - NOON DISMISSAL - Conferences
• Thursday, March 27 - NOON DISMISSAL - Conferences

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. Sessions will take place beginning the 2nd week of April. Tentatively April 9, April 30 and May 7. Location will be determined once number of participants is finalized. Please complete the form below by March 24th if you are interested in participating. Sign up form.

CALLING ALL HIGH ROLLERS!

Join us for an unforgettable Casino Royale night at the Annual Growing Together Fundraiser, hosted by the Norfolk MA PTO & Norfolk SEPAC !

Date: April 5, 2025

We’re Raising $10,000 for a Sensory Path at Norfolk Public Schools!

A sensory path provides interactive movement-based activities that help students improve focus, self-regulation, and learning engagement. This is an amazing opportunity to make a real impact in our schools!

Buy in now!

• $75 per ticket for the general public

• $40 per ticket for teachers and staff

The stakes are high—ticket sales close on March 24th!
Secure yours today at https://www.norfolksepac.org/event-info/growing-together-casino-royale

or scan the QR code on our event flyer.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Become a Sponsor! Gain incredible exposure while supporting a great cause.
Choose from our Casino Royale sponsorship levels:

High Roller ($1,500+) | Royal Flush ($1,000) | Jackpot ($500) | Ace of Spades ($250) | Lucky 7 ($100)

Try your luck at a variety of casino games, enjoy heavy appetizers, late-night pizza, and go all in for a great cause—raising funds for a sensory walk and curriculum enhancements at Norfolk Public Schools!

See you at the tables!

Best,

Norfolk PTO & SEPAC

Support our students. Strengthen our schools. Let’s make a difference together!

This is an ADULTS ONLY event.

HOD Movie Night is this Friday!

HOD students are welcome to join us for a Movie Night at HOD, this Friday, March 21. The kids will enjoy pizza, snacks and a drink while watching a movie with friends. Click here to sign up! HOD Movie Night | March 21

Last call for Tickets! Growing Together Fundraiser – Casino Night on April 5

Join the PTO and SEPAC for a joint fundraiser on Saturday, April 5th at the Franklin Country Club. This year’s event will be a Casino Night for parents, caregivers and community members. For tickets, visit:

https://www.norfolksepac.org/event-info/growing-together-casino-royale

• Auction items needed! Please contact jen.c.wolff@gmail.com if you have items to donate. Thank you for your support!

Coming Soon: Silent Auction March 30 to April 6

The PTO Silent Auction is just around the corner. Get ready to bid on tickets to school events, activities and fun items – and your donations support the PTO! Details to follow.

Open PTO Treasurer Position

The Norfolk PTO is looking for a Treasurer to join the Executive Board. We welcome anyone interested in this position, or other PTO opportunities, to please email norfolkmapto@gmail.com.

Norfolk Merch Store Open 24/7

Check 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

Look for our next issue on April 16th

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