NPS Superintendent's Newsletter
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“In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures.”
Cynthia Rylant
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The Northampton Public School District is a community of learners committed to equity and the success of each student.
Building Communities of Engaged Students
Enabling Students to Reach their Potential
Nurturing Kindness, Empathy, and Inclusivity
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Five little turkeys standing at the door,
One waddled off, and then there were four.
Four little turkeys sitting near a tree,
One waddled off, and then there were three.
Three little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off, and then there were two.
Two little turkeys in the morning sun,
One waddled off, and then there was one.
One little turkey better run away,
For soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving break.
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Month three of continuing with this year’s thematic focus, “Connect, Support, and Thrive: Building Resilience for All Students,” the next element in our five-part series is “Thrive”. The word “thrive” is an action verb that means “to grow, develop, or be successful in a strong, healthy, or vigorous way.”
I would like to share a story that could be any number of our children in NPS. Their name is Kai and the context of the story shows how they are prospering and flourishing in their academic and social development.
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“Kai, a vibrant third-grader, was truly thriving this year, not just in the classroom but in every aspect of their young life. Their teacher often remarked that their reading comprehension scores were soaring, and they had recently tackled three-digit multiplication with astonishing ease, demonstrating a passion for learning that was infectious. Beyond the academic growth, Kai was developing impressive social skills; they were the first to offer help to a classmate struggling with a science project and spoke up confidently during class discussions, transforming from a shy observer into an engaged leader. Seeing their curiosity ignite and their confidence blossom, it was clear to everyone that Kai was genuinely thriving in their elementary journey.”
A core element of the NPS mission is ensuring every student is thriving. This involves cultivating an environment defined by academic rigor and clear expectations of performance, creating the necessary challenge for students to exceed their potential. In this supportive and demanding setting, students are empowered to flourish into confident, independent thinkers and self-advocates. When students are truly thriving, they become resilient collaborators in the learning community, equipped with the tools to manage anxiety and driven to consistently go beyond expectations.
Helping a child thrive is a partnership between home and school. By taking proactive and supportive steps, caregivers can create a powerful environment that encourages academic success, independence, and strong emotional growth.
If you notice your child is struggling or not meeting their potential, the most crucial first step is to initiate a conversation with your child's teacher. This direct communication ensures you are working together based on shared, accurate observations.
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Work with Staff to Understand Progress: Schedule a focused time to discuss your child's current performance and growth areas. Ask how your child’s daily work aligns with their potential.
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Learn the Curriculum and Assessments: Familiarize yourself with the core curriculum standards and the assessments the district uses to monitor progress. Knowing these tools helps you understand the specific skills your child is expected to master.
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Reinforce Learning Beyond the School Day: Strategize with the teacher on simple, effective activities you can do at home to reinforce classroom learning. This ensures consistency and makes learning a natural, everyday activity.
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Cultivating the Thriving Mindset
Beyond academics, true thriving involves independence, self-advocacy, and emotional resilience. Caregivers can actively promote these qualities:
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Foster Independence: Provide age-appropriate responsibility, allowing your child to manage their homework schedule, organize their materials, and solve small problems on their own before stepping in. Independence builds confidence.
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Encourage Self-Advocacy: Practice asking clarifying questions with your child, such as "What is one thing you could ask your teacher for help with?" or "What do you need to succeed in this task?" This teaches them to become an active contributor to their own learning.
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Build Resilience and Manage Anxiety: Acknowledge and validate feelings of stress or anxiety without minimizing them. Teach coping strategies and frame challenges as opportunities for growth, reinforcing the idea that academic rigor is a challenge to be met, not a threat to be feared.
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Promote Collaboration: Look for opportunities for your child to contribute to the family or neighborhood, demonstrating the value of being a contributing member of a larger community. (That is a characteristic trait of the Northampton Community!)
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Updates for Strategic Plan - Year 2
Net Zero Carbonization and facilities along with the Consolidation work groups will meet in December to continue their work discussing various configurations of school models.
Out-of-School Time – the school committee unanimously voted to approve a district-wide after school program beginning next school year. The administrative team will continue working on the plan for logistics and operations, financials, staffing and program management and keeping its relationship with the YMCA.
*Please visit the links within the score card to learn more about the work that is occurring.
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Addressing Hunger
Through the dedicated work of our Nutrition Program Director Mistelle Hannah, and our Districtwide Social Workers, Kelley Knight and Nelly Carmona, we have compiled a vital resource list to help ensure continuous access to food for all our neighbors.
Addressing hunger is crucial for community well-being, fostering health, stability and human dignity for all residents.
When we ensure that everyone has enough to eat, we are actively building a more just, healthier, and stable foundation where all individuals can thrive!
A special thank you to the schools' PTOs and community members--St. John's Episcopal Church, First Churches of Northampton, College Church, and Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence--in helping us to provide for those in need within our school community.
This resource list (English / Spanish) is a tool for the entire community. You can use it to:
- Access food assistance: Find local pantries, programs, and opportunities for your family.
- Offer help: Discover ways to donate food, time, or funds to help feed others in need.
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Immigration Enforcement and Its Effect on NPS Schools
We remain on high alert regarding our immigrant students. Many districts across the nation are feeling the impact, which is causing trauma and affecting students' attendance. Although NPS has not been directly affected by ICE agents entering our school buildings, we remain vigilant and concerned for our families.
We have protocols in place at each of our buildings should ICE agents arrive, and our bus drivers also have procedures for drop-offs and pickups. Currently, the two largest teachers' unions (NEA and AFT) have filed a lawsuit to challenge immigration officers' presence on school campuses. We once again encourage our families to use the "know your rights" information from the Attorney General’s Office.
How to Assign an Emergency Caregiver for Your Student
In this day and age, a parent/guardian often has to delegate the care of a loved one to a caregiver. Most often, this involves ensuring care for a child. Whatever the situation, it’s essential to plan for the unexpected. To prepare for the possibility that you may not be able to care for your student, you may sign a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit to assign someone to make medical and educational decisions for your child in your absence.
The affidavit states who the parent/guardian wants to act as the child(ren)’s caregiver, and that the child(ren) will live with them if they are not able to live with you. It gives the caregiver the right to make decisions about your child’s education and health care for up to two (2) years in your absence.
You do not give up any of your rights when you sign it; and the affidavit can be terminated by either party within the two (2) years.
To create a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit, you AND the selected caregiver need to appear with photo identification in front of a Notary to complete and sign the Affidavit in the presence of the Notary, who will certify the document.
We encourage you to provide a copy of the affidavit to the caregiver listed on the affidavit and to the school as well as to update contact and emergency information identifying this caregiver for your child(ren) with the school secretary.
When was the last time you updated your contact information for the schools?
Please make sure your address, phone number, email and emergency contacts are current.
Peace, Unity and Joy
Dr. Portia S. Bonner
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HALF-DAY - Wednesday, November 26.
Schools dismiss according to the following schedule:
- Elementary -- 8:00-11:30AM
- Middle School -- 8:30AM-12:25PM
- High School -- 9:00AM-12:50PM
NO SCHOOL - Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Break)
HALF-DAY - Wednesday, December 3
Schools dismiss according to the following schedule:
- Elementary -- 8:00-11:30AM
- Middle School -- 8:30AM-12:25PM
- High School -- 9:00AM-12:50PM
HALF-DAY for conferences
(ELEMENTARY ONLY) - Wednesday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 17
Schools dismiss according to the following schedule:
- Elementary -- 8:00-11:30AM
LOOKING AHEAD:
NO SCHOOL - Wednesday, December 24-Friday, January 2 (December vacation)
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Steps we take for calling a snow day;
- Day before inclement weather -- DPW, Transportation Director and Superintendent put on their meteorologist hats and review weather reports to see if the decision can be made the day before. If no clear cut decision is made, go to step 2.
- Beginning at 4:00AM the day of inclement weather--DPW, Transportation Director and Superintendent have a conference call to discuss the current weather. At that time, a decision is made based upon safety, road conditions and timing of the poor weather conditions.
- Notifications of the decision is sent out to families via ParentSquare and posted on the weather channels 22 and 40 by 5:30AM. Notification will also be posted on the districts website (www.northaptonschools.org).
Important times to remember:
Delays are for two (2) hours, schools will begin at the following times:
- Elementary at 10:00 AM
- Middle School at 10:30 AM
- High School at 11:00 AM
During delays, bus pick up will be two (2) hours after original time (i.e., bus picks up at 7:30 AM; for delay, bus will pick up at 9:30 AM).
Early Dismissal times:
Elementary Dismissal at 11:30 AM
Middle School Dismissal at 12:25 PM
High School Dismissal at 12:50 PM
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The School Nutrition Department had a busy November!
Taste Tests, Grain Bowl Trainings, Hydroponic Grow Towers, and More!
For our November elementary school taste test, we highlighted cranberries for the Harvest of the Month -- doing a spin on a cranberry chicken salad, but with chickpeas instead of chicken. While it wasn't one of our more popular taste tests, over 40% of the students that tasted it loved or liked it! What's most important is that students are trying new things. Even when a student doesn't like something, we always thank them for being brave and tasting something different. ( recipe)
We hosted Project Bread for a fun staff training, where groups created their own grain bowl recipes! We're hoping to get some of these on the menu in the future.
With Farm to School grant funding, we've started a hydroponic growing tower in partnership with Kate Parrot's JFK classes. The students built the tower, planted and transplanted the seeds, and have been checking the pH and nutrients while they tend to the greens.
We also had a feedback meeting with the NHS Student Union about lunch, answering questions about how the federal school meals program works, and how we balance our limited resources with trying to provide great options for students. We're making a handful of requested changes at the salad bar and look forward to continuing to work with the student body.
You can find December menus here!
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Stay Healthy This Season 🤧
Hello from the NPS Health Services Team! 🩺
Flu and cold season is here, and we encourage you to help us prevent the spread of illness. To keep our students, staff and families healthy, please review these important reminders:
🧼 Healthy Habits to Prevent Illness
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds).
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Encourage plenty of rest, fluids, and balanced meals.
🦠 Current Respiratory Illness Guidance
(this applies to flu, RSV, and COVID-19)
👉 If your child has symptoms such as:
- Fever (100.0°F or higher)
- Cough, sore throat, congestion, or runny nose
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or body aches
👉 Please keep them home until:
- Symptoms are improving and
- They are fever/vomiting-free for 24 hours without medication.
Testing for COVID-19 is encouraged if your child has symptoms.
Students who test positive should stay home from the onset of symptoms and may return when symptoms are improving and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours.
Here are links for additional information on The Flu:
🦠 Health Guidelines for Attendance
Additional NPS Health Services’ Guidelines for Attendance are located on our website and are linked here:
By following the above guidelines, we hope to provide a healthy environment for everyone in the school community. If your student has any health issues, the school will make every effort possible to work with you. Please feel free to contact your building’s school nurse if you have any questions or concerns regarding these guidelines or your student’s ability to return to school.
🏫 Attendance Policy Reminder
- Students should attend school when they are healthy enough to participate.
- Please call the attendance line and/or notify your school nurse/main office if your child will be absent.
- If your child is diagnosed with a communicable illness (such as the flu, strep, or COVID-19), please notify the building nurse.
- If you have any questions on whether or not your student can return to school during illness, please contact your building’s school nurse and they will help you navigate the return process.
School attendance is compulsory for Massachusetts children ages 6 to 16. The full attendance policy is located in the Code of Conduct on page 47 and in the document’s Appendix B. The Code of Conduct is linked here: Code of Conduct July 2025.pdf
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Per district policy and Code of Conduct, the following are considered excused absences. These instances may include, but are not limited to:
- Sickness (with a note from the students’ physician)
- Death in family (with a note from the caregiver/guardian)
- Impassable roads or weather
- Religious holidays
- Court appearances (with official documentation)
- Approved college visits (with a note on official letterhead or correspondence from the school)
- Military obligations (as documented by official documentation)
Per district policy and Code of Conduct, the following are considered unexcused absences. These instances may include, but are not limited to:
- Vacations
- Missing the bus
- Sickness without documentation from the physician
- Participation in other activities not listed above
A student visiting with their caregiver related to military leave or deployment activities shall be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the superintendent or their designee and may not be penalized.
💬 Health Related Questions or Concerns? 📞 🌐
Contact your building’s school nurse, the Director of Health Services or visit our District Health Services webpage for more contacts and information.
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Bridge Street announced the following events:
- Mr. Castor, Physical Education teacher, set up the BSS pre-Thanksgiving obstacle course set which will be used during PE class prior to the Thanksgiving break.
- On 11/20, NHS and YEA students attended the Community Reader event where they read stories to our students.
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Bridge Street faculty Carrie Foley and Tasha Rimany arranged a presentation by Ooch. “The Ooch Experience; giving kids skills for life” came to perform on November 24; one session for Pre K-3, and one session for grades 4-5. He focused on the concept of kindness and how to promote kindness in our lives. |
Grade 2 was the host of our Community meeting on Friday, 11/21. It was the perfect way to end Kindness Week & Spirit Week. Mrs. Catlett & Mrs. Nagle did an amazing job preparing the students. The students should be proud of their hard work as they put on a wonderful show today to promote "Bee-ing Kind"! |
Our Early Bird/Late Bird Coordinator Gabrielle Hollender has been working with Smith Vocational's 11th grade Carpentry students to have a shed built at Leeds. The project is almost complete! This shed was needed to store our recess equipment and the Early Bird/Late Bird equipment in as well as to prevent theft of the many items that are stored outside. |
NHS Theater Group performed a rendition of Frankenstein November 6, 7, and 8. |
Send Our NHS Music Students to Williamsburg — Help Us Hit $7,000
From April 9–12, 2026, the NHS Chamber Choir and NHS Wind Ensemble will travel to Williamsburg, Virginia to take part in the Williamsburg Heritage Festival, a 4-day, 3-night national music festival and adjudicated performance showcase organized by WorldStrides.
We are raising $7,000 to ensure that 13 students in need can fully participate. Several require full coverage of the cost.
(PayPal – select “J. Scott Brandon Fund” from the dropdown menu)
At the festival, students will:
- Perform on a national stage and receive adjudication by a panel of professional musicians
- Participate in an onstage clinic, receiving feedback to grow their musicianship
- Visit Colonial Williamsburg, one of the world’s premier living history museums
- Attend the awards ceremony at Busch Gardens (included)
- Enjoy included hotel accommodations, meals, and guided festival activities
- Be covered by accident & medical insurance and supported by 24/7 WorldStrides staff for their health and safety
This is an extraordinary opportunity — but with a cost of $850 per student, some of our students may not be able to attend without help.
About the JSB Fund
The J. Scott Brandon Grant Fund was established to remove financial barriers in music education. It supports lessons, instruments, supplies — and now, by funding field trip expenses, ensures no student is excluded from opportunities like this festival.
Administrated by the Northampton Arts Council, all grant requests (for lessons or field trips) are reviewed by a Sub-Committee of school and Arts Council members.
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Play and learn all around town with our NPS Early Childhood Center!
To register for programs and more, please click the link!
This registration link will stay the same for the whole school year. Please bookmark it and check back often! Programs added on a monthly and seasonal basis include parenting workshops, playgroups, family walks with Kestrel Land Trust, art events at Smith College, family Game Times at the Forbes, home visiting with Parent Child+ and so much more.
Did you know the NPS Early Childhood Center is a United Way Diaper Hub?
We are! If you have emergency diaper needs please call us. Sometimes we even have wipes in stock. Call 413-587-1471, text 413-341-9158 or email EarlyChildhood@Northampton-k12.us
- The Northampton Public Schools Early Childhood Center provides services to young children and families in our city. All families with children ages 0-6, and a little older too, are welcome to engage with the staff and programming we offer. EarlyChildhood@Northampton-k12.us
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Our NPS Early Childhood Center is here to help you meet the needs of your young child! Our annual FREE Preschool & Resource Fair is coming up on January 21, 2026, at the Northampton Parents Center. Come chat with local preschools and agencies to find out what they have to offer your family!
On December 3, 2025, NPS kicks off our Transition to Kindergarten events with a virtual Kindergarten Information Night from 5:30-6:30 pm. Hear from our elementary school principals, kindergarten teachers, and more, as we share about NPS Kindergarten and how to register your child for school! Sign up today for the Zoom link: www.bit.ly/ECCpresents
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The following School Committee Members will be departing on December 31, 2025. Thank you for your service to the Northampton Public Schools and all that you do for the children of this community.
- Gwen Agna, At Large
- Aline Davis, At Large
- Holly Ghazey, Ward 1
- Emily Serafy-Cox, Ward 3
- Ann Hennessey, Ward 5
- Margaret Miller, Ward 6
- Kerry LaBounty, Ward 7
Aline Davis, At Large:
I’ve been honored to serve as one of the two At-Large members of the School Committee. I have endeavored to bring my skills and knowledge as an educator and caregiver to this position. I wanted to do my part to make our schools all that they can be. I am proud that I was part of the negotiation sub-committee that improved wages and conditions for educators and staff, and that I worked collaboratively and respectfully at all times with my colleagues and the community. I hope to serve as a bridge between the School Committee and the City Council by sharing my understanding of the workings of schools and the Committee. There is important work to do, and Northampton schools also have so much to be proud of. Thank you to Dr. Bonner for your professionalism and thoughtfulness, to my colleagues, and all the best to the incoming committee.
Kerry LaBounty, Ward 7:
To the new School Committee members--welcome to the Committee! Though the work is hard, I do not regret one minute. I learned so much about the schools and our community! I have a few words of unsolicited advice:
- read everything so that you are prepared to listen and vote when necessary
- go to the MASC training for new school committee members; it is invaluable
- come to meetings and listen with an open mind and heart
- do not decide your votes before you hear all the data brought to you
- get to know your fellow SC members as peers and human beings (it will help you not contribute to an Us/Them dynamic)
I wish you all well over the course of this term and remember that your previous SC members are here for you to ask questions, to help you understand committee work and to give support!
Ann Hennessey, Ward 5:
Thank you so much for affording me the opportunity to serve our community in this way. I want to particularly thank the other departing members who have devoted so much time and energy into making our school community stronger. You have all been incredibly supportive, thoughtful, and kind.
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Gwen Agna, At Large:
As my second and final term comes to a close, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our schools as a member of the Northampton School Committee. I will continue to find ways to support and contribute to our schools as an elder in our beloved city. While we face significant challenges locally, statewide, and nationally, I hope we can also recognize the tremendous strengths we have in our talented and committed staff, dedicated families, and beautiful children. My very best wishes to the new and returning members, our superintendent, and our mayor. And my thanks to all who supported, questioned, and advised me along the way.
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Northampton Education Foundation held their annual Spelling Bee on October 22 at the Bombyx.
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Do you have a skill you'd love to share with kids?
We're looking for passionate community members to teach after-school enrichment classes to our elementary students.
You could lead a one-hour class in anything from dance, music, or arts & crafts to gardening, coding, or creative writing—whatever you're good at!
This is a great chance to make a positive impact on young students and get paid for your time. Classes are one hour long and you'll be compensated $40 per class.
We can't wait to hear from you!
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Join the PTA/PTO: Becoming an active member of the Parent Teacher Association or Organization is an excellent way to get a broader perspective on school-wide initiatives, connect with other parents, and contribute to the school community.
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