NPS Superintendent's Newsletter
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“Kindness is like snow – it beautifies everything it covers.”
– Kahlil Gibran
“Winter is the time for stories, staying warm and learning about ourselves. It’s the time of understanding.”
– Rip Miller
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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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Dear NPS Families
Happy School Break! Enjoy this special time with your children. Wishing you an amazing new year filled with provision, opportunity and wellness.
Peace, Joy and Unity
Dr. Portia S. Bonner
Superintendent
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Month four 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 “Build”.
To achieve student success, educational systems rely on a continuous, interconnected cycle where curriculum, instruction, assessment, and data function as a single, cohesive engine. When these four building blocks are aligned, they move beyond being individual components and become a powerful framework for learning.
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The Four Building Blocks
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Curriculum (The Map that sets the goals.): This is the "what" of education. It establishes the high standards, essential knowledge, and skills students must master. A high quality curriculum is one that is standards-aligned, evidence-based, culturally responsive resources that build knowledge for all students and provides a clear, logical roadmap for the academic year.
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Instruction (The Journey to reach the goals.): This is the "how" of education. It encompasses the teaching strategies, classroom engagement, and creative methods used to bring the curriculum to life. Instruction translates the "map" into meaningful learning experiences. NPS teachers bring their unique talent to instruction.
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Assessment (The Checkpoint to see if goals were met.): Assessments are the tools used to measure understanding. Whether through a quick "exit ticket" or a final project, assessments reveal what a student has mastered and where they are still struggling.
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Data (The Compass informs the next round of instruction.): Data is the evidence gathered from assessments. It provides the "why" and "where next." By analyzing data, educators can identify specific learning gaps and determine which instructional strategies are working—and which need to change.
These four building blocks are interconnected like puzzle pieces and do not exist in isolation; they form a continuous improvement loop.
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Updates for Strategic Plan - Year 2
Net Zero Carbonization and facilities along with the Consolidation work groups met in December to continue their work discussing various configurations of school models. Recently, the School Committee and City approved three projects that will move us closer to electrification and greener schools:
- Northampton High School geothermal project,
- Jackson Street solar array canopy over the parking lot, and
- R.K. Ryan Road solar array on the roof.
The next meeting of this group is February 4.
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. Look for more information in the January newsletter.
*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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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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NO SCHOOL - Wednesday, December 24-Friday, January 2 (December vacation)
The School Department will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, December 26, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026.
LOOKING AHEAD:
NO SCHOOL - Monday, January 19
NO SCHOOL - Friday, January 23
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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.northamptonschools.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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January menus will be posted here! |
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Our district’s deep commitment to student wellness and resilient food systems received national recognition this month.
A team representing Northampton Public Schools (NPS)—including our School Nutrition Director, Mistelle Hannah, Farm to School Coordinator, Bryan Jersky, along with representation from Chicopee Fresh and a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)—was invited to present at the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on December 3rd.
The presentation, titled "Building Capacity: Structuring Resilient Farm to School Programs at the SFA and State Level Collaborative Strategic Planning for Farm to Cafeteria," showcased the decade of experience NPS has in integrating local food into school meals.
The team led an interactive workshop that featured our local accomplishments while guiding over 50 participants from across the country through an interactive simulation. This gave attendees a chance to design their own hypothetical sustainable farm to school programs with the presentation team’s support. The session generated an exciting buzz, with many attendees praising the inspiration and practical impact our program model will have on their own strategic planning efforts.
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Available seats for the 2026-2027 school year will be posted on our website soon.
Applications for open enrollment (for current NPS elementary students wishing to attend a different school from the one assigned by residency or School Choice) and school choice (for students residing in other districts but wishing to attend Northampton Public Schools) will be available on the website.
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Bridge Street Physical Education Teacher Brandon Castor arranged for Bridge Street to be part of the ‘Stick to Reading Event’, where students are engaged in a five week reading challenge. On December 10, the 'Stick to Reading' kicked off with a visit by the Boomer, the Springfield Thunderbirds mascot. The five week challenge can culminate to a free Springfield hockey game ticket and a chance to be down on the ice for the opening ceremony on Friday, January 23rd at 7:05. |
The Ryan Road Elementary community will celebrate the Winter Solstice on Monday, December 22, with in class activities and a school wide outdoor celebration where we sing songs together and eat delicious clementines. The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. After the winter solstice, days start becoming longer and nights shorter as spring approaches. |
The Ryan Road community celebrated the Winter Solstice today, December 22,--the shortest day and longest night. We sang songs together and classes enjoyed clementines to welcome winter! |
Leeds staff had an Underground Spirit week this week. Our students were so excited to see their teachers & other staff all "dressed up" and try to guess the theme of the day.
Thursday was Ninja Day & staff were seen in a variety of outfits:
All black. Sunglasses. Stealth mode. Gliding through the halls silently and leaving no trace (except possibly some laughter).Here is our Leeds CORE team working hard to support our Leeds community!
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Friday was the Silly Sweater Showdown:
The one, the only. Let your loudest, weirdest, ugliest sweater fly free. Bonus points were given for sound effects, light-up features, etc.
Grade 1 students in Mrs. Kline's room learned to play Dreidel this week. Our students are learning about many holiday traditions around the world. Playing with the dreidel is a traditional Hanukkah game played in Jewish homes all over the world. Pictures below.
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Ms. Menkel's Grade 3 class did an Area Math project in the classroom. Area math projects in 3rd grade are designed to help students develop a foundational understanding of area measurement, reinforce core multiplication and division skills, and apply these concepts in practical, real-world scenarios. Projects like this allow students to move beyond simply memorizing a formula. By using manipulatives like unit squares, graph paper, or physical objects, they visually grasp that area is the amount of two-dimensional space inside a shape. |
Jackson Street is participating in DESE’s Playful Learning Institute (PLI) Grant. The PLI grant is a multi-year initiative that provides our kindergarten, first, second, and third grade educators with training and resources, both of which align directly with our belief that children learn best through purposeful, hands-on experiences that are grounded in the generative power of student voice and choice. Through the PLI grant, our teachers will refine their expertise in integrating playful learning strategies into the core curriculum, strengthening the connection between our academic standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
JSS educators are focusing on PLI’s centers/studios model, where students engage in sustained, hands-on, self-directed learning within purposefully designed areas in the classroom. For example, a group of 2nd graders learning about fossils may choose from a STEM-based studio where they make imprints in clay and then theorize about tools someone might use to make an imprint, or they might choose an art-based studio and draw a fossil by carefully examining a photograph of a fossil. They may research important information and then include that information in a riddle about dinosaurs, or they may act out being a paleontologist. Each of those centers/studios invite students to use self-directed time to apply, refine, and connect academic concepts across the curriculum. Our teachers act as expert guides, ensuring this active, meaningful approach develops crucial skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance. We are delighted to be part of this grant!
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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!
There are two Kindergarten transition events scheduled in January.
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Jan 21, 5:15-6:30 pm: Kindergarten Information Sessions & Tours held simultaneously at all 4 elementary schools, drop-in
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Jan 14, Jan 22, & Jan 28, all 8:50-10:00 am, Kindergarten Classroom Observations at all 4 elementary schools, sign up through the schools
Kindergarten Registration & Celebration event at JFK.
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January 31, 10:00-1:00 pm, at JFK: Kindergarten Registration & Celebration Day = THE BIG ONE! (snow date is Feb 7)
- Families can bring their children -- there will be supervised activities in the library while parents complete registration paperwork. We will also have live music, tables in the hall with resources, Spanish translation, plus a school bus to try out!
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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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Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell made a stop in Northampton on December 1st. The Northampton Youth Commission, in partnership with Senator Jo Comerford, hosted this event which was held at at Northampton High School.
AG Campbell shared how she got to where she is today, how she impacted the judicial system and allowed students to ask questions. Student questions ranged from cell phones to food insecurity.
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We welcome the following School Committee Members who will be sworn in on Monday, January 5, 2026.
- Tiffany Jewell, At Large
- Robbie Saner Sullivan, At Large
- Alena Bartoli, Ward 1
- Renika Montgomery-Tamakloe, Ward 3
- Amy Martyn, Ward 5
- Cindy Mahoney, Ward 6
- Valerie Reiss, Ward 7
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Hi! Alena Bartoli here, your SC member-elect for Ward 1!
A bit about myself: raised, mostly in western Massachusetts (Holyoke & Northampton), my parents have lived in Northampton since 1994.
In contrast, I’ve spent most of my adult life outside of the United States, involved in education in various forms. Among other things, I taught ESL at the university level in China and managed US State Department funded English language programming in rural high schools in southern Jordan; I also led, developed and directed experiential education programming in southwest Asia for American students at the high school and college level. Prior to the pandemic, I worked as an entrepreneur organizing and leading yoga journeys taught by myself and two senior teachers in central America, southwest Asia and north Africa.
I returned to Northampton in 2019, where I currently teach individual and group yoga classes. Over the past few years, I have served in various volunteer leadership roles including a year as co-chair of the board of the Northampton Parents Center, and two years as chair of the HeadStart & Early Learning Programs Policy Council for Franklin, Hampshire and western Hampden counties. In this capacity, I advocated on behalf of HeadStart programming at the local, state and federal levels. My son, Gabriel, who attended Vernon St HeadStart and then Gan Keshet Preschool, is now thriving in kindergarten at JSS, where he is learning to love math and reading!
I come to the role of School Committee Member for Ward 1 through Support Our Schools (SOS), the grass-roots local group that has advocated for increased school funding since early 2024. I participated as a member of the SOS electoral working group for nearly a year before transitioning out of the group to run unopposed for the Ward 1 seat. In addition to a desire to work for increased funding for our district, I chose to run primarily to fill the seat vacated by Member Ghazey’s retirement, and because I believe that my non-traditional background offers a unique perspective to the governance of our school district.
Finally, as a solo parent with a disability (low vision) living on low income while raising a child with a disability (low vision), my current lived experience reflects that of some of our ward’s families and residents. Simultaneously, raised in this community with relative socioeconomic privilege, my background resembles other families and residents.
My intention while in office is to represent effectively and with integrity the diverse needs, beliefs and experiences of all our ward’s residents as a part of the greater city and to be responsive to each of you, as best I can.
I appreciate your engagement and support and look forward to working together on behalf of our children and our community.
If you’d like to join my newsletter for regular updates on the business of school committee, please shoot me a message at abartoli@northampton-k12.us.
Alena Bartoli
Ward 1
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Hello Northampton School Community,
As your Ward 6 School Committee representative, I hope you will join me in being cheerleaders for Ryan Road School!
Our family includes two daughters who are NHS graduates and our youngest, now enrolled in a gem of a program at NHS. My master’s is in teaching ESOL, and for many years, I taught at ILI here in Northampton, which is why our ELPAC Community is dear to my heart. Currently, I work for the Federation for Children with Special Needs helping families across Massachusetts. My passion for special education comes from both personal and professional experience, and I look forward to representing SEPAC families on the School Committee.
NPS is facing many challenges, the most foundational of which is the budget. Special education services, after-school care struggles, literacy gaps, tech use, and bullying are some additional concerns. As we move forward, I will share updates with you and hope to hear from you with questions, comments, suggestions, and moments of celebration.
All good wishes for 2026,
Cindy Mahoney
Ward 6
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I’m honored to be the Ward 5 School Committee member-elect.
Public schools are the foundation of a strong society and I’m committed to work shoulder to shoulder with the school committee, the dedicated and hard working professionals in the district, the city council and the mayor to address the pressing needs of our school district.
I had a strong public education myself, which has set me up for many successes and I want that for all of our children. I’ve lived in Northampton for 30 years with my partner, and our daughter went through Northampton public schools, kindergarten through 2022 high school graduation.
My community involvement has included
- 8 years work with the Board of River Valley Co-op to get the Northampton store open, including 4 years as President.
- 3 years on the Jackson Street School Council, 2 years as co-chair.
- Working on the last two override campaigns, and as co-chair of my ward for one of those.
- The last 5 years as a coordinator with REAL (Race Equity And Learning, working to support antiracism work in Northampton schools)
- We brought the Story Project to JFK in 2023, to share a collection of stories of both racism and antiracist work in the schools
- Currently raising funds and supporting low income immigrant teens in enrolling in drivers ed, to increase their safety and independence.
- Current co-lead of Indivisible’s Community Solidarity team, focusing on immigrant, LGBTQ+ and disability justice
Most of my career has been in administration of mission-driven non-profits, the last 20 years for a national nonprofit that promotes media that serves community needs and supports democracy. I oversee legal compliance and people operations, aka Human Resources, oversight on IT infrastructure and security, and a checks and balance role with finance of this $9 million budget organization.
I will bring to the School Committee and to the critical challenges facing our school district
- My strengths as a communicator and facilitator, including during times of strong disagreement
- My values of equity, inclusion, collaboration, creativity and inquiry
- My advocacy skills to work at the local and state level to find a path to fully fund our schools.
I welcome your input and questions, so that we can work together to give our children and youth the best possible education.
Amy Martyn
Ward 5
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Hello, NPS families!
I'm so excited and honored to be one of your At-Large School Committee members. I've been an educator for over twenty years, am a parent of two in our schools, and I also write books for young folks about identity and justice. I believe in collaboration, transparency, and communication. Our teachers and schools are incredible and I am so proud to be able to represent all of you with the decisions we make that will guide our district into a more inclusive, sustainable, safe, and student-centered future.
In Solidarity,
Tiffany Jewell (she/her)
At-Large
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I’m Renika Montgomery‑Tamakloe, and I am the incoming Ward 3 School Committee Member. I’m a Head Start kid who grew up believing in the power of public education, and that belief carried me all the way to Yale and into a career focused on strengthening systems so people—especially kids—can thrive. I currently serve as a Commissioner on the Northampton Reparations Study Commission, and that work has deepened my commitment to building communities where everyone feels seen and supported.
My family is rooted here. My niece and nephew will be entering Northampton Public Schools soon, and like so many of you, I want them to walk into classrooms where they feel safe, challenged, and celebrated for who they are. That’s why I ran for School Committee. I want every child in this district to have the same sense of possibility that shaped my own life, and I want families to feel like their voices matter in the decisions we make.
Renika Montgomery-Tamakloe
Ward 3
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With a child at JFK who started Leeds Elementary during the pandemic, I have watched SC closely, and am now excited to support the needs of students, educators, and families.
Some things about me:
• As a journalist for three decades, I’ve written for and edited magazines, websites, and newspapers—which has taught me to ask questions and listen to reach clarity.
• I attended two Friends schools. I aspire to the Friends' values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality (tall order, but goals!).
• My years as a practitioner and reporter in the yoga world remind me to stay grounded and present.
• Though I’ve lived in the Valley for more than a decade, I grew up in NYC, which has made me outspoken, but hopefully also honest, inclusive, and with a sense of humor (again, goals!).
I'm excited to hear from constituents. We have a huge amount to accomplish, and I'm hopeful that we can do it all for the kids.
Valerie Reiss
Ward 7
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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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The Hampshire Regional YMCA is accepting registrations for preschool and youth programs which begin January 5.
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The Hampshire Regional YMCA is partnering with the City of Northampton and Northampton Public Schools through the CPPI grant to offer the Early Learning Center Preschool. Registrations are now being accepted.
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Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) proudly presents their annual Poster and PSA Project, Kind People are the Best Kind of People, a creative initiative that encourages students to express the power of kindness through art.
MPY kindly asks for your help in promoting this creative project with your visual arts department, students and school community. For more detailed information about the project and upload instructions, please visit our website.
MPY would appreciate your assistance in sharing this informational flyer with your colleagues and students. Your support plays an important role in inspiring students to participate and share positive messages of empathy, kindness and caring through their expressive talents.
We are looking forward to making this project the best one yet! Please email Wendy Leone at wendy@mpyinc.org if have any questions.
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