NPS Superintendent's Newsletter
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“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.
April is a promise that May is bound to keep, and we know it.”
– Hal Borland
“April is a reminder that life is a beautiful, ever-renewing cycle.”
– E.E. Cummings
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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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Addressing Digital Misconduct
Dear Parents and Guardians,
At Northampton Public Schools, our priority is to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. To that end, we want to share important information regarding recent changes to Massachusetts law that affect how digital safety, “sexting,” and AI-generated content are handled both in and out of school and to ensure our families understand these legal updates and the school's role in addressing digital misconduct.
With all the conversations around edtech, devices, AI, and social media, we wanted to remind you of the law titled “An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation” went into effect.
1. New Legal Consequences for Digital Sharing
The new law makes it a criminal offense for any person, including juveniles, to possess, share, send, or upload a photo or video of a child under 18 in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct. This applies whether the image is of themselves or someone else.
Important Note on AI & Deepfakes: The law explicitly includes "deepfake" AI-generated images. Even if an image is not a "real" photo, if it uses AI to identify or resemble an actual person in a nude or sexual context, it is considered a criminal offense to possess or share it.
2. School Responsibility and Investigation
Under state and federal law (including Title IX), school leadership is required to investigate complaints involving:
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Bullying and Cyberbullying: This includes the use of technology to harass others, even if the activity happens outside of school hours.
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Harassment: If digital activity creates a hostile environment that affects a student’s sense of safety at school, the district must take steps to stop the conduct and protect affected students.
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Mandated Reporting: In certain cases, school personnel are required by law to report incidents of digital sexual exploitation to the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
3. A "Whole-Community" Approach
Navigating the world of AI and social media requires a partnership between schools and families. We encourage you to talk with your children about:
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The "Think Before You Send" Rule: Remind students that once an image is sent, they lose control over where it goes and who sees it.
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The Permanence of a Record: While the new law provides an "educational diversion program" for first-time juvenile offenders to avoid a permanent criminal record, the legal process itself is serious and impactful.
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Digital Literacy: Helping students distinguish between responsible technology use and harmful digital behavior.
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4. Available Resources
For more detailed information, we encourage you to review the following resources:
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Think Before You Send: A guide from the Attorney General’s Office regarding sexting and cyberbullying.
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DESE Bullying Prevention: Information on the legal definitions of harassment and the school's
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Digital Literacy Frameworks: Information on how students are taught about digital ethics and consent in the classroom.
We are committed to ensuring that NPS remains a place where every student feels safe and respected. Thank you for your partnership in helping our students navigate these complex digital challenges.
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Our afterschool program provides a balanced environment where children feel safe, heard, and empowered. We prioritize social development through a restorative lens and offer a variety of programming, including:
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Creative Expression: Diverse extracurricular and artistic outlets.
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Active Play: A mix of physical activity and unstructured downtime.
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Social Growth: A nurturing space focused on restorative practices.
Operational Details
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Hours of Operation: Daily from 2:10 PM to 6:15 PM when school is in session.
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Eligibility: Open to all children in the school community; fee-based and contingent on staffing.
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Special Education: Programs must provide reasonable accommodations (ADA/Section 504) to ensure equal access.
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Staffing Ratios: Recommended ratio of 13 children to 1 qualified staff member.
Financial Plan: Rates and Salaries
Family Fee Structure
Rate Type: Regular Rate
Cost: $7/hour (up to $15/hour voluntary rate)
Requirement: Consistent weekly schedule (term-based)
Rate Type: Add-on Rate
Cost: $8/hour
Requirement: Hours outside consistent schedule
Rate Type: Sibling Discount
Cost: $6/hour
Requirement: Per additional sibling
Rate Type: Reduced Rate
Cost: $5/hour
Requirement: For qualifying families
The district is currently hiring a Director who will be onboarded by the end of May. Once they are in place, we will share further program details and begin recruiting additional staff. Shortly after this, registration will be open to caregivers.
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Cell Phone Policy
Thank you for those of you who respond to the cell phone survey. Below are the results from caregivers and staff.
The attached documents include the actual policy, and separate documents that list consequences and responses to important questions.Â
Peace, Unity and Joy
Dr. Portia S. Bonner
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Caregiver Responses for Cell Phone Survey (N=267 )
How concerned are you about cyberbullying or social media drama during school hours? (Scale of 1-5: 1 = Not at all, 5 = Extremely concerned)Â 3.69
How concerned are you about unauthorized filming/photography of students/staff during school hours? (Scale of 1-5: 1 = Not at all, 5 = Extremely concerned) 3.62
How concerned are you about lack of face-to-face social interaction during lunch/breaks during school hours? (Scale of 1-5: 1 = Not at all, 5 = Extremely concerned)Â 4.02
How concerned are you about friends texting during school hours? (Scale of 1-5: 1 = Not at all, 5 = Extremely concerned)Â 3.70
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Staff Responses for Cell Phone Survey (N=153) |
HALF-DAY -- Wednesday, May 6
Schools dismiss according to the following schedule:
- Elementary -- 8:00-11:30AM
- Middle School -- 8:30AM-12:25PM
- High School -- 9:00AM-12:50PM
LOOKING AHEAD:
NO SCHOOL - Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)
HALF-DAY -- Wednesday, May 27
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The last day of school as of this writing will be Monday, June 22. This date is tentative and will change if there are any cancellations. |
Please be advised of two upcoming construction projects at the high school that will impact traffic and parking starting the later part of Spring:
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North Elm Street (Route 9) / Elm Street Intersection Improvements:Â Beginning in late April.
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Geothermal Project:Â Scheduled to begin in late June with test drilling on May 4.
Both projects will cause significant disruptions to campus access. High school administration will provide more detailed information to staff, families, and students as the start dates approach.
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The Deerfield Math Competition was held on Saturday, April 25th at Deerfield Academy. The competition was for students in 9th grade and below and consisted of two team and two individual rounds. Our squad was made up of 27 JFK students and 1 NHS student who spread out to form 5 teams (photo below).
In all there were 85 competitors from 6 schools and a total of 17 teams.
JFK Team Ada Lovelace ended up 2nd (photo above left), finishing ahead of Eaglebrook and behind Bement! The team also finished first in one of the team rounds and 3rd in the other!
9th grader Avery J finished 1st in the individual competition!
6th grader Alice B finished tied for 9th in the individual competition!
All five JFK teams scored points in the team rounds!
Overall it was a fantastic day that built on last year’s performance where the team finished 5th in the team round and 3rd in the individual standings with 5 total competitors.
Please join me in congratulating all of these amazing students!
Team Ada Lovelace
Sam D (8th)
Avery J (9th)
Hazel L (8th) [Captain]
Jesse M (8th)
Eliot P (8th) [Captain]
Holland P (8th)
Team Jocelyn Bell Burnell
Theodore B-N (7th)
Zoanna B (7th) [Captain]
Evan C (8th)
Ciana F (8th)
Stella J (8th)
Michael L (7th) [Captain]
Team Katherine Johnson
Alex B (7th) [Captain]
Lang B (7th)
Kiara C-C (7th) [Captain]
Oscar L (7th)
Luc R L (7th)
Team Maryam Mirzakhani
Cora B (6th)
Hudson C (6th)
Nora C (6th) [Captain]
Oliver D (7th)
Tessa H (7th) [Captain]
Luna W (7th)
Team Paul Erdős
Alice B (6th)
Shugie L (6th)
Leo M (6th)
Tova R G (6th) [Captain]
Marissa T (6th) [Captain]
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To stay up to date with all of the FREE program offerings geared to families with children ages 0-8, please be sure you are on the NPS Early Childhood Center  Email Newsletter List.
On April 1st, members from the Northampton community gathered at the Police Department to raise the flag in awareness of child abuse prevention month. Pictured below is members of the Northampton Police Department (left) and Mayor Sciarra reading the proclamation (right).
To register for programs and more, please click the link!Â
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State public health officials have announced the first two confirmed measles cases in Massachusetts this year. Residents and community members are reminded of the importance of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing measles.Â
Recent MA Cases
State public health officials have confirmed two measles cases in Massachusetts in 2026.
- The first case involved a school-age Massachusetts resident who was exposed, diagnosed, and treated outside the state and remained there during their illness and infectious period.Â
- The second case was linked to international travel, and the individual was in Massachusetts while infectious.
These cases are occurring during large national and international measles outbreaks. At this time, there is no evidence of measles spreading within Massachusetts, but additional cases could occur.
Thanks to high immunization rates in Northampton, the risk to most residents remains low. It is important to know your immunization status.
MMR Vaccination Recommendations/School Requirements
The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) immunization is safe and highly effective. The immunization provides the best protection against measles and its complications. People who have had measles, or who have been vaccinated against measles per the DPH Guidance for Vaccines are considered immune. Two doses are roughly 97% effective in preventing measles. Massachusetts DPH recommendations:Â
Children
- First dose: 12–15 months
- Second dose: before starting school
Adults
- Most adults should have at least one dose
- Two doses are recommended for higher-risk groups such as international travelers, health care workers, and college students
*Adults born in the U.S. before 1957 are generally considered immune*
Travel Immunization Reminder
- International travel: All travelers should be fully immunized against measles.
- Domestic travel: If visiting U.S. areas with measles outbreaks, ensure full immunization.
- Immunization schedule: Two doses, 28 days apart.
- Infants 6–11 months: An early dose provides temporary protection for travel. Consult your pediatrician for details. This early dose does not count toward the standard two-dose schedule; the child will still need two official doses after 12 months.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 10 days to 2 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
A rash typically appears 2–4 days later, starting on the face and spreading down the body. People with measles can spread the virus four days before the rash appears and four days after it begins. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, diarrhea, immune suppression, and brain inflammation (encephalitis).
Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure should call their health care provider before visiting a clinic or hospital to avoid exposing others.
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Exposure and School Guidance
People who are exposed to measles and are not immunized may need to stay home from school, work, and public activities to prevent spreading the disease.
For parents of students, during a measles outbreak:Â
- Unimmunized children are excluded from school.
- They may return immediately after getting an MMR/MMRV vaccine, if they have not been exposed.
- If exposed to measles, they can return only if immunized within 72 hours of the first exposure.
- If immunized after 72 hours, they must stay out of school for 21 days after the last exposure.
- If individuals remain unimmunized, they must stay out of school for 21 days after the last measles rash onset in the school or community.
Public Health Reminder
It is advisable for everyone to check their immunization status. If you are unimmunized or unsure of your status, please get your measles immunization through your local pharmacy or healthcare provider.
For questions and/or assistance:
đź“ž Northampton Health Department: 413-587-1214, nurses@northamptonma.gov
đź“ž Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 617-983-6800
đź“ž School Health Office/School Nurse
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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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VINS held their annual Dog Show on March 7, which was a roaring success........VINS heard only enthusiastic thank you's and (very) positive comments. What a fun time! |
Northampton Arts Council announces
THE BOW BOW BASH
A Night of Music, Community & Impact
On Friday, May 29, at 7:00 PM, the Iron Horse Music Hall opens its doors for an electrifying night of live music that resonates far beyond the stage. The Bow Bow Bash is more than just a concert; it is a high-energy benefit dedicated to fueling the musical dreams of our local youth.
This year, we gather to celebrate the incredible talent of Northampton’s student musicians. From the first note to the final encore, your presence helps ensure that the vibrant music scene in our city remains accessible to every student, regardless of their financial background.
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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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