News at NES
September 2023
Contact Us
Brady Sackett
Principal
@BradySackett
Tricia Ebner
Asst. Principal/Gifted Coordinator
@TebnerEbner
Website: www.nortonschools.org
Phone: 330-825-3828
Address: 3390 S Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton OH. 44203
3rd Grade Literacy Night
Literacy Screeners - September 2023
Beginning September 11, students in grades 1, 2, and 3 will participate in literacy screening. This screening is sort of like the “screening” done in doctors’ offices, when nurses take a patient’s temperature, blood pressure, and measure height and weight. These literacy screeners will look at students’ foundational skills in hearing sounds in words, using knowledge of the sounds letters make to put words together, how fluently students read, and reading comprehension. The screeners look at whether students are “on benchmark,” or the point expected for a student at this point in their educational career. Any students whose screeners show they are below the benchmark will then be given a diagnostic assessment to help us pinpoint the specific area(s) that need further attention.
Why are we giving these screeners? The information they provide will help us better understand our students’ strengths and needs in literacy and help us tailor specific instruction and support. We will share the students’ screener results with caregivers, and if diagnostics are administered, those results will be shared too. Take a look at our October newsletter for more information about how we are using the results of screeners and diagnostics in our instruction and support of students. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.
Attendance Awareness Month
Thank you for your efforts with attendance in August! NES had 99% attendance for the first 6 days of school! September is attendance awareness month so we are going to sprinkle in a few activities to keep students engaged in conversations about the importance of school attendance.
September 8 at-ten-dance – NES will pause at 10:00 (10:05 after specials transition) to celebrate attendance with dancing in the classroom. We will play a song over the loudspeaker.
September 13-22 Art Contest – Students can create a piece of art showcasing their top reason why they like coming to school or why getting to school is important. Submissions will be displayed in the cafeteria.
September 29 Spirit Day – Show your school spirit by dressing in your favorite Norton Gear or red and black.
Attendance prizes will be given throughout the month.
Counselor's Corner
Have you heard? NES and Primary added a second school counselor to support students. Our new counselor is Kate Weaver, she will be assigned to grades preschool, grade 1, and grade 3. Marly Taylor will be assigned to grades kindergarten, grade 2, and grade 4. Both counselors will also be available to assist all students. Please view the September counselors' newsletter below.
NES students attended an assembly on September 1 to meet the staff and to learn about attendance and behavior expectations.
Birthday Treats
We understand the joy that comes from sharing a birthday with friends and at times that means sending in cupcakes, cookies, or other treats to school. This year, we are allowing treats to be sent to school for birthdays. All food items must be store bought (not home made) and should have food labels when possible. In some cases, classrooms have students with severe allergies or other medical conditions that may benefit from non-food items. Pop-its, fidget spinners and other items can often bring joy to a classroom celebration. Please communicate with the teacher in advance so that they can prepare for allergies and medical needs.
Forms and Fees
The start of a new year brings the need to complete forms and pay for school fees. If you haven't already, please complete all necessary forms through Final Forms online. Families are expected to pay school fees annually for consumable supplies such as math workbooks. Students who qualify for free and reduced lunches pay either half of the school fee (reduced) or no school fees (free). Fourth grade families also have to pay a $30 charge for Chromebook insurance. Fees can be paid online or at the NES main office. Families can apply for free and reduced lunch and breakfast online as well.
Fees:
1st grade: $45
2nd grade $45
3rd grade $45
4th grade $45
PAX
NES will be implementing PAX Good Behavior Game strategies in all classrooms this year. PAX is a series of scientifically based behavior strategies used to promote self regulation and improve behavior in students. For more information on PAX click here.
You may hear some "funny" terms coming home. Here is quick reference guide. Reach out to your teacher for full information.
Tootle: A made up word that represents a written compliment to a student.
Spleem: A made up word that is used to mean "check your behavior".
Granny's Wacky Prizes: Prizes the class can earn for meeting expectations (an example would be 30 seconds of tapping their pencil if they all worked appropriately for 10 minutes).
Beat the timer: Students are challenged to follow directions to a task within a set time. An example may be to have materials ready for math class in 18 seconds.
PAX leader: A compliment given to a student for meeting all of the set classroom expectations.
P.A.C. Fall Festival
Join classmates and their families for a fun evening at Columbia Woods to celebrate the start of the new school year. This free event will be full of fun for all ages. The kickoff will be held Sunday, October 8 at Columbia Woods Park from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. For questions, email NortonSchoolsPAC@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
Upcoming Dates
September 2023
September 5-15 Continue MAP testing (reading and math)
September 11-15 Grade 1 Literacy Screeners
September 18-22 Grade 2 Literacy Screeners
September 19 Third Grade Literacy Night 6:30-8:00
September 25-29 Grade 3 Literacy Screeners