L.G. Nourse Elementary School


Mrs. Catherine Luke, Principal Phone: 508-285-0110 Email: cluke@norton.k12.ma.us Twitter: @catherineluke49

Mrs. Catherine Luke, Principal

Phone: 508-285-0110

Email: cluke@norton.k12.ma.us

Twitter: @catherineluke49

Whooo knew? The first day of school is just around the corner!

Hello LGN Families!

I can't believe the start of school is just around the corner! We can't wait to see you this September! Please note the dates for the first day of school...

Grades 1-12 start on Tuesday, September 7th

Kindergarten starts on Wednesday, September 8th

In case you are new to Norton and/or the LGN, here are a few resources for you to check out. Welcome to the LGN!

District website: https://www.norton.k12.ma.us/

LGN website: https://www.norton.k12.ma.us/lg-nourse-elementary-school

LGN PTC website: https://www.lgnptc.com/

District Calendar (subject to change):

https://norton.finalsite.com/uploaded/District/NPS_2021_2022_School_Calendar_5-12-2021.pdf?1620912958925

More information will be coming in the next few weeks! So please keep an eye on your email and for messages from Parent Square.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer!

Mrs. Luke

Dear LGN Families,

The last day of school will be Thursday, June 17th. This day will be an early release day. Our dismissal will be at 11:00 AM. Please send in your child's transportation plans to your classroom teacher(s) if you have a change.

Miss Kim and Miss Linda will be serving a grab-and-go lunch on Thursday. Students are welcome to take home a muffin fun lunch!

Thank you for all of your patience and support this year. The staff and I appreciate YOU!

Have a happy and healthy SUMMER! Mrs. Luke

Student Learning Materials Return

June 8, 2021

Dear Families,

Earlier this year, we provided students with learning materials to aid in their remote and learn from home days. While some of these materials were consumable, others will be needed back in our classrooms to support student learning in the fall. Please return the materials to your child’s classroom teacher before the end of school on June 17th.

Kindergarten:

Teddy Bear Counters
Counters
Unifix Cubes
Dice
Whiteboard
Fundations Letter Boards

Grade 1:

Counters
Cubes
Dice
Whiteboard

Grade 2:

Counters
Cubes
Dice

Grade 3:

Counters
Cubes
Dice

Dismissal Changes

May 10, 2021

Dear LGN Families,

As you know, the Norton Police Department and I have been working together to improve the safety and quality of our dismissal procedures.

Once again, I am asking that we work together to solve this problem. Please do not come to the LGN until 2:00 PM or later. The police will be patrolling Plain Street at our dismissal time and will be asking you to leave if you arrive earlier than 2:00 PM. We realize it takes a community to raise a child, many families have grandparents helping out at dismissal time. Please make sure your family members are aware of our new expectations.

Please obey all traffic laws at dismissal time. You may not block driveways, road ways, or intersections.

Additionally, you are encouraged to put your children on the bus. The cost of riding the bus is $26.00 per child from now to the end of the year. The fee only applies to families that live within the 2 mile radius of the LGN.

Sincerely,

Catherine Luke

Principal

It's so nice to see you!

Dear LGN Families,

I hope you had a restful February Break! We are happy to have the children back at school. It's hard to believe we are on the second half of the 2020-2021 school year.

Hopefully LIVE Streaming with your teacher has become easier. From my end, it seems as if the teachers have figured out all the bugs. It's nice for the children to see their classmates in the opposite cohort.

We have some great news! Specialists are now able to hold classes in their own space. Students will be able to safely move about the building and have Music, Art, Library/Media, Computer, and Wellness in another space. The staff is very excited about this! I hope the children will be as well.

Thank you for your continued patience and support! Hopefully, with the vaccine, we will be able to get back to 'normal' soon. Hang in there!

Take care,

Mrs. Luke

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Dear LGN Families,

As you know, today started our LIVE Streaming in grades 1-3. Things appeared to have gone well for our very first day. Please be patient with us as we are just learning how to manage having students in front of us and online at the same time. Our teachers are very committed to making sure this time is used well.

Now that we have LIVE sessions Tuesday through Friday, the teachers do not have to provide videos for 'Learning at Home' days. However, some teachers may choose to send along a video or two.

Additionally, attendance will be taken by the classroom teachers during the LIVE sessions. Students must attend all LIVE sessions in order to be marked present! Kindergarten families will still receive the attendance email from the LGN Office.

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this very unusual school year. We couldn't do it without you!

Stay well! Mrs. Luke

Welcome Back

Dear LGN Families,

Happy New Year! It's time to return to school after our Holiday Break. I hope you had time to rest, relax, and enjoy family that 'lives with you'.

Just a reminder! If you traveled outside MA this vacation, you must quarantine for 10 days or get a negative COVID test to return to school. Nurse Courtney will be able to help you with a return date should you have questions.

The LGN is ready to go and we are all looking forward to seeing you!

Stay Healthy!

Mrs. Luke

Book Give Away

November and December

We had so many WINNERS in our Book Give-Away for November and December! Students went home home with titles such as Snowy Day by Ezra Jacks Keats, Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin Picking Plan by A. Hapka & R. Scotton, How to Catch an Elf by A. Wallis, Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard, Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery or the Mystery of the Gold Coin by David A. Adler, and Benji’s First Holiday. Our Book Give-Away hopes to create as many opportunities to read a variety of books. Please take the time to read daily 15-20 minutes every day.

Thank you, Mrs. Young, Reading Specialist

WINNERS

KINDERGARTEN:

Mrs. Branco’s Class- Alexandra, Theodore, Matthew, Isabella, and Jacob

Mrs. Sedell’s - Marcus, Aubrey, Declan, Addison, Charlotte, and Mason

Mrs. Falvey’s-Madison, Ella, Lillian, Shea, and Audrey

FIRST GRADE:

Ms. Carlson’s Class- Julianne, Abel, Brooke, and Mason

Ms. DeWolfe’s Class - Penelope, Ryan, Isaac, Samantha, and Jeremy

Mrs. Lyon’s Class- Skyla, Lucas, Mia, Annette, and Avery

SECOND GRADE:

Mrs. Haglund’s Class - Hannah, Jaslynne, Sebastiano, Adriana, and Charles

Mrs. Hanewich’s - Cecilia, Brooklyn, Evan, Ariana, Zoe, and Ricardo

Mrs. O’Hear’s - Charlotte, Jeysilen, Elora, Jouli, and Shea

THIRD GRADE:

Mrs. Lovering’s Class - Thomas, Laila, Ashden, Matt, and Will

Mrs. Quinn’s Class - Ryan, Colin, Dylan, Drew, Lily, and Dubin

Mrs. Bjork’s Class - Wesley, Aston, Hannah, Nina, Mackenzie, Danny, and Jack

Enjoy your Books!

#BigHeart Award

Congratulations R! You have earned a #BigHeart Award today. R has been respectful, responsible, and safe at school. He has helped a new student get familiar with the routines of the classroom and school. He is an amazing Kindergartner! Keep up the great work. We are very proud of you!

Well done, Mrs. Luke

PTC Meeting- Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Hello LGN Families,

Our next PTC Meeting will be held this Wednesday night at 7:00 PM. Here is the Zoom Meeting ID for your convenience. Please email the LGN PTC... lgnptc@gmail.com for a direct link in your personal email. We hope you will join us.

Meeting ID: 984 4990 5095

Stay well, Mrs. Luke

Outdoor Recess and Outdoor Snack Time

We are trying to get outside for snack and recess as much as possible this winter. Being outside is the perfect way for our students to get a mask break, enjoy some fresh air, and take a needed break from work.

Our goal is to go outside when it ‘feels like’ 25 degrees or above and the weather is dry. Please make sure your child is prepared to be outside with a winter coat, gloves, and a hat. It might help to put hats and gloves into your child's backpack so they have them when necessary. Reach out to the LGN Office at 508-285-0110 if you need help with outerwear.

Stay well! Mrs. Luke

Expectations for Learning at Home

Hello LGN Families,

As we navigate through hybrid learning together, the staff has noticed several things that you can do from home to help your child meet with success particularly during Remote Mondays and Learn at Home days.

First off Remote Mondays are considered school days. We do take attendance during Zoom meetings several times. Your child should be showing their face and indicating that they are indeed 'in school' for the morning. After each break, teachers are retaking attendance to make sure children are present and have returned to the screen to do work.

After checking in with your teacher, you may turn your camera off if your child is nervous about being seen on the screen. However, your child should be continuing to participate in the class by answering questions in the chat or turning on the camera and microphone to ask and answer questions. We understand that this can be difficult for some and do not want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. However, the more you do something the better you get at it.

On Mondays, the teachers are introducing new material during their Zoom meetings. This new material is the focus for the week. So if you child misses Monday lessons, it will be difficult for them to keep up during the week.

Additionally, your child's Learn at Home days are also school days. Please keep filling out the attendance forms for your child. Thank you for doing this each day your child is learning from home. In addition to the form, your child must complete work on these days to be considered present. Please make sure to submit all of your child's work online and to complete written work. Written work should be turned in the next in person school day. If your child has not done work on their Learn at Home days, they can be marked absent.

Here is the tricky part...As our students are young, it is important that someone at home is helping children to login to their Zoom meetings or onto Classlink. It is also important that you check your child's work to ensure it has been done. You may have to monitor that your child is completing work throughout the day. The tricky part is to know how much support you child needs. We obviously want our students to do their own work but realize this may be challenging for our little ones. Your teacher will be able to give you guidance about how much support your child needs at home. The amount of support recommended will be based on how much support the teacher gives to your child when they are at school. This would be a great conversation to have with the classroom teacher.

Here are some more odds and end that we find helpful for families to do:

Find a quiet working space for your child to learn online.

This space should be in an area of the house so that your child can attend meetings

lessons, and complete work.

Leave your laptop or iPad in one location. Do not walk around the house while on a

meeting. Do not bring your device along with you on a bathroom break.

Have all materials needed to learn at home nearby.

Your child should be dressed for school.

Children should have eaten breakfast prior to logging on for the day.

The only time your child should have food is snack time or lunch time.

Items such as toys, live pets, and stuffed animals do not belong unless a teacher has

directed you to do so.

If there is something we can do at school to help your child meet with success, please reach out to your child's teacher or to me.

Thank you for all of your support!

Mrs. Luke


Second Grade	Mrs. Haglund's Class	Pumpkin Day

Second Grade

Mrs. Haglund's Class

Pumpkin Day


Fun in Second Grade	Very detailed work	Planning out my work...

Fun in Second Grade

Very detailed work

Planning out my work...

Need Advice for Learning at Home?

Look no further! Here are the next two tips from the staff at the LGN...

Provide a place and time at home for school work
Make sure you mix up assignments requiring intense concentration, with some that are open-ended or involve creativity

Use what will work for you and your family!

Thank you for your support and hard work from home!

Mrs. Luke

Are you planning on going Trick or Treating this year?

The CDC recommends:

Make trick-or-treating safer

Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
Wash hands before handling treats.
Wear a mask.

Wear a mask

Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you

Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.

Wash your hands

Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.

Need advice for learning at home?

Look no further! Here are some tips and tricks from the staff at the LGN. Here are the first two.

Have your child do EVERYTHING they can do independently first and finish it entirely. If your child struggles with something such as writing for example, have them complete everything else first and then they don’t start writing until an adult can sit with them for half an hour. That way you can help them through it. Then they aren’t already frustrated from the attempt by the time they ask for help.

Set up a daily family routine, including healthy eating and sleeping habits.

See what works for you!

Thank you for all your hard work and support! Mrs. Luke


Mystery Science Mrs. Haglund's Second Grade learns about how rivers form and flow.	Topographical Maps Creating 3-D maps to simulate rain storms creating rivers.	What's the weather? Miss DeWolfe's class interpret the weather graph for the month of October. We have had more sunny days in October.

Mystery Science

Mrs. Haglund's Second Grade learns about how rivers form and flow.

Topographical Maps

Creating 3-D maps to simulate rain storms creating rivers.

What's the weather?

Miss DeWolfe's class interpret the weather graph for the month of October. We have had more sunny days in October.


Learning about a Venn Diagram Miss Carlson's class compare and contrast a pumpkin and an apple. The class found many ways they are the same. They found just as many ways they are different.	Choice Time in Kindergarten Mrs. Branco's class enjoys some Choice Time on a rainy afternoon. The kids were creating, building, and using their imaginations.	Choice Time Lots of fun being had with individual buckets of toys. Playing is an important part of your child's development.

Learning about a Venn Diagram

Miss Carlson's class compare and contrast a pumpkin and an apple. The class found many ways they are the same. They found just as many ways they are different.

Choice Time in Kindergarten

Mrs. Branco's class enjoys some Choice Time on a rainy afternoon. The kids were creating, building, and using their imaginations.

Choice Time

Lots of fun being had with individual buckets of toys. Playing is an important part of your child's development.


Positive Sign Thursday	We are working hard in Mrs. Brown's Class.	There are definitely SMILES under these masks!

Positive Sign Thursday

We are working hard in Mrs. Brown's Class.

There are definitely SMILES under these masks!


SLIME in Miss Carlson's Class	We made it from scratch!	What a great first week of school.

SLIME in Miss Carlson's Class

We made it from scratch!

What a great first week of school.

Virtual Town Halls- for Hybrid Families and Special Education Families

Good morning!

There will be two Virtual Town Halls for families this week. The first is for Hybrid Families on Tuesday, October 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and the second is for Special Education Families on Thursday, October 22 from 6-7 p.m. If you cannot attend they will be recorded and available on the website as well. Please see the login details below:

Hybrid Families Virtual Town Hall
When: Oct 20, 2020 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/92724173629?pwd=Nkt6eEJacHlKdm8vRVFuTjhtZXFGZz09
Webinar ID: 927 2417 3629
Passcode: 713898

Special Education Families Virtual Town Hall
When: Oct 22, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/95565674895?pwd=OHc5djdYNU9GU25odmpKbklOamV6Zz09
Webinar ID: 955 6567 4895
Passcode: 773849

Reading Assessment Announcement

Dear LGN Families,

Over the next few weeks, our team of reading teachers will be working individually with all students in grades 1-5 on initial screenings using the Benchmark Assessment System (BAS). The BAS is an assessment that uses fiction and non-fiction text to determine student’s independent and instructional reading levels, and then helps teachers to interpret and use that data to plan meaningful instruction.

As our students have been away from school since early spring, we believe that taking the time for this assessment is an important part of the process to design instruction for our diverse student needs. As grade levels are complete, our reading teachers will use this information along with classroom performance and teacher recommendations to provide interventions and small group supports.

If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to Gia Sunderland at gsunderland@norton.k12.ma.us.

Thank you, Mrs. Luke

Champions Virtual Open House

Join our Virtual Open House!

Hi NPS Families,

You’re invited to join us for our fall Champions Virtual Open House! Come learn how our Before and After or Full Day Remote Learning Support Programs at LGN, JCS, and Yelle can support your family during this atypical school year.

Champions Virtual Open House

Thursday October 8th

6PM

You'll meet our directors and learn all that we’re doing to create a safe space for your child’s social, emotional, and academic development to continue while they stay on track with their studies.

If you’d like to attend, please join us virtually at:

https://kindercaremtgs.webex.com/kindercaremtgs/j.php?MTID=m57f6c118ceb72546df2f1c5357ff79a2

You can also learn more about our program on our website. We hope to see you there!

Kaitlin Grant

Champions Area Manager

kgrant@discoverchampions.com

508-530-1928

Norton Pride Day

Congratulations! The LGN has filled the Purple Heart Jar for being respectful, responsible, and safe. Let's Celebrate with Norton Pride Day! Wear your purple and/or Norton gear on Thursday, October 1st for Cohort 1 and Friday, October 2nd for Cohort 2.

We are very proud of our students! Keep up the great work.

Mrs. Luke

A Message from the Office of Instructional Technology

64 West Main Street (508) 285-0100
Norton, MA (508) 285-0199 (fax)
02766 norton.k12.ma.us

Office of Instructional Technology

September 22, 2020

Dear Parent/Guardian/Caregiver:

The Norton Public Schools is committed to providing all students with rigorous, joyful, culturally responsive learning experiences, as well as integrated, hands-on, real world learning opportunities. As part of your chid’s class this year, teachers will use a variety of online tools selected by the district to support students’ learning experiences. One online resource, Epic Books for Kids, has been selected by the teachers for its ability to provide a variety of online books tailored to students’ reading levels. Use of this tool requires parental permission as information may be shared with the vendor regarding your child’s progress. Your child’s use of this tool, however, is completely optional and there are other options available for your child to partake in online reading. These include choosing online books and resources through: Sora, Raz-Kids, and PebbleGo.

If you would like your child to use Epic Books for Kids, please sign and return the enclosed release as soon as possible to your child’s teacher but no later than October 2, 2020. Your child’s use of Epic Books for Kids is completely voluntary. If you decide not to have your child use this program, then one of the other options described above may be utilized. Your choice will in no way impact the education that your child receives. All students will have access to the same educational resources. We have made significant efforts to ensure that there are a variety of options available so that students will not be at a disadvantage based on their selection.

Please feel free to contact me directly at kwinsper@norton.k12.ma.us if you have any questions. I am happy to call any parent/guardian/caregiver to discuss the options available.

Sincerely,

Karen Winsper
Director of Instructional Technology
Norton Public Schools

Masks

Good Morning!

Thank you for all the support you have provided your children and the LGN during our Return to School! We are slowly getting into a routine and will get quicker with our arrival and dismissals, I promise. Please be patient with us!

On another note, parents are noticing that their children's masks are coming home damp from the heat of the day and from breathing into it all day long. The CDC and district do not recommend wearing a damp mask. If you would like to send in multiple masks, we can do a mask switch during one of our scheduled breaks. We will be happy to accommodate. Please see the graphic above outlining approved masks and their care.

Stay safe! Mrs. Luke

Kindergarten Screening

Welcome to our Incoming Kindergarten Families!

Our DIAL 4 Screening appointments have been scheduled for Tuesday, August 18th and Wednesday, August 19th. Please call the school at 508-285-0110 if you are unable to make your appointment.

Reminder for safety sake...only one parent may accompany a child. Please wear your masks. Hand sanitizer will be available for your convenience. See you soon!

Stay Safe, Mrs. Luke

Remember to Stay Safe this Summer!

Good Afternoon LGN Families,

I hope you are all healthy, happy, and safe this summer. Here is a resource for parents from the CDC regarding how to keep young children safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please take a look.

Stay well, Mrs. Luke

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children.html


Materials Pick Up Day	Technology Drop Off	Smiles, Gifts, and Goodbyes

Materials Pick Up Day

Technology Drop Off

Smiles, Gifts, and Goodbyes


Fabulous Trees	Cute Snowmen	Playful Penguins

Fabulous Trees

Cute Snowmen

Playful Penguins

2019-2020 School Year

Dear L.G. Nourse Families:

We did it! Although this school year did not end up in the 'usual way', we stuck together through thick and thin and ended our school year with style and grace. We were successful because we worked together.

I wanted to take a moment to thank the many people who helped to make this year as successful as it was. Thank you to the parents for their support, hard work, and encouragement. Thank you to the staff at the LGN for working hard, being persistent, and being creative to navigate uncharted water. Thank you to the LGN PTC for all of their hard work and support. Let's not forget, our Leadership Team in Central Office. Thank you for being creative, flexible, honest and open, and supportive! What a great team! Norton is a special place to learn and work.

Additionally, I would like to tell you about a few changes at the LGN. Mrs. Packer, our OT, has decided to retire. We are actively looking for a candidate to 'fill her shoes'. Ms. Casey Russo, our TEAM Chair, has been offered and take a job in Central Office. She will be working with Mr. Vincent Cerce in the Special Education Department. We are again actively searching to replace Ms. Russo. We wish Mrs. Packer and Ms. Russo good health and the best of luck moving forward in their next adventure.

If you were unable to pick up materials and drop off technology on Thursday, June 11th, please contact Mrs. Luke at: cluke@norton.k12.ma.us or at 508-285-0110 to schedule a pick up/drop off time.

Class placement information will be mailed out in late August.

Lastly...Well done students! You worked extremely hard during our closure and did not give up. We are all very proud of you. We MISS and LOVE you! Here's to hoping we see you in September.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Luke

Friday, June 12, 2020

Good Morning!

Thank you for coming out yesterday to pick up your personal items and end of the year gift from you teacher. If you were unable to come, please email me at cluke@norton.k12.ma.us so that we may make arrangements for another day and time. Don't forget! Technology along with the power cord must be turned in!

This week, we focused on working independently while at home. Here are this week's tips:

1. Find a good area to do your work.

2. Use materials with care.

3. Be flexible and learn new things.

4. Plan your work time.

5. Keep your work area clean.

Monday's tip:

6. Try your best and be creative!

Remember to be respectful, responsible, and safe today and every day!

Stay well, Mrs. Luke

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Good Morning!

Here are today's announcements. Don't forget our last day of school is Monday, June 15th. Also our materials drop off and pick up is tomorrow, Thursday, June 11th! See the schedule below. If you are dropping off technology, don't forget the power cord!

9-10:00 Kindergarten

10-11:00 Grade 1

11- 12:00 Grade 2

12-1:00 Grade 3

Stay well, Mrs. Luke

Virtual Field Day Announcements

Dear LGN Families,

Mrs. Kenney would like to announce the classes with the MOST participation by grade level.

Congratulations...

K - Mrs.Sedell and Mrs. Falvey's classes tied

1 - Miss Carlson's Class

2- Mrs. Hanewich's Class

3 - Mrs. Bjork's Class

The grade with the MOST participants goes to...

Grade 3...Congratulations!

Additionally...

LGN had the highest number of staff participation of the three schools. #LittleSchoolBigHeart

Well done, Mrs. Luke

Materials Drop Off and Pick Up on June 11th

June 8, 2020

Dear LGN Families:

On June 11th, you will be able to pick up your child’s belongings, return Library books, and return any NPS technology you have at home. Please remember to bring along power cords. Once you have passed in all of the above items, third grade students will also be able to pick up their surprise at that time.

When you arrive to pick up your child’s materials and drop off school items, please drive into the circle in front of the building. Please show a piece of paper with your child’s full name(s) and grade level(s) as soon as someone approaches your car. We will retrieve your child’s materials and give your child(ren)’s belongings to you. If you have children in more than one grade level, you may pick up materials in one trip. Just pick one of the times within the grade level times listed below.

You must wear a mask or facial covering during the pick up process.

Pick Up/Drop Off Schedule

Grade Level Beginning Time Ending Time

Kindergarten- 9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Grade 1- 10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Grade 2- 11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Grade 3- 12:00 PM 1:00 PM

Regards,

Mrs. Luke

#BIGHeart Award

Congratulations L! You have earned a #BIGHeart Award. Mrs. Hanewich nominated you for all of your hard work on your choice boards, for attending Zoom meetings, and for being engaged in your learning. You have been ROCKING remote learning. Keep up the great work. We are very proud of you.

Well done, Mrs. Luke

#BIGHeart Award

Congratulations T! You have earned a #BIGHeart Award. Mrs. Hanewich nominated you for all of your hard work on your choice boards, for attending Zoom meetings, and for being engaged in your learning. You have been ROCKING remote learning. Keep up the great work. We are very proud of you.

Well done, Mrs. Luke