Panther Pride Newsletter
January 2023
Pletcher Earns Hall of Fame Honors
Norton High School teacher, Tricia Pletcher, has been selected for induction into the Ohio Speech and Debate Association's Coaches Hall of Fame.
This prestigious honor is a testament to her dedication, passion, and exemplary leadership in fostering the growth of speech and debate within our community. We commend her tireless efforts to inspire and mentor students, instilling in them the values of effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Thank you to Tricia. Well deserved.
Norton City Schools Hall of Fame
We proudly announce the latest inductees to the Norton City Schools Hall of Fame, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the district and community. This prestigious honor celebrates their exceptional achievements and lasting impact on education, leadership, and community service.
The Norton City Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2024 includes the following distinguished individuals:
Greg Dennison - Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Kurtis Stemple, Distinguished Alumni
William Vaill, Distinguished Educator
Cara Cook, Athletic Excellence
Natalie Cook Athletic Excellence
These outstanding individuals were selected through a rigorous nomination and review process, The committee considered their dedication, leadership, and positive influence within the Norton City School District. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony occured Saturday, February 10th, at Norton High School. These remarkable individuals were celebrated by the community, colleagues, former students and their families.
For more information about the Norton City Schools Hall of Fame, please contact Travis Dobbins at tdobbins@nortonpanthers.org.
Open Enrollment
2024-2025 School Year
Current Open Enrolled Students
Reapplication Form Posted in Final Forms
February 2, 2024
Reapplication Deadline
February 16, 2024
New Open Enrolled Students
Application for New Students
March 4, 2024 @ 6:00 a.m.
Application Deadline
March 31, 2024
Open Enrollment Acceptance Letters
Grades 1-12
June 15, 2024
Open Enrollment Acceptance Letters
Kindergarten
August 2024
Open Enrollment 2024-2025 Form and Information - Click Here
Transportation is not provided for Open Enrolled Students
Primary School
Builder’s Club Volunteers return to Primary
Dr. Russo and nineteen volunteers from Builder’s Club are retutning for a second year to Norton Primary to work with our Kindergarteners. These students from 7th and 8th grade are volunteering every Wednesday morning for the remainder of the school year. They provide our little Panthers with extra reading practice, number counting check-ins, sight word knowledge, and eat lunch with us too.
Visit from Sam
We would also like to thank Mrs. Snowden and Sam for their wonderful visits between lunches and recess for a furry break with our Little Panthers!
Elementary School
Students Grow Plants in Class
Students in four classrooms will be growing vegetables this winter and spring. They will learn about germination and how hydroponic gardening can produce vegetables without soil. This picture is phase one of the growing process, seeds germinating into seedlings. Soon, these plants will be transferred to our tower gardens to produce fresh vegetables. NES purchased three Tower Gardens this year through a STEM grant.
Middle School
Hot chocolate, apple cider, chips, and sweets were the highlight of the 8th grade’s “Read-A-Latte” Day. This delightful event not only indulged the taste buds but also fostered a deep love of literature in our ELA classes. “Read A Latte” Day is an annual celebration, made possible by generous donations from parents and staff. It is a testament to our commitment to making reading enjoyable and engaging. Additionally, leftovers capped off a busy week, where students delved into the mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe. Our 8th-grade students could say “POE me another cup of cocoa”... and we gladly obliged!
High School
On Friday, January 26, Norton High School held our 5th annual Fashion Show. It was a wonderful way for NHS to showcase all fine arts programs and this event has blossomed into a true fashion show that includes models, artists, musicians, make-up artists, stage coordinators and lighting and sound technicians. Over 100 students and staff members participated!
This was also the first year we decided to offer an encore performance at night for parents and community members. This was also a wonderful success as the auditorium was PACKED! We even had to delay the start of the show because the line for admission was wrapped around the building when it was supposed to begin.
Special thanks to our art teachers, Ms. J.J. Thornberry and Mrs. April Levack, for bringing this show each year to NHS. Mark this on your calendar for next year...you don't want to miss it!
Technology Exploration
TWE
For years, Norton City Schools has employed high school students in our technology department to assist with all things technology. Students work on Chromebook repairs, installing desktops, completing inventory changes, tidying up cabling in offices/classrooms, imaging and deploying laptops, and more! Students start in the program as volunteers at the end of their eighth grade year and then are hired as employees to work year round in the district. These students learn not only technical skills, but also how to communicate well with adults via ticket notes, phone calls, emails, and in person interactions. We, as employers, take note of specialty areas our students excel: having an eye for design, being detail-oriented, and having a knack for audio-visual troubleshooting/set up. We then provide them with even more opportunities to excel in those areas.
Back in November, three of our TWE (Technology Work Experience) students traveled to the OSBA Student Fair in Columbus to share what they do to support technology in our district. Seniors, Logan Calo, Michael Petit, and Alyza Walker will be sorely missed after they graduate. We are so proud of them and grateful for their help!
Students of the Month
Congratulations to the following students for their excellence inside and outside of the classroom as they have been chosen as our February Students of the Month. They truly exemplify what it means to be a Norton Panther. Panther Pride!
- Primary - Lauren Roth
- Elementary - Cooper Speas
- Middle School - Logan Cunningham
- High School - Jackson Davis
- HS Compact - Caiden Bail
Important Information for Families about College Credit Plus
If your student participates in College Credit Plus, please see the letter from Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin. attached letter
School Closing Information
In the event that school is closed due to weather or other circumstances, information can be obtained in the following manner:
- 1st Priority (main methods of notification)
- Twitter: @NortonCS_Super
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nortoncityschoolsohio
- School website: https://www.nortonschools.org/
- 2nd Priority (may experience delays due to call volume)
- Television: Local Television Stations Channels 3, 5, 8
- School Messaging System - via phone
Solar Eclipse
April 8, 2024
Solar Eclipse School Closure on April 8, 2024
This historical event in our area will impact our school schedule on April 8, 2024. On this day, a solar eclipse is set to occur, providing a unique experience for our community.
In light of this event, and with the safety of our students in mind, we will to cancel school on April 8, 2024. We believe that witnessing a solar eclipse can be a memorable experience for our students and families, and we want to ensure that they can do so safely.
To facilitate this experience, and as a precaution, we will be providing all students with appropriate eye protection to observe the eclipse. The safety of our students is our top priority, and these safety measures are in accordance with guidelines recommended by experts in astronomy and eye health.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Important Dates
Feb. 19 Presidents Day - No School
March 7 Parent Teacher Conferences Gr. K-4 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
March 7 End of Nine Weeks
March 8 - Professional Development Day - No School (Students)
March 10 - Daylight Savings (Spring Ahead)
March 29 - April 5 - Spring Break - No School
April 8 - Solar Eclipse - No School
April 9 - School Resumes
May 12 - Mother's Day
May 27 - Memorial Day - No School
May 30 - Student Last Day
May 31 - Teacher Last Day
Norton City Schools
Norton School Information
High School
Grades 9-12
330.825.7300
Middle School
Grades 5-8
330.825.5607
Elementary School
Grades 1-4
330.825.3828
Primary School
Pre-K thru Kindergarten
330.825.5133
Attendance Hotline
330.706.2760