NPS Superintendent's Newsletter
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"Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day."
– Michael Josephson
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
– C. S. Lewis
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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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We are in month five of this year’s thematic focus: “Connect, Support, and Thrive: building Resilience for All Students,” the last element in our five-part series is “Resilience”.
NPS wants all of their children to be successful in their academic progress. “The journey through education is rarely a straight line; it is a dynamic process of stretching, bending, and occasionally breaking through barriers. At the heart of this journey lies resilience—the psychological "muscle" that allows students to transform pressure into progress.”
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In the natural realm of things, growth does not occur in the absence of challenge; it is the direct result of it. Much like physical exercise, intellectual and emotional strength are built through resistance.
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Academic Strength: Developed by grappling with difficult concepts that initially seem out of reach.
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Emotional Strength: Cultivated by managing the frustration of a low grade or the sting of social rejection.
When students encounter obstacles, they aren't just "getting through" a problem; they are expanding their capacity to handle future, more complex demands. We want our students to build agency.
The Engine: Motivation and Confidence
As students successfully navigate challenges, they build confidence. This isn't a hollow sense of self-esteem, but a grounded "self-efficacy"—the evidence-based belief that they possess the tools to succeed. This cycle creates a powerful feedback loop:
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Challenge leads to effort.
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Effort leads to small wins.
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Small wins build confidence.
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Confidence fuels further motivation.
Motivation is the internal drive to keep lifting. True resilience is fueled by "intrinsic motivation"—the desire to learn for the sake of mastery rather than just a letter grade.
A resilient student understands that "success" is not a final destination but a continuous state of becoming. By embracing agility in the face of change and finding strength in the middle of a challenge, students don't just survive their education—they are transformed by it. (Thriving!)
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Updates for Strategic Plan - Year 2
Out-of-School Time Programs for SY2026-2027
Northampton Public Schools (NPS) is proud to announce the launch of IGNITE (Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Innovation, Teaching Enrichment), a new district-run after-school program set to begin in the SY26-27 school year. This initiative aims to significantly increase childcare capacity while maintaining a strong, ongoing partnership with the YMCA. The Superintendent will be presenting the district plan to the school committee at their February meeting.
The IGNITE program will be implemented at Ryan Road, Bridge Street, and Jackson Street Elementary Schools. In a move designed to provide maximum flexibility and choice for families.
Program Philosophy and Model
Modeled after the successful “Late Birds” program at Leeds Elementary School, IGNITE is designed to nurture the "whole child". The program will operate daily from 2:10 pm to 5:15 pm, offering a blend of:
- Academic Support: Intentional assistance to help K-5 learners grow.
- Enrichment: Diverse extracurricular activities and separate enrichment classes.
- Healthy Play: Opportunities for social development and unstructured play.
- Restorative Culture: A focus on building individual relationships and using restorative approaches to conflict resolution.
IGNITE is open to all children in the school community. The district is committed to ensuring equal access for students with special education needs, providing reasonable accommodations and coordinating services through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Looking Ahead
The district will begin a recruitment and awareness drive in the spring of the year prior to implementation, followed by a formal registration launch. NPS also plans to explore the feasibility of adding before-school care and expanding programming to include school breaks and professional development days in the future.
Net Zero Carbonization and NPS buildings
There are three projects that both the School Committee and City have approved that will move NPS closer to electrification and greener schools:
- Northampton High School geothermal project (start date is Summer 2026),
- Jackson Street solar array canopy over the parking lot (start date TBD), and
- R.K. Ryan Road solar array on the roof (start date TBD).
*Please visit the links within the score card to learn more about the work that is occurring.
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Budget 2026-2027
As the district prepares a preliminary budget to share with the School Committee, I want to share our process of developing the budget. To ensure the budget is deeply rooted in the needs of our schools, we follow a multi-step approach:
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Staff-Level Development: Principals and department heads begin by developing their budgets in direct collaboration with their staff. Requests should be in alignment with School Improvement Plans and school goals.
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School Council Review: Before any budget is presented to the superintendent and business administrator, principals present their proposals to their respective School Councils for feedback and alignment with school-specific goals. Because of timelines, presentations of the budget to school councils may occur after the presentation is made to the superintendent. However, there is enough time for administrators to make adjustments based upon what school councils may recommend.
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Administrative Collaboration: Once the individual budgets are developed, our entire administrative team meets to discuss the collective budget. This ensures every leader understands the district-wide needs before we present to the School Committee.
The preliminary budget will be presented to the School Committee in March and there will be a public hearing thereafter to allow the public to submit comments. The School Committee takes a vote as to what is submitted to the Mayor who in turn recommends to the City Council.
Like last year, three versions of the budget will be presented to the school committee: City targeted budget, level services and a strong budget that has additional requests beyond the current services that we are providing.
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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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ICE Update
The anxiety caused by the recent reports from Minneapolis and the visible increase in enforcement activity across New England has given just cause for me to reiterate NPS' protocols. Please know that the safety, dignity, and privacy of our students is the highest priority.
There are no changes to the protocols issued in August 2025. Those guidelines remain unchanged. To provide some peace of mind, here is a brief reminder of what those protocols ensure:
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Schools as Sanctuaries: Our schools remain safe spaces. We do not permit ICE agents to enter school buildings or interact with students without a valid judicial warrant.
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Information Protection: We do not collect or share information regarding the immigration status of our students or their caregivers.
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Safe Transportation: Our bus drivers have specific procedures to ensure every student is dropped off safely and that no child is left vulnerable.
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Supportive Resources: We continue to encourage caregivers to utilize "Know Your Rights" materials and to establish emergency caregiver affidavits to protect their children’s welfare in any eventuality.
With help from the City, we are staying vigilant and monitoring activity daily.
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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.
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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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HALF-DAY -- Wednesday, February 4
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 - February 16-20 (February Vacation)
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Thank you to the Northampton Department Public Works, Northampton Public Schools Custodial and Northampton Central Services staff for clearing streets and sidewalks.
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).
There will be no morning Preschool.
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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February menus will be posted here!
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Now accepting applications.
Available seats for the 2026-2027 school year are posted on the NPS website.
Applications are available on the website 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)
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Boomer, The Thunderbirds mascot, returned to Bridge Street on Friday, January 9th to visit BSS students to collect reading logs from the 'Stick to Reading' event. Many of our students are excited to attend that game on Friday, January 23rd with their classmates!
The NHS Chorus which consists of the 'Chamber Choir' and the 'Northamptones' groups came to perform on Tuesday, January 13th for all of the BSS students. Thank you to Ms. Susan and her students for sharing their love of music with our school community!
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The Ryan Road Elementary community was visited by the Springfield Thunderbirds mascot, Boomer, to kick off the "Stick to Reading" Challenge!
Ms. Smiarowski's Kindergarten class created winter art which is on display at Ryan Road (pictured below).
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In Mr. Baker’s STEAM lab, Mr. Pelis’ third graders are transforming into young engineers. Over the course of a week, students are building their very own “Piper Computers” from the ground up. Using kits, blueprints, and a healthy dose of teamwork, they aren't just following instructions—they are learning how technology actually breathes.
By the end of the lesson, the students don't just walk away with a computer; they use breadboard circuitry and a Raspberry Pi (a tiny, powerful computer designed for learning) to hand-build their own game controllers. The best part? They get to test their hard work by playing the very games their machines were built to run!
Grade 1 has a new favorite movement activity--"desk drumming". Watch the video.
Grade 1 students are representing and solving problems involving addition and subtraction. They wrote stories to match an equation with an unknown value.
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Thanks to the support of the PTO and 2nd grade teacher Ms. Walmsley, JSS has a new garden shed. The garden is a much-loved learning space at JSS where students can get out of the building and into the dirt, spending time engaged in hands-on work that makes science tangible. The garden serves as a vital space for students to connect with nature by investigating soil, planting bulbs, composting, harvesting crops, or simply enjoying the fresh air. We are grateful to the PTO and Ms. Walmsley for helping us get our new shed! |
While studying and reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, Ms. Dimino's class was visited by Tad Roach, the Equal Justice Initiative's Learning and Engagement Specialist. Mr. Roach talked about his work with Bryan, a world-renowned lawyer who started the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama. Our students were engaged and excited for this visit. Thank you to Mr. Roach for answering our students' thoughtful questions. |
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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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Play and learn all around town with our NPS Early Childhood Center!
To register for programs and more, please click the link!
Coming up in February & March- all FREE!
Tuesday, Feb. 3: First Aid for Parents and Caregivers [Zoom 7-8:30 pm] AND our monthly in-person Caregiver Cafe [5:30-7 pm]
Friday, Feb. 6: Playdate at Smith College Museum of Art for 2-5 year olds [9:30-11:30]
Sunday, Feb. 8: Family hike, storytime, craft, and cocoa with Kestrel Land Trust and DCR at the Notch Visitors Center in Amherst! [10-11:30 am]
Thursday, Feb. 12: Two virtual caregiver workshops! Sensory Needs and Behavioral Concerns in Children [1-2 pm] and the Magic of Co-Regulation [8-9 pm]
Thursday, Feb. 26: Finding Early Math in Everyday Routines [8-9 pm]
NPS Preschool Families: New! Math Everywhere Playgroup Series on Fridays in March from 10-11:15 am. Free take-home kits!
District Pre-K to 2nd-grade Educators are Invited: Save the date for our Citywide Conference on March 11th! Register for this and more at: bit.ly/SignupECC
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Stay Healthy This Season 🤧
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health posted a clinical flu advisory due to the increase in flu cases.
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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We welcome the following School Committee Members who were sworn in on Monday, January 5, 2026.
- Tiffany Jewell, At Large
- Robbie Saner Sullivan, At Large
- Alena Bartoli, Ward 1
- Anat Weisenfreund, Ward 2
- Renika Montgomery-Tamakloe, Ward 3
- Michael Stein, Ward 4
- Amy Martyn, Ward 5
- Cindy Mahoney, Ward 6
- Valerie Reiss, Ward 7
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I’m sorry I missed the opportunity to introduce myself in the December issue as a new at-large member of the School Committee. I’ve lived in Northampton my entire life, and attended our K-12 public schools, as did my three children. Early on, I was a copy editor at the Gazette, and then became a nurse, where I worked with our senior population一the last two years as a certified end-of-life doula. I am also a grandmother to Ari, 2, and Fiona, 1 month!
The first public school was launched in 1635 in Massachusetts. In 2026, it’s all hands on deck to protect public education and our students and their invaluable link with a healthy community. I’m ready to work with my fellow members to both remedy our issues and highlight and celebrate what makes our district special and unique. Even in these most challenging times, I believe caregivers want to choose public education.
Just some of the things I’m thinking about:
- Equitable local funding, and bringing Northampton’s strong voice to the Statehouse to fight for long-overdue fair funding for Western Massachusetts. (Stay tuned for info on the March 30th “Day on the Hill.”)
- Data-driven and data-assessed curriculum and training that’s consistent across our schools.
- Collaboration between our schools, within our community, and with surrounding districts. We all learn when we look up and turn outward, ask questions, and listen to what’s working.
- Informed decisions on smartphones and digital technology in our schools.
I hope to see you out and about in our community, or at a school function! If interested in being included on future newsletters, please let me know at rsanersullivan@northampton-k12.us. Reach out any time.
Robbie Saner Sullivan
At-Large
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VINS will be hosting their annual Dog Show on March 7.
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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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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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Northampton Arts Council announced two upcoming events:
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