NPS Superintendent's Newsletter
|
"February is the time to see the positive and bright side in everything you do and experience."
– Remez Sasson
|
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
|
ICE Update
Northampton Public Schools remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all students, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. To ensure we act in accordance with state and federal guidelines, below are the updated protocols regarding potential immigration enforcement.
Our Commitment to Privacy and Safety
-
FERPA Compliance: We take student data privacy seriously. NPS does not disclose sensitive student records or personal information to outside agencies—including federal immigration authorities—unless presented with a valid judicial warrant or subpoena.
-
Transparency: In the event of any safety concern, the district will provide timely updates via ParentSquare. Please rely on official communications rather than social media.
-
Records: We are asking all caregivers to ensure emergency contact information is current so we can reach families immediately if necessary.
Protocol: ICE Presence on School Grounds
If ICE officers approach a school building or student, staff must follow these steps:
-
Visitor Protocol: Follow standard visitor procedures. Ask for identification and take a photo/copy of the ID.
-
Notification: Immediately notify the Building Principal and the Superintendent.
-
Shelter in Place: The school will be placed in “Shelter in Place” status.
-
Redirection: Redirect the agent to Central Office to speak with the Superintendent. If the agent remains on-site, proceed to step 5.
-
Warrant Verification: Ask for a judicial warrant. Take a photo of the warrant and send it to the Superintendent’s office immediately for legal review.
-
Waiting Area: Ask the agent to wait in the main office or outside while the warrant is verified.
-
Execution: If the warrant is cleared, staff will work to maintain the student’s dignity and privacy throughout the process.
-
Support: Social workers and family engagement staff will be deployed to support the student and family.
Specific Scenarios
-
Outside of the Building: If an officer approaches a student on school grounds but outside the building, staff act in loco parentis. Escort the student and the officer to the school office and initiate the protocol above.
-
School Buses: Drivers are instructed to return the student to the school building if approached by immigration officials.
-
Public Events: For outdoor school events, staff should mark areas with signs stating: "Private event for students, staff, and caregivers."
-
Staff as Bystanders: If you witness an enforcement action in a public space, you have the right to observe and document from a safe distance. Do not physically interfere, as this could have legal consequences for you and the individuals involved.
|
Student Welfare
Our social workers and family engagement team are prepared to assist if a caregiver is detained. We are committed to ensuring these students remain enrolled and receive the necessary support from outside agencies.
Thank you for your dedication to the safety and education of every student in our community.
RESOURCES:
|
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.
|
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
|
HALF-DAY -- Wednesday, March 11
HALF-DAY -- Wednesday, March 18
HALF-DAY -- Wednesday, April 1
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 - April 20-24 (April Vacation)
|
|
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
|
|
March menus will be posted here!
|
|
Bridge Street School had a "Friendship Dance" on February 6th which was a great success! Students, caregivers, and staff attended the event hosted by our after school program. Huge shout out to Maria Silva who orchestrated the event as well as Carolina Pena who volunteered to DJ the event! Additionally, we had two students Esai Weismoore and Finn Navin-Schroeder who put on the light show! |
On February 6, Grade 1 students at Leeds hosted a Community Meeting for Grades K-2 on what it means to show perseverance. The 1st Graders did an amazing job showing everyone what it means to persevere by singing, "I Can Do Anything" and by sharing how they have persevered in different ways. We are so proud of our learners! |
The fourth grade class has been working hard to run the Leeds STEM Hydroponic Garden and the first harvest is upon us! The garden currently has Lettuce and Swiss Chard available, and soon there will also be Spinach, Basil, Cilantro and Rosemary available. |
Leeds students celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing up as a 100-year-old person. |
JSS started a new Joy Tradition this month--we had our first whole school dance party! The 5th Grade Be Kind Club organized and hosted the event.
The BKC’s mission is, “...to make Jackson Street a better place by helping kids be themselves, have fun, and feel comfortable at school. If we can do those things, we will look forward to school, work well with other people, and be able to learn.”
The JSS gym was wild and joyful, and it was a total pleasure to let loose all together. The 5th graders also planned for a lower-sensory option for kids for whom that was a happier choice. It was so super fun, and we are so proud of our student leaders!
|
We are thrilled to highlight the recent success of the Tiny Gallery Project on the Northampton Bike Path. Spanning the section from Stop & Shop to Look Park, this installation featured original works from 50 8th-grade artists. By bridging the gap between student creativity and public spaces, the project successfully delivered "art joy" to hundreds of trail users.
Julia Max, co runner of this/fellow art educator, has a 6th grader and Zoe Pappenheimer, one of the featured artists, also has a 6th grader. Tom Draudt is the videographer.
|
NHS Musical Booster Club announces Mean Girls as the musical for this year. The musical will run on March 12, 13, 14 and 15.
|
Through an NEF small grant, NHS was able to provide a portable Planetarium experience to students. |
We are seeking parents and caregivers of children ages K-2 to share on a panel for early childhood educators about their/your sources of resilience through challenging times. RSVP for the Parent Panel
The topic questions for the panel are:
- What sorts of challenges did you or your family face during your child’s early life?
- What helped support you or your family’s resilience during this time?
- What do you want early childhood professionals to know in order to better support families they will encounter in the future?
The panel will be held at the Northampton Preschool Partnership early childhood conference. Preschool educators, directors, itinerant special educators and coaches, will be there to listen and learn from your experience. You can share about challenges in daily living with preschoolers, changes in family life, navigating developmental disability/differences, feeling of isolation, financial hardship, encountering oppression and or other challenges. Your insight into the small and large challenges of the preschool years along with what was supportive to you during those challenges is so valuable to us! You can share what was helpful and we welcome you to share what help wasn’t a fit for you.
This is a part of a year long professional development program which is focusing on developing resilience in young children, educators and families. The panel, with introduction and time for questions, will last 45 minutes, from 2:15-3 pm on Wednesday, March 11. We will have an activity area for young children if they will be with you.
We welcome all families to consider this opportunity to share. Language interpretation will be available. We have a small gift for each family that participates.
|
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 March- all FREE!
-
Sunday, Mar. 1: Family hike, storytime, craft, and cocoa with Kestrel Land Trust and DCR at the Notch Visitors Center in Amherst! [10-11:30 am]
-
Tuesday, Mar. 3: Caregiver Cafe w/ dinner + childcare [5:30-7 pm]
|
Vaccination Newsletter Post
Health Services is writing regarding student vaccination requirements for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year and the upcoming academic year. We want to ensure every student is healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
You may have seen recent news regarding changes to the federal CDC recommended immunization schedule. While federal recommendations have shifted, Massachusetts state law regarding school entry requirements has not changed.
Clinicians and schools continue to follow recommendations by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as well as all applicable state requirements such as the immunization requirements for school and camp entry (linked below). Massachusetts clinicians, MDPH and AAP recognize the importance of clear, consistent, and evidence-based guidance to facilitate safe and effective vaccination practices.
We understand these conflicting headlines can be confusing. Please rely on the Massachusetts website for the official list of required immunizations for school attendance. This link is referenced below.
Please review the requirements below to ensure your child’s immunization records are up to date and you are responding to communications from your student’s school nurse in a timely manor.
💉 Mandatory Immunizations by Grade Level
Requirements vary by age and grade. Common checkpoints for new vaccines include Kindergarten, Grade 7, and Grade 12.
Preschool / Pre-K
-
Hib: 1-4 doses
-
DTaP: 4 doses
-
Polio: 3 doses
-
Hepatitis B: 3 doses
-
MMR: 1 dose
-
Varicella (Chickenpox): 1 dose
Kindergarten – Grade 6
-
DTaP/Tdap: 5 doses (4 acceptable if the last dose was given on/after 4th birthday)
-
Polio: 4 doses (3 acceptable if the last dose was given on/after 4th birthday)
-
Hepatitis B: 3 doses
-
MMR: 2 doses
-
Varicella: 2 doses
Grades 7 – 11
-
Tdap Booster: 1 dose (Required for entry into Grade 7)
-
Meningococcal (MenACWY): 1 dose (Required for entry into Grade 7)
- Plus all requirements listed for K-6
Grade 12
-
Meningococcal (MenACWY) Booster: 1 dose (Required for entry into Grade 12)
- Note: If the first dose was given on or after the 16th birthday, only 1 dose is required.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child has a medical exemption? A written statement from a physician stating that a vaccine is medically contraindicated must be submitted to the school nurse at the start of every school year.
What if we have a religious exemption? A written statement from a parent/guardian stating that a vaccine conflicts with sincere religious beliefs must be submitted to the school nurse at the start of every school year.
What happens if I don't submit records? Per state regulations, students without proof of immunization or a valid exemption on file may be excluded from attending school until documentation is provided.
|
📞 Need Help?
If you are unsure about your child's status or need assistance finding access to vaccinations, please contact your building’s school nurse or the Director of Health Services, Kirsten Kennedy-Alvarado.
References and Links
|
Due to the inclement weather on February 23, 2026, the Flu Clinic scheduled at JFK Middle School was cancelled. If you or a family member are still interested in receiving a Flu Shot, please reach out to the Public Health Nurses at 413-587-1214 or nurses@northamptonma.gov
Norovirus cases are on the rise. It is very contagious, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus spreads very easily because tiny virus particles are found in vomit and diarrhea.
Symptoms usually start 12–48 hours after exposure and last 1–3 days. Sick individuals should remain home for 24 hours after symptoms stop. Dehydration is a risk with Norovirus. Rest, hydrate, and contact your primary care provider if symptoms do not improve.
Stop the Spread:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially after using the bathroom and before eating). Hand sanitizer does not kill Norovirus.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared spaces. Use a bleach solution or EPA-approved bleach product to effectively eliminate Norovirus. Do not mix cleaning chemicals.
Good hand hygiene and quick action can help protect your family, classmates, and community.
|
Two Months In … Learning Every Day!
Since our inauguration on January 5, the new School Committee has been hard at work. With seven new members, we’re on a steep learning curve in service of our students and the district as a whole. We are excited to serve and up to the challenge of leading with curiosity as we flex our teamwork muscles!
Straight from our members, some of the highlights of the past two months include:
- 'Centering student voice!’
- 'Learning about the admirable and innovative ways that NHS has created funding for its most popular and innovative programs’
- 'Highlighting the need for greater transparency with student services to improve trust and accountability.’
- ‘Meeting with a co-executive director of Historic Northampton to see their latest exhibit, Slavery and Freedom in Northampton, 1654-1783, and discussing a partnership with NPS that would bring students to their site regularly for curriculum specific learning in the context of Northampton history’
- ‘Learning about and supporting preparedness in case of ICE presence’
- ‘Welcoming new families to the district at the ECC’s kindergarten registration event!’
We love hearing from you - our community - in both easy and hard moments (5 snow days, what?!)! Keep those messages coming! For today though, please let us know:
What have been the highlights of your winter in our district?
With warm regards,
Alena Bartoli
Vice Chair
|
Northampton School Tours
Bridging the gap, city councilors and school committee members walk the halls of schools together. Student ambassadors from each school provided tours to members of the City Council and School Committee. Members were led through classrooms and studios by the very individuals who inhabit them daily, offering a first-person perspective on the district's diverse educational landscape.
Thank you to the students for leading the tours.
|
VINS will be hosting their annual Dog Show on March 7.
|
|
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.
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
