Serving as your Superintendent has been a privilege. As I prepare to pass the torch in three months, I find myself reflecting on the unique vantage point this role provides. From the boardroom to the classroom, I have seen firsthand the incredible dedication that keeps NPS moving forward.

Leading a district involves a constant stream of complex decisions, but the "why" behind those choices—our students—always made the challenges worth it.  What to expect during the transition, a finalization of the FY27 budget, and the hiring of the Director of Afterschool Programming, the Business Administrator and the Clerk to the School Committee.

The next leader will inherit more than just a school system; they will inherit a community that refuses to settle for anything less than excellence for its children. I leave with a full heart and a profound sense of gratitude for the trust you placed in me to lead Northampton schools.

Developed as a roadmap for the district’s future, the budget aligns fiscal resources centering on five strategic pillars: sustainability, student-centered budgeting, optimized nutrition, academic equity, and a deepened sense of belonging.

The FY27 proposal highlights a critical crossroads for the district. While overall enrollment has seen a decline of approximately 11.8% over the last six years, the complexity of student needs has increased significantly. This is evidenced by a 46% increase in paraeducator staffing to support special education and intensive intervention services during that same period.

"This budget is more than a set of figures; it is a reflection of our values and our commitment to every child in Northampton," said Dr. Portia S. Bonner. "We are focusing our resources where they matter most—improving literacy and math outcomes for our most vulnerable learners and ensuring our schools are safe, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable."

The district has outlined three distinct budgetary "views" to provide transparency regarding the impact of funding levels:

Key priorities in the preliminary request include the addition of specialized interventionists at the elementary level to address pandemic-related learning gaps, particularly at Bridge Street, Leeds, and Jackson Street schools. The budget also emphasizes the district’s "Net Zero" carbon goal, seeking to modernize facilities to promote both environmental health and student well-being, and the continuation of the food service program to be self-sustaining all while interweaving farm-to-school by utilizing available grants.

The School Committee will continue to review these proposals in the coming weeks.

For more information and to view the full FY27 Preliminary Budget presentation, please visit the Northampton Public Schools website.

Unlike traditional cyberbullying, the 764 Network (also called CVLT or The Com) is a predatory community that views harm as a form of "entertainment" or social currency.

This network often find victims on popular platforms like Roblox, Discord, and Minecraft. They start by "grooming" children—offering friendship, gaming currency (like Robux), or a sense of belonging. Once they gain trust, they coerce the child into sending compromising photos or videos. They then use these images to blackmail the child. They threaten to "dox" the child (release their address) or "swat" them (call a fake police raid on their home) unless the child performs acts of self-harm, animal cruelty, or even suicide, often demanding these acts be live-streamed.

Because these predators demand absolute secrecy, children often suffer in silence. Here are some signs to look for to see if your child is being targeted:

Many gaming platforms have features that predators exploit to "track" or find children:

The Massachusetts Senate passed legislation (S. 2561) in July 2025 requiring all public K-12 schools to implement "bell-to-bell" cell phone bans by the 2026-2027 school year to boost mental health and learning. The policy mandates that phones be stored away during the school day, with exceptions for medical needs, IEPs, or disabilities. 

Key Aspects of the Proposed Law (S. 2561/S. 323):

Districts must adopt policies by the start of the 2026-2027 school year. The scope of the policy is "Bell-to-Bell" bans which covers the entire school day, including lunch and recess. There are exceptions built into the policy permitted for individualized education plans (IEP), disability accommodations, and students needing devices for medical conditions. Schools retain flexibility on specific storage methods (e.g., lockers, pouches); NPS has suggested pouches for NHS and JFK. Final decisions are to be determined by the full School Committee.

The bill passed the Senate with a 38-2 vote and is currently under review by the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile NPS has drafted a policy to be in alignment with this law, please see the links below. The district would love to hear input from its stakeholders and have created a short survey to collect comments and data points. The survey will be sent separately through ParentSquare and will close April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The attached documents include the actual policy, and separate documents that list consequences and responses to important questions. 

Policy -- English / Spanish

Consequences -- English / Spanish

Overview -- English / Spanish

The last day of school as of this writing will be Monday, June 22. This date is tentative and will change if there are any cancellations.

Please be advised of two upcoming construction projects at the high school that will impact traffic and parking starting the later part of Spring:

 

Both projects will cause significant disruptions to campus access. High school administration will provide more detailed information to staff, families, and students as the start dates approach.

NEW TEACHER AWARD:

Lyndsey Raucher is the 7th grade Social Studies teacher at JFK Middle School. Lyndsey was nominated for transforming social studies through inquiry-based, student-centered learning that connects themes to the modern world. Despite being early in her career, she demonstrates exceptional knowledge of her subject matter, bringing “new ideas” to the social studies department. She works seamlessly with colleagues to ensure every student’s needs are met.

Kate Todhunter is a History teacher at Northampton High School. She was nominated for blending high-level academic expertise with a profound sense of social responsibility. Kate navigates dense, high-level narratives in AP classes making sophisticated academic content accessible to all students. She fosters a classroom culture grounded in empathy, where students feel safe exploring difficult topics. 

Kathleen Unruh is a Special Education teacher and Literacy Specialist at JFK Middle School. Kathleen works with students reading below grade level and refuses to ‘water down’ the curriculum. She connects difficult academic tasks to her students’ real-world goals. Kathleen treats every student with unwavering respect and focuses on providing the necessary scaffolds and practice opportunities so that all students can engage with high-quality, complex texts.

Brittany Walsh spearheaded the autism program (RISE) at Bridge Street Elementary. Brittany created a tailored, safe, and effective learning environment for students with language-based delays and behavioral challenges. She is praised by paraprofessionals for her supportive leadership—helping two paraprofessionals gain professional certification and another obtain their special education teacher licensure. She sees each child as an individual and thoughtfully creates a curriculum that works for that student, and when something doesn’t work, she’s the first to go back to the drawing board, determined to find a new approach so that every child receives the education they deserve.

Leeds World Cafe was an evening devoted to celebrating and learning about different countries, and sharing about the amazing cultures represented in our Leeds school community. The restaurant donations were so generous and varied. Families really went above and beyond with their table displays, sharing so many amazing and eclectic foods. It was a joy to see so much sharing of food and stories throughout the evening. 

Mr. Greg introduced the maple process to first graders. They tapped maple trees that surround our playground, boiled the sap, and documented the process from sap to syrup.

On Thursday, January 22nd 56 JFK students participated in the AMC 8 math competition. The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute competition designed for students in grade 8 and below. Each year around 275,000 students participate. Each year less than 20 students receive a perfect score! The AMC 8 leads into the AMC 10 and 12 at the HS level, which are the feeder competitions that culminate in the selection of 6 students to represent the United States at the International Math Olympiad."

The Week of the Young Child is coming up in April! Please be sure you are on the NPS Early Childhood Center Email Newsletter List to stay up to date with all of the FREE program offerings geared to families with children ages 0-8. Highlights will include:

Northampton Preschool Partnership annual early childhood conference was held on March 11. Early childhood educators from public, center-based and family child care preschools attended this professional development event together. Sessions shared that day were: 

State public health officials have announced the first two confirmed measles cases in Massachusetts this year. Residents and community members are reminded of the importance of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing measles. 

State public health officials have confirmed two measles cases in Massachusetts in 2026.

These cases are occurring during large national and international measles outbreaks. At this time, there is no evidence of measles spreading within Massachusetts, but additional cases could occur.

Thanks to high immunization rates in Northampton, the risk to most residents remains low. It is important to know your immunization status.

The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) immunization is safe and highly effective. The immunization provides the best protection against measles and its complications. People who have had measles, or who have been vaccinated against measles per the DPH Guidance for Vaccines are considered immune. Two doses are roughly 97% effective in preventing measles. Massachusetts DPH recommendations: 

*Adults born in the U.S. before 1957 are generally considered immune*

Symptoms usually begin 10 days to 2 weeks after exposure and may include:

A rash typically appears 2–4 days later, starting on the face and spreading down the body. People with measles can spread the virus four days before the rash appears and four days after it begins. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, diarrhea, immune suppression, and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure should call their health care provider before visiting a clinic or hospital to avoid exposing others.

Three Months In … Challenged!

Last month my colleagues and I spoke to the highlights of our service in the first two months of the new school committee term. While many of us find great joy in our service to the district, we recognize the challenges that face the district and our body as we seek to provide a steady combination of oversight and guidance. Most of us believe that speaking honestly to the challenges we face is essential to addressing them as we provide support to our students, staff and educators.

In our own words, some of the challenges that we see facing the district and our body include:

As ever, we appreciate your engagement. Please contact us at:  Northampton-school-committee@northampton-k12.us

With warm regards,

Alena Bartoli 

Vice Chair

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.

NHS: nohopto@gmail.com

JFK: jfkmspto@gmail.com

Ryan: ryanroadpto@gmail.com

Leeds: jess@leedspto.org

JSS: jacksonstreetpto@gmail.com

BSS: president@bsspto.org

Northampton Arts Council announces

A Night of Music, Community & Impact

Proudly Sponsored by Gateway Fiber

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.

Tickets: Available at Ironhorse.org

Donate Online: northamptonartscouncil.org/jsb-fund