Wednesday afternoon, Brenda Needham of the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) presented Norton Middle School with a banner in recognition of the recent Spotlight School Award. Norton Middle School is one of 13 middle schools in the state to receive this distinction. According to the New England League of Middle Schools website, Spotlight Schools recognize student outcomes and effective teaching practices. To be considered as a Spotligh School, officials submit data to NELMS which is then reviewed. Following the initial selection, one or two representatives of NELMS will visit the …

Did you and your family make some matzah balls? Go to an egg hunt or visit the Easter bunny? Have you done any fun experiments with marshmallow Peeps? If so, share your photos with Norton Patch. This photo gallery will be refeatured Tuesday once Easter and Passover have come to an end.

Students, adults, families and local politicians gathered to celebrate the lighting of the menorah on Norton town common Wednesday night. The Menorah of Freedom, which is roughly 8 feet tall, was built by former firefighter Ed Burgess. Burgess wanted to do something special in name of his wife, who is Jewish. With the help of other firefighers, he erected the menorah out of PVC pipes and lanterns.  “The holiday of Chanukah is a festival of a historic victory and celebration for all times, highlighted by the kindling of Menorahs each night of the holiday,” said director of the Chabad Jewish …

Ed Popielarczyk's Magical Moments stopped by Norton Public Library Tuesday afternoon to teach kids some magic tricks, then put on a show of his own. Check out the photo gallery to see some magical moments.

Norton Reservoir is a recreational gem in your backyard. Whether you like fishing, kayaking or simply gazing at the wildlife, the 530-acre body of water is the perfect destination for summer fun. Scroll through the photos to see the water and wildlife that Norton Reservoir has to offer until you get a chance to see it for yourself. If you already have photos of the reservoir, feel free to upload them here. Don't own a kayak? Rent one from Norton Kayak Co. and take a tour of the reservoir with local experts.  Rates:May, June and OctoberYouth 12-17 years: $50 per paddlerAdult: $55 per …

The Town of Norton held a Memorial Day parade Monday to commemorate those have served in the past and present. 

The Elisabeth Amen Nursery School celebrated its 80th birthday on Saturday. Present and former students and their parents were invited to drop in. The Education Club on Wheaton College campus planned many activities for the children including face painting, crafts, story time, music, finger foods and more. Used children's books and donations were collected to help with relief in Cambodia.

Check out the pieces for real at the Mansfield Music and Arts Society. The gallery features artists from Mansfield, Foxborough, Norton, Sharon, Easton, Franklin, Attleboro, Taunton, Middleboro and Cumberland.

Have photos you'd like to share? Upload here or email Kelly.Mello@Patch.com.

The Memorial Day parade and Champions Breakfast in honor of Henri A. Yelle Elementary School special olympians are featured in this week's Viewfinder. Have any photos you would like to see included in next week's Viewfinder? Send them via email to Kelly.Mello@patch.com.

This week's photos come mainly from last Saturday's Reach the Beach relay. Have any photos you would like to see included in next week's Viewfinder? Send them via email to Kelly.Mello@patch.com.

Have any photos you would like to see included in next week's Viewfinder? Send them via email to Kelly.Mello@patch.com.

Some photos in this week's Viewfinder are from the apple tree planting by Elisabeth Amen Nursery School students. Have any photos you would like to see included in next week's Viewfinder? Send them via email to Kelly.Mello@patch.com.

Some photos in this week's Viewfinder are from the civil war demonstration in front of Norton Public Library last weekend. A full story with video and more photos will be posted Monday. Have any photos you would like to see included in next week's Viewfinder? Send them via email to Kelly.Mello@patch.com.

Some photos in this week's Viewfinder are from the mock OUI crash that was demonstrated at Norton High School. A full story with video and more photos will be posted shortly. Have any photos you would like to see included in next week's Viewfinder? Send them via email to Kelly.Mello@patch.com.

This week's viewfinder center's around cuteness at the YMCA Get Outdoors! Day, Best Buds Carnival and the Town Easter Egg Hunt. Photos from the time capsule opening are also included. Have any photos you would like to see included in next week's Viewfinder? Send them via email to Kelly.Mello@patch.com.