Governor May Sign Bill To Require Teachers, Bus Drivers To Submit Fingerprints

The fingerprint background checks would also apply to everyone seeking to adopt children or become foster parents.

The Associated Press is reporting Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is considering signing legislation that would require teachers, workers at child care centers, school bus drivers and others to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks. The fingerprint background checks would also apply to everyone seeking to adopt children or become foster parents, as the legislation is written. Fingerprints would be submitted to the Massachusetts State Police for a state criminal history check and forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history check, reported the Associated Press. What do you think? Tell us in the comments.

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Macaroni Kid Holds Teacher Appreciation Contest

Free weekly newsletter and website for families welcomes teachers back to the classroom.

Macaroni Kid is holding a Teacher Appreciation Contest to support area schools, including Norton. Now through Aug. 5, newsletter subscribers can nominate their child's school for the chance to win a free breakfast provided by local bakeries as well as raffle prizes donated by area businesses. The contest is one of many ways that North Attleborough-Fall River Macaroni Kid is connecting families to their communities. "During the school year and over summer break, our teachers never stop planning creative ways to inspire, motivate, and educate our children," said Jamie Guillett, Macaroni Kid Publisher. "A new school year is upon us, and we want to help teachers start their year in a fantastic, supportive way.” Here's how to vote: If you're a …

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Teacher Evaluation Rubrics Released

Educators must comply with state regulations.

At the public hearing on teacher performance standards, curriculum director Jennifer O'Neill informed the Norton School Committee that teachers would be evaluated based on four categories: Curriculum, planning and assessment; teaching all students; family and community engagement; and professional development. While the standards are state regulations, the rubrics may be modified while still meeting Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approval. “We elected to use the state provided rubric to assess teachers,” O’Neill said. For curriculum, planning and assessment, the teacher must promote the learning and growth of all students by providing high quality and coherent instruction, design and administer authentic and meaningful …

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Nourse Teachers Should Be Commended

Letter to the editor by NHS student Allyson Salvo as a journalism assignment.

Dear Kelly Mello, Something within the Norton community that I feel as though should deserve to be recognized would be the fact that the teachers at the L.G.N Elementary school are so involved and helpful when it comes to the school to career program that the high school offers. Not really knowing how things run or how to do certain things in a different public building is really helpful when learning hands of activities that require certain skills when trying to become a teacher. Especially when you first start out your extremely nervous, you’re in a different work zone so it feels good to get that experience and help from a variety of different teachers that actually know and understand what it’s like to start off. I also feel as though …

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PatchCast: Football and School Staff Roles

Your region roundup for Tuesday, Aug. 23.

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PatchCast: School Teachers and Signs

Your region roundup of news for Tuesday, June 21.

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From the Editor's Desk

Hugs for the Teachers

Michael Hardman looks back at the teachers in his life.

Of course, high school graduation is about the graduates. After 12 years, they deserve the standing O’s and praise for their accomplishments. The parents should be given some kudos for all their hard work. They deserve it. You know, it’s been a marathon for them too. Off in the corner, though, there is another group that deserves a pat on the back and a big bowl of praise. Yes, you, the teachers, these hugs are for you. Teachers are sort of like the Mark Twain quote about his father getting smarter as he got older. If you substitute teacher for father in the Twain quote, it works the same way. Of course, I learned that from a teacher. Hey, these teachers deserve big thank you hugs. My second grade teacher was one of those older single …

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Kathy Bailey Memorial Basketball Game to Be Held on Friday

Proceeds from the game will go to Norton families in need.

The ninth annual Kathy Bailey Memorial Basketball Game will take place on Friday night at the Lawrence Larocque Gymnasium at Norton High School. The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The contest will pit Norton teachers, called the Norton Lancers, against Norton public safety personnel, called the Norton Pride. This benefit basketball game is played in memory of Kathy Bailey, a Norton mother of two young children who lost her battle with brain cancer. The game was originated to provide the Bailey family with financial support during a very difficult time. Now an annual event, the game supports Norton families who are currently dealing with similar circumstances. All proceeds from the game will go directly to Norton families that are …

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