Norton Public School Earns Top Honor In 2021 Magna Awards Program For Equity Work

Press release from the Norton Public Schools:

March 31, 2021

Norton Public Schools (NPS) is pleased to announce that they are a National School Boards Association (NSBA) 2021 Magna Award winner. Norton Public Schools was recognized for its commitment to equity as a first place winner in the 27th annual Magna Awards program. Norton Public Schools is one of 15 winners--three Grand Prize and 12 first place winners--across the nation receiving this honor.

Sponsored by NSBA's flagship magazine, American School Board Journal, the Magna Awards honor districts across the country for their programs that advance equity and break down barriers for underserved students. Norton Public Schools was selected as a winner by an independent panel of school board members, administrators, and other educators.

"2020 was a year like no other," said NSBA Executive Director and CEO Anna Maria Chávez. "The 2021 Magna Award-winning districts represent the enormous efforts of school leaders during the pandemic to continue removing barriers to achievement for their underserved and vulnerable students."

"The work of many has created opportunities that are about the social well being of all students and staff within the district," noted Dr. Joseph Baeta, Superintendent of Schools. He went on to say that, "This will impact the district in a positive way for decades to come."

The collaborative efforts of the Norton Teachers Association along with the NPS School Committee and leadership created the District Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Task Force to prioritize social emotional curriculum and programming as a district. After a one day strategic planning effort the Task Force created committees to begin the work. Staff and administration district wide created the SEL Strategic Plan and began implementation in 2018-2019.

"Receiving an award that recognizes a "school district's innovation and creativity in helping increase student achievement" (NSBA.org), Norton has once again proven itself as a leader in public education," said Norton School Committee Chairperson Carolyn Gallagher. "The district's SEL Task Force has already proved its value as the pandemic created many challenges for students and staff this academic year. SEL will continue to be a vital part of our school culture, supporting the social well-being of our students and staff."

Norton Public Schools is highlighted in the April issue of ASBJ. Read about their award winning program and the other winners at www.nsba.org/ASBJ.

This press release was produced by the Norton Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.