NPS Superintendent's Newsletter
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“May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.”
– Emily Bronte
"June is the pearl of summer, shining with warmth and joy."
-- L.M. Montgomery
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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
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The last day of school will be Monday, June 22, which is a half day for students. Schools dismiss according to the following schedule:
- Elementary -- 8:00-11:30AM
- Middle School -- 8:30AM-12:25PM
- High School -- 9:00AM-12:50PM
This date is tentative and will change if there are any cancellations.
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A Season of Transition and New Beginnings
Saying goodbye is a natural, yet emotional, part of the school year. We experience it as we celebrate students stepping up to the next grade, and as we wave goodbye to friends and families moving on to new chapters. While these departures bring a poignant sense of closure, they also open doors to fresh experiences, new ideas, and exciting growth.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude and warmest wishes to the entire Northampton School Community—our incredible students, dedicated caregivers, and hardworking staff—as you transition into this next chapter.
Our work together over the past three years was built on a deliberate, strategic vision. To see exactly where we stand today, please view our Progress Scorecard. This resource outlines our current achievements and details the critical next steps for the strategic plan we launched two years ago.
Looking Ahead: It is my sincere hope that the strategic plan continues to serve as a living guide to drive impactful, lasting change, ensuring that NPS successfully meets the unique needs of every student and family we serve.
Thank you for your partnership, dedication, and shared commitment to our schools. Farewell, and my very best to you all.
Important information concerning the MCAS Family Portal
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will launch a MCAS Family Portal, which provides parents and caregivers with online access to their student’s MCAS results. This will allow earlier access to their students’ MCAS results. More information on this will be forthcoming.
School Improvement Plan (SIP)
You can access your child’s school improvement plan on the website. The principals have comprised a video presentation highlighting different components of the plan.
Peace, Unity and Joy
Dr. Portia S. Bonner
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Gabrielle Hollender has been hired as the IGNITE Program Director. Gabrielle has been interviewing and hiring staff. More information should be released the week of June 15.
Our afterschool program provides a balanced environment where children feel safe, heard, and empowered. We prioritize social development through a restorative lens and offer a variety of programming, including:
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Creative Expression: Diverse extracurricular and artistic outlets.
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Active Play: A mix of physical activity and unstructured downtime.
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Social Growth: A nurturing space focused on restorative practices.
Operational Details
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Hours of Operation: Daily from 2:10 PM to 6:15 PM when school is in session.
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Eligibility: Open to all children in the school community; fee-based and contingent on staffing.
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Special Education: Programs must provide reasonable accommodations (ADA/Section 504) to ensure equal access.
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Staffing Ratios: Recommended ratio of 13 children to 1 qualified staff member.
Financial Plan: Rates and Salaries
Family Fee Structure
Rate Type: Regular Rate
Cost: $7/hour (up to $15/hour voluntary rate)
Requirement: Consistent weekly schedule (term-based)
Rate Type: Add-on Rate
Cost: $8/hour
Requirement: Hours outside consistent schedule
Rate Type: Sibling Discount
Cost: $6/hour
Requirement: Per additional sibling
Rate Type: Reduced Rate
Cost: $5/hour
Requirement: For qualifying families
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NO SCHOOL - Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth)
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL:
HALF-DAY -- Monday, June 22
Schools dismiss according to the following schedule:
- Elementary -- 8:00-11:30AM
- Middle School -- 8:30AM-12:25PM
- High School -- 9:00AM-12:50PM
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Please be advised of two upcoming construction projects at the high school that will impact traffic and parking starting the later part of Spring:
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North Elm Street (Route 9) / Elm Street Intersection Improvements: Project has begun.
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Geothermal Project: Scheduled to begin in August.
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.
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CONGRATULATIONS Northampton Public Schools in receiving the Terrific Tray of the Year award, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the National School Lunch Program through DESE.
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The following staff will join the Northampton community: |
Superintendent Annie Azarloza
Ms. Azarloza will start in Northampton on July 1st. She comes to Northampton from the Stratford, Stark, and Northumberland School Districts in New Hampshire. She previously led the Rochester School District (NH) as Superintendent and Worcester Public Schools as Chief Academic Support Officer, where she oversaw special education, culture and climate (social-emotional learning and district-wide discipline), nursing, positive youth development, and alternative education.
"I’m honored and humbled to be joining the Northampton Public Schools community as your next Superintendent. What drew me to Northampton is that it values authenticity, innovation, and courageous conversations in service of children.
As a first-generation American and former English language learner raised by Cuban immigrants, I know firsthand the power schools have to change the trajectory of a child’s life.
I’m coming to Northampton ready to hear people’s stories, challenge conventional thinking, and help ignite a new era of possibility for the children and families I’ll have the privilege of serving.
Northampton… I hope you’re ready, because I’m bringing the energy. "
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Business Administrator Ann Marie DaSilva-Nembirkow
Ann Marie is joining Northampton on July 27 with experience as a Grants Manager for Holyoke Public Schools, the Business Manager for the Diocese of Springfield, and Assistant Director of School Finance for Westford Public Schools.
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Assistant Business Manager Denise Cashin
Denise will join Northampton on July 1st, leaving the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative as their Assistant Finance Director. Denise also worked at Hampshire Regional School District as the Assistant Business Administrator.
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Leeds Elementary School Principal Anne Cromwell-Gapp
Anne comes to NPS on July 1st from Ashby Elementary School and Winchendon Public Schools. Anne was also a Kindergarten Teacher.
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Business Staff Assistant Amanda Bernier
Amanda is joining Northampton on June 15 after serving as an Office/Facilities & Systems Manager at Market Masters-Legal in Northampton and a Human Resource Assistant for the City of Easthampton.
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IGNITE Program Director Gabrielle Hollender
Gabrielle currently serves as the Leeds Before and After School Coordinator and will manage the IGNITE Program for all elementary schools. Gabrielle was previously a 4th grade teacher and math interventionist at Jackson Street School.
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School Committee Clerk Anthony Morgan
Anthony is a Commissioning Editor for Agenda Publishing in England and will join Northampton on June 1st. Anthony was also the Editor-in-Chief/Managing Director for The Philosopher.
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Bridge Street Elementary hosted their annual World Picnic on June 4. |
On June 1 and 2, Bridge Street 5th grade students and parents will work with Super-Stories muralist Ramiro Davaro-Comas to paint a beautiful new mural on the Kindergarten playground wall.
This mural is a gift from the graduating 5th grade to the next generation of Bridge Street Elementary students.
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JFK's play Myths Understood took place on May 14. |
JFK Band performed on June 2. |
Both JFK Band and Chorus groups took home GOLD at the Great East Music Festival on June 5.
Congratulations to all!
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At the Center for the Arts was the annual Northampton High School Student Art Exhibition and Senior Shows.
This exhibit included a curated selection of visual art from studio art classes PLUS 8 Senior Honors Art Shows taught by art educators Louise Martindell and Zoe Sasson. The exhibition showcases a wide variety of work, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed-media, and ceramics, plus senior shows curated by students who have completed the Honors Art program.
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224 Northampton High School graduates released to new adventures on Sunday, June 7. |
On May 8, recipients of an NEF grant showcased their work at the Center for the Arts.
Some of the grants awarded included:
- Watch the stars in a portable planetarium
- sway to the music of the JFK Middle School Jazz Band
There were many displays of the fabulous work our educators have been doing with the support of NEF.
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To stay up to date with all of the FREE program offerings geared to families with children ages 0-8, please be sure you are on the NPS Early Childhood Center Email Newsletter List.
To register for programs and more, please click the link!
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Bridge Street Elementary is the home to two crossing guards who received state recognition as Crossing Guard Champions on June 1 at the Statehouse in Boston.
Congratulations Brekton Drougas and Marge Barnett.
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On May 21st, Transportation Director was voted in as MAPT (Massachusetts Association of Pupil Transportation) Vice President. Tammy was elected by her peers and will serve on the association as Vice President and then President.
The mission of MAPT is to
- promote the highest standards of ethics and practices in pupil transportation.
- increase the awareness of and disseminate the information pertaining to all aspects of pupil transportation and to make these freely available to its members and the interested public.
- provide leadership for the improvement and advancement of pupil transportation and professional development of its members.
- serve as a state-wide voice for school district personnel engaged in the management of pupil transportation.
- work with educational associations and with governmental organizations in developing and improving pupil transportation management and administration.
Congratulations, Tammy!
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On Wednesday, May 6, four Northampton educators were honored at The Log Cabin. These staff were nominated by their coworkers for excellence in teaching.
Northamptones performed at the award ceremony with melodious tunes.
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Dear NPS IEP Families:
I hope you and your children have had a good week, we are in the final stretch of the school year. Our incredible staff continue to make the most of every day supporting their students, your children. This post has a note of gratitude, an update on special education accountability, and a question about next year.
- Most importantly, we are incredibly grateful to the families who came out for the Gratitude & Growth: Special Education Family Event this week. The event was well-attended, well-organized, and full of opportunities for mutual support. Thank you to Dave Gorin and Jacob Drew from the SEPAC executive board for sponsoring this event, and to the NPS staff who coordinated and facilitated the event. Special thanks to Lauren Barry, NPS Family Engagement Coordinator, for her tireless behind the scenes work to make the event a success.
- The District was recently notified that Northampton Public Schools Special Education program was designated as "Met Requirements" for the 2025-2026 School Year by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Met Requirements it the highest designation within the system. While there is much work to do, this designation reflects the dedication and hard work of staff across the district and they should be recognized. The letter is posted on the District Student Services website, along with several links for more information.
- Finally, as planning for this next school year is underway, we are eager to hear from IEP Families about what worked, what didn't work, and what you would like to see for the fall. Please complete this brief survey or reach out directly to share your thoughts.
Best wishes for a fun and restorative weekend, enjoy the beautiful weather.
Matt Holloway
Director of Student Services
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Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has asked that we share this one question family engagement poll with our community.
Take 1 minute to tell DESE 1 thing that would really help support your child's success in school. Refer to the flyer below to access the survey:
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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.
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VINS held their annual meeting on June 9. |
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!
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