NBPS Updates

Dear NBPS Families, Students, and Faculty,

We hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the late winter season. We are excited to share several significant updates and achievements that further our commitment to enhancing the educational experience and well-being of our students.

Firstly, it is with great pleasure that we announce NBPS has been awarded grant 311 from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), focused on Supporting Student’s Social Emotional Learning, Behavioral and Mental Health, and Wellness. This grant, amounting to $95,000, will enable us to implement and enhance a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting our students more comprehensively. These initiatives include increased in-school group counseling sessions, equipping classrooms with sensory and calming corner supplies, revising our K-12 SEL curriculum, providing continued professional development opportunities for our staff and students in collaboration with MASS IDEAS, and upgrading our rope course with certification opportunities. Our NBES Adjustment Counselor, Staci Macutkiewicz, will be leading the grant planning alongside a dedicated team of counselors, teachers, and administrators. This grant opens the door for potential renewal or extension for the 2024-2025 school year through the competitive grant process, promising sustained support for our students' well-being.

Moreover, we are thrilled to share that NBPS has been awarded a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch grant for grades K-5. This grant will introduce our young learners to STEM subjects through engaging, project-based learning, fostering a design-thinking mindset from an early age. The PLTW Launch program offers modules that weave into traditional subjects, promoting critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. These modules are designed around real-world problems, providing hands-on activities that span the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, math, as well as the arts and humanities. This flexible and adaptable program will be seamlessly integrated into our existing classroom structures, enriching our STEM education offerings for grades 1-8.

Lastly, we have received nearly $19,000 through ARPA funds to upgrade our camera system, transitioning from an analog to a digital platform. This upgrade will significantly enhance our surveillance capabilities, ensuring better image quality, greater flexibility, and access to advanced features. Additionally, three external cameras will be added to our buildings, bolstering our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.

These developments represent our ongoing effort to provide the highest quality of education and support to our NBPS community. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our faculty, the enthusiasm of our students, and the continuous support from our families. Together, we are making NBPS a place where every student can thrive.

Warmest regards,

Tim