
Superintendent of Schools Philip O. Coakley has officially announced that all Norwood public schools-covering grades 1 through 12, alongside special education classes-will open for the 1977–78 academic year on Wednesday, September 7.
Registration is open daily in each school building from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ahead of opening day, with classrooms prepped for an estimated 5,842 students.
District-Wide Bell Schedules and Opening Procedures
Administrators released comprehensive schedule guidelines across all grade levels to ensure a smooth transition:
- Senior High School: Warning bell rings at 7:45 a.m., first class begins at 7:50 a.m., and dismissal is at 2:28 p.m. (Henry O. Peabody School operates on a parallel schedule concluding dismissal at 2:24 p.m.).
- Junior High Schools (North and South): Opening bell rings at 7:45 a.m., tardy bell at 7:50 a.m., and dismissal at 2:20 p.m. On opening day, junior high students must report directly to their assigned homerooms. Additionally, a general meeting of the professional staff will take place Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Charles Sumner Bird Auditorium at Junior High School South, followed by a Norwood Teachers’ Association membership meeting.
- Elementary Schools: All elementary facilities open at 8:40 a.m., tardy bell rings at 8:50 a.m., and dismissal is at 2:55 p.m. Kindergarten sessions commence Monday, September 12 (morning sessions from 8:40 to 11:45 a.m.; afternoon sessions from 12:30 to 2:55 p.m.). Elementary teachers and specialists will hold orientation meetings Tuesday afternoon at the Cleveland School. Instrumental music and special services instructors report to the high school music room at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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Norwood High School 1962 Addition Cleared of Asbestos Hazards in State Safety Survey-November 3, 1981

Following state inspections of regional schools built between 1946 and 1972, Norwood High School has been cleared of asbestos hazards, with reinspection set for next year.
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Junior High South Approves ‘Project Adventure’ Obstacle Course Gym Class-October 15, 1981

Junior High South introduces “Project Adventure,” an outdoor physical education obstacle course designed to build teamwork and move away from competitive sports.
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Norwood High School Senior Edward J. Skricki Named Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist; Three Peers Commended-October 13, 1981

Norwood High senior Edward J. Skricki achieves National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist standing, joined by commended classmates Judith Martowska, Susan O’Brien, and Joseph Petrie Jr.
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Superintendent Taris Seeks to Curb Rising Costs of After-Hours School Building Use-September 4, 1981

Superintendent of Schools Louis J. Taris is pushing to rein in the surging volume of outside organizations utilizing school facilities during evening and weekend hours, citing mounting financial burdens on the school department. Dr. Taris informed the school committee that dozens of local organizations currently utilize school buildings after hours, frequently without paying any rental…
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Norwood School Committee Votes Eliminate Youth Hangout-July 31, 1981

Following rampant vandalism, late-night drinking, and brush fires near Callahan Elementary School, the Norwood School Committee voted to fund a $6,000 clearing project to eliminate a notorious youth hangout.
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School Committee Awards New Transportation Contracts-July 16, 1981

After a difficult budget cycle in 1980, the committee avoided controversy by budgeting accurately and selecting trusted local transportation providers.
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Norwood School Board Rejects All Special Needs Busing Bids-August 21, 1980

With opening day just two weeks away, the Norwood School Committee voted 4-3 to reject all bids received the previous week for special needs student transportation. Acting under emergency procedures, the board announced it will call for new bids by Tuesday, with a potential contract award scheduled for Wednesday night. The rejected proposals came from…
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Henry O. Peabody School Director Ruth Shea Ponders Retirement After 14 Years-August 12, 1980

After 14 years expanding vocational education, Henry O. Peabody School director Ruth Shea ponders retirement while securing a 97 percent graduate job placement rate.
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Norwood School Administration Relocates to Willett School-July 24, 1980

The Norwood School Administration relocated to the George F. Willett School and enacted strict new graduation credit requirements.
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