
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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Discover the 1978 budget battle in Norwood, where deep cuts to the school district’s $11.3 million budget led to a controversial recall effort and a lawsuit involving the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
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Taxpayers Sue to Restore School Budget-July 6, 1978

Seeking to prevent a mid-summer school closure, 36 Norwood taxpayers filed a lawsuit in 1978 to restore $600,000 in education funding.
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Henry O. Peabody School Hosts Fifth Annual Harvest Fair and Flea Market-October 15, 1977

The Henry O. Peabody School for Girls holds its fifth annual Harvest Fair featuring food booths, crafts, flea market treasures, and student fundraiser activities.
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Willett School PTA Launches Petition Drive to Fight Potential School Closure-October 11, 1977

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New Teachers Association President Richard T. King Focuses on Students and Educational Priorities Over Dollars-September 25, 1977

Newly elected Norwood Teachers Association President Richard T. King outlines a cooperative agenda focused on educational issues, special needs training under Chapter 766, and student scholarship programs.
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Town Requests Bids for Audio-Activated Alarm System Trial at George F. Willett School-August 31, 1977

Seeking proactive solutions to combat recurring vandalism, the town manager’s office has officially requested bids for furnishing and installing an advanced audio-activated alarm system at the George F. Willett School on Westover Parkway. Trial Security System Specifications According to municipal procurement notices, sealed bids will be publicly opened at 11:00 a.m. on September 14 in…
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Public Schools Announce 1977-78 Opening Schedules and Projected Enrollment of 5,842 Students-August 31, 1977

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…
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Norwood Zeroes In On School Vandals-August 3, 1977

A newly formed blue‑ribbon security committee convened to confront a surge of costly vandalism at Norwood’s public schools. Members reviewed structural, technological, and community‑based deterrents while assigning formal research duties for a comprehensive townwide response.
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Public Schools Enrollment Down 341 Students, Though Upcoming Apartment Construction Expected to Boost Numbers-September 16, 1976

Norwood school officials report a drop of 341 students in total enrollment, but anticipate new apartment construction will push numbers back up.
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