A Note from the Superintendent
Welcome to November! As autumn deepens across Northampton County, this season brings a natural rhythm of reflection, warmth, and gratitude across all of our schools. As the leaves fall and the weather turns crisp, there is so much to celebrate and look forward to in our classrooms and community. This month, we are focusing on several meaningful themes - from recognizing our amazing community partners and honoring our veterans to cultivating kindness, self-compassion, and hands-on STEM learning. As we continue Guiding the Voyage, November offers a wonderful opportunity to pause, appreciate the people who enrich our students’ lives, and reinforce the strong foundation we are building together this school year.
As we approach Thanksgiving Break later this month, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our families, staff, and local partners who make our division such a special place to learn and grow. Education is truly a shared journey, and strong connections between our schools and the broader Northampton community ensure our students have the support, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive. Whether through simple acts of kindness, civic engagement, or quality family time at home, this season reminds us of the power of togetherness. We deeply appreciate your continued partnership and investment in our children’s future.
Here are 10 quick updates and helpful resources designed to keep you connected with our schools and informed about upcoming events and initiatives this November.
Educationally yours,
Lisa L. Martin, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Northampton County Public Schools
1. Fall Back: Daylight Saving Time Ends
Don’t forget to set your clocks back 1 hour on Sunday, November 1, as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end! Beyond gaining an extra hour of sleep, the extra morning light will be a welcome sight for our students as they head to the bus stop each day. The extra hour makes this also a wonderful time to reset family schedules and establish cozy evening routines. Consistent bedtimes and quiet evening study habits help ensure our students wake up refreshed, ready to learn, and prepared for a successful day at school as the days grow shorter.
2. Election Day is Tuesday
November brings an important opportunity to emphasize civic responsibility and active citizenship across our schools. Election Day, celebrated on the first Tuesday of November, offers a meaningful real-world lesson in the democratic process, community engagement, and the power of having a voice. This year, Election Day falls on November 3, and it is a wonderful time to talk with your children at home about how local decisions shape our community and why civic participation matters.
3. Supporting Your Child: Developing Self-Compassion
Parenting comes with unique challenges, and helping our children navigate self-criticism and build emotional resilience is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. This month, we are highlighting a helpful, free resource through our partnership with ParentGuidance.org titled How to Develop Self-Compassion. This short, expert-led course offers practical tools to help your child replace negative self-talk with healthy self-kindness and emotional confidence. You can access this confidential course anytime by visiting the ParentGuidance Self-Compassion Course.
4. National STEM & STEAM Day
National STEM and STEAM Day on November 8 highlights the exciting worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics that our students explore daily. Hands-on STEM education encourages critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and curiosity about how our world works. From elementary science experiments to high school robotics and coding, our educators are inspiring the next generation of innovators and creators. Ask your child this week what hands-on projects or science questions they are exploring in their classrooms!
5. Expressing Gratitude for Our Community
Our schools are strongest when we wrap our arms around our children together, and this season of thanksgiving fills our hearts with appreciation for our Northampton community. To our parents, caregivers, and families - thank you for your endless love, daily encouragement, and constant partnership in your child’s education. We are equally grateful to our dedicated local partners for supporting us and helping us educate Northampton County's youth. Whether providing hands-on opportunities, supporting classroom learning, or keeping our school environments safe, your collective devotion ensures our students feel valued, supported, and ready to thrive every day.
6. Honoring Veterans Day
November 11 is Veterans Day, and on this day, we pause to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Please take a moment to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans - including many of our own family members, staff, and neighbors across Northampton County. We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our veteran families for their service to our country. Thank you for your service.
7. Celebrate World Kindness Day
On World Kindness Day, November 13, let’s focus on how simple, intentional acts of goodwill can transform our daily environment. Kindness builds bridges, strengthens friendships, and fosters a safe, supportive culture where every student feels seen and valued. We encourage families to use this day to find small, meaningful ways to give back – whether by helping a neighbor, volunteering time, or writing a note of appreciation. Small acts of generosity ripple throughout our community!
8. Celebrating American Education Week
American Education Week runs November 16 through November 20 and celebrates the team effort behind public education while honoring every individual who contributes to our students’ success. From teachers and instructional aides to cafeteria staff, custodians, bus drivers, administrative assistants, and specialized support staff, it takes a village to run our schools. This week is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the passion and hard work that keep our learning environments safe, encouraging, and effective. Please consider reaching out to a school staff member this week to share a brief note of encouragement and appreciation.
9. Thanksgiving Reflection & Thanksgiving Break
The Thanksgiving holiday offers our school community a cherished opportunity to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for one another. It is a time to celebrate traditions, diversity, and shared spirit that make our division so special. To allow our students, teachers, and staff time to rest and recharge with their families, all schools and division offices will be closed for Thanksgiving Break from November 23, 2026, through November 27, 2026. We hope this time brings warmth, joy, and meaningful connection to each one of our families.
10. On the Horizon: Looking Ahead
As we navigate the bustling month of November, keeping key dates on your radar helps ensure your family stays prepared and connected. From athletic events to upcoming holiday scheduling, staying informed keeps our partnership strong. We look forward to finishing this autumn season with shared momentum, enthusiasm, and joy across all our schools. Please mark your calendars for these important upcoming dates:
November 2-3: No School for Students (Teacher Work Day & PD Day)
November 6: Report Cards Go Home
November 12: School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., School Board Office: 7207 Young St., Machipongo
November 12: Senior All-Shore Band Concert, 6:30 p.m., Nandua High School: 26350 Lankford Hwy., Onley
November 18: NHS Senior Picture Retake Day
November 18: KES PTA Turkey Bingo, 5:30 p.m.
November 23-27: All Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Break
November 30: All Schools resume