🎉 Big News for Norton! 🎉
Norton City Public Schools has officially earned the Virginia Community Schools Designation from the Virginia Department of Education!
This designation is awarded through a rigorous application and review process that recognizes schools demonstrating strong alignment with the Community School model and a sustained commitment to high-quality implementation.
The process was developed in partnership with current community school leaders and the Virginia Community Schools Task Force to ensure consistency, accountability, and excellence statewide.
To earn this designation, divisions were required to:
✔ Demonstrate measurable progress in implementation (emerging, maturing, or excelling levels)
✔ Provide evidence-informed action steps for continued improvement
✔ Show strong partnerships that support students and families
This year, nearly 60 sites across 13 school divisions earned this recognition — and we are proud to be one of them!
The following divisions were recognized by VDOE:
Arlington Public Schools
Carroll County Public Schools
Dickenson County Public Schools
Grayson County Public Schools
Henrico County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Norton City Public Schools
Nottoway County Public Schools
Petersburg City Public Schools
Radford City Public Schools
Roanoke City Public Schools
Washington County Public Schools
York County Public Schools
Being a Virginia Community School means Norton City Public Schools:
💙 Supports the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally
🤝 Builds strong partnerships with families, agencies, and community organizations
📚 Expands academic enrichment and after-school opportunities
🏥 Connects families with health, wellness, and wraparound services
🌱 Removes barriers so every child can thrive
For our small, rural division, this designation affirms what we already know:
Rooted in Community. Growing Every Child.
Thank you to our staff, students, families, and partners who made this possible. The work continues — and we are proud to lead it together.
#VirginiaCommunitySchools #NortonCitySchools #RootedInCommunity #GrowingEveryChild #VACommunitySchools #VDOE
Norton City Public Schools has officially earned the Virginia Community Schools Designation from the Virginia Department of Education!
This designation is awarded through a rigorous application and review process that recognizes schools demonstrating strong alignment with the Community School model and a sustained commitment to high-quality implementation.
The process was developed in partnership with current community school leaders and the Virginia Community Schools Task Force to ensure consistency, accountability, and excellence statewide.
To earn this designation, divisions were required to:
✔ Demonstrate measurable progress in implementation (emerging, maturing, or excelling levels)
✔ Provide evidence-informed action steps for continued improvement
✔ Show strong partnerships that support students and families
This year, nearly 60 sites across 13 school divisions earned this recognition — and we are proud to be one of them!
The following divisions were recognized by VDOE:
Arlington Public Schools
Carroll County Public Schools
Dickenson County Public Schools
Grayson County Public Schools
Henrico County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Norton City Public Schools
Nottoway County Public Schools
Petersburg City Public Schools
Radford City Public Schools
Roanoke City Public Schools
Washington County Public Schools
York County Public Schools
Being a Virginia Community School means Norton City Public Schools:
💙 Supports the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally
🤝 Builds strong partnerships with families, agencies, and community organizations
📚 Expands academic enrichment and after-school opportunities
🏥 Connects families with health, wellness, and wraparound services
🌱 Removes barriers so every child can thrive
For our small, rural division, this designation affirms what we already know:
Rooted in Community. Growing Every Child.
Thank you to our staff, students, families, and partners who made this possible. The work continues — and we are proud to lead it together.
#VirginiaCommunitySchools #NortonCitySchools #RootedInCommunity #GrowingEveryChild #VACommunitySchools #VDOE
❄️ Snow Day Announcement ❄️
Good news, Raiders!
Tomorrow, Friday, February 6, 2026, will be a traditional SNOW DAY—no virtual learning.
We want to thank our families and educators for their hard work, flexibility, and dedication to the education of our students during our recent virtual learning days. Your support truly makes a difference.
We’re hoping for a full week of school next week and are looking forward to welcoming students back into our buildings soon. Until then, please stay safe, enjoy some extra family time, and have fun in the anticipated snow! ☃️
See you soon!
Good news, Raiders!
Tomorrow, Friday, February 6, 2026, will be a traditional SNOW DAY—no virtual learning.
We want to thank our families and educators for their hard work, flexibility, and dedication to the education of our students during our recent virtual learning days. Your support truly makes a difference.
We’re hoping for a full week of school next week and are looking forward to welcoming students back into our buildings soon. Until then, please stay safe, enjoy some extra family time, and have fun in the anticipated snow! ☃️
See you soon!
From Norton City Schools: Important Information:
In anticipation of possible virtual learning days due to inclement weather, the Food Services Program will send two days of meals (breakfast and lunch) home with students on Friday, January 23, 2026.
👉 This does NOT mean that virtual learning has been scheduled.
Additionally, in anticipation of the predicted winter storm and the State of Emergency issued by the Governor of Virginia, city staff, custodians, and administrators are taking proactive steps to ensure that—if school days are missed—we can return to in-person instruction as quickly and safely as possible.
As part of this preparation:
John I. Burton High School and NEMS parking lots will be closed beginning at 4:00 PM today.
Please remove all vehicles from these areas by 4:00 PM and do not enter the lots after that time.
We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work to keep our facilities safe and ready, with the goal of being in school as soon and as much as feasible.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership.
In anticipation of possible virtual learning days due to inclement weather, the Food Services Program will send two days of meals (breakfast and lunch) home with students on Friday, January 23, 2026.
👉 This does NOT mean that virtual learning has been scheduled.
Additionally, in anticipation of the predicted winter storm and the State of Emergency issued by the Governor of Virginia, city staff, custodians, and administrators are taking proactive steps to ensure that—if school days are missed—we can return to in-person instruction as quickly and safely as possible.
As part of this preparation:
John I. Burton High School and NEMS parking lots will be closed beginning at 4:00 PM today.
Please remove all vehicles from these areas by 4:00 PM and do not enter the lots after that time.
We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work to keep our facilities safe and ready, with the goal of being in school as soon and as much as feasible.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership.
Norton City Schools will be on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3rd.
Norton City Schools Job Opportunity:
https://nortoncityschoolsva.sites.thrillshare.com/page/job-opportunities-page
https://nortoncityschoolsva.sites.thrillshare.com/page/job-opportunities-page
Norton City Schools Job Opportunity:
https://nortoncityschoolsva.sites.thrillshare.com/page/job-opportunities-page
https://nortoncityschoolsva.sites.thrillshare.com/page/job-opportunities-page
EF tour 2027: Paris/Barcelona
Dear families of current 9th, 10th and 11th graders:
Join us for an informational meeting for our France and Spain trip. It’s been amazing to see so much excitement about this opportunity! If you haven’t already, please register for our meeting to learn more about this adventure.
Meeting details:
Date: September 9
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: John I. Burton Auditorium
RSVP here to join us: https://rsvp.eftours.com/w58pd8b
We’ll cover a lot at our meeting, but feel free to visit EF’s website beforehand to get answers to common parent questions. I’m looking forward to seeing you there and sharing all the ways this trip can open doors and broaden horizons for your child. Let’s make this dream a reality together!
Warmly,
Dr. Gina Wohlford
Norton City Schools is issuing this follow-up statement regarding the threat incident reported at John I. Burton High School on August 25, 2025.
As previously communicated to parents/guardians, the Division acted immediately upon receiving the report, implemented established safety protocols, and notified law enforcement without delay. At no time was the safety of students or staff knowingly compromised.
Following the investigation by the Norton Police Department, we have been informed that the student involved has now been formally charged.
Norton City Schools continues to fully cooperate with law enforcement as they pursue this matter. Out of respect for the ongoing legal process and the privacy rights of all students, no further details regarding the individual involved can be provided at this time.
The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for every student and staff member. We are grateful for the swift response of our administrators, staff, and School Security Officer, as well as the ongoing partnership with local law enforcement.
We encourage parents, guardians, and community members to continue working with us in upholding safety and vigilance in our schools.
As previously communicated to parents/guardians, the Division acted immediately upon receiving the report, implemented established safety protocols, and notified law enforcement without delay. At no time was the safety of students or staff knowingly compromised.
Following the investigation by the Norton Police Department, we have been informed that the student involved has now been formally charged.
Norton City Schools continues to fully cooperate with law enforcement as they pursue this matter. Out of respect for the ongoing legal process and the privacy rights of all students, no further details regarding the individual involved can be provided at this time.
The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for every student and staff member. We are grateful for the swift response of our administrators, staff, and School Security Officer, as well as the ongoing partnership with local law enforcement.
We encourage parents, guardians, and community members to continue working with us in upholding safety and vigilance in our schools.
Official Notice to the Norton City Schools Community
This communication serves to inform the Norton City Schools community that a threat was
reported involving John I. Burton High School. Upon receipt of this information, the Division took
immediate and appropriate action consistent with established safety protocols and Board policy.
The matter was referred without delay to the proper law enforcement authorities, and a prompt
investigation was undertaken in collaboration with those officials.
At no time was the safety of students or staff knowingly compromised. Norton City Schools
remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure educational environment, and the Division
will continue to exercise all reasonable measures necessary to safeguard students, employees,
and visitors.
Pursuant to law and policy, this matter is being addressed in cooperation with law enforcement,
and no further details can be released at this time so as not to interfere with the ongoing
investigation.
The Division appreciates the continued cooperation of parents, guardians, and community
stakeholders as we uphold our duty to provide for the safety and welfare of the students
entrusted to our care.
—
Dr. Gina Wohlford
Division Superintendent
Norton City Schools
This communication serves to inform the Norton City Schools community that a threat was
reported involving John I. Burton High School. Upon receipt of this information, the Division took
immediate and appropriate action consistent with established safety protocols and Board policy.
The matter was referred without delay to the proper law enforcement authorities, and a prompt
investigation was undertaken in collaboration with those officials.
At no time was the safety of students or staff knowingly compromised. Norton City Schools
remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure educational environment, and the Division
will continue to exercise all reasonable measures necessary to safeguard students, employees,
and visitors.
Pursuant to law and policy, this matter is being addressed in cooperation with law enforcement,
and no further details can be released at this time so as not to interfere with the ongoing
investigation.
The Division appreciates the continued cooperation of parents, guardians, and community
stakeholders as we uphold our duty to provide for the safety and welfare of the students
entrusted to our care.
—
Dr. Gina Wohlford
Division Superintendent
Norton City Schools
Due to the scheduled football jamboree and the anticipated traffic, John I. Burton High School will dismiss at 2:45 p.m. this Friday.
This early dismissal does not affect Norton Elementary and Middle School, which will dismiss at their regular time.
Thank you.
This early dismissal does not affect Norton Elementary and Middle School, which will dismiss at their regular time.
Thank you.
Due to a strong thunderstorm in the area, our release will be delayed by approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
John I. Burton: Come join us for our Annual Community Open House featuring our GO TEC lab! 4:30- 6PM.
A fundraising Italian Dinner for Education First travel will also be available in our cafeteria-- $10.00 donation. You may pick up or eat in! Come see our new "look" in the cafeteria and enjoy a meal with us.
Teachers will be available for parent/teacher conferences. Please reach out to the teacher to let them know if you want a meeting!
John I Burton High School
March 18- 4:30- 7 PM
Due to black ice, Norton City Schools will have a virtual/remote learning day on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Norton City Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Thursday, March 6, 2025.
John I. Burton: Come join us for our Annual Community Open House featuring our GO TEC lab! 4:30- 6PM
A fundraising Italian Dinner for EF travel! will also be available in our cafeteria-- $10.00 donation. You may pick up or eat in! Come see our new "look" in the cafeteria and enjoy a meal with us.
Teachers will be available for parent/teacher conferences. Please reach out to the teacher to let them know if you want a meeting!
John I Burton High School
March 18- 4:30- 7 PM
Norton City Schools will have a virtual/remote learning day on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Good afternoon,
Norton City Schools will have a virtual/remote learning day on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Good afternoon,
Norton City Schools will have a virtual/remote learning day on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Good afternoon,
Norton City Schools will have a remote/virtual learning day on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
Meals for tomorrow were available for students to pick up this afternoon before dismissal.
Stay safe!
Due to a road closure on Kentucky Avenue, our buses cannot drop off students on that route. Parents of students who ride a bus on that route will need to contact the school immediately for alternate arrangements. This does not impact other routes.