Good evening, Andover High School Families, this is Jimmy D’Andrea, Principal of Andover High School, with your Sunday evening message. Tomorrow we will follow a Day 5 schedule.
Students Encouraged to Bring Water Bottles
Due to the expected warm temperatures this week, students are encouraged to bring water bottles to school, and they can refill them at the bottle filling stations throughout the building.
Math MCAS Testing for Grade 10: Tuesday, May 19 – Wednesday, May 20
All students in grade 10 will be participating in Math MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) Testing this Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20, from 8:15 am until approximately 11:00 am each day. While passing the MCAS is no longer a graduation requirement, the assessments provide key data about each student’s progress in mastering grade-level expectations. Therefore, all students in grade 10 are encouraged to put forth their best effort on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Modified Bell Schedules: Tuesday, May 19 – Wednesday, May 20
Due to MCAS Testing on Tuesday and Wednesday, we will be following modified bell schedules both days. While Tuesday will still be a Day 6 and Wednesday will still be a Day 7, the class periods will be in a different order than usual.
Performing Arts Showcases This Week
Our amazing Andover Performing Arts Program will be hosting multiple opportunities this week for families and community members to attend concerts highlighting our students’ talent and hard work. Admission is free for all events.
The AHS Spring Concert (including our bands, choirs, and orchestras) is this Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00 pm in the Collins Center.
The APS Jazz Band Concert (including both of our AHS Jazz Bands) is this Thursday, May 21, at 7:00 pm in the West Middle School Auditorium.
Show Choir Auditions
Show Choir Auditions are this Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22, and audition workshops are after school on Monday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 20. For more information, and to sign up to audition, please visit the Show Choir Audition Website.
Final Week of Classes for Seniors
Seniors are expected to attend all of their classes Monday through Thursday this week. The Senior Class Board is planning spirit days for seniors each day: Anything But a Backpack Day on Monday; Decades Day on Tuesday; Pajama Day on Wednesday, and “Future Plans” Shirt Day on Thursday.
Parents/Guardians of Students in Grades 9-11 Needed for Senior Safari
Senior Safari is an important community event that ensures the safety of our seniors the night after graduation. In order to make the event successful, it takes parent/guardian volunteers from all grade levels. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, please visit the Parent/Guardian Volunteer Sign-up Page. Thank you in advance for your consideration. In addition, please note that it is not too late for seniors to sign up to attend.
Yearbook Distribution for Seniors: Tuesday, May 19
Seniors who pre-ordered yearbooks will receive them during H-block this Tuesday, May 19. Seniors who would like to purchase a yearbook may bring $100 cash to the field house during H-block on Tuesday.
Senior Sunset: Thursday, May 21
All seniors are invited to the Senior Sunset this Thursday, May 21, at 7:45 pm on the hill in front of the school. This is an opportunity for seniors to gather on their final day of classes to watch the sunset together.
Graduation Rehearsal & Elementary School Visits: Friday, May 22
All seniors participating in the graduation ceremony are required to attend graduation rehearsal this Friday, May 22, at 8:15 am in the AHS Field House. After rehearsal concludes around 10:15 am, the seniors will have an opportunity to visit their elementary schools. When seniors return from the elementary school visits at approximately 11:30 am, they will be dismissed for the day.
New Medication Order Requirements
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has updated its guidelines regarding the administration of medication in public schools. Effective immediately, all medication orders for both prescription and non-prescription medications must be dated within the current academic year, July 1 to June 30. Any medication orders on file this year will expire on June 30, and a new, signed medication order from your child’s licensed prescriber must be submitted for the upcoming school year. For more information, please refer to this medication administration letter from our school nurses, Ms. Heidi Katz and Ms. Melissa Sucharewicz. If you have any questions, please call the AHS Clinic at (978) 247-5502.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time if you have questions or concerns. Thank you for your support of Andover High School, and have a great evening!