All Around APS

Dear APS families and staff,

On Monday, June 1st, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the Andover High School Class of 2026.

At AHS, these graduates distinguished themselves through meaningful accomplishments and a lasting impact on our community. In classrooms, on stages, on athletic fields, and at state and national levels in fine arts, athletics, and co-curricular activities, they demonstrated outstanding talent, dedication, and commitment. Their contributions strengthened our school community, and the friendships and connections they formed will last well beyond graduation.

As they now embark on the next chapter of their lives, I am reminded of Walt Disney’s words: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” I encourage our graduates to carry that courage forward, to be brave, to be bold, and to embrace new opportunities with confidence.

I am confident that the Class of 2026 will continue to make us proud, not only through their achievements, but through their kindness, leadership, and positive contributions to the world.

I also want to extend appreciation to the dedicated teachers and staff across all Andover Public Schools whose guidance, support, and commitment helped prepare these graduates for success. Their impact is reflected in every student’s journey.

Congratulations once again to the Andover High School Class of 2026!

Keith Taverna
Interim Superintendent

Andover Public Schools is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the 415 graduates of the Andover High School Class of 2026! The past four years, these graduates have demonstrated resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and service.

Whether earning academic honors, leading student organizations, contributing to the arts, or giving back through volunteerism, the Class of 2026 has exemplified what it means to be engaged, thoughtful, and driven members of our school community.

We are especially proud to recognize our valedictorian, Vignesha Jayakumar, and salutatorian, Anika Nagle, whose extraordinary academic achievements, leadership, and dedication set a standard of excellence. Their accomplishments reflect not only personal success, but also a deep commitment to learning and to making a meaningful impact.

While their next steps will take them in many different directions, toward colleges, careers, service, and new opportunities, we are confident that each graduate is well prepared to meet the future with purpose and confidence.

The Class of 2026 leaves AHS stronger, more connected, and inspired for what lies ahead. We congratulate every graduate and look forward to seeing the many ways they will continue to make a difference in the world!

At our fifth annual Retiree Breakfast, we gathered to celebrate the extraordinary 2026 retiring class of educators! Since our first Retiree Breakfast, both the number of retirees and their collective years of service have grown exponentially, each year higher than the next. This year, that milestone was not just met, it was joyfully surpassed.

The 2026 APS retirees collectively represent an astounding 819 years of dedication to our students, families, and schools. This incredible achievement speaks to the heart of who they are as educators, mentors, and staff members. Each of them has played a unique and meaningful role in shaping the experiences of our students. Their commitment has gone far beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of their roles, they have given their time, care, and passion because they truly believed in the work and in the students and families they served.

A special thank you to the students of the AHS Chamber Choir Treble Ensemble and director Lauren Peithmann for sharing their beautiful voices and music to begin the program.

We celebrate not just the number of years, but the impact behind them. Congratulations to our 2026 retirees. Thank you for your remarkable service, and best wishes as you step into this well-earned and exciting new chapter.

The Andover School Committee is excited to introduce Mr. Crozier and Mr. Taverna to the community next week. Please see the schedule of events for each candidate below.

If you would like to ask a question of the candidates at their Community Conversation sessions on Monday, June 8th & Tuesday, June 9th, please submit your question here.

District Dates:

• Wednesday, June 17th – last day of school for students!

Holidays and Observances

• Tuesday, June 16th – Islamic New Year
• Tuesday, June 16th - Muharram*
• Friday, June 19th – Juneteenth

*Holidays begin at sundown the previous day

We continue to highlight the core tenets of the APS Vision of a Graduate! This week, we hear from AHS senior Josiah Mercedat, AHS juniors Gabby de la Cruz and Ava Desmarais-Koehn, and AHS sophomore Malcom Belliard on two core tenets Self-Other Awareness and Adaptability.

Our Self and Other Awareness focus area shows how students grow over time in key areas like learning how to learn, understanding themselves, managing emotions, and supporting others. In the early grades, students begin by noticing when they’re confused, naming their feelings, and celebrating what makes them unique. As they get older, they become more independent learners—choosing strategies that work best for them, reflecting on their progress, and understanding how their background and identity shape how they see the world.

At the same time, students build stronger emotional and social skills. They move from identifying simple emotions to handling more complex feelings with empathy and confidence. They also grow from learning about fairness and including others to speaking up against unfairness, working with diverse groups, and contributing to their communities. Overall, these skills help students become thoughtful, self-aware, and caring individuals who are ready to make a positive impact.

Adaptability highlights how students build essential habits like open-mindedness, resilience, and flexibility over time. In the early grades, students begin by asking questions, listening to others, and trying new ideas when something feels challenging. As they grow, they become more comfortable exploring different perspectives, respecting diverse viewpoints, and reflecting on their own thinking to continue learning and improving.

At the same time, students strengthen their ability to handle challenges and adapt to change. They move from trying again with support to independently taking thoughtful risks, using strategies to overcome obstacles, and adjusting how they think and act in different situations. By high school, students are able to navigate complex challenges, social, emotional, and academic, while staying true to their values and goals. These skills help students become confident, adaptable learners who can grow from challenges and work effectively with others.

Join SEPAC's final general meeting of 2025-2026! We will elect new officers for 2026-2028 (two-year term), and learn about the findings from the Office of Public School Monitoring's Integrated Monitoring Review of our schools in December 2025.

👉 Click for more info: https://www.andoversepac.org/events/sepacmeetingjune

On Memorial Day, the Andover Celebrates America 250 Committee co-hosted a rededication ceremony of Andover's Revolutionary War Memorial at Bicentennial Park, alongside the Andover Center for History & Culture. The memorial features the name of 22 Andover residents who died during the American Revolution. The event also featured the unveiling of a marker commemorating the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Andover in 1825. Andover Public Schools grades 4 and 5 students Vivaan Aravindhan, Quentin Beaulieu, Theodore Cluverius, PJ Higgins, Virgina Kernan, Valentina Morales, Cristian Vasquez, and Lucas Zeidman played a pivotal role in the Rededication, leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, reciting Annie Sawyer Down's poem "That Day at Bunker Hill", and reading the Roll Call of the 22 Andover residents who made the ultimate sacrifice during the American Revolutionary War.

You may have seen the Andover Celebrates America 250 signs around town. If you'd like one, please email us at 250thanniversary@andoverma.us and we will get one to you while supplies last!

Andover Celebrates America 250 is hosting a number of events throughout 2026. For more information, visit the 250th Committee page.

Registration is free and is now open. We are seeking volunteers and sponsors as well.

Freedom to Move Mile | 9:00am @ The Park at the corner of Chestnut St. and Bartlet St.
Run, jog or walk in our wicked fast downhill mile race that finishes at our party in the park. The course starts at the top of Summer Street in Andover and runners will fly down Summer and make one turn at Whittier Street to finish in the Park. Register here.

Party with Purpose | 9:00am-1:00pm @ The Park at the corner of Chestnut St. and Bartlet St.
Live music & entertainment. Arts & crafts. Beer garden. Touch-a-Truck. Local food.

Bike Rodeo | 9:00am-1:00pm
Enjoy bike and helmet giveaways, a skills course, and other cycling-themed activities.

Best Day Ever: Sip, Shop, and Socialize | All Day
Explore the downtown Sidney loved with rainbow-themed events, drinks, and snacks in dozens of restaurants and shops.