Knightly News
Dear North Andover Families,
As we approach the winter break, I find myself reflecting on a very full and rewarding fall across North Andover Public Schools. Our students have been deeply engaged in academics, athletics and the arts, and it has been a joy to visit our schools, spend time in classrooms and interact with students who continue to impress me with their curiosity and desire to do their very best.
One personal highlight this season was the opportunity to conduct the North Andover High School Concert Band at their winter concert for the piece Sleigh Bells. Standing in front of those students brought back wonderful memories of my own high school band days and served as a reminder of how powerful the arts are in building community and connection.
Behind the scenes, our staff has been working thoughtfully and intentionally to implement new curriculum and engage in professional development that supports our learners. This work reflects our shared commitment to being rooted in purpose while growing in practice; continually refining what we do so that every student has access to high-quality learning experiences.
Our students continue to rise to the challenge academically, demonstrating perseverance and pride in their work. As a school department, we have also strengthened our financial planning and reporting processes. While this year’s budget season was challenging, we remain on-track and are confident in our ability to stay on this responsible path through the remainder of the school year.
Looking ahead, we are well underway in the development of our five-year strategic plan. This important work will help us chart a clear and thoughtful path forward for North Andover Public Schools, guided by community voice, shared values and a focus on continuous improvement.
As we head into the holiday break, I want to thank the entire community for a wonderful fall. I wish you all a restful and joyful break and I look forward to all that lies ahead for North Andover in the new year to come.
Warm regards,
Pamela Lathrop
Superintendent of Schools
Greetings North Andover Families,
As the calendar year comes to a close, I’d like to take a moment and reflect on the entirety of 2025. Certainly, our system has been challenged by some very present financial constraints, and we were faced with having to make very hard decisions. What became evident last spring was our shared commitment to our kiddo’s education. While we might not always agree on the path forward, we all share an unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for our kids.
Thank you families of North Andover. Your kiddos spend a great deal of time in our care each day. Thank you for the unwavering support and trust that you have in our schools.
Thank you Superintendent Lathrop and your team for the work that you have done this past year. The systematic examination of all of our systems and procedures, plus a critical look at all of our data, is not always an easy or pleasant task. The administration is doing this work with transparency and empathy. I am grateful for your leadership and willingness to undertake this process. I'm excited for the strategic plan that is currently being developed - it will help to align our community on our next steps as a system.
Finally, thank you staff of North Andover Public Schools for your dedication to making our schools a safe, warm and supportive environment for our students. This work does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated.
I hope everyone has a wonderful break. I look forward to partnering with many of you in the new year to ensure that our schools continue to do what’s best for our kids.
Warmly,
Joe Hicks
Chair - North Andover School Committee
As the temperatures continue to drop, schools often see an increase in idling vehicles in the parking lot and pickup/drop off lines on campus.Exposure to exhaust while idling can cause health and environmental concerns. The goal of the Massachusetts Anti-Idling Law is to improve air quality by reducing unnecessary air pollution from idling vehicles. The law limits unnecessary engine idling to five minutes. Signs and materials are designed to raise awareness about simple ways we can help reduce air pollution around our schools and communities.
Leaving your car idling costs money in wasted fuel (a gallon an hour or more for big rigs, less for cars), increases engine wear from incomplete combustion, and harms air quality, adding up to significant annual expenses, as well.
The Joseph N. Hermann Youth Center's Brooks Skating Program will be held for 8 weeks this winter, Sundays from 6:30-8:30pm at the Brooks School ice rink. This is open to all North Andover residents and costs $5/skater. BYOS: Bring your own skates!
Save the date for the annual 8th Grade Dress-up Dance hosted by the Youth Center! The dance will take place on Friday, January 30 from 7-9:30pm at the Youth Center. Open to North Andover 8th grade residents. More information, including how to purchase a ticket, will be posted soon on our social media and website at nayouth.com/dance.
Substitute Teaching
The district is always seeking energetic, caring individuals to join our substitute pool across our seven schools. In 2025, we launched a new program to make the process easier and more efficient for substitutes. Using the Frontline Absence Management platform, substitutes can receive daily coverage notifications via a mobile app, online portal and/or telephone. You can choose to work in all schools or select one or more preferred locations. Before starting, background checks and a new part-time employee packet must be completed. For more details and to get started, please visit the district’s Human Resources webpages.
