Knightly News

Dear NAPS Community,

There is something special about this time of year.

Even on the days when the temperatures don’t quite cooperate, the signs of spring are all around us. We begin to notice the longer days, the return of green on our fields and playgrounds and a renewed sense of energy in our schools.

That same sense of renewal is alive inside our buildings as well.

Spring in North Andover Public Schools is a season of celebration and momentum. Our calendars fill with opportunities to come together; spring concerts, geography nights, arts and academics showcases and countless events that highlight the creativity, curiosity and talent of our students. These moments are more than events; they are reflections of the vibrant learning happening in our classrooms every day.

It is also a season of focus and growth. Our students are taking the MCAS, demonstrating what they know and how much they have grown. At the same time, we begin to look ahead, supporting students as they prepare for the transition to the next grade level, new schools and new opportunities.

For our seniors, this season carries an added layer of meaning. Across academics, athletics, clubs and the arts, they are celebrating the culmination of their time in NAPS. We recently celebrated one of our favorite traditions, crowning our new Scarlet Knight. Now we look ahead to the many milestones still to come. Please make time for awards ceremonies, senior week, prom and ultimately, graduation. These memorable moments remind us not only of how far our students have come, but of the strong, supportive community that has helped them get there.

As your Superintendent, I find myself reflecting on this same balance of celebration and preparation. There is so much to be proud of across our district, and at the same time, important work is underway as we look to the future. I am excited to be rolling out our strategic plan, which will serve as a roadmap for the years ahead. This plan reflects the voices of our community and will guide us as we continue to strengthen teaching and learning, support all students and build systems that allow our schools and everyone in them to thrive.

Spring is also a time when we make thoughtful decisions to ensure we are best positioned for that future. Recently, I shared leadership updates at Sargent and Atkinson, including the appointments of Principal Erin O’Loughlin at Sargent Elementary School and of Dr. Tiffany Goddard as Principal of Atkinson Elementary School. These decisions were made with great care and were grounded in community feedback and the needs of our schools. I am confident that these leaders will build on the strong foundations already in place and continue to support students, staff and families in meaningful ways.

This is what spring represents in so many ways...a season of growth, renewal and possibility.

As we move through the final stretch of the school year, I encourage all of us to take a moment to notice the signs of spring around us, both in nature and in our schools. They are reminders of the incredible work happening each day and the bright path ahead for our students and our community.

With appreciation,
Pamela Lathrop
Superintendent of Schools

Greetings North Andover Community,

Spring is officially here, at least according to the calendar. Now, we just need the weather to cooperate!! I’m eagerly waiting for the tulip, daffodil, and allium bulbs I planted in the fall to emerge from the ground. They’ll bring with them color, and hopefully, some warmer weather.

April break is just around the corner and Town Meeting is just 6 weeks away! At our School Committee meetings on 3/26 and 4/9, we will be reviewing articles for the warrant. On Monday, 3/30, the Kittredge School Building Committee will present the project to a Tri-Board Meeting of the Select Board, the School Committee and the Finance Committee. Please make plans to be at Town Meeting on May 12th to vote yes on three warrant articles that will directly impact our schools: the Town’s Operating Budget; the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan; and a bond for the Kittredge School Building.

Spring sports at the high school are underway! I saw our athletes utilizing the new baseball and softball fields as well as the new tennis courts. These new facilities are amazing. Youth sports are also starting up, and soon I’ll be spending my Saturdays at the soccer fields around North Andover. I hope to see you around town.

Lastly, our annual town election is this Tuesday, March 31st. All precincts vote at North Andover High School.

Warmly,

Joe Hicks

Chair, North Andover School Committee