NAMS Message to Families 10/18/26

The last day of school before Halloween this year is Friday, October 30th.

Each year, many of our students and staff dress up for Halloween. If your child is considering dressing up for Halloween this year, we ask that you review the following information with your child.

Purpose

• To allow students to have fun and celebrate Halloween in a safe, respectful way.

• To ensure that no student feels bullied, mocked, or singled out because of their costume choice. This aligns to our RAISE values.

• To keep the school a focused learning environment for everyone.

Halloween Costume Expectations for Students

• No masks

• No weapons

• No messes

• You must be able to sit in your seats in classrooms and during lunch.

• Cannot create a disruption to the learning environment.

• Must adhere to our Personal Appearance Policy

• Please remember that someone’s identity is NOT your Halloween Costume.

• If your costume idea is something someone else would identify with including religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sex, or sexual orientation, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board and start brainstorming new ideas.

Personal attire should…

• not be destructive to school property

• comply with health and safety requirements

• should not substantially disrupt the school environment

School Rules Regarding Personal Appearance

• Clothing depicting references to alcohol, drugs, sex, tobacco/smoking products, profanity, violence, hate groups, other harassing categories, or evidencing inappropriate or discriminatory language or visual references is prohibited.

• Attire, including shoes, should ensure safe navigation of rooms, hallways, and stairwells and safe participation in classes, such as physical education and science labs.

• Students’ attire must completely cover undergarments (undergarment shoulder straps excluded).

• Hats and other headwear must allow the face to be visible (specific religious headwear excepted) and not interfere with the line of sight to any student or staff.

These rules apply to the school day and all school-sponsored events. All questions of personal appearance are under the discretion of the administration.

PTAC Meeting Start Time

Our next NAMS PTAC (Parent Teacher Advisory Council) meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm. You will be emailed the link on Tuesday.

School Committee Meetings

• October 8, 2026

• September 24, 2026

• September 10, 2026

• August 27, 2026

• Past Meetings

Looking for something to do on the 10/21 Early Release day?

Join NASEC at Chuck E. Cheese in Methuen from 11am-9pm!

You do not need a physical copy of the flyer to attend the fundraiser; just mention you are there to support NASEC when ordering and show the flyer (download below) with the coupons on your phone if you want to use them.

Patriots Pen Essay Contest

Each year, the VFW offers scholarships called Patriots Pen, which is a VFW-sponsored youth essay competition that gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual theme.

Who?

• Students in Grades 5-8

This year’s theme?

• “What a Veteran Taught Me About America”

Essay Requirements?

• Essay must be 300-500 words, typed

• Students should not put the name or any identifying information into the essay. The entry form is the cover sheet.

• Secure the Official Student Entry Form with a staple on the top of the essay

• Essay must be the student’s original work

Deadline?

• Friday, October 30, 2026.

How do I submit?

• You may find the Official Student Entry Form and detailed information here and also attached.

• Essays can be submitted by emailing them to post2104@vfwma.org, or they can be dropped off at the VFW located at 32 Park Street, North Andover, MA 01845.

Questions?

• Please contact Commander Jeffrey Clark at Jeffrey.j.clark@hotmail.com

Care Solace - Free Resource for Families!

Care Solace is a complimentary, confidential care coordination service partnered with the Town of North Andover and North Andover Public Schools to help students, staff, families, and residents connect with local mental health care providers, substance use treatment, and basic social support services (such as food or housing assistance).

Job Title: NAMS Noon Attendant (Lunch/Recess Monitor)

Location: North Andover Middle School (NAMS)

Hours: Part-time, 3 hours/day (15 hours/week) from 10:15 am - 1:15 pm

Compensation: $15.00/hour

Overview

We are seeking dependable, active, and community-minded individuals to join our school teams. As a Noon Attendant, you will play a vital role in ensuring a safe, positive, and organized environment for students during their mid-day break.

Depending on the school level, you will support students during their lunch, recess, or transition periods, while also assisting school staff with light administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision: Monitor older students during lunch periods and designated outdoor/recreational breaks, promoting respectful behavior and a welcoming atmosphere.

Campus Transitions: Help manage hallway traffic and student transitions to and from the cafeteria.

School Support: Assist middle school main office staff with administrative duties and daily operational tasks when lunch shifts are not in session.

Qualifications

Strong communication skills and a positive, patient attitude toward children and young adolescents.

Ability to stand, walk, and move quickly between indoor and outdoor environments.

Ability to pass required background checks (CORI/Fingerprinting).

How to Apply & Inquiries

You can apply here.

Questions can be directed to Anne Auger, Assistant Principal, at augera@northandoverpublicschools.com