NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hello NAMS Families,

I hope that this message finds you well! Prior to April vacation, our students are scheduled to complete 2 sessions per grade of the MCAS ELA test. You may find all of the testing dates here. If you would like this message translated, please find this message here. You will be able to translate this message into over 180 languages.

NAMS has seen significant improvements in our MCAS scores thanks to the dedicated educators whom I work with, our amazing students, and our partnership with you - our families!

You can continue your support in the following ways:

• Be sure to encourage your child to have a good night’s sleep prior to their scheduled MCAS exam. 
• Students must charge their chromebooks overnight so that they are fully charged for MCAS testing.
• If your child’s Chromebook is damaged or not working, please complete an IT Ticket here or families can send an email to support@naps.freshdesk.com.  
• We encourage all students and families to make a concerted effort to be at school on time prior to their scheduled MCAS exam, by 7:35 a.m.  Tardy students may not have the opportunity to test with their homeroom group if they arrive after the start of testing for that day.
• Please be sure that your child has a healthy breakfast.
• Students must bring a book or magazine to read after they have completed their test. No electronic devices will be allowed. 
• Cell phones and other electronic devices, including smart watches, are not permitted during the testing sessions. Cell phones and smart watches should be locked in lockers.
• If a student is absent, he/she/they should expect to be scheduled for a make-up exam when they return to school.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and support.

Be well,

Jorge Goncalves

Principal

NAMS Book Fair - Volunteers Still Needed!

NAMS is bringing back the Scholastic Book Fair!

The Book Fair will take place in the NAMS Library from March 24-28, 2025 and on the evening of Geography Night, Tuesday, March 25th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Please consider volunteering for the event here.

If you have any questions, please email JillGaripay@aol.com

Dear Future NAHS Students & Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,

I really enjoyed meeting with the 8th grade teams at NAMS on January 30th to discuss course selection and life at the high school. During those meetings, students were given a course selection worksheet to help guide them through the course selection process. Course selection in PowerSchool will open on Friday, January 31st at 2pm and close on Friday, February 9th at 2pm. I want to provide some additional resources to help make this process as smooth as possible. 

1. Course Selection Directions: These are step by step instructions on how to select elective courses in PowerSchool for 9th grade.
2. Course Selection Worksheet: This is a digital copy of the handout that was distributed during the 8th grade meetings this week. 
3. Program of Studies: This is a link to our Program of Studies on the HS Guidance website. There are course descriptions for every class we offer at NAHS as well as other information about our academic programming at the high school.

Lastly, I want to send a reminder to join us for 8th Grade Open House at the high school on Monday, February 3rd from 6-8:30 p.m. The evening will begin in the Auditorium. The event is geared towards showcasing NAHS’ academic offerings, providing building tours, and providing a chance to see our co-curricular athletic and club/activity opportunities.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at the high school. I look forward to working with you over the next four years!

Sincerely,

Megan Pinksten

Director of Guidance

North Andover High School

Email: pinkstenm@nak12.com

Hello NAMS Students & Families,

The 2025 NAMS Spelling Bee is near! Please read the information below about the Bee, including the date/time, how to sign up, how to study, and what the Bee looks like at a glance. Every NAMS student is welcome to participate. Once you are signed up, more information will be provided such as words to study and exactly how the day of Bee will go. 

NAMS Spelling Bee Announced!

When: Tuesday, January 28th, 2025

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Where: NAMS Cafeteria

Who: Any interested NAMS Student

How do students sign up for the NAMS Spelling Bee?

Students were sent an email this morning with an invitation to register via Google Form. Students need to sign up by completing the google form by 8:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025. 

Please note: Only students can access and complete the google form when logged into their school email account.

How do students study for the Spelling Bee?

Please complete the google form found here and at the following address if interested in signing up! https://forms.gle/LzGbDhHoyvXftb128 

After registering, please join the NAMS Spelling Bee 2025 Google Classroom. The join code is: xlcfk67.

In this Google Classroom, students will have access to:

• 2025 School Spelling Bee Study List (in the early rounds of the competition, words will be selected from this list)
• 2025 Words of the Champions (in the later rounds of the competition, words will be selected from this list)
• Daily word and spelling challenges
• Videos of Scripps National Spelling Bee competitions

Who is organizing this event?

NAMS staff member volunteers will be serving in the following roles:

• Pronouncer
• Judges
• Record Keeper
• Supervisors & Organizers

Everyone is welcome to attend and to help out too!

Is there a next round for the winner?

The NAMS Spelling Bee Champion will be invited to participate in a Remote Regional Spelling Bee - Online Test on February 25, 2025.

If you make it past this round, you will be invited to represent NAMS at the Final (in-person) Regional Spelling Bee on March 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the Lynn City Hall Memorial Auditorium.

Thank you for your consideration and we hope to see you at our event!

Please reach out to Team 6D English Teacher, Mr. Mueller, with any questions. muellerd@northandoverpublicschools.com

NAMS Literary League - Winter Edition

Be sure to check out the amazing work of our students in the Winter Edition of the NAMS Literary League found here.

Previous issues may also be accessed and enjoyed on the Literary League website found here.