NAMS Message to Families - 4/3/22

MCAS Reminders & Requests

This is a reminder that MCAS testing for English Language Arts begins next week.  The test schedule is as follows:

MCAS - English Language Arts

Grade 8 ELA - Session 1

• Monday, April 4, 2022

Grade 8 ELA - Session 2

• Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Grade 7 ELA - Session 1

• Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Grade 7 ELA - Session 2

• Thursday, April 7, 2022

Grade 6 ELA - Session 1

• Monday, April 11, 2022

Grade 6 ELA - Session 2

• Tuesday, April 12, 2022

 

The following are some important reminders for our students and families:

• 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.

• We encourage all students and families to make a concerted effort to be at school on time prior to their scheduled MCAS exam, by 7:45 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 may bring a book or magazine to read after they have completed their test. No electronic devices will not 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 or will need to be given to the test administrator to hold during testing.

• 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.

 

NAMS Dismissal Protocols

If you need to dismiss your children early, please send them to school with a note from the parent/guardian stating the reason and the time for early dismissal.  This note must be brought to the office before homeroom. Parents/Guardians may also email Melissa Barron by 8:00 a.m. with the name of the student being dismissed, the reason for the dismissal, and the time of dismissal at barronm@northandoverpublicschools.com  

If neither a note is brought to the main office or a dismissal email is sent, parents/guardians must pick up their child at the office and fill out a dismissal form. Unexpected dismissals may take additional time due to students being outside away from the building for lunch or outside classes. Due to bus line ups and congested traffic, we strongly discourage parents/guardians from dismissing their child after 1:45 p.m.

 

Cell Phones/Electronics 

Cell phones, electronic devices, game players, etc. are not allowed during the instructional day. If students bring these items to school, they must be turned off and stored in students’ lockers during school hours. We have locks for sale in the main office for $7.00.

Please do not communicate with your children during the instructional day via their cell phones or other electronic devices.

 

Student Dismissals due to Illness

If students are not feeling well, they should see our nurses. They should not text their parents/guardians to pick them up. If your child texts you to pick them up, please have them first see the nurses and our nurses will contact you.

 

NAMS At-Home COVID Test Kit Distribution - 4/1/22

Homeroom teachers are asked to distribute the COVID-19 Testing kits to students today. NAMS families will be receiving the message found here this morning notifying them that the testing kits will be distributed today and that this will be the last distribution of the current school year.

 

Autism Awareness Week

This week, our NAMS community celebrates neurodiversity - the idea that we value how different our brains can be from one another. 

When we highlight our acceptance and appreciation of the neurodiversity of individuals with autism, we “Light It Up Blue!” 

Everyone is encouraged to wear blue on Monday to increase understanding and acceptance of autism.