January has been bitterly cold so far. Hopefully there is a reprieve on the horizon. Until then, please make sure that your student comes to school dressed appropriately for the weather. We will still have the option for outdoor recess if the "Real Feel" is in the high 20s or above. Please make sure your student has the appropriate clothing to be outside.

*Students wearing shorts or short sleeves will not be allowed to go outside *

As we continue the K-8 redistricting process, we are pleased to invite the community to highlight areas of interest (i.e., neighborhoods, streets), with an interactive, online mapping tool - ARCGIS.

This resource will allow the community to review an updated scenario based on the collaboration with the School Committee at its January 9th meeting and community engagement. The updated scenario was presented to the community at a Let’s Talk! session on redistricting held January 16, 2025.

The community can provide visual feedback and written comments to DillingerRAD, the consultant supporting APS with this process. For more information on how to utilize the tool, please check here. Access to this link or the QR code below will close on Friday, January 24, 2025.

In Spring 2025, the School Committee will review the proposed redistricting options and vote on the preferred redistricting plan. The approved redistricting plan will be implemented in the 2026-27 school year. This allows the district sufficient time to operationally plan for the new school zones.

We appreciate your feedback.

With the cold weather comes flu season (and the dreaded stomach bug). We are experiencing higher numbers of absences over the past few weeks. If you student is unwell or will be out for the day, please see the guidance below.

Attendance:

• Please call (978-247-5401) or email (AttendanceWestMiddle@andoverma.us) to mark your child out as sick, family vacation or tardy.
• Automated calls go out to families whose students are not called in when absent or tardy.
• Students may be dropped off and sign themselves in (with their note, if applicable)

Early dismissals:

• Students should bring a dismissal note to the main office before homeroom.
• We will give your child a pass to come to the office at the time you designated to pick them up.

• Last dismissal should be no later than 2:30PM.

For more information, see the attachment below ⬇️

• 1/27 - Roadmap to Discover AHS
• 1/29 - Early Release Day
• 2/3 - NAEP Assessment