Principal's Update #17
March 31, 2024
Hello Students, Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,
I hope everyone has had a productive and positive last two weeks. We are in the home stretch of quarter three with the quarter ending next Friday, 4/5. Students should be finalizing any missing assignments. Families, please join our staff in encouraging our students through the final week of the quarter.
Please see the remainder of my update below.
Chet Jackson
Principal
Vaping Awareness Night Follow-up
It’s here! A video, resources, event overview AND an announcement of our next Vaping Awareness Event. Be sure to read through to the bottom - that’s where we announce the next event!
VIDEO
A recording of the event is now available on our resources page.
You can also access it by clicking here.
RESOURCES
We continue to add resources about vaping to our website.
Access it here and scroll down to Vaping.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE EVENT
The Panel
Anthony Sideri, Addiction Awareness Speaker
Michelle O’Leary, NAPS Director of SEL
Officer Contreras, NAPD, School Resource Officer
Lt. Patnaude, NAFD, Public Fire and Life Safety Officer
Kim Cheevers, Registered Nurse
Jonathan Tummino, Former NAHS Student
Notes
Vaping can act as a gateway drug, making it easier to try “the next thing.”
Some are predisposed to addiction/ultra focused.
Warning signs: kids irritable, mood changes, frequently asking for $10 or $20, sneaking around, lower communication, stopping things used to like (ie: sports) and much more outlined in the video.
“Catch My Breath” is a program NAPS uses to educate kids about the dangers of vaping; it goes beyond “just say no” and gives them the confidence to say no.
A typical vape is equal to 20 cigarettes.
Prevention starts at home with parents talking with their kids. Helpful tips can be found on the NAPRN resources page.
Must be 21 years of age to purchase a vape. No charges in Massachusetts for a minor in possession; the law still needs to catch up to vapes.
Massachusetts bans the sale of flavored vapes.
Charging vapes can pose a fire hazard, especially when using incompatible charger/devices; often hidden in closets or under pillows can ignite and quickly spread.
Vaping can lead to major health problems, in some cases leading to severe pneumonia or even a lung transplant.
“Popcorn Lung” is a term commonly used to refer to lungs compromised by vape.
Aerosol vape droplets from second hand vape can contribute to illness as well; similar to breathing in hairspray, it will coat the lungs.
Peer/social pressure to “just try it” is common and hard for kids to resist.
Intended to appeal to kids and allows them to be discrete.
Social media allows kids to communicate about it; SnapChat is appealing since it deletes the messages once viewed.
Kids try vaping thinking it will help with anxiety, depression and more, but instead it makes these symptoms worse.
Talk with your kids!
UPCOMING PROGRAM
A member of the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center will present to us in late April. Watch for details soon!
Congrats to NAHS junior, Harper Barrios for becoming the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (MASC) Delegate of the MASC Executive Board for the 2024-2025 school year. The MASC is one of the most active Student Council Associations in the United States and have programs and services that are offered to Massachusetts's schools. Harper will have the opportunity to help shape these programs and truly make a difference in our Massachusetts's schools. Special thanks to advisor, Conor Meehan for working with Harper and the MASC to put her in position for this wonderful opportunity.
The student club, American Cancer Society at NAHS, is proud to host the school’s Relay For Life event on Friday, April 12th in the High School Gym. This event celebrates cancer survivors, honors those we have lost from cancer, and empowers students to fight back for a world without cancer! This event is open to all NAHS family and friends. This year’s event is themed Disney! Interested in chaperoning, donating snacks, or helping out in some other capacity? Email Emily Slyva at slyvae@northandoverpublicschools.com. You also can register to attend at relayforlife.org/northandoverhsma. The American Cancer Society at NAHS hopes to see you there!
KNIGHTS LOCKER
It is an exciting time at NAHS! The Junior Prom and Senior Prom are around the corner. NAHS Knight's Locker is fully stocked with dresses, dress shirts, suits, shoes and accessories to ensure every student can attend one of these events. Please see the flier to fill out an appointment request or see your guidance counselor. If you would like to make a donation, please see our Amazon Wish List
Thank you so much in advance for your generosity!
The Town of North Andover will host a clean-up day on Sunday, April 21st to kick off Earth Month in April (Earth Day is April 22). NAHS students are helping the Planet every day by composting uneaten food scraps and trays at lunch, saving a district-wide number of upwards of 2,500 pounds per week! The NAHS Green Team has worked with our kitchen staff and custodians to divert approximately 120 pounds for impact. The compost gets transported back from our hauler, Bootstrap Compost and will be used to grow plants in the school gardens this spring. Our students continue to learn the importance of waste diversion and soil regeneration for a more sustainable future. Every effort matters as some of our spring sports teams have already done some campus cleanup to assist in beautifying and sustaining our school grounds.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5 Last Day of Quarter Three
MONDAY, APRIL 8 First Day of Quarter Four
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 - Early Release at 1PM for Staff Professional Development
FRIDAY, APRIL 12 - All Final Q3 Grades and Habits of Learning Updated in Powerschool by 3:00pm
FRIDAY, APRIL 12 - NAHS Relay for Life at 6pm at NAHS
FRIDAY, APRIL 12 - Coffee House sponsored by the Music Department
SUNDAY, APRIL 21 - Town of NA Clean-up Day from 9:00am to 12:00pm
TUESDAY, APRIL 23 - College Coffee Talk 8:00am to 9:30am at NAHS
FRIDAY, APRIL 26 - Junior Prom at Seaglass in Salisbury, MA
