


Principal's Update #15
March 3, 2024
Message from Mr. Jackson.....
Welcome to March! I hope all of our students and their families had a very Happy February Vacation Week. Please see my update below.
CELEBRATIONS
Announcement from Southern New England Vex Robotics Regional Tournament
Robotics Advisor Mr. Ahearn reports the update below:
This past Monday/Tuesday (26th and 27th) among the 5 teams that qualified for regionals, 2 are progressing to the World Championship in Dallas, TX this April.
Team A Double qualified through placing fourth in skills and by winning the "Amaze Award", which is given to the team whose robot performs at the most high and consistent level during the competition, and whose team demonstrates the most communication and collaboration during the design process.
Team C won a surprise qualification through winning the “Think Award”, which is one of the most prestigious awards given at regionals. It is awarded to the team whose programming stands out above any other team present. Team C’s program was a feat of innovation that allows the robot to “remember” the drivers path on the field and then use that data to replicate the same drive path autonomously. They separately created a program that allows them to halve the effort required to code an autonomous function for their robot which is too complicated to attempt to describe here, but is revolutionary to the process of developing autonomous code moving forward.
I’d also like to mention the incredible effort of our freshman team who held their own against teams 3 years their senior in age and experience. I am certain that we have a future world championship team in the works here and I cannot wait to see what they accomplish moving forward.
Mock Trial Team Completes Another Wonderful Season
The Mock Trial team completed another impressive season once again making it to the playoffs. The names of the students that participated are in a document via the button below. Please congratulate any students that you know as they put in many hours of study, collaboration and practice to represent our school. The students demonstrated passion, skill and have a bright future ahead of them. Advisor, Mr. Oberlander did a great job guiding and mentoring this talented group. Best of luck to the seniors! Please see Mr. Oberlander's recap below.
This year's Business Law Mock Trial team finished with an overall record of 2-2. The season was highlighted by a signature victory over the very accomplished St. John's Prep mock trial team. In an elimination match, NA prevailed with every student receiving a perfect score in addition to winning both the case on points and performance. Unfortunately, the season came to an end on Tuesday, 2/27, at Lawrence District Court, via a one point, tie breaker rematch against St. John's Prep.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
*STUDENT PARKING FOR ELECTION DAYS ON TUE 3/5 & 3/26
Please see the message below from Assistant Principals, Mr. Young and Mrs. Grantham:
NAHS hosts elections on 3/5 and 3/26 this year. On this upcoming Tuesday, March 5, 2024 the Presidential Primary will be held here at North Andover High School. In order to accommodate our resident voters, students that normally park in spaces 1-82 will be unable to park in their regular spaces. Students assigned to those spaces are to park along the fence on the Route 125 side of the building facing the football field. NAHS Staff and NAPD will be in the parking lot to assist with parking. Due to the elections, it is imperative that only permitted drivers park on campus. Overflow parking in the baseball field may be limited as well because campaign workers may hold signs down there.
THANK YOU NAHS PAC FOR TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION - 2/28/2024
Please see the message below from our NAHS PAC:
Many thanks to all the parents and families that donated time, money and/or food for our teacher and staff appreciation last Wednesday. The treats and desserts were very much appreciated. We are extremely thankful for the support.
NAHS DRAMA GUILD PRESENTS BEAUTY & THE BEAST
THE SCARLET KNIGHT 2024 - FRIDAY, 3/15 AT 7PM
WED 3/13 STUDENT ASSEMBLIES AS PART OF KNIGHTS CARE WEEK
Knights Care Week will take place from 3/11 - 3/15
Knights Care Week focuses on celebrating the livelihood and culture of NAHS.
Student Council is working hard to finalize themes and details for the rally on Friday, 3/15. They will have details to students in the near future.
During an extended advisory period, we will have two assemblies and guest speakers on Wednesday, 3/13 for students. Students and staff will have guided conversations in small groups around the themes of the presentation.
Speaker Anthony Sideri for Grades 9 & 10
Info on Mr. Sideri from a: 2016 CNN Article
Speaker Ed Gerety for Grades 11 & 12
Info on Mr. Gerety from his website
Ed will also do a leadership training for 50 minutes following his presentation for 100 students.
- We look forward to focusing on our school climate and culture as part of Knights Care Week!
COFFEE & QUESTIONS ON THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS
Please see the message below from the Executive Director of Special Education, Marci Boccuzzi:
Coffee and Questions on March 6th from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Location: Atkinson School
Get your questions answered about the special education process over a cup of
coffee! Former School Committee member Holly Lynch is not only a special education
attorney, but also a parent who has experienced the special education journey firsthand.
She has extensive experience in assisting parents with navigating the special education
process.
While we won't be able to address specific student-related questions, we're available to
help with any questions related to where parents may be in the special education
process. Handouts will be provided to guide you through the journey.
Translation services will be available with the assistance of our parent liaisons to ensure
everyone can participate fully.
All families are welcome to attend. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and connect! We
look forward to seeing you.
Thank you.
2024 NAHS MCAS DATES
Please Note the 2024 MCAS DATES
Grade 10 ELA 3/26 and 3/27
Grade 10 MATH 5/21 and 5/22
Grade 9 Science 6/4 and 6/5
NA READS 2024
Please use the button below to visit the website for North Andover Reads 2024 - The Other Road: Moving Towards a Greener Earth. North Andover Reads is a joint effort of the Stevens Memorial Library and the North Andover Public Schools. Each year, books, programs, exhibits and more are chosen around a particular theme and highlight our R.A.I.S.E. initiative.
NORTH ANDOVER PARENT RESOURCE NETWORK (NAPRN)
VAPING AWARENESS NIGHT - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NA YOUTH SERVICES
Understand the Signs, Health Dangers and Legal Implications of Vaping
Wednesday, March 20, evening program
Details will be announced soon!
Further questions? Please follow our FACEBOOK PAGE (button below) that contains additional information on this topic.
**KNIGHTS LOCKER UPDATED MESSAGE
KNIGHTS LOCKER
It is an exciting time at NAHS! The Freshman-Sophomore Semi-Formal, 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!
Upcoming Events:
TUESDAY, MARCH 5 - Voting at NAHS
FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Freshman and Sophomore Semiformal at NAHS Cafeteria
SATURDAY, MARCH 9 SATS at NAHS
MONDAY, MARCH 11 - FRIDAY MARCH 15 Knights Care Week
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 - Special Bell Schedule - Two Assemblies
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 - Early Release Professional Development from 1:15pm to 3:15pm
FRIDAY, MARCH 15 - Special Bell Schedule - Knights Care Rally
FRIDAY, MARCH 15 - Scarlet Knight 2024 at NAHS Auditorium
TUESDAY, MARCH 26 - Voting at NAHS
TUESDAY, MARCH 26 - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 ELA MCAS Testing, Grade 10
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 - Early Release Professional Development from 1:15pm to 3:15pm