NAMS Message to Families 1/19/24

Students will be dismissed at 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

The NAMS Spelling Bee has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. in our NAMS Auditorium.

NAMS Spelling Bee Announced

When: Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Where: NAMS Auditorium

Who: Any interested NAMS Student

How do you sign up for the NAMS Spelling Bee?

To register, ONLY STUDENTS - please complete this google form ASAP (as soon as possible) but no later than Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

How do I prepare for the Spelling Bee?

Students should prepare by using the 2024 School Spelling Bee Study List.

In the early rounds of the competition, words will be selected from this list.

In the later rounds, words will be selected from the 2024 Words of the Champions.

Who is organizing this event?

This event is being organized by your NAMS principals and teachers.

On January 31st NAMS staff member volunteers will be serving in the following roles:

• Pronouncer

• Judges

• Record Keeper

• Supervisors & Organizers

Who can attend the NAMS Spelling Bee?

Anyone in our NAMS community may attend. Parents/guardians, family members, and friends are welcome to attend and respectfully support all students.

All the best,

Mr. Mueller

muellerd@northandoverpublicschools.com

Team 6D Language Arts

NAMS Spelling Bee Coordinator

NA Youth Center - Grade 8 Dance 2024

The 33rd Annual Grade 8 Dress-up Dance will take place on Friday, January 26th from 7:00-9:30 p.m.

Here is what you need to know…

• Questions go to Nicole at nkramer@nayouth.com

• This dance is ONLY for residents of North Andover who are currently in 8th Grade.

• Students are expected to dress appropriately for this event (i.e. a dress, or a shirt, nice pants, optional tie/blazer/suit jacket)

• No hats or jeans. No tuxedos or expensive prom dresses. Any footwear is allowed.

• No Limos!

• 8th graders are encouraged to come on their own or in groups of friends.

• The event will be chaperoned by Youth & Recreation Services staff.

• Light refreshments will be provided by Youth & Recreation Services staff.

• No participants will be allowed to leave before the dance ends at 9:30 p.m. without a parent/guardian coming inside to pick them up.

Tickets

• Tickets are $10 for current Youth Center members and $15 for non-members.

• Tickets will be sold in the Youth Center lobby on…

• Tuesday 1/23 between 2:30-5:30 p.m.

• Wednesday 1/24 between 1:30-5:30 p.m.

• Thursday 1/25 between 2:30-5:30 p.m.

• Please bring cash to purchase your ticket. Every 8th Grader must buy their own ticket.

• Bring your purchased ticket to the door the night of the dance. Tickets will not be sold at the door, so make sure to purchase during the days & times listed.

• This annual event has been a major success for the past thirty two years, and we look forward to another successful event!

Winter MAP testing

• Winter testing window is 2/5/24 - 2/16/24
• Schools send results home on 3/4/24

Spring MAP testing

• Spring testing window is 5/13/24 - 5/24/24
• Schools send results home on 6/3/24

NAMS MCAS Dates 2024

• Below you will find this spring’s testing dates.

• You may find a more detailed schedule here.

ELA Testing

Grade 8 ELA - Session 1

• Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Grade 7 ELA - Session 1

• Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Grade 6 ELA - Session 1

• Thursday, April 4, 2024

Grade 8 ELA - Session 2

• Monday, April 8, 2024

Grade 7 ELA - Session 2

• Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Grade 6 ELA - Session 2

• Thursday, April 11, 2024

Math Testing

Grade 8 Math - Session 1

• Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Grade 7 Math - Session 1

• Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Grade 6 Math - Session 1

• Thursday, May 2, 2024

Grade 8 Math - Session 2

• Monday, May 6, 2024

Grade 7 Math - Session 2

• Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Grade 6 Math - Session 2

• Thursday, May 9, 2024

STE Testing

Grade 8 STE - Session 1

• Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Grade 8 STE - Session 2

• Thursday, May 23, 2024

Civics Pilot Testing

Grade 8 Civics - Session 1

• Thursday, May 30, 2024

Grade 8 Civics - Session 2

• Friday, May 31, 2024

You may find this month's Parents Still Make the Difference Newsletter in both English and Spanish here.

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new MPY Parenting Solutions Library. The MPY Parenting Solutions Library is offered at no charge, in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive.

After Hours Clubs/Activities - Winter Session 2024

Mondays (1/8, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11)

• Perler Beads - Ms. Hannay (Room C201)

• Potato Club - Ms. Sparks (Room C103)

• Wellness Games - Mr. Abel (Wellness Room)

• Snack and Study - Ms. Campbell (Room M1140)

• Chess Club - Ms. Nightingale (S102)

• Art Club - Ms. Iarrobino (Art Room - RA101)

• P.E. Games - Ms. Pino (Gym)

Tuesdays (1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/5)

• D & D / Retro Games - Ms. Reusch (Library)

• Mani/Pedi Club - Ms. Nightingale (Cafeteria)

• Basketball (grades 7 and 8)- Mr. Gosselin (Gym) This will be sign-up only!

• Movie Music Band - Mr. Nelson (Room RA105)

• 8th Grade Math/Algebra Club - Ms. Irving (Room C103)

• 8th Grade Math/Algebra Club - Ms. Kane (Room C203)

Thursdays (1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/29, 3/7)

• Basketball (grade 6)- Mr. Gosselin (Gym)

• Art Club - Ms. Tomkins (Art Room - RA102)

• Snack and Study - Ms. Reusch (Library)

• Coloring Club - Ms. Hannay (Room C201)

• 8th Grade Algebra/Math Club - Ms. Irving (Room C103)

• 8th Grade Algebra/Math Club - Ms. Kane (Room C203)

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kathleen Bodenrader, After Hours Director, at bodenraderk@northandoverpublicschools.com

You may find information about our After Hours Programming and each of the clubs here.

Have you ordered your NAMS Yearbook yet?

Now is the time to order your 2023-2024 NAMS Yearbook before prices go up after the new year! You can order online here.

Kindergarten registration for 2024-2025 will open on March 1st on the North Andover Public Schools Website. This is open to all students who are 5 on or before August 30, 2024. Current preschool students DO NOT need to register - they’re already registered for next year.

Private High School or Technical High School - Application Process

We understand the importance of finding the right school for your child and will support them throughout this process. If your child is planning on applying to a private high school or technical high school we ask that you familiarize yourself with our process and requirements using the link below. The PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS may be found here.

Please have your child fill out the STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET found here and provide a copy to your child's guidance counselor as well as any teacher who is writing a recommendation. This information is incredibly helpful as our wish is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your child's strengths, accomplishments and overall skill set.

We ask parents and students to research private high schools on their own. The guidance department does not provide information or applications regarding private high schools; however, we will assist your child by writing recommendations and sending all supporting documents. For online recommendations, the guidance department completes the "school report" (i.e. principal/counselor recommendation and transcript form). Personal and Special Interest recommendations are generally completed by someone other than the guidance counselor.

Greater Lawrence Technical High School and Essex Tech applications are now generated online, see links below:

• GLTS Application

• Essex Tech Application

Please Note: Trimester 1 ends on December 1, 2023 which means that transcripts cannot be uploaded prior to this date. All private/technical school applications that have been given to Ms. Chute will be uploaded when transcripts are available. We will make every effort to upload your child's applications by the identified due date.

All of this information is also on the Guidance Website found here.

NAMS Spirit Wear Available!

NAMS now has its very own Town Shop for spirit wear! Purchasing your NAMS spirit wear through this link will ensure 25% of profits will go right back to NAMS PTAC!

You can place your order here or at the following address: https://bdesignedapparel.com