June 4, 2020

Dear APS families,

I hope this email finds you and your families safe and healthy. Yesterday, the district released information regarding the district’s Return to School task force. I appreciate how many of you reached out immediately to express your interest in participating. I would like to offer some clarity around what is happening currently and the steps we’re taking to move forward.

While the town-school task force has met to discuss the reopening of the community as a whole, the internal Return to School task force is just now being formed. We are just beginning to reach out to those who are interested and it has not yet met. The intent of yesterday’s message was to reassure our community that we understand how complex the next few months of planning will be and the many uncertainties we face going into next year. As we start this process of planning, we will be basing many of our decisions on the guidance of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Andover Public Safety and Health Division. We will provide multiple avenues for families to participate. One action all families could take is to complete the survey that we will be sending out next week so that we have a clearer idea of the perspectives and concerns that you have going into next year.

In addition, if you are interested in serving on this task force, we ask that you contact your building principal directly with your interest by June 10, 2020. Our goal is to have as many perspectives as possible, balanced with the need to move efficiently and effectively.

I’m sorry for any confusion that yesterday’s message created. We appreciate your interest and look forward to your engagement in the process.

Shelley Berman

Superintendent