Good evening, Andover High School Families, this is Jimmy D’Andrea, Principal of Andover High School, with your Sunday evening message.
Senior Parent Meeting: Tuesday, September 9
Parents and guardians of seniors are invited to attend a senior parent meeting about the college application process this Tuesday, September 9, at 6:30 pm in the Collins Center. While seniors are welcome to attend with their parents and guardians, they will also be receiving the information during the school day this week. In addition, Ms. de Kelley, our Director of Guidance, prepared a great newsletter outlining Initial Steps in the College Application Process.
Senior Sunrise: Friday, September 12
Our Senior Class Board is sponsoring a Senior Sunrise event this Friday, September 12. Seniors are encouraged to arrive at school between 5:45 am and 6:00 am on Friday and then watch the sunrise together from the hills in front of the school at approximately 6:20 am. Seniors are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on, and they will have plenty of time to go back home afterward to prepare for the school day.
Arriving to First Class on Time Each Day
While students have done a great job for the past two weeks, I just want to remind families of the importance of students arriving to their first class on time each day. Students are expected to be in their first class when the bell rings at 8:15 am. Due to the volume of traffic each morning, students who are driving or being dropped off should plan to enter the building no later than 8:00 am in order to be on time to their 8:15 am class. Beginning this week, we will be collecting data on student tardiness. Students who are late to their first block class four times during a marking period will be assigned after-school detention for the fourth time and each subsequent occurrence in the marking period.
Cell Phone Guidelines
Students must have their cell phones silenced and out of sight during instructional time, unless a teacher gives permission for cell phones to be used for instructional purposes. Each teacher will let students know the specific expectation for their classroom (e.g., collecting phones, telling students to put phones in backpacks, etc.). Students may continue to use their cell phones before school, after school, during lunch, and during transitions between classes. While students are doing an excellent job with this, I just want to remind parents/guardians not to expect your students to respond to text messages when they are in classes.
PSAT for Students in Grades 10 and 11: Registration Deadline is Monday, September 22
This year we are excited to be offering the Preliminary SAT, or PSAT, to all interested students in grades 10 and 11 on the morning of Wednesday, October 8. The PSAT is great practice for the SAT, and juniors can qualify for various scholarship opportunities based on their performance on the test. The cost is $18 per student, and you can sign up through e-Funds. The deadline to register is Monday, September 22.
Student Pictures: Tuesday, September 16, and Wednesday, September 17
All students will take school pictures next week. Freshmen and sophomores will take their pictures on Tuesday, September 16, and juniors and interested seniors will take their pictures on Wednesday, September 17. If you would like to preorder pictures, please follow these directions.
Senior Pictures and Quotes: Deadline to Submit is Monday, September 15
The deadline to submit senior pictures is next Monday, September 15. Please refer to the Class of 2026 Yearbook Information for details on how to submit. Please note that all pictures must be submitted to AndoverSeniorPortraits@gmail.com and must be vertical in orientation. Senior yearbook quotes are also due by next Monday, September 15.
Senior Boat Cruise: Deadline to Register is Wednesday, September 24
Our annual Senior Boat Cruise is scheduled for Sunday, October 5. The bus will depart from Andover High School at 2:45 pm and return by 8:00 pm. The cost is $65 per senior and includes dinner. The deadline to register using e-Funds is Wednesday, September 24. If you have any questions, please contact our senior class advisors, Ms. Holly Breen (holly.breen@andoverma.us) and Mr. Scott Armstrong (scott.armstrong@andoverma.us).
Open House Night: Wednesday, October 8
Due to a scheduling conflict, the date of our Open House Night has changed from what was shared last spring. Our 2025 Open House Night will occur on Wednesday, October 8. There will be an optional school-wide welcome in the Collins Center at 6:00 pm, and then you will have an opportunity to visit each of your student’s classes beginning at 6:20 pm. The program will conclude by 8:30 pm. Please carpool if at all possible, as parking will be challenging.
Preordering Wraps from the Deli Line for Student Lunches
Our outstanding Food Service Team works very hard to prepare a variety of healthy and enjoyable meal options for students. One of the options that students have each day is to order a wrap through our deli line. While students are welcome to wait in line and order when they reach the front of the line, students (or parents/guardians) can also pre-order wraps. If wraps are preordered, the premade wrap will be waiting in a designated refrigerator where students can pick it up and not have to wait in line.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time if you have questions or concerns. Thank you for your support of Andover High School, and have a great evening!
