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APS Guidance for Supporting and Protecting Our Students

APS is committed to ensuring that every student learns in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, and we remain steadfast in protecting the rights and well-being of all children in our care.

APS works in close collaboration with the Andover Police Department on all matters related to student safety and has maintained ongoing communication regarding federal immigration policies that might affect our students, communities, and classrooms. The partnership between APS and APD is critical to ensuring our students’ welfare and well-being. 

Beginning in January 2025, district administration and school principals have engaged in continued discussions to review safety guidance and clarify rights and responsibilities under the law, should the need arise.

In Massachusetts, districts benefit from clear guidance from the Commonwealth’s Attorney General and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). APS will follow this guidance if needed. The AG’s office and DESE have released important information outlining our obligations to protect students and their information. This information is also available to families who have concerns. 

APS has developed a consistent approach across the district in which the Superintendent or designee will address any such inquiries or requests for student information.  If ICE were to appear at an Andover school, central office administration would immediately mobilize and lead the response in accordance with DESE guidance.

We remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety of all APS students. 


Massachusetts Resources

APS Standard Operating Procedure: Civil Law Enforcement Interaction

This procedure document establishes mandatory protocols for interactions with civil law enforcement on district grounds, ensuring safe, compliant, and accessible environments for all students, staff, and community members per the PROTECT Act and policy ACL: Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement (PROTECT Act) - voted by the School Committee on September 3, 2026

1. Primary Contact Designations

  • District Administrator (Central Contact): Responsible for primary oversight of civil law enforcement matters across the district.

    • Keith Taverna

    • 978-247-7010

2. Legal Counsel Escalation

  • Before granting access to facilities or student/staff records, the School Principal or District Administrator will consult the district’s legal counsel.

3. Immediate Arrival & Reporting Protocol

  • Front Desk Routing: Staff must immediately route any civil law enforcement agents to the School Principal located at the main office in each school building.

  • District Notification: The Principal must immediately notify the District Superintendent at 978-247-7010

4. Interaction Documentation

  • The School Principal (or designee) must log every interaction using the official District Incident Log.

  • Required documentation includes: agent names, badge/ID numbers, agency name, credentials/warrants presented, time of arrival/departure, and specific actions requested or taken. Logs must be forwarded within 24 hours to the Office of the Superintendent.

5. Parent & Student Notification Protocol

If civil law enforcement requests access to a student or student records:

  • Minor Students: Without authorization, access to students and student records will not be provided unless legally required by a judicial order. The Principal must notify parents/guardians if a request is made to access a student or student record. 

  • Adult/Emancipated Students: The Principal will notify the student directly (if 18+ or legally emancipated).

6. Post-Event School Community Communication

  • Following confirmed civil law enforcement presence, the Superintendent and Principal will coordinate clear, factual communications to parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and staff.

7. Emergency Contacts & Alternative Caregiver Plans

  • The school updates student records annually to ensure multiple emergency contacts are on file.

  • Parents/guardians may submit Alternative Caregiver Plans to the Main Office at each school building or through the ASPEN portal.

8. Public Information & Website Access

  • These procedures are publicly posted for students, families, and staff on the district website at www.aps1.net and available in print upon request at the school main office.