School districts regularly screen students in different areas: vision, hearing, learning difficulties, etc. Screening in any area allows for the identification of needs, earlier intervention to address risk factors, and can help students receive support they may require. It also helps a district look at the full needs of the student body, which guides programming initiatives meant to improve the conditions under which students can academically achieve and have the best, most successful school experiences.
Andover Public Schools has embraced Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for a number of years now, acknowledging that core student skills related to setting personal goals, managing emotions, building relationships, and socialization are important for academic success and personal well-being. In addition, it is important for students to understand their personal needs, including potential support for challenges related to mental health. In the next few weeks, APS will use a screening tool to help gauge where 7th through 12th graders are in their social and emotional learning to help us understand their current needs.
The following is the middle school screening schedule for the spring of 2026:
- Doherty Middle School: Tuesday 4/28/26
- Wood Hill Middle School: Thursday 4/30/26
- West Middle School: Wednesday 5/13/26
Comprehensive information for families, including details about these types of screenings, details about the screening tool, and the choice to opt out can be found here:
Universal Screening: Family Notice for 7th and 8th Graders, Spring 2026
Thank you, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
