As the 2025-2026 school year draws to a close, middle school is swiftly approaching. We would like to offer you some information regarding your student's technology experience over the next three years.

From grades 6 to 8, Andover families have three choices:

1.) Family Device Purchase (Bring Your Own Device or BYOD)

In grades 6-8, all students are required to use a Chromebook. Families that choose to purchase a device may select any manufacturer and style of device from this list (please ensure that the model is supported through 2030):

Google-Supported Chromebooks

We recommend considering ruggedized devices that can stand up to adolescent use.

In middle school, all Chromebook devices must be managed by the Andover IT department. A managed device provides a consistent experience for all students during the school day, and offers the following benefits:

A safer browsing experience during school hours.
Access to Andover’s Wireless Networks and all required instructional materials.
During school hours, students are only able to use APS-provided accounts.
Outside of normal school hours, this limitation is lifted.

Please enroll your child’s device prior to the first day of school - see below for instructions and additional information:

Chromebook Enrollment Instructions (Expand Managed Chromebook Instructions)

Help will be available at your child’s school during their first week for those that have difficulty placing their device under management.

2.) Rent a Chromebook

If you prefer not to purchase a device, you may rent a Chromebook directly from the district for $130 per year.

You will be provided with a Chromebook suitable for your student at the start of 6th grade.
The rental fee includes accidental damage repair and replacement provided by Andover IT.
Students keep the device year-round – the annual fee is assessed at the start of each school year, and the rental program may be continued through High School.
If your student leaves APS, the rented device must be returned.

For details on the benefits and limitations of the program see these FAQs (expand BYOD Program- Grades 6-12). Families may reserve a rental Chromebook from Monday, May 18 through Friday, June 30, 2026, using the eFunds payment site linked here.

Families with financial concerns are encouraged to review the information below on options for assistance:

Family Financial Assistance

If you have questions, please send an email to etech@andoverma.us and place BYOD in the subject line.

Are you looking for some friendly competition this summer? Sign up for the SORA Summer Reading Challenge and see how you stack up compared to your fellow students and teachers! Any student who meets the challenge criteria will be invited to a library popsicle party in the fall. Happy reading!

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has updated their guidelines regarding the administration of medication in public schools.

To ensure we remain in compliance with these new state regulations, and to provide the highest level of safety for our students, the district has updated its policy regarding the validity period of medical orders.

New Medication Order Requirements:

Effective immediately, all medical orders for both prescription and non-prescription medications must be dated within the current academic cycle: July 1st through June 30th.

What this Means for your family:

• Annual Renewals: Any medication orders on file from the previous school year will expire on June 30th. You must provide a new, signed medication order from your child’s licensed prescriber for the upcoming school year.
• July 1st Start Date: We encourage parents to schedule wellness visits or contact their child's physician after July 1st to ensure the paperwork is correctly dated for the full upcoming school year.

If you have any questions, please contact your school’s health office directly. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and healthy.

• 6/15 - Promotion Rehearsal (students only)
• 6/15 - 8th Grade Dance
• 6/16 - Canobie Lake Park Field Trip
• 6/17 - Promotion Ceremony
• 9am at the Collins Center

Please let us know whether your child will be attending Andover Public Schools (APS) or another school in the fall. If your child will be transferring, a withdrawal form is required.

Kindly email Lauren Smart at lauren.smart@andoverma.us as soon as possible to inform her of your child’s school plans for the upcoming school year.

If you are leaving the district, please complete a withdrawal form and return it to the main office.

The completed form may be scanned and emailed to: mainofficewestmiddle@andoverma.us

6/5 - BOC Field Trip

6/10 - 6th Grade Cornhole

6/10 - 7th Grade Cedarland Field Trip

6/11 - 6th Grade Bradford Swim

6/16 - 6th Grade Scavenger Hunt

6/17 - Last Day of School

6/17 - Promotion Ceremony