As the school year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to truly thank each of you for your support and encouragement during this unprecedented school year.    The 2020-2021 school year was filled with too many twists and turns to mention, but it also served as a clear reminder that when faced with adversity, this community comes together to face the challenge. I could not be more proud of our students and our staff.   

 On June 4, we were able to celebrate the Class of 2021 with a live, in-person graduation ceremony, and we look forward to celebrating all of our students over the remaining days of this school year.  

Best wishes for a safe and relaxing summer -  You've earned it!

NAPS 2021 Summer Programs

If you want to engage and challenge your child this summer, the  Summer Opportunities page of the district website will be your "go to" resource . In addition to your child's summer reading list, you will find the Superintendent’s Reading Challenge, the Superintendent’s Math Challenge, including a free APP, and the "Bridge Riddle" math challenge by our Assistant Superintendent, Dr. James Mealey. 

Also included are NAPS Summer STEAM Activities, and NAPS APPS for students to continue to build their knowledge and skills all summer long.   In addition, the website provides links to activities offered by Community Programs, the Stevens Memorial Library and the North Andover Youth Center

We are pleased to announce a new page on the district's website called Seeds of Positivity. This page is filled with videos, pictures and articles about the efforts of our students from kindergarten through high school to "sow seeds of positivity"

throughout the district. As the page continues to evolve, you will see representation from all our schools throughout the year.

The Healthy Happenings Newsletter this month contains a special thanks to North Andover families for their role in keeping students, staff and the community safe.  Also included is a reminder for students to pick up their medication before they 

leave for the summer. a number of tips for a healthy summer, a report on the number of vaccinations given to students 12 years of age and older at the Middle School and High School, and information on ticks and preventing Lyme disease.

What's Happening at Stevens Memorial Library

WELCOME BACK!

We are so excited to open the doors and welcome everyone back. And, just in time for Summer with the Stevens. The Library is open to all during its regular Summer Hours Schedule; no appointment necessary. Summer hours:  Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm and Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Enjoy all the digital services, like e-books, e-music, and more in the E-Library all the time or a story time anytime with Miss Rhonda’s Story Room. 

What’s New?

Hundreds of books, audiobooks, and dvds; staff have been busy adding more while the building has been closed. Come in and check them out. The building got some updates, too. The Teen Room got new paint and carpet; the public computer area is more spacious; and new, bright energy-efficient lighting has been installed in the entire building. The Children’s Room unveils Picture Book City, a new way to find favorite books quickly.  All picture books are grouped into “Neighborhoods” and “Streets” within the Neighborhood. For instance, if you want to find truck books, go to the Things That Go Neighborhood and look for On Land Street for lots of books about trucks. Everything is color-coded for sight recognition and there are Picture Book City Maps to guide you (until your youngest has memorized their favorite street)!

Summer with the Stevens: Tails & Tales

Registration and the reading period starts on June 14 and goes to August 13. Most programs and activities begin July 6.  There are plans for all ages, from birth to whenever.  Everyone is welcome. All activities are free.  Brochures will go home in Bradstreet, Elementary, and NAMS backpacks before school is out for the summer. The brochure and other information also will be online via the Library’s website www.StevensMemLib.org and online calendar.

What’s planned? Reading and activities where children earn brag tags and beads, where teens earn drawing tickets for gift certificates, and adults, too, can earn drawing tickets for gift certificates. It’s easy to sign up, just visit the Library.

Children’s programs include Take and Make Tuesdays craft kits, Wednesday Storytime at the Stevens Estate, and Thursdays’ Play Outside, each week a different outdoor activity set up around the Library during library hours, so come and 

participate at your own pace.  A few special visitors are planned:  July 19  -  Mike Piazza and his Flying High Dogs; and August 9 - Wildlife Encounters.  Start with a virtual visit on June 22 with Wally, the Boston Red Sox (register to get log-on instructions). Teens have a variety of programs: Virtual Movie Nights or a Writing workshop, and online game times.  Join Teen Librarian Amy for some hands-on craft afternoons at the Stevens Estate tent. Teens Take and Make craft kits are at the Library on Fridays.

What Else?

Superintendent Gilligan has issued a Summer Challenge; check it out if you haven’t already. We’re ready to help with books.  Heading outside? Walk the North Andover Trails, visit a North Andover playground, a Massachusetts State Park, or one of The Trustees of Massachusetts places. Passes to MA Parks and the Trustees are available through our museum pass calendar.

Many area museums are resuming their hours, too. Use the Library’s museum pass system to find about times and visits.  Remember weekend passes are picked up on Fridays during the summer.

For music, magic and more, the North Andover Youth Center Tuesday and Thursday shows on the Common are back.

Online Services Continue

·   No Library card, or it needs an update? Email Stevens_Circulation

   @NorthAndoverMA.gov or call the Library 978-688-9505 to get started.

·   Not sure what to read? Fill out a Reader Request for personalized 

    recommendations or browse our Digital Book Displays. Look for more reading 

    recommendations on the StevensMemLib Youtube channel.

·    Support is available via email SmlRefServices@NorthAndoverMA.gov or phone

     978-688-9505. Staff will respond as they are available.

·    The Library website has the latest Library news and links to its many services. Or

     follow the Library on Facebook or Twitter:  https://twitter.com/StevensMemLib/

All Summer with the Stevens programs and events will be held in accordance with the current town, state and federal COVID guidelines in effect at the time of the events.

by Helen Pickard, Chair

Dear North Andover Community,

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 and all who contributed to their success.  We wish them well in their adventures.  

We extend our warm wishes to all students as they advance to their next grade, especially those who will transition out of their current schools to the next level of education in North Andover - grades k, 5, and 8.

It's been a whirlwind of change since April.  We are all pleased that students at all levels came together to end the school year in person or in OLA as families chose.  Every indication is that the next academic year will be fully in person.  

The School Committee enjoyed a presentation on K-2 literacy in May which helped shape the Separately Budgeted Recovery Services Plan.  We anticipate a vote at our meeting on June 10.

We encourage all registered voters to attend Town Meeting on June 15, at 6:00 p.m. on the field of Walsh Stadium at North Andover High School to vote in support of the consensus budget which includes the NAPS FY22 operating budget.  

We appreciate the engagement of the community with the long-term needs of schools and look forward to the recommendation(s) of the School Capacity Subcommittee.  

Appreciatively, Helen Pickard, Chair