Introducing our New Website

Joan McQuade, Principal

Welcome to the North Andover Middle School website. We are more commonly known as NAMS. As you travel around our website, you will discover many things about NAMS, but there is much more to tell. Shortly, our teams will be adding information, but beyond that our school has progressed in many areas. Essential standards and common assessments have been a primary focus this year which are close to completion in all academic areas. Technology has been a priority over the past few years; smart boards, document cameras, and rolling labs can be seen as instructional tools in classrooms at any given time. Methods for instructional practice are discussed in our team and grade level planning time with differentiated instruction and student work analysis being our focus areas. Professional learning communities continue to evolve where teachers share ideas, lessons, and discuss our students’ needs. Moreover, world languages continue to expand with more frequency and depth, and our 8th grade students all experience algebra, which we provide at two different levels.

In addition to our academic areas, our related arts department has expanded to a consistent band program at all 3 grade levels which meets all year long resulting in impressive performances at our concerts. Walking our halls our students, teachers and visitors see beautiful student art work displayed. We have expanded our physical education program to a wellness department which now includes health and family and consumer science. Technology education is now offered at all 3 grade levels.

Our students and faculty also teach and learn in an environment that fosters teaming, community and enrichment. We have a large auditorium, multi purpose performance center, large gymnasium with pullout bleachers, and 3 separate houses to support grade level learning communities.

In closing, we welcome your ideas and comments, and please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher(s), guidance counselor or administration.

One Person Can Change A Life,
So Do Your Part! 

On May 12th a tragedy struck China. Over 60,000 people were reported missing and ended up dying. Survivors are desperately in need of help. These victims are in critical condition. Money is needed to help them get food, medical care, and their homes rebuilt. Donation jugs are located in homerooms. One person can change a life, so do your part. 

Also, there will be a bake sale on June 12 during every grade’s lunch as long as the delicious items last. If you are interested in baking something for it, contact Ms. Gilmore in room F207. All money raised from the sales will directly go to helping earthquake victims in China care of Direct Relief. In 2007, Forbes Magazine rated Direct Relief 100 % efficient in fundraising for a sixth year.

Any check donation should be made out to Direct Relief, but cash will also be accepted. Donations will be collected until June 20 at NAMS.

Final Tally of Donations to the People's Pantry

The Student Council would like to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped those in need by donating cans of soup, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.  Everyone at the People’s Pantry was extremely grateful. Over 110 people in our community were helped by all of the generous contributions from NAMS!

The first place winner for the school was C109, Mrs. Taris’s homeroom, with an INCREDIBLE 186 items donated.

The second place winner for the school was F206, Ms. Wolfson’s homeroom, with an AMAZING 139 items donated.

The third place winner for the school was F207, Ms. Gilmore’s homeroom, with 80 items donated.

C109, Mr. Pascoe’s homeroom, and F108, Ms. Leonardis’s homeroom, tied in fourth place with 71 items donated.

Homerooms with 40 and above: Taris, Wolfson, Gilmore, Pascoe, Leonardis, Wark, Brayden, and Forte

Homerooms with 30 and above: Zahoruiko, Poirier, Silleti, Olkovikas, Gaffny, Chandler, and McManus

Homerooms with 20 and above: Smith, Sharp, Poor, and Wrigley

Another special thank you goes to all the Student Council members, who worked so hard to organize this, as well as donate their time to help at the People’s Pantry on Tuesday, 4/15. Big thanks goes to Jackie Ouellette, Melissa Mason, Nathan Goudreault, Owen O’Leary, Erin Weir, Mark Fuller, Jenny Barker, Hanna Porten, Samantha Blinn, Elizabeth Davis, Hope Alaimo, Greg Zang, David Mather, Yelena Ravvina, and Julia Rucker. A final thanks goes to Mrs. Weir, Mrs. Alaimo, and Mrs. Mason for volunteering to drive that day to the pantry.

NetSmartz Comes to NAMS!

NetSmartz is an interactive and educational internet safety presentation for use with children of all ages and adults. It educates parents and students with slides detailing online risks, statistics, resources, and tips for keeping children safer online. It encourages students to examine their online behavior and take steps to prevent victimization of themselves and others. It also teaches children what to watch out for on the Internet and how to avoid these risks.

The goal of the NetSmartz Workshop is to extend the safety awareness of children to prevent victimization and increase self-confidence whenever they go online. These goals include how to:

• enhance the ability of children to recognize dangers on the Internet
• enhance the ability of children to understand that people they first "meet" on the Internet should never be considered their friend
• encourage children to report victimization to a trusted adult
• support and enhance community education efforts
• increase communication between adults and children about online safety

The NetSmartz Workshop teaches children three basic rules for online safety.

• I will tell an adult I trust if anything makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
• I will ask my parents or guardian before sharing my personal information.
• I won't meet in person with anyone I have first "met" online

Parent Survey

To our NAMS parents and guardians,

Several months ago, a group was formed as a result of some discussion around bullying and safety in our schools.  Concern for a coordinated Pre K-12 approach was addressed.  Based on initial conversations, this group expanded into a larger committee and created a "Phase One" task for addressing "Building Respectful Community": and to gather data on student, parent, and staff perceptions on safety, respect, and related learning environment concerns. 

A parent survey can be accessed on the North Andover Public Schools website. The questionnaire is designed to gather general information about what parents think and feel about the school and their relationship with the school.

The directions below will give you access to the parent survey.

On the North Andover Public Schools website, there is a link to the parent survey under the What's New section.  Click on this link and it will display a page with the option to take the parent survey.  After clicking on the survey, it prompts you to enter a password.  The password for the parent survey is parent (all lowercase).  Once you log in, the survey can be completed.  When the survey is completed it should loop back to the start of the survey.

To access the survey, go to www.northandoverpublicschools.com.

We would greatly appreciate it if you would complete the survey by May 15th. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Sincerely,

Joan McQuade
Principal

North Andover High School Math Criteria

March 31, 2008

Dear Parents/Guardians/Students:              

Recently, we received the information on math courses at NAHS for next year.  Listed below are the course descriptions and prerequisite criteria.  As with the other subjects, the 8th grade NAMS faculty will be sending grades to the high school indicating a tentative placement for math.  In June the high school will receive final grades from NAMS which will allow them to make their final decisions on placement.  

Please contact the high school directly if you have any questions on high school placement criteria or process:

        Carla Scuzzarella, Principal (978-794-1711 ext 1122)
        Steve Nugent, Director of Guidance (978-794-1711 ext 1104)

Sincerely,

Joan McQuade
Principal

9th Grade Math Courses

410 Honors Geometry/Algebra II Part A
This is a rigorous course in plane geometry including proofs, algebraic connections, real world applications, geometric probability, and introduction to trigonometry and solid geometry.  The expectation will be for students to complete Honors Geometry by the end of quarter 3 and begin honors algebra II during quarter 4.
Prerequisite: Students must have complete Level I Algebra I with a final average of 90% or above as well as pass a placement exam administered through the NAHS in June with an 85% or higher.

411 Honors Geometry
This is a rigorous course in plane geometry including proofs, algebraic connections, real world applications, geometric probability, and introduction to trigonometry and solid geometry.
Prerequisite:  Students must have completed Level 1 Algebra I with a final average of 85% or higher.

412 College Prep Geometry
This course in plane geometry strengthens students’ understanding of the properties of planar and solid figures and includes introduction to trigonometry.  This is an application-based course that introduces proof and logic.  Algebra skills are emphasized. Calculators and computers are utilized to enhance understanding
Prerequisite:  Algebra I Part I