Office of the Principal North Andover High School
August 30, 2016
Dear NAHS Students/Parents/Guardians:
I hope you are enjoying your summer with family, friends, and fun activities. It is an honor to serve as your Interim Principal at NAHS this year. I come to North Andover as a seasoned high school educator. I was a history teacher for many years and taught in Newton, Brookline, and American international schools in Malaysia and Thailand. Most recently I have been the vice principal at Newton North High School and the principal of Brookline High School.
I began the job last month and have had the warmest welcome from staff and students. My first impressions are that there is a lot of pride in the high school and in the North Andover community, that the high school staff are fully committed to all students, and that school leaders are enthusiastic about the amazing work that NAHS students are doing.
North Andover Public Schools has a deep focus on creating and sustaining respectful community, something that is critically important for all of us today. There are so many challenging events and issues in our world that perspective-taking and understanding difference have become essential to healthy communities. Both are key parts of today’s high school education. I have experienced many great moments already with NAHS students, parents, and staff that make me look forward to helping build community at NAHS such as:
Another great thing I’m excited about is that the North Andover Public Schools and the Stevens Memorial Library are welcoming National Book Award author Jacqueline Woodson to present to elementary and middle school students in November. Ms. Woodson writes for all ages and recently published her first adult novel, Another Brooklyn. I invite any student interested in reading Another Brooklyn to join me for the “Principal’s Book Club” in October. Stop by the main office to sign up, and we’ll set some dates to discuss the novel with students and faculty.
Parents, you will find lots of information on the NAHS website about programs, policies, procedures, and school calendars. Also, parents/guardians are invited to a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) coffee to “Meet the Principal” on Wednesday, September 21 at 8:00 a.m. at the high school. I will also be attending PAC meetings this year to hear parent perspective and ideas. See the notes below for more information about PAC.
Our school year opens for new students and 9th graders on Tuesday, September 6 at 7:30 a.m. in the auditorium. All 10th, 11th, and 12th graders should arrive by 9:30 a.m. and report to Advisory where we will share schedules and opening information. Please see the opening day schedule here. Students can see their class schedules on Powerschool by selecting ‘My Schedule’ under the Navigation tab on the right hand side of the screen. We will print and distribute schedules in Advisory for 9th graders. We ask 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to access your schedules on PowerSchool prior to the first day.
I look forward to a great school year and getting to know students and families!
Sincerely,
Deborah Holman NAHS Interim Principal
****** Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The North Andover High School Parent Advisory Council is comprised of parent volunteers whose purpose is to provide start up funds for student clubs, help fund faculty requests to support teaching efforts, and to support various clubs including the HEAL Club, Parent Resource Network, and the Guidance Department PICC program.
Donations: The PAC depends solely on direct donations to sustain support and tries not to compete with student fundraising efforts. Please consider donating to the PAC by following this link, completing the donation form and sending it to the high school.
Faculty Appreciation Events: Each year PAC hosts two breakfasts and one lunch for faculty and staff. PAC is looking for parent volunteers to help with the welcome back breakfast to be held on September 16th. Follow this link for more information: sign up link.
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