WELCOME

Welcome to North Andover Middle School and the start of the 2020-2021 school year.  On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I am delighted to greet the Class of 2027 who will be attending NAMS for the first time as 6th graders. I am also pleased to celebrate the return of the classmates from 2026 and 2025 that comprise our 7th and 8th grade students. Additionally, I wish to extend a very special welcome to our students who are new to North Andover or new to our school. 

COVID-19 will undoubtedly impact the way we educate our students this year, and yet we are absolutely confident that our NAMS students will experience an excellent and engaging education, undergo substantial personal and academic growth, all so that they are exceptionally prepared for high school and beyond. More than ever, we aim to be in effective partnership with families as we both work to make each day a positive experience for our middle school students.  

Our learning approach is to offer a balanced instructional program that emphasizes academic integrity while making a connection with students as they continue to develop their social skills. The real strength of our school is found in the strong team and related arts classes that will be offered to students by a knowledgeable, caring, and experienced teaching staff.  A large support staff (cafeteria workers, custodians, counselors, librarian/media specialist, nurses, administrators, administrative assistants, and special education personnel) stands ready to support every student.  

As students settle into NAMS, they will see that our school is designed for the middle school child. NAMS offers students many opportunities to expand their knowledge, develop new interests, discover new skills, build new friendships, and have fun.  

First, students will have a team of teachers who work cooperatively to plan and integrate curriculum, coordinate homework assignments and tests, and facilitate learning. Teams are intended to make NAMS a more personal school for our students.

Second, a major goal is to teach students how to learn. Teachers and staff will encourage and challenge our students to think for themselves, ask questions, seek answers on their own, and study more effectively. 

Third, students will use several different approaches to learning such as listening, reading, writing, hands-on learning, and critical-thinking. Sometimes students will learn from information provided by teachers and at other times they will research and learn independently or collaboratively. 

Please review this parent/guardian guide carefully, as it contains our mission, procedures, expectations for students, and COVID-19 health and safety practices. It is important that students and their parents/guardians are familiar with this information as it will help establish and maintain a positive and safe learning environment. Working together, I know that we will have a wonderful year of success and accomplishments, no matter the degree of difficulty we face as a community. 

Sincerely,

Jorge Goncalves

Principal