NAMS Message to Families 4/5/24
Solar Eclipse Information - Monday, April 8, 2024
Our NAMS Science Department putting together the following information for our students and families. Enjoy!
As you probably already know, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday, April 8th. The Moon’s dark shadow, the umbra, will race across Mexico, United States, and Canada at approximately 1,500 mph. Here in North Andover, we will have the good fortune of experiencing a partial solar eclipse that will cover approximately 94% of the sun. This eclipse has been called a generational for New Englanders because the next time a total solar eclipse will pass over this area will be in 2079.
On Monday, April 8th all students will be receiving a pair of solar eclipse glasses. The eclipse will take place in North Andover from 2:26-4:39 p.m., with maximum coverage occurring at 3:29 PM.
Please take care of those eyes! At no point during the eclipse should anyone look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Even with 94% coverage, the 6% of the exposed sun could damage your vision.
Here are some interesting facts about solar eclipses from NASA:
After the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next solar eclipse that can be seen by the contiguous United States will be on August 23, 2044.
We can’t normally see the corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, because the Sun’s surface below it is so much brighter. However, during a total solar eclipse the corona becomes visible, offering unique opportunities to study it.
When a total solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife sometimes wakes up, thinking that it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it’s time to head to sleep.
The Sun is approximately 400 times wider than the Moon, but it is also approximately 400 times farther away, so they appear to be the same size in our sky. This is what allows the Moon to completely block the Sun during total solar eclipses.
During a total solar eclipse, temperatures can drop about 10 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the humidity and cloud cover at your location.
You may find more information here and at the following address: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024
Solar Eclipse Safety Information - Monday, April 8, 2024
On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a partial solar eclipse with 94% coverage of the Sun. It is not safe to look directly at the Sun during a partial solar eclipse without specialized solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses.” Solar eclipse glasses block 100% of infrared and ultraviolet light. We are excited to be able to provide students in grades preK - 8 with eclipse glasses thanks to the NAMS PTAC and a STEM grant. Our educators will be reviewing safety information with students but we also ask that you remind your children of the importance of keeping their solar eclipse glasses on when they look up towards the sun. It is safe to remove their eclipse glasses when not looking at the Sun. If students normally wear eyeglasses, they should put their eclipse glasses on over their regular glasses.
Alternatively, you can view the solar eclipse live stream here and at the following website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/livestream
2024 Total Solar Eclipse Safety Sheet – Multilingual
https://science.nasa.gov/resource/2024-total-solar-eclipse-safety-sheet/
This safety sheet, available in English, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Korean, provides information on how to safely experience the total solar eclipse.
MCAS - Let's work together!
NAMS has seen significant improvements in our MCAS scores thanks to our dedicated educators, our amazing students, and our partnership with you - our families!
You can continue your support in the following ways:
Be sure to encourage your child to have a good night’s sleep prior to their scheduled MCAS exam.
Students must charge their Chromebooks overnight so that they are fully charged for MCAS testing.
We encourage all students and families to make a concerted effort to be at school on time prior to their scheduled MCAS exam, by 7:45 a.m. Tardy students may not have the opportunity to test with their homeroom group if they arrive after the start of testing for that day.
Please be sure that your child has a healthy breakfast.
Students must bring a book or magazine to read after they have completed their test. No electronic devices will not be allowed.
Cell phones and other electronic devices, including smart watches, are not permitted during the testing sessions. Cell phones and smart watches should be locked in lockers or will need to be given to the test administrator to hold during testing.
If a student is absent, he/she/they should expect to be scheduled for a make-up exam when they return to school.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and support.
MCAS Testing Dates 2024
NAMS MCAS Dates 2024
Below you will find this spring’s remaining testing dates.
You may find a more detailed schedule here.
ELA Testing
Grade 8 ELA - Session 2
Monday, April 8, 2024
Grade 7 ELA - Session 2
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Grade 6 ELA - Session 2
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Math Testing
Grade 8 Math - Session 1
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Grade 7 Math - Session 1
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Grade 6 Math - Session 1
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Grade 8 Math - Session 2
Monday, May 6, 2024
Grade 7 Math - Session 2
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Grade 6 Math - Session 2
Thursday, May 9, 2024
STE Testing
Grade 8 STE - Session 1
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Grade 8 STE - Session 2
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Civics Pilot Testing
Grade 8 Civics - Session 1
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Grade 8 Civics - Session 2
Friday, May 31, 2024
NAMS Library Newsletter - April 2024
Ms. Reusch has once again put together an amazing newsletter she would like to share with you. You may find this month's issue here.
SEPAC Parent Support Group Announced
After Hours - Spring Session 2024
North Andover Clean Up Day - April 21st
NAMS Construction Project Continues!
Everything continues to go according to plan and we are very excited to add a new wing and more classes to NAMS for the 2025-2026 school year. You can learn more about the project here.
Have you ordered your NAMS Yearbook yet?
Have you ordered your NAMS Yearbook yet?
We have 300 pre-ordered yearbooks so far. We ordered and extra 300. Once these books are sold, we won't have any left to sell. Don't miss out, especially our grade 8 families!
You can order online here.
Youth track registration is now open for Grades 4-8!
Youth track registration is now open for Grades 4-8!
The season starts April 21st and runs through May 30th.
Learn to run, jump, throw, and hurdle from members of the state champion North Andover High School track program! You can register on the Community Programs website.
Summer Camp - Mr. McGravey's Excellent Adventures
Summer Camp - Mr. McGravey’s Excellent Adventures
Mr. McGravey’s Excellent Adventures is an exciting summer camp that has students leaving North Andover and traveling to fun sites across New England for current Grades 5-8 students. All costs include bus transportation and admissions to sites. This is fully staffed with NAMS educators led by 8B Civics teacher, Patrick McGravey.
The details of all of the trips along with pricing and a daily itinerary can be found in the brochure available here.
Please contact Rick Galante at North Andover Community Programs if you are interested or have any questions. Registration is currently open.
He can be reached at galanter@northandoverpublicschools.com or at 978- 794- 3080.
NAMS Spirit Wear Available!
NAMS Spirit Wear Available!
NAMS now has its very own Town Shop for spirit wear! Purchasing your NAMS spirit wear through this link will ensure 25% of profits will go right back to NAMS PTAC!
You can place your order here or at the following address: https://bdesignedapparel.com