Andover Kids May Be Going to School on Good Friday

On March 21 the Andover School Committee discussed the scheduling of make-up school days due to the March 8 and 19 snowstorms which resulted in the 6th and 7th weather related cancellations of the school year for the Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade and the high school respectively.

The School Committee focused on three options for scheduling the school days which included Saturdays, April school vacation days and an early release day on March 29 – Good Friday. After much deliberation and listening to public input, the School Committee voted the following as “school make up days” and the last day of school for students and teachers barring any unforeseen weather-related or emergency circumstances:

Elementary:
Friday, March 29 Early Release – 11:45 am
Friday, June 28 Early Release – 11:45 am Last Day of School

Middle Schools:
Friday, March 29 Early Release - 11:00 am
Friday, June 28 Early Release – 11:00 am Last Day of School

High School:
Friday, March 29 Early Release – 11:00 am
Saturday, April 27 Regular School Hours/Bus Transportation
Friday, June 28 Early Release – 11:00 am Last Day of School

Superintendent Marinel McGrath had this to say about the issue.

"We fully accept that scheduling school on Good Friday poses a challenge to all. I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and discuss the matter while also understanding the need to schedule school.

"Parents who wish to have their children be absent from school for religious observances should call their school’s Absence Alert line to report absences from school on that day. Students who are absent due to religious observances will be marked as “present.”

Saturday, April 27 will be a full-day of school for high school students only. The hours will be - 7:45 am – 2:05 pm with bus transportation for pass holders.