Dear Andover families,

I am writing to update you on several decisions regarding Andover’s response to the evolving COVID-19 situation. Our most recent decisions relate to spring term academics, the wellbeing of employees and students, Academy business travel, and Academy-sponsored events.

Health and safety
Based on the consultation of public health resources, we understand that the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. is likely to continue to rise in the coming weeks. Always striving to protect our community and preserve our academic program, we have decided on a phased approach to the opening of the spring term.

All asymptomatic/healthy faculty and staff have been asked to return to campus as scheduled, by Monday, March 23. Individuals who do not feel well, and/or who have traveled to an area designated by the CDC with a level 1, 2, or 3 advisory within the last 14 days, and/or traveled on a cruise within the last 14 days, and/or have been in contact with a person being tested for or diagnosed with COVID-19, have been instructed to follow established protocols for our employees prior to returning to work.

Academic program
Our plan allows faculty and staff to return to campus before students, and it relies on remote teaching and learning modes as classes begin on a delayed schedule. The first day of classes will be Monday, March 30, and this first week of instruction will be conducted remotely. Faculty will be on campus, while students remain off-campus. From March 24 – 27, faculty will receive training in remote teaching and learning options. We do not anticipate having the opportunity to make up this lost class time; therefore teachers have been asked to modify their syllabi accordingly.

For students, March 23 – 29 will be an extended break. Students will begin taking classes remotely March 30 – April 3. This will be accomplished primarily through online teaching and video tools; it might also include class assignments and homework communicated by teachers. Details on accessing course content will be provided in the coming days. If your family is unable to accommodate a remote learning environment for your child, please contact Raj Mundra, dean of studies.

Asymptomatic/healthy students should return to campus Monday, April 6. Classes will resume on campus Tuesday, April 7. Students who have traveled to an area designated by the CDC with a level 1, 2, or 3 advisory and/or have traveled on a cruise and/or have been in contact with a person being tested for or diagnosed with COVID-19 should prepare to be outside of their designated area of risk or exposure for 14 days before returning to campus on April 6. Students who do not feel well or who are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19 should email Sykes Wellness Center as soon as possible, prior to leaving home, to discuss any concerns with returning to campus.

Academy travel and events
Following the cancellation of international travel, we have made a similar decision to suspend all Academy business travel, domestic and international. This policy shift is in effect through May 1 and includes all modes of transportation. We are encouraging the use of video or conference calls where feasible. We have also decided to cancel or postpone events on campus involving outside guests, as well as all Andover-organized events off-campus. These include the cancellation of Non Sibi Day activities and ACT testing. One area that remains undecided is how to manage our spring sports schedules. We are continuing these discussions with colleagues and peer schools and will share information as soon as possible.

Going forward
We continue to rely on your support and compassion concerning your child’s health, your family’s health, social contacts, and family travel. As members of a close residential community, the choices we make may have serious implications for others. We will continue to monitor the latest information on COVID-19, and we will be in touch if new information causes us to modify these plans in any way.

As always, we are incredibly grateful for your patience, flexibility, and support as we navigate these extraordinary circumstances.

With my very best wishes,

Jim Ventre ’79
Interim Head of School