Dear Andover families,
In the midst of so much uncertainty, we are thinking of you, especially those displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are wishing you well and hoping that you are finding ways to connect with people you love, and doing things that sustain, rejuvenate, and keep you safe.
While we hope to welcome students back to campus Monday, April 6, and resume classes in person on April 7, we also recognize that these plans may change, depending on the latest public health recommendations. As you may be aware, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a State of Emergency, and the World Health Organization has designated COVID-19 as a global pandemic. As you’ve likely also seen, many colleges and universities have decided to keep students home after spring break and offer their spring term courses remotely.
Given the fluidity of the situation,
we encourage families whose students are not already home, to make arrangements to return home as soon as possible. If we find ourselves needing to extend the time for remote learning or we need to modify the spring term further, please know that we are committed to educational access and keeping all students on track with their graduating class.
In our efforts to ensure that every student has a plan to return home safely, we are asking students to fill out a survey seeking information about their travel plans.
Our survey will be sent this afternoon to each student’s Andover email account from The Dean of Students Office. We know that some of our students have been impacted in more significant ways, and we are sensitive to their needs. Those who are unable to travel home are in our thoughts, and we are prepared to offer sustained support.
All students, including those who are already home, must fill out and return the survey as soon as possible. We will review responses immediately and will reach out personally to those students who require support from Andover.
With respect to our athletic program, we are responding to a new reality around sporting events at every level. We are making adjustments to our athletic program; for example, teams will not be meeting before April 7, and all athletic contests have been canceled until that date. These changes also reflect the Academy’s latest decisions around the core academic program.
We understand the disappointment and frustration that these changes will bring. As always, we appreciate your support, patience, and flexibility as we continue to navigate these extraordinary times.
Sincerely,
Linda Carter Griffith Associate Head of School for Equity, Inclusion, and Wellness
Jennifer Karlen Elliott ’94, P’21 Assistant Head of School for Residential Life and Dean of Students
Amy Patel, MD Medical Director 
