Andover Officials Say Schools 'Transitioned Well' from Marathon Bombings

At all grade levels, Andover School officials were prepared to talk about the bombings at the Marathon finish line last week and the manhunt and capture that followed. With some students possibly directly affected, the school made all options available to students. 

But, with careful preparation and planning, Andover School Superintendent Marinel McGrath said the schools in general have been working well with the issue of the Marathon bombings since returning to school Monday. 

"Principals reported at the end of the day that with the teachers' guidance, students transitioned back to school quite well today which they shared with parents and in that note they also reassured  parents that we will continue to watch over our students carefully and open the door to any student or parent who may need assistance," said McGrath in an email response. 

McGrath said that principals each wrote letters to their school communities last week about the event and how the school will be supportive in this unique situation. 

"We asked parents and staff, that as we began this week,  we keep this in mind and be prepared to support one another and our students," said McGrath in an email response. "Principals also stated to parents that if they had concerns about their own child(ren) as they returned to school that they should contact their child's teacher,  school social worker, or principal."

The school also gave specific instruction to staff about how they should expect some amount of chatter about the Marathon bombings even at the lower grades. 

"We told teachers that it would be important to get a read on their class as they entered school  to begin their day," said McGrath. "We advised that if there are questions, as always, it is best to respond in a manner that is age/grade appropriate.  Reassuring the children that we are back at school and they are safe at school would be important."

McGrath wants to remind the school community that principals and school conselors are available to students throughout the day.