Perry, who has been an influential figure in Andover’s athletic program — specifically in football and volleyball — and educational communities for over two decades, had initially planned to retire from both teaching and coaching. However, in an unexpected turn, he is back this fall as head coach of Andover High School’s football team and teaching fifth grade at West Elementary.
While Perry’s retirement initially made waves, the full picture is more complex.
According to Wayne “Pug” Puglisi, AHS’ Athletic Director, Perry’s long-time decision to retire from teaching was more final than his coaching role.
“He’s met his teaching retirement responsibilities,” Puglisi confirmed.
Despite this, Perry is currently in the classroom at West Elementary School right now, substituting another fifth-grade teacher, Scott Price, who has been out on medical leave.
As for coaching, Perry was unsure.
“I would say that he never really left [coaching football],” Puglisi mentioned. “He and I had conversations about what he wanted to try to do, whether or not he wanted to go hang out with his grandson down in Florida or if he wanted to be with his son who was playing professionally, [or] to see his [other] son who is also just starting his college career…We had prepared for him to not coach again this fall. But it turns out that he [decided to coach after all].”
For Perry, returning to both teaching and coaching wasn’t a difficult choice. “For coaching, I love the competitive stuff,” he said. “Teaching, I love getting kids to do things they think they can’t do.”
The AHS football team, which has long benefited from Perry’s leadership, continues to push. Along with his hard-working assistant staff, they aim to continue the success from the past two years.
STAFF PHOTO || Sanjith Kalpat Coach Perry celebrates after wide reciever Julian Martinez catches a touchdown, putting Andover up 21-6 versus Lowell.
One of Perry’s standout players, junior defensive lineman Jan Carlos Aquino, expressed, “It is great to have Coach Perry back at it again. He is a very good coach, and I was excited to hear that he was back.”
Additionally, Puglisi emphasized how Perry’s presence had always been about more than just winning games, saying that he cares for the athletes, looks out for their best interests, and builds great relationships with the players. According to Puglisi, he’s able to balance the things that happen from academic, social, and athletic standpoints.
As for what lies beyond this season, Perry himself remains noncommittal in his future with volleyball.
“[The teaching] part of his career is wrapping up, but the coaching side? That’s a private discussion between Perry and me. We’ll see,” said Puglisi.
Puglisi ended, “If you count the number of years he’s coached and the number of years he’s taught, the generations of people that have been in his classroom and on his fields, I think is immense. I can’t even begin to tell you the impact that he’s had on all of those students and all of those athletes’ lives. It’s too big to count.”
STAFF PHOTO / Sanjith Kalpat Mrs. Reidy poses for a photo at her desk.
Minda Reidy, a math and computer science teacher, will retire this school year after 20 years at AHS.
Reidy teaches Enriched and Honors Geometry, as well as the elective Intro to Computer Science class for all grade levels. After school, she supervises the Robotics club that has been running for 16 years. Reidy’s impact on AHS can be seen in her accomplishments of developing the engineering program at AHS and founding the Robotics Club.
Reidy had already retired from computing before becoming a teacher at AHS. After a friend suggested she come as a substitute teacher, she agreed and tried it out. “I loved interacting with the students…helping them think about what they were going to do and what these things involved,” Reidy said. It was an experience that she could not forget, leading her to become a teacher.
Reidy’s Geometry classes and Computer Science classes have proven to be rigorous. Past students from her Geometry classes describe it as demanding, unexpected, and self-ameliorating. One student commented that it took a lot of “chutzpah,” a Hebrew word that means backbone, to go through with the class. However, they all enjoyed the effort they put into class and found the course to be difficult but rewarding. Past students, now facing their last years at AHS, agreed that the class brought everyone together. They worked together to help each other on their projects and, outside of class, became great friends.
AHS senior Aneesh Ratnala recounts his freshman year in Enriched Geometry class. He enjoyed Flatland discussions the most. Flatland was a book read by students in Reidy’s Enriched Geometry class. Ratnala said the discussions were very specific. “We talk[ed] about stuff that we really don’t talk about in other math classes,” he said. “It was very intellectually provoking.”
Many aspects of Reidy’s classes set them apart from other classes. Not only did students agree that Reidy was good at knowing her students well, but her classes also taught them to be confident in themselves. Sasha Dicovitsky, now a senior, says, “[Her class] taught me how to fend for myself.” These small details about Reidy’s class turn out to not only be able to help students learn in class but also in their future.
The same goes for the Robotics Club, where students mentioned that Reidy goes out of her way to try to help and challenge them for greater things. Josephine Pan, vice-president of the Robotics Club, said, “The people here are very dynamic, very passionate…Part of that is [because] Mrs. Reidy is able to help push us to use our passion to create those great robots.” These challenges also will come in handy in their future careers for those pursuing a similar field of study. President of the Robotics Club, Raj Kontham stated, “For me definitely, I am looking to major in computer engineering, so a lot of the skills I learned…[in] the past couple of years, for sure.”
With 20 years of teaching experience, Reidy said her focus has been mainly on helping students develop the ability to understand the new challenges presented instead of just the learning portion. She hopes that students will not only “want to know [the] why” to answers but also be able to grasp the concept behind it.
For current and future students, Reidy shared, “You can find the answers. We’ve all seen you can Google the answer, but knowing the why helps you find your own answers. Instead of just looking for the answer, understand how things work and why they work, and you will come up with new answers.”
Looking forward to retirement, Reidy plans to travel and make delicious food. She is hoping to travel to Hawaii when the whales are migrating and later to the Antarctic region following their movement.
When asked what is one word to describe her experience as a teacher at AHS, Reidy said, “Learning. Even though I’m teaching, I’m learning as well and I love that. Learning is awesome besides…Proofs are fun!”
ANDOVERVIEW staff members interviewed the new faculty members in Andover High School this year. Here are short profiles.
AHS Welcomes New Physical Education Teacher Benjamin Bourgoin By Julia Rodenberger, STAFF WRITER
Benjamin Bourgoin joined AHS’s physical education department in the fall of 2023 following Coach Fazio’s retirement from teaching.
Bourgoin previously taught physical and health education at Epping High School in New Hampshire, before serving as the district’s athletic director. He currently teaches Activity Fitness, Team Group Activities, and Competitive Team Activities at AHS.
Students in Mr. Bourgoin’s class can enjoy exercising to hip hop, classic rock, and upbeat songs. “We used to do these disco Fridays [during] gym in Epping. So maybe I’ll try to bring some disco flavor here,” he adds.
Epping High School has a small student body, amounting to less than 250 students across the four grades. Bourogin said, “[Andover’s] at the totally opposite end of the spectrum from where I was. It’s cool to see.”
Amongst the unique resources made possible by AHS’s large size is the outdoor ropes course available to ninth graders in Project Challenge. Bourgoin recently underwent training for the class and is excited to potentially teach it in future years.
STAFF PHOTO / Saarvi Deshwal Benjamin Bourgoin poses for the camera with a basketball.
Professional Basketball Player Transitions to History Teacher By Ella Hu, STAFF WRITER
Mary Creamer, new history teacher and former professional basketball player, has traveled the world and immersed herself in different cultures due to her previous career.
Creamer was drafted in the first round of the 2003 WNBA draft by the New York Liberty. During her many trips around the world as a professional basketball player, Creamer explained how living with people with different cultures and languages added to her growth in further educating herself about those communities. Moreover, Creamer believes it is crucial for more people to learn about marginalized communities and be able to celebrate their contributions to America.
Creamer said that she was glad to have experienced living with people who “didn’t speak the same language as [her], didn’t have the same culture…and just to learn about the beautiful diversity of the world and…expand [her] horizons.”
AHS Welcomes New English Teacher Fresh from Australia By Minati Thota, STAFF WRITER
Erin Crowley joined AHS only a month after getting off a plane from Australia to get back to what she loves to do: teach high school English.
Crowley arrived two weeks after the start of the year, fresh from her job abroad as an English teacher for Australian high school students. Some days she was even required to teach Biology and Chemistry, she said, but her true passion lies in English.
She grew up in Massachusetts, and her own high school English teachers were her biggest inspiration—she “hoped [she] could be that for the kids someday.” Crowley finds the new changes both exciting and challenging. Simple things, like “morning tea” missing from her daily routine, will need some getting used to. When she’s not at school or reading, she loves going on runs and watching sports.
Crowley believes that her background as a special education teacher truly shaped her skills to work with students. She said her biggest takeaway has been to remind students to “do their best right now,” and keep their head in the game.
New Psychologist Balances Paperwork with Student Interaction By Anya Gorovits, STAFF WRITER
New school psychologist Rebecca Jacoby, understands the importance of the paperwork aspect of her job but wishes she could put it aside to spend more time empowering students.
Jabocy, the new Supporting Academics and Independent Learning (SAIL) psychologist at AHS focuses on supporting students. As a partner of the SAIL program, which provides special education to students, Jacoby is there to talk to students with mental disabilities. When meeting with a student, she assesses them to find a diagnosis and treatment.
Jacoby’s job is difficult because of these assessments. The SAIL program gives her strict deadlines to follow.
“Sometimes when deadlines are coming up, I have to prioritize those, which can prevent me from being available to students when they may need support,” Jacoby explained. Though important, this part of her job takes away from what she really loves.
“I just love being with high school students!” Jacoby said. Actually seeing and supporting students is why Jacoby came into this career. Before AHS, Jacoby thought she wanted to work as a behind-the-scenes counselor, improving special education without being with students.
However, after working at another school where Jacoby got to speak to and actually help students, she realized that that’s what she wanted to do.
New AHS Math Teacher Adds Outdoors to the Equation By Tommy Kruecker-Green, STAFF WRITER
Andover High welcomed a new math teacher, James McCormack, who combines his passion for mathematics with a love for the great outdoors.
Born in Saugus, Massachusetts, McCormack recalls being good at and enjoying math throughout his schooling. “It started with being pretty good at math in high school and I always helped my friends out,” he said. McCormack went on to study mathematics in college and has now been teaching for eight years, recently at his alma mater high school.
STAFF PHOTO / Maddox To James McCormack takes a break from geometry work.
When asked about his favorite math subjects, McCormack pointed to calculus and algebra. “Algebra is very puzzle-like and interesting,” he said. When asked what he likes most about teaching, McCormack said “watching the students as they grow into young adults, watching them mature.” He appreciates “any part that [he] can play into that,” seeing “the shy kids who are freshmen grow up to find their voices.”
Beyond the classroom, some of McCormack’s interests include coaching sports like football and basketball. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and being active outside. He also takes pride in his athletic past, having played football collegiately at Plymouth State.
New Andover High School Teacher Enjoys Food In Her Free Time By Ariana Teasdale, STAFF WRITER
Khristine Maraganis, a new AHS teacher, has recently found interest in exploring restaurants and trying new dishes.
Maraganis has always wanted to be a teacher since childhood, when she would play “school” with her younger brother. Surprisingly, he ended up learning how to read, which inspired her to become a teacher. She has now been teaching for 22 years.
During the interview process, Maraganis was impressed by how students was able to participate as part of the interview committee—she was drawn to AHS, as she found that this school values students. So far, Maraganis has found AHS to be very friendly, and the staff and students have been extremely helpful.
Recently, Maraganis has found joy in trying new restaurants. As a foodie, she has “always enjoy[ed] eating out,” and finds it a lot easier than cooking. Because her children are older and more independent, they are able to cook their own meals—allowing Maraganis to have more opportunities to go out with friends.
Right now, Maraganis has “a goal to try a new restaurant every month”. Although she admits it is a pretty tame goal, it still allows her to go out with friends and try new things.
Retired Athletics Director Returns to AHS By Sanjith Kalpat, STAFF WRITER
Brian McNally, a seasoned Athletics Director who retired in 2017, has renewed his association with Andover High School’s Physical Education Department.
McNally’s deep affection for the Andover community serves as the driving force behind his reappearance. He expressed a strong connection with the students and the dedicated staff, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive community.
McNally finds joy in witnessing students’ development, both individually and as a team. His new role at AHS involves teaching Activity Fitness to sophomores, a crucial responsibility aimed at helping students’ physical fitness through activity and promoting lifelong health.
“The nice part about coaching is really being able to focus on a particular sport with a specific group of students who are dedicated to that sport and seeing how you can help them progress as individuals and then collectively as a team,” he said. “And also in PE class, you work together as a team to improve as well.”
McNally also values family and enjoys outdoor activities such as biking and pickleball. His memorable trip last October across the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail, an 83-mile bike ride, emphasized the significance of an active lifestyle, a key message he aims to instill in his students.
“Find out what you are passionate about and continue to be active for the rest of your life because an active lifestyle is a longer and healthier lifestyle,” encourages McNally.
New English Instructor, Mrs. Meta Scott: Nature Delves Deep, No Matter Where You May Be Maddox To, STAFF WRITER
Meta Scott, now a full-time instructor for the Special Education Department, enjoys teaching English to her juniors and seniors. But if given the choice, she’d much rather be instructing in a bright classroom with windows, facing the diversity of nature surrounding the school. Or perhaps carry on outside of school, to scope the vast landscapes and trails that meet new flora and fauna surrounding the land she treks.
Born in Northern Ireland, Scott has lived in Indiana, Tennessee and more before moving to Massachusetts. “It’s a real sedulous route–many others have it a lot more linear, but for me, moving was quite all over the place,” she said.
Scott expressed her frustration teaching in a windowless classroom, “I find the architecture that I have to spend my weekdays in very…ugly–I feel like this part of me is dying… I even searched up if it was illegal to have a windowless classroom because to me it feels illegal,” she joked. To aid her spirit, Scott turns to find beauty outside of school. But on those days when she is teaching in her windowless classroom, she collects parts of nature and brings them to her desk.
Scott uses what time she has left from her busy schedule “ into friendships, family, and being out in nature or having good conversations.”
Former AHS Student Back for Round Two as P.E. Teacher By Molly Borenstein, STAFF WRITER
Former student Michael Comeau graduated from AHS in 2017 and has returned to teach physical education as a permanent substitute.
Comeau said although he enjoyed high school, he never thought he’d be back at AHS full-time. He said he liked the teachers, excelled in sports, and unlike the usual student, really enjoyed his high school experience.
Being a former student, Comeau has had some unique realizations. “It’s kind of great. I loved the teachers at AHS, so it’s been awesome to see both sides, have them as teachers and now come to work with them.”
STAFF PHOTO / Maddox To Michael Comeau poses for a photo.
Comeau explained that he wasn’t 100% sure what he wanted to do when he graduated from college and continues that, “[he] kind of was just brought back to AHS.” He knew from his time in school that he wanted to work with kids, and because of his excellence in high school athletics, he thought being a physical education instructor would be the perfect fit.
When asked about his plans for the future he voiced that he wishes to continue down the path of education. Comeau gives a walkthrough of the timeline: “In July I started my masters program at Salem State University… in physical education.” He said that although he didn’t know what he wanted to do when graduating, he feels he has found his place at AHS and his true passion.
New Math Teacher in his 26th Position By Abby Chachus, STAFF WRITER
Scott Govoni, a new math instructor, is working in his 26th position where he is new to the building but not the district.
STAFF PHOTO / Saarvi Deshwal Scott Govoni poses for a picture in a classroom.
Govoni used to work at Wood Hill Middle School as a math and science teacher who was seeking an opportunity for change. Govoni plans on ending his career at Andover High.
He wanted to teach history, but in college was encouraged to teach math because of his degree in a math field that most people going into teaching do not have. Govoni worked at 24 other jobs before Wood Hill where he worked for 21 years. “Now I am here,” he said.
Outside of the classroom, Govoni plays with his dog, goes on walks with his wife, plays video games, and builds. “I built most of the house that I live in,” he said.
New Nurse Melissa Sucharewicz, A Shining Star By Samiha Jaffar, STAFF WRITER
Melissa Sucharewicz worked as an elementary school nurse for many years and is finally stepping up to the high school.
Growing up, Sucharewicz always loved science and thought that astrology was her path, considering how much she loved looking through telescope from a young age.
She had never even considered being a nurse until her own interaction with nurses during her senior year in high school. A personal situation made her realize how much of an impact nurses can have on someone’s life and in the world.Sucharewicz described her greatest strength as her empathy and compassion for each individual and their situation. Besides nursing, Sucharewicz loves to spend time with her kids and family. She enjoys going for jogs, yoga, and hiking. Her family has set a goal to complete the New Hampshire 48 4000 footers.
PAST PRISON GUARD AS NEW AHS COUNSELOR Jiya Jotwani, STAFF WRITER
Rachael Dobbs worked as a prison guard in Newburyport before coming to work at AHS as a counselor.
Dobbs got a degree in Criminal Justice in college and wanted to be in the FBI. Working her way up, she became a correctional officer at a prison in Newburyport. She started learning more about mental health with adolescents and realized that was her focus. She is now a counselor for students in the Transitions program, who take temporary breaks from school whether from mental health issues or an injury of some sort. She was also previously a basketball coach and an intermediate figure skater.
New Engineering Teacher Draws on Work Experience By Isabella Yan, STAFF WRITER
Ralph Arabian, a new addition to the engineering department, uses his experience as an engineer to inspire students to pursue their passions.
Several years ago, Arabian was a project manager for sections of the Central Artery Tunnel and offramps of the Zakim Bridge in Boston. Drawing from his knowledge of engineering, he was inspired to begin a career in teaching. Arabian has since taught at several schools and joined the Andover faculty as an instructor of Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Green Engineering, and Innovation Design Lab.
In teaching, Arabian finds significance in preparing his students for real-world situations. He emphasizes the importance of student involvement in interactive projects. “[In] engineering you can have a lot of leeway… I’ve always been under the impression [that when you] have kids [be] hands-on and have fun… they’ll learn more,” he said.
Arabian is an enthusiast for adventure, with experience in water sports such as scuba diving. With a knack for thrill, he has been skydiving and has driven a Formula 1 race car at over 150 MPH on an open track.
STAFF PHOTO / Saarvi Deshwal Ralph Arabian smiles in the engineering room.
Harry Guo, Brandon Nguyen, and Eva Liss Layout Editors and Copy Editor
Students bustle into school as an early autumn breeze flows through the clear morning air. The large oaks out in front bear hues of orange and yellow, signaling that a new school year is well underway. And yet, there is an unfamiliar sight donning the entrance of Andover High School: the teachers and staff, dressed in red. As AHS enters the full swing of the new academic year, the Andover Education Association has begun demonstrations and a new Work-to-Rule policy every Friday in response to continuing contract negotiations with the School Committee.
In late January 2022, the Andover Education Association (AEA) began negotiating a new contract with the Andover School Committee. These negotiations have tackled issues on planning time, faculty meetings, parental leave, sick days, and personal days. Currently, all APS staff are working without a contract, as the previous one expired on August 31 of this year. The AEA represents about 850 educators in the district and the majority of Andover Public Schools staff.
According to Matthew Bach, the chair of the AEA and a history teacher at AHS, the “work-to-rule” policy was adopted for several reasons. These include raising awareness among the public, fostering community concern for the issue, and showing “that the school committee is not taking the teachers seriously,” said Bach. Throughout the week, teachers involved with the union at each school have chosen one day to strictly adhere to state-mandated contract hours. For AHS, this means the teachers have worked from 8:15 to 2:51 every Friday, so they were not available for before-school or after-school help.
Bach pointed to one of the largest issues that have yet to be settled— the salaries for instructional assistants, who work closely with the students who are most in need. “[Instructional assistants] make poverty wages,” said Bach. “They are [diverse and] should be given a boost in this time of historic inflation.” The instructional assistant’s previous contract states that they are paid $19.26 to $28.60 an hour based on a 184-day work year. According to Bach, this previous contract and the school committee’s current proposals only moderately boost their roughly $25,000-a-year salary, which may not adequately keep up with inflation.
With teachers, the AEA says it’s not as much about avoiding poverty wages, as AEA’s main goal with their contract negotiation is to keep up with comparable schools and districts.
STAFF PHOTO / Eva Liss AEA members gather outside.
According to Tracey Spruce, the chair of the Andover School Committee, the School Committee has not been able to accept the AEA’s proposal as they are restricted by the town’s budget. The AEA’s initial proposal on January 17, when negotiations started, was a tuition reimbursement and a wage increase of 16% over 3 years. The total financial impact of that proposal over 3 years would be over 10 million dollars. The town’s budget, which comes from taxpayers, allows only a 3.75% increase to the school department’s yearly budget. That increase must fund staff salaries plus every other need within the district, such as transportation, curriculum, school athletics, fine arts, and more.
“Our annual budget is close to $100 million,” said Spruce. “So you can see how accepting the union’s salary proposal would make it nearly impossible to pay for anything else.”
During the planned session on October 11, negotiations were paused due to disagreements on the negotiation space and the number of representatives the AEA and School Committee were allowed. The law states that both the teachers and school committee can constitute their bargaining team and that both can’t interfere with who the other party brings to the table. At the time of the meeting, the AEA advocated for the use of the Doherty Middle School auditorium to negotiate with the school committee to allow more member support. However, the school committee said they would only meet in the school committee room, which has a much smaller capacity.
According to Spruce, “The school committee is not required by law to engage in open bargaining, nor is it required to agree to negotiate directly with hundreds of union members, and the committee does not believe that would be an efficient or productive way to reach an agreement.” To the AEA, it felt like the school committee was trying to modify their bargaining team and restrict who was going to be on it. “For us, it’s really important [to have] transparency and democracy [where] everybody sees what happens,” said Bach.
According to their October 11 update on their website, the School Committee is currently offering “a 9.65% pay increase over three years of the contract… and a one-time $2,000 increase for [teachers with] the top [level of education]. For approximately 25% to 30% of APS teachers at [this top level], their salary in year one of the contract will be $112,058, and [they will have] a 9.5% increase to stipends.” The AEA’s bargaining team presented its proposal to increase salaries by 16% over 3 years and payment of a $2500 bonus, reduced from its previous proposal of 16% plus payment of two $2500 bonuses.
“I would not have expected the union to accept the School Committee’s initial set of proposals without negotiation,” said Spruce. “I would be surprised if the union expected the School Committee to accept its initial set of proposals without negotiation.” Both the School Committee and the AEA have said they would like to reach an agreement soon in order to return the school year back to normal. “It’s an inconvenience to [teachers] as much as it is an inconvenience to students or parents,” said Bach.
As for when the two sides may reach an agreement, a date for resolution is yet to be seen. However, the School Committee’s next proposal will be released today, November 8, with the next negotiations meeting anticipated for a week later on November 14.
Further commentary from AHS staff and AEA members was requested but denied.
Over the winter recess, Assistant Principal John Norton said goodbye to Andover High School after 16 years of working here.
Norton created quite the legacy for himself, with all the great programs and opportunities he made for those in need, as well as his kindness to the students and staff. After hearing all the great things everyone had to say about him, Norton has definitely earned the title of “one of a kind.”
COURTESY PHOTO / John Norton John Norton hits the ski slope shortly after retirement.
When Norton first arrived at AHS, he was a special education department head. The only problem being that there were fewer programs at Andover High to fully meet the needs of all learning profiles. Under Norton, this would be changed.
Seven years later Norton made the move to assistant principal, and in that time, had further developed numerous special education programs. An example is Excel, a self-contained program for students diagnosed with a developmental delay, intellectual impairment or other complex learning needs. Another program further developed was Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, a development of individualized programming for students that focus on building functional communication skills, positive behavior support, and social skills training. Additionally, he was instrumental in the creation of the Transitional Learning Center, or TLC, which supports student re-entries following periods of extended absence due to mental health and medical reasons. Finally, Norton developed the SAIL program for students who require modified academics at a pace appropriate for their learning level, including social and life skills. These only scratch the surface of what Norton did for the special education department.
Librarian John Berube stated that his favorite quality about Norton was how “[he brought] a sense of steadiness, a sense that there was somebody solid and dependable up above you that you could go to if you had a problem.”
This quality of Norton was also visible in his relationship with students. Social worker Abby Levin stated that he even gave her kids pep talks when she felt she wasn’t qualified to do so. “They always worked,” said Levin.
Norton was very close with Levin. One of Levin’s favorite memories with him was the retirement party she helped throw for him, in which about 80 guests showed up.
“We’re best friends,” she said, recounting their numerous memories of going to rock and roll concerts together, at one of which the two of them had the honor of meeting rock-and-roll legend Bruce Springsteen.
Though of course, Norton’s most prideful moment was not meeting a famous rock legend, but the work that he had done in this school.
“He used to be an engineer,” Levin explained. He had left the company that he was working for “because he had the heart of a [special education teacher]. He could feel that light coming from kids who couldn’t communicate and he could tap right into it.”
Assistant Principal Scott Darlington also commented on Norton’s empathy, mentioning “his extreme care for individual students and their unique situations.” Darlington added, “Mr. Norton always seemed a little strict at first, but he was actually the most caring of all of us administrators when it came to his students.”
Norton’s compassion and caring heart was seen all throughout AHS, some instances not even being school related. Art teacher Meghan Michaud shared one of her experiences with Norton, how she would bring her daughter into the building as a toddler, and they would “go see Mr. Norton and he would light up and be a totally different person. He had candy and crayons and I think that was a side of him that not many people got to see.”
It seemed like everywhere that Norton went in his career, his heart was always connected to IEP students. He had this compassion and empathy for them that everyone could see. He helped people “realize that every student has a different background, skill set, and ability level and to meet students at where they’re at,” said Michaud.
“[I’m going to miss] the people, the students and the staff,” said Norton shortly before he retired. This was not surprising considering his ability to connect with staff and students in a way that nobody else could — as if he had some sort of super power.
“That’s John Norton!” Levin exclaimed. “There’s nobody here like him. He’s one of a kind.”
