Bulldog Bulletin

Last week, third grade students learned a great deal about owls during their Eyes on Owls experience. Fourth grade students participated in an electricity Techsplorations presentation and workshop aligned with their science curriculum, while fifth grade students explored forces in motion through their own Techsplorations session. All of these enrichment opportunities were funded by the PTO and your Fun Run dollars.

On Friday, Ms. McGonigle and I held our first MCAS meeting with third grade students, who will participate in their first MCAS tomorrow and Tuesday. During these meetings, we focused on what is within students’ control, including getting a good night’s sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, arriving at school on time, maintaining positive thoughts, and using calming strategies such as breathing. We will hold similar meetings with fourth and fifth grade students next week. As a reminder, students are not permitted to have any devices, including wearable devices such as watches, during MCAS, so it may be helpful to leave these at home.

We had a very successful Learning Journey. Thank you to all of the staff who made the evening possible and to the families who joined us. 93% of participants surveyed shared that the event helped them feel more connected to the Sanborn community. If you were not able to attend or you want to review the slides from the sessions you can find them below.

Step Up for Colleen 5K: Join our team, the Sanborn Bulldogs. We currently have 75 participants registered and are hoping to grow an even larger team than last year. At this time, we are in fourth place for team participation.

Next week, kindergarten will have two exciting enrichment opportunities. On Monday, they will enjoy a puppet show, and on Friday, they will participate in a Wingmasters presentation. On Thursday, we will conduct bus evacuation drills, and fifth grade students will have their panoramic photo taken.

The Sanborn administrative team will soon begin placing students for the 2026-2027 school year. Student placement is a thoughtful process that incorporates input from your child's current teacher, support staff, and administration to ensure balanced and compatible classrooms. We carefully consider many factors, including all available student data, to create the best possible learning environments.

Our placement process is designed to support both academic success and social-emotional well-being.

Please note: We do not accept parental requests for specific classroom assignments or teachers.

However, we value your insights and welcome any information that you feel is important for us to know, such as your child's learning style, academic needs, or compatibility with peers. Your input will be carefully considered as we make placement decisions.

To share your thoughts, please email placementsanborn@gmail.com no later than Friday, April 17th.

Every year the Andona Foundation offers financial assistance for families with two different programs 1) a limited number of sponsorships for their Clown Town event which will be May 15-17th this year (Clown Town of Andover) and 2) fees assistance for a summer camp (up to $300) through their campership program. To apply for these opportunities, please fill out the appropriate google form below. Further explanation of each program is on the top of each google form. Please note the deadlines.

Clown Town: 2026 Clown Town sponsorship form - due May 4

Campership Assistance: 2026 Andona Campership form - due May 15th

Please reach out to Jen Cann, our social worker if you need assistance or have any questions at jennifer.cann@andoverma.us or 978-247-9704.

Try a “Pause and Choose” Moment at Home

One easy way to support your child in being their “Best Self” is to practice a Meta Moment together during everyday situations.

When your child is upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed:

1. Notice (Sense)
Gently name what you see:
“I notice your voice is getting louder. Are you feeling frustrated?”

2. Pause
Encourage a quick reset:
“Let’s take a deep breath together before we respond.”

3. See Your Best Self
Ask a guiding question:
“What would your best self do right now?”
You can even connect it to your family values: kindness, patience, responsibility.

4. Strategize and Act
Help them choose a next step:
“Would your best self use kind words, ask for help, or take a break?”

Make it part of your routine:

• Talk about a “Best Self” moment at dinner

• Celebrate when your child uses it independently

• Model it yourself out loud: “I’m feeling frustrated, so I’m going to pause and think about my best self”

This helps children see that managing emotions is a skill we all practice, not just something we expect from them.

The playground is set to break ground in the Fall of 2026. I have not heard the final number, but the PTO worked hard to put on a Gala to raise money for the playground. The PTO will share more information about how to get involved.

Mark your calendars!

The testing window has been set by DESE and we are planning for the following MCAS test dates. Please note that students will take 2 days of tests per content area. Please refrain from vacations or unnecessary absences on these dates.

Grade 3

March 30 & 31: 3rd Grade ELA MCAS

April 7 & 9: 4th and 5th Grade ELA MCAS

April 15th: Around the World

April 20-April 25: April Vacation

May 3: Step Up For Colleen 5K

March is on its way out and making way for April. Here’s what the PTO wants you to know this week…

• We’d like to thank everyone who donated, bought raffle tickets, helped spread the word within the community, and joined us at this past Friday’s Sanborn Playground Gala at the Andover Country Club. We are blown away by the support of our Sanborn Bulldog families and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you 🫶! Check out the latest playground information here.

• We'd like to ask you to consider signing up for the 13th annual Step Up for Colleen 5K as part of the Sanborn Bulldogs Team, led by our incredible nurse, Lisa Slattery. We hope to see you with us on Sunday, May 3rd!

• Around the World planning is underway. Would you like to volunteer to host a table or assist in setting up and cleaning up? Please sign up here! If you are volunteering for a table, please complete this form ASAP. We can’t wait to travel around the world together! There will be a call on 3/30 at 8pm to go over details for volunteers.

• Another parent social is in the works... this time at Pure Barre in North Andover! Join us on 4/30 at 6:30 at Pure Barre North Andover for a fun and energizing evening. We’ll kick things off with a 50‑minute Pure Barre class—perfect for all fitness levels—followed by relaxed social time to connect, unwind, and enjoy great company. Tickets are on sale now.

Important Dates

• 3/30 3rd Grade ELA MCAS

• 3/30 Spring Explorations Classes Begin

• 3/30 Around the World Call 8pm

• 3/31 3rd Grade ELA MCAS

• 4/7 MCAS 4th & 5th Grade ELA

• 4/8 Early Release 12:15

• 4/9 MCAS 4th & 5th Grade ELA

• 4/15 Strings Performance

• 4/15 Around the World

• 4/17 Community Read Aloud Day

• 4/20-4/24 Sanborn Closed for Spring Recess

• 4/28 Annual Town Meeting

• 5/1 5th Grade Social