Bulldog Bulletin
Week of November 3rd
Every Voice, Every Heart, Every Day
What a great week with so much spirit!!
As a reminder, there will be no school on Tuesday, November 4th as teachers hold family conferences. We truly appreciate your partnership and the time to connect about your child’s progress—our teachers look forward to these important conversations. Please check out the Book Fair while you are here! A second reminder for kindergarten families that there will also be no school on Friday, November 7th to allow for additional kindergarten conferences.
Food Resources
Dear APS families and staff,
I would like to share an important update for families who may be impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. Federal food assistance benefits may be paused beginning Saturday, November 1, which could create unexpected challenges for some households.
This uncertainty may cause stress or concern, especially for families who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for food support. The district continues to offer Universal Free Meals as required by state law; all students will continue to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch during the school day.
The Town of Andover has provided a list of community resources available to support residents, whether you are seeking help or looking for ways to lend a hand.
Local food pantries are aware of the situation and are preparing to assist, though resources may be limited as Thanksgiving approaches.
While we hope this is resolved before Saturday, I encourage families to reach out to their building principals if they are in need and to use these community connections to support one another during this time. Together, as a community, we can help ensure that every family feels supported and cared for.
Sincerely,
Dr. Magda Parvey
Superintendent
November 5th: National Stress Awareness Day
Stress is a normal part of life — even for kids! While it can feel uncomfortable, stress is something we can learn to manage and even use to help us grow.
By teaching children about stress, we help them recognize what’s happening in their bodies and minds and understand that it’s okay to feel this way sometimes.
Here’s a short video that explains stress in a kid-friendly way:
Stress Explained - Elementary Edition (Le stress - édition élémentaire).
As adults, our job isn’t always to fix stress for kids, but to listen, support, and guide them. When we do, children learn how to identify their feelings, understand their needs, and ask for help — skills that build confidence and resilience..
The EcoHappiness Project has a great post about How To Celebrate Stress Awareness Day With Your Kids.
Tuesday, November 4: No school-Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, November 7: No school for kindergarten; Kindergarten Parent-Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, November 11: No school; Veterans Day
Technology and Electronics at School
We are all working to manage the age of technology and are looking for support between school and home. Many children have new smart devices and the elementary schools have some guidance. There has been an uptick of students using technology during the school day and on the bus.
A kind reminder to our families that cell phones must be turned off and in students’ backpacks at the start of the school day. Smartwatches may be worn as regular watches, however, students are not allowed to text, communicate with others, use applications, take pictures or videos, or access social media services and websites.
Should parents/guardians urgently need to reach their child during the school day, we ask that you call the main office. Students are also allowed to come to the main office if they need to contact someone at home. If a cell phone or watch becomes a significant distraction, school administrators will reach out to parents/guardians. The Andover Public Schools is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or broken devices.
To promote healthy digital habits during the school day, the resources below may be helpful to use. We appreciate your partnership as we work to keep interruptions to the school day at a minimum.
Resource for Apple Watches:
How to set a School Time schedule
Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Tap All Watches, then tap your child's watch.
Tap Done, then tap Schooltime.
Turn on Schooltime, then tap Edit Schedule.
Choose the days and times when you want Schooltime to be active.
Tap Add Time if you want to set up more than one schedule in a day.
Resource for Gizmo Watches:
How to set up School mode
Open the. Gizmo Hub app.
Tap the. School mode switch. turn on or off. If necessary, set up a School Mode schedule.
In School Devices
K-3 Devices will stay in school.
4-5 Devices can be brought home if directed by the classroom teacher to complete an assignment. Otherwise, they will remain in school.
WELCOME from the Music Room
We are planning a special presentation at our Harvest Festival (a performance in November) to represent all of the voices at Sanborn School. We would like each family to take a picture and make a short video sharing how you would say the word “welcome” in your home language. We would like to have as many languages as possible represented. Please go to this link to find out more and upload your pictures/videos!
Carpool drop off Reminders
Please be sure to pull up as far as you can in the loop.
Please do not pull around the car in front of you.
If you need to go into the building please park in the parking lot not in the front loop because it is an active drop off area.
