Bulldog Bulletin

The first day of spring was on Friday. This time of year always brings a new kind of energy, both in and out of school. As the days grow longer and the weather begins to shift, our schedules quickly fill with exciting events, learning opportunities, and time spent outdoors. It is a busy season in the best possible way, with so much happening across our school community.

Students did a wonderful job at the All Strings Night. The third grade Eyes on Owls program has been rescheduled to next week, where students will learn more about owls as part of their science unit.

On Friday, we held an all school meeting where students were introduced to the idea of being their “Best Self.” We had Student Council perform a few skits that showed the importance of pausing and thinking before cutting in line, taking over a group project, or saying something unkind. Being your “Best Self” means having a Meta Moment. A Meta Moment is when you notice your feelings, pause, picture your best self, and then choose how to respond. I also read Llama Llama Mad at Mama to help illustrate how we can recognize big feelings and make thoughtful choices.

Next week, 4th and 5th grade will have Techsplorations presentations and workshops aligned with their science curriculum, funded by the PTO and your Fun Run dollars. On Friday, we will have our first round of MCAS meetings to prepare students to show their “Best Self.” Third grade ELA MCAS begins on Monday, March 30.

LAST CALL to join the Learning Journey: We currently have 55 adults signed up. Those who attend will have the unique opportunity to learn more about what makes Sanborn such a special place for children to learn and grow. If you have not yet reserved a spot, please be sure to sign up today. The event will take place this Wednesday, March 25 from 5:00 to 6:30.

Step Up for Colleen 5K: Join our team, the Sanborn Bulldogs. We currently have 66 people signed up and are hoping to grow an even bigger team than last year.

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. The PTO is actively fundraising
We also recently received a generous donation of $100,000 from the Colleen Ritzer Foundation to support the playground project. Did you know that the Sanborn Playground Funding will be voted on at the Town Meeting this year? 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 25: Learning Journey 5pm

March 27: Playground Gala 7pm

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

How is it possible that the end of the month is quickly approaching?! We still have a few more very important events coming up. Here’s what the PTO wants you to know this week…

• Did you catch the article about the Gala from Andover News? There is lots of buzz around town about this fun night coming up, so get your tickets while you can! We’ll see you on Friday, March 27th from 7-11 pm at the Andover Country Club to come together for a night of purpose, community and connection. Can’t attend but would like to make a donation (or know someone who would)... make a donation here!

• The PTO is hosting a Gently Used Clothing Swap of Sanborn Gear for Learning Journey on 3/25 from 5:00-6:30. Bring an item, take an item and keep some beloved Sanborn gear out of the landfill. What a nice way to teach the power of community and connection to our students!

• Spring Explorations Registration closes this Thursday, 3/26 at 8:00 pm. Make sure to look over our schedule here before the window closes on our last Explorations of the school year!

• 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

• 3/25 Learning Journey 5-6:30pm

• 3/26 Spring Exploration Registration Closes 8pm

• 3/27 Sanborn Playground Gala

• 3/30 Spring Explorations Classes Begin

• 3/30 Around the World Call 8pm